Thought Id start this one going because its rather dead on this board at the moment and I suppose all my usual muckers are either at the Stella tennis event watching Dim Tim (lose again) or at Henly Regatta eating cucumber sandwiches (they wish,...NOT).

Anyway please feel free to just talk to yourself blast away and let it go on any company or subject you wish. Just wish Id thought of this one before.

cheers GF.

surely derek hatton was not that bad?

a left-wing gov't would assuredly tax heavily pensions over and above some arbitrary level ...... but of course money has to come from somewhere

it's pretty tragic that so many (and not just the great unwashed) think that "the gov't" has some magic money tree, whereas of course, this money tree is just the tax-paying public

btw, i too am several years over pensionable age, but (choose to) continue to work full time - yes, i do occasionally skive, but then it's my company :-) - so continue to feed the money tree from several sources

How exactly do old toads self-inflate? Maybe there's a YouTube video?

:o)

it depends what they have been eating :-)

You are a virtuous little guy.

Pity there is no magic money tree, but you advertise your deep pockets often enough and perhaps, when the day comes, the public will be able to milk you for a little more.

God help your wife when you retire.

Perhaps, she will pack your sandwiches and point to the door.

Fred1, can it be assumed that you do not like cynic or the views expressed as much as cynic seems to needle and bait you to a point of showing your true blue colours.

most times i don't bother with fred and his posts at all ...... he's totally predictable and above all, never gives a straight if any answer to a direct question .... that is just tiresome and dull

fred is far from stupid and he's more than welcome to his political opinion, but i'ld never want to waste any leisure time on him, for no entertaining two-way conversation would be possible

Manuel,

Don't be so damning to yourself.

You often bring a smile to my face.

As far as my political positioning is concerned you haven't got a clue,

I have been exposed to both "said communism" and "said capitalism". The first was for a limited period only, but for me, the exponents of both in practice seemed to have much in common, ie. self-interest which meant a pragmatic method of keeping their actions beneficial to their own.

Both sides often relying on their experiences of what they knew or thought would be personally advantageous to themselves.

I have experience of families split by their "political" allegiances, some holding "strongly" opposing ideological positions and held high ranking party or legal positions in a communist regime and others holding opposing views and similar positions "outside" the system.

All were able to sit at the same table and enjoy the same wine, meal and the company of one another. Politics mention only in passing when in the "communist" state.

My own political position is fluid and I question dogma whether it be religious, "moral" or political.

Of course, you are entitled to hold your own beliefs and venerate your own icon or golden calf.

-=-=--=-=-=

Have a better day.

Maplin has just 48 hours left to avoid administration
by Mark Tyson on 26 February 2018, 15:01
Tags: Maplin Electronics
Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qadq5m

Electronics retailer Maplin is on the brink of administration proceedings, with only 48 hours left to sign a rescue deal. In a report published a couple of hours ago by Sky News, it was claimed that Maplin and its potential rescuer are aiming to seal a deal by Wednesday, so that it can keep afloat - fixing its "cashflow issues". Christmas at Maplin wasn't very merry, as sales fell approx seven per cent on a like-for-like basis, reports Sky.

Maplin employs about 2,500 people in around 200 stores nationwide. Its closure would be a severe blow to the staff, as well as people who like to be able to visit local electronics stores. Among its stock of gadgetry in recent years Maplin has carried various PC components, and was always a place to find a wide range of electronic components with a good degree of technical advice available from staff. Since Tandy (Radio Shack) closed in the UK there has been little to rival Maplin on the high street for circuitry assembly and repair components and kits.

The only potential suitor, or even saviour, for Maplin that is known at this time is (surprisingly) Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM). This high street empire is owned by 'tycoon' Philip Day, and has recently bought up the likes of Austin Reed, Jaeger, Jane Norman and Peacocks. It is largely a 'fashion' brand as you might guess, so would like Maplin owner Rutland Partners to maintain an interest going forward. This is said to be a condition of any bailout/funding.

Maplin is said to require tens of millions of pounds to remain as a going concern. However, the talks have been a bit too slow to progress for all parties involved and there's a risk time will run out. If Maplin can get the cash injection it needs a spokesperson said it could "deliver its 2020 multichannel strategy focused on smart tech". Is that a dead-cert strategy to turn around this business? Recent pictures of the store layouts seem to emphasise the growing smart home sector.

Driving law changes in 2018: What to expect this new financial year

New motoring laws are just months away. Here are a few changes that you need to look out for. cars in traffic

April - digital driving licences
Last year a prototype digital driving licence was tested that will sit on your phone or in the Apple Wallet.

The new digital licence will be used to support the photocard rather than replace it

Digitising the driving licence seems like a logical step, as more sensitive information is being stored on phones more often.

April - New tax on diesel cars
In April this year motorists with a diesel car will face a higher rate of tax.

Tax is based on your car’s emissions. The higher the emissions, the higher the tax. For example, if your car emits 151 – 170 g/km of CO2 you’ll pay £800 in tax (this figure is based on the new 2018 rates).

The change is mainly focussing on diesel car drivers as their emissions are higher than petrol cars.

This topic can get complicated: Here's a bit more on it

parked car

May - MOTs scrapped for classic cars
It was announced that vehicles over 40 years old would be exempt from an MOT test. This law will be put into place in May this year.

It’s thought that people who own these cars tend to be enthusiasts, and maintain their vehicles well. Therefore the need for an MOT isn’t as vital as standard car owners.

Statistically these cars also have a lower accident and MOT failure rate than newer vehicles too.

This doesn’t apply to commercially-used large goods vehicles (maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes) and buses (vehicles with eight or more seats).

This new law is controversial, as some think it’s potentially putting other drivers at risk. But drivers of classic cars will still be legally obligated to keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy.

May- New MOT test categories
May continues to be a big month for MOT changes. MOT test results will now be sorted into three new categories.

The three categories for the MOT will now be dangerous, major and minor. This will make the test harder to pass.

If your car receives a dangerous or major fault it’ll instantly fail the test. If your car has a minor defect, it’ll still be able to pass, but it’ll be noted down on the MOT certificate.

For example if a car is leaking oil it would be a minor fault. But if it’s dripping, the fault would be major and the car would fail the test.

On 20 May, diesel filters will also form part of the MOT test. You’ll fail the test if your filter has been removed or tampered with.

Spring- Motorway law changes
New laws are being put in place in spring 2018 to stop motorists driving on lanes that are closed.

Smart motorways run on four lanes. In peak periods, automated signs open and close the hard-shoulder to ease traffic at peak times.

Driving in a closed lane is already illegal, but the new law will bring in a new fixed penalty for drivers flouting this rule. This will be monitored by cameras which will catch drivers breaking the speed limit or driving in a closed lane.

wheel

Also in 2018:
Trading in your diesel model could mean a massive saving.
In 2017, some companies introduced a scrappage scheme for models that were registered before 2010. Now, more schemes have been announced in 2018.

Trading in your car for something more fuel efficient could mean up to £2,000 off for cars, and £7,000 off for vans. These schemes are designed to encourage drivers to choose a more eco-friendly model, and reduce pollution caused by diesel cars.

To qualify for this scheme your car must comply with Euro 1-4 emissions standards. Usually this means the was registered before 2010.

At the minute, there’s no official government backed scheme, but many companies are offering this sort of deal.

New drivers to be banned from driving at night
This year new drivers are facing some restrictions when they pass. One of these is driving at night. These could be imposed for up to two years until the driver gains more experience.

New drivers have a high amount of accidents on the road - the restrictions aim to reduce this.

The law was previously dismissed, as some new drivers relied on driving at night for their work.

Learner drivers to be allowed on motorways
Drivers will be able to have lessons on the motorway this year.

In order to do this, they must be accompanied by an approved instructor with dual controls.

This will give learners a chance to build their confidence on motorways, so it doesn’t seem so daunting when they pass the test.

and lastly
Once Brexit has happened plans are afoot for us to start driving on the opposite side of the road. However, to massively reduce the confusion this might cause it will take place in two gentle stages:

Stage 1: Lorries, large trucks and vans
Stage 2: Cars, motorcycles and 3-wheelers

(No dates have been given as yet)

In Slough, they have been doing the last bit for years EL.

I have been watching a new Nordic Noir called Rebecca Martinsson:Arctic Murders. Set around Kiruna in Northern Sweden. Kiruna is of course famous for the LKAB iron ore mine. What I have seen so far is set in winter, makes our little flurry look quite puny.

I visited Kiruna many years ago when I was working in Africa. Luckily in summer time, so I managed to see the midnight sun for the first time. Must have been 1974 since it was also the first time I heard Viva Espana; sung in the local night club, if you can call a club a night club with almost 24 hrs of daylight.

Toys r Us.

Not anymore it looks like.

Is this just the thin edge of wedge in retail?

Maplin also in administration. Pity, I hope it survives. I don't use it a lot but its nice to know its there when needed.

Toys R Us never stayed abreast with changing retail patterns, and similarly with MTC and perhaps Maplins
high street retail is brutal and has been for quite some time

greedy landlords and preposterous biz rates exacerbate, but a retailer has to have a strong USP to persuade customers that the shop deserves their support

Difficult to know what to do as the Supermarkets inc Aldi and Lidl cover nearly everything going . Maplin just had brand new upgrade .

Greedy Landlords.

Keep Hearing that phrase recently.

Oliver pleading for rent cuts amongst other items.

You, even if your name is Jamie cannot sell pasta for the prices he was charging. A expensive lesson I thought he would have known.

Jamie doesn't do detail it would appear when your minted :)

We've been on a spiral of higher charges (Council Tax/Business Rates) and reduced services every year for donkey's years, it is a job to remember quite what it was like before.

yes $400 million dollars. Just opened restaurants to fast. Perhaps poor accountants.

Just looked at the local rag , and Chimichanga could close with other Prezzo-owned restaurants at risk , whether just local don't know .