The grumpy thread

[barefoot]

Fuck me.

[cobblers]

1 hour ago, LightBulbFun said:

I have got some 300W sun-tanning lamps which have 3 pin bayonet bases, if the winter blues are getting you down?  

I once took the piss somewhat and fired up all 3 of mine together at the same time  (the middle one was kindly saved from a skip for me by @Andyrew and the other 2 where off eBay because they came with matching 3 pin lamp holders, which are like rocking horse shit, so really the lightbulbs where just a free bonus LOL)

 

 

on a slightly more serious note, assuming you dont just rip the lamp holder out for a regular 2 pin jobby, do be careful when ordering replacement 3 pin CFL's/LED's for it because there are two types of 3 pin Bayonet lamp holder standard 

 

the original/standard 3 pin bayonet cap (which goes back to the year dot) has its pins spaced like so, historically this has been used where you want your lightbulb to have a bayonet base, but you want to stop the user from being able to plug it into a normal 2 pin mains connected socket, so you found this old mercury vapour lamps and low voltage lamps, as well on lamps that had to be installed in a certain orientation for optical purposes (and some electric fire/heater companies used 3 pin bulbs to try and lock the customer in to buying *their* bulbs, the very original ones use lamps with a 2 prong 5 amp plug base! but I digress massively)

 

but when the building regulation nonsense was introduced, one of the main produces of 3 pin Bayonet cap CFLs for that regulation, by the name of MEM

introduced a new type of 3 pin bayonet cap for those CFL's was introduced, notice the much wider spacing of the pins

but the other competing company, Lyvia, just re-used the existing British standard 3 pin bayonet lamp cap like so

and so where im going with this, is do double check the pin spacing, and if you do end up just ripping out the lamp holder, if it is of the narrower original British standard type, then please save the pendent/lamp holder for me  as above proper 3 pin bayonet lamp holders are rare and sought after by us in the lighting community 

When my dad moved in to his new build in 2006, every bulb in the house was one of these and about 8 watts, it was miserable!

I changed all the bayonets in his house, then he mentioned to the neighbours and I ended up spending a week going round all the neighbours doing the same for them. Just some 20 year old lad standing on an upturned bucket working for a box of beer. 

[somewhatfoolish]

What cunt thought that was a good idea?

[DavieW]

1 hour ago, barefoot said:

Fuck me.

No thanks 😄

[jakebullet]

I'm surrounded by depressed peeps.

Mrs. has been spending weeks constantly saying "Don't buy me anything for shitmas, don't want anything". Like every single fucking day. Has now moved onto "she doesn't want to be here", "kill me now" etc. Turn on the SAD lamp I got you FFS. So sorry I can't buy you the big house at the coast that you want. 

Idiot sister is driving Ma to want death by playing the opposite game to extreme. Ask Ma something, then rubbish the answer and say it's the exact opposite. Repeat daily. Result another one who doesn't want to be here. Quite why she can't tell Idiot to fuck right off, and then fuck off some more I don't know. No, I can't say anything to sister, as she then makes up shite that I've said, and Ma believes the lying sack of shit and gives me shit about it for months.

Bonus of I've broken a tooth, and to avoid dental fun have switched to a soup diet until I can get to a dentist. Not in pain, but don't want to be. Ma kicking off that I don't want shitmas dinner, and she's not going to eat either. I've not been blackmailed over beef before. Ma likes it burned to inedible, so I get none of it normally, so struggling to see what the difference is.
I had an appointment on Monday, but they cancelled it as dentist is busy playing golf, and they can do the middle of January. But I can keep phoning and see if anyone is stupid enough to cancel....

On the bright side 2 weeks of soup diet so far and I've gained a belt hole back. Good job I've got a very high tolerance for repetitive meals. 

[HillmanImp]

11 hours ago, Spiny Norman said:

Morrisons are really taking the piss with their store card.
Pie: Big yellow price ticket £1.25. Harder to read plain white price ticket without the card £2.

Bottle of nice whisky £23 with card, £35 without.

FRO, I went to Lidl instead.

I did a big shop a few weeks ago, bought loads of special deals, got to checkout and the app shat itself. Wouldn't log me in. 

I reckon it cost me between £30-50. Never fucking shopping there again. 

[Remspoor]

17 hours ago, barefoot said:

Fuck me.

Not whilst there clean dogs on the street.

[Remspoor]

Give it a rest.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/24/average-briton-causes-23-times-more-co2-on-christmas-day-study-reveals

[Metal Guru]

20 hours ago, gm said:

doing the christmas drinks shop this afternoon at aldis and i managed to smash a full bottle of wine all over the conveyor belt at the till !

i can’t recall my reaction but have a suspicion that i may have just said “fuck” really loudly.

the cashier was sound and got another till open for the amused / horrified queue behind me while we cleaned up the mess. you’d be amazed just how far one bottle of red can spread in a flat surface. 

i apologised profusely and offered to pay for the broken bottle but was told not to worry,  apparently this happens more often than you’d think. 

i still felt like a total tit, but the staff were great. might avoid the store for a few weeks though  

 

When I worked in a supermarket the rule was before you paid , you were lucky and got a replacement free, after you’d paid, tough.

One day a rough looking guy broke a bottle of whisky after he’d paid. However, our store manager decided to replace it for him. I think the guy standing there with a broken bottle in his hand someone swayed his decision.

[BorniteIdentity]

22 hours ago, richardmorris said:

I’ve always found the checkout staff at Aldi to be great. You just need to be ready to catch the shopping as it flies past their scanner.

The problem isn’t the staff, it’s the shoppers that don’t understand the protocol. 

You’re not supposed to pack your bags at the checkout. You stick it all back in your trolley as fast as the bird on the till launches it at you, and then you pack it once paid over at the bagging area.

Whenever everyone’s singing the same song, it’s amazingly efficient. Sadly, it only takes one old giffer who wants to talk about the weather and pay with two deep pockets full of change to fuck the whole thing. 

I only go to these places to perv on the Eastern European women who patronise them; obviously I’m more of a Waitrose fellow 😉

[hairnet]

https://www.malloryparkcircuit.com/event/plum-pudding-races-4/

ffs 

always think its at new year

[myglaren]

Some of the female staff at one of the local Lidl's are very attractive and can make the visit worthwhile.

One looks like Ekaterina (Katya, Katy) Menz, on bass here for the Otta Orchestra.

The one shown on the thumbnail.

[sheffcortinacentre]

4 hours ago, Remspoor said:

Give it a rest.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/24/average-briton-causes-23-times-more-co2-on-christmas-day-study-reveals

The human race needs to commit mass suicide , only these people will be happy.

[reb]

8 minutes ago, sheffcortinacentre said:

The human race needs to commit mass suicide , only these people will be happy.

Article written to make you grumpy has made you grumpy. Does that make you grumpy?

[Pieman]

1 hour ago, hairnet said:

https://www.malloryparkcircuit.com/event/plum-pudding-races-4/

ffs 

always think its at new year

1) you've linked to the 2023 event page with my mate's old Hyundai Coupe on it, and 2) I've posted twice in relevant threads about this year's in the last few days.  

[Pieman]

19 hours ago, jakebullet said:

Idiot sister is driving Ma to want death by playing the opposite game to extreme. Ask Ma something, then rubbish the answer and say it's the exact opposite. Repeat daily. Result another one who doesn't want to be here. Quite why she can't tell Idiot to fuck right off, and then fuck off some more I don't know. No, I can't say anything to sister, as she then makes up shite that I've said, and Ma believes the lying sack of shit and gives me shit about it for months.

I've reminded you before that this is the person who deliberately ran you over with her car.  She needs a good slap in the fucking face.

[maxxo]

Well I’ve fallen out with my uncle today

(Grandparents son)

all the family together, now bear in mind I am the only person in the family who actually visits my grandparents regularly and bother with me (I visit them twice a week without fail)

anyway he was trying to talk them into getting a new boiler/heating system (had this before around 6k to do it)

saying all the benefits like oh you’ll gain a small amount of loft space and an extra cupboard in the massive airing cupboard getting rid of the tanks etc on demand hot water blah blah blah

i said it

”I think it’s a complete waste of money personally, they’ve never had an issue with the current system and it works absolutely fine, personally I feel you’re just trying to get them to spend the money so the house will supposedly be worth more then they die so you can sell it”

that’s my honest opinion, I’ve spoken with them afterwards and we all agreed it’s a complete waste of money and would be a difficult job anyway due to pipe runs

anyway

according to my quite nasty aunt (dickheads wife) I’m a right little bastard 

aye

I live around 18 miles from the grandparents and visit them twice a week, he lives 1 mile away and hasn’t stepped foot in their house in 5 years, never calls etc or does anything to help then

it reminded me just how pissed off I am with the entire family just abandoning them and not bothering with them at all, I mean it’s only ever me who actually goes to see them, who calls them, who takes them on trips out, who does all the jobs for them

yet I’m the bad one

ive made a promise to my grandparents when they die I’m changing the locks and protecting their house until something proper is sorted, which I’m happy to do to make sure nothing is thrown away etc

i needed to get that off my chest, I’ve been stewing on it all day and quite frankly I’m sick to shit of them all

perhaps also not helped whilst I was at their house today the landline rang, I answered it and it was the cow, I frankly told her to piss off and actually understand that they won’t be around forever and maybe come and see them

a discussion about boilers led to a falling out I’m pleased about

successful Christmas 

[maxxo]

Also bloody Citroen Xsara Picassos

i can go years without really giving them a second thought

then for example I watch Gavin and Stacey and then I hanker for another one

i don’t know why, I’ve just always thought they’re fantastic 

[chodweaver]

Well I’ve fallen out with my uncle today
(Grandparents son)
all the family together, now bear in mind I am the only person in the family who actually visits my grandparents regularly and bother with me (I visit them twice a week without fail)
anyway he was trying to talk them into getting a new boiler/heating system (had this before around 6k to do it)
saying all the benefits like oh you’ll gain a small amount of loft space and an extra cupboard in the massive airing cupboard getting rid of the tanks etc on demand hot water blah blah blah
i said it
”I think it’s a complete waste of money personally, they’ve never had an issue with the current system and it works absolutely fine, personally I feel you’re just trying to get them to spend the money so the house will supposedly be worth more then they die so you can sell it”
that’s my honest opinion, I’ve spoken with them afterwards and we all agreed it’s a complete waste of money and would be a difficult job anyway due to pipe runs
anyway
according to my quite nasty aunt (dickheads wife) I’m a right little bastard 
aye
I live around 18 miles from the grandparents and visit them twice a week, he lives 1 mile away and hasn’t stepped foot in their house in 5 years, never calls etc or does anything to help then
it reminded me just how pissed off I am with the entire family just abandoning them and not bothering with them at all, I mean it’s only ever me who actually goes to see them, who calls them, who takes them on trips out, who does all the jobs for them
yet I’m the bad one
ive made a promise to my grandparents when they die I’m changing the locks and protecting their house until something proper is sorted, which I’m happy to do to make sure nothing is thrown away etc
i needed to get that off my chest, I’ve been stewing on it all day and quite frankly I’m sick to shit of them all
perhaps also not helped whilst I was at their house today the landline rang, I answered it and it was the cow, I frankly told her to piss off and actually understand that they won’t be around forever and maybe come and see them
a discussion about boilers led to a falling out I’m pleased about
successful Christmas 

...is the correct way to handle crap family at Christmas. Respect, Max!

[reb]

I handled crap family by telling them to piss off and going for a walk to see if I could find Phil Jupitus.

 

 

I didn't find him, but given he lives in the town, I might have.

[somewhatfoolish]

1 hour ago, maxxo said:

”I think it’s a complete waste of money personally, they’ve never had an issue with the current system and it works absolutely fine, personally I feel you’re just trying to get them to spend the money so the house will supposedly be worth more then they die so you can sell it”

Have you ever considered a job with the diplomatic service?🤣

[New POD]

7 hours ago, maxxo said:

Well I’ve fallen out with my uncle today

(Grandparents son)

all the family together, now bear in mind I am the only person in the family who actually visits my grandparents regularly and bother with me (I visit them twice a week without fail)

anyway he was trying to talk them into getting a new boiler/heating system (had this before around 6k to do it)

saying all the benefits like oh you’ll gain a small amount of loft space and an extra cupboard in the massive airing cupboard getting rid of the tanks etc on demand hot water blah blah blah

i said it

”I think it’s a complete waste of money personally, they’ve never had an issue with the current system and it works absolutely fine, personally I feel you’re just trying to get them to spend the money so the house will supposedly be worth more then they die so you can sell it”

that’s my honest opinion, I’ve spoken with them afterwards and we all agreed it’s a complete waste of money and would be a difficult job anyway due to pipe runs

anyway

according to my quite nasty aunt (dickheads wife) I’m a right little bastard 

aye

I live around 18 miles from the grandparents and visit them twice a week, he lives 1 mile away and hasn’t stepped foot in their house in 5 years, never calls etc or does anything to help then

it reminded me just how pissed off I am with the entire family just abandoning them and not bothering with them at all, I mean it’s only ever me who actually goes to see them, who calls them, who takes them on trips out, who does all the jobs for them

yet I’m the bad one

ive made a promise to my grandparents when they die I’m changing the locks and protecting their house until something proper is sorted, which I’m happy to do to make sure nothing is thrown away etc

i needed to get that off my chest, I’ve been stewing on it all day and quite frankly I’m sick to shit of them all

perhaps also not helped whilst I was at their house today the landline rang, I answered it and it was the cow, I frankly told her to piss off and actually understand that they won’t be around forever and maybe come and see them

a discussion about boilers led to a falling out I’m pleased about

successful Christmas 

Have they made a will and who is the executor?  

If No. Then offer to organise it for them. 

If yes, and the executor isn't you, then it's up to the executors to dispose/value/sell/hand out to family and stuff. 

If it is you. Jobs a good one. Change the locks. 

[maxxo]

1 hour ago, New POD said:

Have they made a will and who is the executor?  

If No. Then offer to organise it for them. 

If yes, and the executor isn't you, then it's up to the executors to dispose/value/sell/hand out to family and stuff. 

If it is you. Jobs a good one. Change the locks. 

they do not have one, i suspect it will likely end up being me as they have hinted towards wanting me to look after their affairs when they pass

i understand it's not tat what they have, a lot of it is actually antiques, just no one else realises that so i've promised to care for it all

[Westbay]

You really need them to put it in writing, there's a world of grief coming if they don't ...

[Morris 63]

22 minutes ago, Westbay said:

You really need them to put it in writing, there's a world of grief coming if they don't ...

Couldn't agree more. No will leaves a shit situation (guess how I know).

It can end up as your word against the uncle's. He'd likely win as their direct descendant. 

An total respect for you seeing them and sticking up for them.

[Metal Guru]

29 minutes ago, maxxo said:

they do not have one, i suspect it will likely end up being me as they have hinted towards wanting me to look after their affairs when they pass

i understand it's not tat what they have, a lot of it is actually antiques, just no one else realises that so i've promised to care for it all

Where is your parent , son or daughter of your grandparents in all this? Surely it’s their job not yours. (Sorry if they’re dead , but just asking).

Without a will naming you as either executor or beneficiary , you’ll have no say and be told to FRO.

 

[maxxo]

1 minute ago, Metal Guru said:

Where is your parent , son or daughter of your grandparents in all this? Surely it’s their job not yours. (Sorry if they’re dead , but just asking).

Without a will naming you as either executor or beneficiary , you’ll have no say and be told to FRO.

 

they've mentioned about me being on the will to sort it all out and i think a plan is in place for that

no other family, even my parents have any interest in doing it and have said they'll just skip everything in the house

 

[Metal Guru]

Just now, maxxo said:

they've mentioned about me being on the will to sort it all out and i think a plan is in place for that

no other family, even my parents have any interest in doing it and have said they'll just skip everything in the house

 

I’m sure they’d not skip stuff if they knew it was valuable. Nothing gets people interested more quickly than money.

I’m in the process of  clearing out my mother’s house. There’s no antiques. A few things that various people want but the vast majority is stuff my mother liked but no one else wants. Sad to do, but if it doesn’t get dumped, my son will just have twice as much stuff to get rid of when I die. You can only take so much to charity shops. 

[maxxo]

2 minutes ago, Metal Guru said:

I’m sure they’d not skip stuff if they knew it was valuable. Nothing gets people interested more quickly than money.

I’m in the process of  clearing out my mother’s house. There’s no antiques. A few things that various people want but the vast majority is stuff my mother liked but no one else wants. Sad to do, but if it doesn’t get dumped, my son will just have twice as much stuff to get rid of when I die. You can only take so much to charity shops. 

i don't know even half the stuff they have, i know there's a lot of antiques etc so i'd want a few days going through everything sorting it out

i guess i'm just more pissed off no one bothers with them

[GrumpiusMaximus]

@maxxo if they don't have a will, as others have said, you are in for an absolute World of pain.  It doesn't need to take them long or cost them much to write one.  If everybody gets along and nobody argues, it's not so bad but nothing divides a family like an inheritance and if there's any animosity in the family it makes probate (the inheritance process where there is no will) a lot, lot harder.

There are also other considerations like lasting power of attorney that can make things a lot easier but conversely, if not done in time can make your life so much harder.

I'm not trying to alarm you here - but there's an example at the moment with a friend of ours.  Her Dad is disabled, blind, deaf and has some signs of dementia.  Her mother - who is also her Dad's carer - has just had a major stroke and during her hospital stay that she has terminal cancer with a short prognosis.  Our friend and her two siblings are trying to get power of attorney so that they can sort out their affairs but because their Dad has some signs of dementia, they're fighting a battle to try and demonstrate that he has enough mental capacity to sign over lasting power of attorney.  Once somebody is assessed as losing capacity then it can't be signed over and you can't make legal decisions for them.

Conversely, when my Grandmother moved into my parents house a few years ago she signed over power of attorney.  A few months later she started showing signs of dementia and by the end I suspect it wouldn't have been granted.  Because it was granted, dealing with her affairs (including her flat, etc.) was relatively easy.

Lasting power of attorney is only ever needed by the time it gets too late for it to be granted - so if it feels like it's too early for it be discussed, it might actually be the right time.