Is that when he said the men liked looking at naked ladies and the women thought they were just being silly boys.

But that is what I think about it,

It’s you who says looking at women is demeaning and supports sexism
No, it’s where he mentioned Sweden and Denmark. No idea what you’re talking about.

I have never said that – you seem determined to reduce the argument to absurd levels and strip it of any nuance [how ironic].

Looking at women isn’t sexist. Looking at men isn’t sexist. Using either gender to promote a product or brand simply through the use of a person as an object is sexism.

Treating people like objects = bad. Is that simple enough yet?

I’m not interested in arguing with anyone who is wilfully misinterpreting my comments but I stand by them. As I said, I’m not claiming to somehow speak for all women, just as I wouldn’t expect any of the male posters’ comments to represent all men.
The most offence seems to have been taken by those who think I’m suggesting that all men, without exception, will be influenced by the calender to go out and abuse women – clearly that’s not the case. It’s a wider issue.

Interesting point by DrJ about the Scandinavian countries. Perhaps it shows that as equality increases here, we’ll be able to grow up a bit about sexuality and nudity (e.g. our prudery over nudity compared to violence in films). I suspect the two things (equality and tolerance) need to develop in tandem, and my view is that things like this calender set that back a few decades.

BTW my Morissette lyrics seem to have been recognised as expected, but I’m disappointed nobody recognised the Jam lyric I threw in on page 25 (or if they did nobody acknowledged it)

I did and it’s been stuck in my head since. Thanks. 😡

Not going to post any more about the calender in this thread, it’s like bashing one’s head against the wall and it looks like Dan is just trolling at this point. Hope my comments made some people think a little bit, for a couple of seconds.

One final attempt to explain why I’m not comfortable with the calender (if anyone in this thread remembers what the debate was originally about)…

I’ve been groped on the tube. I’ve been flashed at on the train. I’ve been leered at on the bus. I’ve been harassed walking down the street. I’ve had men in cars shout things at me as they drive past. I’ve had comments when I’m on my bike. None of these experiences are unique – all of my female friends have similar tales.

Do I blame the calender for those experiences? Of course not.
But…
Do I see the calender as both symptomatic and supportive of a society that says it’s ok to treat women like that? Absolutely.
Do I want the calender banned? No.
Do I hope that type of marketing finally dies out as support for it dies? Yes.

If anybody is still struggling to understand the above I honestly don’t know what to suggest.

So the reason one of these images is sexist objectification and one isn’t is because we do not live in an equal society.
So when there is no longer a pay gap will The bottom image be acceptable in a modern society aswell as the top or will the top become as unacceptable as the bottom.

They are both objectification, but the female version is probably more damaging to the general perception of that gender and definitely more demeaning – this is partly due to the difference in body language/stance and portrayal as described by molgrips.

Obviously there’s more to it than the pay gap (massive oversimplification of inequality) but you raise an interesting question (although I think you may be being facetious). I’d like to think that we will move towards valuing men and women equally for their achievements and actions rather than their muscles or their boobs but that’s probably idealistic. Nothing wrong with aiming high though!

It’s true though isn’t it. A sexy man calendar wouldnt have men in exactly the same poses as was ludicrously claimed as a requirement for it not the be sexist. They would equally objectified though.

The fact it takes that degree of explanation suggests either wanton misunderstanding, I.e. trolling or gross stupidity.

Sorry but I disagree (my personal viewpoint, I happen to be a woman, no I am not claiming to speak on behalf of all women etc etc). This does not mean I am grossly stupid or a troll and it’s not very nice of you to suggest so.

Why? Objectification doesn’t happen in a vacuum (where I would agree, if it was a level playing field, ‘sexy naked men’ would be just as much objectified as ‘sexy naked women’). Our society is still fundamentally unequal and that’s why this calender is backwards and pitiful.

(If you disagree that society is unequal then the longest thread in the world won’t convince you but you could try looking at the Fawcett Society stats on equal pay or everydaysexism.com for starters, or maybe try talking to some actual women.)

I’m not calling for the calender to be banned but I am pretty disappointed and surprised by the number of men on this board who can’t conceive of any problems with it. I remember seeing those booby peanut boards in pubs when I was a kid and that’s the point – they are relics from the past. Tacky and dated. It’d be nice to get to the point where reputable companies would be embarrassed to put something like this calender out, and that’s where journalism like the original article comes in. Suggesting the author should then go and work for Maxxis to help them come up with a better plan is utterly ridiculous and irrelevant, as is pointing at other pieces of her work.

I am somewhat heartened by those men who have made an effort to explain why some people may object to it (thanks binners and molgrips in particular). I had genuinely thought that things were getting better but maybe I just mix with a nicer bunch of chaps and I’m getting a distorted view of the world.

Wow, 16 pages and still some pretty backward statements being strongly defended.
Just wanted to say that Molgrips totally gets it – thanks Molgrips.

This thread is depressing and the forum suddenly feels like a less friendly place.

I would definitely err towards the quicker side of things given your experience – obviously you will continue to find out little things for years and years but you should get the basics in a couple of weeks. There’s a fair bit of crossover (at least the interface is similar) because they’re both Autodesk.

Hello Willow! Puppies are the best thing for attracting people whether they have a ‘clunge’ or not. And if they smile at the puppy you know they’re a nice person, so it also acts as a kind of filtering device.

Seconding Terry Pratchett. If she enjoys them there’s the entire Discworld series to be discovered over the next few years.

parkedtiger – Member

FunkyDunc – Member
Just last week I booked a holiday cottage (with a nice little stream out the back) up a little ravine out the back of Thornthwaite.
I hope its survived ok, the owners havent been in touch yet…

Hi FunkyDunc,

There’s a strong possibility you’ve booked my neighbours’ holiday let in Thornthwaite. Their own home has been flooded out in the centre of Keswick so they’re dealing with that madness at the moment. However, I believe their holiday let is fine. Send me an email (address in profile); if we are talking about the same holiday let, I’m happy to be a go-between if it helps.[/quote]
Ooh, sounds like the one we stayed in a couple of months ago (Comb Beck) – sufficiently high above the beck that it should be ok, although surface water on the road might have got it a little. The owners had a farm down the road though, not a house in Keswick.

John Lewis sell ‘cool’ electronics so I don’t see a problem. Best to treat all staff equally, or at least get the 18yr old some alternative shopping vouchers – it might look a bit weird (/creepy) if you get her something different to the other members of staff.

. wrong thread.

What sort of horse riding is she into? Maybe you could get tickets for one of the big events e.g Badminton.

If you’re a Large then sports direct have the Helly for cheap: http://www.sportsdirect.com/helly-hansen-hansen-warm-ice-crew-base-layer-top-mens-429155

Why would you keep the ketchup in the cupboard (once open, obviously)? Do you also store other conventionally refrigerated items such as milk in there?

I’ve got an email code for a further 20% off winter jackets at Evans – let me know if that would be useful.

I don’t think you’d be able to secure a single one from slipping around unless you modified the straps to go across the ’empty’ side of the mattress too. And you’d end up with an ridge in the middle of the bed (the edge would inevitably get a bit rolled up) which would be annoying.

My bf was adamant that he would never ever use his half as he too runs hot like the OP…now he complains if I only pre-heat my side and not his!

Cladding experts, do you have any thoughts on coloured finishes? We are about to get planning for a house with black-coloured timber cladding in Oxfordshire (matches the local barns) but not sure whether the cost of vacuum coating is worth it over staining etc. It will be horizontal boards, probably with a ‘rainscreen’ profile (definitely not featheredge!) I’ll probably give Russwood a call later but would appreciate any comments based on installation and experience.

http://www.johnlewis.com/dreamland-6986-sleepwell-mattress-cover-double/p231270138
Have had one of these for two years now and it’s amazing. Would stay away from the fleecy covered ones if you run hot.

I’ve got some barely used Thule bits for sale:
961 Wing bars – £65ono
1312 Fitting kit – £25ono
754 Footpack – £65ono
Courier can be arranged. Still have the original box for the 754 and all the manuals, spare bits and keys for all the items.

The Halfords website will tell you what components you need for your car.

People using raw diet, are you using a product like Natural Instinct etc or making your own up? Thinking about making the jump here, biggest reservations are cost and freezer space.

1. Sounds like you may have a chance of getting it under that recent policy and therefore technically avoid ‘planning permission’.
2. If it’s two storey it wouldn’t count as PD. If it’s single storey it might but you would have to do it later or you would breach the part of the policy that you quote (i.e. not exceeding the existing building envelope). If you have to get planning for (1) then they may restrict the PDR under condition.
3. It can be done with lots of time and effort and surveys etc but think about whether you want your house/workshop to flood and how you might mitigate the impact on yourselves.
4. Depends on whether you are going for planning or the redundant agricultural conversion route…talk to the LPA. If you have to get planning permission you might well end up doing it all under the same app.

My understanding of ‘external dimensions’ means the building envelope, so you wouldn’t be allowed to infill the L shape.

I think the best thing to do first would be to talk to a local architect who knows local policy inside out, or a local experienced planning consultant.

Holy hand grenade: http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD1100/

Two AA batteries power two independently switched light circuits consisting of 5 LEDs each. Batteries last ages and is really bright. Includes LEDs on the side which greatly increase side visibility.
That one.
Plus some Cateye lights on the wheels – not pretty but very useful for commuting in the city with lots of nasty junctions.

Seconding Whelans. There’s some band on tonight (never heard of them) and it’s a great venue or a bar for a pint downstairs.

I’m not a fan of the Mondaine’s. They’re just a bit Belgian Tax Accountant for my taste!

That Hamilton is a nice looking watch. It’s quartz which is why it’s not 3 times the price, but that’s what happens when a brand name and budget clash.

If you’re looking for a similar looking watch, but want an auto, and not quite so fussed with the brand (although I think Seikos are fantastic and personally rather have an auto), then maybe something like this:
Yeah, had been looking at that watch but hadn’t thought about swapping the strap out in advance – might be a plan. My only concern is the size/thickness of the Seiko.

I like the Projects watches but they’re a bit too funky – I’d have one for myself though!

Up to you, if it was my property I’d still check the local policy.

Something like this – 190gsm? Or is that no thicker/heavier than the samples you’ve already had?
http://ukfabricsonline.com/sports-fabric/red-sportswear-nylon-lycra-fabric

Can’t help on costs, but bear in mind you may still need Listed Building Consent for secondary glazing depending on where you are – it’s required by some LPAs.

So I’ve got a few more specifications…
– clear face
– simple (date is useful, any other dials will be surplus to requirements)
– slim/small-ish – his wrists aren’t massive

The Bambino is nice but a bit too dressy.

Does anyone have experience of Hamilton or Mondaine? Liking the look of the following, and they’re comparatively slim/small:

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/hamilton-watches-250/hamilton-khaki-h68411533-3605.html
and
http://www.johnlewis.com/mondaine-a6673034411sbb-unisex-evo-quartz-leather-strap-watch-black-white/p89217
or
http://www.johnlewis.com/mondaine-a6673030816sbb-unisex-sport-line-leather-strap-watch-black-white/p89213

Skagen Ancher is another option:
http://www.watchshop.com/mens-skagen-ancher-relaxed-watch-skw6082-p99966471.html

The most comfy pack I’ve ever owned is a Berghaus Bioflex Light 35l womens version (I also own an Osprey for non-walking duties). On the Berghaus the hip belt is joined by a single pivot point in the middle so the whole lot rotates as you walk, makes it really comfortable. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like the newer version has quite the same mechanism – mine is two years old and looks like this: http://www.bergzeit.co.uk/berghaus-bioflex-light-35-ws-backpack-true-grey/?gclid=CjwKEAiApYGyBRC-g_jIstuduV8SJABCEzhZzZz-7y048H-4tkHyisZzEpc4F63U3nsoVTbFU5qLZhoCnx7w_wcB

Probably best to go into a shop like Cotswold and try on a few. Adjustable back length is important.

Thanks for the advice, will look at Creation. Didn’t realise Orient were a subsidiary of Seiko – had dismissed them previously so will look again!
I guess we’re looking for an automatic, analogue display, leather/fabric strap, casual-ish watch.

[double post]

Scarlet Mist is a good, anti-tout option!

I got a RAL swatch book off Interpon once, when I needed some sample PPC pieces. Or you could get a RAL K7 fan off ebay for less than a tenner.

Might be worth having a look at https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/ – Wells are sometimes marked on the old OS maps. If that website doesn’t work I’ll happily look it up for you on an academic site.

You are not obliged to tell anyone about it (until perhaps you come to sell the house)! Occasionally SWW and/or the council try to make a list of private water supplies in my parents’ village – presumably so they can try and make some money out of it – so they get ignored or told to go away.

First thing is to check the depth and confirm whether it is a well. If so, if it was my house, I would then get a local well/borehole company out to have a look at it and get a general view on its stability etc. If it’s perfectly stable and has a decent cover – sounds like this may need upgrading from a manhole to a big concrete disc – then I’d leave it alone. If it’s at all dodgy I’d get a local structural engineer to have a look and advise on filling in or capping it properly as this will depend on your local geology.

Architect here. I love these posts. I’m just off out to stand in the road and hope some local driver takes pity on me!

I’d join you but I’m too busy pissing away my clients’ money, apparently.

Here in London I normally sit downstairs, and definitely do if it’s the evening/night. Reduces the chances of getting hemmed in or approached by some creep. Like most women I know I’ve had a couple of harassment incidents on public transport and have modified my behaviour to suit. 🙄