4 months house heating Vs 12 months commute.
If you do choose commute, you will do over 12 months of commute, plus add wear & tear to your car and milage which will increase depreciation & Insurance costs.
178 publicly visible posts • joined 16 Oct 2012
The assumption made by the general public & that promoted by the establishment is that RIPA, DRIPA, decryption by the state and the restriction of the Freedom of information are essential tools for the security services to protect us from terrorists in this new technological age..
However they should realise it can also be (mis)used by the authorities to build better smear stories against those ordinary citizens who dare to question, upset the status quo. Past examples could include those families questioning Hillsborough, Steven Lawerance's parents and many more.
It appears that its not Big Brother we need to be afraid of, its Big Sisters of May & now Rudd!
Just watched the One Show were they asked average people in a shopping centre in Crewe and the guests in the studio how they felt about police reading their emails & looking through their phones.
All bar one lady didn't see a problem as they had nothing to hide and were convinced it would help the security services to keep them from harm.
Will they say the same when an even more extreme & sinister government is installed? Oh that couldn't possibly happen could it?!!
Having seen the deliberately loosely worded DRIPA & RIPA rapidly pushed through Parliament with little if any objection from the main stream media or public objection, The Government must feel quietly confident that they can peddle what ever bull they like to justify further intrusion into our lives. So to hear Matt Hancock promoting encryption contradict Amber Rudd need for key's & back doors does not surprise. It will also not surprise that this will be ignored by the media or the consequent abuses & lack of control as seen by local councils approved use of RIPA.
We desperately need some one of recognized technical authority to explain in plain terms to the general public what is actually going on & how useless to preserving our security against real terorist threats these measures have & will continue be.
My Mrs & daughter are on Giff Gaff, both find the 3g excruciatingly slow, irrespective of the signal strength.
The rest of the family are on 3, far quicker and includes 4g at no extra cost. Only criticism is the still patchy coverage including in my house, however thier wifi call feature solves that.
Prior to going to the Falklands,the Sea Harriers exercised against French Mirages, there the viffing ability (vectoring in forward flight) was further developed & refined so if they'd end up with a fighter on their tail, they could angle their V/STOL engine nozzles to brake suddenly, the Mirage would overshoot and the Sea Harrier would have a clear Sidewinder or cannon shot.
It has to be said that Argentinian pilots are superb and gained the respect of the Harrier Pilots, the lucky thing for the UK is that they did not perform more aggressive patrols, as they did with the Mirages to knock out the few Harriers we had down there.
I did notice that the Seahawk is capable of buddy to buddy refuelling, perhaps if they had performed that they might of been more successful with engaging the Harriers?
THe Harrier may not cut as a fighter against today's generation of aircraft, but is was designed for air interdiction and close air support missions;. The Naval fighter version came later.
The Harrier shot down:
9 IAI Daggers (Mirage V equivalent)
7 A-4 Skyhawks (plus one write-off on landing)
1 Mirage III
...and 3 other aircraft
The Skyhawks is well liked by all who flew it for being tough & nimble. It was effectively used by the US Navy in ther training and adversary aircraft would well into the 1990s. (As seen in Top gun!). So not such a sitting duck for the Harriers to take on & beat (although the Sea hawks were heavily armed for anti ship weapons)
One thing the Harrier has over the F35, is that it works, is in service and clearly better than nothing!
So dear US marine core, can we borrow our Harriers back please, just until the F35B's come,
Thank you for correcting my ommission, BAE were asked to quote on Cat & Trap, but I believe the design of the ship such, that retro fitting would be easy fitted, implying a cost effective change with or without cat & trap could be made as late as possible. This could still be done, but at an unacceptable cost in fitting the electro cat & further delay in the ships commission (does this matter as the F35B will not arrive for a few more years to come if ever!)
Although these Russian aircraft may well take off from Queen Elizabeth class carrier, they may not be able to land back on due to the lack of arrestor wires! I'm not convinced that retro fitting is a viable option either as significant structural alterations will be needed to reinforce to take the arrest loads,and create areas to house the energy absorbing equipment.
When the BAE were contracted to build the Queen Elizabeth type carriers, I believe a design requirement was to allow for the retrospective option for cat & trap (sensible seeing how badly the F35 program was progressing from the start and that Lockheed Martin were running it). So it came as a bit of a shock when David Cameron announced that we are now to procurin the F35B and not the F35C. Why, because the MOD had cocked up the contract wording, that gave BAE a loophole to cut design & build costs that effectively made cat & trap very difficult & expensive to retro fit.
Just to top it all, recovering the F35B will not be easy as they have yet to solve the problem of it burning a hole in the carriers flight deck with its blow torch like exhaust!
So there we are, a hobbled carrier with a short range low manoeuvrable (7G limit on the B) eye wateringly expensive to buy & run, complicated and potentially unreliable to boot aircraft. At least they will make superb helicopter assault ships! Oh what a lovely waste of money!
Likewise with my venerable Note 2, which has also been given the seal of approval by Apple!
Still fit for the purpose I purchased it for 4 years ago and has the benefit of sd slot & easy replacement/swappable battery that Samsung' s latest fail to include. ( must admit its still on its original battery that now only manages 10 hours but still chuffed as chips with it!)
With reference to your comment of not getting a full refund I would draw your attention to the case of Doug Clements vs a Hyundia dealership.
Doug prior to buying a new Hyundai was assured by the salesman that he could achieve the combined cycle claimed figure of 57.6 mpg. After being unable to achieve this he told the Dealership he was rejecting it, who then refused a refund. Doug took them to court and 2 years later he won a full refund with the court ruling that it was not fit for purpose under the sale of goods act. Although this does not set a precedent, it does indicate the courts will take such cases seriously.
It is going to be easier with Volkswagens stated and published pre cheat figures vs their published post cheat figures to declare the vehicle not fit for purpose at point of sale according of goods act, and the real likelihood of a full refund with due consideration to reasonable use.
It does appear some action against Volkswagen is being considered by our UK Government with an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office over the diesel emissions scandal.
The Department for Transport have stated that prosecutors are considering whether to take action against Volkswagen amid accusations of "corporate criminality".
Officials also disclosed that the Competition and Markets Authority, the regulator, is considering mounting an investigation into the company too.
It does appear that VW have now offered to fix affected models and expects to start the recall in January 2016, so no need to dump the car on their forecourt just yet.
Exhaust emissions are considered to be an important contributing factor to many motorists in deciding the value of a car, they will pay a higher price for cars with specified low emissions. Hence by introducing a cheat device that falsify the EU emission tests, VW have indeed committed fraud by adding perceived value above its actual worth. This is miss selling and is really only dependent on the original owner seeking compensation for the loss of value incurred irrespective of how much the car has been used.
The specifications in question are of course those stating the vehicles level of exhaust emissions. These are considered to be an important contributing factor to many motorists in deciding the value of a car,they will pay a higher price for cars with specified low emissions. Hence by introducing a cheat device that falsify the EU emission tests, VW have indeed committed fraud by adding perceived value above its actual worth.
Also tobe taken into consideration, there are several proposals to tax diesel cars specifically to reduce NOx in urban areas.If taxes are introduced on a sliding scale, as is the case for CO2 and VED, then any discrepancy between advertised and genuine emission levels will become highly significant.(although this may only affect future builds of cars and not those already registered). However the current registered cars may now have emissions that now prevent its use within some city centers, or will be charged higher congestion than the original "cheat" levels would have indicated at the point of vehicle purchase.
The fraudulent value added from emissions cheating is considered to be important enough to be subject of anti competitive investigations both in the US by the Justice department, by the Serious Fraud office in the UK and many EU states to establish if any corporate criminality by VW & its board has been committed.
Lack of action by the UK or EU administrations to protect VW & the associated already wobbly EU economy and jobs, just sounds like the "too big to fail argument" used by the banks.
What VW board have not taken into account is the real anger in deciding only to compensating just one set of customers, (those in the US) and effectively treating the remainder in the EU & UK with contempt by stating they will not offer any recompense for the additional costs their actions have incurred, due to loss of resale value, increased road tax, perceived increased fuel costs, additional congestion charges & now being subject to traffic exclusion zones.
Perhaps we should just drop our VAG affected vehicles on the VAG dealerships, demanding they either modify the vehicle so that it meets the spec it was sold against or refund all of our money on the basis it was miss sold or at least offer compensation & an apology!
I agree, that is why I give you a thumb up and hold the VW board accountable rather than the engineers. As usual the Board denies all knowledge in an attempt to delegate blame, (and ignore the fact that by doing so admit incompetence !) This is situation usually the result of Snafu and works something like this.
The Plan
In the beginning was the plan,
and from the plan came the specification;
And the plan was without substance,
and the specification was void.
And darkness
was on the faces of the workers;
And they spake unto their leader,
saying:
"It is a crock of shit,
and it stinks of the sewer."
And the leader took pity on them,
and spoke to the project leader:
"It is a pot of excrement,
and none may abide the odor thereof."
And the project leader, troubled at this news,
spake unto his section head, saying:
"It is a container of manure,
and it is very strong, such that none may abide it."
The section head then hurried to his department manager,
and informed him thus:
"It is a vessel of fertilizer,
and none may abide its strength."
The department manager carried these words
to his general manager,
and spoke unto him
saying:
"It containeth that which aideth the growth of plants,
and it is very strong."
And so it was that the general manager rejoiced
and delivered the good news unto the Vice President.
"It promoteth growth,
and it is very powerful."
The Vice President rushed to the President's side,
and joyously exclaimed:
"This powerful new product
will promote the growth of the company!"
And the President looked upon the product,
and saw that it was very good.
This is how Shit Happens.
Not only do we in the UK have the VAG vehicles sold to us with fraudulent specifications, but learn that compensation of $1000 in vouchers is being offered to the original owners in the US for the loss of value, running costs, and nothing for those in the UK (despite incurring further expense in road fund revenue, from reclassification of their tax band emissions).
I do not resent the good people of the US from being compensated, (is $1000 in vouchers enough?), but I do resent the management of VW firstly ripping us off & then rubbing our nose in it by treating us as 2nd class customers. Rather than just rant & sulk, I have joined the campaign to enable us to drive their dirty expensive cars up the collective VW boards tailpipe so hard & fast, that they never see the light of day again. I invite you all to join in with all the fun with this link https://whichcouk.bsd.net/page/s/vw-compensation-yes?
Its interesting that the MP's want this intrusion into our data whilst trying to introduce another that would hobble the Freedom of information act, you know the one that caught them out fiddling their expenses!
Here's a little song about politicians I've composed, unfortunately I've had to substitute some of the words to get past the Reg's filter and not to cause offence!
MP's dadaa
Dadee da da,
Dedee dada dada
Deedee dada dada dada
The fucking bastard cunts!
When my Note 2 finally goes to silicon heaven, it will not be replaced by any of the current Samsung offerings due to:-
a) No SD slot.
b) No removable battery (opening up the S6 or Edge to replace battery requires a total strip down).
c) No water proofing.
d) Apparent lack of toughness, Metal/glass case is not as tough as a plastic one, making it too thin places more strain on the screen.
e) Bloat & ability to remove a significant amount.
At the moment I might look for a low used Note 4 (scores 3/5), a LG G4 (4/5) or one of the Sony handsets, (but really want a pablet.
Sorry Samsung, you should not have dropped the very features which made you attractive alternative to the iPhone or other Android competitors.
I suspect these Mega Corps who have engaged in aggressive tax avoidance will be the first in line to sue through TTP & TTIP the same countries Governments who have the cheek to defend their democratic mandates. It is also noticed that the much lauded success by David Cameron, for initiating a G20 agreement to overcome such tax avoidance measures was predominantly lobbied, influenced and had sizeable representation of the offending Corporations on the board drafting it. So not only has it been slow in coming, has had most of its teeth removed.
Tory solution, benefit, health, tax credit and other austerity cuts on those who can't defend themselves.
Agree with you, it has to be a win win agreement for capitalism to work, and both sides must be heard for this to be achieved as near as practically possible.
Just for clarification though, the correct term for the depth our British Government manages to wedge its nasal probosci into the American crevasse, is "Special relationship". It therefore comes as no surprise how keen Dave Cameron is to put rocket boosters on to TIPP, to rush it through (as stated in the G20 conference Brisbane) and of course his high jinks at Oxford as a student).
Although a little bit late but noticing the strong depth of feeling expressed here, I have placed a poll on the first page of comments, for a vote of no confidence here, in both the benefit of TTP to the ordinary citizen and Reg's advice to put away our pitch forks.
It will also be classed as protectionism if a nation has specific regulations in place that prohibited genetically modified foods from being sold for human consumption. Of course these tend to be (but not always) from US and usually protected severely by patent & price for use cheap until the competition has been undercut & hosepiped away.
I
Read your review, so apart from Foriegn Corporations being able to run rough shot over Sovereignty and democratically arrived at environmental, safety standards, food standards, gradually force nationalised strategic services such as health care into a privatisation, energy policies that prevent unpopular power generation being built, such as nuclear and so on, the TPP looks like nothing to be upset about, can't wait for TIPP
Right off to the hardware shop, " I want four candles please".
This situation is not unique to the UK, though our Byzantine tax system clearly does not help us (thanks Gordon Brown, you added a sizeable chunk to it).
What to do then, tax at the point of sale/transaction, nope punishes our smallmedium sized exporters with excessively detailed tax returns.
Leave as it is. Again no, unacceptable to SMB's who have to pay the prevailing corporation tax, whilst the big boys don't whilst also benefiting from economies of scale.
International trading agreement, TIPP & TPP might have some support if it addressed this issue of legalised theft (I assume it doesn't as I can't check as its a secret deal).
Cutting Corporation tax all together,as being unenforceable and unfair. Then raising other taxes to compensate, (pile it on to the plebs such as you and me, after all what are we going to do about it in the next 4 3/4 years!). It might be tempered if the Tax system could be rationalised to an acceptable level for all.
So what are we left with, personal boycott, sign petitions (via Facebook!!), complain to your MP?
As I said this whole situation Zucks.
Very well put, to add balance I will let David Cameron have his chance to reply!
Speaking at the G20 in Brisbane David Cameron said claims that TTIP would result in a National Health Service sell-off were “bogus nonsense.”
Signalling his intention to take on Britain’s trade unionists and others who oppose TTIP, the prime minister told G20 delegates he intends to fire “rocket boosters” under the EU-US trade agreement – a landmark deal he stresses that could bolster the British economy by £10 billion.
“It is time to take on some of the opponents of this deal and expose the arguments against it,” he said. “This is good for Britain – good for growth and British families.”
Speaking to crowds gathered at the summit, Cameron said arguments posed by UK trade unionists and campaigners against the trade deal were “weak.”
Regarding a potential NHS sell-off, the prime minister emphasized the health service was “in the public sector” and would remain so. “There is no direct threat to the NHS from TTIP,” he insisted.
Considering what happened after Tory manifesto stated there would be no reorganisation of the NHS and David Cameron's point blank refusal to remove the NHS from TTIP negotiations, I think we should be afraid, very afraid.
Interpreting the potential threat that the TTIP can have is one thing, the point is to change it. What can you do then, first offcan I request that you visit https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/index.php/pages/486/ or just Google “38 Degrees TTIP” if you do not like clicking any old link!
There you can sign the petition, see how your MEP voted on your behalf and email him, also you can join us by taking part in the day of action on 22nd of August.
Sounds like the TIPP agreement being forced through behind closed doors between the US & EU. If ordinary people question it, we are told its far to complex & we couldn't possibly understand it so please, good little people, leave it to the great & the good to look after you.
One sure fire way to promote the pirates, high prices & draconian complex unfair copyright legislation.
It's the shear hypocrisy of it, by first bleating on about the loss of earnings to the poor artist while they effectively ripping them off & do their best to corner the market.
Ran it for 3 years from 2007, dual booting it on my laptop that was struggling to run MS Vista.
Initially tried Ubuntu but problems with Wifi drivers cut that short, as Mandriva worked straight out of the box . Although free to download & use, I was happy to make a monetary contribution as well as bug reports on Beta's, as it realized my laptops true performance rescuing from the swamp that was Vista, so I am very sorry to hear of their demise.