Now what I am about to say may come as a surprise. I love Gregg's the bakers, their sausage rolls to be specific are to die for.
Here, for me, is a typical visit.
You would never tell by my svelte like frame, but I do, I just disguise it well!
The trouble with going in there is there's never seemingly enough to go round. Most days the queue will stretch to the entrance, which usually amounts to about 15 or so people. I join the Back of the line in the vain pursuit of my fix of sausage roll and glance along the stream of people to see if I can second guess what they might purchase. I check the hot counter and count the sausage rolls, I then glance at the people. There are at least 25 sausage rolls left and 15 folk in the queue. 7 old people, it's doubtful they will want sausage rolls so i can discount them. They will more than likely buy floury bloomers, medium sliced, or baps, older folk do seem to like floury bloomers and baps.
Anyway, taking the 7 old folk out of the equation this leaves 8 possible day spoilers. 1 girl with a child in the buggy,.Ok, cake for child, possible sausage roll for her. She's thin, and being thin with such a young child's means there is a good chance she looks after herself. 2 blokes in smart suits, one has already picked a sandwich, how greedy would he have to be to buy a sausage roll as well.
The other chap in the suit is buying some cakes, result.
Girl with child does indeed buy a sausage roll leaving about 24. First suit man just takes the sandwich and goes on his way. Next in the queue is a contractor, bloody hell, he may take a few.
8 please!
Greedy sod, although deep down I know only 7 will be for him and the other one for his labourer.
16 left and still I'm way back in the line.
A couple of young lads next, they might take some, they certainly don't look like cake types. Would it look cool walking along eating? I do, but I'm older than them, and therefore my cool days are way behind me. It would not be that unusual to see me in a shirt bedecked in crumbs.
Anyway, they take 2 each, I start to sweat.
12 left. I know they have some more in the oven but there way to hot. They have a filing of lava not meat.
I glance along the line and reevaluate the situation. 12 left and 7 more people.
Next up is a couple, ok, I try to work out the chances of them buying sausage rolls. Well even if they take 1 each that still leaves 10, and with 5 more in the queue I imagine I'm in good shape.
After the couple is another single girl, at the most she would take 1 I think to myself. After her is a bloke in smart attire, then comes another girl and right in front of me is a bloke on his own. Blue trousers, dark jacket, slightly dishevelled hair and trainers.
The couple just buy donuts, the girl buys a loaf, didn't see that coming, the bloke behind her buy 4 sausage rolls, 6 left and just the bloke in front of me left. He looks like an office bloke. Ok he may take 2 that leaves 4 which is how many I want. He turns as he approaches the counter, and his jacket falls open to revile the same logo as the greedy sod who took 8. I try to make him think of pasties of wraps, anything else, just by thought projection, but alas no.
6 sausage rolls please.
Aaaarrrgggghhhh!
The random rantings of a bloke who wouldn't get a second look in the street.
Sunday 29 April 2012
Friday 27 April 2012
Speak up, I'm running out of credit.
So, the past few days of my holiday from work have flown by, and I've done next to nothing.
We went in to town yesterday, me and Sam, also Sam's sister. Nothing exciting happened though, not a thing. Firestarter women and stinky man were nowhere to be seen, and nobody else stepped up to the plate.
Although I have not done a great deal during my week off its still been great, just the fact that I haven't had to go to work is worth it in its self.
We did the Norwich thing, me and Charlotte, and a few trips in to town with Sam.
Me and Sam went to Colchester Tuesday, which was fun we haven't been there for a while, certainly since we got rid of the car. We went on the bus; not the best journey the bus seems to stop every few yards. One village we went through the bus stopped twice in the space of 300 yards, why? Why couldn't these people just meet at one stop, rather than having to pick each person up right outside their houses. Maybe they don't like each other, who knows.
It was most enjoyable trooping round Colchester for the morning, spent a few bob had a bite to eat and got the bus home. There was one small thing I suppose, worth writing about.
A loud women where we ate, one of those people who doesn't need the phone they are speaking in to.
They shout so loud, the person at the other end must have to hold the phone feet from their face.
They are good to listen to though, you can join in with what they chat about, only one side of the conversation mind, which sometimes does make it all the funnier. If only the person at the other end new that all their dirty washing was being aired in public, fortunately anonymously.
I did start writing a blog entry the other day. I sat at the computer watching Prime Ministers questions thinking how bloody childish these people act in front of the cameras. Its really quite amusing to sit and listen to them, jeering and shouting across at each other. Still, could be worse, they could be the countries decision makers!
It's like a kindergarten in there, I'm sure I saw one of them poke their tongue out the other day. It's also quite funny to see them passing notes to each other.
David says you smell!
Quick scribble, pass that back please. John says you've got a face like a donkeys arse.
I used to get in trouble at school for passing notes backwards and forwards, MICHAEL! COME HERE AND BRING THE NOTE!
It wasn't me Miss!
Enough of that stuff, now they can track and intercept email and other sorts of electronic communications, as I might get in trouble.
That sonofnesbit's been writing about you on his blog.
Yeah, but he wrote about you as well, he said you smell.
Get him in, and tell him to bring the blog with him.
That's not really how it works, its on the Internet.
Ok, get him to bring the Internet in with him!
But Prime Minister its.......
Just do it!
Like I say above, its a good job they don't have to make really important decisions isn't it.
We went in to town yesterday, me and Sam, also Sam's sister. Nothing exciting happened though, not a thing. Firestarter women and stinky man were nowhere to be seen, and nobody else stepped up to the plate.
Although I have not done a great deal during my week off its still been great, just the fact that I haven't had to go to work is worth it in its self.
We did the Norwich thing, me and Charlotte, and a few trips in to town with Sam.
Me and Sam went to Colchester Tuesday, which was fun we haven't been there for a while, certainly since we got rid of the car. We went on the bus; not the best journey the bus seems to stop every few yards. One village we went through the bus stopped twice in the space of 300 yards, why? Why couldn't these people just meet at one stop, rather than having to pick each person up right outside their houses. Maybe they don't like each other, who knows.
It was most enjoyable trooping round Colchester for the morning, spent a few bob had a bite to eat and got the bus home. There was one small thing I suppose, worth writing about.
A loud women where we ate, one of those people who doesn't need the phone they are speaking in to.
They shout so loud, the person at the other end must have to hold the phone feet from their face.
They are good to listen to though, you can join in with what they chat about, only one side of the conversation mind, which sometimes does make it all the funnier. If only the person at the other end new that all their dirty washing was being aired in public, fortunately anonymously.
I did start writing a blog entry the other day. I sat at the computer watching Prime Ministers questions thinking how bloody childish these people act in front of the cameras. Its really quite amusing to sit and listen to them, jeering and shouting across at each other. Still, could be worse, they could be the countries decision makers!
It's like a kindergarten in there, I'm sure I saw one of them poke their tongue out the other day. It's also quite funny to see them passing notes to each other.
David says you smell!
Quick scribble, pass that back please. John says you've got a face like a donkeys arse.
I used to get in trouble at school for passing notes backwards and forwards, MICHAEL! COME HERE AND BRING THE NOTE!
It wasn't me Miss!
Enough of that stuff, now they can track and intercept email and other sorts of electronic communications, as I might get in trouble.
That sonofnesbit's been writing about you on his blog.
Yeah, but he wrote about you as well, he said you smell.
Get him in, and tell him to bring the blog with him.
That's not really how it works, its on the Internet.
Ok, get him to bring the Internet in with him!
But Prime Minister its.......
Just do it!
Like I say above, its a good job they don't have to make really important decisions isn't it.
Monday 23 April 2012
Is it a bird, is it a plane, no, its Mattress Man!
Ok, I am
getting old. I kind of knew it, but being away Saturday night in Norwich for
the gig has done nothing to dispel the feeling.
The
hotel/B&B we stayed in was ok, but, the room they gave us was on the ground
floor, near the stairs and right next to the street door, all the makings of
not being the quietest position in the building.
I don't
really want to moan, it wasn't that bad really, the hosts where very friendly
and it was situated in a prime spot for us. I'm going to moan about certain
aspects though. The noise mostly; who in god’s name goes out at 02:00, not just
one person, oh no, 2 or 3 times people came down the stairs at different times,
and they didn't have carpet slippers on believe me, no sir, hobnailed boots
where the order of the day. Their last thought being as they went out, should
we pull the street door closed gently, nah, sod it, that would delay us by a
second or 2, let it slam, why should they care, it’s not like it’s a hotel and
others may be trying to sleep, god no.
Now I don't sleep well in a
strange room anyway, and I think that as I realise this it makes it worse, so I
don't need listening to herds of wildebeests roaming majestically right past my
room, never mind across the plains. The room was comfortable, if not over
furnished. The TV sucked a bit though, being one of the large backed old school
TVs. It may be the case that the owners rent out the space in the back of the
TV as a small single occupancy room, who knows!
|
|
 |
| Me and Mattress Man |
Breakfast
was very nice; I went for the low calorie full English, bacon, egg, beans,
sausage, toast and one of my 5 a day, tomato. To drink we had a jug of juice,
which counted for at least another of our 5 a day, so all round a very
wholesome and good for you breakfast, I can feel the weight falling off, one of
those meals you eat where you actually lose weight whilst eating it.
The flush
on the toilet gave a rather nice fart noise when pressed, which didn’t fail to
make Charlotte cry with laughter every time I pressed it. Upon walking out she
would greet me with a “was that you”?
To which I would reply, no, it was the flush. Not a great sound when
you just walk out of the toilet, it’s a good job me and Charlotte have the same
sense of humour. She flushed it a couple of times this was followed by her
killing herself laughing from the other side of the door, which in turn made me
chuckle.
When we
are out and about Charlotte has an eagle eye for money on the pavement, pennies
through to pound coins, she can spot them from yards away. Well imagine my
surprise when at the concert, whilst the main band was on stage she falls to
the floor, what the hells she doing down there? Up she comes, little grin on
her face, “I found a pound.”
Its pitch
black in here, I couldn’t even see my shoe, let alone a coin on the floor. I
asked her how she saw it. I put my foot on something and realised it was a
pound coin from the thickness. Bloody hell, super sensitive feet our girl,
she can gauge the denomination of a coin just from treading on it.
On our way to Castle Mall on the
Sunday morning we decided to have our picture taken with Mattress Man (it's a shop not a theme park), what a
guy! Charlotte wouldn’t let me upload hers, so here’s mine, I'll cop the flack
my shoulders are broad.
Can I have a stick of your OAP rock please?
Well, had a cracking weekend in Norwich with Charlotte for the concert.
We went to the Waterfront venue to watch Twin Atlantic, being supported by ME the band, and Lower than Atlantis.
Allow me to give you my thoughts on the bands, well, I'm going to anyway.
ME, well they were first on, with the least amount of people watching so you kind of know what to expect, or do you? Both me and Charlotte thought they were excellent. To make it harder for them, and I know it’s not the first time they have taken to the stage, but it is at this venue, so they don’t know the crowd, they had to cope with 3 power outages towards the end of their set, nightmare! They coped admirably, as during one of their songs they get three people drumming and it sounded wicked, and that is how they got through the second power outage, a drum solo, and it got the crowd on their side. The last power outage nearly done for them but fortunately they had won the crowd already and it was the shortest of the power breaks, so they got the last song done. It seemed to me that the last break did them some good in as much as they really put their all in to the last tune and it sounded superb. I would recommend seeing this new Australian band live if you get a chance. The bass player, who performed in bare feet for reasons only known to him, had a slight style of Mick Khan (Japan) bass player about him, which is certainly no bad thing.
 |
| ME The band @ Waterfront Norwich |
The singer had a presence on stage and was full of confidence, and reminded me slightly of Billy Mackenzie (Associates) in his vocal style. He gave a lot of energy to the part considering the size of the stage the first 2 bands get at the Waterfront, all tucked up at the front.
The drummer was one of the 2 to keep the gig alive when the power went off. He was, as you would expect from a drummer, full of energy, and did the odd trick, flicking his drum sticks in to the air, which is a very brave thing to do when next to no one has come to see you.
The lead guitarist joined the drummer to knock out a heavy beat at one time, but otherwise, he just put in a good performance on the far side of the stage from us.
After their set me and Charlotte made our way to the other side of the venue so Charlotte could see if she could get any autographs. We hung around near the merch stand for a few minutes when she spotted the bassist. He duly obliged her with an autograph, and a quick chat; then she spotted the lead guitarist who did the same for her. Top blokes in my book.
She bought their album which was on sale at the gig and is now a bit of a fan, I think it's called public relations.
If I had to say an if you like so and so you will like ME, then it would be Muse, very much so.
2nd on stage was Lower than Atlantis. These boys needed little or no introduction to the crowd as a good percentage of the people had come to see them it seemed.
 |
| Lower Than Atlantis @ Waterfront Norwich |
Brash and full to the brim with confidence is all that needs saying about these boys, oh, and loud, really loud, well I am nearly 50!
These fellas got the mosh pit really rocking, and the whole place seemed to be one trod on toe away from a full on punch up, which, I think, is just what the band wanted, not the punch up, but the edgy feeling. Although this band was my least favourite of the evening I still enjoyed their energy, and I can absolutely understand why people love them.
Last, but by no means least, Twin Atlantic, the whole point of the journey to Norwich. They rocked, although nothing like their album they were still very good. If you listen to their album Free, although it is still without doubt rocky it’s a lot more subdued than they were live. This is almost definitely due to the over production you get with a studio album and all the instruments blending perfectly. Live, it’s like a fee for all, which I suppose it is really. The main problem with them though was distortion on the singing, caused by a poor mic I think, because even though the singer was singing louder than he may really have felt comfortable with, and that’s only my opinion, he still sang well. I've seen bands in the past who really should never be allowed near karaoke let alone a live stage with a paying audience.
Sam McTrusty, the singer with Twin Atlantic can definitely hold a tune, even when competing with substandard equipment. Unfortunately I have no photo of Twin Atlantic, due to me taking some terrible photos, the above 2 being the best of a very bad bunch.
So, would I go see them again? Yes, except maybe Lower than Atlantis, having said that, if they were the support band it wouldn’t stop me going.
Charlotte enjoyed herself, and let’s be honest, it was for her really, but, having a daughter with the same taste in music is a right bonus.
AGED ROCK RIGHT ON!
Wednesday 18 April 2012
I can't hear you because of the smell in here.
Went on the bus twice yesterday and went to the dentist with my daughter in between both trips. I thought the dentist waiting room would be rich pickings for stuff to write about, but alas no. It was not to be. Just the hushed tones of people speaking to one another. Slightly whispered so as not to be listened to.
Some waiting rooms you visit have the acoustics of the Albert Hall, others, like this one, are dead.
Even on the bus, both journeys that is, where fruitless.
People really do need to speak up a little.
Now I know that some folk will think its very mean talking about people when they have no chance to answer, but I never name the poor souls and let's be honest, you'd never recognise them.
Well, maybe the fire starter may recognise herself, and thinking about it, maybe Rufus Hounds sister might, but, hey ho I doubt they will read this so their lives will carry on.
It's really quite disappointing when nothing happens, and there's nothing to write about, but I suppose that's the way it is sometimes.
There was a bloke, having said that, on the bus on the way home who absolutely stunk of B,O. Really strong, the sort of smell that makes your eyes water and catch your breath, but apart from smelly there was nothing to report.
Me and Charlotte are going to Norwich for the weekend this Saturday to watch a band, so I'm hopeful of some quality stuff to write about there.
I'll keep you informed.
Some waiting rooms you visit have the acoustics of the Albert Hall, others, like this one, are dead.
Even on the bus, both journeys that is, where fruitless.
People really do need to speak up a little.
Now I know that some folk will think its very mean talking about people when they have no chance to answer, but I never name the poor souls and let's be honest, you'd never recognise them.
Well, maybe the fire starter may recognise herself, and thinking about it, maybe Rufus Hounds sister might, but, hey ho I doubt they will read this so their lives will carry on.
It's really quite disappointing when nothing happens, and there's nothing to write about, but I suppose that's the way it is sometimes.
There was a bloke, having said that, on the bus on the way home who absolutely stunk of B,O. Really strong, the sort of smell that makes your eyes water and catch your breath, but apart from smelly there was nothing to report.
Me and Charlotte are going to Norwich for the weekend this Saturday to watch a band, so I'm hopeful of some quality stuff to write about there.
I'll keep you informed.
Monday 16 April 2012
She's a fire starter, twisted fire starter
I love the bus, I'm not sure why I'm thinking of getting a car again. You hear all sorts on the bus, old girls mostly, chatting about stuff. Putting the world to rights.
This morning we got the bus home from town and listened intently to a regular gossip telling a women next to her that she was in a hurry to get home.
"You in a hurry?" said other women.
"Yes, gotta get home, then I'm back down town again"
"Why?"
"I think I may have left the cooker on"
"Oh god, still I ain't heard any fire engines yet!" A nice bit of consoling there.
"I've done it before" she informs her concerned acquaintance.
"Yeah, I did it when we were away a while back. We put the chip pan on to melt the fat, then went out for the day"
One question springs to mind here. Why would you put the chip pan on if you are going out for the day?
"Yes, the police had to break in with the fire brigade, the kitchen was black. Neighbours were shouting. I don't do it often though"
Well, call me old fashioned but this time, if it is on, will be twice, which in my book is way more than a good percentage of the population do it, twice more in fact.
"I flooded the place once as well." She informs her friend.
The women's an accident waiting to happen. I look at her and wonder how she got to such a good age, or if its the hard life she has put herself through which has made her look older than she is?
Sam turns to me and tells me that under no circumstance would we ever move next door to this women.
I'm contemplating walking home rather than chancing the bus.
"Did you?" Asks friend.
"Yes, the shower rail fell in to the bathroom sink and knocked the tap on, and the curtain fell in the sink and blocked the plug hole and overflow"
I'm sure I saw a similar sketch in Some mothers do 'ave 'em back in the 70s. One of those sketches you would watch laugh at and say how funny that would be if it really happened. This women is living the dream. She is a poor mans Frank Spencer.
Its a shame she didn't flood the place on the same day as the chip pan, she could have put the fire out without even being there, and saved the tax payers some money.
This morning we got the bus home from town and listened intently to a regular gossip telling a women next to her that she was in a hurry to get home.
"You in a hurry?" said other women.
"Yes, gotta get home, then I'm back down town again"
"Why?"
"I think I may have left the cooker on"
"Oh god, still I ain't heard any fire engines yet!" A nice bit of consoling there.
"I've done it before" she informs her concerned acquaintance.
"Yeah, I did it when we were away a while back. We put the chip pan on to melt the fat, then went out for the day"
One question springs to mind here. Why would you put the chip pan on if you are going out for the day?
"Yes, the police had to break in with the fire brigade, the kitchen was black. Neighbours were shouting. I don't do it often though"
Well, call me old fashioned but this time, if it is on, will be twice, which in my book is way more than a good percentage of the population do it, twice more in fact.
"I flooded the place once as well." She informs her friend.
The women's an accident waiting to happen. I look at her and wonder how she got to such a good age, or if its the hard life she has put herself through which has made her look older than she is?
Sam turns to me and tells me that under no circumstance would we ever move next door to this women.
I'm contemplating walking home rather than chancing the bus.
"Did you?" Asks friend.
"Yes, the shower rail fell in to the bathroom sink and knocked the tap on, and the curtain fell in the sink and blocked the plug hole and overflow"
I'm sure I saw a similar sketch in Some mothers do 'ave 'em back in the 70s. One of those sketches you would watch laugh at and say how funny that would be if it really happened. This women is living the dream. She is a poor mans Frank Spencer.
Its a shame she didn't flood the place on the same day as the chip pan, she could have put the fire out without even being there, and saved the tax payers some money.
Wednesday 11 April 2012
I'll have one of those please dear
For a little lighthearted moment I thought I would add the missing wedding anniversary years between 15 and 20, and maybe some more of the other missing years. After all why should it be more important to celebrate 15 years than to celebrate 16 or 17 years, it shouldn't.
So, here is the list, as given on the Internet.
1st - paper
2nd - cotton
3rd - leather
4th - books
5th - Wood or Clocks
6th - Iron
7th - Copper, Bronze or Brass
8th - Electrical Appliances
9th - Pottery
10th- Tin, Aluminium
11th- Steel
12th- silk or linen
13th- lace
14th- Ivory
15th- Crystal
20th - China
25th - Silver
30th - pearl
35th - Coral, Jade
40th - Ruby
45th - Sapphire
50th - Gold
55th - Emerald
60th - Diamond
So here are some of the missing years.
I think that 16 should be Plasticine, you cant beat a bit of Wallace and Gromit.
17, Perspex, a million household uses.
18, Cork, give the Mrs the cork, you get the bottle of 15 year old single malt. Honest, she will be over the moon, after all its the thought that counts.
19, Cheese cloth, there's nothing like a new blouse for the good lady. Boy will you go up in her estimations with this one fellas, just make sure you get the size right.
Having a look at some of the 'real' gifts if you celebrate your first year by buying her a copy of the Sun make sure you remove page three.
When it comes to the 5th year don't go down the clock route, its what people get when they retire, she will not be pleased.
The 6th year is not an Iron for pressing the clothes, for goodness sake don't make that mistake or you wont need to worry about the 7th year.
I assume that this list is quite up to date judging by the 8th. How over the moon will the wife be with a new washing machine, I mean, really, an electrical appliance!
12 and 13 are kind of a waste of time, and money, as any suggestion of dressing saucy in the bedroom should have gone right out of the window by now.
20 is China, a nice cup and saucer for the cups of tea you will both enjoy now. 21 and 22 may as well be, carpet slippers and nightie to really live the old and past it dream.
Anyway, this ends my tongue in cheek look at the world of wedding anniversary's. If you do decide to buy any of the alternate year gifts I have suggested please don't mention me.
So, here is the list, as given on the Internet.
1st - paper
2nd - cotton
3rd - leather
4th - books
5th - Wood or Clocks
6th - Iron
7th - Copper, Bronze or Brass
8th - Electrical Appliances
9th - Pottery
10th- Tin, Aluminium
11th- Steel
12th- silk or linen
13th- lace
14th- Ivory
15th- Crystal
20th - China
25th - Silver
30th - pearl
35th - Coral, Jade
40th - Ruby
45th - Sapphire
50th - Gold
55th - Emerald
60th - Diamond
So here are some of the missing years.
I think that 16 should be Plasticine, you cant beat a bit of Wallace and Gromit.
17, Perspex, a million household uses.
18, Cork, give the Mrs the cork, you get the bottle of 15 year old single malt. Honest, she will be over the moon, after all its the thought that counts.
19, Cheese cloth, there's nothing like a new blouse for the good lady. Boy will you go up in her estimations with this one fellas, just make sure you get the size right.
Having a look at some of the 'real' gifts if you celebrate your first year by buying her a copy of the Sun make sure you remove page three.
When it comes to the 5th year don't go down the clock route, its what people get when they retire, she will not be pleased.
The 6th year is not an Iron for pressing the clothes, for goodness sake don't make that mistake or you wont need to worry about the 7th year.
I assume that this list is quite up to date judging by the 8th. How over the moon will the wife be with a new washing machine, I mean, really, an electrical appliance!
12 and 13 are kind of a waste of time, and money, as any suggestion of dressing saucy in the bedroom should have gone right out of the window by now.
20 is China, a nice cup and saucer for the cups of tea you will both enjoy now. 21 and 22 may as well be, carpet slippers and nightie to really live the old and past it dream.
Anyway, this ends my tongue in cheek look at the world of wedding anniversary's. If you do decide to buy any of the alternate year gifts I have suggested please don't mention me.
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Miss quote, she's a lovely girl.
Oh, just checked and I have reached 2000 views, well done everybody.
Right, on with today's moan, sorry, blog.
As I have mentioned in previous posts I am without a car at the moment, well I am looking to rectify this in the next month or so.
I have been getting some quotes over the past day or so, as an uncle of Sam's has a Ford Fiesta for sale, which is dirt cheap.
I did have a Saab last time I was insured, and was paying about £270 per year for the insurance, so why is it that now, for a 1.3 Ford Fiesta the insurance companies are asking me to pay upwards of £320. The Saab was a 2lt turbo, this is a 1.3 grandadmobile, why the obscene rise in the price.
On another note regarding the thieving gits at the friendly insurance firms, how come they ask for driving convictions from the past 5 years? After 4 years, according to the law, I can remove them from my license, why do I need to declare them up to 5 years for these people. I know, I know, its a good way of making money, or am I being cynical. My 4 years will be up in September but I'll still need to inform them for a further year, robbery!
I was wondering really, if these points make a difference to the quotes, and boy yes they do!
I went through the online, long winded form filling, without declaring the points, just for the purpose of seeing the difference, with points, upwards of £320, without the points, cheapest quote, and most where around the same price, £167, wow.
I know, its my fault for getting the points, and I'm not denying that, but by law Ive spent them, I've done the time, so to speak!
Obviously when it comes to me getting the insurance I will declare the points.
Another thing about car insurance quotes. Why is that all the comparison sites I have been on ask if there are children under 16 in the house? Why would they need to ask this, its not like I'm going to let them drive the car, and even if I did they wouldn't be insured so they need not worry about paying out. What can be the reason for this question? I have looked for the answer on the web, and found a few forum links where the same thing was being asked. One answer was that it told the insurance company that you would be a responsible adult due to ferrying kids about, thus reducing the quote, please, come on, really? The only reason that insures ask questions is for looking at ways of charging more for the cover.
Have you had any convictions?
What is your job?
Do you have access to any other vehicle?
Are there any named drivers?
Do you have any children under 16?
Have you ever worn a green shirt?
Do you wear corduroy?
Ok, I know the last two ain't valid, but lets be honest, the last one should be. Saying yes to the last one could reduce your premium, due to the fact that no one is going to drive fast wearing cords, are they?
Anyway, I suppose I'll have to stomach the price and pay up if I want to get a car again.
Right, on with today's moan, sorry, blog.
As I have mentioned in previous posts I am without a car at the moment, well I am looking to rectify this in the next month or so.
I have been getting some quotes over the past day or so, as an uncle of Sam's has a Ford Fiesta for sale, which is dirt cheap.
I did have a Saab last time I was insured, and was paying about £270 per year for the insurance, so why is it that now, for a 1.3 Ford Fiesta the insurance companies are asking me to pay upwards of £320. The Saab was a 2lt turbo, this is a 1.3 grandadmobile, why the obscene rise in the price.
On another note regarding the thieving gits at the friendly insurance firms, how come they ask for driving convictions from the past 5 years? After 4 years, according to the law, I can remove them from my license, why do I need to declare them up to 5 years for these people. I know, I know, its a good way of making money, or am I being cynical. My 4 years will be up in September but I'll still need to inform them for a further year, robbery!
I was wondering really, if these points make a difference to the quotes, and boy yes they do!
I went through the online, long winded form filling, without declaring the points, just for the purpose of seeing the difference, with points, upwards of £320, without the points, cheapest quote, and most where around the same price, £167, wow.
I know, its my fault for getting the points, and I'm not denying that, but by law Ive spent them, I've done the time, so to speak!
Obviously when it comes to me getting the insurance I will declare the points.
Another thing about car insurance quotes. Why is that all the comparison sites I have been on ask if there are children under 16 in the house? Why would they need to ask this, its not like I'm going to let them drive the car, and even if I did they wouldn't be insured so they need not worry about paying out. What can be the reason for this question? I have looked for the answer on the web, and found a few forum links where the same thing was being asked. One answer was that it told the insurance company that you would be a responsible adult due to ferrying kids about, thus reducing the quote, please, come on, really? The only reason that insures ask questions is for looking at ways of charging more for the cover.
Have you had any convictions?
What is your job?
Do you have access to any other vehicle?
Are there any named drivers?
Do you have any children under 16?
Have you ever worn a green shirt?
Do you wear corduroy?
Ok, I know the last two ain't valid, but lets be honest, the last one should be. Saying yes to the last one could reduce your premium, due to the fact that no one is going to drive fast wearing cords, are they?
Anyway, I suppose I'll have to stomach the price and pay up if I want to get a car again.
Friday 6 April 2012
What do you mean, buy it now means buying it now?
Went out for a nice walk today, along with Sam, Charlotte and Indy, no Mark unfortunately, he's still surgically attached to his computer. He hasn't been out with us, or me, since the last time i mentioned it on here. He spends so much time inside that he will, eventually, become transparent, through lack of skin pigment.
Anyway, that aside, its his loss, we went and did some Geocaching. We went up towards Chilton and found 2 caches.
Nice caches hidden enough so as to not make them to obvious. I have put a couple of photos of us in the area. The scenery around there is really nice. Its hard to believe that about half a mile away is a very busy industrial estate.
Got a few days off work this weekend, lovely jubely, although, having said that, we are not up to a great deal, just a few days off.
Missing not having a car now, starting to get a bit fed up with having to walk everywhere. It looks like it will be about July when we get one again. I don't mind walking as mentioned at the start of this post, but if we need anything its a walk wherever we need to go. Into town is usually a walk down and the bus home, which is ok.
I'd love to think that when we get a car again we will continue to walk some places still, but I know I wont. Sam and Charlotte are always out and about with Indy, so they should carry on walking some places. It will be nice to venture further afield again, like Colchester or Bury St Edmund's, getting the bus to these places is a real pain, not to mention not a lot cheaper that the bus. With the car you just get so much more freedom, go when you like and come home when you like. I may take a trip to London during the summer holidays this year, should be fun.
On another note.
Had another non payer on eBay the other day, why do these people do this. He has private feedback, I wonder why?
I'd like to smack him round the face with a wet sock full of fish, but I wont, a waste of fish. His eBay name is quality-sp, quality? Tosser more like. I can understand sometimes that you cant go through with a transaction, but ignoring my emails is just rude, there is no need.
It was a buy it now sale, maybe he didn't realise that if you click the buy it now button on a buy it now style auction, then you actually buy it now! Its a radical concept, I fully understand that, in as much as a buy it now being an immediate buy it now, how hard is that to understand, well, for old QUALITY-SP very hard. Maybe he should look in the any other items to see if he can purchase an brain cells.
Still not smoking although the other day was unusually tough, and was the closest I have been to giving up giving up, but I got through it, what a hero!
Nice caches hidden enough so as to not make them to obvious. I have put a couple of photos of us in the area. The scenery around there is really nice. Its hard to believe that about half a mile away is a very busy industrial estate.
 |
| Looking towards Sudbury |
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| Looking towards Waldingfield |
Missing not having a car now, starting to get a bit fed up with having to walk everywhere. It looks like it will be about July when we get one again. I don't mind walking as mentioned at the start of this post, but if we need anything its a walk wherever we need to go. Into town is usually a walk down and the bus home, which is ok.
I'd love to think that when we get a car again we will continue to walk some places still, but I know I wont. Sam and Charlotte are always out and about with Indy, so they should carry on walking some places. It will be nice to venture further afield again, like Colchester or Bury St Edmund's, getting the bus to these places is a real pain, not to mention not a lot cheaper that the bus. With the car you just get so much more freedom, go when you like and come home when you like. I may take a trip to London during the summer holidays this year, should be fun.
On another note.
Had another non payer on eBay the other day, why do these people do this. He has private feedback, I wonder why?
I'd like to smack him round the face with a wet sock full of fish, but I wont, a waste of fish. His eBay name is quality-sp, quality? Tosser more like. I can understand sometimes that you cant go through with a transaction, but ignoring my emails is just rude, there is no need.
It was a buy it now sale, maybe he didn't realise that if you click the buy it now button on a buy it now style auction, then you actually buy it now! Its a radical concept, I fully understand that, in as much as a buy it now being an immediate buy it now, how hard is that to understand, well, for old QUALITY-SP very hard. Maybe he should look in the any other items to see if he can purchase an brain cells.
Still not smoking although the other day was unusually tough, and was the closest I have been to giving up giving up, but I got through it, what a hero!
Sunday 1 April 2012
Why have a dog and bark yourself
So the tanker drivers will not be going on strike, just yet, but man alive are they earning the overtime out of the panic buying. Who's fault is it that we are panic buying, why haven't the government told us not to panic? Ah, because it was the government who told us to, how terribly responsible of them to think of us in that way, you'd think they had an ulterior motive, Tax revenue maybe? Well, so long as they don't tell us to store petrol in cans in our garage, now that would be irresponsible.
Now we all like a bit of overtime, even me when I want something, so I am thinking of writing to my local MP and informing him that there is an up coming world shortage of dog and cat food.
I can see the pound signs now, as he stands up in the House of Commons to tell them of this great predicament that will hit the country very soon, and that everyone should rush out now and buy as much as they can carry. Note that it may take a while to reduce the stock levels, due to the fact that as no one has a car with petrol in it we will have to carry the food home, thus reducing the speed we can actually panic buy at. It may mean more trips to your local stockist, but think of the exercise!
If you give up smoking not only will you save money, but you will be able to jog to your local pet shop speeding up your purchase times. Giving up smoking will also mean you have a few extra pounds in your pocket allowing you to maybe hire a few none pet owning friends to cart some food with you, just think of the fun you could all have, queueing at the pet shop amongst other forward thinking pet owners, for you cat or dogs favourite food.
On another note, today is the day that air passenger duty rises by 8%. Making it even more expensive to have a holiday, or trip abroad. Worry not though, as our caring government has done this to help save stocks of petrol for us worried drivers. Due to this price increase in airfares no one will be able to afford both trips abroad, and to drive a car, so flights will not be booked, airlines wont need the fuel, more for us, everyone's a winner, well, the government is anyway.
Whatever next VAT on hot pasties, and hot sausage rolls?
Now we all like a bit of overtime, even me when I want something, so I am thinking of writing to my local MP and informing him that there is an up coming world shortage of dog and cat food.
I can see the pound signs now, as he stands up in the House of Commons to tell them of this great predicament that will hit the country very soon, and that everyone should rush out now and buy as much as they can carry. Note that it may take a while to reduce the stock levels, due to the fact that as no one has a car with petrol in it we will have to carry the food home, thus reducing the speed we can actually panic buy at. It may mean more trips to your local stockist, but think of the exercise!
If you give up smoking not only will you save money, but you will be able to jog to your local pet shop speeding up your purchase times. Giving up smoking will also mean you have a few extra pounds in your pocket allowing you to maybe hire a few none pet owning friends to cart some food with you, just think of the fun you could all have, queueing at the pet shop amongst other forward thinking pet owners, for you cat or dogs favourite food.
On another note, today is the day that air passenger duty rises by 8%. Making it even more expensive to have a holiday, or trip abroad. Worry not though, as our caring government has done this to help save stocks of petrol for us worried drivers. Due to this price increase in airfares no one will be able to afford both trips abroad, and to drive a car, so flights will not be booked, airlines wont need the fuel, more for us, everyone's a winner, well, the government is anyway.
Whatever next VAT on hot pasties, and hot sausage rolls?
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