brb, there are few benefits from getting old, please don't try taking away one of the few. And the reason we get up so early is the pain of our many ailments keep waking us up. That or we have to get up to go home.
It's not so much about getting up early - I think it has to do with you forgetting to go to bed ! (alzheimers)
The chap was an anus ( or something more graphic ), - and was talking out of it ! Over the weekend, I watched a program involving the work of bailiffs. One case featured an Asian family - who've lived in Britain for 12 years and paid NO rent for their accomodation. ( they were supposed to pay half, with the tax payer footing the rest ). Eventually the local council took legal action - and a High Court writ was issued to evict the family. Astonishingly - when the bailiffs turned up, the 'man' of the household claimed that the High Court ruling was racism ! He also accused the bailiffs of racism for following instructions of the Judge. I was appalled at this outburst. It illustrates my recent point in posts, that when the 'race card' is used maliciously, it will do more harm than good - and can 'cause' racism where none exists - bigots don't need an open invitation !........................................ .............. mind you, I was intrigued that the council took 12 years to do something about the defaulters. Several years ago, I had been paying my Council Tax, by installment at the local office. For the fist 9 of the 10 payments, I was always between one and almost four weeks 'ahead' of schedule, For the 10th payment I would wait until my pay day -- which never fell more than 5 days 'after' my last council tax of the year was 'due'. Every bloody year I got a threatening letter from the Council - threatening to cut off my testicles if immediate payment wasn't made.... and the letter usually arrived 'after' I had made that final payment of the year...... and the above family are given a free house - and pay nothing for 12 years --- not only that - but the baliffs told them that, as the family were now homeless and had children, the Council had a duty of care to provide them with emergency housing !!! Presumably with the same (non) rent situation ? Why did the Council bother ?....... Everybody is an anus ( alright, I mean arse ) - and I'm the biggest one because I can pay - that's why the Council hit me with their sledgehammer
Well Done, GFC & Thank you ! One Compliment deserves another ! What a fiasco ! In the end common sense prevailed ! I can't decide on the title of this post - you decide. edit.... O T i C has hinted that the title should be B O L L O X E D ...... he's probably right .... because that's exactly how I felt. I've not been slow in criticising the treatment of STH - so I think it only fair for me to heap some praise for the result the Club chose to address my dilemma today. Thank you for the two complimentary tickets I received -- and in return, I shall purchase two extra tickets for Tuesdays game v Swindon. Right - that's the pleasantries out of the way - now let me tell you about the nonsense I had to endure in order to qualify for their gesture of goodwill. On Thursday morning, I visited the ticket office ( at 10am ) to buy my tickets for Scunthorpe and Shrewsbury . The personnel in the office were not the 'usual' staff - and it was painfully slow in them eventually finding the tickets - but - they told me that the ticket numbers had not been put onto the data base - and wouldn't be there until 11am. This is despite the fact that their Official Website saying the tickets would be online by 9am ! I told them that I had made a 100 mile trip to Gillingham ( for family reasons ) - and that I was on my way home - surely I could buy two tickets - and those numbers wouldn't be put on the data base ! " Oh yeah - that's a good idea. "..... so I got my tickets ( with only a small amount of pain ). On Friday morning, I was in a position where two guests wanted to see the Bury game. So I telephoned the Club. I asked if I could use my 2 free ticket voucher from my season ticket book. " Yes. " The member of staff took my reference number, and processed the required seats. I explained that I would pick them up at the relevant kiosk after 1pm ( as per normal ). The member of staff told me to surrender the voucher at point of pick up ( as per normal ). So, guess what happened when I ( and my guests ) arrived at the collection point ??? Well - you're nearly right ! In fact the guy in front of me was told that his complimentary tickets weren't there !! He would have to go to the main office and make his enquiries......... So what happened to me ? exactly the same ! I wasn't impressed - but made no fuss - it wasn't the fault of the chap behind the window. So, I trudged off to join the long queue at the main office - and eventually got to the front - and that's when the farce began. The staff member wasn't able to find my 'reserved' tickets - and didn't know what to do -- I would have to speak to a 'senior' member of staff - two along from his position..... well I wasn't going to join the end of the queue !!! - and stepped in when he became 'free.' I explained why I was at his 'position'. At this point he 'hit' me with a whopper ! " Today's game isn't a Category B game and you can't use the voucher in your season ticket book."............. WHAT ? When did that happen ??? I asked the senior staff member " How am I supposed to know that ? - there''s nothing in the media or signs outside the ground to state the point." Reply " Well the Chairman has stated that today's game and the Swindon game are not Category B games, so I'm very sorry, but you can't use the vouchers." I had to keep my cool - but was fuming ! I asked " So, why wasn't I told all of this when I phoned to reserve my 'complimentary' tickets ? Why did your staff take my request, ask for my reference details and explained the pick up procedure - and ask me to relinquish my voucher ? Are you telling me that your staff didn't know their job ? Maybe they didn't know that the game wasn't Category B ?" I explained that there was absolutely nothing to tell anyone of the Category status of the games. It was not fair for fans to make such discovery at such a late time before the game. I said that my trip for a home game is a 100 + mile journey. I did not have enough money to pay for two extra tickets - and neither did my guests. " What should I tell them - wait outside the ground for a couple of hours- whilst I watched the game -- because they can't go home as they came in my car !" The senior staff member then asked me for the name of the person who I spoke to on the phone. I said " How would I know -I couldn't see their face.!" I was then told that all staff give their name when they answer the phone ! What a load of cock ! I was struggling to keep from doing a Victor Meldrew. I just about managed to politely refute this claim. I did say that the person who I spoke to sounded like the guy who had 'served' me on Thursday - when I eventually got my (away) tickets. This guy conceded that he didn't usually work in the ticket office and apologised for delaying me. I gave a visual description of this guy to the senior member who was telling me that I couldn't use my voucher... When I had given this description to the senior staff member, the senior chap told me -- " That sounds like the Chief Executive Officer." I asked " So if the man in charge doesn't know what he's doing, and doesn't know that the game isn't a Category B match - and if there's nothing in the media or on signs outside the ground, where does that leave me ? Under the circumstances, it's not unreasonable for me to ask for some common sense." At this point the senior chap made a phone call - after which he handed me two complimentary tickets ( and didn't take my voucher ), and apoligised for my confusion !
OTiC -- does that mean you didn't read my post ? That would actually be a pity because my 'adventure' couldn't be confined to 'one line.' The whole story had to be told in detail - and sadly illustrates one of many reasons why Gills is a club run by primates. ................ I certainly do not have the imagination to fabricate the nonsense that I suffer -- it's all true - and I feel that I am the one that has been 'bolloxed.' There is nothing on the Official site about Swindon not being a Category B game ! Am I supposed to ask each time I book up for tickets ? - well - I did ask if I could use my voucher. The Chief Executive officer said "Yes."......................... I'm sorry that I was confused in expecting to actually use the worthless piece of paper !
And they say that crime doesn't pay! http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/jailed-drug-dealer-told-to-100930/ So this fine figure of our society has 'made' £467,500 ( of which we know ), from drug dealing. This of course, is tax free ! He has spent around £202,000 and has invested the rest in property. The judge has given him a 12 year jail sentence -- but, with 'good behaviour,' he will be out in about 6 years. Even over 12 years it comes to about £39,000 a year. ( with income tax and NI etc it would mean that he'd have to find a job paying around £1,000 a week --- and actually do some work ). Divided by 6 years and he was coining it at a rate of £ 78,000 a year. ( that we know of ) The judge has threatened to extend the sentence by 3 years if the chap doesn't pay £265,000 from his proceeds of crime -- I say - take his property and give him another three years. The sentence hardly covers what he should have paid in income tax if he had a job that paid the huge sums of money that the guy 'acquired' ( without exerting himself too much ). What incentive is there for this guy to agree to surrender his property ( valued about £265,000 -- from the proceeds of crime ) - when if he refuses to do so, he'll probably only have to serve another year & half in jail ( at the tax payers expense. ) ( that works out at over £176,000 a year )-- would you agree to hand over the money ? ................ if it had been me in the dock - I'd be laughing so much that I'd be in contempt of court.
The trouble with Mexico's economy - if only they could think of a way of raising money - perhaps impose 'fines' on drug dealers instead of killing them ! .............I'm not suggesting we have their form of summary justice - but maybe they can truly say that crime doesn't pay.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-37127164
Before you complain - DON'T read ALL of the link ! - it get's a bit 'heavy' towards the end - besides - this is the best I can do today ! It might be mediocre - but at least I'm trying ! ( some would say 'very' ) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37108240 We can't all be winners. However, I do feel that the article is a little unfair on anyone who at least 'tries'. That has always been my minimum requirement when watching The Gills. I can accept defeats, ( even 0-5 ), as long as the players have 'tried' --- it's a pity that we have a team so adept in the art of kakonomics ! ( and it's apt that the first syllable is 'kak' )
This one's ONLY for brb - but he must read it whilst playing a violin, and with a bleeding heart http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1fKs1HFYrVgrX02xd9hnSxp/life-after-football
I'm in tears and my heart is bleeding for them....truly....honest gov....oh what a load of pony hahaha
The French government should be ashamed with themselves http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37198479 It is an absolute disgrace that they should ban people from wearing a burkini. If anything, this costume demonstrates a degree of modesty - that might not go amiss with some less flattering and or revealing attire - and, of course, in terms of solar safety - it affords a lot of protection from the sun - and doesn't look a lot different to a wet suit. I'm no prude - but what right has the French ministers to dictate that this particular costume is offensive - and, at the risk of incurring anyone's wrath - anyone who takes exception to the burkini is a very shallow person....... 'clothes do not maketh the man.'
Many years ago when Carol and I toured the middle east, Carol had to wear clothing that covered her body and head when in public places, were we upset by these rules, of course not, it's their country and you adapt to their rules or don't go there. The Burkini rule was to avoid the wearer from Islamaphobia attacks, yet here we are criticising the French Authorities, the same Authorities that have excepted many more Muslims than most European countries.
Grumpygit I can respect any viewpoint that dignifies every human - and recognises their human rights. The French claim to be a Christian country, yet the burkini ( or - at least, that 'style' of clothing ), allegedly contravenes the secular constitution of France !! - shameful ! ( the original reason for the ban ). I understand the fear that terrorism has struck in people ( not just the French ) - but to deny a person the right to wear clothing that depicts their belief ( in this case - that of modesty of dress ), is an insult - The French government might just as well come out and claim that all Muslims are terrorists - because that is definitely what is happening - if not in as many words. The World should be vigilant to the real threat of terrorism - but it shouldn't become paranoid about one group of people - who, as part of their religious beliefs, wear a specific set of clothes................. and on a similar theme, the ban on even discreet crucifixes by some companies is a nonsense.......... perhaps we should be worried that anyone who purports to be a Christian, is actually a member of the I.R.A. I do worry about terror attacks throughout the World - but, I'm not sure if it's not scaremongering to suggest that all Muslims want to kill you - even the ones having a swim with their family down at the local beach.
ALL FRENCH PEOPLE ARE BIGOTS ! Of course I DON'T mean that. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37209605 The story in the link is worse than the burkini nonsense. I wouldn't eat in the restaurant if you paid me. The attitude displayed by the restaurant is nothing less than indiscriminate racism. It is NOT anything to do with mere clothing - because I'm fairly sure that I wouldn't be refused service at the restaurant if I turned up in a burka ! I have considered boycotting all things French - as a protest to the disgraceful behaviour towards Muslims - but I won't. I will accept that not ALL French people are racists - maybe only the Ministers who should be ashamed of themselves to have created laws that 'demand' bigotry ! - the greater majority of decent French people don't deserve the embarrassment that their Government, and a few small minded individuals heap on them. I will not be appeased by being told that the burkini ban has been revoked - it should not have been invoked in the first place ! mind you - it's not only the French - Among my friends, I have a few who originate from 'Europe.' The treatment they have had from some fine, upstanding ' Britons ' since Brexit is scandalous. One of my friends is a surgeon- coincidentally, he's French ! I wonder if Mr.Bigot would object to being operated on by my friend if his life depended on it ? 'We are all Charlie' ? (hypocrites - but not all)
And whilst I'm bashing (some) French people, this must never happen http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37211267 If these people are seeking political asylum, they can do so in the first safe country into which they have 'escaped.' Clearly the asylum involved is one of a desire of economic migrancy into Britain - and the UK government should not support the French regional president. If the asylum seekers cannot prove their status as political refugees - they need to be deported by France. ( not to Britain - but back from whence they came ). BREXIT - We are soon to divorce from the EU. Regardless of how you voted, if we are to get anything out of voting 'LEAVE', we need to stop being walked on when it comes to legislation. Britain cannot afford its' own bloody scroungers - let alone those of the whole World !
I'm not sure if India is any better http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-37182206 Has the whole World gone mad ?
How to win friends and influence people. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37236263 I appreciate that one argument is that Swindon will have matchday expenses - but to charge full price ( one of the highest in L1 ), especially to away fans is sheer greed. Common sense would suggest that anyone with a ticket for the original game should be charged no more than half price....... whenever will some Chairmen learn ?
Sometimes, even I don't know enough swear words to describe some people http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/37244208 How about I suggest that the paramedics cut off her feet - then they wouldn't hurt ! ( cutting out her tongue might be better )
