Charity advertising must be banned. There is no logical basis for making a selection of which charity to support, so whichever charity is best at emotional manipulation wins the crap shoot. And anyone with any kind of heart or conscience feels like shit. The only logical thing to do is to merge the lottery fund with the Charities Aid Foundation. All donations go to this combined supertrust, and organisations in search of funding bid for that, with some kind of stratification to ensure that it doesn't all go to the megaliths. This would also ban marketing from being a charitable purpose, which is useful.
Anything has to be better than the grotesque competition of suffering which is currently paraded before us.
I've just seen an advert by the Children's Society, appealing for £25 to buy a child a branded school jumper, under the strapline: Families this winter are struggling to afford branded school jumpers. Help a child now by giving a branded school jumper
A quick check of the schools my kids attended shows that a branded jumper for those schools is currently £13 up to age 12, and £14 for adult sizes, but those are not compulsory - an unbranded school jumper from Marks & Spencer ranges from £11 to £17 for a pack of two.
Surely the Children's Society would be better campaigning against schools selling school jumpers at vastly inflated prices?
Thanks all two tiny blood clots are not such a big deal after all. Most likely from last week's biopsy. Which thankfully turned up negative. Home again on blood thinners. Happy Christmas after all. More and more I just want to stay away from medical tests and drugs.
Thanks all two tiny blood clots are not such a big deal after all. Most likely from last week's biopsy. Which thankfully turned up negative. Home again on blood thinners. Happy Christmas after all. More and more I just want to stay away from medical tests and drugs.
Thanks for the good news, and prayers for sound treatment in the future.
Thanks all two tiny blood clots are not such a big deal after all. Most likely from last week's biopsy. Which thankfully turned up negative. Home again on blood thinners. Happy Christmas after all. More and more I just want to stay away from medical tests and drugs.
Ugh. Windy here, but mostly dry and very mild again (my car told me it was 16C!!!), which bodes well for a decent turnout at the rest of the *Christmass* services.
No names will be mentioned, but as some of you know, in winter in Canada it is common to plug in your car engine block heater at night to aid warming up in the morning. However, it is not unknown for the driver to take off without unplugging. Not a problem for one who knows about flying machines - I bought a bright red "Remove before flight" flag that you attach to important bits of plane, and put it on the plug end of the cable at the car. However, a couple of days ago a Certain Family Member returned to the house bearing two separated sections of the block heater cable, hoping I might be able to fix it...
Covid, bloody Covid
Routine test this morning revealed NZ daughter and eldest child were positive so our first Christmas altogether since 2009 had to be cancelled in order to protect our vulnerable grandson Huxley.
Lots of tears from lots of people.
Covid, bloody Covid
Routine test this morning revealed NZ daughter and eldest child were positive so our first Christmas altogether since 2009 had to be cancelled in order to protect our vulnerable grandson Huxley.
Lots of tears from lots of people.
Much love and prayers for all the Beakys (tears were shed here on your behalf, on all counts). And deep curses flung in the direction of Covid. @MrsBeaky
Members of one of the young families I know well at church were all clearly upset (but doing their best to be subtle about it) at the Crib service and mum sidled up to me at the end to tell me why. Utterly, utterly crappy timing of the return of a cancer which will need aggressive treatment this time. Only tiny positive we could see was all support could be more than by prayer/email if asked/needed, as the first time round was in March 2020.
Much love and prayers for all the Beakys (tears were shed here on your behalf, on all counts). And deep curses flung in the direction of Covid. @MrsBeaky
Members of one of the young families I know well at church were all clearly upset (but doing their best to be subtle about it) at the Crib service and mum sidled up to me at the end to tell me why. Utterly, utterly crappy timing of the return of a cancer which will need aggressive treatment this time. Only tiny positive we could see was all support could be more than by prayer/email if asked/needed, as the first time round was in March 2020.
We've just cancelled our trip down south because family down south has COVID. But we've seen each other since 2009. Sorry to hear for MrsBeaky's family.
Calling my bank to hell for unilaterally deciding to change bank numbers without any reason being given and stuffing up the transfer causing bills to remain unpaid thus playing havoc with my credit rating... and then blaming the agencies that pay me for making mistakes when it was the teller who set up the accouncts for me who actually made the mistakes.
And for stuffing up my new credit card. I would change banks but I would have to repeat the exercise of giving all my creditors and debtors new numbers.
I'm beginning to believe sticking cash under a mattress might be the way to go.
Ordered a book from Amazon over a week ago. It was going to be delivered by Royal Mail via 48-hour tracking. It was indeed delivered, I just don't know where. Google maps seem to show a different road with a completely random house number that doesn't even match mine.
So I applied to the Amazon bot on Customer Service who agreed to send me a replacement and I wouldn't be charged. The confirmatory email arrived saying I could have a replacement, but I must send the missing non-delivered one back or I would be charged again.
The replacement is down to be delivered by Royal Mail, who sent me a message yesterday saying it couldn't be delivered on Friday but they would try again on Saturday. The Amazon message centre says they tried to deliver it but couldn't so it is now waiting for me to collect it at the location of my choice. I haven't chosen any other location than my home.
I can see myself turning up at the sorting office - I assume it must be that - with a printout of the messages and the staff glancing at the lengthy queue behind me, either saying they can't trace it from that, or that this is insufficient documentation.
It doesn't help that the sorting office has massively reduced their opening hours and are only open for two hours at a time.
What the hell is going on I do not know. It used to be that someone would arrive in a van, deliver your package and clear off again. 2024 is different, it seems.
Hope that Royal Mail make the book appear today, @Ariel 🤞 What I've done with Amazon orders for the last couple of years, since I don't have Prime, was take advantage of the fact that delivery to an Amazon locker is free, and there's one within easy cycling distance of us. It's even in a well-lit area! (There used to be one in a local shop, but the shop closed...). Worth a look next time you use them?
If there's ever a parcel for me in the top layer of lockers, I will have to stand on the bike pedals to reach it, mind you...
I did think about the Amazon lockers but you need a smartphone for that, I think, as you're required to scan a code. Also if this is being delivered by the Post Office I'm not sure they'd have access.
On the phone to Royal Mail in a lengthy queue now. Have already been thanked in advance several times for showing kindness and consideration to their staff.
Such is life. I may just have to chalk this one up and move on.
Just to show that things can sometimes be done non-hellishly.
Last week my wife and I went to London by train. I bought our tickets at Cardiff Queen Street (managed by Transport for Wales) and we then travelled by TfW, Great Western, London Underground and Southeastern trains. We were diverted and delayed due to bad flooding but everything was managed well, in both directions.
Late on Tuesday afternoon I filled in the Delay Repay forms online to GWR.
At 2pm on Wednesday I received emails saying that my claims had been approved. I had half expected to be told that I needed to apply instead to TfW.
On Thursday I received emails saying that my refund was on its way, but would take a few days to reach my account.
Considering how many claims they must have received, that seems to be good going - assuming, of course, that I do get my cash!
Last time I complained I'd been overcharged at a ticket machine they sent me vouchers quite promptly, and they were for more than the amount of the error.
The Post Office man has been very helpful and lovely. The postie will be asked to retrieve the misdelivered item and my other item is apparently likely to be delivered today.
It does pay to speak to a human if you can find one.
Oh yes, it can be worth speaking to humans to sort out delivery problems. Last time I had to, they refunded the cost of the lost hat and gave me a % discount code that I used this winter on a re-order plus some other stuff.
You don't need a smartphone for the Amazon lockers, I used them before I got one. The code gets emailed, I generally scribble it down before leaving the house, and there's a keypad as well as the scanner. Scan doesn't seem to work with my smartphone anyway!
Oh yes, it can be worth speaking to humans to sort out delivery problems. Last time I had to, they refunded the cost of the lost hat and gave me a % discount code that I used this winter on a re-order plus some other stuff.
You don't need a smartphone for the Amazon lockers, I used them before I got one. The code gets emailed, I generally scribble it down before leaving the house, and there's a keypad as well as the scanner. Scan doesn't seem to work with my smartphone anyway!
Oh fantastic - thanks for that. It's a bit of a walk to the nearest lockers, but if it means the stuff is there I shan't mind so much!
Last time I complained I'd been overcharged at a ticket machine they sent me vouchers quite promptly, and they were for more than the amount of the error.
It really annoys me when I get vouchers as a refund or compensation. Why do they assume I want to use their services again?
Agreed. However rail vouchers are valid for all companies across Britain; and you can now ask for a BACS payment or a cheque.
Back in 2020 we were booked on Easyjet flights. As Covid hit I received multiple offers - with enticements - to take a refund in vouchers. I held on ... and almost jumped for joy when our flights were finally cancelled, as I knew I could then receive real money.
Last time I complained I'd been overcharged at a ticket machine they sent me vouchers quite promptly, and they were for more than the amount of the error.
It really annoys me when I get vouchers as a refund or compensation. Why do they assume I want to use their services again?
That's a fair point, but I'm pretty sure that at some point in the future I'm likely to need to use a train, and not having to pay for it for once would be nice.
Comments
Amen
I've just seen an advert by the Children's Society, appealing for £25 to buy a child a branded school jumper, under the strapline:
Families this winter are struggling to afford branded school jumpers. Help a child now by giving a branded school jumper
A quick check of the schools my kids attended shows that a branded jumper for those schools is currently £13 up to age 12, and £14 for adult sizes, but those are not compulsory - an unbranded school jumper from Marks & Spencer ranges from £11 to £17 for a pack of two.
Surely the Children's Society would be better campaigning against schools selling school jumpers at vastly inflated prices?
TICTH a crown that decided to come off with my dentist off until who knows when.
Of course this would happen now. *sigh*
Thanks for the good news, and prayers for sound treatment in the future.
You bet!!! Me too!
Blessings to all.
We Shall Pay For It Later - You Mark My Words.
Routine test this morning revealed NZ daughter and eldest child were positive so our first Christmas altogether since 2009 had to be cancelled in order to protect our vulnerable grandson Huxley.
Lots of tears from lots of people.
Bugger.
Members of one of the young families I know well at church were all clearly upset (but doing their best to be subtle about it) at the Crib service and mum sidled up to me at the end to tell me why. Utterly, utterly crappy timing of the return of a cancer which will need aggressive treatment this time. Only tiny positive we could see was all support could be more than by prayer/email if asked/needed, as the first time round was in March 2020.
Oh dear Lord, so sorry
Idiots!
I'm beginning to believe sticking cash under a mattress might be the way to go.
So I applied to the Amazon bot on Customer Service who agreed to send me a replacement and I wouldn't be charged. The confirmatory email arrived saying I could have a replacement, but I must send the missing non-delivered one back or I would be charged again.
The replacement is down to be delivered by Royal Mail, who sent me a message yesterday saying it couldn't be delivered on Friday but they would try again on Saturday. The Amazon message centre says they tried to deliver it but couldn't so it is now waiting for me to collect it at the location of my choice. I haven't chosen any other location than my home.
I can see myself turning up at the sorting office - I assume it must be that - with a printout of the messages and the staff glancing at the lengthy queue behind me, either saying they can't trace it from that, or that this is insufficient documentation.
It doesn't help that the sorting office has massively reduced their opening hours and are only open for two hours at a time.
What the hell is going on I do not know. It used to be that someone would arrive in a van, deliver your package and clear off again. 2024 is different, it seems.
If there's ever a parcel for me in the top layer of lockers, I will have to stand on the bike pedals to reach it, mind you...
I did think about the Amazon lockers but you need a smartphone for that, I think, as you're required to scan a code. Also if this is being delivered by the Post Office I'm not sure they'd have access.
On the phone to Royal Mail in a lengthy queue now. Have already been thanked in advance several times for showing kindness and consideration to their staff.
Such is life. I may just have to chalk this one up and move on.
Last week my wife and I went to London by train. I bought our tickets at Cardiff Queen Street (managed by Transport for Wales) and we then travelled by TfW, Great Western, London Underground and Southeastern trains. We were diverted and delayed due to bad flooding but everything was managed well, in both directions.
Late on Tuesday afternoon I filled in the Delay Repay forms online to GWR.
At 2pm on Wednesday I received emails saying that my claims had been approved. I had half expected to be told that I needed to apply instead to TfW.
On Thursday I received emails saying that my refund was on its way, but would take a few days to reach my account.
Considering how many claims they must have received, that seems to be good going - assuming, of course, that I do get my cash!
The Post Office man has been very helpful and lovely. The postie will be asked to retrieve the misdelivered item and my other item is apparently likely to be delivered today.
It does pay to speak to a human if you can find one.
You don't need a smartphone for the Amazon lockers, I used them before I got one. The code gets emailed, I generally scribble it down before leaving the house, and there's a keypad as well as the scanner. Scan doesn't seem to work with my smartphone anyway!
Oh fantastic - thanks for that. It's a bit of a walk to the nearest lockers, but if it means the stuff is there I shan't mind so much!
It really annoys me when I get vouchers as a refund or compensation. Why do they assume I want to use their services again?
Back in 2020 we were booked on Easyjet flights. As Covid hit I received multiple offers - with enticements - to take a refund in vouchers. I held on ... and almost jumped for joy when our flights were finally cancelled, as I knew I could then receive real money.
That's a fair point, but I'm pretty sure that at some point in the future I'm likely to need to use a train, and not having to pay for it for once would be nice.