Source: (consider it)
|
Thread: Inquire Within: general questions
|
Piglet
Islander
# 11803
|
Posted
I'm a sort of Imelda Marcos wannabe - I love shoes - and I rotate them quite a bit, so they tend to last quite a while (it's not that long since I finally ditched a pair of shoes that I bought just after moving here 12 years ago). I understand it's not very good for your feet to wear the same shoes every day anyway, so rotating them isn't such a daft idea.
I've found that several of my recent purchases of shoes and boots have had dangerously slippery soles/heels, and have taken them, brand new, to the cobbler to have what I call traction control fitted, which probably increases their potential life-span (and stops me falling over ... ).
-------------------- I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander. alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061
|
Posted
Frankly, it all depends upon the quality of the shoe. Shoes (even dress shoes) designed for comfort and walking last tons longer than shoes designed solely to be fashionable.
-------------------- Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page
Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Gwai: If you are a woman who walks moderate distances regularly and generally wears one pair of dress shoes most days,* how long do you expect your shoes to last? I've been told my expectations are too high.
A year to two years. I find they split somewhere after a while - maybe the sole but more likely the upper lining will start to detach from the rest of the shoe.
I have difficulty finding shoes that fit at a price I'm willing to pay so when I find a pair that work, I tend to live in them. My new replacement pair are depressingly a bit wobbly, even though they're flat shoes, and I've nearly turned an ankle in them a few times already. That will go as they get more worn down but can be an annoying feature of new shoes.
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Ariel: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Gwai: I have difficulty finding shoes that fit at a price I'm willing to pay
If you are trying to find shoes that will fit your feet and orthopaedic insoles s well you would find that the word difficult you used actually means easy for me.
There is only one shoe shop in the whole of Leeds that sells smart shoes I can wear, and they only have one design. That's what I buy.
Casual shoes are easier, but have to lace up all the way down the front. I'm not trying to be trendy buying Converse, it is one of the few designs that fit. But they are not cheep for simple canvas pumps. I wish there was an affordable option.
-------------------- Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Penny S
Shipmate
# 14768
|
Posted
I had some boots that developed a fault, so I took them back to the shop. "You have been walking in them, madam," they said, refusing any compensation. (You know that way of saying "madam", that isn't polite at all?)
Posts: 5833 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged
|
|
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061
|
Posted
I have found that it is a false economy to buy shoes that are too cheap. Unless they are purely for show, a well-made shoe is worth the money. If you know exactly the brand, style, and size you want, it is worth looking on Ebay.
-------------------- Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page
Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Huia
Shipmate
# 3473
|
Posted
On the original TV series - what was the name of Lady Penelope's manservant please?
For some reason this has been bugging me.
Huia
-------------------- Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.
Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Sioni Sais
Shipmate
# 5713
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Firenze: Parker?
Yus, milady.
-------------------- "He isn't Doctor Who, he's The Doctor"
(Paul Sinha, BBC)
Posts: 24276 | From: Newport, Wales | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sandemaniac
Shipmate
# 12829
|
Posted
Apparently also the voice of Peppa Pig's grandfather...
AG
-------------------- "It becomes soon pleasantly apparent that change-ringing is by no means merely an excuse for beer" Charles Dickens gets it wrong, 1869
Posts: 3574 | From: The wardrobe of my soul | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Eigon
Shipmate
# 4917
|
Posted
The same actor, now in his eighties, is playing Parker in the new Thunderbirds series (the model work is by Weta, so it's really very good, and CGI means that the Tracy brothers can now walk about convincingly). I haven't seen it yet, but I'm told there's an episode where the new Lady Penelope's aunt (played by Sylvia Anderson, the original Lady Penelope) appears, and includes the immortal lines: "'Ome, milady?" "Home, Parker."
-------------------- Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind.
Posts: 3710 | From: Hay-on-Wye, town of books | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Penny S
Shipmate
# 14768
|
Posted
Call that convincing? A convincing imitation of a puppet's walk, maybe.
Posts: 5833 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged
|
|
Mamacita
Lakefront liberal
# 3659
|
Posted
A couple of years ago, SoF (the magazine) linked to a video telling of the Christmas story, set in modern Palestine. Mary and Joseph hitched a ride from a truck driver, she gave birth in a garage ... Well, I need to find that for a colleague and have no idea where to look. Does anyone know where I might dig this up on the internet?
-------------------- Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
Posts: 20761 | From: where the purple line ends | Registered: Dec 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Mamacita
Lakefront liberal
# 3659
|
Posted
That's the one, CK! Thanks!!
-------------------- Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
Posts: 20761 | From: where the purple line ends | Registered: Dec 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Moo
Ship's tough old bird
# 107
|
Posted
I hope someone can help me with this.
I picked up a Sabatier electric knife sharpener at a yard sale; of course there were no instructions.
It has two slots, and I'm not sure which is for ordinary knives and which is for serrated edges. I suspect that the left slot is for ordinary knives and the right for serrated, but I don't know how to be sure.
Does anyone have any information or suggestions?
Moo
-------------------- Kerygmania host --------------------- See you later, alligator.
Posts: 20365 | From: Alleghany Mountains of Virginia | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
L'organist
Shipmate
# 17338
|
Posted
The two slots are nothing to do with smooth or serrated edges. One slot has a ceramic insert for day-to-day honing; the other has a tungsten-carbide insert which is for really blunt knives which have lost all of their 'edge'.
IMO these electric sharpeners are of limited use - unless you are very careful it can be all too easy to wreck your knives. You'd be better off getting a good steel and learning to use it properly.
Failing that, ask your butcher if he will sharpen your knives for you.
-------------------- Rara temporum felicitate ubi sentire quae velis et quae sentias dicere licet
Posts: 4950 | From: somewhere in England... | Registered: Sep 2012
| IP: Logged
|
|
lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
|
Posted
Moo, do not use the electric sharpener on serrated knives! I do not know of an electric sharpener suitable for serrated. They will damage the knife. Serrated are typically sharpened with a triangular or rod shaped implement. And perpendicular to the length of the blade, instead of parallel as with a typical edge. A quick search can show you how and with what. What L'organist said is correct regarding material. Carbide for re-establishing an edge, ceramic for maintaining it. But keep your serrated well away from that mechanical beast.
-------------------- I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sparrow
Shipmate
# 2458
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Eigon: The same actor, now in his eighties, is playing Parker in the new Thunderbirds series (the model work is by Weta, so it's really very good, and CGI means that the Tracy brothers can now walk about convincingly). I haven't seen it yet, but I'm told there's an episode where the new Lady Penelope's aunt (played by Sylvia Anderson, the original Lady Penelope) appears, and includes the immortal lines: "'Ome, milady?" "Home, Parker."
I've been looking out for this, when is it on?
-------------------- For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life,nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Posts: 3149 | From: Bottom right hand corner of the UK | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Wet Kipper
Circus Runaway
# 1654
|
Posted
8:00 am on Saturdays, on ITV
or you can watch previous episodes on the itvPlayer here
I think they might get repeated on the Citv channel
-------------------- - insert randomly chosen, potentially Deep and Meaningful™ song lyrics here -
Posts: 9841 | From: further up the Hill | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
marzipan
Shipmate
# 9442
|
Posted
I think the gardening thread has been composted, so random question - if I want to plant flowers/other things to attract bees, butterflies, other pollinators, what flowers (annuals) would be best for a small garden (no buddleia - I know it's great for butterflies but we'll never get rid of it!) I've seen various 'wild flower seed' mixes - are they any good? Ideally this year I'm looking for something I can just let grow and the bees will be happy and then next year I can plan properly
-------------------- formerly cheesymarzipan. Now containing 50% less cheese
Posts: 917 | From: nowhere in particular | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
marzipan
Shipmate
# 9442
|
Posted
thanks, I can pick from those lists! I like buddleias, they're very pretty, but our garden is flagstones so if we get one buddleia we'll have a dozen in every crack before I know it (I used to live in a second floor flat that had a buddleia growing out of the wall by the door - they get everywhere if you let them!)
-------------------- formerly cheesymarzipan. Now containing 50% less cheese
Posts: 917 | From: nowhere in particular | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Wesley J
Silly Shipmate
# 6075
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by marzipan: I think the gardening thread has been composted [...]
-------------------- Be it as it may: Wesley J will stay. --- Euthanasia, that sounds good. An alpine neutral neighbourhood. Then back to Britain, all dressed in wood. Things were gonna get worse. (John Cooper Clarke)
Posts: 7354 | From: The Isles of Silly | Registered: May 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
|
Posted
You could always start a new gardening thread and see if it blooms. It is the growing season and there may be other gardeners/allotment folk who might like to drop by.
I have several lavender plants in my allotment which are coming into flower so that should help the bees. They also like the thyme. However, these aren't annuals but you can grow them in pots if portability is an issue. [ 28. May 2015, 19:39: Message edited by: Ariel ]
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Penny S
Shipmate
# 14768
|
Posted
As a result of this thread, I have now been able to buy a copy of "The Country Diary Book of Creating a Butterfly Garden" by E J M Warren off ebay. Other copies are available. It might be helpful. It was written by the teacher of the eight-year-old me, who drummed Marion Richardson handwriting into me and got me working at school. She would take us out on nature walks.
Posts: 5833 | Registered: May 2009
| IP: Logged
|
|
Eigon
Shipmate
# 4917
|
Posted
Sparrow - we saw the first (double) episode of Thunderbirds on Saturday afternoon on Easter weekend, and I think the rest of the episodes were on children's BBC on Saturdays, too. I watched on iPlayer.
-------------------- Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind.
Posts: 3710 | From: Hay-on-Wye, town of books | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sparrow
Shipmate
# 2458
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Eigon: Sparrow - we saw the first (double) episode of Thunderbirds on Saturday afternoon on Easter weekend, and I think the rest of the episodes were on children's BBC on Saturdays, too. I watched on iPlayer.
Yes, I saw that one and then it seemed to disappear.
-------------------- For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life,nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Posts: 3149 | From: Bottom right hand corner of the UK | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Pomona
Shipmate
# 17175
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by marzipan: I think the gardening thread has been composted, so random question - if I want to plant flowers/other things to attract bees, butterflies, other pollinators, what flowers (annuals) would be best for a small garden (no buddleia - I know it's great for butterflies but we'll never get rid of it!) I've seen various 'wild flower seed' mixes - are they any good? Ideally this year I'm looking for something I can just let grow and the bees will be happy and then next year I can plan properly
Borage, lavender and thyme in pots (some climbing varieties of thyme work well in hanging baskets), rosemary is popular with bees too. Corn/field poppies work well and will grow on all types of soil.
-------------------- Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? [Ecclesiastes 7:13]
Posts: 5319 | From: UK | Registered: Jun 2012
| IP: Logged
|
|
Nenya
Shipmate
# 16427
|
Posted
I'm growing wild flower seeds in the patch I attempted vegetables with last year and they are just starting to sprout. I'm looking forward to a riot of colour later in the year.
-------------------- They told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn.
Posts: 1289 | Registered: May 2011
| IP: Logged
|
|
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
|
Posted
I'm looking forward to someone starting a separate gardening thread.
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Huia
Shipmate
# 3473
|
Posted
Your wish is my command Ariel.
-------------------- Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.
Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Ariel
Shipmate
# 58
|
Posted
Thank you for that and the excellent choice of title
Posts: 25445 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Frankly My Dear
Shipmate
# 18072
|
Posted
Please help !!
There's a special word for when the soprano in a choir holds a particularly dramatic 'top line', towards the end of the piece -- It's driving me mad, because it's completely escaped me ..
Posts: 108 | From: Telford, Shropshire, UK | Registered: Apr 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
georgiaboy
Shipmate
# 11294
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Frankly My Dear: Please help !!
There's a special word for when the soprano in a choir holds a particularly dramatic 'top line', towards the end of the piece -- It's driving me mad, because it's completely escaped me ..
Sounds like a 'diva moment' to me, but perhaps you had something more technical in mind.
-------------------- You can't retire from a calling.
Posts: 1675 | From: saint meinrad, IN | Registered: Apr 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061
|
Posted
In the US there is a thing called StoryCorps. You can go there and record your story, or some important episode of your life. It is a ginormous archive of spoken American reminiscence.
Is there an equivalent in the UK? I am thinking particularly of veterans, with their incomparable WW2 and possibly even WW1 reminiscences.
-------------------- Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page
Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Frankly My Dear
Shipmate
# 18072
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by Gwai: Not a descant?
That's the one! Phew - thanks!
Posts: 108 | From: Telford, Shropshire, UK | Registered: Apr 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061
|
Posted
Thank you, Curiosity, exactly what I need.
-------------------- Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page
Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
BessLane
Shipmate
# 15176
|
Posted
Can you put an electric blanket through the washing machine? One of my wonderful ( and up for adoption) cats up-chucked on mine.
-------------------- It's all on me and I won't tell it. formerly BessHiggs
Posts: 1388 | From: Yorkville, TN | Registered: Sep 2009
| IP: Logged
|
|
Brenda Clough
Shipmate
# 18061
|
Posted
There should be a label on the blanket that tells you. I have washed mine in the machine, on gentle, cold water. All the plugs, controls, etc. are unplugged and do not go in, but the wires sewn into the blanket should be OK.
-------------------- Science fiction and fantasy writer with a Patreon page
Posts: 6378 | From: Washington DC | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Huia
Shipmate
# 3473
|
Posted
First some background - I am a technopeasant*
Ok, my current problem is this - I have re-discovered music I bought an MP3 player so I can take it with me and have now learnt how to load it with my favourite CDs. I was also thinking of buying an ipod nano so I can download some itunes that are not available in any other format. Some stuff I found said that ipods are being phased out.
Does anyone know if this is true? I don't want to get an expensive iPhone so I can use that because I am death to cell phones which is why I only buy basics.
if ipods are phased out would I still be able to use one or will iTunes no longer exist?
Sorry this is so muddled. I hope someone can decipher the questions and have a stab at answering them.
*Thanks to Uncle Pete for this term, which I hope he hasn't copyrighted
Huia - the incoherent.
-------------------- Charity gives food from the table, Justice gives a place at the table.
Posts: 10382 | From: Te Wai Pounamu | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Wet Kipper
Circus Runaway
# 1654
|
Posted
(someone more technomologicamusically will probably correct me, but..) you only need to buy an iPod nano if the songs you are downloading are only available in the apple "AAC" format - nowadays the store usually makes songs available in the normal mp3 format which you can use in any device.
and from what I recall, the only iPod being phased out was the "classic" which took huge Gb amounts of songs
-------------------- - insert randomly chosen, potentially Deep and Meaningful™ song lyrics here -
Posts: 9841 | From: further up the Hill | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
|
Posted
Apple spent billions acquiring Beats for its streaming capabilities. This is what they wish to promote. Why sell something once when you can convince people to pay installments forever? iPods can't stream on the go so they might go. But you can load MP3s onto,CDs, into other players and you can find programs which will convert AAC to whatever format you need.
-------------------- I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
North East Quine
Curious beastie
# 13049
|
Posted
I was at the theatre tonight. Most of the seats have small (3 inches x 2 inches) brass plates stating that they have been sponsored by a local company, or that they are named in memory of someone. My seat tonight had a Braille message.
How would a blind person find such a Braille message? The chances that a blind theatre goer would happen to end up sitting in a seat with a Braille message must be small. Moreover, why would a blind person run their fingers over the back of their seat on the off chance they might find a Braille message there?
I have seen Braille writing in other random locations and have wondered how blind people locate them?
Posts: 6414 | From: North East Scotland | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Moo
Ship's tough old bird
# 107
|
Posted
quote: Originally posted by North East Quine: How would a blind person find such a Braille message? <snip> ...why would a blind person run their fingers over the back of their seat on the off chance they might find a Braille message there?
I have seen Braille writing in other random locations and have wondered how blind people locate them?
I have wondered that for years. I am especially curious about how blind people find the Braille messages inside elevators.
Moo
-------------------- Kerygmania host --------------------- See you later, alligator.
Posts: 20365 | From: Alleghany Mountains of Virginia | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
|
Posted
I've wondered about Braille keypads on drive-through Automated Teller Machines.
-------------------- "...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe." ~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|