Puffer

Traditionally, a Belfast sink has a weir overflow, a Butler sink has no overflow. But these days both would normally have an overflow and the terms are effectively interchangeable. I've never had to fit a new waste to one but I think the only distinguishing feature is that the top flange is normally larger than normal (c85mm); the body (slotted) would be standard and have usual 1.5" thread. I wouldn't expect such a waste to be that hard to find locally; this from PlumbCenter, in stock at Hemel, for example: http://www.plumbcenter.co.uk/product/mcalpine-belfast-sink-waste-11-2-x-85mm/?gclid=CLnZ9OHO18oCFScFwwodXSgCDg which appears to be slotted (see below) - but maybe you tried another branch nearer you which had none. I guess if you did turn up at the Harpenden merchant and simply asked for the waste by description, you would likely find that it was offered at a trade price of less than £13.50. Or there is this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KITCHEN-SINK-STAINLESS-STEEL-BELFAST-FARMHOUSE-60MM-BSW-STAINER-WASTE-/311279098580#shpCntId According to this: http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/waste-outlet-fittings/sink/sink-wastes?cat=66&flange_size=16&id=66&size=165 McAlpine does 5 slotted Belfast wastes which should do you, and ought to be available from most merchants. This is a good price - but shipping will kill it I think: https://www.bellabathrooms.co.uk/mcalpine-bsw6cp2h-1-centre-pin-belfast-sink-waste.html?gclid=CMSlkKLS18oCFasEwwodCr0HKQ I'm sure I have such a waste lurking in my stores, but that's not much help to you right now. Good luck anyway!

I am sorry to hear your sad news, Freddy. My thoughts are with you and your wife. In 1987, my father's (terminal) bowel cancer spread after some 9 months to his liver and, as you say, the end was then nigh. But both he and I at least had a fairly long preparation time and, as he said at an early stage (quoting Dr. Johnson): 'Depend upon it, sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.'

For the avoidance of doubt: 1. I said 'mincing?' because, having picked myself up, I had to cautiously 'get into my stride' in the boots and probably failed to walk easily for the first few (smallish) steps. 2. I was going into the pub (for a meal), stone cold sober (as always). [The word 'entered' above gives a clue!] 3. I called them 'hairy apes' because that was their general appearance; they were in fact quite good-natured and just enjoying a social drink in a pub that does not attract (n the words of Mr Fawlty) 'riff raff'. (Before you comment: yes, I am allowed in; indeed, I eat there every couple of months.) 4. I have never seen anyone slip on a banana skin (outside the pages of the Beano); does it ever happen in reality? But I know what you mean about jeans perils.

A As I am 6' 1" in bare feet (I think I've lost a good 0.5" with age!), I can only say from experience that I think being tall cuts both ways. Yes, a tall man (but not necessarily burly or muscular with it) is likely to be treated by most people with a little more caution if abuse or other aggression is in the air. But it can also make him a target, both in the sense of being more visible and also because he might be seen as a challenge by some cocky bloke who fancies his chances with 'lofty'. On the very few occasions that I have been threatened or mildly assaulted, it has been by a noticeably shorter bloke with 'attitude'. On one occasion, Mr Shorthouse was accompanied by his girlfriend/wife (but no boots or cake involved) - it was just a case of pushing past me in a doorway whilst he was leaving a shop, and not liking the rebuke I dared to utter. He turned round, raised his fists and likened me to something essentially feminine - but seeing my stance (if not size) and that there were several interested witnesses, thought better of it and skulked off. I haven't (yet) experienced any problems whilst wearing heels. Their extra height is not really needed in my case; their potential for limiting swift and nimble movement might be an issue. The nearest I have come to experiencing grief was missing my footing whilst descending three or four wide steps as I entered a pub/restaurant, whilst wearing my 5" MJ boots. My tumble was noticed by three hairy apes sitting just inside the pub, who thought it most amusing, but I don't think my boots were spotted and I merely grinned back and picked myself up before walking (mincing?) in carefully.

Who needs beer? A pair of heels lets one really grow quite tall enough - and stay sober and sensible.

Maybe not - but I'm happy to be considered a nerd! I didn't answer your earlier question about Mastermind. No, I've not been on it (nor am likely to be) but I don't think Fawlty Towers would be my subject if I was - although it is quite a good, self-contained subject to mug-up on. I have a couple of more complex and more serious subjects in mind as theoretical choices. (I recall that a contestant was not allowed to have as his specialist subject 'Routes to anywhere in England from Letchworth' (or somesuch) - that would have been exciting to watch!)

There was a recent TV programme (featuring comments from John Cleese and other cast members) which showed lots of clips of the best or most memorable scenes from the various episodes of Fawlty Towers. The bit I mentioned was one of them. I'm sure it will be repeated; it's well worth watching. But, seriously, how can one easily forget those magic moments from such a splendid series? 'There's enough material there for a whole conference' - as the psychiatrist also said, summing-up Basil's conduct.

Yes, The Mousetrap could well be considered 'dated', in being both written and set in an earlier era, which shows. If one overlooks the somewhat contrived and stereotypical plot and characters (typical Christie), then it is enjoyable enough. I doubt that it would benefit from any re-write or period update, which would likely change it into something distinctly different (and maybe better, maybe not). I have no problems with something set in (say) the early 1950s (I was there!) and accurately reflecting that period and its people, morals etc; indeed I enjoy such nostalgia - and can (in my imagination) look forward to being in on the first stiletto era etc! The equally dated (but great) Hitchcock film Dial M for Murder is a good example of this period and genre, and of course was originally a play; it was on TV again very recently and I must watch my recording. I must confess that my favourite viewing is contemporary black and white films from the period, say, 1940 - 1965. Not only the WW2 notables but also those set in Britain during the austerity and 'Never-had-it-so-good' eras - bomb sites, rationing, steam trains, whistling errand boys, rock-and-roll, beehive hair and (er) stilettos ...

I too had not seen 'The Mousetrap' until a couple of years ago, when my wife asked to go as (coincidentally) her birthday treat. Although the latter is normally marked by something modest (possibly running to a Chinese takeaway), I took the plunge and bought matinee tickets. Frankly, we were both somewhat disappointed as we found the plot rather contrived and the performances much on a par with a reasonable am-dram troupe. But don't let me put you off; it was an enjoyable enough afternoon experience even though the same money and time could have been better spent elsewhere. I suspect most people go out of curiosity rather than because they have read glowing reviews (if any). I have had the reverse situation: my wife has twice treated me to (overpriced) stage shows as a birthday 'treat', neither of which were nearly as enjoyable as watching the same acts on TV - and in one case with such a poor and distant view that binoculars were essential. Never again.

If I missed the intentional humour (because some of those emoticons are not always noticed or properly understood), then mea culpa. I interpreted your remarks at face value; sorry. Typical and average are sometimes readily interchangeable, especially in informal conversation. But 'average' is best confined to those situations which have an arithmetic element, as your good example of children's achievements illustrates: a measurement of achievement (e.g. exam marks) is readily averaged for a group and can be compared with any one of its members. The 'typical' child, on the other hand, achieves rather less than he is truly capable of, but not in an obviously measurable manner. And the gay person's conduct can scarcely be described as (or accepted as) 'average' because again it is essentially qualitative, not quantitative (so not truly measurable) - unless one is homing-in on the number of specific acts carried out by one of a group over a specific period, e.g. 'How often does a gay man sleep with another?'. (Reminds me of Basil Fawlty and his confused conversation with the psychiatrist, who asked him how often he and Sybil took a holiday. Believing he was being asked about their sex life, but reluctant to commit himself, Basil answered 'About average'. But the 'average', whether about sex or holidays, would be fairly meaningless anyway as the (arithmetic) average is so easily skewed by the extreme results in a group, e.g. one person taking a forty week break whilst most others take a 'typical' two or three.)

How are you, Freddy? (Don't answer that - yet.) You have, I think, misread my last post. I did not suggest that 'normal' and 'typical' were terms in mutual opposition; I was contrasting 'normal' with 'conventional' etc and (separately) 'average' with 'typical'. I agree that a significant majority of the population (including me) - in other words, 'typical' citizens - would not regard homosexual conduct as 'normal', although its practitioners would clearly think it was, by their standards. But even the adherents would, if honest, agree that their conduct was neither conventional nor commonplace, numerically speaking. That is why I suggested that the term 'normal' is somewhat emotive and sensitive and perhaps best avoided. One could apply the same terminology to male heel wearers, the reality (which you and I are honest enough to admit) being that it is not 'normal' male conduct, by mass standards. I cannot agree with your analysis of 'I'm good'. A question such as 'How are you?' must call for an answer relating to health or wellbeing, not 'conduct'. 'I'm a good boy' implies 'good conduct', not 'good health' - but 'My health is good' (as distinct from 'I'm good') would be an acceptable and grammatical answer. Contrariwise, if the question is 'How are you behaving?', the answer should be along the lines of 'I'm good', (not 'I'm well'). In any event, how often do strangers ask after conduct rather than notional health in a conventional, if somewhat banal, greeting? And, for that matter, who is really interested in the health of another unless there is already some relationship?

Well said, Freddy! I agree with your analysis and comment on almost all points. I think you are right about acceptability of homosexuality being far from universal in the UK - I would put the considered 'tolerance level' at well below 50% - and it is only the fear of being considered a bigot or non-PC that stops many from expressing some sort of anti view, however mild. Many would however dispute your reference to it not being 'normal', as that is exactly what they consider it to be - or want it to be. I think you meant 'conventional' or 'commonplace'; both those terms are more apt. (And 'average' is not an exact term either; 'typical' would be better. The average man has 1.99999 legs; the typical man has 2!) Yes, one might well expect 'Dilbert' to be more understanding of his date's 'preferences' - and Paulo's rejoinder about the somewhat effeminate sparkly jacket (Dorothy Perkins?) was perfectly fair, but unfortunately not taken on board. As to the carpenter, I had missed the comparison to younger sex-seekers. Yes, he was rather rough-and-ready (although his country accent was a mitigating factor) and certainly insensitive, but that (rather than any overtly predatory ideas) may have been his downfall. She was likeable and quite pretty; he was awkward and rather blunt - they were clearly unsuited even if he failed to spot it sooner. My point about 'I'm good' is not that it is (alas) banal or formulaic but that it is grammatically wrong. If I ask (however superficially) about someone's health/wellbeing, I expect an answer (banal or not) such as 'I'm fine/OK/all right/well'. If I ask about someone's conduct, then (and only then) 'I'm good' is an acceptable answer. The 'How are you - I'm good' exchange is ignorant - and would have got me a reprimand (if not a slap) at junior school if I'd responded that way.

I'd never heard of this programme (not really the sort of thing I usually watch) but I've just watched it. It was well-made and seemed genuine throughout; at least the 'contestants' were polite, articulate and intelligent (unlike so many reality/fly-on-wall programmes). What did irritate me was the universal response - even from a 44 year old - of 'I'm good' to questions such as 'How are you?' or 'Would you like ...' [Sorry (and I'm showing my age), but that is not a correct response.] You didn't say that the heel-wearing man (Paulo) was gay, as was his date. I didn't expect him to be (before watching), but alas the fact that he was must surely increase the prejudice against men in heels. His date's adverse reaction was interesting, albeit not necessarily expected, but I cannot criticise him for his views. There was no reason for him to approve (regardless of anyone's sexuality) and his intolerance or dislike is scarcely unusual. As for the carpenter, I'm not sure that he was more interested in sex rather than any other aspect of a relationship. His honest closing statement that there was limited physical attraction was not necessarily indicating that he primarily wanted a sex partner. The girl in latex made a telling remark, to the effect that men wanted her for a (fetish) party date rather than a (respectable) relationship.

If the only practical issue (for now) is constant water heating, why worry? You won't overheat anything and the extra fuel used for HW (if your boiler controls are not limiting the 'on' time much during the day) will be trivial - and you have HW whenever needed. As I have off-peak electricity, I use an immersion heater in my cylinder for a couple of hours early morning as this is cheaper than using gas. The cylinder stat recognises that the immersion has done its job and merely tops-up with heat via boiler during 'on' periods. Sentinel X100 is fine - but I don't think worth the high price (unless perhaps in a new system when boiler manufacturer requires it).

Yes, the Co-op concept was (and still is) a good one, but I don't think it operates in the way you suggest; it is not controlled by traders. It originated in Lancashire (the 'Rochdale Pioneers', if memory serves) as a means of working-class individual 'consumers' to band together and bulk-buy staple household goods at a discount, with profits returned to them by means of the annual dividend. That has remained the pattern, with expansion into funerals, holidays, banking, insurance etc over the years. The local/regional co-ops get their main supplies through the wholesale society that they in turn own. I know that there is a an 'ethical' slant to the business but whether it is (a) rigidly adhered to; (b) effective is a moot point, although no doubt it appeals to some customers. This is not the same as a retailers' co-operative, such as Londis, Euronics etc. That is a bulk-buying wholesaler which supplies various local 'independent' retailers, who are its ultimate owners.

The various co-operative societies traditionally give a 'dividend' (varying with annual profits) in the form of a cashback, based on members' purchase value over the year. It is still done (although I think currently in suspension because of the Co-op's recent 'trouble at mill') and, for regular shoppers, can be a tidy sum. Much the same as a Tesco Clubcard or Nectar Card. Wife and I rarely use local Co-op, but it is handy if passing and milk etc has run out. And the new TV I bought online a few weeks ago was much cheaper at Co-op Electrical than competitors - even without 'divvy'.

... and I thought AC/DC was something to do with transformers.

Are you sure valve is at fault? It is possible to get feedback from return in some systems. Is the synchronous motor working properly? I have three Honeywell two-port valves (HW; CH up; CH down - house has four storeys) at least 20 years old and all three motors have failed within the last two years. Easily replaced at about £8 each. If you do have to remove the valve, I suggest you inspect/clean/test it as it may well be good for another period or, if replaced, kept as a spare.a future replacement. £13.50 seems a lot for inhibitor, unless you have to use a couple of litres. I have drained into large containers and (after settling of black iron sludge) successfully re-used about 80% of inhibited water. Given that a drain-down or top-up is occasionally needed, the cheapest inhibitor does the job, especially in an old system.

I think Heels is showing Lidl leggings, bought last year (but will no doubt confirm). I am hoping to visit that emporium for a look-see shortly; not sure if I'll buy but am curious.

You do surprise me! All that divvy gone to waste ...

An elegant boot - until you look at the platform which upsets the balance entirely imho. They would have looked better with no platform and a 13.3cm (5.25") heel. I see they sold for £293!

"Cooperative" period ? I shall therefore expect Mrs F to wear them when she next shops at the Co-op - or goes to any other 'Society' function. Nice boots. But, as you say, the heel should be higher (and ideally set forward a little). A shame they have to go.

Not high enough in the heel, I assume - or is it the shaft? And, by 'toe box a bit long' do you mean too pointed, or size of boot is a 'large 8'? A pic (preferably with you inside 'em) would be interesting so we may judge for ourselves.

I used a sniping site only once, a couple of years ago when I was away at the critical time. I didn't win the auction, simply because I was outbid. A quick Google search 'eBay sniping tool' produced several links to (free) help, so apparently the facility still exists.

Sorry to hear about mother-in-law (anagram = 'woman Hitler'); hope she recovers soon. I'm pleased to say that, although my wife and I have our differences, I'm very fond of her mum and we get on well. Wife's dad died suddenly two years ago and I was close to him too - a good mate, sorely missed. Good luck with the auctions - if any more come up. Have you ever used an automated sniping site?