Should have pointed out, since recommendations always seem to be for LLU or cable, that I can’t get either here (and can’t foresee a time when I will be able to). After plain old BT line ADSL. Also unlikely to be able to get any sort of enhanced service unless 99%+ of the population can get it. Nor do I have a monthly mobile contract or satellite TV contract with which I can get a better broadband deal (on OVP Virgin and Orange PAYG – monthly bills between £0 and £10!)

…checked O2, and surprise, surprise I’m out of their network area, so not being an O2 customer it would cost me £22 a month.

Energy saving bulbs work in exactly the same way as fluorescent tubes (they’re called CFLs after all). Hence you’d expect exactly the same failure symptoms. Unfortunately the cheap ones have poor quality electronics, hence fail prematurely – the reliability statement usually being about how long the tube lasts, conveniently ignoring the fact that’s not that bit which goes (regretting getting a cheap bulk pack, at least 1/4 of which has died on me in a couple of years).

Since you’re a god on here, what do you think, sfb?

I’m only using this user name because I couldn’t get my first choice of “grizzlygus”. Not quite as amusing posting right wing opinions as TJ, but it will have to do.

Can I just kick off by saying that all nurses are overpaid slackers.