Leaderboard

Very close, it's a ball and chain!

Is that because of your tag on ankle mate

I prefer @marcusbspelling myself

Went for a trip to the lakes with my mate.

For those who ask: “Why does Ukraine matter? “ Ukraine ranks: 1st in Europe in reserves of uranium ores; 2nd in Europe (10th in World) for titanium ore reserves; 2nd in World in manganese (12% of world's reserves) 2nd largest iron ore reserves in World (30 B tons); 2nd in Europe for mercury ore reserves; 3rd in Europe (13th in World) in gas reserves; 4th in World by the total value of natural resources; 7th place in World in coal reserves (33.9 B tons) Ukraine is an important agricultural country that can meet the needs of 600 M people. Which Russia needs in their present economic situation. 1st in Europe in terms of arable land area; World's 3rd largest area of black soil (25% of world's volume); World's 1st largest exports of sunflower and sunflower oil; 2nd world in barley production (4th largest exporter); World's 3rd largest producer (4th largest exporter) of corn; 4th largest World producer of potatoes; 5th largest World rye producer; 5th in world bee production (75,000 tons); World's 8th largest wheat exporter; World's 9th largest egg producer; Ukraine matters...That is why its independence is important to the rest of the world and why Russia wants it so badly.

Hi everyone, A reminder that this month's meeting will be on Tuesday 1st March, 8pm onwards at the Tudor Rose. Hope to see a few of you there. Nick.

I will try to remember this time

Thanks Dave! Unfortunately not, was out over eating, and working today! Tomorrow is the day though. Cant wait for the good weather. Hope you're well and enjoying the weather

See you there.

@Glen_I I’m with your Nan in this and have been since I was young. I’ve always said my decision was 50% selfish and 50% selfless. Selfish because I wouldn’t want the responsibility, and selfless because how could I condemn another person to the world as I saw it developing. I suspect I’m very much in a minority. Population growth would tend to support that idea.

If this all ends without a wider conflict then it will be a wake up call to business and our leaders. We need to be energy self sufficient, allowing shale gas extraction, looking at using the coal reserves we have. Coal can be burnt cleanly now for example. Open up more North Sea and build Nuclear power ourselves. We then need to get the UK manufacturing again and like you we try to not buy from certain places but it is hard as companies have sold their souls to the far East. We were in the States a few years ago and I was speaking with a guy over there. He was bemoaning how the US could not do without China and India and how if there was a war they could not arm like they did in past conflicts by turning manufacturing to a war effort. If ordinary people can see this why can business and governments. We are being controlled by a few markets hence fuel is now climbing toward £2 per ltr and household energy bill doubled, well ours has with the next years fixed.

There were only two companies who would cover and that was Hiscox and NFU. we have been with NFU now for years as it is part of the house with a number of expensive jewellery pieces as well on the policy. A plan called me up recently and mentioned that AXA would insure tools up to a larger amount. One of the reasons we have stayed with them is because we were burgled about 10 years ago in the middle of the day, alarm went off but no one came to look, now it is monitored. They never batted an eyelid in fixing the damage or replacing the lost items. Funny story on that , one of the watches stolen was pretty unique and the police said there was no chance of finding them. That night went on Ebay and there was my watch in a pawn shop in Bristol. Arrests made and suspended sentence given, but none of the sentimental stuff got back. That is why we have stayed as you only know how good a firm is when you need to claim. I always took my tools home, had a small HA viva van, did not have a Roller cab at that time. Others left their tools. The place was broken into and all tools stolen. It was at that point that they discovered they were not insured at all in the business. Although I love anything to do with engines, I always said I chose the wrong trade. I wanted my own garage but the cost to set one up was insane and then I got into management so never got there. My mate on the other hand got trained by British gas bought a few tools and a van and made a fortune as a gas engineer and plumber. hardly any overheads and a lot of cash in hand back then, which was nice for him.

That is true and I have been as guilty as any. Ten or twenty years ago I tried to avoid any PRC made products but principally because the quality was poor. Human rights were a consideration but a minor one only at that time. Meanwhile avoiding Chinese made products has become more and more difficult. A new toaster branded Bosch which landed on my mat has 'Made in China' on it. Currently, though, I have begun to actively avoid anything made in China if at all possible. A new mobile 'phone made in South Korea cost me more than a Chinese made one would have, and we have decided that we will either pay more for products made anywhere other than China, or simply go without. A small and ineffectual stand, but one which goes a small way to telling them to go to Hell. I have become as evangelistic about non-Chinese purchases as a vegan! I have got a 1970s Russian Zenith enlarger and I have stopped using it as a protest against Putin.

One of the guitarists on this was Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter

Without going a political we the consumers have made china the power it is. We have chased cheaper products from around the world and China with its massive population, land mass and resource were there waiting to take advantage. We ignored the fact they had human rights abuse, that they have form for invading areas, like Tibet, just so long as we get a cheaper product. We continue to ignore their buying up Africa and countries in he Caribbean with cheap loans etc. China is just as dangerous as Russia and it is only their economy success with the rest of the world that allows them to do what they do.

I still have my Snap on tools which is why normal house insurance doesn't cover them. If you get hold of a Snap on Price list you will be amazed at how much things cost now if they need replacing. Britool was top quality in the 70's and 80's but they were made in Sheffield at that time but production moved to the Far East. As for the gas bottle look at Hobby Gas, you buy the bottle but then pay for just the refill. Years of having BOC bottles paying through the nose as there was only them is now a thing of the past

Just registered for the speed series!! Thanks

Russia is going to find out very soon that it is easy to take ground but holding it against a hostile population is somewhat more difficult. My hope is that the now tech savy and freedom loving Russian population will take matters into their own hands.

I can't make it unfortunately as I've got to be back for about 12