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  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
  • Options
    rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787

    rcs1000 said:


    Please avoid hints/spoilers for the latest Star Wars film.

    Some of us haven't seen it yet.

    Plucky rebels.

    Evil Empire/whatever.

    The Force.

    Big plot twist.

    Oh I know. Basically every SW film is a very long chase scene with some big set pieces and wooden dialogue.

    "You can type this s**t, George, but you sure can't say it!" - H. Ford
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612

    I've seen The Last Jedi five times already.

    How come there are people who haven't watched it once yet?

    The word 'yet' is superfluous as far as I'm concerned. Its a long time ago that I was 12 year old.
  • Options
    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Not sure I've ever seen an Ewok attend a James Bond launch.
  • Options
    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    Did Sir Bill Cash just call the President of France 'President Mackerel' ?

    He's poissoning the political debate.

    But is he in tuna with the electorate?

    No, he will flounder.
    He's more probably just a red herring.

    I know it's crap but it's the best I could come up with.
    That's enough fish puns

    -fin-
    Are you saying we should scale back on them?
    just skate around them please. they're a load of cods.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Not sure I've ever seen an Ewok attend a James Bond launch.
    Or a gay man dressed up as Princess Leia, fascinated though I am by the image that conjured.
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,422
    edited December 2017

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    That's nothing.

    The geek fandom are already having multiple geekgasms over the next Avengers film.

    I've already booked three days worth of holidays for it.
  • Options
    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,334
    HYUFD said:

    So Leave would win a landslide if rejoining the Euro was a condition of EU reentry.

    In any case Italy may be having a referendum on the Euro itself in a year or two if, as polls predict, 5* win most seats in the Italian general election in May and the EU do not make the concessions they want.
    It wouldn't be a condition. But it's probably a good measure of the level of hardcore Remain sentiment. The +6 figure probably reflects the hardening polarisation.

    I may be wrong, but I don't think 5* would get a majority in Parliament for that - they may well be largest party (it's close but they are inching ahead) but I doubt if there is a big partner who would back them on that.

  • Options
    Carolus_RexCarolus_Rex Posts: 1,414
    rpjs said:

    rcs1000 said:


    Please avoid hints/spoilers for the latest Star Wars film.

    Some of us haven't seen it yet.

    Plucky rebels.

    Evil Empire/whatever.

    The Force.

    Big plot twist.

    Oh I know. Basically every SW film is a very long chase scene with some big set pieces and wooden dialogue.

    "You can type this s**t, George, but you sure can't say it!" - H. Ford
    "What I didn't tell Lucas was that I just couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I'd had enough of the mumbo jumbo" - Sir Alec Guinness
  • Options
    JonnyJimmyJonnyJimmy Posts: 2,548

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    Did Sir Bill Cash just call the President of France 'President Mackerel' ?

    He's poissoning the political debate.

    But is he in tuna with the electorate?

    No, he will flounder.
    He's more probably just a red herring.

    I know it's crap but it's the best I could come up with.
    That's enough fish puns

    -fin-
    Are you saying we should scale back on them?
    just skate around them please. they're a load of cods.
    I want more time to mullet over
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    Did Sir Bill Cash just call the President of France 'President Mackerel' ?

    He's poissoning the political debate.

    But is he in tuna with the electorate?

    No, he will flounder.
    He's more probably just a red herring.

    I know it's crap but it's the best I could come up with.
    That's enough fish puns

    -fin-
    Are you saying we should scale back on them?
    just skate around them please. they're a load of cods.
    I'll see if I can come up with some otter good aquatic puns instead.

    I'll get my coat.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992
    edited December 2017

    rpjs said:

    rcs1000 said:


    Please avoid hints/spoilers for the latest Star Wars film.

    Some of us haven't seen it yet.

    Plucky rebels.

    Evil Empire/whatever.

    The Force.

    Big plot twist.

    Oh I know. Basically every SW film is a very long chase scene with some big set pieces and wooden dialogue.

    "You can type this s**t, George, but you sure can't say it!" - H. Ford
    "What I didn't tell Lucas was that I just couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I'd had enough of the mumbo jumbo" - Sir Alec Guinness
    Yes but Guinness shrewdly had already agreed to a deal to get 2.25% of the profits for the original Star Wars movie, meaning he had already made about $75 million from the mumbo jumbo by the time he gave it up.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    This is neither the time nor the plaice for so much fishyness.

    Although I might have had ock-asion to have joined in.
  • Options
    Carolus_RexCarolus_Rex Posts: 1,414
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    Did Sir Bill Cash just call the President of France 'President Mackerel' ?

    He's poissoning the political debate.

    But is he in tuna with the electorate?

    No, he will flounder.
    He's more probably just a red herring.

    I know it's crap but it's the best I could come up with.
    That's enough fish puns

    -fin-
    Are you saying we should scale back on them?
    just skate around them please. they're a load of cods.
    I'll see if I can come up with some otter good aquatic puns instead.

    I'll get my coat.
    I was toying with a pun on fish and chips and cashing in.

    But I thought batter of it.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992

    HYUFD said:

    So Leave would win a landslide if rejoining the Euro was a condition of EU reentry.

    In any case Italy may be having a referendum on the Euro itself in a year or two if, as polls predict, 5* win most seats in the Italian general election in May and the EU do not make the concessions they want.
    It wouldn't be a condition. But it's probably a good measure of the level of hardcore Remain sentiment. The +6 figure probably reflects the hardening polarisation.

    I may be wrong, but I don't think 5* would get a majority in Parliament for that - they may well be largest party (it's close but they are inching ahead) but I doubt if there is a big partner who would back them on that.

    33% would consider joining a Federal EU and the Eurozone, 67% would not, which I think makes the single market or EFTA the only viable longer-term options for the UK.

    Berlusconi has made noises about a parallel currency to the Euro for Italy before but whether he would agree to a referendum on the Euro is another matter.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231
    HYUFD said:

    rpjs said:

    rcs1000 said:


    Please avoid hints/spoilers for the latest Star Wars film.

    Some of us haven't seen it yet.

    Plucky rebels.

    Evil Empire/whatever.

    The Force.

    Big plot twist.

    Oh I know. Basically every SW film is a very long chase scene with some big set pieces and wooden dialogue.

    "You can type this s**t, George, but you sure can't say it!" - H. Ford
    "What I didn't tell Lucas was that I just couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I'd had enough of the mumbo jumbo" - Sir Alec Guinness
    Yes but Guinness shrewdly had already agreed to a deal to get 2.25% of the profits for the original Star Wars movie, meaning he had already made about $75 million from the mumbo jumbo by the time he gave it up.
    Don't exaggerate. It was £15 million. In the one entry Star Wars has in Blessings In Disguise, Guinness also commented that two thirds of it went in tax. Not that I would have turned my nose up at £5 million.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    Polruan said:

    Did Sir Bill Cash just call the President of France 'President Mackerel' ?

    He's poissoning the political debate.

    But is he in tuna with the electorate?

    No, he will flounder.
    He's more probably just a red herring.

    I know it's crap but it's the best I could come up with.
    That's enough fish puns

    -fin-
    Are you saying we should scale back on them?
    just skate around them please. they're a load of cods.
    I'll see if I can come up with some otter good aquatic puns instead.

    I'll get my coat.
    I was toying with a pun on fish and chips and cashing in.

    But I thought batter of it.
    Well, at least you're not down to the crumbs.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

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    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060
    edited December 2017
    Dura_Ace said:

    TGOHF said:

    Merry Xmas - can all remainers including A. Meeks please prostrate themselves on the ground, flog themselves and apologise for this on behalf of the cult of remainerdom please ?

    https://twitter.com/TelePolitics/status/943468793208102912

    That's about 1% of the abuse he deserves.
    Last January I went into hospital for a rigid cystoscopy. When I woke up the surgeon told me that he had removed several small tumours: the bladder cancer I thought I had beaten a few years ago was back. I’ve just recovered from my fourth general anaesthetic of the year and I’m expecting more next year as well as continuing immunotherapy.

    Don’t ever wish anyone cancer. It is not funny.
  • Options
    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 53,985
    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
  • Options
    FF43FF43 Posts: 15,710

    HYUFD said:

    So Leave would win a landslide if rejoining the Euro was a condition of EU reentry.

    In any case Italy may be having a referendum on the Euro itself in a year or two if, as polls predict, 5* win most seats in the Italian general election in May and the EU do not make the concessions they want.
    It wouldn't be a condition. But it's probably a good measure of the level of hardcore Remain sentiment. The +6 figure probably reflects the hardening polarisation.

    I may be wrong, but I don't think 5* would get a majority in Parliament for that - they may well be largest party (it's close but they are inching ahead) but I doubt if there is a big partner who would back them on that.

    Italy is an unhappy country at the moment.

    Berlusconi-ish Italy is the country Brexit Britain is most likely to resemble IMO. Not Greece and certainly not Singapore. It sort of works but the 1% a year cumulative underperform takes its toll after a decade or so. Probably also the same level of influence.

  • Options
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    It contained the best scene in James Bond history, nay, cinematic history.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE1evIbc3mw
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992
    edited December 2017
    FF43 said:

    HYUFD said:

    So Leave would win a landslide if rejoining the Euro was a condition of EU reentry.

    In any case Italy may be having a referendum on the Euro itself in a year or two if, as polls predict, 5* win most seats in the Italian general election in May and the EU do not make the concessions they want.
    It wouldn't be a condition. But it's probably a good measure of the level of hardcore Remain sentiment. The +6 figure probably reflects the hardening polarisation.

    I may be wrong, but I don't think 5* would get a majority in Parliament for that - they may well be largest party (it's close but they are inching ahead) but I doubt if there is a big partner who would back them on that.

    Italy is an unhappy country at the moment.

    Berlusconi-ish Italy is the country Brexit Britain is most likely to resemble IMO. Not Greece and certainly not Singapore. It sort of works but the 1% a year cumulative underperform takes its toll after a decade or so. Probably also the same level of influence.

    Italy is still a G7 nation and the 8th largest economy in the world, there are worse fates than being Italy. Though we also have the City of London which Italy does not have, even if we don't have their sunshine, food and cultural gems like Rome, Florence and Siena
  • Options
    MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,607

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    In gaming we call it the Sonic Cycle:

    image

    Named after Sonic the Hedgehog, of course.
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,422
    edited December 2017
    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    What annoys me is that, quite rightly, you get fined and points for using a mobile whilst in control of a car, but holding a piece of burning paper and tobacco doesn't attract the same level of opprobrium.

    I'm quite proud* that all the points on my licence are for speeding and nothing to do with use of mobiles.

    *Not the right adjective I know.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    Casino Royale was Fleming's first James Bond book anyway
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,274
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    calum said:

    calum said:
    Pretty much in line with all the other polls there have been except unlike most of the others this shows a slight rise in support for the separatists, though still less than 50%. In general, polls have shown the separatist vote share falling slightly.

    One straw in the wind is that there have been increasing attacks from the separatist side about vote rigging and intimidation, Does this indicate that they think they may fail to prevail and that they are getting their excuses in early? We'll see.

    For what it's worth I think that the separatist bloc will get a majority of the seats but less than 50% of the vote and that we are heading for a stalemate in the stand-off. The quickest way to a solution is a change of government in Madrid.

    Another interesting aspect is that the undecideds are still running pretty high - FWIW I think the result will end up being more decisive than what the opinion polls are showing. I wouldn't be surprised to see Puigdemont's List topping the poll - currently 10/1 on Betfair - and the PP ending up below the 5% level at which they get seats under the D'Hondt Method.

    The National have another poll coming out later based on todays data, which might show how the undecideds are starting to break.

    I would be genuinely surprised if the separatists get over 50%, but I would not rule it out. I have always thought that a higher than usual turnout would favour the constitutional parties as it is the pro-Spain vote that has traditionally sat-out Catalan elections. However, if the independence parties do get over 50% it is hard to see how Rajoy can carry on as Spanish PM as his gamble would have failed totally and he will have lost a huge amount of credibility internationally. PP will definitely lose seats - most transferred to Ciutadans - and could well fall below the threshold.

    Polling in Catalonia is very difficult as even the language in which polls are conducted will make a difference to who responds and the Unionist vote is very concentrated in and around Barcelona.

    Rajoy of course won't resign even if the separatists get a majority, he is as stubborn as the rest of the PP. Plus on the latest national polls the PP is still ahead. It would just mean the Catalan situation is back to square 1 again, Madrid v Barcelona.
    The problem with Catalonia is that the separatists can get 42-46% in the polls, but get the majority of the seats in the regional parliament.
    Compared to our system where you can get a healthy majority with just 35% of the vote (2005) ??
  • Options
    Mr. Max, ha, not heard that Sonic Cycle before, but I am familiar with the sentiment.

    Looks like I bailed at the right time (which was about 1993).
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,992
    edited December 2017
    ydoethur said:

    HYUFD said:

    rpjs said:

    rcs1000 said:


    Please avoid hints/spoilers for the latest Star Wars film.

    Some of us haven't seen it yet.

    Plucky rebels.

    Evil Empire/whatever.

    The Force.

    Big plot twist.

    Oh I know. Basically every SW film is a very long chase scene with some big set pieces and wooden dialogue.

    "You can type this s**t, George, but you sure can't say it!" - H. Ford
    "What I didn't tell Lucas was that I just couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I'd had enough of the mumbo jumbo" - Sir Alec Guinness
    Yes but Guinness shrewdly had already agreed to a deal to get 2.25% of the profits for the original Star Wars movie, meaning he had already made about $75 million from the mumbo jumbo by the time he gave it up.
    Don't exaggerate. It was £15 million. In the one entry Star Wars has in Blessings In Disguise, Guinness also commented that two thirds of it went in tax. Not that I would have turned my nose up at £5 million.
    At the time of first release it was 3.3 million, over the years that rose to 50 to 75 million (Guinness died 23 years after the first film was shown in cinemas).
    https://www.quora.com/How-much-were-the-original-actors-in-Star-Wars-paid-and-how-much-were-they-paid-for-the-latest-film
  • Options
    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503
    Good afternoon all.

    There's been a terrible outbreak of grouper think on here. I'm not angry, just disappointed.

    I see we've had a resumption of the Brexit phoney wars, with dire warnings of this and that. I do feel it loses impact after a while.
  • Options
    TheWhiteRabbitTheWhiteRabbit Posts: 12,388
    edited December 2017
    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    What annoys me is that, quite rightly, you get fined and points for using a mobile whilst in control of a car, but holding a piece of burning paper and tobacco doesn't attract the same level of opprobrium.

    I'm quite proud* that all the points on my licence are for speeding and nothing to do with use of mobiles.

    *Not the right adjective I know.
    My father would never dream of phoning while driving. Or drinking and driving.

    But he does light his pipe while driving.

    I know which one I think is more dangerous.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    What annoys me is that, quite rightly, you get fined and points for using a mobile whilst in control of a car, but holding a piece of burning paper and tobacco doesn't attract the same level of opprobrium.

    I'm quite proud* that all the points on my licence are for speeding and nothing to do with use of mobiles.

    *Not the right adjective I know.
    My father would never dream of phoning while driving. Or drinking and driving.

    But he does light his pipe while driving.

    I know which one I think is more dangerous.
    Especially for the passengers.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
    But why leave your engine running when you are parked up? Just creates yet more pollution.
  • Options

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
    But why leave your engine running when you are parked up? Just creates yet more pollution.
    Keep your radio playing?

    If its cold/hot keep the heating/air-con on?
  • Options

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
  • Options
    PolruanPolruan Posts: 2,083
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
    I'm not sure that being in a parking space off the public highway with the engine running would count. The driver in the case linked was in slow moving and stationary traffic (i.e. on the road and moving sometimes) on a road with lots of pedestrian and cycle traffic so it's a different situation.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
    But why leave your engine running when you are parked up? Just creates yet more pollution.
    In all but the most modern cars, you lose more fuel starting the engine than keeping it ticking over for 5 minutes.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    You are correct. It's one reason why I think this law is a blunt instrument.
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    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    Skyfall is a great Bond film too.

    All the Daniel Craig ones have been - apart from Quantum of Solace and the turd that was SPECTRE.

  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231
    TGOHF said:

    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    Skyfall is a great Bond film too.

    All the Daniel Craig ones have been - apart from Quantum of Solace and the turd that was SPECTRE.

    That's 50% of them isn't it?
  • Options
    TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    ydoethur said:

    TGOHF said:

    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    Skyfall is a great Bond film too.

    All the Daniel Craig ones have been - apart from Quantum of Solace and the turd that was SPECTRE.

    That's 50% of them isn't it?
    A clear majority :)

  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,231
    edited December 2017
    TGOHF said:

    ydoethur said:

    TGOHF said:

    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    You can also say exactly the same about every new James Bond film
    Except Casino Royale.

    That was 'da bomb.
    Skyfall is a great Bond film too.

    All the Daniel Craig ones have been - apart from Quantum of Solace and the turd that was SPECTRE.

    That's 50% of them isn't it?
    A clear majority :)

    I don't think even Jeremy Corbyn would claim that :smiley:
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    AndrewAndrew Posts: 2,900
    rcs1000 said:


    Wasn't the Duke of Edinburgh rumoured to be James Hewitt's dad?

    Wait what??? I'm seriously out of date on my conspiracy theories then.
  • Options
    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    ydoethur said:

    That's 50% of them isn't it?

    Would you believe in runtime, Casino Royal and Skyfall represent 52% of the Craig Bond films...
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    Watching the 6 o'clock news, looks like Hammond has got himself a job as Tezzie's joke writer.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,612
    Scott_P said:

    ydoethur said:

    That's 50% of them isn't it?

    Would you believe in runtime, Casino Royal and Skyfall represent 52% of the Craig Bond films...
    Craig Bond? Do you mean this chap...

    https://uk.linkedin.com/in/craig-bond-92510625
  • Options
    tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,190

    Watching the 6 o'clock news, looks like Hammond has got himself a job as Tezzie's joke writer.

    It was a pretty rubbish comeback.
  • Options

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,274
    Polruan said:

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    "A Conservative MP who spoke out against using phones behind the wheel has been banned from driving for six months after being caught texting."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-42430207

    Well, fair enough. Breaks the law, gets fine and ban.

    Have to say though that if the facts are as reported the law is a bit of an ass. If he was stationary, then where's the risk in using a phone?

    AIUI the law says if you are 'in charge' of a car, and you use your phone, that's an offence. But what constitutes 'in charge' of a car? Sitting in the passenger seat with the engine running while the driver posts a letter? Sitting in the driving seat with the engine off? Having a set of keys on or near you (in which case I am in charge of a car 24/7).

    I'm fully in favour of this law for safety reasons but I do think there's a lack of common sense in the way it's applied at times.
    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.
    But, if you pull over into motorway services to make a call, leaving the engine running, you are breaking the law as it stands. But the risk you are causing is zero.
    I'm not sure that being in a parking space off the public highway with the engine running would count. The driver in the case linked was in slow moving and stationary traffic (i.e. on the road and moving sometimes) on a road with lots of pedestrian and cycle traffic so it's a different situation.
    Isn't leaving the engine running whilst parked an offence in itself, now?
  • Options
    CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Charles said:

    ydoethur said:

    Just back from The Last Jedi.

    Have ordered an extra-large pizza with double pineapple topping.

    Seriously, does nobody at Disney ever have a new fecking idea? Nothing radical or surprising that they could spring on us? Nothing at all?

    image
    Is that the otter from Alien?
    A Porg, from the latest Start Wars film.
    I was highlighting disneys lack of crativity
  • Options

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
    I know someone who returned to his car after a concert and having drunk decided to sleep it off in the car rather than drive home. Got woken up by Police knocking on the window, was arrested, prosecuted and banned from driving.
  • Options
    Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 30,942
    edited December 2017

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
    I know someone who returned to his car after a concert and having drunk decided to sleep it off in the car rather than drive home. Got woken up by Police knocking on the window, was arrested, prosecuted and banned from driving.
    Yep, having done a bit of a google trawl it seems there are lots of examples of this.
  • Options
    felixfelix Posts: 15,124

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    In the states Deborah in 'Everybody loves Raymond' was convicted solely because she was in the driving seat with the engine off.
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    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
    I know someone who returned to his car after a concert and having drunk decided to sleep it off in the car rather than drive home. Got woken up by Police knocking on the window, was arrested, prosecuted and banned from driving.
    Yep, having done a bit of a google trawl it seems there are lots of examples of this.
    I'm not sure saying you're as guilty for sleeping it off as you are for driving is the right idea for a law. To me it encourages people to drive anyway if drunk as the sooner you get home the less likely you are to get caught.
  • Options

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
    I know someone who returned to his car after a concert and having drunk decided to sleep it off in the car rather than drive home. Got woken up by Police knocking on the window, was arrested, prosecuted and banned from driving.
    Yep, having done a bit of a google trawl it seems there are lots of examples of this.
    I'm not sure saying you're as guilty for sleeping it off as you are for driving is the right idea for a law. To me it encourages people to drive anyway if drunk as the sooner you get home the less likely you are to get caught.
    Oh I agree. It seems an idiotic interpretation of the law.
  • Options
    tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,190

    Difficult cases make bad law.

    99% of the time it is clear.

    Engine off = no-one in control.

    Engine on = normally the driver, unless they are a provisional licence holder only, in which case the supervising person.

    Are you sure about that? I thought that switching the engine off might not be sufficient to avoid being seen as in control (which seems barmy, but that was my understanding).
    I was under the impression that for the purposes of Drunk in Charge of a vehicle, merely having the keys and being adjacent to or in the vehicle was counted as being in charge. Or is that an old wives tale?
    I know someone who returned to his car after a concert and having drunk decided to sleep it off in the car rather than drive home. Got woken up by Police knocking on the window, was arrested, prosecuted and banned from driving.
    Yep, having done a bit of a google trawl it seems there are lots of examples of this.
    I'm not sure saying you're as guilty for sleeping it off as you are for driving is the right idea for a law. To me it encourages people to drive anyway if drunk as the sooner you get home the less likely you are to get caught.
    I think they are different laws. One is drink driving, the other is drunk in charge of a motor vehicle. I think the key thing is, do we think someone who sleeps it off in the car has either driven the vehicle before that point or will drive the vehicle before they are below the legal limit?
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    AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670
    MaxPB said:

    There seems to be a Star Wars cycle.

    A new film is trailed. Everyone gets very excited. Geeks endlessly analyse it for clues.

    The new film release date is announced. TV adverts are overwhelmed with Star Wars merchandising tie-ins. A&E is overwhelmed with hyperventiliating fanboys.

    The new film comes out. The ultra-dedicated attend midnight releases. Children are dressed as Ewoks. Gay men are dressed as Princess Leia.

    It comes out to rave reviews in all the newspapers. The public pour through the ticket halls to see this phenomenon.

    Everyone who actually sees it then decides it's a huge disappointment, that the franchise is waning and hopes that the next one will be a return to form.

    In gaming we call it the Sonic Cycle:

    image

    Named after Sonic the Hedgehog, of course.
    Except Sonic was never good. There are no good sonic games.
  • Options

    NEW THREAD

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    MetatronMetatron Posts: 193
    Daniel Craig Bond movies are increasingly aimed at a metropolitan group who do not like traditional Bond movies.Rather like the forthcoming new Royal Princess who is popular with Republicans.
  • Options
    The Strange case of the missing "Leavers are all a bunch of c*£"%s" thread.
This discussion has been closed.