The grumpy thread

[scaryoldcortina]

^ Amber phase should be 3 seconds, which at 30mph is around 130ft... I don't know about an optare, but the highway code reckons 75ft stopping distance. This is the argument that always gets used when people say they didn't have time to stop before it went red, because either speeding or not stopping was usually the case instead.

 

You could go out with a stopwatch and time the lights you got caught by to see if they are quicker than they should be though.

[Rover414]

To be fair, I don't doubt the bus would have stopped but would it have stopped without causing injury to passengers (who aren't seatbelted) I'm not sure, I was taught to drive a bus that way too and passed my test under similar circumstances so you can see why you get into the habit of not slamming on. We'll see if anything comes of it, I readily admit I went through the lights I just had my reasons.

[J-Rod]

I would suspect that They make quite alot of money that way. They probably consider it a 'perk'.. 

[captain_70s]

Understand where you're coming from Anthony, social media is shit at the best of times but make sure you keep in touch. It must get fucking lonely living where you do, in particular.

 

Hirst is right, if being a success is considered mortgaged to the hilt with a boring wife, 2.5 kids, a Barrett box and an X5 on the drive, do you really want to be like that? I like you, you're very unique and generally don't give a shit what others think about your dress sense or cars for example, and that's great. You're not a failure for not being a generic modern person.

 

My only real regret is that I'll lose Facebook messenger which is how I kept in touch with most of the people I know since MSN messenger died to death. It seems to have largely replaced texting as the primary form of communication now that mobile internet is widespread. I'm not dropping off the world entirely, I'm sticking to some slower paced forums.

The lack of FB caused issues this morning when somebody wanted to know if he could get a lift work with me at the last minute and couldn't contact me in the usual manner. I've now told my co-workers I'm Facebookless so things should even out eventually...

 

As for the concept of "success" I'm not entirely sure what I consider to be "successful" even by my own terms. I'm dissatisfied by all of my choices and actions in life though, hence my trying to change things up a bit. I think THIS video sums up my feelings quite well.

 

To be honest my FB feed had merely become a compendium of my (usually car related) woes which I vocalised in my usual humorous, self deprecating manner. While this was popular and entertaining for people, in the same manner that watching the continual disasters at Fawlty Towers or the cringe worthy social catastrophes of Peep Show are entertaining, the problem remained that I'm not actually fictional.

I'm so good at downplaying how badly I'm mismanaging my life most people didn't realise how grim things were until the "for sale" sign went up in the Dolomite's window. Firstly shocked that I'd sell one of my rubbish yet clearly beloved cars, and secondly at the fact I thought people would part with actual money to buy it.

[Pillock]

You can have Facebook Messenger installed without Facebook, yeah you can't delete your account (not that you can anyway, you merely "disable" it) but you just have to not go on the website, job done. That way people can still message you.

[Pillock]

eBay OBD seller has replied to my "I think this is faulty" message telling me that the power button isn't a power button, and although it sleeps after 30 minutes you have to unplug it and plug it back in to get it working. Exactly the opposite of what the instructions claim.

 

So I've fired back with "Nope, it says you don't need to - plus if I press the button it makes my car go mental" and noticed that the seller is now away for two weeks. So do I wait for him to come back and respond, or so I log it as a dispute which seems a bit heavy-handed but I don't want to miss a deadline for a refund while he's on the beach somewhere.

[OwdChina]

Driving along Victoria Street in Liverpool City Centre last night, there is one of those speed cameras by the traffic lights to get you if you jump the red light. Doing just under 30mph in an Optare Solo with passengers on board and they change not giving me enough time to stop safely, had passengers on board and due to insurance claims etc we were told not to slam on for lights. Anyway, I got flashed by the camera. What a bummer.

The problem I noticed while back home recently was that whether it's a 30, 40 or 50mph limit, the lights don't seem to differ timewise in relation to the speed limit. Nearly got caught out a few times.

The best bright idea I've seen anywhere to assist a driver approaching the lights was in China, most lights are fitted with a big L.E.D. countdown display........makes life much easier and safer, but not profitable, so don't expect to see them in the UK anytime soon.

[D Spares & Tyres]

My only real regret is that I'll lose Facebook messenger which is how I kept in touch with most of the people I know since MSN messenger died to death. It seems to have largely replaced texting as the primary form of communication now that mobile internet is widespread. I'm not dropping off the world entirely, I'm sticking to some slower paced forums.

The lack of FB caused issues this morning when somebody wanted to know if he could get a lift work with me at the last minute and couldn't contact me in the usual manner. I've now told my co-workers I'm Facebookless so things should even out eventually...

 

As for the concept of "success" I'm not entirely sure what I consider to be "successful" even by my own terms. I'm dissatisfied by all of my choices and actions in life though, hence my trying to change things up a bit. I think THIS video sums up my feelings quite well.

 

To be honest my FB feed had merely become a compendium of my (usually car related) woes which I vocalised in my usual humorous, self deprecating manner. While this was popular and entertaining for people, in the same manner that watching the continual disasters at Fawlty Towers or the cringe worthy social catastrophes of Peep Show are entertaining, the problem remained that I'm not actually fictional.

I'm so good at downplaying how badly I'm mismanaging my life most people didn't realise how grim things were until the "for sale" sign went up in the Dolomite's window. Firstly shocked that I'd sell one of my rubbish yet clearly beloved cars, and secondly at the fact I thought people would part with actual money to buy it.

What are you, around 25?

 

Way too early to judge 'success'

 

It's only in the last few minutes of your life you can decide if it has or hasn't been a success

 

Sell or store those dolomites, concentrate on getting laid. I guarantee you will feel better ☺

[Pillock]

The problem I noticed while back home recently was that whether it's a 30, 40 or 50mph limit, the lights don't seem to differ timewise in relation to the speed limit. Nearly got caught out a few times.

The best bright idea I've seen anywhere to assist a driver approaching the lights was in China, most lights are fitted with a big L.E.D. countdown display........makes life much easier and safer, but not profitable, so don't expect to see them in the UK anytime soon.

 

I'd also hazard a guess that if some drivers saw the light was about to change from green to red in 10 seconds, there's only one pedal they're going to use and it wouldn't be the brake. 

 

I've personally never had trouble stopping for a traffic light, but then I don't drive a bus with unbelted passengers so I'm quite happy to brake as much as I need. 

[J-Rod]

Success is relative. Some of the most 'successful' people I've known have been the unhappiest. 

[OwdChina]

I'd also hazard a guess that if some drivers saw the light was about to change from green to red in 10 seconds, there's only one pedal they're going to use and it wouldn't be the brake. 

 

Yup, there is that side of it too, but with that and a camera there really is no excuses.

[beko1987]

There's a 5 second delay between one set of lights going to amber and the next set to green at handy cross, and no cameras... I know where I can be and at what speed to just speed up... or when to just not bother and change down to slow down (watching the cars next to me not do that and stop abruptly as I waft to a stop)

 

which will work fine right up until the point someone jumps the lights that are just about to go green I suppose

[purplebargeken]

^^ That is called the intergreen timing and is around the 5 second mark. I found that out whilst trying to help a mate beat a red light nick. We won.

 

He later became a copper and turned into a right twat. 

[xtriple]

Been sick again for the last few days, can't sleep, eat or get comfortable. Spent time in Torbays finest home for the sick and injured as well and I am fed up! I'm used to suffering over the winter but this year it seems to have kicked in early and quite viciously! Of course, howling gales and sideways rain always makes me feel much more positive and healthy... er, maybe not.

 

Every time I've come home and sorted e-mails there's another one saying something else is wrong with the heap (brake pump is the latest one) and the bill is just going ballistic. I'm getting quite worried now...

 

Oh, and the dogs have got their service and MOT tomorrow at 3:00 and while Chester will pass okay, pretty sure Phoebe will need a brake rebuild and a load of welding!

[AlabamaShrimp]

The messenger system was the last dilemma for me before I stuck a knife in the whole lot. It'd have been easier to just stop posting and keep the messenger functionality but ultimately I went with the decision to get rid of it completely (to cut a long story short, I'm pretty stubborn about some weirdly specific stuff). My makeshift solution was to post up that I'm coming off it and offer out my Email/Skype to anyone who wanted to keep in touch. I lost a bit of social interaction, but ultimately I can accept convenience is a pretty major factor for people so whatever I guess. To put it briefly, you have to decide what's better for you - more people/crap venue or less people/better venue. Plus, it's not like you can't change your mind later.

 

For me the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, but further ones of both have become apparent over time. It's a huge timesink for one thing, especially all these odd minutes here and there, so you suddenly find more time in the day. However, one con is that I did half-know at least one tidy bird on there and I forgot to save the photos so that was a bit of a pain in the arse. Oh well!

Why would anyone use Facebook messenger instead of text, WhatsApp or actually ringing people?

 

Facebook does seem to have done more bad than good with all its fake happiness and look at me bollocks. I admit mines still on after years of threatening to turn it off but it's there for the occasional stalk and to say random happy birthdays

[AlabamaShrimp]

My only real regret is that I'll lose Facebook messenger which is how I kept in touch with most of the people I know since MSN messenger died to death. It seems to have largely replaced texting as the primary form of communication now that mobile internet is widespread. I'm not dropping off the world entirely, I'm sticking to some slower paced forums.

The lack of FB caused issues this morning when somebody wanted to know if he could get a lift work with me at the last minute and couldn't contact me in the usual manner. I've now told my co-workers I'm Facebookless so things should even out eventually...

 

As for the concept of "success" I'm not entirely sure what I consider to be "successful" even by my own terms. I'm dissatisfied by all of my choices and actions in life though, hence my trying to change things up a bit. I think THIS video sums up my feelings quite well.

 

To be honest my FB feed had merely become a compendium of my (usually car related) woes which I vocalised in my usual humorous, self deprecating manner. While this was popular and entertaining for people, in the same manner that watching the continual disasters at Fawlty Towers or the cringe worthy social catastrophes of Peep Show are entertaining, the problem remained that I'm not actually fictional.

I'm so good at downplaying how badly I'm mismanaging my life most people didn't realise how grim things were until the "for sale" sign went up in the Dolomite's window. Firstly shocked that I'd sell one of my rubbish yet clearly beloved cars, and secondly at the fact I thought people would part with actual money to buy it.

I don't have the answers but I sure as shit know there is really nothing as success and failure. They'res just choices, some good some bad, but they all have to be made. They make up who we are and generally can't be changed later. best thing to do is not worry about them. You're not committing any crimes or harming others you're a good person that in itself can be the "success"

 

Sodding off Facebook is a good thing though. Friends on there really seems to mean acquaintances the real friends will stay in touch and I'm sure they don't care if you're a "success" just happy.

 

Most of though be yourself. Although we all have to make compromises but try your best to stick to your ideal as it makes you who you are and that could lead you anywhere. In 5,10 or 15 years you'll look back and realise how different you were and I'm sure it will have all been for the better.

[AlabamaShrimp]

I don't want to pay to speak to people (texts/calls) and I absolutely refuse to use "Whatsapp" as the name of the program is ridiculous and I refuse to accept it.

I don't think I've paid for a call or a text for about the last 8 year as they're all free* with my phone. And yeah WhatsApp is a stupid name but so what, it's a name....

[cort1977]

I'd also hazard a guess that if some drivers saw the light was about to change from green to red in 10 seconds, there's only one pedal they're going to use and it wouldn't be the brake. 

 

I've personally never had trouble stopping for a traffic light, but then I don't drive a bus with unbelted passengers so I'm quite happy to brake as much as I need. 

They have these countdowns in Texas, supposed to be for pedestrians but as no one walks anywhere they are used exactly as you say to find the right pedal and get through before the light changes.   I think I read something about them starting to remove them for that reason.

[Pillock]

^^ That is called the intergreen timing and is around the 5 second mark. I found that out whilst trying to help a mate beat a red light nick. We won.

 

He later became a copper and turned into a right twat.

They're different at each junction and usually tied in to the chances of people jumping the red light. On a quiet village crossroads, one set will go to red-amber as the other hits red. On other junctions both directions may be held at red for a few second.

The M1S J26 to A610 holds you on the slip road for about ten second after you can see the roundabout go red.

[dugong]

Been sick again for the last few days, can't sleep, eat or get comfortable. Spent time in Torbays finest home for the sick and injured as well and I am fed up! I'm used to suffering over the winter but this year it seems to have kicked in early and quite viciously! Of course, howling gales and sideways rain always makes me feel much more positive and healthy... er, maybe not.

 

Every time I've come home and sorted e-mails there's another one saying something else is wrong with the heap (brake pump is the latest one) and the bill is just going ballistic. I'm getting quite worried now...

 

Oh, and the dogs have got their service and MOT tomorrow at 3:00 and while Chester will pass okay, pretty sure Phoebe will need a brake rebuild and a load of welding!

 

I am properly confused at the moment in regards to your Bentleys. Which one are you on now and does it need spaying? 

 

Otherwise, crack on and get better (in all seriousness). 

[nebuchenezer]

Bastard sciatica

 

that is all

[Rover414]

The lights I went through are a 3 second delay between changes. I'm not doubting I could have stopped but could I have stopped without causing injury (or have a claim against the company) to unbelted passengers? My better judgement said no, the brakes on that particular Solo are very sharp as I had found out earlier in the night when I got cut up by someone and had to put the anchors on, thankfully no passengers!

[The Moog]

Dropped off car to garage this morning. Told them it needs new speedo sensor. Missus Moog took call and forgot to tell me to call them back.

 

Phoned them back 2 hours later and they explained they had taken it out and couldn't find anything wrong with the speed.

 

I pointed out that it needed a VSS and had told them when dropping it off plus when booking it in. But they got upset that they had spent all morning trying to find a non existent fault. Left me fuming as I did everything right. Just seems to have hit a bit of a sore spot

[xtriple]

Annual inspection and MOT for the dogs today, straight passes with no advisories.... £237 though!

[Bobthebeard]

Annual inspection and MOT for the dogs today, straight passes with no advisories.... £237 though!

Cheap at the price if both passed without worry!

[UltraWomble]

Cellulitis has now broken down into a nasty venous looking ulcer of fucking huge proportions.

Off to see the vascular team tomorrow to chat about surgery but expect I will end up with fucking months of 4 layer compression bandaging.

Twat flaps.

[Bren]

I've deactivated my Facebook account and blocked a shit ton of sites in my browser in an attempt to be a better, more productive person. Autoshite is not on the block list, consider yourself privileged shit lords...

 

I have found that as a largely miserable person having to endure "normal" people really grates with me, online in particular. Add to that the fact I'm generally known as an abject failure with a lack of talent, horrible taste in everything, who is a disgrace both as a person and a "car enthusiast" and is blessed with natural incompetence * and internet communication simply becomes a recipe for disaster.

 

I'm also compulsive, despite hating this online conflict stuff I frequent these sites constantly, at the expense of things I'd be better off doing. Things I'd rather be doing. It's unhealthy and is causing issues in my life that I'd rather not have. Since I just read something, instantly lost my temper, started a fight with a hard wood door and yelled obscenities at the top of my lungs for a quite some time I've decided to make some effort to tidy up my life somewhat before I do myself more damage than bruising or my neighbours have the police come around to make sure I haven't murdered a hooker or something.

 

Well, time to clean my house I guess...

 

*May be true or may be my own opinions projected on to others, I've not worked it out.

I was sent a friend request by a guy who was a serious leftie - I was pissed off with "labour good tory bad" that he posted all day.

 

One day he complained that he could'nt sleep and was having a difficult time - not surprising given what you are putting on facebook - it depressed me and obviously him. In the end I unfriended him.

[DeeJay]

Jeez, that nearly put me off my tea.

Any more pics like that, could you give a bit of a warning.

 

 

Hope it clears up pronto. 

[jonathan_dyane]

Fuck that looks sore!

[richardmorris]

Somebody hit the merc yesterday and left a load of Pale green paint on the passenger door trim. It seems to have polished out but they must have known about it. Must have been in Maidenhead car park when I went to see Spectre last night.