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Landlines are going to cease to be a thing in 2025

For real? I just got a reminder from BT that my contract is almost up and the prices are going up, thinking about switching to "community fibre" should I just forget about landline? I never use it. (But I do quite like having an old school phone in the front room just in case. )

I definitely get that if I'm in position at the train doors. Yes I'm ready! You won't need to tut silently at my tardiness! I am aware your time is very important!

DLR does this.

My old boss presses the door button on the jubilee line even though the doors open automatically. Every commute.

yeah 'simply' definitely the wrong word there. 'only' maybe. as in, only that, without the bullshit.

beautiful

made 23 declarations ... said the expenses were claimed in error

Looool.
The other day as I was drifting off to sleep I was wondering what things (society, state of everything) would look like if we didn't have all this lobbying, bullshit and corruption in politics and instead we simply had effective government that served the people. What kind of decisions would be made on provision of services, strategic planning, the environment... Sadly almost unimaginable. Kind of blew my mind.

It also leads/justifies/excuses whatever utterly shit behaviour in the here and now on the promise of future paradise/salvation etc. I'm unconvinced religious righteousness is aggregate beneficial for humanity. Especially the Abrahamic ones, but maybe just because I'm more familiar with the downsides.

I remember being utterly disgusted by a copy of the Watchtower I was given that assured the reader that war, suffering and environmental destruction was just part of the plan - indeed a necessary part of the plan, so don't fight it - and don't worry, you'll be alright, eternally skipping through green valleys etc if you just come with us.

Edit: Sorry for the rant. Any framing of this life and this world as merely a stepping stone is problematic. There is no Planet B.

When you buy a roll of fake 'lead' flashing it comes with a tin of sticky stuff. I imagine it might be suitable if you don't mind adhering the felt to whatever is underneath. You could attempt some kind of patch on top if you don't want that.

Circle is useless for growing food as it's shaded by the house. East and west facing are both fine. If you can grow stuff close to the house a west-facing eg brick wall retains heat into the evening so good for anything that likes that. Fruit basically. Tomatoes etc. However east facing is more sheltered from the prevailing wind.

Bolsonaro supporters storm Brazilian Congress

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-64204860

PM'd

Great article and looks like an interesting series too

You mean my shiny new thermostat isn't actually accurate? :/

First two days of having it, we've adjusted the 'warm' phase downwards from 21 (default) to 19 to 17.5. Think we're used to things being a little cool but the thermostat definitely helps things feel more steady and stable.

How are the books?!

^^ we use that stuff too.

We now have a functioning thermostat for the first time in 5+ years. Already feels going to be amazing for keeping things warm and comfy, maybe not so much for my energy bills...

If IT is a traditionally non-unionised sector, you could join and create a sector with United Voices of the World
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/sectors/

https://lewishamdonationhub.org
They aren't taking general donations atm but will take stuff to support homeless. If you want to check just message them on facebook and they will respond.

The anti is if you're weirdly precious about old windows or even just modern 'old style' windows and prioritise that over making it a little easier for people to make energy efficiency and comfort improvements to their homes, given the state of the climate emergency, cost of living etc.

Anyone in Kensington and Chelsea (or anywhere really but it relates to RBKC) who wants to give their views on improving thermal efficiency of windows in Listed Buildings:

They have a Listed Building Consent Order For Window Works out for consultation. It's still quite restrictive but allows secondary glazing to any existing window and double glazing in some circumstances. You can give your support, disagree and/or give comment:
https://planningconsult.rbkc.gov.uk/LLBCO/consultationHome - CONSULTATION CLOSES 9th JAN

This follows a consultation for installation of solar panels last year. The draft is here: https://consult.rbkc.gov.uk/communities/building-consent-order-solar-panels/

Further to conservation area and Listed Building issues when it comes to energy and thermal improvements - Kensington and Chelsea currently has a Listed Building Consent Order For Window Works out for consultation. It's still quite restrictive but allows secondary glazing to any existing window and double glazing in some circumstances. You can give your support, disagree and/or give comment:
https://planningconsult.rbkc.gov.uk/LLBCO/consultationHome - CONSULTATION CLOSES 9th JAN

This follows a consultation for installation of solar panels last year. The draft is here: https://consult.rbkc.gov.uk/communities/building-consent-order-solar-panels/

Ran the dehumidifier for an hour before I had to leave - made the right fridge-y and fan noises but didn't produce any water. It's a refrigerant one. Do they take a while to get going or does it need to be warmer to achieve anything?

It's one of these: https://www.nationalheatershops.co.uk/p/dri-eaz-bd1000-building-dryer/

Further to the dehumidifier chat. My dad is more or less ignoring the situation ("it'll be fine, you're being excessive") so I went up today again to help remove more sodden possessions. Sister had pulled up the carpet and underlay at the weekend. More rain than not isn't helping the situation.

Two rather pleasant customer service interactions though - hiring a big dehumidifier from Travis Perkins they put a discount on that made it less than half what I was expecting, then took one look at my dad's car and decided to bring it round on a flat bed, for free. Also, I ordered a domestic dehumidifier direct from Meaco, website wasn't very clear whether they actually had stock so I emailed on Sunday and someone replied straight away. They then changed the delivery address before sending it out today.

I <3 IVAR

Thanks all for the advice. I raised the insurance route option with my dad, but he doesn't want to. There seems to be a national shortage of dehumidifiers to buy or hire (I imagine there are burst pipes and similar minor disasters on every other street) and then I ballsed up going to collect the one I'd located (failure to charge car battery, but I'd wrongly thought they were open tomorrow morning otherwise I'd have got a taxi). So, earliest to hire is now 3rd Jan by which time I'll be back in london and back at work and I'm not sure about my dad dealing with hire shop and the weight of the thing etc (he's pretty elderly) but it is what it is.

Ah good shout thanks.
A few places to call round in the morning.