JMK2

Richie sums it up nicely here. Yes some of the PCSO's are 'a clothes hangar' but some are definitely not. They cannot completely replace the boby on the beat. However, when used with every day officers surely there can't be any harm done. This is providing the 'clothes hangar's' are weeded out. That included the officer(s) who would not jump in the lake IMHO. Last year I went to a specials open evening at my local police HQ. Had work not got in the way I probably would have applied. During the talk the role of PCSO's was explained and the way it was described the whole process seemed a good idea. You do get 1 or 2 misfits to put it midly, but in every walk of life this is the case, even serving police officers and ... well dare i say it MP's. PCSO's IMHO should not be used to replace regular officers however, and if this pertition is solely aimed at that all well and good. However having signed two of these (red arrows and fuel prices) only to get a carefully crafted reply from one of Tony Blair's spin doctors, as much as this may seem a good idea (the petition) I really do not think it will do any good, sadly.

Sorry guys would have been there but SWMBO (Vikki_VRS) has been ill - something which has lead to a stay in hospital. Amazing what Bronchitus can do - blood sugar beyond 31 for starters (Vikki is a diabetic btw). We will try to make the next one so keep us posted.

Met him on a train coming back from London to Durham in 1999. I'd been on an almighty drink fest paid by the company I then worked for to celebrate the successful completion of the project and was - well pretty hung over. The company also paid for a 1st class upgrade so I found myself sitting next to gazza. The guy was constantly hassled, even by the train guard who wanted an autograph for his girlfriend. Once left alone gazza wanted to engage a convo, something I was barely capable of, so he moved from 1st class into std class smoking carriage. Really a shame what's happening though. Guy did not seem anywhere near as bad as the press made him out.

Tom Remember the double matress I got in mine And the wardrobe Damned good cars - I miss mine even though ECU's kept failing

For that money you could pick up a 2 - 3 year old shape Corsa. Picanto's aren't that bad - but also what about the Hyundai Getz - I know of one going for under £5k which is 2 years old (5 year warranty). PM on it's way

Davy, If it makes you feel any better I still haven't heard from 3 interviews I attended back in Jan 2007 ! All permanent jobs through agencies. I consider myself lucky. I eventually managed to get a permanent job in Nov 2007 and kept myself busy by constantly contracting and taking a 2nd job. However this is no comfort I know. Main thing is to stay focussed. What do YOU want to do. Also are there any internal moves work wise you can take. In my dim and distant past this is how I managed to progress out of a call centre. Good luck and keep us posted.

I did staples 2 Naples back in 2006. PM Me if you want more info

Advice MAKE IT SHORT we had Phil Collins 'You'll be in my heart' Over 5 mins of hell (I can't dance to save my life - ask LFC958) something 2 1/2 mins is probably best

The Logan has been promised to the UK Market - when productionb for India (RHD) starts. However Having family in Czech I know that reliability isn't great. also there are a few tatty ones which are barely 3 years old. A case of you get owt for nought... UK imports were supposed to start for the logan in 2007 - wonder if the poor feedback has stoped it.... Or Have Renault instead decided to import the Clio campus from slovenia with it's self opening bonnet

Will it have the £400 a year road tax - like the RX8..... No this may look like the Rx8 replacement. and with Mazda reliability - should be a good buy.

1.9 for my money is a better engine - having had major issues with a 2.0 Pdi. But note of caution An 06 car is still nearly 2 years old. Whilst the warranty will take the car through it's next MOT, come 2 years time you may find yourself in the same position. That said I love Octy II's - the space the comfort etc.... I could go on. Try to get MOT insurance in the deal. then you are covered if someone decides to fail your pride and joy. But most important - enjoy

They won't be £6k - In Germany they are about £8 - £10k for an outmoded Samara replacement with some pretty ugly wings on it. But Having worked at the import centre in Carnaby - would I buy - YES - if circumstances are right

Sorry (Hide) No just do not like Vectra's - especially after having had to suffer one. They aren't that bad but Mondeo beats it IMHO. Boxster - A Porsche (sorry if I spelt this wrong). They do drive well but my back and feet... OK I think it's because I'm 40

They do but not the best - and yes I have driven one - I take people on test drives every weekend There is no such thing as bad car nowadays it's just what people like or hate. IMHO the old shape mondeo is a better drive and is at the mo a bargain £10 - £12k for a tidy 6 month old car. As for the boxter I ended up with sever backache the last time I drove one. The pedals are too small for my wide feet and I got severe backache. but there again some may love them - but not me.

Clear your cookies Scenario An ex colleague at work likes using budget airlines. He saw a flight for £80 and thought forget it. Budget airline was offering 99p flights. He tried to book - flight was actually more (£120). A colleague managed to get the cheaper deal. Guy then cleared out his cookies - and was able to get the cheaper flight also.

Ka - totally agree had one as a loan car - awful. Porsche boxter - pedals are at the wrong angle and too small. How anyone says they are good...

On the subject of Retro cars which should be made:- Hilman Imp (with a mid engine based on a Pug 207) Morris Minor (BMW 1 series under a cute body) Renault 4 - on 2nd thoughts..... Enjoy - and I'm not jealous - well a bit...

Trip to Ikea - look at the casualty bay. Also kitchen tables and chairs can be pretty cheap from there Sofa's etc - second hand can be ok Only other advice i can give is buy a new bed

TPS can be used on mobils now...

1. Clean the house more regularly 2. Stop loosing my temper 3. Stop working 7 days a week (cut the 2nd job down) 4. Build the extension (or move but given what happened last time extension may be a better idea)

True but we need to get out a bit more... staying in a house with a broken boiler (new one on order) ain't much fun:rolleyes:

Going to be controversial here. First I'm not and never have been a fan of druggies. Quite a few people I was at school at started on the weed and have progressed to much harder stuff. One guy from my school year is in prison (his case was on the back page of the daily telegraph a few years back). Several others are dead... OK personal feelings over - back on topic. Despite that I can't help but wonder if the oxygen of the press is making the situation worse. I am no fan of Mr Docherty's music or his relationships with Ms Moss or Ms Winehouse but if the press kept away would he have the oportunity to become clean. Maybe not but I would hope so. And as for Ms Winehouse, yes she does have a good voice but again I cannot help but feel the publicity is just exhasperating the situation... Just my 2p worth.....

Myself and SWMBO don't get a lot of time together - new years day being one of a very few... So - being sober - will be bringing the new year in with a plate of lasagne (my own made) and a glass of american teeth root juice - need to think of somewhere to go. Criteria 1. We are not interested in a new sofa - so no shops please 2. Must be 2 - 3 hours max from CW7 Apart from that - anything sensible. Does anyone want a mini briskoda meet to see the new Fabia 1 - 6 valve :confused: May even buy a cola for anyone daring to turn up (note this is not a promise if all of Briskoda want to turn up...

Another vote for 5ive-o Some noteable members here are on there - and some feds and bench members. As for peepipoo - site is more interested in loopholes IMHO (5ive-o and peepipoo - well there have been some interesting debates)

Still here until very late.... Oh well