Always, it's not the government that are suggesting this, it's the opposition, so we have the chance to keep them out. The problem with tax is that few like paying it, yet when services are cut the same people complain. The truly rich people can just move to a country where tax is lower, companies just pass on the cost to us the consumer, tax the stock market and it's a tax on our pension funds, still the opposition have a history of robbing our pensions.
I will accept no rubbish from you ! I have 'entertained' you for a long time in this thread. I don't do what brb does ( he types 'blindly' - apparently ). No, I put in a lot of effort. Now,I expect to be rewarded with quality presents at Christmas - otherwise you'll all get my invoice for all the pleasure I have brought ! What the hell am I talking about ? Well it could happen if we were in the U.S.A ( but nowhere else ) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-34432595 this is what I'm on about QUOTE="Gordon Seamus O'Connor, post: 8447613, member: 1012390"] Here he is folks, @@alwaysright, destroying the throats of the resident not606 borefests by stuffing his monsterous cock of brain power down their throats. You've got them on the ropes mate, keep up the good work [/QUOTE]
More profit ? It's in the bag ! So tomorrow shops ( with 250+ employees ), will charge 5 pence per bag - for you to carry out your goods ( and provide free advertising for them ). This charge is NOT a tax payable to the Government treasury. Each shop is at liberty to do what they like with the money they collect. What they are 'expected' to do is 'donate' the money to 'good causes.' BUT how many of the shops will use it as an opportunity to 'recover' the cost of the (previously free) bags, - and thereby reducing their 'costs' ? -- or to put it another way -- to increase their profits. There is no compulsion for the money obtained by this 'charge' to be 'declared' by the retailer - and if his name happened to be Mr.Scrooge, you know exactly where the money will go. I'm all in favour of reducing plastic going to landfill - but the Government must force the retailer to disclose, ( under the Freedom of Information Act ), the actual number of bags they use each year - and how much they actually 'donate' ------ I can do the maths - to see if any of the money is being held back to offset costs - sorry, I meant to say - how much more profit is being 'bagged.'
Idiots - they're not intelligent enough to be called morons. ( and I'm not talking Hi Viz ). As you know I'm quite willing to 'fight' my own battles (Dickenson). But, occasionally it's nice to take a back seat - and that's what a couple of idiots should have done yesterday ! I was visiting a friend - to give my help with a D.I.Y project. I was going to be 'some time' and arrived early. I parked my car on the road, outside my friend's house ( making sure I was legally positioned ). I had loads of room - it seemed everyone had gone to work, leaving the road completely clear for about 50-60 yards either side of me - and on both sides of the road. I had 'my pick' of where to park ! During the course of the day other cars started to park nearby - but ( and for no justifiable reason ), they parked next to the opposite kerb. My car was beginning to 'stand out,' - just as if I had parked in contravention to some local 'custom.' I commented to my friend that I might move my car - to join these other cars. My friend told me that my car was 'fine where it is.' Later on more cars joined the 'others' on the other side of the road - but had left a gap between them ( opposite my car ) - which was plenty of room to allow passing traffic - until my friends' neighbour arrived home and parked her car in this'gap' - greatly reducing its' width - but still wide enough for cars to get through ( albeit very carefully - as should always be the case when driving ). We had witnessed her 'arrival' only because we had stopped for a cuppa and not concentrating on the d.i.y. At that same time another car approached the 'reduced-size gap.' The driver stopped in the middle of the road and stared at the gap and the cars on either side. Then she got out of her car and approached my friends' neighbour and had a few words with her. The 'first' driver then knocked on my friend's house and asked him to have my car moved - because it was causing a 'blockage.' I didn't want to cause any problems of domestic harmony for my friend and told him I would move my car - I was about to leave within the next 30 minutes and could park a little further down the road. But my friend told me to 'sit down - leave this to me.' My friend pointed out to the first driver that it was people like her that caused 'issues' relating to parking outside his house - because she regularly parked 2 of her 3 vehicles (including a van), outside his house ( she lives in the next road along ! ). My friend pointed out that my car was parked before any others in the area - and it was the others that were guilty of causing any 'blockage.' My friend then stated that, far from asking me to move my car, she should be asking his neighbour (who was the 'last' to arrive ),and who had chosen to park her car on the road - instead of her driveway !! At this suggestion the neighbour then spoke and said that she had every right to park on the road outside her house. My friend pointed out that my car was fully legal and had the exact same right of parking - and was 'here first.' The neighbour then said that I should move my car - because I had parked 'opposite' everyone else. My friend pointed out to her that she was being an idiot because, my car was FIRST in the area, and therefore all the other drivers had parked opposite me - not the other way round ! My friend then pointed out to the driver in the middle of the road that the road was not 'blocked.' There was enough room - " If you bother to drive carefully and slowly, you'll get through." My friend was right - but I did feel a little uneasy as it wasn't his car 'at risk' from an incompetent driver. The driver in the middle of the road wasn't impressed. She thought that my friends' lack of cooperation was "f***ing disappointing." ( at no time did my friend swear at this driver - or even 'raise his voice' during the discussion ). My friend then came out with a cracking retort. He told the driver " You might be disappointed with my lack of cooperation - but that disappointment must pale into insignificance when compared with the sense of disappointment you must experience with the lack of girth in your life." This was an absolutely brilliant insult for the woman's stupidity, ( if a little unfair to her fella's 'manhood' ) but, - I wish that I had thought of it. The driver then - carefully and slowly drove through the 'gap' -- as did the next few cars before it was my time to go home.
Even with MY warped sense of humour - I didn't think it was funny. During this week I've had to defend myself, on General Chat, against those who think it appropriate to make fun of tragic death. I don't often switch off my television( in disgust ), but last night it happened because of the 'humour' on offer. I was flicking through the channels - using my remote control - when I reached BBC3. Russell Howard's 'Good News' program was being broadcast. I have watched this program many times- so I am aware that the language is 'colourful' and compassion towards 'victims' of his jokes is not high on his agenda. The 'victims' of the jokes are teased - but there is no real harm done - only to their pride ! I haven't got a problem with 'teasing', and (allegedly), I haven't always been 'politically correct'. I am no 'shrinking violet' - but - there are limits ! The program was at a stage when a guest comedian would be 'doing a turn.' Last night there were two 'jokers' on stage - one of whom was holding a scruffy woolly dog. No.1 ( points to the dog and says ), " What have you got there ?" No.2 replied " What do you think it looks like ? It's a dog - it's not as if I've poured petrol over a tramp and set fire to him.!" Well, I'm not quite sure where that complied with the 'Good News' theme of the program's title. I was disgusted that 'humour' had reached such depths. There are poor victims of such circumstances of which these'clowns' thought was funny - and it certainly didn't need a pair of morons to suggest that 'torching a vagrant' could feature on Britain's got Talent. And I doubt (not), that it might encourage anyone to ...... no - I won't say it ! This moment of crass stupidity was in very poor taste - shame really - because Russell Howard always ends up with a heart breaking / tear jerking story of triumph over adversity that is 'Good News.' Oh well, It's no wonder I can't make people laugh any more !
Silly news is in short supply - so YOU do the maths ! http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.c...pe-united-official-match-preview-2752792.aspx At the end of the article, it gives you the fact that The Gills hve met Scunthorpe on 40 occasions. Gills have won 10 games. Scunthorpe have won 14 and 13 have been drawn. Apparently 10 + 14+ 13 = 40 ( it used to be 37, but you have to allow for inflation ! )
If they find a cure for dimentia, I think that they'd need to test it on themselves first. My mother had an appointment at a clinic in Rainham. It was scheduled for 5.30pm Wednesday (yesterday). I had taken the 'booking' over the phone - and actually tried to 'haggle' for an earlier appointment - but none was available. The arrangements had been referred by the 'parent' clinic in Chatham. We duly arrived at the appointed time - to be greeted as if we had two heads (each).. They couldn't find any record of my mother or her appointment ! They offered to contact the parent clinic - and handed me the phone. I was then told that they had changed the appointment to 09.50 that morning -- again at Rainham ( where they had NO record of my mum or the appointment ) !! I was told that they had sent a text to my sister-in-law - but nothing to patient ! ( when asked for a contact point when the original (Chatham ) consultation was made, my sister-in-law gave hers.) Sis-in-law explained that her number would not be the 'permanent' arrangement. I wasn't totally impressed - but what could I do ? The Chatham clinic then made an appointment for today, at Chatham - at 11.50. I did ask if they didn't mean pm ! I was assured it was 'am'. I was told that they'd send me a text 'to confirm.'...... will you be surprised if I tell you that they sent the text to my sister-in-law ? ........ anyway - we went to the Chatham clinic - arrived in good time and approached the reception desk. I gave my mother's details - and I even gave the name of the doctor with whom I spoke yesterday. As I did so I took a glance at the appointment schedule on the desk. ( I'm quite good at 'upside down' reading. ) My mother's name was NOT on the list !!!! - and they tried (failed, big time), to tell me that the appointments schedule was full ! - were they trying to give me 'the needle ?'
It's no joke ! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-34622572 There are times when I have to make myself unpopular (with a tiny fraction of the population) - I have to say " Get a grip! It's a clown. It's meant to be a figure of fun." Or don't parents teach that to children ? What next ? Will we see Santa Claus arrested as a *****phile and taken away from his grotto - having been tazered and handcuffed ? The only clowns in the article are the Police - for wasting any time in their investigation - let alone that they are still continuing in their enquiries ! The only clown that frightens me comes out at 3pm on Saturdays ( and sometimes 7.45pm on Tiuesday evening ) and scares everyone with his whistle.
Tony Blair - So Sky News and his best buddy the Murdoch Empire are reporting the Blair apology over Iraq. Well Mr Blair your apology is too late and you ought to be grasping at straws to save your neck, because he is a war criminal and should be tried as such, in the same way other despots have been held to account by the UK and the great and almighty United States of America. You decided to get in bed with the divine ruler Bush, you should now be left out to hang in the same way as the execution of Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity, albeit not literally unlike his foe. Just because we do not agree with the ways of many countries in the world, does not give us the right to go in blindly, as now in so many words you have finally admitted, and it has taken you over a decade to do so! However, rest assured i'm sure Murdoch will ensure his empire go gently on him.
brb I wonder if you've seen the Lest we forget' thread in GC ? ( I was asked for my help at post No.37). There's the usual 'colourful' language and differing opinions - probably most of them have some merit. I feel that modern declaration of war usually has the economic security of the 'Saviours' as its' main priority - whereas it should only concern the liberation of people suffering at the hands of Saddam et al. Blair hasn't apologised for getting rid of Hussain - which, in itself, was a good trhing - but we all know that countries like the U.S.A ( and its' 'puppy' Britain ), only jump in when there is a threat to the supply of oil, or some other threat to our economy ! There are so many other parts of the world where people are being oppressed and need saving - but they tend to be poor - and therefore of no economic advantage to us to 'interfere.'
Sad part about this is it was reported we invaded because of the threat of nuclear weapons, i don't understand why they didn't stick with the principle of Hussein killing 25k to 100k of his own people, not counting sending his own troops to their death in Kuwait. However, I quote; As far as we can tell, the US, under George W. Bush, purposely killed Iraqi combatants and accidentally and regretfully killed civilians in roughly the same numbers as civilians who were purposely and methodically killed by their own leader. End Quote. So George Bush with the aid of Blair killed the same number of people as SH and as a result we got rid of a despot but are now left with ISIS controlling vast swaths of Syria and Iraq!
I felt as if I was being treated like a criminal . It may come as a shock to some of you - but I do have my vices ! But theft is not one of them ! Today, I was tasked with doing this weeks' shopping and trundled down to Tesco's. I had enough bags for life ( or so I thought ), so there was no need to grab (and scan) any as I entered the store. I duly worked through my shopping list - scanned each item and bagged them before I reached the checkout. But I also selected a couple of large tins of biscuits (BOGOF) - for which I needed an additional dreaded plastic bag. I picked up a bag from a hook which was on the 'outside' of the self-scan till area. When I uploaded my shopping into the till, I added the 'acquisition' of the plastic bag - and the 5 pence charge was added to my invoice. I was then selected for a 'random' check. I wouldn't call it random when you end up being 'selected' 5 weeks out of the last 7 ! So, at this point the items of my shopping are scanned to ensure that I haven't 'missed' any. - and, of course, none were 'missing.' .....................now - at this point I must introduce a point of order - IF I had 'missed' scanning any items, there is no way that the shop can do anything to me with regards to any Police involvement - BECAUSE - I have NOT left the store. The act of theft can only be 'considered' AFTER you physically go through the door of the store - and even then there are six elements of the 'act' of 'theft' - EACH of which have to be proved before the commission of such an offence is 'complete.' With the system of self scanning, and to a slightly lesser extent, self-service tills, it is VERY plausible to claim that (a) you thought that you had scanned the item, or (b) you had forgotten to scan the item - because you 'automatically' put it into your trolley - ( still not being used to the custom of self scanning ). ............anyway --- the member of staff exercised their duty - and allowed me to pay and complete my shopping experience - only that wasn't over yet. I duly paid for my items (including the 5 pence charge for the additional plastic bag) - and headed for the exit. As I reached the front doors of the store I was stopped by a store 'detective.' ( I'm not sure if it was a species of human slightly more intellectual than the Hi Viz brigade.) DETECTIVE " Excuse me Sir, you haven't paid for that plastic bag." I'm surprised he wasn't wearing a hat with a blue flashing light on his head - for really maximum embarrassment it was causing me. I know I was wearing a striped shirt - but, trust me, I didn't have a mask ! The 'look' I got from other customers would have been enough to have convicted the Pope. I replied " Yes, I have." DETECTIVE. "But you didn't scan it when you picked it up." I replied " That's correct." ................ I decided that as he was treating me like an arse, I might as well act in like fashion ! ( sorry for the bad language ). DETECTIVE "So therefore you haven't paid for it." I really couldn't believe my ears. Was this idiot going to be the most stupidest person I am going to meet for a very long time to come ( or maybe before I encounter the Hi Vizzers at Walsall on Saturday ? ). I decided to put the buffoon ( as well as myself ), out of his misery. - BUT, I decided that, as I was still being embarrassed - in front of an audience ( a couple of whom had stopped to watch my 'interrogation'), that I would return the compliment . In a quite loud voice I said " I HAVE PAID FOR THIS ONE BAG - HERE, IT SAYS SO ON MY RECEIPT." I then thrust the receipt into his hands. He checked the item and returned the receipt to me and just uttered " Oh." ( NO APOLOGY !)
So while this idiot was even worrying about 5p (paid for), the liquor shelves were being dispensed of goods to inside jacket pockets by the local alcoholic....what a baffoon....tbh alwaysright i thought you was remarkably restrained, I think my retort would have been a lot less appealing. Having probably stuck the bag where the sun don't shine but only after asking him to try and scan it, assuming plastic bags don't have bar codes anyway!...which leads to CCTV which i assumed he used to watch you above the self scan tills, for the purpose of entrapment, so his over zealousness is bordering on criminal itself. I seriously think you have good grounds for complaint here. I think these situations are an ass anyway, how many times do supermarkets miss-charge customers at the till by much greater sums, maybe the baffoon could stop the store manager for similar theft from his customers! After all said and done, how much does this idiot get paid an hour and how many minutes were you stopped and embarrassed for....all for 5p, well that was a good 15 minutes x 10p min = £1.50 min he just cost Tesco at least if on min wage Great diversion though....I'll cut you a share of the booze i lifted laters
brb The hook for the bags, (next to the self-scan tills ) is directly opposite the store detective's 'station.' (directly inside the front doors of the shop). There is a barcode next to the hook for the purposes of scanning for each bag you pick up - or you can do what I did - that is enter the number of bags used when the till prompts you before you can pay. Although the station does have cctv to 'help' the detective - he never leaves his post - except to nab me before I dare to leave the store without paying for one bag -- although surely he must know that customers can disclose the bag usage at the tills !!! The store detective never goes to other parts of the store. The 'expensive', electronic goods are 'upstairs' and alcohol is at the 'far end' of the store. Frankly, if I was dishonest I could walk out with much and very expensive stuff. The 'diversion' of me stealing a bag is not dissimilar to many scams that I've seen - but the store operates on a 7% 'shrinkage' (as they call theft) - and given that they have a 20% 'mark up' on everything, they don't really care about shop lifting - However the store detectives will 'pick on' easy targets - rather than tackle anyone who would have shoved the bag into a bodily orifice if the chap dared to stop them. It's interesting that you mentioned about the store 'over charging' - because since I have started using the self scan devices, I have noticed the many occasions when the 'offer' price on the shelf hasn't shown up on my device. It (again) happened today - and I'm talking of over a £1 difference on each item - and yet they go chasing me for 5 pence for a bag for which I've already paid. As for complaining - well all I can do is shake my head in disbelief ( I've had plenty of practise with the Hi Viz chaps ). I decided that I made him look a complete dick when I shoved my receipt in his face - and that was enough to satisfy me ( on this occasion ).
Lost count the number of times ive seen shop lifters while the store detective is busy picking on easy targets, best one i saw was when a guy who was nicking booze went down to an aisle out of the site of CCTV and was using something to tear off the tagging devices. I expect the store detective was busy nicking another plastic bag buyer at the time!
Sometimes Tesco gets all it deserves in terms of shop lifting. On one occasion - when a woman complained that she had her bag stolen from her trolley - she asked if the store could check the cctv. She was in the alcohol aisle at the time of the theft. I overhead the staff tell her that they don't have cctv in that aisle !! and yet there was cctv in the cat food section !!!!
