Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Topic started by: LEE on 06 December, 2013, 03:18:53 pm

Title: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 06 December, 2013, 03:18:53 pm
I'm out of Lavazza ground coffee and forced to drink instant all afternoon.


Note.  In case you were wondering this is a place to get sympathy for those hardships that only really affect people in affluent "First World" countries.

For example, it could be that John Lewis were sold out of Tagines and you were forced to serve your dinner guests from a normal casserole dish (Oh..the humanity).

Any starving Sub-Saharan Africans, or flooded from your homes Asians should start their own thread, this is for serious stuff.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Clare on 06 December, 2013, 03:31:15 pm
You are not 'forced' to drink instant, you have chosen to. Quit whinging, get on your bike and go and get some coffee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 06 December, 2013, 03:34:26 pm
But it's cold out and the car takes ages to heat up and the shop is a mile away.

That's how to score a Hat-Trick of First World problems.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 06 December, 2013, 03:35:20 pm
Surely you are waiting a delivery from your organic veg box supplier too?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 06 December, 2013, 03:40:41 pm
I think we may be running out of dishwasher tablets.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: darkpoint on 06 December, 2013, 03:41:33 pm
Earlier in the year I had a head cold, so I was making hot toddies to aid my recovery.
Only I had run out of blended whisky and had to choose which of the 10 different malts I had in the cupboard I should use instead…
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 06 December, 2013, 03:42:29 pm
But it's cold out and the car takes ages to heat up and the shop is a mile away.

That's how to score a Hat-Trick of First World problems.

Damn, you are good at this! ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 December, 2013, 03:45:03 pm
But it's cold out and the car takes ages to heat up and the shop is a mile away.

Go to Tescos instead; they have free parking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Valiant on 06 December, 2013, 04:23:33 pm
The heating is cranked up full, but I'm still cold. I don't want to put on a jumper cos I'm more comfy in tshirts.

Does this count?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pippa on 06 December, 2013, 04:27:13 pm
I had ouchy injections in my feet the other day. I couldn't walk properly for a couple of days. This is to stop my feet hurting when I ski.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 06 December, 2013, 04:32:10 pm
I'm having to fly Easyjet rather than BA to get home tonight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 06 December, 2013, 05:07:50 pm
I think we may be running out of dishwasher tablets.

Perfect. Is Geldof aware? I sense a Benefit Concert in the making.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 06 December, 2013, 06:13:10 pm

I think we may be running out of dishwasher tablets.

Perfect. Is Geldof aware? I sense a Benefit Concert in the making.

Can we call it Rinse-aid? Someone call Bono.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 December, 2013, 07:50:47 pm
I think we may be running out of dishwasher tablets.

That nearly happened to me once. I sent the maid to Waitrose in the Bentley as soon as the chauffeur had finished servicing my wife.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 December, 2013, 08:03:24 pm
Amber alert: Gin state parlous.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 December, 2013, 08:05:39 pm
Sainsbury's had no normal lettuce and I had to buy iceberg.  Call Michael Buerk, I'll be on the news at 9.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 December, 2013, 08:42:10 pm
Roger sinks four hours after eating iceberg
But the kids played on
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 08 December, 2013, 04:48:13 pm
NATS
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bikenrrd on 08 December, 2013, 06:23:04 pm
The locally produced Genever I bought in Ghent last year is almost finished, I can't find it on the internet and I'm not scheduled to go to Belgium until next Spring!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 December, 2013, 06:55:32 pm
There were only 10 frazzles in my bag of frazzles.  Ersatz Sainsbury's frazzles, that is.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 08 December, 2013, 06:57:37 pm
There's a street light out about 200m from my house.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 09 December, 2013, 08:54:38 am

My stock of Honduras La Fortuna Cup of Excellence coffee I enjoyed so much is now depleted. I can't buy any more because it was only one year that produced a spectacular crop and it's all used up now. Woe...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 09 December, 2013, 09:09:30 am
The ring pull bit on my can of tuna came off with the lid only partially opened. I had to use my electric can opener to get at the contents.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 December, 2013, 09:41:50 am
I have discovered that my bar of Kingdom rhubarb flavoured chocolate has been snaffled.   :'(

Worse, the organic semi-skimmed milk has been consumed so I had to soak my organic porridge oats and organic sultanas in council pop!   :hand:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 December, 2013, 11:41:19 am
A ripping error meant I had 24 instances of "Dangerous" by Canvey Island's finest exponents of Rhythm and Blues on my Sansa Clip, instead of all of volume 2 of "25 years of Doctor Feelgood".

I'll get over it though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 09 December, 2013, 11:55:25 am
The 3G speed available on my iPad at the office seems to have slowed down to a trickle and I can no longer stream Radio Four.  I might have to resort to FM.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Riggers on 09 December, 2013, 12:02:25 pm
I've got to cycle to our local pet shop at lunchtime to buy a replacement tropical fish tank fluorescent light. I hope it's just the light that's gorn!!  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 December, 2013, 01:02:48 pm
The crisps provided with the lunch on this training course are soggy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 09 December, 2013, 01:49:02 pm
The grape on my fruit kebab stick was wrinkly and soggy and tasted like sulphur at lunchtime today.

My heart is actually crying for some of you though.  My grape related problems are as nothing compared to yours.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 09 December, 2013, 02:00:05 pm
The McDonalds closest to my office has closed. I will have to walk another couple of minutes to reach the next nearest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 09 December, 2013, 02:56:29 pm
The paper shop nearest to work didn't have a Guardian.  I had to read Private Eye over my lunch.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 09 December, 2013, 03:06:01 pm
This thread is moving me to the point of tears.  I cannot imagine how some of you brave, brave people are coping.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: robgul on 09 December, 2013, 03:17:24 pm
Years ago a friend of mine (working in publishing) lost his fairly well paid job ... went home and told his wife .. her first comment "What about he children's school fees?"

Priceless  (but no MasterCard!)

Rob
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 09 December, 2013, 03:24:09 pm
This thread is moving me to the point of tears.  I cannot imagine how some of you brave, brave people are coping.

Oh, it got worse.  I couldn't find any falafels or feta, so I had to substitute halloumi in my salad.  Can you imagine? :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 09 December, 2013, 03:30:49 pm
I have half a tub of Waitrose's finest guacamole to finish off. But I'm all out of tortilla chips.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 December, 2013, 03:32:37 pm
I wondered what had happened to my halloumi.   

I've got to leave the warm of my office and go downstairs to make coffee. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 09 December, 2013, 04:04:09 pm
I'm being taken to court for non payment of council tax.

(I haven't really got this thread, have I?)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 09 December, 2013, 04:26:55 pm
The McDonalds closest to my office has closed.

Consider moving this to "The Good News Thread"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 09 December, 2013, 04:27:41 pm
Which car do I use for customer visits tomorrow?
The gas guzzling 4WD with integrated Bluetooth, built in sat-nav and cruise control or the economical but comical hatchback, with easy to steal Tom-Tom and no legal way of using my mobile phone?

PS How will I cope without DAB radio on my journey?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 December, 2013, 04:30:37 pm
I'm being taken to court for non payment of council tax.

(I haven't really got this thread, have I?)

I helped a lady win such a case recently.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 09 December, 2013, 04:46:06 pm
I'm being taken to court for non payment of council tax.

(I haven't really got this thread, have I?)

Is East Anglia in the First World? ;D

And sympathy with the bad news, btw.  I've just won a battle with Sutton over the council tax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 December, 2013, 09:26:35 pm
I'm being taken to court for non payment of council tax.

(I haven't really got this thread, have I?)

I once found myself in court because of my perfectly legal political campaigning. Which world does that fit into?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 10 December, 2013, 08:11:14 am
The mirror in my hotel bathroom isn't heated. How am I supposed to shave?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 December, 2013, 08:25:51 am
I'm feeling unwell, my tablet needs a charge and the charger and lead are out of reach of my bed.   :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 December, 2013, 08:36:52 am
There were no hot sausage baps for sale in Sainsbury's this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: urban_biker on 10 December, 2013, 10:11:56 am
My kids and wife are ill (minor chest infection), I have a mouth ulcer, and my mouth is now even more sore thanks to the attentions of the dental hygienist.

Oh - and I have to go an walk the dog in a minute and I'm feeling lazy.


How many points is that?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 10 December, 2013, 10:18:12 am
The booze fridge is full so I've had to start stashing stuff in the garage. That means I have to go OUTSIDE to get it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 10 December, 2013, 10:32:20 am
Despite being in a sealed bag in the freezer, I am beginning to suspect that my Konga Washed Yirgacheffe beans are past their prime. 

I'd still rather make coffee from an old roast than have to go to the in-house Costa concession but I'm perilously low on unbleached filter papers, so this might actually have to happen.

Oh, the crushing indignity  :-[
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 10 December, 2013, 10:37:52 am
My delivery of Spiced Abyss hot chocolate arrived, but 2 of the containers had popped in transit.

I now smell of chocolate, vanilla, cardomon & chilli and have brown stains all over me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 10 December, 2013, 12:17:17 pm
My sister has run out of suet for making Christmas grub and I've got to find a quick way of sending some to Italy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 10 December, 2013, 12:31:43 pm
My sister has run out of suet for making Christmas grub and I've got to find a quick way of sending some to Italy.

Tell he to go out and grate a cow!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 10 December, 2013, 12:54:44 pm
My sister has run out of suet for making Christmas grub and I've got to find a quick way of sending some to Italy.

Tell he to go out and grate a cow!

There aren't any where she lives!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 10 December, 2013, 06:15:13 pm
I am really quite cross about this. The Times2 Crossword:
"Pleasantly low temperature" (6)

Further Hint:
(click to show/hide)

Answer:
(click to show/hide)

What?!? Who has ever heard of this word. I feel a letter to the Editor coming on ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 10 December, 2013, 06:37:57 pm
I am really quite cross about this. The Times2 Crossword:
"Pleasantly low temperature" (6)
What?!? Who has ever heard of this word. I feel a letter to the Editor coming on ...
I've heard of it. I've even used it. Mind, I've never been sure whether it was 'real' or not.
Quote from: www.oxforddictionaries.com
coolth
Pronunciation: /kuːlθ/
noun
[mass noun]
1pleasantly low temperature:
the coolth of the evening
2 informal the quality of being fashionable:
the pinnacle of 1960s coolth
Origin:

mid 16th century (but rare before the 20th century): from cool + -th2
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/coolth (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/coolth)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 December, 2013, 07:10:38 pm
I have heard, and used, the word "coolth" but only expected it to exist in the same lexicon as "molish".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 10 December, 2013, 11:09:00 pm
My smartphone, that sits about 3 feet away, tells me I have mail. Should I a) switch off the phone or b) check my inbox. What a dilemma. Oh, and my XL onesies that arrived today are nothing but XL and I have to return them.

Slightly OT, I just watched Dubya get booed, so all is not totally unwell.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 11 December, 2013, 02:14:53 pm
My delivery of Spiced Abyss hot chocolate arrived, but 2 of the containers had popped in transit.

I now smell of chocolate, vanilla, cardomon & chilli and have brown stains all over me.

... and that, Your Honour, concludes the case for the defence ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 11 December, 2013, 02:41:04 pm
I have run out of caramelised red onion chutney.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 11 December, 2013, 02:41:29 pm
I have Danish Blue in the fridge, but far prefer Stilton or St Agur; so I'll just have to leave off the port for a bit.   :-\ 

Who's the current 'leader'   ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 11 December, 2013, 03:05:29 pm
I am really quite cross about this. The Times2 Crossword:
"Pleasantly low temperature" (6)

Further Hint:
(click to show/hide)

Answer:
(click to show/hide)

What?!? Who has ever heard of this word. I feel a letter to the Editor coming on ...

mid 16th century (but rare before the 20th century):  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: closetleftie on 11 December, 2013, 03:15:52 pm
The booze fridge is full so I've had to start stashing stuff in the garage. That means I have to go OUTSIDE to get it.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Oh, the humanity!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Thor on 13 December, 2013, 10:59:25 am
Mrs Thor bought so much wine in Sainsburys recent 25% off offer that I haven't room to stash it all in the cellar*

* the cupboard under the stairs
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 December, 2013, 07:08:44 pm
I've got a BOGOF:

1. Schweppes and Sainsbury's - thanks to your respectively very similar livery and inattention, I am in possession of 3 bottles of slim line tonic. I think I'd rather drink the devil's piss.

2. Stupid fridge. I was going to make a great fishy dinner for tea, but you appear to have par-frozen the fish and made ice-cream out of the cream for the sauce.
Better sort yourself out cos if I have to go fridge freezer shopping in the new year it'll be the frying pan of spang for you.

^The above post may contain traces of rant.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 December, 2013, 07:38:06 pm
Bugger.  No cheap chicken breast in the butchers this evening so I've had to use organic chicken breast forthe rogan josh.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 December, 2013, 07:38:31 pm
I am really quite cross about this. The Times2 Crossword:
"Pleasantly low temperature" (6)

Further Hint:
(click to show/hide)

Answer:
(click to show/hide)

What?!? Who has ever heard of this word. I feel a letter to the Editor coming on ...

We used it frequently in uk.rec.sheds...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 December, 2013, 07:40:36 pm
Bugger.  No cheap chicken breast in the butchers this evening so I've had to use organic chicken breast forthe rogan josh.
Surely that makes it rogan murgh.

Someone is using food words wrongly on the internet - First World Problem!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 December, 2013, 07:57:24 pm
No, it was not buttered chicken.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Clare on 13 December, 2013, 08:04:10 pm
I have a cold and somebody is working late.

How the hell am I supposed to get my glass recharged with the medicinal port?

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 December, 2013, 08:04:38 pm
Isn't rogan josh a 'red meat' dish?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 December, 2013, 08:12:16 pm
Some of the LEDs on the Christmas lights have died.  Chinese shite again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 December, 2013, 08:13:20 pm
Isn't rogan josh a 'red meat' dish?

Oh how first world ...   ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 14 December, 2013, 01:31:00 pm
Have to travel to South Africa in the New Year to visit a client. Requested BA Premium Economy. Unfortunately that violated the client's (who's picking up the tab) travel policy so I have to go Virgin Upper Class instead.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: kombokim on 14 December, 2013, 03:50:56 pm
Run out of instant coffee! Looks like I'll have to brew some proper coffee. Oh what to do, Columbian or Kenyan?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 14 December, 2013, 03:54:14 pm
Have to travel to South Africa in the New Year to visit a client. Requested BA Premium Economy. Unfortunately that violated the client's (who's picking up the tab) travel policy so I have to go Virgin Upper Class instead.



Could be me flying you!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 14 December, 2013, 04:25:17 pm
I now have more logs and kindling than I have room for in the store.
Oh the problems!  We're going to have to have several unnecessary fires.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 December, 2013, 09:05:37 am
Have to travel to South Africa in the New Year to visit a client. Requested BA Premium Economy. Unfortunately that violated the client's (who's picking up the tab) travel policy so I have to go Virgin Upper Class instead.



Could be me flying you!

Out on the 12th back on the 17th? If it is you can we aerobatics like last time ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 15 December, 2013, 12:54:49 pm
Sadly, no - I'm out on 23rd. Aerobatics? Hmmm.... ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 December, 2013, 01:06:49 pm
I mustn't have shaken the juice carton very well this week because the final pour had a lot of bits in.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 15 December, 2013, 07:51:14 pm
I've lost my sugar thermometer. Some of my fudge is grainier than I prefer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 15 December, 2013, 08:15:51 pm
I went to grind some pepper on my lunch today and the grinder's batteries were flat. I had to, sorry - it hurts to say this, put ready ground, WHITE pepper on instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 15 December, 2013, 08:46:25 pm
Do you need counselling?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 15 December, 2013, 10:00:06 pm
I went for a bite to eat with my sister-from-Australia this evening.  The first two pubs we tried didn't serve food in the evening.   Fortunately the town is rammed with restaurants so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. And I'd had a big lunch.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 15 December, 2013, 10:23:00 pm
Do you need counselling?
I think so, as the sea salt has run out as well...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 15 December, 2013, 10:24:21 pm
OMG, it's a goddam disaster area! :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 15 December, 2013, 10:33:05 pm
I've been playing Gloria Gaynor all day since.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 16 December, 2013, 09:33:25 am
Have to travel to South Africa in the New Year to visit a client. Requested BA Premium Economy. Unfortunately that violated the client's (who's picking up the tab) travel policy so I have to go Virgin Upper Class instead.

Sounds a bit like our travel policy.  If the flight is over X hours then the minimum class is Business.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 19 December, 2013, 11:52:55 pm
The anodising on my garlic press dissolved in the dishwasher, and now the garlic goes black.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 20 December, 2013, 09:05:28 am
While removing my poached egg from the pan, I split the yolk and it all ran out into the water.

FFS.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 20 December, 2013, 09:06:31 am
Oh citoyen, the relentless vicissitudes that you must suffer.

For my part, the spring clip has broken from the back of my MP3 player and I can no longer attach it to my clothing, reducing its convenience considerably.

The frustration is overwhelming.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 20 December, 2013, 09:14:09 am
How can anyone endure?  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 20 December, 2013, 09:54:49 am
How can anyone endure?  :o

It's a hard life, but, hey, KBO.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 20 December, 2013, 11:28:57 am
No chili-lime crisps, 11 other types but not what I want, I might have to starve  :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 20 December, 2013, 02:09:41 pm
Toilet paper layers separating for the whole roll.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 20 December, 2013, 02:48:09 pm
Toilet paper layers separating for the whole roll.

I hate that - so we have quilted.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2013, 02:50:39 pm
Quilted paper is a First-World problem all of its own. Like TV Dinner Trays.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 December, 2013, 05:12:35 pm
Toilet paper layers separating for the whole roll.

They're out of sync.  Flip the outer layer round the roll and they should meet up again.

#firstworldsolutions
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 20 December, 2013, 05:48:20 pm
They're out of sync.  Flip the outer layer round the roll and they should meet up again.

Doesn't work for a bad case.

As if any case of toilet roll asynchronousity is bad compared to third world problems of not even having decent toilets, let alone luxury toiler paper.  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: peliroja on 20 December, 2013, 06:23:05 pm
My preferred dog jumper manufacturer isn't making the one with zips in over Christmas.  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 December, 2013, 10:23:58 am
The champagne was warm and flat at last night's do.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: epa611 on 21 December, 2013, 12:23:54 pm
My masticating juicer is on the Fritz. Having to get the maid to squeeze my oranges by hand using the Alessi :-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ewan Houzami on 22 December, 2013, 01:39:05 pm
For some reason, neither of my local supermarkets stock Fettucine any longer, leaving me in the unenviable position of having to decide whether to buy Linguine or Tagliatelle for my Ragú.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 December, 2013, 03:39:28 pm
For some reason, neither of my local supermarkets stock Fettucine any longer, leaving me in the unenviable position of having to decide whether to buy Linguine or Tagliatelle for my Ragú.

I can't find Orecchiette anywhere.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 22 December, 2013, 10:20:26 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 December, 2013, 10:28:43 pm
Sainsbury's could not supply the pork loin joint I had wanted to serve for dinner on 25 December.

We will have to have either:

The pork crackling joint or
the turkey leg joint or
the chicken or
the roast beef.

Bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 22 December, 2013, 10:44:37 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

that's a universal and not just first world problem  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 22 December, 2013, 11:07:05 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

that's a universal and not just first world problem  :(

But I had to crack open the Burgundy I was saving for Wednesday!

Does nobody understand the trauma!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 22 December, 2013, 11:21:07 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

that's a universal and not just first world problem  :(

But I had to crack open the Burgundy I was saving for Wednesday!

Does nobody understand the trauma!

You forgot to mention that;  It's a disaster
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 22 December, 2013, 11:26:13 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

that's a universal and not just first world problem  :(

But I had to crack open the Burgundy I was saving for Wednesday!

Does nobody understand the trauma!

You forgot to mention that;  It's a disaster

It was remiss of me to mention it, I just assumed that it would be understood.

Now that's also gone, and I find myself drawn towards to laid-down port. The only thing stopping me is that I'd have to move the hoover and about a hundredweight of mrs_o's old, retired (aka "worn once") shoes to get to it.

Time to check the wine rack again...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 23 December, 2013, 09:43:24 am
I'm having to wait before I can cook breakfast as all the crockery is in the dishwasher :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 December, 2013, 09:46:53 am
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

I'm down to my last 60 bottles. And those are in boxes and I have no idea which one contains my favourite bottles of cream gin. The suffering, it's inhuman.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 23 December, 2013, 11:29:58 am
The real tragedy last night was that I still had plenty of tonic left.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 23 December, 2013, 03:07:03 pm
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=78869.0
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 December, 2013, 05:11:32 pm
I've only gone and run out of bloody gin.

bah!

I'm down to my last 60 bottles. And those are in boxes and I have no idea which one contains my favourite bottles of cream gin. The suffering, it's inhuman.

*Looks for a pretence to visit Ian's house and taste all his gin....*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: billplumtree on 24 December, 2013, 10:35:17 am
*Looks for a pretence to visit Ian's house and taste all his gin....*

Aren't you a world authority on bear control, Mrs P?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 24 December, 2013, 01:15:49 pm
I want to see Blue Is The Warmest Colour but don't want everyone to think I'm only interested in the lesbian sex scenes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 December, 2013, 01:29:08 pm
Much of Britain was lashed by storms last night.
My Broadband kept dropping; I really suffered.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Chris S on 24 December, 2013, 01:42:18 pm
Local supermarkets only seem to stock Cadbury's Hot Chocolate pods for the Tassimo, not the yummier Suchard's variety.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 24 December, 2013, 01:51:20 pm
*Looks for a pretence to visit Ian's house and taste all his gin....*

Aren't you a world authority on bear control, Mrs P?

I am too.  Honestly ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 24 December, 2013, 01:51:52 pm
Being disappointed that my PCIe solid state drive only reads at 740 MB/s in my computer instead of its maximum 1500 MB/s - despite it already being more than four times faster than an average hard drive.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 25 December, 2013, 12:14:39 am
I can't get the album art to show up when I'm ripping to FLAC.  The emotional turmoil is almost too much to bear.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 December, 2013, 12:43:54 am
Waitrose! Why have you stopped stocking Macleans' toothpaste?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 December, 2013, 01:04:59 am
*Looks for a pretence to visit Ian's house and taste all his gin....*

Aren't you a world authority on bear control, Mrs P?

Err....yes, I absolutely am!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 25 December, 2013, 01:26:29 am
Traditionaly, Father C. brings me a decent bottle of single malt in my stocking.  Problem is, I really fancy a night cap and pressies aren't for several hours yet.  So, (imagine the horror) I'm having a Famous Grouse and coke.
Even worse, I'm enjoying it.
I definately need counciling.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 25 December, 2013, 07:22:37 am
Does your council provide single malts?!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 25 December, 2013, 09:40:43 am
Weather causes some flight delays.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 25 December, 2013, 09:57:56 am
My mother has lost the Christmas pudding!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 December, 2013, 10:01:03 am
The bloody outlaws have no coffee making apparatus.  Not even a cafetiere.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 25 December, 2013, 10:10:30 am
My mother has lost the Christmas pudding!

Panic over my wife has found it. I was just about to drive home and get one!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 25 December, 2013, 12:39:41 pm
We have just used the last of the fresh coffee, and will be restricted to instant after we have finished this pot.

Also we have no fresh milk and are using UHT.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 December, 2013, 12:59:11 pm
We have just used the last of the fresh coffee, and will be restricted to instant after we have finished this pot.

Also we have no fresh milk and are using UHT.

Too late now but why don't you keep some milk in the freezer? My freezer is full of 'emergency milk'. It's much nicer than stringy UHT.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 25 December, 2013, 01:27:48 pm
We have just used the last of the fresh coffee, and will be restricted to instant after we have finished this pot.

Also we have no fresh milk and are using UHT.

Too late now but why don't you keep some milk in the freezer? My freezer is full of 'emergency milk'. It's much nicer than stringy UHT.

You mean, be organised and plan stuff?

That would be silly.

Also why we are not having potatoes with our dinner today  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 December, 2013, 01:31:46 pm
Nahh, UHT milk is way nicer.  </philistine>


(I think I was subjected to too much powdered milk at a formative age.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 25 December, 2013, 01:33:34 pm
Kim calls UHT "plastic milk" and we retain a stash for her drinkings.  I never used it even when I could digest the lactose in it *shudder* 'orrible stuff.

Can't you make coffee in a pan and use a tea strainer when pouring into mugs, that's how my gran taught me to make freshly ground coffee...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 25 December, 2013, 01:36:32 pm
Kim calls UHT "plastic milk" and we retain a stash for her drinkings.  I never used it even when I could digest the lactose in it *shudder* 'orrible stuff.

Can't you make coffee in a pan and use a tea strainer when pouring into mugs, that's how my gran taught me to make freshly ground coffee...

That sounds like Cowboy Coffee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 25 December, 2013, 01:41:22 pm
My Gran claimed it is how the French make coffee but I can't ask her now cos she has Alzheimers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 December, 2013, 03:16:01 pm
Kim calls UHT "plastic milk" and we retain a stash for her drinkings.  I never used it even when I could digest the lactose in it *shudder* 'orrible stuff.

Can't you make coffee in a pan and use a tea strainer when pouring into mugs, that's how my gran taught me to make freshly ground coffee...

Lacto-free UHT is just as stringy as any other UHT milk whereas the chilled variety is quite palatable. I don't understand how chilled Lacto-free can have a shelf life of a month. Stuff in last week's Sainsbury's delivery had a 21 January use by date.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 December, 2013, 03:17:34 pm
Partner has cut up the parsnip into pieces which are the wrong shape for roasting.

I'll have to microwave them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 25 December, 2013, 04:23:52 pm
I know, I have noticed the long life of lactofree, it also survives being "kept" out of a fridge for longer which is how I get away with hoiking my own supplies of it around.  I am surprised by how palatable it is, only a handful of people complain about it compared to regular milk. 

The long life lactofree is minging and I try not to drink it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tewdric on 25 December, 2013, 05:44:45 pm
The bloody outlaws have no coffee making apparatus.  Not even a cafetiere.

In the same bateau here.  There's an auto type filter thing but it still doesn't make coffee.  I'm consigned to liquid, brown, coffee-type until we get back to some Happy Donkey love.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 December, 2013, 05:51:29 pm
Tonight's TV preferences from the old folk (who only have one TV) is the worst imaginable; the abominable bread-and-circuses Strictly, you-bloody-slaaaaag EastEnders etc.

I may go to bed early.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 25 December, 2013, 06:49:01 pm
*shudder* at enforced telly of crapness. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 25 December, 2013, 06:50:08 pm
We are going to play Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit, but neither of us can be arsed to set the board up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 25 December, 2013, 07:31:06 pm
I'm keeping myself amused by shelling nuts, but can't for the life of me shell a Brazil nut so it comes out intact. Walnuts are also posing a problem.

There is also a large amount nut shrapnel and nut detritus on my chest, and I can't get up without spilling it on the sofa.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: dasmoth on 25 December, 2013, 07:43:04 pm
Water feed level sensor in my espresso machine is kaput  :'(.

I knew we should have had the kitchen re-done so we could have a plumbed-in machine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 26 December, 2013, 12:20:03 am
Traditionaly, Father C. brings me a decent bottle of single malt in my stocking.  Problem is, I really fancy a night cap and pressies aren't for several hours yet.  So, (imagine the horror) I'm having a Famous Grouse and coke.
Even worse, I'm enjoying it.
I definately need counciling.

Disaster averted.  Thank-you Santa.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 26 December, 2013, 03:26:26 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 26 December, 2013, 03:27:58 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(
Urgh!
That truly sucks.
GWS
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 26 December, 2013, 04:04:09 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(
This happens so often. The first 5 years MrsC and I were an item, she was ill over Christmas. It wasn't until we learned to deliberately slow down in the previous weeks (not accepting invitations to every event for instance) that we had a healthy break. And we're neither of us too bright this year!  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 26 December, 2013, 04:12:13 pm
BTDTGTTS, Julian. You have my sympathy. Get well soon.

I think for me it was the relief at finishing work. The build up to Christmas is my busiest time of the year. First day off, body says, "Right, that's it, I'm shutting down for a week..."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 December, 2013, 04:13:43 pm
I used to get flu or a heavy cold most Christmases, then I discovered echinacea (works for some people, not for others).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 26 December, 2013, 04:27:53 pm
Blocked echinacea tubes are quite unpleasant.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 26 December, 2013, 04:50:08 pm
I thought echinacea was the Latin name for a hedgehog.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 December, 2013, 04:57:08 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(

So am I. I finished teaching on Wednesday last week and on Thursday this low-level grot that has been rumbling around for about a month developed into a proper cold with the snots and a very sore throat. This didn't stop me from going to my brothers to eat a goose and lots of other luvverly things yesterday, but my voice was on teh point of giving out when we came home.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 26 December, 2013, 05:17:38 pm
I can't buy the half price Christmas cutlery in matalan's sale because we've nowhere to keep it until next year!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 December, 2013, 06:29:11 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(

Sucks doesn't it? I spent Christmas day dispensing snot like broken water fountain. Today, I've combined the runny nose with a sore throat and now, in the latest turn, a tickly annoying cough that feels like spiders disco dancing in my throat. My wife is terrified that I have the flu (owing to the fact that when I did have the flu she didn't believe me, and she got told off by the hospital for not calling an ambulance, so yeah ladies, manflu is real), but this is just a stupid bog-standard cold. It's guaranteed to cure itself just in time for a far worse ailment to arrive: the inlaws at the weekend.

I fear this is stopping my full appreciation of my Christmas pressie gin bounty (another three bottles for the bar). Come on Bob, where's my charity concert and record?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 26 December, 2013, 07:26:54 pm
We have no oregano...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 26 December, 2013, 07:35:36 pm
We have no oregano...
Pencil shavings are the traditional stand-in, I believe
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 December, 2013, 08:42:17 pm
I have a week off over Christmas and I'm ruining it by being ill in my own time.  :(

Sucks doesn't it? I spent Christmas day dispensing snot like broken water fountain. Today, I've combined the runny nose with a sore throat and now, in the latest turn, a tickly annoying cough that feels like spiders disco dancing in my throat. My wife is terrified that I have the flu (owing to the fact that when I did have the flu she didn't believe me, and she got told off by the hospital for not calling an ambulance, so yeah ladies, manflu is real), but this is just a stupid bog-standard cold. It's guaranteed to cure itself just in time for a far worse ailment to arrive: the inlaws at the weekend.

I fear this is stopping my full appreciation of my Christmas pressie gin bounty (another three bottles for the bar). Come on Bob, where's my charity concert and record?
I can report that cheap white rum and coke goes down fine when you have a cold, and may hasten recovery (or at least you'll be so gratified that you somehow staggered back through 6 miles of chav-infested Swindon streets on autopilot and woke up in your own bed, you'll forget about the cold).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 26 December, 2013, 08:44:39 pm
I dare not feed Julian rum of any kind lest she become uncharacteristically violent.  But you will be relieved to hear that she is self-medicating with Hobgoblin...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 26 December, 2013, 08:45:26 pm
We have no oregano...

Bloody hell, Paul.  Are you OK?

Paul?

Paul?

Shit.  Does anyone live near by?

Paul.  Try your nearest food bank.  It's what they're there for.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mr magnolia on 26 December, 2013, 08:53:30 pm
Basil advising on oregano? Is this a herb garden?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 26 December, 2013, 09:08:13 pm
To be honest, I've been worrying about this very scenario for some thyme.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 26 December, 2013, 09:15:08 pm
I was worried about it myself.  I expressed my opinion very gingerly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 26 December, 2013, 09:29:22 pm
Surely we can find someone to dispense some sage advice?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 26 December, 2013, 10:20:21 pm
I  mustard  misunderstood the problem here.    I have some Paul - hang on in there  mace   dill  I get there.   Hope I'm in  thyme.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 26 December, 2013, 10:25:31 pm
Bugger.  Can't find my cloves.   Paul, I'm cu...       Maybe not!    :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 26 December, 2013, 10:54:15 pm
We have no oregano...

Bloody hell, Paul.  Are you OK?

Paul?

Paul?

Shit.  Does anyone live near by?

Paul.  Try your nearest food bank.  It's what they're there for.

It's OK, major am made an acceptable substitute :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 December, 2013, 11:28:46 pm
Hope you don't get too emaceated.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tewdric on 26 December, 2013, 11:36:30 pm

I thought echinacea was the Latin name for a hedgehog.

Nope, it's the cynical murder of scots audax organisers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 27 December, 2013, 12:43:07 pm
I'm out of sliced bread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 27 December, 2013, 02:40:08 pm
This mornings pain au chocolat looked a little stale. I think that frenchie baker has been slacking, and just because he got up early on Christmas morning to bake, I think the lazy swine stayed in bed today and they had to sell yesterdays surplus.

To compound my misery I noticed that the foam on the inside of the earcups of my favourite electrostatic headphones has broken up and fallen out.

What is a person to do? Standards must be maintained.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: peliroja on 27 December, 2013, 02:56:22 pm
My Aldi scone is too crumbly for my Marks & Spencer rasberry conserve.

I blame myself. I should have predicted this incompatibility.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 27 December, 2013, 05:26:59 pm
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BcfIEqQCAAAOjIM.jpg#twimg
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Valiant on 28 December, 2013, 03:20:59 am
I only got one Xmas card this year :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 December, 2013, 03:04:25 pm
The beetroot crisps are staining the plaice.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 28 December, 2013, 04:08:26 pm
Mrs R feels sick because she ate too much at the all you can eat buffet.
We had to pay full price for micro too, she's only 10 but over 150cm all... £4 more !!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mr magnolia on 28 December, 2013, 06:36:02 pm
My mother bought an electric carving knife for use on the turkey this year because last year she really got exhausted carving the thing. (Not exactly the same thing, I hope)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 December, 2013, 08:22:14 pm
The Christmas cake my mum has sent me away with is so big it'll do me till next Christmas.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 December, 2013, 06:22:09 pm
Sainsbury's don't seem to sell white caster sugar. Their 'Fair Trade Golden Caster Sugar' is too coarse and sticky for me to sprinkle on my berries.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra website is rubbish; I cannot see seat availability or ticket prices.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 December, 2013, 06:26:53 pm
Can you whizz the golden caster sugar in a food professor?

There is so much food in this flat I am struggling to fit it into the fridge and freezer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 December, 2013, 06:31:39 pm
Can you whizz the golden caster sugar in a food professor?

There is so much food in this flat I am struggling to fit it into the fridge and freezer.

I haven't tried but it's sticky and whizzing it is unlikely to make it less so.
It would be fine for baking but its stickiness makes it difficult to sprinkle as sparingly as our post-Christmas diet intentions would like.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 December, 2013, 06:40:24 pm
I've been back to the Sainsbury's website. It appears they do have Silver Spoon Caster Sugar.
It's listed under 'Baking Ingredients' but not under 'Sugar' in the Tea, Coffee and Sugar' listing...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tewdric on 29 December, 2013, 06:55:59 pm
I've run out of La Perruche and had to have my espresso with white sugar this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 29 December, 2013, 10:41:50 pm
They stopped selling the matching cheese knife for my cutlery set.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 29 December, 2013, 10:53:46 pm
I've been back to the Sainsbury's website. It appears they do have Silver Spoon Caster Sugar.
It's listed under 'Baking Ingredients' but not under 'Sugar' in the Tea, Coffee and Sugar' listing...
Why on earth would you use caster sugar in tea or coffee? Tea requires white lumps and coffee needs demerara.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 December, 2013, 11:21:24 pm
I've been back to the Sainsbury's website. It appears they do have Silver Spoon Caster Sugar.
It's listed under 'Baking Ingredients' but not under 'Sugar' in the Tea, Coffee and Sugar' listing...
Why on earth would you use caster sugar in tea or coffee? Tea requires white lumps and coffee needs demerara.

If you put your sugar in a caster?  ;)  (That's a sugar shaker.)

The problem is the listing. The 'Food Cupboard' category has sublists like Breakfast Cereals, Tea, Coffee & Sugar, 'Herbs, Spices, Gravies & Stuffings', 'Cooking & Baking Essentials', 'Rice, Pasta & Noodles' etc.

Silly me thought that 'Tea, Coffee & Sugar' would include all the sugar they sold in the 'All sugar' sub sublist of Tea, Coffee & Sugar.
It didn't.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2013, 05:13:50 pm
Silly me thought that 'Tea, Coffee & Sugar' would include all the sugar they sold in the 'All sugar' sub sublist of Tea, Coffee & Sugar.
It didn't.

Organisation of products in supermarkets is the bane of my life. I spent hours trying to find desiccated coconut the other day. (Well, it felt like hours.)

You'd think this wouldn't be a problem with online shopping - I'm sure database technology is sufficiently advanced for products to be listed on multiple "virtual shelves".

How do the pickers who collect online orders manage? Are they expected to learn where every last one of their n million product lines is located in the shop, or do their little handheld devices tell them where to find stuff as they progress round, clogging up the aisles with those stupid enormous trollies? If the latter, why can't I get an app that does the same for me?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 30 December, 2013, 05:20:33 pm
The pickers find things because items have their (faulty logic) category 'pedigree'

I think the workaround is to search for everything you feel they ought to have but can't find in its 'obvious' place. This can mean scrolling through pages of lists because the 'logic' includes rather more than you might expect, if my experience with a search for 'apricot' is an example.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 30 December, 2013, 05:20:53 pm
Yes, the pickers know where every single item is ...except the desiccated coconut.  I got directed to the fruit 'n' veg section when I asked for it in store.  The poor man thought I wanted a whole fresh coconut.  I never did find the desiccated.  I bought Bounty bars instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 30 December, 2013, 05:23:33 pm
Don't most home deliveries come from warehouses rather than actual shops these days?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2013, 05:24:40 pm
At least online you have the option of sticking 'caster sugar in the search box. No search box in the store!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 30 December, 2013, 05:28:05 pm
Desiccated coconut:
-> Cooking & Baking Essentials -> Christmas Homebaking: -> All Christmas Homebaking.

Hope you don't want desecratrated coconut next week...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 30 December, 2013, 05:33:42 pm
Don't most home deliveries come from warehouses rather than actual shops these days?

Only the ones that cost money. Warehouses cost money, and you need a lot to cover the country.

It is way more efficient to have the merchandise picked in a local store, and delivered from it. The thousands of product lines are already being managed by the in-store staff, for stock turn etc. so no duplication of effort or storage space.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 December, 2013, 05:39:21 pm
How do the pickers who collect online orders manage? Are they expected to learn where every last one of their n million product lines is located in the shop, or do their little handheld devices tell them where to find stuff as they progress round, clogging up the aisles with those stupid enormous trollies? If the latter, why can't I get an app that does the same for me?
They are shown what item to pick next, in which aisle it is, and on which shelf in that given location. The item's barcode is then scanned and that confirms (or not) that it's the right thing. The computer then tells the picker in which tote (box) to place it. Pretty tedious work, but better than doing the actual delivering. DAHIKT.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 30 December, 2013, 05:43:01 pm
It gets more efficient to use warehouses as home delivery gets more popular.  Tesco in my area is planning to switch to a warehouse system, if I heard correctly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2013, 05:51:58 pm
They are shown what item to pick next, in which aisle it is, and on which shelf in that given location.

I want this as an iPhone app. Preferably one that will tell me where to find any item on my shopping list in any of the various local stores I use.

I really don't think that is asking too much.

;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 30 December, 2013, 05:53:49 pm
In seven minutes, delivery of my new PC will be late!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Biggsy on 30 December, 2013, 05:59:15 pm
I want this as an iPhone app. Preferably one that will tell me where to find any item on my shopping list in any of the various local stores I use.

I really don't think that is asking too much.

;)

I was asking for that before smartphones were invented.  And yet it's still not here (not for my BlackBerry anyway).  A first world problem indeed.  Such an abundance of goods that we can't wade through them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2013, 06:04:45 pm
It gets more efficient to use warehouses as home delivery gets more popular.  Tesco in my area is planning to switch to a warehouse system, if I heard correctly.
We live nearer to the Tesco depot than to our nearest store. But I bet they won't give us a delivery discount, oh no!  >:(  #fwp
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 30 December, 2013, 06:09:16 pm
They are shown what item to pick next, in which aisle it is, and on which shelf in that given location.

I want this as an iPhone app. Preferably one that will tell me where to find any item on my shopping list in any of the various local stores I use.

I really don't think that is asking too much.

;)

Just download it then  ;)

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/IMG_4974.PNG)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 30 December, 2013, 07:16:15 pm
... If the latter, why can't I get an app that does the same for me?


I used to have an app (for Sainsburys or Tesco, can't remember which) that did just that. Unfortunately it didn't work in my, then, local store as tehre was no reception....

Pretty sure that it was the relevant chain's own app if that helps
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 31 December, 2013, 09:09:04 am
I had the misfortune of working at a supermarket earlier this year. Needs must. Anyway, the pickers had a hard time picking their orders at times, because shelf stacking was often not as efficient as it could have been. Plus, the supermarkets have a habit of moving products around to keep shoppers on their toes. Additionally, each store has a different layout, so would need a bespoke version of the app. Supermarkets also have a vested interest in having people wandering around their stores.

On a related first-world problem, supermarkets operate so cheaply* because they are staffed by armies of people paid marginally over minimum wage, often toiling under stressful conditions. I did 12 weeks and it was horrendous.

* To them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 31 December, 2013, 09:53:05 am
We ran out of Hovis bread mix last night so I had to dig out the dried yeast and strong flour so I could put the bread machine on for a loaf in the morning.

It was touch and go, I can tell you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 31 December, 2013, 10:13:26 am
Supermarkets also have a vested interest in having people wandering around their stores.

I think you'll find it is a little more complicated than that.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Thor on 01 January, 2014, 01:04:17 pm
The satellite TV signal keeps breaking up, 'cos of the wind.

Something ought to be done.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 01 January, 2014, 01:22:19 pm
There were 6 people in front of me in the supermarket line, and they would not open another line. I had to wait a full 8 minutes before I could pay and get out..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mike on 01 January, 2014, 04:30:01 pm
Our cleaner has announced she's stopping working.  From conversations in the pub 2 days ago, I think the whole village will be on the lookout for a new one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CrinklyLion on 02 January, 2014, 10:46:36 am
Because my cleaner comes on Wednesdays and doesn't work Christmas Day or NYD, nobody has stolen the dirt around here for 2 weeks!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2014, 01:34:04 pm
Because my cleaner comes on Wednesdays and doesn't work Christmas Day or NYD, nobody has stolen the dirt around here for 2 weeks!

We have a similar problem with the non-collection of bins.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 January, 2014, 05:14:29 pm
The pineapple is not ripe; we'll have to eat mango!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2014, 05:27:50 pm
Just download it then  ;)

Nifty. I have the Tesco app on my phone but it didn't do that last time I looked - but that's probably because I don't look at it often, because I can't get a signal in our local Tesco, though I note that Clubcard members get use of in-store Wi-Fi, so maybe that's worth exploring.

The Waitrose app doesn't have that feature. But Waitrose does have free coffee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2014, 07:22:58 pm
So I've heard... but they don't have it in either of my two nearest Waitrosen. You can only imagine how deprived I feel.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2014, 07:31:22 pm
More coffee woes.  We have a filter machine and cafetiere blend coffee (it's more coarsely ground) instead of filter blend.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2014, 07:32:12 pm
There were 6 people in front of me in the supermarket line, and they would not open another line. I had to wait a full 8 minutes before I could pay and get out..
That's a "Falling Down" moment really.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 January, 2014, 09:06:17 pm
From Twitter
http://instagram.com/p/irHhblgXUS/ (http://instagram.com/p/irHhblgXUS/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 January, 2014, 09:58:52 am
I had a stretchy elastic piece between my lanyard and my ID badge to save me having to bend and twist to reach the door openers, but it broke.

My colleagues are organising a tv appeal, something like the ones for the Dogs' Trust.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 08 January, 2014, 08:24:47 am
My nook ran out of battery power on the tube this morning so I couldn't find out what happens next in Game of Thrones and (worse) was reduced to reading the Metro. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 January, 2014, 09:34:58 am
I had forgot to the set the timer on my coffee robot for this morning. I came down to find no hot coffee and had to press the 'on' button myself and wait an additional five minutes for it to grind and brew. I nearly died.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 08 January, 2014, 09:51:28 am
Our rubbish collection is being rescheduled to later in the day so on Fridays we'll have bin bags on the pavements for a few hours longer than we are used to. Hopefully house prices won't be affected.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2014, 10:45:32 am
My nook ran out of battery power on the tube this morning so I couldn't find out what happens next in Game of Thrones and (worse) was reduced to reading the Metro.

BTDTGTTS. I feel your pain, Julian. Relieved to hear you made it through to the other side.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 January, 2014, 11:07:32 am
The scones we are scoffing with butter, jam and clotted cream are slightly soggy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 January, 2014, 11:42:12 am
My nook ran out of battery power on the tube this morning so I couldn't find out what happens next in Game of Thrones and (worse) was reduced to reading the Metro.

There surely must be a support group for those who have this most unfortunate experience.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 08 January, 2014, 11:42:59 am
Carry a portable charger!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2014, 12:23:09 pm
Carry a portable charger!

Such a response discounts the considerable personal trauma suffered by those in such an unfortunate position, undermines the good work being done by any support groups out there as intimated by Ian, and completely misses the point of the thread, which is to be allowed to bemoan the completely trivial as though it were life-threatening.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 08 January, 2014, 12:52:17 pm
I agree, Tim.  I hope she's managing to make it through the day like the professional I know she is.

Carry a portable charger!

You should be ashamed of yourself, Gerald.  It's this sort of irresponsible victim-blaming attitude that diverts attention away from a very serious social and literary problem.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2014, 01:36:34 pm
Indeed rr. Something Must Be Done.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2014, 02:11:07 pm
You can't buy fresh root ginger in the M&S Simply Food near the office. Thus I won't be able to have my lemon & ginger tea this afternoon.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 08 January, 2014, 02:14:43 pm
I'm having to resort to the toffee pennies in my Christmas Quality Street.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 11 January, 2014, 11:00:59 am
Whitstable fish market has no native oysters. The fishmonger says he's refusing to stock them at the moment because they're crap and overpriced.

I had to settle for rock oysters instead!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jacomus on 11 January, 2014, 06:10:46 pm
Whitstable fish market has no native oysters. The fishmonger says he's refusing to stock them at the moment because they're crap and overpriced.

I had to settle for rock oysters instead!

An unsettling state of affairs, indeed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 11 January, 2014, 06:58:23 pm
You can't buy fresh root ginger in the M&S Simply Food near the office.

A cow-orker from Geordie-land once went into a supermarket in Newcastle, and in amongst his basket of items was some root ginger.

At the checkout, the assistant swiped through all the other items, but picked up the root ginger, looked at it, and put it in a bin under the desk.   When asked "Can I have that, please?" the assistant said: "The stick?  You want this stick?"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 11 January, 2014, 07:08:26 pm
You can't buy fresh root ginger in the M&S Simply Food near the office.

A cow-orker from Geordie-land once went into a supermarket in Newcastle, and in amongst his basket of items was some root ginger.

At the checkout, the assistant swiped through all the other items, but picked up the root ginger, looked at it, and put it in a bin under the desk.   When asked "Can I have that, please?" the assistant said: "The stick?  You want this stick?"
That made oi larf!  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 January, 2014, 08:03:22 pm
You can't buy fresh root ginger in the M&S Simply Food near the office.

A cow-orker from Geordie-land once went into a supermarket in Newcastle, and in amongst his basket of items was some root ginger.

At the checkout, the assistant swiped through all the other items, but picked up the root ginger, looked at it, and put it in a bin under the desk.   When asked "Can I have that, please?" the assistant said: "The stick?  You want this stick?"
That made oi larf!  ;D

And me too, also, as well!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 12 January, 2014, 07:23:14 am
And me.

I've had to help checkout staff with product recognition on occasion but never had one do that. Priceless.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Euan Uzami on 12 January, 2014, 07:58:32 am
And me.

I've had to help checkout staff with product recognition on occasion but never had one do that. Priceless.
I have been known to be buying apples, then when they're obviously trying to figure out which variety of apples they are, look at them like they're stupid and say "err...they're *apples*?!"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 January, 2014, 10:43:30 am
I had to tell the checkout guy what peas in the pod were once, and ended up splitting a pod to show him.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: closetleftie on 12 January, 2014, 12:13:53 pm
I had to tell the checkout guy what peas in the pod were once, and ended up splitting a pod to show him.

The proles are soooo uneducated, aren't they?  ;D ;)


 :-*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 12 January, 2014, 12:39:09 pm
A cow-orker from Geordie-land once went into a supermarket in Newcastle, and in amongst his basket of items was some root ginger.

At the checkout, the assistant swiped through all the other items, but picked up the root ginger, looked at it, and put it in a bin under the desk.   When asked "Can I have that, please?" the assistant said: "The stick?  You want this stick?"

It just goes to show that all that anti-ginger prejudice is really just borne out of ignorance.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 12 January, 2014, 08:16:03 pm
The special door for upperclass passengers wasn't working so I had to use the economy door!

And Stand in a queue!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 12 January, 2014, 11:07:49 pm
A cow-orker from Geordie-land once went into a supermarket in Newcastle, and in amongst his basket of items was some root ginger.

At the checkout, the assistant swiped through all the other items, but picked up the root ginger, looked at it, and put it in a bin under the desk.   When asked "Can I have that, please?" the assistant said: "The stick?  You want this stick?"

It just goes to show that all that anti-ginger prejudice is really just borne out of ignorance.

jo wins the internets again!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 January, 2014, 01:01:23 pm
Those who have never experienced it can only imagine the extra mainenance required when a red setter occupies the same living space as a couple of Rohloff hubs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 January, 2014, 01:59:09 pm
Those who have never experienced it can only imagine the extra mainenance required when a red setter occupies the same living space as a couple of Rohloff hubs.

Is this like a doggy version of the long-haired lesbians problem?

(I fished a spectacular oily hairball out of one of my bike's chain tubes yesterday.  It reminded me of owning a Dyson.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 13 January, 2014, 02:23:11 pm
I may need your Rohloff experience, Wow, now I have bought a machine with one. Although it was serviced 1000km ago so I guess it doesn't need anything for a while.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 13 January, 2014, 02:38:19 pm
My beautiful cohab lovingly prepared lunch for me last night - a dressed puy lentil salad, with lamb's leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes and mozzerella pearls.  On the side was a little pot of carrot sticks and hummus.

Unfortunately, when I came to eat it today, the reusable 0.33l Addis screw-top pot that she'd selected for the carrot sticks was so deep that I couldn't effectively dip them in the hummus that she'd also put in there.

Utter torment, I tell you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2014, 03:04:24 pm
Those who have never experienced it can only imagine the extra mainenance required when a red setter occupies the same living space as a couple of Rohloff hubs.

Is this like a doggy version of the long-haired lesbians problem?

(I fished a spectacular oily hairball out of one of my bike's chain tubes yesterday.  It reminded me of owning a Dyson.)

What has being a lesbian to do with hair balls? I get hairballs all over the place...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 January, 2014, 03:05:36 pm
What has being a lesbian to do with hair balls? I get hairballs all over the place...

People tend to ask you what you "do".  To which the canonical reply is "spend a lot of time unclogging the hoover".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 January, 2014, 03:30:11 pm
What has being a lesbian to do with hair balls? I get hairballs all over the place...

People tend to ask you what you "do".  To which the canonical reply is "spend a lot of time unclogging the hoover".

That's why it is a good idea to get a dyson. Untroubled by long hair in large quantities (unlike the bathroom shower drain).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 January, 2014, 03:32:05 pm
What has being a lesbian to do with hair balls? I get hairballs all over the place...

People tend to ask you what you "do".  To which the canonical reply is "spend a lot of time unclogging the hoover".

That's why it is a good idea to get a dyson. Untroubled by long hair in large quantities (unlike the bathroom shower drain).

*sporfle*

They're only untroubled because the suction is crap from the outset.

(Former owner of about 4 different Dysons, all hopeless.  How's that for a first-world problem?)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 13 January, 2014, 03:55:50 pm
Unfortunately, when I came to eat it today, the reusable 0.33l Addis screw-top pot that she'd selected for the carrot sticks was so deep that I couldn't effectively dip them in the hummus that she'd also put in there.

Give her a good spanking when you get home.

And then after you've finished having fun, punish her for the lunch error.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 13 January, 2014, 06:02:35 pm
My beautiful cohab lovingly prepared lunch for me last night - a dressed puy lentil salad, with lamb's leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes and mozzerella pearls.  On the side was a little pot of carrot sticks and hummus.

Unfortunately, when I came to eat it today, the reusable 0.33l Addis screw-top pot that she'd selected for the carrot sticks was so deep that I couldn't effectively dip them in the hummus that she'd also put in there.

Utter torment, I tell you.

That's what latte spoons are for!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 January, 2014, 06:27:54 pm
What has being a lesbian to do with hair balls? I get hairballs all over the place...

People tend to ask you what you "do".  To which the canonical reply is "spend a lot of time unclogging the hoover".

That's why it is a good idea to get a dyson. Untroubled by long hair in large quantities (unlike the bathroom shower drain).

*sporfle*

They're only untroubled because the suction is crap from the outset.

(Former owner of about 4 different Dysons, all hopeless.  How's that for a first-world problem?)
That's a genuine FWP. Anywhere else, you'd have a maid do it for you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 13 January, 2014, 06:48:20 pm
Also the reference to long-haired lesbians is

1) to differentiate from the short-haired variety of lesbian...
2) two people in a partnership with long hair which is unusual as it's more uncommon to have a male-female partnership where both people have long hair...

So not exclusive to "lesbians"... 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jacomus on 13 January, 2014, 07:21:20 pm
Overhead today, but better fitted to this thread...

1. I left my gym yoga mat on the train last night
2. *horrified* What did you do?!
1. *horrified* I had to take my home one this morning
2. Dis-gusting
1. I know! And, now I have to buy another one
2. I'm sorry, honey, you'd think someone would have told you. Those things aren't cheap!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2014, 09:28:24 pm
Also the reference to long-haired lesbians is

1) to differentiate from the short-haired variety of lesbian...
2) two people in a partnership with long hair which is unusual as it's more uncommon to have a male-female partnership where both people have long hair...

So not exclusive to "lesbians"...

I know a heterosexual couple with a chap whose hair is waist-length, blond and glorious. The woman has lovely, long, light brown hair.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 13 January, 2014, 09:32:51 pm
My ISP has upgraded me to PHP 5.4 which has stopped me from adding to or editing my WordPress blog. I wanted to write a nice long post about my new Velomobile to share with the world but I can't. And I haven't got a clue how to fix it (apart from emailing 1&1 tech support to ask for them to change me back to PHP 5.2 - some chance!)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 13 January, 2014, 09:42:07 pm
My ISP has upgraded me to PHP 5.4 which has stopped me from adding to or editing my WordPress blog. I wanted to write a nice long post about my new Velomobile to share with the world but I can't. And I haven't got a clue how to fix it (apart from emailing 1&1 tech support to ask for them to change me back to PHP 5.2 - some chance!)

Yet another problem, I understand the words "blog" & "velomobile" but how they are connected are a conundrum  ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 13 January, 2014, 09:54:09 pm
My beautiful cohab lovingly prepared lunch for me last night - a dressed puy lentil salad, with lamb's leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes and mozzerella pearls.  On the side was a little pot of carrot sticks and hummus.

Unfortunately, when I came to eat it today, the reusable 0.33l Addis screw-top pot that she'd selected for the carrot sticks was so deep that I couldn't effectively dip them in the hummus that she'd also put in there.

Utter torment, I tell you.
I rang Blue Peter about this and they're dusting off the totaliser and starting an appeal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 13 January, 2014, 09:56:48 pm
My ISP has upgraded me to PHP 5.4 which has stopped me from adding to or editing my WordPress blog.

This is a known problem. Are you getting a "Error establishing a database connection" message? It's to do with how PHP5.4 handles and stores your login passwords. I more or less understand it, but I'm not sure I could run to explaining how to fix it...

It's probably worth contacting 1and1 - as it's a known problem, they should know how to resolve it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 January, 2014, 11:40:03 am
The person I'm going to see about a ramp has a thick privet hedge in their front garden so google maps doesn't help me determine if it's rampable from the comfort of my office.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 January, 2014, 11:47:59 am
I left a herb teabag in my insulated mug over christmas, and now it has gone mouldy and stuck to the bottom of the mug.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 January, 2014, 02:55:00 pm
I may need your Rohloff experience, Wow, now I have bought a machine with one. Although it was serviced 1000km ago so I guess it doesn't need anything for a while.
I'm always pleased to help, but this hub is currently in Rotterdam, is it not? THe only thing you are likely to need when you have your year in Germany is an oil-change kit. I have oil so you could pack a couple of small bottles in your luggage.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 14 January, 2014, 03:08:56 pm
I was eating a scotch egg in the pub, and my friend got excited as he thought it was an arancini (those deep fried risotto balls). Not as bad as mistaking mushy peas for guacamole, but close.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 14 January, 2014, 07:29:42 pm
My nook ran out of battery power on the tube this morning so I couldn't find out what happens next in Game of Thrones and (worse) was reduced to reading the Metro.

There surely must be a support group for those who have this most unfortunate experience.

The lack-of-nookie power experience is indeed unfortunate.  There are pills to help.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 14 January, 2014, 10:09:30 pm
I may need your Rohloff experience, Wow, now I have bought a machine with one. Although it was serviced 1000km ago so I guess it doesn't need anything for a while.
I'm always pleased to help, but this hub is currently in Rotterdam, is it not? THe only thing you are likely to need when you have your year in Germany is an oil-change kit. I have oil so you could pack a couple of small bottles in your luggage.
Yes the hub is currently in Rotterdam and not needing a service, I assume, seeing as it was last done 1000km ago. However, I'm not sure of the service interval on Rohloffs so I might need to do it next year. Perhaps you'll have to come over for a visit with Mrs Wow!!

Mind you, a different chap with a Versatile has been giving me loads of really helpful advice and has offered to help with any servicing etc (he only lives two hours' drive away!) He's had two Versatiles so is very familiar with them and has done 40,000km so undoubtedly has done a fair bit of servicing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 15 January, 2014, 01:49:45 pm
The bulb has gone in the toilets on this floor. I have to go down stairs :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rabbit on 15 January, 2014, 03:50:10 pm
I am out of soya milk and I am going to get wet walking to the van to drive to the supermarket  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2014, 04:05:46 pm
I have just done some online shopping at Sainsbury's for my Aged Parents who return from Foreign Travels today.
Sainsbury's did not list/stock the International New York Times they requested.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 16 January, 2014, 09:19:53 am
I'd run out of goose fat to use for sautéing my Lyonnaise potatoes so I had to slum it and use butter.

Quelle horreur.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 16 January, 2014, 12:32:31 pm
I stocked up on goose fat when I was in Lidl at the weekend as they had it on special offer - something like 50p a pot, iirc.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 16 January, 2014, 01:17:57 pm
We have loads in the freezer, thanks to Lucy our Christmas Dinner.

It'll be there a while though- we don't eat potatoes.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 16 January, 2014, 03:36:19 pm
I had to wear a pair of underpants two days running as the washing isn't drying in this ghastly weather.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 16 January, 2014, 03:37:40 pm
How is this a First World problem? Don't you have dozens of pairs of underpants, & anyway are independent of weather for drying because of your tumble dryer (possibly integrated with your washing machine).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 16 January, 2014, 04:56:46 pm
I had to wear a pair of underpants two days running as the washing isn't drying in this ghastly weather.

Euuuuuw! TMI
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 19 January, 2014, 09:28:22 am
Exact Audio Copy keeps tagging my CD rips with the year of the re-issue, not the original release. Bunch of philistines.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 22 January, 2014, 11:37:58 am
My washing machine has thrown its drive belt. It's going to be a couple of days before I can do a machine wash again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 22 January, 2014, 11:39:47 am
I can't get the online appointments system at my GPs surgery to work.  I may have to telephone them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Morrisette on 22 January, 2014, 11:56:47 am
My Graze box has an item in it that I have told them I do not like. And it was two days late!

Does anyone know of a support group?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 22 January, 2014, 12:11:16 pm
I'm hotdesking and I can't get the mouse over to the left hand side of the keyboard.

And it's a FORRIN kezboard lazout.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 23 January, 2014, 10:08:53 am
The grapes in our mid-week fruit basket are rather tiny.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 25 January, 2014, 10:26:49 am
My daughter wasted two ballet lessons because she was too shy to join in.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 25 January, 2014, 12:31:03 pm
And it's a FORRIN kezboard lazout.

In Slovakia the keyboard layout is the same as a standard qwerty keyboard except the y and z have been swapped, exactly as you typed. This may be the layout of many central European countries.

Yeah - this was in Germany. After a few days I got used to it (although not the parentheses, which had moved a key to the left), but I left the 'z's in for comic effect.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 25 January, 2014, 05:43:18 pm
And it's a FORRIN kezboard lazout.

In Slovakia the keyboard layout is the same as a standard qwerty keyboard except the y and z have been swapped, exactly as you typed. This may be the layout of many central European countries.

Yeah - this was in Germany. After a few days I got used to it (although not the parentheses, which had moved a key to the left), but I left the 'z's in for comic effect.

Come to the nordic countries, we have three extra letters added and each country have different placing of them  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 25 January, 2014, 05:47:57 pm
Nooo! It's bad enough just having to use a different keyboard/mouse.

I don't recall how old this keyboard is, but I've had the same mouse since about 2004.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 January, 2014, 05:59:04 pm
I can't get the online appointments system at my GPs surgery to work.  I may have to telephone them.

Wondered why you seem to have been quiet.   You're still in the queue ...   :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Valiant on 25 January, 2014, 08:13:00 pm
I have invites for 4 events tonight, I don't know which one to go to :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cycleman on 25 January, 2014, 08:32:48 pm
That's easy, go to all four  :D :thumbsup:  one after the other . by bike of course  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Valiant on 25 January, 2014, 08:51:45 pm
They're the type of parties you don't really leave lol
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 28 January, 2014, 09:08:57 pm
Attempting to purchase a silk boutonnière online, but the PayPal link doesn't work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 28 January, 2014, 09:31:43 pm
All 700Cx25 tubes on sale are sold out  >:( It will be horrible to pay full price.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 January, 2014, 06:59:45 pm
I'd be sitting on the beach. But it's raining.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 30 January, 2014, 07:20:01 pm
We're getting a bit overwhelmed by the biscuit situation at work.  The supply is far outstripping consumption.

I'm doing my best.  Honest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kathy on 30 January, 2014, 07:24:11 pm
I've just found some e-book versions of some books that used to be out of print and I've not read for 20 years. And my Kindle is out of battery, so I'll have to read it via the app on my iPhone. >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 30 January, 2014, 07:55:58 pm
I couldn't decide between the chocolate cappuccino and lemon Swiss rolls in Marks and Spencer yesterday and they had short best before dates so couldn't have both.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 January, 2014, 11:53:32 am
I reserved a library book online on 20th December and it still hasn't arrived although there are two copies available. I will have to email them to find out what isn't going on.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 February, 2014, 05:53:19 pm
What I think I need right now is an internet controlled oven....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 05 February, 2014, 05:06:21 pm
The pressure in my central heating system dropped too low for the boiler to kick in, so the house is cold.

Heating's now on but I'll have to wear a jumper for a little bit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 05 February, 2014, 06:13:06 pm
My home broadband isn't working. I've had to use dial up internet  tether the mobile phone / use work internet / use free wifi on the bus.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 05 February, 2014, 06:15:58 pm
My home broadband is working incredibly slowly so I've had to put off doing some work and leave the computer. So I will have to think of something else to amuse me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 05 February, 2014, 07:21:45 pm
Walked through the rain to my favourite restaurant in Milan only to find they have a new menu and there's no wild boar.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 05 February, 2014, 08:08:44 pm
It seems to be impossible to top up the data on David's iPhone on EE.
He can use the phone for calls; he doesn't even seem to be able to send a text.
I am unimpressed with CRAPPLE and EE.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 05 February, 2014, 09:11:34 pm
I pushed the strawberries right to the back of the fridge and now they're frozen strawberries. I had to use raspberries in my smoothy instead. Really, it's just like a third world country.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 06 February, 2014, 09:17:56 am
This morning, when tying up my hair, I noticed that the elastic had lost most of it's stretch and rather than my habitual double-twist, I had to do three twists to get it secure.

It totally upset my routine and I couldn't concentrate at all whilst I was moisturising.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 February, 2014, 10:27:47 am
I find the worst bit is when I get mascara in my beard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rabbit on 06 February, 2014, 02:50:29 pm
The avocado slices keep falling off my piri-piri hummus on toast
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 06 February, 2014, 04:30:32 pm
I typed the wrong number into the vending machine and got a kitKat instead of a Twix :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 06 February, 2014, 05:43:41 pm
Don't get your Snickers in a Twix!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 06 February, 2014, 06:18:34 pm
We are getting very cross about who is going to cover WW1 in our local monthly news organ.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 06 February, 2014, 10:32:50 pm
I typed the wrong number into the vending machine and got a kitKat instead of a Twix :(

That sort of thing mars your day.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 07 February, 2014, 08:34:46 am
Germanwings no longer do a flight at $REASONABLY_EARLY o'clock on a Monday, from MAN to CGN.

I may end up flying from another airport*...

*Yes, I realize the sensible option is NOT to fly, but then that doesn't occur to my manager!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 07 February, 2014, 08:59:00 am
I typed the wrong number into the vending machine and got a kitKat instead of a Twix :(

That sort of thing mars your day.

Indeed.   Bounty frustrate you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 07 February, 2014, 10:56:36 am
I typed the wrong number into the vending machine and got a kitKat instead of a Twix :(

That sort of thing mars your day.

Indeed.   Bounty frustrate you.
Dealing with vending machines is no Picnic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 07 February, 2014, 10:57:26 am
That's hardly giving him a boost, is it?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 07 February, 2014, 11:08:54 am
I think that we should be a bit Kinder to Wunja.   He's probably suffering Allsorts of issues and might even Flake out.   

He'll be needing a wee Refresher and hopefully he'll get his Prize next time he gets a bout of the Munchies.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 February, 2014, 11:09:03 am
I've just used the last of the Monmouth's coffee beans. If I don't drive 5 miles to the deli at lunchtime to pick up a suitable replacement bag of beans I will have to have instant Coffee tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 07 February, 2014, 11:23:39 am
Oh Pat - that's dreadful!  I shall be popping into Monmouth in Covent Garden this afternoon for a couple of bags of my usual - I can't imagine having to cope with instant.

Life without good coffee isn't really living.  It's just existing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 February, 2014, 11:26:49 am
It says something about my life that the nearest place I pass frequently that sells decent coffee beans is one of the stalls at St Pancras which is 200 miles from where I live.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 07 February, 2014, 11:28:36 am
Well, then, you don't belong in this thread at all - you don't even live in the First World!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 February, 2014, 11:38:24 am
Well as I said there is a deli with artisan roast beans in Malton 5 miles away but I only go shopping when I have to. Kings Cross / St Pancras on the other hand I spend a fair amount of time kicking around due to seeing customers in London.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 07 February, 2014, 11:46:03 am
I was too upset last night to relate the worst part of the vending machine woes.
The Kitkat spiral turned impotently as there was no bar in the first spot.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 07 February, 2014, 02:27:55 pm
A sort of Twirl?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 07 February, 2014, 02:44:50 pm
A related catastrophe today.  I really really wanted a mint Aero and thought about it all the way through waiting for my prescription, then went out of my way to go in the paper shop and get my mint Aero, and they didn't have any.

I had to have a double decker instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 07 February, 2014, 02:49:02 pm
Well, that's no compensation.  It's not the same sort of thing at all.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 February, 2014, 02:50:13 pm
Bought a load of cheap CDs in HMV Leeds on Wednesday. Though I might play one this afternoon but forgot we no longer have a CD player and I will have to rip them first.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rabbit on 10 February, 2014, 03:47:21 am
Heading to Scotland without a bicycle sucks
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 10 February, 2014, 01:53:27 pm
Don't usually watch commercial channels, but Ch4 has some decent programmes (besides the indecent ones).

Why the f..k is the sound volume during the ads double the normal level? Sooo much effort to hit the mute button while the ads are on.  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 February, 2014, 02:11:53 pm
Why the f..k is the sound volume during the ads double the normal level? Sooo much effort to hit the mute button while the ads are on.  ;D

It isn't.  Such things are strictly regulated.

Which doesn't mean that advertisers can't compress[1] their audio to make it sound louder at a given level...


[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression#Broadcasting
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 10 February, 2014, 02:27:36 pm
Coworker snapped the heel of her Louboutins and sprained an ankle after stepping on a Cava cork.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 10 February, 2014, 02:29:39 pm
The poor thing - how's she bearing up, Andrij?

I appear to have mislaid my office security badge and I need to borrow my colleagues' every time I need to go to the kitchen to make coffee.  I don't know how much longer I can cope.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 February, 2014, 05:17:52 pm
The hot water tap broke and then the replacement kettle broke. So now we have to use the other hot water tap, in the kitchen area, a good minute's walk away.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 10 February, 2014, 06:33:54 pm
The website that will allow me to renew my professional registration isn't working and I might have to remember to do it tomorrow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 10 February, 2014, 07:09:32 pm
The website that will allow me to renew my professional registration isn't working and I might have to remember to do it tomorrow.

There's a professional register for splendid people ?  I never knew that!    What letters do you get after your name ?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 11 February, 2014, 09:50:19 am
I'm spending today eating my feelings but have only one (70% dark, obviously) chocolate bar left. I will have to move on to salt & pepper cashew nuts shortly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 11 February, 2014, 07:47:47 pm
fboab, have you contacted FEMA?

I have run out of bubble bath.  Shouldn't someone be organising an aid package or something?  At this rate I'll have to clean the bath before the cleaner comes on Thursday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 February, 2014, 07:59:21 pm
Cat is pinning me to my chair and I want a cup of tea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 11 February, 2014, 08:05:00 pm
That cat is an utter fiend.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 11 February, 2014, 08:28:48 pm
The Turkish cafe where I went for a pre concert mixed grill gave me so much food I couldn't finish it...
I had to eat quickly as I was in such a hurry & now feel terribly bloated.  I may go "pop" during " Death & the maiden"!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 February, 2014, 09:05:29 pm
And now... it's really hard to watch a subtitled movie *and* keep an eye on twitter.

My day gets harder and harder.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 February, 2014, 10:35:34 pm
The taxi I took earlier today had free Wifi.
I was carrying nothing which could use this on my ten minute trip.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 11 February, 2014, 11:04:54 pm
I spent a good half hour sitting on the floor in front of our tech cupboard, setting up the new Billion BiPAC 7800DX and upgrading the hard drives in our NAS.

Now I've got a square bottom.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 12 February, 2014, 01:18:03 pm
And now... it's really hard to watch a subtitled movie *and* keep an eye on twitter.

My day gets harder and harder.
Only in the 1st World would people call their cat "twitter".  ::-)


 ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 14 February, 2014, 01:20:24 pm
I've got some brand new vegan walking boots, and I wore them to work before they were broken in.  Now I've had to walk across the road to buy a blister plaster.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 14 February, 2014, 03:03:52 pm
Why do Vegans need walking? ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 14 February, 2014, 03:05:46 pm
I was eating smoked salmon sandwiches whilst working at my desk, and now my keyboard smells of fish
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 14 February, 2014, 03:07:31 pm
I've got some brand new vegan walking boots, and I wore them to work before they were broken in.  Now I've had to walk across the road to buy a blister plaster.
I'd take the boots back. They were obviously trying to eat your foot and therefore most certainly not vegans.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 14 February, 2014, 03:11:20 pm
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 14 February, 2014, 07:52:11 pm
Due to a wet lunchtime and limited choice of facilities, I spent an hour today listening to 20-somethings banging on about their 'travelling' in the 3rd world (mainly Thailand, NZ and Oz).

Luckily  they only had a day's work for me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kathy on 15 February, 2014, 09:44:21 pm
Fancied an after-dinner drink, but the only port in the house needs filtering and decanting. :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 18 February, 2014, 02:51:44 pm
My fatbike allmost can't fit into my bathroom when I need to clean it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 February, 2014, 08:31:35 am
My train this morning arrived the wrong way round. Yes, it was back to front. No-one knew where the doors would be and we all had to change places on the platform.

I'm going to feel out of sorts all day now! Who can I complain to?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: greenmeansgo on 20 February, 2014, 10:37:58 am
It's not been very sunny recently, but now it's so bright that I have to close the blinds so that I don't get lots of glare off the monitor.

Other weeks it's sunny during the week, but rainy at the weekend so I don't get to enjoy the good weather!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 20 February, 2014, 10:09:46 pm
My train this morning arrived the wrong way round. Yes, it was back to front. No-one knew where the doors would be and we all had to change places on the platform.

I'm going to feel out of sorts all day now! Who can I complain to?

It could be worse, imagine it arrived on time.  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 21 February, 2014, 07:45:58 am
Whilst on a transport theme...

I have had a great week in Limburg an der Lahn (twinned with Lichfield), getting some good work done.

At 16:00 yesterday I received an email saying that there is industrial action taking place at only one airport in Germany, the one I am flying from, today...

Bother!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 21 February, 2014, 07:52:43 am
My train this morning arrived the wrong way round. Yes, it was back to front. No-one knew where the doors would be and we all had to change places on the platform.

I'm going to feel out of sorts all day now! Who can I complain to?

It could be worse, imagine it arrived on time.  :o

We're in UK Gus, that surely will never happen...     :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 February, 2014, 12:12:33 pm
Fancied an after-dinner drink, but the only port in the house needs filtering and decanting. :'(
I find that this weather I'm not fussy - any port in a storm.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 21 February, 2014, 12:14:29 pm
My coffee mug's filter is busticated  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 21 February, 2014, 01:46:20 pm
Ah, lunch!  Falafel, home-made hummous with chives, halloumi, and sweet peppery leaf salad.  Excellent!

But, oh!  No wholemeal pittas :o  I had to settle for white. 

My day is spoiled. :( :( :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moultonaught on 21 February, 2014, 02:55:56 pm
Our shiny new cooker wasn't supplied with a connecting hose! Apparently it's because we didn't use the John Lewis installation option!  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 25 February, 2014, 01:39:44 pm
Ah, lunch!  Falafel, home-made hummous with chives, halloumi, and sweet peppery leaf salad.  Excellent!

But, oh!  No wholemeal pittas :o  I had to settle for white. 

My day is spoiled. :( :( :(

:o No Waitrose within two miles of work!

But alumming it in Tescos, I managed to get wholemeal pittas this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 February, 2014, 09:51:58 pm
Ah, lunch!  Falafel, home-made hummous with chives, halloumi, and sweet peppery leaf salad.  Excellent!

But, oh!  No wholemeal pittas :o  I had to settle for white. 

My day is spoiled. :( :( :(

:o No Waitrose within two miles of work!

But alumming it in Tescos, I managed to get wholemeal pittas this morning.
Is this a reference to stupormarket arson?!!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 07 March, 2014, 09:55:57 pm
All of my favourite tumblers are in the dishwasher, so I'm reduced to drinking my wine from an actual wine glass!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 10 March, 2014, 02:49:10 pm
Virgin trains WiFi won't let me log phone and eBook reader on at the same time so I'm having to browse the forum on 3g while my book downloads.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 March, 2014, 05:01:51 pm
It would appear that a Waitrose card only entitles one to a medium cappuccino whereas I made the mistake of ordering a large. The drinks were already prepared by the time the till staff made me aware of the fact. Ever eager to please, I suggested that they throw it away and pour a regular one. It was decided that I should have the large at no charge.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 22 March, 2014, 06:24:33 pm
The newsagent had mistakenly put the Telegraph magazine inside my copy of the Saturday Guardian instead of Guardian Weekend. I'm now worried I might go a little bit right wing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 22 March, 2014, 07:02:06 pm
Now Wash Your Hands.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 22 March, 2014, 10:27:02 pm
The little bottles of basil-infused olive oil included with our Finest range oven-ready pizzas tonight were almost solid, having been in a chiller cabinet.

Julian had to hold them both under the hot tap whilst the pizzas were in the oven so that she could drizzle the oil as per the serving suggestion.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 22 March, 2014, 10:29:17 pm
The little bottles of basil-infused olive oil included with our Finest range oven-ready pizzas tonight were almost solid, having been in a chiller cabinet.

Julian had to hold them both under the hot tap whilst the pizzas were in the oven so that she could drizzle the oil as per the serving suggestion.

That is completely unacceptable.  You shouldn't have to spend your valuable time liquefying oil, that is supposed to be drizzlable. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 March, 2014, 10:39:38 pm
The little bottles of basil-infused olive oil included with our Finest range oven-ready pizzas tonight were almost solid, having been in a chiller cabinet.

Julian had to hold them both under the hot tap whilst the pizzas were in the oven so that she could drizzle the oil as per the serving suggestion.
I'm keeping you both in my thoughts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2014, 10:49:13 pm
The newsagent had mistakenly put the Telegraph magazine inside my copy of the Saturday Guardian instead of Guardian Weekend. I'm now worried I might go a little bit right wing.

What makes you think it was a mistake?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 22 March, 2014, 10:53:16 pm
I'm keeping you both in my thoughts.

You're very kind - that means a lot to us at this difficult time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 March, 2014, 11:09:47 pm
I'm just sorry you have to shop at Tescos
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 22 March, 2014, 11:22:20 pm
I'm keeping you both in my thoughts.

You're very kind - that means a lot to us at this difficult time.

Is there a book of condolence that I can sign?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 22 March, 2014, 11:26:00 pm
I'm just sorry you have to shop at Tescos

It was too far to walk to Waitrose and we were so hungry  :-[

Is there a book of condolence that I can sign?

That might help us find some closure - we could pick one up at John Lewis when we pop into town tomorrow, I'm sure they'll have something suitable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 23 March, 2014, 09:50:51 am
Anointing your pizza with essence of mustachioed cyclist ?  :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 March, 2014, 10:36:12 am
How are you both this morning? I hope you were able to get at least some sleep.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 24 March, 2014, 01:50:51 pm
We're bearing up as best we can.  Julian suggested a night at the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, followed by a light supper at Wagamama on the South Bank and I think it really helped us try and move on.

Thanks for your continued support, Kirst.  It's great to feel surrounded by so much love and warmth.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 March, 2014, 03:55:08 pm
Your plight has really touched me. If it's not too presumptuous, and not triggering for you, I think I'd like to organise a vigil to honour your suffering.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 March, 2014, 09:40:01 pm
The plight of those faced with undrizzable olive oil has so stuck me that I had to do something.

So tonight I sponsored myself to cycle through Croydon town centre. I collected 14p. I know money isn't the solution but I hope it can a go a little way towards making things better in these darkened hours.

I think the only real solution is some kind of mini olive oil bottle heater.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 24 March, 2014, 10:51:37 pm
I raised some money on C & J's behalf today, too. They'll be heartened to know I spent it on a bottle of la Motte Shiraz 2009. It was jolly splendid and helped me no end in empathising with their plight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 25 March, 2014, 09:35:19 am
I lit a candle for you, C & J, you're in our thoughts. I hate the feeling of helplessness, I wish there was more I could do.

I know it's not really any compensation, but I hope you have claimed?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 25 March, 2014, 12:09:01 pm
We're bearing up as best we can.  Julian suggested a night at the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, followed by a light supper at Wagamama ...
Slumming?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 25 March, 2014, 01:14:32 pm
Your plight has really touched me. If it's not too presumptuous, and not triggering for you, I think I'd like to organise a vigil to honour your suffering.

We're both overwhelmed, thank you.

I know money isn't the solution but I hope it can a go a little way towards making things better in these darkened hours.

I think the only real solution is some kind of mini olive oil bottle heater.

It's still too early for us to start to think practically like that, but to have such fine friends that can makes us feel truly blessed.

I raised some money on C & J's behalf today, too. They'll be heartened to know I spent it on a bottle of la Motte Shiraz 2009. It was jolly splendid and helped me no end in empathising with their plight.

Tim, if there's one thing I've learned through all of this terrible pain, it's that you cope however you can.

I lit a candle for you, C & J, you're in our thoughts. I hate the feeling of helplessness, I wish there was more I could do.

I know it's not really any compensation, but I hope you have claimed?

As I said, it's still such early days for us, but knowing that a robust legal remedy is an option for us in the fullness of time is comforting.

We're bearing up as best we can.  Julian suggested a night at the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, followed by a light supper at Wagamama ...
Slumming?

No, not at all - we often seek solace by spending time with people poorer and less fortunate than ourselves. 

Quite often, a chance conversation or even a kind word spoken between strangers in a popular canteen will go a long way.  And who knows who might also be suffering from a similar tragedy?   Solidified drizzling products can happen to anyone, across all strata of our society.

We must be strong, for ourselves and for others.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 March, 2014, 01:22:14 pm
Solidified drizzling products can happen to anyone, across all strata of our society.
Into each life some hail must fall.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 25 March, 2014, 06:27:49 pm
Would it help if we created a motivational post on social media?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 25 March, 2014, 11:19:04 pm
Now I know this thread has met its purpose. We should be thankful that few of us have had to endure the hardships that Charlotte and Julian have - and I like to think they did it on our behalf. We should bow our heads at the selfless sacrifice they have made, and think ourselves lucky that few of us have had to suffer the indignity and inconvenience of a jammed-up oil drizzler. Now I know what suffering is; it puts the rest of my life into perspective.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 March, 2014, 11:23:30 pm
It really pains me to think that Charlotte's oil drizzler might be jammed up. I hope the jam was Wilkins'.

The key question is this: who will lick the jam off Charlotte's oil drizzler?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 26 March, 2014, 09:32:33 am
Charlotte, I've been on the phone. Geldof is busy, but Bono says he can come to your humble kitchen and shed a tear on camera.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 26 March, 2014, 10:02:46 am
Oh Wunja, you're so wonderful - that would be really a very special thing.

Julian and I were holding it together quite well until we read the news this morning about Gwyneth and Chris's split.  Such awful, terrible news - it's just one thing after another and at this rate, I'm not sure how we're going to keep going.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 March, 2014, 10:20:40 am
I'm locked up in prison and I cannot get hold of a copy of Brain Sewell's "Naked Emperors: Criticisms of English Contemporary Art".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 March, 2014, 01:49:35 pm
I'm sorry to have to ask this, in your time of grief and suffering, but it is most important.

Has anybody contacted the Grauniad's newsdesk or one of their feature writers?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2014, 02:19:11 pm
Oh Wunja, you're so wonderful - that would be really a very special thing.

Julian and I were holding it together quite well until we read the news this morning about Gwyneth and Chris's split.  Such awful, terrible news - it's just one thing after another and at this rate, I'm not sure how we're going to keep going.
I think she got tired of pretending to like his whiny dull music.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2014, 03:15:28 pm
Charlotte, I have taken the liberty of discussing your situation with a QUILTBAG social worker, to see if she could offer any advice. She says that if you were proper QUILTBAGs, you'd be making your own pizzas and topping them with home-grown organic vegetables.  ;D But, she also says she's coming down to London this weekend and will be happy to offer any assistance she can. She was a psychiatric nurse before she was a social worker, so she can offer a holistic assessment of your mental states, and can probably get you the good medication should your trauma prove to be enduring. We've organised a  session for tomorrow where we will all concentrate on visualising healing for you both.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 26 March, 2014, 03:28:17 pm
My name is Charlotte and I am Not A Proper QUILTBAG  :-[

(http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/638%5C5053947787638%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2014, 04:51:56 pm
Nobody wants to eat pizzas with bases made of cauliflower and hemp anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: shyumu on 26 March, 2014, 07:02:17 pm
I didn't care about Charlotte and Julian's solidified oil problem at first. I felt that as peak balsamic vinegar dressing approaches it is the responsibility of us all to find alternative sources of lubrication for bread and salad products.

That was, until my in flight salad was delivered to my business class seat with a bottle of immobilized olive oil based dressing.

I've asked for a copy of the black box recipes. Typo. Black box recording of the flight to help me understand and eventually come to terms with this incident.

I'm now moved to empathise with C&J.  Damn it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 26 March, 2014, 07:38:11 pm
Another revelation and conversion as significant as the road to Damascus.

Meanwhile in other news our evening meal is in danger of being totally inedible due to the non-availability of penne pasta in the household. It looks like we will have to try and make do with fusilli instead . . .

Oh! The humanity! Where is Brigitte Bardot when you need her?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 March, 2014, 07:41:09 pm
My name is Charlotte and I am Not A Proper QUILTBAG  :-[

(http://img.tesco.com/Groceries/pi/638%5C5053947787638%5CIDShot_225x225.jpg)

Cell-sized pizzas at last. With green mitochondria. Yumm!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 26 March, 2014, 10:10:10 pm
Strewth, here you are bewailing lack of drizzle when some footballers have to get by on merely £50,000  a week, and certain east European folk have to now pay taxes on purchases in UK, whatever is the world coming to?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 March, 2014, 05:19:16 pm
One of my chocolate raisins had no chocolate at all on it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Euan Uzami on 01 April, 2014, 10:11:26 pm
Door opening etiquette: it's easier to hold a door open for somebody when it opens towards you.
Approaching a door that opens away from me, I can see a  woman coming the other way on the other side. I'm going to get there slightly before her. Do I:
a) Try to hold it open with one arm raised and awkwardly stand back as she ducks through while being forced to smell my armpit
b) Stand there like a lemon giving her no option but to hold it open for me, or
c) Just barge through apologising?

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 01 April, 2014, 10:28:12 pm
d) Walk through calmly (having seamlessly adjusted your pace to arrive more than slightly before her), enabling you to gracefully hold the door from the other side, where it's a damn sight easier.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Morrisette on 02 April, 2014, 09:24:38 am
I need to break up with my yoga class. A new place has opened one street away from my house which is much more convenient, but going there would mean not going to the one in town any more. What is one to do!!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 02 April, 2014, 09:43:08 am
Whatever you do, Morissette - perhaps you should consider some kind of bereavement counselling at this difficult time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kathy on 02 April, 2014, 02:44:15 pm
I couldn't get evening tickets to Grimm Tales in Shoreditch, so I'll have to go to a matinee performance.  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 April, 2014, 04:00:58 pm
I’ve got some grim tales from Shoreditch I could tell you one evening if that would help?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 April, 2014, 06:47:31 pm
My Tesco Finest pizza didn't come with an olive oil drizzler.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 03 April, 2014, 08:23:57 am
Perhaps that was a mercy.  Did you have any basil-infused oil to hand? 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rabbit on 03 April, 2014, 01:48:52 pm
I am trying to 'report from home' but the Sky box keeps saying 'satellite signal not being received' 

How the hell am I supposed to cope? I really don't want to break into my unwatched episodes of 'True Detective' as I am saving them for Saturday night.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: greenmeansgo on 03 April, 2014, 06:11:02 pm
A FWP is going to be solved. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26868531)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2014, 02:25:29 pm
I've just had my mum on the phone ranting about the fact that she couldn't get tahini in her local Tesco megastore this morning.

Please all spare a thought for her at this time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 11 April, 2014, 02:28:08 pm
My earring rattles against the new style iPhone earbuds when I'm running.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 16 April, 2014, 10:51:08 pm
There was no dark chocolate almond milk in the local Waitrose this evening.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: David Martin on 16 April, 2014, 11:00:57 pm
Door opening etiquette: it's easier to hold a door open for somebody when it opens towards you.
Approaching a door that opens away from me, I can see a  woman coming the other way on the other side. I'm going to get there slightly before her. Do I:
a) Try to hold it open with one arm raised and awkwardly stand back as she ducks through while being forced to smell my armpit
b) Stand there like a lemon giving her no option but to hold it open for me, or
c) Just barge through apologising?




Hold the door and be greeted by the phrase - 'thank you, you must be English'. (In the Nationalteatret underground station in Oslo wearing native clothing.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 17 April, 2014, 01:00:23 pm
After Saturday's tumble I need to replace my bar tape, but I can't get any in Celeste.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 19 April, 2014, 09:23:40 am
After Saturday's tumble I need to replace my bar tape, but I can't get any in Celeste.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/celeste-bar-tape-ec012112 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/celeste-bar-tape-ec012112)

Finally solved one of these problems
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 April, 2014, 11:08:13 am
Just dropped my bircher muesli on the floor of Stansted airport.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 19 April, 2014, 11:35:29 am
They had no creme eggs at the shop.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 19 April, 2014, 12:02:55 pm
They had no creme eggs at the shop.

They did in our local co-op, yesterday, 3 for a squid.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 20 April, 2014, 11:06:01 pm
Just dropped my bircher muesli on the floor of Stansted airport.

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 April, 2014, 11:18:58 pm
It landed lid side down and when I picked it up, the lid came off and muesli poured out all over the floor. I mopped it up as best I could with a grubby tissue from my bag. It was the most harrowing incident of my life.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 20 April, 2014, 11:47:09 pm
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/4/17/1397721160236/Daily-Mirror-front-page-008.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 21 April, 2014, 08:51:49 am
Our dishwasher caught fire last night
I just had to wash some by hand
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 21 April, 2014, 08:54:54 am
Oh rr, that is truly appalling.  You're not alone though sweetie.  We had to call a little man out to ours last week.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kathy on 21 April, 2014, 09:02:48 am
Does no-one stock buckwheat flour these days? We can't even find it in Waitrose!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 April, 2014, 10:52:52 am
Perhaps those prominent media people can do something about it once they've finished writing about David Cameron's religious statements.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 21 April, 2014, 12:52:24 pm
Oh rr, that is truly appalling.  You're not alone though sweetie.  We had to call a little man out to ours last week.

It took three visits and two different little men to fix ours when it gave up the other week. It was a tough time, I can tell you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 21 April, 2014, 03:39:05 pm
Ours had only died because we caught a piece of plastic from the organic hummus tub in it, since we wash them before recycling.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 April, 2014, 03:41:20 pm
Teh Julian wins teh thread!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 April, 2014, 04:23:06 pm
I have no garlic and therefore cannot temper the daal correctly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 April, 2014, 10:53:54 pm
I have no garlic and therefore cannot temper the daal correctly.
How the Daal was Tempered, by Ekksentrika Gallumbovska (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_Steel_Was_Tempered)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Riggers on 22 April, 2014, 05:19:48 pm
Trip to London. Do I leave the shoe-trees in the brogues or not? They add extra weight, but what the hell – there's more than enough room in the car.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 22 April, 2014, 05:32:01 pm
Trip to London. Do I leave the shoe-trees in the brogues or not? They add extra weight, but what the hell – there's more than enough room in the car.
Wait a minute!
There's a car?
Shamelessly stolen from Skully on LFGSS
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 22 April, 2014, 08:30:53 pm
Ok Tesco, I understand the need to stir and recover my microwave ready meal midway through heating. But to do that I really need a film cover that stay vaguely in one piece rather than splitting everywhere I try to peel it back  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 24 April, 2014, 09:16:33 am
A new Windows 7 update at m workplace has changed the lock screen - instead of pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del and then typing in my password, I now have to press Ctrl-Alt-Del, then press Enter, and then type in my password.

Four years of muscle memory wasted :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 24 April, 2014, 09:25:43 am
We have recently been subjected to a similar indignity - I now need to enter my user name every single time I unlock my computer.

Seven extra characters.  Maybe as many as twenty times a day.  I don't know how we're going to carry on.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 24 April, 2014, 09:31:25 am
Teh Julian wins teh thread!

Quite.  The mere mention of "Organic", "Tagine" , "Hummus" or "Guildford" can raise a First-World problem to unbearable levels.

Julian scored a Pair (I'm tempted to score it Three-of-a-kind because it's a problem involving a Dish-washer and Organic Hummus).

Let's just hope the breakdown didn't leave her with a soiled Tagine and an impending dinner party..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hairyhippy on 25 April, 2014, 09:55:58 pm
We need a points based system based on  certain key words to grade the severity of the calamitous occurrences contained within the thread.
For example:

Organic 2

Tagine 3

Hummus 2

Guildford 1

Poundstretcher -3

Double word scores for issues including organic and tagine giving a score of 10.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 26 April, 2014, 10:36:10 am
Last nights Kashmiri Butter Chicken, Red Onion & Spinach pizza was missing it's little jar of sauce.....

The cumin infused, hand stretched artisan sourdough base was a little dry as a result....and the chicken was too bland.  I feel disappointed, let down & cheated.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Thor on 26 April, 2014, 11:41:52 am
Mrs Thor burned her fingertips taking something out of the oven - and now the fingerprint authentication on her work laptop doesn't recognise her!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 26 April, 2014, 12:40:24 pm
Oh my word, Andrew, Thor.

My heart goes out to you at this tremendously difficult time.

I hope that both of you are getting the help and support that you need from your friends and families.  If there's anything that I can do, you only need to ask...

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 26 April, 2014, 01:01:09 pm
Thanks for your kind words Charlotte.   I've been trying to take my mind off the incident by doing housework , but the image & texture keep recurring.  The cardboard packaging keeps leering at me from the recycling box, triggering flashbacks everytime it catches my eye.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 April, 2014, 03:57:29 pm
YACF force for you both.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Chris S on 26 April, 2014, 08:47:12 pm
fboab is in a grump - Tesco do not stock puy lentils.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 26 April, 2014, 08:55:15 pm
Oh yes they do...

 Merchant Gourmet Puy Lentils  (http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=266386187)

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 April, 2014, 09:28:37 pm
Maybe they don't stock them at fboab's branch.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 April, 2014, 10:25:41 pm
Sodding Waitrose have failed to meet their agreed delivery slot of some time between 8 and 10 pm today. Quite apart from the inconvenience of hanging around waiting for an unreliable tradesman, I won't have any orange juice with bits in for my breakfast in the morning.

It has just occurred to me: do you think he sought our house and because we don't have a door clearly marked "Tradesman's Entrance" he thought we were too downmarket and therefore couldn't possibly deliver to us? Oh the shame!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 April, 2014, 11:25:17 pm
You do know Sainsbury's delivery slots are only one hour, don't you?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 28 April, 2014, 01:11:12 pm
At the wedding I attended last week the free bar only had two beers I particularly liked.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 28 April, 2014, 01:14:54 pm
Our village Starbucks has closed and been replaced by a dress shop. There are now only eight coffee shops to choose from, and one of them is a Costa
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 April, 2014, 01:57:09 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-27185544 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-27185544)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 28 April, 2014, 03:18:44 pm
I have purchased a bath so large that it qualifies as an hydroelectric project which is good because the IMF will need to agree to a loan for the hot water. Fortunately I'm fully submerged when it's just half full. I could probably soap a hippo if it was full. I hope that's not a euphemism.

It's going to be a hard struggle but I'm going to strive to find a suitable bubble bath for my future adventures in cleanliness. Hopefully someone will send me a pleasantly fragranced care package and a nice bottle of wine to help make bath time that bit more bearable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 April, 2014, 02:58:14 pm
Spare a thought today for the poor, beleaguered commuters of London, especially City PA Lilly Morgans, 25, who was reported in yesterday's ES as having had to walk an entire 1.5 miles.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 30 April, 2014, 03:17:06 pm
Oh poor love.  I hope she had the proper safety equipment for an expedition like that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 01 May, 2014, 11:03:21 pm
It's going to be a hard struggle but I'm going to strive to find a suitable bubble bath for my future adventures in cleanliness. Hopefully someone will send me a pleasantly fragranced care package and a nice bottle of wine to help make bath time that bit more bearable.

There is only one bubble bath worthy of soaking away those first world problems.

(http://www.mrspharmacy.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/700x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/badedas-original-rich-bath-gelee-with-extract-of-horse-chestnut-300ml-10-1oz_1.jpg)

I'm down to my last half bottle. Help!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 04 May, 2014, 08:12:50 pm
The 'noise' from the ice cream van is ruining my enjoyment of the live performance of the London Symphony Orchestra on Radio 3.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 May, 2014, 08:17:02 pm
I'll have a 99 please.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 04 May, 2014, 08:18:22 pm
That's odd, as the noise from the London Symphony Orchestra on Radio 3 is ruining my enjoyment of the live performance from the ice cream van.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 04 May, 2014, 09:47:25 pm
Damn peanuts used for feeding birdies are causing a fly infestation.... strewth.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 05 May, 2014, 05:27:08 pm
Related: first world anarchists (http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-first-world-anarchists-rebels/).

The "Drive Carefully" one is pretty impressive, to be honest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 May, 2014, 07:28:13 pm
The tree is good. And the man "standing on" the bottles.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 May, 2014, 04:55:52 am
My coffee grinder is too noisy. So since I got up at 4:30am and didn’t want to wake the rest of the house I had to make a pot with whatever ground coffee I could find. I 50/50 mix of the last of the Lidl Kenyan and the one year old Illy Espresso I found at the back of the cupboard is interesting. Still it seems to have plenty of caffeine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 07 May, 2014, 11:43:19 am
I popped into John Lewes to buy some trousers yesterday and couldn't find any I liked. I'll have to make an appointment with my tailor.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 07 May, 2014, 11:58:57 am
John Lewis didn't have any in red? Shame on them!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2014, 01:40:20 pm
https://twitter.com/crispeater/status/462609612379029505/photo/1
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 07 May, 2014, 04:16:10 pm
It's raining and I commuted in on my best bike this morning - might have to hitch a lift home so it doesn't get wet
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: greenmeansgo on 07 May, 2014, 04:58:38 pm
Related: first world anarchists (http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-first-world-anarchists-rebels/).

It's raining and I commuted in on my best bike this morning - might have to hitch a lift home so it doesn't get wet

Awesome, both of you!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 09 May, 2014, 09:42:44 am
I brought a pair of Julian's excellent homemade spinach and feta cheese muffins into work this morning.  When I unwrapped them, to eat for breakfast alongside a cup of single origin Kenyan Kikai pourover, I noticed that they had the smallest amount of mould growing on their surface.

I had to go down to the cafeteria for a Danish pastry instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Riggers on 09 May, 2014, 10:10:38 am
The problem facing me the other evening, was the strapping on my 'longs' was ever so slightly rumpled/twisted in my shoe, causing me a little discomfort when out for a blast before tea. I could have dealt with it, but that would have interrupted my ride by a couple of minutes. I decided to 'bank' those minutes to help me get back in time to put the oven on before my wife returned from her zumba class.


Needless to say, I didn't make it back in time. I think my bike's getting slower.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moultonaught on 09 May, 2014, 10:16:47 am
Wanted, no needed, a cup of tea for the train journey into London but had no cash for the station café. Thankfully as a 'known face' I was allowed to take now and pay later and not have the horror of a 45 minute train journey without tea...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 10 May, 2014, 01:58:29 pm
After 10 hard years labour, our dishwasher has given up the ghost. That is not the greatest horror, though. I will need to find a pair of Marigolds, so i can do the washing up, but nowhere stocks them big enough for my shovel hands! I have no option, therefore, but to either wash up ala commando, or suffer with aching hands from gloves that are too small.

What is a man to do?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2014, 02:15:34 pm
Would a car spares place sell anything suitable?
Can you use nitrile gloves?
Something like this from Lakeland? http://www.lakeland.co.uk/21180/Large-Deluxe-Moisturising-Gloves-Size-9 (http://www.lakeland.co.uk/21180/Large-Deluxe-Moisturising-Gloves-Size-9)

I wash up commando anyway...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 10 May, 2014, 02:16:14 pm
Wash up commando.  With suitable organic, hypo-allegergenic, eco-friendly washing up liquid you shouldn't need Marigolds.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 May, 2014, 02:20:24 pm
Wash up commando.  With suitable organic, hypo-allegergenic, eco-friendly washing up liquid you shouldn't need Marigolds.
If you can get your hands into the water without Marigolds, the water isn't hot enough.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 10 May, 2014, 02:33:22 pm
Wash up commando.  With suitable organic, hypo-allegergenic, eco-friendly washing up liquid you shouldn't need Marigolds.
If you can get your hands into the water without Marigolds, the water isn't hot enough.

Not quite true.

For most people that is the case, but, as people on this forum will testify, I have a) asbestos hands and b) a higher than normal pain threshold...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 10 May, 2014, 02:43:22 pm
In the absence of someone called Marigold to do the dishes, how about
(http://s7g3.scene7.com/is/image/ae235?$p$&layer=0&size=281,281&layer=1&size=281,281&src=ae235/65662_P)
http://www.screwfix.com/p/marigold-emperor-chemical-hazard-17-gauntlets-black-large/65662# (http://www.screwfix.com/p/marigold-emperor-chemical-hazard-17-gauntlets-black-large/65662#)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jogler on 10 May, 2014, 03:15:24 pm
What is a man to do?

paper plates & cups.
plastic cutlery
all disposable.
 8)

hth
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2014, 03:31:47 pm
Wash up commando.  With suitable organic, hypo-allegergenic, eco-friendly washing up liquid you shouldn't need Marigolds.
If you can get your hands into the water without Marigolds, the water isn't hot enough.

Not quite true.

For most people that is the case, but, as people on this forum will testify, I have a) asbestos hands and b) a higher than normal pain threshold...

I think this statement is technique-dependent.
I apply detergent with a warm scourer and scrub if necessary. The dishes then get rinsed in very hot water, which seldom touches my paws.
I don't leave my dishes wallowing in tepid soapy water and drain them unrinsed.  :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 10 May, 2014, 04:44:55 pm
Mrs O, Japanese, has always been horrified by the apparently common English habit of not rinsing crockery and cutlery. (Lemon flavoured washing up liquid?  :facepalm:).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 May, 2014, 05:04:41 pm
Wash up commando.  With suitable organic, hypo-allegergenic, eco-friendly washing up liquid you shouldn't need Marigolds.
If you can get your hands into the water without Marigolds, the water isn't hot enough.

Not quite true.

For most people that is the case, but, as people on this forum will testify, I have a) asbestos hands and b) a higher than normal pain threshold...

I think this statement is technique-dependent.
I apply detergent with a warm scourer and scrub if necessary. The dishes then get rinsed in very hot water, which seldom touches my paws.
I don't leave my dishes wallowing in tepid soapy water and drain them unrinsed.  :sick:
I run very hot water into the washing-up bowl with Fairy in it, sloosh it around to make bubbles, wash the glasses and rinse them with the water as it runs, then wash everything else in the hot soapy water, in this order: mugs, bowls, plates, cutlery, pans and stack them on the drainer so the water runs off them and they dry.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2014, 06:00:48 pm
Mrs O, Japanese, has always been horrified by the apparently common English habit of not rinsing crockery and cutlery. (Lemon flavoured washing up liquid?  :facepalm:).

Likewise my Danish Mum!
Mum learned to wash up from her mother, who had to get instructions from a book borrowed from a public library after they fled Germany.
Prior to that, the maid had always washed the dishes so my grandmother knew not what to do.
[First world problem from a bygone era] 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 10 May, 2014, 06:06:06 pm
Something similar to Helly, although I do change the water sometimes as the thought of cross contamination between, say, hummus and port, makes me come over quite peculiar.  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 10 May, 2014, 07:27:23 pm
I keep the water running as I wash up. It's terribly wasteful, but it's just the way I've always done it. :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 10 May, 2014, 08:35:31 pm
I run the water into the bowl of plates whilst I'm washing and rinsing the glasses. Then kill the water and just flush the plates with the bowl water. Can't say I've ever noticed soapy tasting plates but then I don't have very bubbly water.

I also wash up in order of dirty/greasiness changing the washing up water if needed.

Probably not the best approach but seems to work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 11 May, 2014, 03:03:49 pm
Assuming freshly dirtied dishes then mostly Helly's method although we use running hot water and annoyingly our kitchen sink hot tap is FULL-on, stuttering or off which I *hate* but we can't fix without epic amounts of kitchen remodelling which isn't allowed or worth it in rented house.

If dried on dishes then washing up liquid in sink + dishes and hot water. Soak for 5-10 mins, then scrub dishes till most stuff has come off. Empty sink and stack part washed plates if poss to one side and rinse in bloody hot clean running water.

I don't usually bother with gloves and find bog standard fairy used sparingly as needed works well.  Don't believe in sodding bowls either and have taken to hiding the one at work people use for dumping their stuff unwashed (grrr) so they can't do that so much...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 May, 2014, 09:31:36 am
Rinse under tap, open door, place dirty things on shelves and press button.......... ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jogler on 12 May, 2014, 10:42:31 am
Rinse under tap, open door, place dirty things on shelves and press button.......... ;D

+1
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ads on 12 May, 2014, 06:56:06 pm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/10812086/I-make-120000-but-I-cant-recall-the-last-time-we-went-out-for-dinner.html
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CrinklyLion on 12 May, 2014, 07:22:05 pm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/10812086/I-make-120000-but-I-cant-recall-the-last-time-we-went-out-for-dinner.html

Quote
The boys are flexi-boarders, so they stay at school on various nights of the week,” says Jackson. “Annually it’s costing £45,000 after tax, which is a considerable outlay, but I’m happy to pay because I want them to have the best start.
Fuck me.  That's 4 times my annual salary.  Gross.

Quote
Jackson’s tone is matter-of-fact. Like the rest of the Squeezed Middle, he is keenly aware that his situation evokes little sympathy. “I know if I were to have a conversation with someone on a council estate, they would think I was mad,” says Jackson, wryly.
Erm... not just on council estates. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CommuteTooFar on 12 May, 2014, 10:29:45 pm
In the olden days if I searched for my name (with Alta-Vista) I would find myself in the first few entries.  I googled myself and I did not appear until page thirteen.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 May, 2014, 10:41:46 am
In the olden days if I searched for my name (with Alta-Vista) I would find myself in the first few entries.  I googled myself and I did not appear until page thirteen.
I just googled "CommuteTooFar" and you filled the first page.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#nfpr=1&q=commutetoofar refers.

You clearly are not doing it right.

Incidentally, congratulations on your first place!

http://omgili.com/thread/FYJ2xGwtw8Fbj1YZkBjL0Uii.P_CBAXUfAYOBCWVOoM8beIdWQjvnoC43P3AvSDlqrUbv7qzBPY-/

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 13 May, 2014, 06:33:13 pm
The supermarket had no cocktail sticks  :o   How am I going to make sure that my free range, juniper smoked bacon stays neatly wrapped around my organic asparus spears, whilst they are under the grill  ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 13 May, 2014, 06:34:25 pm
The supermarket had no cocktail sticks  :o   How am I going to make sure that my free range, juniper smoked bacon stays neatly wrapped around my organic asparus spears, whilst they are under the grill  ???

Boots.  Toothpicks.
Btdt
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 13 May, 2014, 06:55:34 pm
Sprigs of your own. home grown, organic rosemary?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 May, 2014, 07:08:30 pm
I had a spoke replaced at the LBS. My Velox rim tape has been replaced by ugly red stuff!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wombat on 14 May, 2014, 08:27:31 am
I had a spoke replaced at the LBS. My Velox rim tape has been replaced by ugly red stuff!

That isn't a first world problem, thats a hanging offence.  There is ony one true rim tape...  In the beginning there was the word, and the word was Velox.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: davelodwig on 14 May, 2014, 10:33:29 am
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/10812086/I-make-120000-but-I-cant-recall-the-last-time-we-went-out-for-dinner.html

Quote
The boys are flexi-boarders, so they stay at school on various nights of the week,” says Jackson. “Annually it’s costing £45,000 after tax, which is a considerable outlay, but I’m happy to pay because I want them to have the best start.
Fuck me.  That's 4 times my annual salary.  Gross.

Quote
Jackson’s tone is matter-of-fact. Like the rest of the Squeezed Middle, he is keenly aware that his situation evokes little sympathy. “I know if I were to have a conversation with someone on a council estate, they would think I was mad,” says Jackson, wryly.
Erm... not just on council estates.

Not so much the squeezed middle as the stupid middle, and to be honest with that salary he's not the middle either.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 May, 2014, 10:57:55 am
Last night I had to book a table at Pizza Express. 5min on the phone, working my way through the most hideous automated booking system on earth. After I'd ranted about how crap it was for 10 min, my wife pointed out I could have booked via a web page with 3 clicks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 May, 2014, 11:38:14 am
Last night I had to book a table at Pizza Express. 5min on the phone, working my way through the most hideous automated booking system on earth. After I'd ranted about how crap it was for 10 min, my wife pointed out I could have booked via a web page with 3 clicks.

There's also 'an app for that' :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 May, 2014, 12:03:40 pm
My cats will only eat premium 'vet-approved' cat food. I fear that I too may be part of the squeezed middle.

Will I be OK if I eat 'essentials' blueberries rather than the premium ones?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: peliroja on 15 May, 2014, 12:45:27 pm
Feeling extra stressed because I can't get the little bit of plastic wrapping off the top of my bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy.  :-[
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 May, 2014, 01:59:20 pm
Feeling extra stressed because I can't get the little bit of plastic wrapping off the top of my bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy.  :-[
Bach Rescue Remedy; letting people drink brandy for medicinal purposes since 1930.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 15 May, 2014, 04:05:33 pm
Perhaps you need to keep a little bottle of Rescue Remedy handy for the times when you get stressed getting the top off new bottles of Rescue Remedy?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 May, 2014, 09:57:18 pm
Oh, for goodness' sake, IKEA!  Why have you stopped selling the triangular version of the LACK table?  No demand, you say?  Well, I'm demanding one, me laddo, so get over to Sweden and get sawing.

And then, to add insult to injury, the display on my motorcar's stereophonic system stopped working.

Oh.  Polaroid sunglasses, you say?  As you were...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 May, 2014, 10:04:44 pm
Ikea have also stopped doing their Grundtal hanging spice rack, and people are selling them for extortionate amounts on ebay.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 15 May, 2014, 10:13:48 pm
They've also upset all the LP fans by withdrawing the Expedit shelving system.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Julian on 15 May, 2014, 10:23:02 pm
Amazon.co.uk's website was very briefly down.  I was worried I might not make the Saturday delivery time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2014, 10:26:35 pm
Amazon.co.uk's website was very briefly down.

...for tax reasons?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 May, 2014, 10:19:54 am
Yesterday Dr Larrington was supposed to be going to Glyndebourne to see Der Rosenkavalier.  I say "supposed", as when I spoke to her on Friday she simply couldn't find any quails' eggs to accompany her champagne and caviar, in spite of scouring the whole of Chipping Norton.  I suspect she may have cancelled the entire excursion...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 20 May, 2014, 02:36:02 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27484318

Quote
City gave Toure a birthday cake as they flew to Abu Dhabi and tweeted their congratulations after he turned 31.

But Dimitri Seluk says Toure is "very upset" the club's owners failed to acknowledge him personally and says he may leave over their lack of respect.

"None of them shook his hand on his birthday. It's really sick," he said.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Lady Cavendish on 27 May, 2014, 08:58:39 am
Just broke an acrylic nail while doing my ocado shop
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 30 May, 2014, 08:22:34 pm
I was half-way through cooking the pasta before I realised that I had used the last of the chilli pesto. I've had to use the emergency backup coriander pesto instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 02 June, 2014, 12:20:45 pm
The AV amp stopped working yesterday, we had to watch a whole film with sound through the TV's built in speakers. It was truly horrible.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rabbit on 02 June, 2014, 04:31:55 pm
The only place I could get a caffeine fix today was a Tesco Costa  :sick:

Comparing Costa to nice coffee is like comparing methadone to heroin
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 June, 2014, 08:39:34 pm
When I went out for dinner on Saturday with the Wowbaggers, I struggled to pick a dessert because the two things I wanted were flourless chocolate cake with beetroot sorbet, but I don't like beetroot, or poached pear in a brandysnap basket with apple sorbet and green tea syrup, but I don't like tea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 02 June, 2014, 08:56:41 pm
M&S food hall had no English lamb*,  I had to buy imported stuff   :o   I used the self service checkout so no one else would see..

* at least not on the reduced shelf..



Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 June, 2014, 09:29:28 pm
I try to buy Welsh lamb when I can, on the grounds that the mountain sheep are sweeter, but the valley sheep are fatter. We therefore deemed it meeter to carry off the latter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 03 June, 2014, 11:56:54 am
When I went out for dinner on Saturday with the Wowbaggers, I struggled to pick a dessert because the two things I wanted were flourless chocolate cake with beetroot sorbet, but I don't like beetroot, or poached pear in a brandysnap basket with apple sorbet and green tea syrup, but I don't like tea.

So much tragedy in this thread at the moment.  My heart is heavy for all of your who are  suffering.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Blazer on 08 June, 2014, 12:14:13 pm
The free coffee machine in Waitrtose near the checkout was broken.  Would have to walk to the second machine by the bread isle to collect my free latte.  It was asking for a filter change earlier in the week so guess no-one got to it in time.

 Hope it's fixed for tomorrow lunch time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 08 June, 2014, 12:53:31 pm
I'm working.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 08 June, 2014, 04:21:19 pm
Hmm.  Spag bol tonight and I've run out of plonk.  I'm going to have to use one of my decent Malbecs as an ingredient as I can't be added to cycle to the shop.
Half a glass as ingredient, two glasses for the chef during the cooking process, I'm going to have to open another bottle for dinner, aren't I?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 June, 2014, 04:46:32 pm
The AV amp stopped working yesterday, we had to watch a whole film with sound through the TV's built in speakers. It was truly horrible.

The man in the shop insisted on lending us an ex-display amp while it's away being mended - it might take two or three weeks, and it was unthinkable for someone to have to listen to tinny TV speakers for that length of time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 June, 2014, 09:55:51 pm
The AV amp stopped working yesterday, we had to watch a whole film with sound through the TV's built in speakers. It was truly horrible.

The man in the shop insisted on lending us an ex-display amp while it's away being mended - it might take two or three weeks, and it was unthinkable for someone to have to listen to tinny TV speakers for that length of time.

What a nice man!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 11 June, 2014, 05:34:07 am
The AV amp stopped working yesterday, we had to watch a whole film with sound through the TV's built in speakers. It was truly horrible.

The man in the shop insisted on lending us an ex-display amp while it's away being mended - it might take two or three weeks, and it was unthinkable for someone to have to listen to tinny TV speakers for that length of time.

My faith in humanity is restored
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tom M on 11 June, 2014, 11:53:15 am
Technicians currently dismantling a piece of equipment in the room I sometimes like to wander off to for a sneaky snooze. Where am I supposed to go for my nap after a hard morning of drinking coffee and procrastinating?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 11 June, 2014, 12:05:19 pm
Up to the roof where possible is traditional.  In theatres, the drape store is the comfortable option.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 14 June, 2014, 11:39:37 am
My order of coffee beans from HasBean hasn't arrived in the post.   I'm having to use beans that were roasted _months_ ago  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 14 June, 2014, 11:49:00 am
My son used my cake slice to flip his Taste The Difference Burger  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 15 June, 2014, 03:48:03 pm
My poached eggs were sub optimal because they weren't runny enough.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 June, 2014, 05:30:07 pm
My parents don't have enough freezer space for me to order them a bag of ice from Sainsbury's online store of toothy comestibles.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 June, 2014, 07:01:16 pm
It was too cold for an ice cream, so I had to order a slice of cake instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 June, 2014, 12:48:11 pm
The knives here aren't very good and whenever I get myself a slice of cake, it squashes down instead of slicing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 16 June, 2014, 01:44:45 pm
There wasn't enough milk for cereals this morning so I had to have toast.
There wasn't any Rose's lemon and lime marmalade, so I had to have supermarket own-brand strawberry jam.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jogler on 16 June, 2014, 02:27:54 pm
There wasn't enough milk for cereals this morning so I had to have toast.
There wasn't any Rose's lemon and lime marmalade, so I had to have supermarket own-brand strawberry jam.

We've got plenty here 'cause I picked up the wrong jar.I wanted Ginger marmalade.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 16 June, 2014, 02:31:47 pm
There wasn't enough milk for cereals this morning so I had to have toast.
There wasn't any Rose's lemon and lime marmalade, so I had to have supermarket own-brand strawberry jam.

We've got plenty here 'cause I picked up the wrong jar.I wanted Ginger marmalade.

We have a couple of spare jars of Rose's too.
They were on Special Offer and then I stopped eating toast & preserves, in an effort to Lose Weight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 17 June, 2014, 08:36:01 pm
I have had no postal deliveries the last couple of days; I was expecting to receive a Graze box and a couple of opera tickets.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Euan Uzami on 17 June, 2014, 08:48:44 pm
Absolute DISASTER that Waitrose have stopped selling Simply Sausages and I will now have to settle for Heck's.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 18 June, 2014, 12:13:30 pm
The Graze box has arrived but the opera tickets seem to have gone AWOL. Time to phone the Coliseum...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 18 June, 2014, 12:56:15 pm
Phoned up the Coliseum. THEY ONLY SEND OUT TICKETS BY SECOND CLASS POST!

WTF ???
Opera tickets aren't cheap and I paid a booking fee too.
SECOND CLASS!?!
Cheapskates, honestly!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 18 June, 2014, 07:56:52 pm
I have just had to substitute marc for kirsch making a clafoutis. Shocking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 June, 2014, 10:26:41 pm
It was too cold for an ice cream, so I had to order a slice of cake instead.

Do you live at the South Pole? It's never too cold for an ice cream.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Deano on 18 June, 2014, 10:43:02 pm
It was too cold for an ice cream, so I had to order a slice of cake instead.

Do you live at the South Pole? It's never too cold for an ice cream.

Indeed. Best ice cream I ever had was wandering through Tabriz on a cold December evening while wearing all of my clothes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 19 June, 2014, 02:48:32 pm
Fourteen problems solved (http://weknowmemes.com/2014/06/14-clever-ways-to-solve-everyday-problems/).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 19 June, 2014, 07:43:42 pm
It was too cold for an ice cream, so I had to order a slice of cake instead.

Do you live at the South Pole? It's never too cold for an ice cream.

Civilisation depends on the clear demarcation of the two grand seasons: the Time of Ice Cream and the Time of Cake. Woe to those who eat baked alaska any time other than the solstice days, whereupon the ceremonial consumption marks the great transformation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 June, 2014, 08:27:42 pm
Proves civilisation is overrated. Who needs it if it's going to be like that?  Apostasy rules! OK!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 19 June, 2014, 10:35:19 pm
I drizzled too much basil infused olive oil on my sliced tomatoes, it pooled on the plate.   I managed to drop a slice of tomato into the pool.    I am now anointed with fragrant oil.... :facepalm:     

Luckily I wasn't wearing a shirt....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 20 June, 2014, 10:58:55 am
I chose Ice Grey metallic for my new car from the "configurator". Yet when, 3 days later, I went to place the order, I found it had been discontinued, and I had to change to Tornado Grey metallic. Worse still, it'll be ready mid-August, so I'll have to wait another 2 weeks to pick it up in order to get the 64 registration.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 20 June, 2014, 07:46:44 pm
I am now anointed with fragrant oil....

Oh, my!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 20 June, 2014, 08:23:20 pm
My car works  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 20 June, 2014, 08:52:49 pm
I drizzled too much basil infused olive oil on my sliced tomatoes, it pooled on the plate.   I managed to drop a slice of tomato into the pool.    I am now anointed with fragrant oil.... :facepalm:     

Luckily I wasn't wearing a shirt....

I always eat naked too. As I explain to guests, I'm wipe clean but my shirts are not.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 20 June, 2014, 09:17:43 pm
I drizzled too much basil infused olive oil on my sliced tomatoes, it pooled on the plate.   I managed to drop a slice of tomato into the pool.    I am now anointed with fragrant oil.... :facepalm:     

Luckily I wasn't wearing a shirt....

I always eat naked too. As I explain to guests, I'm wipe clean but my shirts are not.

Oiled, naked & smelling of Basil........    there's a mental image for you....    :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 20 June, 2014, 09:23:38 pm
Last time I smelled of Basil he had just wiped his lurgy glove over my hand. I was ill for a fortnight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 20 June, 2014, 09:42:53 pm
I'm now in the pub, wearing shorts. Their dog keeps licking my legs..... I must taste of something nice....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 22 June, 2014, 06:13:30 pm
I just had to fill in my details twice to order a ticket at Raby Castle, as the first time through Adblock wouldn't let the Online payment system open up. And the autocorrect insisted on me typing in each box instead of filling the boxes automatically.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 June, 2014, 12:45:37 pm
Bobb and I have just had to pay an additional £56 between us for the privilege of sharing a double bed when we go to Mykonos in 67 sleeps.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kathy on 23 June, 2014, 12:51:05 pm
A mouse has been removing the contents of the food cupboard and relocating them to various nesting points around the house.

As a result, my yoga mat is full of lentils.  :-[ :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 June, 2014, 12:52:56 pm
Oh dear, I do hope they're organic. You wouldn't want pesticide-ridden pulses in your yoga mat!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 23 June, 2014, 02:49:06 pm
Each summer I treat myself to scones, Wilkin and Sons Little Scarlet strawberry jam, and Cornish clotted cream.

First the scones run out, so I have to buy more to use up the cream. Then the cream, so I have to buy more to finish the scones. Then the jam.... and so the endless cycle goes on and on.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 24 June, 2014, 05:58:54 am
I need to buy some scones to take back to Germany on Sunday (with the Little Scarlet and clotted cream of course). Do you have a recommended Scone supplier?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 June, 2014, 10:11:08 am
Mostly in Scotland, I believe. You could contact the Old Stables Tea Room at Paper Mill Lock and see if they could prepare a batch for you. Am I right in thinking that Little Scarlet it a flavour of Wilkins Jam? Good scones deserve nothing less than jam from Tiptree, although again some of the Dundee confections pass muster.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 24 June, 2014, 10:44:53 am
The artisan baker in town was closed when I went past this morning :( will have to settle for biscuits instead of a pastry with my coffee this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 24 June, 2014, 01:26:04 pm
The artisan baker in town was closed when I went past this morning :( will have to settle for biscuits instead of a pastry with my coffee this morning.

 You have an artisan biker? Oh..... <Books appointment with optician>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 June, 2014, 08:58:18 pm
The Sainsburys man burst my tub of buttermilk so I won't be getting any freshly made scones this weekend ;(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 24 June, 2014, 10:53:21 pm
I need to buy some scones to take back to Germany on Sunday (with the Little Scarlet and clotted cream of course). Do you have a recommended Scone supplier?

If I can't persuade Mrs O to make some, then I have to make do with Waitrose's best.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruth on 29 June, 2014, 05:51:40 pm
My M+S crayfish salad with edamame beans and noodles was disappointingly bland.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 June, 2014, 06:16:23 pm
My mother and I went to the Royal Academy last Monday to see the Summer Exhibition.
It was CLOSED for the day so we had to go to Fortnum & Mason.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 29 June, 2014, 06:24:31 pm
I need to buy some scones to take back to Germany on Sunday (with the Little Scarlet and clotted cream of course). Do you have a recommended Scone supplier?


My mother makes the best scones.... her cheese scones are to die for, and are best eaten warm from oven slathered with butter.

You may have a heart attack - but you'll die happy!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 June, 2014, 02:36:33 am
My mother and I went to the Royal Academy last Monday to see the Summer Exhibition.
It was CLOSED for the day so we had to go to Fortnum & Mason.

Substitute "the Carlsberg brewery" and "the Tivoli Gardens" and you have my day in Copenhagen in 1993 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 30 June, 2014, 08:45:06 pm
Sat on the M25 for 2.5 hours on Friday evening last whilst attempting to travel the few miles around to the M3, the thought occurred to me upon gazing at the 8 lanes of static machinery (or is it 10?) with countless thousands of vehicles in both directions, do we not comprehend how barking mad this really is?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 July, 2014, 12:54:24 am
My mother and I went to the Royal Academy last Monday to see the Summer Exhibition.
It was CLOSED for the day so we had to go to Fortnum & Mason.

Substitute "the Carlsberg brewery" and "the Tivoli Gardens" and you have my day in Copenhagen in 1993 ;D

Having grandparents in Copenhagen made Tivoli a fairly frequent treat.

They lived here http://goo.gl/maps/hwxQq (http://goo.gl/maps/hwxQq)

I 'did' the Tuborg brewery with my Late Uncle Robert when I was about 10... We drank fizzypop but Robert (Bier) had the BEER.
More nominative determination...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 01 July, 2014, 03:11:03 am
Sat on the M25 for 2.5 hours on Friday evening last whilst attempting to travel the few miles around to the M3, the thought occurred to me upon gazing at the 8 lanes of static machinery (or is it 10?) with countless thousands of vehicles in both directions, do we not comprehend how barking mad this really is?

Good evening Lemmings....

(http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/The+sad+truth_1c188a_3956554.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 01 July, 2014, 06:47:00 am
Sat on the M25 for 2.5 hours on Friday evening last whilst attempting to travel the few miles around to the M3, the thought occurred to me upon gazing at the 8 lanes of static machinery (or is it 10?) with countless thousands of vehicles in both directions, do we not comprehend how barking mad this really is?

Clearly you did not.    :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 01 July, 2014, 08:24:29 am
Sat on the M25 for 2.5 hours on Friday evening last whilst attempting to travel the few miles around to the M3, the thought occurred to me upon gazing at the 8 lanes of static machinery (or is it 10?) with countless thousands of vehicles in both directions, do we not comprehend how barking mad this really is?

I regularly get a taxi to Heathrow via the M25. I have been playing a pointless game where I see how single occupancy cars I can count before I spot one with a passenger. Motorbikes and lorries don't count. Last week I hit 82.

Mind you, I'd just back from the 5,500 mile flight. I should buy a bigger car.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 01 July, 2014, 10:37:50 am
The turmeric I put in with my rice has stained my wooden spoon yellow. It now doesn't match the other wooden serving implements.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 July, 2014, 05:36:04 pm
Waitrose! Will you please put a huge warning sign on any product of Israel so that I can more easily boycott it? I had assumed, naively, that the samphire I bought to go with the salmon steaks was locally produced.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 01 July, 2014, 09:14:34 pm
The turmeric I put in with my rice has stained my wooden spoon yellow. It now doesn't match the other wooden serving implements.

Buy a chocolate fountain?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 01 July, 2014, 09:44:23 pm
The turmeric I put in with my rice has stained my wooden spoon yellow. It now doesn't match the other wooden serving implements.

Buy a chocolate fountain?
Make more rice with turmeric, using different implements, until they are all the same colour again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 03 July, 2014, 09:29:02 am
Our local branch of Morrisons has stopped stocking their Signature Series Normandy butter so I've had to go to T***o. I don't think I was spotted, though.
It would be so much easier if they built a Waitrose somewhere close by.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 July, 2014, 02:21:16 pm
Tokyo? I didn't think the Japanese were all that good with dairy stuff.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 24 July, 2014, 06:46:09 pm
Just noticed I've dropped from platinum to gold Wiggle discount. I placed an order the other day, too! :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 24 July, 2014, 07:42:15 pm
You obviously need to buy MOAR Things.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 24 July, 2014, 09:33:08 pm
Our local branch of Morrisons has stopped stocking their Signature Series Normandy butter so I've had to go to T***o. I don't think I was spotted, though.
It would be so much easier if they built a Waitrose somewhere close by.
I believe there are branches in Ramsgate and Canterbury  :P
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 01 August, 2014, 11:41:08 am
http://youtu.be/bwvlbJ0h35A
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 August, 2014, 12:33:29 pm
http://youtu.be/bwvlbJ0h35A
:D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jogler on 01 August, 2014, 01:14:32 pm
There is no milk in the fridge
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 August, 2014, 10:32:53 am
I cannot read the display on my iPod when it's connected to the hi-fi, as it's too far away.  And I doubt my binoculars will be any use at that range :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 August, 2014, 01:30:03 pm
I cannot read the display on my iPod when it's connected to the hi-fi, as it's too far away.  And I doubt my binoculars will be any use at that range :(
What would happen if you taped your reading specs to the far end of your binoculars?
Only asking, mind...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 19 September, 2014, 07:45:15 am
I got upgraded to business class on my flight (again) and spilled port on my t-shirt when I nodded off in my horizontal bed position (again).   :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 19 September, 2014, 08:44:23 am
We just got given a vitamix but now the other half wants a thermomix
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 19 September, 2014, 08:47:19 am
We just got given a vitamix but now the other half wants a thermomix

A cook might be cheaper.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 September, 2014, 08:55:22 am
Being really upset at loosing a completely democratic independence vote and claiming that you are oppressed after a campaign that didn’t involve petrol bombs, riots, the army on the street or any kind of murder and after which no matter which way it went there would be no "disappearance" of political rivals or arrest of those working for the losing campaign.

Yes I have been reading the bottom half of the newspaper comments pages.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 September, 2014, 02:00:10 pm
Anyone want to hang my washing outside? Socks, I hate hanging them up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2014, 02:42:00 pm
Anyone want to hang my washing outside? Socks, I hate hanging them up.

Won't they get wet?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 September, 2014, 03:12:10 pm
Anyone want to hang my washing outside? Socks, I hate hanging them up.

Won't they get wet?
Believe it not, it's not actually raining outside. Though it is a bit meh and not drying out so I've hung up in the wash hoose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 September, 2014, 09:13:56 pm
Sainbury's appear to have done away with my preferred varietal of chocolate for the second time, and all I have in the house is something poorly second best.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 September, 2014, 10:18:20 pm
One of my two new leather sofas came without the right bolts for the feet and DFS had to temporarily fit slightly shorter feet.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 22 September, 2014, 09:32:44 am
http://vegadventure.weebly.com/

British Airways started using the above website as promotion, and releasing press releases linking back to the blog. Basically some "random" guy decides to fly some pointless convoluted route for 45 hrs to get Gold Status. Gold status means you get to use the first class lounge and hammer the free booze. On the blog he shows his Gold Status card which is valid for 2 years. For most people, Gold statuses have to renew from year to year, and BA are normally very strict, miss the quota, and you lose your status. So some "freeloader" getting a guaranteed 2 years has upset quite a few business travellers.

There are more than a few PAs being told to draft angry emails to BA right now to complain about the inequity in the system right now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 September, 2014, 10:14:42 am
http://vegadventure.weebly.com/

British Airways started using the above website as promotion, and releasing press releases linking back to the blog. Basically some "random" guy decides to fly some pointless convoluted route for 45 hrs to get Gold Status. Gold status means you get to use the first class lounge and hammer the free booze. On the blog he shows his Gold Status card which is valid for 2 years. For most people, Gold statuses have to renew from year to year, and BA are normally very strict, miss the quota, and you lose your status. So some "freeloader" getting a guaranteed 2 years has upset quite a few business travellers.

There are more than a few PAs being told to draft angry emails to BA right now to complain about the inequity in the system right now.

The entire pecking order of the Flying Class system always amuses me. Those chubby little businessmen with their cards clutched in sweaty palms. Their rush for priority boarding is probably the fastest they ever move without the benefit of a golf cart. They'd probably complain if the plane crashed and they weren't the first to hit the ground. I have them all categorised from the power-suited alpha-women bosses to the teenage trustees to the vanilla escapees from the usual economy class doldrums (like moi).

I'll confess though, the lounges are nicer than schlepping with hoi polloi in the free-range departure zoo, and the beds are better than the torture chairs they put in economy. I've sworn for a long time now that airlines put a lot of a time and effort into making economy worse just so first/business looks better. Come on, why else do you think you're waiting in a long, infinitely pointless queue staring at the 'fast track for first class ticket holders' sign? Ryanair? You don't think that was invented by a cartel of airline CEOs? They even gave it a comedy villain boss.

Many years ago I first got gold on USAir (it might have been AA) and the only palpable benefit of that was the cabin crew scowled slightly less. On US airlines it's always called something like Super Diplomat Envoy class, presumably because Americans don't have a class system and they're such exemplary diplomats.

Some places have a special lounge to keep proper First Class free from the off-the-peg salarymen that have scrambled into business class. Last year, travelling on a business ticket, I took the wrong corridor from the lounge reception to frantic cries of 'sir, sir, SIR!' I'll confess I ran and hid in the first class lounge toilet until it was safe for to come out and get cracking on the champagne. Eating from a buffet is so proletarian. They have table-service in First and everyone calls you 'sir.' It's a world where a Viscount isn't just a biscuit.

I would have been back on BA Gold but my boss did this year's tour of the far-east as I was on holiday, which is where I usually net all my tier points on business flights, so I languish in the netherlands of silver.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 September, 2014, 10:21:16 am
I'm pretty sure when I was doing some work for the CAA at Gatwick one of the check in desks said "upper class". I wondered if you had to show a documented ancestry going back to some Norman chancer to use it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 22 September, 2014, 10:43:04 am
There's BA lounge inflation. Business Class, has the business class lounge. The first class lounge is used by solely by Business class flyers with Gold Status. First class flyers have their own Concorde lounge.

Virgin have the upper class. Which is funny as Branson always seemed quite egalitarian to me, but I guess owning an island will turn you into a Bond villain whether you like it or not.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 September, 2014, 01:50:34 pm
Oh, it's rumoured there's a lounge for those elevated above and beyond the usual choirs of traveller. Those of God-like status like Bono and Tony Blair hang out there being served canapes by supermodels while bathing in warmed Bollinger. The only way in is through a hidden door in terminal 5. I could tell you where it is, but then I'd have to kill you.

Sadly, I can only wangle business class these days for intercontinental flights longer than seven hours (the US east coast is excluded) and even then as the budget holder I'm aware of the finite nature of our travel funds. I often remind our sales droids, who always get giddy when they find they're allowed to upgrade, of the caveat 'with manager approval.' I'm not sure this does much for my popularity. I used to upgrade with my miles but my wife has discovered they pay for the holiday flights. In all honesty, it's very bad value for money (other than for the bed if it's an overnighter) and, of course, the status. Plus, you get access to the inflight control systems. From the comfort of your fully horizontal bed, select an economy class seat and activate the discomfort feature. Hours of fun making them squirm as you move the sticky-out bit around the seat back. Activate the crying baby in 55E? Oh yes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Peter on 22 September, 2014, 02:04:43 pm
I'm pretty sure when I was doing some work for the CAA at Gatwick one of the check in desks said "upper class". I wondered if you had to show a documented ancestry going back to some Norman chancer to use it.

Probably for RyanAir - you get to sit on the roof.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 September, 2014, 03:56:04 pm
Some places have a special lounge to keep proper First Class free from the off-the-peg salarymen that have scrambled into business class. Last year, travelling on a business ticket, I took the wrong corridor from the lounge reception to frantic cries of 'sir, sir, SIR!' I'll confess I ran and hid in the first class lounge toilet until it was safe for to come out and get cracking on the champagne. Eating from a buffet is so proletarian. They have table-service in First and everyone calls you 'sir.' It's a world where a Viscount isn't just a biscuit.

USAnians all call your "Sir" though.  Picture if you will a long-haired wildly-bearded scruffbag driving the world's dirtiest rental car through a Border Patrol checkpoint in southwest Texas.  He looks as though he has just swum the Rio Grande and then marched seven leagues across the desert.  The Border Patrol agents do not stick the barrels of their Mortalistastic Kill-o-Matics up his nose and demand to see his papers, no, they call him "Sir" and that was even before they'd seen my passport.  I like to think that it was the air of effortless superiority I naturally exude as a BRITON but I suspect that they do this to everyone, right up until they find your surname is "Garcia".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 22 September, 2014, 04:22:16 pm
Oh, it's rumoured there's a lounge for those elevated above and beyond the usual choirs of traveller. Those of God-like status like Bono and Tony Blair hang out there being served canapes by supermodels while bathing in warmed Bollinger. The only way in is through a hidden door in terminal 5. I could tell you where it is, but then I'd have to kill you.

I think they had the VIP lounge on that Airline TV show, years back. With the obligatory well-spoken posho staff, not that Jeremy Wotsisname bloke.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 September, 2014, 04:27:43 pm
I have sat on my bag of Sainsburys Assorted Toffees and now the wrappers are very hard to remove.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 September, 2014, 04:34:05 pm
I have sat on my bag of Sainsburys Assorted Toffees and now the wrappers are very hard to remove.

Where did they end up?  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 22 September, 2014, 04:44:18 pm
http://vegadventure.weebly.com/

British Airways started using the above website as promotion, and releasing press releases linking back to the blog. Basically some "random" guy decides to fly some pointless convoluted route for 45 hrs to get Gold Status. Gold status means you get to use the first class lounge and hammer the free booze. On the blog he shows his Gold Status card which is valid for 2 years. For most people, Gold statuses have to renew from year to year, and BA are normally very strict, miss the quota, and you lose your status. So some "freeloader" getting a guaranteed 2 years has upset quite a few business travellers.

There are more than a few PAs being told to draft angry emails to BA right now to complain about the inequity in the system right now.

As I understand it, when you achieve Gold status (or Silver for that matter), you have that status for the rest of your membership year, and will keep the status for the following year too.  you'll only drop a tier if you fail to collect enough points in that second year.  Unless it works differently for Gold than Silver.  My Silver card, for example is valid until April 2016.  When my Gold card arrives, I'm assuming that will be the same.

If he got his Gold status very soon after joining the program (or very soon after the start of his membership year) then he'd therefore have a gold card expiring about two years hence.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 September, 2014, 04:49:25 pm
I have sat on my bag of Sainsburys Assorted Toffees and now the wrappers are very hard to remove.

Where did they end up?  :o
Still in their bag :)
The liquorice ones are soft to start with and now look like those old penny shaped ones you get in Quality Street, only wrinklier.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 22 September, 2014, 04:54:38 pm
It's exact as Oaky said. One  year I renewed my Gold card within a month of getting it so it lasted for almost 2 years
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 September, 2014, 05:11:37 pm
It's exact as Oaky said. One  year I renewed my Gold card within a month of getting it so it lasted for almost 2 years

I meant to say that too, every frequent flyer programme I've been on is the same. I'm not sure what was so unreasonable about this chap. He seems to got his points by, erm, flying. Which I think is the point. But like I say, some of these status-obsessed dicks would turn up in Heaven and complain (a) that there isn't their priority entry lane and (b) that the people in economy hit the ground first.

I'm not sure BA will be using any of my posts as marketing material.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: matthew on 23 September, 2014, 08:50:41 am
Hot water failure at the office...

cold shower after the ride in. Brrr
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 23 September, 2014, 09:03:26 am
I'm pretty sure when I was doing some work for the CAA at Gatwick one of the check in desks said "upper class". I wondered if you had to show a documented ancestry going back to some Norman chancer to use it.

Probably for RyanAir - you get to sit on the roof.

Upper Class is ours. No riff-raff allowed. Except to LA.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2014, 09:23:47 am
I'm pretty sure when I was doing some work for the CAA at Gatwick one of the check in desks said "upper class". I wondered if you had to show a documented ancestry going back to some Norman chancer to use it.

Probably for RyanAir - you get to sit on the roof.

Upper Class is ours. No riff-raff allowed. Except to LA.

Cough.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 23 September, 2014, 09:28:24 am
Ok, not many riff-raff. And only a few x-listers. And a smattering of random upgrades.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2014, 09:33:51 am
I was freeloading. Of course. Nothing to do with the fact that my wife plays in an orchestra with your cabin services director (or whatever her rarified job title is) and our neighbours were you senior cabin crew trainers (well, they still are, they're just not our neighbours). I think they saw me at check-in and thought, hey, he's the kind of cool guy that epitomises our Upper Class travel philosophy.

It only happened once. I think I'm on a list now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 23 September, 2014, 09:38:13 am
Yep, seen your name on The List. That Ian, it says, is not to be allowed near the front of a Virgin plane even if he's on a lead.

PS. It's FSM. CSD is a Birdseed thing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 23 September, 2014, 01:17:36 pm
Yep, seen your name on The List. That Ian, it says, is not to be allowed near the front of a Virgin plane even if he's on a lead.

PS. It's FSM. CSD is a Birdseed thing.

You have the FSM on your payroll?  :o

Fly Virgin Atlantic and touched by His Noodly Appendage... ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 September, 2014, 08:13:39 pm
As I was having a shit day at work I went to the vending machine to buy a Galaxy Caramel of happiness.
Sadly the machine had been reshuffled and it was only as the bar dropped out of the rack that I noticed that it was a bog std Galaxy solid chocolate bar in the place where the caramel bars usually nestle.
Time seemed to stand still as I noticed


Just


As



The



Bar



Dropped



Noooooooo!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 24 September, 2014, 09:24:24 pm
Yep, seen your name on The List. That Ian, it says, is not to be allowed near the front of a Virgin plane even if he's on a lead.

PS. It's FSM. CSD is a Birdseed thing.

You have the FSM on your payroll?  :o

Fly Virgin Atlantic and touched by His Noodly Appendage... ;D

You should know by now that Richard is the Deity, and the FSMs (there are 800 of them) are simply His Prophets.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 26 September, 2014, 08:31:02 am
The office fridge is out of KitKats*!!!!

*One of the, very limited, perks of working here is that the company supplies fresh fruit daily, and KitKats (oh and mediocre, but still drinkable coffee)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2014, 10:17:54 am
Yep, seen your name on The List. That Ian, it says, is not to be allowed near the front of a Virgin plane even if he's on a lead.

PS. It's FSM. CSD is a Birdseed thing.

Thinking about it, I've probably demoted her through the process of managerial inflation (everyone aboard the mothership these days is a director, even the person who empties the dishwasher). I think she's the grand overlord who, when you'd much rather be in X, has decided you'll be in Y.

Getting upgrades used to be easy. All you needed were clean pants, a shave, and a smile (I'm not convinced about the former, but why take the chance). Nowadays, I reckon even RB would get bounced. Nobody wants a hobo beard in first class. I think my crappiest upgrade of late was when I wangled one on BA because they cancelled my direct flight to Phoenix and the only option was to go via IAD. Sure, said I, to the phone drone, but you can bump me up to First. He made a kind of ahhh-ahhhh-at-cha-cha noise and had to refer to his supervisor, who had to refer to his supervisor, and up the rungs of the pointless management ladder we climbed till someone begrudgingly agreed that yes, they supposed they could upgrade me. He sounded like he was agreeing to let me pull out his teeth, but I didn't care. Crowned with victory I did a celebratory lap of the terminal and presented myself to the gate. Stand in line you little plebs, because fast-track boarding here I come.

I don't know if they did it on purpose just to get me back for waking up the BA Senior Vice President Director of Awkward Customer Flight Rearrangement Services, but I swear they called the Bermuda Triangle and flew in a plane direct from 1972. I worked that out from the in-flight entertainment selection (of which they'd discarded the 'selection' component). Mind you, they'd perfectly replicated the experience of flying US domestic. Of course, we were late into IAD so I had a night at the Hilton for my troubles and then finally two days later I got to Phoenix. At some point over the midwest my bags evidently divorced me and moved to Denver.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 26 September, 2014, 10:21:44 am
As I was having a shit day at work I went to the vending machine to buy a Galaxy Caramel of happiness.

Was there a time gap between these 2 events?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 26 September, 2014, 12:12:19 pm
#bendgate

Stop wearing skinny jeans and get a sense of perspective!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 26 September, 2014, 12:19:51 pm
Yep, seen your name on The List. That Ian, it says, is not to be allowed near the front of a Virgin plane even if he's on a lead.

PS. It's FSM. CSD is a Birdseed thing.

<Description of a typical Birdseed customer experience, capped with: At some point over the midwest my bags evidently divorced me and moved to Denver.>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 26 September, 2014, 12:56:56 pm
#bendgate

Stop wearing skinny jeans and get a sense of perspective!

Or perhaps people could ask themselves whether they actually need to upgrade to the latest piece of shiny from the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation Of Cupertino, USAnia©...


© Copyright Mr Larrington.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 26 September, 2014, 01:39:51 pm
#bendgate

Stop wearing skinny jeans and get a sense of perspective!

Or perhaps people could ask themselves whether they actually need to upgrade to the latest piece of shiny from the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation Of Cupertino, USAnia©...


© Copyright Mr Larrington.

Funny isn't it. A few folks bend an iPhone (stupidly IMO) and it's global news - but plenty have done similar to various similarly proportioned android handsets and nary a whisper about it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2014, 02:17:10 pm
#bendgate

Stop wearing skinny jeans and get a sense of perspective!

Who knew that applying a lot of pressure to a long thin object might bend or break it. In other news, TVs prove not to be resistant to hammers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 26 September, 2014, 02:36:33 pm
We should go back to the days of the GPO and only offer people the choice of 2 fixed line rotary dial phones, black or grey.

I don't think those things ever broke.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2014, 02:42:27 pm
I did manage to bend my iPad 2 under mysterious circumstances so it's not even new. I was doing it before all the cool kids.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 September, 2014, 03:40:02 pm
At some point over the midwest my bags evidently divorced me and moved to Denver.

I'm flying back from Denver tonight.  Shall I look for them?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2014, 04:26:20 pm
At some point over the midwest my bags evidently divorced me and moved to Denver.

I'm flying back from Denver tonight.  Shall I look for them?

They turned up eventually. It was AA. Believe me, my bags have travelled far further than I have. If they ran space missions, there'd be bags on Mars by now, even if they hadn't got further than the moon. Anyway I had to do that horrible wait for the carousel to empty, like the worst episode ever of the Generation Game, and then the forlorn search around the baggage hall before finally dragging myself to the counter. What does your luggage look like? asks the career grumponaut behind it. Luggage. It looks like all luggage. Fortunately, as a seasoned traveller, I always have emergency pants ready to deploy.

On the plus side this was the same trip where I misread the meeting agenda and inadvertently booked myself in a luxury spa hotel for two days more than I needed to. Also the same trip where I went on a mountain bike-in-the-desert thing and there was a British expat girl as part of our group. As she seemed a bit unfamiliar with a bike I advised her that the brakes were on the wrong sides and she sneeringly exclaimed that 'of course, I know that, I've lived here ten years' before riding straight into the side of the bus and making a dent with her big stupid head.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Templogin on 03 October, 2014, 05:03:13 pm
I swallowed one of the whole peppercorns in my Tesco Finest saucisson.  I suppose that I will have to drive the half mile to the hospital and get another go on the CT Scanner that the locals bought for the NHS.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 October, 2014, 12:46:58 pm
What's the deal with speedy boarding? It just means you sit in an uncomfortable aeroplane seat for longer instead of an uncomfortable departure lounge seat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 08 October, 2014, 01:00:37 pm
What's the deal with speedy boarding? It just means you sit in an uncomfortable aeroplane seat for longer instead of an uncomfortable departure lounge seat.

A headstart in the fight for overhead luggage space, which on any mostly-business flight always causes delays due to the "really important businesspeople" wankers taking the piss by boarding with an oversized trolley case, a laptop bag and a rucksack.

Sadly BA have proven themselves to be utterly gutless when it comes to enforcing their own rules, to the point where the flight staff have to spend twenty minutes on the tarmac playing suitcase Tetris.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 October, 2014, 01:05:21 pm
What's the deal with overhead luggage space? It's much easier and less disruptive to get what you need out of your bag, put it in the seat pocket, and stick the bag under the seat in front. Aeroplanewankers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 08 October, 2014, 01:23:21 pm
This morning at the gym, the complimentary product dispenser in my cubicle was out of shower gel.  I had to move to the cubicle next door, which involved moving my two complimentary towels to the next rail.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 08 October, 2014, 03:30:37 pm
What's the deal with overhead luggage space? It's much easier and less disruptive to get what you need out of your bag, put it in the seat pocket, and stick the bag under the seat in front. Aeroplanewankers.

Overhead lockers are BIG.
Space under seats is not.

Small day bags are great for in-flight nicknacks under the space in front. Them HYOOGE trolley-cases are best out of the way.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 08 October, 2014, 06:37:29 pm
Small day bags are great for in-flight nicknacks under the space in front.

6' 5" and 17 stone - I don't think so.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 October, 2014, 06:57:02 pm
Small day bags are great for in-flight nicknacks under the space in front.

6' 5" and 17 stone - I don't think so.

What if we put the sax in the hold?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 October, 2014, 07:00:27 pm
Whose hold holds nicknack's sacks? Oo err.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 08 October, 2014, 07:05:12 pm
Small day bags are great for in-flight nicknacks under the space in front.

6' 5" and 17 stone - I don't think so.

What if we put the sax in the hold?

A gentle cup, or something a bit tighter...?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 08 October, 2014, 07:05:58 pm
Small day bags are great for in-flight nicknacks under the space in front.

6' 5" and 17 stone - I don't think so.

What if we put the sax in the hold?

Wot? And subject it to the tender ministrations of the baggage handlers? Not a chance.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 08 October, 2014, 07:07:11 pm
A gentle cup, or something a bit tighter...?

<wince>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 08 October, 2014, 07:10:35 pm
The indignity of it. Call this a hotel? Not only do I have to swipe the key card though the door lock slot, rather than wave the key card in the general direction of the lock, but there is no sink to fill the coffee in and I am forced to walk yards to the basin in the bathroom. Then, horrors, the loo seat has no soft closer on it.

What with having to change gates this morning at the airport (D37 all the way to D36, nearly 100 m away, I don't know if I can cope.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 09 October, 2014, 01:20:57 am
The champagne bottle has run dry in the BA First class lounge.  Luckily my glass is still full so it's a while before I need to either flag down a member of staff to get a fresh bottle or brave the business lounge (horrors!) to see if there's some there.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 09 October, 2014, 01:38:05 am
Crisis averted!

It was replaced with admirable - actually I'd even go so far as to say alarming - urgency once the emptiness was noticed.

Time to stand down from purple alert (i.e my plan to swith to the port).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 21 October, 2014, 11:42:38 am
(http://overheard.liketodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/21.jpg)

I hear Bob Geldof has been alerted and is planning "Cotswold Aid"

(http://overheard.liketodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/52.jpg)

Apparently passengers boarding places to Syria are having their shoes checked for Chutney.

(http://overheard.liketodiscover.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/58.jpg)

You know times are hard when.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 October, 2014, 11:46:01 am
 ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 21 October, 2014, 12:02:22 pm
Lee, thank you for highlighting these terrible modern tragedies - I feel overcome with empathy and kindness for people dealing with such awful times.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ferret on 21 October, 2014, 12:48:00 pm
Bugger! run out of mint tea!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 October, 2014, 12:49:48 pm
Lee, thank you for highlighting these terrible modern tragedies - I feel overcome with empathy and kindness for people dealing with such awful times.

YA Liz Jones AICMFP

(http://legslarry.org.uk/BikeStull/coat_48.png)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: epa611 on 21 October, 2014, 01:06:31 pm
Just about to order my Karsten Tent (http://www.campingtravelstore.co.uk/karstentents.html), but will have to wait until March for it  :o  (not for cycle touring obviously  ;))
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 21 October, 2014, 01:46:49 pm
Just about to order my Karsten Tent (http://www.campingtravelstore.co.uk/karstentents.html), but will have to wait until March for it  :o  (not for cycle touring obviously  ;))

Just had to follow that link...

Those are lovely, its just a shame that the wife refuses to go camping!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 October, 2014, 10:01:07 am
I've run out of fairtrade organic coffee. Will have to resort to the company costco blend :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 23 October, 2014, 10:03:59 am
I'm currently staying in a hotel in Kingston upon Thames. Yesterday the end of the toilet paper wasn't folded to a pointy shape.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 23 October, 2014, 10:31:46 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Bloke_on_a_bike/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141022_205235_zps0c96e482.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bloke_on_a_bike/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141022_205235_zps0c96e482.jpg.html)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 23 October, 2014, 10:39:40 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Bloke_on_a_bike/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141022_205235_zps0c96e482.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bloke_on_a_bike/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141022_205235_zps0c96e482.jpg.html)

Yeah, always sad to see an Epson with a clogged nozzle.  Poor thing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 02 November, 2014, 07:35:50 pm
I just found what looks like a moth hole in one of my favourite cashmere jumpers
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 02 November, 2014, 08:45:36 pm
Just about to order my Karsten Tent (http://www.campingtravelstore.co.uk/karstentents.html), but will have to wait until March for it  :o  (not for cycle touring obviously  ;))

No, no, no, no, no...

...just no.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 02 November, 2014, 11:02:31 pm
I just found what looks like a moth hole in one of my favourite cashmere jumpers

I feel your pain.

Like choosy kittehs, my moths turn their little noses up at anything that doesn't taste like Rapha merino.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 03 November, 2014, 08:40:46 am
I just found what looks like a moth hole in one of my favourite cashmere jumpers

Oh darling!

Can you get a little man to repair it for you?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 03 November, 2014, 08:48:35 am
That was my first thought but it's hard in SE London to find a dry cleaner that uses organic thread to do repairs
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 03 November, 2014, 01:58:19 pm
My Drobo is down to it's last half-a-terabyte on one of it's partitions.

Worse than that, though is the fact that the SKY+HD box is down to 30% of it's capacity.  What if I need to record a whole series of Strictly, or the like?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2014, 03:30:57 pm
My 60 Gb iPod Classic has under 3 Gb space left ::-) and at the rate I am plundering the CD collections/iTunes libraries of Miss von Brandenburg and Mr Sunshine it won't take long to fill that up.
Fortunately I have a refurbished 160 Gb one upstairs :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 10 November, 2014, 09:47:41 am
I'm down to my last Lapsang Souchong tea bag:-(
I may have to resort to drinking the cheap stuff in the tea club tin!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 November, 2014, 07:10:01 pm
My internet connection failed while I was placing an order with Sainsbury's.
We are down to our last apple. (There is other fruit in the fruit bowl.)
I thought I'd use my O2 USB dongle.
Bugger needs some legacy Java software I can only get online....
Connection has now been restored.
We won't starve...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 19 November, 2014, 08:39:32 pm
At last, a link between bytes and bites  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 November, 2014, 09:04:17 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 November, 2014, 10:05:36 pm
I don't have a peppercorn funnel so I scattered my rainbow peppercorns across the worktop as I filled the grinder.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Deano on 19 November, 2014, 10:06:26 pm
I've had two cafetiéres stolen from work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 19 November, 2014, 10:54:24 pm
I've lost my garlic press.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 19 November, 2014, 11:14:55 pm
LOLCATZ translator did an inferior job.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 November, 2014, 11:31:03 am
I misjudged how long it would take to get to the top of the waiting list for a reserved book and now I have three library books to be read and I'm not sure I'll get them all finished before they're due back.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 22 November, 2014, 01:18:25 pm
I misjudged how long it would take to get to the top of the waiting list for a reserved book and now I have three library books to be read and I'm not sure I'll get them all finished before they're due back.

I thought you'd just been bitten by a radioactive librarian and acquired library-fine-dodging superpowers?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 November, 2014, 03:47:43 pm
With great power comes great responsibility. LibraryWoman has a duty to spread the blessing of words to all and to save them from the darkness that is an empty shelf.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 November, 2014, 07:15:02 pm
I misjudged how long it would take to get to the top of the waiting list for a reserved book and now I have three library books to be read and I'm not sure I'll get them all finished before they're due back.

I thought you'd just been bitten by a radioactive librarian and acquired library-fine-dodging superpowers?

New glarses needed here. I read that as library dogging superpowers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 November, 2014, 07:20:01 pm
I misjudged how long it would take to get to the top of the waiting list for a reserved book and now I have three library books to be read and I'm not sure I'll get them all finished before they're due back.

I thought you'd just been bitten by a radioactive librarian and acquired library-fine-dodging superpowers?
I have, but there's a long waiting list for one of the books so I feel an obligation to read and return.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 November, 2014, 12:17:38 am
I misjudged how long it would take to get to the top of the waiting list for a reserved book and now I have three library books to be read and I'm not sure I'll get them all finished before they're due back.

I thought you'd just been bitten by a radioactive librarian and acquired library-fine-dodging superpowers?

New glarses needed here. I read that as library dogging superpowers.

YA Frank Erskine AICMFP.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 November, 2014, 01:04:58 pm
My mother can't watch a BBC video to which I've sent her the link because my father won't allow the latest version of Flash to get installed over the web on their computer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 26 November, 2014, 10:43:26 pm
None of the three routers we were using had any spare ethernet ports, so I had to get a fourth one working as a hub.

And an ethernet cable was faulty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 27 November, 2014, 09:05:29 am
My mother can't watch a BBC video to which I've sent her the link because my father won't allow the latest version of Flash to get installed over the web on their computer.

Gosh. That's most harsh. When I can't get the BBC I have my man recruit a troupe of out-of-work actors and get a copy of the script so they can perform the programme live in my drawing room.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 November, 2014, 11:12:38 am
Gosh. That's most harsh. When I can't get the BBC I have my man recruit a troupe of out-of-work actors and get a copy of the script so they can perform the programme live in my drawing room.

I tried that once but recreating the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix made something of a mess of the Tientsin rug great-grandpater liberated during the Boxer Rebellion.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 November, 2014, 08:29:48 am
I had a hankering to use my moka pot that has sat at the back of the cupboard for a few years. Turns out it wont work with our induction hob and I will have to buy a new moka pot made from steel instead of the traditional aluminium.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 November, 2014, 02:52:15 pm
Not only has the hairdresser made a complete arse of my hair, but John Lewis had sold out of some of their Klorane shampoo and some of their Klorane conditioner so now I have pomegranate shampoo and mango conditioner, instead of the same flavour for both. So I'll have shit hair that smells of fruit salad.

I really don't know how to find the strength to carry on this time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: David Martin on 29 November, 2014, 10:03:46 pm
Ok, not many riff-raff. And only a few x-listers. And a smattering of random upgrades.
I once wangled an upgrade on SAS by asking for a downgrade. The last flight back from London to Oslo and I was travelling business as that is the only way to do a 24 hour trip for a job interview. My colleague, the penniless student, was travelling cargo back from a meeting so I was going to be sociable and asked if I could change seats to economy. Instead they upgraded him to business with whihc he was mightily pleased.  The food is much better even if there is no other difference..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 02 December, 2014, 10:00:03 am
Has this been posted here yet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwvlbJ0h35A
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 December, 2014, 10:18:40 pm
I have a problem with which I hope those here present will be able to help me.

In about one and three quarter hours I will have to drink the new year in.

But on my shelf I have 5 different single malts!

What am I to do? Should it be:-

Laphroaig
Glenlivet
Penderyn
Highland Park
Talisker

?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 31 December, 2014, 10:19:33 pm
Yes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 31 December, 2014, 11:00:54 pm
Yes.
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 31 December, 2014, 11:18:51 pm
I also have:

Quote
Laphroaig
Glenlivet
Penderyn
Highland Park
Talisker

It will be the Talisker.

I also have Bell's.   :hand:
In my defence this is because #1 son (who doesn't drink) always demands a whisky and coke on such occasions.  And why shouldn't he?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 January, 2015, 12:03:58 am
In the end I followed your example, Basil. "What," thought I, "could possibly go wrong?"

I'm a bit disappointed to learn how little Laphroaig and Talisker I have left.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 January, 2015, 03:23:41 pm
I have a slab of Christmas cake but no Wensleydale. My life is pointless and empty. So much for 2015.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 01 January, 2015, 09:59:38 pm
I have an entire Christmas Pudding (and I am in Germany where these things do not exist).

But I don't actually like Christmas Pudding.

I also have six Waitrose Mince Pies.

I don't like Mince Pies.

What to do?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 January, 2015, 10:43:10 pm
Christmas Pudding will keep.

Mince pies can be frozen.

Can they not be distributed amongst the YACFers who drift across of your Spaziergang later in the year?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 January, 2015, 03:12:57 pm
The other Helen has a bigger chocolate and pudding mountain and is trying to lose weight.

At current rates of consumption the next Solstice will pass and another great niece/nephew will emerge before this mountain is consumed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 January, 2015, 03:14:34 pm
The milkman delivered milk date stamped 3 January today.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 02 January, 2015, 03:29:51 pm
Can you find some friendly Germans willing to sample British Xmas fare?

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 02 January, 2015, 06:11:45 pm
I wanted to make tarte tatin the other day but couldn't find the pan to make it in.
Today I decided I could take the lack of pudding no longer and I'd make some ginger parkin. Except I had no syrup and no treacle. :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 02 January, 2015, 08:33:31 pm
The Mexican place at Newark airport where I usualy drink margaritas is now French. And they've gone all hi-tech with ipads at each table for ordering - so are now credit card only.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 03 January, 2015, 10:43:38 pm
Can you find some friendly Germans willing to sample British Xmas fare?
Have already fed puds and mince pies to various Germans. They seemed to offer guarded approval but find a lot of our Christmas food over-sweet. Which is a bit bizarre knowing what i know about cakes over here.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 02 February, 2015, 11:02:12 am
The ice buckets in the BA First class lounge champagne bar are running perilously close to having no ice in them.   My Taittinger could get WARM if nothing is done about this !
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 02 February, 2015, 11:06:07 am
The ice buckets in the BA First class lounge champagne bar are running perilously close to having no ice in them.   My Taittinger could get WARM if nothing is done about this !

It's time to switch to the Port.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 February, 2015, 11:07:03 am
I've run out of Pukka teabags
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 02 February, 2015, 11:24:33 am
The ice buckets in the BA First class lounge champagne bar are running perilously close to having no ice in them.   My Taittinger could get WARM if nothing is done about this !

It's time to switch to the Port.

Good thinking, but by the time my liner arrived in the colonies I'd need to be on my way home already.  ;-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Riggers on 02 February, 2015, 11:29:30 am
Christmas Pudding will keep be better if thrown in bin.

Mince pies can be frozen stuffed up yer jacksie.

Can they not be distributed amongst you not make lovely Brownies and Lemon Drizzle cake for the YACFers who drift across of your Spaziergang later in the year?

Corrected that for you Wowser.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 02 February, 2015, 11:43:41 am
The ice buckets in the BA First class lounge champagne bar are running perilously close to having no ice in them.   My Taittinger could get WARM if nothing is done about this !

It's time to switch to the Port.

Also,  I neglected to pack my smoking jacket, so I'd only have to send my man home to fetch it!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 02 February, 2015, 11:48:57 am
The ice buckets in the BA First class lounge champagne bar are running perilously close to having no ice in them.   My Taittinger could get WARM if nothing is done about this !

It's time to switch to the Port.

Also,  I neglected to pack my smoking jacket, so I'd only have to send my man home to fetch it!

Surely they have an in-lounge tailor on-hand for such eventualities. Are you sure you're not in the business class lounge?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 02 February, 2015, 12:29:49 pm
With the business class plebs, silver card holders and associated hangers-on? Not bloody likely!

Anyway, unless my free upgrade hurries the fuck up, I'm going to be sitting with them for 8 hours anyway so I'm not about to volunteer for any extra duty TVM!

Could this day get any worse?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 02 February, 2015, 12:44:23 pm
Could this day get any worse?

Apparently so!  They just asked if I wanted a newspaper then offered a Daily Mail!

Luckily, I took the precaution of popping a Times and a Telegraph in my bag for just such ayn eventuality. Just need to get somebody to iron them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 February, 2015, 07:05:32 pm
Amazon is down and I need a new Kindle book for my Sunday evening soak. The bath is filling and their page remains stubbornly unresponsive. There's now an epic battle between bath and internet behemoth, who will win...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 15 February, 2015, 07:06:48 pm
Amazon.com seems to be up thobut
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 15 February, 2015, 07:49:00 pm
Amazon is down and I need a new Kindle book for my Sunday evening soak. The bath is filling and their page remains stubbornly unresponsive. There's now an epic battle between bath and internet behemoth, who will win...

It's not just you. (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/02/15/amazon_outage_europe_wide/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 March, 2015, 07:15:17 pm
The cat completely destroyed the relaxing bit of my relaxing bath by perching on the side, meowing and tapping me on the arm, and then trying to pounce on my toes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 15 March, 2015, 07:18:07 pm
Amazon is down and I need a new Kindle book for my Sunday evening soak. The bath is filling and their page remains stubbornly unresponsive. There's now an epic battle between bath and internet behemoth, who will win...

Are Kindles waterproof? I'd love to take mine in the bath, but I'm scared of getting electrocuted.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 15 March, 2015, 07:23:00 pm
Amazon is down and I need a new Kindle book for my Sunday evening soak. The bath is filling and their page remains stubbornly unresponsive. There's now an epic battle between bath and internet behemoth, who will win...

Are Kindles waterproof? I'd love to take mine in the bath, but I'm scared of getting electrocuted.
I don't think so, but they work through sealed plastic bags I believe :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 March, 2015, 07:47:51 pm
Amazon is down and I need a new Kindle book for my Sunday evening soak. The bath is filling and their page remains stubbornly unresponsive. There's now an epic battle between bath and internet behemoth, who will win...

Are Kindles waterproof? I'd love to take mine in the bath, but I'm scared of getting electrocuted.
I don't think so, but they work through sealed plastic bags I believe :)

I put mine in a sealable sandwich bag (I'm not that cheap, it's a Waitrose sandwich bag). Works fine. Unless you undo the thing to jiggle it into position while in the bath, one of those things that with hindsight could only have had one outcome (after a week in the airing cupboard it worked fine, and as a boon smells of Badedas now). There are proper waterproof cases but a medium sandwich bag does the same job at a fraction of the cost. Reading a good book in a hot bath with a bottle of fine beer on the side is why the first world was invented.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 27 March, 2015, 09:45:44 pm
FWP #1 - An evening of car woes, ending in an AA rescue truck, mean I need a stiff drink. (I'm home now, and fine, but still.)

FWP #2 - I'm all out of whiskey.

FWP #3 - The little shop at the top of the road doesn't sell Jim Beam. It only has Jack Daniels, which ISN'T EVEN REAL BOURBON!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 March, 2015, 01:33:50 am
ALL bourbon is made in bathtubs.  By gangsters.

Trufax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 28 March, 2015, 07:51:16 am
When it comes to bourbon one can do much better than Jim Beam, though the little shop at the top of the road may not oblige.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 28 March, 2015, 01:39:53 pm
FWP #1 - An evening of car woes, ending in an AA rescue truck, mean I need a stiff drink. (I'm home now, and fine, but still.)

FWP #2 - I'm all out of whiskey.

FWP #3 - The little shop at the top of the road doesn't sell Jim Beam. It only has Jack Daniels, which ISN'T EVEN REAL BOURBON!

So, is FWP #4, nae whisky?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 28 March, 2015, 02:13:31 pm
FWP #1 - An evening of car woes, ending in an AA rescue truck, mean I need a stiff drink. (I'm home now, and fine, but still.)

FWP #2 - I'm all out of whiskey.

FWP #3 - The little shop at the top of the road doesn't sell Jim Beam. It only has Jack Daniels, which ISN'T EVEN REAL BOURBON!

So, is FWP #4, nae whisky?

No, I decided the least worst course of action was to slum it with a bottle of JD. It's not that bad.

And yes, I'm sure there's plenty of better bourbons than Jim Beam but it's what I usually keep in the house. The "black label" stuff, if it's there. It's reasonably priced, fairly easy to get in supermarkets, and (IMO) a lot better than Jack Daniels.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 28 March, 2015, 02:36:01 pm
I concur with the honourable member for Northlandshire.

Whiskey /= whisky.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 28 March, 2015, 02:44:28 pm
I thought Whiskey was Irish Whisky IUSWIM?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 28 March, 2015, 02:47:03 pm
Whiskey=Irish or American.
Whisky=Scotch (or Scotch-a-likes, like Japanese or Welsh).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 March, 2015, 10:37:04 pm
I can't book a mini-cab online for tomorrow's outing because their website won't accept my credentials, which I have used successfully previously used and have rechecked.
Their website is refusing to send me my 'forgotten' password.
I cannot phone the cab firm because that would disturb partner, who is listening to a recording of the Mendelssohn he was practicing on our grand piano earlier.

I'll have to phone them tomorrow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 March, 2015, 01:59:28 pm
My stupid watch is supposed to change gear automagically at the start of BST and hasn't.  I have had to tell the wretched thing that I'm in Paris :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 29 March, 2015, 02:50:12 pm
My stupid watch is supposed to change gear automagically at the start of BST and hasn't.  I have had to tell the wretched thing that I'm in Paris :(

Surely Mortagne-au-Perche!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 March, 2015, 02:54:27 pm
Alas its time-zone jibbler is not that fine-grained...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 April, 2015, 01:04:48 pm
Radio-controlled clocks aligned to Frankfurt only realign the day after the clocks change.
Those aligned to BRITAIN change at the correct time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 April, 2015, 09:47:16 am
My stupid watch is supposed to change gear automagically at the start of BST and hasn't.  I have had to tell the wretched thing that I'm in Paris :(
My radio alarm clock magically changes to BST. Unfortunately it uses DAB to do so, with the resulting hilarity of the alarm firing an hour late, quickly followed by the time changing and the clock deciding I've had an hour to wake up and switching off again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 April, 2015, 10:21:37 am
I've just noticed that the date (analog) on my watch was showing 7th.  That means I've not looked at it to see what the date is for the whole of March.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2015, 05:25:58 pm
The bottle of tonic that was in the fridge had a loose cap and was flat. We therefore have warm tonic in our G&T.
Also, there's slim line tonic in the cupboard, how on earth did that get there?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 April, 2015, 05:34:10 pm
The bottle of tonic that was in the fridge had a loose cap and was flat. We therefore have warm tonic in our G&T.
Also, there's slim line tonic in the cupboard, how on earth did that get there?

 :facepalm:  Sorry.  I bet Mrs. B put it there.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2015, 05:58:47 pm
Mrs B can have it back....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 April, 2015, 06:01:19 pm
I keep trying to explain to her.  You have a rubbish g&t.  Then you have a bag of crisps!  ???
I don't get it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 10 April, 2015, 06:12:00 pm
The bottle of tonic that was in the fridge had a loose cap and was flat. We therefore have warm tonic in our G&T.
Also, there's slim line tonic in the cupboard, how on earth did that get there?
Chr!$t! That's two really serious things which appear to have gone awry in short succession.
We need to switch off the internet until both are sorted. FFS.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 10 April, 2015, 06:14:57 pm
The Gin wasn't in the fridge.  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 April, 2015, 06:19:37 pm
Whiskey=Irish or American.
Whisky=Scotch (or Scotch-a-likes, like Japanese or Welsh).

If it's Welsh it's wysgi.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2015, 06:48:41 pm
The Gin wasn't in the fridge.  >:( >:( >:(

It wasn't but that's OK...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 10 April, 2015, 06:50:29 pm
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 April, 2015, 07:09:50 pm
Paul.  Don't buy an Apple watch.

HTH
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 10 April, 2015, 07:54:29 pm
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

The waiting list is now many months.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2015, 11:01:33 am
Bottles of tonic are wrong unless you plan to use the entire bottle. Those little cans are perfect and guarantee the correct level of effervescence in your G&T.

I don't need an Apple watch but I do need a new iPhone. The thought of wrangling an updated sim out of EE puts me off. It's bound to go wrong. Plus I might have to start paying for the mobile internets again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 11 April, 2015, 11:43:16 am
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

The waiting list is now many months.

They quoted June to me :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 April, 2015, 12:53:17 pm
The other Helen has a bigger chocolate and pudding mountain and is trying to lose weight.

At current rates of consumption the next Solstice will pass and another great niece/nephew will emerge before this mountain is consumed.

We have STILL not cleared the Christmas chocolate mountain but it's only the week after Easter.
There's now another niece/nephew in the making...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feline on 11 April, 2015, 02:18:18 pm
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

I definitely didn't want an Apple watch. So why am I checking out all the different models?  :-\
If the heart rate could talk to my Garmin then I would simply have to have one .....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 11 April, 2015, 02:44:11 pm
For anyone that didn't realise it, Scot Adams has been writing an occasional strip titled "Robots Read News" published in his blog and twitter feed. Here's the latest

(https://41.media.tumblr.com/133005cb88776a17448b261f8c2f2f0f/tumblr_inline_nmlf7iq9dO1t63ajm_500.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 11 April, 2015, 05:54:46 pm
"Giftee"  :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 April, 2015, 12:37:01 pm
My cow-worker with the gold card isn't travelling (because: sore bum <titter>).
So I am in the normal lounge, drinking flat wine, instead of being in the first class lounge drinking champagne. Bah.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 12 April, 2015, 12:48:20 pm
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

I definitely didn't want an Apple watch. So why am I checking out all the different models?  :-\
If the heart rate could talk to my Garmin then I would simply have to have one .....

I examined the Apple Watch in some detail at the Pasadena Apple Store on Friday. It's pretty. It's quite big. It doesn't do very much. I own a Garmin Vivoactive. Not as pretty, but the screen is on all the time and the charge lasts about 3 weeks. It has GPS onboard (the Apple Watch uses your phone's GPS). It can have all sorts of apps on it, though the selection available right now isn't very inspiring. And it's £175 at Wiggle.

If you need 'pretty', there are several Google Wear/Android varieties that make the cut at $300 or less.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 April, 2015, 03:59:05 pm
The dog has lost her "good" frisbee. Fortunately she still has her less good, chewed one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 April, 2015, 03:59:21 pm
The less good frisbee doesn't fly as well
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 16 April, 2015, 04:09:41 pm
The dog has lost her "good" frisbee. Fortunately she still has her less good, chewed one.


Stand down! It's been found. One of her friends returned it this afternoon.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 23 April, 2015, 11:44:24 am
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

The waiting list is now many months.

They quoted June to me :(

And it seems they won't keep to that either!

I've just had the e-mail that it's due tomorrow!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jacomus on 23 April, 2015, 12:44:11 pm
Trying to persuade myself not to buy an Apple watch

The waiting list is now many months.

They quoted June to me :(

And it seems they won't keep to that either!

I've just had the e-mail that it's due tomorrow!

I am under strictest instructions (and probably have had some sort of combined GPS tracker & electroshock chip implanted in my neck whilst sleeping) to get Miss Emily's iWatch home as fast as humanly possible when it is delivered to my office.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 23 April, 2015, 12:48:01 pm
You've just reminded me that I have to be in the office tomorrow :(

WIll have to instruct Mrs F not to leave the house until it's delievered
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 24 April, 2015, 01:27:38 pm
I had a beautiful French manicure this morning, then chipped one of my nails when I unlocked my bike to come home.

Sitting in a corner rocking and keening now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 24 April, 2015, 01:54:11 pm
Sending soup, hugs and fresh ground coffee . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 24 April, 2015, 02:04:20 pm
Ooh, lovely!  Thank you!

I was only joking about the rocking and the keening, y'know  ;D

Riding the beautiful fixte mixte to town in the sun was bloody lovely.  So was riding it home again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pumpkin on 24 April, 2015, 02:12:00 pm
mappin & Webb (posh jeweller) told me that a watch I enquired about (and will never own) isn't due in yet and will 'whizz-out' when it does arrive in-store. I can't afford it but just wanted to have a look at the actual item. She looked at me oddly when I pointed out there is a factory making the watch and there will be another one along. I-watch? yet another triumph of the Marketing Dept.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 24 April, 2015, 02:58:31 pm

Riding the beautiful fixte mixte to town in the sun was bloody lovely.  So was riding it home again.

Now that is a problem to savour. Also the juxtaposition of a manicure and a bike ride . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 01 May, 2015, 10:52:06 am
Only two weeks after my coffee machine died, my kettle is now deceased as well.

You have no idea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Seldom Killer on 01 May, 2015, 10:57:21 am
Overheard in Waitrose yesterday "Charles, please will you hurry up and decide between quinoa and wild rice, we need to get Jemima to her dance class".

The struggle is real.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 May, 2015, 11:40:02 am
Yes, but what were you doing in Waitrose, Comrade :demon:

(Denounces TSK to the Thought Police)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 01 May, 2015, 11:47:11 am
Can't afford both obviously.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 03 May, 2015, 10:19:25 pm
I had to set up my new AV receiver this morning, it took a whole hour!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 May, 2015, 11:13:13 pm
I had to set up my new AV receiver this morning, it took a whole hour!

Blimey, that's quick!  It took me that long just to identify all the bits of string :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: sam on 04 May, 2015, 06:54:25 am
The dog has lost her "good" frisbee. Fortunately she still has her less good, chewed one.

The less good frisbee doesn't fly as well

(http://www.prettygoodbritain.com/pics/frisbee.jpg)
First World Certificate of Accomplishment


Some of my favourite software is now only available on Adobe's Creative Cloud, which is not something I wish to sign up for. This means I have to clutter my desk with an old iMac which can still run it.

The wireless mouse on the newer computer has gone a bit wonky, forcing me to revert to a tethered mouse which isn't touch sensitive. I'm coping.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 05 May, 2015, 11:28:37 am
I had to set up my new AV receiver this morning, it took a whole hour!

Blimey, that's quick!  It took me that long just to identify all the bits of string :o

Denon very kindly supply stickers to identify the bits that plug into other bits. It was just a matter of labelling them up prior to removing then from the old one.

Now the issue is that I need to RTFM to work out how to get it to start at a decent volume and the manual is on a CD. I don't have a CD drive for the laptop any more! Looks like I will have to find it and download it instead. Ah, the pain!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 May, 2015, 11:32:34 am
Only two weeks after my coffee machine died, my kettle is now deceased as well.

You have no idea.

Is this not a good opportunity to practise a little camp cookery?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 05 May, 2015, 11:35:12 am
Only two weeks after my coffee machine died, my kettle is now deceased as well.

You have no idea.

We have spares of both, the kettle you could keep, the coffee machine (which you know well) would have to be a loan.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 May, 2015, 01:03:44 pm
Denon very kindly supply stickers to identify the bits that plug into other bits. It was just a matter of labelling them up prior to removing then from the old one.

They do for the squeakers but there's almost as much non-squeaker string in there.  Plus there is a non-zero probability of the squeaker setup telling you that the phase of at least one squeaker is 180 degrees out :demon:

Now the issue is that I need to RTFM to work out how to get it to start at a decent volume and the manual is on a CD. I don't have a CD drive for the laptop any more! Looks like I will have to find it and download it instead. Ah, the pain!

What model is yours?  I have the manual for mine (AVR-X2000) already on the Babbage-Engine...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 05 May, 2015, 02:00:00 pm
Denon very kindly supply stickers to identify the bits that plug into other bits. It was just a matter of labelling them up prior to removing then from the old one.

They do for the squeakers but there's almost as much non-squeaker string in there.  Plus there is a non-zero probability of the squeaker setup telling you that the phase of at least one squeaker is 180 degrees out :demon:

Now the issue is that I need to RTFM to work out how to get it to start at a decent volume and the manual is on a CD. I don't have a CD drive for the laptop any more! Looks like I will have to find it and download it instead. Ah, the pain!

What model is yours?  I have the manual for mine (AVR-X2000) already on the Babbage-Engine...

Ah, mine (x1100) came with labels for the whole kit and caboodle, so another thumbs up from me to Denon. I have found the manual and abused work's bandwidth and sent it to myself, so all is good. Apart from having to plogh through the bloody thing for the one, tiny bit of info required.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2015, 01:33:55 pm
Sainsbury's did not have the Basics strawberries or the easy peelers I ordered. We will have to eat other fruit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 10 May, 2015, 07:37:24 pm
Getting a new stove the day I get back from a camping trip is just mean.

I might go pack a rucksack full of camping kit, walk up to the forest (half hour or so away), brew up, and walk back again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 May, 2015, 11:17:57 pm
Getting a new stove the day I get back from a camping trip is just mean.

I might go pack a rucksack full of camping kit, walk up to the forest (half hour or so away), brew up, and walk back again.

And so it came to pass that the 'nanoadventure' was invented.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 May, 2015, 01:12:27 pm
Getting a new stove the day I get back from a camping trip is just mean.

I might go pack a rucksack full of camping kit, walk up to the forest (half hour or so away), brew up, and walk back again.
Sounds like an excellent plan.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 May, 2015, 01:28:33 pm
Getting a new stove the day I get back from a camping trip is just mean.

I might go pack a rucksack full of camping kit, walk up to the forest (half hour or so away), brew up, and walk back again.

And so it came to pass that the 'nanoadventure' was invented.
I'm surely not the only person here who has tried (and timed) several stoves in the back garden?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 13 May, 2015, 11:01:04 am
While camping at the weekend my coffee filters got damp, so I had to drink tea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 13 May, 2015, 03:13:53 pm
I have to take my Apple Watch off to let the scanner read my boarding pass as the reader is too narrow for a wrist
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 14 May, 2015, 12:25:18 pm
I have to take my Apple Watch off to let the scanner read my boarding pass as the reader is too narrow for a wrist

Outrageous!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 14 May, 2015, 12:27:19 pm
I have to take my Apple Watch off to let the scanner read my boarding pass as the reader is too narrow for a wrist
Wouldn't it just be easier to Chip & PIN yourself now ?

:-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 14 May, 2015, 12:28:09 pm
I have to take my Apple Watch off to let the scanner read my boarding pass as the reader is too narrow for a wrist

Outrageous!

I know I'm really feeling quite traumatised by the whole experience

And just to rub salt in the wound there were more people waiting for priority boarding than standard boarding!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 14 May, 2015, 12:28:57 pm
I have to take my Apple Watch off to let the scanner read my boarding pass as the reader is too narrow for a wrist
Wouldn't it just be easier to Chip & PIN yourself now ?

:-)

I did look into that but you don't want to know where they put the chip!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 19 May, 2015, 12:42:59 am
My employer has just upgraded my mobile phone . Out goes Blackberry in comes a sparkling Galaxy A3.
But wait on , the new phone is a good few centimetres longer than the BB.
Now it won't fit into the  waterproof wallet that I always use when out on the bike. Just how will I cope?
Can I claim a new wallet on expenses, boss?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bumper on 26 May, 2015, 09:09:19 am
EMERGENCY

My kettle has broken  :o :o :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 May, 2015, 01:43:45 pm
EMERGENCY

My kettle has broken  :o :o :o

Kettles are now so cheap that having a spare in case of kettle death makes sense. I was glad I had one for when my cleaning lady killed my 35 year old Russell-Hobbs.
We have gas and could also use the little hob kettle I bought from Poundstretcher a decade ago...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 26 May, 2015, 01:56:28 pm
[quote author=PaulF link=topic=78430.msg1861652#msg1861652 date=1431602889

And just to rub salt in the wound there were more people waiting for priority boarding than standard boarding!
[/quote]

Standard Ryanair then  :thumbsup:   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 26 May, 2015, 04:44:37 pm
I've been stuck on the same level of Candy Crush for weeks
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bumper on 26 May, 2015, 04:51:56 pm
EMERGENCY

My kettle has broken  :o :o :o

Kettles are now so cheap that having a spare in case of kettle death makes sense. I was glad I had one for when my cleaning lady killed my 35 year old Russell-Hobbs.
We have gas and could also use the little hob kettle I bought from Poundstretcher a decade ago...

The spare kettle has been in service today  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 26 May, 2015, 04:56:19 pm
EMERGENCY

My kettle has broken  :o :o :o

Kettles are now so cheap that having a spare in case of kettle death makes sense. I was glad I had one for when my cleaning lady killed my 35 year old Russell-Hobbs.
We have gas and could also use the little hob kettle I bought from Poundstretcher a decade ago...

Keeping 2 spare kettles in case your working one breaks (after 35 years) seems extreme. 

If nothing else the warranty on your backup may be 34 years out of date.

I live 2 minutes from CURRYS and next-day delivery is rife.  A pan will suffice for a day.



Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bumper on 26 May, 2015, 05:06:28 pm
The jetboil is my back up-back up.

If i didnt have my tea/coffee, I would go on strike ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 May, 2015, 07:10:34 pm
EMERGENCY

My kettle has broken  :o :o :o

Kettles are now so cheap that having a spare in case of kettle death makes sense. I was glad I had one for when my cleaning lady killed my 35 year old Russell-Hobbs.
We have gas and could also use the little hob kettle I bought from Poundstretcher a decade ago...

Keeping 2 spare kettles in case your working one breaks (after 35 years) seems extreme. 

If nothing else the warranty on your backup may be 34 years out of date.

I live 2 minutes from CURRYS and next-day delivery is rife.  A pan will suffice for a day.

Bought spare kettle after new kettle, bought when I was running two homes, sprung a leak and I didn't fancy mixing water and electricity.
Downsized to single home and resumed use of my old Student kettle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pumpkin on 29 May, 2015, 03:42:33 pm
My 5 yr. old daughter wants her towels 'fluffy' ie dried in a dryer (££) as opposed to air dried on the line.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 May, 2015, 04:47:23 pm
^ tell her a puppy/kitten gets it everytime the tumble drier is run....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 May, 2015, 04:57:58 pm
Hook the drier up to a bicycle generator and tell her to start pedalling.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 10 June, 2015, 11:16:27 am
I couldn't get into the gym at my hotel this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 June, 2015, 08:17:53 am
My 5 yr. old daughter wants her towels 'fluffy' ie dried in a dryer (££) as opposed to air dried on the line.

Me too. I dry on the line and then fluff up with 5 mins in the dryer (pp).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 June, 2015, 12:43:28 pm
These grapes are tarter than I really like.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 18 June, 2015, 03:43:18 pm
I like mangoes put peeling them and removing the middle is such a trial.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CrinklyLion on 18 June, 2015, 04:53:57 pm
http://lifehacker.com/the-easiest-safest-way-to-slice-a-mango-1592923912

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-peel-a-mango-in-under-10-seconds-1603398060

http://www.buzzfeed.com/richardhjames/youve-been-peeling-mangos-the-wrong-way-your-whole-life
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 18 June, 2015, 06:23:34 pm
Most excellent. I have adapted the method by using my lower teeth instead of the glass. I don't many dinner invites for some reason.

You can buy pre-prepared mangoes in packets, which is very first world. But don't, because the people that sell these do not understand mango. It's horrid, underripe mango. Proper mangoes should be bought and forgotten about in the bottom of the fridge for several weeks until the teeter on the edge of collapse. Oh, juicy succulent tropicalness. It puts the Umbongo in the Congo.

Apropos of nothing, but I have to figure out how to get some Umbongo to the Congo, since the people of the DRC are unacquainted with their attachment to the sweet beveridge. The same two people mocked the stuffed lion (toy, not a real one) I was carrying around OR Tambo at the weekend. Not a scary lion, apparently. I don't think they have lions in the Congo either.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 19 June, 2015, 06:06:37 pm
I am ripping the joint Ham Hall CD collection to disk and I am developing a painful little finger from hoiking the disks out of the carrier.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 19 June, 2015, 06:17:36 pm
There was no digital radio reception this morning. I was reduced to listening over the internet on my iPhone.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 20 June, 2015, 09:13:30 am
Sitting as I am in seat 1A, with the debris of a Champaign breakfast scattered about the fold-out table in front of me, I an quite unable to reach the inflight magazine in the bulkhead pouch so far off is it. I may have to call the flight attendant.

(I didn't actually do the champers, a bit early even for me. Same cannot be said of the couple in 1C and D, who managed 3 mini bottles each. )

ETA: missed my connection in Amsterdam and am reviewing the Champagne situation in the lounge.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 22 June, 2015, 08:13:52 pm
I only have Olive bread for breakfast tomorrow, I don't think it's going to go well with my Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 22 June, 2015, 08:17:10 pm
How about with some nice cheese and a glass of white wine?

If a work day, you may wish to replace wine with espresso.  Or maybe not.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 22 June, 2015, 08:48:38 pm
How about with some nice cheese and a glass of white wine?

If a work day, you may wish to replace wine with espresso.  Or maybe not.

I'm on holiday in France so wine for breakfast is probably OK. There is some cheese in my panniers but it's a bit sweaty in this heat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 June, 2015, 09:12:00 pm
The café at the Royal Academy is closed. The Friends' Lounge does not serve apple juice.
The courtyard café closed in the rain.
We will be forced to cross Piccadilly and try Fortnum and Mason for better fare.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 June, 2015, 11:06:33 pm
Last time I was in Fortnum and Mason I was castigated for name-dropping by no less a person than the queen.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 June, 2015, 05:11:16 pm
I'm really hungry and I went to get a packet of crisps, but the vending machine isn't working because it's been unplugged. I daren't plug it in in case it has been unplugged for a reason.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 June, 2015, 06:22:05 pm
If it was for a reason there should be a sign...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 24 June, 2015, 06:23:19 pm
Go on, Kirst.  Live a little.  Go out and get those crisps!  Plug that sucker in!

If it 'splodes run away and deny all knowledge.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 June, 2015, 06:25:25 pm
Last time I did something like that I got 6 free cans of Ting.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 24 June, 2015, 06:26:10 pm
If it's unplugged, then the anti-tilt alarms will be disabled :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: marcusjb on 24 June, 2015, 07:03:42 pm
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=91543.0;topicseen

 ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 June, 2015, 09:58:39 pm
Go on, Kirst.  Live a little.  Go out and get those crisps!  Plug that sucker in!

If it 'splodes run away and deny all knowledge.
I was worried it might come to life and eat me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 25 June, 2015, 06:38:29 pm
Oh no, the dishwasher needs, erm, washing. I opened it this morning to find everything dirty and a murky puddle in the bottom. It turns out they have a filter. Who knew? And it's completely full of completely grotesque green sludge that I'm not touching. And whose idea was making the inside out of unsuspecting angles the seemed to have been designed solely to catch grunk and be difficult to clean?

That's not the worst of it, the cleaner can't come until tomorrow afternoon. I've barricaded the kitchen door, the filter is seriously horrormovie.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 25 June, 2015, 10:43:18 pm
The washer could have been stopped before the cycle had ended. Try another wash using a cleaning capsule.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 June, 2015, 10:36:16 am
The washer could have been stopped before the cycle had ended. Try another wash using a cleaning capsule.

It had but the filter is clogged. It's stupid, it's a really fine mesh filter, jeez, just send that shit down the drain. We used to have fearsome Teutonic dishwasher that never seemed to need to cleaning other than an occasional empty cycle, then we moved house and got an Italian one. It's exactly what you'd expect from an Italian appliance. I only bought it because it was stainless steel.

I tried going near the filter again, but I swear the green stuff was moving.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 26 June, 2015, 10:44:16 am

The washer could have been stopped before the cycle had ended. Try another wash using a cleaning capsule.

It had but the filter is clogged. It's stupid, it's a really fine mesh filter, jeez, just send that shit down the drain. We used to have fearsome Teutonic dishwasher that never seemed to need to cleaning other than an occasional empty cycle, then we moved house and got an Italian one. It's exactly what you'd expect from an Italian appliance. I only bought it because it was stainless steel.

I tried going near the filter again, but I swear the green stuff was moving.

Oh you great wimp.  Plastic bag on the hand, lift out the filter, enclose it in plastic bag ASAP before it runs away, give it a good bang to get some solids out then dunk it in a bowl of bleach water to kill it.  Hold it down with a wooden spoon till it stops struggling.

Go on ian, you can do it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 June, 2015, 10:52:52 am
You can, Ian. In fact, you must; not for the sake of your washing up, but so you can write a post here describing what went wrong and how you then had to call the plumber to free your fingers from drain.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2015, 10:57:26 am
The washer could have been stopped before the cycle had ended. Try another wash using a cleaning capsule.

It had but the filter is clogged. It's stupid, it's a really fine mesh filter, jeez, just send that shit down the drain.

The filter doesn't just lead to the drain, thobut.  For most of the cycle, the shit is re-circulated through the sprinkler thingers and associated plumbing, which I'm sure would be a whole other level of fun to de-slime.

I'm suspicious that dishwashers contravene the third law of thermodynamics.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 26 June, 2015, 03:31:54 pm
That's a good point, I need to add "run a cleaning bottle through the dishwasher" to my list of things to do today...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 June, 2015, 05:28:52 pm

The washer could have been stopped before the cycle had ended. Try another wash using a cleaning capsule.

It had but the filter is clogged. It's stupid, it's a really fine mesh filter, jeez, just send that shit down the drain. We used to have fearsome Teutonic dishwasher that never seemed to need to cleaning other than an occasional empty cycle, then we moved house and got an Italian one. It's exactly what you'd expect from an Italian appliance. I only bought it because it was stainless steel.

I tried going near the filter again, but I swear the green stuff was moving.

Oh you great wimp.  Plastic bag on the hand, lift out the filter, enclose it in plastic bag ASAP before it runs away, give it a good bang to get some solids out then dunk it in a bowl of bleach water to kill it.  Hold it down with a wooden spoon till it stops struggling.

Go on ian, you can do it.

I did, in the end, do it myself because the cleaner couldn't come until Monday. I probably shouldn't have described that sludge to her in such graphical terms. It was virulently green and made me feel a little bit sick.

As a plus, after one and a half years I've finally found out how to change the programme.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 June, 2015, 07:29:14 pm
Well done ian, I think you deserve several stiff G&T's as a treat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 26 June, 2015, 10:57:00 pm
Gosh British pluck!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 June, 2015, 08:00:22 am
Whilst cleansing myself in the shower on Saturday evening I had reason to discover that a power shower needs power as everything went dark. I had to soapily tip-toe across the bathroom and use the non-power shower above the bath. It's so weak. I don't know how people in poor countries without rainfall showers survive. It must be terrible for them, like shopping at Lidl.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 30 June, 2015, 09:07:39 am
The cafe on the ferry for my 5th foreign excursion this year has no Apricot jam for my continental breakfast. I might as well have had a full English.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 June, 2015, 09:22:19 am
From this BBC article (http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150626-a-new-status-symbol-less-space) about living in a space that is under 33 square metres (350 square feet): If you’re buying a tiny home or apartment, you’ll need at least six months to downsize your possessions.

How many possessions is one meant to acquire so that it takes at least six months to get rid of the excess?
Living in Slovakia, I'm sure you know plenty of some people living in less than 33 square metres. I can quite easily imagine it taking six months to get rid of all the possessions I've seen in some such places, let alone what you could have when moving from a larger place. Unless, of course, you simply dump most of it on the pavement for the council to collect in six months' time, which seems to be the First World Student way. (Cue discussion on the geographical and other frontiers of the First World.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 July, 2015, 07:20:29 pm
The cafe on the ferry for my 5th foreign excursion this year has no Apricot jam for my continental breakfast. I might as well have had a full English.

I have a cousin who holidayed in Phuket at the end of 2004.
He, his wife and 2 tiny kids had a miraculous escape from the tsunami, about which he blogged.
There was no marmalade available for breakfast immediately after the event.

Somebody complained.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 July, 2015, 07:24:20 pm
Emails to my Elderly Father are bouncing or getting lost in the ether.
I have phoned him to tell him and he is Not Happy.
Dad is a month off 85.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Luke on 24 July, 2015, 07:57:20 pm
So many nachos, but only so much salsa.  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 24 July, 2015, 09:38:15 pm
I've got some of that nice goopy Arla blue cheese dip here if you want it Luke?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 July, 2015, 12:17:24 am
The bakery had sold out of sourdough loaves so I had to make do with a white bloomer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 28 July, 2015, 02:32:56 pm
My bicycle is locked up at the opposite end of the train from my first class seat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2015, 02:57:01 pm
The station porter will bring it to your carriage door on arrival at your destination. A small tip is appropriate for this service; more if he also attaches your luggage to the rack, less if he shifts the derailleurs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 28 July, 2015, 03:06:41 pm
My bicycle is locked up at the opposite end of the train from my first class seat.

Philistines! Serving wine in a water glass?!? Perhaps I should be grateful the cutlery is not plastic...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 29 July, 2015, 08:18:15 pm
The Waitrose branch at the motorway services didn't have any fresh tagliatelle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2015, 08:33:12 pm
A megahal bot just turned off my desk lamp.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 July, 2015, 08:42:55 pm
A megahal bot just turned off my desk lamp.

How did it do that?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2015, 08:58:48 pm
A megahal bot just turned off my desk lamp.

How did it do that?

Code: [Select]
-!- lamp [~arduino@dyn5.ductilebiscuit.net] has joined #27ps 
<eoin> lamp: all@0
-!- mode/#27ps [+v lamp] by ChanServ
<lamp> Ch1 set to: 0
<lamp> Ch2 set to: 0   
<kim> thanks, eoin
<eoin> Weirdly barakta can print from open orifice again
<kim> lamp: ch2@80
<lamp> Ch2 set to: 80

I'd overlooked eoin learning the lamp commands.  Need to change the code so they're ignored.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 July, 2015, 09:00:21 pm
Um, I'm sorry I asked.... intrigued by ductilebiscuit tho ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 29 July, 2015, 09:02:18 pm
Um, I'm sorry I asked.... intrigued by ductilebiscuit tho ;)
Ductile biscuit is good IME  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2015, 09:02:42 pm
Um, I'm sorry I asked.... intrigued by ductilebiscuit tho ;)

A long time ago in a university far far away, I once did a seminar on high-temperature superconductors.  The problem with these materials is that they're ceramics, which makes them about as ductile as....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 29 July, 2015, 09:08:33 pm
My bicycle is locked up at the opposite end of the train from my first class seat.

Philistines! Serving wine in a water glass?!? Perhaps I should be grateful the cutlery is not plastic...
What was the material the 'glass' was made of.
I dunno, you go for these cut-price travel options and then have the temerity, nay, the unmitigated audacity to complain about that which you haven't paid for  ::-)
 ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 30 July, 2015, 08:42:09 am
A megahal bot just turned off my desk lamp.

How did it do that?

Code: [Select]
-!- lamp [~arduino@dyn5.ductilebiscuit.net] has joined #27ps 
<eoin> lamp: all@0
-!- mode/#27ps [+v lamp] by ChanServ
<lamp> Ch1 set to: 0
<lamp> Ch2 set to: 0   
<kim> thanks, eoin
<eoin> Weirdly barakta can print from open orifice again
<kim> lamp: ch2@80
<lamp> Ch2 set to: 80

I'd overlooked eoin learning the lamp commands.  Need to change the code so they're ignored.   :facepalm:

HAHAHAHAHA!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 30 July, 2015, 12:37:58 pm
My bicycle is locked up at the opposite end of the train from my first class seat.

Philistines! Serving wine in a water glass?!? Perhaps I should be grateful the cutlery is not plastic...
What was the material the 'glass' was made of.
Thankfully it was actually glass.

Quote
I dunno, you go for these cut-price travel options and then have the temerity, nay, the unmitigated audacity to complain about that which you haven't paid for  ::-)
 ;)
As I wasn't on the Orient Express or some other international/Continental service I should have lowered my expectations.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 06 August, 2015, 10:04:13 am
As it's regularly scheduled tube strike time, I hope we're all braced for those terrible, heartbreaking stories of commuters forced to walk for sometimes up to twenty minutes on a warm summer's day. I just heard on the radio that one person had to watch three full buses go by. Such anguish so early in the day. It can only get worse.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 August, 2015, 09:30:34 pm
There is so much stuff in my freezer it's difficult to shut the door.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 August, 2015, 11:25:27 pm
There is so much stuff in my freezer it's difficult to shut the door.

Have you checked there isn't a long-forgotten pair of trousers embedded in the iceberg at the back?  That happened to me once[1]...


[1] Admittedly in a student house.  None of the current housemates claimed the trousers, and there wasn't any chewing gum, mysterious stain or other sensible reason for them being there.  It remains an unsolved mystery.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 August, 2015, 08:07:38 am
Pretty sure.  ;D

I did a lot of cooking last weekend and froze it in batches, plus there's chicken legs for Pete and a chopped up ox heart too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 August, 2015, 11:21:05 am
Pretty sure.  ;D

I did a lot of cooking last weekend and froze it in batches, plus there's chicken legs for Pete and a chopped up ox heart too.

So did you murder Mr Van Vliet or are you just concealing the evidence ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 16 August, 2015, 10:04:58 am
I have a voucher to spend, but really can't think of anything I want to get with it.
(I feel I ought to mostly get something I can point to and say "I got this with it", so a supply of brake blocks doesn't really work.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 August, 2015, 06:06:45 pm
There's no chef's knife, cheese grater or washing machine in our holiday apartment.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 August, 2015, 06:10:39 pm
And there's nowhere to sit outside.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 August, 2015, 07:09:46 pm
Pretty sure.  ;D

I did a lot of cooking last weekend and froze it in batches, plus there's chicken legs for Pete and a chopped up ox heart too.

So did you murder Mr Van Vliet or are you just concealing the evidence ;D
She has at least got rid of his trousers!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 August, 2015, 08:52:40 pm
The en-suite toilet in the room of my Versailles hotel has been running noisily for hours.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 21 August, 2015, 05:41:28 pm
The temperature gauge on my sous vide shows consistently 2 degrees over. As a result the very rare steaks came out medium rare and dinner was ruined.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2015, 06:04:38 pm
The button to select the desired input on my anbaric distascope works sequentially for the first n seconds after switch-on, but after that I have to use the arrow keys on the remote.  Why oh why can it not just do one or the other?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 21 August, 2015, 06:14:17 pm
Whilst cleansing myself in the shower on Saturday evening I had reason to discover that a power shower needs power as everything went dark. I had to soapily tip-toe across the bathroom and use the non-power shower above the bath. It's so weak. I don't know how people in poor countries without rainfall showers survive. It must be terrible for them, like shopping at Lidl.

One of the benefits of a combi boiler is mains pressure hot water.

Of course, modern boilers still need power for the CPU that makes them work.  :facepalm:

Likewise newfangled electrical button-operated bath taps.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2015, 06:18:43 pm
Ever since The Man replaced the Victorian water mains around here the water pressure went all to pot and the difference between being frozen utterly to DETH under the shower and being boiled alive is about 0.00001 degrees of cold tap rotation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 August, 2015, 07:06:47 pm
Mr L needs a thermostatic shower mixer. ..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 21 August, 2015, 08:10:17 pm
One of the benefits of a combi boiler is mains pressure hot water...

... at a rather modest flowrate.

Mains pressure in a stored HW cylinder FTW!
( google megaflo, and similar. )
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 21 August, 2015, 08:14:50 pm
Ever since The Man replaced the Victorian water mains around here the water pressure went all to pot and the difference between being frozen utterly to DETH under the shower and being boiled alive is about 0.00001 degrees of cold tap rotation.

If your shower mixer is getting mains-pressure cold on one side, and gravity-pressure HW from a loft tank on t'other side, this is never going to end well.

Even a thermostatic mixer will struggle to deal with this.
It needs re-plumbed.

Either feed both sides from the loft header tanks ( with a pump for adder vvvroom );
Or upgrade the DHW cylinder to mains pressure ( megaflo and the like ) so both sides are at mains pressure.

Oh, and as mentioned already, you could lose the HW cylinder totally, and go with a combi heat-on-demand thing, which also gives mains pressure HW.


Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2015, 10:39:22 pm
One of the benefits of a combi boiler is mains pressure hot water...

... at a rather modest flowrate.

It's only modest if you compare it to a...

Quote
Mains pressure in a stored HW cylinder FTW!
( google megaflo, and similar. )

Compared to a landlord-issue 7k5W electric shower, on the other hand, it's luxury.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2015, 11:27:15 pm
Oh, and as mentioned already, you could lose the HW cylinder totally, and go with a combi heat-on-demand thing, which also gives mains pressure HW.

It IS a combi heat-on-demand thing, and it only started playing silly buggers after the water mains were replaced.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 22 August, 2015, 11:54:39 am
Hmm, only a couple of things come to mind.

Water-mains wrangling usually introduces some crud into the supply for a while.
If the mixer is thermostatic, it's possible some crud is jamming up the works preventing it operating smoothly.

The only other thing that comes to mind is that the boiler may not be modulating correctly.
It may be just cycling on / off depending on flowrate.
Doesn't really sound like this, tho.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 22 August, 2015, 12:08:05 pm
The story I've heard is that Thames Water have turned down the pressure so that they can look you in the eye and say 'We're losing x-amount of water less through leaks in the system, than we were last year'.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 August, 2015, 02:18:18 pm
The mixer isn't thermostatic but rather a huge retro-styled metal contraption engineered by a moonlighting designer of Victorian signal boxes.  I rather like it and in any case prefer baths to showers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 22 August, 2015, 02:24:33 pm
The story I've heard is that Thames Water have turned down the pressure so that they can look you in the eye and say 'We're losing x-amount of water less through leaks in the system, than we were last year'.

Not a story - part of the plan, and they have even installed booster pumps for tower blocks to allow them to lower the pressure. (Ex Thames Waster employee)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 August, 2015, 06:32:12 pm
Whilst cleansing myself in the shower on Saturday evening I had reason to discover that a power shower needs power as everything went dark. I had to soapily tip-toe across the bathroom and use the non-power shower above the bath. It's so weak. I don't know how people in poor countries without rainfall showers survive. It must be terrible for them, like shopping at Lidl.

One of the benefits of a combi boiler is mains pressure hot water.

Of course, modern boilers still need power for the CPU that makes them work.  :facepalm:

Likewise newfangled electrical button-operated bath taps.

Such is the nature of progress (having just spent an extra hour getting home because the driver couldn't verify one of the automatic train door was correctly shut).

Our ancient boiler also won't work without electricity, but the tank of hot water does. We didn't pump both showers on the grounds I expect the pump, like all newfangled things, to die one day and take a week to fix.

But still, I'm used to the simulated rainfall of warm water which is disgustingly decadent. And a digital temperature setting and light that only comes on when the water is perfect. Anything less is slipping back into the dark ages.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tewdric on 23 August, 2015, 09:55:24 pm
No lemon for my gin and tonic earlier.  I toughed it out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 23 August, 2015, 10:13:03 pm
No lemon for my gin and tonic earlier.  I toughed it out.

Lime.  Always.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 26 August, 2015, 10:46:17 pm
I went to make a cup of tea in the kitchen next door to our office.  All the crockery and cutlery was clean and put away,  so no problem there.

I used one of the pyramidal one-cup teabags with which we are supplied,  and poured on the boiling water.  There was no welcome aroma of tea brewing.  Nothing.

I extracted the bag to find it had been manufactured with barely a shred of tealeaf inside!  Imagine my horror. :o

i was forced to get another bag out and mash it in the standing water.

Horrifying.  I may need counselling to get beyond the trauma.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 26 August, 2015, 11:06:28 pm
I went to make a cup of tea in the kitchen next door to our office.  All the crockery and cutlery was clean and put away,  so no problem there.

I used one of the pyramidal one-cup teabags

Surely this post need have gone no further.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 August, 2015, 11:10:05 pm
That is not a first world problem, it is a crisis of almost existential proportions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 August, 2015, 12:03:57 am
Note to self: put extra tea bags on next week's shopping list for impending visit to the Tea-Free Zone on the other side of the Atlantic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 27 August, 2015, 06:33:21 am
The conditions in my new workplace are quite horrific.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 27 August, 2015, 07:01:05 am
That's terrible. 

I have a lump in my throat.

Is there a DEC campaign I can donate to?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 27 August, 2015, 07:42:13 am
If you like your tea where you stand the spoon and it dissolves in the tea before your very eyes, I recommend Barry's Tea.   

Otherwise a secret stash of those cheap bags of sweepings that pass for tea that you buy in Wilkinsons named after some insignificant place in the north of England should suffice...     :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 27 August, 2015, 09:54:39 am
I just pulled out a nice shirt for a meeting later today and realised that I forgot to ask for it to be ironed the last time it was cleaned. Now it's all creased.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 27 August, 2015, 10:12:46 am
If you like your tea where you stand the spoon and it dissolves in the tea before your very eyes, I recommend Barry's Tea.   

Otherwise a secret stash of those cheap bags of sweepings that pass for tea that you buy in Wilkinsons named after some insignificant place in the north of England should suffice...     :demon:

Didn't realise Wilko's were selling Lancashire Tea now. I thought it was still confined to the pound shops ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 27 August, 2015, 05:47:01 pm
Back on showers - there should be a special circle of hell for the people who install those showers, which are controlled by a lever which goes left and right for hot & cold, and up and down for on/off, into compact and bijjou shower cubicles (just right for you to whack with your elbows etc while in the middle of ablutions).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 August, 2015, 08:54:38 am
Back on showers - there should be a special circle of hell for the people who install those showers, which are controlled by a lever which goes left and right for hot & cold, and up and down for on/off, into compact and bijjou shower cubicles (just right for you to whack with your elbows etc while in the middle of ablutions).
Add to that any water control do dah with confusing and/or illegible symbols to show hot and cold. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 31 August, 2015, 11:54:36 am
I saw the following on a friend's FB page and feel the need to share it.

Quote
My son discovered the latest 1st world problem at dinner time: Saving the best 'til last and then being too full to eat it
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 August, 2015, 06:37:02 pm
Back on showers - there should be a special circle of hell for the people who install those showers, which are controlled by a lever which goes left and right for hot & cold, and up and down for on/off, into compact and bijjou shower cubicles (just right for you to whack with your elbows etc while in the middle of ablutions).
Add to that any water control do dah with confusing and/or illegible symbols to show hot and cold.

On the grounds that Her Highness, Princess of the Asbestos Palace and High Priestess of the Kingdom of a Poorly Executed DIY forbid me a magical computerized Japanese robo-toilet during the dark era of what has come to be known as The Refurbishment, our shower does have a digital temperature input and a on-off switch that cannot be elbow actuated. It also has an awesome blue light and, as is known, blue LEDs are better than any other colour. This is what all showers should be like.

Of course, one day it will break and electrocute me and then piss cold water over my naked twitching body while I confess to just about everything.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 31 August, 2015, 06:42:52 pm
^ I was just reading about digital shower controls and wondered why... apart from pissing money up the wall.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2015, 06:57:16 pm
Back on showers - there should be a special circle of hell for the people who install those showers, which are controlled by a lever which goes left and right for hot & cold, and up and down for on/off, into compact and bijjou shower cubicles (just right for you to whack with your elbows etc while in the middle of ablutions).
Add to that any water control do dah with confusing and/or illegible symbols to show hot and cold.

This includes tiny dark blue/red dots.  Small things don't have colour, especially in badly lit bathrooms!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 August, 2015, 07:29:42 pm
^ I was just reading about digital shower controls and wondered why... apart from pissing money up the wall.

Well, other than the power cut (when the water had a courtesy of going off before soaking me in cold), I've had a year of perfectly heated showers. No fiddling with thermostats and mixers, no mid-shower wawawaAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHH as the water erupts magma hot and then plunges to Siberian cold. Just a perfect forty-whatever degrees of rainfall. And a big blue light that lights up steady when it's safe to step and an emergency plaintive beep and flashy blue light if anything threatens the temperature by the merest fraction of a degree.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 August, 2015, 07:31:20 pm
On the grounds that Her Highness, Princess of the Asbestos Palace and High Priestess of the Kingdom of a Poorly Executed DIY forbid me a magical computerized Japanese robo-toilet during the dark era of what has come to be known as The Refurbishment, our shower does have a digital temperature input and a on-off switch that cannot be elbow actuated. It also has an awesome blue light and, as is known, blue LEDs are better than any other colour.

Blue LEDs are strictly old-skool, daddio.  Only my older Seagate external HDDs have such things; the most recently purchased one has a funky white illuminated strip about a centimetre long.  It's probably tinted plastic with a filament bulb from an old bike light behind it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 August, 2015, 07:59:53 pm
As a disciple of the Church of Cupertino, I believe I'm supposed to have disavowed the LED and accepted the purity of visual silence and having to guess whether a device is on or off by prodding it and seeing if it bites. I don't want to have risk my toesies in the shower. They're terribly sensitive thermostats. Plus we have a vintage boiler of uncertain temperament at the Asbestos Palace.

Anyway, if that blade of light starts to swish backwards and forwards you've got a first generation Cylon (if I remember my Battlestar Galactica correctly).

The downside is that I expect other showers to behave. I remember being in Africa earlier this year, in some place that had a lot of consonants but not a lot of hot water (according to the sign the water was courtesy of Scotland, so give them a hand, they've finally figured out what to do with all that rain). Anyway in the blissful few seconds of heat I opened my mouth for a celebratory gargle. Then I remembered it was African death water and had to hop around spitting it out like I was faulty fountain, while at the same time the water dropped to a temperature that suggested it was actually being pumped all the way from Kilmarnock.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2015, 10:22:43 pm
Tesco just delivered frozen peas instead of barakta-friendly ice cream.  Disappointing bastards.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 01 September, 2015, 02:28:38 pm
Ever since The Man replaced the Victorian water mains around here the water pressure went all to pot and the difference between being frozen utterly to DETH under the shower and being boiled alive is about 0.00001 degrees of cold tap rotation.

If your shower mixer is getting mains-pressure cold on one side, and gravity-pressure HW from a loft tank on t'other side, this is never going to end well.

Even a thermostatic mixer will struggle to deal with this.
We have no cold water header tank. Cold is straight from the mains. Hot water is one floor up from the shower.

We are installing something which heats up the cold water as it goes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 September, 2015, 09:39:34 pm
Tesco just delivered frozen peas instead of barakta-friendly ice cream.  Disappointing bastards.

Hmm, that's an interesting substitution!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 01 September, 2015, 10:03:29 pm
Google have lost their serifs.  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 03 September, 2015, 07:10:56 am
According to the 7 am pips, my wrist watch is 7 seconds fast.   >:(
Christ!  I could have left for work too early. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 03 September, 2015, 09:40:29 am
The coffee shop had neither bacon nor sausages for a breakfast sandwich this morning
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 03 September, 2015, 05:42:57 pm
Neither Waitrose nor Tesco had buckwheat flour. How do the bastards expect me to make pancakes?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 September, 2015, 08:04:54 pm
All three coffeebots on my subdeck of the mothership required attention today so I had to get the turbogravitor to a higher subdeck for my caffeine fix.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 September, 2015, 03:36:07 pm
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 09 September, 2015, 05:43:15 pm
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.

Having a cafeteria in your cupboards seems excessive.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 September, 2015, 06:37:04 pm
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.

Having a cafeteria in your cupboards seems excessive.

Damn that spellchecker:)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 09 September, 2015, 10:49:02 pm
The pool car I had today is geared to over 3000 rpm at a true 70 mph in 5th.

Most of the time it was in 9th and turning at 1600 rpm at 70.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 September, 2015, 03:59:31 am
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.

Having a cafeteria in your cupboards seems excessive.

Quite.  This place is bad enough in that the fridge, the safe and the ironing board are all concealed in the wardrobe.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 September, 2015, 01:16:09 pm
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.

Having a cafeteria in your cupboards seems excessive.

Quite.  This place is bad enough in that the fridge, the safe and the ironing board are all concealed in the wardrobe...

...leaving no space for the Hugo Boss, Armani, Burberry and Gieves & Hawkes collections...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 September, 2015, 02:59:36 pm
I have run out of filters for the coffee machine and have left my Aeropress at my Mum and Dads. I may have to drink instant coffee unless I can find a cafeteria I stashed at the back of one of the cupboards.

Having a cafeteria in your cupboards seems excessive.

Quite.  This place is bad enough in that the fridge, the safe and the ironing board are all concealed in the wardrobe...

...leaving no space for the Hugo Boss, Armani, Burberry and Gieves & Hawkes collections...

You are conflating me with the stable lad again.

(Rummages for Paul Smith fleece and Turnbull & Asser T-shaped shirt with a picture of a machine-gun-toting badger on it)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 11 September, 2015, 02:55:06 pm
Last week I took an Aston Martin out for a spin. It was some perk through my wife's company, I have no interest in cars, I just wanted to have a go in one. Today I received the following email from Aston Martin

"I understand that following your drive in the new DB9 GT you would like to explore possible purchase options, I therefore extend an invitation to visit our showroom on Park Lane to discuss your requirements further so we can begin to source the perfect Aston Martin for you. When would be convenient for you to visit?"

How does a fiver a week sound to you as a purchase option?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 11 September, 2015, 03:01:17 pm
Last week I took an Aston Martin out for a spin. It was some perk through my wife's company, I have no interest in cars, I just wanted to have a go in one. Today I received the following email from Aston Martin

"I understand that following your drive in the new DB9 GT you would like to explore possible purchase options, I therefore extend an invitation to visit our showroom on Park Lane to discuss your requirements further so we can begin to source the perfect Aston Martin for you. When would be convenient for you to visit?"

How does a fiver a week sound to you as a purchase option?

Please do go, but turn up on the Yuba Mundo.   ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 11 September, 2015, 03:06:12 pm
Asking about boot mounted bike carriers for the Yuba would be a giggle...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 11 September, 2015, 03:56:46 pm
We have an Aston Martin showroom down the road.  They do make bike carriers.  I'm not sure whether they'd cope with a Yuba though...  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 September, 2015, 04:34:40 pm
Reminds me of the time my wife and I, possessed by the spirit of morbid curiosity, and standing outside one of those bazillion pound filing cabinets of flats that push up like the bastard big brother of Japanese knotweed throughout London and not wanting to get any wetter than we already were, thought what the hell it's dry inside, let's find out what £3.5 million will buy us while casually dripping on the most expensive carpet possible (if you're going to drip you may as well do it in style). So we slip into role as swankbanking investors with our eye on another (yes, another, the saleswoman was practically up her ankles in a sea of drool when she heard that another, and she was already perched on heels so high that she'd probably take several seconds to hit the carpet if she tripped, and oh what a carpet, you could lose a lion in it, and it was very absorbent if you happen to be dripping wet). I work in sales so I roll big, unctuous fat lies out of my mouth all the time, giant pork buns of invention, corkers of porkers. I have no shame. I misplaced it in a bar somewhere. I think someone took it home and keeps it as a pet. It eats goldfish crackers and drinks Campari. Don't get it drunk after midnight.

So anyway, we're whisked up into a glossy elevator (not a lift, lifts are for council blocks, lifts are for pissing in, lifts are for old ladies with shopping bags) and deposited in what someone thinks is a contemporary lifestyle assembled from lateral spaces and words preceded by luxurious. A world of eye-slappingly bright white walls, everything edged with sharp chrome, every surface boasting tasteful displays of orchids that might have been plastic if plastic orchids were declared fashionable by an appropriate focus group. More lion-eating carpets. You could murder someone on those carpets with a chainsaw and not have to worry about the blood dripping on your downstairs neighbour and spoiling a dinner party. Which I find blood dripping from the ceiling always does. Every now and then they’d break up the endless polar white with a slab of black, an altar expanse of sacrificial granite worktop in the kitchen, a black (black!) toilet just like they have in merry Hell, and for some reason above the bed, a big slab of garish murder red splash back. Really, it was all very American Psycho.

Anyways, so many well-greased lies flew out of mouth (one of which wasn’t my phone number) meant that for weeks afterwards she kept calling me about my decision. In the end I told her it was a bit on the small side, and as a man I know how deflating that can be. You could hear her collapse inside and she scrunched up into a ball of a disappointment as her commision evaporated in a sudden puff of despondency. I broke her heart. Or she toppled off her heels and was falling evermore towards the carpet.

Thing was, it wasn’t actually that big. For £3.5 million I'd want to be able to drive a big car around my living room. And my balcony didn’t cost that much and rather than look at vagrants pissing up the back-end of the Tate Gallery I can watch gambolling squirrels pissing on my garage roof.

The best bit was when we were discussing my ‘summer house’ and she asked if it was in France. Yes, I nodded, it’s in France and we like to get away from the city, you know how it is, the city is so stiflingly busy in the summer. I had to do this while my wife kicked me once in the shin for each and every lie I gift wrapped and handed over. I do have a summer house, but it’s really just a small shed with a porch and it's at the top of my garden, oh about twenty five metres from my back door.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 September, 2015, 04:34:24 am
ian, you are a Very Bad Man Indeed and should warn people not to read Stuffs like that while eating.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 12 September, 2015, 09:37:03 am
The dial on my toaster is currently set just so that the first round, when the toaster is cold, leaves the toast slightly under-done but that the second round is marginally burnt.

That's my day ruined, then. I can't shouldn't have to live like this.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 12 September, 2015, 09:51:09 am
I feel your pain.

The PEEL HERE bit of the packaging on my smoked salmon slices didn't work and I had to use scissors to open it.  It nearly put me off my breakfast.

It's hardships like these that make you wonder if life is really worth all the anguish.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 September, 2015, 11:48:38 am
Amazon have had a technical issue which means my Lovefilm account hasn't been updated and the disc of series 5 of Grey's Anatomy which should have arrived on Thursday hasn't been despatched yet.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 September, 2015, 06:02:01 pm
Not only do I have the same room as last year - south-facing so it gets screamingly hot and the interstate is a stone's throw away - but they STILL haven't fixed the power socket next to the desk, so I have to run an extension lead across the room.  And then the housekeeping staff unplug it to hoover the place, which makes my laptop go "wibble".

AND I've just been loomed over by a mad Dutchman with a torque wrench :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 13 September, 2015, 06:51:06 pm
I am having trouble operating the automatic self park function on our new car.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 13 September, 2015, 10:26:19 pm
All of the above makes my afternoon of having to drive into another county to get a new string for my son's cello seem trivial
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 14 September, 2015, 09:19:36 am
Not only do I have the same room as last year - south-facing so it gets screamingly hot and the interstate is a stone's throw away - but they STILL haven't fixed the power socket next to the desk, so I have to run an extension lead across the room.  And then the housekeeping staff unplug it to hoover the place, which makes my laptop go "wibble".

AND I've just been loomed over by a mad Dutchman with a torque wrench :o

I really want to go to Battle Mountain some time.

Are all Dutchmen with torque wrenches mad?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 14 September, 2015, 10:17:57 am
Not only do I have the same room as last year - south-facing so it gets screamingly hot and the interstate is a stone's throw away - but they STILL haven't fixed the power socket next to the desk, so I have to run an extension lead across the room.  And then the housekeeping staff unplug it to hoover the place, which makes my laptop go "wibble".

AND I've just been loomed over by a mad Dutchman with a torque wrench :o

Ah - that was a night to remember in Rotterdam....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 14 September, 2015, 11:37:31 am
Not only do I have the same room as last year - south-facing so it gets screamingly hot and the interstate is a stone's throw away - but they STILL haven't fixed the power socket next to the desk, so I have to run an extension lead across the room.  And then the housekeeping staff unplug it to hoover the place, which makes my laptop go "wibble".

AND I've just been loomed over by a mad Dutchman with a torque wrench :o

Ah - that was a night to remember in Rotterdam....
The Ski Hut?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Charlotte on 14 September, 2015, 04:07:21 pm
I don't like our new washing up liquid.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/vicechair/Washingupliq_zpsazz45rmc.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 September, 2015, 04:11:29 pm
Indeed. On a similar theme, there was more  deep shower trauma this morning. No licorice shower gel left, only enough mango for a single wash and even boys need two so I had to use the cherry and nettle which isn't nearly my favourite.

Fortunately there's another bottle of licorice in the cupboard so hopefully tomorrow morning won't be quite so traumatic. We're fortunate that we have someone to talk to these issues about. I hate to think what happens if you bottle it up inside.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 14 September, 2015, 05:55:04 pm
It's pretty chilly out there. I don't fancy walking to yoga, I don't want to cycle because it's at the top of a hill, and I can't drive because it's residents only parking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 September, 2015, 06:02:00 pm
I don't like our new washing up liquid.

(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/vicechair/Washingupliq_zpsazz45rmc.jpg)
I should think not! Dragonfruit? Pah! Even Idris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_the_Engine#Idris_the_Dragon) didn't eat fruit!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 14 September, 2015, 07:01:06 pm
Indeed. On a similar theme, there was more  deep shower trauma this morning. No licorice shower gel left, only enough mango for a single wash and even boys need two so I had to use the cherry and nettle which isn't nearly my favourite.

Fortunately there's another bottle of licorice in the cupboard so hopefully tomorrow morning won't be quite so traumatic. We're fortunate that we have someone to talk to these issues about. I hate to think what happens if you bottle it up inside.
You'd get bubbles in your farts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 September, 2015, 05:12:49 am
Are all Dutchmen with torque wrenches mad?

I don't have a large enough sample size to be certain.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 September, 2015, 04:21:00 pm
My mousemat is all bendy and the mouse doesn't travel well on it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 16 September, 2015, 06:00:53 pm
I thought mousemats were a 20th century problem; I haven't seen one in years.

Early female mice struggled on desks with black surfaces, requiring a mousemat.  Seems entirely likely that there are plenty of those still kicking around, either due to ergonomic preferences, or organisational upgrade inertia.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 16 September, 2015, 06:09:06 pm
The meece that my current-nearly-former employer provide just don't seem to work on our desks; thankfully they're just about OK on our (hard plastic) branded mouse mats.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 17 September, 2015, 09:43:30 am
The meece that my current-nearly-former employer provide just don't seem to work on our desks; thankfully they're just about OK on our (hard plastic) branded mouse mats.

I invested in a Logitech "dark field" cordless mouse for that very reason. Works on any surface it seems, including glass / highly shiny paper, and is nicer to hold (I got an "anatomic" Performance MX one). A single charge (via USB) lasts me a week.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 17 September, 2015, 02:21:22 pm
My brother has emailed all us siblings to announce the safe arrival of a son today.
My congratulatory response has met with an 'out of office' email from the proud father and an 'over quota' bounce from my sister.

There seems to have been some delay to my sending SMS texts to the happy parents.
Technology; don't you just love it?!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 September, 2015, 03:48:08 pm
The hot water thingy isn't working and neither is the kettle, so we have to walk approx 50 metres to the other hot water thingy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 September, 2015, 01:30:41 am
My room in this benighted tip of an hotel is as far away from the lift as it's possible to be while remaining in the same building >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 25 September, 2015, 10:12:33 am
Bought some lovely heavy bread from the lovely heavy bread shop in Newcastle Emlyn.  Only trouble is, its a bugger to toast.
My method was, put in toaster, wander off to do other morning type stuff.  Come back to kitchen and push toast down again for a second cook.
Unbeknown to me, this morning Mrs B employed the probably much more Sensible strategy of turning the toaster up to 'Nuke it from space' setting.  So when I returned from the bathroom, I just pushed the toast down again and wandered of to find out where I'd put my coffee down.

Rush around opening door and windows and much flapping of tea towels at alarm.  That was much too exciting for that time of the morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2015, 12:21:41 pm
Ah, the 'student alarm clock'.  I heard that going off somewhere nearby this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 September, 2015, 04:45:32 pm
The aroma of burned toast this morning was such that I could find the breakfast room by smell alone.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 October, 2015, 06:40:03 pm
I'm going to have the cold on my birthday. My bedside lamp broke this morning and Ikea can't bring me a new one til the 28th, and I have no muesli in the house so no birthday breakfast tomorrow. Bleh.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 22 October, 2015, 12:47:08 pm
I've run out of halloumi. 

Might as well be dead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 22 October, 2015, 02:46:11 pm
I've run out of halloumi. 

Might as well be dead.

No Halloumi?

That's a Feta worse than death.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 22 October, 2015, 02:48:37 pm
You'd better tread Caerphilly these next few hours.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Blade on 22 October, 2015, 07:26:38 pm
Is that as Gouda's it gets?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 October, 2015, 07:50:26 pm
Stop laughing, cow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: fruitcake on 22 October, 2015, 08:10:13 pm
... more Sensible strategy of turning the toaster up to 'Nuke it from space' setting...
Rush around opening door and windows and much flapping of tea towels at alarm...

The aroma of burned toast this morning was such that I could find the breakfast room by smell alone.

It would appear that, unbeknownst to him, Mr Larrington is staying at Basil's house.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 October, 2015, 09:59:03 am
Only if Basil's house had slipped through a wossname in the space-time continuum and fetched up in Canada, where the BEARs come from.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 23 October, 2015, 10:12:21 am
*looks out of window*

As you were.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 October, 2015, 01:59:27 pm
The vending machine is out of order.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 26 October, 2015, 11:10:07 am
I didn't have quite enough coffee left for a whole cup at work this morning. That and I nearly forgot my towel this morning and had to cycle 2k home to get it. A man should always know where his towel is...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 26 October, 2015, 02:49:31 pm
I didn't have quite enough coffee left for a whole cup at work this morning. That and I nearly forgot my towel this morning and had to cycle 2k home to get it. A man should always know where his towel is...

Youshould have hitch-hiked.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: meddyg on 27 October, 2015, 08:53:07 am
I've got to take my wife into St Tropez this morning...

(camping on the Cote d'Azur and we're rained off cycling...;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 27 October, 2015, 02:54:29 pm
The RH channel on my #expensive headphones had become intermittent but after some investigation and cleaning all is well. Who knew that these ones had a detachable lead so that contacts could be cleaned???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 27 October, 2015, 03:59:51 pm
For the second consecutive visit to the company hospitality box at Old Trafford, the catering staff have failed to provide cheese and crackers as listed on the match day menu.
E-mails have been exchanged with account manager suggesting that standards are slipping and what is the world coming to,  it wasn't like this when Ferguson was in charge etc. etc.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 09 November, 2015, 06:51:56 pm
The bread machine drive spigot failed. It's under guarantee, but rather than a straight replacement, John Lewis are going to fix it. But we'll starve in the 10 working days it will take to get it back to us.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 10 November, 2015, 01:07:56 pm
Due to the murder in West Ruislip last night, the police have closed the road for a day, causing local gridlock. This means we couldn't get to Waitrose today, and had to shop in the local Sainsburys. Oh, the ignominy!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 November, 2015, 02:10:12 pm
I have arranged a delivery of Mr Sainsbury's toothy comestibles for delivery to Aged Parents tomorrow morning.
They return from Foreign Climes tonight.
Email from Ma last night:

<< You have indeed!! But there is one change, please. Could the delivery be between 8 and 9? <granddaughter> has her 4th birthday party at <school> at 10.25, and the change would free us to go at the right time. Yes, I know, we might not get the Daily Telegraph, but as you know, life is hard, and we will just have to live with that. If they can’t do that time slot, anything after 13.00 is OK.
Thanks again!
Much love,
Ma.>>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 November, 2015, 07:17:39 pm
The bread machine drive spigot failed. It's under guarantee, but rather than a straight replacement, John Lewis are going to fix it. But we'll starve in the 10 working days it will take to get it back to us.

Do they not offer a courtesy bread machine in the meantime? What is the world coming to?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 14 November, 2015, 02:30:12 pm
Best car insurance renewal quote: £188

Best car insurance renewal quote if I add my just-turned-17 son as a named driver: £498

 :sick: as a parrot
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 14 November, 2015, 03:00:33 pm
Best car insurance renewal quote: £188

Best car insurance renewal quote if I add my just-turned-17 son as a named driver: £498

 :sick: as a parrot
Now go and see what it would cost once he has passed his test......
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 14 November, 2015, 03:32:31 pm
HOLY FUCK!!!  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DDCyclist on 14 November, 2015, 04:19:25 pm
Best car insurance renewal quote: £188

Best car insurance renewal quote if I add my just-turned-17 son as a named driver: £498

 :sick: as a parrot

Best car insurance quote (just me with no claims for over 5 years): £200
Best car insurance quote (with Mrs Cyclist and her no-blame accident last year): £185 - and she won't drive my car anyway.

Mystified.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 14 November, 2015, 05:33:41 pm
Best car insurance quote (just me with no claims for over 5 years): £200
Best car insurance quote (with Mrs Cyclist and her no-blame accident last year): £185 - and she won't drive my car anyway.

Mystified.

Same here - it's about £30 more expensive for me to get car insurance on my own than with my wife as a named driver.

Car insurance is a dark art and no mistake.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DDCyclist on 14 November, 2015, 06:28:08 pm
Best car insurance quote (just me with no claims for over 5 years): £200
Best car insurance quote (with Mrs Cyclist and her no-blame accident last year): £185 - and she won't drive my car anyway.

Mystified.

Same here - it's about £30 more expensive for me to get car insurance on my own than with my wife as a named driver.

Car insurance is a dark art and no mistake.


I can't help thinking the insurance company will expect her to be in the car, whenever I'm driving, saying - in a soothing voice - "calm down now, calm down ..."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 18 November, 2015, 08:08:57 am
On Ryanair ,this morning, woman sitting behind me :
"This seat is cold "
"I hate seat belts"
"There's not enough room for a fat bum  like mine. "
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 19 November, 2015, 04:35:10 pm
Does a Ryanair flight count as First World?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 19 November, 2015, 07:23:01 pm
No.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 20 November, 2015, 09:29:52 am
 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DDCyclist on 20 November, 2015, 09:54:27 am
IMO compared to a Garuda a Ryanair flight is most definitely First World.

I had the front seat on a Garuda fight from Bandung to Jakarta. The cockpit door was open and I could see, clearly, beside the captain's seat, a bank of circuit breakers with a label above them said in big bold red letters "DO NOT RESET."

As we taxied across the apron one of them kept tripping. The captain kept resetting it. When we did the take-off run down the runway he held it in with his left hand. Unfortunately I didn't have a smart-phone, then, or I'd have sent a photograph to the Indonesian aviation authority - as well as to KLM who - at the time - were providing engineering skills and knowledge. One of their seconded engineers was a lounge lizard in the hotel I later lived in.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 November, 2015, 02:32:08 pm
At least your plane had a cockpit door.  Dr Larrington was once on an internal flight in Burma, on a plane which had had one once.  She describe the antics of the crew prior to landing as "interesting".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 21 November, 2015, 03:55:16 pm
Oi!  DWP.  Where's my bloody Winter Fuel Payment then?  I'd had it well before now last year.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 21 November, 2015, 04:39:13 pm
Quote from: No1Daughter
I like the grown up colouring books but sometimes the boxes are too small so you can't colour it in unless you've got really really good pens and that just makes it stressful rather than relaxing
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 21 November, 2015, 04:57:40 pm
Quote from: No1Daughter
I like the grown up colouring books but sometimes the boxes are too small so you can't colour it in unless you've got really really good pens and that just makes it stressful rather than relaxing
Tell her to colour outside of the boxes.
Always.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 21 November, 2015, 05:00:21 pm
Best car insurance renewal quote: £188

Best car insurance renewal quote if I add my just-turned-17 son as a named driver: £498

 :sick: as a parrot

Just out of curiosity, find out what it would cost for your just-turned-17 son to insure if it were his car...

ETA: A guy I know has a son who was paying not far shy of a grand to insure a 15-year-old Nissan Micra with a massive 1.0 litre engine. I think he was 23 and had had a license for a few years.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 21 November, 2015, 05:57:08 pm
At least your plane had a cockpit door.  Dr Larrington was once on an internal flight in Burma, on a plane which had had one once.  She describe the antics of the crew prior to landing as "interesting".

Was on an internal flight in SA once. Not long before landing the pilot said that we were running a bit late but he'd be able to make the time up. After that announcement the plane dived. The cockpit door slammed open and we could see we were pointing at the ground. We landed on time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 24 November, 2015, 10:05:40 am
Middle-Class Problems:

I almost found myself muttering to Mrs Legs last night that "our dishwasher really doesn't cope very well with avocado and couscous".  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 24 November, 2015, 10:13:09 am
A former colleague mentioned in an email that the recent high winds had caused great distress as they had blown his kids' trampoline into the swimming pool.

I am not sure whether he is joking or not.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 24 November, 2015, 07:37:51 pm
Oi!  DWP.  Where's my bloody Winter Fuel Payment then?  I'd had it well before now last year.
Update.
Thank you very much, UK tax payers.  Much appreciated.  As usual, I will be spending it on keeping warm.  At 1 Raddlebarn Road.   :demon:

*stands by to receive hate mail*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 02 December, 2015, 08:37:10 am
I can't find fennel in town for love nor money, and will have to hunt for some when I go to the big city today.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 December, 2015, 11:33:10 pm
Oi!  DWP.  Where's my bloody Winter Fuel Payment then?  I'd had it well before now last year.
Update.
Thank you very much, UK tax payers.  Much appreciated.  As usual, I will be spending it on keeping warm.  At 1 Raddlebarn Road.   :demon:

*stands by to receive hate mail*

Excellent! I think you should invite us all round for a pint that we've already paid for.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 03 December, 2015, 07:24:55 am
I am stuck in the dilemma of which three bird roast to get, between ginger pig, adlington, another fancy butcher, or halve the price at M&S. Plus which three birds?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 04 December, 2015, 02:28:03 pm
Great Auk; Dodo; Passenger Pigeon.

HTH
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 December, 2015, 02:30:01 pm
Great Auk; Dodo; Passenger Pigeon.

HTH

They were all on offer at Waitrose the other day.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 December, 2015, 02:35:19 pm
Great Auk; Dodo; Passenger Pigeon.

HTH

They were all on offer at Waitrose the other day.
Meanwhile, the CTC are on offer at Sainsbury's.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 December, 2015, 02:49:21 pm
I am stuck in the dilemma of which three bird roast to get, between ginger pig, adlington, another fancy butcher, or halve the price at M&S. Plus which three birds?

Three-bird roasts are frightfully non-U.  Get an ostrich.  Harrods will have them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 04 December, 2015, 03:01:46 pm
Ostrich is soooo last season!  This year, it's all about the red-necked phalarope.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 04 December, 2015, 04:51:25 pm
Great Auk; Dodo; Passenger Pigeon.

HTH
pterodactyl; hakawai melvillei; night parrot
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 04 December, 2015, 06:11:05 pm
Great Auk; Dodo; Passenger Pigeon.

HTH

They were all on offer at Waitrose the other day.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/business/waitrose-unveils-23-bird-roast-2013121782121
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 December, 2015, 07:53:42 pm
Faecebook is down for Virgin Media customers.  Some people are having to post photos of their dinners on Twitter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 04 December, 2015, 08:16:17 pm
Ostrich is soooo last season!  This year, it's all about the red-necked phalarope.
Would make a very small Christmas dinner though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 05 December, 2015, 09:58:42 am
My chestnut pan is rusty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 06 December, 2015, 04:13:41 pm
The battery in my tooth brush was flat this morning, so I had to operate it manually.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 06 December, 2015, 10:45:16 pm
The battery in my tooth brush was flat this morning, so I had to operate it manually.

I don't have the hand power to use this option.
It's find a working leccy toothbrush or furry teeth for me.

My leccy toothbrush battery is dying.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 December, 2015, 10:49:57 pm
The battery in my tooth brush was flat this morning, so I had to operate it manually.

I don't have the hand power to use this option.
It's find a working leccy toothbrush or furry teeth for me.

My leccy toothbrush battery is dying.
Mine got so shagged it couldn't complete a two minute brush on one charge. I briefly toyed with following  a YouTube guide and fitting a new one but in the end  CBA. I suspect this option is out for you TAAW.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 December, 2015, 10:54:49 pm
Barakta has one for broadly similar reasons to hellymedic.  The flattery performs admirably well, but the lack of a supply of voles in the bathroom means it often ends up batt.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 06 December, 2015, 11:11:16 pm
There are no voles in our bathroom so our toothbrushes have their night on a charger in my study.
I haz a spare electric toothbrush and might get another in the post-Christmas bargainfest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 06 December, 2015, 11:15:17 pm
In the cinema the lights didn't go down when the film started. So someone had to go out and tell the powers. They'd forgotten  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 December, 2015, 11:17:10 pm
There are no voles in our bathroom so our toothbrushes have their night on a charger in my study.
I haz a spare electric toothbrush and might get another in the post-Christmas bargainfest.

*lightbulb*

I've just googled and it turns out that USB powered toothbrushes are (of course!) a thing.

There's a Raspberry Pi alerting system module in the bathroom, fed by 48 vole anbarism-over-Ethernet-under-door-frame-and-along-the-badly-fitted-skirting-board™.  It could conceivably power such a thing from its spare USB port, though is in a suboptimal position, on a high shelf above the bog.


Probably easier to remind barakta to plug her toothbrush in once a week...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 December, 2015, 11:31:39 pm
Presumably you could configure the Pi to issue such a reminder...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 December, 2015, 07:48:52 am
So-called "light"-bulby-thing in the Grand Bedchamber, plz to not be going from "useful light source" to "drugged-up glow-worm" like that.  "Drugged-up glow-worm" is of little use to a Mr Larrington who wants to read in bed, and he doesn't want to traipse around Larrington Towers at that time of night looking for a replacement either.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 December, 2015, 11:58:00 pm
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 12 December, 2015, 12:00:35 am
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

From each according to their drinks cabinet, to each according to their tastes in single malt?  :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: runsoncake on 12 December, 2015, 12:24:21 am
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

1) bury the surplus quantity

2) mail me gpx to location 1)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 12 December, 2015, 02:23:35 am
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

Bring more of it to Mid-Essex gatherings for safe, ethical disposal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 12 December, 2015, 07:35:02 am
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

<Zaphod> "That's not technically possible..."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 December, 2015, 11:45:04 am
I have too much whisky.

Do we see ian complaining that he has too much gin1?  No.  No, we do not.  MTFU.

1: As far as I'm concerned any gin at all is too much, but YMMV.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 12 December, 2015, 11:47:55 am
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

Invite us all round to help you ease your difficulties.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 December, 2015, 11:52:55 am
Install a swimming pool?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 December, 2015, 12:02:11 pm
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

For starters, don't buy any more....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 December, 2015, 12:16:56 pm
I haven't bought any this week. I did, however, win a bottle in the choir Christmas raffle on Tues. Johnny Walker 12yo blended...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 December, 2015, 04:07:31 pm
I share the pain, the downside of owning two over-stuffed gin cupboards, is the choosing. Sometimes I buy a new gin just to avoid the decision.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 December, 2015, 10:05:55 pm
I cannot find juniper berries in any of my local supermarkets, not good enough!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 12 December, 2015, 10:20:52 pm
I have too much whisky. What am I to do?

Is there such a thing?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 12 December, 2015, 11:54:52 pm
Having used, so far, only half of the sloes I picked to create my first ever stab at sloe gin, I am faced with the quandary of which four litres of spirit I should purchase to macerate the rest. I'm minded to only do half as gin, with perhaps a litre of rum and one of whisky for the sake of variety¦experimentation.

Um, sake?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 13 December, 2015, 12:41:30 am
I haven't bought any this week. I did, however, win a bottle in the choir Christmas raffle on Tues. Johnny Walker 12yo blended...

Aw - better luck next time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: runsoncake on 13 December, 2015, 01:14:28 am
Having used, so far, only half of the sloes I picked to create my first ever stab at sloe gin, I am faced with the quandary of which four litres of spirit I should purchase to macerate the rest. I'm minded to only do half as gin, with perhaps a litre of rum and one of whisky for the sake of variety¦experimentation.

Um, sake?
Sloe vodka is ace, prefer it to gin but that's just my palate, not sure about sake as low alcohol content may not allow full maceration of the fruit.  (prepares to be shot down in flames)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 15 December, 2015, 11:59:15 am
I broke the Le Creuset pie dish this morning when getting the slow cooker out! It is so important I have had to order another from amazon immediately.

Still, the pie bird is intact.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 15 December, 2015, 02:21:34 pm
I'm going to have get a replacement butter dish as the incumbent dish's lid catches on the sides of full blocks of butter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 18 December, 2015, 11:58:21 am
My glass of Laphroaig, that the waitress brought me last night, had three lumps of ice in it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 18 December, 2015, 07:13:21 pm
You have perfectly articulated the argument for open carry in UK restaurants.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 18 December, 2015, 07:17:40 pm
Ah, yes. That happens quite often.
Even in places that should know better, being as they are but a modest bike ride from the distilleries of Speyside.
(Yes, I know Laphroaig is not a Speyside.)

Remove them one at a time with your fingers, place in mouth and sook them, then discard them.
Clamp glass firmly between warm hands / thighs / whatever comes to hand :-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 18 December, 2015, 07:27:26 pm
You have perfectly articulated the argument for open carry in UK restaurants.

 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 20 December, 2015, 12:56:31 pm
The 'seasonal' milk bottle tops have already finished.
And it's not even Christmas yet!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 20 December, 2015, 03:08:27 pm
Outlets are being very quick to clear the xmas tat this year. Had a tree lights failure yesterday and only just managed to get hold of some.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 20 December, 2015, 04:02:08 pm
MrsC decided we needed another light-thing to go in the window. Very little available.
Must make a note to go and look in early November next year (I know (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=94226.0))
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 20 December, 2015, 04:13:50 pm
MrsC decided we needed another light-thing to go in the window. Very little available.
Must make a note to go and look in early November next year (I know (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=94226.0))

WHSmith in Darlo have got masses of tat left.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 December, 2015, 02:09:38 pm
I didn't realise until I unwrapped one that the chocolate coins in the office are white "chocolate" and once I'd unwrapped it, I had to eat it.  :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Morat on 22 December, 2015, 03:58:18 pm
I've found that watching Amazon Prime on my phone seems to fail after a couple of episodes of whatever box set I'm watching. Only on my home WiFi which is perfect in every other way. Only a reboot will cure it, which means my viewing is interupted for at least 2 minutes every 90.
How is one meant to cope with that?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 22 December, 2015, 04:25:59 pm
MrsC decided we needed another light-thing to go in the window. Very little available.
Must make a note to go and look in early November next year (I know (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=94226.0))

WHSmith in Darlo have got masses of tat left.

Sainsburys in NTR were relocating their tat, ready for reducing, today. I need to out and about early tomorrow so might just pop along to see if I can stock up on cards, wrap and crackers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 December, 2015, 05:19:13 pm
We broke our salt mill yesterday. Now need to resort to a small bowl of the stuff.

Oh the humanity
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 23 December, 2015, 11:51:32 am
This years roasting chestnuts have reached a new level of awful.  Ever since the over sized under flavored chinese rubbish came on the scene it's been hard to enjoy a good roasted nut.  This year they have the texture of soap and much the flavour too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 23 December, 2015, 12:27:11 pm
Pick your own, we do from the alley we commute down on the way home, saddle bags full of free chestnuts. They don't last till Christmas though which is my FWP
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 December, 2015, 05:50:35 pm
As I don't much like or eat chocolate, Christmas has now gifted me about fifteen kilos of the stuff, two bottles of red wine, and one solitary bottle of gin.

The Smiths were right, the world won't listen. The ratio is wrong.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 23 December, 2015, 05:57:02 pm
As I don't much like or eat chocolate, Christmas has now gifted me about fifteen kilos of the stuff, two bottles of red wine, and one solitary bottle of gin.

The Smiths were right, the world won't listen. The ratio is wrong.

I'm sure any number of forumites would gladly relieve you of your problem.  I'll make the sacrifice and take at least a kilo of chocolate and one bottle of red off your hands, because I'm nice like that.  O:-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 December, 2015, 06:14:48 pm
As I don't much like or eat chocolate, Christmas has now gifted me about fifteen kilos of the stuff, two bottles of red wine, and one solitary bottle of gin.

The Smiths were right, the world won't listen. The ratio is wrong.

I'm sure any number of forumites would gladly relieve you of your problem.  I'll make the sacrifice and take at least a kilo of chocolate and one bottle of red off your hands, because I'm nice like that.  O:-)

I'll throw myself under the other bottle of red and any chocolate over 80% cocoa, have to watch the sugars you know :P
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 25 December, 2015, 03:36:40 pm
I really don't like this years Pannetone, it's got icing on  :-X
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 December, 2015, 03:57:38 pm
Our internets is down.  We might have to talk to each other!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 December, 2015, 04:16:29 pm
As I don't much like or eat chocolate, Christmas has now gifted me about fifteen kilos of the stuff, two bottles of red wine, and one solitary bottle of gin.

The Smiths were right, the world won't listen. The ratio is wrong.

Depending upon the chocolate, I might be happy to trade you gin for it.    :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 December, 2015, 04:16:57 pm
Hmmm.   Cream sherry or port...   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 December, 2015, 05:31:51 pm
Good thing Santa1 was delivering port and cheesy comestibles to Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) rather than me.

1: Thinly disguised as Mrs Neighbour and Small Daughter
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 25 December, 2015, 05:34:17 pm
Hmmm.   Cream sherry or port...

Port, of course, cream sherry is an abomination!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 25 December, 2015, 07:07:40 pm
Prosecco has gone up to €2.29 a bottle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 December, 2015, 11:31:53 am
This panetonne is too crumbly to slice easily.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tewdric on 26 December, 2015, 11:56:10 am
The magnum of St Emilion Grand Cru we decanted yesterday morning was so delicious that half of it was gone by the time the food was on the table and we had to finish dinner with an inferior 78 Pauillac.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 26 December, 2015, 12:05:33 pm
This panetonne is too crumbly to slice easily.

We are having the same trouble with pancotta.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 26 December, 2015, 01:01:35 pm
Someone else has eaten my favourite Thornton from the Continentals. It was only a single layer box.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 26 December, 2015, 04:49:53 pm
This panetonne is too crumbly to slice easily.

We are having the same trouble with pancotta.

Crumbly panna cotta? Have you checked the use-by date?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 26 December, 2015, 07:40:16 pm
My xbox 360 no longer has video.  Which is quite annoying as I'm in France and it was trapped in the house entertainment.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 28 December, 2015, 08:30:43 am
My ex-cleaner just posted on Facebook that she desperately needs to have her mink coat taken in. And can anyone recommend somewhere to have it done.

No I'm not joking,  And neither is she.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 30 December, 2015, 08:28:20 pm
The local Co-op is closing for a weeks refurbishment,    I may have to get stuff from Tesco  :o  What will the neighbours think..?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 30 December, 2015, 08:50:45 pm
My ex-cleaner just posted on Facebook that she desperately needs to have her mink coat taken in. And can anyone recommend somewhere to have it done.

No I'm not joking,  And neither is she.

Do you need a new cleaner?  On those wages, I think I can manage to come up from London.   ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: arabella on 30 December, 2015, 09:31:57 pm
The cat has knocked over the ps2 (play station 2).
It doesn't work any more.  The disk something has stopt working, the config stuf is still fine.  ie it's now useless. sob.
either that or I have to pretend I know what I am doing and try to mend it (ha ha ha ha ha)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 02 January, 2016, 09:29:04 am
My local supermarket finally had some fennel, but it was tough and not very flavoursome.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2016, 10:04:39 am
The cat has knocked over the ps2 (play station 2).
It doesn't work any more.  The disk something has stopt working, the config stuf is still fine.  ie it's now useless. sob.
either that or I have to pretend I know what I am doing and try to mend it (ha ha ha ha ha)
In the style of that Jack Black movie, you could re-enact classic games. I'm sure the boys would join in once they get the idea.

Thus bringing back elements of wonderful christmas past leveraging modern youth interests.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2016, 12:31:55 pm
Playstation 2 probably counts as classic games to today's yoof.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 12:34:37 pm
Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) has a PS2.  'nuff said.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2016, 12:35:30 pm
I still think of PS2 as a keyboard connector, made popular by the mega-global big iron corporation of Armonk, USAnia's desktop PC of the same name.  </old_fart>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 12:39:30 pm
So do I.  Something to do with the Model M (formerly attached to a genuine PS/2) six inches from my right foot.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 January, 2016, 01:40:56 pm
ISTR that the IBM PS2 was a rather-better-than-most babbage engine from the 1980s.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 03:12:02 pm
It was certainly solid enough to survive a nuclear war.  The police didn't use them because they were too heavy to beat suspects over the head with.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2016, 09:25:31 am
Next week I'm going to a mothership shindig in Florida. Every evening there's a free bar till 2am. Consulting my calendar, it seems every morning someone has scheduled a breakfast meeting with me at 7am. I'm no good at 7am when I've nothing stronger than a cup of tea the evening before.

Breakfast meetings. What kind of diabolical magics are these?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 15 January, 2016, 12:19:30 pm
Decisions decisions. Tomorrow is forecast to be wind free and sunny, but I just can't decide whether to go for a long bike ride (on studded tyres) or to go fell walking in the snow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 January, 2016, 12:26:34 pm
Next week I'm going to a mothership shindig in Florida. Every evening there's a free bar till 2am. Consulting my calendar, it seems every morning someone has scheduled a breakfast meeting with me at 7am. I'm no good at 7am when I've nothing stronger than a cup of tea the evening before.

Breakfast meetings. What kind of diabolical magics are these?

Just assume that they meant UK time. I'm sure that, like me, you've suffered enough from leftpondians who don't understand the concept of time zones that you deserve some kind of payback
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 15 January, 2016, 12:47:43 pm
Next week I'm going to a mothership shindig in Florida. Every evening there's a free bar till 2am. Consulting my calendar, it seems every morning someone has scheduled a breakfast meeting with me at 7am. I'm no good at 7am when I've nothing stronger than a cup of tea the evening before.

Breakfast meetings. What kind of diabolical magics are these?

Just assume that they meant UK time. I'm sure that, like me, you've suffered enough from leftpondians who don't understand the concept of time zones that you deserve some kind of payback

UK time? So you start the 7am (UK) meeting as the free bar closes? That'll go well...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 January, 2016, 12:52:26 pm
Next week I'm going to a mothership shindig in Florida. Every evening there's a free bar till 2am. Consulting my calendar, it seems every morning someone has scheduled a breakfast meeting with me at 7am. I'm no good at 7am when I've nothing stronger than a cup of tea the evening before.

Breakfast meetings. What kind of diabolical magics are these?

Just assume that they meant UK time. I'm sure that, like me, you've suffered enough from leftpondians who don't understand the concept of time zones that you deserve some kind of payback

UK time? So you start the 7am (UK) meeting as the free bar closes? That'll go well...

Precisely ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 15 January, 2016, 03:45:43 pm
I was told yesterday that regular consumption of green tea encourages gout and kidney stones. PG tips anyone?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 January, 2016, 12:58:07 pm
Tesco no longer sell tinned apricots in juice, only in syrup.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 16 January, 2016, 01:41:58 pm
Mr. Sainsbury's emporium of toothsome comestibles has ceased being just that from the moment they desisted vending prawn spring rolls.
I had some last weekend.
They are no longer available.
Beaucoup merde.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 19 January, 2016, 10:16:19 am
My socks were cold after my commute in this morning. And when I put my phone in my pocket I found that this was even colder!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 19 January, 2016, 01:54:49 pm
Standing on the beach last night with a cooling beer, I was forced to put on a light jacket to defeat the mild chill from the gentle sea breeze.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DDCyclist on 19 January, 2016, 03:45:23 pm
Cornish daffodils/narcissi. Mrs C's mum sends them to Mrs C every birthday, and sometimes other occasions.

Is it just me, or do they have a petro-chemical smell? Do they provoke a monster headache whenever they're around?

I daren't ask Mrs C's mum to stop sending them. She hates me so she'll only send more.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 19 January, 2016, 07:28:04 pm
Then reverse psychology is your friend. Tell her how much joy like them and she'll stop.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 January, 2016, 06:39:45 pm
Finding out that climbing Everest can actually kill you.  And your Sherpa.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 January, 2016, 12:10:07 am
Just heard someone on the beeb complaining about the snow in USania " there was no organic milk"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DDCyclist on 23 January, 2016, 09:15:54 am
Just heard someone on the beeb complaining about the snow in USania " there was no organic milk"

Also, presumably from someone visiting the area: "I don't have any clothing with me so I'm wearing the same thing I wore yesterday and will probably have the same thing happening tonight."

Not to mention: "I'm coming out (of a stripped grocery store) empty handed so I'll just have to make do with what I've got in my refrigerator."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 23 January, 2016, 01:51:22 pm
Just heard someone on the beeb complaining about the snow in USania " there was no organic milk"

Reminds me of my cousin's blog from Phuket one December.

Having very narrowly escaped the Boxing Day Tsunami, a fellow hotel guest bemoaned the lack of marmalade for breakfast...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2016, 02:40:58 pm
Just heard someone on the beeb complaining about the snow in USania " there was no organic milk"

Once upon a time, I staggered through a US snowstorm during a power outage to get some supplies from the local gas station. They wouldn't sell me anything because the tills wouldn't work. I think I finally negotiated a purchase on the grounds that what they had in the freezers would go off (they could have put it outside, of course, it was about -15) and I'd do the math for them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 January, 2016, 08:36:21 pm
Last year the gin selection in Geneva duty free was amazeballs, today it was shit. I didn't buy any :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2016, 09:01:01 pm
Miami duty free also disappointed.

I grabbed a bottle of Citadelle gun because it was a modestly cheap (and I'm trying to deplete an old US bank account) and I thought I was running out. Turns out I didn't have even have Citadelle (hell, I should catalogue the cupboards), I have a Citadelle Oak-aged gin, so inadvertent score for me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 January, 2016, 10:27:40 pm
Just heard someone on the beeb complaining about the snow in USania " there was no organic milk"

I noticed this too, and nearly spilled me tea!

Miami duty free also disappointed.

I grabbed a bottle of Citadelle gun because it was a modestly cheap (and I'm trying to deplete an old US bank account) and I thought I was running out. Turns out I didn't have even have Citadelle (hell, I should catalogue the cupboards), I have a Citadelle Oak-aged gin, so inadvertent score for me.

Get on to the people responsible for the Bookcrawler app and see if they'll adapt it for Gin?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 25 January, 2016, 01:57:21 pm
I'm STILL waiting for my car to be returned from the accident repairers - they have to get the rear view parking camera re-calibrated.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 25 January, 2016, 02:15:24 pm
Miami duty free also disappointed.

I grabbed a bottle of Citadelle gun because it was a modestly cheap (and I'm trying to deplete an old US bank account) and I thought I was running out. Turns out I didn't have even have Citadelle (hell, I should catalogue the cupboards), I have a Citadelle Oak-aged gin, so inadvertent score for me.

Guns in Duty Free?  I guess it is Florida...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 25 January, 2016, 02:37:33 pm
Nah that will be Texas. I was sitting in the San Antonio airport bar last year marvelling at the big sign on the wall forbidding the carrying of firearms (openly or concealed) on their premises. I felt a lot safer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 25 January, 2016, 07:27:19 pm
I'm doing Dry January so heading for SUGAR in lieu of alcomahol, but the only ice cream in the house is Karamel Sutra Core and I don't like that very much.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 26 January, 2016, 01:20:13 pm
I just filled the panda from the red to full, the price of diesel is now so low the the total was below the £30 contactless limit. The petrol station didn't do contactless payment. I had to delay for 20 seconds to do chip and pin.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 26 January, 2016, 01:46:32 pm
Someone at the Gym keeps organising the spin bikes so they interlock and it takes quite an effort to get ones bike out. Combined with the lady swimmers who seem incapable of doing their 'swimming' in a straight line it is enough to make one want to just give up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Graeme on 28 January, 2016, 04:14:50 pm
How do I water an Air Bonsai (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1280002828/air-bonsai-create-your-little-star)?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2016, 12:35:38 pm
We woke up before the alarm, so it didn't get to play Sonny & Cher at us.  As such, I didn't realise it was groundhog day until lunch time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Nuncio on 02 February, 2016, 01:25:51 pm
"Cummerbund - Yes or No?". Does this count?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 02 February, 2016, 01:35:42 pm
"Cummerbund - Yes or No?". Does this count?

I thought all threads here were covered under a blanket ruling ;-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Nuncio on 02 February, 2016, 01:38:41 pm
Apologies then. It was just that my unread threads list read:

Cummerbund - Yes or No?
First-World Problems.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 02 February, 2016, 02:23:05 pm
I had to buy a new pair of Loake boots so that I had something to wear whilst my Church's are off for an 8 week holiday to get fixed. Very annoying.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 02 February, 2016, 03:01:07 pm
We woke up before the alarm, so it didn't get to play Sonny & Cher at us.  As such, I didn't realise it was groundhog day until lunch time.
I'm sure this is OT, but I have to share it anyway:

I actually turned on the radio this morning and got the Sonny & Cher record. I had an early start, it was still dark, and this confused me a lot. I wouldn't have realised it was Groundhog Day if you hadn't posted!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 02 February, 2016, 03:54:19 pm
Chris Evans on R2 had a psychologist who had fixed his life as a result of the lessons from Groundhog day (well he's written a book which presumably fixed his life) and completely missed the opportunity to play Sonny and Cher afterwards
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2016, 05:11:00 pm
Chris Evans on R2 had a psychologist who had fixed his life as a result of the lessons from Groundhog day (well he's written a book which presumably fixed his life) and completely missed the opportunity to play Sonny and Cher afterwards

Sky movies Comedy (308) have won this one:  http://tv.sky.com/tv-guide

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 February, 2016, 07:52:46 pm
Mum (79.95) is overseas and trying to edit document on her computer.
I fail to instruct her successfully over the phone.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 February, 2016, 08:34:44 am
Running three simultaneous full system backups to the same NAS appears to slow things down to the speed of the Slow Children after they've been fed performance-disenhancing drugs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 08 February, 2016, 02:07:55 pm
Aren't Heart Rate Monitor chest straps cold when you first put them on?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 08 February, 2016, 02:41:22 pm
I tweeted a picture of a bittern that I had taken that is now sending my twitter account bonkers and I can't find out how to turn off alerts!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2016, 02:49:12 pm
You won't do that again, will you? Once bittern, twice shy.



The shiny black cloak with the fake fur collar, please.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 08 February, 2016, 02:50:24 pm
You won't do that again, will you? Once bittern, twice shy.



The shiny black cloak with the fake fur collar, please.

Oh my... ;)

All that's left is a slightly moth-eaten looking parka with half the fur missing from round the hood I am afraid...  :P
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 08 February, 2016, 05:46:32 pm
the last piece of my baguette was stale  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 08 February, 2016, 05:57:18 pm
You should have eaten it faster  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 09 February, 2016, 12:15:57 pm
No matter how subtly I hint that my coffee be made "weak and milky", our admin lady always makes it so that the spoon stands upright.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 February, 2016, 12:22:56 pm
I have just had a delivery of coffee from York Coffee Emporium. Can't decide which one to open and try first.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 09 February, 2016, 12:24:57 pm
Make it weak and milky and it won't matter  :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 09 February, 2016, 12:36:08 pm
I don't actually want it weak or milky - just relatively so!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: HTFB on 09 February, 2016, 12:40:10 pm
You won't do that again, will you? Once bittern, twice shy.

The shiny black cloak with the fake fur collar, please.
Boom, boom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky5IYXhraMg)!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 February, 2016, 12:50:52 pm
A colleague brought in Scotch pancakes and raspberry jam, but the "raspberry jam" is a seedless jelly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 09 February, 2016, 03:18:04 pm
No matter how subtly I hint that my coffee be made "weak and milky", our admin lady always makes it so that the spoon stands upright.

Quite right too.  "Weak & Milky Coffee" ??  Lucky the Admin lady doesn't spank you just for asking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 09 February, 2016, 04:45:04 pm
No matter how subtly I hint that my coffee be made "weak and milky", our admin lady always makes it so that the spoon stands upright.
Quite right too.  "Weak & Milky Coffee" ??  Lucky the Admin lady doesn't spank you just for asking.
Whoa, before the Coffee Brigade start rounding on me as if I'm some kind of Philistine, I just want to make it clear that I just wanted something like this 
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Coffee_cup.JPG)
and not something like this
(http://coffeepodextras.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/KencoMedium-Roast2.png)
(not that I'd really mind a spanking from her  :demon:)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 09 February, 2016, 06:07:40 pm
Marks and Spencer didn't have any blocks of Red Leicester. I had to buy sliced instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 February, 2016, 05:59:49 pm
I'm a bit nervous because I'm going to a different yoga class tonight for the first time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 11 February, 2016, 06:50:34 pm
I'm a bit nervous because I'm going to a different yoga class tonight for the first time.

I am in a much worse situation- I am having my first ever banjo lesson!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: HTFB on 11 February, 2016, 06:57:48 pm
I am in a much worse situation- I am having my first ever banjo lesson!
And you think that's bad for you?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 11 February, 2016, 08:42:46 pm
I am in a much worse situation- I am having my first ever banjo lesson!
And you think that's bad for you?

At least it's not the fiddle or trumpet!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 February, 2016, 09:34:31 pm
I'm a bit nervous because I'm going to a different yoga class tonight for the first time.

I am in a much worse situation- I am having my first ever banjo lesson!

So many banjo jokes, so little time... ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 February, 2016, 01:00:47 am
I am in a much worse situation- I am having my first ever banjo lesson!
And you think that's bad for you?

At least it's not the fiddle or trumpet!

Or the bagpipes...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 12 February, 2016, 10:35:36 am
08:00 and the Cinnabon at Bond Street Station was still shut.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: MagnusOpus on 12 February, 2016, 12:39:32 pm
So slow at work today I've ended up posting a bunch of rubbish on YACF
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 12 February, 2016, 03:39:00 pm
So slow at work today I've ended up posting a bunch of rubbish on YACF

And this is a problem how, exactly?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: MagnusOpus on 12 February, 2016, 03:48:15 pm
So slow at work today I've ended up posting a bunch of rubbish on YACF

And this is a problem how, exactly?

Ummm....because I'm one of of your suppliers....don't tell Alan!  ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: epa611 on 12 February, 2016, 09:09:53 pm
Need to buy a new dishwasher and the Miele G6512 will take 3 days to get here! We're going to have to wash dishes by hand  :o. The cleaner was in today - should have got her to do some  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 12 February, 2016, 09:17:00 pm
It's Friday, so I treated myself to some nice Rioja,  but I smashed the last of my good red wine glasses last week (and have been too busy lazy to get the spares out of the loft.) 

I'm having to drink it out of one of the chunky recycled green glass goblets I use for white....  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 12 February, 2016, 09:29:58 pm
It's Friday, so I treated myself to some nice Rioja,  but I smashed the last of my good red wine glasses last week (and have been too busy lazy to get the spares out of the loft.) 

I'm having to drink it out of one of the chunky recycled green glass goblets I use for white....  :o

I feel your pain.  This was from my cry from the heart posted elsewhere, as I was returning from Glasgow back in July 2015...
Quote
What barbaric service on this train - my wine has been served in a water glass!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 12 February, 2016, 09:40:20 pm
I got a parcel of a free gift from Brooks but it's not another test saddle, it's ugly bar tape I don't want and won't use.
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/20160211_211449.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Deano on 12 February, 2016, 11:30:11 pm
Flog it for a tenner and donate it to charidee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cygnet on 13 February, 2016, 08:34:31 am
First world maths problem:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Br43bgpIYAEdHb3.jpg:large)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 February, 2016, 08:40:21 am
Marks and Spencer didn't have any blocks of Red Leicester. I had to buy sliced instead.

Should have gone to Aldi.   :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 13 February, 2016, 08:40:50 am
First world maths problem:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Br43bgpIYAEdHb3.jpg:large)
Humus without extra virgin olive oil, yuck!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 13 February, 2016, 09:28:15 am
And no Tahini!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 February, 2016, 10:16:45 am
And that tick is back to front!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 13 February, 2016, 11:26:02 am
What is 'hummus dip' & how does it differ from hummus?

Is it something to do with 'chai tea'?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 February, 2016, 12:33:48 pm
And that tick is back to front!

Left-handed teacher?

I am right-handed but it strikes me that making a tick is a very highly unnatural movement for a left-hander, more than normal writing.

Any lefties care to comment?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: HTFB on 13 February, 2016, 12:35:14 pm
And that tick is back to front!
Not for a left-hander it isn't. And as ane fule kno, left-handers are best at sums. Look at sigismund arbuthnot the mad maths master. he hav a cane that land accross rong side of fearless BOYS tender backside hem-hem.

(Hellymedic beat me to the draw. The movement isn't that unnatural as we're well trained in pen-pushing. If you're ticking off a list, though, it's much better to tick on the left side of the page so your hand doesn't block what you're reading as you go along, and then the left-handed tick is very much easier.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 13 February, 2016, 12:59:30 pm
HTFB has written what I was going to say.
I used a left hand tick for years and ignored any comments from others about it.
My brother, who was a head teacher at the time, wouldn't accept my opinion that a left handed tick was valid, asking me if I used a left handed b, for instance.
Since then I try to use right handed ticks when completing forms by hand.
Other than that I don't care what others think of my left handed tick.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 13 February, 2016, 01:00:25 pm
The finches keep eating my sunflower hearts and I have to fill up the feeders every other day in this weather.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 February, 2016, 02:42:40 pm
I *am* a lefty,  actually, and I can tick the usual way.

Having said that, I'm not a lefty who is so lefty I can barely function in a right handed world....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 February, 2016, 03:42:18 pm
Left-handed tick makes perfect sense to me, as long as the context is unambiguous (best to avoid it where it's going to be OCRed, scrutinised by pedants, or could be mistaken for a backslash).

(I'm a righty, so it's academic.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 14 February, 2016, 08:14:31 am
And that tick is back to front!

Left-handed teacher?

I am right-handed but it strikes me that making a tick is a very highly unnatural movement for a left-hander, more than normal writing.

Any lefties care to comment?
Germans all seem to do their ticks back to front, and often on the wrong side of the paper. It's very weird!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 14 February, 2016, 04:34:04 pm
Forgot to buy lemons for my home made dip for my work packed lunch, alas!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 15 February, 2016, 05:35:26 am
I just bought a new case of beer but there's so much beer already in the chiller I can't fit any of it in.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 15 February, 2016, 11:09:46 am
I just bought a new case of beer but there's so much beer already in the chiller I can't fit any of it in.
There's plenty of room in mine if you're really stuck.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: MagnusOpus on 15 February, 2016, 11:28:04 am
Did this get posted here yet?

https://www.facebook.com/overheardinwaitrose/

including such gems as.....

"Sebastian stop hitting your sister, or you won’t get any Brioche!" and

"Luciano behave! Children these days... I blame the au pairs."

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 February, 2016, 12:16:16 pm
I think I posted something about Highgate mothers...

ETA I did. Linky reposted.

Enjoy!

https://www.handpicked.org/best_of_highgatemums (https://www.handpicked.org/best_of_highgatemums)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 February, 2016, 02:11:24 pm
First world maths problem:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Br43bgpIYAEdHb3.jpg:large)
Humus without extra virgin olive oil, yuck!

I see that's in the 'Highgate Mums' page...

https://www.handpicked.org/best_of_highgatemums (https://www.handpicked.org/best_of_highgatemums)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cygnet on 16 February, 2016, 12:03:08 am
Lots of FWP there for the taking, but ^ stood out!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 February, 2016, 12:12:03 pm
And no Tahini!

It sounds grim - 6 cups of water to 2 of chick peas, surely that would be a watery soup not any kind of "dip"? And no tahini or salt?

And surely a USA cup is a measuring cup and not at all the same as a teacup? I call fake.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 16 February, 2016, 04:35:39 pm
That's about right for dried chickpeas, surely.
You'd need to soak them for days mind.

The point about cups as a measuring device is built in proportionality. You can use any cup.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 16 February, 2016, 04:38:33 pm
The point about cups as a measuring device is built in proportionality. You can use any cup.

Until they start mixing units, eg. "cloves".  But you're always going to risk Mars Climate Orbiter problems with recipes unless you apply common sense or count everything out in moles.

We got a tame USAnian to buy us a set of measuring cups.  Handy things to have.  More useful than chickpeas, anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 16 February, 2016, 05:10:34 pm
That's about right for dried chickpeas, surely.
You'd need to soak and boil them for days mind.

The point about cups as a measuring device is built in proportionality. You can use any cup.

FTFY...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 16 February, 2016, 06:21:57 pm
'Cup' in recipes is a standard measure.

In the US it's 8 fluid ounces (so half of one of their pints) (note for the pedantic, the US fl.oz. is not quite the same as an Imperial one)
In New Zealand it's 250ml.

(Mr Google says the US cup is 236.59ml)

Cue the 'nice thing about standards quote'
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 16 February, 2016, 06:36:09 pm
'Cup' in recipes is a standard measure.


Surely it depends on who's bra you are borrowing to do the measuring?

*leaves thread in disgrace*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 February, 2016, 09:42:06 pm
'Cup' in recipes is a standard measure.

In the US it's 8 fluid ounces (so half of one of their pints) (note for the pedantic, the US fl.oz. is not quite the same as an Imperial one)
In New Zealand it's 250ml.

(Mr Google says the US cup is 236.59ml)

Cue the 'nice thing about standards quote'
It's still a stupid unit for solids though. Half a cup of grated carrot? Packed down firm? Left loose and airy? Chopped carrot jammed into the measuring cup and then grated?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 16 February, 2016, 09:46:34 pm
It's still a stupid unit for solids though. Half a cup of grated carrot? Packed down firm? Left loose and airy? Chopped carrot jammed into the measuring cup and then grated?

I don't disagree. I do use cup measures as I have several American cookbooks but it is a pain.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 16 February, 2016, 09:56:35 pm
I much prefer cups.  Not many recipes require absolute accuracy.  If you're the sort of cook who 'bungs stuff in the bowl' rather than measuring everything to the nth degree and garnishing stuff, cups are good.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 February, 2016, 10:08:04 pm
I much prefer cups.  Not many recipes require absolute accuracy.  If you're the sort of cook who 'bungs stuff in the bowl' rather than measuring everything to the nth degree and garnishing stuff, cups are good.

It's a good thing Heston Blumenthing won't be in charge of the Revolution :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: contango on 17 February, 2016, 04:45:22 am
'Cup' in recipes is a standard measure.

In the US it's 8 fluid ounces (so half of one of their pints) (note for the pedantic, the US fl.oz. is not quite the same as an Imperial one)
In New Zealand it's 250ml.

(Mr Google says the US cup is 236.59ml)

Cue the 'nice thing about standards quote'
It's still a stupid unit for solids though. Half a cup of grated carrot? Packed down firm? Left loose and airy? Chopped carrot jammed into the measuring cup and then grated?

No more useless than dietary guidelines that use really useful and objective measures like "a large handful" or "a small portion".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 17 February, 2016, 08:13:47 am
I tick both ways.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 17 February, 2016, 01:04:27 pm
I much prefer cups.  Not many recipes require absolute accuracy.  If you're the sort of cook who 'bungs stuff in the bowl' rather than measuring everything to the nth degree and garnishing stuff, cups are good.

For that sort of cooking I prefer the metric "handful". Less washing up too.
(Our new bread machine's recipe book measures in cups and spoons, water first then flour obv. I'd mind less if the bread ever rose properly.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 February, 2016, 02:12:37 pm
And instead of fingers, allen keys?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 February, 2016, 06:05:30 pm
'Cup' in recipes is a standard measure.


Surely it depends on who's bra you are borrowing to do the measuring?

*leaves thread in disgrace*

Excelent, Basil. If you hadn't made that comment, I would have had to.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 17 February, 2016, 07:37:14 pm
Dear Whitbread,
Thank you for your email suggesting U book a table to celebrate Mothers' Day at your table table restaurant.
Don't you think it might be useful to remind me of the date of this auspicious occasion cos I can't remember.
I await further emails from Brewers Fayre and Beefeater.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 17 February, 2016, 08:00:34 pm
 Second Sunday of May.  Unless, of course, Whitbread had in mind Mothering Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent (6 March this year).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 17 February, 2016, 08:15:31 pm
I think the May one is USAnian and Mothering Sunday is held as Mothers' Day in the UK.

We don't do Mothers' Day in our family cos we're too Jewish but my Mum is 80 tomorrow and we've just had a BIGgish party.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 17 February, 2016, 08:19:23 pm
What's a gish party?  Is it fun?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2016, 08:56:43 pm
What's a gish party?  Is it fun?

Everyone comes in fancy dress and the person deemed to look most like Special Agent Monica Reyes is the winner.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 18 February, 2016, 08:45:45 am
We have no instant coffee so I had to make the removal man a caramel latte from the Tassimo. We also have no standard tea so the other two got Earl Grey.

(I can't believe I actually typed that, or that it's truly true)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 18 February, 2016, 09:45:06 am
So you're going up in the world today? 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 February, 2016, 09:55:46 am
Happy move day!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 18 February, 2016, 10:46:20 am
Nice day for it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 February, 2016, 05:58:11 pm
We have no instant coffee so I had to make the removal man a caramel latte from the Tassimo. We also have no standard tea so the other two got Earl Grey.

(I can't believe I actually typed that, or that it's truly true)

Caramel latte? Are you trying to kill the poor fellow? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35593007)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 18 February, 2016, 06:57:40 pm
Waitrose was out of fresh coriander.

What is 'hummus dip' & how does it differ from hummus?

You have to specify that it's a dip or the proles might think it's some kind of poultice and spread it on their piles.

(Incidentally, I wanted the coriander to put in my chickpea curry - prepared by pressure-cooking one actual teacup of dried chickpeas in 2.5 actual teacups of water. I have no idea of the capacity of the actual teacup I used, in either metric or imperial units. I share the view of my learned friends on the matter of hummus without tahini.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 18 February, 2016, 06:58:36 pm
In other FWP news, I've had to turn down a free cycling trip to Majorca.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 18 February, 2016, 07:02:51 pm
Ooh oooh me! I'll go for you!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 18 February, 2016, 07:03:07 pm
In other FWP news, I've had to turn down a free cycling trip to Majorca.
TBH, I'm struggling to summon up some any sympathy  :demon: :P
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 18 February, 2016, 08:05:48 pm
Suspect cityoen's Real LifeTM is interfering with the the cycling habit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 18 February, 2016, 08:36:44 pm

Suspect cityoen's Real LifeTM is interfering with the the cycling habit.

You could say that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 18 February, 2016, 08:58:25 pm
Fairy snuff.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 19 February, 2016, 07:50:09 am
We have no instant coffee so I had to make the removal man a caramel latte from the Tassimo. We also have no standard tea so the other two got Earl Grey.

(I can't believe I actually typed that, or that it's truly true)

Caramel latte? Are you trying to kill the poor fellow? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35593007)

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/health/massive-sickly-drink-with-shitloads-of-marshmallows-found-to-contain-sugar-20160217106334
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 February, 2016, 04:44:41 pm
Dear Whitbread,
Thank you for your email suggesting U book a table to celebrate Mothers' Day at your table table restaurant.
Don't you think it might be useful to remind me of the date of this auspicious occasion cos I can't remember.
I await further emails from Brewers Fayre and Beefeater.

Just had one from Beefeater, again not specifying the date for Mothers' Day...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 19 February, 2016, 10:39:42 pm
I've "earned" a discount of 40% off BA flights anywhere in Europe (mostly by cycling a lot).

Where can I go that the BA flight will be cheaper than a budget airline, taking into account the discount and their free bike baggage allowance?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 19 February, 2016, 10:42:50 pm
I appear to have run out of camomile tea.    :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 19 February, 2016, 11:15:28 pm
Do we need to arrange an air drop or alert the UNHCR?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 23 February, 2016, 12:27:42 pm

Where can I go that the BA flight will be cheaper than a budget airline, taking into account the discount and their free bike baggage allowance?

Are budget flights really any cheaper when you take those allowances into account? You pay less up front for no frills but then end up paying extra for a lot of necessary "frills" like luggage anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 February, 2016, 12:50:19 pm
Budget flights tend to serve regional airports which saves you the most difficult and expensive part of the whole journey – getting to Heathrow or Gatwick. This is where BA and its cousins suck.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 23 February, 2016, 01:31:28 pm
Rail has the same access issues.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 01 March, 2016, 10:55:25 am
Apparently the Heathrow Express trains have been withdrawn and replaced with the Heathrow Connect trains. There was someone on radiogram complaining that they have no power sockets for their laptops. Imagine, an entire fifteen (twenty to terminal 5) without electricity. It's a horror I can't comprehend. The person on the radio sounded quite annoyed. Personally, I'd have punched them with a bear.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mcshroom on 01 March, 2016, 11:53:27 am
I've lost my Co-op card. They have a lost card section on their website, but you need to know the entire 16 digit number on the card to use it! ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 March, 2016, 12:52:20 pm
The chickpeas in my dhal are undercooked.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 March, 2016, 05:24:06 pm
Thought you knew chick-peas took forever to cook!

My Sainsbury's delivery seems to have lacked a bag of produce; the oyster mushrooms, plums, Basics strawberries, oranges and cherry tomatoes are missing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2016, 07:53:35 pm
I've just injured my finger trying to open a tube of lactose-free ice cream.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Blade on 06 March, 2016, 11:16:22 pm
We move house in a weeks time.
For the first time in 25 years we will be without a dishwasher  :(
How will we cope for the six weeks it will take to fit a new kitchen and dishwasher in our new house?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2016, 11:25:34 pm
We move house in a weeks time.
For the first time in 25 years we will be without a dishwasher  :(
How will we cope for the six weeks it will take to fit a new kitchen and dishwasher in our new house?


Something like:

The new kitchen fit is going well, but we've just run out of paper plates :(

 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 07 March, 2016, 10:27:28 am
We move house in a weeks time.
For the first time in 25 years we will be without a dishwasher  :(
How will we cope for the six weeks it will take to fit a new kitchen and dishwasher in our new house?

Bacon bowls?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 09 March, 2016, 08:09:51 pm
I didn't get a flight in a private jet today. It was only a private twin engine turbo-prop. The power sockets on it were 110 V American ones and I hadn't brought the correct adaptor.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: caerau on 09 March, 2016, 08:31:02 pm
We move house in a weeks time.
For the first time in 25 years we will be without a dishwasher  :(
How will we cope for the six weeks it will take to fit a new kitchen and dishwasher in our new house?


Bane of my childhood was my mother making us help with the washing up.  Washing or drying hmmm - I preferred washing, but I didn't always get to choose.


Then we got a dishwasher  in the 1980s - yay. 


Result?  Not really, doing the dishes was replaced was 'EMPTY THE DISHWASHER GRRRRR!' which seemed no different or less work than doing the  dishes.  Indeed, often as not it seemed to required - particularly with mugs - rewashing the dishwasher induced ick off the bottom followed by drying them anyway.


Upon leaving home I decided I'd never bother.  Met my wife and she'd never had one and didn't want one.


Then.... in the 2000s my mum gave us her old one and the wife seemed semi-keen so now we have one again.


Any different?  No. Ho hum.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 10 March, 2016, 02:17:10 pm
I quite like the fact we don't have a dishwasher.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 19 March, 2016, 11:58:10 am
The bag of 'Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips' I just opened is mis-labelled.  It should read "Hardly Salted At All Tortilla Chips".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 21 March, 2016, 12:20:18 am

Then we got a dishwasher  in the 1980s - yay. 

Result?  Not really, doing the dishes was replaced was 'EMPTY THE DISHWASHER GRRRRR!' which seemed no different or less work than doing the  dishes.  Indeed, often as not it seemed to required - particularly with mugs - rewashing the dishwasher induced ick off the bottom followed by drying them anyway.

Upon leaving home I decided I'd never bother.  Met my wife and she'd never had one and didn't want one.
Why I've never got one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 March, 2016, 02:15:07 pm
Dishwashers have changed massively since the 1980s, everything comes out sparkling - and dry! I really miss mine, and I seem to be spending more in gloves and hand cream than the cost of running one...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 25 March, 2016, 03:13:18 pm
Great place to hide the dirty pots  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 March, 2016, 03:36:31 pm
I had a dishwasher in the nineties.   In the noughties I reverted back to washing up in the sink by hand.   I like doing the washing up.   :thumbsup:

   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 March, 2016, 03:47:10 pm
I had a dishwasher in the nineties.   In the noughties I reverted back to washing up in the sink by hand.   I like doing the washing up.   :thumbsup:

So do I!

My dishwasher seals failed and machine has not been replaced.

These machine don't fill or empty themselves, do they?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 25 March, 2016, 03:50:57 pm
Staff.
What you need is staff.
Unfortunately, these days .......   ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 March, 2016, 04:33:33 pm
Staff.
What you need is staff.
Unfortunately, these days .......   ;)

I am staff...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 25 March, 2016, 04:52:35 pm
Staff.
What you need is staff.
Unfortunately, these days .......   ;)

I am staff...
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 26 March, 2016, 11:56:03 pm
I had a dishwasher in the nineties.   In the noughties I reverted back to washing up in the sink by hand.   I like doing the washing up.   :thumbsup:

So do I!

My dishwasher seals failed and machine has not been replaced.

These machine don't fill or empty themselves, do they?

I want a dishwashing seal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 March, 2016, 04:00:45 pm
(http://brandmediaweek.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834519bc269e20120a53b71b5970c-600wi)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 29 March, 2016, 12:33:25 pm
I love my dishwasher (not in the sex way, come on, it's Italian). Even my butler wouldn't be caught washing dishes by hand. I had too much childhood trauma from scraping burned-on gravy from roasting trays (owing to my dad's preference for volcano hot overcooked food) to want to reach for the scrubbing brush ever again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 29 March, 2016, 12:39:38 pm
We had some damage from the storm

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1558/26112103775_a395996f58_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FMrmHM)Storm Damage (https://flic.kr/p/FMrmHM) by paulfulford (https://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_fulford/), on Flickr
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: red marley on 29 March, 2016, 12:48:49 pm
Blimey! I hope it's insured otherwise you're looking at a hefty bill to get some people in to sort it out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 March, 2016, 12:54:09 pm
Sort it out?  Surely it's only fit for firewood now?  Though I'm sure someone in Africa would be grateful to have it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 29 March, 2016, 12:55:35 pm
Ground anchors required with hawsers obv.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 March, 2016, 12:57:21 pm
Really sorry to hear about this, PaulF. One never really knows what lies around the corner in life.

Have you considered counselling?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 29 March, 2016, 01:15:59 pm
Really sorry to hear about this, PaulF. One never really knows what lies around the corner in life.

Have you considered counselling?

I'm trying to be philosophical about this, we got off more lightly than others. I heard that someone on the next village  had both their garden chairs AND the table blown over.

I'm more worried about how I'm going to feed the birds. The poor little things have come to rely on me for their organic-low fat-unsalted birdseed. They're the ones who are struggling, not me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 29 March, 2016, 01:24:45 pm
Have you considered laying the birds on their side?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 29 March, 2016, 04:11:20 pm
Nice looking load of sleepers there. But the garden hose is frankly a mess.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 31 March, 2016, 11:16:29 am
We've run out of ketjap manis so we had to have bog-standard dark soy on our gingery pork and cabbage meatballs last night...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 March, 2016, 01:32:19 pm
For two consecutive deliveries, Mr Sainsbury's House of Toothsome Comestibles has failed to supply me with dried apricots and apple rings.

I can only attack my dwindling supply of dried figs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 31 March, 2016, 04:27:07 pm
Well, they should keep you going.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 March, 2016, 05:17:36 pm
That is the idea! ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 04 April, 2016, 03:55:48 pm
Sainsbury's have stopped selling Yeo Valley butter for delivery, as well as Yeo Valley full-fat Greek yoghurt.

Yeo Valley butter is fine and caramelly and lovely and I love it.  Huh.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 04 April, 2016, 06:35:48 pm
No apricots from Sainsbury's AGAIN...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 04 April, 2016, 10:21:23 pm
Our avocado wasn't ripe so instead of home made guacamole we had to have bought
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: HTFB on 06 April, 2016, 08:05:01 pm
I want a dishwashing seal.

Or a washing guppy.


---

An idea I've propounded before:
The ideal is to have two dishwashers. Then you don't even need a kitchen cupboard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 06 April, 2016, 11:43:47 pm
I have to take the car in for a service tomorrow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 07 April, 2016, 08:38:17 am
My first work related travel in two months starts on Sunday. 

I need to remember how to pack again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 April, 2016, 09:44:02 am
Having the nice grass verge outside your house plowed ploughed up by a large lorry delivering stuff to the house opposite.

What were they delivering?  Turf for their new lawn.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 07 April, 2016, 10:12:12 am
We had that happen back in January.  According to one of our neighbours, a van/lorry/truck (her terminology varied) had got stuck at about 45 degrees (probably a considerable exaggeration) and had threatened to topple over into our hedge, all the while trashing our verge.  They reportedly blocked the road for 3 hours, and got pulled out shortly before either my wife or I got home to witness the spectacle.  Ba5t@rd$.  :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 07 April, 2016, 08:11:17 pm
I have to take the car in for a service tomorrow.

Lots of luck with that.

Hopefully you will have a better experience than our Bumper...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 April, 2016, 09:47:23 am
We had that happen back in January.  According to one of our neighbours, a van/lorry/truck (her terminology varied) had got stuck at about 45 degrees (probably a considerable exaggeration) and had threatened to topple over into our hedge, all the while trashing our verge.  They reportedly blocked the road for 3 hours, and got pulled out shortly before either my wife or I got home to witness the spectacle.  Ba5t@rd$.  :demon:

We now have a bus stuck on our verge.  It has been there over 20 minutes and the back wheel just digs itself deeper - it's going nowhere.  The driver has eaten his lunch and is now out of his seat and gone for a little walk.  It has two passengers.   

Stop press: a passenger has left the bus and is advising the driver what to do it appears. Driver is phoning a friend. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 09 April, 2016, 06:16:42 pm
Having the nice grass verge outside your house plowed ploughed up by a large lorry delivering stuff to the house opposite.

What were they delivering?  Turf for their new lawn.

Ah irony. Our verge has mostly gone, but I can't see it so have stopped feeling precious. Usually lorries trying to get around the corner, occasionally cars at the top of the narrow hill too impatient to wait an entire second or two so trying to squeeze by each other.

There's a concrete bollard that gets periodically knocked over, though the nice scrapes of coloured paint on it give me plenty of satisfaction.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 09 April, 2016, 09:09:26 pm
The forecast today was dry with sunny intervals all day.  We got rain showers, sleet and a bit of snow with sunny intervals.  As a result I have not got nearly as far as I planned with erecting our new greenhouse.  I shall not complete the job tomorrow and Mrs Tween will have to wait an entire extra 6 days to get planting.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 11 April, 2016, 09:52:55 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 11:53:44 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:


Try and stick to just the one bottle next time ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 12 April, 2016, 01:58:28 pm
Just buy Chablis, and pretend you don't know about varietals
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mike on 12 April, 2016, 03:46:17 pm
my cleaners normally come at 3.30 every second tuesday and I nip down the road for some coffee & cake while they're here.   

They came early today, just as I finished my lunch, but I felt too awkward to stay in the house so went out for coffee & (excellent) cake anyway meaning I'm still uncomfortably full.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 12 April, 2016, 05:56:59 pm
It's impossible to change one's pedal system without chipping one's nail varnish.

It was a really nice pale pink as well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 06:58:09 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:

More importantly, I bought some prepared veg on Saturday (because I'm on my own and feel lazy, and for added First World points, it was broccoli and cauliflower 'couscous'). I was preparing dinner last night and, well, it's nowhere to be found. So I either neglected to put it in my shopping bag or I've put it somewhere that is curiously not the fridge. The perils of going shopping with jetlag.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 12 April, 2016, 07:03:08 pm
Stick around, your nose will tell you soon enough . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 12 April, 2016, 09:08:50 pm
Just buy Chablis, and pretend you don't know about varietals

Or Mersault.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 April, 2016, 09:14:58 pm
Just buy Chablis, and pretend you don't know about varietals

Or Mersault.
You don't want a psychopathic killer in your shopping basket, do you!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 12 April, 2016, 09:38:56 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:

More importantly, I bought some prepared veg on Saturday (because I'm on my own and feel lazy, and for added First World points, it was broccoli and cauliflower 'couscous'). I was preparing dinner last night and, well, it's nowhere to be found. So I either neglected to put it in my shopping bag or I've put it somewhere that is curiously not the fridge. The perils of going shopping with jetlag.

Does this qualify as 'First World' given that you appear to have gone shopping (as opposed to having it delivered)?
Does that count?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 13 April, 2016, 09:47:25 am
If you are a car hire firm in a part of the country that markets itself heavily as the ideal place for a weekend getaway, wouldn't it be a good idea to stay open after 5pm on Fridays and perhaps have some way of returning cars on Sundays?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 13 April, 2016, 12:39:21 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:

More importantly, I bought some prepared veg on Saturday (because I'm on my own and feel lazy, and for added First World points, it was broccoli and cauliflower 'couscous'). I was preparing dinner last night and, well, it's nowhere to be found. So I either neglected to put it in my shopping bag or I've put it somewhere that is curiously not the fridge. The perils of going shopping with jetlag.

Does this qualify as 'First World' given that you appear to have gone shopping (as opposed to having it delivered)?
Does that count?

I surely get some points for buying prepared vegetables and, ye gads, faux couscous made from scrambled up broccoli and cauliflower. I also bought some 'courgette noodles' and successfully didn't manage to lose those.

I can make my own courgette 'noodles' but I admit 'couscous' is more of a problem since I'm typically too lazy to mess with a food processor.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 16 April, 2016, 01:34:14 pm
I may have to get a little vacuum cleaner to clean my robot vacuum cleaner that appears to be a magnet for dust
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 16 April, 2016, 02:20:50 pm
Chardonnay.
HTF did that end up in my shopping basket?
 :sick:

More importantly, I bought some prepared veg on Saturday (because I'm on my own and feel lazy, and for added First World points, it was broccoli and cauliflower 'couscous'). I was preparing dinner last night and, well, it's nowhere to be found. So I either neglected to put it in my shopping bag or I've put it somewhere that is curiously not the fridge. The perils of going shopping with jetlag.

Does this qualify as 'First World' given that you appear to have gone shopping (as opposed to having it delivered)?
Does that count?

I surely get some points for buying prepared vegetables and, ye gads, faux couscous made from scrambled up broccoli and cauliflower. I also bought some 'courgette noodles' and successfully didn't manage to lose those.

I can make my own courgette 'noodles' but I admit 'couscous' is more of a problem since I'm typically too lazy to mess with a food processor.

I would've thought that would score quite high on the First World Problems register...

I may have to get a little vacuum cleaner to clean my robot vacuum cleaner that appears to be a magnet for dust
Have you considered applying some of the anti-static stuff for use on VDUs to your robo-vac?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2016, 02:26:44 pm
Isn't a vacuum cleaner *supposed* to be a dust magnet, thobut?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 16 April, 2016, 02:34:34 pm
Isn't a vacuum cleaner *supposed* to be a dust magnet, thobut?
My interpretation, which could be wrong, is that it is the outside of Gerald's robo-vac which is attracting dust.
To me that suggests a static issue.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 16 April, 2016, 03:05:34 pm
Have you considered a, er, duster?  A damp one?   ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 16 April, 2016, 04:16:04 pm
I may have to get a little vacuum cleaner to clean my robot vacuum cleaner that appears to be a magnet for dust

And how will you keep the little one clean
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 April, 2016, 04:26:52 pm
My nail varnish is chipping terribly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 16 April, 2016, 04:31:42 pm
My nail varnish is chipping terribly.
Two pack (http://www.paints4trade.com/2-pack-epoxy-top-coat-boat-paint-2215-p.asp?v=0&variantid=2739&fo_c=888&fo_k=d6123440ba4601f8ade7fcf24a8493df&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=CL2nme-8k8wCFYcp0wodBbwOjA) is your friend.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2016, 04:39:38 pm
I may have to get a little vacuum cleaner to clean my robot vacuum cleaner that appears to be a magnet for dust

And how will you keep the little one clean

It's vacuum cleaners all the way down.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 April, 2016, 04:51:55 pm
My nail varnish is chipping terribly.
Two pack (http://www.paints4trade.com/2-pack-epoxy-top-coat-boat-paint-2215-p.asp?v=0&variantid=2739&fo_c=888&fo_k=d6123440ba4601f8ade7fcf24a8493df&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=CL2nme-8k8wCFYcp0wodBbwOjA) is your friend.

<changes name to Boaty Mcboatface>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 16 April, 2016, 06:53:50 pm
Partner has decided he does not like Sainsbury's 'Taste the Difference' Lemon, Honey & Ginger Infusion...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 April, 2016, 06:18:18 am
What's the point? Here we are on the costa blanca in April and today as I sip my early morning tea I can see some clouds. I may have to wear clear specs today instead of sunglasses.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 April, 2016, 11:30:18 am
Reverse gear on my Logitech G27 has stopped working :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 02 May, 2016, 03:34:52 pm
Reverse gear on my Logitech G27 has stopped working :'(

That happened on my mate's 1300TC, when he needed to parallel park he'd open the door and push back with his right foot. I'm guessing that wouldn't work for you?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 May, 2016, 04:04:56 pm
I've redefined another button to be reverse for the moment but you have to hold it down while reversing.  Contact cleaner to be purchased tomorrow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 02 May, 2016, 04:09:55 pm
It's raining, so I have had to delay delivering election leaflets...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 02 May, 2016, 04:28:42 pm
I treated myself to a packet of Basset's Liquorice Allsorts and was very dissappointed to find that the liquorice sandwiches are an austerity version, being truncated to rectangles instead of the traditional squares.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 02 May, 2016, 06:33:01 pm
Just arrived in hotel, and fancied the steak from the menu in the restaurant, but in the room so we can watch TV. For some reason the room service menu and the restaurant are separate and it isn't available. Why oh why o why.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 02 May, 2016, 06:52:01 pm
I treated myself to a packet of Basset's Liquorice Allsorts and was very dissappointed to find that the liquorice sandwiches are an austerity version, being truncated to rectangles instead of the traditional squares.

I agree - poor state of affairs this shrinkflation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 May, 2016, 03:49:52 pm
I cannot decide whether to take my round shiny pan or my black rectangular ones to Long Itch. Which will coordinate better with my spork?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 05 May, 2016, 05:25:26 pm
Will you be mostly cooking round food or square food?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 06 May, 2016, 11:22:58 am
The Lindor truffles on offer 'free' when I ordered >£10 stuffs from the milkman in a single order were unavailable today.
I feel cheated.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 17 May, 2016, 12:34:49 pm
Thanks for the link.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 17 May, 2016, 12:43:30 pm
 :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: caerau on 17 May, 2016, 12:50:23 pm
I did kind of wonder with that one - with all the resources that running a website like the BBC requires - is archiving several thousand recipes *really* a big expense relative to the other stuff?  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 May, 2016, 08:26:59 pm
This pina colada has slightly too much coconut in it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 22 May, 2016, 07:30:38 pm
(http://www.minx-girl.com/prodzoomimg3576.jpg)
These horrendously overpriced beautiful shorts are only available in small & medium.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Oaky on 23 May, 2016, 10:38:01 am
I dropped from Gold to Silver in the BA Executive club.  I'll have to slum it in the business lounges for a while instead of First.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 May, 2016, 10:46:32 am
Pah, I dropped from Silver to the badlands of Blue (BA seem to always be ludicrously expensive at the moment, my next flight to Vancouver was £1000 less with Air Canada). I get to sit at the gate watching the comedy boarding (seriously, how many comedy boarding tiers can they have, the plane isn't going to leave, and as mentioned I'm the chap who waits till the end and then makes you get out of your seat).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 May, 2016, 11:07:12 am
I suppose it's different for you tidy-haired types sitting in front of the curtain but the only way I could save more than a fiver on this summer's flight to Chicago was by flying with Terrible Airlines and changing planes in Amsterdam/Paris/Atlanta/Dagenham Heathway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 23 May, 2016, 11:23:45 am
Dropping from Gold to Silver affects not 1 but 2 people. The cardholder, and the guest they can sign into the first lounge, get through the express security check etc.
My wife needs 1 more business class or better long haul flight before October to keep Gold for another year, and I have no idea what I will do if she gets downgraded.

The worst story I've heard is a friend is about 3 years away from completing 1 million miles with American Airlines, as a result she will only fly American, and American are terrible. We asked what's so special about getting to 1 million miles, and she said it was priority boarding for life.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 May, 2016, 12:28:57 pm
I find the entire airline classes and pecking order peculiarly amusing. It's like small stage social warfare. That petty little curtain between the classes. Of course, to justify business and first, airlines I'm sure make economy worse than it has to be. Look what we'll do to you if you don't upgrade is basically their business policy. The only real perk are the lounges, which are far better places to spend the time, but for the same effective cost, you could stay in the most luxurious hotel known to mankind.

Contrary to popular belief, this third division Tidy Haired Thought Leader™ is on the wrong side of the curtain most of the time. I'm only allowed business for flights more than 8 hours intercontinental and not-under-any-circumstances North America. Plus the Concur robot is getting smart and sends memos to my boss, my boss's boss, and his boss if I book a ticket that costs more than the 'next cheapest logical fare'. I would have got back on the BA scheme if I'd done my next trip to Vancouver with them, but the robot won't let me, which left me the choice between Air Canada and some budget airline from Gatwick. I think I'm edging on Gold for Virgin because I do a lot of trips via Johannesburg. I could upgrade on my air miles, but I prefer to cash those in for cheaper holidays (or rather my wife does).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 May, 2016, 06:20:45 pm
I looked at Transat for a flight to Vancouver last year and it was shedloads cheaper than BA, until I looked again two days later and it had become the same price.  Then it turned out that Mr Budget couldn't rent me a convertible from Vancouver anyway so I had to go to Seattle instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 May, 2016, 09:13:52 pm
I normally only go on charter airlines where they just board one end of the plane, then the other.  Luckily flights to "lakes and mountains" type destinations are totally chav-free, unlike the herds at the gates for Palma and Ibiza, who are truly terrifying in their shaven-headed, morning drunkenness.

I avoid budget airlines if travelling on my own money, having had fairly dismal experiences on SleazyJet and the now-defunct BMI baby, and you'd never get me on a Ryanair flight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 May, 2016, 11:39:37 am
I dribbled toothpaste foam on my (black) Tshirt this morning when brushing my teeth. Only found out when I got to work. White splatters all down my front.

When I tried using Strava to record runs, I didn't realise you have to set the activity type in your profile. So it recorded my runs as bike rides. So now I've uploaded two truly lightning fast bike rides that won't get added to my total running distance (which is pitiful anyway).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: caerau on 24 May, 2016, 01:07:06 pm


When I tried using Strava to record runs, I didn't realise you have to set the activity type in your profile. So it recorded my runs as bike rides. So now I've uploaded two truly lightning fast bike rides that won't get added to my total running distance (which is pitiful anyway).


You can change it  using the edit function surely.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 24 May, 2016, 01:20:52 pm


When I tried using Strava to record runs, I didn't realise you have to set the activity type in your profile. So it recorded my runs as bike rides. So now I've uploaded two truly lightning fast bike rides that won't get added to my total running distance (which is pitiful anyway).


You can change it  using the edit function surely.

Yes.

Open the activity. In the top left area is the overview box. At the bottom of this is an icon that looks like a pencil. Click on this and you can change the activity type
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 May, 2016, 01:59:33 pm
Ah - not possible from Android - but possible from a PC. Thank you for that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 24 May, 2016, 02:07:57 pm
Ah - not possible from Android - but possible from a PC. Thank you for that.

On the iPhone it's the field called "Sport", can definitely edit it there
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 24 May, 2016, 02:19:45 pm
On my android phone in the record activity screen at top left you can select between cycling (bicycle symbol) and running (shoe symbol).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 May, 2016, 12:30:08 pm
Oh this is just to much. We are moving offices today, to another building. Not only is our wonderful coffee machine shutdown, forcing me to walk to the next street to get a decent cup of coffee, but there's no internet. Surely it's a basic human right? Why is there  such an obvious lack of planning?

If I weren't having to give a talk in a little while (on a highly technical subject but without being able to use or show the technology) I would just admit defeat and decamp to Shoreditch. I'm sure that it's better there.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 May, 2016, 10:28:00 pm
The Tesco delivery people brought me an unwanted sweet & sour chicken pizza (a) I'm vegetarian and b) wtf?) and forgot the 3 aubergines I wanted.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 27 May, 2016, 10:29:03 pm
Chicken on pizza is just WRONG.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 27 May, 2016, 10:56:45 pm
Less wrong than aubergines though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 28 May, 2016, 08:58:42 am
When I lived in Peckham my local Italian did an excellent pizza with aubergine (and courgette, ham, and pepperoni).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 28 May, 2016, 09:14:51 am
I once had a wonderful vegan pizza with aubergine slices instead of cheese.  It was twenty years ago and I still remember how nice it was.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 28 May, 2016, 10:13:31 pm
Having just made and largely consumed a very fine1 babaganoush, I'm not sure I'm prepared to hear a word said against aubergines.




1: Yes, I *do* say so myself.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 09 June, 2016, 09:35:26 am
Tickets for the NT's new season went on sale to Priority members this morning, so I've spent the last hour trying to get on to the website, eventually to get the message that the sale has been suspended due to technical difficulties.

Pah!

Suspect Peter Shaffer's death has generated extra interest in the new production of Amadeus.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 June, 2016, 08:55:42 pm
I am in the mood for some Pinot Grigio. I have no Pinot Grigio. This is intolerable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 19 June, 2016, 02:59:08 pm
Our final shuttlecock has just gone over the fence into next door's jungle and I cannot be arced trekking all the way to Decathlon to buy more.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 June, 2016, 11:12:41 am
I have run out of Taylors of Bond Street Shaving cream.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 25 June, 2016, 06:19:48 pm
Anyone know a 24-7 tailor in London?  I forgot that the sleeves of the dinner jacket I'm planning to wear tomorrow need to be shortened.  :facepalm:

AND... my local drycleaners don't understand the concept of a properly starched shirt - it should stand up on its own! 

My fault, I guess.  One should never let one's staff go off on holiday prior to a major social engagement.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 29 June, 2016, 09:09:55 pm
My Amazon delivery of a CD by a Welsh singer is being delivered from Italy ?   Is there an equivalent of food  miles for this sort of thing ?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 29 June, 2016, 10:04:16 pm
Don't fret.  In a couple of years they'll be coming from the Channel Islands again.  ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 02 July, 2016, 04:44:34 pm
2 of the buckets waiting for my Waitrose charity token were for a cycling paramedic group and the local search and rescue team.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 21 July, 2016, 10:39:25 am
The "noise cancelling" LED on my Bluetooth headphones has stopped working.

The actual noise cancelling still works fine, it's just the LED that's packed in!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 July, 2016, 09:23:25 am
I can't find a new gardener. Seriously, I've written to five companies and they say they're too busy.

Or possibly my garden has a rep. I've not seen a yeti for days and the bears are OK if you don't make eye contact and slowly back away. There may be ancient ruins in there somewhere.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 July, 2016, 09:59:16 am
Your should look for a dog walker instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 July, 2016, 10:09:18 am
I'd recommend the groundsman from Fort Larrington but he's at the wrong end of Surrey and has been having trouble recently with both his van and his minions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 22 July, 2016, 10:14:25 am
I was going to suggest goats, but they'd only end up as yeti/bear food.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 July, 2016, 10:33:29 am
I was going to suggest goats, but they'd only end up as yeti/bear food.

I could borrow one from Riddlesdown, I suppose, though I'd imagine getting one down the A22 on the back of my bike might be a struggle.

Though not entirely odd for Croydon, I saw a guy walking a goat on a lead the other weekend.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 July, 2016, 10:37:22 am
Quote from: Befuddled of teh Internets
The Yeti does not have much problem in obtaining food since it is rather strong and fast.  It is primarily carnivorous, but will consume plants if necessary. In a dire situation, it is not very picky about its meal. For a meat course, the Yeti will typically feed on non-predator animals, such as the Argali sheep, the Bharal, the Markhor, which are both either in sheep or goat families.  If meat is scarce, the Yeti will usually turn to any bamboo that's around, but little else due to lack of availability.  The Yeti has no predators and is at the top of its food chain.

Which begs the question: are yetis known to be keen on puddings?

Befuddled also claims that:
Quote
The average annual temperature for the Himalayan mountains is 47 degrees Fahrenheit.  Although this may not sound too cold, the temperature in this mountain range is constantly changing according to the elevation. The lower the elevation, the lower the temperature will be.  This constant variation of temperature is something the Yeti has evolved to with its thick fur coat.
(My bold)

I think I'm right in my belief that Befuddled knows little of:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 22 July, 2016, 01:11:37 pm
I can't find a new gardener. Seriously, I've written to five companies and they say they're too busy.

Or possibly my garden has a rep. I've not seen a yeti for days and the bears are OK if you don't make eye contact and slowly back away. There may be ancient ruins in there somewhere.

What's it like for pokemon?  You might be able to recruit some pasty geeks...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 22 July, 2016, 03:03:54 pm
pasty geeks...

Beef, onion, potato, swede. No deviation!

(igmc)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 July, 2016, 03:56:58 pm
I can't find a new gardener. Seriously, I've written to five companies and they say they're too busy.

Or possibly my garden has a rep. I've not seen a yeti for days and the bears are OK if you don't make eye contact and slowly back away. There may be ancient ruins in there somewhere.

What's it like for pokemon?  You might be able to recruit some pasty geeks...

There's an entire ecosystem up there. The yeti are some kind of subspecies to the Himalayan variety and appear to live mainly on crisps and other snacks, and evidently any stray gardeners. There could be a pokémon or two hatching behind the pampas grass.

We did have gardeners last year. They came and did two days work and we never saw them again. I did find a pair of ear-defenders, but that's it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 July, 2016, 06:36:52 pm
It is so difficult to find suitably-sized pieces of paper for shopping lists towards the end of the month, when the counterfoils from the winning premium bond cheques have run out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 05 August, 2016, 10:18:28 pm
It's very annoying when you have two bluetooth speakers, and the only one you can find is the one with the godawful sound quality, and you want to have a bath to the sound of 80s legends Talk Talk. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Deano on 05 August, 2016, 10:20:01 pm
Never mind - life's what you make it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 05 August, 2016, 10:20:45 pm
oh god
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 09 August, 2016, 02:36:07 pm
My Graze box does not appear to have arrived.
I have checked its contents online.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: madcow on 09 August, 2016, 07:29:17 pm
Does that make you feel less hungry or more?
Virtual eating-it's the future.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 August, 2016, 12:23:02 am
Neither. My kitchen is well-stocked without my Graze box.
I will have to nibble grissini..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 August, 2016, 01:05:42 pm
My Cawston Press cucumber & mint fizzy pop had a flimsy ringpull which detached from the can, so I had to punch my way in with my housekeys.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 10 August, 2016, 02:09:25 pm
Have you claimed for trauma counselling? PTSD is not a trivial condition . .  .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 August, 2016, 04:01:36 pm
There seems to be insufficient bandwidth in my office for me to keep; an eye on C Froome and G Thomas in the time trial.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 August, 2016, 04:32:20 pm
Having set personal bests on strava on my lunchtime run, I've pulled a calf muscle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 August, 2016, 05:25:07 pm
There seems to be insufficient bandwidth in my office for me to keep; an eye on C Froome and G Thomas in the time trial.

Ph3ar n0t, little loony lad, for  has been watching the TT so you don't have to. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=98903.msg2065991#msg2065991P@nd3m1c® Pr0duct10nz™[/url)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 August, 2016, 06:35:40 pm
I can't find my panel pins. Will my pain never end?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 10 August, 2016, 06:41:19 pm
There seems to be insufficient bandwidth in my office for me to keep; an eye on C Froome and G Thomas in the time trial.

Ph3ar n0t, little loony lad, for  has been watching the TT so you don't have to.
 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=98903.msg2065991#msg2065991P@nd3m1c® Pr0duct10nz™[/url)

I think you meant:

Ph3ar n0t, little loony lad, for P@nd3m1c® Pr0duct10nz™ (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=98903.msg2065991#msg2065991) has been watching the TT so you don't have to.


HTH.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 August, 2016, 08:14:36 pm
Fondleslab...stubby peasant fingers...bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: meddyg on 10 August, 2016, 08:52:05 pm
" I've had to switch from eating venison to pheasant -
but it's turned out to be an absolute game changer!"



(stolen from Darren Walsh set @ Edin Fringe)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 10 August, 2016, 09:40:28 pm
Knicked!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2016, 07:48:48 am
White jeans today, nothing to dry my hands on.  Dog still wiped his nose, though.

Fondleslab...stubby peasant fingers...bah!

Shaky geriatric fingers, cretinaceous thing thinks I'm trying to move the page when I'm poking a link.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 12:59:42 pm
Shaky geriatric fingers, cretinaceous thing thinks I'm trying to move the page when I'm poking a link.

That's a very good point.  Low-pass filtering the touch input would be a valuable accessibility feature.  (My family have a history of Essential Tremors, so I know how big a deal this sort of thing can be.)

I saw someone's research project some years ago in which they'd written software to filter Parkinsons tremors (which apparently have a very specific frequency) out of mouse input.  Sadly that idea doesn't seem to have made it to the mainstream yet.  Maybe when the current generation of software developers get old?

Otherwise, have you considered using a stylus?  You can get them for capacitive touchscreens.  Have a blob on the end that simulates a very small finger.  They're a good compromise between the frustration of finger input and faffing about driving a fondleslab with a mouse (and as a bonus, keep the screen smudge-free).

Also, on Android, there's a developer menu option you can enable called "Show touches" which draws a dot where the device thinks you're touching.  It won't do anything for tremors, but I find this gives useful feedback that improves touch accuracy when tapping small features on web pages.  TBH, I think it should be moved to the accessibility menu, as it's so useful.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 August, 2016, 03:00:07 pm
Friend Facebooked next MacBookPro will replace keyboard with touch screen.
DON NOT WANT!
Grossly inappropriate for silver surfers and crips like me!!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 August, 2016, 03:11:54 pm
Friend Facebooked next MacBookPro will replace keyboard with touch screen.
DON NOT WANT!
Grossly inappropriate for silver surfers and crips like me!!!

Not a chance in hell.

However, it's very strongly rumoured that the next generation of fruitphones will do away with the headphone port, switching to either Lightning-based earphones or Bluetooth only.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 11 August, 2016, 04:42:42 pm
Friend Facebooked next MacBookPro will replace keyboard with touch screen.
DON NOT WANT!
Grossly inappropriate for silver surfers and crips like me!!!

Not a chance in hell.

However, it's very strongly rumoured that the next generation of fruitphones will do away with the headphone port, switching to either Lightning-based earphones or Bluetooth only.
S'true. The people responsible for fruitphone have deemed the next one will be too thin to accommodate a 3.5mm jack socket.
It is no coincidence that they have also recently acquired a very popular headphone brand. Begins with a 'b'
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 11 August, 2016, 05:06:49 pm
Friend Facebooked next MacBookPro will replace keyboard with touch screen.
DON NOT WANT!
Grossly inappropriate for silver surfers and crips like me!!!

Not a chance in hell.

However, it's very strongly rumoured that the next generation of fruitphones will do away with the headphone port, switching to either Lightning-based earphones or Bluetooth only.
S'true. The people responsible for fruitphone have deemed the next one will be too thin to accommodate a 3.5mm jack socket.
It is no coincidence that they have also recently acquired a very popular headphone brand. Begins with a 'b'

Well it's all still rumours AFAIK, but rumours on Daring Fireball generally have a canny habit of coming true. My understanding was that it was less to do with thinness and more to do with the extra-thick bezel below the screen to accommodate the length of the jack, although I guess they're all intertwined to an extent.

Doesn't bother me, my go-to headphones are Bluetooth now anyway, but lots of people will be caught out by it I think.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2016, 05:22:49 pm
Tis a cruel irony of modern life that the teensy headphone jack is about to become too big. Bring back my old skool Sony Walkman and sponge headphones, I say, and let's get wired for sound. I'm sure that thing ate no fewer than four AA batteries every two hours and was the size of a small hatchback car.

I thought the rumour was that the next iteration of Macbooks would have touchscreens (of course they won't replace the keyboard, otherwise they'd just be iPad Pros). Personally, while I'm happy to prod my iPad and iPhone screens, I've never wanted to jab my Macbook screen with my grubby fingers, but then I'm getting old.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 05:54:58 pm
The cruel irony of modern life is that by removing the headphone jack they pave the way for DRM-to-the-headphones.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 August, 2016, 07:01:24 pm
Otherwise, have you considered using a stylus?  You can get them for capacitive touchscreens.  Have a blob on the end that simulates a very small finger.  They're a good compromise between the frustration of finger input and faffing about driving a fondleslab with a mouse (and as a bonus, keep the screen smudge-free).

I have one for use with my phone since my stubby peasant fingers can scarcely cope with a fondleslab, never mind the titchy "keys" on the phone (I am not one of those people who believes in mobile phones the size of car number plates, y'see). The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

I imagine that ten minutes after the next-gen Jesusphone hits the shelves some clever bugger in China will be flogging Lightning->3.5mm headphone adaptors, which the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation of Cupertino, USAnia will then replicate at five times the price.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 07:47:21 pm
Otherwise, have you considered using a stylus?

I have one for use with my phone since my stubby peasant fingers can scarcely cope with a fondleslab, never mind the titchy "keys" on the phone (I am not one of those people who believes in mobile phones the size of car number plates, y'see). The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?

Mine seems to migrate back to the magpie collection[1] of random objects that lives between my keyboard and minotaurs.

This is obviously suboptimal, as if I'm within arm's reach of that, I'm also within arm's reach of a proper computer with a menagerie of meece.  Which means it only tends to get deployed for the aftermath of firmware upgrades and the like.



Quote
I imagine that ten minutes after the next-gen Jesusphone hits the shelves some clever bugger in China will be flogging Lightning->3.5mm headphone adaptors, which the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation of Cupertino, USAnia will then replicate at five times the price.

I assume the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation of Cupertino, USAnia have done focus groups, and concluded that their customers just *really love* dongles.


[1] This came up - appropriately enough on twitter - ages ago.  The magpie collection being where you deposit all those random pleasing and/or useful small items that you collect while around and about.  Mine currently sports: an assortment of dongles and adaptors; a pirate RADAR key that's too small for canal gates; several keyring rings; a radiator key; a little LED torch; a couple of dozen googly eyes; two cable-ties (one used); various important-looking screws; a York Rally pin; some tweezers; a Scharader valve cap; a Bikeregister sticker; a 555 timer chip; a bisexual identification card[2]; some mouse feet; a lanyard (Garmins for the use of); some more tweezers; the little screwdriver for putting your glasses back together when the lens falls out; an LED with bendy legs; an assortment of obsolete flash memory; a lump of blu-tac; a 15cm steel ruler bearing the name of a popular 1980s antibiotic; some CP44 hearing aid batteries; the keys for the upstairs windows; a strip of NFC tags; a buffered analgesic and no tea.

[2] All card-carrying bisexuals have one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 August, 2016, 08:10:58 pm
Tis a cruel irony of modern life that the teensy headphone jack is about to become too big. Bring back my old skool Sony Walkman and sponge headphones, I say, and let's get wired for sound. I'm sure that thing ate no fewer than four AA batteries every two hours and was the size of a small hatchback car.

I thought the rumour was that the next iteration of Macbooks would have touchscreens (of course they won't replace the keyboard, otherwise they'd just be iPad Pros). Personally, while I'm happy to prod my iPad and iPhone screens, I've never wanted to jab my Macbook screen with my grubby fingers, but then I'm getting old.
Did you pay the extra tenner for the rewind button?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2016, 10:53:12 pm
Tis a cruel irony of modern life that the teensy headphone jack is about to become too big. Bring back my old skool Sony Walkman and sponge headphones, I say, and let's get wired for sound. I'm sure that thing ate no fewer than four AA batteries every two hours and was the size of a small hatchback car.

I thought the rumour was that the next iteration of Macbooks would have touchscreens (of course they won't replace the keyboard, otherwise they'd just be iPad Pros). Personally, while I'm happy to prod my iPad and iPhone screens, I've never wanted to jab my Macbook screen with my grubby fingers, but then I'm getting old.
Did you pay the extra tenner for the rewind button?

Not on the first one, which was still way cool, rewind was for backwards looking squares. A few years later I got the one that could play either side of the tape without removing and flipping it (though I think that only had a fast forward, you had to rewind by fast forwarding the other side of the tape). In practice, pressing the buttons too fast (i.e. without pausing for thirty entire seconds) would result in thirty frustrating minutes trying to piggle the tape from the head and respooling it. Whereafter it would woo-wooo-woo as it dopplered through the scrunched up tape.

And then there was the gradual battery decline as the music slowed down to the point you couldn't bear it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 10:56:47 pm
And then there was the gradual battery decline as the music slowed down to the point you couldn't bear it.

Interestingly, just last night I was wondering whether someone's written a hipster music player app that simulates this.  It could also have a 90s mode where the playback skips in response to the accelerometer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 12 August, 2016, 10:10:46 pm
The telly in the hotel room is 17", 4:3
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 August, 2016, 10:22:04 pm
And then there was the gradual battery decline as the music slowed down to the point you couldn't bear it.

Interestingly, just last night I was wondering whether someone's written a hipster music player app that simulates this.  It could also have a 90s mode where the playback skips in response to the accelerometer.
That's how The Bristol Sound was created; students lost on the Downs unable to find a shop for new batteries (cos it was past midnight and they'd been hiding in the bushes for weeeeeeeeeeed and badgering (dogging having yet to be invented)) were trying to recreate that sound ten years later. Yes, Beth, we mean you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 13 August, 2016, 08:59:29 am
Otherwise, have you considered using a stylus?  You can get them for capacitive touchscreens.  Have a blob on the end that simulates a very small finger.  They're a good compromise between the frustration of finger input and faffing about driving a fondleslab with a mouse (and as a bonus, keep the screen smudge-free).

I have one for use with my phone since my stubby peasant fingers can scarcely cope with a fondleslab, never mind the titchy "keys" on the phone (I am not one of those people who believes in mobile phones the size of car number plates, y'see). The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

I imagine that ten minutes after the next-gen Jesusphone hits the shelves some clever bugger in China will be flogging Lightning->3.5mm headphone adaptors, which the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation of Cupertino, USAnia will then replicate at five times the price.

Like so (https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8025/28843732722_a4eecaf570_b.jpg)?
The acquisition of Beat headphones is no rumour. It has already happened.

I still have one of these:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2610/3681053629_c084df0bea_o.jpg)
And it works.
Only I don't have any cassettes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 13 August, 2016, 10:39:28 am
Sorry, I only meant that Apple ditching the 3.5mm socket was a rumour.

As Beats is a Monster-Cable-Esque example of celeb-centered marketing over objective quality, I can't imagine Apple bundling some Beats-branded headphones with the next iPhone. Similarly, I'm sure there'll be lightning-3.5mm dongles, but I can't imagine Apple bundling one in the box either. Not when then can charge  £15 for it.

My bet is on lightning headphones in the box, and an optional-extra Apple branded headphones.


The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 13 August, 2016, 11:13:29 am
Talking to the course leader for a music production degree, he said that should someone turn up with a pair of Beats, they will be pointed at and laughed at.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 August, 2016, 11:31:09 am
The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).

So, I now discover, has mine.  Thank you, Sirrah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 August, 2016, 01:05:03 pm
The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).

That's wrong on so many levels.  And not just because it looks like a cyberpunk Tampax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 August, 2016, 01:07:24 pm
Otherwise, have you considered using a stylus?  You can get them for capacitive touchscreens.  Have a blob on the end that simulates a very small finger.  They're a good compromise between the frustration of finger input and faffing about driving a fondleslab with a mouse (and as a bonus, keep the screen smudge-free).

I have one for use with my phone since my stubby peasant fingers can scarcely cope with a fondleslab, never mind the titchy "keys" on the phone (I am not one of those people who believes in mobile phones the size of car number plates, y'see). The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

I imagine that ten minutes after the next-gen Jesusphone hits the shelves some clever bugger in China will be flogging Lightning->3.5mm headphone adaptors, which the Mega-Global Fruit Corporation of Cupertino, USAnia will then replicate at five times the price.

Like so (https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8025/28843732722_a4eecaf570_b.jpg)?
The acquisition of Beat headphones is no rumour. It has already happened.

I still have one of these:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2610/3681053629_c084df0bea_o.jpg)
And it works.
Only I don't have any cassettes.

I think my partner has the cassettes, some blank and some of which contain recordings of performances of music he composed, but his DAT Walkman has died....

... Maybe we should meet up when all parties have the time and tuits.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 13 August, 2016, 04:38:16 pm
The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).

That's wrong on so many levels.  And not just because it looks like a cyberpunk Tampax.

I thought it looked like a buttplug... Can I blame having been at BiCon in the last week?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 13 August, 2016, 05:13:57 pm
The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).

That's wrong on so many levels.  And not just because it looks like a cyberpunk Tampax.

I thought it looked like a buttplug... Can I blame having been at BiCon in the last week?

Someone pass the mind bleach please!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 13 August, 2016, 10:45:20 pm
The only problem with is it this: where do you put it when you're not using it?  ATM it lives in my wallet which, more often than not, is in a different room from the phone.

Mother Dibdib has one on a little string with - ironically - a headphone jack on the end, so it lives attached to her phone (like so (http://www.tomtop.com/other-tablet-accessories-62/p-pa1271.html?currency=GBP&lang=en&aid=gplagb&gclid=CI-1-paMvs4CFdIV0wodxpsHiA)).

That's wrong on so many levels.  And not just because it looks like a cyberpunk Tampax.

I thought it looked like a buttplug... Can I blame having been at BiCon in the last week?

What happens at BiCon , stays at BiCon.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 13 August, 2016, 11:01:49 pm
Heh, if only you knew ;)

Admittedly my friends are all a lot more boring than they were 10 years ago when young. 

I have however always been square and boring, even at BiCons.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 13 August, 2016, 11:49:14 pm
Heh, if only you knew ;)

Admittedly my friends are all a lot more boring than they were 10 years ago when young. 

I have however always been square and boring, even at BiCons.

You are many things, but never boring!  :-*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 27 August, 2016, 10:43:46 am
It's the end of civilisation as we know it (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/25/mcc-members-told-not-to-pop-hazardous-champagne-corks-from-stand/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 August, 2016, 01:47:55 pm
Pick of the Pops on R2 is playing Jasper Carrott's Funky Moped.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 August, 2016, 12:58:56 pm
Hotel room interior designers: plz to not be putting the air-con wossname directly next to the desk (or vice-versa).  My left elbow will never be the same again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 August, 2016, 01:53:39 pm
I left my cafetiere-combined-with-a-mug at home, having taken it from work to the weekend's Rutland expedition.

This means I'm stuck with instant brown drink at work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 September, 2016, 08:08:31 pm
The agony of a zit so deep inside the ear that it can't be squeezed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 02 September, 2016, 09:07:11 am
Water based eggshell is crap not very good.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 September, 2016, 12:56:03 am
Not only is it 104 deg F outside but the Burlington, Northern & Santa Fe appear to be sending a giant economy size goods train, complete with up to five diesel locos, past the window every ten minutes >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 06 September, 2016, 09:12:43 am
Not only is it 104 deg F outside but the Burlington, Northern & Santa Fe appear to be sending a giant economy size goods train, complete with up to five diesel locos, past the window every ten minutes >:(

Do they hoot hoot hooooooot? I kind of like that noise, but for the sixth train in succession rolling across the bridge by my hotel in the middle of the night, I was getting in the mood for a derailin'

I pitied anyone near the the new downtown Denver to Airport train. The driver was constantly blowing the bloody thing, combined with constant bells. They could hear that bloody train in Yellowstone.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 September, 2016, 03:25:40 pm
Fortunately no hooting here, but the westbound ones are grinding up a noticeable slope from bridge over the Mighty Colorado and consequently tend to open the taps quite wide.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 07 September, 2016, 07:14:40 am
Imagine you are in Fulsom Jail.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 07 September, 2016, 08:19:46 am
Dang, that's started my earworm for the day.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 September, 2016, 03:30:15 pm
I am disgruntled that tonight I have to choose between Andy Murray playing tennis, Coronation Street, Bake-Off, The Last Leg and the Paralympics opening ceremony. It's very badly organised.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2016, 03:38:06 pm
There was one yesterday morning with six locos.  And very squeaky brakes >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 September, 2016, 03:44:14 pm
I rather like railway sounds, having grown up with a railway at the bottom of the garden. Trains on that line were about one every hour though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 07 September, 2016, 08:43:34 pm
There was one yesterday morning with six locos.  And very squeaky brakes >:(

I rather like railway sounds, having grown up with a railway at the bottom of the garden. Trains on that line were about one every hour though.

Ask Tiermat about a night's stay in a chain hotel in Lens. Less than 200 metres from the main TGV line. You could hear them coming about 10-12 miles away (c.5mins). The noise rose to a crescendo and took another 5 minutes to recede into the night. EVERY half hour. Somewhat bleary eyed at breakfast next morning . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 07 September, 2016, 09:08:40 pm
When we first moved to London, our ground floor flat in West Ealing had the west coast mainline at the bottom of the garden. And the Heathrow flight path overhead. After a time, we stopped noticing it, even though we'd automatically pause conversations each time an outbound Intercity 125 accelerated past.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 08 September, 2016, 07:23:46 am
When we first moved to London, our ground floor flat in West Ealing had the west coast mainline at the bottom of the garden. And the Heathrow flight path overhead. After a time, we stopped noticing it, even though we'd automatically pause conversations each time an outbound Intercity 125 accelerated past.

Jake Blues: How often does the train go by?
Elwood Blues: So often you don't even notice it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 September, 2016, 07:54:08 am
My doctor sends me one espresso every day, to keep me happy in hospital. It is always from Starbucks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 15 September, 2016, 07:26:58 pm
In the pub this evening I am being subjected yo MTV.

*makes mental note to check Human Rights legislation as well as the Geneva Convention*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 September, 2016, 12:14:27 am
I am currently making my eighteenth seventeenth attempt in the last three hours to download a 48 MB file.  None of the previous sixteen seventeen has even got close to halfway before crapping out.  FFS, how can people actually live like this ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 September, 2016, 08:22:40 am
I forgot to switch the coffee peculator on before taking the dog for a walk. Now I will have to wait 5 minutes for my coffee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 16 September, 2016, 09:11:52 am
I forgot set the coffee pot to six cups, so six cups of water went through on four. It's set to strong so the results aren't quite as a bad as American coffee, but still it's not the caffeine-jolt I need on a Friday morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 September, 2016, 10:06:30 am
In the pub this evening I am being subjected yo MTV.

*makes mental note to check Human Rights legislation as well as the Geneva Convention*
So down wit da yoof, Andrij.  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 20 September, 2016, 07:50:18 pm
Melted the arm of one of my favourite purple Rab fleece on the oven element :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 20 September, 2016, 09:44:37 pm
My doctor sends me one espresso every day, to keep me happy in hospital. It is always from Starbucks.

Oh, the humanity!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 September, 2016, 11:26:51 am
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/21/missed-flight-easyjet-apple-icalendar
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 22 September, 2016, 12:03:21 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/sep/21/missed-flight-easyjet-apple-icalendar

That was the subject originally of a "money problems" letter to the G last saturday. What an oaf, I thought.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 22 September, 2016, 12:15:54 pm
I reckon the Guardian money problems section could be a very very rich seam for this thread ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 10 October, 2016, 08:43:27 am
Deciding which of 8 watches to wear....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 October, 2016, 11:44:47 am
Deciding which of 8 watches to wear....
Choose the one that will make you arrive at work on time.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 October, 2016, 01:53:26 pm
Deciding which of 8 watches to wear....
Choose the one that will make you arrive at work on time.  :thumbsup:

With 8 watches, he can't have a clue what time it is...   ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 October, 2016, 02:34:16 pm
With eight watches, it can be whatever time he wants it to be.  :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 11 October, 2016, 01:08:36 pm
Deciding which of 8 watches to wear....

How long is your forearm?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 October, 2016, 11:56:02 am
The fruit plat from our weekly bread club disinterested in the toaster and it was really fiddly to fish the pieces out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 22 October, 2016, 10:02:56 am
Due to an overstocked cupboard, my jar of coffee beans fell out and sent the double-walled, stainless steel cafetiere floorwards. It now has a dent in the bottom which prevents it standing squarely.

I think I managed to collect every spilled coffee bean, each one must be worth 1p.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 22 October, 2016, 04:55:19 pm
To get my telly to search for "The Big Bang Theory" I have to say "The Big Bang Theory" to the remote/microphone, simply "Big Bang Theory" doesn't work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 23 October, 2016, 01:47:52 am
On this  visit to our colonial estates I'm driving quite a bit - but do not have exclusive use of any of the familial motorcars. I'm not sure how many more times I can cope with having to adjust mirrors when I get behind the wheel.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 23 October, 2016, 08:34:35 am
I ordered a delivery of nespresso pods. Oh what a shock, I have mistakenly ordered the decaf ones. What's the point of carrying on?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 October, 2016, 09:23:28 am
On this  visit to our colonial estates I'm driving quite a bit - but do not have exclusive use of any of the familial motorcars. I'm not sure how many more times I can cope with having to adjust mirrors when I get behind the wheel.

Of course the clever buggers at Melmoth Motors or somesuch have thought of this and thus each driver can be issued with an induhvidual key1 programmed to jibble seat, mirrors and steering wheel to said driver's preference.

1: Although it's likely to not be an actual bit of wiggly pot-metal in these Modern Times.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 25 October, 2016, 07:32:05 pm
Deciding which of 8 watches to wear....

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14724633_1152118404864688_63613962807634855_n.png?oh=6f6d01b97eff94fa34fdd38754c0d497&oe=589105A6)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 25 October, 2016, 08:00:45 pm
I have **SO** nicked that!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 25 October, 2016, 11:32:31 pm
(http://www.godhaven.org.uk/blogimages/spiv.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 26 October, 2016, 12:18:02 am
(http://www.godhaven.org.uk/blogimages/spiv.jpg)

I've met him!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 October, 2016, 06:13:36 am
When?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 October, 2016, 12:03:37 pm
In the mirror?

 :D


Runs, far and fast...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 26 October, 2016, 03:48:23 pm
When?

At a Chap Olympiad in London, don't recall which one (Viv the Spiv (http://www.vivthespiv.co.uk/) is often in attendance).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 27 October, 2016, 02:56:27 pm
I have a copy of the Chap Manifesto signed by Gustav and Vic...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 October, 2016, 05:53:39 pm
My chum Meestah Blah wrote the SCIENCE for the Sheridan Club forum, based on characters created by himself and, ironically, my grate frend Uncle Marvo, the celebrated aqua-pikey and total non-Chap.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 03 November, 2016, 01:35:31 pm
The Nesspresso machine in my hotel room didn't pierce the capsule meaning I just had a thimble size helping of hot water
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 November, 2016, 03:32:40 pm
I dropped my ancient Aiwa radiogram remote and now it doesn't work so I have to spin around and scoot my office chair half a metre across to manually work the dials. It's so tiring.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 07 November, 2016, 10:30:15 am
With my planned trips this year I'm going to be 5 points short of regaining a Silver card :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 09 November, 2016, 10:35:25 am
I am heading down to London today, on the train.

I am in first class and the coffee is stewed!!! How am I going to survive a 2 hour journey on that?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 09 November, 2016, 10:43:07 am
Have alerted the UNHCR and the Yanks have gone to DefCon II.

They've promised to take it back to 4 if you can score a decent Americano by lunchtime . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 November, 2016, 11:08:43 am
Have alerted the UNHCR and the Yanks have gone to DefCon II.

They've promised to take it back to 4 if you can score a decent Americano by lunchtime . . .

The yanks are at DefCon 4 for an entirely different reason - somebody GUFFed ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 09 November, 2016, 01:30:36 pm
Twitter post

'Post Brexit, no one thought it'd be possible to out-stupid Britain.
But you know America. Never one to back down from a challenge!'
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 November, 2016, 05:19:07 pm
Itchy, itchy sunburn.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 November, 2016, 08:50:00 pm
The soft close on the new toilet seat is a little slow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 November, 2016, 08:57:53 am
The soft close on the new toilet seat is a little slow.

Partner detested new soft close seat in bathroom so much that we swapped it to downstairs loo, which he seldom uses.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2016, 10:08:32 am
You don't have to watch them close, they can be safely left to do so on their own. They don't, to the best of my knowledge, start flapping around like Adele's gob and blasting out curiously mid-Atlantic vocalised middle of the everything songs, or for that matter, demonically warbling like they've been possessed by the spirit of Whitney Houston. Imagine that, if Whitney Houston possessed your bog. Actually, I just did. It's a not a good place.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 15 November, 2016, 10:21:11 am
...

 Imagine that, if Whitney Houston possessed your bog. Actually, I just did. It's a not a good place.

Definitely a 1st World Problem!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 November, 2016, 01:09:07 pm
Not only has Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles stopped selling its somewhat nomworthy Pean & Mushroom Masala and Channa Masala altogether, but today they were out of Tadka Dahl as well.  And they've just introduced a new fleet of trolleys on which the handles are All Wrong.

God, modern life is rubbish, isn't it >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2016, 01:43:00 pm
...

 Imagine that, if Whitney Houston possessed your bog. Actually, I just did. It's a not a good place.

Definitely a 1st World Problem!

Quite scarily, while I wandered around the bathroom earlier warbling 'I will always haunt your loo-oooo-oo', the spotlight above the toilet started to flicker uncannily. As I'm on vacation today, I'm tempted to pen a script for The Conjuring 3.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 November, 2016, 02:29:56 pm
the spotlight above the toilet

Same lighting designer as the University of [REDACTED FOR LEGAL REASONS]?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2016, 03:35:05 pm
Standard in-ceiling downlighter thingummy. I don't poo as performance art. Not even on a haunted toilet. Seems to have stopped flickering which will be good as I no idea how to replace it.

I bet the Japanese have toilets with an auto-exorcism feature for just this sort of eventuality.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 November, 2016, 03:39:50 pm
Why is the bathroom the only part of an hotel bedroom that has a tolerable level of illumination?
I do not do dim!

Holiday Inn: your rooms are just too gloomy!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 15 November, 2016, 03:54:41 pm
The soft close on the new toilet seat is a little slow.

Partner detested new soft close seat in bathroom so much that we swapped it to downstairs loo, which he seldom uses.

I don't mind them but, like soft-close cupboard doors, they have you slamming everything else, without a damped mechanism, like you lost your temper.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2016, 04:39:33 pm
Why is the bathroom the only part of an hotel bedroom that has a tolerable level of illumination?
I do not do dim!

Holiday Inn: your rooms are just too gloomy!

You'd probably not like the place (https://www.designhotels.com/hotels/germany/frankfurt/roomers) I recently stayed in Frankfurt then. I was never sure if I was about turn on the light or set off the fire alarm.

Any hotel room offers ten minutes of delight figuring out which combination of switches turn on the right lights. Sometimes I just give up and go to the bar.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 November, 2016, 04:50:22 pm
"a futuristic wonder"?! It looks like 1982!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 15 November, 2016, 06:27:05 pm
Dark hotel rooms seem to be in fashion.

I've stayed at a few Malmaisons recently, and they are all dark as dark thing.
Like grubbing about on the floor with a phone as a torch looking for dropped objects.

The Dakota in South Queensferry was the same.
It was so dark, you couldn't find any of the controls on the wall for heating or lighting without a torch.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 15 November, 2016, 06:32:38 pm

Any hotel room offers ten minutes of delight figuring out which combination of switches turn on the right lights. Sometimes I just give up and go to the bar.
I stayed in a place in Joburg where the chap who showed me to my room offered to show me where everything was.

It can't be that complicated I thought.

The button to rise the telly out of its box was hidden behind a curtain at the head of the bed.

I'm afraid to say that I manually lifted the thing out of its box and perched it, precariously, diagonally across the top of the box.

When I finally worked out where the button was, it wasn't working. Not sure if I buggered it or not.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2016, 06:56:32 pm
I think the dark hides a messy variety of sins. Not places for a blacklight, unless you want a gratuitous Jackson Pollock. The 'do not disturb' sign was 'don't be a knockin', because the bed be a rockin'. Crude, lewd, and worth it just for look painted on the faces of some of church attendin' and god-be-a-defendin' US colleagues. I think the mothership booked them in for laffs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 November, 2016, 07:27:25 pm
Three rules of life:

Keep your daughter away from red lights.
Keep your son away from flashing blue lights.
Keep your computer chair away from UV light.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 15 November, 2016, 07:31:03 pm
Why is the bathroom the only part of an hotel bedroom that has a tolerable level of illumination?
I do not do dim!

Holiday Inn: your rooms are just too gloomy!
I found ours about right.   That may be because at home I am constantly maddened by the low-energy bulbs (that result in me squinting at everything for 2 minutes) - so "normal" lighting seems a wonderous invention!

It was also the first place I've stayed for a while without this problem:
Any hotel room offers ten minutes of delight figuring out which combination of switches turn on the right lights. Sometimes I just give up and go to the bar.
It just had bedside lights [with their own switches] and a sort-of-Standard-Lamp, with a nice foot-switch! So everything made sense.

Lacking a "main" ceiling light might be what infuriated Helly, but kept the switching simple.


God I'm easily pleased these days ...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 November, 2016, 10:59:04 pm
Room-mate was very good about operating the light switches.
A standard lamp with a foot-operated switch in the only wheelchair accessible room shows typical lack of joined-up thinking.
The room was BIG. There was a ceiling light in the room entrance, the dim standard lamp, a small flexible desk lap and the bedside lights.
The bedside shelves were small big enough for spectacles and a phone but there would not have been space for a denture pot...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 15 November, 2016, 11:20:51 pm
Bogies.

Do they go in the Food Waste bin, Rubbish or General Recycling?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 16 November, 2016, 12:36:57 am
That would be rubbish so they can breed for two weeks before being taken away.
I do wish the bin men would either empty the food bin properly or close the lid to stop the local cats getting a second breakfast.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 16 November, 2016, 09:44:20 am

Any hotel room offers ten minutes of delight figuring out which combination of switches turn on the right lights. Sometimes I just give up and go to the bar.
I stayed in a place in Joburg where the chap who showed me to my room offered to show me where everything was.

It can't be that complicated I thought.

The button to rise the telly out of its box was hidden behind a curtain at the head of the bed.

I'm afraid to say that I manually lifted the thing out of its box and perched it, precariously, diagonally across the top of the box.

When I finally worked out where the button was, it wasn't working. Not sure if I buggered it or not.

That's the other thing about hotel rooms, the level of sophistication correlates strongly with the level of broke. So you'll spend hours faffing before giving up and sitting in the dark. See also, wifi. I do like it in developing world hotels where the chap enthusiastically explains everything. Like the sink and toilet. I typically have a fair understanding of how those things work. At least you get your dollar's worth.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 16 November, 2016, 10:36:51 am
Room-mate was very good about operating the light switches.
A standard lamp with a foot-operated switch in the only wheelchair accessible room shows typical lack of joined-up thinking.
The room was BIG. There was a ceiling light in the room entrance, the dim standard lamp, a small flexible desk lap and the bedside lights.

So basically, you're complaining about having a room much bigger than the rest of us had. ;)

(I did think about wheelchairs just after posting that comment about the foot-switch  :facepalm:  )
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 November, 2016, 10:54:30 am
For accuracy, the floor-switch was fairly easily operated by a crutch. It still would have been nice to be able to see the floor without wandering into the darkness for multiple light switches.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 November, 2016, 11:04:35 am
I stayed in a hotel last weekend where you could have ridden a velocipede around the bathroom, let alone around the four-poster bed.
The sad thing was, due to arriving v late and having to get out and busy I had no time to appreciate any of the luxuries.
Did get a v. nice breakfast, though.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 November, 2016, 11:49:31 am
Any hotel room offers ten minutes of delight figuring out which combination of switches turn on the right lights. Sometimes I just give up and go to the bar.

Clearly Sir's choice of caravanserai is insufficiently pikey.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 16 November, 2016, 12:27:09 pm
I've just run out of mince pies.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 16 November, 2016, 01:24:07 pm
Room-mate was very good about operating the light switches.
A standard lamp with a foot-operated switch in the only wheelchair accessible room shows typical lack of joined-up thinking.
The room was BIG. There was a ceiling light in the room entrance, the dim standard lamp, a small flexible desk lap and the bedside lights.

So basically, you're complaining about having a room much bigger than the rest of us had. ;)

(I did think about wheelchairs just after posting that comment about the foot-switch  :facepalm:  )

A BIG chamber with no more lights than a standard room is VERY dark.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 17 November, 2016, 11:25:05 am
A robotic female voice rudely interrupted me while I was listening to some Joe Hisaishi and spreadsheeting some spreadsheets to tell me that the batteries in my Bluetooth headset are low. Now I'm having to - gulp - listen to my co-workers while they charge.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 18 November, 2016, 11:25:31 am
My usual supplier of Monsoon Malabar coffee beans must have problems, as they are currently offering them at £99.99 on their site. So I've had to find another supplier AND pay 50p/Kg extra.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 November, 2016, 12:36:06 pm
I could do with getting something to eat, but there's a snoozy cat on my knee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 20 November, 2016, 11:31:24 pm
Whatever happened to gravy browning?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 20 November, 2016, 11:49:33 pm
The Dakota in South Queensferry was the same.
It was so dark, you couldn't find any of the controls on the wall for heating or lighting without a torch.

Ditto the Dakota in Glasgow Eurocentral, unsurprisingly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 21 November, 2016, 08:56:24 am
Whatever happened to gravy browning?
Um, did it magically migrate out of the bottle and drip down onto the bottom of the cupboard, despite there not being any discernible spillage when you used it?

Never had any difficulty buying it  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 21 November, 2016, 11:27:07 am
... at home I am constantly maddened by the low-energy bulbs (that result in me squinting at everything for 2 minutes) ...

Could you replace your low energy bulbs at home with ones of higher rating?   The idea of low energy is of course to use less energy to get a similar result, not to take you back to the dark ages.   :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 November, 2016, 12:23:09 pm
... at home I am constantly maddened by the low-energy bulbs (that result in me squinting at everything for 2 minutes) ...

Could you replace your low energy bulbs at home with ones of higher rating?   The idea of low energy is of course to use less energy to get a similar result, not to take you back to the dark ages.   :)

It's quality of light, not just quantity. The grey drear emitted by CFLs is thankfully being replaced by LED lamps (which might be too bright and blue for some).

CFLs are SAD in a box...

Incandescent lamps might have used much energy but the light quality was better.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 21 November, 2016, 12:52:10 pm
... at home I am constantly maddened by the low-energy bulbs (that result in me squinting at everything for 2 minutes) ...

Could you replace your low energy bulbs at home with ones of higher rating?   The idea of low energy is of course to use less energy to get a similar result, not to take you back to the dark ages.   :)

It's quality of light, not just quantity. The grey drear emitted by CFLs is thankfully being replaced by LED lamps (which might be too bright and blue for some).

CFLs are SAD in a box...

Incandescent lamps might have used much energy but the light quality was better.

Part of the problem with CFLs is that their output in lumens falls off over their service life, whereas an incandescent filament lamp stays pretty much the same until it burns out. Also, the Energy Savings Trust was recommending lower wattage CFLs to replace filament lamps than equivalent bodies elsewhere were doing. ISTR reading an article on low-energy lighting a few years ago which said that the EST was advising fitting CFLs with one fifth/sixth the power of the filament bulb, whereas the recommendation in the rest of the EU was one third/fourth the original power level. Basically, the EST was target fixated on the power consumption, at the expense of maintaining light output, hence the complaints from users about Stygian gloom.

With LEDs increasing in usage as they have become more cost effective, the advice now concentrates more on choosing lamps based on the light output. Funny that...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 25 November, 2016, 05:51:40 pm
The woman who threads my eyebrows is going on maternity leave next week.

This is absolutely terrible.  I just don't know what I'm going to do.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 November, 2016, 06:56:42 pm
Chunky eyebrows are in at the moment, I believe.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 25 November, 2016, 07:30:55 pm
Yeah, but you are supposed to have more than one, y'know.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 25 November, 2016, 08:12:40 pm
Do you have them done alternately . . . ?  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 November, 2016, 08:20:33 pm
Yeah, but you are supposed to have more than one, y'know.

Frida Kahlo sported a monobrow.   Be a trendsetter.   :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 November, 2016, 09:00:26 pm
I've got silly looking eyebrows.  One of them grows in the wrong direction.  Any attempt to rectify this makes it look sillier, and frankly life's too short.  They keep water from running in my eyes and allow me to express surprise, which is as much as I can wish for from a set of eyebrows, really.  YEMV, of course.

What was really out of order was the optiquack giving barakta unprompted eyebrow-fettling advice while fitting her glasses.  Particularly as this was immediately after she explained why she'd turned down offers of rhinoplasty and prosthetic ears[1].


[1] Cosmetic ones.  Functional cybernetics don't count.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 25 November, 2016, 09:17:03 pm
What are the last few posts on this thread about, pls?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 November, 2016, 09:17:19 pm
Eyebrows.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 November, 2016, 10:45:15 pm
Behold the field in which I grow my fucks for having a monobrow.....
.
.
.
.
OTOH wearing specs helps hide it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: closetleftie on 26 November, 2016, 09:43:40 am
Eldest Leftie just made himself eggy bread for breakfast. He's quite particular about it: finely chopped parsley, black pepper in the egg mixture, cheese on top once he's done the first flip, lid on to let it melt and so forth. The end results are usually magnificent, to be fair. Then he installs himself on the sofa, forgets the remote. Gets up, turns his back, and our cocker spaniel tucks in.

He's used the last bread in the house. Currently kooking glum scoffing a bowl of shreddies. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 27 November, 2016, 12:15:33 pm
Cocker fucking spaniel would be in orbit/buried/rehomed if that happened here...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 11 December, 2016, 11:07:55 am
My iPod battery died halfway through my turbo session this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 11 December, 2016, 12:59:45 pm
I've misplaced my mobile phone. It's in the house somewhere and I would call it with the house phone, but I can't remember the number.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 15 December, 2016, 04:59:43 pm
An email chain with me in it contained over 5000 instances of ">" as so many emails had been replied to.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2016, 05:03:38 pm
An email chain with me in it contained over 5000 instances of ">" as so many emails had been replied to.

At least they were quoting properly?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 December, 2016, 05:52:33 pm
I can't work out whether to do a no.2 in the upstairs or downstairs toilet.  One has an extractor fan but the other has a warmer seat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 18 December, 2016, 06:04:04 pm
Dear Mr Sainsburys,

I understand why you have ejected herbs and spices from all other vendors from your stores and replaced them with your own brand.  I applaud you for a job done properly, all non Mr S herbs and spices have been ejected and replaced with a completely comprehensive range of your own.  Even the weird stuff that gets used once a decade is covered in your range.

So why on earth did you decide to put it all in jars that don't fit a standard spice jar holder?  What you have succeeded in doing is ensuring I never do my weekly shop on your orange stores whenever there are herbs or spices on the list.   A side effect of your policy is me cursing mightily in isle 6 when I forget and round the corner to see your H&S fatjars.  I believe the kids of today might say Epic Failz.

If you'd introduced a complete and comprehensive set of packaging light refills alongside new ones you'd have won my custom but I will not treat a brand new non-recycleable hereabouts plastic jar as a refill.  I'll just go to the green, blue, other green or one of the yellow options instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2016, 06:04:53 pm
Yeah, but do they sell spice racks?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2016, 10:18:28 am
The missus inflicted one of these on me for Christmas:

https://www.noxgear.com/tracer360

I'll happily wear a hi-viz vest, but tote an extra 200g so as to light up like a frickin' psychedelic octopus? Darlin' dear, it's just not me.

I assume the nox in the URL is short for noxious.

In any case if I used it as suggested the éplucheurs'd** have me for emitting to the rear a light other than red.

**French for peeler, as in potato
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2016, 11:27:26 am
What sort of inconsiderate people give you a full case of wine as a present, when they know you live on the 4th floor & there is no lift ? 


Oh, me back !
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 December, 2016, 11:54:48 am
You need one of those block-and-tackle arrangement such as can still be seen in Old Amsterdam, for getting pianos in through the top storey windows.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2016, 12:07:24 pm
I've considered one.  Especially for the Thorn Nomad!  Shouldering that up the stairs is leaving me as lopsided as a medieval longbow man!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 27 December, 2016, 01:45:27 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 27 December, 2016, 01:51:47 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.

Do you have a scanner so you can image this onto a phone or computer?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 27 December, 2016, 01:55:45 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.

Do you have a scanner so you can image this onto a phone or computer?

I guess I could photograph the bottom of the box with my phone or tablet, then use that for reference.  But then I'm cluttering up my devices with photos which are useful for only a very short time and will need to be deleted.  Obviously yet another first world problem.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 December, 2016, 02:12:11 pm
The soft-close toilet seat isn't so soft-close any more. It makes a bit of a clatter now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 December, 2016, 02:34:27 pm
The BBC seem to have cut a lot out of this afternoon's showing of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2016, 02:44:47 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.

Do you have a scanner so you can image this onto a phone or computer?

I guess I could photograph the bottom of the box with my phone or tablet, then use that for reference.  But then I'm cluttering up my devices with photos which are useful for only a very short time and will need to be deleted.  Obviously yet another first world problem.
Why on earth would you delete it???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2016, 03:19:53 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.

Do you have a scanner so you can image this onto a phone or computer?

I guess I could photograph the bottom of the box with my phone or tablet, then use that for reference.  But then I'm cluttering up my devices with photos which are useful for only a very short time and will need to be deleted.  Obviously yet another first world problem.

You need one of those transparent tables with a mirror at 45° underneath that doctors make you stand on when they want to examine the contact areas of your feet.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 27 December, 2016, 03:39:40 pm
Yet another box of assorted chocolates has the 'key' on the bottom of the box.

Do you have a scanner so you can image this onto a phone or computer?

I guess I could photograph the bottom of the box with my phone or tablet, then use that for reference.  But then I'm cluttering up my devices with photos which are useful for only a very short time and will need to be deleted.  Obviously yet another first world problem.

You need one of those transparent tables with a mirror at 45° underneath that doctors make you stand on when they want to examine the contact areas of your feet.

You could image box before opening or if securely closed...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 December, 2016, 05:43:27 pm
Just tip the fecking chocolates into a bowl!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 28 December, 2016, 09:57:29 am
Lobster tails were rubbery!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 28 December, 2016, 12:42:46 pm
Lobster tails were rubbery!

"Hank u verr muhh"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 28 December, 2016, 06:25:11 pm
Went to my brother-in-law for Xmas. Was offered Prosecco instead of proper champagne. Had to drink the red wine instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 17 January, 2017, 05:45:58 pm
There is no power to the 230 V sockets in Standard Premier class on Eurostar, and no WiFi

The free wine was in plastic bottle and the train is only going at 168 mph
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 January, 2017, 06:23:51 pm
Driver of Miss von Brandenburg's Eurostar from Brussels yesterday had his foot down, though, coz it arrived about ten minutes early :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 18 January, 2017, 03:29:27 pm
When you've been wearing a beanie hat all day and you take it off to find that your hair is lying in the opposite direction to usual and it feels weird.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 19 January, 2017, 02:19:05 pm
Waitrose has a spinach shortage.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 19 January, 2017, 05:11:31 pm
Spinach, aubergine, and courgettes are all supposed to be in short supply after poor harvests in Spain aren't they?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 January, 2017, 11:41:59 pm
Spinach, aubergine, and courgettes are all supposed to be in short supply after poor harvests in Spain aren't they?

Indeed!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Clare on 19 January, 2017, 11:54:01 pm
Spinach, aubergine, and courgettes are all supposed to be in short supply after poor harvests in Spain aren't they?

and how is this a problem?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 January, 2017, 12:12:38 am
Spinach, aubergine, and courgettes are all supposed to be in short supply after poor harvests in Spain aren't they?

and how is this a problem?

I wasn't going to say it...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 20 January, 2017, 07:21:23 am
Hooray for the aubergine shortage!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 20 January, 2017, 11:25:42 am
Because ratatouille?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Clare on 20 January, 2017, 11:43:53 am
Because ratatouille?

and how is this a problem?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 20 January, 2017, 11:44:46 am
There is always the option of eating foods that are actually in season in January but that appears to be a concept lost on supermarkets.





and I don't like sprouts
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 20 January, 2017, 12:31:24 pm
The point about living in the first world is that we can what we like when we like. I think there are quite a few hippies wandering into this thread by mistake. This is a thread for Leadbetter type problems, you Good types need to find your own thread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 20 January, 2017, 12:33:27 pm
The only vegetable that I like which still only appears 'in season' is the broadbean.

Sprouts may be seasonal, but I wouldn't know.  Hate them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 20 January, 2017, 12:36:25 pm
There is always the option of eating foods that are actually in season in January but that appears to be a concept lost on supermarkets.





and I don't like sprouts

Burns night approaches; have a haggis, tatties and neeps!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 20 January, 2017, 06:06:20 pm
and I don't like sprouts
Try them halved or quartered and fried in butter, very different and very nice.  If you're feeing posh grate a bit of nutmeg over them while cooking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 21 January, 2017, 11:45:06 am
I won't miss aubergines because they're vegetablized ennui. I do like courgettes though. Yes, we could rely on seasonal, local produce, but turnips are a terrible fruit.

I'm enjoying sprouts (as statements go, the wrong-o-meter is the red) – as others have said, the trick is to avoid boiling them. Sliced and sauted, halved and roasted, that kind of thing. I think you can (and should) apply this logic to all the brassicas.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 21 January, 2017, 11:36:04 pm

...turnips are a terrible fruit.


... Is a great book title!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 23 January, 2017, 02:37:32 pm
The point about living in the first world is that we can what we like when we like. I think there are quite a few hippies wandering into this thread by mistake. This is a thread for Leadbetter type problems, you Good types need to find your own thread.

Fair point
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 23 January, 2017, 02:37:57 pm
and I don't like sprouts
Try them halved or quartered and fried in butter, very different and very nice.  If you're feeing posh grate a bit of nutmeg over them while cooking.

Nope, still horrible
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 23 January, 2017, 02:44:38 pm
I've got a cold.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 23 January, 2017, 02:50:40 pm
I agree, sprouts are horrid.

I believe there are two genes which control for sprout like/hate, one is linked to tasting the nasty at all and the other is how they are cooked I believe.

http://www.nature.com/news/2006/060918/full/news060918-1.html
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 January, 2017, 06:17:20 pm
I love sprouts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 23 January, 2017, 06:51:07 pm
I hate sprouts,  I did like them once.  The sprouts were cooked in bacon or lardons with sliced shallots.

Then throw away the sprouts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 23 January, 2017, 07:33:12 pm
Had mini sprouts in butter with shallots and garlic last night. Delicious! The steak was a teensy weensy bit overdone. Can never find frozen  potato balls Pommes Noisettes when you need them, had to make do with Duchess.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 23 January, 2017, 10:10:27 pm
I love farting.
Send me all of your unwanted sprouts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 23 January, 2017, 10:25:42 pm
How about mushy peas? Proper farting tackle . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 23 January, 2017, 10:50:03 pm
I'm a big fan of all the brassicas, and also the leafy bitter greens, but my OH can't stand them; I think this is a non-supertaster/supertaster divide that won't ever be bridged.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2017, 12:20:45 am
I'm a big fan of all the brassicas, and also the leafy bitter greens, but my OH can't stand them; I think this is a non-supertaster/supertaster divide that won't ever be bridged.

I dunno, given advanced gene therapy it might one day be possible for anyone to appreciate the mingingness of sprouts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 January, 2017, 12:47:50 am
My local Sainsbury's Online appears to have run out of vegetarian haggis and it's not even Burns' Night.

This is only a First World problem because posh people only eat haggis on special occasions...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 24 January, 2017, 01:44:13 am
My local Sainsbury's Online appears to have run out of vegetarian haggis and it's not even Burns' Night.

This is only a First World problem because posh people only eat haggis on special occasions...

FTFY...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 January, 2017, 09:15:16 am
I'm a big fan of all the brassicas, and also the leafy bitter greens, but my OH can't stand them; I think this is a non-supertaster/supertaster divide that won't ever be bridged.

I dunno, given advanced gene therapy it might one day be possible for anyone to appreciate the mingingness of sprouts.

CRISPR is your friend. I confess to being a brassica addict (and as I spent years disassembling their biochemistry and genetics I can bore anyone about why they taste like they do). Cauliflower wins all vegetables. Brassicas, not even sprouts, don't really make me fart (though I confess the stink of boiling brassicas is unpleasant). Beans*, which I also love, however lead to painfully seismic cheek wobbling to the extent I can't eat them.

*broad, flageolet, haricot, and butter beans excepted – lentils, kidney beans, etc. and the results are nuclear.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 24 January, 2017, 12:47:12 pm
Good heavens!
To lock or unlock the door on this little rented Fiat van i have to insert the key into the lock.
Then I have to turn it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 January, 2017, 12:59:36 pm
My local Sainsbury's Online appears to have run out of vegetarian haggis and it's not even Burns' Night.

This is only a First World problem because English people only eat haggis on special occasions...

FTFY...
FTFbothofY

CRISPR is your friend. I confess to being a brassica addict (and as I spent years disassembling their biochemistry and genetics I can bore anyone about why they taste like they do). Cauliflower wins all vegetables. Brassicas, not even sprouts, don't really make me fart (though I confess the stink of boiling brassicas is unpleasant).
Cauliflower is really boring unless curried or smothered in cheesy cheese sauce with all the cheese. But you can stop it stinking while boiling it by adding a splash of milk to the water.

I like risotto, but if I like it better if I put wine in the stock, but I don't really drink much these days so then I have leftover wine that goes off unless I make risotto every other night until it's all gone, so maybe I should try buying those tiny bottles of wine, or maybe a box, but that might be naff.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 24 January, 2017, 01:16:56 pm
I like risotto, but if I like it better if I put wine in the stock, but I don't really drink much these days so then I have leftover wine that goes off unless I make risotto every other night until it's all gone, so maybe I should try buying those tiny bottles of wine, or maybe a box, but that might be naff.

Just get the 1/3-size bottles of cooking wine from the herbs and spices section in the supermarket. Price per unit volume is no more expensive than the cheaper half-decent bottles, and there's less wastage.

If you can, get the ones from Sainsbury's as they use glass bottles so you can use a vacuum stopper if you've got one.
Morrisons use plastic bottles, so they need to be kept in the fridge, or used in one go, depending on what you're cooking.

HTH.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 24 January, 2017, 01:21:25 pm
Why do people say that sprouts are horrid as if it's the people who love them that are in the wrong?

I dislike folk music but I appreciate that there must be merit in it, and that it's my lack of taste that is at fault, not the music*


*This is not actually true, Folk music is shit, but you get my point.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2017, 01:58:39 pm
Good heavens!
To lock or unlock the door on this little rented Fiat van i have to insert the key into the lock.
Then I have to turn it.

The "FFS Italian electrics" thread is over in Vroom.  Probably.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2017, 02:06:56 pm
Why do people say that sprouts are horrid as if it's the people who love them that are in the wrong?

Perhaps because people who don't have part of their sense of taste missing tend to have had sprouts forced on them in childhood by someone who does, and are rightly disgruntled about the whole thing.

Or because SCIENCE says the nasty bitter taste is there, it's just some people can't detect it.  That's the closest we're going to get to objective truth on the matter.

As a genetic lack of a receptor, I see it as equivalent to colourblindness:  I don't go around accusing people of being *wrong* for going on about things being purple rather than blue, or arbitrary differences in the shades of $generic_poo_colour, so it's only fair they accept my word for it when I talk about what sprouts really taste like.  Which doesn't preclude them loving the things, any more than being colourblind precludes me liking primary red because I think it's a nice understated dark colour.  We just have to accept that we're being weird.


It's one of those things like delayed sleep phase, which is a random biological thing that people can't help, but society - lead by the people who don't have the thing - has attached a negative value judgement to, as if people who can go to sleep early, or who can't taste the bitter of green veg, are somehow superior to the others.  I think it's only right that we make noise about how these things work, in the hope that more people become aware that they're innate things that can't be helped, and stop making people miserable trying to make them conform to someone else's biological convenience.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 January, 2017, 02:16:49 pm
I never boil cauliflower or broccoli. Sometimes I give it a quick twirl in the microwave to hurry it along, but I either break it up and saute, roast, or smother in cheesy goodness. It makes a quite good pilau, sauted with roughly ground spices and a good dose of turmeric, to go with curry as an alternative to rice.

I did, as a small child, eat a sprout that was mushy on the outside and frozen in the middle (i.e. cooked the traditional British way). Well, it got half way down before I ejected it with some force and it hit my mother smack in the middle of the forehead. I think that was traumatic for us both. It was quite a few years (about thirty) before I could eat them again.

On the wine front, I drink it from the box and I'm a classy kind of guy. If we have guests and I'm trying to make an impression, I'll even pour it into a glass first.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 24 January, 2017, 02:18:37 pm
Good heavens!
To lock or unlock the door on this little rented Fiat van i have to insert the key into the lock.
Then I have to turn it.

And
Because the key does not flip shut into the fob,  I have just stabbed myself in the scrotum when I sat down for a "coffee" in the services.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 24 January, 2017, 02:57:11 pm
I like risotto, but if I like it better if I put wine in the stock, but I don't really drink much these days so then I have leftover wine that goes off unless I make risotto every other night until it's all gone, so maybe I should try buying those tiny bottles of wine, or maybe a box, but that might be naff.

Make wine cubes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 24 January, 2017, 03:21:00 pm
It's one of those things like delayed sleep phase, which is a random biological thing that people can't help, but society - lead by the people who don't have the thing - has attached a negative value judgement to, as if people who can go to sleep early [, or who can't taste the bitter of green veg,] are somehow superior to the others.
While not disputing the existence of real DSPD, it is not hard to see that many young people's similar symptoms are brought about by equally unhealthy doses of fecklessness and Monster, poor sleep hygiene and a powerful peer-driven addiction to Call Of Duty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 24 January, 2017, 04:27:50 pm
Good heavens!
To lock or unlock the door on this little rented Fiat van i have to insert the key into the lock.
Then I have to turn it.
What is this "key" of which you talk. Is it related to the thing you have to have about your person for the doors to unlock for you that also works for starting the car?

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 24 January, 2017, 04:38:32 pm
Good heavens!
To lock or unlock the door on this little rented Fiat van i have to insert the key into the lock.
Then I have to turn it.

And
Because the key does not flip shut into the fob,  I have just stabbed myself in the scrotum when I sat down for a "coffee" in the services.

My coffee has just hit the keyboard!    ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2017, 04:52:41 pm
It's one of those things like delayed sleep phase, which is a random biological thing that people can't help, but society - lead by the people who don't have the thing - has attached a negative value judgement to, as if people who can go to sleep early [, or who can't taste the bitter of green veg,] are somehow superior to the others.
While not disputing the existence of real DSPD, it is not hard to see that many young people's similar symptoms are brought about by equally unhealthy doses of fecklessness and Monster, poor sleep hygiene and a powerful peer-driven addiction to Call Of Duty.

CITATION NEEDED

I've ranted about this before.  Current thinking is that teenagers have delayed sleep phase for evolutionary reasons, perhaps to ensure that someone's awake in the paleolithic village to keep an eye out for predators, or so they can have lots of sex with each other or something.  Regardless of whether or not that reasoning is bollocks, it's clear that the effect is real, and that it has nothing to do with REM albums or computer games that have only existed for a couple of decades, and could be played at any time of day anyway.

But old people get to make the decisions, which means they're clearly morally superior and anyone whose brain works best from midday till 3am is feckless and needs to be belittled and deprived of sleep until they ...grow out of it, presumably?

#firstworldproblems
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 24 January, 2017, 05:48:28 pm
It's one of those things like delayed sleep phase, which is a random biological thing that people can't help, but society - lead by the people who don't have the thing - has attached a negative value judgement to, as if people who can go to sleep early [, or who can't taste the bitter of green veg,] are somehow superior to the others.
While not disputing the existence of real DSPD, it is not hard to see that many young people's similar symptoms are brought about by equally unhealthy doses of fecklessness and Monster, poor sleep hygiene and a powerful peer-driven addiction to Call Of Duty.
Sorry, I should have added, "In my experience of working with young people in a Further Education establishment in a deprived area,", and I was referring to the vile caffeinated drink Monster rather than the REM album. I did get a good yank on that chain though, didn't I?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 January, 2017, 08:06:54 pm
Sprouts taste good because they are bitter, not because you can't taste the bitterness.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 24 January, 2017, 08:21:08 pm
I did get a good yank on that chain though, didn't I?

Is this like when A&E doctors bang on self-righteously about h*lm*ts while being blissfully ignorant of the Actual Science on the topic?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 24 January, 2017, 08:23:41 pm
How about mushy peas? Proper farting tackle . . .

Love sprouts, hate mushy peas.

Used to live half a mile from a sprout farm, picked them up for £5 a sack from the farm gate, took what we needed and sold the rest on at work, ended up making an unintended profit
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 January, 2017, 08:44:47 pm
Also, my bottle of lemon juice is too tall to fit into the fridge door bit, and my massive jar of artichokes is too tall for the fridge unless I move all the shelves up and down.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2017, 09:16:31 pm
Also, my bottle of lemon juice is too tall to fit into the fridge door bit, and my massive jar of artichokes is too tall for the fridge unless I move all the shelves up and down.

There's probably some mathematical theorem pertaining to fridge shelf height.  Whatever you set them at it seems to be wrong.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 January, 2017, 10:06:26 pm
I love mushy peas. The ones my gran would make by soaking marrowfat peas overnight and then boiling for a week until they were grey before resurrecting them with some benzene-based green colorant distilled from coal tar. They're glow like a uncovered nuclear pile in the dark.

One of my favorite memories is bonfire night, shovelling hot mushy peas with loads of mint sauce from a polystyrene cup into my mouth. Hot, ouchy, but so, so good. A variant of our student cowboy food was to replace the baked beans with mushy peas. That was good too. I may start a restaurant. Hoxton, prepare thyself.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: meddyg on 29 January, 2017, 09:41:56 pm
Glad to see Radio 4 Saturday Live going with an item on 'how to use up left over Pannetone.'

I had been troubled - or would have been if we hadn't scoffed 4 Lidl shaped ones in their entirety

(reminds me of a charity recipe book asking ' what do you do with leftover red wine after a dinner party?'
Rising to the challenge, Glenys Kinnock replied ' Why would there be any left over the next day -don't be daft!')
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 04 February, 2017, 08:43:30 pm
There were queues to get into the V&A today. Queues I tell you. I had to go to the National Portrait Gallery to get a little culture.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 04 February, 2017, 08:52:21 pm
despite years of on and off searching, we can't find the right espresso cups.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ruthie on 04 February, 2017, 10:50:05 pm
There is no milk in the house for tomorrow morning's coffee. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 05 February, 2017, 02:29:18 pm
My carefully organised box of nuts, bolts and washers fell off the bench and broke. I have exited the garage until a replacement is procured and I am inspired to clear it up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 05 February, 2017, 07:12:52 pm
BOTH of the peelers are in the dishwasher.  There are potatoes, but no means of preparing them. Mrs Tiger has had to go out and buy another, otherwise we can't eat. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 05 February, 2017, 07:17:33 pm
BOTH of the peelers are in the dishwasher.  There are potatoes, but no means of preparing them. Mrs Tiger has had to go out and buy another, otherwise we can't eat.

Can't you simply interrupt the dishwasher by the technique of Opening The Door, and then after retrieving the desired item, close the door and re-start it?

I do this all the time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 05 February, 2017, 07:32:32 pm
I do this all the time too.  Well, not actually currently as we haven't fitted the dw yet, but Mrs B always  complains and say I will bugger the machine and I should switch it off first.   I have asked for citation,  but none is forthcoming.
Anyone else think it's harmful?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 05 February, 2017, 07:34:55 pm
Peel them with a knife? Or are all the knives in the dishwasher as well?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 05 February, 2017, 07:39:29 pm
It won't bugger the machine.
The door is interlocked so that it switches off when you open it.

If you like, you can switch it off first, but it really does not matter.
On some machines, you just can't, because the on-it and off-it buttons are hidden on the upper part of the door, which are not accessible once the door is closed.
With these machines, there's no option but to open it whilst running.
They re-start once you close them again.

Really no problem.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 February, 2017, 07:40:27 pm
Eat the taters with the skins on? (Life is too short for peeling taters)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 05 February, 2017, 08:01:18 pm
Peel them with a knife? Or are all the knives in the dishwasher as well?
We didn't lead the world trough the industrial revolution, beat jerry in WW2 and defeat the EU to peel our potatoes with knives like johnny foreigner in places like Spain.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 05 February, 2017, 09:03:15 pm
Eat the taters with the skins on? (Life is too short for peeling taters)

We never peel taters.
I peel carrots cos I dislike taste & texture of their skins.
Sweet potato skins drop off after being cooked in the microwave so get peeled on the plate.

It's not dedded me yet.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 February, 2017, 10:27:32 pm
Eat the taters with the skins on? (Life is too short for peeling taters)

We never peel taters.
These. But if I said that it wouldn't fit in a problem thread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 05 February, 2017, 10:44:18 pm
I do this all the time too.  Well, not actually currently as we haven't fitted the dw yet, but Mrs B always  complains and say I will bugger the machine and I should switch it off first.   I have asked for citation,  but none is forthcoming.
Anyone else think it's harmful?
No. It's probably an urban myth based on a misunderstanding or some 1950s technology that would get upset. See also:-
Needing a header tank on hot water systems
Making sure you use cross-over ethernet cables between computers
Not pushing on the glass when closing the door on a car with frameless windows
Not having more than 3 electrical appliances in one adaptor so it doesn't get overloaded
Having socket protectors for child safety
Not using full throttle on a car at low revs



Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 05 February, 2017, 10:51:12 pm
Hang on.  A 1950s dishwasher would have a fiendishly complicated mechanical time switch thinger to control its sequence of squirting, pumping, heating and whatever, which wouldn't be fazed by the door interlock cutting the power mid-sequence, and the main risk comes from the sudden steaming-up of your glasses.  But this is The Future, and if the 20th century has taught us anything it's "moar microcontrollers, moar better".  It seems entirely plausible that a modern dishwasher, equipped with regulation Ministry Of Crap Design internet-of-shit firmware, would reset to the beginning of the cycle after opening the door.  And then blab about the resulting carbon emissions to all your friends on TwitFace.

Best to play it safe and go to the chippy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 February, 2017, 10:56:40 pm
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 05 February, 2017, 11:00:40 pm
Have you looked inside a dishwasher?  They're mostly just empty space and wire racks.  All the imps *and* their dishcloths have to fit in the space in the bottom, along with the salt mountain, the expensive bit that goes wrong, and the wire basket of soggy pasta.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 06 February, 2017, 09:03:57 am
Hang on.  A 1950s dishwasher would have a fiendishly complicated mechanical time switch thinger to control its sequence of squirting, pumping, heating and whatever, which wouldn't be fazed by the door interlock cutting the power mid-sequence, and the main risk comes from the sudden steaming-up of your glasses.  But this is The Future, and if the 20th century has taught us anything it's "moar microcontrollers, moar better".  It seems entirely plausible that a modern dishwasher, equipped with regulation Ministry Of Crap Design internet-of-shit firmware, would reset to the beginning of the cycle after opening the door.  And then blab about the resulting carbon emissions to all your friends on TwitFace.

Best to play it safe and go to the chippy.

 :D POTD  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 06 February, 2017, 11:12:01 am
I do this all the time too.  Well, not actually currently as we haven't fitted the dw yet, but Mrs B always  complains and say I will bugger the machine and I should switch it off first.   I have asked for citation,  but none is forthcoming.
Anyone else think it's harmful?

RTFM
Quote from: Amica
Forgot to Add a Dish?
A forgotten dish can be added at any time before the detergent cup opens
1. Open the door a little to stop the washing
2. After the spray arms stop working you can open the door
3. Load the forgotten dishes.
4. Close the door, the dish washer will start running again after 10 seconds
It also refers the to DW 'mooing' if the door is left open!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 February, 2017, 11:34:30 am
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?

I stayed at a lovely camping barn (tending towards the luxurious end of the scale) in Sedbergh last Easter. The dishwasher there took something daft, like two, yes two, count 'em, minutes. Or maybe five. Quick, really quick, whatever the number was.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 06 February, 2017, 02:00:01 pm
It also refers the to DW 'mooing' if the door is left open!

Our fridge does that.  In the early days it made a noise like a rally car changing gear, but that settled down after a couple of months to a distinctive moo.  Now it's into its second decade, the moos have mostly been replaced by generic buzzing and gurgling noises.  As a homage, I've programmed our alerting system to play a loud 'moo' if the fridge temperature goes outside its normal range.

Hence "The freezer's mooing because the house is too cold. #FirstWorldProblems"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 February, 2017, 04:12:16 pm
I do this all the time too.  Well, not actually currently as we haven't fitted the dw yet, but Mrs B always  complains and say I will bugger the machine and I should switch it off first.   I have asked for citation,  but none is forthcoming.
Anyone else think it's harmful?
No. It's probably an urban myth based on a misunderstanding or some 1950s technology that would get upset. See also:-
Needing a header tank on hot water systems
Making sure you use cross-over ethernet cables between computers
Not pushing on the glass when closing the door on a car with frameless windows
Not having more than 3 electrical appliances in one adaptor so it doesn't get overloaded
Having socket protectors for child safety
Not using full throttle on a car at low revs

The "not-pushing-on-the-glass" thing makes sense for any motorcar, though assuming one does not wear driving gloves, like a great ponce, purely to keep jammy smears off the windows.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Bledlow on 06 February, 2017, 08:44:56 pm
(reminds me of a charity recipe book asking ' what do you do with leftover red wine after a dinner party?'
Rising to the challenge, Glenys Kinnock replied ' Why would there be any left over the next day -don't be daft!')
Leftover red wine? Does not compute.  ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 08 February, 2017, 06:58:05 pm
Hence "The freezer's mooing because the house is too cold. #FirstWorldProblems"
In Finland cold stores have to be heated in the winter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 February, 2017, 03:05:04 am
There were occasions when I toiled in a warehouse belonging to Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles when it was warmer in the cold store than in the main warehouse.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 09 February, 2017, 10:24:16 am
This morning the Radio 6 breakfast show had a nice example (explicitly stated as a first world problem): James May is selling his Rolls-Royce Corniche because he's developed an allergy to the leather seats.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 09 February, 2017, 10:30:14 am
My carefully organised box of nuts, bolts and washers fell off the bench and broke. I have exited the garage until a replacement is procured and I am inspired to clear it up.

I dropped my Bitsa box a while back.  I have interlocking rubber floor-mats in my workshop (it's very nice underfoot) which is basically a huge trampoline for M4 nuts and bolts.

I did exactly what you did, walked away.  I may have said, "Fuck".

I know I'll never see some of those bits again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 09 February, 2017, 11:01:05 am
My carefully organised box of nuts, bolts and washers fell off the bench and broke. I have exited the garage until a replacement is procured and I am inspired to clear it up.

I dropped my Bitsa box a while back.  I have interlocking rubber floor-mats in my workshop (it's very nice underfoot) which is basically a huge trampoline for M4 nuts and bolts.

I did exactly what you did, walked away.  I may have said, "Fuck".

I know I'll never see some of those bits again.
Completely OT, but what was the thinking behind the rubber mat ?
Is it expensive ?
Was it a pain to fit ?
What do you do about spillages ?
Do you clean it ?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 09 February, 2017, 11:07:14 am
Does it snag on the gimp suit?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 09 February, 2017, 12:32:23 pm
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?

We only ever use our dishwasher on quick programme (30 minutes). Just have to give each item a quick rinse/light-scrub before it goes in. (If you put anything really dirty in there on the quick program it just spreads all of that mess around onto all of the other items and the hot water ensures it sticks nicely.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 February, 2017, 12:35:52 pm
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?

We only ever use our dishwasher on quick programme (30 minutes). Just have to give each item a quick rinse/light-scrub before it goes in. (If you put anything really dirty in there on the quick program it just spreads all of that mess around onto all of the other items and the hot water ensures it sticks nicely.)

At which point I have to say, what's the point in the dishwasher?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 February, 2017, 12:40:43 pm
Certainly doesn't take us 30 minutes to do the washing up! Oh, hang on, FWP: oh yeah, bank manager type person wants to  call me to "understand me on a personal level". WFT  ??? This is just a euphemism for selling me something like life insurance isn't it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 09 February, 2017, 12:49:48 pm
My carefully organised box of nuts, bolts and washers fell off the bench and broke. I have exited the garage until a replacement is procured and I am inspired to clear it up.

I dropped my Bitsa box a while back.  I have interlocking rubber floor-mats in my workshop (it's very nice underfoot) which is basically a huge trampoline for M4 nuts and bolts.

I did exactly what you did, walked away.  I may have said, "Fuck".

I know I'll never see some of those bits again.
I did clear most of it up, my inspiration being that I didn't want rusty nuts and bolts on the floor (The gully across the garage door once again failed to cope with a rain shower).
However that's as far it's got as I can't decide between another sorter box or a cabinet of individual draws as a replacement.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 09 February, 2017, 03:13:38 pm
This morning the Radio 6 breakfast show had a nice example (explicitly stated as a first world problem): James May is selling his Rolls-Royce Corniche because he's developed an allergy to the leather seats.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 09 February, 2017, 03:19:16 pm
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?

We only ever use our dishwasher on quick programme (30 minutes). Just have to give each item a quick rinse/light-scrub before it goes in. (If you put anything really dirty in there on the quick program it just spreads all of that mess around onto all of the other items and the hot water ensures it sticks nicely.)

At which point I have to say, what's the point in the dishwasher?

Indeed - tho' our half size DW (so no pots and pans generally) does a good job on the 25 minute cycle without any prior cleaning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2017, 03:53:15 pm
What I don't understand is, why do dishwashers take so frikking long to do the dishes?

We only ever use our dishwasher on quick programme (30 minutes). Just have to give each item a quick rinse/light-scrub before it goes in. (If you put anything really dirty in there on the quick program it just spreads all of that mess around onto all of the other items and the hot water ensures it sticks nicely.)

At which point I have to say, what's the point in the dishwasher?

At the risk of repeating myself, we bought our dishwasher as a defence mechanism just before my parents (then aged 86 & 89) mived in with us.

My mother was a great hostess. Really good. The best.  :P

We used to go there for Sunday lunch. The quid pro quo was that we took over the washing up and we did this mob-handed. I would wash up at one sink, Dez at the other and the rest of the family wielded tea towels. We didn't just wash up the stuff from Sunday lunch. We also washed a lot of the crockery that had been used during the week and that my parents had washed inadequately. My dad had quite bad macular degeneration and couldn't see the food that was left stuck to the plates. My mum was just a bit slapdash and didn't bother with quality control. Six of us took a little under half an hour to do the washing up, and we would generally go back into the lounge just before the end of Gardeners' Question Time.

"You were a long time, dear!" my mother would say to me when we had finished. They never knew that we were checking up on all their washing up during the previous week.

You can see that we didn't want the problem of them, after they moved in with us, of deciding after each meal that they they were going to do the washing up, as we would then have had to have done it all again properly. A dishwasher was the obvious solution and we had the first one for about 10 years before it gave up the ghost. We have had a Miele for the past 6 years and it has been very good. The one thing it isn't any good at is getting porridge off a saucepan. That I still do by hand.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 09 February, 2017, 08:57:36 pm
Everyone knows the dishwasher is a great place to hide the dirty dishes. Second WBs comments ref aged parents, exactly the same experience.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 February, 2017, 10:13:44 pm
I wasn't saying there was no point at all to the dishwasher,  merely that if you have to wash the dishes by hand before putting them through the dishwasher it defeats the object IMO.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 09 February, 2017, 11:33:30 pm
I have used a dishwasher since my first forays to the US back in 1987.
Since then, I am a 100% convert, and use them all the time.

You don't horse food waste into them.
What you do is scrape bulk waste into the recycling box,
then hose down the plates with the sink-based spray-tap before you put them in the machine.
This is not 'hand washing', but quick pre-washing.
This is mainly to minimise the filter-fettling required in the machine.

If your household is small, then perhaps the effort saving is minimal or even negative.
For us, it is very positive, and we'd not be without one.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 10 February, 2017, 08:38:57 am
When ordering a new delivery of nespresso pods, I mistakenly clicked on the 'decaf' option. Imagine the despair I feel when faced with a whole load of various varietals of coffee, all of which are decaf. Deep despair.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 10 February, 2017, 10:22:42 am
.. all of which are decaf. Deep despair.

Don't jump off the roof, Tigerrr
You'll make a great hole in the yard
Mother's just planted petunias
The weeding and seeding was hard

If you must end it all, Tigerrr
Won't you please give us a break
Just take a walk in the park, Tigerrr
And there you can jump in the lake
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 February, 2017, 12:17:05 pm
Just grind some ProPlus into them :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 12 February, 2017, 09:22:36 pm
Ah, just toss 'em in the 'non-recyclable' bin, and be rid of the pesky things.  That'll be the end of 'em, they will never show up again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 February, 2017, 09:55:03 pm
Could they be used in some application for which the point of coffee is its taste alone, eg coffee cake?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 12 February, 2017, 10:43:32 pm
The bag of rainbow chard I bought wasn't, containing only red chard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tigerrr on 15 February, 2017, 01:51:16 pm
Just grind some ProPlus into them :)
This works! Not only that but gives an additional hardcore flavour. Proper manly coffee - I bet George Clooney hasn't tried that. In fact it is easier just to eat the tablet and drink the coffee. A happy outcome.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 17 February, 2017, 10:40:22 am
The scanner I was using in Waitrose this morning locked up, an assistant issued another one for me, then I had to rescan everything I'd already bagged.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 February, 2017, 11:11:07 am
I couldn't find the corkscrew last night, so had to resort to a screw top bottle of wine. What's more it was Muscadet. With steak and kidney pie.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 17 February, 2017, 11:20:30 am
Did my budget for the month yesterday and discovered we have sufficient available left over cash for me to buy the new carbon frame I have had my eyes on for months.....

However, as CBH correctly commented, the money would pay off three months worth of mortgage and means I could retire in Jan 2021....

What to do....  ???

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 17 February, 2017, 11:39:13 am
as much as the new bling is always good, three months of full-time riding the bikes you've already got... tough call.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 17 February, 2017, 12:15:39 pm
I couldn't find the corkscrew last night, so had to resort to a screw top bottle of wine. What's more it was Muscadet. With steak and kidney pie.
Two corkscrews is one corkscrew. One corkscrew is no corkscrew.

(With apologies to Kim, I think.)

If you only had one corkscrew, are you sure you're in the first world?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 February, 2017, 01:44:23 pm
I couldn't find the corkscrew last night, so had to resort to a screw top bottle of wine. What's more it was Muscadet. With steak and kidney pie.
Two corkscrews is one corkscrew. One corkscrew is no corkscrew.

(With apologies to Kim, I think.)

If you only had one corkscrew, are you sure you're in the first world?
GP, WM.  The wine I resorted to was "New World", so you could be on to something.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mike on 17 February, 2017, 06:53:38 pm
there's a fancy designer fish and chip shop about half a mile away, it's close enough to get the food home piping hot but they always overcook the fish and it's over a tenner for cod and chips.  There's a much better old fashioned proper chippy about 2 miles away, but the foods never quite hot when i get back and I don't want to drive..   Sigh. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2017, 07:07:58 pm
I couldn't find the corkscrew last night, so had to resort to a screw top bottle of wine. What's more it was Muscadet. With steak and kidney pie.

Oh for goodness' sake, Tim, whatever next?  Red wine with fish?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 17 February, 2017, 09:33:07 pm
I couldn't find the corkscrew last night, so had to resort to a screw top bottle of wine. What's more it was Muscadet. With steak and kidney pie.

Oh for goodness' sake, Tim, whatever next?  Red wine with fish?
I know: there goes the Empire.

Again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 20 February, 2017, 03:21:39 pm
The glare of the sun on the lake means I can't see my computer screen properly!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 24 February, 2017, 02:04:42 pm
My fluffy blue towels are lovely & soft, but if I haven't shaved they shed all over my face  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 February, 2017, 03:00:45 pm
The shop didn't have any massive cheapish jars of artichokes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 27 February, 2017, 02:12:28 pm
I'm running low on Kleenex Balsam tissues. My nose might get sore.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 03 March, 2017, 01:18:54 pm
The dried spaghetti was broken. Now cooked it's too short to twizzle on to the fork.

My life is ruined.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 March, 2017, 04:21:39 pm
No matter how many bike tools you have, you always seem to need to buy yet another specialised one :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 04 March, 2017, 06:38:53 pm
No matter how many bike tools you have, you always seem to need to buy yet another specialised one :(
And this is a problem how?  ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 04 March, 2017, 07:26:38 pm
No matter how many bike tools you have, you always seem to need to buy yet another specialised one :(
And this is a problem how?  ;)

Because it depletes the new bike fund!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 March, 2017, 09:33:35 pm
No matter how many bike tools you have, you always seem to need to buy yet another specialised one :(
And this is a problem how?  ;)

Because it depletes the new bike fund!

Because I have to order it off the Internets and wait several days for it to arrive!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 12 March, 2017, 04:02:18 pm
We've run out of cous cous and Waitrose is now closed. Will have to make do with bulgar wheat
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 15 March, 2017, 04:36:06 pm
My PC won't let me drag a file from my iPhone into a shared Google drive. I have to copy and paste it onto my PC, then drag it to the drive.

It took me nearly half a minute!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 17 March, 2017, 01:28:14 pm
I've run out of peanut butter.

No more until tomorrow
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 March, 2017, 02:52:17 pm
I have run out of paper coffee filters. I might have to go looking in the cupboards for the reusable one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 March, 2017, 12:18:18 pm
The turntable in my new microwave oven rotates too slowly to cook my Graze box popcorn.

Some of my corn chars before all the corn has popped.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 21 March, 2017, 05:27:04 pm
Overheard(s) in Waitrose: http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/news/overheard-in-waitrose
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 21 March, 2017, 06:12:41 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 March, 2017, 07:33:57 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

OMG. Thank God I'm not going to USANIA frequently any more.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 21 March, 2017, 07:38:24 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

There's no free anything on the domestic flights any more.
Everything, even a cup of tea is now an M+S franchise paid-for thing, like the budget airlines.
No cash, cards only.

The long haul flights to and from Houston were still the same as ever, as of 1 week ago.
Where they come around before the food, and offer you a drink.
'Why, yes, a red wine would be nice, thank you!'.
'Here you are, sir, and have another, for dinner'.
Dinner arrives.
'A glass of wine, Sir?'
'Oh, Why not, thank you.'
'Here you are sir, and a spare for later!'

Dunno about medium-haul European flights.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Thing2 on 21 March, 2017, 07:46:58 pm
I believe it's still available on long haul (if I remember correctly from the in flight magazine) - wine was certainly served on our way to SFO on Sunday.

No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

There's no free anything on the domestic flights, even a cup of tea is now an M+S paid for thing, like the budget airlines. No cash, cards only.

The long haul flights to Houston were still the same as ever,as of 1 week ago
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 21 March, 2017, 09:21:00 pm
My Easyjet flight home from Italy was delayed for 3 hours yesterday, strike action by the locals.   Free drinks were not offered by the cabin crew to cheer us up, we _were_ warned not to drink our own   :(


Last time I got free airborne booze was cattle class to Las Vegas on Virgin, a few years ago.   They didn't charge for the bike either  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 21 March, 2017, 09:33:38 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

OMG. Thank God I'm not going to USANIA frequently any more.

I think international is still immune (BA/AA and Virgin/Delta codeshares still seem to give out booze). But at least my flights to Berlin and Frankfurt were mitigated with a gin & tonic and ever decreasing snacks. Now it's M&S bullshit. I can expense it (it's work, goddammit), but it's the bloody principle of the matter. Someone has to stand up against this. Otherwise next it's the Ryanair experience and then – oh god – US domestic. Now the only benefit of Berlin on BA is Tegel (best airport ever, every year Brandenburg gets delayed is a happy one).

I'm off to Philadelphia at the weekend on BA and there had better be booze.

(My favourite flights were once on Singapore business where she left me an entire bottle of port and last year flying from Jo'burg to Nairobi when the steward handed me no fewer than six cans of lager – I must have looked thirsty.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 21 March, 2017, 09:45:07 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

That's been happening since the beginning of the new year.

Obviously you don't fly domestic often enough
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 21 March, 2017, 09:46:48 pm
No free booze in BA cattle class.

Thusly civilization ends. It truly was the last bastion. May as well fucking fly Ryanair now.

OMG. Thank God I'm not going to USANIA frequently any more.

I think international is still immune (BA/AA and Virgin/Delta codeshares still seem to give out booze). But at least my flights to Berlin and Frankfurt were mitigated with a gin & tonic and ever decreasing snacks. Now it's M&S bullshit. I can expense it (it's work, goddammit), but it's the bloody principle of the matter. Someone has to stand up against this. Otherwise next it's the Ryanair experience and then – oh god – US domestic. Now the only benefit of Berlin on BA is Tegel (best airport ever, every year Brandenburg gets delayed is a happy one).

I'm off to Philadelphia at the weekend on BA and there had better be booze.

(My favourite flights were once on Singapore business where she left me an entire bottle of port and last year flying from Jo'burg to Nairobi when the steward handed me no fewer than six cans of lager – I must have looked thirsty.)

Singapore airlines, business class, A380, music to my ears.  I can very easily arrive with a hangover.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 21 March, 2017, 10:03:04 pm
Don't get me started on the in flight service on BA!

Before they started charging the free food portions became so small as to be a joke. Now at least they're a decent size. If they have anything onboard. Last week the plane wasn't supplied with half the menu. Wasn't a case of them running out before they got to me, they just weren't given any salads etc..

Cynically I suspect it's a ploy to drop food all together: because they never have any they won't sell any so they'll drop it on the basis that there was no demand
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 March, 2017, 10:14:53 am
I enjoyed the diminishing portions. Mostly because I wondered when they'd hit a quantum threshold where they couldn't get any smaller. Here's a single pretzel. Molecule.

I'm not going to starve on a flight that only lasts an hour or two (and to be honest, I don't know why they bother, just hand out some snacks and bring back the bloody peanuts) but I did enjoy kicking back with a G&T after a long day thought leading. Gin is, of course, rocket fuel for thought leadership.

You need booze if you're going to Houston. Anything to soften the blow.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 March, 2017, 10:22:55 am
You need booze if you're going to Houston. Anything to soften the blow.
Do they have booze in Houston? I've never gotten over been quizzed about my purchase in a wine shop (in New Haven). I think I had two bottles of wine
"Do you really need that much alcohol, sir?"

All the shop sold was wine. I really wondered how they stayed in business.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 22 March, 2017, 10:33:20 am
Houston is, without doubt, one of the most hideous places on the planet. Everyone should be forced to go there to see what happens if you let roads dominate. My US colleague who was born and bred in Chicago was moved there and hated every single bit of Houston life with a passion.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 March, 2017, 04:15:42 pm
I was contemplating starting and ending this year's USAnian road trip in Houston, but haven't booked anything yet, partly because I just bought a new monitor and partly because I'm concerned that Donald TЯump will make me Illegal.  How hard is it to escape from the airport to Deep in the Heart of Texas?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 March, 2017, 04:27:56 pm
Depends how much you like traffic and roads. Because that's Houston. Everything is large in Texas, other than the interesting 'downtown' bits of their cities, which are small. I think Houston is about two blocks of downtown and several million square kilometers of sprawl. It only exists so Dallas doesn't seem so bad. You can I10 out to San Antonio (not much there tbh, other than the Alamo and the Riverwalk which is just an outdoor mall but it's good for an evening's entertainment). Austin is the only interesting bit of a fairly dull state. Otherwise it's long drives between places that aren't especially interesting.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 March, 2017, 05:31:46 pm
You can head East towards the coast towards Port Arthur and on the way you'd pass Spindletop, one of the first oilfields and refineries. The one that made Texaco all the money and fame.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 22 March, 2017, 05:37:04 pm
You can get out of the main city of Houston easily.
The major Interstates can get you out very quickly.

I10 East-West and I45 North -South, for example.
On my last trip, I did some cycling on great traffic-free roads starting from Brookshire, about 10 miles outside Houston, West on I10.
(Based on local advice. )

The great thing is, that all the heavy traffic is on the major highways.
Go away from those, and you can still find decent small-town Texas.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 March, 2017, 11:16:56 pm
My Sainsbury's delivery today contained three times as much carrot as I ordered and a dozen oranges I hadn't ordered at all.
My fridge is overloaded.
They couldn't supply the steaks I ordered.

Maybe I'll turn ORANGE!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 March, 2017, 08:57:30 am
That would trump everything...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 23 March, 2017, 02:47:00 pm
When I clicked on some thumbnail images of French properties the resultant images that popped up were the same size as the thumbnails. 

Is anything more of a let down?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2017, 03:02:05 pm
When I clicked on some thumbnail images of French properties the resultant images that popped up were the same size as the thumbnails. 

Is anything more of a let down?

If you click on thumbnail images of London properties, the properties themselves are the same size as the thumbnails...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 March, 2017, 05:39:55 pm
My Sainsbury's delivery today contained three times as much carrot as I ordered and a dozen oranges I hadn't ordered at all.
My fridge is overloaded.
They couldn't supply the steaks I ordered.

Maybe I'll turn ORANGE!

Sounds like an excuse to make carrot cake with orange icing!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 March, 2017, 03:07:27 am
I want a BLT. I don't want the posh stuff from the restaurant. In my room. But the hotel doesn't serve the late night menu for another hour.

And there's only four bottles of IPA in my minibar.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 March, 2017, 05:18:31 am
The check-in desks were not open when we arrived. We had to wait four minutes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 March, 2017, 07:36:57 pm
My earthenware Le Creuset oven dish has just snapped in half >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 March, 2017, 08:48:04 pm
My earthenware Le Creuset oven dish has just snapped in half >:(

Full or empty?/ EMWLTK!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 March, 2017, 01:45:51 pm
Full, but fortunately only full with sossidges which didn't mind landing on the kitchen floor that much.  Equally fortunately, the larger sossidge-filled bit didn't bounce off my bare foot on the way down.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 March, 2017, 10:30:07 am
I want a BLT. I don't want the posh stuff from the restaurant. In my room. But the hotel doesn't serve the late night menu for another hour.

I forgot to mention that I fell asleep watching a dull movie on syfy so never got my sandwich.

Other recent trauma. More on BA, unfortunately, because even the little mini-sandwich at the end of a transatlantic flight has morphed into a biscuit. That's it (it's saying something the return league on American was far nicer). It's criminal. Oh, and their stupid plane dripped on my head during take-off.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 31 March, 2017, 11:24:39 am
Why were you underneath the plane during take-off?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 31 March, 2017, 11:32:28 am
 :o I hope the tidy hair survived unscathed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 March, 2017, 11:35:25 am
Why were you underneath the plane during take-off?

That was the problem, this inclemency was inside the plane. I presume the a/c running at full tilt (which it was) in panelling above my head was condensing out moisture and depositing it on my head. Probably doesn't happen in business class.

I keep my hair especially tidy by having very little of it, so it survived unscathed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 March, 2017, 02:40:53 pm
Maybe the blue ice was melting?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Dibdib on 31 March, 2017, 03:50:33 pm
Well chemtrails are a liquid at ground level of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 April, 2017, 05:00:11 am
I've been up for an hour and haven't had a cup of tea yet, and not likely to see one for another couple :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 April, 2017, 06:36:47 pm
Despite writing POTATOES very clearly on my shopping list, I failed to buy any.

"Never mind!" said I to Mrs. Wow when I returned. "We can get a big bag of chips from the chip shop."

I didn't take the evening kick off into consideration. Southend (5th) are at home to Bolton (2nd). The queue for the chip shop was round the block.

We are therefore having Gloucester Old Spot sausages with pasta twists.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 08 April, 2017, 07:01:31 pm
Asda has run out of Custard Creams!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 08 April, 2017, 07:09:27 pm
Asda has run out of Custard Creams!

Wasn't there a Custard Cream shortage a few months ago?

Coo! It was early last year after Storm Desmond flooded Carlisle!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 09 April, 2017, 12:02:52 am
Have bought a new to me bike in France and have to sell one of them.

Why do I like 531 so much?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 April, 2017, 01:05:07 am
I was unaware that people considered Asda to be part of the First World.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 09 April, 2017, 01:14:41 am
I was unaware that people considered Asda to be part of the First World.

 :) ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 April, 2017, 08:16:15 pm
The zip fastener on my bag of petit pois isn't fastening and there are loose peas in my freezer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 April, 2017, 08:21:00 pm
Yeah but.  All freezers have loose peas in them.  Always.
Defrosting  should actually be called de-peaing  (and defrosting)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 April, 2017, 08:23:02 pm
It's true.  It's like the teaspoon in the bottom of the washing-up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 10 April, 2017, 08:45:31 pm
I've never, ever properly defrosted a fridge. We tried once as students with a hammer and chisel (we were impatient). That got most of the ice out. The gradual return to room temperature got rid of the remaining ice and it remained ice-free, if inconveniently room temperature, thereafter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 April, 2017, 08:55:50 pm
Ah, the barakta technique.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 10 April, 2017, 09:39:15 pm
Is that the breaking it...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 20 April, 2017, 07:18:05 am
The down arrow on my computer has stopped working.

Okay, there are work arounds but frankly, its a bit of a pain!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 24 April, 2017, 06:47:55 pm
It won't be until after I return from my trip to  foreign that I will regain access enabled by my level of BA Exekkertive Club status. This means that when I cycle to T5 on Wednesday (OK, if, considering rain) I won't have access to the terminal lounge showers before flying. This may be more of a problem to those seated next to me on the plane  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 April, 2017, 07:18:50 pm
Sainsbury's have NO own-brand humous 'due to production difficulties'.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 26 April, 2017, 07:47:46 pm
THAT had better be sorted before Long Itch . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: slope on 28 April, 2017, 12:38:45 pm
It'll never sell . . . everyone knows green jerseys (and cars) make you crash more ???

How MUCH? (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Paul-Smith-531-with-Rapha-Grand-Depart-Cycling-Jersey/192147354372?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D43772%26meid%3Df057d2d491664a32b074c691f9709e6e%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D302298472644)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mark on 28 April, 2017, 08:44:14 pm
The holds at the local climbing gym are so caked with chalk, it's difficult to tell what color they are. This makes it difficult to follow a articular route.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 May, 2017, 07:17:24 pm
My pot of tamarind paste has a leak.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tiermat on 03 May, 2017, 12:27:17 pm
I am at a Google thing, in that London, today. The drinks choice is extremely limited. Tea, coffee or water, that is it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2017, 03:52:27 pm
Surely it can't be a Google thing unless it has artisan coffee, select tea (probably including lesbian tea – and hopefully lesbian biscuits too) and organic, filtered, purified water with essence of high-altitude cloud?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 May, 2017, 04:15:17 pm
Churros and chocolate sauce at my meeting.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 03 May, 2017, 04:31:27 pm
Childrens tea party here.

(I didn't take a picture, but let's say this (http://www.eskort.co.za/index.cfm?Aid=1885888769) is not dissimilar)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 May, 2017, 04:37:07 pm
It's also sunny and warm and there's a cocktail reception by the pool in a few minutes.

But there's no water in the pool as they're painting it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 03 May, 2017, 05:08:02 pm
It's also sunny and warm and there's a cocktail reception by the pool in a few minutes.

But there's no water in the pool as they're painting it.
Using water colours presumably.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 04 May, 2017, 02:05:52 pm
(I didn't take a picture, but let's say this (http://www.eskort.co.za/index.cfm?Aid=1885888769) is not dissimilar)
They look ace! What's the problem?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 May, 2017, 02:55:57 pm
Mrs Pcolbeck has brought home lamb chops for my to BBQ tonight but I have run out of red wine to drink with them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 04 May, 2017, 03:08:30 pm
Childrens tea party here.

(I didn't take a picture, but let's say this (http://www.eskort.co.za/index.cfm?Aid=1885888769) is not dissimilar)

what is banting friendly?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 04 May, 2017, 03:17:34 pm
Banting friendly= LCHF. For some reason South Africans (http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/health/banting-for-beginners/) opted for 'Banting' rather than Keto or LCHF as a title.

(I didn't take a picture, but let's say this (http://www.eskort.co.za/index.cfm?Aid=1885888769) is not dissimilar)
They look ace! What's the problem?
They were! No problem at all.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 06 May, 2017, 01:38:58 pm
A Wiggle order just arrived, sans Haribo. :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 June, 2017, 11:43:51 pm
I've not received my Graze box, which was due on Tuesday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: sg37409 on 07 June, 2017, 01:17:33 pm
Sainsbury's have NO own-brand humous 'due to production difficulties'.

Sainsburys don't have a single UK grown apple for sale. I can chose from Chile, New Zealand or South Africa.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 07 June, 2017, 01:30:21 pm
Sainsbury's have NO own-brand humous 'due to production difficulties'.

Sainsburys don't have a single UK grown apple for sale. I can chose from Chile, New Zealand or South Africa.
Sounds like a whole world problem to me.

 :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 07 June, 2017, 01:30:52 pm
That bike I want to buy is only available with the old 9070 Dura-Ace Di2, not the new 9150.

So I'm not buying it. And that's the only reason. Honest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 June, 2017, 12:27:26 pm
Sainsbury's have NO own-brand humous 'due to production difficulties'.

Sainsburys don't have a single UK grown apple for sale. I can chose from Chile, New Zealand or South Africa.

They had British Bramleys not long ago but any British fruit you buy will have been store for over 6 months.
They're out of season and British pears I bought recently are DULL.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 June, 2017, 11:06:50 am
Same problem with pears. I bought some last week and they did the usual rockhard-to-mush thing within the space of a day, all without even a rumour of flavour starting. My own fault as I know they're not in season, but I do like pears in my lunchtime fruit salad, I can't remember where they were from, but this time of year probably the southern hemisphere. Regardless, that kind of rapid demise is a symptom of long storage.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 12 June, 2017, 11:30:57 am
Pears haven't been the same since they banned the microbeads in them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ben T on 12 June, 2017, 10:29:14 pm
A Wiggle order just arrived, sans Haribo. :'(
could be my fault, whenever I send something back for a refund, I always send the Haribos back as well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 June, 2017, 10:43:37 pm
A Wiggle order just arrived, sans Haribo. :'(
could be my fault, whenever I send something back for a refund, I always send the Haribos back as well.

You could keep the Haribos and drop them in the "charity of choice" slot in Waitrose instead of their tokens of esteem.  That'll learn 'em.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 June, 2017, 12:57:10 pm
Seen in West Hampstead:
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19399224_1338548179527266_5642077907224440940_n.jpg?oh=af95310ea8ba5a245d30ef4fafa1f09a&oe=59CB6831)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LEE on 22 June, 2017, 01:05:11 pm
It's been uncomfortably warm of late.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 23 June, 2017, 08:49:00 am
Hot weather and Waitrose had only yellow bananas! Means that I'll have to got to Morrisons for some green ones. Standards these days!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 23 June, 2017, 09:37:52 am
Had a nasty moment earlier, couldn't find any Turmeric in the kitchen! Fortunately it had been put in the wrong rack but I still think I need to have a lie down
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 08 July, 2017, 08:24:50 am
There's a half-hour queue for the showers.

Just as well I chose to have a shower at 02:00 then. Still it's fun listening to the polite whines.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 08 July, 2017, 08:30:45 am
I missed the 'two spaces after a full stop' discussion in the grammar thread.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 08 July, 2017, 11:32:12 am
Self checkout in Waitrose isn't working
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 July, 2017, 06:05:39 pm
There must have been about 300 trolleys in the trolley park outside Waitrose this afternoon. I have noticed, unscientifically, that it is not uncommon for the shopping list clip on the trolley to have come adrift. But it is always, in my experience, the right-hand rivet that breaks!

On a slightly less unscientific note, I counted the broken clips in the trolley park this afternoon. 11 of them, all of them broken at the right-hand rivet. Not one had a broken left-hand rivet.

OK, cone on, you YACF engineers and scientists! Explain why it is that Waitrose trolleys' shopping list holders only seem to break on the right?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 10 July, 2017, 07:28:57 pm
(unhelpful answer, and without being familiar with posh supermarket trollies...) Because the RH rivet obviously sees a greater fatigue load.

I suspect this will be in some way related to right-handers being more common; is it more likely to get banged when being placed back into a line of trollies? Or do most people hold the shopping list in their dominant hand and lift the clip with the left, which in some way provides a greater load on the RH rive
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 10 July, 2017, 08:42:00 pm
What's a shopping list?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 10 July, 2017, 08:53:09 pm
What's a shopping list?
Traditionally,  it's the thing you leave on the kitchen table when you go shopping.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 July, 2017, 09:02:28 pm
What's a shopping list?
Traditionally,  it's the thing you leave on the kitchen table when you go shopping.

Obviously as a self-respecting unisex spaceadmin, I eschew such things, in favour of an electronic list that can easily be accessed from anywhere in the world, including the Free From aisle of Mr Sainsbury's Emporium of Toothy Comestibles.  Instead, we get an exciting new failure mode whereby nobody ever remembers to clear the list, and I end up buying a zillion bottles of washing-up liquid, but not the jam that never got added to the list in the first place.  I've recently modified the code to add datestamps to each new line.  I bet that won't actually help.

Paper lists are better anyway, as you find them in supermarket trolleys and gain insight into the life of some previous shopper.  It's that little human connection.  http://www.grocerylists.org/ refers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 July, 2017, 08:18:43 am
I confess to never having written or had about my person anything resembling a shopping list. Shopping, for me, is an exercise in serendipity. Of course, that does occasionally mean that all we have in the fridge for tea is rhubarb and halloumi.

Mind you, we're a not planning household. We don't do itineraries, routes, or anything else. I'm a firm believe in not knowing where I'm going or what I'm going to do when I get there. I'm not normally sure where there is.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 July, 2017, 09:10:44 am
Shopping lists should be written like letters:
(http://www.grocerylists.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/3217.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 03 August, 2017, 05:54:12 pm
My hat keeps blowing off.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 August, 2017, 07:09:44 pm
Don't let it eat so many beans!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 August, 2017, 09:02:21 pm
Paper lists are better anyway, as you find them in supermarket trolleys and gain insight into the life of some previous shopper.  It's that little human connection.  http://www.grocerylists.org/ refers.

If you forget your shopping list, you could have an interesting dinner using someone else's:

https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/someones-written-a-cookbook-from-shopping-lists-found-in-london-supermarkets-092415
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 04 August, 2017, 12:13:52 pm
While on the subject of shopping lists, a whole several of years ago I bought a two billion mark note at a flea market, date of issue November 1924 (and you thought inflation got bad under Thatcher!). It is printed on one side of rather cheap paper. On the other side, in extremely faded red pencil, is a shopping list of some half a dozen items. Unfortunately, the only item I have been able to make out is "brot", which I assume is bread. The rest is too faint to decipher, even if I could read German (which, being a typically ignorant monoglot Englishman, I can't)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 04 August, 2017, 03:05:57 pm
If it's in pencil you might get somewhere with grazing illumination.

If it reads

Can kraut
Pound pastrami
6 bagels

it'll be worth a bit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 04 August, 2017, 06:51:35 pm
Just discovered I've been downgraded from platinum to gold status on Wiggle. Oh the shame! :facepalm: :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 04 August, 2017, 07:02:41 pm
If it's in pencil you might get somewhere with grazing illumination.

If it reads

Can kraut
Pound pastrami
6 bagels

it'll be worth a bit.


 :-D   I was thinking of that when I read Guy's post earlier. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 September, 2017, 06:25:24 pm
Waitrose! Waddayamean you haven't got any red Carmargue rice?

*jumps up and down on ethically-sourced bamboo cup purchased at enormous price for the purpose of drinking "free" coffee*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: noisycrank on 08 September, 2017, 01:41:38 pm
Waitrose! Waddayamean you haven't got any red Carmargue rice?

*jumps up and down on ethically-sourced bamboo cup purchased at enormous price for the purpose of drinking "free" coffee*

Maybe its deliberate

https://wle.cgiar.org/thrive/2012/10/22/relationship-status-it%E2%80%99s-complicated-camargue (https://wle.cgiar.org/thrive/2012/10/22/relationship-status-it%E2%80%99s-complicated-camargue)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 October, 2017, 04:47:28 pm
Sainsbury's don't seem to be listing Geeta's chutney for me when I log in.
They list it if I'm not logged in.
I hope they're just temporarily out of stock.

Partner dislikes othre mango chutney.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 25 October, 2017, 04:55:13 pm
It’s  probably out of stock at your local branch (or the one where your order is prepared). Perhaps if you moved house you would be able to get it?

;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 25 October, 2017, 05:29:56 pm
We will either wait or send David on a search. There are half a dozen supermarkets within a mile and scores of other food outlets.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 25 October, 2017, 07:10:46 pm
I'd look elsewhere, I think.

If the product isn't listed when you're logged in, I think it's likely either that your delivery store has delisted it, or that Sainsbury's has switched your delivery postcode to a different store. I'd be surprised if it came off the website simply because it is temporarily out of stock.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 October, 2017, 08:00:04 pm
Send them a message. I did this a couple of months ago and they looked up their pooter and told me when it would be in stock in my store.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 26 October, 2017, 08:30:46 pm
They have an online shop. I like their chutneys. They do the best lime pickle which I just eat with a spoon. The mango and chilli and mango and ginger are also nommalicious.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 26 October, 2017, 09:23:02 pm
Our cleaner was off sick this week.
There's a breadcrumb on the floor of the dining room.  Near the door.  What are we going to do?   :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 October, 2017, 09:41:16 pm
I thought you had a dog?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 26 October, 2017, 09:58:58 pm
* herds dog*
Thanks Kim.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 December, 2017, 10:45:37 pm
Waitrose has sold out of Clement Faugier chestnuts. To make matters worse, the donkey she asked for help claimed that they had been dropped three years ago... I last bought some in November.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 December, 2017, 10:54:32 pm
I havent seen any bloody chestnuts in waitrose this year
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 22 December, 2017, 11:05:06 pm
I'm filming a gig tomorrow night, and the band have made available a state of the art (but historic) camera. It is stuck in a PAL 25fps timewarp and my Mobius cameras are fine but the GoPro appears to say "No".

I had to Google and find out how to change to PAL on the GoPro.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 23 December, 2017, 11:43:38 am
Christmas shopping completed, but no next day delivery available because of something or other. So I’m going to have to drive into Leeds this afternoon and try and park in the John Lewis car park to do the collect part of click and collect.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 03 January, 2018, 10:58:19 am
I'm buying a new mandolin and can't decide which one I prefer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 03 January, 2018, 11:02:03 am
I'm buying a new mandolin and can't decide which one I prefer.

Buy all of them then!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 03 January, 2018, 11:17:26 am
I like the way you're thinking but I suspect I might end up living in the case if I did that!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 03 January, 2018, 11:39:39 am
Why's that? they're only about £2.50 for 10 in Tesco
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 03 January, 2018, 11:44:19 am
:facepalm:

;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 05 January, 2018, 02:31:49 pm
Seems like half the decent-sized lockers at the British Library are busted.  My bag won't go in a small locker, so that and my jacket had to be checked in the 'cloak room'. 
The public areas are full of PEOPLE.  Thankfully the Reading Rooms aren't crowded.  Oh, blessed silence.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 05 January, 2018, 04:08:09 pm
My coffee roaster is on holiday for two weeks.  I had to take a route on my ride last Saturday that went past the market to make sure I had stocks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 05 January, 2018, 05:00:59 pm
I'm buying a new mandolin and can't decide which one I prefer.

Let’s just say that I’ve managed to resolve that dilemma
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 05 January, 2018, 05:40:21 pm
I'm buying a new mandolin and can't decide which one I prefer.

Let’s just say that I’ve managed to resolve that dilemma

You bought a 🎷?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: menthel on 23 January, 2018, 12:33:54 pm
The coffee machine has gone for repair, no bean to cup for a week! Aeropress will have to do...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 January, 2018, 05:13:33 pm
Pingu and I have got the lurgy at the same time, for the first time ever.
Can we get a home help to make our tea please?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: telstarbox on 26 January, 2018, 05:34:37 pm
Phone camera has stopped saving pictures to the SD card, which I found to my cost when I wanted to illustrate a ride on Strava recently.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 26 January, 2018, 05:36:45 pm
The washing machine has been moved and until the plumbing is done, we've got to use the drain that was for the second dishwasher.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 January, 2018, 06:56:05 pm
The sole of my foot is itchy. Of course I can't scratch it because it's the sole of my foot. Gaaarh!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 29 January, 2018, 08:17:51 pm
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2018, 08:20:07 pm
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....

Have you accidentally re-purposed it for storing cable ties?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 29 January, 2018, 08:27:45 pm
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....

Have you accidentally re-purposed it for storing cable ties?

Cable ties should be stored inside the drops, behind the bar-end plug.
Trufax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 January, 2018, 09:33:34 am
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....

Have you accidentally re-purposed it for storing cable ties?

Cable ties should be stored inside the drops, behind the bar-end plug.
Trufax.

Only on one side, though.  I'm sure there is an entire generation of cyclists who honestly believe that the rearward-point bit at the bottom of a set of drop bars really is called the "stash".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 30 January, 2018, 11:41:22 am
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....
In my experience, missing jars can often be found in the shed with chains/brushes in white spirits.

If yours isn't in your shed, it's probably in mine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 30 January, 2018, 11:54:50 am
Our spaghetti jar has disappeared....

Have you accidentally re-purposed it for storing cable ties?

Cable ties should be stored inside the drops, behind the bar-end plug.
Trufax.

Only on one side, though.  I'm sure there is an entire generation of cyclists who honestly believe that the rearward-point bit at the bottom of a set of drop bars really is called the "stash".

The hollow part of the bar-end plug should be stuffed with Blu-Tack, and the pointy part of the cable tie inserted into this, before shoving the ties into the bars.
Makes for easier retreival. Dontcha know.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 30 January, 2018, 12:57:45 pm
There is some question over whether or not the garage will service my car because the computer while not saying, it doesn’t say yes. This maybe down to me bringing in the car when it says service me in 1500 miles but Then when I booked it their computer didn’t say no either.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 03 February, 2018, 07:10:11 pm
Listening to Il Trovatore on from the Met, on BBC Radio 3.  The 'anvils' are drowning out the Coro di Zingari.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 03 February, 2018, 07:29:33 pm
Clunk!  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 February, 2018, 09:42:59 pm
Nipped to Waitrose this evening, looking for eggs. What's this? Eggs in boxes of four, nine and fifteen.  The world has gone mad.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 12 February, 2018, 10:10:44 pm
Subtle downsizing/shrinkflation to challenge the innumerate...
Torture by squares...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 12 February, 2018, 11:25:16 pm
To be fair, we're well overdue for metric[1] eggboxes.  Shouldn't there be an EU regulation or something?


[1] By which I mean decimal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 13 February, 2018, 05:16:54 am
We have eggs in 10s here in Germany, and also 6s (but they are less often seen)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 February, 2018, 06:30:25 am
I always buy the nine-egg boxes. I just like the squareness of them! My Waitrose branch does have plenty of six-egg boxes, though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gus on 13 February, 2018, 07:02:26 am
Eggs are very complicated here in Danish supermarkets :

6, 10, 15, 20 or 30 in a package.

You have to check eggs for size, we have 4 different sizes.

Then you need to decide how you want the chickens life while laying the eggs, I think we are down to 4 types there too.
Only Aldi sells Battery eggs now, all other shops have been persuaded to stop selling them.

I prefer to visit the local farm shop and just buy 15 ecological produced eggs in different sizes but laid the same day.  so Tasty :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 15 February, 2018, 07:40:03 pm
Nipped to Waitrose this evening, looking for eggs. What's this? Eggs in boxes of four, nine and fifteen.  The world has gone mad.

Yes, it should be 4, 9, 16.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 February, 2018, 09:58:34 pm
Nipped to Waitrose this evening, looking for eggs. What's this? Eggs in boxes of four, nine and fifteen.  The world has gone mad.

Yes, it should be 4, 9, 16.

Would make a neat pyramidal stack!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2018, 10:06:35 pm
How about Fibonacci sizes?  Would make for some interesting stacking options...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 15 February, 2018, 11:32:20 pm
Eggs are very complicated here in Danish supermarkets :

6, 10, 15, 20 or 30 in a package.

You have to check eggs for size, we have 4 different sizes.

Then you need to decide how you want the chickens life while laying the eggs, I think we are down to 4 types there too.
Only Aldi sells Battery eggs now, all other shops have been persuaded to stop selling them.

I prefer to visit the local farm shop and just buy 15 ecological produced eggs in different sizes but laid the same day.  so Tasty :D

by the dozen or 18 from my farmers market, from a chicken farm I regularly ride past.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 16 February, 2018, 12:30:27 am
How about Fibonacci sizes?  Would make for some interesting stacking options...

 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 20 February, 2018, 09:53:38 am
How about Fibonacci sizes?  Would make for some interesting stacking options...
A bit of a downer for anyone purchasing the 0 eggs box
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 February, 2018, 11:27:03 am
How about Fibonacci sizes?  Would make for some interesting stacking options...
A bit of a downer for anyone purchasing the 0 eggs box

Got to cater for the vegans somehow...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 20 February, 2018, 11:54:15 am
Perfect!

Although that would open another can of worms box of eggs

6!
28!
496!
!!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 20 February, 2018, 12:37:09 pm
When I used to order eggs the options were 60, 180 or 360 as they came on trays of 5x6 that stacked nicely. 360 was a 'box' of 12 trays.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 February, 2018, 01:05:04 pm
5, 6, 10 were the standards in Poland. Here we get them from a shop which sells them individually, but gives a slight discount for 6. Or 12. Presumably also for 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Oh and for 13...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 21 February, 2018, 11:45:13 am
It's spring....well our neighbour things it is as he is out with his chainsaw, something he does nearly every week during the tree/ bush growing season.*

It's very irritating while I am trying to work but he does have some nicely trimmed wood. I suppose being retired, he needs something to do.




* We do our trees once every two years and our bushes three times a year which is about right!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 21 February, 2018, 12:12:16 pm
I can't decide which loose leaf breakfast blend tea to order.
I've finally decided on a Darjeeling and an Assam that I really love so can just repeat order those but breakgfst blend I am sill wavering on.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 24 February, 2018, 09:04:09 am
Overheard in Tesco yesterday 'I really hate our champagne glasses, they're far too thick'.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 24 February, 2018, 09:19:13 am
Overheard in Tesco yesterday 'I really hate our champagne glasses, they're far too thick'.

Fake news.  Surely that's from the "Overheard in Waitrose" file.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 24 February, 2018, 11:57:15 am
Overheard in Tesco yesterday 'I really hate our champagne glasses, they're far too thick'.

Fake news.  Surely that's from the "Overheard in Waitrose" file.

Nah. No-one ever refers to them as prosecco glasses.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 24 February, 2018, 01:19:26 pm
Overheard in Tesco yesterday 'I really hate our champagne glasses, they're far too thick'.

Fake news.  Surely that's from the "Overheard in Waitrose" file.
No one in Waitrose would refer to champagne flutes as glasses.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 24 February, 2018, 01:25:08 pm
Overheard in Tesco yesterday 'I really hate our champagne glasses, they're far too thick'.

Fake news.  Surely that's from the "Overheard in Waitrose" file.
No one in Waitrose would refer to champagne flutes as glasses.

They might, if they're looking for a generic term to cover both flutes and coupes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 24 February, 2018, 02:52:07 pm
Heard somewhere the other day that both Marie-Antoinette glasses and flutes are wrong for Champagne: flutes in particular concentrate the CO2 and deaden the sense of smell.  Apparently a plain & simple wine-glass is best, but I suppose that fear of waiterly scorn will stop people asking for them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 24 February, 2018, 06:47:30 pm
I saw something similar, but I think it suggested a more tulip-shaped glass than most wine glasses - perhaps one close to a whisky tasting glass.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 24 February, 2018, 07:09:51 pm
my wine glasses are tulip shaped, which allows one to use the same glass later for the whisky
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 February, 2018, 10:13:45 am
My toast is too crunchy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Poacher on 02 March, 2018, 03:46:13 pm
The bidet waste pipe is frozen and not accessible without ripping tiles off, so the bidet is now unusable until it thaws.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 03 March, 2018, 11:47:57 am
Grey imports are just so enticingly cheaper than a legitimate uk sorce.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 04 March, 2018, 09:00:29 am
The bidet waste pipe is frozen and not accessible without ripping tiles off, so the bidet is now unusable until it thaws.

Crikey!  How are you going to make coffee?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 March, 2018, 09:10:59 am
The bidet waste pipe is frozen and not accessible without ripping tiles off, so the bidet is now unusable until it thaws.

Crikey!  How are you going to make coffee?
Or wash your swimming trunks?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 March, 2018, 11:21:20 pm
Barakta accidentally put bread in the fridge.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 11 March, 2018, 11:59:22 pm
 :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 March, 2018, 01:45:00 pm
Barakta accidentally put bread in the fridge.
I know people who do that on purpose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 12 March, 2018, 01:46:42 pm
It holds back the blue fur.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 March, 2018, 01:53:05 pm
I don't think it does, bread mould grows fine at lower temperatures, the rate limiting step is relative humidity, which a fridge will increase. Best to store it somewhere dry but not so dry that it goes stale. And then when it does go mouldy, feed it to your inlaws.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2018, 02:46:56 pm
Having your Cornish cream tea served with jam on top of the cream. BBC article here. (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-43363435)

Quote
Duncan Biscotto posted: "Don't apologise, it still tastes the same - there are worse atrocities in the world."

Whaddaya expect from a over-baked gentleman of the Italian persuasion?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 12 March, 2018, 05:15:07 pm
I don't think it does, bread mould grows fine at lower temperatures, the rate limiting step is relative humidity, which a fridge will increase. Best to store it somewhere dry but not so dry that it goes stale. And then when it does go mouldy, feed it to your inlaws.
Hmm...
We keep bread in fridge now because of mould growth when stored in bread crock - especially in summer. It doesn't get mouldy now and I fail to see a downside.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 March, 2018, 05:33:01 pm
The trick is to keep the relative humidity down, mould can't grow without significant humidity and moisture, some of which comes from the bread, the rest from its surroundings. So some air circulation but not so much that it dries out the bread. Or accept that with decent bread it should be eaten within a day (and a proper French baguette of the type unavailable in Britain, within about ten minutes of purchase). For plastic bagged loaves, I always leave the bag open, plastic bags just make for a sauna.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 12 March, 2018, 05:42:14 pm
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 12 March, 2018, 05:45:41 pm
Bread ends up cold, dry, about as mouldy as it would anyway and tasting faintly of fridge contents.  This may with hindsight belong in the iconoclasm thread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 March, 2018, 05:45:54 pm
You're taking up valuable beer space.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 12 March, 2018, 07:28:56 pm
Bread ends up cold, dry, about as mouldy as it would anyway and tasting faintly of fridge contents.
Well, it ends up cold but none of the other things. If it did i wouldn't do it, would i?

You're taking up valuable beer space.
I have a separate, larger fridge for essentials.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 March, 2018, 08:02:50 pm
I have to attend a beer festival on Thursday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 12 March, 2018, 08:12:25 pm
I have to attend a beer festival on Thursday.

Sorry I fail to see why that, in any way, could be construed as a problem. ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 12 March, 2018, 08:27:28 pm
I have to attend a beer festival on Thursday.
Sorry I fail to see why that, in any way, could be construed as a problem. ;D
Friday is a work day.  This may constrain the number of beers that can be errr ummm tested.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 12 March, 2018, 09:21:15 pm
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?

Bread goes stale quickest at fridge temperatures; I don't have my copy of McGee to hand, but there is some SCIENCE regarding the starches and such that explains it. Re-heating refreshes it, but obviously dries it out some more.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 12 March, 2018, 11:46:27 pm
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?

Bread goes stale quickest at fridge temperatures; I don't have my copy of McGee to hand, but there is some SCIENCE regarding the starches and such that explains it. Re-heating refreshes it, but obviously dries it out some more.
Yes, I understand that is the case. Our bread isn't in the fridge long enough to go stale but long enough in room temp bread crock to go mouldy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 13 March, 2018, 09:53:42 am
For the first time in ages that the Guardian hasn’t made it to the newsagents. We got the Express delivered as a substitute.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 March, 2018, 10:02:15 am
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?
Cold bread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: clarion on 14 March, 2018, 09:31:57 am
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?

Bread goes stale quickest at fridge temperatures; I don't have my copy of McGee to hand...
I knew that Debbie was more than just a glamorous assistant!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 14 March, 2018, 09:34:21 am
EU GDPR

First world problem and the bane of my life.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2018, 09:35:16 am
Yebbut what's wrong with the fridge?

Bread goes stale quickest at fridge temperatures; I don't have my copy of McGee to hand...
I knew that Debbie was more than just a glamorous assistant!
What about Bobby?!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 18 March, 2018, 10:02:43 am
AEG dishwasher not done its stuff overnight (on Economy 7), showing error code i30.  Washed up by hand whilst SWMBO hid under duvet having heard the verbals from the kitchen when the Full English (only on a Sunday) should have been in production.

Googles error code.  Anti-flood device triggered.  Solutions offered.

Large dog drying towel (towel, not dog) spread on kitchen floor.  DW tipped back.  Water now all over floor.  Reset error code and gave it a test.  Seems OK, but having coffee and cake whilst it does its thing.

Or should this be in What have I fettled today.....?

No. Leave it here because it's causing my sax practice to be postponed.  And my model aeroplane fettling.  Must be a First World problem in that case.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 22 March, 2018, 10:45:17 am
The new Panini football stickers are out for Russia 2018 and they've put the price up by 60%
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 22 March, 2018, 10:51:44 am
AEG dishwasher not done its stuff overnight (on Economy 7), showing error code i30.  Washed up by hand whilst SWMBO hid under duvet having heard the verbals from the kitchen when the Full English (only on a Sunday) should have been in production.

Googles error code.  Anti-flood device triggered.  Solutions offered.

Large dog drying towel (towel, not dog) spread on kitchen floor.  DW tipped back.  Water now all over floor.  Reset error code and gave it a test.  Seems OK, but having coffee and cake whilst it does its thing.

Or should this be in What have I fettled today.....?

No. Leave it here because it's causing my sax practice to be postponed.  And my model aeroplane fettling.  Must be a First World problem in that case.

AEG: Auspacken. Einschalten. Geht nicht.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 22 March, 2018, 11:42:40 am
AEG dishwasher not done its stuff overnight (on Economy 7), showing error code i30.  Washed up by hand whilst SWMBO hid under duvet having heard the verbals from the kitchen when the Full English (only on a Sunday) should have been in production.

Googles error code.  Anti-flood device triggered.  Solutions offered.

Large dog drying towel (towel, not dog) spread on kitchen floor.  DW tipped back.  Water now all over floor.  Reset error code and gave it a test.  Seems OK, but having coffee and cake whilst it does its thing.

Or should this be in What have I fettled today.....?

No. Leave it here because it's causing my sax practice to be postponed.  And my model aeroplane fettling.  Must be a First World problem in that case.

AEG: Auspacken. Einschalten. Geht nicht.

 ;D

It was unpacked and first turned on many, many years ago. And it's fine now.  I'll forgive it.  This time....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 March, 2018, 06:52:09 pm
someone keeps breaking my Hovis digestive biscuits, those ones shapes like a loaf of bread.  You can't put cheese on half a biscuit
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2018, 08:20:56 pm
Simple, just put half a piece of cheese on your half a biscuit!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 March, 2018, 09:05:41 pm
How dare you! I don't eat half a piece of cheese!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 22 March, 2018, 09:06:48 pm
I think our new cleaner is trolling us with her tidying up. We got used to towels in the spare room. This week we had clean bottles for recycling in with the breakfast cereal.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 22 March, 2018, 10:24:22 pm
Why can't shops sell half a celeriac?  Or can't smaller ones be grown?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 22 March, 2018, 11:08:41 pm
Why can't shops sell half a celeriac?  Or can't smaller ones be grown?

Learn to like celeriac soup. :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 March, 2018, 11:11:06 pm
Mum does celeriac 'schnitzel' you could freeze these and reheat for part of a quick meal...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 23 March, 2018, 12:10:11 am
My train was late.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2018, 08:28:35 am
Why can't shops sell half a celeriac?  Or can't smaller ones be grown?

Learn to like celeriac soup. :demon:
It's the best soup.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 23 March, 2018, 01:46:54 pm
My train was late.
I think this also happens in the third world.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Butterfly on 23 March, 2018, 02:43:20 pm
Mum does celeriac 'schnitzel' you could freeze these and reheat for part of a quick meal...
That sounds yummy, does she have a recipe?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 23 March, 2018, 03:39:26 pm
Mum does celeriac 'schnitzel' you could freeze these and reheat for part of a quick meal...
That sounds yummy, does she have a recipe?

My mother does not DO recipes, EVER.

I think she slices it about 1cm thick, dips it in egg, followed by matzo meal (you could use breadcrumbs, ± seasoning) and fries it...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 March, 2018, 03:48:41 pm
I've seen a similar kind of thing for cauliflower "steak" which I intend to try sometime

Whole baked celeriac is quite good as well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 23 March, 2018, 04:04:29 pm
Will give the soup a try thinks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 23 March, 2018, 11:16:52 pm
Celeriac is good mashed. With or without potato. It's also good with black kale as bubble & squeak.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 30 March, 2018, 08:40:53 pm
The holiday apartment we are currently staying in does not have a champagne bottle stopper.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 30 March, 2018, 09:01:44 pm
Why would you need a champagne bottle stopper?

Surely spare champagne is a FWP of it's own?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 30 March, 2018, 09:39:07 pm
The advantage of fizzy wine is that it keeps better when a half full bottle is correctly stoppered, whereas a similar bottle of non-fizzy wine requires a vacuum device of an inert gas to be introduced. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 30 March, 2018, 10:03:10 pm
I thought bottles of wine (still and fizzy) were either full or empty.  Are you people trying to tell me there is an intermediate state? :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 01 April, 2018, 05:33:14 pm
The trouble with living so close to Shuttleworth  is every bank holiday weekend you have to keep getting up and walking to the window or going outside to see what it is that's flying over this time. Being the RAF centenary year it's even worse today.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 01 April, 2018, 05:58:39 pm
I thought bottles of wine (still and fizzy) were either full or empty.  Are you people trying to tell me there is an intermediate state? :o

Andrij, they’re trying to wind you up. It’s basic quantum physics; there are only 2 stable stars full and empty, any attempt to maintain an intermediate state will result in a singularity forming in the Médoc and the whole production being sucked in.

Now that would be a real first world problem
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 02 April, 2018, 09:50:55 am
Yesterday.
Chardonnay.
Served at room temperature.
Really?  :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 04 April, 2018, 01:24:38 pm
Chardonnay rouge exists and is even AOC.  And the Californians do it too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 04 April, 2018, 06:43:16 pm
The Linton to Lynmouth waterpowered railway is out of service due to a landslide.
We had an appointment in a pub in Lynmouth and as parking is very limited in Lynmouth I decided that we should park in Lynton and travel down to Lynmouth via the aforementioned water powered railway.
However I had parked my car in Lynton AND paid £3 for a parking ticket before I became aware of the lack of service.

For those unaware of the GEOGRAPHY of the locale, Lynton is 600 vertical feet above Lynmouth. The walk down was hard on the knees, the climb back was hard work.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 04 April, 2018, 07:42:39 pm
I remember childhood family holidays thereabouts with Dad sweating as our family estate car struggled with the gradients and its payload of parents + 5 offsprung.

Must have been 1973 and we were skinny kids!

Skinny kids aged 6, 9, 12, 14 & 15 are not weightless and there was 25 stone of Parent!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 04 April, 2018, 10:24:23 pm
My family was on holiday in Ilfracombe in August 1952, and we visited Lynton a day or two before the disastrous flood.

Have been back since and ridden on the water-powered cliff railway, which dates from 1890, so guess it needs occasional repair.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 05 April, 2018, 09:48:20 am
We’re staying in ilfracombe and where visiting Lynton to lunch with an old school friend of our eldest, who spent a lot of time at our home back in the day. She is mattied to a local boy who has the job of maintaining the railway and is currently somewhat busy. The breakdown though is not his fault, but is 9n fact a landslide which they now have to stabilise before they can start operations again. They’re expecting it to take weeks rather than days to resolve.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 09 April, 2018, 03:41:49 pm
Service in 1st Class on this GWR train isn't nearly as good as that of VirginTrains.   No hot food brought to my seat, and no (unlimited) wine?!?   :o    I'd write to my MP about this, but he's a pleb and wouldn't understand.  I'll comfort myself with the thought I won't have to worry about being given plastic glasses and/or cutlery rather than proper crystal and silverware.

On the other hand, the carriage itself is much nicer than a Pendelino: the toilets are practically luxurious, and the whole carriage doesn't smell of poo.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 09 April, 2018, 05:23:04 pm
It’s got so cold in Johannesburg that I need to put a sweater on to go outside after dusk.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 10 April, 2018, 05:27:00 pm
Chardonnay rouge exists and is even AOC.  And the Californians do it too.

Strictly speaking 'Chardonnay' is not an AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) - it is a grape varietal. The AOC applies to where the grape is grown/wine produced, rather than the varietal.  The varietal may appear in an AOC label but only when accompanied by an area (e.g. 'Bourgogne Chardonnay').
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 12 April, 2018, 02:53:30 pm
The default fletchings on the new set of arrows that have just turned up are not aesthetically pleasing1, but they are both functional and apparently well attached thus the need to change them for something prettier and difficult to change if I chose to. Hrumph. Oh, and the nocks are ugly too!

1. As any archer who hasn’t disappeared up his own fundamental will tell the type and colour of your fletchings are the most important element when choosing new arrows.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 12 April, 2018, 02:57:46 pm
Oh, and the nocks are ugly too!

I'm not sure I want to know


I do know, actually, bit thought a statement like that required a comment like this
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 12 April, 2018, 03:28:30 pm
It's frozen. Just let it go . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 14 April, 2018, 06:03:45 pm
Waiting for an absolute age - with an impressively muddy Yorkshire lanes dirty car, for the proud owner of a white BMW to finish manicuring their car at infinitum.     
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 02 May, 2018, 11:25:50 am
I have broken the jug on the coffee filter machine. The new one I ordered from Amazon wont arrive until tomorrow. Until then I will be forced to make coffee with an Aeropress.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 02 May, 2018, 02:28:09 pm
I've just had an email from the travel company through which I'd booked a family holiday for the half-term asking me for the details of the flights that they were supposed to have arranged.  There look to be no flights available to the destination on the days we are supposed to be travelling.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 02 May, 2018, 03:57:42 pm
The HobNobs have been finished. Oh! The humanity . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 03 May, 2018, 04:54:48 pm
I've just had an email from the travel company through which I'd booked a family holiday for the half-term asking me for the details of the flights that they were supposed to have arranged.  There look to be no flights available to the destination on the days we are supposed to be travelling.  >:(

Ah, now they have found me some flights - only another £1100 for the three of us! And no, we can't cancel.  >:( >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 03 May, 2018, 05:07:13 pm
Are they not in breach if they have failed to organise the flights?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 03 May, 2018, 06:33:14 pm
Surely they should cover the cost of the flights THEY failed to book?

Are they registered with any suitable organisations you can threaten to complain to, or small claims court?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 03 May, 2018, 10:05:59 pm
What night is Watchdog on . . . ?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 03 May, 2018, 10:59:36 pm
I'll spare you the full details for now, as I'm still arguing with them, but the elevator version is that we booked on a family group tour, flights inclusive, so that there would be company for our son, but there were no other bookings so we were offered an alternative, which we accepted. It was only when I repeatedly emailed asking for details of the flights that we discovered this slight problem.  I've demanded a full refund but I have a feeling they will try to make us accept a credit against another of their holidays.

And, yes, I do think this would be one for the consumer media if we get nowhere, as this is a well-known company.

My bigger concern at the moment is to organise something else for half-term!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 03 May, 2018, 11:10:18 pm
I had a problem, I wondered if this thread was too sanctimonious
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 04 May, 2018, 12:06:08 am
I think if I had a REAL problem, I wouldn't call it a FWP.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 04 May, 2018, 01:07:18 am
I'll spare you the full details for now, as I'm still arguing with them,

Did you pay by credit card? Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act might be helpful if they keep arguing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 04 May, 2018, 05:24:58 am
I wouldn't accept credit, I'd insist on full cash replacement + something for the inconvenience caused.

But yuck to having to sort shit out at short notice cos of their incompetence.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 04 May, 2018, 08:55:42 am
I'm down to my last Chemex filter and haven't placed the order for a new box in time to get the supply topped up before the bank holiday weekend...  :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 04 May, 2018, 08:59:36 am
1. As any archer who hasn’t disappeared up his own fundamental will tell the type and colour of your fletchings are the most important element when choosing new arrows.

Even those of us who aren't archers can relate to this, since we're all cyclists round here and know full well that colour is the most important consideration when buying a new bike.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 04 May, 2018, 10:27:36 am
I wouldn't accept credit, I'd insist on full cash replacement + something for the inconvenience caused.

But yuck to having to sort shit out at short notice cos of their incompetence.

Polite persistence paid off. Apology and full refund.   :thumbsup:

Now all I have to do is find somewhere else to go....

(I don't think you'll be seeing much of me on here today  ;))
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 04 May, 2018, 11:51:31 pm
I wouldn't accept credit, I'd insist on full cash replacement + something for the inconvenience caused.

But yuck to having to sort shit out at short notice cos of their incompetence.

Polite persistence paid off. Apology and full refund.   :thumbsup:

Now all I have to do is find somewhere else to go....

(I don't think you'll be seeing much of me on here today  ;))
Hoorahy for good customer service. Perhaps,when you get back from your self reorganised holiday a name and fame post would be in order, because even though we should be able to expect it, good customer service after a cock up is far too rare.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 08 May, 2018, 09:11:55 am
Being a project manager of a programme of none revenue generating deliveries is a thankless task. Yess, we've been telling anyone who'll listen that this stuff has to be delivered, but lots of bits kept getting put back because some senior or other needed their revenue generating project delivering first. Now it is a mad scramble with CEO overview to get all the last bits and pieces in place. But guess who will carry the can for the bits that don't work when they do go in!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 08 May, 2018, 09:56:25 am
My next trip will leave me 5 points short of Bronze status with BA
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 08 May, 2018, 06:00:19 pm
I achieved bronze on BA and now my trips abroad have ceased almost certainly for the remainder of this membership year and quite possibly next year too. I got to pick my seat >24 hours before flying once.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 May, 2018, 06:18:47 pm
I got to silver on both BA and SAS at which point my travelling effectively got canned.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: CAMRAMan on 12 May, 2018, 01:35:27 pm
I hate it when senders using jiffy bags CBA to dispose of the little bit of paper they pull off the jiffy bag sticky sealer and put it in the bag itself. I don't want it!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 15 May, 2018, 07:57:20 am
I’m not going to get into the office until well passed 9 o’clock because I have to go to the garage before work and the don’t open until 8:30.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 May, 2018, 10:05:37 am
BA have now started charging to choose a seat for pleb Blue level members.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 May, 2018, 11:16:54 am
"That's quite a good price compared with the alternatives!" exclaimed Mr Larrington.  "I shall do the pointy-clicky thing and effect a purchase.  But soft, what is this?  You have to pay extra for a seat?  As far as I know they do not allow standing on transatlantic hairyplanes.  You are gits, is what you are!"

Yes, Air Canada, I'm talking about you.  Thieving toerags.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 May, 2018, 12:43:59 pm
I have run out of garlic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 May, 2018, 01:19:59 pm
I have run out of garlic.
Wrong thread. This is a Transylvanian-World Problem.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2018, 01:28:46 pm
I have run out of garlic.
Wrong thread. This is a Transylvanian-World Problem.

Not any more.  Modern vampires are all hanging around brooding creepily at teenage girls in smalltown USAnia.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 15 May, 2018, 02:32:05 pm
"That's quite a good price compared with the alternatives!" exclaimed Mr Larrington.  "I shall do the pointy-clicky thing and effect a purchase.  But soft, what is this?  You have to pay extra for a seat?  As far as I know they do not allow standing on transatlantic hairyplanes.  You are gits, is what you are!"

Yes, Air Canada, I'm talking about you.  Thieving toerags.

He moans at costs, that never had a pound...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 23 July, 2018, 07:17:08 pm
Amazon Alexa doesn't appear to understand what a viola is. :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 July, 2018, 08:29:31 pm
Siri doesn't understand what a pub is  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 24 July, 2018, 03:52:30 pm
M$ Excel does NOT autofit row height on merged cells. Which, given that the reason you have merged them is probably to put text in there, is quite frankly stupid.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2018, 05:52:01 pm
M$ Excel does NOT autofit row height on merged cells. Which, given that the reason you have merged them is probably to put text in there, is quite frankly stupid.

FTFY :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Clare on 24 July, 2018, 09:37:51 pm
Win10doh!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 25 July, 2018, 02:10:55 pm
If thingsgo to plan, I'll soon be waving goodbye to whindoze X because the only machine I use with an OS from Seattle is my work Laptop. I'm not about to spend any money on a machine just to run Bill's latest OS on, well not unless I find work that requires me to do so of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 25 July, 2018, 02:24:30 pm
Quote from: Beardy
If things go to plan, I'll soon be waving goodbye to whindoze X ...
*Cough*  The "Things To Be Insanely Cheerful About" thread is that way ---->  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 25 July, 2018, 02:38:41 pm
My electric mandolin was supplied with Phosphor Bronze strings rather than Nickel Steel * :facepalm:


*Phosphor Bronze are "less magnetic" so the vibrations don't get picked up as well
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 25 July, 2018, 09:40:10 pm
My electric mandolin was supplied with Phosphor Bronze strings rather than Nickel Steel * :facepalm:


*Phosphor Bronze are "less magnetic" so the vibrations don't get picked up as well

Shouldn't worry about it, it won't be in tune long enough . . .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 25 July, 2018, 10:51:47 pm
My electric mandolin was supplied with Phosphor Bronze strings rather than Nickel Steel * :facepalm:


*Phosphor Bronze are "less magnetic" so the vibrations don't get picked up as well

Shouldn't worry about it, it won't be in tune long enough . . .

Think you’re confusing the mandolin with a banjo? ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 July, 2018, 11:45:07 pm
Dear USAnia,

What have you done with my ESTA application? If you don't want my money then say so >:(

Puzzled of E17
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 02 August, 2018, 12:01:32 pm
Why do people in an air conditioned office feel the need to turn the whole thing off, without asking, because they're too cold sitting there in a T-shirt and shorts. :hand:  So as a result  everyone gets to feel more and more hot and stuffy, until it the air con goes back on again.   For goodness sake, just put a light fleece on or summat will yer...  :thumbsup: :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 02 August, 2018, 04:38:46 pm
Dear USAnia,

What have you done with my ESTA application? If you don't want my money then say so >:(

Puzzled of E17

estaday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in estaday
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 August, 2018, 10:46:09 am
Dear USAnia,

What have you done with my ESTA application? If you don't want my money then say so >:(

Puzzled of E17

estaday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in estaday

Get! Out!

Turns out it was approved with nary a hitch, but they just didn't bother to tell me or anything.  No doubt someone close to the Awful Office heard that sending a confirmation was Obama's idea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 22 August, 2018, 10:09:51 am
Not only is my return flight delayed by slightly less than three hours*, but I am going to be forced to take the bus to the aircraft instead of walking on. Just won't do.

*Over 3 hours you are entitled to €250 (min) compo
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 20 October, 2018, 12:51:11 pm
Poor bloody animals.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 October, 2018, 02:39:47 pm
Poor bloody animals.

This ^^^^.  The day after I lead the Panzers down Whitehall there will be a special Reëducation Camp for:
Bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2018, 01:13:08 pm
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 29 October, 2018, 04:36:13 pm
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.
This is much more preferable to running out altogether.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 29 October, 2018, 05:29:58 pm
Or your finger going through...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 October, 2018, 07:53:55 pm
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.

Yeah man, spare a though for us Brexit chumps who are going to have to start using dock leaves in the first week of April...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 October, 2018, 09:28:50 pm
Perhsps this thread will need renaming "Third world problems" post brexit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 09:31:00 pm
must be the oil money if they can afford dock leaves  :P
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 October, 2018, 09:54:27 pm
Perhsps this thread will need renaming "Third world problems" post brexit.

Or maybe we'll have an entirely new one 'Where are there lots of rats/neeps *delete as appropriate* right now?'
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 31 October, 2018, 06:17:02 am
I forgot my headphones so can’t listen to music on the train today
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 31 October, 2018, 06:57:50 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.

Yeah man, spare a though for us Brexit chumps who are going to have to start using dock leaves in the first week of April...

Look on the bright side.

After Brexit we can go back to using Izal Medicated.

(which, by the way has reminded me of when my cousin hosted a French exchange pupil for his 14 year old daughter. The poor French boy was petrified and said nothing all week. His misery was compounded by falling ill with tonsilitis mid-week.  He was taken to the doctor, given a prescription, which my cousin duly purchased. However the boy refused to take the pills. In fact the only thing he accepted was a foil pack of Strepsils.

The following day my cousin found one floating in the toilet.

The French, eh.  ::-)  )

As you were.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 31 October, 2018, 09:53:53 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.

Yeah man, spare a though for us Brexit chumps who are going to have to start using dock leaves in the first week of April...

Look on the bright side.

After Brexit we can go back to using Izal Medicated.


Bring back Bronco   ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 31 October, 2018, 10:29:10 am
Tearing across the Texas plain along the dotted line.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 31 October, 2018, 12:00:03 pm
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump on the holder rather than unreeling in an orderly manner. Annoying.  Between this and Jair Bolsonaro, I don't know what the world is coming to.

Yeah man, spare a though for us Brexit chumps who are going to have to start using dock leaves in the first week of April...

Look on the bright side.

After Brexit we can go back to using Izal Medicated.


Bring back Bronco   ;D :thumbsup:

http://viz.co.uk/2014/11/13/badgers-arse-industrial-toilet-paper/  :demon: ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 October, 2018, 12:54:17 pm
Quote
HOSPITAL PROPERTY





NOW WASH YOUR HANDS PLEASE

I always wondered if they wanted it returned after use...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 December, 2018, 04:35:32 pm
I finished the last of the chocolate dipped cherries in kirsch I brought back from the most excellent chocolatier in Bruges at the end of August.
Sad now.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 06 January, 2019, 10:57:48 pm
My bag of Liquorice Allsorts had an inordinate number of coconut wheels
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 12 January, 2019, 08:19:24 pm
I have chips, but I am out of catsoup catsup ketchup.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 12 January, 2019, 10:03:57 pm
I have chips, but I am out of catsoup catsup ketchup.
That should improve matters no end them. Nasty stuff, ketchup.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 13 January, 2019, 09:12:21 am
I have chips, but I am out of catsoup catsup ketchup.
That should improve matters no end them. Nasty stuff, ketchup.

Ketchup is fine in small quantities (IMHO) - a bit on the side to dip the chips in, never drown them in the stuff.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 January, 2019, 08:40:14 pm
My new watch strap is chunky and manly. And rubs something shocking.  :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 13 January, 2019, 08:46:13 pm
That's simple. Just take it off your something shocking.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2019, 08:49:44 pm
That's simple. Just take it off your something shocking.
;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 January, 2019, 08:57:20 pm
That's simple. Just take it off your something shocking.
well you’re a bright spark aren’t you. 😏
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 15 January, 2019, 08:09:07 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump

Over here in USAnia, Amazon will deliver jumbo-sized packages of said product.  Someone determined that squashing the rolls to make them more nearly rectangular allowed use of a smaller shipping box.  Every roll goes bump-bump-bump.  Mrs. Moleman76 does not like the effect - reminds her of 'controlled release' dispensers from days of yore.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 15 January, 2019, 08:12:45 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump

Over here in USAnia, Amazon will deliver jumbo-sized packages of said product.  Someone determined that squashing the rolls to make them more nearly rectangular allowed use of a smaller shipping box.  Every roll goes bump-bump-bump.  Mrs. Moleman76 does not like the effect - reminds her of 'controlled release' dispensers from days of yore.
possibly a philosophical question, but can you have a rectangular ‘roll’?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 15 January, 2019, 08:28:17 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump

Over here in USAnia, Amazon will deliver jumbo-sized packages of said product.  Someone determined that squashing the rolls to make them more nearly rectangular allowed use of a smaller shipping box.  Every roll goes bump-bump-bump.  Mrs. Moleman76 does not like the effect - reminds her of 'controlled release' dispensers from days of yore.
possibly a philosophical question, but can you have a rectangular ‘roll’?

Only if there is nobody to see it.

Or something like that ;D

Actually in the "Steepest Street" thread there was a link that mentioned ho bricks would roll down the slope so there may be something in it
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 09:21:52 am
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump

Over here in USAnia, Amazon will deliver jumbo-sized packages of said product.  Someone determined that squashing the rolls to make them more nearly rectangular allowed use of a smaller shipping box.  Every roll goes bump-bump-bump.  Mrs. Moleman76 does not like the effect - reminds her of 'controlled release' dispensers from days of yore.
possibly a philosophical question, but can you have a rectangular ‘roll’?
Or would that be a bun? Maybe a bap?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 15 January, 2019, 09:48:58 am
Will the booze cruise be replaced by the Loos cruise I wonder?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 15 January, 2019, 05:01:45 pm
The last toilet-roll of our current pack was slightly squashed so that the centre is now elliptical, and it goes bump-bump-bump

Over here in USAnia, Amazon will deliver jumbo-sized packages of said product.  Someone determined that squashing the rolls to make them more nearly rectangular allowed use of a smaller shipping box.  Every roll goes bump-bump-bump.  Mrs. Moleman76 does not like the effect - reminds her of 'controlled release' dispensers from days of yore.
I sometimes unpack and flatten loo rolls so that they will take up less room in the rucksack. They're to recircularise to only slightly out of kilter before use.
Note: this does not work with loaves, so cheese would have to be re-shaped to fit the bread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 15 January, 2019, 05:26:21 pm
You can buy loo rolls without the cardboard centres for camping and the like.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 15 January, 2019, 08:30:37 pm
The ones we have ar work are like that, they get pushed onto a 10mm spindle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 January, 2019, 08:38:04 pm
You can buy loo rolls without the cardboard centres for camping and the like.

Or you can push the cardboard centre out of a normal one when the bathroom's sufficiently humid.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2019, 08:48:44 pm
My mum is phobic about toilet roll tubes and makes a urgh-urgh about-to-vomit noise if you wave one at her. The same for kitchen roll. Childhood pastimes remembered.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 15 January, 2019, 11:31:58 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 16 January, 2019, 08:17:17 am
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 16 January, 2019, 09:01:27 am
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 January, 2019, 09:46:48 am
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.
;D ;D ;D potd!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2019, 11:02:12 am
Funnily enough, Macrobe's first stop on his great national debate PR exercise was in a place called Grand Bourgtheroulde, and I reckon that great bugger-all will come of it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 16 January, 2019, 04:40:44 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?


 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 16 January, 2019, 04:42:10 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.
;D ;D ;D potd!

^what he posted^  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Salvatore on 02 February, 2019, 08:41:27 am
The NSANDI app to check premium bonds winnings isn't working this morning.

Good job the website is working OK.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 09 March, 2019, 10:45:32 am
My Saturday Guardian has arrived sans Weekend magazine.

Life ruined!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 09 March, 2019, 12:11:23 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.

That makes me want to ask my Italian colleague now  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 09 March, 2019, 12:28:04 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.

That makes me want to ask my Italian colleague now  :)

You mean that you don’t believe me? ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 09 March, 2019, 04:01:08 pm
I found pre-flattened toilet rolls in an Italian supermarket.
Are you sure that they weren't just a form of pasta?

I work for an Italian company and just asked one of my colleagues and she confirmed it's called bogerolli.

That makes me want to ask my Italian colleague now  :)

You mean that you don’t believe me? ;D

No, I just want to hear her say it  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 09 March, 2019, 04:29:12 pm
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mllePB on 21 March, 2019, 09:13:17 pm
Recently I discovered that it's possible to get seat reservations on the train with a season ticket.  Great news as often it can be a scrum to get a seat and I really really don't like standing.

Bad news is that I've now got a personal daily assertiveness challenge to turf out anyone who beats me to the seat ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 21 March, 2019, 09:18:01 pm
Growl, show teeth & claws, that should shift them.  Even from a bashful, polite bear like yourself.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: meddyg on 22 March, 2019, 09:31:31 pm
What else to take to the Brexit bunker ?

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7915/32476302347_01e5651172_z.jpg)

bog roll is all very well, but olive pesto, tricolore pasta and gnocchi from taly,
( while you can still get it ) are essentials for our customers !
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 22 March, 2019, 09:45:32 pm
I wouldn't be so quick to mock - things like pesto, jars of olives and tapenade do at least help to add flavour to the rat'n'neeps diet will we all be subsisting on.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2019, 09:55:12 pm
Things in jars and bottles keep a long time, plus the containers come in handy later for home brew, rodent traps and molotov cocktails.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 22 March, 2019, 10:10:17 pm
Things in jars and bottles keep a long time, plus the containers come in handy later for home brew, rodent traps and molotov cocktails.

Molotov cocktails are fossil fuel powered and bad for the environment.  I'm going to be lobbing LiPo batteries instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 22 March, 2019, 10:20:38 pm
Things in jars and bottles keep a long time, plus the containers come in handy later for home brew, rodent traps and molotov cocktails.

Molotov cocktails are fossil fuel powered and bad for the environment.  I'm going to be lobbing LiPo batteries instead.

Can't wind farms be harnessed to blow raspberries?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 March, 2019, 07:02:58 am
I've been practising building siege weapons, mark 2 ballista is in my head, as is a basic torsion powered catapult.

I'm building up to the car-flinging scale, after all we won't have the fuel for them
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2019, 02:56:24 pm
I've been practising building siege weapons, mark 2 ballista is in my head, as is a basic torsion powered catapult.

I'm building up to the car-flinging scale, after all we won't have the fuel for them
Ballistic devices powered solely by human muscular effort. AUK approved!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 23 March, 2019, 10:38:24 pm
I hope that Mrs E and Eminor (unless he seeks asylum or hides with the Italian rellies) will look after me. Both of them are handy with bows and rifles.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 28 May, 2019, 10:46:28 pm
The Tikkurulla paint used to redecorate our hall is indeed an excellent matt finish but it has a higher coefficient of friction than farrow and ball, which means I shall have to modify my previous method of descending stairs by ricocheting off the walls.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2019, 12:15:01 pm
The Grand Escalier of Larrington Towers has some uncommonly durable hessian stuff on the walls.  Using your bare elbows as brakes is not recommended.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 01 June, 2019, 08:36:07 pm
Hessian Wall Weave  :jurek:    Is Larrington Towers the remains of the crashed " B Ark" ?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 June, 2019, 07:36:37 pm
It would certainly explain the wiring ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 June, 2019, 09:46:41 pm
The original plan for The Asbestos Palace was to have it gutted while we lived elsewhere, alas the vagaries of our flamboyantly named yet completely ineffectual solicitor among other things, conspired for us to be in residence from the moment of completion. As they say, no moving plan survives contact with the English house buying process.

Anyway, it came with a splendidly awful coir carpet. The only entertainment to be had from that foul, foot-grating floor covering was the watching the cats apply their brakes and stop so suddenly that their souls reached the other side of the room before they realised they'd left the body behind. It worked for people too, and you didn't want to fall face first on that stuff, not if you planned on retaining your face.

Now the cats have a slippy hardwood floor which they further distress to their inevitable delight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 03 June, 2019, 09:57:07 pm
Now the cats have a slippy hardwood floor

Hardwood floors have a delightfully clean, modern Scandinavian feel about them.

But be careful about which rooms you put it in.
A bedroom, for example.

It has a surprisingly low coefficient of friction.
If one were to have, say, a Lazy Sunday Morning, then you might find that when you eventually get up, that the bedroom furniture has re-arranged itself rather more than you might expect!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 June, 2019, 10:18:03 pm
We did contemplate hardwood upstairs, but plumped for carpet in the end.

With cats, this means we're very familiar with Doctor Beckman's patent carpet cleaning fluid.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wobbly John on 29 June, 2019, 04:03:37 pm
The friend we met for lunch complained that otters had eaten all the Golden Orffe from the moat...  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 July, 2019, 01:37:00 pm
The mango in my M&S Rainbow Layers pot is insufficiently ripe.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 24 July, 2019, 05:58:07 pm
Dishwasher needed rinse aid.

Life ruined.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 24 July, 2019, 08:29:52 pm
broke my spork

now have an excuse for a Ti spork
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 26 July, 2019, 03:26:21 pm
As I am not mobile yet (although every day walking becomes easier), we have been ordering out Tescos stuff online.

Its not a bad service but today was one of the days where I wish I have done the shopping myself*....why you may ask? Total items ordered 39.... not in stock....21.

Thus, when our order arrived it was made up mostly of cat food!  Yummmmm!


* Yes, I know you can ask for substitutions but we find they send some really strange stuff it you allow them to!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 July, 2019, 09:45:26 pm
I use Sainsbury's online for almost all our food shopping and seldom accept substitutes.

We rarely have more than a couple of unavailable items.

Did yourTesco have some sort of equipment failure?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 July, 2019, 10:57:34 pm
IME it's highly dependent on the individual store that the deliveries are sourced from.  I gave up on Tesco deliveries because the Soily Hill branch is terrible at having the sort of bulk items we tend to use online deliveries for in stock.  Better to take the trailer up the hill to Quinton, which is more consistent.  (Fresh items are easily sourced from Aldi closer to home.)

Now Mr Sainsbury has built a Shiny! New! Improved! emporium of toothy comestibles in Silly Oak, I only bother with deliveries if I'm ill.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 27 July, 2019, 09:26:06 am
The lid of the Marmite jar's askew again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 27 July, 2019, 10:01:49 am
No marmalade grrrrr.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 July, 2019, 10:18:03 am
broke my spork

now have an excuse for a Ti spork
Or some proper cutlery.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 28 July, 2019, 07:58:38 am
Dishwasher needed rinse aid.

Life ruined.
And I had to add salt yesterday!

It’s like slavery!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 28 July, 2019, 08:32:24 am
Revenge of the Machines: our DW is flashing its Rinse Aid light (Feed me, Seymour!), the espresso engine ordered me to EMPTY GROUNDS CONTAINER, and when I'd done that it followed up with a brutal FILL TANK.

Any day now the stones in the nectarines will flash NOW FLOSS YOUR TEETH when light hits them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2019, 12:04:38 pm
A friend with a Bluetooth-enabled electric toothbrush reports that it gives daily updates on their upstairs neighbour's dental habits...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 July, 2019, 12:14:55 pm
Cloff! as they would say in Ye Shedde...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: offcumden on 28 July, 2019, 12:22:06 pm
* Yes, I know you can ask for substitutions but we find they send some really strange stuff it you allow them to![/size]

Maybe you read about the person who ordered one of those fancy birthday cake candles in the shape of a '5' for their child's party.  They weren't in stock at the time, so the supermarket sent two '2's and a '1'.   ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 July, 2019, 12:43:28 pm
* Yes, I know you can ask for substitutions but we find they send some really strange stuff it you allow them to![/size]

Maybe you read about the person who ordered one of those fancy birthday cake candles in the shape of a '5' for their child's party.  They weren't in stock at the time, so the supermarket sent two '2's and a '1'.   ::-)

If there's something I really want/need, I 'game' the system by ordering two versions of the product, knowing it's unlikely both are unavailable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 28 July, 2019, 09:48:43 pm
* Yes, I know you can ask for substitutions but we find they send some really strange stuff it you allow them to![/size]

Maybe you read about the person who ordered one of those fancy birthday cake candles in the shape of a '5' for their child's party.  They weren't in stock at the time, so the supermarket sent two '2's and a '1'.   ::-)

Could be worse.

Condoms unavailable, pregnancy test sent.
[/apocryphal]
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 28 July, 2019, 09:56:04 pm
broke my spork

now have an excuse for a Ti spork

You're not anywhere near phanta's bin (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=95565.msg2413196#msg2413196), are you?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 July, 2019, 06:37:16 pm
Partner has chopped an onion on my FRUIT chopping board!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 July, 2019, 08:33:53 pm
Partner has chopped an onion on my FRUIT chopping board!
Botanically, the onion is a fruit.
</Boris Johnson mode>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 July, 2019, 09:21:50 pm
Partner has chopped an onion on my FRUIT chopping board!
Botanically, the onion is a fruit.
</Boris Johnson mode>

Is it really?

Hardly looks like a seed case that develops after the plant has flowered!

This is an onion fruit or capsule.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg/220px-Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg)

The spherical bulbs we consume are not fruit IMHO.


Might be a Trump post-truth fruit...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 July, 2019, 09:39:02 pm
Alternative fruits.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 July, 2019, 09:46:36 pm
Indeed; all these people have had enough of FACTS and SCIENCE.

The pedant in me acquired a Biology O Level in 1974 and A Level in 1976. While I am happy to call a tomato or pea pod a fruit, I will not accord this appellation to a carrot or onion.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 29 July, 2019, 10:09:11 pm
The Bath Ales Gem bitter ran out in the Backstage Bar at Womad mid afternoon yesterday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 30 July, 2019, 12:01:19 am
The Bath Ales Gem bitter ran out in the Backstage Bar at Womad mid afternoon yesterday.


That's not a problem; it's a diaster.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2019, 08:49:53 am
Partner has chopped an onion on my FRUIT chopping board!
Botanically, the onion is a fruit.
</Boris Johnson mode>

Is it really?

Hardly looks like a seed case that develops after the plant has flowered!

This is an onion fruit or capsule.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg/220px-Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg)

The spherical bulbs we consume are not fruit IMHO.


Might be a Trump post-truth fruit...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 July, 2019, 09:48:02 am
An onion is a true bulb.

Daffodils, tulips etc., on the other hand, are pseudobulbs, so are in actual fact genuine false bulbs.

Onion juice and smell will wash off, I slice fruit and veg on the same board (obviously not at the same time).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 30 July, 2019, 10:38:05 am
Partner has chopped an onion on my FRUIT chopping board!
Botanically, the onion is a fruit.
</Boris Johnson mode>
Is it really?
Hardly looks like a seed case that develops after the plant has flowered!
This is an onion fruit or capsule.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg/220px-Allium_oreophilum_ÖBG_2014-05-25_%2804%29.jpg)
The spherical bulbs we consume are not fruit IMHO.
Might be a Trump post-truth fruit...

Oops!
Failed to notice mode!
Apols!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 30 July, 2019, 10:43:58 am
An onion is a true bulb.

Daffodils, tulips etc., on the other hand, are pseudobulbs, so are in actual fact genuine false bulbs.

Onion juice and smell will wash off, I slice fruit and veg on the same board (obviously not at the same time).

I think this depends on the chopping board material; my GREEN polythene board has a persistent onion taint, which no amount of scrubbing will shift. My RED fruit board is no longer tainted. It's made of a firmer, stiffer plastic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 July, 2019, 10:51:06 am
Allium smells are primarily thiocarbonyl S-oxides which are quite polar so should come off with a scrub in water or a round in the dishwasher. If it's got into the board, a soak in vinegar or lemon juice should do the trick. Or try bicarb.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 30 July, 2019, 12:39:18 pm
I think the basic problem here is having separate boards. I do have three, but they're all white, and the first one I grab gets used. No issues with cross-contamination in c15 years. Simple washing or the dishwasher sorts them out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 July, 2019, 01:00:38 pm
I have one board set aside for raw meat, the others are fair game for whatever needs chopping.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 July, 2019, 01:30:04 pm
We have a nice set of chopping boards that  a) fit in the cupboard properly  b) are colours I get the name of right  Obviously they don't follow the industry standard colours, so it comes down to:
red = raw meat
green = veg and stuff
yellow = bready things
blue = the spare one

In practice this works fine because I avoid fruit and veg, and barakta avoids chopping things.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 31 July, 2019, 03:48:09 pm
Ours are all wooden: pine, teak, bamboo & A.N.Other. It's usually the last that gets used for everything.  We also have one of those ridiculous glass boards that ruin knives and split ears but I put a fatwa on it and all it does now is go under the toaster.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 02 August, 2019, 05:27:49 pm
My Sonos speakers are “offline”.   :-\

ETA: Seems it’s a know issue where Alexa just sort of forgets them. Even deleting all settings, both apps, and factory reset of the speakers only got the non-Alexa enabled Playbase working again. So the kitchen and office shed are addressed as “OK Google”.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 08 August, 2019, 03:26:15 pm
Ah, the delight of biting into a perfect nectarine and finding half the stone in your mouth and the half remaining in the fruit to be hollow, and black and powdery-looking inside.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 August, 2019, 05:43:51 pm
My Sonos speakers are “offline”.   :-\

ETA: Seems it’s a know issue where Alexa just sort of forgets them. Even deleting all settings, both apps, and factory reset of the speakers only got the non-Alexa enabled Playbase working again. So the kitchen and office shed are addressed as “OK Google”.

Alexa sometimes forgets her own name, like a gran on her third sherry. A parade of reboots usually works, starting with the devices and then the wifi hub. My Sonos is quite good, the only thing that usually defeats is it my wife who exists in a cloud of coherent bogon condensate that is not only impervious to wifi but also disrupts any electronic device within a few metres.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 August, 2019, 07:30:26 pm
My Sonos speakers are “offline”.   :-\

ETA: Seems it’s a know issue where Alexa just sort of forgets them. Even deleting all settings, both apps, and factory reset of the speakers only got the non-Alexa enabled Playbase working again. So the kitchen and office shed are addressed as “OK Google”.

Alexa sometimes forgets her own name, like a gran on her third sherry. A parade of reboots usually works, starting with the devices and then the wifi hub. My Sonos is quite good, the only thing that usually defeats is it my wife who exists in a cloud of coherent bogon condensate that is not only impervious to wifi but also disrupts any electronic device within a few metres.

And this, apparently, is The Future.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 August, 2019, 08:25:47 pm
To be fair, they generally just work and the ability to cue up a tune of my choice anywhere in the house and have it issue from whatever speakers I choose is rather splendid.

As mentioned, I mostly don't bother than much with Alexa or Google, it's usually less hassle to work the phone. I realise this makes me old. One of the sad facts of modern life is that it used to be possible to identify mad people by the fact they were shouting into thin air, whereas these days that's pretty much everyone under the age of 30, either on their phone or yelling at a machine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 08 August, 2019, 10:03:54 pm
The Bath Ales Gem bitter ran out in the Backstage Bar at Womad mid afternoon yesterday.


That's not a problem; it's a diaster.

how did you cope? Don't leave us in suspense, this should have made the headlines.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 09 August, 2019, 09:54:26 am
Cordless vacuum cleaners are a right royal pain in the proverbial when you are faced with a need to vacuum the whole house and furniture twice in close succession in order to deal with a cat flea infestation1 that has taken hold whilst we’ve been away. 

1. You’d think it was of biblical proportions the way Dr Beardy (Mrs) has been driving me this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 09 August, 2019, 10:38:27 am
That's why we have the cordless for day-to day, and a proper decent corded one for a deep clean.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 August, 2019, 09:39:06 pm
People are complaining about Morrison's charging 30p for a carrier bag. Get a fucking life! Also, get a bag and take it with you when you go shopping. Hint: it will only cost you 30p.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 26 August, 2019, 09:46:19 am
Why don't they make the coin-slot in the screw caps on the battery compartments of gadgets powered by wide flat batteries like the CR2032 wide enough to be unscrewed with e.g. a CR2032?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2019, 11:16:47 am
Why don't they make the coin-slot in the screw caps on the battery compartments of gadgets powered by wide flat batteries like the CR2032 wide enough to be unscrewed with e.g. a CR2032?

...or narrow enough to be unscrewed with an electronics-fettling sized screwdriver, for that matter.

My usual tool (ie. that which lives within reach of the drawer where the spare batteries live) is a pair of small needle-nosed pliers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 26 August, 2019, 11:37:44 am
Got back yesterday afternoon to find one of the smoke alarms giving a low battery bleep. No spare battery and I couldn't be arsed going out again so risked fiery deth last night with only one working smoke alarm.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 26 August, 2019, 11:41:21 am
The Bath Ales Gem bitter ran out in the Backstage Bar at Womad mid afternoon yesterday.


That's not a problem; it's a diaster.

how did you cope? Don't leave us in suspense, this should have made the headlines.

I’m afraid I didn’t cope.

So much so I’ve only now been able to return to this thread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2019, 11:46:20 am
Got back yesterday afternoon to find one of the smoke alarms giving a low battery bleep. No spare battery and I couldn't be arsed going out again so risked fiery deth last night with only one working smoke alarm.

Don't get me started on smoke alarms.

I got so fed up with the design flaws of the handful of consumer-grade alarm options[1] that I've installed a proper fire alarm system with a single power source in a central panel (and enough intelligence to tell you exactly which part of the system is causing faults/alarms).  This has greatly improved my ability to both sleep at night (no more triangulating bips at 4am) *and* ignore the neighbours' toast alarms.

You're lucky it was bipping  a) consistently  and  b) in the afternoon.


[1] Limited choice if you want one that supports vibrating/flashing alerters for deaf people, so it comes down to "10 year batteries that last a year or two" or "expensive and prone to false alarms"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 August, 2019, 04:24:06 pm
IME CO detectors get through batteries more quickly than toast alarms.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2019, 04:39:13 pm
IME CO detectors get through batteries more quickly than toast alarms.

The Fireangel '10 year' ones seemed about as bad as each other.  Same shitty lithium battery, lots in common to the design.  I'd much rather have had ones powered by 9v batteries (you could then replace all the batteries once a year and have done with it), but that wasn't an option.

A CO sensor has a more limited lifespan than a typical smoke detector.  If the lithium battery can't outlive the sensor, someone's cocked up IMHO.

We now have a combined CO/thermal fire detector in the kitchen - still has a ~5year lifespan, but no battery to worry about (other than the one in the panel).  It got a flaming grillpan test last week, because stray cheese.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 02 September, 2019, 07:07:49 pm
My sack trolley is too short for me to push it comfotably for more than a few yards

AND the Leffe brewery has started using crown corks onits bottles instead of champagne style corks; the trouble is that my bottle opener doesn't fit...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 02 September, 2019, 11:04:06 pm
My soup was not sufficiently warmed this evening on my way to Dubai.

More unhappily, I haz been demoted from first to biziness on the way back because they changed aeroplane
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 03 September, 2019, 04:40:52 pm
The heated toilet in my hotel room in Ofuna was just too warm.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 September, 2019, 05:09:13 am
Oh for goodness' sake!  This is a double bed, but there's only one bedside light and it's on the wrong side.  Civilisation is doomed, do you hear!!?!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 04 September, 2019, 07:26:59 am
More unhappily, I haz been demoted from first to biziness on the way back because they changed aeroplane
You should be so lucky!  When I was business travelling they wanted us to have the outside seats....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 04 September, 2019, 09:11:42 am
Works normally very quiet Friday but it always gets busy at 3pm so don't get to listen to Gardeners question time
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 04 September, 2019, 12:58:53 pm
I bought a corner sofa from IKEA for the TV room. When it was delivered, there was a problem with one of the cushions, which failed to expand (they come vacuum packed and need a couple of days to reach their full size), so I rang and asked for a replacement.  No problem, I was told.

First they delivered some seat covers. Very nice, but superfluous.  So they sent another van to collect them.  Then they attempted to deliver two boxes of base sections, which I rejected as they were obviously not cushions..  Finally, I found someone sensible in customer service, who explained that their systems are so inflexible that they cannot replace a single part, only the entire item. 

Result: I have a new cushion, which seems to be expanding nicely. I also have an entire corner section in two F.O. large boxes, which I am now going to have to ask IKEA to come and collect. 

So, 5 van journeys to replace one cushion.

I don't think a great deal of profit has been made on this item.

Sofa looks nice, though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 09 September, 2019, 08:35:01 pm
We are having an extension built for a new kitchen so have packed away all non essential kitchen equipment  which apparently includes the wine decanter.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 09 September, 2019, 08:37:34 pm
We are having an extension built for a new kitchen so have packed away all non essential kitchen equipment  which apparently includes the wine decanter.....
That's not a first world problem.
That's actually quite serious.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 09 September, 2019, 10:25:58 pm
However two cafetières survived the cull
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 September, 2019, 11:08:28 pm
However two cafetières survived the cull
Presumably if the claret has thrown some sediment a cafetiere could be pressed into service as decanter/sludge strainer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 September, 2019, 03:33:33 pm
There's no wifi in the breakfast room at this place.  What kind of a fleapit dosshouse have I ended up in?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 18 September, 2019, 06:19:25 pm
There's no wifi in the breakfast room at this place.  What kind of a fleapit dosshouse have I ended up in?

One in which people talk to each other at breakfast?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 September, 2019, 09:05:24 am
Today’s dilemma is to decide whether to just clone my phone when the new one arrives or whether to start afresh and download the apps as I need them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 20 September, 2019, 09:13:37 am
Today’s dilemma is to decide whether to just clone my phone when the new one arrives or whether to start afresh and download the apps as I need them.

Download the apps as you need them, there's probably several on the old phone you haven't used since the novelty wore off after installing them
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 20 September, 2019, 09:14:04 am
There's no wifi in the breakfast room at this place.  What kind of a fleapit dosshouse have I ended up in?

One in which people talk to each other at breakfast?

The Horror, the horror......
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 20 September, 2019, 09:38:08 am
Talking at breakfast is a horrible thing. But you know what's worse? People who think 'breakfast meetings' are a thing. Always organized by the sort of people who announce to anyone who will listen that they were in the gym at 5 a.m. and have that kind of glassy perkiness that you want to ram-raid with a JCB. I'll be sitting there watching my internal progress bar towards wakefulness stall at 43% while chewing my toast like a disconsolate cow and wondering if things will progress faster if I inject the bloody coffee directly into my heart like adrenaline, in fact, can I get adrenaline or at least something that isn't bloody homeopathic hotel caffeine? Then someone will ask me the sort of question that really shouldn't be asked before 2 p.m. and they'll all sit there and look at me as I make a bleurgh noise and drool nuggets of chewed up toast and coffee down my shirt. At that hour even attempts to move my mouth have to be telegraphed via a central Asian republic. Blah-gabba-gabba, I will explain through the toast mulch, bobba-gab-BOO.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2019, 08:30:38 pm
There's no wifi in the breakfast room at this place.  What kind of a fleapit dosshouse have I ended up in?

One in which people talk to each other at breakfast?

I'm certainly not going to start talking to people who are:

• total strangers, and
FOREIGNS

before I've had at least a quart of coffee.  That would simply be Un-BRITISH

Apparently USAnians have things called "prayer breakfasts".  O Lord, bless this mine bacon, and mine sausages, and mine eggybread, lest they offend thee and make thou, in thy infinite mercy, smite them with thunderbolts and make a mess on the carpet that some poor sod on minimum wage will have to clean up?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 23 September, 2019, 09:17:28 pm
Our Pizza cutter wheel self destructed. How do you cut a pizza with a knife?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2019, 09:26:31 pm
Our Pizza cutter wheel self destructed. How do you cut a pizza with a knife?

Con amore!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 23 September, 2019, 10:27:57 pm
Our Pizza cutter wheel self destructed. How do you cut a pizza with a knife?
use scissors.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrij on 23 September, 2019, 10:31:07 pm
Our Pizza cutter wheel self destructed. How do you cut a pizza with a knife?

Fold it in half = calzone.  No pizza cutter required!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 24 September, 2019, 08:09:34 am
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49805534
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 24 September, 2019, 11:46:04 am
Shock horror! No almond croissants in Waitrose this morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 24 September, 2019, 08:51:27 pm
The replacement for our previous cranky old grid (a Fabia estate) does not have the covered trough at the back of the parcel shelf which was ideal for the safe transport of balsa sheet, piano wire and (rolled up) plans.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 25 September, 2019, 08:23:25 am
The replacement for our previous cranky old grid (a Fabia estate) does not have the covered trough at the back of the parcel shelf which was ideal for the safe transport of balsa sheet, piano wire and (rolled up) plans.
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 September, 2019, 01:08:41 pm
The replacement for our previous cranky old grid (a Fabia estate) does not have the covered trough at the back of the parcel shelf which was ideal for the safe transport of balsa sheet, piano wire and (rolled up) plans.

In similar vein, current Fnord Mustangs do not have the little trough atop the centre of the dash to keep your bag-full-of-lead-shot TwatNav holder in place so you have to use double-sided tape to prevent Emily the TwatNav from cowering in the passenger footwell or your lap every time you negotiate a junction.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2019, 01:14:18 pm
The replacement for our previous cranky old grid (a Fabia estate) does not have the covered trough at the back of the parcel shelf which was ideal for the safe transport of balsa sheet, piano wire and (rolled up) plans.

In similar vein, current Fnord Mustangs do not have the little trough atop the centre of the dash to keep your bag-full-of-lead-shot TwatNav holder in place so you have to use double-sided tape to prevent Emily the TwatNav from cowering in the passenger footwell or your lap every time you negotiate a junction.

They should have cycle helmet holders, too.  That way if you decide to empirically prove that you can't go as fast as Slash even when equipped with four wheels and an engine drive round the track to record a GPX of the course because your bike's buried under assorted anbaric equipment that doesn't like being rained on, it won't go flying on the first tight corner.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 28 September, 2019, 12:55:53 pm
My local branch of Waitrose has stopped selling Patak Brinjal (aubergine) pickle and Maille Bearnaise sauce. We are all doomed I tell you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 28 September, 2019, 01:07:03 pm
The local Waitrose had run out of Guardian newspapers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 02 October, 2019, 11:38:41 am
The next book in the series I’m reading/listening too isn’t available in whispersync. But but the one after that is. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FatBloke on 09 October, 2019, 08:20:25 pm
What do you use to remove dental floss that's stuck between your teeth?   :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 09 October, 2019, 08:58:14 pm
An interdental brush.
These come in colour coded sizes, with PINK finest at 0.4mm, followed by orange and red.

You could also try more floss or dental tape.

The gap between teeth tends to ease somewhat after something gets jammed between the teeth so removal might be easier after a delay of 12-24 hours.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 09 October, 2019, 09:12:53 pm
I've got fairly close set teeth & have never got on with dental floss or interdental brushes.  A Waterpik gets a lot of crap out from between the teeth.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterpik-WP-560UK-Cordless-Advanced-Flosser/dp/B071HZV1H7


You could probably use it to clean bike bits as well.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 09 October, 2019, 09:21:13 pm
TBH I can't see how a WaterPik could shift something that's JAMMED and made of strong fibres.

Suggest floss after a delay.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 09 October, 2019, 09:47:20 pm
Mk 1 spiky cocktail stick then,  until the tip breaks off & that gets stuck...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 09 October, 2019, 09:50:51 pm
Eat sweets. Stop cleaning your teeth. Tooth will fall out or be removed.  Job's a good 'un.
Worked for me. :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 09 October, 2019, 10:07:30 pm
What do you use to remove dental floss that's stuck between your teeth?   :-\

Dynamite.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Movers on 10 October, 2019, 07:49:59 am
We merged them first-world problem threads, mate.  Any risk of a cuppa?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 October, 2019, 08:20:58 am
Mk 1 spiky cocktail stick then,  until the tip breaks off & that gets stuck...

Somewhere in the annals of this vast body of literature there is a ride report including the account of What Happened to My Filling after a lunch consisting of a rack of pig ribs followed by the cocktail stick treatment. For the rest of the ride my tongue found its way unerringly to the jagged cavity that was left and, despite my generous offer, I couldn’t find any volunteers prepared to offer their tongues to the cause in order to give mine a rest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FatBloke on 10 October, 2019, 02:50:23 pm
An interdental brush.
These come in colour coded sizes, with PINK finest at 0.4mm, followed by orange and red.

You could also try more floss or dental tape.

The gap between teeth tends to ease somewhat after something gets jammed between the teeth so removal might be easier after a delay of 12-24 hours.
What do you think I was trying to remove with the floss?!!   ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 October, 2019, 04:53:31 pm
 ;D ;D ;D

Seriously, you have a better chance with the floss today.

Teeth move a tiny bit in response to pressure (that's how dental braces work) and the gap with stuck floss might have opened up fractionally.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 10 October, 2019, 05:23:25 pm
Don't try my method - stuck floss, nothing worked - used v. thin feeler gauge. Managed to tear off the end so then had to put something a bit thicker below it to get it out - I chickened out of using an angle grinder. I used that thickness quite a bit! Should buy a new one, but I've managed for the 30-odd years since.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 13 October, 2019, 03:30:14 pm
We are planning to have a take away for tea...well its my Birthday tomorrow and our wedding adversary but now discover that our favourite take away no longer delivers to our postcode!!!!


What is happening with the World!!!!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 14 October, 2019, 11:14:17 am
In order to update the maps, I have to register my car sat nav with the manufacturers website. This is done using a system ID.  It would help enormously if the screen font for that ID differentiated between "I" and "l".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 October, 2019, 11:26:10 am
We are planning to have a take away for tea...well its my Birthday tomorrow and our wedding adversary but now discover that our favourite take away no longer delivers to our postcode!!!!

Stop whinging, we don't have any takeaways at all that deliver to our postcode.

Mind you thats probably a good thing for my waistline.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: essexian on 14 October, 2019, 12:58:16 pm
We are planning to have a take away for tea...well its my Birthday tomorrow and our wedding adversary but now discover that our favourite take away no longer delivers to our postcode!!!!

Stop whinging, we don't have any takeaways at all that deliver to our postcode.

Mind you thats probably a good thing for my waistline.

Whatever.  It seems I don't understand what this thread is for.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 October, 2019, 02:50:12 pm
We are planning to have a take away for tea...well its my Birthday tomorrow and our wedding adversary but now discover that our favourite take away no longer delivers to our postcode!!!!

Stop whinging, we don't have any takeaways at all that deliver to our postcode.

Mind you thats probably a good thing for my waistline.

Whatever.  It seems I don't understand what this thread is for.

Sorry I wasn't having a go, just being sarcastic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: markcjagar on 14 October, 2019, 04:12:20 pm
We are planning to have a take away for tea...well its my Birthday tomorrow and our wedding adversary but now discover that our favourite take away no longer delivers to our postcode!!!!

Stop whinging, we don't have any takeaways at all that deliver to our postcode.

Mind you thats probably a good thing for my waistline.

There are far too many within 2 minutes walk of my front door, it takes serious will power not to order something every night
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 16 October, 2019, 08:40:34 am
The dealer has used yellow (rear) and white (front)  capped screws to fix the number plate to my new car. In the middle of the black text  ::-).  I took one out of the rear plate to check the type, and bought black replacements. The screw on the front is a different type.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 16 October, 2019, 09:29:16 am
The dealer has used yellow (rear) and white (front)  capped screws to fix the number plate to my new car. In the middle of the black text  ::-).  I took one out of the rear plate to check the type, and bought black replacements. The screw on the front is a different type.  >:(

An additional first world problem is that security screws for number plates are a Very Good idea and may be available FOC from your local plod. Worth doing before you find yourself in the rant thread.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 16 October, 2019, 10:13:53 am
Nobody around here will want mine - they have the Euro symbol on  8)

But on a serious note, ta.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 October, 2019, 04:32:47 pm
The dealer has used yellow (rear) and white (front)  capped screws to fix the number plate to my new car. In the middle of the black text  ::-).  I took one out of the rear plate to check the type, and bought black replacements. The screw on the front is a different type.  >:(

An additional first world problem is that security screws for number plates are a Very Good idea and may be available FOC from your local plod. Worth doing before you find yourself in the rant thread.

An additional FWP is that someone needs to seize motor-car manufacturers warmly by the throat and and, while bouncing their collective heads off the nearest brick wall, shout "DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE METHOD OF SECURING NUMBER PLATES, YOU WITLESS PARSNIPS!" in their ears.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 16 October, 2019, 04:45:36 pm
Last time I looked they used pop rivets here.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 16 October, 2019, 05:09:28 pm
The dealer has used yellow (rear) and white (front)  capped screws to fix the number plate to my new car. In the middle of the black text  ::-).  I took one out of the rear plate to check the type, and bought black replacements. The screw on the front is a different type.  >:(

An additional first world problem is that security screws for number plates are a Very Good idea and may be available FOC from your local plod. Worth doing before you find yourself in the rant thread.

An additional FWP is that someone needs to seize motor-car manufacturers warmly by the throat and and, while bouncing their collective heads off the nearest brick wall, shout "DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE METHOD OF SECURING NUMBER PLATES, YOU WITLESS PARSNIPS!" in their ears.
Point of order m’laud. Number plates are fitted by stealerships, not the manufacturers. 🤓
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 16 October, 2019, 10:12:13 pm
double sided tape has worked for 16 years on my disco2. Maybe the rest of the car should be made of the same material - it seems to be pure unobtanium for LR sourced parts vs pattern parts. Guess which I need to replace?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Torslanda on 17 October, 2019, 08:51:14 am
Last time I looked they used pop rivets here.

Have been told that it's by statute.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 17 October, 2019, 01:02:00 pm
Nowt wrong with the right tape - https://www.mjcdigital.co.uk/3m-double-sided-tape for a selection. Much of most cars' trim is held on with the stuff.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 17 October, 2019, 01:03:26 pm
I was going to say, an awful lot of the numberplates I see lying in the verge are not held on by double-sided tape, but that not all double-sided tapes are equal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FatBloke on 17 October, 2019, 01:55:40 pm
The replacement for our previous cranky old grid (a Fabia estate) does not have the covered trough at the back of the parcel shelf which was ideal for the safe transport of balsa sheet, piano wire and (rolled up) plans.

In similar vein, current Fnord Mustangs do not have the little trough atop the centre of the dash to keep your bag-full-of-lead-shot TwatNav holder in place so you have to use double-sided tape to prevent Emily the TwatNav from cowering in the passenger footwell or your lap every time you negotiate a junction.

I bet there's somewhere to stash an AR-15 Assault rifle though!!" ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 October, 2019, 09:36:35 pm
Waitrose at Kings Cross Station had NO TONIC WATER for Regulator to serve our merry gang, to accompany the gin he had brought.

He had to Shop Elsewhere...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 October, 2019, 12:13:25 am
I collected a car-club car for tomorrow and it reeks of Smoker.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 20 October, 2019, 12:26:26 am
Got dressed for the dinner last night and stole a glance at the invite just before going out.

The horror! It was black tie and I was in white tie. Resolved, after a few minute af panic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 October, 2019, 11:37:37 am
Slapdash.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 21 October, 2019, 12:28:43 pm
The deli counter assistant confusing Perri-Perri Chicken for "Italian" chicken.
:FlameThrowerMouth
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 October, 2019, 05:14:12 pm
My bottle opener doesn't fit the crown corks on Leffe bottles.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 October, 2019, 07:59:56 pm
Does not compute! Don't you own a swiss army knife, or similar?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 October, 2019, 08:32:46 pm
Or teeth. Bite them off.

Or you can use the ceiling on a train, the crenellations are perfect for popping bottle caps.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 October, 2019, 08:44:37 pm
Ely Dave, no. *

Ian, my teeth are fucked already.


* I can use the kitchen can opener, but this whinge is funner
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 October, 2019, 08:48:12 pm
Then that's why we have trains. Plus it's cool and impresses the other passengers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 October, 2019, 09:29:52 pm
OK . Which trains?  We only get crappy Arriva ones and Virgin whatever (soon to be taken over by Trenitalia; i'm not going to hold my breath waiting for le freccie...)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 22 October, 2019, 09:30:46 pm
Isn't there a way to open bottles with clipless pedals (I forget which system)?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 October, 2019, 09:32:45 pm
The key to my security skewers incorporates a bottle opener. Because hipsters, I suppose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 October, 2019, 09:34:14 pm
Isn't there a way to open bottles with clipless pedals (I forget which system)?

Maybe, but it's a bugger to get the bike into the kitchen.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 October, 2019, 09:42:36 pm
OK . Which trains?  We only get crappy Arriva ones and Virgin whatever (soon to be taken over by Trenitalia; i'm not going to hold my breath waiting for le freccie...)

The Southern Electrostar ones. As a hygienic boon, the ceiling is likely the only vaguely clean bit of a Southern train.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 October, 2019, 09:57:50 pm
OK . Which trains?  We only get crappy Arriva ones and Virgin whatever (soon to be taken over by Trenitalia; i'm not going to hold my breath waiting for le freccie...)

The Southern Electrostar ones. As a hygienic boon, the ceiling is likely the only vaguely clean bit of a Southern train.
But not Thameslink class 700. This means I have to be careful in my choice of train leaving the 'Sham, as both Southern and Thameslink run from there. Although one can open a bottle of beer using a second one, inverted, with the knuckle of the index finger acting as a fulcrum. Or, of course,carry a bottle opener on ones keyring.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 22 October, 2019, 10:53:52 pm
I've got it!

Drink something else...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 22 October, 2019, 11:13:58 pm
Sp*nk*d myself over a 10 tins of Heinz Soup offer.

Filled my bag, carefully checking.

Got home with 9 tins of Heinz Soup.

Lost 50p
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 23 October, 2019, 09:21:08 am
My Reef slider has a bottle opener incorporated into the sole.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48946564228_da1cf89ab8_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hzeWgN) (https://flic.kr/p/2hzeWgN)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurekb/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 October, 2019, 09:27:40 am
I have a magnesium bottle opening on my keyring. I so want to file it down into powder and blow some shit up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 October, 2019, 09:33:11 am
SPD cleats open beer bottles easily. Using road clipless systems means a fair chance of breaking the plastic cleat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: trekker12 on 23 October, 2019, 10:21:33 am
Isn't there a way to open bottles with clipless pedals (I forget which system)?

Maybe, but it's a bugger to get the bike into the kitchen.

Also not computing. I thought kitchens existed as a room in which to fix bikes?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 October, 2019, 11:38:11 am
Kitchen: a workshop equipped with facilities for tea and cake.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 23 October, 2019, 03:06:12 pm
Kitchen: a workshop equipped with facilities for tea and cake.

Certainly the best inner tube patching facility...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 23 October, 2019, 03:12:48 pm
I seldom venture anywhere without my trusty Leatherman Micra1
It includes a bottle opener.
(And scissors, nail file, hook, 3 screwdrivers, sharp knife & tweezers)
It's in my waist pack on my table.

1) do try to put it in my hold luggage if I fly but I've not been stopped when I've forgotten.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 23 October, 2019, 03:25:26 pm


1) do try to put it in my hold luggage if I fly but I've not been stopped when I've forgotten.
Let's assume that The Man is watching these forums for just this type of admission.
So, I'll say that I have a very good friend who takes his sketching kit on flights, generally as hand luggage, which includes a craft knife for pencil sharpening duties. Apparently my friend has been through many airports on two continents without said implement being detected.


Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 23 October, 2019, 05:34:03 pm
Isn't there a way to open bottles with clipless pedals (I forget which system)?

Maybe, but it's a bugger to get the bike into the kitchen.

Also not computing. I thought kitchens existed as a room in which to fix bikes?

I've got a workshop, so there!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 25 October, 2019, 08:09:38 pm
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 25 October, 2019, 09:36:51 pm
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?


I acquired a pair of Timberland boots yesterday, with that weird straight lacing pattern you get from shops.  Now fixed.


All you ever wanted to know about lacing shoes    https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 25 October, 2019, 10:03:36 pm
I don't need lessons in lacing shoes,it's every fucker in a shoe shop
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 26 October, 2019, 12:46:51 am
I don't need lessons in lacing shoes,it's every fucker in a shoe shop

Shoe Shop Lacing is listed there.
Never knew that was actually A Thing.

Always corrected new shoes annoyingly presented thus!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Thor on 28 October, 2019, 07:20:12 pm

Today, amidst a broadband provider switchover, my dishwasher grabbed the IP address for my Freesat box.

I tell you, it was touch and go for a while...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 October, 2019, 06:12:16 pm
Genuine First World problem here.

My daughter teaches in an establishment that is gaining increasing numbers of pupils from the Far East. For all her expertise as a teacher, honed over the best part of 2 decades' first rate pedagogy, she now finds that her greatest asset is that she bears a more than passing resemblance to Hermione Grainger.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 01 November, 2019, 12:40:17 pm
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?


I acquired a pair of Timberland boots yesterday, with that weird straight lacing pattern you get from shops.  Now fixed.


All you ever wanted to know about lacing shoes    https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm
Fasino

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 08 November, 2019, 07:33:45 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/08/harrods-restricts-christmas-grotto-to-2000-plus-spenders?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR21C3BAeaE5a_T_AfeXHgpV7hfKMiHCL4eyRKOlSthiyDMf27i1h0yEfBk (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/08/harrods-restricts-christmas-grotto-to-2000-plus-spenders?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR21C3BAeaE5a_T_AfeXHgpV7hfKMiHCL4eyRKOlSthiyDMf27i1h0yEfBk)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 November, 2019, 02:05:57 pm
The mothership have replaced the PG Tips with Tetleys with absolutely no workplace consultation. If the RMT were involved, we'd have walked out by now.

Our cleaner is sick with a cold and hasn't turned up this week. The house is a mess. It's ridiculous. You should see the kitchen. There's grunk all over the hob.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 14 November, 2019, 02:31:10 pm
My local Sainsburys seems to have stopped stocking 'taste the difference' pain au chocolat
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 November, 2019, 03:20:33 pm
and 'Taste the Difference' Wild Cranberry Sauce.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 November, 2019, 05:01:29 pm
Can you actually taste the difference? I figure they just put that on a posher designed label and add a £1 to the price tag so you get bragging rights over the slobs forced to consume things out of plain packets labelled 'value.'

True fact, in Hell, the supermarkets have a 'Found in Rubbish Bin' range. Other than that, the supermarkets are pretty much the same as ours, the finest demonic minds worked hard to make a supermarket worse that Tescos on Saturday afternoon and had to admit failure. Diabolical perfection had already been achieved.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 November, 2019, 05:23:01 pm
I call it 'Pay the Difference' but there's less water (ie more sugar) in TTD Cranberry jam Sauce.

They've sneakily up-badged their Rocky Road Bites, which has redirected my tax-free chocolate consumption. (CAEK is tax-free, confectionary is VATted at 20%)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 November, 2019, 06:18:29 pm
True fact, in Hell, the supermarkets have a 'Found in Rubbish Bin' range. Other than that, the supermarkets are pretty much the same as ours, the finest demonic minds worked hard to make a supermarket worse that Tescos on Saturday afternoon and had to admit failure. Diabolical perfection had already been achieved.
So Asdal have managed what your finest demonic minds could not!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 November, 2019, 06:50:29 pm
They did struggle, even Finestre, the Demon of Such Things, took time from an Excel redesign to consult. There was nothing to be done. Admittedly, the meat counters in Hell are bit more, well, interesting, and the more spectacularly damned are confined to the innards of self-checkout machines.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 November, 2019, 11:34:28 am
Can you actually taste the difference? I figure they just put that on a posher designed label and add a £1 to the price tag so you get bragging rights over the slobs forced to consume things out of plain packets labelled 'value.'

The not-posh cod fillets I was obliged to buy the other week were not as nice as the TTD ones I usually get, but then again that could be some kind of placebo effect.  If Mr Sainsbury would like to fund an exhaustive series of double-blind tests involving the nomming lots of fish the both me and TV's Marcel Kitteh are open to offers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 November, 2019, 09:21:45 pm
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?


I acquired a pair of Timberland boots yesterday, with that weird straight lacing pattern you get from shops.  Now fixed.


All you ever wanted to know about lacing shoes    https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

And you probably are tying your shoe laces wrong. About five years ago I ran across that site an now my shoe laces remain secure and don't work loose.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm

Takes a while to get used to doing it but its very effective especially with round cross section laces.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 16 November, 2019, 11:34:36 pm
https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm

Takes a while to get used to doing it but its very effective especially with round cross section laces.

 :facepalm:

I'm fully aware of the hazards of granny knots, but it seems the muscle memory I developed for shoelaces as a child is doing the opposite of what I'm careful to do when tying a reef knot in any other situation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 16 November, 2019, 11:46:17 pm
Can you actually taste the difference? I figure they just put that on a posher designed label and add a £1 to the price tag so you get bragging rights over the slobs forced to consume things out of plain packets labelled 'value.'

The not-posh cod fillets I was obliged to buy the other week were not as nice as the TTD ones I usually get, but then again that could be some kind of placebo effect.  If Mr Sainsbury would like to fund an exhaustive series of double-blind tests involving the nomming lots of fish the both me and TV's Marcel Kitteh are open to offers.

M Kitteh: Also, miaow!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 17 November, 2019, 08:41:53 am
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?


I acquired a pair of Timberland boots yesterday, with that weird straight lacing pattern you get from shops.  Now fixed.


All you ever wanted to know about lacing shoes    https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

And you probably are tying your shoe laces wrong. About five years ago I ran across that site an now my shoe laces remain secure and don't work loose.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm

Takes a while to get used to doing it but its very effective especially with round cross section laces.

Reminds me of a cartoon I once saw.

A bloke is tying a woman to a railway line.  Passing Boy Scout (uniform, hat, badges, pole): "Reef knot? Right over left..."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 November, 2019, 03:34:29 pm
Waitrose have sold out of Edgar dragons.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 19 November, 2019, 05:08:22 pm
I've forgotten my swiss army knife in hand luggage several times. Had one confiscated in Norway, because of the saw.

On other notes, is there special training given to shoe shop employees in how NOT to lace shoes properly?


I acquired a pair of Timberland boots yesterday, with that weird straight lacing pattern you get from shops.  Now fixed.


All you ever wanted to know about lacing shoes    https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm

And you probably are tying your shoe laces wrong. About five years ago I ran across that site an now my shoe laces remain secure and don't work loose.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm

Takes a while to get used to doing it but its very effective especially with round cross section laces.
Finally, the internet is useful.

(I can’t believe I didn’t know this)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 December, 2019, 09:50:43 pm
I have eaten more mince pies that my usual ration.

Each pie is leaving me feeling full for several hours.

Will have to desist...

It's only 1 December...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cycleman on 02 December, 2019, 08:02:22 am
P+1😉
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 02 December, 2019, 08:33:17 am
4.14159
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 02 December, 2019, 12:34:38 pm
My local Sainsburys seems to have stopped stocking 'taste the difference' pain au chocolat
Get thee to Lidl, at least as good and half the price.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 December, 2019, 12:50:11 pm
I've made it a personal 'rule' to limit myself to six mince pies per festive season as they no longer seem special thereafter and contain TOO MUCH of everything.

O seldom touch them before 1 December but made exceptions, first at Betty's in Northallerton and later when almost forced.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 02 December, 2019, 01:21:28 pm
They forgot to include dental floss with the corn on the cob again. Tut.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 02 December, 2019, 08:30:42 pm
Lidl have lebkuchen in again as its coming up Christmas. Oh dear, I am weak willed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 December, 2019, 09:30:17 pm
Lidl have lebkuchen in again as its coming up Christmas. Oh dear, I am weak willed.
I like Lebkuchen. Partner does not.
Usually wait till they are ½ price at Sainsbury's, then hide them from his sight...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2019, 09:42:41 am
Wretched 'live' news articles that you have to read from the bottom up. (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/gaah.gif)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 09 December, 2019, 11:12:18 am
Mashed potato that could be used to fix limpet mines.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 09 December, 2019, 09:44:58 pm
Mashed potato that could be used to fix limpet mines.

"This side towards enemy"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 09 December, 2019, 09:50:09 pm
Mashed potato that could be used to fix limpet mines.

"This side towards enemy"


That's a Claymore mine.   Used to spray a cloud of bullet hard peas in an offensive manner. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 December, 2019, 03:57:01 pm
My stroopwafel fell in my tea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 December, 2019, 04:06:13 pm
I thought you were in Cuba? They have stroopwafels in Cuba? That seems just wrong!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 14 December, 2019, 04:23:11 pm
I thought you were in Cuba? They have stroopwafels in Cuba? That seems just wrong!

More the choice of beverage, I'd have thought - as every good communist knows, proper tea is theft. :demon:

<grabs coat, hails taxi>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 December, 2019, 04:26:18 pm
Well it certainly isn't proper tea once you've dropped a stroopwafel in it!

Your sense of humour is ideologically unsound, comrade.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 December, 2019, 04:43:21 pm
Got home from Cuba last Sunday. Also, trying to get tea in Cuba was not always easy and when you did it was often weird shit like camomile or jasmine tea. Fortunately I had packed my own.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 14 December, 2019, 06:00:44 pm
The Tories won the General Election.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 December, 2019, 06:44:27 pm
The Tories won the General Election.

FTFY
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: canny colin on 22 December, 2019, 04:55:30 pm
I can't  find my crimbo gansey  . You know the blue one with the robin's on it  . Fuckety fuck you wait all year to wear it and it gans  Awol . Bugger I am ganing doon the toon on the razz with the lads . I shall have to wear my old woolly bic cycle top and pretend   I am a mod 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 24 December, 2019, 01:00:29 pm
When your answer to the crossword clue “small savoury snacks” is “canapés” when it should have been “nibbles”.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 24 December, 2019, 02:38:27 pm
When your answer to the crossword clue “small savoury snacks” is “canapés” when it should have been “nibbles”.

Usual Graun standard: "savoury" is unnecessary and even off-putting. Their answers are often a couple of squares over from what the words really mean.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 24 December, 2019, 03:14:09 pm
When your answer to the crossword clue “small savoury snacks” is “canapés” when it should have been “nibbles”.

It’s enough to send you crackers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 24 December, 2019, 04:55:32 pm
That's a bit cheesy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 24 December, 2019, 05:21:47 pm
Maybe, but you’re taking the biscuit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cycleman on 24 December, 2019, 07:42:59 pm
. "crumbs" 😁
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 24 December, 2019, 08:36:16 pm
I think we're scraping the bottom of the [biscuit] barrel now
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2019, 01:40:56 pm
The peaks on our cheap Toblerone copy are too low, so one cannot break pieces off neatly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2019, 09:08:01 am
This morning I came across the electronic thermometer we bought when the Inlaw Paw was in decline.  The battery was flat, of course, and the operating instructions had gone for a walk.  But it has a nice green backlit LCD with ideograms on it so it's got to be better than the IP's clinical thermometer full of mercury that only worked for sixty years, right?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2020, 11:44:33 am
I don't know whether to keep the Blu-Ray cinematic versions of Lord of the Rings, or the DVD extended versions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 01 January, 2020, 04:16:06 pm
This morning I came across the electronic thermometer we bought when the Inlaw Paw was in decline.  The battery was flat, of course, and the operating instructions had gone for a walk.  But it has a nice green backlit LCD with ideograms on it so it's got to be better than the IP's clinical thermometer full of mercury that only worked for sixty years, right?

Have you searched the interwebs for instructions/user manuals for you gadget? I've had some success downloading these.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 01 January, 2020, 09:29:41 pm
Electronic thermometers have one and a half redeeming features:  They're usable if you don't have the vision to squint at mercury/alcohol (especially if it's a speaking one), and they tell you when the reading has stabilised.

Barakta managed to liberate a surplus alcohol thermometer recently, so we don't have to listen to the chirpy wee bastard.


ETA:  It's also much harder to subluxate your wrist/elbow by resetting an electronic thermometer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 January, 2020, 11:26:03 pm
In France they stick the thermometer up your arse.

Fucking savages.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 01 January, 2020, 11:39:11 pm
In France they stick the thermometer up your arse.

Fucking savages.

Where do you want them to stick it HF ?

On reflection, perhaps I'd rather not know.

As you were........

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2020, 08:39:16 am
In France they stick the thermometer up your arse.

Given your moniker that must be a losing gambit on their part.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 02 January, 2020, 09:14:42 am
Electronic thermometers have one and a half redeeming features:  They're usable if you don't have the vision to squint at mercury/alcohol (especially if it's a speaking one), and they tell you when the reading has stabilised.

Barakta managed to liberate a surplus alcohol thermometer recently, so we don't have to listen to the chirpy wee bastard.


ETA:  It's also much harder to subluxate your wrist/elbow by resetting an electronic thermometer.
Its also much more difficult to cover your newly acquired engagement ring in mercury when you break the thermometer while resetting it. Not that she should have been wearing an engagement ring, newly acquired,or,otherwise while needing to reset a thermometer. 
This is not something I mention often because she was ever so upset at the time. You cannot clean mercury off gold with household, or indeed industrial, cleaning agents.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 02 January, 2020, 01:52:33 pm
I can only imagine the upset, though I've never witnessed mercury forming an amalgam with gold. (Never really watched the dentist's tricks either...)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 02 January, 2020, 02:25:55 pm
I remember it had to go back to,the Jewlers to be sorted out, and I still don’t know to this day if they managed to clean the ring or just replaced the band with a new one. Sarah’s parents very kindly paid to the process, which given I was recently cleaned out, was just as well 😏
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 02 January, 2020, 03:34:22 pm
They can just heat the ring to evaporate the mercury (that's how they used to get the gold out of the ore, dissolve in mercury and then boil it off). Obviously these days under controlled conditions as mercury vapour isn't very nice. Alternatively, they can soak it in a nitric acid bath (mercury is soluble in nitric acid, gold not really).

Or you could go with the cool amalgam look. I wanted iridium wedding rings. Then romance butted up hard against the cold, harsh reality of economics. So we have platinum.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 02 January, 2020, 04:04:12 pm
At the thick end of three weeks off, I've started watching daytime TV. Charlie Dimmock is still doing her thing, and I'm amazed what old tat rescued from the dump sells for
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 03 January, 2020, 08:33:38 am
At the thick end of three weeks off, I've started watching daytime TV. Charlie Dimmock is still doing her thing, and I'm amazed what old tat rescued from the dump sells for
How did you find out her fee?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 09 January, 2020, 10:04:05 am
I decided to indulge in a little facial topiary this morn, what with my beard being over 10cm in length. I can only blame sun-spot activity or perhaps just the general unrest in the world has permeated deeper into my psyche than I had realised, but I’ve gone and overdone it. My beard is now less than 8mm all over. My saggy under jaw is obvious for the first time ever.

I’m going to have to change my online persona to double chinny.

I am more than a little sad.

I’m going to hide from the world and retire to my bed until a reasonable amount of facial foliage has returned. Or perhaps buy a false beard.

This could belong in a number of places, but on reflection I feel here is the right one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 January, 2020, 07:41:58 pm
At the thick end of three weeks off, I've started watching daytime TV. Charlie Dimmock is still doing her thing, and I'm amazed what old tat rescued from the dump sells for
How did you find out her fee?

That made me laugh probably more than it should have done. Well done!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 27 January, 2020, 03:09:35 pm
I had to give up trying to get Alexa to play Radio 6 on the Sonos playbase, and revert to using the Sonos app.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 27 January, 2020, 04:28:25 pm
You should get really angry on the internet and shout YOU ARE STUPID at anyone who might not be in 100% agreement.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 02 February, 2020, 06:33:00 pm
Over many years I've got used to labels in clothes being sewn in at the back or in the right hand side seam.
I recently bought some underpants that have the label sewn inot the left side.

What's the world coming to?t
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 02 February, 2020, 06:43:10 pm
The world has shifted to the right.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 February, 2020, 08:44:32 pm
I've just ordered a headtorch on ebay. Why is ebay now suggesting I might like an upright vacuum cleaner (or it might be a carpet cleaner, I really don't want to investigate to find out) and a Hotpoint washing machine? Also, free "postage" on a washing machine, wtf?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2020, 09:19:08 pm
Also, free "postage" on a washing machine, wtf?

That's probably eBay for "you'll have to come and pick it up".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 03 February, 2020, 01:13:25 am
Over many years I've got used to labels in clothes being sewn in at the back or in the right hand side seam.
I recently bought some underpants that have the label sewn inot the left side.

What's the world coming to?t

M&S ladies' undies all have left-sided labels now. They used to be at the back.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 03 February, 2020, 01:00:00 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 February, 2020, 01:22:47 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 03 February, 2020, 01:45:09 pm
Over many years I've got used to labels in clothes being sewn in at the back or in the right hand side seam.
I recently bought some underpants that have the label sewn inot the left side.

What's the world coming to?t
Have you got them on back-to-front?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 03 February, 2020, 02:34:38 pm
Now, where did I leave that old joke about C&A underwear?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 03 February, 2020, 02:37:05 pm
Over many years I've got used to labels in clothes being sewn in at the back or in the right hand side seam.
I recently bought some underpants that have the label sewn inot the left side.

What's the world coming to?t
Have you got them on back-to-front?
I hope not, otherwise he’s not going to know whether he’s coming or going.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 03 February, 2020, 03:28:16 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.

I'm going to start carrying around a sheep for barter, or offering my services in exchange for food adn lodging
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 February, 2020, 03:54:02 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.

I'm going to start carrying around a sheep for barter, or offering my services in exchange for food adn lodging
That can lead to all sorts of trouble. I once stayed in a B&B in Bratislava where the landlady decided she wanted my services for food and lodging rather than my money.  :hand:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 03 February, 2020, 03:59:58 pm
Now, where did I leave that old joke about C&A underwear?
;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 February, 2020, 07:38:35 pm
Now, where did I leave that old joke about C&A underwear?

Showing your age there, Ham. It was the first thing that occurred to me as well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 03 February, 2020, 08:43:51 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.

Some things refuse payment by mobile - Santander hire bikes in London for example. If you don't have their app you need to use a physical card, payment by contactless from a mobile is specifically refused.

(For this example I know you can use their app to avoid having to use a card, my point was that using a card from Apple Wallet or the like is refused, it says "Mobile payments not permitted" or similar.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 04 February, 2020, 09:50:36 am
My cards are shielded against scanning - might be problems with shielding a 'phone.

BTW, I still have a C&A carrier bag - C&A closed in the UK in 2001.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 February, 2020, 10:35:30 am
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.

Some things refuse payment by mobile - Santander hire bikes in London for example. If you don't have their app you need to use a physical card, payment by contactless from a mobile is specifically refused.

(For this example I know you can use their app to avoid having to use a card, my point was that using a card from Apple Wallet or the like is refused, it says "Mobile payments not permitted" or similar.)
The machines in Bristol libraries only take cash (to pay for printing, overdue fines, etc). They have card machines built in but these are all 'disabled' or 'not functioning'. I presume this is due to transaction fees but I've never asked. One morning a week I do a volunteer shift in a charity bookshop and about a third of people pay cash, for the others there is some generational difference: almost nobody uses chip and pin, contactless is ageless but young people (lots of students in the area) often use phones and occasionally an old person pays by smartwatch (not sure whether Apple, Google or what). I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 04 February, 2020, 04:28:25 pm
My cards are shielded against scanning - might be problems with shielding a 'phone.

The "card" on the phone id only active when you call it up, so for the very short period you're actually using it. Once the app is closed it's safe again, and that assumes the same vulnerability of a card to scanning, which may not be correct.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 04 February, 2020, 05:48:21 pm
My cards are shielded against scanning - might be problems with shielding a 'phone.

BTW, I still have a C&A carrier bag - C&A closed in the UK in 2001.

A member of yacf visited me yesterday, wearing a C&A jacket...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 04 February, 2020, 11:44:18 pm
I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.

I have, but they're either  a) app developer types  or b) disabled people using them as assistive technology.

TBH, I suspect it's mostly a younger-people-don't-wear-watches thing.  When they do it's nearly always Fitbit type things.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 05 February, 2020, 09:08:54 am
I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.

I have, but they're either  a) app developer types  or b) disabled people using them as assistive technology.

TBH, I suspect it's mostly a younger-people-don't-wear-watches thing.  When they do it's nearly always Fitbit type things.

Or Tidy Haired Thought LeadersTM
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 05 February, 2020, 09:13:05 am
My cards are shielded against scanning - might be problems with shielding a 'phone.

BTW, I still have a C&A carrier bag - C&A closed in the UK in 2001.

A member of yacf visited me yesterday, wearing a C&A jacket...

I wrote the production control for their Glasgow factory, back around 1971.  They used to cut umpteen pieces of cloth at a time, on band knives. Looked hairy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 05 February, 2020, 10:08:25 am
Over many years I've got used to labels in clothes being sewn in at the back or in the right hand side seam.
I recently bought some underpants that have the label sewn inot the left side.

What's the world coming to?t
Have you got them on back-to-front?

I came close to it...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 February, 2020, 09:19:17 am
I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.

I have, but they're either  a) app developer types  or b) disabled people using them as assistive technology.

TBH, I suspect it's mostly a younger-people-don't-wear-watches thing.  When they do it's nearly always Fitbit type things.
Good point, yeah. I'm firmly of the watch-wearing generation. I like to have something to remind myself of the time easily without having to pull a phone out of my pocket.

But as you've mentioned disabled people and assistive technology, and this was in the context of teh bookeshoppe, here's a little grumble passim: It's a late Victorian building with one, fairly shallow, step to get in. There's a bell for anyone in a wheelchair to ring to get our attention. So I asked the manager, what do we do if someone rings the bell? I can't see a ramp, looking around the full to the ceiling, small stockroom. Is it at the corner shop (2 doors up, they have two steps)? No. There is no ramp. It would be a case of manhandling the chair up the step (probably not too difficult but... ). Head office provide a bell, not a ramp, there is no fund for a ramp or place to store it. Manager says "It is absurd" and they could get in trouble. If Barakta wants to send one of her wheelchair activist friends round... !!!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 13 February, 2020, 12:35:16 pm
The microchip in my debit card no longer talks to contactless payment machines, so I have to push the card into the slot and press buttons.

How ever am I going to cope?
Still using a card in 2020? How delightfully retro! Charming as this olde worlde technology is, it's not the most reliable. Unless you're ready to go the full Boomer retiree with an Apple watch, you should download a banking app and pay by phone. We have heard of people using a technique known to initiates as "cash", but this is only to be recommended for experts.

Some things refuse payment by mobile - Santander hire bikes in London for example. If you don't have their app you need to use a physical card, payment by contactless from a mobile is specifically refused.

(For this example I know you can use their app to avoid having to use a card, my point was that using a card from Apple Wallet or the like is refused, it says "Mobile payments not permitted" or similar.)
The machines in Bristol libraries only take cash (to pay for printing, overdue fines, etc). They have card machines built in but these are all 'disabled' or 'not functioning'. I presume this is due to transaction fees but I've never asked. One morning a week I do a volunteer shift in a charity bookshop and about a third of people pay cash, for the others there is some generational difference: almost nobody uses chip and pin, contactless is ageless but young people (lots of students in the area) often use phones and occasionally an old person pays by smartwatch (not sure whether Apple, Google or what). I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.

Using phones and watches is passe... anyone who is anyone will be using their ring or a flesh embedded chip.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 13 February, 2020, 01:27:06 pm
I'm definitely still significantly under sixty-five and I use a smartwatch to pay for stuff. That said, at lunch the other day, I did this and my colleague, an owner of such a watch exclaimed "oh, I didn't know you could do that." Quite possibly people are just using them to tell the time. Anyone under the age of 25 do tend to just use their phones on the basis they never actually leave their hands anyway. Some of them wear chunky watches as accessories. They probably aren't using them to tell the time. They may be surprised to know this is a function of a wristwatch. No one tell them that actual cameras are available.

It won't be the first time someone is amazed when I pay by watch that I have a 'chip' because the watch is hidden under my jumper. Anyway, it's more practical than faffing around for cards or my phone. I also use it to tell the time (it's generally handy, when it's buried away under jackets and stuff, especially when cycling home, to demand that Siri tell me the time, which she duly does).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Guy on 13 February, 2020, 02:23:35 pm
I love YACF! I merely left one little grumble about a melfunctioning debit card and whoooosh! Pages and pages of discussion about hi-tech payment devices  :D

 :thumbsup:

PS  I still prefer cash. Should I go back to the Lower Cretaceous and stay there?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 February, 2020, 02:36:34 pm
I'm definitely still significantly under sixty-five and I use a smartwatch to pay for stuff.
Yeahbut you are a geek!

PS  I still prefer cash. Should I go back to the Lower Cretaceous and stay there?
At a bakery/cafe today where they proffer you a little white ApplePay device (which, disconcertingly, and unlike other types of card payment terminals, doesn't display the amount – they have to swivel their til screen to show you), I paid by cash, for a change. They were genuinely glad to get the change. Or so they said. Electronic payments make the cashing up* easier though!

*But not the washing up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 13 February, 2020, 02:46:02 pm
I had to click my Apple Watch three times to get out the tube barriers today.

There we are, back to First World Problems  ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 February, 2020, 03:06:51 pm
Meanwhile, I spent rather longer than I should have last night trying to find a dumbphone with a camera good enough to take not-shit pictures at gigs.  I don't want to watch television on it, or call the Gammonariat rude names on Farcebok, or navigate to Novosibirsk.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 13 February, 2020, 03:21:27 pm
I had to click my Apple Watch three times to get out the tube barriers today.

There we are, back to First World Problems  ;)

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...


... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 13 February, 2020, 04:17:52 pm
Why does 'Peel Here' on packaging never ever ever work, resulting in either an impatient attack with a sharp object or a torn packaging cover diametrically opposed to the 'Peel here' point?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 13 February, 2020, 04:25:20 pm
I stopped using my smartwatch to pay for things. While a nice idea, I found that with Samsung, I needed to use my other hand to activate it. As I spent most of my time holding a toddler, it was easier to use one arm to hold the baby and the other hand to get a regular contactless card out of my back pocket and tap in and out, rather than fiddle about to activate the watch and risk dropping a toddler.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 13 February, 2020, 04:31:53 pm
I stopped using my smartwatch to pay for things. While a nice idea, I found that with Samsung, I needed to use my other hand to activate it. As I spent most of my time holding a toddler, it was easier to use one arm to hold the baby and the other hand to get a regular contactless card out of my back pocket and tap in and out, rather than fiddle about to activate the watch and risk dropping a toddler.

Put the watch on the toddler.  Added benefit is that toddler is amused by getting to pay.  Simples!   :thumbsup:

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 13 February, 2020, 04:58:40 pm
Why does 'Peel Here' on packaging never ever ever work, resulting in either an impatient attack with a sharp object or a torn packaging cover diametrically opposed to the 'Peel here' point?

Yeah. "Easy Open" is right up there with £350 million on the side of a bus.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 13 February, 2020, 05:39:02 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 13 February, 2020, 05:40:27 pm
It would be interesting to know how many A&E attendances are due to injury whilst trying to open packaging. Especially those wretched plastic bubble packs. Packaging is the main reason I carry a penknife.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 13 February, 2020, 07:49:07 pm
I stopped using my smartwatch to pay for things. While a nice idea, I found that with Samsung, I needed to use my other hand to activate it. As I spent most of my time holding a toddler, it was easier to use one arm to hold the baby and the other hand to get a regular contactless card out of my back pocket and tap in and out, rather than fiddle about to activate the watch and risk dropping a toddler.

Throw toddler in the air. Use smartwatch. Catch toddler.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 February, 2020, 08:03:50 pm
Why does 'Peel Here' on packaging never ever ever work, resulting in either an impatient attack with a sharp object or a torn packaging cover diametrically opposed to the 'Peel here' point?

I reckon it's the Ministry Of Crap Design.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 14 February, 2020, 07:26:56 am

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 14 February, 2020, 08:10:46 am
...thought the Tofu Press was an organ of the vegan underground until I discovered...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Salvatore on 14 February, 2020, 10:16:17 am
It would be interesting to know how many A&E attendances are due to injury whilst trying to open packaging. Especially those wretched plastic bubble packs. Packaging is the main reason I carry a penknife.

60,000 (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1421698/60000-are-injured-by-opening-packaging.html)

Also;

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrap_rage
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 14 February, 2020, 01:23:17 pm
It would be interesting to know how many A&E attendances are due to injury whilst trying to open packaging. Especially those wretched plastic bubble packs. Packaging is the main reason I carry a penknife.

60,000 (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1421698/60000-are-injured-by-opening-packaging.html)

Also;

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrap_rage

We have a great big key somewhere for opening corned-beef tins. It also serves as a bottle-opener.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 14 February, 2020, 02:59:51 pm
I stopped using my smartwatch to pay for things. While a nice idea, I found that with Samsung, I needed to use my other hand to activate it. As I spent most of my time holding a toddler, it was easier to use one arm to hold the baby and the other hand to get a regular contactless card out of my back pocket and tap in and out, rather than fiddle about to activate the watch and risk dropping a toddler.

Throw toddler in the air. Use smartwatch. Catch toddler.

If your partner is expecting twins then book a few days at the circus school and learn to juggle.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 February, 2020, 03:50:47 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.

Don't tell my wife, the fact that tofu is inedible is my only remaining excuse
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 February, 2020, 04:28:08 pm
It would be interesting to know how many A&E attendances are due to injury whilst trying to open packaging. Especially those wretched plastic bubble packs. Packaging is the main reason I carry a penknife.

60,000 (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1421698/60000-are-injured-by-opening-packaging.html)

Also;

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrap_rage

We have a great big key somewhere for opening corned-beef tins. It also serves as a bottle-opener.

My Leatherman Micra is mostly used on packaging and manicure.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 14 February, 2020, 05:31:30 pm
It would be interesting to know how many A&E attendances are due to injury whilst trying to open packaging. Especially those wretched plastic bubble packs.

I tend to go straight to the tin snips for those.  It saves drama in the long run.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 14 February, 2020, 06:04:08 pm
I sort of hoped a tofu press was a sex thing. Life is disappointing in many and varied ways.

Recalcitrant packaging the reason we have dynamite. That shit is gonna fight and that shit is gonna lose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 14 February, 2020, 06:29:03 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.

Don't tell my wife, the fact that tofu is inedible is my only remaining excuse

I’m not really sure how pressing tofu renders it edible so I think you can relax about that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 14 February, 2020, 07:24:26 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.

Don't tell my wife, the fact that tofu is inedible is my only remaining excuse

I’m not really sure how pressing tofu renders it edible so I think you can relax about that.

It's all the flavourings you marinate tofu in that render it edible - you press tofu to ensure that it is less likely to disintegrate when you  practise your frisbee or discus technique with the uncut block.  :demon: ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 15 February, 2020, 06:53:50 pm
Why does 'Peel Here' on packaging never ever ever work, resulting in either an impatient attack with a sharp object or a torn packaging cover diametrically opposed to the 'Peel here' point?

Peel here?

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/John_Peel%27s_grave%2C_Great_Finborough%2C_Suffolk_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1162596.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orraloon on 15 February, 2020, 08:38:36 pm
xxxx me, 2004 JP departed.  How the world has changed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 February, 2020, 09:40:28 pm
"Teenage dreams so hard to beat"
as famously not sung by Diana Ross.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 16 February, 2020, 12:11:43 am
I've yet to see one of these watches used by anyone under about 65.

I have, but they're either  a) app developer types  or b) disabled people using them as assistive technology.

TBH, I suspect it's mostly a younger-people-don't-wear-watches thing.  When they do it's nearly always Fitbit type things.
Good point, yeah. I'm firmly of the watch-wearing generation. I like to have something to remind myself of the time easily without having to pull a phone out of my pocket.

But as you've mentioned disabled people and assistive technology, and this was in the context of teh bookeshoppe, here's a little grumble passim: It's a late Victorian building with one, fairly shallow, step to get in. There's a bell for anyone in a wheelchair to ring to get our attention. So I asked the manager, what do we do if someone rings the bell? I can't see a ramp, looking around the full to the ceiling, small stockroom. Is it at the corner shop (2 doors up, they have two steps)? No. There is no ramp. It would be a case of manhandling the chair up the step (probably not too difficult but... ). Head office provide a bell, not a ramp, there is no fund for a ramp or place to store it. Manager says "It is absurd" and they could get in trouble. If Barakta wants to send one of her wheelchair activist friends round... !!!

Crikey!

Not surprising tho...

Cite the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Are their employees qualified for lifting and handling PEOPLE, especially disabled people? Is the employer going to cover liability to their potentially injured employee or disabled person?

Sadly there's hundreds of sods like this in every city who could buy a sub £100 ramp but won't...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 February, 2020, 12:49:36 am
It's a charity so these are volunteers not employees (apart from the manager). Certainly not trained to lift people. I think the problem is not spending £100, it's lack of space to store it and Head Office bureaucracy stuff. I'll have another word with the manager but I think he's hamstrung by HO.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 16 February, 2020, 11:41:02 pm
...Using phones and watches is passe... anyone who is anyone will be using their ring...

Our cats are well ahead of the game then.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 17 February, 2020, 12:02:59 am
 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 February, 2020, 11:15:35 am
It's such a dilemma when it's coffee time and you haven't yet finished your breakfast tea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 February, 2020, 12:25:40 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.
That’s an oxymoron, that is.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 17 February, 2020, 01:04:23 pm
It's such a dilemma when it's coffee time and you haven't yet finished your breakfast tea.

You can tell the retirees....  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2020, 01:13:08 pm
It's such a dilemma when it's coffee time and you haven't yet finished your breakfast tea.

You can tell the retirees....  ;D

And it's great, innit Wow?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Davef on 17 February, 2020, 04:41:06 pm

Pah!  Call that a First World Problem...
... I couldn't find the tofu press earlier.   :o
I have never heard of a tofu press!  Now I need one!

I hate to say it... but it does make the tofu much easier to cook with.  Press it, marinate it, press it again and - bingo - edible tofu.
That’s an oxymoron, that is.
I imagined the purpose of the tofu press was similar to those things for compressing empty drink cans.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 February, 2020, 09:59:00 pm
It's such a dilemma when it's coffee time and you haven't yet finished your breakfast tea.

You can tell the retirees....  ;D

And it's great, innit Wow?

It most certainly is!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 17 March, 2020, 09:17:37 pm
Well. You know this coronavirus stuff? We had a trip planned to France which now won't go ahead, so we won't be able to restock the wine from there. Bear with me, it gets WORSE. I remember Waitrose have a 25% off offer on, ending at 21:00 today. Went onto their website and shoved a few bottles into my virtual trolley, but could I complete the order? Could I heck. Apparently their website is experiencing heavy loading and the advice was "try again" but 21:00 came and went, and the offer ended. Quel horreur! can you imagine?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 17 March, 2020, 09:20:31 pm
That sounds bad Ham.   I'm pleased to say the The Wine Society emailed me earlier to say they have plenty of stock & intend to keep up deliveries  :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 19 March, 2020, 05:00:20 pm
Sainsbury's could only supply the Dark Chocolate Lindt Bunny, when I'd ordered Dark and Milk chocolate Bunnies.

D will SUFFER!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 19 March, 2020, 09:18:56 pm
I've used up our paella rice. (it was excellent, thank you for asking).  I fear in the current climate I will not be able to replace it so it will likely be an unacceptably long time 'till I can do another.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 March, 2020, 09:26:51 pm
I was going to make risotto last night but there was not enough Carnaroli in the packet and it wasn't even a searchable item at Sainsbo's last week.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 20 March, 2020, 09:31:17 am
As mentioned elsewhere, I found a bag of dessert rice that hadn't grabbed the marauders' attention. Worked fine in a risotto. I'm pretty sure most of the people who ran home with bags of arborio and carnaroli and bomba won't have the faintest clue.

That said, I bake risotto. It's the true way.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Poacher on 20 March, 2020, 08:51:51 pm
I've just made one of the best seafood paellas ever, in a (large) portion for one ( 'cos Mrs Poacher's away), using Lidl's Arroz de grano corto, purchased several months ago, when it was actually available and at a very reasonable price. Yes, dear reader, I confess, I bought four kilos; does that make me a bad person?
Actually, don't bother answering that, I always was. Mwaahaahaa!  :demon:
Bugger, I'm now running short.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 22 March, 2020, 11:00:57 am
We’re Dow to our last half pound of Yorkshire Gold loose leaf tea. It appears to be unavailable anywhere, unless at a usurious price  :-X
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 March, 2020, 06:35:25 pm
I was unlucky enough to win a couple of bottles of mulled wine in raffles over Christmas. I intended to keep them for 12 months and then donate them as raffle prizes.

They really are Teh Mank but I've not got any good red in the house. At least it means I only have one glass at a time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 22 March, 2020, 09:15:06 pm
No problems getting a slot last week but now no online slots to be had at Aberdeen Sainsbos. I'm We're going to have to do a proper shop in the flesh.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 March, 2020, 02:11:36 pm
I don't want to lower this thread from the light hearted distraction is but have had two reports today of reasonably stocked quiet shops.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 23 March, 2020, 03:36:12 pm
On Friday I had to settle for whole loaves (giraffe bread!) and slice it before it went into the freezer; today, got some sliced bread and the ties are stuck all the way along so I'll have to cut them. Country's going to the  dogs viruseseses!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 March, 2020, 04:48:17 pm
I was supposed to be going to the hairdresser on Weds. Now I'm not. At the moment half my hair is red and the other half (i.e. the roots.) is not. The length (I prefer short short hair, none of this jaw length is short nonsense) and density is going to be driving me up the wall pretty soon. Oh the huge manatee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2020, 04:56:00 pm
This is where hair that's long enough to be Not Annoying is an advantage.  At least until the shampoo runs out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 March, 2020, 05:04:53 pm
My wife appears to be on a WhatsApp group solely dedicated to women fretting about their hair, the colouring and length thereof. Bing. Bing. Bing. My wife had a complicated bob-type thing that is forever within a haircut of dramatic collapse.

Come to think of it, she has a friend who looks like a recently electrocuted poodle already, so I'm not sure I want to experience that after a month or two of not going to the hairdressers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 March, 2020, 05:27:47 pm
This is where hair that's long enough to be Not Annoying is an advantage. 

For me, no such thing. It's been like this since I was about...9. (I had to look up when Like A Virgin came out to decide that  :facepalm: ).

I did think maybe this would be the time to embrace my grey, by going silver, but apparently you need to bleach your hair, so stuff that. I am considering buying thinning scissors though...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 March, 2020, 05:30:17 pm
I'm considering a buzz cut with the clippers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2020, 05:32:00 pm
This is where hair that's long enough to be Not Annoying is an advantage. 

For me, no such thing. It's been like this since I was about...9. (I had to look up when Like A Virgin came out to decide that)

And of course to get from Properly Short to Long Enough To Be Not Annoying you've got to get through all the stages of Annoying And High Maintenance And Just Get Out Of My Mouth Already...   :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 March, 2020, 05:32:49 pm
I'm considering a buzz cut with the clippers.

That too but I think I would regret that (not because I'm that vain, but because it would likely bring me out in a rash).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2020, 05:38:37 pm
I'm considering a buzz cut with the clippers.
To infinity – and beyond!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: zigzag on 23 March, 2020, 05:42:18 pm
...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200323/93363e42bdaf768ee7cf7a4331821246.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 23 March, 2020, 05:47:31 pm
Yes, plenty of people seem to be getting concerned about getting their hair cut or dyed or whatever. Having never set foot in a hairdresser's in my life (I have scissors, I sometimes cut the dead ends!), I don't really get it. ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 23 March, 2020, 05:52:07 pm
Argh, now they're talking about it on Radio 4!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2020, 05:55:05 pm
Having never set foot in a hairdresser's in my life (I have scissors, I sometimes cut the dead ends!), I don't really get it. ???

Well done!  I've been avoiding them - with varying degrees of success - since a scissors vs ear incident when I was a child.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 23 March, 2020, 05:58:10 pm
Yes, plenty of people seem to be getting concerned about getting their hair cut or dyed or whatever. Having never set foot in a hairdresser's in my life (I have scissors, I sometimes cut the dead ends!), I don't really get it. ???

Well, your hair is an important part of how you look, so yes, I do see the import.

I shave my head for maximum tidiness and that escaped-serial-killer-from-a-mental-institution look, of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 23 March, 2020, 06:03:16 pm
I got my hair cut just over a week ago. That should see me through the crisis.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2020, 06:06:27 pm
I guess after another month or two I could get a pair of clippers through the post or something. Or maybe I'll just go for the wild unkempt cave man look. Waddaya mean it'll match the rest of me?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 23 March, 2020, 06:07:07 pm
I last had a hair cut about 20 years ago. I reckon I'll cope with a bit of quarantine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 23 March, 2020, 07:05:23 pm
I've told Mrs B not to worry.  We have clippers for the dog that I'm sure I could utilise for Mrs B fettling.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Gattopardo on 23 March, 2020, 07:08:31 pm
As a baldy, I have no idea about this.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 23 March, 2020, 07:43:27 pm
I'm considering a buzz cut with the clippers.

That too but I think I would regret that (not because I'm that vain, but because it would likely bring me out in a rash).

I've had my own clippers for about twenty five years, I'll bring the with me next time I'm up your way.

Number one son due a shearing tomorrow, I'm due fairly soon as well
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 23 March, 2020, 10:25:49 pm
The Majestic Wine website is down.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: perpetual dan on 23 March, 2020, 11:29:04 pm
I’ve got some clippers somewhere from the last time I had a beard. At some point I’ll offer the family “making me look less like Krusty the Clown” as a prize for winning at Risk.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 March, 2020, 12:43:02 pm
I got my hair cut just over a week ago. That should see me through the crisis.

Same here, if you substitute "just over a week ago" with "in 2008"  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: slowfen on 24 March, 2020, 04:35:40 pm
The Wine Society has suspended deliveries and orders :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 24 March, 2020, 06:58:30 pm
I got my hair cut just over a week ago. That should see me through the crisis.

Same here, if you substitute "just over a week ago" with "in 2008"  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lk2KHajp4Y
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 27 March, 2020, 06:38:54 am
During my first year as a thrifty college student, I purchased a device known as the "trim comb".  Basically a wide razor blade between comb teeth.

To shorten one's hair, you hold it just so, and lightly comb downward.  Hairs will be cut.  Repeat as needed.  Inevitably it will catch on the back of your head in line with your ear lobes, so you compensate by attempting to make a smooth transition line a half-inch higher.  After several such attempts, the hair on the back of your head looks like patchwork.

Eventually I decided my budget could include a trip to the barber from time to time.  Such is the price of vanity.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 March, 2020, 08:29:06 am
Sometimes my hairdresser uses one of them on me, it blinking hurts!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: sam on 28 March, 2020, 08:53:06 am
.. all of which are decaf. Deep despair.

Don't jump off the roof, Tigerrr
You'll make a great hole in the yard
Mother's just planted petunias
The weeding and seeding was hard

If you must end it all, Tigerrr
Won't you please give us a break
Just take a walk in the park, Tigerrr
And there you can jump in the lake

Very belated applause.

Most of my first world complaints would be references to Netflix, as in why isn’t that show on there, or why did that other one disappear.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 30 March, 2020, 09:13:03 am
If a tea-bag sachet only has a nick in one edge there is a 90% chance that it won't be the one you try to tear.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 30 March, 2020, 09:24:22 am
I'm considering a buzz cut with the clippers.

That too but I think I would regret that (not because I'm that vain, but because it would likely bring me out in a rash).

I've had my own clippers for about twenty five years, I'll bring the with me next time I'm up your way.

Number one son due a shearing tomorrow, I'm due fairly soon as well

A mate of mine used to do his hair and his dogs with the same clippers once a month.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2020, 09:41:02 am
I'm thinking I might have to go home clipper too. I dread to think what it will look like but at least it will (probably) feel a bit better. So, any recommendations for clippers, assuming they're available online and haven't succumbed to panic buying? I've no idea how much they even cost. But I have a dreadful feeling I'm going to emerge with great respect for the tonsurial arts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 March, 2020, 09:49:10 am
I give my tidy head a once-over mow every Sunday with the number 1 comb from a set of Wahl professional clippers (and number 3 from the beard). They're the most pricy and wired, but last forever. I used to have a Remington clipper many years back but something important eventually fell off (also the combs would occasionally break and the replacements weren't a lot cheaper than buying a new clipper).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 30 March, 2020, 09:58:11 am
I also have a Wahl set. Labelled 'Home Cut', I've had them for over 20 years.
The beard gets done about once a fortnight.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 30 March, 2020, 10:42:23 am
https://www.babyliss.co.uk/super-clipper-xtp-hair-clipper-7475DU.html


I had a mains Wahl set for about 25 years,  but couldn't get replacement blades for my model.   I replaced them with the cordless set above, which do a nice job & are far more convenient.


They seem to be in short supply at the moment.   Buy quickly !
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 30 March, 2020, 11:38:14 am
I replaced my Wahl professional clippers when they died a couple of years ago with another Wahl professional clipper.
I bought the original one in 1994.
I think that's pretty good going.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 30 March, 2020, 01:21:30 pm
Hmph. I bought a Philips beard trimmer ~20 years ago. The built-in battery lasted a year, a quote to replace it was about 70% of the cost of the whole thing, so I've been using it on the mains ever since.

I've been mulling over not bothering to clip until the lockdown is over.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: graculus on 30 March, 2020, 02:55:08 pm
I also have a Wahl set. Labelled 'Home Cut', I've had them for over 20 years.
The beard gets done about once a fortnight.

Snap. I last went to a barber on the morning of my wedding. Sheena soon afterwards bought a Wahl Home Cut and it is still going strong on my hair and beard (at later that of my son) 38 years later.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2020, 03:25:08 pm
https://www.babyliss.co.uk/super-clipper-xtp-hair-clipper-7475DU.html


I had a mains Wahl set for about 25 years,  but couldn't get replacement blades for my model.   I replaced them with the cordless set above, which do a nice job & are far more convenient.


They seem to be in short supply at the moment.   Buy quickly !
£80! This lockdown's going to have to last a couple of years to make it worth that much!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 30 March, 2020, 03:33:15 pm
I couldn't get any wholemeal flour in Waitrose yesterday, and had to settle for wholemeal spelt flour instead.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 30 March, 2020, 03:37:35 pm
https://www.babyliss.co.uk/super-clipper-xtp-hair-clipper-7475DU.html (https://www.babyliss.co.uk/super-clipper-xtp-hair-clipper-7475DU.html)


I had a mains Wahl set for about 25 years,  but couldn't get replacement blades for my model.   I replaced them with the cordless set above, which do a nice job & are far more convenient.


They seem to be in short supply at the moment.   Buy quickly !
£80! This lockdown's going to have to last a couple of years to make it worth that much!


I don't think mine were that much !  Supply & demand mate,  knowwarramean ?  Got to make a little extra profit to tide us over.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 March, 2020, 06:18:35 pm
I last had a hair cut about 20 years ago. I reckon I'll cope with a bit of quarantine.

The last time I went to the hairdressers it cost me 2/-*.

* for people almost young enough to be my children: 2/- is oldspeak for two shillings.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 March, 2020, 06:19:41 pm
I have a massive quandary this evening.

I have Adnams Broadside in the house.

I have also taken delivery of a case of red wine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2020, 06:25:23 pm
I last had a hair cut about 20 years ago. I reckon I'll cope with a bit of quarantine.

The last time I went to the hairdressers it cost me 2/-*.

* for people almost young enough to be my children: 2/- is oldspeak for two shillings.
Which part of East Africa were you in?  :D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 March, 2020, 06:30:32 pm
I last had a hair cut about 20 years ago. I reckon I'll cope with a bit of quarantine.

The last time I went to the hairdressers it cost me 2/-*.

* for people almost young enough to be my children: 2/- is oldspeak for two shillings.
Which part of East Africa were you in?  :D

The hairdresser in question was in Billericay. The year would have been about 1968. I think this was the building: https://goo.gl/maps/wPDVX2PMDXq46icQ6 . There seems to have been a change of use...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2020, 06:32:44 pm
Okay, I think that's Tanzania...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 March, 2020, 06:42:14 pm
I look quite like a yeti
I come from Serengeti
And I'm doing...

Vizuri sana.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 March, 2020, 07:00:41 pm
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 March, 2020, 11:45:55 am
What I thought were sachets of yeast in cupboard are actually baking powder
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 31 March, 2020, 01:27:20 pm
What I thought were sachets of yeast in cupboard are actually baking powder

Well they both make things rise.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 April, 2020, 06:27:53 pm
Pingu pointed out we were low on rum for tonight's pina colada and I wanted flour and to see if I could get any pasta. So on the way home from our government approved walk we stopped at Lidl being as it was the only shop on the way home. It was dead.
I got lots of spaghetti, a huge bag of fusilli but sadly no risotto rice (it was boil in the bag or nothing).
Got a bottle of Lidl rum. Thought it would be fairly cheap & nasty.
Pingu just did a back to back taste test. It was fairly nasty.
Hopefully the coconut milk will hide the taste...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 05 April, 2020, 06:53:34 pm
Waitrose pretty much had everything in stock today. The apocalypse has been shelved for the middle classes at least.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 05 April, 2020, 07:03:34 pm
Pingu pointed out we were low on rum for tonight's pina colada and I wanted flour and to see if I could get any pasta. So on the way home from our government approved walk we stopped at Lidl being as it was the only shop on the way home. It was dead.
I got lots of spaghetti, a huge bag of fusilli but sadly no risotto rice (it was boil in the bag or nothing).
Got a bottle of Lidl rum. Thought it would be fairly cheap & nasty.
Pingu just did a back to back taste test. It was fairly nasty.
Hopefully the coconut milk will hide the taste...
Aldi rum is one of my favourites.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 05 April, 2020, 07:20:37 pm
I have a massive quandary this evening.

I have Adnams Broadside in the house.

I have also taken delivery of a case of red wine.

This lockdown could be your downfall, or is that fall down Mr. Wow?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 April, 2020, 11:54:00 am
Waitrose pretty much had everything in stock today. The apocalypse has been shelved for the middle classes at least.

Dr Davis, my highly-esteemed b-i-l, reports that while the car park of Tesco in Banbury* was absolutely rammed when he went foraging the other day, it was possible to park and stroll straight into the Waitrose half a mile away.

* Chipping Norton is nearer, but then they run the risk of accidentally encountering Jeremy Clarkson or the gammon-faced pig-botherer Cameron while weighing up the relative merits of different brands of home-broasted organic artisanal Covfefe.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bhoot on 06 April, 2020, 12:01:18 pm
Waitrose pretty much had everything in stock today. The apocalypse has been shelved for the middle classes at least.
But still no flour or baking powder in the Canary Wharf shop when a kind neighbour went shopping for us yesterday. My ability to make cakes as thank yous for shopping favours is getting rapidly diminished.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 06 April, 2020, 02:22:28 pm
The cable on my new lawnmower is 2m too short to cut the whole lawn so I have to use an extension cable.

On the plus side it only takes 15 minutes to cut my lawn compared with 2 hours at my previous abode.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vince on 07 April, 2020, 05:10:35 pm
The toilet rolls I finally managed to acquire are only 2-ply.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 07 April, 2020, 05:25:48 pm
Awful.

We have standard Waitrose stuff, which I thought was pretty posh, but I used the public loo at a local stately home the other weekend.

Oh my, it was like using velvet cushions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 April, 2020, 05:28:00 pm
The Sainsbury's "House 247" stuff leaves you with men in the rigging. I have 9 rolls as a last resort before I use my hand.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 07 April, 2020, 07:02:53 pm
Waitrose pretty much had everything in stock today. The apocalypse has been shelved for the middle classes at least.
But still no flour or baking powder in the Canary Wharf shop when a kind neighbour went shopping for us yesterday. My ability to make cakes as thank yous for shopping favours is getting rapidly diminished.

Apparently it's down to a shortage of bags.

There's no problem with flour production keeping up with demand. The problem is that a significant proportion of flour produced is now required direct to the public rather than indirectly (people buying baked goods and the flour going to the food manufacturers).

The flour producers are built around the majority of flour being bagged in 16kg+ bags and they can't easily adapt things to supply domestic sized bags of 1kg-2kg.

This means my own FirstWorldProblem is that I can't get hold of any strong white flour and fast action yeast to be able to bake some cinnamon buns (soon my pretties, soon).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 07 April, 2020, 07:10:18 pm
We're down to about three loaves' worth of dried yeast. Disaster looms.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vernon on 07 April, 2020, 07:21:03 pm
You could try making a sponge (50/50 flour and water) with some of your yeast and keeping it as a starter, à la sourdough.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 April, 2020, 08:04:12 pm
We're down to about three loaves' worth of dried yeast. Disaster looms.
The science behind this doesn't seem to stack up, or it's explained badly, but here's a way to overcome your yeast shortage.

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-bread-yeast-from-potatoes/ (https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-bread-yeast-from-potatoes/)

A quick skim would suggest you're cultivating wild yeast, either floating in the air and/or on the spuds. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 April, 2020, 08:25:33 pm
Mmm cinnamon buns....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 07 April, 2020, 08:42:13 pm
Mrs. F returned from Mr. Sansbury's House of Tooth Comestibles this afternoon with two bags of Strong Flour!
Along with a shit load of gin and wine, obv.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 08 April, 2020, 01:34:02 pm
We're down to about three loaves' worth of dried yeast. Disaster looms.
The science behind this doesn't seem to stack up, or it's explained badly, but here's a way to overcome your yeast shortage.

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-bread-yeast-from-potatoes/ (https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-bread-yeast-from-potatoes/)

A quick skim would suggest you're cultivating wild yeast, either floating in the air and/or on the spuds. 
Hmmm. OK. Better worded as "We only have enough yeast left to make three loaves."

Well, that was the case until this morning. Tesco have dried yeast back in stock.  Huzzah !!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 10 April, 2020, 01:06:04 pm
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but here goes:

The weather is too nice to have the bonfire that I really need to have to get rid of the garden waste...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 10 April, 2020, 01:50:28 pm
Someone had a bonfire near here last night. Due to the lack of wind I think the smoke spread about 1km in all directions at about ground level. Stinky, especially when they started burning plastics (by the smell of it).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 10 April, 2020, 01:53:09 pm
Given that particulate pollution seems to exacerbate Covid-19 symptoms, and certainly exacerbates asthma, it's probably a good idea to lay off the bonfires for a while?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2020, 02:30:41 pm
I'm sure I read somewhere last night us being urged not to have bonfires also to show some consideration for one's neighbours at this time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2020, 03:55:35 pm
I've just opened the last packet of Schipol originated stroopwafels :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 10 April, 2020, 04:49:33 pm
I've just opened the last packet of Schipol originated stroopwafels :(

Sainsbury's do them (in normal times). I like them and I often take them in to work to go on the biscuit mountain.



Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 April, 2020, 04:59:50 pm
I've just opened the last packet of Schipol originated stroopwafels :(

Sainsbury's do them (in normal times). I like them and I often take them in to work to go on the biscuit mountain.

They're not as big as the ones I get at Schipol though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 10 April, 2020, 05:04:26 pm
I've just opened the last packet of Schipol originated stroopwafels :(

Sainsbury's do them (in normal times). I like them and I often take them in to work to go on the biscuit mountain.

They're not as big as the ones I get at Schipol though.

Size isn't everything Mrs P.


Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 April, 2020, 05:39:39 pm
Someone had a bonfire near here last night. Due to the lack of wind I think the smoke spread about 1km in all directions at about ground level. Stinky, especially when they started burning plastics (by the smell of it).

<Four Yorkshiremen>
ONE BONFIRE?! Luxury! Round here they have six bonfires, four barbecues and [deity] knows what else.

You lot don't know you're born...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 10 April, 2020, 05:41:37 pm
I've just opened the last packet of Schipol originated stroopwafels :(

Sainsbury's do them (in normal times). I like them and I often take them in to work to go on the biscuit mountain.

They're not as big as the ones I get at Schipol though.

Sainsbury's here list two sizes of stroopwafel. We don't buy them thobut.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 10 April, 2020, 06:06:34 pm
I think I have three stroopwafeln left, nursing them for now, until I can do rides of >1hour where refuelling may be required.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: bhoot on 10 April, 2020, 06:21:23 pm
Our local co-op have them, although a bit on the small side for balancing on top of the coffee cup.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 10 April, 2020, 06:40:41 pm
Funnily enough this was breakfast:

(https://i.imgur.com/6eDuq93.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 April, 2020, 02:58:39 pm
The Grauniad is making people register for free to read its articles. zomg the days of free news-surfing are numbered!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 14 April, 2020, 05:16:06 pm
The Grauniad is making people register for free to read its articles. zomg the days of free news-surfing are numbered!
Hadn't noticed, but then I do have JavaScript off for all but a handful of whitelisted sites.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 14 April, 2020, 05:20:54 pm
Our local co-op have them, although a bit on the small side for balancing on top of the coffee cup.
Aldi/Lidl often have good ones

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 14 April, 2020, 07:24:38 pm
The Grauniad is making people register for free to read its articles. zomg the days of free news-surfing are numbered!

Are they? When I saw that banner I saw a "not now" button and it went away.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 April, 2020, 07:50:44 pm
The Grauniad is making people register for free to read its articles. zomg the days of free news-surfing are numbered!

Are they? When I saw that banner I saw a "not now" button and it went away.
Aha! I hadn't somehow registered that. Ta!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 23 April, 2020, 10:56:30 am
When the batteries in your wireless keyboard run out in the middle of your skype conversation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Davef on 24 April, 2020, 07:01:58 am
When the batteries in your wireless keyboard run out in t
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 April, 2020, 07:21:51 pm
The air vent/ash sweeper on my Weber BBQ has rusted through and the vanes have snapped off. Replacement is £35 for some thin bent steel!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cycleman on 28 April, 2020, 07:41:57 am
My mobile phone has packed up and I can't afford a new one so to get online I having to use Apollo's cheap tablet and it's sloooooowww :'(. and I can't phone Apollo  :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 30 April, 2020, 10:10:54 pm
Lockdown and the recommendation to shop less frequently persuaded us to buy a freezer (70cm chest freezer, in case you were curious). It arrived today but as tomorrow is a public holiday we cannot buy anything to put in it until Saturday.

You normally need to leave to them to stand for 24 hours before you turn them on anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 01 May, 2020, 08:36:57 am
Lockdown and the recommendation to shop less frequently persuaded us to buy a freezer (70cm chest freezer, in case you were curious). It arrived today but as tomorrow is a public holiday we cannot buy anything to put in it until Saturday.

You normally need to leave to them to stand for 24 hours before you turn them on anyway.

Depends. If it’s an upright, and transported upright, it doesn’t take very long for things to settle. We had to but one a couple of years ago during the summer heatwave. It hit a 4 hour rest before starting up, with no I’ll effects.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 05 May, 2020, 03:31:11 pm
We have no milk at work and I finished the green tea earlier. Had to ration my self to one normal milky tea morning and lunch. Now trying an Earl Grey I found in the cupboard but having it black
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2020, 03:55:12 pm
Bon courage.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 05 May, 2020, 04:22:36 pm
I survived
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2020, 04:23:21 pm
Congrats
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 07 May, 2020, 08:10:23 pm
Having to go to the supermarket and do my own shopping rather than having it delivered reminds me. I do the self scan thing whenever possible so I don’t have to interact with anyone unnecessarily.
Question. Why can’t manufactures get together and decide on a common location for bar codes. Indeed, why can’t individual manufactures be consistent. It’d make shopping so much easier if you didn’t have to play hunt the barcode with every item.
And another thing, why can’t they do the same with cooking instructions. It’s a right royal pain in the bum when you are cooking more than one item and you’ve got to search for the instructions every time you pick up a box. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 May, 2020, 08:17:49 pm
Aldi, or maybe it's Lidl – perhaps both, put the barcodes on every surface. Supposedly. But I don't think they do self scan.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 May, 2020, 01:33:26 am
Self-scan in Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles remains a no-no for this Unit as it requires a Nectar card.  And I haven't used mine since they decided to get into bed with the Daily Heil.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 May, 2020, 10:32:36 am
Really? I've used self-scan in Sainsbury's without a Nectar card.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 May, 2020, 10:40:24 am
Really? I've used self-scan in Sainsbury's without a Nectar card.

Self scan (what Sainsbury call Smart Shop) or a self operating till?  The former is where you zap your goodies with a Frikkin Laser as you walk round the store and according to the website requires a Nectar card. The latter is the "unexpected item in bagging area" thing which doesn't.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 May, 2020, 10:58:25 am
Self-operating till. What they call an ACO, pronounced "ucka", in Downunderland. They don't do the other in any of the Sainsbos I frequent so I wasn't particularly aware of its existence, though I've seen it in The Posh People's Co-op (the green and white chain famously frequented by Wowbagger).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 09 May, 2020, 06:40:39 pm
Due to what's now referred to as coconut tea in our house at decree of the 8 year old and associated madness we haven't been able to get any plain flour

Had to make my pizza with strong and self raising as opposed to strong and plain. Also had to use cheddar as no mozzarella and passata as no puree (last two were down to a meal planning error ahead of weekly shop rather then shortages)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 May, 2020, 11:22:30 am
It's the back of Eleven and I've eaten my dinner already.
This is why I usually buy my dinner at lunch time.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 13 May, 2020, 01:06:39 pm
Self-scan in Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles remains a no-no for this Unit as it requires a Nectar card.  And I haven't used mine since they decided to get into bed with the Daily Heil.

tl;dr if you pay with credit/debit cards then you're still giving them the same information that can be linked to you in just the same way. They don't need a nectar card to do this, they just need one (or more) constants such as payment cards. If you've ever used those cards (or previous versions of those cards) with a nectar card then they've already linked them to that other information.

Longer version:-

I got a half price Garmin thanks to my Nectar card (in a roundabout way). I also get ~£100 a year for using my Nectar card.

A few years ago our work health insurance was through Vitality. This meant I'd get 'Vitality points' for doing healthy things (and giving some information to the company obviously, but then they had some sort of access to my medical records anyway). I linked my Garmin Connect account so it would give me points for cycling (commuting), running, etc. I got points for linking my Parkrun account and for each parkrun I ran. But the most points I got was from buying fresh fruit from Sainsbury's (which it got via my Nectar card which I linked) - I didn't eat the fruit, it was mostly for my wife/daughter, but Vitality don't know that. They just thought I ate more healthily than I do just through my shopping habits.

This was enough to push me up to the top tier of Vitality points which gave me 50% off a Garmin. I bought a brand new one and sold my existing one for essentially a free upgrade.

If I'm using Sainsbury's anyway (it's my closest supermarket and handily there is one between home and daughter's primary school) then I'd rather take the free money (it's about £100 a year through Nectar points for me) and give them a little bit of my personal information and buying habits (albeit confused by buying for 2 other people in the house).

Without a Nectar card I'd still buy things in Sainsbury's, and still give them pretty much the same data but instead of being linked by a Nectar card it's linked by a limited set of payment cards (who uses cash?!?) and not get the £100 a year in kickbacks.

I've fallen out of the habit of using the reloadable gift cards which we could buy through work for a 5% discount. That means a £300 shop (which I'm doing every 2 weeks or so) would give me £15 back. I really should as that's close to £400 a year for just a bit of faff remembering to top the cards up each time.

(*Checks*, they now do "instant vouchers" for Sainsbury's which can be bought at a 5% discount and used to part or full pay a bill. All through rewardgateway.co.uk which I think many different companies use for their rewards system. I can still buy the vouchers with credit cards too, so I keep on getting air miles.)

The first world problem is obviously that it's a bit of a faff to remember to do vouchers/etc ahead of time in order to save close to £400 a year.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 May, 2020, 01:15:00 pm
I keep forgetting our Pure Card through work gives cashback off Sainsbo's. It's not like I'm spending it on clothes in JLP or M&S at the moment ..
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2020, 01:31:32 pm
tl;dr if you pay with credit/debit cards then you're still giving them the same information that can be linked to you in just the same way. They don't need a nectar card to do this, they just need one (or more) constants such as payment cards. If you've ever used those cards (or previous versions of those cards) with a nectar card then they've already linked them to that other information.

What then, is the point in a Nectar card?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 13 May, 2020, 03:19:22 pm
My Versa smartwatch only tells the correct time if I first sync it with my phone, a process that involves turning bluetooth on-and-off-again EVERY FECKING TIME.

Apparently it's 14:49 now.

Even aside from the whole WHAT THE FECK-ness of this, no alarms work, and I get more than an hour to do an hours worth of steps.

As I said. What. The.

Watches have been around for yonks (Google tells me 1505). I might as well have a bedside sundial.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 May, 2020, 03:44:54 pm
tl;dr if you pay with credit/debit cards then you're still giving them the same information that can be linked to you in just the same way. They don't need a nectar card to do this, they just need one (or more) constants such as payment cards. If you've ever used those cards (or previous versions of those cards) with a nectar card then they've already linked them to that other information.

What then, is the point in a Nectar card?

Some time earlier this year, Sainsbo's had 2-tier pricing, with some groceries cheaper for those with Nectar.
Muggins fell for that and now has a Nectar.

They've not sold cheaper comestibles since those three weeks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 13 May, 2020, 04:15:28 pm
Watches have been around for yonks (Google tells me 1505). I might as well have a bedside sundial.

How last century. At least have a digital sundial (https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/248715228/digital-sundial?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 13 May, 2020, 04:40:32 pm

............
As I said. What. The.
................


That's a bit restrained for you  ;).

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2020, 11:13:04 pm
Computers Are Really Bad At Being Clocks Episode #3742
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 13 May, 2020, 11:56:41 pm
tl;dr if you pay with credit/debit cards then you're still giving them the same information that can be linked to you in just the same way. They don't need a nectar card to do this, they just need one (or more) constants such as payment cards. If you've ever used those cards (or previous versions of those cards) with a nectar card then they've already linked them to that other information.

What then, is the point in a Nectar card?

For the companies:
* Makes it easier to track than having to work it from payment cards, they get more of your details when you register and willingly give them it
* Spans companies (I get Nectar points for eBay purchases, filling up at some petrol stations, etc) so more data
* Some people are more likely to use specific companies if they can get Nectar points (brand awareness, etc)

For individuals:
* Discounts and rewards across lots of shops
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2020, 11:27:01 am
Self-scan in Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles remains a no-no for this Unit as it requires a Nectar card.  And I haven't used mine since they decided to get into bed with the Daily Heil.

tl;dr if you pay with credit/debit cards then you're still giving them the same information that can be linked to you in just the same way. They don't need a nectar card to do this, they just need one (or more) constants such as payment cards. If you've ever used those cards (or previous versions of those cards) with a nectar card then they've already linked them to that other information.

[snip]

It's not the privacy that's the issue here, it's the fact of Nectar doing business with the Daily Mail at all.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 15 May, 2020, 07:45:09 pm
Neither the Co-op or Tesco had white wine vinegar.   How do the local students cook? 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2020, 07:50:18 pm
Neither the Co-op or Tesco had white wine vinegar.   How do the local students cook?

Smokily?

<FX: BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 May, 2020, 09:10:05 pm
All those pianos that are played for my entertainment online during lock-down are going out of tune...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2020, 10:53:15 pm
Gender reveal scan reveals baby's gender.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/it-devastated-me-bristol-mums-4172602
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 29 May, 2020, 12:04:54 am
Gender reveal scan reveals baby's gender.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/it-devastated-me-bristol-mums-4172602

Or possibly "Brave sonographer tries to put a stop to this nonsense before death toll rises"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 31 May, 2020, 04:45:29 pm
Just watching the live feed from the Dragon capsule.  One of the astronauts appears to be having trouble with the seal on a freezer bag.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2020, 07:46:06 pm
Just watching the live feed from the Dragon capsule.  One of the astronauts appears to be having trouble with the seal on a freezer bag.

Was it full of poo?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 31 May, 2020, 08:53:42 pm
Just watching the live feed from the Dragon capsule.  One of the astronauts appears to be having trouble with the seal on a freezer bag.

Was it full of poo?

Oblig_Apollo 10 "floater" story: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/64345/nasas-46-year-old-floating-poop-mystery  ;D :-X
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 01 June, 2020, 10:43:27 am
Just watching the live feed from the Dragon capsule.  One of the astronauts appears to be having trouble with the seal on a freezer bag.

Was it full of poo?

Tempted to say FSVO full, but it looked like empty food containers.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 03 June, 2020, 08:10:11 pm
When you run water into the kitchen sink and it sprays right back all over you, because the water hit a spoon or some perfectly oriented edge... 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 04 June, 2020, 09:33:38 am
Waitrose had run out of Deli-style coleslaw so I had to get the plebs' version - and it leaked into the bag!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 25 June, 2020, 03:08:55 pm
Somebody has put BEER in the fridge and it is trying to tempt me every time I open the fridge door.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 15 July, 2020, 07:15:44 pm
Another Drosophila is doing backstroke in my beer...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 July, 2020, 08:11:03 pm
Probably a kenny mutant. They die after two days.

My second favourite after Ken and Barbie, male and female versions of the same Drosophila mutant, which have no external genitalia.

Or possibly a lush which does what you'd expect. In less refined times was called cheap date.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 15 July, 2020, 08:30:18 pm
Another Drosophila is doing backstroke in my beer...

I'll just leave this here, pulled from an appropriate thread:

Obligatory Far Side cartoon: https://images.slideplayer.com/5/1557850/slides/slide_4.jpg ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 20 July, 2020, 10:11:02 am
There are no cutting lines on this morning's muffins. Strewth!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 20 July, 2020, 02:27:36 pm
I can no longer find cheap* ginger beer made with sugar.  Sucralose seems to be bearable, but aspartame leaves a horrid aftertaste.  Ick, ick, ick.



* I.e. Not Fentimans and similar over priced middle class nonsense. I'm talking supermarket own-brand (no longer) sugar water, flavourings (probably artificial) and CO2.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 July, 2020, 10:43:41 pm
Dr Beardy loads the whirly clothes dry from the outside. Now this wouldn’t be a problem is she was the only one doing the laundry, but I’m expected to undertake the task as well. But the real bug bear is that she’s now taken to ‘correcting’ my loading of the whirly clothes dry and moves things I’ve pegged to the shorter inner strings ‘so that it balances’. Grrr
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 20 July, 2020, 10:54:25 pm
I can no longer find cheap* ginger beer made with sugar.  Sucralose seems to be bearable, but aspartame leaves a horrid aftertaste.  Ick, ick, ick.

* I.e. Not Fentimans and similar over priced middle class nonsense. I'm talking supermarket own-brand (no longer) sugar water, flavourings (probably artificial) and CO2.

Barakta and I have grumbled about this in Food & Drink before.

Might not have been ginger beer but sometimes we just want full sugar fizzies.
San Pellegrino Limonata/Arenciata have been reformulated with less sugar, which marred our Christmas meals.

We hardly touch alcohol but like a decent sweet pop with special meals.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 July, 2020, 11:05:35 am
There are stories of capitalist running dogs buying up the remaining stocks of full-sugar Irn-Bru to flog at vastly inflated prices to quivering Caledonian addicts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 21 July, 2020, 11:29:02 am
I can no longer find cheap* ginger beer made with sugar.  Sucralose seems to be bearable, but aspartame leaves a horrid aftertaste.  Ick, ick, ick.



* I.e. Not Fentimans and similar over priced middle class nonsense. I'm talking supermarket own-brand (no longer) sugar water, flavourings (probably artificial) and CO2.

Even the middle class overpriced nonsense has been de-sugared. What the hell is wrong with the world, even the rich can't be trusted to care for their own teeth and lard.

I'm going to try this middle class overpriced nonsense (https://www.sodapressco.com/collections/online-shop/products/organic-ginger-ale-soda-mixing-syrup?variant=30899765444745)- I don't much want the organic credentials but I like that the major ingredients are sugar and more sugar.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 21 July, 2020, 11:44:09 am
Also a problem for poorly controlled T1 diabetics as the full-sugar versions make a good hypo corrector
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 21 July, 2020, 01:48:33 pm
Gotta get ready for all that fructose somehow.  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 21 July, 2020, 05:17:51 pm
I repost https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OmZq9Ul5AFUAsIjX9G8IsMIsNGwU9Q8P4kcKe6T74YE/edit#gid=0 the spreadsheet a friend compiled of sugary alternatives from last yr tho.

I am still drinking the posh ribena that has to be kept in the fridge. It's not as nice as REAL (sugary) ribena :(

And coca cola is still OK, I don't drink it much but if I wanna push my brain to do sensory processing, throwing extra glucose at my brain stops it migraining quite as badly and tastes slightly better than dextrose tablets!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 July, 2020, 05:45:36 pm
I think the alcopops known as 'fruit cider' are still full-sugar, for those who take alcohol.

Sellers of ethanol seem to be able to include large amounts of sugar in their beverages and minimise available useful information.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 21 July, 2020, 06:01:36 pm
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 July, 2020, 06:13:22 pm
Oh well. That is the yearly week in Drôme followed by a week in Girona cancelled.
Dunning beckons.  :-\
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 21 July, 2020, 06:39:14 pm
Well as OK as coca cola can be. it's not my fave, I am 90% made of tea and I preferred Proper Ribena, but you can generally get Full-Sugar-Cuke when out and about unless it's a hospital in which case everything is sugar-free shit (I should really try a complaint on one, discriminates against ppl who can't tolerate sweeteners).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 July, 2020, 06:48:13 pm
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)

Coca Cola still has a decent sugar whack.
Whether it is otherwise OK is a matter of personal taste.

Very few fizzies now have a big sugar whack.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 21 July, 2020, 07:00:01 pm
Even ‘energy’ drinks are now available in sugar free alternatives which does seem to be missing the point.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 21 July, 2020, 08:43:31 pm
Caffeine and electrolytes might fulfil some folk's desires...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 22 July, 2020, 08:57:08 am
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)
C'mon TL.  Coca Cola is OK as a rust-remover................
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 22 July, 2020, 07:40:23 pm
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)
C'mon TL.  Coca Cola is OK as a rust-remover................

I wouldn't use full-fat Coke as a rust remover cos it's STICKY...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 July, 2020, 12:04:18 am
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)
C'mon TL.  Coca Cola is OK as a rust-remover................

Was it not discovered in the first post-apartheid general election in South Africa that coca-cola removed the dye that was put on voters' hands to show that they had already voted?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 28 July, 2020, 08:29:41 am
Quote from: barakta
And coca cola is still OK...
Alas, we are condemned to forever disagree on this.  :)
C'mon TL.  Coca Cola is OK as a rust-remover................
It is also suggested in some quarters for use in dealing with aluminum seatposts stuck in steel frames.  The phosphoric acid is said to loosen things up.  Didn't work for me, though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 28 July, 2020, 08:39:17 am
Even ‘energy’ drinks are now available in sugar free alternatives which does seem to be missing the point.

Yeah.  Not reading the small print on Isostar tablets earned me the worst case of the knock I've ever had.  "Zero calorie" it said.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 July, 2020, 12:28:51 pm
Even ‘energy’ drinks are now available in sugar free alternatives which does seem to be missing the point.

Yeah.  Not reading the small print on Isostar tablets earned me the worst case of the knock I've ever had.  "Zero calorie" it said.

ALWAYS read the label!

If you need 20 grams of sugar to get you moving, this can't come from a 5g tablet...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 28 July, 2020, 04:14:57 pm
Dehydrate the sugar. Let's see, C12H22O11-11H2O=12C. OK, charcoal and water - still get the knock but your breath won't smell.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 28 July, 2020, 05:34:22 pm
Strictly speaking, any sugar will contain water – you can, as nerdball scientist, remove this or just buy anhydrous sugars.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 July, 2020, 07:37:46 pm
Strictly speaking, any sugar will contain water – you can, as nerdball scientist, remove this or just buy anhydrous sugars.
Vague memories of O level (or was it A level?) chemistry demo, involving sugar and H2S2O7, resulting in much activity and ending with a black mass of carbon.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 July, 2020, 10:56:20 pm
Make some toffee (or caramel).

Put sugar in pan.
Heat.
Sugar will melt/dissolve.
Sugar will boil.
Water will boil off.
Mixture will go brown, then black, then burn...

You can coat your apples in the mix when it's brown for toffee apples.

Boiling sugar is very hot!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 29 July, 2020, 09:32:19 am
Strictly speaking, any sugar will contain water – you can, as nerdball scientist, remove this or just buy anhydrous sugars.
Vague memories of O level (or was it A level?) chemistry demo, involving sugar and H2S2O7, resulting in much activity and ending with a black mass of carbon.

That's actual dehydration (the carbon snake, the reaction breaks the sugar down to carbon and and water, the boiling water pushes the carbon particles to the top). I was thinking more about the fact that sugar will contain actual water molecules bound to it (H-O-H forms hydrogen bonds with the -OH groups of the sugar molecular). Sugars will typically be something like C6H12O6.6H2O
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 04 August, 2020, 03:42:35 pm
Face recognition unlock and masks. Not a good combination.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 04 August, 2020, 06:24:05 pm
^ wot ‘e sed

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 04 August, 2020, 07:38:28 pm
Apparently, the next version of iOS will at least be able to work out that you are wearing a mask and go straight to PIN verification.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 04 August, 2020, 08:04:47 pm
It's tiresomely difficult getting olives out of a jar: they seem to resist the spoon.

And don't get me started on anchovies!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 04 August, 2020, 08:08:57 pm
It's tiresomely difficult getting olives out of a jar: they seem to resist the spoon.

And don't get me started on anchovies!
Does this help? (https://www.amazon.co.uk/BarCraft-Grabber-Pickle-Picker-Stainless/dp/B00309FIIW/ref=asc_df_B00309FIIW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=294060963592&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=637523820940944203&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045880&hvtargid=pla-478584983492&psc=1&th=1&psc=1)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 04 August, 2020, 08:19:45 pm
It's tiresomely difficult getting olives out of a jar: they seem to resist the spoon.

And don't get me started on anchovies!
Does this help? (https://www.amazon.co.uk/BarCraft-Grabber-Pickle-Picker-Stainless/dp/B00309FIIW/ref=asc_df_B00309FIIW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=294060963592&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=637523820940944203&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045880&hvtargid=pla-478584983492&psc=1&th=1&psc=1)
It claims to, but I'm not convinced. Maybe as the jar is emptying, but I can't see the grabber grabbing an olive from a fuller jar. Plus getting them out individually isn't the problem - I could do that with a cocktail stick. What's frustrating is the seeming inability to get more than a couple out at a time.
I despair.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 04 August, 2020, 09:31:47 pm
It's tiresomely difficult getting olives out of a jar: they seem to resist the spoon.

And don't get me started on anchovies!
Does this help? (https://www.amazon.co.uk/BarCraft-Grabber-Pickle-Picker-Stainless/dp/B00309FIIW/ref=asc_df_B00309FIIW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=294060963592&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=637523820940944203&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045880&hvtargid=pla-478584983492&psc=1&th=1&psc=1)
It claims to, but I'm not convinced. Maybe as the jar is emptying, but I can't see the grabber grabbing an olive from a fuller jar. Plus getting them out individually isn't the problem - I could do that with a cocktail stick. What's frustrating is the seeming inability to get more than a couple out at a time.
I despair.
Tea strainer and a jar with a wide neck is the best advice I can offer you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 05 August, 2020, 12:43:05 am
Olives in jars?! 🙀🙀🙀
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 05 August, 2020, 10:10:24 am
Olives in jars?! 🙀🙀🙀
I get through a lot of olives (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tesco.com%2Fgroceries%2Fen-GB%2Fproducts%2F262034518&psig=AOvVaw0NL325li_u0iMidPUjA8rl&ust=1596704964228000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJD_jNTbg-sCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 05 August, 2020, 11:29:02 am
In our First World we get them from the Artisan Deli!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 August, 2020, 11:32:44 am
Ours come direct from a delightful little man in Sicily ~ Syrah Poulidor-Featherstonehaugh, yesterday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 05 August, 2020, 08:16:34 pm
It's tiresomely difficult getting olives out of a jar: they seem to resist the spoon.

And don't get me started on anchovies!

I saw this and thought of you.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200805/90b0e01a90d6b6708a426d01827ad9be.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 05 August, 2020, 10:55:14 pm
Is that a whisk?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 06 August, 2020, 04:38:06 pm
Just tried it. It's no quicker, but it is more fun.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Legs on 07 August, 2020, 07:21:47 pm
Our dishwasher doesn’t cope very well with avocado or couscous.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 07 August, 2020, 07:47:42 pm
I ordered a delivery of steaks from Costco, and specified today as the delivery date.   They are apparently turning up at an unspecified time tomorrow, which means I've got to wait in, lest they be dumped in the foyer & start to go manky in the heat  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 14 August, 2020, 10:54:39 am
Even if they do get dumped in the foyer, take a gas blow-torch over them and they'll be fine - taste all the better, in fact.

---o0o---

The hood on one of my rain-jackets has a draw-string with a spring toggle that is anchored to the collar, making it hard enough to tighten and practically bloody impossible to loosen.  Today I got p'd off and took the scissors to the anchoring half-inch of elastic, with the result that the end of the drawstring now pulls out of the hole on the end of a bit of white tape.  I'd love to throttle the halfwit who dreamt that one up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 August, 2020, 01:52:32 pm
I think some neck fastenings on rainwear were redesigned after there were throttling injuries...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 16 August, 2020, 11:57:48 am
Dear Sonos Playbase, why, if I turn on the TV/PVR pairing but mute the TV sound, do you turn your internal volume control to 0, so that when I unmute the TV I have to get up and manually increase your volume to max again  >:(.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 August, 2020, 12:17:04 pm
Oh yes!  If I'm playing music from iThings and use the volume slider frob to enquieten proceedings it changes the master volume setting on the A/V amp, because Networks, so when I decide to watch telly instead I can't hear what TV's T Harvey* is saying.  So I have to – gasp – use the remote to restore it to its usual level.  Which means sitting up at an awkward angle to see over the coffee table.  Is there a victim support group?

* other colemantators are available
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 20 August, 2020, 05:09:26 pm
This bag of pretzels have been rather more salty than usual. Still tasty but not as tasty.

I'll probably survive.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 20 August, 2020, 05:28:40 pm
It claims to, but I'm not convinced. Maybe as the jar is emptying, but I can't see the grabber grabbing an olive from a fuller jar. Plus getting them out individually isn't the problem - I could do that with a cocktail stick. What's frustrating is the seeming inability to get more than a couple out at a time.
I despair.

Many aeons ago when I worked in catering we used to use a wire pea scoop for this. You can get them out at about 10 a time with one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 08 October, 2020, 10:33:52 am
TV died last night.

Do I replace it with another 32" or go for something larger?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 October, 2020, 11:07:06 am
TV died last night.

Do I replace it with another 32" or go for something larger?

Choose life.  Choose a family.  Etc.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 08 October, 2020, 12:20:06 pm
Dead TV = room for another bicycle.  The programmes are better, too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 October, 2020, 12:22:26 pm
The size TVs are going, they'll probably be a structural part of the house soon.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2020, 12:22:49 pm
TV died last night.

Do I replace it with another 32" or go for something larger?

We bought a 55-inch TV. I do carry a little regret that I didn't go for the 65-inch version. I only watch movies and TV shows where things blow up though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 08 October, 2020, 12:58:23 pm
TV died last night.

Do I replace it with another 32" or go for something larger?

You might struggle to find a decent 32" one now, they;re considered "kitchen" or "bedroom" sized  ::-).  I know I did, so opted for the next size up that still had decent features, a 43".  That's as big as we can go - it sits in the recess between the chimney breast and wall, with about 5mm to spare.  We don't want one on the wall, as it's only 9 feet from where we sit.

If you buy from Richer Sounds you get a free 6 years guarantee - effectively a guarantee that matches the reasonably expected working life of modern electronics.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 08 October, 2020, 12:58:33 pm
The size TVs are going, they'll probably be a structural part of the house soon.

Or at least, wall-sized, as predicted by Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451:

https://www.movieversion.com/fahrenheit-451-predicts-flat-screen-tv
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=1281
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 08 October, 2020, 01:00:24 pm
The size TVs are going, they'll probably be a structural part of the house soon.

Or at least, wall-sized, as predicted by Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451:

https://www.movieversion.com/fahrenheit-451-predicts-flat-screen-tv
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=1281

Already done, by stitching together smaller LED panels.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 08 October, 2020, 03:42:03 pm
TV died last night.

Do I replace it with another 32" or go for something larger?

You might struggle to find a decent 32" one now, they;re considered "kitchen" or "bedroom" sized  ::-).  I know I did, so opted for the next size up that still had decent features, a 43".  That's as big as we can go - it sits in the recess between the chimney breast and wall, with about 5mm to spare.  We don't want one on the wall, as it's only 9 feet from where we sit.

If you buy from Richer Sounds you get a free 6 years guarantee - effectively a guarantee that matches the reasonably expected working life of modern electronics.

Having measured up a 43" would mean moving the HiFi to a suboptimal configuration so a 32" Sony has been purchased.

Looked at the size of 55" Tv's. I wouldn't be able to see out of the front window.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 October, 2020, 04:27:03 pm
Window? Archaism!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 09 October, 2020, 10:44:51 am

Barakta and I have grumbled about this in Food & Drink before.

Might not have been ginger beer but sometimes we just want full sugar fizzies.
San Pellegrino Limonata/Arenciata have been reformulated with less sugar, which marred our Christmas meals.

We hardly touch alcohol but like a decent sweet pop with special meals.

Belatedly, I recently discovered that Waitrose sells two versions of Limonata; one is the reformulated stuff (~£3.50/6), but they also sell a more expensive version in slim tall cans (~£3.50/4), with more sugar. Presumably the higher price is both sugar tax and an opportunity to make money off glucose junkies...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 09 October, 2020, 04:29:19 pm
My 4pm Friday meeting has been put back to 4:30.

Are you fecking kidding me?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 09 October, 2020, 08:03:43 pm
Huzzah for my strictly observed (by the company, not me) 14.30 Friday finish.

Sorry fboab  :-*.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 09 October, 2020, 08:25:50 pm
You should be so lucky.  Before I retired, I was often called on to provide expert opinion on ground engineering matters in construction disputes.  One QC whom I worked with regularly called a 'conference' (aka a meeting) for 4pm on Friday, at his Chambers in that Lunnun.  I was based in Manchester.............

4pm was when he could get back to his Chambers after a week in court. 

When a QC tells you there's a conference, you do not demurr.......
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Chris S on 09 October, 2020, 10:13:53 pm
My 4pm Friday meeting has been put back to 4:30.

Are you fecking kidding me?

That's actually worse than my 10am Monday meeting being changed to 9am Monday, at 22:40 Sunday evening.  :facepalm: I just didn't turn up.

Offset by DD deciding that 17:45 Friday is a Great Time to begin an upgrade to a customer facing demo system. Sigh...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 October, 2020, 10:56:24 pm

I solve these problems by putting in my work diary "Keep free" as a busy appointment, every day from 0800-1000, and Fridays from 1300. Stops anyone looking at your calendar, and trying to book a meeting then. Not always popular with colleagues. Excellent for one's mental health.

J
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 10 October, 2020, 12:01:50 pm
You should be so lucky.  Before I retired, I was often called on to provide expert opinion on ground engineering matters in construction disputes.  One QC whom I worked with regularly called a 'conference' (aka a meeting) for 4pm on Friday, at his Chambers in that Lunnun.  I was based in Manchester.............

4pm was when he could get back to his Chambers after a week in court. 

When a QC tells you there's a conference, you do not demurr.......

I refuse to attend those in person anymore.  I only do them by phone or video unless they are willing to pay full day at my fee, travel and if that late an overnight stay.  Amazing how quickly they change their minds.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 11 October, 2020, 03:51:32 pm
I have fruit on my morning muesli, a banana and peach, the latter fresh when in season, but mostly M&S peach slices. Now our local M&S has stopped selling peach slices (other than poncy ones in Armangnac). So I have resorted to Del Monte’s. The M&S slices are from large peaches, and around 1/8 of a fruit. The Del Monte “premium” ones are from smaller peaches and are 1/10 or 1/12 o& a fruit. This is not acceptable  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jakob W on 11 October, 2020, 03:54:29 pm
Clearly the solution is to add some Armagnac to your breakfast diet...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 October, 2020, 09:52:03 am
My coffee machine was misconfigured and has just delivered 75% more liquid than required in my espresso. I don’t like watery coffee.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 13 October, 2020, 09:55:50 am
My coffee machine was misconfigured and has just delivered 75% more liquid than required in my espresso. I don’t like watery coffee.  >:(
Well, what do you expect if you rely upon the magic of the internet to control your coffee machine ?   :-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 October, 2020, 09:59:21 am
My coffee machine was misconfigured and has just delivered 75% more liquid than required in my espresso. I don’t like watery coffee.  >:(
Well, what do you expect if you rely upon the magic of the internet to control your coffee machine ?   :-)
After a career of 40 years in telecoms, the only mystery of the internet is how some of it actually continues to work given that I was actually responsible for some of the darker corners  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 13 October, 2020, 10:08:11 am
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 October, 2020, 08:06:04 pm
I've run out of tea :o

Fckles!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 October, 2020, 08:17:20 pm
I thought 'brown drink' was coffee.?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 October, 2020, 08:39:53 pm
Brown drink is for what passes for mornings round here.  Tea is for after dinner.  And I ent got none left.  Bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 16 October, 2020, 10:38:21 pm
I’m not sure that’s just a first world problem.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 17 October, 2020, 07:35:29 am
Brown drink is for what passes for mornings round here.  Tea is for after dinner.  And I ent got none left.  Bah!

I completely ran out of espresso beans for two days last week, had to resort to cafetiere and Greek coffee
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 17 October, 2020, 09:16:33 am
My coffee machine was misconfigured and has just delivered 75% more liquid than required in my espresso. I don’t like watery coffee.  >:(

Mine reverts to factory settings when there's a power cut.  I'm thinking of putting it on a UPS.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 17 October, 2020, 02:44:20 pm
The shutters on our wall sockets are impossible to budge using the point of a mains-tester screwdriver.  I had to strip the back off a plug, shove that in and test the exposed terminals inside.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 October, 2020, 08:37:13 pm
The Solitaire app on this fondleslab has just served up a shitvert for a 12-seater private jet :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 26 October, 2020, 10:11:22 am
Having brought the boy to work for his first day I thought I would loiter in the area in case of issues. So I planned a trip to a motorcycle dealership to while away some time. It’s closed on a Monday.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 November, 2020, 07:43:48 am
The problem with overnight oats is that you have to remember to put them on the night before.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 05 November, 2020, 11:32:37 am
The Solitaire app on this fondleslab has just served up a shitvert for a 12-seater private jet :o

Apparently that industry's been booming, as there are enough people who can afford to charter a private jet and have enough sensibleness to  a) not normally do so  and  b) want to avoid travelling on a plane with the coronolurgi-infested masses  but not enough sensibleness to just  c) stay in the hoose and not go flying around the world during a pandemic.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 05 November, 2020, 01:42:03 pm
The problem with overnight oats is that you have to remember to put them on the night before.

Indeed. I can't fathom how my wife manages dry muesli on her breakfast  :sick:.  I always have to soak mine overnight. Top tip if you forget - microwave for a minute or so. Warm, yes, but softer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 November, 2020, 01:58:24 pm
I quite like dry muesli. But only if it's the right muesli. It has to be heavy on fruits and nuts; almost trail mix rather than muesli.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 November, 2020, 02:11:21 pm
I used to eat 'dry' muesli but I got fed up of all the  unadsorbed milk floating about. No micro here so it's soggy oats or floaters.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 06 November, 2020, 08:53:48 am
I add close to minimal near-boiling water and leave for half an hour. Still luke warm and partly cooked and well soaked.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 09 November, 2020, 07:38:14 pm
Broke my USB-C to Display Port adapter so I can only use one monitor instead of two for work tomorrow.

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/006/236/1stWorld.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 November, 2020, 08:22:42 pm
I used to eat 'dry' muesli but I got fed up of all the  unadsorbed milk floating about. No micro here so it's soggy oats or floaters.
I think we're talking about a different sort of dry. I was meaning dry as without milk (or other liquid). A sort of crunchy oaty trail mix.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 November, 2020, 08:24:13 pm
I assuming you're referring to some sort of treated oats or granola. There's no way I could swallow a mouthful of raw oats with no liquid.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 November, 2020, 08:27:22 pm
I guess they're rolled oat flakes, small ones not the big ones usually sold as porridge oats. Those would be a bit much to swallow dry. But they're pretty much just a filling between the nuts and fruits really.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 09 November, 2020, 08:35:41 pm
I guess they're rolled oat flakes, small ones not the big ones usually sold as porridge oats.

Ready Brek?

My FWP is that I can't eat breakfast cereal with milk. Just hate it. I sometimes have proper hot porridge, made with water like the true Scotsman that I am not. Sometimes Bircher type muesli, made the night before with apple juice rather than milk. Adding a dollop of yoghurt is fine, but milk... bleurgh!

I prefer to make my own muesli - most of the pre-prepared shit is, well, shit. Alpen can fuck right off. What do they put in that shit? It's shit, whatever it is.

Most of the time, I don't have cereal at all. Poached eggs on homemade sourdough toast is the usual breakfast preference. Like the total fucking hipster that I am.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 09 November, 2020, 08:40:28 pm
I'm lucky.  I just can't eat breakfast, so I don't have this problem.
A couple of pieces of marmite toast and some yoghurt for elevenses and that's me done till the  evening meal.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 09 November, 2020, 08:41:31 pm
1. My Beef Bourgignon was a disappointment. The lardons were smoked and I hadn't noticed, overpowered the dish, but the orange peel worked well and I will use again. I will also try a Cabernet Sauvignon rather than a a Shiraz.  I also want to try cheeks next time, cooked slowly overnight. The mash however, was brilliant.

2.  How come a pack of Spam Fritters is cheaper in Iceland that a tin of Spam elsewhere?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 November, 2020, 08:52:55 pm
I guess they're rolled oat flakes, small ones not the big ones usually sold as porridge oats.

Ready Brek?
Yeurgh! Is that stuff even oats? Anyway, I often ride past Berkeley Magnox site, I've got my own nuclear glow!*

Quote
Alpen can fuck right off. What do they put in that shit? It's shit, whatever it is.
I think it contains huge quantities of powdered milk, which isn't going to go down well with you, and sugar. Along with some dusty sort of oat powder. Maybe reconstituted hazelnuts.

*You can ride along the estuary dyke thing and then take another path which brings you actually inside the perimeter fence. All totally legal. Well, not totally, cos it's technically a footpath. You're only in the car park but still...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 09 November, 2020, 08:55:07 pm
I like Alpen. It's Swiss, like Toblerone, and I can pretend that even though it's probably made entirely out of sugar it's really far healthier than Count Chocula. There's a reduced sugar version of Alpen to which I can only pose the question: why? I want the sugar. That said, I think the only thing with more sugar than Count Chocula is Tate & Lyle.

I mostly eat buttered toast for breakie these days. I find I have to eat about a kilo of any breakfast cereal (the proposed portion size for cereals, really, I'd be an emaciated corpse by lunchtime).

If I'm going to eat porridge it has to be Ready Brek. Actual porridge is just warmed up sick eaten by people who truly have no comprehension of their weirdness. And made with water! What foul Hell do you inhabit?

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 09 November, 2020, 08:59:49 pm
Actual porridge is just warmed up sick eaten by people who truly have no comprehension of their weirdness. And made with water! What foul Hell do you inhabit?

Scotland, obviously.

(Albeit only spiritually rather than literally.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 09 November, 2020, 09:02:17 pm
I think it contains huge quantities of powdered milk, which isn't going to go down well with you, and sugar.

Yep, exactly that.

Sugar is actually listed above the powdered milk in the ingredients.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 10 November, 2020, 09:45:30 am
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

But I can't do breakfast cereal portions. You can get Alpen in 1kg bags which caters for about three days.

Breakfast cereal in my experience consists of things that taste like cardboard and are supposed to be good for you and things that taste like food but have so much sugar that you may as well get a fat man to use your pancreas as a trampoline. If I recall, Kellogg invented breakfast cereals to stop people masturbating presumably on the basis they'd not have the energy later in the day after a 30g suggested serving size.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 November, 2020, 10:06:54 am
An unimpeachable source* maintains that breakfast cereal is made from the little curly wood shavings from pencil sharpeners an who am I to argue.

* Famous chocolatier and squirrel trainer W Wonka
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 10 November, 2020, 10:24:07 am
An unimpeachable source* maintains that breakfast cereal is made from the little curly wood shavings from pencil sharpeners an who am I to argue.

* Famous chocolatier and squirrel trainer W Wonka

"Flaked Corns"
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 November, 2020, 12:21:17 pm
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

But I can't do breakfast cereal portions. You can get Alpen in 1kg bags which caters for about three days.

Breakfast cereal in my experience consists of things that taste like cardboard and are supposed to be good for you and things that taste like food but have so much sugar that you may as well get a fat man to use your pancreas as a trampoline. If I recall, Kellogg invented breakfast cereals to stop people masturbating presumably on the basis they'd not have the energy later in the day after a 30g suggested serving size.

I don't understand any of the breakfast cereals. They all have the consistency of vomit by the time you've added the milk. They have about as much appeal as eating vomit...

J
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 10 November, 2020, 12:53:38 pm
I dunno, Count Chocula is awesome (better than the Boo-Berry and Fruit Brute, which could be dangerously healthy). But that's really just like eating cake. They have so much high-fructose corn syrup that your eyes can vibrate right out of your skull and find yourself looking back at yourself slurping up chocolate milk like a thirsty elephant and thinking I should stop. But you can't, because it's basically breakfast crack and you'd kill your own mother and then other people's mothers to get more. I personally have no idea why so many American kids have A Disorder. Let them bounce off enough walls to stun them would be my practical parenting tip.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 11 November, 2020, 11:27:53 am
Expecting three deliveries today, two of which should contain an item that would allow me to reconnect my second monitor to my laptop.

Door just went and it was the other delivery (a boring 4-way extension cable that I don't even need yet as I haven't ordered the replacement desk).

[EDIT] And just got an email. One of the deliveries is delayed as they can't find one of the items that was supposed to be in stock and they're scrabbling around a warehouse to try and find it. So a ~£200 order of computer stuff is being held back because of a single generic 50cm grey Cat-6 network cable (that, again, I don't really need right now).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 11 November, 2020, 11:30:20 am
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

Did you never sample the delights of a macaroni pie? Probably the best thing about living in Scotland.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 November, 2020, 11:39:02 am
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

Did you never sample the delights of a macaroni pie? Probably the best thing about living in Scotland.

(Consults Mr Google; decides he likes the sound of Makaronilaatikko, wot is the Finnish version)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 November, 2020, 11:44:29 am
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

Did you never sample the delights of a macaroni pie? Probably the best thing about living in Scotland.

I don't think I did, but macaroni cheese is an American staple stodge, often deployed as a side dish to avoid inadvertent vegetable consumption. Obviously with extra cheese and bacon on top. And underneath.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 11 November, 2020, 12:58:20 pm
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

Did you never sample the delights of a macaroni pie? Probably the best thing about living in Scotland.

(Consults Mr Google; decides he likes the sound of Makaronilaatikko, wot is the Finnish version)
That's not a pie! Where's the pastry?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 11 November, 2020, 01:26:20 pm
I used to live in Scotland, and not I never got the porridge with water, and good god, salt. Ready Brek with milk and then oodles of golden syrup or a thick crust of brown sugar. I hate to say it, but Scottish food tends towards the terrible.

Did you never sample the delights of a macaroni pie? Probably the best thing about living in Scotland.

(Consults Mr Google; decides he likes the sound of Makaronilaatikko, wot is the Finnish version)
That's not a pie! Where's the pastry?
Banoffee Pie is a pie without pastry.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 November, 2020, 01:34:02 pm
Order! Banoffee Pie has a biscuit crust. Biscuit is just posh pastry.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 11 November, 2020, 01:35:25 pm
No pastry in a Shepherd's Pie. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 11 November, 2020, 01:35:44 pm
Yes but it’s biscuit, not pastry!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 November, 2020, 01:41:57 pm
No pastry in a Shepherd's Pie.
Shepherd's pie is crook though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 11 November, 2020, 01:48:26 pm
Pies are fully enclosed in pastry.

Discuss.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 November, 2020, 01:52:05 pm
Biscuit is first-world pastry.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 11 November, 2020, 03:15:47 pm
Quote from: Cudzoziemiec
Quote from: Basil
No pastry in a Shepherd's Pie.
Shepherd's pie is crook though.
I see what you did there.  Bad Cudzo.  :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 11 November, 2020, 04:06:48 pm
Pies are fully enclosed in pastry.

Discuss.

Double crust pies are fully enclosed in pastry.  Other pies are merely lidded or (as in the lemon meringue variety) based.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 November, 2020, 06:17:19 pm
Pies are fully enclosed in pastry.

Discuss.

Rules Of Pie (https://isitpie.com/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 12 November, 2020, 10:48:07 am
That's why I only ever make tarte au citron meringuée, rather than lemon meringue pie.

Being a pedant is hard sometimes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 November, 2020, 12:10:49 pm
Are but when pies are squared are they still a pie?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 November, 2020, 02:24:24 pm
Are but when pies are squared are they still a pie?
Who knows. However we do know that the volume of a pizza, radius z, thickness a is given by pizza
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 12 November, 2020, 03:06:11 pm
:-)  Very good.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2020, 03:18:04 pm
I dunno, Count Chocula is awesome (better than the Boo-Berry and Fruit Brute, which could be dangerously healthy).

Not familiar with these brands so I just looked them up. Fruit Brute looks like dog food.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2020, 03:29:15 pm
macaroni cheese is an American staple stodge

I once had an argument with an Italian who refused to acknowledge that it's an authentic Italian dish. I know it isn't, but she was annoying me, so I took great delight in finding an example of a genuine Italian recipe for pasta in cheese sauce, just to spite her.

Anyway, I'm interested that you refer to it as "macaroni cheese", which is what I have always called it. The Youth Of Today seem to have embraced the Americanism "mac and cheese", which really grates for some reason. But in any case, adding bacon to it is fine by me. Preferably smoked. And there's no such thing as too much cheese in macaroni cheese.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 12 November, 2020, 03:36:12 pm
adding bacon to it is fine by me

Diced chorizo works even better.

The name "mac'n'cheese" can fuck right off though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 November, 2020, 03:48:44 pm
In the US, 'mac n cheese' (soz) is an entire thing – all kinds of toppings from the generic bacon to entire bucket loads of (cheese-topped, of course) chilli. Still, this is the nation that brought us deep-fried butter (yes, I have, of course).

I don't mind macaroni cheese, but it's one of those foods that I can only consume so much off – American-portions often defeat me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 12 November, 2020, 03:50:15 pm
adding bacon to it is fine by me

Diced chorizo works even better.

The name "mac'n'cheese" can fuck right off though.


Diced *extra spicy* chorizo...    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 12 November, 2020, 04:11:39 pm
My daughter makes Fajitas-mac-n-cheese.
She is Youth, though, it's macaroni cheese, here.

In the Caribbean they sell it in slabs as street food with callaloo. Apparently  (https://www.food.com/recipe/unbelievably-delicious-macaroni-pie-22768)it's made with evaporated milk  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 12 November, 2020, 04:59:41 pm
I like to stir in a tin of tuna with mine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Andrew Br on 12 November, 2020, 07:06:33 pm
.................. "mac and cheese", which really grates for some reason. ................

I see what you did there citoyen  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2020, 07:11:03 pm
Macaroni cheese with smoked bacon but also leeks to cut through the stodge a bit is the food of the gods.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2020, 07:12:21 pm
Anyway, what I came on here for was to say that trying on new spectacle frames and attempting to see what they look like on your fizzog while wearing a mask is not that easy.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 12 November, 2020, 08:10:49 pm
macaroni cheese is an American staple stodge

I once had an argument with an Italian who refused to acknowledge that it's an authentic Italian dish. I know it isn't, but she was annoying me, so I took great delight in finding an example of a genuine Italian recipe for pasta in cheese sauce, just to spite her.

Anyway, I'm interested that you refer to it as "macaroni cheese", which is what I have always called it. The Youth Of Today seem to have embraced the Americanism "mac and cheese", which really grates for some reason. But in any case, adding bacon to it is fine by me. Preferably smoked. And there's no such thing as too much cheese in macaroni cheese.

I add some garlic too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 12 November, 2020, 08:33:40 pm
Quote from: fboab
In the Caribbean ...  it's made with evaporated milk  :o
Dunno why but this brought to mind the condensed* milk sandwiches which I used to thoroughly enjoy as a very young Lurker.


*For younger readers.  Not the same as evap.  A partially dehydrated, tinned milk with a consistency not unlike wallpaper paste and seemingly fortified with enough sugar to bring on instant diabetic coma.   Delicious.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2020, 08:50:48 pm
Quote from: fboab
In the Caribbean ...  it's made with evaporated milk  :o
Dunno why but this brought to mind the condensed* milk sandwiches which I used to thoroughly enjoy as a very young Lurker.


*For younger readers.  Not the same as evap.  A partially dehydrated, tinned milk with a consistency not unlike wallpaper paste and seemingly fortified with enough sugar to bring on instant diabetic coma.   Delicious.

Younger readers are probably aware of condensed milk, it being used in banoffee pie and other such things. Doubt they know what evaporated milk is though.

I do remember the first year we went to France being delighted by the fact that you could buy little tiny squeezable tetrapak type pouches of condensed milk for just squishing straight into your cake hole.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 November, 2020, 09:16:11 pm
Condensed milk can be turned into dulce de leche by boiling the can (though in modern times we probably aren't allowed to boil cans, it's probably up there with using harsh language against plutonium). And yes, it's the important ingredient – along with white bread – in a proper milk sandwich.

Evaporated milk is similar but without the sugar, I wouldn't the muddle them, sweet macaroni cheese would be a bit odd, and your dulce de leche would just be leche.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2020, 09:40:49 pm
Condensed milk can be turned into dulce de leche by boiling the can (though in modern times we probably aren't allowed to boil cans, it's probably up there with using harsh language against plutonium).

Boiling cans is fine. The problem is it's all made with low-cal sweetener rather than sugar these days* so the trick no longer works.






*probably
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2020, 10:04:49 pm
You can buy the cans pre-boiled now anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2020, 10:06:40 pm
Speaking of the difference, my memory of evap was that it was just like thin cream, whereas condensed needs to be levered out of the tin.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 13 November, 2020, 12:40:12 am
I only ever had condensed milk in/out of tubes. That was infrequent.

Carnation evaporated milk was another matter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 13 November, 2020, 10:06:26 am
Tbh, I don't think I've seen either since my gran was alive, she had a larder that fondly remembered rationing, and a tin full of biscuits that remembered Queen Victoria.

Evaporated is just that, water-reduced milk. Condensed, as said, is loaded with enough sugar for it to turn into caramel if heated.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 November, 2020, 10:25:39 am
My memories of condensed milk included working as an apprentice with the older hairy arsed jointers* whom+ made their tea with a spoon full of typhoo tea leaves and a squirt of condensed milk out of a tube in an enamel mug filled with boiling water. It cut out the need to add sugar, though some of them did that as well, and it had a greater shelf life than a bottle of milk in the back of aforementioned hairy arsed jointers wagon.


* a jointer, in telephones speak, was a chap^ who connected two or more many paired cables together, usually while sitting on the cold ground at the edge of a foot way or carriageway box. Thus hairy arsed.

+ unless he happened to have an apprentice allocated to him, whose first, and most important job was to learn how said HAJ took his tea.

^ in those days it was ALWAYS a chap. I remember the first women in the Bradford telephone area to get to be a technician, an operator in the first instance, and her battles to get appointed. It took her nearly two years.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 21 November, 2020, 08:52:51 am
The Alexa Echo Dot now has a bilingual capability.

As I am living with a German man it seemed polite to allow her to be bilingual English/Deutsch.

Unfortunately, this is only possible if the English is US English rather than British English. So I now have Alexa talking to me in USAian.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 21 November, 2020, 09:46:21 am
The Alexa Echo Dot now has a bilingual capability.

As I am living with a German man it seemed polite to allow her to be bilingual English/Deutsch.

Unfortunately, this is only possible if the English is US English rather than British English. So I now have Alexa talking to me in USAian.

I used voice recog software after I broke my right collar-bone in 2002.  The insolent bastard thing would only work* with a Norn Iron accent if I set it to American.

* FSVO work
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 November, 2020, 11:09:12 pm
I occasionally have to deal with the products of speech to text software. It copes very badly with any non-American accent but the very worst I ever encountered was with an Irish accent. Ironically, an actor. Mind you, it doesn't always cope well with American accents.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 21 November, 2020, 11:19:34 pm
Barakta's on another level in that respect.  There's something deaf about her speech that the software chokes on, is occasionally noticed by people with experience in what to listen for, and is basically undetectable by normal humans.

It works slightly better if she speaks in an extremely sarcastic tone, like that character from The Mary Whitehouse Experience.  Which is just as well, as that tends to happen natrually when trying to operate a computer by voice command.  Still not good enough for real-world use, unfortunately.

I think we found that Google's speech-to-text engine performed better in USAnian than BRITISH, but I'm suspicious that's just because it's had more development.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 November, 2020, 12:49:21 am
Not necessarily more deliberate development but more experience, probably. However, ASR (it's not google I'd be dealing with though I don't actually know what it is) seems to only function really well when two conditions are fulfilled: good audio quality (no crackly phone lines etc, live in-room recording works best); and speakers taking clearly defined turns with no interruptions or overlaps. Copes well with eg lectures, doesn't like question and answer sessions. Those are probably bigger factors even than accent.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 30 November, 2020, 09:48:08 pm
iPhone app would not connect to the electric blanket so I had to get the old android phone out, connect to the electric blanket and the. They were visible on the iPhone app. Electric blankets now programmed!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 30 November, 2020, 10:27:52 pm
think we found that Google's speech-to-text engine performed better in USAnian than BRITISH, but I'm suspicious that's just because it's had more development.

It basically depends upon the Corpus that it is trained with. There are various standardised Corpii that are used for such things, but they are an equalities and accessibility horror show. In her Book Invisible Women (https://amzn.to/2Kpf2Qy) Caroline Criado-Perez goes into this at length. It's a problem especially for women, as the corpii just don't have enough women's voices in there. The result is that sometimes you can get the thing to understand you simply by talking with a deeper voice.

Perhaps one for the "Today I learned..." thread, but part of the corpus used for training these systems is the Enron emails. The autocomplete thing in gmail? that is based in a not insignificant way, upon the emails from Enron! The beautiful nerds over at 99 percent invisible made a whole podcast (https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/youve-got-enron-mail/) about it.

In short, voice recognition sucks cos of GIGO. If they trained it with a better corpus, we'd have a better result.

J
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 December, 2020, 11:39:09 am
iPhone app would not connect to the electric blanket so I had to get the old android phone out, connect to the electric blanket and the. They were visible on the iPhone app. Electric blankets now programmed!
This thread is now complete.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 December, 2020, 08:13:06 pm
Dear the bloody BBC,

How very dare you delay tonight’s episode of “His Dark Materials” by ten whole minutes!  Don’t you know there’s a war on?

Disgusted of E17

Also the Humax was tuned to C4 when I switched it on.  Meaning audiovisual pollution of the fat-tongued Mockney wanker variety.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 08 December, 2020, 02:11:09 pm
The Alexa Echo Dot now has a bilingual capability.

As I am living with a German man it seemed polite to allow her to be bilingual English/Deutsch.

Unfortunately, this is only possible if the English is US English rather than British English. So I now have Alexa talking to me in USAian.

Think that's a problem? Try asking Mr Google to play some music by Maite Hontele.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 December, 2020, 06:17:39 pm
The Alexa Echo Dot now has a bilingual capability.

As I am living with a German man it seemed polite to allow her to be bilingual English/Deutsch.

Unfortunately, this is only possible if the English is US English rather than British English. So I now have Alexa talking to me in USAian.

Think that's a problem? Try asking Mr Google to play some music by Maite Hontele.

Or HṚṢṬA…
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 December, 2020, 06:26:22 pm
The Alexa Echo Dot now has a bilingual capability.

As I am living with a German man it seemed polite to allow her to be bilingual English/Deutsch.

Unfortunately, this is only possible if the English is US English rather than British English. So I now have Alexa talking to me in USAian.

Think that's a problem? Try asking Mr Google to play some music by Maite Hontele.

Or HṚṢṬA…
/ˈhɜːrʃtə/ according to Wikipedia. Whereas my instinct would have been to insert vowel twixt R and S.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 16 December, 2020, 09:20:55 am
Today I have to dismantle the thermostatic mixer valve in the shower because it’s leaking. However, due to ineptitude or inconvenience at the time of install, the plumber did not fit service valves and I am therefore going to have to turn off the water supply for the whole house. This is a decision that has made me somewhat a persona non grata hereabouts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 16 December, 2020, 10:48:32 am
Today I have to dismantle the thermostatic mixer valve in the shower because it’s leaking. However, due to ineptitude or inconvenience at the time of install, the plumber did not fit service valves and I am therefore going to have to turn off the water supply for the whole house. This is a decision that has made me somewhat a persona non grata hereabouts.

You've just reminded me of another job I have to do...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 16 December, 2020, 10:56:37 am
My shower head sometimes manages to catch me with a drop of cold water as I exit, after I've dried myself.

It ruins my day every time it happens!

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 16 December, 2020, 10:58:43 am
We have one of those digital showers. You set the temperature and it blinks until it's ready. There's no danger at all of cold. It's my favourite thing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 16 December, 2020, 11:00:50 am
Today I have to dismantle the thermostatic mixer valve in the shower because it’s leaking. However, due to ineptitude or inconvenience at the time of install, the plumber did not fit service valves and I am therefore going to have to turn off the water supply for the whole house. This is a decision that has made me somewhat a persona non grata hereabouts.
Yup. That boils my piss too. We've got one of those to sort out (for a sink though).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 16 December, 2020, 11:04:22 am
Today I have to dismantle the thermostatic mixer valve in the shower because it’s leaking. However, due to ineptitude or inconvenience at the time of install, the plumber did not fit service valves and I am therefore going to have to turn off the water supply for the whole house. This is a decision that has made me somewhat a persona non grata hereabouts.

Oh, my shower has shut off valves.  Unfortunately they are hidden behind the bloody tiling.  Which fool didn't spot that happening then?   :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 16 December, 2020, 11:20:51 am
We have one of those digital showers. You set the temperature and it blinks until it's ready. There's no danger at all of cold. It's my favourite thing.

One of the joys of my old house was a shower which you could turn on from the bed, and it would let you know when it was up to temperature. It was my one demand when I had the en-suite bathroom rebuilt. It'll be on my list of essentials when I rebuild the bathroom in my current house.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 16 December, 2020, 11:29:08 am
I honestly don't know why all showers aren't like this (I don't need bed-based activation, it only takes a few seconds). Select temperature, wait, get in. Yet everywhere I go, it's still the random bloody mixer taps, endless jiggery trying to get the right temperature and then, thirty seconds later it goes hot, cold, hot, cold, or you inadvertently activate the scald/freeze feature with your arse because the tap is right there.

Hotels were terrible for this, every new stay came with the first-morning horror of figuring out the shower.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 16 December, 2020, 11:36:52 am
I was lucky enough to often stay in hotels where remote shower controls were the norm, particularly in the mid- and Far East. It's definitely a luxury, but it is rather wonderful to press a switch by the bed, have it beep back at you and know that the shower is ready and at full flow when you get there (which could be a long way in some UAE hotels!). Of course, in-home ones these days would probably require an argument with Alexa before you got what you wanted, and would probably also involve unwanted deliveries of stuffs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 16 December, 2020, 11:45:36 am
Singapore had them (the airport hotel is very nice), some of the NH places dotted around Europe, and also in Taiwan and Vietnam if I recall. Possibly KL. Nowhere in the US, of course, since everything there is still c1955.

Bumping around Africa led to some more interesting showering incidents, of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Salvatore on 16 December, 2020, 12:34:23 pm

Bumping around Africa led to some more interesting showering incidents, of course.

On a holiday in Mali a couple of decades ago, we (a group of 5) were sitting on the roof of our accommodation eating our evening meal. We were in a small village somewhere near Dogon country as I recall. Anyway, someone noticed three girls walking from the river, each carrying a colourful bucket on their head, the size of the bucket being roughly proportional to their size. We watched as they walked between the low mud-built houses, then disappeared out of sight below our building, before reappearing on our roof and pouring the contents of the buckets into the big tank, before returning to the river to repeat the task.

Yes, this was the water for our showers.  A stark first world/third world contrast.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 17 December, 2020, 02:06:26 pm
We received a hamper today from work, for our Zoom Christmas lunch tomorrow.  I've run out of room in the fridge now... and I have a veg box delivery in the morning.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 17 December, 2020, 02:56:59 pm
Do you have a garage, shed or other outhouse?

A decent hamper is fairly rat-proof...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 17 December, 2020, 03:07:47 pm
Its pretty cool in a loft at this time of the year.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 17 December, 2020, 04:05:09 pm
We received a hamper today from work, for our Zoom Christmas lunch tomorrow.  I've run out of room in the fridge now... and I have a veg box delivery in the morning.

Anyone else read that as 'hamster' on first view? Only me?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Greenbank on 17 December, 2020, 04:24:35 pm
I honestly don't know why all showers aren't like this (I don't need bed-based activation, it only takes a few seconds). Select temperature, wait, get in. Yet everywhere I go, it's still the random bloody mixer taps, endless jiggery trying to get the right temperature and then, thirty seconds later it goes hot, cold, hot, cold, or you inadvertently activate the scald/freeze feature with your arse because the tap is right there.

Hotels were terrible for this, every new stay came with the first-morning horror of figuring out the shower.

You don't need anything digital. We've got a bog standard thermostatic bar mixer shower, once it has warmed up to the selected temperature (shock horror, an analogue dial) it stays at that temperature. Turn on shower, wait for it to be warm enough to get in, get in. (If the hot water pressure dips then it reduces to cold feed to compensate.)

The temperature dial is separate to the on/off/flow dial.

Less electronics or other plumbing to go wrong too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 17 December, 2020, 04:26:36 pm
We received a hamper today from work, for our Zoom Christmas lunch tomorrow.  I've run out of room in the fridge now... and I have a veg box delivery in the morning.

Anyone else read that as 'hamster' on first view? Only me?

I read it as 'hampster', on account of being on the internet in the late 1990s.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 17 December, 2020, 04:27:06 pm
Its pretty cool in a loft at this time of the year.

(Un)fortunately, not in our very well insulated loft...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 17 December, 2020, 04:30:11 pm
We have one of those digital showers. You set the temperature and it blinks until it's ready. There's no danger at all of cold. It's my favourite thing.

One of the joys of my old house was a shower which you could turn on from the bed, and it would let you know when it was up to temperature. It was my one demand when I had the en-suite bathroom rebuilt. It'll be on my list of essentials when I rebuild the bathroom in my current house.

I had an ex who was very into his automation (and this was in the early days of the web, wi-fi, Bluetooth et al).  He had almost entirely automated his flat, albeit that some of the automations were somewhat Heath Robinsonesque.  One of the great luxuries was being able to make a cup of coffee from the bedroom or run a bath from the sitting room.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 17 December, 2020, 04:32:16 pm
Do you have a garage, shed or other outhouse?

A decent hamper is fairly rat-proof...

I'll stick the veg box in Jon's shed until lunch is over...

We have two freezers but could really do with two fridges.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: De Sisti on 17 December, 2020, 04:45:46 pm
All of this (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=116908.0;topicseen).
And this (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=532.0;topicseen).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 17 December, 2020, 06:59:04 pm
I honestly don't know why all showers aren't like this (I don't need bed-based activation, it only takes a few seconds). Select temperature, wait, get in. Yet everywhere I go, it's still the random bloody mixer taps, endless jiggery trying to get the right temperature and then, thirty seconds later it goes hot, cold, hot, cold, or you inadvertently activate the scald/freeze feature with your arse because the tap is right there.

Hotels were terrible for this, every new stay came with the first-morning horror of figuring out the shower.

You don't need anything digital. We've got a bog standard thermostatic bar mixer shower, once it has warmed up to the selected temperature (shock horror, an analogue dial) it stays at that temperature. Turn on shower, wait for it to be warm enough to get in, get in. (If the hot water pressure dips then it reduces to cold feed to compensate.)

The temperature dial is separate to the on/off/flow dial.

Less electronics or other plumbing to go wrong too.

Digital is more fun. It has blue lights, the most important colour. And it lets you set increments of 0.5 degrees for absolute comfort. It's basically a dial though, you whoosh it around the numbers change. I don't think we've changed the setting ever (I can't even remember what it is) – it might not even work, the water might just be that temperature, but it has a big LED that flashes once you press the big button (there's a sensible pause to allow you to remove your hands from the cubicle) till it's safe to get in. All you really need to do the press the same button for on and then off at the end.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 28 December, 2020, 11:55:26 am
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 28 December, 2020, 12:08:30 pm
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.

In either situation I would suggest that both are responsible.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 28 December, 2020, 12:18:44 pm
The best house-trained of Mrs h's Uni housemates used to squirt Jif around the bath after she got out, on the grounds that no-one else cleaned the bath, so she would always have to clean it before she got in, and by providing a fresh squirt of Jif all round the next user would be obliged to clean it too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 12:20:40 pm
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.

I was thinking of the toilet seat argument.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 28 December, 2020, 12:27:38 pm
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.

I was thinking of the toilet seat argument.
The logical answer to the toilet seat argument is for everyone to put the LID down, then everyone has the same responsibility.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 28 December, 2020, 12:57:56 pm
Trying to adjust the shifting on the soot bike, presently on the turbo, I find I’ve forgotten the pass key to let me in to the app.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 01:00:28 pm
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.

I was thinking of the toilet seat argument.
The logical answer to the toilet seat argument is for everyone to put the LID down, then everyone has the same responsibility.

I'm of the unfashionable opinion that you should check toilet seats before use, rather than blindly sitting on them.  They might have the lid down, the seat up, be covered in piss, full of bleach or harbouring Giant Antipodean Spiders or something.  (This is also the optimal algorithm for minimising toilet seat state changes, which isn't necessarily a good thing if you only discover how minging the loo is when someone who pees standing up comes to visit.)  It seems like an equally sensible approach to toaster calibration.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 28 December, 2020, 05:39:04 pm
The lemony stink from our neighbours tumble dryer exhaust is nauseating. God knows (as it appears to be venting into their conservatory) what it smells like to them.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 05:41:04 pm
The lemony stink from our neighbours tumble dryer exhaust is nauseating. God knows (as it appears to be venting into their conservatory) what it smells like to them.

If they're not smokers, they probably ought to get a covid test...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2020, 05:55:26 pm
The lemony stink from our neighbours tumble dryer exhaust is nauseating. God knows (as it appears to be venting into their conservatory) what it smells like to them.

If they're not smokers, they probably ought to get a covid test...
Nah, they've been conditioned by decades of Fairy Liquid etc to think of synthetic lemon as the smell of cleanness. (And having been there, had that, the absence of smell is a sensation in itself – a most strange one.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 06:01:02 pm
Ah yes, splashing lots of Synthetic Lemon Scented Cleaning Product around is a tired (TBAGO) and tested technique for ensuring you get your deposit back when you move house.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PaulF on 28 December, 2020, 06:10:39 pm
Ah yes, splashing lots of Synthetic Lemon Scented Cleaning Product around is a tired (TBAGO) and tested technique for ensuring you get your deposit back when you move house.

As a young officer cadet the person with the room at far end of the corridor would walk down the corridor spraying Pledge (other cleaning products were available in the NAAFI) 30 seconds before the arrival of the inspection team.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 28 December, 2020, 11:34:44 pm
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.
I was thinking of the toilet seat argument.
The logical answer to the toilet seat argument is for everyone to put the LID down, then everyone has the same responsibility.


NOOOO! PLEASE NO!!!

I usually reverse onto the seat without looking.

I don't want a closed lid!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2020, 11:38:31 pm
Nah, the logical answer then would be for everyone to use those stainless steel toilets with built in seats and no lids that are used in public toilets. Of course in other ways this might not be so good.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 December, 2020, 12:14:02 am
Nah, the logical answer then would be for everyone to use those stainless steel toilets with built in seats and no lids that are used in public toilets. Of course in other ways this might not be so good.

I once had a spectacular bout of food poisoning when staying at the New Dungeon Ghyll. This involved spending a day sitting in the car at a National Trust car park, because there was a loo nearby. It was August and I can guarantee you that I would have been very unhappy with that design of bog seat on a typical Lake District January day. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 29 December, 2020, 12:32:36 am
I like to be comfortable when I attend to my business. These things are horrible!

Bemis for the win!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 29 December, 2020, 11:06:58 am
mini ao burnt her bagel in the the toaster, and now trying to argue it's the responsibility of the last person (moi) to use said applicance to turn it back down to 'normal', from a crumpet setting of "5".  Surely not; check before use isn't it?   ;)
This reminds me of Kim's ponder on whose responsibility it is to check clothes for tissues before washing.  The owner or the launderer.
I was thinking of the toilet seat argument.
The logical answer to the toilet seat argument is for everyone to put the LID down, then everyone has the same responsibility.


NOOOO! PLEASE NO!!!

I usually reverse onto the seat without looking.

I don't want a closed lid!
I believe that special circumstances may apply in some cases Helly, and we clever folk can sure accommodate those situations.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2020, 11:53:40 am
Trying to adjust the shifting on the soot bike, presently on the turbo, I find I’ve forgotten the pass key to let me in to the app.

<snort>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 December, 2020, 07:18:52 pm
Because the Giant Babbage-Game Mod will not be finished by c.o.b. on December 31st its name will have to be changed :-[  This might mean as much as fifteen minutes extra faffing.  Is there a support group I can join?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 29 December, 2020, 07:54:23 pm
The lemony stink from our neighbours tumble dryer exhaust is nauseating. God knows (as it appears to be venting into their conservatory) what it smells like to them.

If they're not smokers, they probably ought to get a covid test...
Nah, they've been conditioned by decades of Fairy Liquid etc to think of synthetic lemon as the smell of cleanness. (And having been there, had that, the absence of smell is a sensation in itself – a most strange one.)

I detest the smell of these synthetic fragrances, to the extent that if the softner has been too liberally applied in the wash (Personally I would not bother using at all), then I just put them back in the wash unworn, I've had stuff so covered in it that it's made my eyes water on several occaisions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 December, 2020, 01:02:08 pm
Agree with you on that.

I once saw a survey dividing countries of Europe into those which associated "clean smell" with lemon and those where it was pine. The only result I can remember though was pine for Germany, which isn't surprising.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2020, 03:43:27 pm
Speaking of unneeded fragrance, Ecover seem to have gone made making all their products super stinky now.
Sandalwood laundry liquid, seriously?   :sick:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 30 December, 2020, 03:49:17 pm
Speaking of unneeded fragrance, Ecover seem to have gone made making all their products super stinky now.
Sandalwood laundry liquid, seriously?   :sick:
I've only been buying this since summer, so I have only known the weird lavender and sandalwood combo. Was it odourless previously?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2020, 04:04:13 pm
Speaking of unneeded fragrance, Ecover seem to have gone made making all their products super stinky now.
Sandalwood laundry liquid, seriously?   :sick:
I've only been buying this since summer, so I have only known the weird lavender and sandalwood combo. Was it odourless previously?
Pretty much. They have seems to have massively increased the number of laundry products on their line now, they certainly didn't have all the coloured and dark coloured laundry liquids they have now. https://www.ecover.com/laundry/
Happily they also have a fragrance free line called 'Zero' which I was able to get after the Sandalwood incident.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 30 December, 2020, 04:51:04 pm
Yebbut the Zero is bloody expensive  >:(. I guess the masses want to be asphyxiated by their clothing. I’ve still got half of the 15l refill bag-in-box of the old-style minimal perfume stuff left thankfully, and Dolphin Fitness still seem to selling it..

https://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/ecover-non-bio-laundry-liquid-150000-ml/86745
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ginger Cat on 30 December, 2020, 05:25:07 pm
The lemony stink from our neighbours tumble dryer exhaust is nauseating. God knows (as it appears to be venting into their conservatory) what it smells like to them.

If they're not smokers, they probably ought to get a covid test...
Nah, they've been conditioned by decades of Fairy Liquid etc to think of synthetic lemon as the smell of cleanness. (And having been there, had that, the absence of smell is a sensation in itself – a most strange one.)

I detest the smell of these synthetic fragrances, to the extent that if the softner has been too liberally applied in the wash (Personally I would not bother using at all), then I just put them back in the wash unworn, I've had stuff so covered in it that it's made my eyes water on several occaisions.

You're not the only one. In my case, fabric softener or detergent residue triggers my eczema, so my washing is all in done in no-scent Ecover, with minimum 4 rinses and fast spins in between each rinse.

GC
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Efrogwr on 30 December, 2020, 06:32:21 pm
We use Surcare which is unscented.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 December, 2020, 08:28:17 pm
Speaking of unneeded fragrance, Ecover seem to have gone made making all their products super stinky now.
Sandalwood laundry liquid, seriously?   :sick:
Damn hippies.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 30 December, 2020, 09:28:40 pm
RE: toilet seat positioning:
About a score of years ago,  my son's elementary school had an "invent something" activity for his grade level.
Perhaps 60 student-inventors, perhaps evenly divided by gender, and about three of the young men had toilet seat/lid positioning devices.
I can imagine the child coming home and saying "Mom, I have to invent something for school" - and Mom knowing exactly what to suggest.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2020, 10:05:46 pm
Am I the only man who prefers to sit down (I call it a sittenpissen, not to be confused with a shittenpissen, which is the combo one and two motion, so I suppose it's really a sittenshittenpissen if you're in the mood)?

Standing up, god, it's splashing everywhere, you're coated in and breathing your own (and, if in a public bog, everyone else's) filthy nephritic miasma.

It ensures that myself and the female of the species are on the same wavelength. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should (though if any of you have seen Utopia, Jessica makes a fine example of disregarding toilet seat placement). Though, let's face it, if you're in a Wetherspoons (a mistake that announces itself), it's probably better not to sit down, but get someone to hold the doors open and make a ballistic golden arc from your position at the bar.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 30 December, 2020, 10:16:13 pm
). Though, let's face it, if you're in a Wetherspoons (a mistake that announces itself), it's probably better not to sit down, but get someone to hold the doors open and make a ballistic golden arc from your position at the bar.
THAT is why the toilets in W/spoons get into such a dreadful state in the first place!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 30 December, 2020, 10:52:42 pm
Some of them you need wellies just to get near the loo.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2020, 11:58:25 pm
I challenge any bloke, no matter his prowess, to pee from the bar to the bogs in our local Brexitspoons
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 December, 2020, 12:42:11 am
Am I the only man who prefers to sit down (I call it a sittenpissen, not to be confused with a shittenpissen, which is the combo one and two motion, so I suppose it's really a sittenshittenpissen if you're in the mood)?

The correct German term for one who sits down on the job is sitzpinkler.  You may die happy knowing this.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 December, 2020, 01:07:15 am
I think I knew this.

Is it true that some public toilets request men sit on the job in Germany?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 31 December, 2020, 06:16:46 am
German women train men to sit on loos for most purposes.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 December, 2020, 08:21:49 am
My friends flat in Germany they asked you sat as was a low profile pan to fit under a sloped roof so splash back was a problem

Quite frankly I think most people sit so reducing the risk of dropping the phone down the bog

I'm not on the toilet atm just for clarification
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 31 December, 2020, 08:25:18 am
Speaking of unneeded fragrance, Ecover seem to have gone made making all their products super stinky now.
Sandalwood laundry liquid, seriously?   :sick:
Harder to find, but BioD is basically the same and no stenches. Both are coconut-oil-based soaps (assuming that they haven't changed in the last 25 years), as are the washing-up liquids. Undiluted pH of the WuL is about 5.5.
In the early '90s, the warden of a YH wanted to change to Ecover and, bizarrely, wanted the H&S data. I obtained it for her and of course read through it. One point that was remarkable was, under 'Ingestion', 'Don't drink too much of it at once'! Not sure that would be OK nowadays. Might have been about that time that other WuL manufacturers were adding Bitrex to stop the kiddies from drinking it.
I used Ecover, then BioD, WuL for shower, shampoo and laundry when touring. A 150ml bottle would last 2 - 3 weeks. The pH when diluted is much closer to that of the skin than is any soap.
BTW, if it bothers you, Ecover was taken over by a company that tests products on animals; my local wholefoods Co-op no longer stocks Ecover (Waitrose still does).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2020, 10:47:43 am
BioD laundry is very gloopy. Their WuL is not. Neither smell of anything much. Potassium cocoate is the first ingredient on the LL but not mentioned on WuL.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 31 December, 2020, 05:55:21 pm
German women train men to sit on loos for most purposes.

"Most purposes"  ??? ;)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mattc on 31 December, 2020, 06:15:27 pm
German women train men to sit on loos for most purposes.

"Most purposes"  ??? ;)
I took this to mean:
"any purpose except taking a piss."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 December, 2020, 06:37:56 pm
My downstairs privy nests under the slope of the staircase.
Headroom is an issue for those over about 6 feet tall.

They have a choice: go upstairs or sitz.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 31 December, 2020, 08:37:29 pm
I challenge any bloke, no matter his prowess, to pee from the bar to the bogs in our local Brexitspoons

Honestly, I doubt they'd make less mess trying. They can't hit the porcelain at point-blank range.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 31 December, 2020, 09:07:32 pm
German women train men to sit on loos for most purposes.

"Most purposes"  ??? ;)
I took this to mean:
"any purpose except taking a piss."
Actually also for peeing.

They are allowed to stand if there is a urinal, otherwise they’re supposed to sit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 December, 2020, 11:17:44 pm
German women train men to sit on loos for most purposes.

"Most purposes"  ??? ;)

Throwing up is presumably still done from a kneeling position.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Vernon on 01 January, 2021, 01:01:20 am
I challenge any bloke, no matter his prowess, to pee from the bar to the bogs in our local Brexitspoons

Challenge accepted. Do I get to shit on the tables if I fail?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2021, 03:21:46 pm
I challenge any bloke, no matter his prowess, to pee from the bar to the bogs in our local Brexitspoons

Challenge accepted. Do I get to shit on the tables if I fail?

Well, we don't go there anymore, so no skin off my nose...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 January, 2021, 12:40:31 pm
What's this, Mr Sainsbury?  No one-pints of anyone's semi-skilled milk?  No tadka daal?  No channa masala?  No Taste the Difference quiche?  Honestly, it's like living in Nambia, Bongobongoland or Didcot!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 11 January, 2021, 01:47:35 pm
I have completely run out of espresso coffee  :'(

I'm down to my last bag of Kenyan for the french press and a couple of bags of turkish and arabic stuff.  I don't consider the Lavazza in the freezer good for other than espresso martinis
Hopefully my order will be roasted today and ready for tomorrow
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 11 January, 2021, 10:20:41 pm
What's this, Mr Sainsbury?  No one-pints of anyone's semi-skilled milk?  No tadka daal?  No channa masala?  No Taste the Difference quiche?  Honestly, it's like living in Nambia, Bongobongoland or Didcot!

No big bags of  own brand figs or prunes.
I'll have o stew your Dreadful Plums!

Actually they have been unable to supply several of my 'favourites' for weeks...
.. and I never met the Mythic Beast.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 January, 2021, 10:39:23 am
Lidl yet again don't have tomatoe puree for me to make pizza with
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ashaman42 on 12 January, 2021, 10:56:55 am
Get ye some red pesto. That's what we've been using lately and it makes for a yummy pizza.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 12 January, 2021, 11:15:42 am
Or cook down a tin of tomatoes with some garlic, homemade passata.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 January, 2021, 11:20:21 am
Actually, our Waitrose hasn't had tomato puree for ages either. Found some in a local store.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: philip on 12 January, 2021, 11:39:48 am
Ditto, no tomato puree in Waitrose. Sainsbury's, across the road, have plenty; it's been like that for weeks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 January, 2021, 11:43:11 am
I use passata.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 January, 2021, 02:00:21 pm
I use passata.


Savage
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: DuncanM on 12 January, 2021, 04:11:16 pm
Waitrose seem to have stopped stocking Clipper hot chocolate. What with that and the various supermarkets gluten free random availability, if I tried to get all the foodstuffs that we actually like, I'd probably have to go to 3 different supermarkets! I guess I'll probably have to start rotating which one I go to each week and then look like I'm stocking up each time.  ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 January, 2021, 04:58:09 pm
I use passata.


Savage

Why is that in any way worse than tomato puree?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 12 January, 2021, 05:12:32 pm
No Greek coffee since a week before Xmas.  Having to make do with Columbian.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 January, 2021, 08:16:04 pm


I use passata.


Savage

Why is that in any way worse than tomato puree?

I jest. I just find it makes the pizza too soggy
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 January, 2021, 08:36:12 pm
I only use a smear. A carton usually lasts me about 3 pizza making sessions (I put it in the freezer in between).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 12 January, 2021, 08:42:08 pm
Double concentrated tomato puree is where it's at, all tomato, no flab.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Redlight on 12 January, 2021, 08:54:00 pm
Sainsbury's sell a very pleasant tomato and basil pizza topping, does for two pizzas and binds the other stuff that goes on top very well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cygnet on 12 January, 2021, 10:19:10 pm
Double concentrated tomato puree is where it's at, all tomato, no flab.
Is plain concentrate actually available to buy?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 12 January, 2021, 11:00:55 pm
I think they call it tomato juice and sell it by the litre...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 13 January, 2021, 09:43:36 am
Double concentrated tomato puree is where it's at, all tomato, no flab.
Is plain concentrate actually available to buy?

I've never seen it either. They went double and left it at that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 January, 2021, 04:42:57 pm
I do like my pizza with a good amount of puree. In fact I probably need to sign in with TP anonymous
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 January, 2021, 04:51:46 pm
Double concentrated tomato puree is where it's at, all tomato, no flab.
Is plain concentrate actually available to buy?

I've never seen it either. They went double and left it at that.

The pedant in me thinks water content must be reduced to make a concentrate.
A 'double concentrate' is the most practical CONCENTRATED product...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 January, 2021, 06:42:41 pm
Double concentrated tomato puree is where it's at, all tomato, no flab.
Is plain concentrate actually available to buy?

I've never seen it either. They went double and left it at that.

The pedant in me thinks water content must be reduced to make a concentrate.
A 'double concentrate' is the most practical CONCENTRATED product...

Joak about homeopathic tomato purée goes here ==>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 14 January, 2021, 11:20:29 pm
Hubbard's (Sainsbury's cheapest budget) tinned tomatoes have fairly homeopathic tomato content.
Bolognese-producing partner will be supplied with better (? Napolina or Cirio) in future.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 15 January, 2021, 06:07:39 am
A couple of years ago the grauniad did a survey of which stupormarket tinned tomatoes gave the best tomato / water ratio.
Lidl came out tops, followed by Waitrose. The rest were lagging a long way behind.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2021, 09:44:08 am
I use the Cirio stuff which may be exactly the same as the supermarket badged stuff but makes me feel more accomplished. Seems very tomatoey.

I feel the urge to make a confession. When I cook with actual tomatoes, I don't remove the skin.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 15 January, 2021, 09:31:24 pm
...When I cook with actual tomatoes, I don't remove the skin.

Ditto
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 16 January, 2021, 03:08:39 am
I use the Cirio stuff which may be exactly the same as the supermarket badged stuff but makes me feel more accomplished. Seems very tomatoey.

I feel the urge to make a confession. When I cook with actual tomatoes, I don't remove the skin.

The ordinary supermarket tinned tomatoes are fine. Hubbards seems more watery.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 16 January, 2021, 02:44:54 pm
I use the Cirio stuff which may be exactly the same as the supermarket badged stuff but makes me feel more accomplished. Seems very tomatoey.

I feel the urge to make a confession. When I cook with actual tomatoes, I don't remove the skin.

The ordinary supermarket tinned tomatoes are fine. Hubbards seems more watery.

Hubbard's=Sainsbury's Basics.

When we did a semi-blind1 tasting of readily-available tinned tomatoes a several of years ago, Cirio came out on top. Looking at the tins currently in the cupboard, if you use energy content as a proxy for the good stuff, Cirio claims 27kcal per 100g while Napolina is a mere 23.


Checking on the Sainsbury's website, I get (and NB there's a difference in what's shown when logged in or not):
Atlante: 29
Cirio: 27
Napolina: 23
Gomo: 23
Sainsbury's: 22
Anna: 22
Solania: 17
KTC: 16
Mutti: no nutritional information listed
Hubbard's: not listed online

On that basis, I might give the Atlante ones a go.

1: I bought, cooked and served; my wife judged without knowledge of the previous stages.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 January, 2021, 03:16:44 pm
Hubbard's=Sainsbury's Basics.
But with the added suggestions of poverty and Olde Englishe merriment.
 ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 January, 2021, 07:32:26 pm
Sorry for turning this into the pizza tomatoe base thread. Making a biggish batch of pizza tonight I had to blend a small tin of puree into about half a tin of Tom's to make enough. Was alright actually but I still love puree
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 31 March, 2021, 07:35:28 pm
We bought this house (7 years ago) partly because it had a view. Not the best view in the world - it's North Kent after all - but you could see the horizon. The only thing slightly marring it was the presence of an overhead phone line to the house opposite. Over the years we have come to accept this as unfortunate but liveable with.
Yesterday, however, our worst fears were realised. A second line appeared, connecting two telegraph poles. I've no idea what it's for but you can probably imagine the upset it has caused in this household. I really don't know how we'll cope.
I've put a pic of the despoiled view in spoilers so those of a sensitive disposition can avoid the horror (the top line is the new one).
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 31 March, 2021, 07:56:31 pm
I use the Cirio stuff which may be exactly the same as the supermarket badged stuff but makes me feel more accomplished. Seems very tomatoey.

I feel the urge to make a confession. When I cook with actual tomatoes, I don't remove the skin.

About 20 years ago an Italian mate drove me down to Sicily for a few weeks, then back to Bologna. We passed lorry after lorry laden with plum tomatoes. Incredible sight.

But,yeah, with you on the Cirio thing. Really noticeable difference, especially when you blend them for pizza sauce.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: meddyg on 31 March, 2021, 09:53:26 pm
Quote
(https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/56/j1BX7cBP_o.jpg)

I feel your pain .
Surely the Council for Protection of Rural England could intervene here ?
This will also compromise house values locally....
Reduction of phone bill ?
Worth drafting a letter !
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 31 March, 2021, 11:06:37 pm
Oh no, I have used up the last of the mixed herbs I brought with me from the UK last year.

When I asked locally where to get mixed herbs I was told to buy an allotment and herb seeds, grow the herbs, cut them dry them chop them and mix in the ratio of my choosing.

This also seems to be the way to get them in the UK, post-brexit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 02 June, 2021, 12:11:51 pm
The lovely steam whistle has gone :-(  The Dean Forest Railway are using a different locomotive this year & this one has an annoying leftpondian two tone noise maker.  Bring back the proper phheeeep!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 03 July, 2021, 11:40:24 pm
A bit of a cock-up on the catering front has meant that Mrs P's piña coladas will be constructed using Bacardi rather than Havana Club rum. Eric from Cuba would not approve especially as Bacardi came from Santiago de Cuba and he's a Habanero.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 July, 2021, 11:42:55 pm
Bac-ar-dee!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 03 July, 2021, 11:55:16 pm
OMG.

SS.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: arabella on 05 July, 2021, 12:51:37 pm
Oh no, I have used up the last of the mixed herbs I brought with me from the UK last year.

When I asked locally where to get mixed herbs I was told to buy an allotment and herb seeds, grow the herbs, cut them dry them chop them and mix in the ratio of my choosing.

This also seems to be the way to get them in the UK, post-brexit.

Last time I wanted some mixed herbs I got a selection of packets of herb and put them all together in my mixed herbs (nearly empty) jar and gave it a good shake.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 August, 2021, 12:02:00 pm
Onoz, o woe!  Alas, alackaday!  The Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia has e-mailed to tell me that the bok wot I ordered at last night with standard delivery on Wednesday is instead already vanning its way to Larrington Towers and will arrive today.

That means I have to get dressed :(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 August, 2021, 03:29:45 pm
After a conversation on Twitter with Ikea support over the last 2 weeks I have finally found out they have no restock date for the sofa in Tallmyra Blue covers so I'll have to buy the poxy grey one instead.
I hate grey.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 August, 2021, 07:27:02 pm
And after all that it went through the letterbox anyway >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 02 August, 2021, 01:41:02 pm
Investigating the purchase of a new Brompton. I know about Bromptons, so I know exactly what I want - in Brompton terms, it would be designated S2L. But such a thing appears to be no longer part of the standard range, and the Bike Builder has been disabled because they can't keep up with demand. A few retailers still list S2Ls online, but when you click through... well, you can guess the rest. You can get them on eBay, but they're going for more than new prices, and I don't want one that badly.

I could get an M3L but I don't want an M3L.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 August, 2021, 10:31:13 pm
S1L and an assortment of spare parts?  Is it the same hub?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 August, 2021, 10:35:52 pm
I know little about Bromptons, but the fact that you can list the inability to get your desired bike alongside sofa covers, mixed herbs and Amazon deliveries, is both disturbing and reassuring. I'm sure you understand what I mean.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 August, 2021, 10:38:21 pm
The only 2-speeds on Brompton’s website are electric. No single speeds at all and everything else has a hub gear (with or without a derailleur).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 02 August, 2021, 11:51:39 pm
I don’t think single speed Bromptons are a common factory/showroom configuration.

Changing between any of the gear options is fairly straightforward though as you can just buy/sell the appropriate parts. Switching from M to S requires an alternative stem which Brompton don’t sell. So that’s the part you’d want to get right.

(Although a similar effect can be achieved with a low rise non-Brompton bar on an M stem)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 03 August, 2021, 10:47:33 am
Investigating the purchase of a new Brompton. I know about Bromptons, so I know exactly what I want - in Brompton terms, it would be designated S2L. But such a thing appears to be no longer part of the standard range, and the Bike Builder has been disabled because they can't keep up with demand. A few retailers still list S2Ls online, but when you click through... well, you can guess the rest. You can get them on eBay, but they're going for more than new prices, and I don't want one that badly.

I could get an M3L but I don't want an M3L.

Have you tried Chris Compton in Catford?  He boasts of usually having 40 bikes in stock.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 11:08:42 am
I got mine from there, they didn't have the one I wanted but seemed happy enough to swap a few parts around to make one (all the gears and a flat bar, please).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 03 August, 2021, 11:11:41 am
That's exactly what they did with mine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 11:36:25 am
Oh woes, I think the dishwasher finally died. It emits plaintive (and quite sad) beeps and frantically flashes some LEDs as though crying out for help. The manual isn't much help. It's been complaining for a while, but usually button-pressing persistence had won through. It now seems to be saying please don't do that, it hurts.

So fix or nix? I always think fix, but then I remember that getting an appliance repair person is probably hard work in itself, then they suck through their teeth, make some mournful comment about parts, and after charging me lots of money, will declare it uneconomical to fix or the part required will be unobtainium as it has to be shipped from a factory from the other side of the planet. Or I could just buy a new one and rename myself Tharg the Planet Destroyer. Sigh.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 03 August, 2021, 12:36:14 pm
If that's an actual error code, it might give you a clue as to what the problem is.

If it's the electronics malfunctioning, it's probably the power supply having droid-rot, which is new circuit board time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 03 August, 2021, 12:44:05 pm
Dishwashers are ludicrously simple electrically and likely *all* of the components are on one small board in the box behind the buttons, with wires going off to the handful of bits that actually do stuff.

If you can (find someone to) replace that board it will likely be good as new.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 03 August, 2021, 01:11:02 pm
S1L and an assortment of spare parts?  Is it the same hub?

As LWaB notes, singlespeed options are even rarer than 2-speed options. Not sure whether or not they are the same hub - but I do have a singlespeed Brompton wheel in the garage though, so I suppose I could do a conversion (on my old M3L, I filed the dropouts to fit the axle, which doesn't have flats on the single speed version).

I don’t think single speed Bromptons are a common factory/showroom configuration.

They used to be, but they've really narrowed the standard range lately - demand is so high, they don't need to worry about catering for people who want anything other than the most mainstream options. And they've completely shut down the Bike Builder option.

I really don't want to faff about changing an M stem for an S stem - the cost of parts being the main thing that puts me off. And a straight bar on an M stem would be too low.

Have you tried Chris Compton in Catford?  He boasts of usually having 40 bikes in stock.

I haven't. I shall investigate. Ta!

Although I'm actually leaning towards thinking I can't really justify the cost of a Brompton right now anyway. Might have to make do with a Tern or something. Ugh! (That really is a FWP.)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 02:11:42 pm
Dishwashers are ludicrously simple electrically and likely *all* of the components are on one small board in the box behind the buttons, with wires going off to the handful of bits that actually do stuff.

If you can (find someone to) replace that board it will likely be good as new.

I suspect it is the electronics. The error code isn't documented, it's not one of the ones mentioned in the manual, I think it's the circuit board's idea of running around shouting WAWAWAWA. When it works, it works, so all the mechanical gubbins seem to work and it's not obviously blocked.

It's just the hassle of finding someone without depleting my sanity in the process and not being charged 1.5x the cost of a new dishwasher in the process.
Title: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 03 August, 2021, 03:00:40 pm
When our dishwasher died (not so long ago), we thought it was an electrical fault. And it was… kind of.

Got a local man in (reliable, not the teeth-sucking type) and he explained that the base had cracked, so the inner workings were getting flooded and shorting out. Apparently it was a common fault with this model because the base was made of plastic. Looked up the part online. £400.

Binned it and bought a new dishwasher.

The chap we got in was from a local firm who absolutely everyone recommends. We bought the new machine from them as well. It’s great when you find a firm like that, who you are genuinely happy to use. We used to get our car serviced by the car equivalent until he retired. This is always the danger with independents.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 03:22:50 pm
That's the thing, we can buy a new dishwasher and have it arrive and be fitted tomorrow.

But then I'd be Tharg the Planet Destroyer. God, I hate middle-class, first-world guilt. How much packaging-free basmati do I need to buy to absolve myself?

Now I have to argue with my wife about who does the finding. I'm already quite sure I'm really busy for the foreseeable future doing, erm, super important stuff. And all those websites that insert your location into a generic page to make it look like a local service.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 03 August, 2021, 03:28:57 pm
But then I'd be Tharg the Planet Destroyer.

Remember, using a dishwasher is far more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand (if you do it properly). I'm not even going to argue about this, it just is. End of.

And using so much less water, you're less likely to be contributing to discharging waste where I swim. So you're saving my life too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 03:50:30 pm
I'm totally sold on the concept of the dishwasher, it was one of the first things we bought when we got a house, though for no greater reason than I'm really fundamentally lazy*. It's just chucking out the existing appliance when it may only need a small fix. That said, it's about seven years old and has done a lot of washing up, and it is Italian (though probably made in the same factories as all the others).

I'll ring a few people, absolution is that way. I can wash up by hand for a few days, though it'll take a toll. Modern kitchen sinks don't seem big enough to wash up in, when I was a child I used to be bathed in one. That said, I was a bit smaller back then.

*as students, to avoid the toil of washing-up, we went through a stage of cheap paper plates, so cheap you had to eat your beans really quickly before the plate dissolved and you were eating them off the table.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 03 August, 2021, 04:09:16 pm
Essential for hiding of dirty pots.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Ham on 03 August, 2021, 04:14:04 pm
The lovely steam whistle has gone :-(  The Dean Forest Railway are using a different locomotive this year & this one has an annoying leftpondian two tone noise maker.  Bring back the proper phheeeep!

Let me be of assistance

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264244417221
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 03 August, 2021, 06:00:53 pm
I'm totally sold on the concept of the dishwasher, it was one of the first things we bought when we got a house, though for no greater reason than I'm really fundamentally lazy*. It's just chucking out the existing appliance when it may only need a small fix. That said, it's about seven years old and has done a lot of washing up, and it is Italian (though probably made in the same factories as all the others).

I'll ring a few people, absolution is that way. I can wash up by hand for a few days, though it'll take a toll. Modern kitchen sinks don't seem big enough to wash up in, when I was a child I used to be bathed in one. That said, I was a bit smaller back then.

*as students, to avoid the toil of washing-up, we went through a stage of cheap paper plates, so cheap you had to eat your beans really quickly before the plate dissolved and you were eating them off the table.

Zanussi, John Lewis own brand washing machines, Electrolux vacuum cleaners and Flymo mowers (amongst other stuff) all come from the same factory near Luton.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: neilrj on 03 August, 2021, 06:09:54 pm
Does the dishwasher stop mid program, or constantly drain or what?
Most dishwasher problems I've encountered are from little leaks floating the anti flood device underneath, to check just tip it on its back onto some old towels [1] and just see if it then works again [2] if so then new jubilee (ish) clips might suffice, could be a cracked plastic part that a soldering iron might weld.
In one ski apartment I cleaned/looked after I just tipped the machine on it's back monthly to keep it running as the owner was a tight git and wouldn't pay for a new one, and I couldn't get spares to fix it properly. The trick worked for dozens of machines over many seasons. Blocked spray bars was by far the most common problem, rinse that rice folks.

[1] having bailed it as best you can to minimise flood, use rubber gloves in case you have some broken clear glass in the little sump.
[2] you can see the under-tray and the anti-flood float once it's on its back, usually a new lifeform is growing in the float sump if it's a slow leak, no evidence of leak probably means GAMO but try it upright again [3].
[3] if tipping works but no leak apparent my moneys on a cocktail stick choking the pump, and yes they do sometimes get through the filters.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2021, 09:56:53 pm
Sometimes it works fine, sometimes the start button conspicuously doesn't start, other times it will start and then stop, leaving the bottom to be baled. Now it seems to be flashing random lights, like it's trying to tell us something, but nothing that the Rosetta Stone in the manual will translate (that said, I've not tried too hard, but it's all stuff like if LED 3 lights, LED 5 flashes, but if LED 1 light and LED 4 flashes while LED2 flashes slowly, then the proximal jolliometer valve is frangible and should be immediately replaced by a qualified astronaut). It's possible it's receiving messages from Proxima Centauri. If so, they've picked the wrong way to initiate communications with the residents of planet Earth.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 03 August, 2021, 10:02:28 pm
Sounds like the sort of thing that might respond to poking about with an ESR meter and replacing dubious capacitors.  But the first rule of appliance repair is that the amount of damage you will do gaining access to the circuit board is inversely proportional to the simplicity of the electrical fix.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 04 August, 2021, 12:03:30 pm
Is an ESR meter one of those things Scientologists have? I suppose I could drive down to their HQ and borrow one. It's possible that my dishwasher is the physical embodiment of an immortal Thetan.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 04 August, 2021, 12:31:18 pm
Is an ESR meter one of those things Scientologists have? I suppose I could drive down to their HQ and borrow one. It's possible that my dishwasher is the physical embodiment of an immortal Thetan.

Not entirely dissimilar, actually.  It's designed to measure small resistances rather than large ones, uses AC rather than DC, and is calibrated in actual ohms.  Because the effective series resistance of a capacitor is a useful indication of its b0rkedness, and the effective series resistance of human skin isn't a particularly useful indication of anything (apart from Thetan entanglement, obviously).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 04 August, 2021, 12:34:30 pm
The thing that failed on mine was the power supply chip*, and unpredictable behaviour is consistent with the low voltage control bits not getting stable voltage.

(* Yes chip. It has a single chip to convert mains to DC right on the control board. No parts budget for any fancy pants transformers. Why pay for galvanic isolation when you don't need it?)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 04 August, 2021, 12:43:03 pm
Yes chip. It has a single chip to convert mains to DC right on the control board. No parts budget for any fancy pants transformers. Why pay for galvanic isolation when you don't need it?

Such things have proliferated thanks to engineered-to-a-price LED light bulbs.  Stands to reason they'd start to appear elsewhere.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 04 August, 2021, 12:56:03 pm
Such things have proliferated thanks to engineered-to-a-price LED light bulbs.  Stands to reason they'd start to appear elsewhere.

Other way round I think. The need to cheaply power electronics from the mains long predates the invention of high power white LEDs. Things like LCD mains timers have had capacitive droppers in them probably since day one.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 19 August, 2021, 05:44:12 pm
Most of the time when I open a bottle of ale, I end up paying a shandy tax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 22 August, 2021, 09:31:28 am
Why do food producers get their packaging designed to enable easy pealing of the top film the insist on using an adhesive  that would hold an elephant to the underside of a 747 in flight?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 22 August, 2021, 09:37:21 am
Also, cellophane packets which are so difficult to open, subsequently change characteristic to tear so easily as to be useless for rewrapping the remaining contents.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 22 August, 2021, 11:53:33 am
Always used for easily spillable dry goods like pasta and rice.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 22 August, 2021, 12:48:20 pm
Why do food producers get their packaging designed to enable easy pealing of the top film the insist on using an adhesive  that would hold an elephant to the underside of a 747 in flight?

Also, when used for slices of smoked salmon, why is the first slice you need to remove the one furthest from the point at which you start peeling.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 31 August, 2021, 11:09:26 am
I am struggling with what to wear on the bike.  It is August so I "should" be wearing shorts and a short sleeved top with a thin base layer.  It is summer after all and the weather person says it is not cold.  Yet when I go out like that I am freezing.  I have spent the summer commuting in thicker top, arm warmers and even my rainproof just to stay warm in the mornings.  The evenings have hardly been any better.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 01 September, 2021, 11:46:29 am
And now I’m dithering over where to post this… I think too much.

I need a new battery charger for household batteries and wondered about getting one that could ‘condition’ batteries as well. Now bearing in mind I’m a technologist with education (and qualifications!) in electronic and electrical principles you’d think this was a straight forward matter. The truth is a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. With my paranoia of being “ripped off”, the option to spend anything from £13 to £92 for a 4 cell charger is causing me to go into meltdown.

I’m going to go and sit in a darkened room for a little while, but any words of wisdom might be helpful.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 01 September, 2021, 01:53:39 pm
Obviously I can't now find the thread, but the Technoline BL-700 was a forum favourite for AA/AAA Ni-MH cells.

ETA: Some discussion of alternatives here https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=110328.0
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 01 September, 2021, 02:06:00 pm
Obviously I can't now find the thread, but the Technoline BL-700 was a forum favourite for AA/AAA Ni-MH cells.

ETA: Some discussion of alternatives here https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=110328.0
^This.
I've had a pair of Technoline BL-700 constantly 'on' since 2006.
They continue to do their job 15 years down the road.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 01 September, 2021, 02:54:52 pm
I got one. It does the job and does it well – far, far better than the dumb charger it replaced.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 01 September, 2021, 06:51:05 pm
I also have had one for several years and it works well including reviving batteries other chargers report as deceased. However, the plastic casing  has somehow become sticky to the touch, and no manner of scrubbing with various degreasing libations will remove this tackiness. Dunno how this has happened.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 01 September, 2021, 07:51:03 pm
The cells I use for my Garmin reached a point a couple of years ago where only the BL-700 will charge them.  This is good in that it's getting life out of otherwise knackered cells, but it does mean that my lightweight racing battery charger won't work and I need to replace them if it ever gets to the point where I'll be doing more than day rides.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 09 September, 2021, 05:21:35 pm
I have to eat a whole, large, Victoria sponge. All on my own.  Oh, the horror.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2021, 01:09:25 pm
How about a loofa for afters?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 10 September, 2021, 02:55:19 pm
How about a loofa for afters?

<ObligPython> A wafer-thin mint might be more appropriate, methinks.  :demon:</ObligPython>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2021, 03:23:27 pm
Also, cellophane packets which are so difficult to open, subsequently change characteristic to tear so easily as to be useless for rewrapping the remaining contents.

Rant mode on:
It baffles me that people insist on pulling open packets when it's far easier, neater and safer to trim off the top with a pair of scissors. I nearly lost my shit with the idiot I encountered in the office kitchen a couple of weeks ago who did this with a new bag of coffee, despite me telling him not to - it only took me a few seconds to fetch a pair of scissors from a drawer in the kitchen, but he was too impatient to wait and went ahead with his method before I could stop him. Result: coffee all over the kitchen floor...  :facepalm:

I had to restrain myself from using the scissors for another purpose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 10 September, 2021, 03:41:31 pm
I always do it. I don't know why. I know it will go wrong. I know there will be mess. But the compulsion to just pull is just irresistible.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 10 September, 2021, 03:48:04 pm
I've put a pair of scissors in the kitchen, as close to the usual site for all such shenanigans, for exactly this reason, and I still sometimes just tear!

Save yourselves; there's clearly no hope for me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: tom_e on 10 September, 2021, 04:50:45 pm
I like to compromise and use the bread knife, which is usually closer than the scissors. 

Feels much more macho, and often produces a perfectly usable opening.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: spesh on 10 September, 2021, 06:41:40 pm
I like to compromise and use the bread knife, which is usually closer than the scissors. 

Feels much more macho, and often produces a perfectly usable opening.

Never mind annoying cow-orkers, what do you use for opening food packaging?  :demon: ;) :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2021, 10:22:09 am
The trouble is that some bags will peel open in a very satisfying, not to say sensuous, fashion. Other bags just look as if they'll do this but then snag, so that you feel just one more tug will budge it, dot dot dot and pass the dust pan.

Re resealing afterwards: hands up if your kitchen cupboards bristle with clothes-pegs.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 11 September, 2021, 10:25:21 am
Re resealing afterwards: hands up if your kitchen cupboards bristle with clothes-pegs.
<raises mitts>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Basil on 11 September, 2021, 10:40:28 am
Yes. Several clothes pegs, but lots of smaller made for the job things.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul on 11 September, 2021, 11:13:10 am
Re resealing afterwards: hands up if your kitchen cupboards bristle with clothes-pegs.
<raises mitts>
Oh yes. I know some disapprove, but to them I say fiddlesticks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 11 September, 2021, 05:41:08 pm
Klippits,  the middle-class clothespeg.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/2894/48-Klippits-Food-Storage-and-Sealing-Bag-Clips---Mixed-Sizes
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: slope on 11 September, 2021, 05:50:09 pm
Klippits,  the middle-class clothespeg.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/2894/48-Klippits-Food-Storage-and-Sealing-Bag-Clips---Mixed-Sizes

HOW MUCH????

Ikea

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/bevara-sealing-clip-set-of-30-mixed-colours-mixed-sizes-10339171/

ps have to say I'm still using some 25+ year old Klippits
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 11 September, 2021, 09:36:30 pm
We have an assortment of middle-class clothespegs of indeterminate (but probably the likes of Canadian Tire Wilkos or Home Bargains, definitely not Ikea) origin.  Barakta can work the clips on about half of them; such things requiring a relatively forceful pincer-grip, especially if there's something substantial being clamped.

We did have some actual clothespegs, which she preferred on account of their mechanical advantage.  They've all suffered brittle plastic death.  Wood would appear to be the superior material here.

I note that the middle-class ones do a better job of both staying put and crumb containment when you have half a packet of biscuits or whatever rattling around in a bag, which makes them a useful cycle tourist accessory.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 11 September, 2021, 09:38:13 pm
I use magnets. I don't trust magnetism, but I figure that if I eat magnetic pasta, it's practically a superpower.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: neilrj on 12 September, 2021, 12:49:57 am
Half a packet of biscuits, sorry does not compute.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 12 September, 2021, 12:51:48 am
Indeed.

Much like Eric the half a Bee.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 12 September, 2021, 07:04:07 am
Klippits,  the middle-class clothespeg.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/2894/48-Klippits-Food-Storage-and-Sealing-Bag-Clips---Mixed-Sizes


We have a drawer of these (or similar). 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2021, 11:53:28 am
Klippits,  the middle-class clothespeg.

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/2894/48-Klippits-Food-Storage-and-Sealing-Bag-Clips---Mixed-Sizes

HOW MUCH????

Ikea

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/bevara-sealing-clip-set-of-30-mixed-colours-mixed-sizes-10339171/

ps have to say I'm still using some 25+ year old Klippits
Well, they are middle-class clothespegs from the middle-class coach parties' kitchen shop.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: slope on 12 September, 2021, 12:22:39 pm

Well, they are middle-class clothespegs from the middle-class coach parties' kitchen shop.

 ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2021, 12:30:21 pm
We did have some actual clothespegs, which she preferred on account of their mechanical advantage.  They've all suffered brittle plastic death.  Wood would appear to be the superior material here.
How much wood would a clothes peg peg if a.... No, not that. In their clothes pegging use, the plastic ones seem far more liable to pinging into fuckits than the wooden ones.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 12 September, 2021, 02:02:37 pm
I just want to know what makes a clothes peg "middle-class"! ???
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 12 September, 2021, 04:09:52 pm
Re resealing afterwards: hands up if your kitchen cupboards bristle with clothes-pegs.
<raises mitts>

+1

Leatherman Micra has sharp scissors and is my trusty companion almost everywhere.

D sometimes tries pulling packages open.

I do not.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PhilO on 15 September, 2021, 09:15:19 am
I just want to know what makes a clothes peg "middle-class"! ???

I bought a few of these (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pincinox-Stainless-Clothespegs-Pack-New-Packaging-Lifetime/dp/B01H2T38QE/ref=asc_df_B01H2T38QE/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=255964520112&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11829357701487813251&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045373&hvtargid=pla-307249082780&psc=1) last summer is an attempt to find something that wouldn't get eaten by the dog...

I feel that I may have hit peak middle-class...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 15 September, 2021, 09:43:39 am
I just want to know what makes a clothes peg "middle-class"! ???

Polished mahogany with ebony inlay.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 15 September, 2021, 09:52:18 am
I have no clothes pegs and I swear I'm middle class. I sneer at chavs and the only reason I go to Lidl is for cheap gin, so I must be.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 15 September, 2021, 09:55:33 am
Proprietary data stacks.

Why won’t my whittings bathroom scales easily share MY data with the apps of MY choice. In the 21st century I should not need to be manually entering my weight into the diet app and the fitness monitoring app I have chosen to use just because some marketeer wanker thinks by making me do so will force me to by one of their watches a d use their fitness app so they can collect more data about my habits.

</rant>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 September, 2021, 09:57:08 am
"Made of single-origin 304 grade stainless steel, each peg is artisan forged at our workshop to produce a durable, reliable, high quality, aesthetically pleasing peg. Packed in Kraft paper for durability and minimal environmental impact, you can find a photo and bio of our artisan team on the back of each packet. This is your guarantee of the quality that can only come from an individually made peg. Our pegs were designed to give you a traditional pegging experience just like your grandmother enjoyed!
USA design in Wisconsin.
Made in China."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 15 September, 2021, 09:57:58 am
I just want to know what makes a clothes peg "middle-class"! ???

Where you buy them from probably.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 15 September, 2021, 10:47:23 am
Proprietary data stacks.

Why won’t my whittings bathroom scales easily share MY data with the apps of MY choice. In the 21st century I should not need to be manually entering my weight into the diet app and the fitness monitoring app I have chosen to use just because some marketeer wanker thinks by making me do so will force me to by one of their watches a d use their fitness app so they can collect more data about my habits.

</rant>

In some instances you can use IFTTT to copy data between services. Although last time I tried this it couldn’t cope with the data being stored in stones and pounds, because they hate our beautiful country.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 15 September, 2021, 11:44:58 am
Proprietary data stacks.

Why won’t my whittings bathroom scales easily share MY data with the apps of MY choice. In the 21st century I should not need to be manually entering my weight into the diet app and the fitness monitoring app I have chosen to use just because some marketeer wanker thinks by making me do so will force me to by one of their watches a d use their fitness app so they can collect more data about my habits.

</rant>

In some instances you can use IFTTT to copy data between services. Although last time I tried this it couldn’t cope with the data being stored in stones and pounds, because they hate our beautiful country.
There are two ot three suggested solutions out there, using intermediary database and the like, but none of them are straightforward and most use Someone Else’s Computer ™ to store the data. I’ve not looked too deeply into it, so I don’t know if it’s a lake of an API to expose the data to third parties or a lack of the second vendor being willing to develop an interface to suck third party data in. I suspect it’s a bit of both.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 15 September, 2021, 11:48:44 am
Isn't your weight private data, so not good to have it easily shared across apps?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 September, 2021, 12:17:24 pm
Proprietary data stacks.

Why won’t my whittings bathroom scales easily share MY data with the apps of MY choice. In the 21st century I should not need to be manually entering my weight into the diet app and the fitness monitoring app I have chosen to use just because some marketeer wanker thinks by making me do so will force me to by one of their watches a d use their fitness app so they can collect more data about my habits.

</rant>

In some instances you can use IFTTT to copy data between services. Although last time I tried this it couldn’t cope with the data being stored in stones and pounds, because they hate our beautiful country.

MOAR bulyin,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, by teh EU burocrats!!!!!2!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 15 September, 2021, 12:24:10 pm
Isn't your weight private data, so not good to have it easily shared across apps?
no, because you can’t identify a person from it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 15 September, 2021, 12:34:02 pm
Come back Ted Kaczynski, we need you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 15 September, 2021, 02:04:00 pm
I have no clothes pegs and I swear I'm middle class. I sneer at chavs and the only reason I go to Lidl is for cheap gin, so I must be.


If you drink Lidl gin you *are* a chav...


(the original Hortus gin was OKish but they've gone a bit downhill since that).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: arabella on 16 September, 2021, 11:33:52 am
I upgraded to a new mattress.
It is (much) thicker than the old mattress so some of my sheets no longer tuck in (tuck in! I hear you cry.  Well yes, flat sheets can be sides-to-middled when the middle wears out, thus getting more wear/less waste)
It is alas also a lot heavier than my old mattress so no idea how I will turn it when required.  Presumably with much difficulty as opposed to merely some difficulty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 17 September, 2021, 09:26:47 am
Pub's kitchen was closed, had a couple of pints then went to Greggs, Greggs was closed, had to go to M&S - at this rate I'll have to get extra from Waitrose. What is the world coming to?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 17 September, 2021, 09:32:28 am
I upgraded to a new mattress.
It is (much) thicker than the old mattress so some of my sheets no longer tuck in (tuck in! I hear you cry.  Well yes, flat sheets can be sides-to-middled when the middle wears out, thus getting more wear/less waste)
It is alas also a lot heavier than my old mattress so no idea how I will turn it when required.  Presumably with much difficulty as opposed to merely some difficulty.
Flat sheets are getting smaller. How can a 150 cm-wide sheet be a "single": 90 cm for the bed+2x25 cm for the sides leaves 10 cm to tuck in to accommodate me. Need to buy a double now.
I like a flat sheet on top*, then I can have multiple layers for adjustment without any of them touching me.

* After the disastrous mistake of using a fitted sheet on top!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 September, 2021, 09:46:46 am
I upgraded to a new mattress.
It is (much) thicker than the old mattress so some of my sheets no longer tuck in (tuck in! I hear you cry.  Well yes, flat sheets can be sides-to-middled when the middle wears out, thus getting more wear/less waste)
It is alas also a lot heavier than my old mattress so no idea how I will turn it when required.  Presumably with much difficulty as opposed to merely some difficulty.
Flat sheets are getting smaller. How can a 150 cm-wide sheet be a "single": 90 cm for the bed+2x25 cm for the sides leaves 10 cm to tuck in to accommodate me. Need to buy a double now.
I like a flat sheet on top*, then I can have multiple layers for adjustment without any of them touching me.

* After the disastrous mistake of using a fitted sheet on top!
We’ve given up trying to accommodate both of us in bed with respect to duvet tog value and extra blankets. I am currently sleeping on top of the duvet Dr Beardy (Mrs) is sleeping under and I have a single fleece blanket if i get a bit cool in the night. My night sweats have all but disappeared since we took this approach.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 17 September, 2021, 03:30:41 pm
 You should do as the Germans do - they always have 2 single duvets on a double bed.

My GerMan has a super-light tog duvet upon which he sleeps, I sleep under a thick and heavy one. Works well!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 17 September, 2021, 05:16:03 pm
Ocado cannot deliver frozen foods due to national CO2 shortage!!  How will I survive without my Nuii ice creams?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 September, 2021, 08:42:59 pm
Supply crisis gets serious (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/john-lewis-runs-out-scones-5970635)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 29 September, 2021, 12:34:53 pm
I picked up prawn cocktail crisps instead of ready salted
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 November, 2021, 01:19:57 pm
No “Indian Sides” of any type, shape or description in Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles today.  Not even the pukey ones with spinach.  In them.

Bah!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 November, 2021, 09:55:59 am
I’ve just received an email from Amazon saying that they will no longer accept Visa CC from mid January because the fees are too high and to change my payment details now.

It feels like a phish, not least because I would have thought a firm the size of Amazon would be in a position to ‘negotiate’ with Visa over fees, and it seems like a massive own goal for them if they really are stopping to accept Visa CC.

If it is phish though, it seems to be a very well constructed one.

I won’t be changing my payment method though, not least because I don’t anything other than Visa that I’m prepared to use on Amazon. At least the change will force me to look for the cheapest supplier rather than using Amazon because it’s simpler as I’ve got a prime account.

ETA: a quick Google and it would seem to be true because VISA are increasing their fees in the UK now that the EU cap no longer applies. Ya, another Brexit winning. Some are saying that this is possibly a negotiation tactic by Amazon.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 17 November, 2021, 10:28:12 am
Yes , I've had the same email & have seen commentary saying it's due to the UK no longer being in the EU.



Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 November, 2021, 10:31:16 am
I had an email from my bank a while back saying that they would be moving from Visa to Mastercard but that was for debit not credit cards. They didn't mention Brexit, of course. And equally obviously, real events are the best disguise for a phish.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 17 November, 2021, 10:35:42 am
Yep, the Visa thing seems to be legit:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59306200

Haven't had the email, but I only have Mastercard...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 10:38:44 am
I had the email this morning, and it's just been on the news on the radio as well.

I would have thought a firm the size of Amazon would be in a position to ‘negotiate’ with Visa over fees, and it seems like a massive own goal for them if they really are stopping to accept Visa CC.

I would have thought that there has been an awful lot of negotiation between the two parties before they've reached this point. And I suspect it's a bit of bluff-calling from Amazon - one side or the other will climb down before the change is due to come into effect in January. Amazon clearly think they are in a position to outmuscle Visa.

Quote
I won’t be changing my payment method though, not least because I don’t anything other than Visa that I’m prepared to use on Amazon. At least the change will force me to look for the cheapest supplier rather than using Amazon because it’s simpler as I’ve got a prime account.

I wonder how many people would actually ditch Amazon because of this. Some might say they will but then decide they like the convenience of Amazon too much. I'm sure Amazon have factored this into their calculations.

Worth noting that they're waiting until after Christmas to bring this into effect. Cynical.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 November, 2021, 10:50:36 am
I'm surprised Amazon don't have their own payment system, like Ali do, or at least haven't bought up an existing one like PayPal. Or maybe they have and I missed it?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 11:13:30 am
Sounds like negotiation, I've not had the email, but it seems to be an actual thing. I checked and each of my four CCs is, of course, Visa. I don't want another CC, it's not like I need the ones I have. I think you can use Apple Pay, not sure how that works if it's still tied to a Visa card. A bit of a stupid move if Amazon stick to their guns and Visa don't budge.

I hate Amazon, but it's perilously convenient. Though I'm, in general, trying to buy less stuff.

ETA: you have mail. Oh well, I'm not about to get another CC unless my wife has a MasterCard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 01:02:07 pm
To be honest, if Amazon do go through with this, it will probably be a good thing for me - it might make me think twice about buying more shit if I have to actually pay for it with ready cash up front.

I've got my Visa card set up as the default for buying Kindle books and paying the Prime sub, so it's a good excuse to swap those, which I probably should do anyway. Not entirely sure why those are on the CC.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 01:04:22 pm
I'm surprised Amazon don't have their own payment system

It did cross my mind that this could be a precursory move towards that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 07:38:06 pm
To be honest, if Amazon do go through with this, it will probably be a good thing for me - it might make me think twice about buying more shit if I have to actually pay for it with ready cash up front.

I've got my Visa card set up as the default for buying Kindle books and paying the Prime sub, so it's a good excuse to swap those, which I probably should do anyway. Not entirely sure why those are on the CC.

I'd forgotten about my Kindle addiction and Prime Video. That will be a grand pain in the dangleberries if they don't sort it out. I really don't want another card.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 18 November, 2021, 12:18:02 am
I’ve started reading up on 2mm finescale, please send help.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 18 November, 2021, 09:08:28 am
I'm surprised Amazon don't have their own payment system

It did cross my mind that this could be a precursory move towards that.

They have an Amazon credit card, which is Mastercard?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 18 November, 2021, 11:32:53 am
I just want to know what makes a clothes peg "middle-class"! ???
Where you buy them from probably.

My stock of wooden clothes pegs was bought at Woolworths, probably around the year 2000.

Suspect their vintage make me middle class, even if Woolworths might be infra dig...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: orienteer on 18 November, 2021, 05:02:45 pm
I’ve started reading up on 2mm finescale, please send help.

I visited the Model Railway Club's Copenhagen Fields layout at their HQ near Kings Cross a few months ago.

There's a new YouTube feature about it, Google youtube copenhagen fields model

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 18 November, 2021, 05:11:51 pm
It's a depiction of leveling up in the Northern Powerhouse.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: geraldc on 18 November, 2021, 05:22:32 pm
Amazon are now in the credit industry as well, as everytime I buy something expensive, they ask me would I like to spread the payments for 3 or 5 months at 0 interest  I'm pretty sure it's not official credit that would affect my credit report, as I don't sign anything if I take them up on their offer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 November, 2021, 06:00:44 pm
I’ve started reading up on 2mm finescale, please send help.

I visited the Model Railway Club's Copenhagen Fields layout at their HQ near Kings Cross a few months ago.

There's a new YouTube feature about it, Google youtube copenhagen fields model
I thought this was something to do with typography! Shoulda known better.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 18 November, 2021, 06:12:43 pm
Amazon are now in the credit industry as well, as everytime I buy something expensive, they ask me would I like to spread the payments for 3 or 5 months at 0 interest  I'm pretty sure it's not official credit that would affect my credit report, as I don't sign anything if I take them up on their offer.

You say you don’t sign anything but you can guarantee there’s something in the t&cs that you blithely clicked ‘accept’ to…

The deferred payment thing makes sense from Amazon‘s point of view - good way of convincing people they can afford to buy things they can’t really afford to buy. And they can afford to give the credit away for free to lure people in.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 18 November, 2021, 06:16:37 pm
They have an Amazon credit card, which is Mastercard?

I couldn’t remember if it was Mastercard or Visa, but given the recent news, I would have guessed not Visa.

Still a third-party thing though. The long term aim surely has to be running their own finances.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 18 November, 2021, 07:13:20 pm
Amazon are now in the credit industry as well, as everytime I buy something expensive, they ask me would I like to spread the payments for 3 or 5 months at 0 interest  I'm pretty sure it's not official credit that would affect my credit report, as I don't sign anything if I take them up on their offer.

You say you don’t sign anything but you can guarantee there’s something in the t&cs that you blithely clicked ‘accept’ to…

The deferred payment thing makes sense from Amazon‘s point of view - good way of convincing people they can afford to buy things they can’t really afford to buy. And they can afford to give the credit away for free to lure people in.

Their card is provided by Newday Credit, not Amazon. They provide credit too, and presumable underwrite those schemes.

Let's be fair though, the product for the credit industry is people spending more money than they have. The pretence is that they can pay it back later with interest, though these days it's more of a carousel of balance transfers, grab some interest and pass them along to the next. All retailers simply ride the tails of that.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 18 November, 2021, 09:15:26 pm
I don't use amazon so don't really care about the visa card but wondering does amazon accept PayPal and can you just link your visa credit card to your PayPal?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TimC on 19 November, 2021, 07:47:09 am
I’ve started reading up on 2mm finescale, please send help.

I visited the Model Railway Club's Copenhagen Fields layout at their HQ near Kings Cross a few months ago.

There's a new YouTube feature about it, Google youtube copenhagen fields model

Blimey. I’m sure Copenhagen Fields is at least 30 years old.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 19 November, 2021, 11:22:39 am
This feel like it’s got more to do with timely importation isssues a la Brexit, but it really is a first world problem.

I am oft moved to purchase cut flowers for Dr Beardy (Mrs) because, well deep down, I’m a bit of a soppy old romantic. It can be difficult balancing the frequency of purchases between making it a routine thing and avoiding neglect, but mostly I think I manage that.

Of late though, there seems to be a distinct lack of choice in what is available, I mean over and above the seasonal variations. Roses are readily available and are usually well received, but I like to be a little more creative and put more thought1 into it.

Has anyone else noticed this or am I making it up?

1. Spray carnations were also on offer but… when we were first married, funds were tighter and spray carnations and spray chrysanthemums offered much bloom per buck. It wasn’t until we’d been married for 15 years or so that Dr Beardy (Mrs) admitted that she didn’t like spray chrysanthemums and hated carnations of all kinds  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: De Sisti on 19 November, 2021, 11:36:56 am
,,,,,, importation isssues a la Brexit,
I commissioned a (school) friend of mine, who now lives in France, to paint a picture for me.
She sent it via the French postal system and declared it's value at £675. UK border force and
HM Customs have asked me to pay £146 to have it released from their possession and posted
to me.

I have declined, and will collect it from Pamela when I visit France next year. I'll be (hopefully)
be travelling by Eurotunnel (to take part in the Semaine Federale). Pamela lives in the region
where the event is taking place.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 19 November, 2021, 12:09:53 pm
,,,,,, importation isssues a la Brexit,
I commissioned a (school) friend of mine, who now lives in France, to paint a picture for me.
She sent it via the French postal system and declared it's value at £675. UK border force and
HM Customs have asked me to pay £146 to have it released from their possession and posted
to me.

I have declined, and will collect it from Pamela when I visit France next year. I'll be (hopefully)
be travelling by Eurotunnel (to take part in the Semaine Federale). Pamela lives in the region
where the event is taking place.

I don't know if I understand the rules correctly, but I think the threshold for importing any goods, including those for personal use, is £390.

You're still liable to pay the duty if you bring it back in your personal luggage (assuming you declare it  ;) ).

How do you objectively value something like that anyway? If she'd declared the value as £385, you wouldn't have got the hit.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 19 November, 2021, 12:28:07 pm
This feel like it’s got more to do with timely importation isssues a la Brexit, but it really is a first world problem.

I am oft moved to purchase cut flowers for Dr Beardy (Mrs) because, well deep down, I’m a bit of a soppy old romantic. It can be difficult balancing the frequency of purchases between making it a routine thing and avoiding neglect, but mostly I think I manage that.

Of late though, there seems to be a distinct lack of choice in what is available, I mean over and above the seasonal variations. Roses are readily available and are usually well received, but I like to be a little more creative and put more thought1 into it.

Has anyone else noticed this or am I making it up?

1. Spray carnations were also on offer but… when we were first married, funds were tighter and spray carnations and spray chrysanthemums offered much bloom per buck. It wasn’t until we’d been married for 15 years or so that Dr Beardy (Mrs) admitted that she didn’t like spray chrysanthemums and hated carnations of all kinds  :facepalm:


Cant comment on the supply issues, if I'm buying blloms I usually relay on our very good, local, independent florists. For in-between stuff I go to https://www.scillyflowers.co.uk/, and have alreday placed an order for pre-christmas delivery. The narcissi are wonderfully scented.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 19 November, 2021, 01:22:37 pm
For flowers I go to flowersfromthefarm.co.uk (http://flowersfromthefarm.co.uk) and find the nearest home grown grower.  None of those pesky airmiles.  Mind you getting any this time of year is somewhat of a challenge.

(Declaration of interest: My Grate Frends Nic & Zoe have a flower farm in deepest Sussex, which is part of the Flowers From the Farm thing)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 November, 2021, 05:37:09 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: De Sisti on 19 November, 2021, 06:55:25 pm
When I've travelled by Eurotunnel I've never been stopped, or even seen customs officials. It was just like driving on and off a ferry.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 November, 2021, 08:38:32 pm
I got a fairly thorough going over at the tunnel back in 1996, but that was when leaving BRITAIN.  That I was driving an obviously hired Transit probably helped.  I think they were disappointed to find it completely empty.  On the way back it was stuffed to the roof with Miss von Brandenburg's possessions and we sailed straight through.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: citoyen on 19 November, 2021, 08:55:37 pm
When I've travelled by Eurotunnel I've never been stopped, or even seen customs officials. It was just like driving on and off a ferry.

Yeah, but you just know the one time you do try to bring stuff through that exceeds your allowance...

We got stopped once, for no other reason than I guess ours was the 'every Xth' vehicle, and it was bloody inconvenient because the car was fully loaded for a camping holiday. Took so long we nearly missed the sodding train.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 19 November, 2021, 09:19:45 pm
When I've travelled by Eurotunnel I've never been stopped, or even seen customs officials. It was just like driving on and off a ferry.

I got stopped, and had the car handles swabbed for explosives.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 19 November, 2021, 09:43:26 pm
Unless it looks like a Rembrandt or a Banksy, the responses "my mate painted it" and "no, she didn't charge me for it" are unlikely to raise any suspicions or calls to Sotherby's for a valuation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 November, 2021, 12:54:17 am
I got stopped on more than one occasion on my way out to the Netherlands on the Sunday night boat when I was working in Amsterdam. Admittedly I was driving an elderly ovlov estate and then a very decrepit Cavilier SRI saloon (which the beardlings referred to as the drug barons car!) and travelling every Sunday night for a while. I even had a sniffer dog all over the DBC on one occasion. No one EVER bothered me at the Hoek thoguH.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 November, 2021, 01:02:42 am
Isn't smuggling drugs from BRITAIN to Amsterdam a bit coals-to-Newcastle?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 November, 2021, 01:07:24 am
I’ll admit I was surprised by the stops, especially as I only ever got stopped on the way out.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: De Sisti on 20 November, 2021, 06:53:38 am
Unless it looks like a Rembrandt or a Banksy, the responses "my mate painted it" and "no, she didn't charge me for it" are unlikely to raise any suspicions or calls to Sotherby's for a valuation.
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 November, 2021, 09:56:58 am
I’ll admit I was surprised by the stops, especially as I only ever got stopped on the way out.
Presumably they could be looking for traces of drugs (how sensitive are those sniffer dogs?) which if detected, they would then let you go and mark you for a search on return. Or they were looking for things like suspicious amounts of cash. Or illicit mid-Channel fishing equipment.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 21 November, 2021, 10:58:35 am
Accompanying Dr Beardy (Mrs) on a Christmas shopping trip to the cathedral of expensive tat that is as ape Maltings. Yea.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mark on 21 November, 2021, 01:35:25 pm

Presumably they could be looking for traces of drugs (how sensitive are those sniffer dogs?) which if detected, they would then let you go and mark you for a search on return. Or they were looking for things like suspicious amounts of cash. Or illicit mid-Channel fishing equipment.

Apparently the dogs are trained by being rewarded with a treat every time they detect the presence of drugs. So regardless of how sensitive they are, there's a distinct chance of a false positive from the dog if it happens to be in the mood for a bite to eat.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 November, 2021, 02:54:57 pm
But do they get the treat for "detecting" or only when a subsequent search by humans confirms the presence of drugs? Either way, Beardy only reports being searched, not that the dog found anything. Of course he could just be keeping quiet about that part...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Paul H on 21 November, 2021, 03:19:25 pm
How do you objectively value something like that anyway? If she'd declared the value as £385, you wouldn't have got the hit.
No, VAT is payable on gifts over £39 and Duty (Where applicable) over £135
The £390 personal allowance only applies to those items you personally import, as in bring back with you.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 21 November, 2021, 03:37:51 pm
But do they get the treat for "detecting" or only when a subsequent search by humans confirms the presence of drugs? Either way, Beardy only reports being searched, not that the dog found anything. Of course he could just be keeping quiet about that part...
To be honest, given the state of the car1 and my complete lack of knowledge of its provenance I’m suprised that the dog did find nothing at all. It really was quite a dodgy vehicle. Whilst I watched the most amusing thing to me was when the handler picked the dog up and plonked it on the roof for a good old sniff at the roof bars.   :)

1. To give you an idea of just how bad it was, when I bought my first Previa less than six months later I gave the car away. I’m not sure I’d have got a scrapyard to even come and pick it up. I’m
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 November, 2021, 01:59:52 am
I am still failing to master the correct sequence of button-jibbling on the replacement remote control for the Great Hall's A/V amplifier, that I might make it forget about the existence of “Zone 2” and realise that all the loudsquaekers connected to it are in the same room.  I've even R'd TFM :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 December, 2021, 05:25:04 pm
The Nespresso app borked on me. It refused to let me checkout and I had to log onto their website to checkout. Fortunately their webby science and their app work together and the items I had put in my ‘basket’ on the app were also in my basket on their webby science when I logged in.

However, by completing my order on the webby science, my coffee machine doesn’t know I’ve ordered more poduals and will continue to whinge that we are running out when the jar on the shelf is full.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 December, 2021, 08:26:27 pm
Slightly worrying e-mail arrived in the Inbox of Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) earlier.  A delivery of festive nommables to Fort Larrington, scheduled for Xmas eve, has been cancelled.  I do not know whether this means Xmo itself is off, or that Professor Larrington has sourced said toothy comestibles elsewhere, or that the supplier has fscked things up ???

Now I'll have to phone her and find out chiz.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 17 December, 2021, 08:54:22 pm
Farmdrop?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/17/online-grocer-farmdrop-goes-bust-cancels-christmas-deliveries
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 December, 2021, 08:59:04 pm
Farmdrop?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/17/online-grocer-farmdrop-goes-bust-cancels-christmas-deliveries

Yes.  Bugger >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 17 December, 2021, 09:18:05 pm
Farmdrop?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/dec/17/online-grocer-farmdrop-goes-bust-cancels-christmas-deliveries

Yes.  Bugger >:(

I had one of those emails earlier.

Arsebiscuits.

(They've been really good the past few Xmases too, but I've only ever actually used them at Xmas, which is presumably part of their problem.

Meantime, anyone know where I can find a couple of racks of venison for delivery to London before Monday, or to Edinburgh before Xmas?)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 December, 2021, 12:08:50 am
Donald Russell?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Zipperhead on 18 December, 2021, 12:56:31 am
Richmond Park tonight?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 18 December, 2021, 04:02:07 pm
Meantime, anyone know where I can find a couple of racks of venison for delivery to London before Monday, or to Edinburgh before Xmas?)
https://deerbox.co.uk (https://deerbox.co.uk)
They were saying last orders on Wednesday for delivery by Christmas in a recent email
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 18 December, 2021, 06:19:05 pm
Donald Russell?

Out of stock (but a useful reminder about them).

Richmond Park tonight?

Greenwich Park is closer ...

Meantime, anyone know where I can find a couple of racks of venison for delivery to London before Monday, or to Edinburgh before Xmas?)
https://deerbox.co.uk (https://deerbox.co.uk)
They were saying last orders on Wednesday for delivery by Christmas in a recent email

The winner, and *very* much appreciated, especially after trying a couple of different butchers and the local farmers' market this morning ...

I fear you may have started an expensive habit though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 18 December, 2021, 06:23:33 pm
I fear you may have started an expensive habit though.
Yeah, there is that side effect. We have managed to limit ourselves to two orders.
The sausages and burgers are rather good though...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: jsabine on 18 December, 2021, 06:49:32 pm
I may have crept over the threshold for free delivery ...

I think that's going to be quite a lot of venison - though only one pack of sausages. Glad to see it comes frozen.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 December, 2021, 08:09:41 pm
Professor Larrington has managed to source a replacement goose haha from “Henry of Hooky” but we’re still confuzzled about whether we're getting a enormous lump of  smoked salmon from Brexit-backing bastards Forman & Field or whether she’s going to have to cross her fingers and rely on Waitrose in Banbury.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 18 December, 2021, 09:03:34 pm
Molish your own, as I did last year, when Sainsbury's had none in stock for my Christmas order last year.
They also had no mincemeat.
(This year, I've been unable to get raisins for MONTHS and there's no mixed dried fruit, though there might be mincemeat.)

Cobbled something with JusRol and 'mince' I'd made by microwaving loadsa sugar and whatever dried fruit I could find, together.
Also did cranberry & citrus.

Result was tons better than anything we could have bought.

Suggest you grease your pie tins with butter; makes a HUGE difference!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 December, 2021, 10:57:30 am
Smoked salmon shall be forthcoming from Brexit-backing bastards Forman & Field after all.  Crimble is saved!  Huzzah :thumbsup:

Now watch Bloody Stupid Johnson cancel it again.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 19 December, 2021, 12:04:06 pm
Cherry liquers seem to be in short supply this year.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 December, 2021, 12:25:12 pm
Joak about maiden aunts going on the endangered species list goes here ==>
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 19 December, 2021, 03:04:01 pm
and.....surprisingly enough. Dried peas.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 19 December, 2021, 03:41:33 pm
(This year, I've been unable to get raisins for MONTHS and there's no mixed dried fruit, though there might be mincemeat.)

 :o

Our local Aldi gets a brand called Trader Joe. They're American so I'd expect the UK to have them.  I don't like them, though - they add too much oil.  Super U's own brands are much better.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 20 December, 2021, 12:46:13 am
(This year, I've been unable to get raisins for MONTHS and there's no mixed dried fruit, though there might be mincemeat.)
:o
Our local Aldi gets a brand called Trader Joe. They're American so I'd expect the UK to have them.  I don't like them, though - they add too much oil.  Super U's own brands are much better.

Mum offered me a pack of raisins today, which I declined. They'd come from a local Tesco.
Sainsbury is listing 1kg bags again.

I have ordered.

It seems to be a seasonal issue.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: nicknack on 20 December, 2021, 10:58:01 am
and.....surprisingly enough. Dried peas.
Yes, I've been unable to get them too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 20 December, 2021, 12:45:05 pm
You can start the bidding at £20 for my pack.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 20 December, 2021, 01:40:37 pm
get yer hobnobs while you can

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59728325 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59728325)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 December, 2021, 02:51:24 pm
They’re on special offer in Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles right now, and if I'd seen ED's post before going shopping I'd have taken both panniers and possibly the trailer as well.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 22 January, 2022, 07:39:19 am
Nothing here since before Christmas!

Messrs Wait and Rose are unable to deliver me my chorizo this morning, not even attempting a substitution. The horror is unimaginable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 24 January, 2022, 10:55:19 am
When you leave your brain inside the house, and go & throw the contents of a waste paper basket full of all sorts of small bits of rubbish into... the green recycling wheely bin.  Then have to empty said bin, and in the process break a glass bottle on the path, and have to sweep and package that for disposal...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 24 January, 2022, 01:30:47 pm
There's no YACF icon on my bookmarks page on Safari when I use my iMac. its there on my phone and my fondleslab, but its just a letter Y on the iMac. It's most frustrating because I have to look carefully for the shortcut.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2022, 02:58:32 pm
That's not the first time I've seen someone complain about Safari being bad at favicons.  There's probably a cache you can clear somewhere...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 25 January, 2022, 11:43:05 am
I have a little addiction which Dr Beardy (Mrs) indulges me in once a year, usually at Christmas. Because we were away over the Yuletide, my indulgence was not satisfied and Dr B has very kindly allowed me to carry its delivery forward.

Last week, I managed to remember to order the final ingredient only for it to turn up as the wrong viscosity. That was returned. I reordered this week, the delivery arrived 20 minutes ago. I went downstairs to check that they had sent the right one this week, only to discover Dr B and Ms B the younger cleaning the kitchen floor. On enquiry, it would seem that although the correct substance was indeed delivered, one of them had dropped the pot on the floor and I whipped whipping cream was spilled everywhere.

I’m desire for trifle is looking like it might not be sated this year.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 31 January, 2022, 10:20:09 am
Ours bounce.

What always annoys me about whipped cream is that the pot is cold when it comes out of the fridge but once whipped it's at room temperature.  Maybe we should put the beaters and a bowl in the freezer for an hour or two in advance.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PhilO on 02 February, 2022, 09:38:12 am
You'd still be whipping air at room temperature into it.  You need to ask BSJ if you can borrow his walk-in fridge, and do it in there.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andrewc on 02 February, 2022, 11:14:19 am
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2022/02/rotterdam-bridge-to-be-dismantled-so-jeff-bezos-yacht-can-pass-through/



Bezos’ three-masted yacht is being built by the Oceano shipyard in Alblasserdam but is too big to pass under the bridge when the central section is raised to its full height. Now Oceano and Bezos have approached the council about temporarily dismantling the bridge at their cost.


First world problem, first world solution .
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 12 March, 2022, 09:33:23 am
I always buy socks in multipacks, all the same colour and the same size. Why then do socks appear in my washing which are of non matching colour, odd sizes and with some being uncomfortably small?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 12 March, 2022, 02:35:47 pm
You'd still be whipping air at room temperature into it.  You need to ask BSJ if you can borrow his walk-in fridge, and do it in there.  :thumbsup:
Wouldn't the friction/kinetic energy from whisking also warm the cream somewhat?

Suspect your cream needs to be at 2C at the start if you want cold whipped cream.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 12 March, 2022, 04:12:58 pm
I always buy socks in multipacks, all the same colour and the same size. Why then do socks appear in my washing which are of non matching colour, odd sizes and with some being uncomfortably small?
Becasue retailers such as M&S source their products from a in=umber of different manufactures (to force them to lower their prices) and different manufactures use different materials to meet the specifications. Even though these look ostensibly identical when brand new, they wash differently and thus the dye washes out and the material shrinks at different rates. Also, as every pterry reader knows, L-space.  Ego a pile of odd socks that nominally started out as matched pairs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 13 March, 2022, 09:25:31 am
I hate packs of socks that have 'pairs' in them. I've several that are 4 - 6 'pairs, i.e. the socks look identical but are of differing lengths. Start by getting a 'pair', carry on until 10 socks used then socks 11 and 12 are over an inch out.
I don't want a pack of 6 'pairs', just a pack of 12 socks where any 2 socks match.
Fortunately the socks that I wear most are all the same length - saves sorting 36 socks!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 13 March, 2022, 12:04:01 pm
My son in law just wears any two socks he gets out if the draw and he doesn’t buy the same colour socks. This means he’s always got obviously mismatched socks on. Mind ewe, he Is an artist.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 13 March, 2022, 01:15:10 pm
My son in law just wears any two socks he gets out if the draw and he doesn’t buy the same colour socks. This means he’s always got obviously mismatched socks on. Mind ewe, he Is an artist.

In a similar vein, my musician step-son has never been bothered by matching socks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SteveC on 13 March, 2022, 01:20:57 pm
My son in law just wears any two socks he gets out if the draw and he doesn’t buy the same colour socks. This means he’s always got obviously mismatched socks on. Mind ewe, he Is an artist.

In a similar vein, my musician step-son has never been bothered by matching socks.
When a teenager, my sister would do the same. I didn't mind until she started to use my socks, so I ended up unable to find pairs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2022, 02:06:01 pm
I hate packs of socks that have 'pairs' in them. I've several that are 4 - 6 'pairs, i.e. the socks look identical but are of differing lengths. Start by getting a 'pair', carry on until 10 socks used then socks 11 and 12 are over an inch out.
I don't want a pack of 6 'pairs', just a pack of 12 socks where any 2 socks match.
Fortunately the socks that I wear most are all the same length - saves sorting 36 socks!

My son used to buy bumper packs of dead cheap socks, wear them once and throw them out, since they wouldn't stand up to even one wash.  Mind you, 'once' could be a surprisingly long time: he was a student, after all.

I knew a bloke at uni who did that with quite decent shirts.  Wore them once and left them in a heap on the floor, just telling his char-person to get rid of them. He was a rich bastard, though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2022, 08:45:20 am
My son wears deliberately mismatched pairs on a complicated schedule. If it's the second Monday, then the left foot has Sock C and the right foot has Sock K, that kind of thing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 March, 2022, 09:00:34 am
my daughter bought a blue and a yellow pair of converse boots "you've got four pairs for the price of two" I told her.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 March, 2022, 11:33:12 am
My Young Lady wears socks as they come out of the pile, resulting in mostly unmatched pairs. I commented on this, so she bought me half a dozen unpaired socks in bright colours on a cycling theme. One birthday later my son in law bought me a set of the same unpaired socks. Hurrah! I can now wear unpaired socks in pairs.   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 14 March, 2022, 11:57:35 am
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 14 March, 2022, 12:06:13 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 March, 2022, 12:43:02 pm
I share that view re Christmas socks before 1st Dec  :demon:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 March, 2022, 12:43:12 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
Yebbut you sort all your black cable ties in order of blackness.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 14 March, 2022, 02:03:56 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
Yebbut you sort all your black cable ties in order of blackness.
And you don’t???  :o ??? :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 14 March, 2022, 02:06:41 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
It's nearly as bad as wearing these on the wrong feet:- https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M (https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rower40 on 14 March, 2022, 02:30:22 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
It's nearly as bad as wearing these on the wrong feet:- https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M (https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M)
But you must remember to swap them over if you're coxing rather than rowing.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 March, 2022, 02:53:06 pm
I have a friend with those and he didn't even know which was port and which was starboard.  In a perfect example of the original Murphy's Law, he invariably wears them the wrong way around.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 14 March, 2022, 06:59:37 pm
The manufactures of hearing aids have helpfully decided to colour code left and right hearing aids with different colours. Red, is of course for right, and Blue for left.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 14 March, 2022, 07:11:12 pm
I think it was gerwinium OTP who got a load of abuse from a random drunk woman on a train for wearing socks embroidered with the day of the week on the wrong day.
To be fair, that's getting into custodial sentence territory.
It's nearly as bad as wearing these on the wrong feet:- https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M (https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Nauticalia/Port-and-Starboard-Socks/75M)
But you must remember to swap them over if you're coxing rather than rowing.
Shirley, you swap them when rowing rather than coxing?

Or do the odd numbered rowers wear the green ones?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 14 March, 2022, 07:16:38 pm
The manufactures of hearing aids have helpfully decided to colour code left and right hearing aids with different colours. Red, is of course for right, and Blue for left.

Red for right is standard for audio, but you'd normally expect left to be black or white.  I think barakta tells her hearing aids apart by some combination where she left them and the serial numbers, but she rarely uses two.  I don't think the current generation of BAHAs are chiral, other than the programming.

IIRC navigation lights (which are lights in the distance, and therefore too small to have colour) are the other way round.

Aren't standards great?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rower40 on 14 March, 2022, 07:19:42 pm
But you must remember to swap them over if you're coxing rather than rowing.
Shirley, you swap them when rowing rather than coxing?

Or do the odd numbered rowers wear the green ones?
More rowers than coxes thobut.  So the rowers' way of wearing them (red on right foot) is therefore the de-facto standard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 14 March, 2022, 07:22:35 pm
I think barakta tells her hearing aids apart by some combination where she left them and the serial numbers, but she rarely uses two.  I don't think the current generation of BAHAs are chiral, other than the programming.
<snip>

I put an L on the L one...

But then we switched the programming round cos the formerly-L one had a better dynamic range response, so it became R...

*waits for Kim to start screaming (or crying)*
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 March, 2022, 07:24:48 pm
The manufactures of hearing aids have helpfully decided to colour code left and right hearing aids with different colours. Red, is of course for right, and Blue for left.

Red for right is standard for audio, but you'd normally expect left to be black or white.  I think barakta tells her hearing aids apart by some combination where she left them and the serial numbers, but she rarely uses two.  I don't think the current generation of BAHAs are chiral, other than the programming.

IIRC navigation lights (which are lights in the distance, and therefore too small to have colour) are the other way round.

Aren't standards great?

Port is red,
Starboard is green
Taillight is white

POSH = port out, starboard home, morning sun in your cabin, cooler sleeping
Port is passed to the left
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 14 March, 2022, 09:39:42 pm
On entering a harbour or navigation from sea, the channel is marked with red to port (the left) and Green to starboard (the right). On return to sea it’s important to remember that the makers remain in the same place and so the red will be on the starboard side of the channel. Unless, of course, you are in the Americas (and a few other places) where they do it the other way around.

To simplify or confuse the issue dependent on your point of view, when viewed from sea, ALL port channel markers are cans (upright cylinders - nearly) and ALL starboard markers are conical, regardless of colour.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2022, 09:47:26 pm
The manufactures of hearing aids have helpfully decided to colour code left and right hearing aids with different colours. Red, is of course for right, and Blue for left.

Red for right is standard for audio, but you'd normally expect left to be black or white.  I think barakta tells her hearing aids apart by some combination where she left them and the serial numbers, but she rarely uses two.  I don't think the current generation of BAHAs are chiral, other than the programming.

IIRC navigation lights (which are lights in the distance, and therefore too small to have colour) are the other way round.

Aren't standards great?
Which bits of the hearing aids is that? A hearing aid wearer I know has purple hearing aids – but I presume that's just outward decorative colouring and you're talking about some inner colouring not visible to the external observer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 14 March, 2022, 11:37:01 pm
Yes, all the HA I’ve ever had there’s a bit of coloured plastic inside the battery compartment.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 14 March, 2022, 11:40:40 pm
What is it with hearing aid manufacturers and thinking that taking the batteries out is a reasonable substitute for an on/off switch?  I get that they're trying to make them small, but ....the batteries are also small.  And now they're on the floor somewhere.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: barakta on 14 March, 2022, 11:43:01 pm
Mine are physically usable on either side cos they're not chiral (cheaper to make 1 model than 2 when many users are single aid users) and as far as I know have no physical indicator. The app will tell you which has been programmed for which ear cos that is flagged in software.

Must not rant about battery compartment for on/off.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 March, 2022, 01:35:27 am
Port wine is red, to match the colour of your face if you get it wrong within earshot of one or more nautical berks.

POSH standing for “Port Out Starboard Home” is an urban legend; it's most likely derived from a Romani word.  My erstwhile chum M. Smautf researched the etymology in great detail a few years ago but the results have subsequently been lost, forgotten or recycled as firelighters.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 15 March, 2022, 05:45:46 am
Yes, I should have written, allegedly, but it is a good memory aid
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 13 May, 2022, 05:50:41 pm
I appear to have run out of garlic flavoured olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Last night I had to make my salad dressing using sherry vinegar and plain olive oil.
It was a tad sweet.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 July, 2022, 08:11:06 pm
Due to having to wait in for UPS to lie about having tried to deliver a parcel there was scarcely any milk left when I got to  Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles.

I had to pay through the nose for Organic semi-skilled >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 07 August, 2022, 08:04:29 am
Something in the lawn mower went ping, to finish cutting the lawn I had to push it. Manually.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 14 August, 2022, 06:34:56 pm
Champagne has a life to it.
The last two bottles garnered from my under-sofa stash have produced a damp squib rather than a pop on opening. While the first one was ok to imbibe, the second one made my favourite Aussie somewhat unwell.
I hadn't rotated the stock.
I have two bottles remaining to be poured down the sink.
I have also discovered that it should be stored upright in it's bottle rather than lying flat.
Merde.
Stored for somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 24 August, 2022, 05:01:14 pm
Champagne has a life to it.
The last two bottles garnered from my under-sofa stash have produced a damp squib rather than a pop on opening. While the first one was ok to imbibe, the second one made my favourite Aussie somewhat unwell.
I hadn't rotated the stock.
I have two bottles remaining to be poured down the sink.
I have also discovered that it should be stored upright in it's bottle rather than lying flat.
Merde.
Stored for somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
Eeeeek !

[Checks understairs wine rack.]
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 26 August, 2022, 10:29:58 am
I knew there was something missing. Email this morning, delivery yesterday:

Quote
Our supplier has let us know there is a shortage with the Patel de Nata you ordered so unfortunately the driver won't be able to deliver any yesterday
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 26 August, 2022, 11:26:55 am
Champagne has a life to it.
The last two bottles garnered from my under-sofa stash have produced a damp squib rather than a pop on opening. While the first one was ok to imbibe, the second one made my favourite Aussie somewhat unwell.
I hadn't rotated the stock.
I have two bottles remaining to be poured down the sink.
I have also discovered that it should be stored upright in it's bottle rather than lying flat.
Merde.
Stored for somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

Never did like the stuff. The bubbles get up your nose.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 26 August, 2022, 11:27:19 am
I knew there was something missing. Email this morning, delivery yesterday:

Quote
Our supplier has let us know there is a shortage with the Patel de Nata you ordered so unfortunately the driver won't be able to deliver any yesterday

That’s Priti poor.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 26 August, 2022, 11:30:46 am
 :) Very good.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pedal Castro on 26 August, 2022, 03:23:17 pm
Yes, I should have written, allegedly, but it is a good memory aid

"No red port left" is how I was bought up.  ;D
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 26 August, 2022, 03:53:18 pm
To the left, but never with the left hand.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 August, 2022, 06:51:28 pm
Champagne has a life to it.
The last two bottles garnered from my under-sofa stash have produced a damp squib rather than a pop on opening. While the first one was ok to imbibe, the second one made my favourite Aussie somewhat unwell.
I hadn't rotated the stock.
I have two bottles remaining to be poured down the sink.
I have also discovered that it should be stored upright in it's bottle rather than lying flat.
Merde.
Stored for somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

White wine is generally supposed to be drunk fairly quickly so I suppose that explains the same with champagne etc
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pedal Castro on 26 August, 2022, 07:57:54 pm
To the left, but never with the left hand.

Depends on the regiment.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 09 September, 2022, 11:10:59 pm
The only thing we’ve got in the house to satisfy my post pub munchies is chocolate digestives.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 20 September, 2022, 02:52:05 pm
Super U's cardboard/plastic pack of CR2032 batteries is marked "Sécurité Enfants" and is so fecking sécure that it takes a Stanley knife and a chain-mail glove to open the bastard.  I've opened oyster that were easier.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 20 September, 2022, 03:09:19 pm
That reminds me, I need to take a stanley knife to the lid of the new bleach bottles (they changed the cap design).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 20 September, 2022, 03:20:01 pm
All these adverts for people wanting simple cremation plans on the telly. Then who writes the reviews on Trust Pilot?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 September, 2022, 08:52:42 pm
Direct disposal is the way to go. Ring the council, pony up the £700 and a man in a van turns up and takes your mortal remains away. I assume they don’t dump the bodies in landfill but to be honest, I’ll be past caring by then so it won’t matter to me what they do.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 September, 2022, 08:55:56 pm
I'm only intending to leave immoral remains.  Will they charge more?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 20 September, 2022, 09:06:17 pm
It depends on whether hazardous substances were involved in the creation of that immorality
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 September, 2022, 08:33:16 am
"Here lie the moral remains of Mr Larrington, late of Larrington Towers, mayor Mortagne-au-Perche, commander of Panzers, friend of Bethany (age unknown), etc, etc."
"But there's nothing here."
"Precisely."
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 29 September, 2022, 09:56:05 am
Front of queueue: Transfer security hall, Shithole airport Amsterdam.
Back of queueue: Belgium.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: pcolbeck on 30 September, 2022, 04:32:51 pm
Perhaps this thread will need to be renamed if the current economic meltdown continues.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 30 September, 2022, 08:39:14 pm
Peeling onions. Why, after you have spent ages ensuring that an onion is cleanly peeled of its skin, does a piece always appear, minutes later, in the pan?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 October, 2022, 09:41:37 am
Perhaps this thread will need to be renamed if the current economic meltdown continues.
Plenty of first world problems in the third world too.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: road-runner on 01 October, 2022, 06:35:43 pm
Plenty of first world problems in the third world too.

For example, socks. When new they are lovely but after so many washes I sometimes end up with socks where the heel pocket is now under my heel and walking on that is uncomfortable. Too good to throw out but too short to be comfortable.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 02 October, 2022, 08:26:45 am
Plenty of first world problems in the third world too.

For example, socks. When new they are lovely but after so many washes I sometimes end up with socks where the heel pocket is now under my heel and walking on that is uncomfortable. Too good to throw out but too short to be comfortable.

I do a big Comfort wash of all my socks every 5-6 months which restores their lovely natural stretchiness.  Avoids that horrible feeling of hard crinkly socks and saves buying new ones.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 October, 2022, 09:41:17 am
Plenty of first world problems in the third world too.

For example, socks. When new they are lovely but after so many washes I sometimes end up with socks where the heel pocket is now under my heel and walking on that is uncomfortable. Too good to throw out but too short to be comfortable.

I do a big Comfort wash of all my socks every 5-6 months which restores their lovely natural stretchiness.  Avoids that horrible feeling of hard crinkly socks and saves buying new ones.
An important consideration when we have to trek a hundred miles for water and food.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 02 October, 2022, 09:57:56 am
Plenty of first world problems in the third world too.

For example, socks. When new they are lovely but after so many washes I sometimes end up with socks where the heel pocket is now under my heel and walking on that is uncomfortable. Too good to throw out but too short to be comfortable.

I do a big Comfort wash of all my socks every 5-6 months which restores their lovely natural stretchiness.  Avoids that horrible feeling of hard crinkly socks and saves buying new ones.

I'm the opposite, I detest softener in all my laundry, both smell and texture, towels in particular
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Flite on 02 October, 2022, 01:40:17 pm
Quote
I detest softener in all my laundry, both smell and texture,
Indeed. I'd rather have slightly crispy towels.
But I dislike most scented household products. Why do we need scented laundry detergents and washing up liquid at all, but it's almost impossible to buy unscented.
For that matter, why is laundry liquid green, and I am expected to measure it into a dark green cup with black markings?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 02 October, 2022, 02:27:57 pm
I agree wrt the smell so only socks and the occasional jumper get done and then hey are all bunged into one wash and then thoroughly rinsed.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 02 October, 2022, 04:08:46 pm
I only put half a cap of softener in otherwise the smell is too strong and I certainly don't let it near towels or bike gear.

On the colour, I have several different bottles of detergent (Ecover, someone else's bio, Sainsbos non bio) and the only coloured one is the non bio which is blue.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 02 October, 2022, 04:14:37 pm
I buy bigger socks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 October, 2022, 04:18:24 pm
Is that because you have bigger feet?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 02 October, 2022, 04:46:55 pm
Then when they shrink, they are the right size
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 October, 2022, 05:24:13 pm
If your feet are shrinking, you might be washing them too hot.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Diver300 on 03 November, 2022, 09:47:03 am
Today the car chargers at work will only give out 2 kW
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Flite on 03 November, 2022, 09:59:00 am
The new larger size Andrex toilet rolls (300 sheets per roll) don't fit on the loo roll holders
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 05 November, 2022, 04:38:17 pm
The new larger size Andrex toilet rolls (300 sheets per roll) don't fit on the loo roll holders

We've had similar issues with Sainsbury's 'double length' rolls; it's a tight fit!

I *think* toilet rolls used to have 300 sheets but these reduced over the years with progressive shrinkflation. There were certainly more sheets per roll in the SEEKRIT SUPPLY I unearthed in the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020...

Reinstatement of the 300 sheet roll is now trumpeted.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 05 November, 2022, 05:18:08 pm
No YACF for *five* minutes!  Oh my paws and whiskers!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 05 November, 2022, 05:26:21 pm
There was an article about Cushelle (IIRC) going to core-less rolls with 400 sheets and the adverse effect this would have on Blue Peter's projects (third world?). No idea how big those would be.
In mid-90s Tescrot had a roll wth 400 sheets, but they were thin (but not flimsy-thin - think Izal but like present paper) and that was very good. Didn't last, of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 05 November, 2022, 06:53:05 pm
Sainsbury's standard 'double rolls now have 440 sheets per roll.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Giraffe on 06 November, 2022, 05:45:42 pm
What size are the sheets and are they of goodly strength?

I looked at Andrex a couple of years ago, 'cos it's long and strong: 170 sheets, no bigger than Waitrose's, and use 3 or 4 sheets. Oh, cost a lot more than W's TAAAW.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: road-runner on 24 November, 2022, 11:22:32 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/EMCjICE.jpg)

Jigsaw puzzles come in boxes way too large.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 25 November, 2022, 12:19:26 am
That's so they're big enough for the cat to sit in while you do the jigsaw.  Stops them trying to 'help' as much.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 25 November, 2022, 12:26:29 pm
Mansion house Tube Station is closed because of shortage of staff.


I had to walk to a different station!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 28 November, 2022, 05:10:16 pm
As you may have gathered, I’ve been decorating the bathroom of late, and as the task nears completion Dr Beardy has decided that a bit,of colour might not be a bad thing. However, having spent a small fortune on expensive sample pots she’s now deciding that white might be the best solution after all.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 28 November, 2022, 05:20:21 pm
Photoshop is your friend.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 28 November, 2022, 05:23:03 pm
RGB LEDs...
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 29 November, 2022, 08:00:30 am
Direct disposal is the way to go. Ring the council, pony up the £700 and a man in a van turns up and takes your mortal remains away. I assume they don’t dump the bodies in landfill but to be honest, I’ll be past caring by then so it won’t matter to me what they do.

Here in Washington, at the upper-left corner of the map of the contiguous USofA, composting is now in vogue:
https://earthfuneral.com/ and several others
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Moleman76 on 29 November, 2022, 08:03:01 am
The new larger size Andrex toilet rolls (300 sheets per roll) don't fit on the loo roll holders

On the continent bordering the west shore of the North Atlantic, a number of the toilet tissue roll purveyors have been slyly making the rolls narrower.  I'd say they're at least a half-inch narrower than in days of yore.  Price didn't go down, of course.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 01 December, 2022, 07:49:03 am
Was going to put this in grumble but think fits here better

Due to the time difference the lunch interval for for the cricket coincides with my drive to work so not getting actual cricket on my commute
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 01 December, 2022, 06:34:54 pm
Why can’t my ‘smart’ TV just select the HD version of a channel whenever one is available for my selection. It’d help if it’d let me programme it to pick the HD channel when press 1, 2 or whatever, but it shouldn’t be to difficult for the makers to have programmed it in.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 01 December, 2022, 07:28:37 pm
There was a point (around the time I last paid much attention to broadcast TV) when the HD channels occasionally showed different content.  Is that no longer the case?

If not, then it's to facilitate the visual equivalent of the "why are you listening to the radio with the tone control all the way down?" "sounds fine to me" parental argument.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 December, 2022, 07:34:11 pm
My TV allows me to sort the channels into the Right Order.
1 is BBC1 HD
2 is BBC 2 HD
Followed by other BBC channels, then ITV1-4, Ch4 etc. Bin the shopping channels and so on.
Does anyone else do this?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 December, 2022, 09:05:48 pm
There was a point (around the time I last paid much attention to broadcast TV) when the HD channels occasionally showed different content.  Is that no longer the case?

If not, then it's to facilitate the visual equivalent of the "why are you listening to the radio with the tone control all the way down?" "sounds fine to me" parental argument.

The BBC switches to soothing background noises and trailers on HD when local news is being broadcast on SD.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ElyDave on 01 December, 2022, 09:12:00 pm
Direct disposal is the way to go. Ring the council, pony up the £700 and a man in a van turns up and takes your mortal remains away. I assume they don’t dump the bodies in landfill but to be honest, I’ll be past caring by then so it won’t matter to me what they do.

Here in Washington, at the upper-left corner of the map of the contiguous USofA, composting is now in vogue:
https://earthfuneral.com/ and several others

I've put something like this in my will
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 December, 2022, 09:16:33 pm
I won't call a TV 'smart' until it can dress in black tie and hold sparkling conversation at my dinner table.






Alternatively, I might settle for playing me the exact programmes I want, when I want, even if they haven't been made yet.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hatler on 01 December, 2022, 10:37:43 pm
My TV allows me to sort the channels into the Right Order.
1 is BBC1 HD
2 is BBC 2 HD
Followed by other BBC channels, then ITV1-4, Ch4 etc. Bin the shopping channels and so on.
Does anyone else do this?
Me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 December, 2022, 11:14:46 pm
My TV allows me to sort the channels into the Right Order.
1 is BBC1 HD
2 is BBC 2 HD
Followed by other BBC channels, then ITV1-4, Ch4 etc. Bin the shopping channels and so on.
Does anyone else do this?
Me.
I always knew that hatler chap was a good sort.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 December, 2022, 11:20:29 pm
I did until the box started needing to be retuned ever couple of months, at which point I gave up.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 02 December, 2022, 12:28:37 am
I used to have a computer[1] running MythTV to watch telly for me, and I have unpleasant memories of arsing about with SQL[2] on an irregular basis to keep the channels aligned with the listings.  Bonus points for having an analogue tuner that knew nothing of what it was receiving at any given moment, alongside the DVB cards, for added complexity.

The great thing about living in The Future, is you can just pirate stuff.  Or watch it on the broadcaster's catch-up service, if you don't mind shitverts and/or broken subtitles.


[1] It was more a sort of retirement home for old hard drives, really.
[2] For reasons to tedious to get into, I side-stepped my way into the second year of a CompSci degree, and handily missed all the stuff about databases, professional ethics and the three-lecture if statement extravaganza.  In combination with curmudgeonly eschewing of any web technology more advanced than HTML3, I've handily never managed to never get past the voodoo stage of SQL programming.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 02 December, 2022, 11:08:51 am
Quote from: Kim
...never managed to never get past the voodoo stage of SQL programming.
*No-one* gets past the voodoo stage of SQL "programming".  TruFax.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 December, 2022, 04:35:54 pm
Friday afternoons at work should be a time to start to slow down for weekend and Fridays are generally quieter

However when I put Gardeners Question Time I tend to get more phone calls or people wanting my attention
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 16 December, 2022, 05:13:54 pm
Friday afternoons at work should be a time to start to slow down for weekend and Fridays are generally quieter

However when I put Gardeners Question Time I tend to get more phone calls or people wanting my attention

Probably the "oh shit, I'd better get this seen to before the weekend" crowd. When my wife was translating, Friday afternoons were often soul-destroying: "The client is going to London, you can do this for 8am on Monday morning can't you?" followed by an anxious "I already told him your usual rate and they said OK".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 December, 2022, 12:36:03 pm
Friday afternoons at work should be a time to start to slow down for weekend and Fridays are generally quieter

However when I put Gardeners Question Time I tend to get more phone calls or people wanting my attention

Probably the "oh shit, I'd better get this seen to before the weekend" crowd. When my wife was translating, Friday afternoons were often soul-destroying: "The client is going to London, you can do this for 8am on Monday morning can't you?" followed by an anxious "I already told him your usual rate and they said OK".
And when my work was checking and correcting other people's translations, Friday afternoons were always the busiest time of the week by far. Mondays were busy too, Tuesdays and Thursdays less so, Wednesday afternoons dragged on for ever.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 17 December, 2022, 06:03:25 pm
Our (LED) Tv has developed a white spot and a blueish spot that the internet says might be the backlight diffusers which I can try and mend or just get a new one. The annoying thing is that our previous TV that I gifted to our eldest when we got the new one is still going strong. I’ve asked for it back and got a rude reply  :o
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 02 January, 2023, 09:51:06 pm
I’m fed up! I’ve done my research, I’ve checked and double checked. I’ve made a decision on the make and model. I’ve agreed the spend with the finance department and I’ve even agreed in principle the bigger size with the estates department.

But I’ve now decided that I think 55” might be too much of any man and wand something a bit small, say 50” or 52” or their abouts. Do they make my desired product in 52” or even for that matter 50”. No. No they do not. They offer 48” but I’ve already got 48” and had set my heart on something a little bigger. And I think a jump of 7” might just be a bit too much.

So I either start my research all over again or work out how I’m going to convince Dr Besrdy that 55” isn’t too much to accept.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 05 January, 2023, 09:13:26 pm
No Brie or Camembert available at the usual suspects. Not good enough. Whatever could have caused this shortage? Just don't get me started on root vegetables.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 05 January, 2023, 09:14:00 pm
I’m fed up! I’ve done my research, I’ve checked and double checked. I’ve made a decision on the make and model. I’ve agreed the spend with the finance department and I’ve even agreed in principle the bigger size with the estates department.

But I’ve now decided that I think 55” might be too much of any man and wand something a bit small, say 50” or 52” or their abouts. Do they make my desired product in 52” or even for that matter 50”. No. No they do not. They offer 48” but I’ve already got 48” and had set my heart on something a little bigger. And I think a jump of 7” might just be a bit too much.

So I either start my research all over again or work out how I’m going to convince Dr Besrdy that 55” isn’t too much to accept.
55" will be just fine.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 10 January, 2023, 05:39:41 pm
I bought the new TV today, yeah! But I’ve got,too,wait for it to be delivered now. Booo!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 13 January, 2023, 11:58:55 am
Returning coffee pods, as any First-Worlder should do, I decided to print the return labels onto sticky labels (that I have had to send parcels with, but only used a few) and stick the labels onto the plastic return bags to save sellotape.

Except the sticky labels aren't sticky, they are tacky. So I had to use sellotape anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 28 January, 2023, 01:56:46 pm
Dr Beardy was compiling this morning that a book she’s being waiting for has finally been published, but she can’t get it yet because her book group have just started up again and she has to read that book first.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 29 January, 2023, 05:28:04 pm
We ran out of gas for the sodastream on Friday and the replacement delivery isn’t until Wednesday. We’re having to drink unfizzy water.  >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 February, 2023, 07:46:41 am
The cricket commentary is on talks sport not TMS
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andytheflyer on 17 February, 2023, 10:23:50 am
The cricket commentary is on talks sport not TMS
So that's why I can't find it!  Many thx.....
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 February, 2023, 10:48:20 am
It's a bit of a PITA as on phone you need to register but on talk sport 2. Also over early due to time differences
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 17 February, 2023, 10:52:32 am
It's on BY Sport too, which means rather poor updates from the BBC on their text service.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 10 March, 2023, 10:33:56 am
I’ve just had to cancel my birthday lunch because Dr Beardy has had to have emergency dental treatment. The biggest ‘issue’ is going to be dealing with her guilt for ‘ruining’ my birthday.

So that’s £160 spent on dental treatment rather than the spend on a decadent lunch for two at a posh gastro pub.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Syd on 10 March, 2023, 01:16:24 pm
My local M&S has temporarily stopped stocking my favourite cakes. Instead they have put flipping hot cross buns in their place.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 12 March, 2023, 11:34:40 am
The batteries in my TV remote control have died and if you can get it to turn on you can't change the channel :-[

Looking through my battery powered items to see if there's anything I'm not using with a working set of AAA batteries.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rr on 12 March, 2023, 11:46:14 am
Smart rear light?

Sent from my motorola edge 20 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: PeteB99 on 12 March, 2023, 12:06:29 pm
My backlights use AA s

Partial success I've found a single new AAA and remote now works though for how long with one good battery and one nearly dead one is another question
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: L CC on 09 April, 2023, 10:03:44 am
I am disproportionately irritated that today's Spelling Bee refused a high scoring urticaria but accepted umami.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 09 April, 2023, 11:01:52 am
Uvavu

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 April, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
I don't know what she was complaining about, but given it was in Starbucks it must surely have been a FWP

https://twitter.com/security_footag/status/1645002259636318209?s=20
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 09 April, 2023, 03:50:59 pm
Does the sign above say 'Ordure Here'?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 09 April, 2023, 05:19:25 pm
It was 5 years ago in a Tim Hortons. In Canada, so probably FWP.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 May, 2023, 04:33:46 pm
It appears the openworld box exploded the other day.
This means I cannot turn my heating on until I get home
It last reported 13.5 degrees

My preferred takeaway is not online on just eat today and the one at the railway station is cash only, the cash machine in that village charges...

I am on a train with some locals that are geographically And pronunciationally challenged, if you're from either Markinch or windy gates you know they're not next door ffs there's all of balgonie in the way and there's no need to stress the eye in Burntisland that much.
Sha hoor

Humpf

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 May, 2023, 10:04:55 pm
Now discovering just how shit having a load of Internet of shit devices that turn out to actually be dependent on Internet to work (tplink sockets) and of course using mobile hot-spot is shit because everyone is doing that just now.

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 May, 2023, 10:24:26 am
Turns out someone drove a bus into the cabinet

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/fife/4374097/freuchie-residents-internet-outage/
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 09 May, 2023, 10:56:24 am
Turns out someone drove a bus into the cabinet

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/fife/4374097/freuchie-residents-internet-outage/

Hidden behind a cookie dialogue from Hell. They can stuff it.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 May, 2023, 11:15:16 am
Here's a photo I purloined earlier (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230509/3500ae3214c56567df202e06e60a5142.jpg)

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 09 May, 2023, 11:20:01 am
You can see puddles of Internet in the gutter.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 May, 2023, 03:30:00 pm
Could have gone in LEOTP but fits here just as well.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/23503896.distressed-swindon-viewer-slams-tesco-advert-disgusting/

:"I'm distressed by a funny face in a TV advert, so I'm contacting the local paper".
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 May, 2023, 03:33:01 pm
Here's a photo I purloined earlier (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230509/3500ae3214c56567df202e06e60a5142.jpg)

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
This from Flatus' home street, where a fibre cabinet has been overloaded by someone downloading .torrents of specialist Danish cinema.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 09 May, 2023, 03:40:56 pm
Could have gone in LEOTP but fits here just as well.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/23503896.distressed-swindon-viewer-slams-tesco-advert-disgusting/

:"I'm distressed by a funny face in a TV advert, so I'm contacting the local paper".
While I don’t like that advert one little bit, it would never occur to me to complain about it to the press or the advertising standards people. 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 09 May, 2023, 04:23:06 pm
Waitrose have shrunk the packet size of their plain chocolate digestives which is distressing enough, but, worse, they have also changed the recipe and the biscuit is noticeably sweeter and crisper and not to my taste at all.  What's a chap to do, eh?

Quote from: Beardy
While I don’t like that advert one little bit, it would never occur to me to complain about it to the press....
She's probably descended from one the twerps that complained about the "scary" Lee Cooper ad. at the fag end of the 1970s.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 May, 2023, 04:35:10 pm
Quote from: Beardy
While I don’t like that advert one little bit, it would never occur to me to complain about it to the press....
She's probably descended from one the twerps that complained about the "scary" Lee Cooper ad. at the fag end of the 1970s.
But but but... Coventry's world famous frame builder didn't start till 1984!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 09 May, 2023, 04:39:58 pm
Could have gone in LEOTP but fits here just as well.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/23503896.distressed-swindon-viewer-slams-tesco-advert-disgusting/

:"I'm distressed by a funny face in a TV advert, so I'm contacting the local paper".

Teeth like that always remind me of Chiclets chewing gum.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 19 May, 2023, 06:33:21 pm
Just sheared the bolt for the RH armrest on my Herman Miller Aeron office chair, which pretty much renders the chair useless. ::-)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 19 May, 2023, 08:54:17 pm
Just sheared the bolt for the RH armrest on my Herman Miller Aeron office chair, which pretty much renders the chair useless. ::-)

You can practically rebuild them from readily available spare parts.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 27 May, 2023, 10:39:26 am
I do think that the cartoon line up in the Guardian is poorer for the exclusion of Martin Rowson.

I understand why he’s been excluded, but I do think that it’s a heavy penalty to impose on a satirist who’s job it it is to exaggerate the physical attributes of people in cruel depictions of their actions.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 May, 2023, 11:12:58 am
Has he been banned permanently?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 27 May, 2023, 11:30:03 am
I don’t know about permanently, but he’s not been published since the error of his ways.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Canardly on 18 June, 2023, 01:16:31 pm
Hunter wellies has gone bust. Whatever am I going to do?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 18 June, 2023, 04:20:04 pm
Hunter wellies has gone bust. Whatever am I going to do?
Get some proper posh wellies.
Posh wellies.  (https://www.lechameau.com/)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 18 June, 2023, 08:35:05 pm
Hunter wellies has gone bust. Whatever am I going to do?
Get some proper posh wellies.
Posh wellies.  (https://www.lechameau.com/)

I have a pair of Aigles. The French for some reason seem averse to calling them Wellies.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 June, 2023, 08:46:03 pm
Gum boots.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 19 June, 2023, 12:32:47 am
I have a pair of Aigles. The French for some reason seem averse to calling them Wellies.
Read that. Moved on to next thread. Penny dropped.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 19 June, 2023, 10:37:14 am
I doubt if the term has travelled beyond the UK. When my dad first visited us here he asked if we got the Radio Times
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 19 June, 2023, 07:28:25 pm
Apparently just boots. Also how much! They were bought by my wife who, in that eternal way of the female, seems incapable of buying footwear in the right size. They're very good though.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 June, 2023, 08:54:10 am
I ordered a heart rate monitor on Sun eve.

It hasn't been dispatched yet. Wahoo cheerfully inform me that they've printed the shipping label.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 12 July, 2023, 11:20:51 am
It annoys me that after I’ve made a purchasing decision based on ‘get it tomorrow if ordered in the next 7 hour’, Amazon then change the delivery date and doesn’t even bother to inform me.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 July, 2023, 02:40:22 pm
Sad to hear about hunter wellies, admitidly about 10 years ago sat in a training course with them and they opened by saying we tried to be fashionable and made poor boots so we're splitting the range and as i worked in agriculture they aimed to put quality back in the range we sold

The first time I sold a pair of le chameaux wellies I was a young un and even then think were around 200 quid. That was probably around my weekly wage. I had to go check with my manager there wasn't an error but the customer just paid without batting an eyelid
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 17 July, 2023, 07:52:47 pm
I confess the expensive wellies are worth the money – was hiking in them throughout the wet season and they were comfy enough for 20km and show no sign of splitting or other damage. I had some Muck Boots before which were fine, but they eventually started to come apart where the neoprene meets the rubber and the seam at the back started to let in water. Plus they had a tussle with a barbed wire fence.

Why is the countryside filled with barbed wire, what purpose does it serve over just, well, a fence?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 July, 2023, 08:43:08 pm
I confess the expensive wellies are worth the money – was hiking in them throughout the wet season and they were comfy enough for 20km and show no sign of splitting or other damage. I had some Muck Boots before which were fine, but they eventually started to come apart where the neoprene meets the rubber and the seam at the back started to let in water. Plus they had a tussle with a barbed wire fence.

Why is the countryside filled with barbed wire, what purpose does it serve over just, well, a fence?

I had a couple of pairs of muck boots and loved them. Comfy and warm for a day out beating, however both after a lot of use had the sole start to come off and wore through at the heel.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 17 July, 2023, 08:58:18 pm
The Muck Boots lasted two winters of heavy-duty walking, so not bad, the main failure was the seam at the back that holds the rubber together. Repairs don't seem to hold, so eventually the water gets back in, and there's nothing worse than leaky wellies.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 06 August, 2023, 06:10:31 pm
we go on holiday tomorrow morning, so the iron decided today was the right time to stop working.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 06 August, 2023, 09:33:32 pm
we go on holiday tomorrow morning, so the iron decided today was the right time to stop working.

That might NOT be as inconvenient as you think.

I've read some SCIENCE somewhere that suggests that newly-ironed clothes crease more readily than those ironed less recently, when folded & packed.

Hang out your clothes shortly after you arrive, iron shortly before they're needed and enjoy your holiday!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 06 August, 2023, 09:37:16 pm
we go on holiday tomorrow morning, so the iron decided today was the right time to stop working.

Soldering or ski-waxing?

Soldering: you've probably left it a bit late, but WAGO connectors are good.
If you are going skiing in NZ, they will wax your skis in-resort.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 07 August, 2023, 09:29:59 am
And MrsT read years and years ago that ironing in the UK consumes a power-station's worth of electricity.  Since then we've been a bit rumpled.

Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 08 August, 2023, 07:41:16 am
Sadly not NZ. Edinburgh for 3 days then Westhill for 3 days then Skye and west coast.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 08 August, 2023, 08:45:51 pm
I think one of the crowning achievements of my life so far is that I don't own a single item of clothing that needs ironing. Or that I can be bothered ironing. I was once tempted to use one of those trouser presses in a hotel but I then I figured there were troublingly good odds someone had either tried to make a panini in it or had performed some odd sex act with it and quite possibly both, simultaneously. There are, by my accounting, few stains that you want to see, and the ones in hotel rooms are the worst.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 24 August, 2023, 02:37:28 pm
The shower drain in my b&b room last night was very slow. This meant the shallow tray filled quickly close to overflowing and since I'm not the kind of person who'll flood a bathroom just because it's not mine a submariners/sailors/squaddies/call-it-what-you-like shower was called for.  It was a wonderful high flow shower just crying out for an indulgent long soak. Sadly not to be.

(Could have put this in the grumble thread but it feels very first worldy)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: sojournermike on 24 August, 2023, 03:09:59 pm
I was told the other week that a friend couldn’t ride their bike as…



The charger for the DI2 was left at the old house.



There are good reasons but we had a little smile
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: ian on 24 August, 2023, 07:01:58 pm
The shower drain in my b&b room last night was very slow. This meant the shallow tray filled quickly close to overflowing and since I'm not the kind of person who'll flood a bathroom just because it's not mine a submariners/sailors/squaddies/call-it-what-you-like shower was called for.  It was a wonderful high flow shower just crying out for an indulgent long soak. Sadly not to be.

(Could have put this in the grumble thread but it feels very first worldy)

Once upon a time, in a posh Floridian hotel, where the bath was big and was open to the ocean view, I opted for the obvious sudsy soak, filling said bath to the brim so I could lie back with a good book let the gloaming outside settle over the Atlantic. All was well until I pulled the plug at which point the contents of the bath started to fountain out of the drain in the middle of the bathroom floor.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 25 August, 2023, 08:32:13 am
The shower drain in my b&b room last night was very slow. This meant the shallow tray filled quickly close to overflowing and since I'm not the kind of person who'll flood a bathroom just because it's not mine a submariners/sailors/squaddies/call-it-what-you-like shower was called for.  It was a wonderful high flow shower just crying out for an indulgent long soak. Sadly not to be.

(Could have put this in the grumble thread but it feels very first worldy)

Once upon a time, in a posh Floridian hotel, where the bath was big and was open to the ocean view, I opted for the obvious sudsy soak, filling said bath to the brim so I could lie back with a good book let the gloaming outside settle over the Atlantic. All was well until I pulled the plug at which point the contents of the bath started to fountain out of the drain in the middle of the bathroom floor.

In my PSO days I used to work summers as a bin man at Butlin's Minehead. The cheaper sections of the camp had two-storey lines of chalets.  One day a camper on the upper storey pulled the plug out of his bath and the bath downstairs filled up.

Happy days.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: sojournermike on 25 August, 2023, 08:36:18 am
The shower drain in my b&b room last night was very slow. This meant the shallow tray filled quickly close to overflowing and since I'm not the kind of person who'll flood a bathroom just because it's not mine a submariners/sailors/squaddies/call-it-what-you-like shower was called for.  It was a wonderful high flow shower just crying out for an indulgent long soak. Sadly not to be.

(Could have put this in the grumble thread but it feels very first worldy)


Once upon a time, in a posh Floridian hotel, where the bath was big and was open to the ocean view, I opted for the obvious sudsy soak, filling said bath to the brim so I could lie back with a good book let the gloaming outside settle over the Atlantic. All was well until I pulled the plug at which point the contents of the bath started to fountain out of the drain in the middle of the bathroom floor.

In my PSO days I used to work summers as a bin man at Butlin's Minehead. The cheaper sections of the camp had two-storey lines of chalets.  One day a camper on the upper storey pulled the plug out of his bath and the bath downstairs filled up.

Happy days.

As long as it was just the bath that transferred its contents…
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 25 August, 2023, 11:25:00 am
Right enough, it was probably a common drain.  Had to keep the shellfish fed.

The staff chalets, of course, had communal cludges & bathrooms.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 01 September, 2023, 05:51:47 pm
I had to buy a new calculator today as my the LCD display* on my Casio fx-100v has given up the ghost, my Commodore SR-4912 suffers from short term memory loss and resets to 0 part way through some calculations and my Ti-53 has no batteries and isn't worth buying batteries for as it was a lousy piece of kit from day one and I still haven't worked out why I haven't binned it.

The problem?  Since the mid 1970s (when I stopped using books of log and trig tables) I have been accustomed to typing the number followed by the function, i.e.  32 sin.  This new calculator (£6.50's worth of W.H. Smith's finest scientific calculator) throws all that out of the window. You have to press,  say, sin key enter the number and *then* press the = key.  What a sodding palaver. 

*I'm not entirely convinced it's the display itself as multiplying the display value by 10, 100 etc. sees the incorrectly rendered digit still rendered incorrectly.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 01 September, 2023, 06:19:44 pm
The problem?  Since the mid 1970s (when I stopped using books of log and trig tables) I have been accustomed to typing the number followed by the function, i.e.  32 sin.  This new calculator (£6.50's worth of W.H. Smith's finest scientific calculator) throws all that out of the window. You have to enter the number, press the, say, sin key and then press the = key.  What a sodding palaver. 

I think that was something Casio came up with in the mid 1990s[1], as I remember seeking out the most functional exam-legal calculator, and it was equipped with this Shiny! New! VPAM technology.

It didn't bother me especially, as by that point I was used to a non-exam-legal programmable graphing model, where entering compound operations in a computery style followed by the enter key seemed entirely reasonable.

TI purists will be along in a minute to explain why reverse-polish notation is the One True Way...


I've barely touched any of my calculators since my PSO days, as the correlation between needing to perform some arithmetic and having a Turing-complete computing device in front of me, or at least in my pocket[2] has been approximately 100%.


[1] The development of calculator technology ground to a halt at around the same time that the development of printers did.
[2] Very occasionally I fire up the excellent TechCalc (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roamingsquirrel.android.calculator) on my phone.  It's the sort of thing my teenage self would have loved, but the reality is that entering more than a handful of numbers on a touchscreen is nasty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 01 September, 2023, 08:26:19 pm
Has he been banned permanently?
It would seem that he’s served his time because the Graun has just published a Martin Rowson cartoon. And complementary of the Government it isn’t. (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2023/sep/01/martin-rowson-rishi-sunak-pompeii-cartoon)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Snakehips on 07 September, 2023, 10:07:50 pm
Hundreds of people have contacted BBC News about struggling to pay their vet bills.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: JefO on 23 September, 2023, 07:54:59 pm
My trusty digital camera (Panasonic Lumix TZ3) actually my 4th one, decided to let the bloody amazing photos (even if I say so myself), I took this morning, escape.

The only possibility is that it received a command to delete all of today's shots.

Just in case they are still on the SD card, and some whizz of a tech head knows how to get them, I have locked the card and put it safe until someone clever can work on it.

There were two absolutely amazing shots. I was absolutely gutted when I could not find them anywhere on the memory card.

   
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 23 September, 2023, 08:20:12 pm
If they were saved to the card you should be able to recover them on a computer, with the appropriate software.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 23 September, 2023, 08:48:37 pm
PhotoRec generally works great in these situations:

https://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: TheLurker on 23 September, 2023, 09:20:19 pm
Quite the best way to find out one has a small, and hitherto undetected, cut on one's finger is to squeeze lemon juice over one's smoked salmon.

Oww. Hurty.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: JefO on 25 September, 2023, 07:37:09 pm
If they were saved to the card you should be able to recover them on a computer, with the appropriate software.

PhotoRec generally works great in these situations:

https://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec

Nice one thanks guys.

Took some more shots yesterday morning to redress the balance of man and machine. Managed to save these ones and get them backed up. Phew!

Here's the best photo I have ever planned, and everything came together at once...

(https://scontent-hbe1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/383752484_10160844252946112_3147364820269257272_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=52f669&_nc_ohc=TkrZGpUSegMAX9l4e_q&_nc_ht=scontent-hbe1-1.xx&oh=00_AfAmBdFlbRrqibKbQdSCdd7F9uNlx_gw6wLO-qRFs7nGbQ&oe=6515C970) 
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jaded on 25 September, 2023, 07:44:10 pm
I like that :)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: JefO on 25 September, 2023, 07:53:15 pm
I like that :)
Thank you Jaded. :thumbsup:
It depended on a lot of things happening all at once -
i) suitable height of tide,
ii) wind direction (Osprey had to face the same way as the boat),
iii) the bird had to catch a fish for breakfast,
iv) the bird had to land on the boat superstructure to eat the fish,
v) there had to be a dusty atmosphere and no clouds (good chance of that this time of year in Egypt)
vi) boat had to be moored in exactly the same spot as the day before, (that was pure fluke).
vii) me stirring from my slumber in time.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: road-runner on 03 October, 2023, 04:38:32 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/tET4LKG.jpg)

EVs for young children - is that a first-world problem?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: andyoxon on 03 October, 2023, 05:48:01 pm
A 'two pannier' shop, and didn't have a £1 coin or disc for a small trolley release, so had to try and pile it all in one arm busting shopping basket.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2023, 08:57:02 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/tET4LKG.jpg)

EVs for young children - is that a first-world problem?

Ah, a Birmingham Tricycle.

Smalls around here seem as likely to be riding on (usually cheaper, nastier) little electric cars with their charming power-drill motor whine as they would something pedal-powered.  I note they're starting to become a regular sighting at campsites (at least the big ones with small-wheel-friendly access roads).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 October, 2023, 09:19:03 pm
First time I saw them was about 2005 on our block in Poland.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: SoreTween on 03 October, 2023, 09:29:48 pm
Pizza night and I've run out of anchovies  :'(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: JefO on 03 October, 2023, 10:36:03 pm
PhotoRec generally works great in these situations:

https://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec

I didn't get on too well with that one... nor another one I found, then I asked my son (a highly respected software engineer) who suggested that www.r-undelete.com came well recommended. That worked very well.
 
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/492FWSdivsovOCQh2Rz0-taxV6iBkF_3h1FmMr4EeZw-1536x2048.jpg)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 04 October, 2023, 02:06:32 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/tET4LKG.jpg)

EVs for young children - is that a first-world problem?

Ah, a Birmingham Tricycle.

Smalls around here seem as likely to be riding on (usually cheaper, nastier) little electric cars with their charming power-drill motor whine as they would something pedal-powered.  I note they're starting to become a regular sighting at campsites (at least the big ones with small-wheel-friendly access roads).

Petrol-head next door got something similar for his offspring when he was less than a year old (offspring, that is. Not sure about bloke.)  Kid sits in it staring wide-eyed while pa walks behind with remote and does the driving.

Might be an idea to fit such gadgets out with Roomba sensors & electronics.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 October, 2023, 03:53:02 pm
...or with vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 04 October, 2023, 04:01:12 pm
Or with pedals.


Let's be honest, this is xkcd://560 (https://xkcd.com/560/) jealousy.  I'd have loved something like that as a small, in much the same way as a Kettler pedal car (which in my case I had not got).
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: grams on 04 October, 2023, 05:06:23 pm
EVs for young children - is that a first-world problem?

These have existed for a long time, with different shells. Inside you’ll find an 12V SLA battery and a very low tech radio controlled car circuit board, probably exactly the same as they were installing in the 90s or whenever these started.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: cycleman on 04 October, 2023, 07:21:44 pm
I saw a mother pushing a pushchair complete with tablet for the baby to watch the other day. I worry for the future 🙄
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 05 October, 2023, 04:41:58 pm
I saw a mother pushing a pushchair complete with tablet for the baby to watch the other day. I worry for the future 🙄
Have you seen Wall-E? It’s a commentary on the direction of travel of the human race.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Kim on 05 October, 2023, 04:48:43 pm
I saw a mother pushing a pushchair complete with tablet for the baby to watch the other day. I worry for the future 🙄
Have you seen Wall-E? It’s a commentary on the direction of travel of the human race.

But not the into space bit.  There'll be a prime minister along in a minute to announce that future space flights will stop in the mesosphere in order to cut costs.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Snakehips on 30 October, 2023, 07:45:27 pm
Has anybody else noticed this blatant example of 'skimpflation'.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin is now  41.3% alcohol by volume , down from 43.1% If you can find any of the 43.1% stuff still knocking around I advise you to get in quick before it disappears.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: rafletcher on 30 October, 2023, 08:26:05 pm
Has anybody else noticed this blatant example of 'skimpflation'.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin is now  41.3% alcohol by volume , down from 43.1% If you can find any of the 43.1% stuff still knocking around I advise you to get in quick before it disappears.

I don’t recall the fine detail, but it’s a result of recent changes in alcohol taxation.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 October, 2023, 10:01:51 pm
Tanqueray is meh anyway.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 30 October, 2023, 11:19:37 pm
Has anybody else noticed this blatant example of 'skimpflation'.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin is now  41.3% alcohol by volume , down from 43.1% If you can find any of the 43.1% stuff still knocking around I advise you to get in quick before it disappears.

I think Mr Sainsbury's bog rolls have become narrower of late; there was a distinct difference in height between a couple of rolls on my bathroom windowsill.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 31 October, 2023, 07:30:22 am
Tanqueray is meths anyway.

FTFY
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Polar Bear on 31 October, 2023, 07:46:19 am
Has anybody else noticed this blatant example of 'skimpflation'.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin is now  41.3% alcohol by volume , down from 43.1% If you can find any of the 43.1% stuff still knocking around I advise you to get in quick before it disappears.

I think Mr Sainsbury's bog rolls have become narrower of late; there was a distinct difference in height between a couple of rolls on my bathroom windowsill.

Not being a gin drinker the former passes me by but being a user of the latter ...

We buy ours from Serious Tissues.   Just our choice you understand but they get delivered to the door (repeat order due tomorrow), they seem to last longer than other brands tested and they are neither too harsh nor too soft.

At least, in bogroll reviews, this is mine!  🤭
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: hellymedic on 31 October, 2023, 04:00:24 pm
I'm also no gin drinker.
Took the chance to lay one sheet on another and note around 8 millimetres disparity.

Sneaky!
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 February, 2024, 08:03:35 am
The cricket is on Talksport not TMS and they've got the background noise too high so not easy to hear the commentators over it with the volume set at appropriate volume when most the house is still in bed
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Flite on 03 February, 2024, 01:35:06 pm
I tried to watch the world cyclocross champs on BBC i-player.
No chance of hearing the commentary at least at first.
Really should be able to do better
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: toontra on 03 February, 2024, 04:03:41 pm
Climate change could mean children of middle-class families may be denied the opportunity to fanny about on skis. Quelle catastrophe  ::-)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-sports/68151487
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 03 February, 2024, 04:18:13 pm
Grief, but that woman annoys me when she co-presents Ski Sunday. Mind ewe, her co-host isn’t an awful lot better.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: toontra on 03 February, 2024, 04:28:14 pm
Grief, but that woman annoys me when she co-presents Ski Sunday. Mind ewe, her co-host isn’t an awful lot better.

They are certainly a pair of twats, but perhaps that reflects on the activity they represent?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 February, 2024, 05:33:49 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 24 February, 2024, 11:17:31 pm
I really like the look,of my beard at the moment because its proportions seem like to be just right. But, my moustache is beginning to irritate me because it has a habit of dipping in my drinks and then dropping it onto my beard.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Pingu on 24 February, 2024, 11:25:07 pm
I really like the look,of my beard at the moment because its proportions seem like to be just right. But, my moustache is beginning to irritate me because it has a habit of dipping in my during and then dropping it onto my beard.

During?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Beardy on 25 February, 2024, 09:58:53 am
I really like the look,of my beard at the moment because its proportions seem like to be just right. But, my moustache is beginning to irritate me because it has a habit of dipping in my during and then dropping it onto my beard.

During?
Drinks! It should say drinks.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 05 March, 2024, 08:57:17 am
One of my double-walled coffee glasses came out of the dishwasher this morning with the cavity half-full of grey water: the nubbin left from when it was blown has a tiny hole through it.  Currently trying to expel the water by filling the glass with hot water & hoping expanding air in the cavity will do it - the glass is otherwise OK to use.  Have to remember to hand-wash it in future.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: fruitcake on 05 March, 2024, 10:06:45 pm
Microwave it?
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2024, 07:54:03 am
Good idea - I'll try it next time. Ta.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Regulator on 06 March, 2024, 09:23:21 am
Microwave it?


I wouldn't - that's likely to lead to rapid disassembly of the coffee glass.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 07 March, 2024, 04:33:47 pm
Listening to BBC6 Music through just one speaker, as one of the channels on my amp has died.
Words have been had with Richer Sounds at London Bridge and an acquisitive visit is planned for Saturday.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 10 March, 2024, 12:02:41 pm
Listening to BBC6 Music through just one speaker, as one of the channels on my amp has died.
Words have been had with Richer Sounds at London Bridge and an acquisitive visit is planned for Saturday.
Picked up the amp as planned on Saturday.
Connected it all up.
Playing sounds.
Lovely.
Switched it on this morning.
Nothing.
Zilch.
Zero.
Nada.
 >:(
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Jurek on 10 March, 2024, 12:18:46 pm
Listening to BBC6 Music through just one speaker, as one of the channels on my amp has died.
Words have been had with Richer Sounds at London Bridge and an acquisitive visit is planned for Saturday.
Picked up the amp as planned on Saturday.
Connected it all up.
Playing sounds.
Lovely.
Switched it on this morning.
Nothing.
Zilch.
Zero.
Nada.
 >:(
And now, it's working.
Evidently, it doesn't like the fact that I have the power supply on an R/C remote control, as that is how I normally turn it on.
It actually has to have the button on the front physically pushed.
 ::-)
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: Feanor on 10 March, 2024, 12:31:47 pm
A NAD amp I was working on recently is the same.
There's a latching power push-button on the front, but that just brings on a 5v standby power supply.
This powers up a little microcontroller which is listening for one of the source buttons to be pressed, and also to the IR remote control receiver.

To power up the main PSU, you must either prod one of the input selector buttons, or use the remote.
That closes a relay, enabling 240v to the main transformer.
Title: Re: First-World Problems.
Post by: toontra on 12 March, 2024, 09:43:59 pm
Damned climate change!  First threatening our children's ski holidays and now making bananas more expensive.  You'd think someone would do something about this.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68534309 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68534309)