Anything !

An open Group where anything can be discussed by anybody, as long as you are polite, respect others opinions, and behave !!!

Open Loop 891

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Yet more old humour (Add yours as I'm running out - OK I'm not, but I need something new to read) (Edited)

      Disorder In The Court
      These are supposed to be true exchanges that have occured in various United States' Courts of Law. But who cares if they're true, as long as they're funny...
      Q: What is your date of birth?
      A: July fifteenth.
      Q: What year?
      A: Every year.

      Q: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
      A: Gucci sweats and Reeboks

      Q: This myasthenia gravis - does it affect your memory at all?
      A: Yes.
      Q: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
      A: I forget.
      Q: You forget. Can you give an example of something that you've forgotten?

      Q: How old is your son - the one living with you?
      A: Thirty-eight or thirty-five - I can't remember which.
      Q: How long has he lived with you?
      A: Forty-five years

      Q: What was the first thing that your husband said to you when he woke that morning?
      A: He said "Where am I, Cathy?"
      Q: And why did that upset you?
      A: My name is Susan.

      Q: And where was the location of the accident?
      A: Approximately milepost 499.
      Q: And where is milepost 499?
      A: Probably between milepost 498 and 500.

      Q: Sir, what is your IQ?
      A: Well, I can see pretty well, I think.

      Q: Did you blow your horn or anything?
      A: After the accident?
      Q: Before the accident.
      A: Sure, I played for ten years. I even went to school for it.

      Q: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in the voodoo or occult?
      A: We both do.
      Q: Voodoo?
      A: We do.
      Q: You do?
      A: Yes, voodoo.

      Q: Trooper, when you stopped the defendant, were your red and blue lights flashing?
      A: Yes.
      Q: Did the defendant say anything when she got out of her car?
      A: Yes sir.
      Q: What did she say?
      A: What disco am I at?

      Q: So the date of the conception of the baby was August 8th?
      A: Yes.
      Q: And what were you doing at that time?

      Q: You say the stairs went down to the basement?
      A: Yes.
      Q: And these stairs, did they go up also?

      Q: Mr. Slattery, you went on a rather elaborate honeymoon, didn't you?
      A: I went to Europe, sir.
      Q: And you took your new wife?

      Q: How was the first marriage terminated?
      A: By death.
      Q: And by whose death was it terminated?

      Q: Can you describe the individual?
      A: He was about medium height and had a beard.
      Q: Was this a male, or a female?

      Q: Is your appearance here this morning persuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
      A: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.

      Q: Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?
      A: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.

      Q: All your responses must be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
      A: Oral.

      Q: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
      A: The autopsy started around 8.30pm.
      Q: And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?
      A: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.

      Q: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?

      Q: You were shot in the fracas?
      A: No, I was shot midway between the fracas and the navel

      Q: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
      A: No.
      Q: Did you check for blood pressure?
      A: No.
      Q: Did you check for breathing?
      A: No.
      Q: So, it was possible that the patient was still alive when you began the autopsy?
      A: No.
      Q: How can you be so sure, doctor?
      A: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
      Q: But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?
      A: It is possible that he could have been alive and practising law somewhere.

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      It's January 24th...

      ... And I've just had a bee checking out the daffodils in my garden!!!

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Some more old humour...

      ... Please add yours.








      LIFE




      Summary of Life

      GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:

      1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats..
      2) When your Mum is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
      3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
      4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
      5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
      6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair..
      7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
      8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
      9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
      10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap..

      []

      GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

      1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree....
      2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
      3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
      4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground...
      5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
      6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.



      GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD

      1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional..
      2) Forget the health food I need all the preservatives I can get.
      3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
      4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
      5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
      6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician
      7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.


      THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

      1) You believe in Santa Claus.
      2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
      3) You are Santa Claus.
      4) You look like Santa Claus.


      SUCCESS:

      At age 4 success is . . . . not piddling in your pants.
      At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
      At age 17 success is . . having a driver's license.
      At age 35 success is . .. .having money.
      At age 50 success is . .. . having money.
      At age 70 success is . ... . having a drivers license.
      At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
      At age 80 success is . . . not piddling in your pants..

      Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way;
      BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.

      Have a wonderful day with many *smiles*

      Take the time to live!!!
      Life is too short.
      Dance naked. woo-hoo

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y

      Strictly for the birds

      Can anyone advise on best bird boxes please, for suburban garden?

      Regular visitors here are blue tits, great tits, long-tailed tits, goldfinches, wrens, and others.
      Which box works best?

      Recommended suppliers?

      Placement?

      All other comments gratefully received!

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y
    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Yet another Oldie (from an oldie)

      Transportation Changes and Threat Levels
      These are strange times with weird things occurring in the air travel and the international transportation industries. Most nations are making restrictive changes. Here is a summary:

      The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists themselves have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued "A Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the Great Fire of 1666.

      The Scots raised their threat level from "Nicked Off" to "Get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. For this reason they have been used on the front lines of the British army for the last 300 years.

      The first four Canadian threat levels are still “Contented,” “Awake,” “Alert” and “Worried.” Alone among western nations, they remain at “Contented.” They say it’s because the recent episode missed them so they don’t want to offend anyone by increasing Canadian security alertness. Their highest level, by the way, is “Time to visit the aunt in Fargo, North Dakota again. Eh?”

      The French government announced yesterday it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate." The increase was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability. It's not only the commonwealth and the French who are on a heightened level of security awareness, though.

      Italy has increased its alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Strike Elaborate Military Poses." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

      The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Proudly Lose."

      Belgians, on the other hand, are all away on their usual holidays, and the only threat they are worried about is of NATO pulling out of Brussels.

      The Spanish are excited to see their new class of submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed futuristic subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

      Americans, meanwhile, besides asking for underwear checks on all inbound flight passengers, are scheduling pre-emptive full-blown Air Force One presidential visits to all their allies, mostly just to keep everybody else busy and pre-occupied.

      New Zealand has raised its security levels from "baaa" to "BAAAA!" Due to continuing defence cutbacks (their Air Force being a lot of spotty teenagers flying paper airplanes and the Navy some lads with toy boats in the Prime Minister's bath), the Kiwis only have one more level of escalation, which is "Australia Will Probably Come and Rescue Us Again."

      Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No Worries" to "She'll Be Right, Mate." Three more escalation levels remain: "Crikey", "I Think We'll Need to Cancel the Barbie This Weekend" and "The Barbie is Cancelled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of "The Barbie is Cancelled."

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      More old alleged incidents!

      HOW MEN AMUSE THEMSELVES IN TESCO

      Proof of what can happen if a wife or girlfriend drags her husband or boyfriend along shopping

      This letter was actually sent by Tesco's Head Office to a customer in Oxford :


      Dear Mrs. Murray,

      Whilst we would like to thank you for your valued custom and use of the Tesco Loyalty Card, the Manager of our store in Banbury is considering banning you and your family from shopping with us, unless your
      Husband stops his antics.

      Below is a list of his actions over the past few months all verified by our surveillance cameras:

      1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's trolleys when they weren't looking.

      2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

      3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to feminine products aisle.

      4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, 'Code 3' in housewares..... And watched what happened.

      5. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

      6. September 15: Set up a tent in the outdoor clothing department and told shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring sausages and a Calorgas stove.

      7. September 23: When the Deputy Manager asked if she could help him, he began to cry and asked, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'

      8.. October 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, picked his nose, and ate it.

      9. October 10: While appearing to be choosing kitchen knives in the Housewares aisle asked an assistant if he knew where the antidepressants were.

      10. November 3: Darted around the store suspiciously, loudly humming the Mission Impossible' theme.

      11.November 6: In the kitchenware aisle, practised the 'Madonna look' using different size funnels.

      12. November 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed, yelled' PICK ME!' 'PICK ME!'

      13. November 21: When an announcement came over the loudspeaker, assumed the foetal position and screamed 'NO! NO! It's those voices again.'

      And; last, but not least:

      14. November 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited a while; then yelled, very loudly, 'There is no toilet paper in here.'

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Old but amusing

      These were (ALLEGEDLY) posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a great sense of humour (not to mention a low tolerance threshold for cretins!)

      __________________________________________________
      Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia ? I have never seen it rain on TV, how do the plants grow? ( UK ).

      A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.
      __________________________________________________
      Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? ( USA )
      A:Depends how much you've been drinking.
      __________________________________________________
      Q:I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks? ( Sweden)

      A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water.
      __________________________________________________
      Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia ? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane , Cairns , Townsville and Hervey Bay ? ( UK)
      A: What did your last slave die of?
      __________________________________________________
      Q:Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia ? ( USA )

      A: A-Fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe ...
      Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not
      ... Oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked.
      __________________________________________________
      Q:Which direction is North in Australia ? (USA )
      A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
      _________________________________________________
      Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia ? ( UK )


      A:Why? Just use your fingers like we do...
      __________________________________________________
      Q:Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )

      A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is
      Oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
      __________________________________________________

      Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? ( UK )


      A: You are a British politician, right?
      __________________________________________________

      Q:Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round? ( Germany )
      A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers.
      Milk is illegal.
      __________________________________________________

      Q:Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can Dispense rattlesnake serum. ( USA )

      A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from.
      All Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.
      __________________________________________________

      Q:I have a question about a famous animal in Australia , but I forget its name. It's a kind of bear and lives in trees. ( USA )
      A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them.
      You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.
      __________________________________________________

      Q:I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Australia ? (USA)

      A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
      __________________________________________________

      Q:Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? ( France )

      A: Only at Christmas.
      __________________________________________________

      Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )
      A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y

      Your local library is free

      Do you use it? Any good? ….and of course it's not free, we all pay for the library service, so is it worth it?

    • CliveF @CliveF Woolmer Green - updated 5y

      Looks like another nice sunny day......

      ......I can feel the warmth of the Sun through the window.........but deffo a bit nippy outside !!!
      when do you reckon the snow will arrive ?

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y

      WoKE!

      Currently hibernating but had a nightmare about missing out on being "woke".
      What is wokefulness?
      Is ignorance bliss??

      This discussion is now closed.

    • TerryS @TerryS Purbrook - updated 5y

      Danny MacAskill's Gymnasium

      If you're fed up with your usual gym routine, have a look at this.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAEBNEscL0c

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y
    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 5y
    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Which --- warning

      Cheap and cheerful Christmas lights could start a fire in your home.

      Almost 50% of Christmas lights we bought from third-party sellers through online marketplaces were unsafe. AliExpress, eBay and Wish each sold products that could electrocute you or cause a fire, the potentially devastating consequences of which are shown here.

      After repeatedly finding serious safety concerns across a range of products we’ve tested, we’re calling for an urgent strengthening of consumer protections for online marketplaces.

      Read more about our calls and check whether you’ve purchased these dangerous lights.
      https://conversation.which.co.uk/money/online-marketplace-regulation/?utm_source=whichcouk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=christmaslights161219

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Kid Inventors' Day Date

      in the current year: January 17, 2020
      Kid Inventors' Day Kid Inventors' Day is annually celebrated on January 17. The holiday honors all kids inventors around the world, who invented different things, that are common today.

      Kid Inventors' Day is celebrated on the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential politician in the history of the USA. The history of the holiday dates back to 1718, when young Ben stood on the edge of water and wished (like all boys do) he could swim faster. Ben didn't forget his dream and invented the first pair of swimming flippers. Back then Ben was only 12 years old, but his invention is a gift for all scuba and snorkeling divers.

      Braille system was also invented by a kid. The blind Louis Braille, 15, was frustrated with the “night system” of letters available to blind. He decided to improve the system and his new reading and writing system was named after him.

      There are lots of inventions, that were made by kids. Encourage kids to solve problems of their environment by different inventions. This is the reason why Kid Inventors' Day exists.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 5y

      Warning ----Travelex

      It was mentioned they kept it very quiet. Your personal data might be compromised incl. pass words and account numbers.
      The foreign currency specialist Travelex is reportedly being held to ransom by hackers who launched a cyber-attack a week ago that forced the firm to take down all of its global websites.7 Jan 2020

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y

      Feel like hibernating? (Edited)

      On grey cold dismal days do you feel like sleeping right through to Spring?
      Wouldn't fancy being a hedgehog though!
      What animal would you choose to be?

      This discussion is now closed.

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Catalytic Convertor Theft Alert

      Catalytic Convertor Theft Alert
      We have seen an increase in theft of catalytic converters (part of car exhaust) across Chiltern & South Bucks police area over the last 3 months in comparison with the same period last year.
      The most targeted vehicle (depending on model year) are Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, Honda Jazz, Lexus RX400. Manufacturers are working to reduce the risk by relocating them in engine bays rather than under the vehicle however some older models remain vulnerable to this type of theft (please check with your manufacturer / garage).
      Thieves target these types of car due to the higher content and therefore value of precious metal within the converter itself.
      Aftermarket products such as ‘CatClamp’ or ‘CatStrap’ are available (we cannot endorse any individual product so please carry out your own research).
      When leaving your vehicle for periods of time, please try to park where there is CCTV coverage and secure car parks if possible.
      If you are a victim of this type of theft, report it and take photos of the location within the car park or street
      Message Sent By
      Ian Stacey (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Administrator, Chiltern & South Bucks)

    • Terry @Terry4 Hornchurch - updated 5y

      Santander 123- time to ditch (Edited)

      When introduced some yrs ago it was a good account to have 3% interest paid Monthly so compounded, Cash back on Utility bills, ok paid £3 a month fee now £5, 2017 cut to 1.5%
      From Ist May 2020 dropping to !% so time to ditch move to Ford Money or Marcus paying 1.45%

    • ShirleyM @ShirleyM Camberley - updated 5y

      The killing of wildlife for Sport?

      How can this despicable activity continue and why can't it be banned? Our Wildlife is diminishing rapidly and I cannot see what pleasure those that participate get out of it! Seeing their grinning faces over their latest 'kill' makes me sick to my stomach!

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Which report (Edited)

      Cheap security cameras could be leaving your home exposed to hackers and snoopers.

      We found critical security flaws on six wireless cameras, despite all of them having thousands of apparently positive reviews and earning a coveted “Amazon’s Choice” recommendation.

      One security flaw included strangers being able to remotely take control of the camera to spy into homes. When reading through the comments on Amazon reviews, one father said he had chills down his spine after hearing a mysterious voice coming from a camera next to his child’s crib after it was apparently hacked.

      There appears to be little to no quality control with these substandard products. Amazon and other online marketplaces must improve the way they scrutinise products. Find out more about other security flaws and what you can do to protect your home.




    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Wikipedia Day Date in the current year: January 15, 2020

      Wikipedia Day Wikipedians know January 15 as Wikipedia Day. On this day in 2001 Wikipedia was launched by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger.

      Wikipedia's name was coined by Larry Sanger. He combined words wiki (from the Hawaiian “quick”) and pedia (from encyclopedia). The project initially was to be only English, but it became multilingual very quickly through the launch of different versions. All versions of Wikipedia are similar, though important differences exist, which concern editing practices and content. However English Wikipedia remains as the largest one.

      Today Wikipedia is one the biggest non-profit projects in the Internet. It is the sixth most popular website. It had got about 500 million unique visitors each month and boasted 18 billion pages as of February 2014.

      For several years Wikipedia Day was celebrated both online and offline. 2011 was the year of a big worldwide celebration. This tradition continued and Wikipedia Day is observed with diverse local meetings and wiki-events.

      Did you know, that January 15 is the date when WikiHow was founded? This day was chosen to honour Wikipedia Day.

    • Tony L @TonyL Epsom - updated 5y

      Possible phishing via LinkedIn

      I've just received a message via LInkedIn from someone I don't know in California.
      It was written in slightly broken English and says that she's seen my profile and wants to talk to me about a job opportunity. She included a link which is supposed to lead to a job spec.
      BUT
      It raises a lot of red flags in my mind. I don't click on unsolicited links and if it is genuine wouldn't want to discuss job opportunities with someone with such poor IT security skills.
      I suspect it's a phishing message.
      Beware if you use LinkedIn - This is the first time I've heard of possible phishing on the site but I'm sure it won't be the last.

    • Terry @Terry4 Hornchurch - updated 5y

      Who will lead the Labour Party ?

      Now we know who the 5 candidates are who out of the 5 do you think will become the leader.Keir Starmer,
      Rebecca Long Bailey, Lisa Nandy
      Jess Phillips
      Emily Thornberry

    • CliveF @CliveF Woolmer Green - updated 5y

      Strange what people find important in life !!!!

      Is it only me that has noticed that there have been at least 3 events in the last few weeks that could have precipitated us into World War Three, but all people are interested in moaning and commenting on is what Harry and Megan are doing !!!!

      This discussion is now closed.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Little things one comes across

      Review on an item-----Excellent 77% -----
      Great 13%----
      Average4%-----
      Poor2%----
      Bad5%----

    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Child Rescue Alert - PLEASE NOTE: THIS ALERT HAS BEEN CLOSED W. E. F. 03:30 14 JANUARY (Edited)

      KAMAREE JEFFREY
      Missing From: Croydon
      Date: 10/01/2020 09:00
      Circumstances of Disappearance:
      Missing Reference – 3801109/20 He was last on WELLESLEY ROAD, CROYDON having ran away instead of going to school. He is considered vulnerable due to learning needs. He is from the NEWHAM area with links to HACKNEY and DAGENHAM
      Child

      KAMAREE JEFFREY
      Age 15 Years
      Height 5'3
      Ethnic Appearance
      Gender Male
      5'3, slim build, with short black afro style hair, and brown eyes. He is wearing a black coat with fur around the hood, black trousers, a white shirt and black school uniform jumpe

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Christmas Customs of Sweden and Finland 13. January 2020

      St. Knut’s Day Date in the current year: January 13, 2020
      St. Knut’s Day In different cultures, the end of the Christmas and holiday season in marked with different holidays. While in some countries celebrations cease after New Year’s Day, others continue with the festivities until Epiphany or some other holiday. In Sweden and Finland, for example, the festive season ends on St. Knut’s Day, celebrated on January 13.

      Canute Lavard (Knud Lavard in Danish and Knut Levard in Swedish) was a chivalrous and popular Danish prince and the first Duke of Schleswig. He was assassinated by his cousin Magnus (who would later be crowned King Magnus I of Sweden) who wanted to usurp the Danish throne. Canute’s death provoked a civil war which was won by Canute’s posthumous son Valdemar, who was crowned King Valdemar I of Denmark.

      Canute’s fate and his son’s triumph lead to his canonization in 1170. The day of his death, January 7, became St. Knut’s Day. As St. Knut’s feast day roughly coincided with Epiphany celebrated on January 6, the two holidays became conflated to some degree. To prevent further conflation, St. Knut’s Day was moved to January 13 in 1680.

      Although Canute Lavard was a Danish prince, St. Knut’s Day is mostly celebrated in Sweden and Finland. In Sweden, the holiday is referred to as “Twentieth Day Yule” (Tjugondag jul) and marks the end of the holiday season. It is celebrated by taking down Christmas tree and organizing the so-called Knut’s parties.

      A Knut’s party or Knut’s dance is a Swedish tradition when the Christmas tree is stripped of decorations and taken out so that children can dance around the tree and eat the cookies and candies that decorated it. It has been observed since the end of the 19th century. In Swedish, the tradition is called Julgransplundring (“Christmas tree plundering”) or Julgransskakning (“Christmas tree shaking”).

      Knut’s parties are held mainly for children, both in private homes and in schools, kindergartens, churches, and other places. Activities include singing and dancing around the Christmas tree, stripping it of decorations, opening Christmas crackers, eating the gingerbread house, partaking in treasure hunts and various games. In many towns, outdoor Knut’s parties are held for the community near the public Christmas tree.

      During the 20th century, many people literally threw Christmas trees out of the window and onto the street once they had been stripped of ornaments. In recent years, local authorities have designated areas for dumping the trees, but illegal dumping still remains a problem.

      In Finland, St. Knut’s Day is known as Nuutinpäivä. Its most popular tradition, Nuuttipukki, is a type of mummers’ play. It originally involved young men dressed in inverted fur jackets and horned masks who went from house to house and demanded food and leftover alcoholic beverages from the household. Unlike Santa Claus, Nuutipukki was a scary character somewhat similar to Krampus. Today, the Nuuttipukki tradition is still preserved in some parts of Finland but it mostly involves children, reminding of Halloween trick-or-treating.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Love is better than hate ----celebrate Ginger Day 12. Jan.

      Kiss a Ginger Day is an informal holiday celebrated on January 12. It was created by Derek Forgie in opposition to “Kick a Ginger Day”. The main idea behind the observance is that it is much better to spread the love than to spread the hate.

      The South Park episode “Ginger Kids”, where Cartman delivers a hate speech against people with red hair, supposedly inspired “Kick a Ginger Day”. In 2008, a 14-year old student from Canada started a Facebook group dedicated to the idea of promoting November 20 as “National Kick a Ginger Day”. Some people took the idea literally, which resulted in redheaded students being assaulted based on their hair color. After Kick a Ginger Day was picked up on social media, similar incidents have happened in other parts of the world.

      The Kiss a Ginger Day campaign was launched in 2009 to combat bullying and to promote a much more peace-loving activity aimed towards gingers. Celebrating this amazing holiday is really easy! All you need to do is find one of this rare individuals (red hair occurs naturally in 1–2% of the human population) and offer them a kiss as an appreciation for their unique hair color. Of course, you must make sure first that you have their permission because consent is important. Or you can just tell them how amazing and stunning they are.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      International Thank You Day Date in the current year: January 11, 2020

      International Thank You Day Every year people all over the world celebrate International Thank You Day that falls on January 11. This celebration is the ideal opportunity to show your gratitude to people who make your days what they are.

      The origin of International Thank You Day is unclear. No one knows who established it and when. There is an opinion that greeting cards companies promoted this holiday to increase their sales. But this doesn't make the concept of International Thank You Day less appealing.

      Celebrate this day by showing your appreciation to people who make your life better and more beautiful. One single word can make people who surround you happier, isn't it great?

      Unfortunately we often forget to show gratitude to others. We think only about ourselves and don't notice all the things that relatives and friends do for us. Be polite, think of others and then simple “thank you” will make their day better.

      This day is considered as one of the most polite days. But don't forget thank all people who deserve it during the rest of the year.

    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 5y
    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 5y
    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Margaret Thatcher

      Day in the Falkland Islands Date in the current year: January 10, 2020
      Margaret Thatcher Day in the Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. Although it is a British overseas territory, Argentine has maintained a claim to the islands since the early 19th century. The two countries even fought a war over the Falklands in 1982. In the Falkland Islands, there are two holidays commemorating the war: Liberation Day (June 14) and Margaret Thatcher Day (January 10).

      The British, the French and the Spanish all claim the right to be considered the discoverers of the Falkland Islands. The first settlements on the Falklands were founded by the British and by the French, but France quickly surrendered its claim on the islands to Spain. Britain and Spain maintained their respective claims throughout the 18th century, but both withdrew from the archipelago in the late 18th and early 19th century.

      Following the independence of Argentina in 1816, the country claimed the Falklands. However, this didn’t prevent Britain from establishing sovereignty over the archipelago in 1833. Instead of developing the Falklands as a colony, the British turned the islands into a military outpost. This was the beginning of the sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina.

      After the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations, Argentina saw an opportunity to reclaim its right to the Falkland Islands, but negotiations between the UK and Argentina led to nothing. Meanwhile the islanders, most of whom were of British descent, didn’t want to join Argentina and were determined to remain British.In 1981, General Leopoldo Galtieri became President of Argentina as a result of a military coup. Since his popularity was low, he decided to invade the Falklands, hoping that it would make him a more popular leader. Argentine forces landed on the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982. Following a short engagement, a small garrison of the Royal Marines stationed at the archipelago surrendered.

      Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher held a crisis meeting, where it was decided to send a task force to the Falklands. To oversee the campaign, the British government set up a war cabinet. The retaking of the islands was a difficult task, but the British succeeded. On June 14, 1982, Argentine troops surrendered, and the Falklands War ended with a British victory.

      Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher paid her first visit to the Falkland Islands on January 10, 1983, half a year after Argentina’s defeat in the war. To commemorate this visit and recognize Thatcher’s contribution to the victory in the Falklands War, January 10 has been celebrated in the Falklands Islands as Margaret Thatcher Day since 1992.

      This discussion is now closed.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Heaters

      After reading reviews on heaters. Comments can not set temperature, difficult to assemble, stopped working after a short time and many more I am getting more confused.Could you recommend a heater please? and where to buy.


      No open fire or loud fan as we can not hear the television.
      Intended for a bit of extra heat as feel cold more.
      Liked the style of Mill heaters. Thank you

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y

      Signs that have amused you

      Buffet: ‘Get up and get it yourself’
      Chef: Any cook who swears in French.
      Best Restaurant Sign: Courteous and Efficient Self-Service
      Please add some fun to a grey January day!

      This discussion is now closed.

    • ShirleyM @ShirleyM Camberley - updated 5y
    • Tony L @TonyL Epsom - updated 5y

      Anti-fox suggestions

      HI
      Happy new year - Let's hope it's peaceful and prosperous for all of us.
      Can any of you recommend an effective way to prevent foxes digging in my flowerbeds, tipping over my food recycling caddy to scatter the contents all over the garden and using my garden as a toilet?
      They're becoming a real nuisance in my neighbourhood.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Just to let you know

      Old folks are worth a "Fortune"---They have silver in their hair,-------gold in their teeth,-------stones in their kidneys,------lead in their feet------and --- gas in their stomach.

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - updated 5y

      Electrical product recall alert

      Product details: Hotpoint and Indesit Washing Machines

      For full details, including affected model numbers and manufacturer’s advice, click here.

      Reason for recall:

      Risk of fire due to a defective door locking mechanism
      What should you do next?

      Electrical Safety First recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it immediately
      Check the product recall notification for details of what to do next
      If no details are shown, you should contact either the seller or Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or visit them at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
      More information on returning recalled products can be found here.

      Checking your other electrical products

      Our product checker contains the details of electrical products that have been recalled since 2007. If you have searched for a product that you own and it is not listed, this means that it has not been recalled and should be safe to use. However, if you do have concerns about its safety, contact the retailer or manufacturer to alert them to a potential problem.

      This email was sent by Electrical Safety First
      www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

    • lizb59 @lizb59 Shirley - updated 5y

      Amazon scam

      I phoned up what I thought was Amazon and nearly got scammed. Luckily I didn't lose any money. I couldn't find phone no for Amazon so checked on google as I needed to phone them to get a bar code for a refund. They asked me for my credit card registerd with amazon to verify me which seemed fine at that time. They said I would receive a msg which didn't arrive. So they asked for another card at which point the alarm bells started to ring. When I said that this wasn't required last time they said that the website was down for maintenance so this was only way to do it at which point I hung up. I received a msg shortly after saying a large amount of money had been requested and refused by Barclaycard and then I received a phone call from them to cancel the card. The phone no I rang was 0800 072 8661. Amazon and Barclaycard both said to use phone no on website but this isn't easy to locate.

    • Sandie08 @Sandie08 Walton-On-Thames - updated 5y

      Tragic Australian fires

      Apparently many animals and insects will become extinct after the tragic loss of so many.

      Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have contributed $50,000, (and no doubt other Aussie millionaires) Steve Irwins Zoo, although far from these fires, are taking in damaged animals. America and New Zealand have sent in many firefighters, maybe some other countries too.... but what about the UK? I can’t see anything stating that we are doing our bit. Surely as part of the Commonwealth we should be out there doing something, instead of the Queen sending out a statement saying “sorry for your losses, blah blah” and even she could send a few quid over!!

      And what makes me madder is we give overseas aid to the likes of China, India, N.Korea ..not forgetting all the corrupt leaders whose peoples never get to see the aid, but this is where our aid is really needed.

    • CharlotteB @CharlotteB Crayford - updated 5y

      Here he goes again - Clarkson

      https://amp.dailytelegraph.com.au/technology/jeremy-clarkson-says-god-didnt-want-people-to-live-in-australia/news-story/5b3baee3c5b5825c788c7c00070ccdcc

    • Boots @Boots Barking & Dagenham - updated 5y

      Bancroft

      Am confused by this - didn't see the previous series so maybe that's why.
      is she a 'baddie' - what's her involvement with the drugs family ?

    • Vera @Vera2 Bromley Common - updated 5y

      This discussion is now closed.

    • CliveF @CliveF Woolmer Green - updated 5y
    • Susy D @SueL1 Merton - updated 5y

      Who's out celebrating the new year and who's in having an early night? (Edited)

      Do you celebrate the new year thinking it will bring lots of happiness to you or would you rather it just pass by quietly as if this year was anything to go by you would rather pass on next year if you could.

    • Joss @Joss Malden - updated 5y
    • Derek R @DerekR Iver Heath - updated 5y

      Fascinating - for me anyway! (Edited)

      I was having a play with my new phone and got to the video area. Looking through I discovered the slow motion capabilities and thought I'd have a play.It all seemed to work well with dripping water and watching the bounce, so I thought I'd venture out into the garden. On a plastic box sat a fly so I set the camera to record when it sensed motion. It wasn't long before the fly took off - rapidly.
      What I found interesting was that it took off and flew away at about 90° angle from where it was, twisting sideways roughly 90° to a feet down position then flew off heading towards the sun. This left a superb silhouette of it flying which, to me, looks similar to bird wings.
      I just found it fascinating and I wouldn't have seen it if I'd had a rolled up newspaper in my hand instead of my phone!

    • Lonicera @Lonicera Oxshott - 5y

      Music lovers "Cello"

      International Cello Day is an informal holiday celebrated by cellists and music enthusiasts around the world on December 29. It is dedicated to Pablo Casals, a renowned Catalan cellist, composer and conductor, who is considered to be one of the greatest cellists of all time.

      The cello is a bowed, and sometimes plucked, string musical instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is used as a solo instrument, as well as in ensembles, orchestras, and sometimes even rock bands. Some of the most renowned cellists include Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Paul Tortelier, and Pabli Casals.

      Pablo Casals was born on December 29, 1876 in El Vendrell, Catalonia. His father taught him music from an early age, and at age 4 Casals could play the flute, piano and violin. He began to study the cello after enrolling in the municipal school of music in Barcelona.

      Casals became an internationally acclaimed musician in the early 20th century, when he began to tour Europe. He appeared as soloist and performed with chamber music ensembles and orchestras. Casals is probably best known for his recordings of the Bach Cello Suites he made in the late 1930s.

      Cellists from all over the world regard Casals as the person who first popularized the cello as a solo instruments. No wonder that International Cello Day is celebrated on his birthday. There are different ways to celebrate the holiday. If you’re a cellist, you can organize a meet-up with fellow musicians, learn a new cello piece, make a YouTube video, etc. If you just like to listen to the cello, you can buy a new recording or attend a concert.

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