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johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 11 (view)

Call Centre Staff Names !! Posted: 10/16/2009 7:29:06 PM
why not try and get them off script? ask them what their favourite food is. what was the weather like where they are etc. and then ask if there is a local uk person you can speak to.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 9 (view)

New Timing belt Posted: 10/1/2009 5:36:09 PM
the belt change is alot simpler than a waterpump change so just do the belt- the belt should be changed every 36,000 miles and my estimation on water pump longevity is over 200,000 miles- if the pump is "whistleing" then this is indicative of wear. change lubricants often test and if neccessary replace coolant every two years. and be respectful of your engine- when starting from cold dont rev the engine excessively for the first five minutes of use. if you look after your car it will look after you.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 22 (view)

Old people driving. Posted: 9/13/2009 4:09:35 AM
Despite having the sharpest of reactions, the best eyesight and an abundance of energy the highest risk group of having accidents is 17 to 25 then 25 -35 then35-45 then 55-65 and then 75 to 85 with the lowest risk group being 45 to 55. there are many elements to this risk analysis including how many miles each group typically drives but the main element is experience and anticipation. older people tend to accept their flaws a lot more than the young and therefore drive slower and are more careful. So why this call for extra testing for the old? some fake campaign from the press because the odd person with dementia drives the wrong way up a motorway? (only reported becuase of the age of the driver?). I would suggest the Insurers have it right with regards the risk and therfore premiums are appropriate but I would suggest that anyone who is identified as being the cause of an accident should be forced to pay for and have a Re-test instead of a fine. this would improve driver standards on the roads.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 15 (view)

12 Outdated computer terms that you should never use anymore. Posted: 8/30/2009 6:43:54 PM
what about wireless connectivity? My laptop has wireless broadband which enables me to (amongst many things) to listen to many radio stations. My 80 year old dad also listens to the radio funnily enough he calls it the wireless! Perhaps we shouldn't be in a hurry to dispense with unpopular phrases.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 7 (view)

As you've gotten older, are you more sensitive regarding suffering in the world? Posted: 8/29/2009 7:53:38 PM
I don't think my sensitivities have changed but I am more aware of the suffering in the world. I suppose this is down to better communcation and instead of being in full broadcast mode (before thirty typically) I find now that I do tend to be switched more to receive mode , So i guess in that sense our sensitivites do increase as we become more reflective the older we get.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 138 (view)

Can White Americans REALLY judge what is racist and what is not? Posted: 8/26/2009 2:52:49 PM
I'm sure whites can recognise racism - where a specific race is disadvantaged? Think of the MOWO awards. or is it the MOBO awards? The dating site White singles.com or is that Black singles.com perhaps someone will soon figure out by positive discrimination of one group it marginalises another so sure we have all been discriminated against at some point. whicho reinforces racial separation and negative racial assumptions. I am happy to treat everyone as an equal- so long as I am equally treated the same. Did I miss something there.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 16 (view)

Is our contribution to the EU value for money? Posted: 8/26/2009 2:36:19 PM
just look at the wage Bill for Britians Euro MPS?- so it can't be worth it. The blairs still receive atidy sum from the Eu As does that Mortgage dodging Guacamole eating Mandelson. I think its time we voted with our feet and stopped propping up the EU.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 31 (view)

Asthma question... Posted: 8/25/2009 9:25:40 AM
Efective control of your asthma condition is down to you. Doctors may prescribe treatments but to do this will require detailed account of your symptoms. Get a peak flow meter- measure your readings in the morning middle of the day and at night. do this daily and cross reference this against your diet ( try aweek without milk and a see if there is an improvement for instance) Cross reference your peak flow against the weather and temperature. do all of this for a year and plot your peaks and troughs.- perhaps you will find out your worst allegens by this. Have an allergy test at your Doctors ( small multiple needle skin test- the ones that itch indicate your sensitivities/. less processed food, maw raw vegetables and less diary products are all good ideas as well. Inhalers- take your reliever Bronchial reliever first thing in the morning- wait 5 minutes and then take you preventative inhaler- this is important- your reliever opens up the airways so that the preventive inhaler can penetrate deeper into your lungs.- therfore lasting more of the day. do the same before you go to bed. Clean bedding, keep clear of pollens, do some light aerobic exercise such as swimming can all help. its important to remember your asthma is unique to you. it just takes time to find the way to improvement.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 30 (view)

Gas milage! Posted: 8/23/2009 5:38:24 PM
Inflate your tyres to the correct pressure. Anticipate road conditions brake gently and only acclerate smoothly. if your car is more than 5 years old replace the grease in the wheel bearings also replace all drive train lubricants ( anything at all really that can improve your car's freewheeling ability) with these measure my old 1995 328 Bmw does 36 miles to the British Imperial gallon probaly more like 30 for your US gallon. best way to save your Gas dollars? car share! myself and a neighbour do this for our commute and we have both halved our commute bills and that includes wear and tear and also the mileage depreciation. and therfore allows for me to hit the accelrator at the weekend!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 13 (view)

anniversary of Lord mountbattens death Posted: 8/23/2009 5:22:17 PM
It is a great shame that so many innocent people lost their lives or health becuase of limited disenfranchised groups. both sides quote history and I suppose the it is an historical established problem as so many of the opposing groups wouldn't have a hope in achieving a honest livelyhood, so it is in their interests to perpetuate the hostilities. but what of the soveriegnty argument? which government should rule? while you ponder that one you ,may just notice that Mastercard and Visa have hold of your purse strings. As to terrorism as a valid means of protest: it matters not to the soft targets =typically innocent victims. Terrorists who target civilians are just A-seholes with explosives. Nothing more. as for Mountbattens death being the deciding moment for change. I doubt it. more likely the costs to continually police an unwinnable situation.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 21 (view)

Caster Semenya Posted: 8/23/2009 5:02:55 PM
Before going to South Africa Caster had medical tests that were inconclusive over gender due to her not having all the organs expected in a average woman. The sex of a person is far more complicated than whether someone has a penis or a vagina and that seems the problem here, ther are some quite basic checks to guarantee the correct sex. 1. the pronounced Adams' apple 2. The ability to parallel park ( and the ability to look in amirror and not be there for hours) 3. the ability to be able to sharpen a pencil with a penknife. 4 And the ability to drink ten beers and being able to have a sensible conversation without getting over emotional. I'm sure there are many more simple tests but if it doesn't look natural it probably isn't

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 34 (view)

Petrol emissions & the environment Posted: 8/18/2009 5:07:06 PM
car share on the daily commute to work- which allows me to drive agas guzzler at weekends-not really environmentally driven- more fiscal!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 25 (view)

released on compassionate grounds? Lockerbie Bomber Posted: 8/18/2009 4:59:01 PM
get rid of this potential martyr - his conviction looks unsound anyway.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 23 (view)

Collective nouns - time for an update? Posted: 8/18/2009 4:56:10 PM
a guess of Quantity surveyors an embarrassment of P3 planners. a morass of MPs

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 15 (view)

my aim is to loose 5 stone in 12 months Posted: 8/18/2009 4:38:42 PM
Eat plenty of fruit and veg get a pedometer and make sure you walk two miles between meals-cut down on processed food and meats ( not all together- give your self a treat twice a week ) and DO NOT weigh your self for one month. dont bother too much with the aerobic exercise for three months walking at apace where you can still hold a conversation is best- dont starve yourself- and to maintain nutrition take a one a day multivitamin pill. the bottom line is less calories in more calories out =weightloss more calories in, less calories out = weightgain I think 5 stone is ambitious- much better to only do the monthly weigh in- but the best result will be noticed in looser clothing. following this regime I lost a stone in the first month , 9 pounds in the second, 2 pounds a month since then. my fitness is a lot better - total so far about 28 pounds lost in six months but more pleased with the clothing - down from a XXL to an XL or L! and trousers now at a healthier 36" waist without the overhang! But please remember a diet isn't a long term soloution we are what we eat (and do) so your lifestyle will need to change

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 17 (view)

Brits, a nation of complainers.............but? Posted: 8/16/2009 2:40:21 AM
we dont complain enough or at the right time- Instead of telling someone we do not accept their level of service/standards we remain polite and then only complain afterwards. so thats why we are whingers-we are unhappy with our treatment and unhappy with our own behaviours for letting it happen. if we were more like the americans and germans then perhaps there would be better standards up front and therefore the complaining would be lessened.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 17 (view)

Green Energy - is there an economical way to get in on it? Posted: 8/15/2009 6:19:03 PM
To get in on the green energy ideal is to look at your home and see where savings can be made. instead of expensive air conditioning can low energy fans be used to expel the hot air- better still can the hot air be passed through a heat exchanger to heat your hot water tank as an example . there are many expensive initiatives such as modifying your car. adding solar cells etc but the biggest changes for the earth will be the smallest changes for the individuals. Recycling? Its ok but better to only purchase what you need without surplus packaging. Transportation costs - Car share if possible . one less journey aweek not only saves you fuel but saves on the wear and tear on the vehicle. when using your washing machine dont do one wash but save up your washing so that it can do repetative washes- the machine will still be warm so will cost less in energy for the second wash. so getting in on green energy is more a way of thinking than a specific technology. so if we all start saving what will be the net effect? the individual unit cost of energy will increase and therefore the profit margins for alternate technologies will be greater and thus promote green energys greater still.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 11 (view)

US national health insurance and US suspicions Posted: 8/15/2009 5:57:59 PM
quote] Behind the criticism is a popular British view that American society represents unbridled capitalism run amok, with catastrophic results for people left behind in the boom times like those of the last two decades. Not sure where this opinion is from but its certainly not a popular British view, and I dont think anyone here really gets annoyed by the jingostic comments relating to the NHS- sure the NHS has faults as does any existing system where people are involved, we all know there is room for improvement. But I think where we do get annoyed is when exaggerations and lies are used to promote a different view. I wonder if Senator Kennedy would have really received better healthcare had he been a working class Joe without a monied family behind him? and as for the dirty and overcrowded hospitals over here - yes there are some instances of this- the instances of clean good hospitals never seem to make the news though so please remember this. The root cause of the poor examples is because of insufficient funding by several governments over the years who have chosen to ignore demographic changes. But for anyone who has doubts about a national health system which includes all of its citizens by default should do some web searching on Bevan and the beginning of the national health service.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 6 (view)

US national health insurance and US suspicions Posted: 8/14/2009 5:51:42 PM
the UK NHS does allow for doctors (mainly consultants) to work both privately and for the NHS- within NHS hospitals there are private wings for those with health care insurance and yes income tax will rise. But I wonder who will lose out? the working class who can not afford decent cover or are excluded becuase of Preexisting conditions or the long term ill- who cant work becuase of their illness? and I wonder how many people who feel safe becuase they have private health care have found out the hard way that employers will only fund for so long or the lawyers decide to pull the plug for some abstract reason. when you are ill you are not on your metal- so the NHS safety net is a great comfort to the average working man here in the UK

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 1 (view)

US national health insurance and US suspicions Posted: 8/13/2009 12:41:04 PM
While looking at several news sources from the USA I understand that there are suspicions and criticisms about a new national health service insurance. It appears that the people who dismiss this initiative tend to be those who have adequate private health measures but what are the concerns? I live in Great Britain where a health service was brought in just after the second world war where the only dissenters were the doctors and consultants who thought they were going to lose out financially. At this time the nation was unified after the world war victory and recognised the nations true wealth lay with their citizens health. The national health service (NHS) does have its faults yet ask anyone from Great Britain and the majority will vote to keep the NHS- even those with Private health care. Opinions please!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 34 (view)

Doe your job affect your health? Posted: 8/4/2009 5:37:54 PM
your job is always going to affect your health-if aquarter of your life is spent at work. The shift system does pose health issues- in fact the 24 hour continental rota is seen to be one of the worst for fatigue due to circadian effect. But as for causing cancer- this will only be statistical evidence and difficult to prove as the root cause. for good health at work variation is the key - regular breaks from repetitive actions rest periods are essential. Key point retire early- if you look at those who retire at 65 there seems to be a higher mortality rate within 5 years of retirement than the 10 year period for those who retire at 60. the other key point is for office workers - to walk for 30 minutes within their working day. concentration- blood pressure and a general feeling of well being are the benefits.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 15 (view)

What type of religion is it? Posted: 7/27/2009 6:17:11 PM
Its like any type of religion really, The extra emotional crutch that some people need to comfort them before death so that they believe they will perpetuate. If you do go along leave your money at home and don't sign anything!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 14 (view)

What type of religion is it? Posted: 7/27/2009 6:16:19 PM
Its like any type of religion really, The extra emotional crutch that some people need to comfort them before death so that they believe they will perpetuate. If you do go along leave your wallet at home and don't sign anything!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 62 (view)

Calling all foreign film enthusiasts Posted: 7/27/2009 6:05:42 PM
Lucia Y el sexo- a visual delight filmed on Formentera (Spanish) Hable con ella- Talk to her (Spanish) Y tu mama tambien ( Spanish) Charackter- Dutch 72 mteres (russian) the man who loved women (French) not to be confused with the american poor remake) Il postino ellen defries (dutch) One deadly summer (French) search IMdb for films by Alain delon- check out films with depardieu , Catherine deneuve vanessa Paradis, Isabelle adjani, so why are foreign language movies often better? Because they have limited budgets and european audiences appreciate agood story told well instead of CGI effects etc

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 46 (view)

Car brake question Posted: 7/27/2009 5:47:06 PM
The most likely answer is that the brake lines have air in the system- when you depress the brake pedal this squeezes the air pocket instead of applying pressure to the brake caliper (typically discs on the front and Drums on the rear) the front brakes are the ones that do most of the work as you brake the load transfers to the front of the vehicle- so thats disc brakes are favoured- ther is nothing wrong having drums at the rear since their braking effect is typically around only45% of the front brakes requirement. I would give the garage the first option to repair the brakes free of charge- if they don't agree then tell them that you are going to get the vehicle inspected independantly as advised by your lawyer- that will usually kick them into gear- dont drive the vehicle to the garage- this will ensure that your point of them releasing a dangerous vehicle to you is made. I also recommend you take a friend (Male) to observe your discussion with the garage- if he is wearing a suit and tie- its amazing the effect this has!.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 34 (view)

Repercussions of a suicide Posted: 7/27/2009 5:22:44 PM
A friend commited suicide, he was a work colleague who as i know now was depressed about the breakup with his wife and felt he was worthless becauase of this ( he was 45) The church was full to capacity for the funeral and the common feeling was " if only we had said something and reaffirmed how this chap was valued by us all" The repercussions are many, the important ones for his family are could they have done something more, his estranged wife- was she responsible? his friends- if we had said something to bolster his confidence. the lesser repercussions are his life insurances/mortgage wont payout- but thats only money- the biggest repercussion is that we all think what a waste. (he was in good health) I have no axe to grind- with terminally ill people or those with poor quality of life that death would be a release but with those who have the availability of Life choices I would drag them round a hospital and show them how lucky they really are and that things could be awhole lot worse. (simplistic I know) As for those who commit suicide publicly- I dont applaud their Narcacistic displays which shows a blatant diseregard for anyone but themselves. Looking at the demographic of suicides those who have heavy manual labour jobs or those who exercise are a lot less prone to suicide than those with more cerebral works and activities I am sure someone will mention natural endorphins being released by exercise but I wonder if our now sedentry lifestyle and existance in cities has a great deal to do with the increase in Suicide?

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 22 (view)

Under age drinking/ Liver transplant/ Ethics Posted: 7/24/2009 4:57:56 PM
at the age of thirteen a week is a long time, you will live forever and hospitals is where other people go, the same thoughts are prevalent at 18-22 because at that age we go to many birthday/engagement parties yet very few funerals. we also believe we have every chance to win the lottery (14.5 million to one, and are really unlikely to get cancer in our lifetimes 3 to 1) so to judge a 22 year old on his wisdom and choices when he was a teen is wholly unfair. better that George Best who was old enough to know better and was given a second chance- was sectioned when he reverted to his old practices- whether they were addictive- habit or just thirst (Mrs Merton reference)- still money talks. so everyone deserves a second chance- yet the medical fraternity have hard choices because of limited resources on the most viable recipient. nobody said life was fair.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 30 (view)

Swine Flu? Is our NHS reactive when they should be proactive? Posted: 7/24/2009 4:39:40 PM
swine flu for many will not be a big deal for asthmatics or those with challenged immunity to illness- diabetics /heavy smokers/drinkers-CF sufferers then it may be a big deal but typically not now- late september onwards but by then flu jabs will hopefully be available- presently i understand the death toll in the uk to be 31 oover the last month. if you put this against the daily death toll on UK roads of around 10 persons per day then this may rationalise the scale of the situation (although of course any death is significant) so what to do? the flu friend idea is a good one, not only for infection of others- but doctors surgeries are the most likeley contact anyone will have with an infected person. so what to do? wash hands regularly. dont handshake, and limit going to crowded events are all good advice. but the best bit of advice is: at the first sign of illness-contact your?GP one thing i would like to know- all victims of the flue have had "underlying health issues"- what are they?

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 26 (view)

Is it disrespectfull to date so soon after a bereavement Posted: 7/24/2009 4:19:14 PM
is it to soon?probably- best to advise your friend to certainly continue with the relationship but to put some restraints on rushed commitments as well as getting involved with the kids so soon. It it wrong? we cannot judge. but both parties should understand how their relationship will be perceived especially by bereaved relatives (grandparents) so restraint should be shown. their relationship may be the the most fantastic perfect romance that may last for eternity- who are we to judge? but if its worth anything then it should last the test of time so both parties should be patient. Marry in haste- repent at leisure springs to mind

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 8 (view)

How stupid are the PRS? Posted: 7/24/2009 4:05:19 PM
this is the PRS that ensure cliff richard receives his royaties when hi s music is played (up to 50 years only after release) so why do you think there is so much classical music played as background/answerphones etc-they are on ahiding to nothing in this download age so they will tryto recoup anything.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 32 (view)

is eastenders a bad programme to let my daughter watch? Posted: 7/22/2009 4:17:20 PM
all soap operas are by design non challenging repeated storyline sensationalist drivel. the quality of the first series or half dozen episodes usually wanes quickly as writers rely upon familiarity with characters rather than deep analysis of the human condition- as such Soaps should be avoided for nurturing young minds- its ok for the low horizoned individual- very much like lifelong sports supporters. buy your daughter books!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 5 (view)

Booked It, Packed It, Teletext Switched Off Posted: 7/17/2009 3:55:32 PM
no wonder its being finished- it wasn't fantastic but has got progressively worse especially since the digital switch over fiasco.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 35 (view)

Britain To Pay For New Prison In Nigeria !! Posted: 7/12/2009 3:25:13 AM
its agreat idea unless it sets a precedent. Otherwise we'll end up paying for quite afew foreign prisons. As to the notion that the Nigerian prisoners would refuse to go on human rights issues- its about time those who are convicted of violent crimes in this country are declared as outlaws for the duration of their sentences.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 5 (view)

Richard Dimbleby Lecture Given by Prince Charles Posted: 7/8/2009 4:27:20 PM
lets consider the carbon footprint of the royal family as part of this debate- if we did away with allof the royal families flights and holidays (including the bodyguards who fly with them) can we not reduce the carbon burden. lets get rid of them and return all of their wasteful estates/grromed gardens back to agriculture emphasising on local produce. and get those fat princesses to proper work (including all of those on the civil list)!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 22 (view)

on the plinth,what would you advertise? Posted: 7/8/2009 1:19:13 PM
a simple placard that reads If 650 MPs could reduce their expenses by £30,000 each we could have another 650 Mcmillan nurses in the UK.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 30 (view)

women and police officers Posted: 7/8/2009 1:12:56 PM
I guess the success rate of dodging tickets has direct correlation to how young and how pretty the woman is? The more chronologically challenged and gravitationally challenged may not be so lucky. Not breaking the law is also a successful method of not receiving tickets

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 24 (view)

Huggers Posted: 7/8/2009 1:05:00 PM
hugging at work: just tell him * only when naked"- wait one minute in silence and then tell him No chance! it will be remembered.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 10 (view)

To go back in time... IF ONLY! Posted: 7/8/2009 1:00:26 PM
just be alittle awkward the next time you meet- say nothing, perhaps drink an extra beer- its what us men do!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 27 (view)

Learn direct experiences? Posted: 7/7/2009 3:58:14 PM
I did some learn direct courses ( ECDL then more It related itemS) It was good for me since I went to the Learndirect center if I was stuck or for exams etc but I learnt at home- it seemed a happy compromise between going to college ( with spotty faced 16 yearolds!) or just being left with the computer course- The ECDl was funded- the later couses were assisted. best of luck whichever way you go.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 5 (view)

Discussion - Peter D. Schiff - Crash Proof Posted: 7/7/2009 3:44:14 PM
the cream always rises to the top.. or the thick clots- or the scum. its good to see that there is still an optimistic view to turn a negative to a positive, however the sub prime fiasco with many financial gains for the sell now see you later mob shows that there needs to better regulation of the banks for the public to regain confidence in the financial institutions. I guess its time for the roosevelt new deal again- or we need another war to make a profit.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 8 (view)

New Car Czar Deese Doesn't Drive American Posted: 7/7/2009 3:21:55 PM
I thought the American way was for free markets and celebrated competition which provokes better products? You dont need a guy to persuade you to buy american. the manufacturers should do that by themselves with better performing vehicles than the competition. Is there an american alternative to a porsche- for performance/handling? An alternative to Mercedes Benz ( many different models to choose from?) Innovations equal to or better than the asian competition? and with the might of Americas enginnering backbone - why isn't the USA not leading the way with alternative fuel vehicles ( dont want to hijack the thread but what is there available toyota prius or Honda Insight- whatever happened to the EV1 for instance)

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 41 (view)

Would you be happy to stand up during a flight? Posted: 7/7/2009 3:08:42 PM
Just another manipulation of the press- free publicity for Ryanair. whatever next? Coin slot operated oxygen masks life vests that self deflate after 30 minutes unless you have bought some extra "ryanair time" getting the passengers to be weighed with their baggage? I noticed the last time I flew with them the seat backs did not have a pocket or Sick bag available?- it really is cut to the bone already- then again £40 return from liverpool to IBiza I'm not complaining- I don't think I would travel with them for more than 2.5 hours though. it does make me wonder though- if they are so aggressive at cutting costs are there any shortcuts taken with maintenance/servicing?

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 79 (view)

How can we make roads safer for our children... Posted: 6/25/2009 4:25:05 PM
The town of Bohmte in Germany has removed all of its road signs traffic lights and lane markings including the kerbs in a radical way to improve safety- ther are less signs to distract drivers and pedestrians and motorists alike are now more vigilant when they travel through the common roads in this town- strangely -it all works better. i suppose it ties up with the definitive paper on Human factors and ergonomics bY George miller that postulates that the human brain at best can only deal with seven pieces of information simultaneously -so the less the better. I still think though that barriers /fences that keep kids or indeed adults away from the path of motor trafic is the best option.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 72 (view)

How can we make roads safer for our children... Posted: 6/25/2009 9:37:31 AM
how about feeding our children a high sugar and fat content diet so that not only are they more visible when they play, they will be less likely to stray too far away from the home, not to forget they will have their own mobile crash protection system in place.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 66 (view)

How can we make roads safer for our children... Posted: 6/23/2009 4:24:20 PM
the idea of increased building in the country is simply unsound there are countless Brownfield sites that would be better suited to housing development- near to the industries thereby minimising the commute- lessening traffic and therby reducing risk. Sadly Brownfield doesnt reward the developer as much as a new green field site ( it should though as costs for linkage to infrastructure should be lessened although rural properties often attract a premium. yet country roads are typically less safe by (lack of) design and the nearest hospital can often be three or four time the distance of acity A+E so roads can be made safer and not by the one dimensional thinking of speed bumps pinch points and street furniture (all of which can add to the road traffic collision periodicity and severeity) Roads can best be designed to be in the right places- no main roads between estates and town shops/amenities good A roads without two many delaying features (junctions/traffic lights etc) to stop people using Rat runs. strategic bridges and underpasses but ones which are convenient to use. not miles out of your way etc. Its not going to happen though-not with our government(both local and national) if you want to see good road planning in action try Dussseldorf or Cologne.

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 10 (view)

Holiday Pay for Friday, the 3rd of July? Posted: 6/23/2009 4:01:04 PM
it astounds me on how little holiday entitlement that people have in the USA 25 days holiday plus 9 public holidays being the norm in Great Britain. The company I work for did come up with a way of working for the situation you are in though. the solution was to let the employees work extra hours through the week to cover half of the day-the employer would then give the employee the other half to make up into a day- if the the employee only worked two hours extra the company would only give two hours so it rewarded the harder workers- got extra work done and minimised the cost to the employer- the final thing was that on the friday and the monday the workers could choose to be off on either day-so long as half the team remained at work to cover the business. so continued business nine to five the workers got their holiday (well 50%) the workers could see give and take in action the workers would see the business need and if there were any disgruntled employees just point out to them it only happens twice in seven years!

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 48 (view)

Q. What is our purpose in life? Posted: 6/22/2009 4:59:24 PM
We are but a grain of sand in a sea of time. The late paul eddington siad he wanted to be remembered for not doing anyone any harm. Another outlook is that we should leave the earth a better place than when we started. Both good policies methinks. and there are a plethora of philosophies on what we are here for- both religious and otherwise. yet if we spend all our time here thinking about it- we get nowt done in our three score and ten (if we are lucky) there is a Catalan ( or maybe Ibicencan) saying that translates as Eat well, drink well and Sh1t well becuase one day you will be dead- (no nonsense at least!) and when asked what his outlook was on life was Laurence Olivier simply said "Keep your eyes open and keep on going" which really is as simple as it gets-and it works for me- different strokes for different folks

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 28 (view)

Stop and search: white people held 'to balance racial statistics' Posted: 6/18/2009 4:37:50 PM
days after the London Bus bombing and underground bombings many ethnic minority groups complained about the air of suspicion and the looks they got on the bus and the tube from other passengers and I rememeber a heated debate at a bus stop about searches of peoples bags- predominately of Asian passengers- the Met policeman (just outside West ealing tube station)pointed out that many of the suspicious looks were from other asian passengers - and that everyone should accept the opinions - he was asian himself - I thought good on him for common-sense comments- but if a white anglo saxon made those comments then that would have brought out all the bleeding heart Looney liberals and been a different story. Its time to drop the Pc comments when thats not what we think- honesty is the best policy and is less condescending of ethnic minorities-

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 21 (view)

inventions Posted: 6/18/2009 9:22:52 AM
The bath for people with limited mobility with the door in the side. They have to sit in the bath while it is filling and then they have to wait until it is empty before they get out. A shower tray and shower provide a better alternative

johnconiston

Joined: 1/3/2007

Msg: 37 (view)

How can we make roads safer for our children... Posted: 6/17/2009 5:25:45 PM
I did my cycling proficiency at the age of ten - it served me well as I cycled 5 miles per day throughout my school years on the main road admitedly there is alot more traffic on the road these days and not so many men in front of vehicles with red flags etc. Speed Bumps - well named as sleeping policemen- they cause vehicles to have worn/damaged suspension and therfore slower stopping - they cause people to accellarate and brake harshly and they also increase stopping times becuase they create an unven road surface- they are well named as if we had more police out of the stations and on the streets enforcing better road behaviour then accidents would be a lot less. better wider road is one thing we should strive for with enough room for car and a bicycle to travel safely together although the cyling enthusiasts these days seem to think they have a God given right to ride two abreast and impede the taxpaying road user.

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