General chit-chat

[BristolUK]

Judging by the complaints in the house I'm feeling pressure to put the AC on.

[willie c wuddle]

Don't do half a job, put on some ACDC.

[BristolUK]

Judging by the complaints in the house I'm feeling pressure to put the AC on.

Today is 47c colder than last week.

[BristolUK]

I was just looking at Lawtons Drugstore 55+ promotions.

On that one day a month, people age 55 and up qualify for a 20% discount. They list the things not included.

There's not than much left that you would get reduced. Okay, I exaggerate.

But you're left with toiletries and a few off the shelf items; the sort of thing (mostly) that would probably be cheaper in the supermarket on most days.

[BristolUK]

I was just looking at today's UK Guardian and there was an article about "in work" Benefits and a photo of a "job centre" in Bristol.

It's where I used to work. I spent more than half my working life there.



This is the early morning crowd waiting for the place to open.

[BristolUK]

I was reading a book this morning - The History of Glue. I couldn't put it down.

[BristolUK]

I don't know if this is a Canada thing or a New Brunswick thing but I've always thought it funny when I see signs advertising "save 20% off." Save 20% or 20% off is fine.

But there's another funny one this week on the Staples website where thumb drives are on offer.

One is half price while another is 50% off.

[BristolUK]

Nonsense conversation:

Eccles:  'Quick, hide behind this pane of glass!'
Seagoon:  'But you can see through it!'

Eccles:  'Not if you close your eyes!'
Seagoon: 'You're right!'

[BristolUK]

I'm a bit puzzled by a news item I was just reading about the Perth-Andover floods.

The Red Cross has arranged accommodation with a motel and the owner is complaining about not having been paid yet, saying her business is in danger of going under.

The first thing that occurred was had there been no flooding, she'd not have all these people staying so she'd not have the income anyway. Of course it's entirely possible that costs have been incurred and that's the problem. But then it's a motel. Have they maybe provided meals?

I don't know. But there's a quote from the report:

How am I supposed to pay the mortgage? Or people's wages? Or any power bill? Or any property tax?

But these expenses haven't arisen because of the flood or because of the additional guests. They had to be paid regardless of how many guests are staying. Maybe there's been a massive increase in power used or the workforce has multiplied significantly to cope with more guests than usual.

A better explanation is needed.

[Jesso Yewno]

The Red Cross will put you up in a Motel for about 3 nights. I used the word about because it varies depending what time of day you are put in it.

If the flood hits at 1 in the morning and they come and get you at say 3 am, and get you into a motel at 5am, that is already your first night.

It also will cover meals at the motel up to a total of $60.

Or the person can get a $60 voucher to take to a Sobeys store.

[BristolUK]

If the flood hits at 1 in the morning and they come and get you at say 3 am, and get you into a motel at 5am, that is already your first night.

Yes, I'm familiar with that concept from some of my holidays - not that I'm equating the two things.

I always felt a bit ripped off to arrive at my accommodation about 4.00 am and have that count as one of the 7 or 14 nights - especially when up at 8.00 for a "welcome" meeting 

[BristolUK]

I went out on an errand today leaving my stepson to cut the grass. I told him about the little red bulb on the mower to press three times - does it really have to be three times? - and that as it was the first use since last summer it might take a while to start.

I got back to find the mower on the patio and not a blade of grass cut. He couldn't get it started. Reckoned he was pulling the cord/pressing the bulb etc for ten minutes and no luck.

I checked the oil - fine. Checked the gas - not much but it was all we had. Spark plug was connected.

I gripped the handle, pulled the cord gently until it stopped, here we go I was thinking as I jerked the cord back - for a start first time. 

[BristolUK]

The family have been watching a lot of wildlife stuff lately. It's always been quite exciting to see the chase, the craft and the kill of a lion or cheetah, whatever.

But some of these scenes have been quite ruthless, with the young becoming isolated from the rest and then targeted by a pack - especially by Hyenas who then proceed to eat the victim while still alive.

Tonight there was even an elephant eventually brought down by several lions.

It makes one wonder how so many people can describe themselves as animal lovers when they're such vicious, sneaky beasts 

[BristolUK]

Anyone else get a strange package in the mail yesterday? 

[BristolUK]

Since when did Hurricane Season officially begin today?

I suppose it must do if they say so, but I don't remember hearing that before. We're not even into summer yet and I always thought of it as being later in the year.