nidnoyham

Jacko' I wasn't trying to excuse LHR for delays, just making an observation about the complexity of air travel everywhere. Unfortunately, the attitude of the staff is a result of having to work in such a place. As for replacing it, people seem to want it where it is. or should I say no one else wants it near them. It is a nightmare to travel through and even worse to work there. When I did my St Johns First Aid exam, the lady Doctor would not pass anyone, who worked there, who couldn't explain the difference between heart attack symptoms and angina, because they are the most common ailments for workers. I am sure it brings on many premature deaths, one of my mates died there two weeks ago from a stroke type illness. he was 45. Someone once described the place as, a huge train set for the management to play with.

When you work out how much equipment and technology is used to get you and your baggage on a flight, it's a wonder they are not more delays. Check-in computer, Baggage system, X-ray system for bags, scanner system for counting and location of bags, electric tugs to deliver bags to aicraft. Security scanners for hand baggage and passengers, cash card readers for Duty Free And your not even at the multi complex piece of kit that takes you to where you going- the Aircraft. In the past I have known delays down to such things as- Greenfly on the salad... a mouse loose in the cargo hold... a passenger who thought he was the real Jesus. And of course the bomb threats. The most interesting and lively one was when Princess Ann was going to Halifax. N.S. The aircraft had a toilet blockage, when maintainance checked the system a large package was found wrapped in a plastic bag. It was assumed to be an IRA Bomb for Her Maj'. I have never heard so many police sirens at once- bloody quick they were too. When the package was opened by the Bomb Squad, it contained a couple of K of Cannabis. Apparently, the aircraft had done the Jamaica run the day before and the stuff was put there for an emlpoyee in Canada to retreive, but obviously hadn't. Gave us a giggle anyway.

Have watched the conferences, heard the speaches, considerd the Manifesto's and now know, no one has a clue how to win the next General Election. The Tories are worried by UKIP, stealing the Anti Europe vote. Labour worried by the Lib Dems winning the Anti War vote. They even have a quango called Operation Black Vote monitoring everything their members say in public, one or two got a slapped wrist during the conference. So, I think it's the OMRLP for me, the late Screaming Lord Such's outfit. They had their conference in a pub last week, Candidates The Jersey Flyer, Ladyso'n'So, Howling Laud Hope, Barron Harryhog, The flying Pasty and RU Seerius, had a week-end in the bar. The monster bit has nothing to do with beasts, it represents monster size- the biggest, because non voters are the biggest group of people. Some of their past ideas have become adopted ; passports for pets, pubs open all day and banning the eleven plus exam. I'm not sure that cutting Gibraltar off from Spain and towing it to The Chanel Isles will work, but hey- do all ideas work ? I do like the idea of Cynthia Payne for Chief Whip though. I like their motto- Rock and Roll, Let the Music Blair Out ! Only the English could have such a lot of Nutters giving us a chance to kickback. Long may they reign.

Hate seem obtuse, but I have a EG Delux ticket LHR/BKK/LHR I payed £590 for, but the price printed on the ticket is £1615.60. How do they ballance their books ? As far as I am aware, all coupons go to the airlines Financial Control Centre for processing. If they had 5 of my ticket coupons from the flight they would be nearly 6 Grand light in the till.

For the last week or so, when I get a text message fom the GF it shows as coming from AIS not her name. If I try to use REPLY mode it doesn't work. I have to search her number then send.

Another Who song "My Generation " caught the feelings of the youngsters just right. "Why don't you all ffffffff-ade away ?" " And don't try to dig what we all say !" " Things they do just leave me cold, I hope I die before I get old " Well, that hope came true for half the group. You just knew, Moonie was not gona make old bones.

Thanks Chico, you are a star. I think my son gets a bit worried when I sing along to some of his songs. This was one caught the mind of all teenagers "working for the Rich Man !!" Hey, I'll change that tune some day- took me 40 years, but now it's happened.

My son has an OI! version of the 60's song, Friday on My Mind. I know the song word for word, but for the life of me can't remember who did the origional. Was it a name like The Rascals or something ? I'm sure some other Old Timer has a better memory than me.

I will always remember him being interviewed by the press, after the Court case of him hitting the pitch invaders. He was asked what could be done about Football Hooliganism. He replied " Simple" " I stop my two kids doing it" " You stop your one" Then pointing to the others he said " And you all stop yours" I have always thought that was the words of a sensible, straight forward man. The F.A ? If ever an Association had apt initials, it's this one.. But, The Jockey Club, M.C.C.- L.T.A, all a bunch of Pratts. The only time I backed the winner of The National at 66-1 (Esher Ness). it was abandoned due to a screw up at the start. One journalist said he wouldn't trust a Jockey Club member to reverse his car into a parking space!

Old Cloughy has died aged 69. I will mourn the passing of a great Character in our world of Football. Like many other Englishmen regreting that he wasn't given the England Job. So many of our Sporting Bodies are too stuffy for their own good. The F.A. was more concerned about his personality, than his ability. I shall raise a large Single Malt in his memory tonight !

Wot's a racist heckler ? A Racist who heckles; or someone who heckles Racists ? Now, you get a heckling racist, being heckled, smoking in a lift and talking absolute bollocks and you are away !

Iv'e used Recorded Delivery 3 times this summer at the P.O. Costs about 3-4 quid depending on weight. Apparently this mail goes in seperate bags from Airmail and leaves on the next departing flight to Thailand. 3 out of 3 got to Gf address up country. Only one to go missing, was the money she sent home to sister, but she put celotape all over it, making it look like it contained the Crown Jewels. That was ordinary Air Mail though. I do believe the word Pattaya in the address does increase the chances of money contents and of being opened.

I was asked to get a DG handbag, couldn't find one anywhere. Eventually my GF asked about them and was told that th factory making them was closed down by the police and arrests were made. Perhaps they do have some hidden away.

Yep, I can't believe that a lad living in my town is a Man U supporter, he gets a lot of stick, but may be useful, in this case.

Strange lot us humans. My GF has gone home to village and was wearing an England shirt that we bought in Camden. Everyone asked where she got the shirt, so she told them. One of the men there wants me to buy him a Man U shirt to take out on next trip. He doesn't mind that it will be 40 quid or so, as long as it comes from here. To top this off, as a Londoner, it is realy going to pain me to buy it. I may have to get my son's mate to do it for me

I think anywhere there is a river, the festival is to thank the river goddes for her water for the crops. My mate was in Patong last year and tried to float his Khatong in the sea, but it kept coming back to shore, he went further and further out and eventually got swamped by a wave, good fun, but I dont like the sea at night. I will be up country by a big river.

Thais consider body hair as un-hygienic, but a little goatie may tickle their fancy !

It's probably to tell their Air Force not to open fire !

Why on earth would anyone with a bit of sense, want to hang out with the high- society of any country ? All Dears, Darlings and French Letter's. Give me a bit of rough anytime. it cuts out all the bollocks.

I would be a fan of hockey, but the school teacher gives me funny looks when I stand and watch those teenagers in white gym tops and short grey pleated wrap around skirts running around the field, thought of taking a dog with me to look less suspicious !

Eric, well done on the visa. I would go for a direct flight to LHR with EVA or Thai. the travel agent along by Honey Lodge near the entrance to Walking Street is very efficient. Not sure, but, you might need a Transit visa for your lady if you stop off enroute. Buy a small rice cooker in Big C and find out your nearest Thai grocer shop. We used to go to China Town in Soho- Good luck

I am not a fan of "Northen" beers, so Tetleys does not get me exited. How will it be served ? I have seen it in cans, with a widget to give the froth over here. It would be great to get it on draught, but there are quite a few other beers I would prefer.

Eric, the only way to prove your ability to finance her trip, will be from up to date paperwork. Get your Bank, Building society to confirm your balance in writing. Now, none of this needs to be seen by your lady, keep it all together in an envelope, it is private and need only be seen by the appropriate persons. As I say all paperwork will be kept by the Embassy for their records, so copy any you want back- in private. When filling in the application form, take the path of open honesty, rather than make it look better than it is. For instance, I put my GF's employment as Farmer, earning 1000 Bht a month selling fruit at market, so that is not a stumbling block. Reason for travel gives you a bit of freedom, wedding etc, but just say why you want her in U.k. with you- Good Luck, and get to Embassy early 6-630am

It's all right for you lot. I now have to listen to my Greek Cypriot mate, who loves a gamble, tell me time and time again, how much he would have won, if only he had the money to bet. It could go on till 2008 !