Why would I need to be emotional about it? It doesn’t surprise me that you view this as an emotional battle more about inflicting cost/revenge than about doing anything of real value. It just seems that the STW forum is an orgy of middle class feeble conformity. Not really a place of robust, honest, good faith, open, productive debate. Again, a back patting hierarchy more than anything else. I am not sure that is a healthy space to truly explore ideas.

Why would I need to dry my eyes? I’m not your mate.

Larger government just means more control over the people and an oppressive regime. But you all know better than the plebs so I am sure you feel comfortable with running (ruining) their lives. We already live in a system where democracy has been hollowed out by Blair and sovereignty handed to unelected left leaning QUANGOS. Again I have no doubt the socialists and control freaks in the STW forum are more than happy that their superior middle management intellect is governing the masses.

Single Track World an arrogant, back slapping, left wing, echo chamber. Equally adept at smearing the upper-classes and the underclass but not their own class. ‘Plenty of public school educated right-wingers’ ‘Farage only appeals to a poorly educated subset.’

Maybe I will spray test the colour behind the number plate first.

I am used to threads dying so left this one till now. bigyim image attached. It doesn’t show the fading too well. I will try to get some better shots tomorrow. I didn’t mention the marks as I thought this would elongate my issue description. I plan on using filler/primer in these areas. I am aware it will not be body shop quality. The paint is supposed to be colour matched. It is just an old Zafira that I plan on saying goodbye to in a year or two or three (currently saving to pay the mortgage rather than have nice cars). I am not really keen on over-investing in it i.e. spending £500 to spray two panels when the car is probably worth only slightly more. Part of me is thinking I might just have some fun and go for it, but I want to have a decent stab at it rather than throw caution completely to the wind. With regards to just lacquering, I am worried that the paint is too far gone for this not even accounting for the marks.

Just because people do not currently have a form of ID does not mean they cannot get it if it is required. Simply spend the 4 years prior to an election improving the access to photo ID and encouraging people to acquire a photo ID. It seems obvious that it improves the security of an election regardless of whether that system has been proven to be broken. Fraud often goes undetected. Voter identification is not an alien concept to many established democracies, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, all require a form of identification.

Why does voting ID mean voter suppression rather than just reducing voter fraud? Why is it so black and white? Why are old, young, poor, and disabled people not able to obtain voter ID? Surely the simple answer is two-fold, introduce the need for ID to increase voting security and improve access to the forms of ID necessary. In relation to two of the groups highlighted, I thought disabled people more likely than others to hold ID like the DID card, and aren’t elderly people more likely to have some form of ID live a travel pass?

Best wishes to you both.

My daughter had it but it last year but the cause for her was juvenile arthritis. It went from one hand to both. If you notice it changing i.e. moving to other joints, wrists, etc, I would seek further help, but this would be rare. A quick look online says restricting movement is good, maybe an overnight splint. Maybe try topically applied anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen gel. This way they target the area without stressing your stomach. Regardless of the initial cause of the inflammation, the stiffness and pain will be the result of inflamation, so you should try to reduce that for now.

@wzzz Why point people to Chinese sellers that do not support our economy and pay no tax rather than supporting UK-based retailers? Seems quite destructive.

I second Lex Fridman. Just don’t try to follow his lifestyle regime. I can’t see anyone watching this and not feeling like a lesser human being. He doesn’t even eat until late afternoon:

His podcasts are not normally like this example, they are interviews on philosophy, technology, science etc… he was an MIT professor, so he has lots of connections to people with real insight.

It shouldn’t be cloudy so that sounds like an issue to explore.

I’ve just bookmarked and am looking forward to seeing the progress 🙂 I like living vicariously through others!

ibnchris I am no structural engineer, but I do work from my shed/timber structure which has the same footprint you are talking about. It has an A-frame roof with trusses. It was partially insulated (polystyrene and plasterboarded when we moved into the house. I finished the job and it has been completely fine for me. The windows are single pane and I have simply used a polythene double glazing kit and added insulating tape around the edges. I did partition it to create an office space and a shed space, with a door between. This cuts down the space I need to heat. I did need to create more light so installed double glazed panes into my double doors.

But Benv, wow, I am really sad to hear how this has all gone for you. It sounds really genuinely appalling and I am not sure how, in good faith, some of the posters can twist this into anything other than wrongdoing on the part of your colleague and your employer. At best they lack objective critical thinking at worst they are malign. I wish you all the best in your search for a new job. Please keep us posted on how it goes.

Pssst everyone are faerie and hols2 part of some weird cult? Ssshhh, I don’t want them to hear in case they come after me with their ideological mind lasers. Whisper if you reply.

Wow I am wishing I hadn’t accidentally tipped it over. Oil height tool and poking down the IFP? sounds like I might be taking it to my LBC to get them to change the oil. Out of interest is it a different oil to the one used to bleed the trigger?

Dainese Trail Skins Knee Guard are fantastic. I have tried a few knee pads and these are perfect for me. I have always had real trouble with knee pads either wearing out (stretching etc) or just slipping down all the time. My dainese are super comfy dont slip at all, dont interfere with riding, very good protection, very light and well vented for summer. I honestly can’t find a single thing wrong with them. The first time I can say that about any form of protection I have had.

As above, I have recently stopped taking in as many carbs; bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. If I do they are all brown versions. I also saw this ted talk video about the REAL science behind weight gain and weight loss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuIlsN32WaE . It is so clear and simple that it takes away any confusion and helps you focus on what is needed. Seems to have helped me.

I wish him and his family well… donated

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/01/31/democracy-continues-its-disturbing-retreat

Map of the reduction in global Democracy.

DrJ… sorry I was Joking, I should have been clearer about it being a joke, and I am not just writing this in light of your recent post. I was going to say as much soon after I posted it but got waylaid.

I have seen and read that facial recognition systems are being widely put in to place in China and some seem to think they will be used in tandem with the Social Credit System to police people? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Credit_System .

Drj are you Wu Mao?

Northwind, I do think you are employing straw man strategy. At no point did I reference any other nation. I am not concerned about the rise of all other nations. I very clearly pointed out my admiration for the rise of other countries such as South Korea and Japan, I would happily add Brazil to that, and India.

You can’t just add views that I have not espoused. I really don’t think you can equate any comment that is negative towards a foreign power, as racism. If that was right then where would we all be? This kind of self censoring is corrosive. I am not sure it is ok to think other races can’t live in a free society, and that they are culturally, and even worse, racially disposed to live under a totalitarian regime. Worse, that because of this we should actively support the regime by allowing them to trade with us. Trade isn’t a forced activity, countries can choose who they trade with. If we (in the west) are being treated unfairly, we are more than within our rights to stop that trade. I would also add that an outsider observing the old feudal system in Europe, may have thought that Europeans were racially and culturally unable to pursue individual freedom and democracy.

I am also not sure of the empirical evidence of the ‘western decline’ zeitgeist. It is not inevitable or particularly apparent. Although it is often wheeled out, but for what purpose I am not sure. It seems to be purposefully self defeating. I am not sure why I would want to share that view even if I could see evidence for it. If anything you could have a reading where western culture’s success and its adoption by other nations is more true? Creating a greater world balance, which I am very much for (the global balance, not western culture being the cause of it). It could be argued that one of the most alarming aspects of China’s current path is its adoption of western capitalism within a totalitarian framework. The worst with the worst, and we are mean’t to support and encourage that with overly generous trade deals? It defies any logic?

There is no place for Totalitarianism, we should not support its spread and cultural and economic influence. I think it is simply wrong to encourage this. I think apathy and moral ambiguity in the face of such systems is also very very worrying and dangerous. By its very nature a totalitarian state wants to expand its field of influence. Control of media and ideas is essential for it to continue. The human race is poorer with these systems in place. I think we need to be clear that this premise is paramount and work from there. Then we can also deal with the injustices and problems with our own imperfect system. Imperfect yes, but totalitarian it isn’t. If we forget this then we are all lost.

Wow, it is staggering how so many people are supporting the Chinese political and strategic agenda. It is very clear that, yes we do not have the strength to defend our own future economy in the same way the Chinese do.

Mikewsmith, I am not sure what logic there is in your comment. We have helped China grow not tried to keep them down. Your reading of the situation defies any logic I understand? What ideals do you think we should be happy to give away? Freedom for humanity? Democracy? What do you want in its place? Please tell me what you think the Chinese government has that is better? Do you really think the Chinese party will be benign leaders? Why should the west keep open trade with a hostile nation? What compels us too?

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33534.pdf

Extract:

‘The methods the Chinese government plans to use to achieve its goals have raised concerns among U.S. firms and policymakers because they appear to involve large subsidies, protection of domestic industries, directed policies to purchase technology and IPR from abroad, increased pressure on foreign firms to transfer technology in order to do business in China, and what appears to be a goal of deliberately reducing foreign participation in China’s markets. ‘

Northwind, I really think you are pulling out some well worn views. Why would it have anything to do with racism, it doesn’t seem to have any relevance? It is an easy thing to say to close down an argument, but has little validity?

So it seems like you agree with the economic strategy of China and think we should just sit back and encourage them with our pro China economic policies? Where do you see those policies leading? Can you gives us your predictions if we continue on our current course? Keeping in mind the political environment in China. Happy for you to explain.

Molegrips, it is not about preserving dominance. I am not sure why you think it is? I have only ever stated it is about preventing the dominance of a state that is hell bent on achieving world dominance and has policies that say as much. The plan is not a benign growth, but dominance and control.

I am very confused on how lost western civilisation has got that we are happy to facilitate the growth and dominance of a totalitarian state! Do we not know what that actually means? Are we that lost? Who in their right mind can actually argue for that? Asleep at the wheel does not begin to describe it. We have been to busy fighting stupid proxy wars in the middle east.

The west and the USA encourage the growth of friendly economies, it is how we grow ourselves. We have encouraged and helped China. From what I understand China would not have the growth it has without the help of the west. There are rules to this friendly, but competitive, trade. China is flouting all of these rules because it doesn’t believe in them.

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/03/01/how-the-west-got-china-wrong

Japan and South Korea have flourished in tandem with the west. They compete with us, they often win in that competition. That is all completely fine. That is how it works. They play by the rules and often win. I love the fact that we are all in this friendly competition, with everyone’s economy growing.

China cares nothing for this, it just wants to break all the rules. It wants to steal our technology, with zero R & D. It wants to exploit our populations by selling cheap versions of our technology and buy nothing back. It simply copies everything the west has, and sells that to its population, not our products.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/zotye-sr9-porsche-macan-clone

I don’t think the current trade war is a master plan of Trump. This is one of the men behind the strategy:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/19/peter-navarro-zero-sum-game-between-china-and-the-rest-of-the-world.html

Garry Lager, I am not sure if you made a point different to mine, you seemed to make my point for me. Their government is on a single course to take our technology and knowledge, and to dominate, and have a social system based on authoritarian totalitarianism. I have nothing against the people, but they can’t change their government. You turned it in to a point about the people. My point is not with the Chinese people, but with the system that is exploiting the west, exploiting my friends and families future.

mikewsmith, China can’t make reciprocal Tariff’s, they don’t import enough US products, even though their population is much larger. The trade deficit with the much less populous US is massive.

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/trump-right-us-can%E2%80%99t-lose-trade-war-25202

Moses, I would argue their growth is down to their stealing western technology and knowledge. Alex Simon is right Chinese company’s (mostly run by the government) pay ridiculous salaries to westerners willing to sell out on western companies. They hand over all of their knowledge for short term financial gain. Also, the Chinese are very nationalistic (maybe due to government propaganda) and will not buy western products if they can avoid it, so it is an unfair market, where they sell to us but buy next to nothing from us (comparatively).

They do not compete with us, they exploit our system and weaknesses, they do not believe in intellectual property, one of the foundations of our democratic capitalist system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landwind_X7

The chinese land rover.

An authoritarian state does not need intellectual property. Individuals are not important. I think many companies are directly or in essence owned by the state, with varying levels of autonomy.

Also, Moses from what I understand the west wanted China to be a healthy functioning member of the world trading system, this has brought a large percentage of their population out of poverty. We gave them access to our markets, so their strength has come from us allowing them to grow. The idea that we will benefit from this is just a ruse.

Greybeard, good advice (to note builder said he couldnt get down outside as he had to build up to bank) and Thanks all, this has been a real help. I do think the builders are doing a good job. But I don’t think it can hurt to get a second opinion so have called out the building inspector and he is coming today. I worry this will upset the builder, but this is probably a silly thought.

Alan (the builder) has put what I think are telescopic vents in, two on each side, leading out in to brickwork and one in the middle of the tanked wall, but pointing up in to cavity, as it obviously can lead out of wall. Alan has said the tanking material is a special mix that is plastered on (he said its expensive), he said alternative paint on material could have issues with not adhering properly?

Does it matter how much ‘muck’ falls in to the cavity? With the current block courses that have been laid there is already quite a bit in there. So I worry if it will reduce drainage in the cavity?

It is increasingly seeming like their is some vagueness about the building control drawings and what the builder is doing? I will try and get on top of this before it is too late. Maybe I should have used council inspector.

OK I have checked an we have submitted and approved building control drawings, submitted by architect. I have not seen these and am now asking for them.

Yes PP I can see what you are saying and will ask for the tanking to be extended up to the DPC.

VH the side walls that are ground level will not be tanked and will just have a DPC. As PP mentioned isnt it normal for ground level walls to just have DPC rather than tanking?

The block and beam floor is 2 courses above the footing and had a DPC below it (between it and brick underneath) and will have a layer across its entirety above it underneath the floor insulation.

Perchypanther I will double check with architect this has been done. thanks. We have an independent inspector recommended by builder overseeing.

wrightyson,  did you mean the internal wall? They have put a damp proof course under the beam and block and are putting one above the beam and block. Will this not stop it moving up to internal plasterboard?

thanks perchypanther, it sounds like you think other than going a bit higher with tanking you think this is OK?

perchypanther, It sounds like you don’t mean the architects plans/ approved planning drawings? So I have nothing else other than these? No one in the process has mentioned, ‘Building Warrant drawings’.