NOW HEAR THIS...NOT ALL THIEVES ARE STUPID!!

1. Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car.

Using the information on the car's registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people's

home in Pebble Beach and robbed it. So I guess if we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we

should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your remote garage door opener.

This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

2. GPS.

Someone had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which

was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included

a garage door remote control, some money and aGPS which had been prominently mounted on the

dashboard. When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about

everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They

then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew

the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew

how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the

house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it... Put a nearby address (like a

store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you

live if your GPS were stolen.

3. CELL PHONES

I never thought of this.......

This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her cell phone after her handbag was

stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc., was stolen. 20 minutes later when

she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text

asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.' When they rushed down to the bank, the bank

staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text

'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money

from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson:

a. Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like

Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc....

b. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.

c. Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm

that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family

and friends' who text you.

*PLEASE PASS THIS ON

* I never thought about the above!

As of now, I no longer have 'home' listed on my cell phone.

Even if this does not pertain to you....Pass it on to your family and friends.

Junktion, The Old Railway Station, New Bolingbroke, Boston

A friend brought their advert when he came to stay in Lincoln from Sussex and we visited the Junktion, only to be very disappointed at the high price of “vintage stuff” some of which was in a poor condition.

They do have what they describe but visiting an auction, either household etc.. or agricultural one would find many artefacts at considerably less money.

So as I said it was a day out trip which frankly was a wasted journey.

SO WHO GOT A GOOD SOAKING ?

And who did not ?

 

A Right Royal Show

 

Or a complete waste of money ?

 

“We Was Well and Truly Soaked” allegedly reported by some who waited for hours and another who sat at a party table all day only to be plied with pasties and spirits

 

I don't consider myself a pessimist. I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin.
- Leonard Cohen

 

PS - My Garden, Raised beds and Allotment enjoyed the rain and all the water butts are replenished.

 

LONG MAY SHE RAIN- on mother earth!

IBC Intermediate bulk container

THE RADICAL HAS ONE FOR SALE. 4' x 4'.6"

IDEAL FOR A GARDEN WATER BUTT CONNECTED TO A GUTTER DOWNPIPE

DELIVERED OR COLLECTED FROM LINCOLN AREA

GET IN TOUCH !

An Intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a container used for transport and storage of fluids and bulk materials. The construction of the IBC container and the materials used are chosen depending on the application, i.e. there are various types available in the market:

Shape & Dimensions

There are many advantages of the IBC concept:

• They are generally cubic in form and therefore can transport more material in the same area than cylindrically shaped containers and far more than might be shipped in the same space if packaged in consumer quantities.
• They rely on plastic liners that can be filled and discharged with a variety of systems.
• The manufacturer/processor of a product can bulk package a product in one country and ship to many other countries at a reasonably low cost where it is subsequently packaged in final consumer form in accordance with the regulations of that country and in a form and language suitable for that country.

IBCs range in size but are generally between 700 and 2,000 mm (27.6 and 78.7 in) or 46 to 52 in (1,168 to 1,321 mm) in height. The length and width of an IBC is usually dependent on the pallet dimension standard of a given country.^[1]

IBCs may have pallet-like bases so that forklifts can move them.

It is common for IBCs to be able to fold down into a compact profile, reducing their height for transportation and storage when empty. IBCs in almost all cases can be stacked vertically.

Depending on the size of the IBC, it can weigh between 90 and 1,200 kg (198 and 2,646 lb).

 

LEBARA MOBILE  

 

THE ROSE WANTED TO CONTACT PHILI AND HOME FROM THE UK

 SO I PAID £20 BELIEVING I WAS GETTING £10 FREE OFFER

 WE UNDERSTOOD THE RATE TO A PHILI MOBILE WAS 10p /MINUTE, NO IT WAS NOT, IT WAS 14p

 WE WERE CHEATED OUT OF THAT WHEN TOLD THAT OFFER FINISHED 3 MONTHS AGO

FREE TEXT MESSAGES THAT THEY KEEP SENDING  ACTUALLY COST £1.50 A MINUTE

AFTER THE FIRST CALL RECEIVED

 LEBARA CUSTOMER SERVICES DIDN’T WANT TO KNOW

HENCE THE REPORT HERE

I WOULD TAKE EXTREME CARE WITH LEBARA MOBILE

 WE NOW USE LYCATALK/LYCATEL

WHO CHARGE 8p / MIN

NO PROBLEMS SO FAR

 DO LET US KNOW IF YOU HEAR OF A CHEAPER UK TO PHILI  INTERNATIONAL CALL SERVICE

Software Calendars Design Desktop Miscellaneous Info

Ready-to-Download Calendars Customisable Calendars 1900–2099 Monthly Planners 1900–2099

Free ready-to-download Calendars 2011, 2012, 2013 and more

http://annystudio.com/calendars/#2011

QUIZ ANSWERS

JAKARTA

SAUDI ARABIA

LIMA

BASEBALL BATS

WILLOW

EEL

MALAYSIA

THE TIMES OF INDIA

750

INDIA

Quiz ----------------ANSWERS TOMORROW

What is the world's largest city (by population) that lacks a metro?

Jakarta

Lagos

Calcutta

Dhaka

Which Persian Gulf country has the largest number of Shia Muslims?

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia

Kuwait

Oman

Susana Villaran, a human-rights activist, looks likely to be elected mayor of which Latin American capital, marking the first left-wing victory there since 1983?

Brasilia

Santiago

Buenos Aires

Lima

At the Redneck Fishing Tournament, what implement do contestants use on carp?

Their hands

Baseball bats

Full cans of beer

Shotguns

Aspirin is derived from the bark of what sort of tree?

Pacific Yew

Willow

Dutch elm

Oak

What species of fish did European settlers likely eat at the first Thanksgiving?

Eel

Shad

Cod

Tench

When China announced that a few foreign banks would be permitted to invest the yuan they held offshore in local Chinese banks, which country's central bank was the first to take the offer?

The United States

Vanuatu

Luxembourg

Malaysia

What is the world's biggest English-language newspaper, measured by circulation?

The New York Times

The Times (London)

The Times of India

USA Today

How many tweets are posted to Twitter every second?

7

75

750

75,000

What country did a Romanian far-right politician recently claim was the home country of the Romanies (Gypsies) expelled by France?

Hungary

India

Romania

Bulgaria

 

1. What do you put in a toaster? 

 

 

 

 

Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast' give up now and do something else.. 
Try not to hurt yourself.  If you said, bread, go to Question 2.  


 

2.   Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink? 

 

 

Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk,' don't attempt the next question. Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading a more appropriate literature such as Auto World.. However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3. 



 

3... If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from? 

 

Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass.  If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these??? 
If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4. 



 

 

4.   It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 20,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany ).  Anyway, during the flight, two engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the engine fails before he can do so and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of 'no man's land' between East Germany and West Germany ... Where would you bury the survivors?   East Germany, West Germany, 

Or no man's land'? 

 

 

Answer: You don't bury survivors. 
If you said ANYTHING else, you're a dunce and you must stop. If you said, 'You don't bury survivors', proceed to the next question. 



 

5.. Without using a  calculator - You are driving a bus from London to 

Milford Haven in Wales.   In London, 17 people get on the bus.
In Reading, 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on.
In  Swindon, 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In Swansea, 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven   ..  

Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver?

 

 

 

 

WHAT DID YOU LEAK IN THE WAR DAD ?

If you can remember your password then it’s hopelessly inadequate, warn researchers

By Spacey

A team of researchers has discovered that the use of graphics cards as surrogate supercomputers could spell trouble for people who use passwords that they are capable of remembering.

The researchers, led by Richard Boyd from the Georgia Tech Research Institute, have advised that it would be safer to use a combination of at least 12 characters of upper and lower case letters, symbols, digits and high-pitched shrieks that you have absolutely no chance of remembering unless you write them all down.

However, the research team have also strongly advised that you do not write them all down.

“The only way to keep your information safe is to make your password so secure that even you can’t remember it.” Said Mr Boyd.

“In fact, our research suggests that the best way to set a password would be to close your eyes and hit the keyboard several dozen times with your elbows.”

Passwords

Many users of online services have praised the research and welcomed the advisory measures designed to keep their information secure.

One such user told us, “After reading the new advice I’ve taken on board their suggestions, and can now sleep easy in the knowledge that no-one, including me, will be able to access my details online.”

“Obviously, it’s a little bit frustrating that I can’t actually take advantage of any of the online services to which I subscribe, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.”

Identity theft has become so common that the research team are also suggesting users deliberately give the wrong answers when setting their security questions, as determined thieves can easily find a users true personal details.

“If your mothers maiden name is Smith, tell the system it is ‘XFGJOfafj!@Dfjadf’, or something similar.”

“This way, when you can’t remember a password you never knew, you won’t be able to inadvertently learn it.”

Rich children are better off than poor children, conclude road safety researchers

By Spacey

A study carried out by road safety researchers has concluded that wealthy children who play in a nice garden away from traffic are less likely to be hit by a car than poor children who play in the road outside their tenement building.

A spokesperson for Road Safety Analysis, who carried out the research said “We found that people who live in London’s wealthy borough of Kensington and Chelsea are significantly better off than people who live in Preston.”

“This means the wealthier children have nice big gardens for children to play in and better cars with which to transport their children from piano lessons to horse riding classes.”

“Whereas the poorer child will regularly run along a major A road kicking an empty dog food can whilst pretending it is the new football which the premier league has convinced them they absolutely must have.”

“I think these findings send a clear message to the government that it should be their number one priority to make everyone incredibly rich.  Preferably this year.”

Road Safety

Experts have welcomed the findings, claiming that they set a new Olympic standard in stating the bleedin’ obvious.

Professor Bertrand Humf, who is well known for carrying out years of research to determine the religious persuasion of the Pope, said, “I recently carried out a study into the possible dangers of using sulphuric acid as a mouthwash.”

“The results were inconclusive, but I think there can be no doubts after the work of Road Safety Analysis, that children who live in affluent areas are at an advantage to children that live in more deprived areas.”

“Someone should probably look at doing something about that.”

Floods halt Skoda car production

Czech Republic: Bosses at carmaker Skoda Auto AS, a unit of Germany's Volkswagen AG, partially halted production on Thursday after a supplier was hit by flooding.

Production of Octavia and Fabia models at Skoda Auto's main plant in Mlada Boleslav and another plant in Vrchlabi will resume next week.

A supplier which delivers interior ceilings has been closed since Saturday after its plant was partly submerged by floods

India wants Kohinoor diamond back. Cameron says no

A QUANTUM

In physics, a quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum unit of any physical entity involved in an interaction. An example of an entity that is quantized is the energy transfer of elementary particles of matter (called fermions) and of photons and other bosons.

sol·ace  (s l s)

n.

1. Comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or distress; consolation.

2. A source of comfort or consolation.

tr.v. sol·aced, sol·ac·ing, sol·ac·es

1. To comfort, cheer, or console, as in trouble or sorrow. See Synonyms at comfort.

2. To allay or assuage

 

Jury picked for Buncefield trial

Announcement will ring across the country

FOND RETURNS -ROBIN HOOD AND BRITISH PUB

ROBIN HOOD –BRITISH LOOKING/RUN PUB- GETTING THERE- SKY TRAIN PHROM PONG –SUKHUMIT ROAD  EXIT  5  YOU CAN’T MISS IT. AWAY FROM SOI COWBOY ON THE SAME SIDE GOING TOWARD ON NUT STATION, ITS ON THE LEFT AT PHROM PONG STATION, WHICH IS ONE STOP FROM  ASOK OR TWO FROM NANA STATIONS.

FABULOUS SELECTION OF DRAUGHT BEERS AND BOTTLED OF COURSE. FRIENDLY, QUIET AND DOES FOOD. TV IN EVERY CORNER.

BRITISH PUB ON NANA TAI
GETTING THERE-? NANA PLAZA- KEEP GOING- PAST DYNASTY HOTEL AND ITS ON THE LEFT AFTER 20 yds. FRIENDLY BRITISH RUN AND NON IMPOSING STAFF BUT THE GREATEST PLACE TO EAT. ALL DAY BREAKFAST AND STEAK DINNER PROMOTIONS ON TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY. DRAUGHT AND BOTTLED BEER – WI FI AND TV’S. ITS SMALLISH BUT IS A BAR STOOL BAR

RADICAL RECOMMENDED AND BOTH ON GOOGLE SEARCH.

FOND RETURNS -DRIVING TO BANGKOK AND RETURN

ALWAYS LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME IS MY MOTTO>

WE TRAVEL PART NIGHT AND DAY FROM UDON THANI, ITS 600 KMS

WE MISS THE TRAFFIC AT KHON KAEN AND THE LATE UP “TEA MONEY” POLICE

BY PASS KORAT AND WHEN YOU GET TO SARABURI – ITS 50 KM EXACTLY TO THE NO 9 HIGHWAY TURN OFF TO SWAMPY. DON’T MISS THE EXIT – THERE IS ONLY ONE AFTER THE SIGN ( WELL DONE PLANNERS)

TOLL GATE IS 30bht AND THE REST YOU KNOW?

WE DIDN’T GO TO SWAMPY DIRECT BUT TURNED OFF AT CHALONG RAT  HIGHWAY SIGNPOSTED EKKAMAI. (Toll Gate is 40 bht)

STAY ON THIS HIGHWAY UNTIL SIGNPOST “SUKHUMVIT  50” KEEP LEFT AND LEFT AGAIN AND LEFT AGAIN. NOW YOUR ON SUKHUMVIT AT SOI 50. THIS IS TESCO AND ON NUT.

STAY IN THE MIDDLE LANE PAST PHRA KANONG,EKKAMAI, AND THONG LO SKYTRAIN STATIONS AND THE REX HOTEL IS NEXT ON THE LEFT.

HAS SWIMMING POOL AND AMERICAN OR THAI BREAKFAST INCLUDED FOR 1180BHT. THE RECEPTION DESK STAFF REMIND ME OF AUSCHWITZ CAMP GUARDS, THE WOMEN TOO. THE ROOMS ARE OK. FRIDGE, TV WITH TRUE 1, AND BATH WITH HOTTISH WATER. GOOD MATTRESS, CLEAN AND NO SMELL. A/C BLASTS COLD AIR

BOOK IN ADVANCE IF YOU CAN THOUGH THEY USUALLY HAVE SOME ROOM.

RETURN JOURNEY ? ONLY STOPPED ONCE BY POLICE WITH NO ID. I POLITELY DECLINED WHEN HE PUT TWO FINGERS UP AT ME. I THINK HE MEANT 200 BAHT. I NEVER PAY. BUT I DO THREATEN THEM TO PROVE I WAS SPEEDING AND TAKE OUT MY MOBILE AND TELL THEM MY LAWYER WANTS TO SPEAK TO THEM ABOUT CORRUPTION,IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. ONE OR THE OTHER WORKS. I JUST DRIVE ON.

PLEASE OBEY THE FARANG HIGHWAY CODE- NEVER PAY TEA MONEY. ITS CONDONING CORRUPTION

HOPE THAT WAS HELPFUL!

TAKEN FROM DATE IN ASIA.COM

PHOTO IS NOT TRANSFERABLE
GO TO DATEINASIA.COM

"SEARCH"

WOMAN 27

PHILIPPINES- DIPOLOG

"AISHETEROU" --I LOVE YOU IN JAPANESE

WHAT CAN I SAY?

I KNOW THIS LADY AND HER SON AND BOTH WILL MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY AND A DELIGHTFUL FAMILY.

YOU MAY CONTACT THE RADICAL AND ROSE AT  RIGHTSANDWRONGS FOR FURTHER PHOTOS AND DETAILS

 

 

Gender:	Female
Age:	27
Country:	Philippines
State / Region:	North Mindanao
City:	Dipolog
Ethnicity:	Asian
Appearance:	Average
Height:	151 cm (4'11")
Weight:	44 kg (97 lbs)
Eye color:	Black
Hair color:	Black
Education:	College - Graduated
Occupation:	TREASURER
Religion:	Christian - Protestant
Zodiac:	Taurus
Born in the year of:	Horse
Marital status:	Widow / Widower
Have children:	Yes (Live with)
Wants children:	Undecided
Willing to relocate:	Willing to relocate to another country
Smoking:	Non smoker
Drinking:	Non drinker

My husband was killed in an accident and I am alone. I ask for a man to take on me and my baby boy 6 month...

 

Im looking for a man who really loves and will care for me and my child..

My younger sister has been married to an Englishman for 18 months. He has met me and my son.
My husband was killed in an accident and I am alone. I ask for a man to take on me and my baby boy 6 months old . To give him a better chance in life. He is a bright boy who smiles alot and is easily pleased. I am sure he has a big smile for you.
I am a local government treasurer having a good college qualification. I know I can make someone a good and loving wife. I have a passport and so does my son because we have visited my sister who lives with her husband in Thailand.
My English is excellent but I need to brush up on my English cooking. I like English football and going for walks in the park. My favorite music are love songs. You can see me as a romantic but sensible and practical girl ready to move with and care for the right man.
Lets talk first and then I invite you to come to Dipolog to meet me and my boy.

I want to meet a Male
with age from 45 to 65
and I want to meet for Friendship, Romance, Marriage or Other.

 

FOND RETURNS- VISA COLLECTION REPORT

Collecting a Passport with UK visa (or not) from VFS Regent House Bangkok

Arrived at 3.30pm

You can only collect it from 3pm -4.30pm

Seemed like thousands there, half waiting outside.

But not all collecting passports,Some still  applying from earlier appointments

My Rose had number 93 and the indicator showed 45

She waited until  5pm –one and a half hours

She says they were handing out over 30 passports to one number

More than 10 people collected multiple passports

This took time.

And we thought agents were frowned on? Some had VFS shirts on

Even though we had a letter confirming the Rose’s passport was there they couldn’t find it

Boyo will my MP and ANOTHER concerned MP and the “Independent Monitor for Entry Clearance” and the Minister responsible hear about this and a lot more.

I made friends with two English, while waiting.

One – married 8 years to a Thai who had previous 6 month visitor visas was refused a two year Visitor  visa this time, because the application form was “not clear”.-- But I said you must apply in person get mug shot and finger printed so if she had all that done presumably the application had been checked.If it was not clear VFS should not have accepted it or asked for clarification.

He couldn’t believe it and neither could I. This is a man who lives here, has property in the UK and his wife didn’t come with the usual suspect signs. They seemed a close and genuine couple. He told me they applied for a one year visitor visa but were told a two year was the same money, so changed it at the VFS to two years and then she was turned down. I asked if she had been caught working or any previous problems but no she had not worked and had returned within the 6 month period before

He even explained to me something I didn’t know. If you apply for a two year visitor visa (and get it)
your partner can only stay at one time for 6 months and must leave the UK for a week or less before returning for another 6 months. Of course I shall be making this point in my complaints. What is it these comedians?

The Registered spouse of an English citizen should only need one Visitor visa. If they travel together to visit after that why do they need a visa at all. Working? Well that for the employer to see a Nat Ins No or Work Permission stamp

 

Two – Not married . Short relationship. He had the gipsy earrings etc.. she appeared like the usual suspect and guess what, she came out with a 6 month visa

VFS is KUONI and Bangkok makes £500,000 PROFIT out of the applicants per year. This service should be in house, accountantable and transparent.

Entry Clearance Officers, visa decisions in approving , rejecting  or even mistakes,( which they make) should  be accountable. Any Member of Parliament should be allowed to inspect a constituents spouses application and challenge anything with the Border Agency and Home Office or Foreign Office Minister . The Independent Monitor for Bangkok reported in 2007 appears to have got information over dinner if they ever went to Bangkok as their report is so full of holes.

“We were impressed by the current delivery of service”

That ,Independent Monitor lady, is pure fantasy

Oh Yes there’s more ….

FOND RETURNS on Friday
(sorry for the bad news story about the pound)

Collected the Rose’s Visa for the UK from VFS Regent House BKK
More on that later

Delivered her Sister to Swampy for return to Phili.
More on that later

Light traffic meant a 6hr drive from Rex Hotel TO Udon Thani
More on that later

Rex Hotel
More on that later

Robin Hood pub -Sukhumvit Road
More on that later

British Pub -Nana Tai
More on that later

Welcome to those I met in the various watering holes

RADICAL IS AWAY

BACK VERY SOON

AVG Anti-Virus Free 9.0.730

Major update to the impressive and free antivirus package

Written by Chris Wiles/Tim Smith, V3.co.uk

18 Jan 2010

 

• Type: freeware
• Platform: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64-bit
• Manufacturer: Grisoft Inc
• Size: 75.7MB
• Review Rating:
• Average User Rating:

 

• Rate this download
• Price:Free for personal use
• Number of downloads:

1764989

AVG continues to be one of the most popular free antivirus programs available on the internet and it maintains this position with a combination of effective protection and an easy to use interface.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9 improves on both areas, and is an essential upgrade, as updates will be stopped for the previous version. If you already have AVG installed it is best to click on the upgrade option when it is offered. If you have never installed it before, this is the download to use. We would recommend disconnecting from the internet during installation as there will a period where there is no protection.

As noted the interface of AVG Free has been improved and it is easier to see what protection AVG is providing and what needs attention via icons in the main part of the screen. Tabs along the left hand side give quick access to important information on updates and ongoing scans.

 

In addition to traditional antivirus protection, AVG Free now offers protection from Spyware without installing extra software.

Extra features included with AVG Free 9 are basic support for anti-rootkit, an email scanner, the web page LinkScanner, to make sure you avoid malicious websites and more.

 

 

Fresh Diagnose 8.32

Benchmark and diagnose PC faults

Written by Anthony Dhanendran, Computeractive

08 Feb 2010

 

• Type: freeware
• Platform: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista
• Manufacturer: Freshdevices
• Size: 2.2MB
• Review Rating:
• Average User Rating:

 

• Rate this download
• Price:Free
• Number of downloads:

31536

Find out exactly what your PC is doing with this diagnosis tool.

It will analyse the PC and the tasks that are currently running, and will benchmark, or speed-test, the computer's performance in several categories.

Note: This latest version features SM/DMI and CMOS module enhancements and bug fixes.

 

4000 New crimes created by legislation introduced by “new” Labour

4   Months it took Lord Goldsmith to decide that going to war with Iraq wasn’t one of them

 

You can happily shop here looking like a fucking tramp, claims Aldi

FROM NEWSARSE

After a Tesco store asked customers not to shop in their pyjamas or barefoot, supermarket chain Aldi has made it clear it is happy for their customers to continue looking like a bunch of inebriated vagrants.

The Tesco store in St Mellon in Cardiff has posted notices asking customers to “stop dressing like a fucking tramp all of the fucking time” alienating large numbers of tramp resembling local residents.

A Tesco spokesperson said, “Look, we’re not killjoys here, but we’d prefer it if you made just a slight effort when giving us all of your benefit money.”

“The one concession we ask for when dealing with the generally disgusting public, is that they make themselves look respectable.  We know they’re not, but we’re happy with a shallow façade.”

“When that’s gone, it’s more than we can stomach, to be honest.”

Welcome

However, Aldi has claimed it would welcome such shoppers with open arms, so long as they have a few pennies in their pockets.

“We’re not fussy.  At all.” said a spokesperson.

“We’ve built a thriving business based on shoppers who look like they’ve stepped off the set of a Zombie movie, so we’ll take them if Tesco don’t want them.

“After a while, the stench of shit and piss tends to fade, and you can focus on all the money they’re giving you.  From a small purse.  Kept in their underpants.”

“In fact, most of our offers rely on you shopping with the urgency of someone who has recently soiled themselves.”

“The only people we don’t want in our store are people called Kerry Katona.”

Motorist fined for blowing nose

Fine: A motorist spoke of his disbelief on Thursday after he was fined by police for blowing his nose while at a standstill in traffic.

Michael Mancini said that he put the handbrake on before wiping his nose but was asked to pull over by officers who were standing nearby.

Tesco's dress code: No pjs or bare feet

Consumer: Tesco bosses banned customers in south Wales on Thursday from shopping barefoot or in their pyjamas at one of the retail giant's stores.

They have introduced a dress code because a minority of customers have been visiting the branch in their nightwear.

Customers at the St Mellons store in Cardiff are now greeted by signs warning them of the new dress code.

'You're one-third daffodil' - this and other REALLY useless facts from

Britain's most upmarket intellectuals

By Daily Mail Reporter

Were you aware that peanuts are used as an ingredient in dynamite?

Or that one in four UK households owns a copy of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon?

Such fascinating but true 'did-you-knows' are among scores collected by upmarket intellectual magazine Prospect and published in a new book .. .

Do you care? Humans share 35 per cent of their DNA with daffodils

Women

 

The average British woman spends two years of her life gazing in the mirror.

Women are estimated to buy 80per cent of everything sold.

The average size of women's breasts in Britain has increased from a 34B in the 1950s to a 36C. 

Food

Britons eat 97 per cent of the world's baked beans

The average British person will, in the course of a lifetime, eat 550 chickens and other poultry, 36 pigs, 36 sheep and eight cows.

There are more than 1,000 chemicals in coffee. 27 of these were tested on rodents; 19 were carcinogenic.

More than 90 per cent of kebab shop sales are made after pub closing hours. 

Science

Humans share 35 per cent of their DNA with daffodils. 

Two per cent of the electricity used by a lightbulb is converted into light  -  the rest into heat. 

A penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building would only sting a pedestrian at ground level.

History

Hitler was on the short-list for the 1938 Nobel Peace prize. 

Queen Victoria spoke Urdu and Hindi. 

Each successive monarch faces in a different direction on British coins. 

 

Geography

Two-thirds of Britons live within five miles of where they were born and raised.

Mozambique's flag features a Kalashnikov  -  the only gun on a national flag.

EVERY day, 44,000 babies are born in China.

The Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because it expands in the heat.

Middlesbrough, which has about 0.24 per cent of the UK's population, is responsible for 2.5 per cent of kerb-crawling convictions. 

Transport

Seventy per cent of Land Rovers  -  first built in 1948  -  are still on the road. 

There are 2.5 million pulped Mills and Boon books in the M6. The paper's absorbency helps keep tarmac in place.

More than half of the London Underground network is overground.

Drivers called Ben are most likely to crash their cars; Ians are the safest.

In Britain, half of all appeals against parking tickets are successful, yet only one per cent of tickets are appealed against.

Animals

A cow expels up to 280 litres of methane per day.

Rats can run 100 yards in less than ten seconds and can jump six feet.

There are almost twice as many chickens alive as humans.

Molly is the most popular name for British dogs and cats.

Men

About 18 per cent of British men have had a vasectomy.

Men produce twice as much saliva as women. 

Sixty-two of the world's 100 richest men are married to brunettes. 

Celebrities

On any given evening 35-40 paparazzi follow Britney Spears.

While filming Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick, shot 96 takes of Tom Cruise walking through a door. 

 

Culture

Charles Dickens created 989 named characters.

By the end of his life, the author Kingsley Amis was drinking a bottle of Macallan single malt before lunch.

People called Paul have appeared on 57 number one singles since the British-chart began in 1953; the runner-up is John with 54.

Sport

No English manager has ever won the Premier League. 

650,000 People in South Korea have a Manchester United credit card. 

Politics

A third of all British legislation and 70 per cent of our economic and social law originates from Brussels.

35 Ministers in Macmillan's government, including seven Cabinet ministers, were related to him by marriage.

The door of No 10 Downing Street has always been black, except under Herbert Asquith (1908-16), when it was dark green. 

The Human Body

At birth, most babies cry at C or C-sharp.

About 11 per cent of the British population is left-handed  -  up from three per cent a century ago.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. 

The English Language

The insults 'moron', 'idiot', 'imbecile' and 'cretin' were all once official medical diagnoses.

The  words 'tomato', 'coyote', 'avocado' and 'chocolate' all come from the Aztec language Nahuatl.

No words in the English language rhyme with 'orange', 'silver', 'purple' or 'month'.

At work 

Only five out of every 100,000 paper clips are used to clip paper.

The average pencil holds enough graphite to draw a line about 35 miles long.

At home

In 1995 there were 225 television programmes in Britain watched by more than 15 million people. In 2004, there were just ten.

58,000 BRITONS still have a blackand-white television.

In Britain, trousers cause twice as many accidents as chainsaws. 

Money Matters

In 2005, the 54 billionaires in Britain paid a total of £14.7million in income tax. Of this, £9million was contributed by the vacuum cleaner inventor James Dyson.

The most expensive age of your life is 34. 

 

At War

Explosions from the Battle of the Somme could be heard on Hampstead Heath.

For every insurgent killed in Iraq, 250,000 bullets have been fired. 

Love, Sex and family

On an average day, about 3.3 per cent of the world's population has sex. Less than 0.4 per cent of these acts results in a birth. 

The average age of a first-time grandparent in the UK is 49. 

Miscellaneous

An average 1,500 immigrants a day enter Britain planning to stay for a year or more.

More than 90 per cent of plane crashes have survivors.

The most popular inquiry at Citizens Advice Bureaux concerns how to change one's name. 

 

Zoologger: The rules of fish Fight Club

• 12:59 13 January 2010 by Michael Marshall

http://retire-asia.com/

 

http://getaway365.com/2009/02/malaysia-the-best-place-to-retire-in-asia/

 

http://www.retirementthailand.info/index.htm

 

http://www.cebu-philippines.net/

 

http://www.asia-traveling.com/travel-asia/page_13.html

 

http://asiatvsport.com/

 

http://www.bestplacesretire.com/

 

http://britishexpats.com/articles/malaysia/retiring-in-malaysia/

 

http://www.udonthani.co.uk/retireinfo.html

 

http://www.owningabroad.co.uk/BuyingInAsiaCategory.html

 

http://www.asia-expatsforum.com/phpBB2/intinput.php

 

http://southasia.net/index.php?category=94&pg=9

• Hot finance tips for Brits moving abroad
• Make the most of retiring abroad
   
• Investing in Overseas property

Make the most of retiring abroad

(with thanks to the Telegraph.co.uk)

John Greenwood examines how to put your finances in order before moving to the Continent

Retiring to a place in the sun is a reality for an increasing number of people. More than 1m Britons have their pensions paid overseas, with 74,000 receiving their pension in Spain alone (compared with just 26,700 a decade ago), according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

But setting up your finances properly is as important as choosing the right villa. Get it wrong and you could be paying tax where you do not need to, forking out commission where it is not necessary and footing the bill for expenses you had not foreseen.

The situations can be very different depending on where you retire. Here are some factors to consider if you are heading for Europe's most popular destinations.

Taxation

Generally you will be taxed wherever you are resident. The taxation of expats is complicated, but as a rule of thumb you will continue to pay UK taxes as long as HM Revenue & Customs considers you to be a UK resident. You will remain liable for British taxes if you spend 183 days or more in the UK, or your visits to this country average 91 days or more a year over four years.

Double taxation agreements with Spain, Italy, France and Portugal mean you will not be taxed twice on the same income and that you can ask for UK income that is normally paid net of basic rate tax to be paid to you gross. Such payments include interest on bank and building society savings accounts, as well as income from bonds, pensions and annuities.

If you become non-resident in the UK for tax purposes, income, wherever generated or paid, will be liable to tax in your new country. Tax rates range from 15 per cent to 45 per cent in Spain, from 0 per cent to 40 per cent in France and from 10 per cent to 42 per cent in Portugal.

Experts say that for people with a mid-range retirement income there is little overall difference between the amount of tax you will pay in France, Italy, Spain or Portugal compared with the UK, but, depending on your personal circumstances, it may be beneficial to receive any UK income such as pension or interest on savings gross, without deduction of UK tax.

One of the less pleasant aspects of moving abroad could be finding yourself liable for wealth tax. Portugal and Italy have no wealth taxes but residents of France are taxed on the full value of their worldwide possessions each year at a rate starting at 0.55 per cent for assets of more than £750,000 (£510,000), rising to a maximum of 1.8 per cent a year for assets in excess of £15.5m. In Spain wealth tax starts at 0.2 per cent, although you get an allowance of £150,000 against your main home and £108,000 against other personal assets.

And consider your UK tax-free savings. Under UK law investments held within Peps, Tessas and Isas do not attract income or capital gains tax. However, this tax concession has no effect in France, Italy, Spain or Portugal, so it may be worth cashing in your Peps and Isas before you move abroad so that your capital gain is realised tax-free before you leave the UK. However, you should speak to your independent financial adviser (IFA) about whether the charges you may face on reinvesting the funds will outweigh any tax saving.

Some offshore investments known as personal portfolio bonds can be advantageous for people moving abroad. France, unlike Britain, does not charge capital gains tax on growth of funds realised from these bonds, but watch out for high charges.

If you own properties in Britain that you let to tenants, the income will be taxed in the UK and may also be taxed in your country of residence, but you can get a credit for the UK taxes paid so that you are not taxed twice on the same income. In Britain, letting agents are required to deduct basic rate tax of 22 per cent from the rent and send it to the Revenue. Where rent is paid directly to you, the Revenue may write to your tenants demanding that they send 22 per cent of the rent directly to them as a way of taking basic rate tax at source.

Pensions

You are eligible to receive your UK state pension and occupational pension in full if you move to another country within the European Union.

The good news is that within EU countries such as France, Spain and Portugal your UK state pension will continue to increase in line with inflation, which is not the case for people who retire to countries such as the United States, Australia or South Africa. If you are a non-UK resident, pension income will be taxed by the country in which you live.

In France there is also a social charge of 7.1 per cent Continued from page 1 in addition to the income tax on pensions. This is waived if you are receiving the UK state pension and you have completed a Form E121 from the DWP. The charge can affect people who retire early and are not yet eligible to draw their UK state pension.

Watch out if you move abroad before taking your pension. The ability to take 25 per cent of your pot as a tax-free lump sum is a concession available only to UK residents; if you become liable to tax in a country on the Continent before you start drawing your pension, you could find your lump sum taxed after all.

Benefits

If you are retiring to Europe, you may be able to claim benefits in that country. The benefits you receive in the UK may also be affected by your move abroad. For example, if you are receiving pension credits in the UK this ceases once you become a UK non-resident, but you can still claim incapacity benefit in some European countries. What is more, if you are already claiming your winter fuel allowance, you can claim this after you move to Europe. For further details get a copy of the DWP's guide Going Abroad and Social Security Benefits (GL29) or visit its website .

Currency risk

The chances are that most of your income will be paid in sterling yet all your future outgoings will be in euros.

That is why financial experts urge people emigrating from the UK to move as much of their non-pension assets into investments and savings accounts that are linked to the euro. You may think the 5 per cent you can earn on cash on deposit in the UK compares favourably with the 3.5 per cent you can get in the Eurozone, but that extra interest can be wiped out overnight if exchange rates move against you.

Jonathan Spring-Rice, a consultant at Towry Law, the IFA, says: "As soon as people move out of the UK they have to realise their future is inextricably linked to the euro. People should also ask themselves what they would do if currencies did shift against them, particularly if they are likely to have considerable fixed outgoings. A budget that works at today's exchange rates may not work tomorrow."

Bill Blevins of Blevins Franks, an IFA specialising in overseas retirement, reckons it is worth transferring pensions into a Sipp, which gives people greater control over their investments. "You invest in funds that are denominated in euros so your assets are matched with the currency of your residency," he says.

"It can cause problems if your £163;500,000 pension pot falls to £450,000 because of currency movements going against you."

You can ask for your pension to be paid into an overseas bank account, but check you are not being charged an exorbitant exchange rate. Specialist foreign exchange companies such as HIFX offer free monthly transfers and decent commission rates, and allow you to fix an exchange rate for up to 24 months to protect yourself against currency fluctuations for regular outgoings such as mortgage payments.

Wills and inheritance tax

Different countries treat inheritance in different ways and it pays to find out how your estate will be treated when you die.

When you retire abroad, you will need to make a new will to comply with local law. However, you will also need a UK will if you still own property in Britain.

In many continental countries, including Spain and France, your will can be overriden to make you provide for your children rather than giving your property to your spouse outright, so you may want to take specialist advice on how best to arrange your affairs.

In France, beneficiaries incur the inheritance tax charge, not the estate, while unrelated beneficiaries, including unmarried partners, are charged more than close family members. In Spain this rate can be as high as 84 per cent for unmarried partners; in France it is a flat rate of 60 per cent.

Once you become domiciled overseas you will be liable for UK inheritance tax only on property you hold here. This is paid at 40 per cent of everything above the IHT threshold, which currently stands at £285,000.

"Inheritance tax laws vary widely from country to country. For example, in Portugal IHT is only 10 per cent and there is no inheritance tax for bequests to spouses or descendants," says Mike Warburton, the senior tax partner at Grant Thornton, the accountant.

Health

It is essential to get a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic), the replacement for the E111, before moving abroad. It will give you access to free or cheap healthcare throughout the European Union, although this covers you only for the first six months of your stay.

You will then need to register with the social security system in the country you are moving to in order to benefit from their healthcare services. Visiting state hospitals and medical centres is free in Italy and Spain, whereas there can be a one-off charge for seeing a doctor in Portugal. France has the best healthcare system on the planet, according to the World Health Organisation, but you will be expected to pay up to 30 per cent of the cost of treatment, so you should consider taking out a private medical insurance policy to cover this potential cost.

Similarly, insurance in Spain, Portugal or Italy will enable you to get access to the best healthcare available if state options fall short of your expectations.

People who have serious conditions may find it difficult to obtain cover, so consult a specialist independent broker such as Medibroker about the best medical insurance.

Property prices

Remember that, like in the UK, the value of your home may rise or fall. Britons have a peculiar obsession with property prices, and wrongly expect them to rise above inflation indefinitely. The impact of the British property market on overseas property is substantial and UK demand has pushed up prices in popular areas but if there are problems at home, overseas properties will be sold first. You might find your holiday home will not rise in value and could be difficult to sell. Always bear this in mind

These will probably be more than you thought. Britain has some of the cheapest homebuying costs in Europe.

French legal fees are high - ranging between 10% and 15% of the house price. There is also a regional tax and an occupancy tax if you live there more than eight months a year.

In Spain, valuation will costs you, and loans must be signed by the public notary. Taxes and legal fees will normally amount to 8%-10% of the property value.

In Florida, you need to allow 4% of the price of your holiday home to cover stamp duty, local taxes, legal fees and set-up costs.

In Italy, costs are between 8% and 12%.

In Bulgaria, which is growing in popularity with buyers, there is a notary tax and local taxes to pay, which may add a total 3% to the sale price. Solicitors can cost a further 3%, while setting up a company to make the purchase will cost £1,000 or more.

In Cyrpus, you face stamp duty at the rate of 0.15% on £100,000 or less and then 0.2%. There is also a transfer fee of 5% on homes of £50,000 to £100,000 and then 8% after that. There is also an annual property tax of up to 3.5%.

The buying process is not the end of the expense. Check carefully what other local taxes you must pay, and be aware that in many blocks of flats you have to pay a service charge. You'll need to open a local bank account, as services such as water and electricity may connect you only if you sign a direct debit. Local bills must be paid in local currency - this costs money to buy and in some cases foreign banks charge extra for transactions.

Renting out your property

Tax implications

If you rent out your property abroad income will have to be declared to the British taxman. Check out the tax laws of the country you're buying in. There may be implications if you rent or sell the house. Many countries have reciprocal tax agreements with the UK so that you don't end up paying tax twice. You also need to make a will, as local inheritance tax laws may also come into play. For example, in France if there is no will a property cannot be passed solely to a spouse, but must be shared among any children.

You should also consider the extra insurance costs. There are a number of specialist insurers who cater for this. But you can also ask your own home insurer if they offer a deal to insure a property abroad.

The pitfalls

Don't get carried away with the holiday atmosphere and think very carefully before committing. Most homes look nice in the warmth and sun. Make a return trip out of season to make sure you still like it and that there is the same level of local services - many resorts close up for the winter. Do not commit to buying somewhere that you have never visited and do not be seduced by promises of easy riches - if someone is advertises this then it is very unlikely to happen.

Now ask yourself:

• If you buy somewhere that needs renovation, do you really want to spend your holidays doing DIY or negotiating with local builders?

• If something goes wrong, can you drop everything to sort it out?

• Do you really want to go to the same place every year?

• Can you afford the expenses to get to your holiday home? Remember budget airline flights may not remain at rock bottom cost forever.

Property prices

Remember that, like in the UK, the value of your home may rise or fall. Britons have a peculiar obsession with property prices, and wrongly expect them to rise above inflation indefinitely. The impact of the British property market on overseas property is substantial and UK demand has pushed up prices in popular areas but if there are problems at home, overseas properties will be sold first. You might find your holiday home will not rise in value and could be difficult to sell. Always bear this in mind

These will probably be more than you thought. Britain has some of the cheapest homebuying costs in Europe. For example, French legal fees are high - ranging between 10% and 15% of the house price. There is also a regional tax and an occupancy tax if you live there more than eight months a year.

In Spain, valuation will costs you, and loans must be signed by the public notary. Taxes and legal fees will normally amount to 8%-10% of the property value.

In Italy, costs are between 8% and 12%. In Bulgaria, which is growing in popularity with buyers, there is a notary tax and local taxes to pay, which may add a total 3% to the sale price. Solicitors can cost a further 3%, while setting up a company to make the purchase will cost £1,000 or more.

In Florida, you need to allow 4% of the price of your holiday home to cover stamp duty*, local taxes, legal fees and set-up costs.

In Cyrpus, you face stamp duty at the rate of 0.15% on £100,000 or less and then 0.2%. There is also a transfer fee of 5% on homes of £50,000 to £100,000 and then 8% after that. There is also an annual property tax of up to 3.5%.

The buying process is not the end of the expense. Check carefully what other local taxes you must pay, and be aware that in many blocks of flats you have to pay a service charge. You'll need to open a local bank account, as services such as water and electricity may connect you only if you sign a direct debit. Local bills must be paid in local currency - this costs money to buy and in some cases foreign banks charge extra for transactions.

Retiring Abroad

 For more and more people the dream of retiring abroad is becoming a reality. Retiring to a place in the sun is now affordable for many people with Spain, France and Cyprus among the most popular destinations.

If you are deciding to retire abroad, whether it's to be near family, for health or financial reasons, there are many important factors you should take into consideration. It's not only about being able to find an area or villa you like, but what about local planning permission, local laws, and importantly are your finances in order before you leave so you are able to enjoy your retirement without having to worry about money problems?

Ask Yourself:

• Why do you want to move abroad?
• Will you live abroad permanently, or just for part of the year? Will you rent a property abroad or buy?
• Can you afford to live abroad?
• How would it affect you being so far away from friends and family?
• What will the cost of living be like?
• Will you have any future income-pensions etc?
• Will you still be entitled to benefits that you receive in the UK?
• What is the cost of property, and the cost of its maintenance and upkeep?
• Would the exchange rate mean you have considerably less money than you thought you had?
• Will you be able to cope with cultural differences, like language?
• If you are going with a partner, are you both committed to making the move?
• How would you cope if you or your partner became ill?

You should make a will before you go to live abroad, as different countries have different laws regarding dying without leaving a will, and it could mean your heirs having trouble claiming what is theirs. It may be worthwhile seeking legal advice on this point before making your decision.

If you receive benefits here, they may not all be available to you when you move. Your State pension should remain unaffected, but other benefits like war pensions, carer allowance, housing benefits, incapacity benefit may not be available, or may be taxed at a higher rate. It's important you know just what you are going to be entitled to, as this could seriously affect your current and future income. You can find out just what you are entitled to by contacting your local Inland Revenue office or a group like Age Concern who will give you leaflets and advice on your entitlements.

These are all questions you should ask yourself before making a decision on moving permanently. There are a lot of things to take into consideration and it's a good idea to go for an extended period of maybe 6 months or so, to see how you cope with living abroad, before making a permanent move.

Do Your Research

Once you have made a decision on which country you are going to retire to, you should try and find out as much about it as possible and what day to day life there is like. As a resident you will have different needs than those of a holiday maker.

• If you know someone who has decided to live there contact them and ask them what it's like.
• Visit the country of your choice at different times of the year and see what the weather is like. Is it going to be permanently hot-will this be unacceptable for you and your needs? Will there be heavy snowfall in winter which may cut off your home for days, or weeks at a time?
• Will you be able to communicate well enough to get by on a day-to-day basis. Buying food, talking to local workmen, so they are aware of your requirements?
• Are there good public transport links in the area you are going to move to -if not, how will you get around?

Learn the Language

Learning the language is a great help to settling in. You will feel less isolated or lonely, if you can communicate with the local community. It can make daily tasks like visiting the doctor, taking public transport and shopping a lot easier.

Everything You Ought to Know Before You Retire Abroad

According to figures collated and a survey conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research, in 1981 there were a quarter of a million British retirees living abroad, in 2005 there were a million living abroad and by 2050 there will be a staggering three million British retirees enjoying their retirement overseas.

This means it's entirely possible that you're one of an increasing number considering your retirement options and if the thought of a place in the sun or just a new life somewhere abroad appeals, this article will tell you everything you ought to know before you retire abroad so you can ensure the path is right for you and that you can succeed in realising your own personal dreams.

Your Family & Friends

While it may be your dream to retire abroad have you thought about whether your spouse shares those dreams as intensely as you do? As you approach retirement there is every possibility that you and your spouse will have spent a good few years together and know each other well.but such a life changing decision as selling up and starting again somewhere foreign will test any relationship, therefore before you go ahead you need to know you're both pulling in the same direction.

It is imperative that you speak to your nearest and dearest about your plans from the outset to make sure you both want the same thing - and going forward if you make all decisions together one cannot blame the other if it all goes wrong! More importantly, you will have both done all you can to ensure the new life abroad that you build is perfectly aligned with both your dreams.

When it comes to children, grandchildren and extended family it is also best if they are onside and supporting you. If you can, speak openly and frankly about why you want to make the move and try and get them to understand. Sometimes it's the case that children won't want to see you go and they will try and persuade you to stay.but don't be swayed if this is really what you want to do.

Some (un)lucky (?!) retirees on the other hand paint such a perfect picture of living overseas that their entire family packs up and makes the move with them! The usual situation is that as long as you move to an accessible location and have enough room for visitors, you'll receive plenty of visits from family and friends over the years.

Taking that fact on board is important when considering where to live, because you will need to be in a location that is at least relatively easily and affordably accessible to enable friends and family to visit.

When it comes to retiring abroad and friends, there are those you'll leave behind with whom you can hopefully keep in touch via email, conventional mail, phone calls and visits - and then there are those you have yet to meet. When you relocate you will need to make an effort to get out and about and meet people and build new friendships. Having said that, don't be too tempted to rush into a strong bond with the first people you meet just out of a sense of needing to belong - be friendly, be approachable but also be selective because quite often the first people you fall in with don't become your life long friends.these usually take a while longer to find.

Your Finances

Moving abroad is a very expensive undertaking and you must not underestimate just how expensive it will be if you are to survive the move. For the majority of people it involves a house sale in the UK and a house purchase abroad - or at least a re-mortgage and finding tenants for the UK house and then buying or renting overseas. It involves relocating furniture, possibly relocating pets, relocating or buying a car and it certainly involves relocating yourself. Then there are the additional hidden and unknown expenses - you'll suddenly find you have to pay up front for an annual essential service, or you'll discover the oven in the new house doesn't work or you'll want to add fly screens or air-conditioning to the new property you've just bought for example. For some things you can budget and for others you just can't.

To financially cope when you retire abroad you need to have an incredibly good understanding of your finances, what's where, how much you can spend, and what the day to day cost of living will likely be. Ideally you'll have enough in the bank to make the move, you'll have a regular income to cover day to day living and you'll have a lump sum tucked away for unforeseen expenses.

Do not underestimate how much it'll cost to retire abroad - money is the number one reason why people fail when they move overseas, resulting in them falling on hard times and/or having to return home; and so if you're going to do this properly you should really save hard, understand your financial commitments and income and also have a certain amount set aside in case of a rainy day or a day when you decide you want to move on elsewhere or even move back to Blighty.

Your Home

One of the reasons why so many of us can consider retiring abroad is because we have accrued impressive amounts of equity in our principal residence that will allow us to sell up, buy a property in a cheaper location and also have enough money left in the bank to supplement our retirement income.

However, is it always necessary and even right to sell the principal residence or would it be more advisable to re-mortgage it and use the money to fund a retirement overseas whilst letting out the UK property to pay the UK re-mortgage?

There are a number of options to consider such as those above.in addition should one buy a property abroad or rent a home overseas? You need to think long and hard about your options - while you may be adamant today that once you've made the move you'll never return, but you should keep in mind the fact that an awful lot of those who do make the break for the sun one day decide of their own free accord to return 'home'.

Also, when it comes to finding a new home, while you may be certain of the location you want to live in in a given country now, you may change your mind somewhere down the line. In so many countries it has been said by expatriates that the first home a foreigner buys costs twice as much and is half the size of the second home! Remember, when it comes to profiting from property the main money is made at the point of purchase! So you don't want to rush your buying decision.meaning you may want to rent first or at least spend a while before you retire house hunting abroad - which is, after all a great excuse for regular holidays.

Your Health

This point may be tucked towards the bottom of this article but that does not mean it is unimportant.in fact, this point could be the most important point of all. You need to think long and hard and long term about your physical and mental health and be realistic and know that when you start to age you start to become more susceptible to ailments, illnesses and medical problems.it's a sad fact upon which none of us wish to dwell, but it is a fact nonetheless.

So - on the one hand ask yourself this - how are you going to afford medical treatment in the likely event that you will need a certain amount of it at some point during your retirement abroad? And on the other hand you need to think long and hard about the type of care you will be able to get in the country you're thinking of moving to.

However idyllic a certain country is today - how idyllic will it look when you need an ambulance, you need home care, you need an extended stay in hospital with round the clock nursing care or you need essential drugs or complicated treatment?

Take off your rose coloured glasses now and take a reality check please - the author of this article (that's me) lives abroad in a location where there are an awful lot of international retirees and in a location where health care is pretty rudimentary.

I have seen, heard and witnessed with my own eyes what happens to people when they slip and break a limb, when they fall ill with an unknown serious ailment and even when they have a bad accident and require long term care.and it's not good. For those without private health insurance or without the means to afford a private hospital the level of care is basic, family and friends are essential to assist with nursing and long term care and what's more, poor medical treatment can make a less serious problem into a malingering issue which can bring with it additional problems such as depression for example.

I'm sorry to be so negative at this point - but so few people thinking of retiring abroad ever seems to take enough time thinking about how they are going to be able to afford health care or even get decent health care. Suggestions for tackling this issue head on include finding out about getting private insurance and ensuring this covers you for critical and long term care as well as major and minor ailments, having enough in the bank to be medically evacuated 'back home' and learning more about the levels and availability of health care in your preferred country.

Okay, lecture over!

Your Happiness

And finally - your dream may be to retire abroad, have a villa in the sun, sit on your terrace with a glass of something cool to hand and a sunset to watch over the beautiful sea.but what about when you've done that every night for a week, a month, a year? Do you think you might start to get a little bored with a routine filled with doing nothing but sitting with your feet up?! Don't get me wrong, everyone deserves a peaceful retirement, but the vast majority of people need something in the way of mental stimulation to stay happy.so, start thinking about how you'll fill your days.

You could cultivate a hobby that you now only have a little time to enjoy, you could take on new pursuits, develop new interests, have new experiences.

If you prepare for the fact that sitting about all day will become boring you'll never get fed up with having retired abroad, you'll appreciate the beauty of your new surroundings for far longer and you won't become one of those winging expats who start drinking at noon and wish their lives away in retirement.

So, good luck with your plans, make sure every decision you take is based on facts and hard evidence rather than just dreams, assumptions and hearsay and you will have the most perfect and idyllic retirement abroad and you really will be able to say 'I'm living the dream!'

Rhiannon Williamson is partner and co-founder of Shelteroffshore, a practical online magazine for individuals contemplating moving and living abroad, buying property overseas or investing offshore. Visit Shelteroffshore

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Sunday, 25 January 2009

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It's cold, it's dark and we've got no money. The dream of emigrating at retirement really takes hold during the long winter months. And this time around, with a painful recession under- way and the credit crisis still biting hard, the temptation to leave these shores must be greater than ever.

 A host of factors could be acting as deterrents. First, the property crash is making it harder for people to sell their home, their biggest asset. Of course, the flipside of this is that the price of property in many premier destinations for emigrating Brits, such as Spain and Italy, is also falling. This, however, is offset by the dramatic fall in the value of the pound against the euro. And anyone looking towards the US as the retirement destination of choice will be aware that last week the pound dropped to the lowest level against the dollar since 1985.

 In short, Britons' retirement war chests are shrinking, forcing some people to give up or put on hold their overseas dream.

 But all this gloom shouldn't stop those who want to depart Blighty's shores from doing so, specialist financial advisers suggest, and overseas retirees can still make the most of their money – it's simply a case of planning.

 "Retiring abroad can be a financial minefield," says Ashley Clark, director of Needanadviser.com, an independent financial adviser that specialises in guiding expatriates. "Many people choose to just muddle through, but if you take that approach then you can lose out.

 "Long-term planning is a must," he adds, "from what happens to your pension, to property purchase, to how and when you move your assets out of the UK into the country where you want to retire to."

 As for retirement funds, almost a million Britons draw their state pension abroad, according to Saga, the over-50s specialist insurer. But the way your pension pot is treated can vary considerably depending on where you go.

 If you reach state retirement age before you leave the country – that age is currently set at 65 for men and 60 for women – and you are moving to another EU nation, you should receive your state pension in full. Any occupational pension you've accrued will be paid in excess of this and shouldn't be affected by your choice of destination, although some schemes may insist that payments are made to a UK bank account.

 Interestingly, British pensioners living abroad should be eligible for the UK winter fuel allowance. But in countries outside the EU, although you should still receive a state pension, its value may be frozen at the time you leave. This means that it will gradually be eroded by inflation.

 If the UK state pension age is still some way off for you, investigate the state scheme in your new country of residence, as it may be worth building up your entitlement in that country too.

 "The key to effective overseas retirement planning is to decide how long you expect to be away," says Mr Clark. "Not only could it affectyour retirement income, but also tax and healthcare."

 Any tax liabilities will probably be calculated according to the rules in your country of residence. But if you spend more than 183 days at any one time, or 91 days a year over four years, in the UK then you are subject to British taxes. Inform Revenue and Customs of your change in residency if it is permanent, and be careful you don't get taxed twice – check for a double-taxation treaty with the UK and your country of residence.

 Wills and inheritance tax are also very tricky overseas. In Spain and France, for example, the authorities can override any conflicting dying wishes to provide for your children. Make a will that complies with local law and remember that you still need a binding UK will if you keep property or other assets in the UK.

 Death duties in many countries are punitive, so if you aren't planning to return to the UK even in very old age, your inheritance tax planning should be in terms of assets held both at home and in your country of residence. But a long-term change to your residency will affect your healthcare entitlement both here and overseas. As a non-UK resident, it is unlikely that you will be entitled to free treatment on the NHS simply by returning to Britain.

 What's more, while living abroad you will have to make do with what the healthcare system of your chosen country has to offer, even if armed with the European Health Insurance Card. In some cases, doctor's appointments and medicines will have to be paid for.

 One option, popular among retirees, is to purchase private medical insurance. This can be bought with optional overseas cover. However, this will increase premiums and it may be tough to find an insurer that offers the option for nations outside the EU.

 For many, retiring abroad goes hand in hand with the purchase of a home. But here currency moves are a key issue. "Property is a massive purchase and even relatively small changes in the value of the pound can have a big impact on your buying power abroad," says Marc Cogliatti, currency strategist at the foreign-exchange specialist HiFX.

 Against the major currencies – the dollar or the euro – the pound is very weak, but it shows a little more life against others. "Popular retiree destinations which have not seen such adverse currency moves are South Africa and, to a lesser extent, Australia," adds Mr Cogliatti.

 "But," he continues, "people looking at the traditional retirement destinations of France and Spain will be counting the cost of the dramatic falls against the euro."

 However, people who are worried the pound will slide further but still want to buy a property abroad may be best advised to fix their exchange rate now. "The pound is at a low level, but if you want peace of mind when a property purchase is in the pipeline, there is the option to fix," says Mr Cogliatti. "You pay a slight premium but you can be sure that the price you see today will be what you pay up to two years from now."

 Another option, of course, is to rent rather than buy a property abroad. This will provide more flexibility in the event that you need to move back to the UK in a hurry, and there will be less need to take a currency punt.

 Alternatively, those with a few years' planning time before retirement could continue to make their money work for them in the UK.

 According to Peter McGahan, of independent financial adviser Worldwide Financial Planning, this will provide some breathing space and, hopefully, the pound's fortunes will improve. Investors will also have the protection of the UK's Financial Services Compensation Scheme. "This scheme underwrites deposits of less than £50,000 held in UK banks or building societies," says Mr McGahan.

 "Ultimately, by choosing to wait, you stand a chance that sterling will recover. Once that happens, you can begin to move your money overseas."

 

At today's exchange rates Diesel in the UK is 56.71baht per litre

The weather is awful

The UK is in debt to the tune of 60% of the UK GDP

UK National Debt

December 8th, 2009 | uk economy -

Have a nice day

Weather warnings all round

Worst hit was the village of Shap in Cumbria, which experienced 1.6 inches of rainfall in 12 hours.

Forecasters warned that there was more to come, with the downpour set to continue today in northern England, north-west Wales and western Scotland.

In parts of western England and Wales, winds could gust at up to 70mph.

The Environment Agency had 31 flood warnings and 62 less serious flood watches in place for England and Wales, with Cumbria predicted to be particularly badly hit.

http://www2.sainsburys.co.uk/christmas/christmas-gift-ideas.htm

THIS IS THE SAINSBURY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS SITE.

I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO SEE HOW MUCH MONEY YOU ARE SAVING BEING IN LOS?

I BOUGHT CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM OXFAM WITH A DOVE OF PEACE ON THE COVER AND SUGGEST A GIFT CARD FOR A MODEST AMOUNT OF COURSE TO SAVE ON POSTAGE AND GETTING THE WRONG PRESENT.

NEW YEAR- THATS A DIFFERENT MATTER. ONE YEAR OLDER AND DEEPER IN DEBT?
WILL IT BE TURKEY, LAMB, BEEF OR NUT CUTLETS?

Midlands focus on the changing face of British funerals

NEW LOOK

September 09 2009

Midlands Co-op Funeral Services in Oakham and in Melton, Leicestershire, opened their doors to the public and held a week-long coffin exhibition in an attempt to dispel any public myths or misconceptions the public may have regarding funerals.

Staff were on hand to offer advice on all aspects of funeral arranging including floral and masonry requirements, funeral bonds and probate. Both funeral homes also organised a charity coffee morning plus a competition to guess the number of balloons placed in one of their limousines in aid of Midlands Co-op’s corporate charity, the British Heart Foundation.

Six coffins and four ashes caskets were on display from specialist company, Colourful Coffins, who produce a range of bespoke and custom made designs. Included in the exhibition were coffins and caskets depicting images of British birds, aeroplanes, landscapes, the Union flag, the Eiffel Tower, roses, an African sunset and a juke box.

A cardboard coffin was also on display. Colourful Coffins has made a commitment to Climate Care, the body that helps individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. For every coffin sold, a payment is made to Climate Care and Colourful Coffins also plants a tree in its own six-acre woodland area.

Mary Tomes, Managing Director of Colourful Coffins, said: “The range of coffins available today is varied in comparison with just a few years ago. Of course the traditional range remains a firm choice for many, but with the increased popularity of personalised funerals, requests for bespoke coffins reflecting a loved-one’s hobbies and interests are now widely available.

“I’m sure visitors to the Midlands Co-op exhibitions were quite amazed by what they saw and hopefully it demonstrates how the funeral profession is progressing in response to families’ requests.”

Martyn Stokes, Funeral Director from Midlands Co-op Funeral Services in Melton, said: “This is the first time that we have ever done anything like this. For the majority of people their only contact with funeral directors is when they find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to arrange a funeral, and that can be quite a daunting experience mixed with dread and uncertainty.

“We hope that the events not only introduced people to the latest developments in funeral arranging but also reassured them that funeral directors are approachable human beings and funeral homes are not places to be feared.”

Category: Retail Societies

CFS records £81m profit

September 15 2009

Co-operative Financial Services has posted an interim profit of £81.4 million in the 28 weeks to July 25th.

 

 

Overview:

CE stands for "Common Era."

It is a relatively old term that is experiencing rapidly increased usage in recent years. It is expected to eventually replace AD. The latter is an abbreviation for "Anno Domini" in Latin or "the year of the Lord" in English.

The latter refers to the approximate birth year of Yeshua of Nazareth (a.k.a. Jesus Christ). CE and AD have the same and value. 2004 CE = 2004 AD.

The word "common" simply means that it is based on the most frequently used calendar system: the Gregorian Calendar. .

BCE stands for "Before the common era."

It is expected to eventually replace BC, which means "Before Christ," or "Before the Messiah."

Years in the BC and BCE notation are also identical in value.

Most theologians and religious historians believe that the approximate birth date of Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus) was in the fall of a year, sometime between 7 and 4 BCE.

However, we have seen estimates as late as 4 CE and as early as the second century BCE.

Of course, one can always interpret the letter "C" in CE and BCE as referring to "Christian" or "Christ's"

The Abbreviations Dictionary does exactly this. ₁ The "C" has also been interpreted as "Current."

POLLUTION

THE MET OFFICE IS ONE OF BRITAINS WORST PUBLIC BUILDINGS FOR POLLUTION

A GBP 30 MILLION SUPERCOMPUTER FILLS TWO HALLS EACH THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL PITCH

IT PRODUCES 12,000 TONNES OF CARBON DIOXIDE A YEAR>

LOTS OF HOT AIR BUT THEY KEEP GETTING THE WEATHER FORECAST WRONG

Here's hoping...Somewhat belatedly

 Friday 26 December 2008

JOHN PILGER

January