GENERAL DISCUSSION » I USED TO LIKE TO CHAT!

Do you remember when we used to come on here and have a good old natter about this and that? The same daft things you talk about when you meet a friend.

The weathers terrible this morning do you think its on for the day? Anyway how are you today I don't suppose this wet weather helps does it? Are you going to be watching Royal Ascot this week, it's quite a spectacle isn't it? Have you noticed how prices seem to be going up in morrisons just lately? Did you watch that 3 part serial called Triangle all about the Bermuda Triangle it was on BBC Sat-Sun-Mon?

I know its more difficult with less of us but I'd prefer it to starting talking to myself or HarryB

I've just been onto facebook and noticed thaqt my nephew (who's into some crazy dance music) has 'liked' The Beach Boys. Encouragement for SurferBoy that they have a fan base amongst some of the younger generation!

Watching "Question Time" last night especially Conservative minister Francis Maude brought over how he has no conception of what it's like to be poor. George Galloway was much more aware and put his views over fantastic.

Maude couldn't answer why no mention of the raft of cuts they've come up with weren't mentioned in their manifesto. Would they have got the same number of votes if we knew what we know now? I doubt it.

watch a replay here for 7 days via the I Player.

>CLICK HERE

When I first applied for my pass a few years ago they were only available to men aged 65 and above (60 for women). It was then changed, after a directive from Brussels, to equalise the age for both sexes.

If we are looking at ways of reducing costs I have to admit that not having a bus pass would not inhibit me nor, I suspect, a lot of other pensioners. The problem is that to introduce a system for allocating passes to only those who really need them would be horrendously expensive e.g. to investigate whether I need mine would cost many times more than to issue me with a pass.

FREE BUS PASSES FOR THE ELDERLY. It looks as though the age at which people qualify for free bus passes could rise from 60-65 years. Nothing is settled so I am probably jumping the gun. And as it seems that we in general we stay fitter nowadays as we age would it be such a bad thing. On the other hand it could once again hit the poorest sections of the community more than the better off who do have an alternative to public transport.

(From the BBC) Free bus passes face quicker reform amid budget cuts.

Plans to increase the age at which people in England can claim free bus passes could be brought forward by several years, it has emerged.The Department for Transport idea is among its initial proposals for the budget cuts being submitted to the Treasury by all departments later.

Raising the age from 60 to 65 by 2020 was inherited from Labour but the PM has said passes will not be scrapped. The government's public spending review will be completed in October

I remember the changeover well Sparky. The firm I was working for arranged for some of us to go on a one day course about all aspects of decimalisation which I found very useful. Part of that was the fact that we recieved a small pocket calculator that easily did conversions both ways not just in money but in all aspects. It is still in a drawer here at home.

Here's a clip from the past. The changover to decimal.

How to get back at a neighbour. Throw a bucket of water around their car then phone the hose pipe police!

So United utilities have announced a hosepipe ban as from friday 9th July. Well I guess it was expected and won't affect me. But it does seem a bit ridiculous that we should once again be in the position of having our water supplies restricted.

Water firm imposes hosepipe ban in north-west England.

A hosepipe ban is to be introduced in most of north-west England for the first time in 14 years.

The temporary ban, which will affect millions of householders in the region, will come into force at 0600 BST on Friday, United Utilities has said.The firm said the measure will help "safeguard essential supplies".Water levels in many reservoirs and lakes have plummeted to less than half their capacity due to the region's driest start to the year since 1929

Victim of a con? ..... I think that i've been conned too many times to mention on here!

My X wife from years back couldn't keep her vows.

On a more common topic, i was conned into a time share many years back, and the contract forced me to pay thousands more just to get out of it! All supposedly legal. Never again with that one.

Oh, and i was once conned into wearing an all over 'Pink Panther' suit to a fancy dress party!!! I'm still suffering because of that even today! My daughter found out and is commenting about it ALL OVER Facebook! Grrr!

On the subject of water. People will believe anything won't they specially if they want to believe it and through the centuries people have made vast fortunes by playing on peoples need to believe. Here is a story about someone who made over $Million dollar from that type of need.

South Korea professor charged over 'holy water' fraud.

A South Korean professor who claimed he could make tap water into holy water will face fraud charges, police say.

The man, named as Prof Kim, claimed he could digitally capture the elements of holy water from Lourdes, France, that believers say has healing powers.He had sold devices to more than 5,000 people, making almost 1.7bn won ($1.3m, £870,000).

Eight people, including Prof Kim's wife and brother-in-law, will also be charged.

Mr Kim had claimed his ceramic and paper filters, and plastic cards used in water purifiers, had captured those powers for onward transmission.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN VICTIM TO A CON?

I see they are at it again! I know we have had a dry period but now the water companies in Greater Mancheste are saying they may have to introduce drought measures unless we have very substantial amounts of rain in the near future. When we had the last serious drought a few years ago didn't they learn any lessons? They say that they do need to make changes but that they will have to raiise their charges substantially to pay for them and that the public wouldn't like that.

I think they are probably right but I would love to see there profits for the last few years and the amount they have paid in dividends.

The changing of the clocks was only supposed to be a temporary measure when it was brought in (mind you so was income tax) and you are right fez I've been caught out a couple of times forgetting to change my clocks.

CHANGING OUR SUMMER/WINTER TIMES.

I see the debate about whether we should change the clocks in Spring and Autumn has raised its head again with a coupe of suggestions that it is claimed could save CO2 emissions. But wouldn't it be simpler for all of us if they just left them alone altogether? I bet in one year or another we have all been caught out by forgetting to change our clocks or by changing them the wrong way. Here's a bit about suggested changes.

Moving the clocks forward one hour would save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, campaigners say.

A study for the 10:10 climate campaign suggested putting clocks forward during winter to an hour ahead of GMT could save almost 500,000 tonnes of CO2. They say it would make evenings lighter and reduce peak electricity demands.

The study, conducted by Cambridge University, will be published in the journal Energy Policy. Researchers say cutting carbon emissions by 450,000 tonnes would be the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off Britain's roads.

10:10, which is running a Lighter Later campaign to have the clocks permanently changed, also say that continuing to move the clocks forward in summer, so they become one hour ahead of British Summer Time - two hours ahead of GMT - could also deliver carbon savings.

I am not sure that I agree with Sparky and Hugh Lanning. Yes the collapse of the financial systems was created by the recklessness of the financial institutions but it wasn't they who ran up the massive debts which we are going to pay for. All governments are fond of saying that it is OUR money not the governments and the debts (which are the largest since 1945) were created by irresponsible spending of OUR money not by the banks.

An interesting comment from one of the union leaders which I think has an element of truth in it but never the less as Meldrew says we will all have to pay one way or the other.

"Hugh Lanning, deputy general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, told the BBC Mr Cameron's speech was "trying to paint the public sector as a problem".

"But the debt wasn't caused by the public sector - it was caused by the banks and the financial crisis and we would like to see them share some of the pain, not just us."

Didn't they justify lending the banks billions of pounds of 'our' money by saying that it would be paid back to 'us' over the next few years? Surely that should be in part of their calculations!

And yes, the brunt of the monetary problem should be born by the fat cats in the financial sector who look after our money and pensions for their incompetant planning on a worldwide scale.

I bet that they are still having their cake and eat it though.

I wouldn't mind betting that there will be some increase in VAT on certain goods. Probably there will be cuts in public sector pay with the abolition of some government agencies and a moratorium on recruiting new staff. I think child benefit is vulnerable. There will be increases in CGT with some protection for personal savings accounts. A freeze on pensions is on the cards. A small increase in Income Tax of a couple of pence in the pound is a possibility.

Whatever happens certain groups will complain that they are affected more than other groups, but whilst we would all like someone else to bear the brunt it is unrealistic and selfish to expect that to happen.

I hope that people will not forget why we are in this mess when the next election comes around.

Have the members of the previous government emigrated because I have not heard a single comment from any of them since the election.

Meldrew, we'll soon see if the Tories&Co have any ideas. The budget statement on the 22nd (are you sure you are not going there to give them advice) and Cameron giving the clearest indirect warning today that VAT is going up. It wouldn't surprise me if some categories went up to slightly more than 20% so that he can leave other categories such as food and childrens clothes alone.

If I remember rightly the VAT on gas and electricity is opnly 5% and therefore unlikely to increase to 20%. However our future depends on us reducing our debt and everybody would be delighted if it could be done without either raising the governments' income through taxation or reducing expenditure by cutting services. Has anybody out there got any ideas?

They may well leave the VAT on gas and electric alone, don't forget it is at a reduced rate. But bascally yes if/when they raise it to whatever level they decide then just about everything will go up. it is just to be hoped that they don't add VAT to some of the things that are currently exempt such as food.

What about VAT going up to 20% soon. That makes all your utility bills higher...gas, phone, electric, tv etc. Have you thought about that?

So the cuts are coming already but is this just the tip of the iceberg? From the MEN:-

Bobbies on beat ‘must be spared’ in £7m police cuts.

Cuts of £6.9m to policing in Greater Manchester must not be allowed to impact on front-line services, the cops' 'union' has warned.

Chris Burrows, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said government plans to slash GMP's budget this year were worse than he had feared.

The M.E.N revealed yesterday that GMP will see the third most severe cuts across the country, behind Greater London (£30.4m) and West Midlands (£7.5m).

Police bosses are now looking at a series of radical cost-cutting measures – including stripping out an entire level of management.

Deputy Chief Constable, Simon Byrne said "We are doing everything we can to ensure we continue to protect and develop our frontline services."

It's RAIN Surfer. Have you forgotten what that is?

CONCORDE

At the aircraft museum in Yeovilton is the original Concorde with most of the instruments used in testing still on board. Visitors to the museum are free to look around the aircraft.

For those who have flown on modern aircraft the first impression is of how small Concorde is. It is only 4 seats wide with a narrow passageway down the middle and the ceiling is very low. 

Whats that picture next to your weather prediction Fez. Got me mystified.

CONCORDE.

I never actually saw concorde in the air or on the ground when it was in service but it seems that I may still have the chance. The french are looking at the Rolls Royce engines of the France Concorde to see if they can still be restored so that the plane can be used as a heritage symbol.

And how about this for all those of you who still fancy themselves as a pilot.

Museum offers Concorde 'flights'

The world's first Concorde flight simulator for use by the public has begun operating in Surrey.

The simulator, at Brooklands Museum, in Weybridge, was originally used to train all British Airways' Concorde pilots. It will now enable aviation enthusiasts to "fly" the aircraft across the globe as if travelling in it for real.

Ex chief Concorde pilot Mike Bannister said: "Even if someone's never flown an aircraft before, they can get an incredible amount of satisfaction."

Mr Bannister, who flew Concorde over Buckingham Palace to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 and was at the controls for Concorde's last flight from New York to London, said the aircraft was like "a thorough-bred racehorse".

Except for the fact that the only thing these girls had in common was prostitution, why does all pf the news reports focus on the wording 'Three prostitutes'. These girls were, at least, trying to earn some money for their own reasons, but doing it in a way that was not a true 'crime against society'. Are the press trying to somehow, in some slight way, trying to lay some sort of mitigation at the feet of the victims? If these three girls worked in another 'legitimate' proffession, would that proffession be mentioned so frequently?

and NO, i have never used a prostitute for any curious mind out there!

The 'Crossbow Canibal' Huh. Merely another psychopath after fame in a most perverted way. Hope he rots in jail for denying the lives of three women and their famillies.

What do you think about the story in all the headlines about the "Crossbow Cannibal" who has just been charged with the murders of three prostitutes in Bradford?

Now here's a cheering thought for the last days of may but does anyone really take any notice now of long tern weather forecasts? They get it so wrong so often that I don't, how about you?

WEATHERMAN HARRY KERSHAW (who?) PREDICTS A DAMP SUMMER.

Enjoy the sunshine while you can – as Manchester could be in for one of the worst summers since 1900.

Temperatures in the city reached a high of 27.7C (82F) on Saturday, making it even hotter than Majorca.

But one amateur forecaster says June will end cool and unsettled, while July could be the coldest and dullest since 1944.

Harry Kershaw, 83, from Sale, also predicts that Manchester will see higher than average rainfall in August.

We've all seen the adverts for Center Parks for a nice relaxing holiday/break and I know people who have been and really enjoyed it and some of you may do so too but did they bring home a bicycle with them?

Center Parks has now employed a full time "bike patrol cop" after 362 bikes were stolen in the past two years from their park in Elveden, Suffolk. Unbelievable or what?

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I buried him today. It took all day to prepare the garden as it is rather overgrown, which Tiger actually liked. A good friend came round and did most of the work for me actually. (Even though he won't see this post ... thanks for the help Charlie) He saw me looking rather ill from trying to do it myself! I buried Tiger along with a handfull of Janices ashes, and his favourite toy. This is the first time that i've allowed any of Janices ashes to be separated from the rest of them.

Our/my other cat, Fudge, who Janice also rescued from being used for target practice sniffed around Tiger just before i buried him. He seemed to look a little confused, or was that just my wishfull thinking? Fudge is about a year younger than Tiger.

My mum and dad came around with a plant to put on his grave. Nice of them.

My next door neighbour also came around to say a last goodbye to 'his little pal' (his words!). He then started to cry ... me too.

Tiger really was a well known character in the area! He'll be much missed by a lot of people, and children.

Sorry to hear about Tiger Sparky. My brother buried his near the tree he first spotted him peeping around years ago when he turned up as a stray. You get so use to them being around and I'm sure you'll keep looking around for him in the house until it dawns on you he's not there anymore.

My brother said he won't get another because you get use to that cats personal temperament and to find another similar can't be guaranteed.

Sparky, will you get another cat or another pet? There are plenty of good abandoned or abused pets available that need a good caring home.

Thanks a lot for the kind words Meldrew. Tiger was much more than just a pet, as were all my other 'pets' through the years. I like to thinks they all had an enjoyable life with me.

I know i did the best for him. He's lay in the conservatory at the moment. Tomorrow i'll bury him at the bottom of the garden, beneath his favourite 'sunbathing' spot.

Feel very sad though.

Sorry about your loss Sparky which is difficult to deal with in the short term. I have been through it many times and it is no different from the loss off a close friend or relative.

However, in the longer term the predominant thoughts are those of the happier moments you spent together.

RIP Tiger.

I know some people might say ".... just an animal" but he was a big part on mine and Janice’s lives. She was very fond of our two cats.

I took him to the cemetery and sat with him for a while on Janice’s bench after he had been to the RSPCA this afternoon. At least he's at peace now after having a very good life with us.

One of my cats, Tiger, is dying at the moment. The vet said on Saturday that he may not even see Sunday through. Went back to RSPCA on Monday as he had improved slightly. They said that he may pick up a little, but will probably soon pass away. They said that he won't be in much pain?

He has heart failure. How ironic! He has major fluid retension causing his belly to swell up massivly. The RSPCA put him on water tablets, an ace inhibitor and a tablet similar to a beta blocker.

He is no longer taking food. I've tried giving him water from a flushing syringe, but he just 'heaves' at it. Feel very sad. It's like another part of Janice is going. Bringing back many upsetting memories.

Tiger is seventeen years old now, Janice rescued him one winter when she found him with snow and ice frozen to his fur.

This photo of him was taken tonight at about midnight. He's quite calm at the moment and not complaining of any pain. May have no alternative but to take him to the vets tomorrow to be PTS.

Seeing the picture of the cat at the head of "General Discussion" is sad as my brothers ginger tom suddenly passed away on Tuesday. He was at least 15 poor soldier as he took him in as a stray in 96. God rest in pussy heaven.

Willow has contacted me to ask me put a post on here for her. She sends her appollogies for not visiting recently, but she got an infection in one of her eyes that is very painful, and bright lights e.g. computer monitor, hurt her eye as it is very photosensitive at the moment. She did mention that she might ring Fez for a chat. She's not able to drive much either because of it, just to the local shop at the end of the street. I'll speak to her tomorrow again.

Just had another power cut in the Eccles area. Only lasted about an hour and I don't know how big an area was affected. This is the third time in a few weeks and always at about the same time. Has anyone else been affected?

Why not tag a few with them tracking devises? It must be a big outfit with fields, abbatoir and outlets.

You may be able to find some cheap lamb in your local butchers or pub. Has anyone seen the story about the rustling of 271 sheep from a field just outside Rochdale.

How did they manage it?

Police believe they were stolen to order by a gang using a truck in an overnight raid. The National Farmers' Union said cases of sheep rustling were increasing due to soaring lamb prices.

I know a couple or three fellas who used to go out in a 4 wheel drive and find a field with sheep in it and run down a couple but they did that for their sunday dinner and called it "fun", I don't think so. They were quite well off and didn,'t need free meat but usually had a few drinks before setting off.

I'll be using the recording that i've made with my complaint about my GP. Still getting advice on whether to sue.

Surfer if you are unsure then I suggest you get some help with it. Citizens Advice CAB is probably best but you may have to make an appointment to get the right person. I know someone who had a similar form and was very worried about it, he went to the CAB and the response to the form they helped him with was that they would review him again in 2013 which is when he reaches retirement age and everything changes anyway.

Sparky do you intend doing anything with the recording of your GP I mean if not what was the point of recording it? I guess that you have not yet been able to find a new GP. Good luck with things.

Is it better to fill it in yourself or ask for help through one of the services...citizens..welfare?

I've just sent of my claim form for Incapacity Benefit.

What's the betting that i have to go for a medical with Medical Services (ATOS) ..... and be declared fit for this years marathon!

Gawd, i'm so sick of all of the argueing!

Just got my biennial benefit form to fill in Sparky. Do they expect your health to get better as you get older?

Went to see my GP last week. I recorded the 'consultation' on my 'phone. He confirmed that he doesn't know that i still suffer with my PTSD, he doesn't know how many heart attacks i've had, or that i have IBS. He didn't realise that i'm scripted for clopidogrel for life or that i'm allergic to penecillin amongst other things. In fact, he knows very little about me. There again, i've only been a patient of his for some 15 years or more!

I had a reason to take my cats to the RSPCA at the start of last week. The took more interest in MY health, asking was i OK as i had gone white, sweating and breathing heavy. They even asked if they wanted them to call someone for me. Ithink i should register with them for GP services!!!

PS - I'm very pleased to say my cat is doing much better now after his abscess caused by a smelly stray attacking him ....

I hope you are not postponed again Fez and that you are able to get help at the pain relief clinic.

It is not unusual to have clinics cancelled at short notice Fez it has happened to me in the past although they had at least 8 days to let you know.

 My appointment with Dr Wolfson is 24/8. It was originally 6/1, then27/4, then 22/6, then 27/7 and now 24/8. I am beginning to wonder whether they are waiting for me to pop my clogs and then they can cross me off their list.

I wonder what their reaction will be when I tell them I haven't got a GP.

I should have been at Wythenshawe Hospital today but got a phone call at 5.50pm yesterday saying the clinic had been cancelled and giving me an appointment in a fortnights time. This morning I got a letter from them saying the same thing that was dated the 27th April, now did the letter get delayed in the post or did someone realise that they hadn't been sent out?

Meldrew my appointment with Dr Wolfson is the 7th August not late in August as I thought.

Yes Surferboy, he definitely thinks we are a load of simpletons. I remember 2 years ago when he promised the party and the electorate that he would listen to what we had to say, now we know that he had no intention and that he would have misunderstood anyway.

He also didn't think we were capable of voting the right way in a referendum on Europe. Just think, if there had been a referendum and we had voted the way he wanted us to, we would be baling out Greece as well as coping with our own financial problems with possibly Potugal, Spain and Italy to follow.

"Listen lads be on the lookout for anyone that might ask Gordon difficult questions!"

I used to like to chat but not anymore says Gordon! What a plonker and going back to apologise. Does he think we're a load of simpletons that are just going to think he did'nt really mean it about the poor woman......

as Frank sang I think you've reached the final curtain son.

Word History: Bigots may have more in common with God than one might think. Legend has it that Rollo, the first duke of Normandy, refused to kiss the foot of the French king Charles III, uttering the phrase bi got, his borrowing of the assumed Old English equivalent of our expression by God. Although this story is almost surely apocryphal, it is true that bigot was used by the French as a term of abuse for the Normans, but not in a religious sense. Later, however, the word, or very possibly a homonym, was used abusively in French for the Beguines, members of a Roman Catholic lay sisterhood. From the 15th century on Old French bigot meant "an excessively devoted or hypocritical person." Bigot is first recorded in English in 1598 with the sense "a superstitious hypocrite."

Did anyone else have a power cut yesterday, tuesday? We had one in our area of Eccles around lunchtime that lasted about an hour or so but I've no idea how far it extended. Thought I might have to get the candles outwhich would have been all very 70s a Callaghanish in fact I think the candles date back to that time.

Do they use the canals or streets for the Amsterdam marathon? I don't know if I can still walk on water!

The Amsterdam marathon is the easiest because it's FLAT all the way!

so it's that time of the year already, the London marathon today and I really enjoy watching it. The professionals amaze me with the speeds they do nowadays both the men and the women. I wouldn't be surprised if in 10-15 years the men were averaging under 4 minutes per mile.

Having been a "marathon man" the ones I really admire are the Fun runners who work through all the pains and discomfort and manage to finish.

Hi Fez. The consultants were concerned because of my last experience when i had extractions. It was only 24hrs after stopping clopidogrel (Which i now believe takes some 10 days to leave your system), and 40 minutes after the extraction when i had another MI. They are more concerned about the extraction itself and any consequences from it, the bleeding would just have to be dealt with.

They are contacting my cardiac consultant for advice. Yes, the same one who said it 'should be safe to stop taking the clopidogrel', one week later, March 31 2009, i had my last heart attack!!! (He is the one who said back in 2006 that i would have to take it for life!)

Thanks for the warning George P. I have a number of crowns in my mouth, four of which are my upper front teeth. They too have decayed inside the crowns, and are causing lots of infections, hence the regular toothache. I have managed well though to keep them since childhood, but now they have gone well past their 'sell by date' lol.

I am very dissapointed though not to qualify for implants. They would feel and look much more like teeth i think, rather than a bridge or denture. C'est la vie.

Hi Sparky,

Something to chew over!!.When I read  that  `Their ultimate solution is a bridge`I recalled my Dentist in Swinton saying to me that he could `Bridge` my two front teeth which were beyond repair.

I agreed to the procedure and I was surprised that it entailed grinding down the adjacent teeth to a point to form the bridge to secure the replacement teeth (now 4) .Looked fine but after 18 months one of the ground-down teeth turned black and had to be extracted.

My message is please ensure that they fully explain what they recommend.

Cheers George P.

Sparky they shouldn't need to stop the clopidogrel but they must be told about it. I have had two extractions while on clopidongrel and no issues. Remember it is now a common drug and dentists must be used to treating patients who are on it.

Damn! Sorry for swearing. The consultants (two of them) said that too much time has passed since the accident to go down the implant route. Their ultimate solution is a 'bridge' over the four teeth, supported by the sixth teeth! they think it is the best viable solution. Meanwhile a temporary denture. But they are wary of the procedure, after my last experience of an MI after removal of 1 and a half teeth from my lower jaw (Plus bone removal)

At least i am not having much tooth ache at the moment.

To cut yet another long story short --- the are unsure what to do, and how to go about it! I am now awaiting another appointment.

Clopidogrel cannot be stopped!

Sparky, hope it went well. If you get the offer of implants for free implants, speaking as one who has a small denture with 3 teeth top front, I reckon it is worth thr short term discomfort/pain rather than going the denture route.

Not a great subject at the moment - teeth. I'm at the hospital again tomorrow. I've had problems for years with my teeth and now am at the point where the hospital are going to remove my front four top teeth. They are thinking of putting implants in, on the NHS, as my teeth problems are the result of 'trauma' from an accient i had many years back. They are just tring to decide whether of not my upper jaw is strong enough to take the pressure of the implants without crumbling or cracking again! Doesn't fill me with enthusiasm!

AND THE APPOINTMENT IS FOR 10:00AM. (Is it daylight at that time yet?)

My dad had a much better method of cleaning his teeth. He'd take them out at night and put them into a glass of bleach at the side of the bed to soak overnight.

Here's a way of emptying a toothpaste tube that i have discovered on youtube. Much easier than the method that i have been using ... A 'G' CLAMP!!!

Method for emptying a plastic toothpaste tube

It was a lot better when toothpast tubes were metal, then you could wind it down tightly. I've often thought of cutting open one of the modern plastic tubes just to see how much is left when you think it is actually empty. Has anyone ever done it?

DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE GETTING THE LAST OF THE TOOTHPASTE OUT OF THE TUBE?

Well how about this contraption. looking at the description made me laugh. Has anyone got any better ideas for getting that last squeeze.

Description:

This Rolling Toothpaste Squeezer is specialize in squeeze out the remaining toothpaste, cream, glue, or gel from a tube!
Ointments Rolling Squeezer has a beautiful appearance and high qulity plastic made.
Easy to use: Remove the fixed cap, aline the inner groove parallel to the outer groove, silde the toothpaste tube into the grooves, replace the cap, ensuing it is firmly closed, rotate the knob to squeeze the tube.
This Toothpaste Squeezer comes with a hanger gadget, put it on smoothly wall and mirror in your bathroom, everytime you will get the toothpaste easily

It wasn't a particularly exciting race to watch but it was nice to see McCoy on the winner at last. It was always much better in black and white on a muddy cold day for TV viewing.

Grand National winner>Same owner, same colours but the jockey fell off ours. Don't push it, I did my best!

Here's a quick link to BBC I PLAYER page showing repeats of "Wonders Of The Solar Sysyem." Watch at your leisure.

>Click Here

Thanks for the tip on Arbor Supreme for the National Surfer. My two fancies are Vic Ventura and Snowy Morning so if anyone was fancying either of them I might have saved you some money because I've never picked the winner of the National.

Yes Fez, he certainly has a way with words! Don't be a sheep, i think, is the moral of his prose. Don't vote labour by instinct, make up your own mind instead. Make your vote count, and do it with the best information that you can use to decide your vote. The ethos of a free democratic, society.

I really do like this guy from the Manchester Evening news, he has a certain way with words.

April 09, 2010

I DARESAY it is not necessary to remind the devout that May 6, the date chosen for the general election, coincides with the Feast of St Prudence. She, so profitable to the altar candle trade, was a 15th century abbess of Milan who in a high wind, could persuade the sheep to dance for her.

What good this did the sheep is historically unclear, but it is certain that Prudence’s most obvious acolyte, Gordon Brown, will be hoping to choreograph a similar response from electoral flocks up and down the land over the next five weeks.

Personally, I feel far more inclined to cry ‘bah’ than ‘baa’. The toe-cap of my stoutest right boot is poised to kick the shambling Scotttish pastor’s backside, fearing that to jig supinely behind it it might lead me into a bloody abattoir.

If you want to read the rest of it click HERE

Hi George. I've missed a couple of the Wonders of the Solar System programmes but I'm sure they will be shown again very soon and I will definitely look out for the ones I have missed. Absolutely brilliant!

I'll risk a few bob on Arbor Supreme in the national if just to give me an interest when I'm watching it on TV.

Arbor Supreme for the Grand National.

Hi Fez,

I watched the Wonders of The Solar System ! --it was a good programme on BBC2.

Did you read the short item in the MEN on Thursday 4th March 2010  ie;-

`Over the years scientist Brian Cox has been a keyboard player with D:ream, a technical adviser on the movie Sunshine, and one of the boffins behind the Large Hadron Collider. He`s also a rather dab hand at making science documentaries for the BBC`.

I hope to watch the entire series.   George P.

WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSE

I watched that Brian Cox programme the Wonders of the Universe yeterday evening on BBC2. It was all about the possibilities of life on other worlds and once again was absolutely fascinating. Has anyone else been watcing it? have you managed to keep up with it Surferboy?

And while you're here how about a tip for us for the Grand National on saturday. It's the one race I always try to have a bet on.

POTHOLES.

There was a bit in the Advertiser this week reporting that Salford Council are to spend £9 million repairing potholes in our roads. Have they only just noticed how bad they are? I came across this from John Stapleton in the MEN. It's not directly about Salford but is apt.

Opinion: John Stapleton

April 01, 2010

Just after four o’clock every morning I pass over a flyover on my way to work. It was put up as a temporary measure 41 years ago. It has been there ever since – I’ve seen better roads in Albania.

Like so many of our highways it is riddled with potholes – a problem tragically brought back into the headlines this week when a young army officer who survived the horrors of Afghanistan was killed in an accident that appears to have been caused by a hole in the road.

Captain Jonathan Allen, 29 died on the A38 in Wiltshire. It is thought that while cycling home from his barracks he swerved to avoid a five metre long water-filled hole before being crushed by a lorry.

Local councils and the government tell us that many of the country’s estimated two million potholes were caused by the worst winter weather for thirty years.

I am sure they were. But many more, such as the one near my home have been there for years – a classic illustration of decades of under investment on our roads.

According to the AA , during the last three years, the number of claims for pothole damage to vehicles has risen by 600 per cent. Nationally potholes cause nearly £3m of damage to cars.

For a supposedly sophisticated society some of our roads are a national disgrace. Some of the utility companies who seem to constantly dig trenches and too often fail to make good the damage they have done should contribute to the cost too.

We're both over it now SB. I got rid of it by passing on to somebody else.

Meldrew you may have had the cold first and then it's mutated and affected your poor wife with a more virulent strain. Keep away from me at the next meeting! I've ordered one of these for your missus.

I think i'm lucky in the illness department. I've hardly had any colds and flu that have 'knocked me sideways'. Just a broken ankle once in the 70's, a few accidents and now very frustrating heart problems, and side effects from the meds!

My wife and I, during the past month have both had a cold (presumably picked up from the same source) but on this occasion my wife suffered much more severely than I did. Doesn't prove anything of course but it may well be down to hormone levels which are not constant and vary from day to day.

MAN FLU! Ok so who are the biggest whingers men or women?

Children get colds, men get flu, women get on with it!

Men may have a weaker immune system and could be more vulnerable to so-called 'man flu', scientists propose.

Evolutionary factors and hormonal differences may make males more susceptible to infection than females, says a Cambridge University team.

Their theory, outlined in a scientific journal, suggests there is a trade-off between a strong immune system and reproductive success.

But a leading flu expert says there is no difference in men's immunity.Previous experiments have found differences in the ability of females and males to deal with infection.

Across a range of animal species, males tend to be the 'weaker sex' in terms of immune defences, says the Cambridge team. This is usually explained by the difference in hormones.

High testosterone levels, they say, lead to more coughs and colds.

IS IT ALL A LOAD OF ROT OR NOT?

There was an interesting letter in last weeks Advertiser from Valerie Kelly the Lib Dem candidate for the Eccles ward at the upcoming elections.

Without making any promises she talks about the need for the regeneration of Eccles and stresses her opposition to the Tesco development at West One as the title of her letter highlights "We don't need Tesco" If you live in or use the Eccles area it is worth a read. Page 31.

See I learn something every day. He still looks amazingly young. I'll be watching the 3rd episode 9.00pm tonight on BBC2 but I won't be watching the video of D:ream again it's not the greatest I've seen

You may not believe this Fez but in an alternative Universe Brian Cox was the keyboard player in 80's pop group D:ream and had this massive hit and yes it's the same being!

Member, Brian Cox played keyboards for several years in D:Ream, while studying for his physics PhD degree. 

>CLICK HERE

I noticed a piece in the Advertiser this week about the Woolpack pub in Salford. This is the one that locals tried to save from closure and fairly cheekily signed up on here to encourage people to join their campaign. Cheeky or not I did sign their petition the next time I was in Salford precinct.

NHS Salford and Salford Council now seem to be developing plans to demolish the Woolpack and build some sort of commumity centre and are asking for peoples ideas. It sounds good, there is a lot of housing round there and probably most with low income residents. I'll be very interested to see what the final outcome will be.

Is he Mr Blobby?

I can see certain similarities but can't believe you would be so indiscreet.

Came across this photo the other day. Anyone know who it is?

You're right Meldrew, he's disappeared!

Surferboy mentioned the new series about the Universe and its origins that is on BBC at the moment in the Music Video Shop topic. I caught the second in the series last night on BBC 2 and Surfer is right that it is well worth a look. It is well presented in laymans language by a youngish guy called Brian Cox. Look out for the next in the series, probably next sunday and repeated on the tuesday.

In this country we normally have get bar snacks from the bar. Thailand have got it down to a tee, haven't they Fez!

Willow, My daughter was in Thailand when I was last in hospital and she phoned me one day, evening there, and she suddenly let out a piercing scream. When she finally settled down she told me that they were in a bar and a giant rat had just run under their table. But I bet it was just a mouse

I wasn't that bothered. Like I said, I talkd to them. I just make sure there is nothing lying about. But I was a bit annoyed with this one because He went in the sideboard drawer and not satisfied with the food I provided also chewed up my hankies to make a nest  and crumbled up my tablemats. I don't know the reason for that unless they were in his way. They were cork and from Australia. I had had them years. That I will not put up with. I used to leave him some bread and jam till then. However, Betty was horrified. I think she thought the place was dirty. She forgets we live next to the Moss. I have only had a problem since the wall was damaged and I've even tried concreting it but they still get in long the pipe and I can't get to this side of the pipe - yet.

Wilow the poor little mice had only come in out of the cold to survive a hard winter and would probably have disappeared outside again as soon as the warmer weather arrived. I have a soft spot for mice. They are pretty intelligent and I used to breed them in a shed at the bottom of our yard when I was a kid, I'd then sell them for pocket money to the pet shop up at the top of church street in Eccles. Got too much for my mum when I bought a couple of white rats!

By the way, seeing as we're chatting, do you all know that Mices(pronounced mee-cis), do not like currants and raisins? I do. You learn something new every day, don't you. Mind you, I wouldn't have known he'd called if he hadn't been so picky because, I didn't know I had dropped a garibaldi(my favourites)biscuit. However, he ate all, but a tiny bit of the biscuit, and left all the currants and raisins on the floor so I learnt their likes and dislikes but also the fact that I had had a visitor. Now I love company and enjoy feeding them, but I prefer them on two legs and bigger. And not so picky. Sadly, I must call a halt to his shenanikins. (I have turned the roasting tins in the oven upside down because I do not like him using them for a playground, which he did that night. At least he will slip off and if I left the oven on low, I could well incinerate him. Perhaps no, as I would not like to remove the body if it was burnt to a cinder. I had enough trouble with the bacon the other night when my lovely neighbours were ready to call the fire brigade when the alarm went off and they could see smoke outside the backdoor and came to see if I was all right. (All because I was doing a suduko and forgot and I have no sense(of smell). To-morrow he dies and I shall have to fork out for another trap as I can't bear bloodstained ones.

Last year, I had a really beautiful brown mouse, with the most gorgeous big brown eyes who called one night when Betty was here and she had a fit. The Meece and I looked at each other and even when I spoke to him, I can be very chatty and friendly when I like, he didn't go. Cheeky and brazen with it, too. So I laid my trap, my meeces prefer bread and raspberry jam. I called him Oscar. I got him, and was rather sad really but they are vermin aren't they. Anyhow, as he was dead with his neck broken, I didn't, using my feminie logic, see how he could have eaten the bread and jam, so - I presumed he must have brought his friend, and the next night, I laid another trap and caught him (or perhaps her)as well. Poor little thing, the next night the baby came to see what happened to Mum and Dad, and guess what, the poor little thing, he died too. (I'm now a mass murderer.)  Anyhow, although I left the trap for a few more nights, I never saw anymore mices peering at me from the side of the cooker. I guess that's the price you pay for living near the Moss and the farms and my lovely trees. Ah, well. The trees stopped me getting Sky too. Not to worry, I prefer the trees.

22,000 meetings a year, for around 10,000 staff, is that only 2 meetings a year per staff member?

WHO'S NICKED ALL THE REST OF THE BISCUITS THEN????

Sparky the only figure I can find quickly for Salford Council employees is from 2007 from an organisation called Cadcorp who put the number at 10,650. i don't know how accurate this is!

On a curious note ---- How many people are employed at Salford City Council? 400 meetings a week, that's a lot of 'down time' to say the least.

PS. I had a meeting once with the Mayor some years back .... and we had a whole plate of biscuits to choose from, and tea in proper china cups and saucers served by a 'butler' type of person.

Ok here's a bit more maths.

400 meetings a week, 8 people per meeting, 1 hour per meeting, 50 weeks per year equals 160,000 person hours per year. No wonder there is never anyone to answer the phone!!

Sparky having looked at your link on bed bugs I hope I never get them or I will be cleaning 24/7

Meldrew I think that those are dust mites that infest our soft furnishings, I think they are too small to see with the naked eye thank god. Apparently their main diet is skin flakes.

I was just practicing in case i ever get a job with an expense account lol. Were my maths a bit naughty?

But hey yes, Fez, 400 meetings a week, that must produce many biscuit crumbs for the bugs to eat!

I'd also would like to know though ... why so many meetings?

PS Here's a > LINK < to help with a bed bug problem!

Not that I'm aware of SB - just liked the picture of the little fellow in my last post.

Apparently we all share our beds with them, they exist in their millions in our bedding and are difficult to eliminate. Each female lays about 500 eggs in her lifetime at a rate of between 10 and 50 per week. They tend to hide in crevices in mattresses etc. They feed off the blood of other animals.

I'll stop now, I'm beginning to feel itchy.

You have'nt really got bed bugs have you Meldrew. It could be the crumbs from eating biscuits in bed that attracts them.

Too many noughts Sparky. £30,000 divided by 20,000 is £1.50.

Now that I have saved them all that money do you think they will get rid of my bed bugs for nothing.

Sparky your maths are a bit out, based on your figures it actually works out at £1.50 per meeting. But having said that I have to wonder why an organisation like the Council needs 20,000 meetings a year wouldn't doing a bit of work instead of attending endless meetings for tea and biscuits be much better. I say stop the tea and coffee as well at the meetings that way at least they probably wouldn't last as long!

20,000 meetings per year works out, in round figures, at 400 meetings per week. WHAT!

Here's some simple maths ....

To save £30,000 cancel refreshments at 20,000 meetings.

£30,000 divided by 20,000 meetings = £1,500 per meeting.

Thats a lot of biscuits for the council members!

At least they're saving even more money by charging the council tax payers for pest control.

So no more tea and biscuits at Salford Council meetings to make a saving of £30,000. What I want to know is how they could spend that much money out of your council tax on biscuits!

Hear are some more planned cuts.

Town hall saves £30k – by banning biscuits

Exclusive by Neal Keeling

February 10, 2010

A town hall is saving £30,000 – by banning biscuits and drinks at meetings.

Bourbons, custard creams and Rich Tea will no longer be served at Salford council.

Tea and coffee have also been banned – but full refreshments will be served at civic events.

The move will affect 20,000 meetings each year.

Council bosses also propose saving £40,000 by not planting bulbs in civic parks and gardens.

Another £5,000 will be saved by reducing the number of agenda papers printed and investing in computers for up to ten councillors and senior officers.

A staff canteen at Turnpike House, which is a council depot on Eccles New Road, where binmen, trading standards officers, and housing officials are based, will be shut to save £16,000.The measures are part of a £12m package of cuts.

The council plans to raise £20,000 by introducing charges for the pest control of mice, cockroaches and bed bugs.

Surfer I see from the Advertiser that there is a proposal to turn the Dog and Partridge on the Height into a Health center of some sort. I always thought that if would reopen as a pub at some point. I've been in there a time or two, did you ever use it?

Sparky one thing about the online grocery shopping was it made me realise how much I actually spend on food and household items such as cleaning materials etc. You don't notice so much when you shop two or three times a week, it surprised me!

If they carried mine through to the kitchen do you think they would cook it for me? LOL!

No, i think it's a great idea fo anyone who has some sort of difficulty. What did they used to say, 'Pride go'eth before a fall'. I would certainly use it.

Not likely Fez - you can carry your own groceries through to the kitchen.

My internet grocery shopping from Asda arrived on time on wednesday and I will certainly continue to do it. While it is impossible to get everything you want this way for anyone who has mobility problems that make handling heavy bags a problem or hate supermarket shopping and queues it is a good compromise. The person who delivered mine even carried it through to my kitchen.

Why don't you give it a go.

Hi Beebie. I've got stuff coming this afternoon from Asda and if it is OK I do intend to use it regularly for all my non perishable stuff. I think you are right that it is well worth the delivery cost and there is also the fact that I will be far less likely to make impulse buys of stuff I really don't need.

I shop on-line from tesco regularly you make a shopping list out then click find if its what your looking for you add to basket and it totals the price while doing so,,that way you know what your spending mid week delivery is cheaper then a taxi,,week-end usually costs me £4.50 which is cheaper than a taxi for me I am very satisfied so far as I didn;t go out till the 2nd week in january no way was I going to spend the start of 2010 on crutches

The razor blades as well Surferboy? Now that I would have liked to see!

You could have redirected it Fez. I would have ate it for you!

ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING.

I mention earlier in this topic about trying online shopping at Asda during the cold snap and did so only to be hospitalised the day before delivery was due and thus couldn't take delivery. My son phoned them and explained the situation and with no humming and hawing they refunded my payment within 3 days.

Now given that sort of service I may well become a regular user.

Hey! I turned around for just a minute and somebody turned out the lights!

I've decided to change my clothes on my avatar. What do you think of the new blue and green/brown theme? I even have green eyes as well (to match my own!)

I wonder if ASDA would deliver to me 24 canisters of salt from an internet order? Just the thing for my driveway.

You're right about breathing the cold air Surfer, one of the cardiac nurses told me some time back that I should wear a scarf and put it over my mouth when out in frosty or very cold wind conditions. I've not tried it yet maybe because I might look a bit of a prat but I have dug out a scarf I was given for Xmas a few years ago and may try it if this weather continues as is forecast.

Sparky I haven't tried the online supermarket shopping as I like to see and feel what I am getting and taking in the delivery costs it would just be simpler if needed to get a taxi to and from the shop. I would be interested to hear anyones experiences of using online grocery shopping. I would worry that they wouldn't pick out the frehest and syuff like that.

Breathing this very cold air definately affects your heart and breathing. Stay inside Fez.

Sorry to hear that you're getting angina pain again Fez. Hope it's not too severe. The next few days look like we're going to have some more snow again, so watch out underfoot if you venture outside. Have you tried online shopping at the supermarket at all. It might be worth it at this time.

My air conditioner is gathering dust now!!! The few occaisions that i have used it though made the air in the house lovely and fresh. It was sort of addictive!

No Fez , you will be getting more......

If you're on a low income, a Cold Weather Payment may be available to help you for each week of very cold weather in your area.

You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment for each week of very cold weather in your area if you get Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance with a support or work related activity component in the main phase.

• Employment and Support Allowance - introduction

• Pension Credit

You may also be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment for each qualifying week if you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the assessment phase and have one of the following:

• a pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium 


• a disability premium, enhanced disability premium or severe disability premium 


• a disabled child premium 


• Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element


• a child who is under five in the family

• Premiums for disabled people

• Jobseeker's Allowance

• Income Support

This year you will get £25 when the average temperature where you live is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days during the period from 1 November to 31 March. Specified Meteorological Office weather stations are used to obtain this information.

And we've had one already;

The Met Office have notified the Department for Work and Pensions that 1 period of very cold weather has occurred in the M6 postcode area between 1 November 2009 and 30 December 2009, triggering a Cold Weather Payment.

If you have qualified for Cold Weather Payments since 1 November 2009 and live in this postcode area, you should have received 1 Cold Weather Payment.

I'd much rather be able to go out comfortably without getting cramp in my feet and an ice block in my chest than get extra payments for this weather lasting. All round I am struggling a bit with angina and if it continues I may have to turn myself in though I am still hoping to get through the winter without intervention.

Does anybody else suffer really badly in this cold weather?

Sparky, I do remember you telling us about the air conditioner, they are once again predicting a hot summer so you never know.

I'm still looking forward to the heat wave that they predicted back in June. I want to try out my air conditioning unit!

There is only one cold weather payment SB no matter how long the cold spell lasts but I am not complaining. The payment is £250 per household and is split between the number of "wrinklies" in the household. Hence my wife gets £125 although I have no recollection of her paying a bill during the past 50 years.

They reckon that this could be the coldest winter since 1979 - so much for global warming. How can the meteorologists forecast a much warmer climate in 30 years time when they can't, with any certainty, forecast the weather more than 3 days in advance.

Just think of all the cold weather payments you'll get Fez. I don't think me and Sparky qualify so we just stay in bed all day to keep warm.

Looking out the window and everywhere is white again. This cold spell does seem to be dragging on, two years now isn't it. Could it be the start of the next ice age? Somehow I doubt it but just at this moment I'm ready to be convinced by the global warming sceptics. Never mind folks I'm sure spring is just around the corner but I don't know which corner!

Yes they do Fez. It is common for stores with multiple outlets to inflate the price in some remote store so that they can say "previously sold at £xxxx". Don't forget that they operate for the benefit of the shareholders not yours.

I think these big sticker price tags with misleading messages on meat and chicken etc should be banned. E.g.....only £4....but when you get to the counter it means £4 a kilo..whatever, not the actual price of the item you've picked up. Common now, how many have you been caught out this way. It's a new underarm tactic by the supermarkets.

A feature in pricing at sales that I have noticed to be on the increase is that a price will be displayed say "List Price £10" then "Reduced to £7" and in small print "Previously on sale at this price"

So what do they do, inflate the price so that they can then seem to be selling to you at a discount? If so there seems to be something slightly fraudulent going on.

I bartered at Curry's last summer for a reduction of £20 on a £140 vacuum cleaner without much fuss! I paid in cash and got a discount voucher for my next purchase. I just takes a little courage to 'challenge' the price with the staff, in the nicest possible way of course.

Try bartering towards the end of the month, when staff may be trying to increase their total sales amount to achieve their sales target/bonus!

As anyone tried to barter in a shop by offering cash at a reduced price. I've heard story's and seen TV programmes suggesting it is possible .

My friend bought a fridge in Curry's last week to find it £50 cheaper in the Boxing day sales. He went back to complain and agreed a £30 refund. Was he lucky?

No one who knows me will be surprised that I think the sales are a big con. If the retailer could sell them at the full price why would they sell them for less. Many stores buy in a lot of goods especially manufactured for the sales.

If I am making a purchase just before the sales I always ask the assistant if the item is likely to be in the sale: if the answer is yes then I will delay my purchase until it is reduced, otherwise I make my purchase and get out. I am always surprised by those people who buy simply because they think it is a bargain irrespective of whether it is something they need or not.

If you need something you can find out the retail price and then you will almost always be able to find it a lot cheaper on the 'net and avoid the crowds. 

WHAT DID YOU DO ON BOXING DAY? Were you queing outside next at 3.30am or even more unbelievable outside Selfridges among the 2,500 at 8am or were you more sensibly having a lie in like me?

Four injured as shops set sales records

STORES reported record Boxing Day sales with cash registers ringing to the tune of millions.

Manchester city centre reported its busiest year yet with record numbers of bargain hunters out in force from 7am.

'I got up at 6am. I must be mad'

Chaos hit one of the city's busiest stores when a ceiling panel fell on four shoppers in Selfridges' handbag department leaving them requiring treatment from paramedics for minor injuries.

Despite many online sales, and some on the high street, launching before Christmas, 15,000 people were in the Trafford Centre's malls by 9am. The figure had doubled by 11am. Shoppers were lining up for the start of the NEXT sale from 3.30am with 3,000 queuing around the block by the time doors opened at 7am.

Meanwhile, 2,500 people were pressed up against the glass at Selfridges which opened its doors at 8am to its record day of takings in seven years. Label hunters headed straight for the Gucci concession and mountains of designer handbags which had been cleared out by mid-afternoon.

I thought everyone was skint!

Spent ages getting my car ready for the road today. It looked like an igloo with wheels! Slipped and fell on the ice a couple of times and thought ah! I know. B & Q will have some rock salt. I'll call in after getting my bread and milk.

2 Hours later i arrived home from my normally 30 minute journey. What a mess it is out there, AND NO ROCK SALT AT B& Q!!!!!!

I did call back to TESCO and picked up two packs of table salt, but it's like trying to paint the forth bridge with that stuff!!!

What else should we use for melting ice. Should i attach my hose pipe to the hot water in the house???

Could the Brown University have hit on an answer as to why i had a hangover after drinking alcohol free beer all night.

It's brewed the same way as normal beer, then the alcohol is removed. But if the chemicals that cause the hangover are still present then that is why i had all of the hangover pain with non of the nights alcohol pleasure!!!!!!

My preference is for a good single malt whisky preferably Oban. However in my case I seem to be able to control my level of intoxication very easily and thereby the effects which are sometimes felt the following morning. If I feel I am beginning to get too p****d leaving my glass on the table for 20 mins will usually restore my equilibrium.

My advice is drink whatever suits your taste but in moderation.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TIPPLE?

There is a bit further down in this forum about hangovers and if you are a whisky tippler you'd better switch to vodka. Have a read of this.

Whisky hangover 'worse than vodka, a study suggests'

Drinking whisky will result in a worse hangover than vodka, according to research by US scientists.

The reason might lie in the number of molecules called "congeners" which it contains compared to vodka, the Brown University team said. But the study also suggested that sticking to vodka all night rather than whisky would not improve your performance at work the next day.

The study is published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

The reason why whisky might cause more unpleasant hangovers might lie in the number of molecules called "congeners" which it contains compared to vodka, said Professor Rohsenow. These include small amounts of chemicals such as acetone, acetaldehyde and tannins.

Chris Sorek, the chief executive of charity Drinkaware, said that social drinkers should be aware that no alcoholic drink removed the risk of a hangover. He said: "Christmas is a time to socialise and celebrate, but many people will be drinking excessively - drinking too much of any alcoholic drink can have a number of undesirable short and long-term effects.

WHAT'S YOUR EXPERIENCE, IF YOU CAN REMEMBER?

I know what you are saying Sparky, that loyalty should be rewarded and current customers should always be the first to be offered the best deal available by their supplier but sadly that isn't now the way of the world but remember in those days there was no competition or choice. But if you do want to save money it can be well worth yaking the time to compare what is available. The process of the change should go smoothly with you having very little to do and no break in the service. I suppose if we don't keep up with how the world changes it will just pass us by. God I wish I could hibernate for the winter that would certainly cut my fuel bills!

Sorry Fez, but i have to disagree with the way we now have to 'hunt' around for the best deal (If the gamble works in our favour!)

Even i can remember when loyalty to a service provider meant that we could receive favourable rates. But nowadays loyalty seems to be a mugs game. We are encourages to change at the drop of a hat in the hope of a better deal. In fact, if we don't, we suffer from extra costs for our services! I for one don't like this new idea at all. It make me feel a lack of trust in the service that they claim to offer. The ever changing small print in the contract always seems to leave us worse off!

Surferboy, My advice as always on this subject,and it may not be good advice, is to use one of the comparison sites to check what is on offer before making any decision about a new contract with your current supplier. It's reckoned that if you have never changed then you are almost guaranteed to make a decent saving by making your first change. The following is from Martins money tips, that guy who does the TV programmes:-

Npower's new tariff means while the average bill's £1,200, some would pay just £886 on it
The cheapest online tariff price war rages on and on and on. Hot on the heels of British Gas, this week npower's hit back launching its Sign Online 17 tariff. Good... but: It's cheap but there are three minor negatives: it's not the cheapest in every region; some of the cheapness is due to a discount only paid after a year; and there's a £40 lock in fee if you leave pre-March '11, so there's a small risk if other prices drop massively it'll be relatively costly. Though it does guarantee to be at least 2% lower than its standard tariff until then. To find out how it works out for you... Compare, switch & get cashback: (via these special links) The savings from switching now if you've not done it for a year or two can be HUGE... Top Pick Comparison; Energyline pays £15 cashback per switch. Dual Fuel: Money supermarket gives £30 cashback & uswitch free case of wine and Simplyswitch £35 in Amazon vouchers.

I wouldn't take to much notice of the freebies offered but look for the best unit rate. This is a LINK to his energy switch page it is well worth a look.

It's getting cold at nights Fez.

I've been offered a price fix on gas and electric by British Gas until March 2011 but you have to pay a 3% premium on the standard tariffas it was in May this year. Luckily I'd signed onto the previous couple of of similar offers over the last 3 years and missed all the big hikes on prices. This time though I think I'll give it a miss as generally the news is that prices should fall so my advice to anyone out there is not to sign up. I could of course be wrong but I don't think so.

We could be seeing some of that before the end of the week surferboy. The forecast is that it is going to turn really cold but while round here we will certainly get the cold winds I hope as usual we miss the worst of any snow. Must get the thermals out and aired!

Maybe it was snow Fez!

Bit of a strange do round my way on Friday evening. I went into my bedroom at about 7pm and was hit by a really strong smell. Do you remember TCP antiseptic that use to be used to clean your wounds wel it was very like that but so strong it was distasteful I assumed it was coming from outside and closed my window.

Some time later I noticed flashing blue lights through my kitchen curtains and there was a police van with all lighs flashing blocking the street and as I watched they were turning back traffic and even some pedestrians. I looked on the Advirtiser nesfeed on saturday morning which just had a couple of lines saying "residents told to stay indoors during chemical alert" then today there was this on the feed:-

Deborah Linton
December 12, 2009

A WHITE powder which sparked a chemical scare in Eccles has been declared safe.

Emergency services were called to Cawdor Street, in the Patricroft area, at around 6.30pm on Friday after nearby residents complained of a strong chemical smell.

A cordon was put in place while firefighters and Environmental Health officers investigated but the substance was later declared safe by experts.

Residents have been advised to stay inside their homes and keep windows and doors close while the fumes clear.

I'd be interested to here more details if anyone comes across them!

Went up to Eccles yesterday afternoon about 3.45. Called in wilkinsons for a couple of things then morrisons for my weekend grub. I was only in there 10-15 minutes but when I came out it was thick fog, a real peasouper. It's some time since I've seen it come down so quickly but reminded me of the old smogs we used to have. Of course my bus didn't then turn up and I was hanging about for about 40minutes waiting for one. Was it foggy at your end or was it an Eccles Phenomenum?

Two hangover cures in my paper this morning:-

• Sliced cactus. (do you peel it?)


• Tripe soup.

Yes I think it's aload of tripe as well. I'd rather have the hangover.

I tried alcohol free beer one night, for the whole night. I tasted sort of ok, but the next morning i had a hangover of all hangovers.

NONE OF THE PLEASURE    ALL OF THE PAIN!!!

The best thing to come from a hangover is learn from the mistake of drinking too much. Pity that our memory is so often too short!

Got a hangover over the Christmas and New Year, forget the black coffee it won't fix it. I always used to find a good greasy breakfast did the trick. How did you cure yours?

This fron the BBC:-

Reaching for a mug of coffee may be the worst thing you can to do to try to sober up, a study suggests.

Research on mice indicates the drink may make you feel that you are coming to your senses - but it is only an illusion. In fact, it makes it harder for people to realise they are under the influence of alcohol.

The study, by Temple University in Philadelphia, appears in the journal Behavioural Neuroscience.

Lead researcher Dr Thomas Gould said: "The myth about coffee's sobering powers is particularly important to debunk because the co-use of caffeine and alcohol could actually lead to poor decisions with disastrous outcomes.

"People who feel tired and intoxicated after consuming alcohol may be more likely to acknowledge that they are drunk.Conversely, people who have consumed both alcohol and caffeine may feel awake and competent enough to handle potentially-harmful situations, such as driving while intoxicated or placing themselves in dangerous social situations."

That Peel Holdings seem to be everywhere and have thier fingers in an amazing number of pies. Now Peel Energy are trying to site 21 wind turbines on Frodsham marsh and of course their are major opposers. What I don't really get is that everyone seems to agree in principle that they are a good idea and can provide a good clean source of clean energy but nobody wants them within twenty miles of their front door. Furthermore if it is proposed that they are put up a mountain on remote hills or offshore peole start to complain that they spoil the skyline, the noise disturbs wildlife etc.

Maybe when we colonise the moon!

I called into the community shop/art gallery in Boothsway in Eccles precinct on saturday and if you are looking for a unique Xmas present for someone it's worth having a look. The prices are very reasonable and the things they have are good quality and as I said unique. The goods are all produced by local people so give it a go. Let me know what you think.

The high pitched 'chirrup' of a referee's whistle is a big step away from the familliar lower frequency of the regular police whistle though.

In both cases though they do attract attention when the are blown, and are truely 'hands free' when they are used, leaving the officer to deal with the problem with both hands, and not have to push a button to talk and summon help.

I just wondered about this the other night.

Sparky, The policemans whistle is something I had never thought about before but it's interesting. I mean if they blew it now where would the nearest other policeman be to hear it. I have to assume that they don't still use them but if anyone knows differently please let us know.

Did you know that before the whistle the police used to use a rattle similar to the ones football supporters used to use?

I found this:-

The police whistle is to return after more than 30 years.

The piercing noise of a police whistle, familiar to viewers of the 1960s television series Dixon of Dock Green, has not been heard on Britain's streets since the 1970s.

It is being brought back to deal with anti-social cyclists who flout the law in the university city of Cambridge.

Police used to carry whistles to call for back up before the introduction of personal radios, or to attract the attention of someone they needed to speak to.

Now police are to reintroduce them in the centre of Cambridge where they say anti-social cyclists are a significant problem.

Police forces will be watching the trial to see if whistles could be used in other cities.

The new whistles, which will be carried by 12 officers, are similar to those used by football referees, instead of the old pipe-style version.

Pc Stephen Hinks, who has trialled a whistle, said: "When a cyclist is coming towards me, I can stop them by putting out my hand. But if they just go past me the whistle stops them in their tracks. It saves me bellowing down the street and it makes them jump, and they turn their head.

Here's a question that people on here might know the answer to ----

I just got to thinking earlier tonight and wondered .... Do police officers still carry a whistle with them to attract attention when they need it?

It's just one of those niggling things that we think about from time to time .......

Yes it was nice to hear. The biggest problem which you see over and over again is the lenient sentences dished out even when some of these people have killed others and re-offended time and time again.

At last a top policeman talks some sense publicly. Manchesters Chief Constable Peter Fahey erckons the courts are letting people down in the way they they deal with "low level" local crime which is what affects most people most directly and sometimes on a daily basis. I don't know what you think but I think he is dead right and I bet you all know of incidents where court punishments are just unbelievable. here is what he says:-

Chief constable Peter Fahy said: “I think most people are concerned about what is happening very, very locally around where they live and their local parade of shops.

“At the moment I think the court service struggles to be effective at that local level. It's great at dealing with the more serious offences but a lot of this is about longer-term patterns of behaviour in people who are a constant nuisance in their local community.

“It's those sorts of issues that I think the criminal justice system needs to be more effective at dealing with."

Mr  Fahy also spoke of 'unacceptably low' levels of public confidence in the police and the criminal justice system. He said: "It's about recognising that local people feel that the courts are too distant and there's that sense of powerlessness."

On a similar theme I see that the new courts planned to be built in Eccles will not now go ahead and the same for 3-4 other planned courts elsewhere in the country.

Trouble is Surferboy that just as the bank says these are rules imposed from europe not from westminster and under the Lisbon treaty we are going to see more and more "daft" things coming forward all thanks to our politicians not giving us, the people, a chance to let our thoughts be known by denying us a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty(Constitution).

Meldrew is right, come the next election we should wiegh up all that has happened and been done by each party before casting our vote and not be swayed by promises or personalities. Trouble is that the british people seem to have very short political memories!

How do you pay your credit card if the post is on strike and you can't pay cash in a bank? Then they charge you a late payment fee..just a bonkers rule. He hardly be money laundering at £60 a time.

I know that people of my age are thought to be "out of touch" or "past it" but I can still remember the arguments put forward in (1974 I think) when Ted Heath took us into the Common Market and none of what we have now was even discussed. I also remember Heath telling us 20 years later that "of course it was always intended that there would be political integration".

The only thing I learned was that if a politician tells you the date - check the calender. When it comes to the time to vote next year make your judgements on what they have done NOT on what they are telling you. 

Is the world going daft? I was reading a bit in my paper yesterday about a Co-op bank customer who went into the co-op branch where his account was held to pay off £60 owed on his co-op credit card and they refused to take payment because he wanted to pay cash! He even contacted the head office and was told they could not do anything about it. A spokesman for the Co-op later said. "The bank has to follow an EU directive not to accept cash for credit card bills." How crazy and I wonder how much worse it is going to get now that the Lisbon Treaty (Constitution) has been adopted?

hiya notgotalot. that nickname would sute me fine i've notgotalot now neverhadalot neverwill havealot but can still smile.

I once knew a fella who was always collapsing drunk in the street. He woke up one morning in the day before bonfire night and  found lots of money in his cap that had fell off beside him. Luckily when he did the same on bonfire night he was rescued by the Police as the kids thought he was a guy and had put him on top of their bonnie wood. If you believe any of this then your as daft as me!

So Bonfire night is once again on the near horizon. Surprisingly I haven't heard or seen many big noisy fireworks going off yet. I have seen a lot of poorly made guys though that personally I would have been ashamed to go out for coppers with the way they throw them together now.

I don't know about you but I just wonder just wonder if it is one of those events that will fairly soon disappear from our lives?

Click HERE for an extract from an article in the MEN from Angela Griffin.

Just going back to the subject of retuning our TVs and digi boxes. A friend of mine has 3 digital tvs and couldn't work out how to retune them so I got the make and model numbers of him and found this website. Click HERE. Yo just pick you tv or digibox using the dropdown boxes and you get an illustrated step by step guide that worked.

Welcome notgotalot. You don't have to post but do read what others have said and I am sure the time will come when you won't be able to resist the temptation to put them (me) right. 

Hi Notgotalot, what a great nickname. The post right at the top is really an introduction to the topic and the posts then display themselves with the latest first then receding backwards in time.

Anyway Welcome. If you think on it would be helpful but not vital if you could let us know how you heard about Heart of Salford.

OOOPS! didn't notice that your message at the top was as old as that! Just happens to be my birthday...last year!

Hello you lot on here...am new and just thought I would make myself known.  Haven't got much to say at this time but you never know, I may just come out of myself with encouragement! Fez, it's absolutely peeing down right now but I hope the rain will clear up later! 

Don't be stuck up Fez, try the charity shops for pullovers. It's one thing they always seem to have in stock and I'm sure you will find a nice one or two and at reasonable prices.

I had a ride up to Salford Precinct today. They have just changed my bus route and we went along Liverpool St, now I've not been down there for quite a while but I couldn't help but notice the facelift the area is being given. Streets of houses, obviously sandblasted, having lost all their grime and looking like row upon row of new houses with bright shiny brick. I don't know how it is being financed but if anyone else knows please let me know.

I actually went to the precinct to see if I could find a couple of Vneck fairly thick jumpers. I found plenty of crew necks and plenty of zipped necks. I also found a good range of Vnecks but the were either too thin or had a tee shirt collar or a shirt collar sewn into them. Now I ask you what is all that about? Is it just me getting old and picky? Only thing to do go is brave the Trafford Centre go to Debenhams or M+S to get what I want, pay a fortune and then live on gruel and beans for a fortnight or more.

Oooh, thank you my darlings.

Willow for soneone who says and I quote from your post below on the 10th October "I'm terrified of technology" you seem to be doing really great on here, keep it up. Harry and Fez.

Maybe they are going to demolish the inside but keep the facade in the same way they have done to the old Free Trade Hall. Even so though, that would mean losing the inside features. Progress huh!

I Know the building you mean Surferboy. I've never been inside but know that oldrer banks always used the best materials and workmanship possible, it was possibly a statement of "Look at me I'm impressive, prosperous and can be trusted." I would have thought that it would be a listed building of one sort or another.

Hello Ajax. Great to see you on here. Like Fez says, don't worry about anything, just have a go. You wouldn't believe the fixes, the lads got me out of at the beginning.(and still do). With their help, I have learnt to do loads of things and when I first got my computer three years ago, I didn't know how to switch it on, never mind operate it. I did have one advantage though, in my younger days I trained as a touch typist and like cycling(which I found out I could still do this week despite not havng a bike for thirty years-I was helping my grandchildren learn to ride their bikes-their Mum hasn't got my patience or time. They both managed it for me, by the way,)it's something you never forget. They say it's like that with swimming but I haven't been brave enough for that. I loath cold water, especially up my nose. I was even more pleased to see it was a leaflet because I am forever handing those to people, I even collar them at the supermarkets. You see I love this site and I want other people to enjoy it as well, especially older people. Heart poblems of any kind can limit their lives tremendously. They are not all as cheeky as I am. Hope to see you around often. You can even tell me off if you like, but I can't guarantee I won't shout back. Willow.

When I can get to my TV again, Can I call on you for help as when it comes to technology, I have to hold up my hands, I have no common sense and am petrified of technology. Why can't they leave things alone?

Is it 'eck Credit Crunch, it's rates. They get more money out of lord knows how muany flats to an inch and none out of conservation buildings and they have to find the upkeep, eg. Monks' Hall. How many times have they tried to knock that down? They have to get money from somewhere to make up for all the daft things they do with the money they already have, eg. the rather horrible pattern on the motorway bridge. 

There's one on the magnificent white former bank building at the top corner of King Street Manchester. I can't believe it's to be knock down. The high vaulted ceilings inside are incredible and the outside is just a beautiful structure. I hope I've got it wrong. The Eccles cinema was supposed to be rescued. Credit crunch?

Meldrew I think you are right about the reasons some people had difficulties re-tuning their boxes and it is probably for the very same reasons that some don't actively join in on here. All I can say is "Give it a go. You never know until you try and you can't do any damage"

On another tack does anybody know what is happening with the old Crown cinema/bingo building in Eccles as they have demolition signs up on it now? There have been a few different reports about its future inthe last 2-3 years.

I know of people who had trouble and I have helped them re-tune. In neither case was it a problem with the equipment - more to do with an instinctive fear of anything technical or a lack of common sense.

DID ANYONE HAVE ANY PROBLEMS RETUNING THIR FREEVIEW BOXES OR TV? It seems like plenty did.

Freeview retune chaos

Sites crash, viewers complain

Lexton Snol and Carrie-Ann Skinner

Digital TV service Freeview's website crashed on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

More than 18 million Freeview viewers were required to retune their freeview boxes and TVs on September 30, following an upgrade to the digital TV service.

Freeview's helpline was also receiving 200 calls a minute from consumers seeking advice.

The upgrade will give more viewers access to Channel Five and well as ensuring High Definition (HD) broadcasts can eventually be rolled out. More than 20m digital TV set-top boxes need to be retuned to maintain access to TV and radio channels. 20,000 older set-top boxes will cease to work.- including Daewoo models DS608P and SV900, Labgear DTT100, Triax DVB2000T and Bush IDVCR01

Hello Ajax, that's fine. we don't bother with spelling or grammar or a few mistakes so feel free to have a natter about anything however you put it over. The more you have a go the easier you'll find using your computer. Wer'e all here to help so if your stuck with anything leave a note here and we'll soon get back too you but you seem to have the hang of things.Well done!

I am only short getting shorter it seems and could fit in the village in china with  the little people. haha

hello I got an email asking me how i heard about you i'm not much good with emails so i answer here. my daughter picked up a leaflet somewhere a bit back and got me to try it.

is this okay.

COMING TO A POTHOLE NEAR YOU?

This is from a press release from Salford Council. One thing I can't see is the truth of their claim that things have improved over the last 5 years, but then I am a cynic today. Have you seen any improvements? Could it just be that we trip, pick ourselves up and accept the fact and don't want the hassle of putting in a claim.

Job seekers recruited to repair potholes

Former unemployed Salford residents are starting new jobs this week helping to repair potholes as part of a city council led training and employment programme.

The eight workers are the first out of around 800 local people to be given jobs over the next two years through the government's Future Jobs Fund which will see more than £5m pumped into Salford's economy.

The new recruits are employed through Groundwork and will work for six months alongside Salford City Council's strategic partner Urban Vision who provide highways services across the city.

They will also carry out flagging, kerbing and drainage works and will study for an NVQ Level 2 in highways maintenance with Salford City College.

A £22m five year investment programme into Salford's roads and footpaths up to 2010 has helped to bring down the number of trips and slips pay-outs in the city caused by potholes or poor surfaces.

Innovative working and better targeted repairs have meant that compensation claims have more than halved in the city since Urban Vision was formed, and figures today are around £2m lower than those in 2005

THIS IS A LOVELY LITTLE STORY.

Chinese dwarves set up their own village

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A community of dwarves has set up its own village to escape discrimination from normal sized people.

Everyone in the mountain commune in Kunming, southern China, must be under 4ft 3ins tall - and they run their own police force and fire brigade from their 120 residents.

Now the group has turned itself into a tourist attraction by building mushroom houses and living and dressing like fairy tale characters. 'As small people we are used to being pushed around and exploited by big people. But here there aren't any big people and everything we do is for us,' said spokesman Fu Tien.

I WONDER IF THERE IS ANY ROOM OR A SPARE MUSHROOM FOR ME.

And conkers Fez. Have you gone nuts?

A charity for spiders Fez - your'e having me on. If spiders can raise funds then HoS shouldn't have any problems.

DO YOU HATE SPIDERS?

This is the time of year when they head indoors to find warmer lodgings and it seems that there has been a big increase in spider populations this summer. This from the BBC website.

Conservationists say there could be more spiders and daddy longlegs than usual this autumn because of favourable breeding conditions.

Researchers at insect charity, Buglife, said last year's wet autumn meant the larvae of daddy longlegs had plenty of decaying plant matter to eat.

Experts also said this year's temperate summer had been good for spiders.

The charity says it will provide a good boost for declining insect populations and benefit other wildlife.

I saw one tip that said you should hang conkers in your rooms because spiders don't like the smell. Any more tips? 

MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR FLU JAB!

In response to research published in The Lancet that shows the flu vaccination can prevent heart attacks triggered by the flu, Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said:

"We know that people with heart disease are at increased risk of a heart attack in the weeks following acute illness. So it is not surprising that this research has found an increase in heart attacks following a bout of flu. The findings also strongly suggest that vaccination may reduce this risk.

"It makes absolute sense for those with heart disease to receive a flu vaccination. It is also important that heart patients who catch flu continue to take their heart-protective medication unless instructed not to do so by their doctor."

"We recommend all patients with heart disease take up the offer of a flu jab as soon as it comes available.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR FLU JAB?

Well. That's one way out of a tricky situation!

"Now, now. You lot. What a a r e you talking about?"

Willow see my post on the 11 Sept about bed sharing to find out what it's about.

Now, now. You lot. What a a r e you talking about?

Like you Fez I am still at a loss to understand what Surferboy could have had in mind. Perhaps he is thinking about the opportunity to get stuck in to a good book without interruption???????

NO! I just wanted to see how you'd phrase it.

Are you serious Fez?

What's the obvious Surferboy?

Regretably, i still remember many rebukes for cuddles from a very frosty X WIFE.

Best move that i ever did, divorcing her, and then going on to meet J. :-)

I think your missing the obvious Fez not that it's a long distant memory for some of us.

IS BED SHARING REALLY BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH? (should this be in the health discussion)

According to a bbc report sleep specialists, whatever they are, say that bed sharing can cause rows over snoring and duvet snatching and couples who shared beds suffered 50% more sleep disturbances than those who slept apart.

Did it really need a scientific study to tell them that? And aren't there any good points about bed sharing like a nice cuddle on a frosty night?

Most days you wait so long you would think they were on strike!

Has anyone heard anything about a series of 1day bus strikes? I found a bit on the MEN site about it saying that it affected Bury. Blackburn and Bolton First bus depots But I don't know if that means salford/Manchester buses are affected. I had a look on the Gmpte site and no mention!

As for St Peter I don't think even he could beat the bookies.

I am not sure St. Peter condones betting Fez and even if he does I suspect he is getting better odds.

It's all going down in St Peters little book of gold Surferboy. Just hope you start to get your returns soon.

 1-50 Sedgefield today;

McMurdo Sound in touch, headway after 3 out, upsides when left clear 2 out, eased towards finish

Timocracy with leader and keen, led after 3 out, upsides when fell 2 out

This was my reward Fez. God surely loves me I don't think. Yes I was on Timocracy.

Just do what you're told Surfer. Thanks anyway for the email to the advertiser, I'll look out for it this week! You'll get your reward in heaven or somewhere

Like your story about the check-out Meldrew. Only last night my mate said after being encouraged by the staff to use the self service checkout he felt rushed to put his 3 big jars of special offer coffee into a plastic bag and as he moved away they all fell through and every one smashed on the floor. Luckily they replaced them for him. I had my first go last week and I wasn't impressed.

You just told me not to Email campaigns. Make your mind up!

Has everyone noticed the new item on the home page titled;- BHF NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR CARDIAC REHABILITATION. They are asking us to write to or email our MPs asking them to support the campaign.

They have made it very easy for us to do this. just click HERE and it will take you to a page at the BHF where you can fill in a simple form to generate an email to your MP, you don't need the name of your MP as they will find it from your postcode and they will insert the email message automatically. 

Not anymore(race a stockcar.) They say I'm too old but how do they know they haven't met me. Just go off a piece of paper with numbers on. If they have a Granny's race, though, I should love to have another go and seeing as I keep the cars all year round, they won't have any chance of refusing to lend me one. I lend them mine. If they won't(but I know they will)they can't keep their cars in my yard/ There. Perhaps I should put my thumb on my noose and waddle my fingers to explain what I mean by 'There'.

Everyone's stocking up on the old fashioned light bulbs according to tonights paper Ajax. The Arthur Daley in me tells me to buy a shed load and put them away for awhile. I can see them on the "Real Deal" going for fortunes in a couple of years time.

Hello willow. i have chaged my picture because the bulb failed and all I could get was one of those new fagled long life stick above the lightshade ones HA Ha.

Do you really race a stock car. fezis right the f1 has become a bit boring.

A new alternative on your highstreet soon?

The first Asco store begins trading in October in Warrington on the site of a former Woolworths.

It will have a blue fascia with white lettering and the strapline ''a real alternative'', following research which found shoppers were looking for supermarkets beyond the big four.

The store will be marketed primarily at people shopping little and often and will sell daily essentials like bread, milk and fruit and vegetables as well as a lunch time range, deli counter and butchers and open until 7pm.

Hi Willow. There was stiff opposition to the Tesco in Monton but they still got it through ay. It always seems the same with these big companies yet one neighbour objects to a home extension and planning permission can be refused. Crazy.

I didn't know Tesco were after a site near Patricroft bridge, They already have the petrol station there which has one of their shops included. Mind you there is a fair sized plot of land behind there where Rigby coach garage used to be so maybe they also own that. Tesco seem to be a bit like that Japanese/Chinese? knotweed that once it gets rooted grows at a phenomenol rate and is very difficult to stop spreading.

Hello Ajax, the voice from the dead of night says 'Hi'. We're always pleased to see a new light on here and hope you enjoy the company. You can drive like that, you know, you just haven't had the opportunity. Now me, I don't mind what I drive so long as I do but I don't speed on the highway as my car is vital to the life I like to lead(i.e.20 miles for a night out is a long way to walk). Friends? say they can't understand me keeping a car when I only do around l0,000 miles a year but have they tried walking that with a dicky ticker that the Doc had in his hand for 20minutes? . I hope I have the pleasure of tormenting you for a while like I do the others. (By the way do you look like your picture. Fez doesn't hav that spiky hair. I think it's just wishful thinking on his part. Wants to be with it when...(shall I leave that bit to yu /Fez.  By the way, I didn't get up early - I  haven't been to bed yet. Nite nite. Willow

Apparently Tesco's supermarket for Monton has been passed and as with the one near Patricroft Bridge, the prices there will be the highest they can muster. They are even dearer that the little local shops.

Yes Fez. I have to agree with you on that one. I would rather see the new supermarket in the precinct. I shall certainly not bother going to the West One. I don't go there now. Too inconvenient. I think the precinct  is a better bet and it would stand a chance of giving some more interesting shops a chance again. At the moment the shops in Eccles are pretty boring.(And the Trafford Centre is worse).

Hi Ajax. Did you watch the F1 on sunday. I used to love it but now I prefer to watch the qualifying rounds on the saturday. The races now are very often actionless and can be a bit like a procession broken by pit stops.

thank you everyone. i will change it if I find another picture. I'm watching thr f1 today wish i could drive like that.

Hi Ajax and welcome. The advice about your picture should get you there but if you do have a problem with it just let us know.

Hi Ajax. Great to see a new member. Hope you have luck with your picture. Anyway as long as you leave your messages for now that's the main thing. Fez will instruct you on how to put your picture on if you have any trouble.

Hello and welcome Ajax.

If you click on "Members" on the home page, then "Profile", then "Edit Profile" you will have the opportunity to enter an image under "Icon". The system should automatically re-size your image. Best of luck.

I agree with you Fez that a supermarket at West One would be the final nail in the coffin for Eccles precinct. Tesco seem to be able to wield a lot of power so I wouldn't rule it out. We do need another supermarket however to compete with Morrisons whose prices have increased massively in the past 6 months.

hello everybody. I am new on here. can somebody give me an answer on how to put a picture on my profile.

I think i know how to do it but does the picture have to be a special size or will it resize it?

According to the Advertiser this week the owners of the precinct in Eccles are putting in plans to build a supermarket in Eccles precinct. I don't think that they have anyone of the big 5 saying they want to move in and being a cynic I have to wonder if it is a spoiling tactic to try to prevent the Tesco on West One going ahead.

I'd much rather see a Supermarket development within the precinct than at West One as I think that would further decimate Eccles. any thoughts?

It was sad to see Muhammed Ali on tv last night but what a man he was. Here's what Paul taylor says in the MEN

"YOU get to meet some interesting people in this job. I have shaken hands with Paul McCartney (twice!), had my knee slapped by Dolly Parton, interviewed a trouserless Take That in their dressing room at the M.E.N Arena, been in the presence of the late Princess Diana and, for reasons which still baffle me, found myself harangued by the very much less regal Duchess of York. (The people of Northern Moor - patronised by Fergie in a two-part TV documentary - have my sympathies).

But on only one occasion was I actually struck dumb upon meeting a famous person. Twenty five years ago, Muhammad Ali was - even counting kings and queens, presidents and rock stars - the most famous man on the planet."

When Ali was champ everyone watched the boxing and everyone knew who the "heavyweight champion of the world" was but who is that now? I'm damned if I know.

Yes Surferboy I'm sure we knew it was a wind-up but I must confess I never knew you had such a way with words. I'd love to have heard some of your chat up lines in your younger days or do they still work today?

No it was just a wind up you silly billys!

I think it means I must have trodden on somebodys' toes Fez.

As a lifelong United supporter I have much to thank City for. Immediately after the war (until 1949) they let us play all our home games at Maine Road after Old Tafford was destroyed. When United first entered the European Cup in the1950s they let us use their ground because we didn't have floodlighting and, of course, during the last 30 odd years, they have left the way open to us to win numerous trophies by winning nothing themselves.

We have much to thank them for!!!!!!!!

In plain english does that mean OK?

Dear Editor. It would seem my attempts to bring to attention the magnificent achievements and the most exciting thing to happen in the football world for the last millenia is being ridiculed by others of your readership. Indeed you yourself leader of the H.O.S would be seemed to be attempting to put a gagging order on my proliferations of exhultations surrounding this band of superstar sportsmen reaching the pinnacle of perfection of skilled soccer performances and denying them their rightful platform of a daily spot on the front page.

If I am to be banished to the backwaters of Entertainment and Hobbies to continue the news on their splendiferous and wonderous efforts of so be it. Like Nelson Mandela I will continue my right for freedom of speech until the world changes for the better and we can all see the City way is the future and I can return to my rightful stage!

Good idea. We could have a section devoted to City but the problem would be finding another City fan for Surferboy to talk to.

Not at all Surfer that is why I thought it would be a good idea to keep it all in the one place and it's easy to see there is something in there if we get used to looking at the last 10 posts list on the home page. Also starting to use the other sections may help us avoid potentially embarrassing moments like when the cookery section was mentioned on thursday. If we don't use them it seems pretty pointless having them and once we get used to it things will be still easier to find.

I see your point Fez but at the moment City are headliners on the sports page, front page, entertainment page of every national newspaper. Do I detect a hint of jealousy.

Hi Surfer and all. Now the football season is upon us I thought we might start using the Sport section to keep up to date on the football and other sports as we all seem to be putting sport stuff all over the place here in the general discussion. It could be an interesting red+blue football season and generate a lot of posts. What do you think?

On 19th August Camp Nou hosted the Joan Gamper Trophy and Barcelona would play the newly strengthened Manchester City.

Yes and we won 1-0 in front of a near full house. Only a friendly but you wouldn't think so judging by the pace of the game and the unhappy fans of Barca at the end.

A trophy for the cabinet already! I hope Martin Petrov stays....he's far to good to sell. The Lescott saga rumbles on and now he's been dropped by Everton because of his negative attitude.

I backed Burnley at 8/1 to beat United and as a bonus 18/1 to be winning half time and full time. Thank you Fred Done ...your paying for my Hollands pies for months!!!!!

I tell you United are just history from now on. I'm watching City through the link on here (with my blue specs on!)and Petrov just give City the lead in the friendly. I will try and give more notice next time.

For the likes of Paddy Power it probably has the same effect on his finances as me losing £2 on the lottery.

I got £90 from the Bull sweep though!

Did you here Paddy Power paid out over £2 million on Tiger woods after the 3rd round thinking he could'nt get beat like Fred Done did on United once...ouch!!!

Hi Surferboy. Yes your golfer "fell at the last fence" a bit like one of the tips you gave me for the horses. But you know you've got to be in it to win it.

One winner last night again...46..47..48. I'm sure it's fixed. Luckily I had the bonus ball in the pub sweep and I'll need the cash as my golfer as gone 2 over in the PGA and all seems lost.

Hi Meldrew. Yes I do have my email filtered and it did identify this as "phishing" and sent it to my junk folder. I then have a choice of blocking that senders address or domain. The trouble is and I think this is true of all email filters is that they can make a mistake and treat something as junk when it isn't. I'd much rather have the opportunity to make that decision before anything is deleted. In fact I don't really get that much junk, some rubbish but nothing that poses a threat.

Perhaps I should use the numbers in the Email for my lottery yicket they may turn out to be lucky.

You have all the luck Fez - I hope you remember your friends when you get the "Great Britain Pounds".

Doesn't your E-mail provider let you filter spam. Since I changed my E-mail address almost 12 months ago I haven't had a single unwanted message.

WATCH THOSE EMAILS!

I recieved an email yesterday with this content.

email address as indicated was drawn
and attached with serial numbers FTS/8070337201/06 and drew the
lucky numbers 15-22-24-48-50-37(30) which subsequently won you
1,000,000.00 (One Million Great Britain Pounds) from the U.K FREE
PROMO The draws registered as Draw number one was conducted in
Brockley,London United Kingdom on the 11th August 2009.Find
below the details of the Claims Agent and contact him with the
following details for verifications.

Obviously a scam (I hope) but you can see how somebody might be drawn in and then emptied out. I was wondering if this is something doing the rounds, has anybody else had the same?

Couldn't agree more about the malingerers and swine flu Meldrew.

On a different subject I was reading a bit in my paper yesterday about official "snooping" on our phones, emails and text messages etc. Councils,police and intelligence services made more than half a million applications for permission access private email, phone and text message data and apparantly all were approved. Now I can see why there is a need in some criminal and security investigations but it would be interesting to see a breakdown of the categories where these powers were allowed. Here's part of a quote from the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman "The government forgets that Orwell's 1984 was a warning and not a blueprint"

It is not difficult to take advantage of the system when in certain areas the hotline is being staffed by 16 yearolds during their summer holidays from school.

Those who deliberately lie to take advantage of the system deserve to catch a bout of swine 'flu.

I know people myself who have taken advantage of swine flu to have some extra days off work when really they had nothing wrong with them or just a Summer cold. Andrew grimes in the MEN makes a point on this.

Let's remember victims of the real killer flu

HYPOCHONDRIACS ought to be warned that the latest statistics of swine flu are being grossly inflated by malingerers ringing up the NHS hot-line.

These brazen frauds have nothing whatever wrong with them. They just fancy a paid week or two off work, which is dead easy to get by merely reading out the ailment's symptoms from the latest shock-horror pages of the newspapers.

Swine flu is not, in any case, usually a cause for alarm. True, the suspected UK death toll now runs into three figures, but that's out of a population of over 60m. Most people who genuinely get it recover inside ten days.

The paltriness of the outbreak was put in perspective the other night by BBC4's superb drama-documentary, The Forgotten Fallen. This was about the pandemic of Spanish flu in 1918 which killed more people than the first world war.

The other point I would like to make is that if people do take time off with "pretend" swine flu they may well come unstuck with their employers if they do eventually get the real thing.

I'm only 61 Meldrew and that is probably why there is such a difference. Even at the £13 mark it's not bad, it's less than the price of a pint per session.

Good luck Fez, it is important to stick at it whilst you still have the enthusiasm. £13 for eight sessions seems abit high - they were charging £11 for an annual membership 12 months ago for the over 65s. Hope I haven't trodden on any toes there Fez. 

I've got to admit Surfer that it surprised me what I could do in the Gym during the last two rehab programmes and yet some days everything can seem a bit of a struggle. Life's odd isn't it. I'm actually going to sign up for the gym this week, 8 sessions for £13 which isn't bad. Any one want to join me?

Your so fit Fez I reckon you should ring up Fergie. Even for your age your a better bet than Michael Owen!

I was at the doctors yesterday for the reults of my annual M.O.T. My cholesterol was 3.4 the lowest it has ever been, my liver function was 90% which the nurse said is excellent for my age ,my blood pressure was 106 over something (i forget) and My weight 10st 3lb. I came away feeling good. I expect to live for a long time but I'm going to watch out for buses and crazy motorists.

Surferboy I reckon you are throwing your money away backing City to be this seasons champs. 2-3 years down the line perhaps. Couldn't you get a "handicap" bet similar to those you have done the last couple of years?

My moneys already on at 20's Fez to be Champions. You'll be lucky to find better than 10's now. I'm in front at Goodwood, you should have asked me earlier this week.

Here's a picture of Fergie at the hairdressers. I'm sure he's lost touch with reality.

Would you put money on City for the premiership next season Surfer or are you just being an enthusiastic optimist?

Talking about optimism how about giving me three dead certs,at good prices, for Goodwood!

Martin O'Neil is not prone to making bold predictions so when the manager claims Manchester City can win the Premier League title next season it qualifies as quite a statement. Sir Alex Ferguson might not be taking City seriously but O'Neill believes the spending power Mark Hughes has been granted in the transfer market will threaten their neighbour's hopes of retaining their title.

The Villa manager talked about a "reinvented" Premier League with a "genuine top five" as he reflected on the influx of A-list talent at City this summer. O'Neill even admitted "there is part of me that is excited to see how they will do" although he acknowledged that he is gripped with frustration.

Good to see that you can remain positive Surferboy - I am 71 and can't remember City being the dominant force hereabouts although they did have a good team in the fifties.

Oh by the way Fez, talking about posters....

UNITED fan Claudia Thomas named her son after her favourite player Carlos Tevez - hours before he signed for City. But she had a moment of doubt after reading about the striker's signing for City a few hours after she gave birth. She briefly reconsidered, but decided she liked the name so much that she would stick with it.

Claudia, 38, said: "Tevez is a lovely name, I decided on it ages ago. I was gutted when I saw he'd transferred to City. We're all United fans in my family, I don't know what they're going to say when they find out.

I'm sure by the time he grows up he'll be happy what is mum did and he'll be wearing a blue shirt with pride and United's dominance will be a long distant memory.

City are being a bit naughty aren't they with the poster "welcoming" Tevez to manchester. Or is it the first step in a campaign to have City recognised as the true Manchester club? Where is Old Trafford, In trafford as far as I know.

Surferboy I see that your "Catfish" come "Basa"that you told us about on here is now being sold in some chipshops as "Cobbler" but many are still selling it as cod and not telling their customers.

OK Surfer so you now have Tevez signed and sealed but Sparky going after Aberdayor (or however it's spelt) isn't that just asking for trouble?

Is Tevez dragging his feet a bit Surferboy? Or is it really, as the MEN says, that the FA is insisting that tevez's ownership and status are sorted out before they allow a move anywhere?

"Premier League officials who have introduced new rules on third party ownership have made it clear to City - and to Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian - that any club buying him must do so lock, stock and barrel. And that means untangling Tevez's controversial ownership."

The NOW today reckons he'd go to united for less than City have offerred to pay him and drop his demands for a £12 mill share of any fees, that's if United come up with an offer.

Again according to the NOW chelsea have said Terry must put in a written transfer request if he wants a move so that the fans will know whos decision it is and I suppose avoid any backlash from fans if they choose to see it as the club pushing him out.

Chelsea are are saying he's not for sale and go away but strangely Terry up to now is saying nothing. Who's to know but I doubt he will come. Chelsea have secured a bargain with young Sturridge and I'm surprised United didn't try to get him on the cheap.

As for Owen that's a joke isn't it? He'll be as useful as Fowler was for City, a complete waste of time and money even if it seems cheap now. I'm still hoping to get Eto and pray United don't suddenly go after him. Let's face it United are skint and the only future for them now is down like the arrow on the new grotesque shirts.