WHAT ATTRACTED YOUR ATTENTION TODAY?

[Stanley]

Fresh clean snow when I let Jack out at 21:00 last night....

[Tizer]

Photos of rural life and old pubs....oh, and a video of a big worm!

[Tripps]

Great links - though the scientist spoiled the giant worm story, when at the end he revealed they had produced larger ones in the lab, just by keeping predators away, and feeding them plenty.

Attention caught today by the link to the Wijk an Zee annual chess tournament which started yesterday. Wijk An Zee I'll be watching this afternoon, and trying to keep up with the snooker final too.

It is sponsored by Tata Steel, which I have mentioned before on here, for its size, and spread of influence. Here's a good item on its history - worth a look - Tata Steel. These Parsees seem to be a remarkable people.

[plaques]

As a rider on Tata Steel quote:
On a trip to the UK he had spotted the potential of the Lancashire cotton mills. He realised India could compete with its colonial masters and in 1877 set up one of the country's first textile mills. Empress Mills opened on the same day that Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of India.
From the history of the Dougdale's of Lowerhouse Mills Burnley there is a comment that the Dougdale's could foresee the decline of the English cotton industry and subsequently lent money to Tata to develop the industry abroad. At that time the Dougdale's were probably one of the richest families in England. All made on the backs of the cotton workers.

[PanBiker]

This will be the same Tata Steel that made 1200 redundant in the NE. They said that this would help to avoid further redundancies in the sector. That was late last year, are they not making another 800 redundant in South Wales this month?

[Stanley]

That thought struck me also Ian. The bottom line, whether it's textiles or steel, is how can we best make money.... If, as is the case at the moment, the return on capital is unsatisfactory, bail out. The effects on the workers doesn't enter into the equation as they are expendable at no great expense.
Talking of steel.... My steel order hasn't arrived yet and I have to try to work round this otherwise there will be one redundancy in the shed!
On a similar theme.... See THIS for the latest news on the imbalance of wealth in the world. Exactly what Piketty predicted in 'Capital in the 21st century' but even he didn't foresee the effects on rivalries between states such as the present schisms in the Middle East. Exactly the same as the attitudes described above in the steel redundancies. The paradox is of course that such obscene imbalances destroy the society which supports the existence of the culprits. We can see it happening now. The question is, is there any political will to address this matter? If, by using his wealth Trump was to gain the US presidency, would he favour a Global Wealth Tax? Not very likely I admit but you never know. Tin hats on lads, we are a pawn in financial games beyond our control.

[Tizer]

I guess our Australian members will be able to give us some inside info on Wesfarmers and Bunnings... LINK

[PanBiker]

This blog from Doc's mate and crew member tells the story of a rescue they were involved in with Hocus Pocus, exciting stuff. After this diversion they had to wait for an Atlantic hurricane to pass. Just setting off again to cross to Barbados.

Plans, Plans, Plans

[Marilyn]

I guess our Australian members will be able to give us some inside info on Wesfarmers and Bunnings... LINK

Hubby told me yesterday that Masters was shutting down. I wailed "They can't! I haven't been there yet!"

[Cathy]

Tize, have a look Skynews 'Woolworths to dump Masters chain'.
Sorry I don't know how to put a link on (I'm on my Phone)

[Stanley]

Ian, thanks for that link, exciting stuff and it sounds as though that was the good deed for the day!
Maz, I doubt if you entered into their plans.....

[LizG]

I guess our Australian members will be able to give us some inside info on Wesfarmers and Bunnings... LINK

Bunnings is the best shop ever invented. You can browse for hours We celebrated when one opened up close to us.

[David Whipp]

Following Boxing Day flooding, Pendle Council commissioned camera work on critical culverts.

Today, the camera crew checked out the underground watercourse beneath Ghyll Meadows and the canal. They also surveyed the upstream section beneath the Rolls-Royce sports pitch area (pictured).

On Thursday this week (21st Jan), there's a drop-in event where anyone concerned about flooding can get 1 to 1 advice from various agencies involved in fighting floods. The session is from 3pm to 8pm at the New Road Community Centre in Earby.

[Stanley]

Nice to know someone cares enough to spend money on this when they are cash-strapped....
Sarah Palin endorsing Donald Trump in the US Presidential election.... Sounds like a spoof news report from Private Eye......

[PanBiker]

Took my identification documents up to school for checking this morning for my DBS application and the forms for getting me back on LCC's payroll. They are setting me up from 1st Feb so it's all in place for when I may be needed.

[Stanley]

The state of my scrap bin, it's almost full. I seriously need someone to run me and bin down to Terry's skip at Havre Park..... It's a medium sized bin.... Any offers?

[Tizer]

My thanks to Maz, Cath and Liz for their responses to my Bunnings post. I'll let you know when we get one nearby! (Although it's more likely they'll set up somewhere more profitable first.)

[Stanley]

At the moment the swarf bin has my full attention!



Looks OK but I shall soon be making a lot more. I need to empty it!

[Wendyf]

Can't help this morning Stanley, would tomorrow do? Col will give you a hand.

[Marilyn]

What the hell is "swarf"?
Why is it collected?
And if it's in a bin, why would you want it, Wendy?

I'm feeling deprived. I don't have a bucket of swarf. I could trade a bin of lawn cuttings....

[Wendyf]

I don't want it Maz! Just offering to help Stanley get rid of it by taking it to a metal skip. Please dispose of your lawn clippings responsibly....

[Marilyn]

Oh I do...I do.
And I know what swarf is because I looked it up

[Tizer]

Perhaps they make Swarfega from it?

[Marilyn]

I think they make Skodas from it....

[PanBiker]

Steady on Maz you'll get Pluggy on your case if your not careful.