The totally off-topic thread

[medhead]

I got a red light camera fine about 15 years ago. It was a lot of money to me at the time. I have been very careful not to jump a red light since. I haven't had a speeding fine for over 20 years mainly due to speed cameras and not wanting to pay fines.

No revenue is being raised from me and the roads are definitely safer.

seen on one of the police services' Facebook page:

Police: "27% of fatalities in road accidents last year were people found to be over 0.05"
Smart alect comment: "So 73% are sober. Seems drinking is safer."

 

[JohnK]

Safety cameras aka speed cameras? Probably.

Or "monitoring" cameras / CC cameras (in which case I believe London is the world champion).

I hate the thought of speed cameras. Panic when I see one and slam brakes on even though I may not be over the limit. Stupid decision to put them everywhere.

Surveillance cameras are another moronic decision. They will be the end of freedom as we know it.

George Orwell saw this a long time ago or did we create surveillance cameras because someone wrote about them along time ago. Life imitating Hollywood?

And I know people are laughing but pretty soon you won't be able to say or do anything inside your own home. For our own protection of course....

 

[anat0l]

I hate the thought of speed cameras. Panic when I see one and slam brakes on even though I may not be over the limit. Stupid decision to put them everywhere.

Surveillance cameras are another moronic decision. They will be the end of freedom as we know it.

George Orwell saw this a long time ago or did we create surveillance cameras because someone wrote about them along time ago. Life imitating Hollywood?

And I know people are laughing but pretty soon you won't be able to say or do anything inside your own home. For our own protection of course....

The reason supposedly that we need all these cameras is because we can't trust everyone to do the right thing all the time.

 

[medhead]

Hollywood=George Orwell - The famous english novelist, essayist, journalist and critic who doesn't appear to have made any movies?

 

[Katie]

Just finished making a meringue roulade (in the fridge at the moment) for a little Christmas do this afternoon. Rolling that up was a nightmare, and the meringue is a little burnt on top. I'm sure it'll taste good, but presentation-wise I am really, really scared to unwrap the roulade.

The roulade was AMAZING. I didn't even realise it was allegedly burnt on top.

 

[Katie]

Hello All. Just an update to mention that Mum passed away this morning. While some would think that Christmas time is not the best time to lose a loved one, for the first time in many years, all her children and great grandchildren are here. Other than those periods of a sense of deep loss, we are all moving towards celebration of a life well and truly lived. It was her 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday and my Dad who was a stickler for punctuality will be mighty peeved she was late.

Condolences, Pushka. How lovely there is a positive with all the children and great grandchildren being around. I hope you all share many stories of special memories together.

 

[anat0l]

The roulade was AMAZING. I didn't even realise it was allegedly burnt on top.

Mum, being diabetic but not adverse to taking a dessert or two, thinks it is a wee bit too sweet.

The raspberries were not awfully sweet, so I guess it should have refreshed the whole thing a bit!

The lemon curd could have been more sour, but Mum likes her sour things quite sour, and I can put up with quite a bit too. However, I was unsure about anyone else, so I just followed what the recipe asked for. I think I could serve that curd to anyone as it isn't too sour, unless they really don't like lemon desserts.



Also, can anyone comment on using cream (double, thickened, whipped thickened, etc.) versus creme fraiche? The latter is rather nice, but not commonplace in Australia and rather expensive. The roulade I made used creme fraiche, apart from marscapone, almonds, raspberries, lemons, butter... excluding the eggs, sugar and cornflour (and Al-foil, baking paper etc.), the ingredients cost me $20. I guess that explains somewhat the price of desserts in restaurants...

 

[JohnK]

The reason supposedly that we need all these cameras is because we can't trust everyone to do the right thing all the time.

I know. Tarnish everyone with the same brush.

Greater police presence on the roads with harsher penalties would have solved most of these issues.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thankyou everyone. Waking up today it is with such great relief that my wonderfully practical SIL, my niece, and Mr and MasterP cleaned out Mum's room of clothing and furniture in the Nursing Home late yesterday. There is a requirement that this must be done within 24 hours of leaving which is barbaric. <snip>.

Same thing when my mother died in her care facility (none of us knew anything about this). Everything out in 24 hours, which was effectively 'the next day'. We complied, but by God, I gave the management what-for a few days later. I tracked down each of the facility's Board members and gave them the same. All but one told me I was wrong, that wasn't their policy. Those that denied it ended up giving me a written apology when they found out what their management were doing.

 

[feezable]

I have used sour creme as an alternative. It works well, just slightly more sour, but no one would notice.

Edit - I'm not sure why the quote didn't post, but i'm using the app

 

[Pushka]

Same thing when my mother died in her care facility (none of us knew anything about this). Everything out in 24 hours, which was effectively 'the next day'. We complied, but by God, I gave the management what-for a few days later. I tracked down each of the facility's Board members and gave them the same. All but one told me I was wrong, that wasn't their policy. Those that denied it ended up giving me a written apology when they found out what their management were doing.

I was told when I signed the entry forms that it had to be done. It always worried me. And just the Friday before they extracted their $1004 fortnightly payment. Wonder if I will see any of that back? No one from the place has called either my brother or myself today.

 

[Julesmac]

10% of what? Height of tree? Lngth of branch sticking over fence on his side?
A loquat tree and a 40yo elm aren't invasive!

Well they sure aren't invading anything now. Never let a man have any type of cutting implement in the garden is my motto!

 

[whatmeworry]

When you get a stupid fine withdrawn.

 

[RAM]

Well they sure aren't invading anything now. Never let a man have any type of cutting implement in the garden is my motto!

Now that you mention it - this seems very relevant.

Like this guy. (STARTING HIS CHAIN SAW) !!!!!!!


http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/playground/a-bit-of-humour-6330-144.html#post1365259

 

[medhead]

Just got SWMBO a Christmas present - $3000 A/C

 

[Flashback]

India is giving me lots of presents. Multiple failed ATM transactions (attempted via 6 different banks). 1 did work, got some money. Then there's 1 that didn't work but my card has been charged (as confirmed not pending now). Then there's 1 that only gave us 80% of the money we requested but the bank shows the whole amount as having been produced. Off to that bank today to try and get the remaining money......... frustration is ripe here!

 

[cove]

Are those smells still there in India for you Flashback?
I never went back to find out.

 

[Flashback]

Are those smells still there in India for you Flashback?
I never went back to find out.

Not really been a problem for me. Mrs Flashback has seen a lot of people defecating out on the streets (even in main tourist areas) although fortunately it's never caught my eye :shock:

The other main issue with the ATMs also is that they don't always print a slip.... which can make things more difficult. Can see I'm going to have to do a lot of chasing with banks which is annoying.

 

[whatmeworry]

Happy Festivus!

 

[Pushka]

I think it is something like 60% of people in India don't have access to toilets. Bill Gates recently made an announcement re getting Internet access to people in all areas of India. I think we should satisfy basic needs first. Guess there is no publicity in building toilets.