WHAT ATTRACTED YOUR ATTENTION TODAY?

[PanBiker]

Yesterday actually, but the turnout to our service of remembrance. The most people I have seen for quite some time, excellent, and a well organised service, parade and commemoration at the memorial.

[Tizer]

I've given a brief explanation of the geology causing the NZ earthquakes in the Science topic and added a link to a good, clear graphic. LINK

[Marilyn]

I was chuffed to hear that my son's overweight Labrador has continued on her diet...and has now lost a whopping 4 kilos.
Well done Abby!
He reports the dog is full of beans, much more active, and bounces around like a puppy...

[Stanley]

Maz, good, over-feeding dogs is the most common form of neglect and sometimes, actual cruelty.
A report that Brexit is going to necessitate the hiring of at least 30,000 more civil servants...... (LINK)

[Marilyn]

Her weight increased after a knee replacement op, Stanley. She was on steroids, and vet instructed only a small gentle walk every second day ( so what I am saying is it was a combination of circumstances that resulted in the weight...plus she is naturally inclined to sleep on the couch all day if left alone).
I was more concerned she would develop Diabetes. I've had a Diabetic dog, and they are money pits!
( no free needles for Diabetic dogs!!!!)

[David Whipp]

This was one of the plant pictures I took yesterday when we were carrying out a Barnoldswick in Bloom community action day at the Memorial Gardens.

The event involved yet more going up ladders for me (putting up bird boxes) - no doubt useful against developing diabetes...

[Wendyf]

" no doubt useful against developing diabetes..."
Don't get me started!!

[Stanley]

The very real power of the internet.... I got fed up with paying exorbitant prices for Lea and Perrins sauce sold only in small bottles by the Co-op so I ordered catering packs on line. Every time I have accessed a site (such as Youtube) which uses advertising since there has been a banner advertisement for either Bigeat (the site I ordered from) or Wing Yip which I suspect is an associated firm. Big Data is out there trying to run your lives!!!

[Tizer]

Clear out your cookies in Firefox Preferences, Stanley!

Now then, does this remind you of anything?

[Stanley]

Someone has to do these things!

[Tizer]

The man in my photo was an RAF mechanic in the engine nacelle of a Gloster Meteor jet fighter at Westonzoyland airfield in Somerset in the late 1940s/early 1950s. The first batch of our first jet fighter, the Meteor, was delivered to RAF Culmhead airfield, Somerset, on 12 July 1944. They then went to Westonzoyland en route to Manston before being used to shoot down VI rockets targeted on London. Meteors were later based at Westonzoyland where pilots were learning to fly jets. Sadly, many crashed and a lot of pilots were killed or injured badly.

[PanBiker]

My final day today of this tranche of mock exams up at school. New year 11 has done quite well in the main on the required exams etiquette, (which is what it's all about) apart form a marker of progress. I have one or two who may make my "usual suspects" list, I will see how they shape up in the second set of mocks in February, they should be a little wiser by then. A few quid for the holiday fund which is always a bonus.

[Stanley]

My new Brabantia can opener was delivered yesterday evening. Exactly the same design as the old one which has done 35 years sterling service and still cuts cleanly if you run it backwards. I hope the new one is as good......

[Bodger]

Re Brabantia opener, does it work on angled tins as used for steak & kidney - chicken pies, Fray Bentos etc ?

[Stanley]

Yes, it has never failed me and from what I can see this new one is the same quality as the old.

[Tizer]

Some months ago I reported how HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds had all closed down their branches within a short time period in Glastonbury and left the town of 9000 with no bank. The locals started a campaign and created a stir which has now paid off. Nationwide have stepped in and said they'll open a branch if people will support it. Over a thousand have already said they will start an account and the opening will go ahead. The local MP said that "The outcome proved people do want to bank at a branch in their town given the choice, and the idea - put forward by banks - that online developments have negated the need for them isn't necessarily true."

Volkswagen has announced that it will cut 30,000 jobs worldwide in the aftermath of the emissions scandal. That means 30,000 people will lose their jobs because of the stupid fraudulent actions of a group of engineers and managers.

And here's something you didn't need to know: English Heritage says that 25,335 rock cakes were eaten at Stonehenge last year!

[David Whipp]

Me and Tom put the structure in for Santa's Grotto, part of Switch On Saturday. This is work in progress - less than 12 hours before Santa arrives!

[Stanley]

Does this mean we are now into extended Xmas? I realise I am an old Scrooge but please include me out.....

[Pluggy]

With the thickness of foil in your hat, Stanley, you should be immune.....

[Stanley]

I don't need the foil these days Pluggy. I am immune to the emissions!
The imported US 'institution' of Black Friday is hitting us again, many retailers starting a week early to cream off their share of the bonanza. I know I am hopelessly out of touch with modern consumerism but I can't help wondering how much of the buying is adding to the estimated £1.5Trillion of personal debt. I'm sorry, I understand that rising expenditure is necessary to massage the economy but can't help thinking that debt is the wrong route to take to accomplish this. How long before the music stops?

[Tizer]

My sister-in-law arrived back at Gatwick Airport during the night and found the car park flooded with about 9 inches of water. They had to paddle to get to their car!

[Stanley]

We had a relatively nice day and what grabbed me this morning is the fact that the forecast of increasing winds seems to be wrong.....
Paulette, Uncle Bob's wife sent me THIS guardian report this morning. I see he was promoted to Lord Trump......

[Tizer]

The 3000 year old Tarr Steps clapper bridge on Exmoor has been washed away for the second time in 5 years. The Grade 1 Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument has been repaired so many times it will end up like `grandad's hammer'! Tarr Steps

[Moh]

A contact from Belgium met through the Great War forum has kindly sent me a photo of hubby's uncle Fred's grave where he put a photo of Fred and a poppy on the grave on Remembrance Sunday. He lives in the village where the cemetery is.

[Stanley]

That's nice Moh.....