The totally off-topic thread

[whatmeworry]

Just read an article about abrupt abstinence. Can be a risk.

But now, at least one expert believes going cold turkey for a month may be a bad idea for some people, especially hardcore alcoholics. [h=2]8 Reasons to Pour Another Glass of Wine[/h] “It could prove to be quite dangerous for people who are dependent on alcohol,” said Ian Hamilton, lecturer in the department of health sciences at York University. “If you stop drinking abruptly, it can induce seizures or cause hallucinations. I don’t think there will be many people who will stop drinking abruptly who are dependent. For a small number, they need professional support, advice and medication.”
In an article published today in the British Medical Journal, Hamilton throws cold water on one-month abstinence programs like Dry January. Even though participants might feel better during the month, it might be better to spread abstinence over the entire year.
“It would be better to have two alcohol free days each week all year rather than a one month abstinence,” Hamilton said.

'Dryuary' Not Such a Good Idea? : Discovery News

 

[cove]

Yes it was not pretty and I remember it even though it was over 50 years ago. The delirium tremors is what I think they called it.
I think it was referred to as the DTs in the fifties and sixties.

 

[Pushka]

I used to do research work in the Drug and Alcohol Services Council. Practical on site research. The Alcohol area saw me at primary detox centres. The Drugs - at Drop in centres mainly for young people. Guess it rounded out my first job in the Police Force. Such a sweet young thing seeing things that most people never do.

 

[RooFlyer]

What do people think about living in the Middle East?

Hypothetically if you were to be offered a job in Riyadh, doing really interesting/challenging work, and on a much higher salary than now... Would you take it?

Yes, I'd take it, but I think that's only an option available if you are male and unaccompanied. Have been there a couple of times on business for +3 weeks each time (in the Kingdom) and seeing how the expats live was an eye-opener, even by Gulf standards. Ladies of course live a cosseted life behind the compound wall and sit discretely in the 'family area' in restaurants.

We swilled 'Saudi Champagne' when out on the town.

An interesting combination. Interesting work, higher salary, different culture, and to top it all off, a drying-out facility...

Drying out? No so much . Wasn't a single residence we visited where we weren't offered a 'drink'. Fortunately drivers are available to pick up and drop back to the hotel.

 

[penegal]

Interesting responses - Thanks all.

It certainly would be an "up-rooting" experience. From what I understand the expat community / compounds can be very "clicky", but if you are "in" it can be quite fun. Certainly a very different way of life.

 

[Foreigner]

Woolies to wind up Masters...the writing was on the wall for a long while:

Woolies winds up Masters

 

[RooFlyer]

Interesting responses - Thanks all.

It certainly would be an "up-rooting" experience. From what I understand the expat community / compounds can be very "clicky", but if you are "in" it can be quite fun. Certainly a very different way of life.

We flew Saudia from Riyadh to Jeddah the first time; a 747. Bit disconcerting to walk to seat and see the coughpit crew in full prayer mode in the aisle but then we knew we were in good hands.

Actually, I think I accumulated more 'travellers stories' on those trips than any others. The second trip we drove all around the country. We went to a supermarket in Riyadh to stock up when we were about to drive out. Bit startled to see slabs of Swan 'Super Light' stacked up on the floor - it classified as soft drink there! So we got a slab of beer, put it on the back seat and happily guzzled it as we drove along.

Might be worth a Trip Report (but it was some time ago ...)

 

[cove]

Thanks Foreigner. I do hope Lowes buy it.

 

[cove]

Just read that Lowes are getting out of Masters so it looks as if it is all up for grabs. Not good for landlords nor suppliers and staff.

 

[whatmeworry]

Woolies to wind up Masters...the writing was on the wall for a long while:

Woolies winds up Masters

Just read that Lowes are getting out of Masters so it looks as if it is all up for grabs. Not good for landlords nor suppliers and staff.

I am sure Anchorage can do a stock float.

 

[amaroo]

Just read that Lowes are getting out of Masters so it looks as if it is all up for grabs. Not good for landlords nor suppliers and staff.

Lowes sells their share for 100c/$ and then buys back in for around 25c/$ + exchange rate benefits.

 

[amaroo]

Great timing!

Wesfarmers buys Homebase for $705 million

 

[JohnK]

Yes JohnK I am not ready to retire although some must think I am there for the frequent flyer points.
Two days a week is quite enjoyable and I can do more if someone is away.

Well I am ready to retire but don't need a retirement book. I have had enough of open plan offices and people's disgusting habits.

The main reason holding me back is waiting for long service but I am not sure the money is worth another ~3 year wait.

Back to taking it 6 months at a time and see how far I get. The weeks go by quickly but the days drag on and on in the office.

 

[cove]

JohnK how many years have you been at your latest work gig and in which State ?
Most places go pro rata long service leave after 7 years of continuous service.

 

[Foreigner]

Thanks Foreigner. I do hope Lowes buy it.

Masters is like a sinking ship. Someone would have to be very brave to buy the business. Reminds me also about Dick Smith's. Even Gerry Harvey wouldn't touch it.

 

[medhead]

What do people think about living in the Middle East?

Hypothetically if you were to be offered a job in Riyadh, doing really interesting/challenging work, and on a much higher salary than now... Would you take it?

I wouldn't take it. no way. (well maybe 20 times my salary)

Heard about a guy in the early 1990s. Ex british military, he was fine but had mates who were sent to work as advisors (offical british government employees) in that part of the world. The Saudi government took their passports and refused to let them leave the country. Then there are the more recent high profile court cases involving australian business people getting criminal proceedings because their local business partners are not happy. nepotism, corruption, get on the wrong side and you're in for a major hassle. The rewards need to be high to cover that risk.

 

[Bindibuys]

JohnK how many years have you been at your latest work gig and in which State ?
Most places go pro rata long service leave after 7 years of continuous service.

OOOOhhh, been here 8 years next month, I like the sound of that.

 

[Mal]

Yes, I would. Note that on Thursday evenings (their weekend technically is Friday/Saturday) you'll be a regular making the journey over the bridge to Bahrain as even the expat community doesn't seem to have secret stashes of booze in KSA.

Actually they do. One of my ex-colleagues was telling me many stories once about his time in Saudi.

Personally I couldn't handle Saudi, but other ME places that are more western tolerant I'd consider.

The important thing to consider is that Saudi is budget cutting at the moment, and I'm sure there is more to come once the full effect of <$US30 barrels of oil comes into play.

 

[Mal]

Great timing!

Wesfarmers buys Homebase for $705 million

Wonder how Bunnings will go in the UK. Homebase is definately 2nd tier (B&Q in the UK has more market share IIRC), and I don't really think the branding has that much traction in the marketplace anyway.

 

[medhead]

James Hird would have to be clown of the century.

Only sports scientist Stephen Dank knew what went into player injections.

Sorry that is not a defence. That is, in fact, why you are being caned now. You're the head coach, and you did zero to know what was happening to your players?!
An utter lack of any oversight by the club and the head coach that has destroyed the careers of 34 players. The guy still doesn't get it. Maybe he had a few too many head knocks.