r/Glasgow Tools

RingerMinger

Last 12 months	Total	Deleted	Removed
Reddit URL	https://www.reddit.com/user/RingerMinger
r/Glasgow posts	5	0	1
r/glasgow comments	630	0	0

Interests:

Some supermarkets have donation baskets after the checkouts for food banks. Might be the simplest way to drop a donation off. by RingerMinger (Tue 5th May 2020 11:51pm)

Parade laundrette - 0141 554 8700 When I was past it yesterday it was closed, but with a sign up saying they had shut early for the day to attend a funeral. That implies that it'll be open as usual on other days. by RingerMinger (Wed 13th May 2020 11:15am)

The council are still picking up fly tipping if you report it via their website. A couple of mattresses opposite me were gone within 24hrs of submitting a report. by RingerMinger (Wed 20th May 2020 3:45pm)

Building a lid by the Mitchell Library has been proposed but would be insanely expensive. Someone on the consultation has suggested a tunnel at Port Dundas, linking Canal St to Sighthill which is even more impractical. (If only they hadn't filled the Buchanan St rail tunnel recently...) Part of the problem with the elevated sections is that there can't be any substantial development underneath them, so it becomes a gloomy empty space. Better lighting would help - the butterflies at Cowcaddens are a decent example of this. by RingerMinger (Wed 24th Jun 2020 2:30pm)

Some friends of mine were genuinely playing baseball in Kelvingrove Park one day (long before lockdown). One talented batter sent the ball flying into bushes, and they couldn't find it again. Minutes later, some police roll through. They took some convincing that the bat wasn't a weapon, since they didn't have a ball with them. by RingerMinger (Fri 26th Jun 2020 5:25pm)

The info on the site was accurate the one time I've used it. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Jul 2020 1:44pm)

Petrol dropped sharply in price back at the start of lockdown, and has been slowly recovering since. It was nearer £1.35 at the beginning of the year. In general, fuel is a bit cheaper than 10yrs ago, because shale fields in the USA and Canada competed with Middle East sources. by RingerMinger (Fri 17th Jul 2020 8:16pm)

This is the trade organisation for dry cleaners: [https://gcl.org.uk](https://gcl.org.uk) They seem pretty serious about their work, if you can find a member near you that'd be a decent start. by RingerMinger (Fri 24th Jul 2020 1:25pm)

Try to fly it under the Kingston Bridge. by RingerMinger (Tue 4th Aug 2020 7:19pm)

Try the Erskine Bridge next, it's bigger. :-) by RingerMinger (Thu 6th Aug 2020 12:28pm)

Do Boulevard still expect you to drop the keys into the pub next door if you return the van when they're closed? by RingerMinger (Sun 9th Aug 2020 7:06pm)

Stick them on Gumtree for free, someone will probably nab them for a tyre swing or gardening project. I got rid of about a dozen this way, that a previous tenant had abandoned. by RingerMinger (Sun 9th Aug 2020 7:12pm)

I was stood at the counter in Victor Morris for quite a while one day, waiting on the one guy in the shop finishing up a phone call. He was talking to some trade association or legal defence organisation. From what I could tell from one half of the conversation, he'd recently sold an airgun to an underage ned, who'd been lifted by the polis and had grassed up his source. The discussion was all about various tactics that could be used to stop a charge sticking to the shop for allowing the purchase. by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Aug 2020 3:09pm)

It's a bit round the toad from Dennistoun but Profix Autos in Port Dundas are very good. by RingerMinger (Wed 16th Sep 2020 11:58am)

Utrecht has motorways round most of the perimeter of the city, so long-distance traffic wouldn't have to use a city centre motorway. Glasgow had plans for various outer ring roads (as far out as Eaglesham and Torrance) but they were never built so all traffic is funnelled through the M8 and M74. Putting a lid on the M8 near the Mitchell Library would help connect the city centre with the West End, and there might be other places where similar improvements could work. But I can't see how you could get rid of the road completely without the whole of the west of Scotland grinding to a halt. by RingerMinger (Fri 18th Sep 2020 10:40pm)

It's hard to judge the size from the photo, but typically these are 5 amp plugs, relatively small compared to a standard 13amp plug. South Africa use a round pinned plug, the same design used to be standard in the UK. It's a 15amp plug, roughly similar size to 13amp. by RingerMinger (Fri 18th Sep 2020 10:47pm)

On the plus side, there's a lot less horse manure on the streets. by RingerMinger (Thu 24th Sep 2020 5:08pm)

I like the oven pizzas from Prego, near St George's Cross. Just the right side of greasy for my taste. by RingerMinger (Sat 26th Sep 2020 12:58pm)

Aerial is unlikely to work - unless you can get line-of-sight to the transmitter near Harthill it's touch and go. In a basement, with all the structure of the building blocking it, there's not much prospect of success. If you have a decent internet connection, Freeview Play might be an option? by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Sep 2020 6:16pm)

I lived in Woodlands when the scheme first came in and we had two permits for the same flat without any trouble. It might have tightened in the years since though. by RingerMinger (Thu 1st Oct 2020 12:14pm)

There used to be poster sales in student unions around this time of year - not sure if it's still a thing though. by RingerMinger (Mon 5th Oct 2020 1:26pm)

Online, the Glasgow/Evening Times seems to be trying to keep up with GlasgowLive, and failing. (It has a paywall, that can be bypassed by opening a private browser window) I've got a lot of sympathy for journalists who now have to churn out vast amounts of copy with little if any time to do any investigative work. Regurgitation seems to be the order of the day, but the economics don't support anything else. A lot of "trade" press has gone the same way. In my industry, one manufacturer started trolling the process by putting ludicrous mistakes in their press releases, and they all were printed verbatim. by RingerMinger (Wed 7th Oct 2020 12:53pm)

I agree. If more people are going to be working from home long-term, city centres won't be able to depend on commuters to the same extent. Increasing the residential population is the only way to keep the place viable. The other option is the whole area becomes a tourist trap (Edinburgh verges on this already in places) by RingerMinger (Wed 7th Oct 2020 12:58pm)

I've had a few 2011 MacBook Pro models, and they have a similar looking problem that comes from the GPU solder going bad. (It was relatively early in the days of working with lead-free solder and it deteriorated over time). However the computer had two graphics sets - a basic onboard set that uses little energy, and a separate GPU that kicks in for more demanding tasks. It's the separate GPU that goes bad. So what would happen with me is that if I could keep the computer on the basic graphics all would be well. Open Photoshop and the screen goes pretty similar to yours. I'm just speculating, but I wonder if Catalina kicks you over onto the separate GPU more readily than the previous versions of the OS? For me, resetting PRAM and SMC could help default back to the basic graphics, enough to troubleshoot. But that might not be the case with Catalina. The only solution for me was to get the GPU solder reflowed (with good old leaded solder). That's definitely not a DIY task though. by RingerMinger (Thu 8th Oct 2020 12:26pm)

I was told that the logic behind "cat's deid" was that the trousers were at half mast as mark of respect/mourning. by RingerMinger (Sun 11th Oct 2020 9:40pm)

It looks like something out of a Saw movie. No idea if they actually get any business from their "advertising" by RingerMinger (Fri 16th Oct 2020 6:17pm)

SAS Workwear in Tradeston have been around for decades. They're a couple of blocks east from House of Sher, on Wallace St. There's also a smaller shop on Nelson St beside the Oasis Lounge (just along from the Village Curry House) by RingerMinger (Sat 17th Oct 2020 6:39pm)

It would have been a good time to go, since they are apparently completely free of Covid now. by RingerMinger (Mon 19th Oct 2020 5:59pm)

F in the chat for the Canton Express on Sauchiehall St. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Oct 2020 4:23pm)

In primary school we would tell each other to "Get tae Falkirk", everyone knew what you meant but the teachers couldn't pull you up for swearing. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Oct 2020 4:21pm)

Falkirk was better, because it finished as well as started with the correct sound - if you emphasised it just right it could sound almost perfect but still deniable. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Oct 2020 10:06pm)

I was there a couple of weeks ago and it was shut. The one out at Queenslie was closed though. by RingerMinger (Fri 30th Oct 2020 10:40am)

Apart from the times when the council turn it off because there's a demonstration going on in the square that they don't agree with. by RingerMinger (Sat 31st Oct 2020 1:27pm)

If there aren't any news reports of high-profile politicians or royals visiting, then it might well have been a training exercise. I suppose it makes sense to do it at the moment when the roads are a little quieter than usual so it's not causing as much congestion. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Nov 2020 11:58am)

Also, I'm not sure how it works now, but a few years ago when I had money seized this way for an unpaid parking ticket, the bank round it up to the nearest £500 and hold onto the rest of the money. Their justification is that it's to cover any other demands that might come in, of course it just lets them hold onto that money for 6 months or so. From what the OP has said there shouldn't be a problem contesting this, but definitely get Citizens Advice to help rather than risk mucking it up yourself. If the wheels of the court case are already in motion it might be prudent to minimise the amount of money that you have sitting in the bank, although I guess they might just garnish wages or benefit payments instead... by RingerMinger (Tue 17th Nov 2020 11:08am)

Good shout - although I've already wasted far too much time browsing random photographs. Really easy to head down a rabbit hole on the site. I've got a couple of contenders that would work, prices seem reasonable. by RingerMinger (Sun 20th Dec 2020 12:08am)

They look great - but not quite to the taste of my recipients. They tend to have photographs rather than paintings. (And I realise now that my title might have mislead you, shows what a novice I am at this kind of shopping) by RingerMinger (Sun 20th Dec 2020 12:10am)

There's work going on in BAaD just now. It won't be the previous bar reopening, but there'll be something in place before too long. by RingerMinger (Tue 29th Dec 2020 2:19pm)

Arguably no worse than the deteriorating block itself. Although I do wonder how the conversation went: "No, I don't like that colour, we'll take this one instead" by RingerMinger (Tue 29th Dec 2020 2:17pm)

The first Bruce Report recommended flattening almost all of Glasgow city centre, and putting something in its place which would have seemed like a cross between Brasilia and Cumbernauld. Whilst a lot of this seems like lunacy to modern eyes, it's an understandable response to the condition of the city at the time. Housing stock was appalling in many areas, industry was declining and dilapidated. Traffic problems were terrible. What we've ended up with is almost a midpoint between the two extremes. by RingerMinger (Tue 29th Dec 2020 2:25pm)

I agree with you - it's a good venue with a lot of potential. I know of several people who were left out of pocket by the previous management, if they dealt with the landlord the same way I wouldn't blame anyone booting them. by RingerMinger (Wed 30th Dec 2020 4:47pm)

The street I work on has at least a dozen businesses on it, mostly warehouse / wholesalers so there's a fair amount of traffic over the course of a day. It hasn't been touched by a gritter yet, two days in and the road is basically a sheet of ice. Lots of people underestimate things and overcook it on a corner - can be quite amusing to watch but only a matter of time until somebody comes a cropper. by RingerMinger (Wed 30th Dec 2020 4:53pm)

Fantastic photo - I love the contrast between the city and the hills brooding in the background. It probably helped that they had a covering of snow. Did you actually catch all those fireworks at once, or is there some photoshop involved? by RingerMinger (Sat 2nd Jan 2021 2:33am)

I got an email from Freecycle (or whichever Freeshare/Freegle splinter group) yesterday saying that they were ceasing operations for the duration of the new lockdown. Gumtree will almost certainly still work - advertise as free pickup or a token £5/10. Only drawback is there can be a lot of time wasters on the site. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Jan 2021 12:32pm)

If it wasn't for the modern bike racks in the foreground, it could pass as a photo from the 50s. The fog just sets it off perfectly. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Jan 2021 12:47pm)

Part of the problem is to do with the council boundaries. Glasgow City Council covers a disproportionately high number of deprived areas, which generate relatively little council tax revenue for the services they consume. Meanwhile most of the richer suburbs are in other council areas, think of Bearsden/Milngavie in East Dumbartonshire, and Newton Mearns in East Renfrewshire. And they still use plenty of Glasgow facilities, like parks, museums, transit etc. The government had the opportunity to fix this structural imbalance when the single-tier councils were created in the mid-1990s, but lumping the leafy suburbs in with the inner city was never going to be a vote winner. (Plus those suburbs were the few places in Scotland voting for the Tories at the time) The difference in council tax costs is huge. I moved out of a tenement flat into a detached house (which was worth over twice as much) and ended up paying less council tax. Whilst I'm obviously happy with the reduction, it does seem a little unfair. Meanwhile Glasgow rots, as you've described. by RingerMinger (Tue 12th Jan 2021 1:55pm)

There must be other factors at play as well, then. I wonder how the grant from central government is calculated? Even with much higher council tax rates, Glasgow still seems to struggle to provide services, compared to other councils. by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Jan 2021 11:10am)

So if you don't like your neighbours, dig their rubbish out of the wheelie bin and put it in one on the street? by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Jan 2021 2:11pm)

Back in March he'd have been wanting a tiger zoo opened in Kelvingrove park. ;-) by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Jan 2021 2:15pm)

Going city-centre means you don't need to deal with the headaches of campsites etc. which means much less logistical overhead. Plus the council like the income from the site rental and increased hotel stays etc. Sucks for the local residents and park users. I think the Green gets returfed afterwards, not so sure about Bellahouston. by RingerMinger (Thu 14th Jan 2021 2:14pm)

As others have said, the bridge over the motorway is gone and it'll be quite some time before the replacement opens. Down under the motorway and up past Dales will be your best bet. The other route - across to Pinkston Rd and down past Baird St police station - won't work at the moment either because Pinkston Rd has been shut off for quite some time. In a year or two you'll be spoilt for choice, but it's a bit rubbish at the moment. by RingerMinger (Fri 15th Jan 2021 2:00pm)

Have an upvote for taking the photo from an angle that I haven't seen on this sub before. by RingerMinger (Tue 19th Jan 2021 5:54pm)

On the A81 just short of Aberfoyle there's a long straight stretch of road that has multiple small dips up and down. I was driving along there in the early hours one morning, there was thick fog in the dips but nothing in the peaks. Really weird effect. by RingerMinger (Thu 21st Jan 2021 11:57am)

If it's all metallic, there are scrap collectors who will come and uplift for free. I've used a guy I found on Gumtree and he's been brand new. I'm not sure what the minimum amount is for it to be worthwhile making a trip, but since there are lots of industrial premises around the area it might be worth saying to them "next time you're passing..." by RingerMinger (Tue 26th Jan 2021 2:41pm)

Fixed it for you. &#x200B; https://imgur.com/xJHiDNv by RingerMinger (Thu 28th Jan 2021 12:20pm)

Can you do anything a little less permanent, with things like wall hangings, mirrors, etc.? by RingerMinger (Thu 28th Jan 2021 12:40pm)

I think there's a difference between, say, a small development within an already established area, and somewhere like Robroyston where large estates went up all at the same time. There's something quite depressing about the cookie-cutter detached houses all crammed together. Cala at least vary the designs of each house slightly, so that there's a bit of variety along a street. by RingerMinger (Fri 29th Jan 2021 1:17pm)

A few years back a surveyors report on a large detached house cost me around £650. Not sure if a tenement will be less (because it's a smaller property) or more (because it's part of a larger building) I'd recommend going round with the surveyor if you can, especially if there are any particular issues you are concerned about. Apart from anything else, they will do a much more thorough job if the customer is watching them. Home reports tend to be a bit useless. I had one where the firm that wrote the report were clearly trying to cover themselves, and had suggested that various alterations might need retrospective planning permission, which could have been a nightmare. The surveyor was able to look at it and give a straight answer. by RingerMinger (Fri 29th Jan 2021 1:23pm)

I think I can picture what you're doing here - I've done some similar bodgery myself. 18mm + 12mm gets you to 30mm. If that extra 1mm is really going to be critical, put a thin washer underneath each screw when you fit the rack rail. This means you can build up what you need using standard ply. B&Q sell pieces smaller than the standard 8ft - there might be something close to your 1660mm, alternately it's just a few cuts on their panel saw to get down to size. The other option would be to use something like CLS and just rip it to the thickness required on a table saw. This will be cheaper and has far less wastage than using full sheets. I guess it depends on the standard of finish you require. Most comms cabinets are hidden away like Harry Potter. If yours needs to look good, it might be easier to put some sort of veneer at the front than use solid oak. by RingerMinger (Mon 1st Feb 2021 11:01am)

In Youtube, the J and L keys skip forwards or back ten seconds (K pauses). Particularly handy on a video like this for jumping past the waits at traffic lights etc. by RingerMinger (Thu 4th Feb 2021 10:33am)

Someone's taken that idea and run with it. by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Feb 2021 7:28pm)

Back when Chris Evans was doing his radio show on Virgin, he phoned four different people in Glasgow and each of them had different weather. by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Feb 2021 7:30pm)

My business used to get our bins emptied by the council, but don't anymore. We had to renew the contract for collection, couldn't get an answer from anyone to get it moving, either via phone or email. After a few weeks the rubbish was piling up so we had to get something fixed up elsewhere. Meanwhile, a council bin lorry drove past one day and spotted our guys were trying to compress boxes down into less space. The gaffer on the lorry offered to pick our rubbish up, cash in hand, on the side. If we hadn't just signed onto a contract with someone else it would have been very tempting. I do wonder how much of the rubbish uplifted is done this way. Then a few weeks later a council squad appeared lifted our two wheelie bins. "You don't have a contract with us anymore, and the bins belong to us" I pointed out that we'd bought one ourselves (since the council wouldn't replace a stolen one) so it wasn't theirs to take. Everyone used to hope that the council would improve if Labour were voted out, since they'd been incumbent for decades with all the corruption and cronyism that builds up over that time. But things don't appear to have improved much, if any, under the SNP. Perhaps the problem is "unsackable" council workers who couldn't care less and are running scams on the side. (The bin collection ruse is by no means the worst I've heard of) No sure what you can do about them, though. by RingerMinger (Tue 16th Feb 2021 1:12pm)

The steel / concrete benches are probably chosen because they can't be set on fire. by RingerMinger (Thu 18th Feb 2021 12:51pm)

CGI was used for the distant parts of the shots. I'm guessing they must have mounted a green-screen at one end of the dock, as in the film it extended off into the distance since it was supposed to be a canal. Where you save money is by not having to build a complete set for all the close-up action. by RingerMinger (Fri 19th Feb 2021 5:19pm)

Wow - never noticed until I saw your message. Time flies when there's nothing to do... by RingerMinger (Fri 19th Feb 2021 5:29pm)

Top floor is probably easier/cheaper to heat, as everyone else's heat will rise towards you. I lived in a ground floor tenement for 5+yrs that was directly onto the street, no front garden. You could hear everyone who walked past. Sometimes quite interesting snippets of conversation, I liked the mixture of languages and accents but could see how it would be irritating for some folks. Being set back with a garden gives you a bit more peace, my worry would be the litter, especially if you are on a busy street. If you plant it with thorny bushes to deter burglars, you'll also need to work out a way to retrieve half-eaten kebabs before they stink the place up. by RingerMinger (Tue 2nd Mar 2021 1:30pm)

They scammed me out of £400 20+yrs ago, and I'm still sore about it. Not the least bit surprised to see that they haven't changed since. by RingerMinger (Fri 5th Mar 2021 11:29am)

I bought a vehicle a few years back that had a fresh MOT (i.e. had been done by the dealer just before it was offered for sale) It was only when I took it for the next MOT, almost a year later, that I was told that it didn't have a catalytic converter, instead there was was straight piece of pipe welded in place where it should have been. So either the MOT station was in cahoots with the dealer, or he got the MOT issued, then removed and sold the cat separately. (Replacement cat was almost 1/3 the purchase cost so I can see the attraction) MOT stations are checked by "mystery shoppers" who put vehicles in with faults. Of course, if a vehicle is submitted by someone that they know, they can be sure it's not a trap. by RingerMinger (Sat 6th Mar 2021 6:46pm)

I'm surprised the council kept the webcam up, TBH. It's been down for maintenance in the past when there's been events in the square that the council didn't approve of. Are they actually proud to be showing this to the world? by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Mar 2021 11:00am)

Paintwork looks great. My first glance at the photo I honestly thought it was a rendering. by RingerMinger (Sat 13th Mar 2021 11:50am)

The addition of "cycle lanes" last year has removed all the potential parking on the main road. (The lanes themselves aren't much use either - done on the cheap so there's just a plastic hump every metre or so separating cyclists from traffic) The road used to carry all the Glasgow-Stirling traffic so is plenty wide, it wouldn't have been hard to introduce a 2-way cycle lane at one side and leave parking capacity on the other. So it's not surprising that people are parking further away. I can see the point of the locals sticking cars that are blocking driveways, but if they just don't like cars parked on the street then that's a bit out of order. Solution would probably be to expand the car park at the loch. by RingerMinger (Wed 17th Mar 2021 1:23pm)

Try rehearsing any potential conversation in your head. "Hi girls, what are you doing here, are you lost?" (On a potentially deserted railway platform quite late at night) It's all too easy for motives to be misinterpreted. by RingerMinger (Mon 22nd Mar 2021 12:39pm)

I largely agree. Labour had been entrenched in power for far too long. They were complacent, inept, and utterly corrupt. I don't think the SNP would be any better if they'd been the incumbents for 40+yrs. Budget cuts have definitely bitten deep, but council departments are basically unmanageable. The amount of skiving and outright theft is quite staggering. Changes at the top take years to filter down, it's like steering a supertanker. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd Mar 2021 12:45pm)

Anything heavy and metallic (like radiators) can probably be picked up for free by scrap merchants. There's various guys advertising on Gumtree that I've used. The metal actually has value, so they're not just going to dump it in the nearest lay-by. by RingerMinger (Tue 30th Mar 2021 12:52pm)

Surely everyone will just pass their carry outs over the fence? I can't imagine they'll police the entire perimeter of the park. (Festival sites often have two fences, spaced 10+m apart, so that any packages thrown in land in the no-mans-land in between) by RingerMinger (Thu 1st Apr 2021 6:38pm)

Lots of rich people working from home and deciding to redecorate. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Apr 2021 2:12am)

Get a chippy from the Blue Lagoon under Hielanman's Umbrella at Central Station. by RingerMinger (Tue 6th Apr 2021 11:42am)

Maybe have a chat with the Piping Centre - they can probably recommend somewhere. by RingerMinger (Fri 9th Apr 2021 10:17pm)

[https://pinkston.co.uk](https://pinkston.co.uk) by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Apr 2021 6:43pm)

As WG47 has said, the silver pipe facing the camera is the "filling loop". The pressure in the heating system (i.e. around all the pipes and radiators) is lower than the pressure on the incoming cold water mains. If the pressure drops too much, from a minor leak somewhere, the boiler won't fire up. (Chances are it'll fire if you run the hot water tap, because that's a different system, they're known as "combi" boilers because both functions are combined in the one unit) The loop jumps between the cold water main, and your closed circuit around the radiators. Ignore the red, yellow, and blue valves. The ones you need are in the silver fittings at each end of the filling loop. You might need a flat bladed screwdriver to get into them. Often it's just a quarter turn to get them open, chances are you'll need to do both. The pressure gauge is at the right hand side of the front panel. Once both valves are open you'll begin to hear water running through the pipes and the gauge will slowly rise. It's pointing at nine-o-clock just now, I'd guess it'll want to be around eleven o-clock or so, it varies from boiler to boiler. Remember to turn the valves on the filling loop off again once you're at a sensible level. by RingerMinger (Sat 17th Apr 2021 6:11pm)

Water shouldn't be leaking. Are you definitely getting the valve at the side rather than loosening the hexagonal clamp that's holding the pipe? The valves will probably look something like this: [https://www.screwfix.com/p/isolating-valve-15mm-10-pack/32802](https://www.screwfix.com/p/isolating-valve-15mm-10-pack/32802) You need to get a screwdriver into the slot on the side, and turn it 90 degrees. &#x200B; (Apologies if that's what you've been doing already!) by RingerMinger (Sat 17th Apr 2021 8:23pm)

Yeah, blue valve is the feed from the water mains into the boiler for the hot water. The filling loop is teed off the same pipe further down. The two red valves are the hot water circuit around the radiators. Yellow one I think is the incoming gas. They should all be open (turned anti-clockwise) for things to work properly. by RingerMinger (Sat 17th Apr 2021 8:26pm)

Neilson's Timber up at the top of Possil seem to be quite competitive, but like the others are really busy at the moment with long lead times on many items. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Apr 2021 11:01am)

Relevant news story from Edinburgh: [https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/developers-accused-of-crossing-the-line-with-washing-ban-in-edinburgh-gardens-3210269?fbclid=IwAR0JRhMxaNrdCvkOXJoi6M7Ofokqd3hbMHKGuI0-i7S\_UZIlaqDDrjTjRTo](https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/developers-accused-of-crossing-the-line-with-washing-ban-in-edinburgh-gardens-3210269?fbclid=IwAR0JRhMxaNrdCvkOXJoi6M7Ofokqd3hbMHKGuI0-i7S_UZIlaqDDrjTjRTo) by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Apr 2021 1:27pm)

Someone used to practice on the bagpipes underneath the motorway viaduct beside Stow College, the traffic drowned out most of the noise. Rehearsal studios are an option if you didn't mind spending a little bit of money. And you can guarantee that the staff have heard much worse from other customers. by RingerMinger (Sat 24th Apr 2021 6:35pm)

I have vague memories of a story/campaign in the Evening Times a while ago, it concerned the shops in the old tenements on High St north of the junction with George St and Duke St. I can't remember much of the details, but there was something about shops being encouraged to close in favour of a more comprehensive refurbishment. The buildings themselves are hopefully unlikely to be demolished. by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Apr 2021 12:56pm)

Prego on St Georges Rd is one of my favourites, and seems pretty reasonably priced. It's not particularly close to Kelvingrove, but one hop on the underground, it's about 100yds from St Georges Cross. by RingerMinger (Fri 30th Apr 2021 12:18pm)

There's a "Best Chippy" in Muirhead. Spoiler alert, it isn't. (Decent enough but not outstanding) by RingerMinger (Fri 30th Apr 2021 12:16pm)

I went there in 1995 and thought it was crap by RingerMinger (Fri 30th Apr 2021 12:15pm)

BAaD (behind the Barrowland ballroom) have got outdoor seating in the yard behind. Looked quite busy when I was passing so I think it's best to book tables beforehand. Further down the street, the Traders Tavern seemed to be having an outdoor karaoke session. by RingerMinger (Fri 30th Apr 2021 12:22pm)

There's a load of venues with similar problems because of the new bus gates. For example, you can't get into the Grand Central Hotel with anything that isn't registered as a commercial vehicle. (Short of just accepting a £60 ticket from the cameras) Sucks in particular for part-time bands that use their own cars, or even guests that have anything larger than a suitcase to bring in for their function. &#x200B; I can totally understand why people want a vehicle-free city centre, but very few people consider the practical side of how deliveries etc. are going to be made. by RingerMinger (Thu 6th May 2021 3:05pm)

That probably works fine for shops and restaurants, but to take the example above, I can't see many bands loading their drums into the Cathouse before 10am. by RingerMinger (Thu 6th May 2021 6:32pm)

Taxi drivers are always delighted to take random musical equipment. Especially when the journey is going to be about 1/3 mile to the venue from wherever the cars had to be abandoned. And don't forget there's the return trip to be made too, at the end of the night when the taxis are busy getting punters home. All of this time and hassle gets added to an invoice, somewhere. It's the end-client that picks up the tab. If you're booking a wedding venue, would you pick the city centre hotel where every vendor is going to be adding a surcharge for delivering hours earlier than they need to, and your band for the reception have to decant themselves into three taxis? Go for the cheaper/easier option and avoid the town entirely. by RingerMinger (Thu 6th May 2021 10:09pm)

An outer ring makes very good sense for regional / long distance traffic. It's far from ideal that a journey from, say, Edinburgh to Kilmarnock, runs through Charing Cross. However you still need decent road access through the city. A trip from Easterhouse to Govan would be a real chore if it involved driving down Alexandra Parade, through the city centre, and then along Paisley Rd West. Or you'd have to cut out to the ring road and drive around the city. In a sense it's a pity that Glasgow built the most contentious parts of the motorway system first. Also road design and layout techniques have improved a lot in the last 50yrs. The M74 extension, as built, is much better and higher capacity than what was originally planned. Same goes for the M8 between Baillieston and Newhouse. There's parts of the "inner ring road" that would be completely different if they were to be designed and built today. by RingerMinger (Fri 14th May 2021 3:03pm)

The I5 freeway which skirts downtown LA is weirdly reminiscent of the M8 through Glasgow. There's definitely similarities in the design. Concrete looks much less drab in the Californian sunshine though. by RingerMinger (Fri 14th May 2021 3:05pm)

I agree - it's one of the better ideas that I've seen. Looked good, made the point, didn't seem to endanger anyone. The only drawback is the disposal of the flares afterwards - dropping them into the Clyde at least extinguishes them safely but not the most environmentally friendly option. Not sure what else could have been done though. (I remember one torchlit parade where there was a skip at the end of the route for everyone to chuck their torches into, and it was either hosed down or left to burn out safely. I've now got this image in my head of a skip lorry full of still-burning flares driving down the M8...) by RingerMinger (Sat 15th May 2021 5:49pm)

This is the same as what happened 15yrs ago in Woodlands and surrounding areas. Steamrollered through despite the majority of residents being against it. It does remove commuter vehicles, but maintaining permits is endless hassle, and it's much more difficult for visitors / trades. All the council needed to do was bring in restrictions for two short periods, maybe half an hour or so morning and afternoon. Stagger it every few streets so you can get wardens round them all in good time. This prevents all-day parking but makes it quite straightforward for locals and visitors to feed the meter when required. When the Woodlands restrictions were brought in, you had to pay up until 10pm, 7 days of the week. Meanwhile Sauchiehall St was derestricted after 6pm. It made no sense at all. by RingerMinger (Fri 21st May 2021 12:56pm)

Yep, lovely guys. by RingerMinger (Sun 23rd May 2021 10:29pm)

Almost all garages / mechanics will have facilities for disposal, maybe take it to one local to you with a few beers or biscuits as payment? The folks near me basically fill a big drum which is collected every once in a while. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th May 2021 1:11pm)

Profix Autos up near Port Dundas: [https://www.profixautos.co.uk](https://www.profixautos.co.uk) Walking distance from the city centre if you're leaving the car there. by RingerMinger (Tue 25th May 2021 5:03pm)

Yes, but not the route that the existing M74 takes. The earlier plan was that the road would run further north of its current line, and cross the river again, with an interchange to the east of Glasgow cross. The road continuing towards Lanarkshire would have run in an underpass along some of Glasgow Green. The eastern flank of the ring road wouldn't have required demolition of the Royal, you can pretty much see where the slip roads converge at the south end of the townhead interchange. The plan was for an underpass similar to the one at Charing Cross, roughly where St Mungo's Museum stands now. Then the road would carry on down, running to the east of High St across the old goods yard. There's loads of information about all of this at the Glasgow Motorway Archive. by RingerMinger (Wed 26th May 2021 11:43am)

No idea about their motorcycles, but they shafted me on a truck hire a number of years ago. by RingerMinger (Tue 1st Jun 2021 3:38am)

It's mobbed at the moment - there was a news story at the weekend about the Millport ferry being closed to day-trippers because it was at capacity. Midweek you might get on better. by RingerMinger (Wed 2nd Jun 2021 10:50am)

The building is already used for a fair number of events and presentations. The banqueting hall upstairs is a great venue for awards ceremonies and the like. I'd agree that there's probably some value in moving the administrative employees out into more modern accommodation, you don't see many banks or insurance companies still occupying the same premises as they did when Victoria was on the throne. by RingerMinger (Fri 4th Jun 2021 3:50pm)

Both signs are technically correct, because you take a left turn and then double around to continue on. However it's a signalised junction, not a roundabout. It would have been far more helpful to do a dedicated sign with some representation of the actual road layout, probably deemed not to be worth it for a short-term diversion. I wonder how many drivers ended up taking a wrong turn up Garscube Rd by RingerMinger (Sat 5th Jun 2021 6:50pm)

There's some pretty serious work going on underneath the viaduct. Not far from where this photo was taken, the ground has been dug away around the support pillars, down to quite a depth. I'm guessing that the lane restrictions are to reduce the weight/load from traffic whilst all that's going on underneath. I agree it's a PITA but there's probably not much other option. by RingerMinger (Mon 7th Jun 2021 3:41am)

Thorpe Park vs Alton Towers Both have good coasters, Smiler and Nemesis at Alton Towers are world-class. Thorpe has more outright thrills, but less nuance/theming. Thorpe is more compact, so easier to get from ride to ride but less scenic overall. Alton Towers isn't allowed to build above the treeline. This has led to some imaginative designs (like Nemesis and Oblivion being dug into the ground) but also means some rides aren't as spectacular. Thorpe also has rides like a drop tower and giant swing that wouldn't get planning permission at Alton Towers. Even though Thorpe is much further from Glasgow, the difference in travel time isn't huge. It might make sense to tie a trip to Thorpe in with a break in London. Getting to the park from the centre of the city isn't hard, a train from Waterloo to Staines and then a shuttle bus round. The shuttle busses back are always mobbed at the end of the day, so either splash out for a taxi or walk back round to the station. by RingerMinger (Tue 22nd Jun 2021 10:58pm)

It starts getting grim a block or so back from the seafront. And don't venture into the massive Wetherspoons beside the Pleasure Beach. by RingerMinger (Tue 22nd Jun 2021 11:01pm)

The new Icon coaster looks really good. Big One is rather slow and tame, apart from the first drop it just meanders around. Revolution is surprisingly intense, and they have a good collection of older wooden coasters, great if that's your thing. by RingerMinger (Tue 22nd Jun 2021 11:00pm)

They have a new 10-inversion ride due to open at some point. (I imagine it'll have been delayed due to Covid). Definitely worth waiting for that before making a trip. by RingerMinger (Tue 22nd Jun 2021 11:05pm)

Ask your solicitor what would be involved if a neighbour decided to enforce the burden. Given the age, I doubt it'll be a simple or cheap process, so nobody is going to bother. My own house has all sorts of ridiculous conditions (like not operating a piggery or scrapyard in the garden) but most date from the late-90s. I think part of the motivation was developers trying to ensure that residents didn't make the place look terrible before all the other houses had sold. I suspect they'd have a hard time enforcing any of it now, and there's other ways to address most anti-social behaviour. If your dug is barking its head off at all hours of the night, you'll have environmental health addressing it long before anyone takes you to court. by RingerMinger (Thu 24th Jun 2021 6:32pm)

There's another issue with these in wintertime, as plows can't clear the snow away. Gritting is probably a bit hit or miss as well. by RingerMinger (Thu 24th Jun 2021 6:37pm)

I can understand the offence that the term might cause, is there an alternative expression? Everybody knows what "junkie" means. "Addict" etc. doesn't quite work the same way, as it could encompass someone who has a serious habit but is still functional. (Plenty of people can't get through a day without their fix but can still hold down a job, house, etc.) It's a bit like the difference between "alky" and "alcoholic" by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Jun 2021 10:42am)

A friend of mine grew up in a family that was dyed-in-the-wool orange. They would travel all over Scotland and to NI for marches, regular band practices, etc. etc. Encouragingly, he's out of it now. Realised that it was all a load of crap by his early teens. The parents disapprove but he's out from under them and doing his own thing now, and far happier for it. &#x200B; I think that over time the numbers will dwindle. The number of marches might not go down much, but the numbers taking part will gradually decrease. The flip side is that it'll be the more independent thinking youngsters who leave. The thick ones will continue to get indoctrinated so the movement as a whole will get dumber with each generation. Maybe at some point there'll be nobody left who's competent to fill in the paperwork to apply for a permit to march... by RingerMinger (Fri 2nd Jul 2021 11:07am)

There are some catholic/republican based equivalents whose marches look similar apart from the colours to an uneducated observer. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/19405206.irish-republican-groups-plan-marches-glasgow-summer/ But they're nowhere near as prevalent as the Orangemen so don't get as much attention. by RingerMinger (Fri 2nd Jul 2021 11:12am)

Agreed - I wasn't suggesting it was OK just because both sides do it. by RingerMinger (Fri 2nd Jul 2021 10:25pm)

Hope you played the Vengaboys by RingerMinger (Sat 3rd Jul 2021 6:41pm)

I'd be tempted to just pop into your nearest mechanics with a six-pack of beer and see if they can free it up for you. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Jul 2021 4:20pm)

Unlike council tickets it's an invoice rather than a fine. The only way NCP can get money out of you is by taking legal action, and they can only claim for the "real losses", e.g. what they'd have made from a paying customer taking the space if you weren't there. Nobody is going to do that over a single ticket. Occasionally someone takes the piss by parking there every working day of their life, and ends up in court. One ticket is absolutely not worth worrying about. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Jul 2021 4:20pm)

The new set of traffic lights at Spiers Wharf is unlikely to improve that situation. by RingerMinger (Fri 9th Jul 2021 12:20am)

I remember (late 80's) a game called stanksie. Players had to land their coin onto a drain cover. First to manage it could then stand on the drain cover and hit the other coins with theirs. by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Jul 2021 6:53pm)

Also a variant called "chipsy" which I think was similar to the Wally game mentioned here. We had a game on desks in school, you sat a coin hanging half off the edge of the desk. Slap the edge of the coin to propel it towards the opposite edge of the desk. Whoever got their coin closest without it falling off won. by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Jul 2021 6:59pm)

That's interesting - in the versions we played, throwing your coin and hitting your opponents' was crucial. I think we only called heads or tails to decide who went first. by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Jul 2021 9:23pm)

Cool, I'd wondered if there were different versions of the game in different areas of the city. by RingerMinger (Sun 11th Jul 2021 1:21am)

Plenty people still ride horses or sail canal barges for fun, even through they're long obsolete as efficient means of transport. by RingerMinger (Mon 12th Jul 2021 3:53pm)

It wouldn't be a surprise if the event itself has folded. It's rare for events to break even the first time they run, especially for something like this that isn't an established brand. Sometimes, despite the organisers best efforts, the numbers just don't add up and events fold before they can achieve the critical mass to keep going year on year. If you attended in the past, they'll have your contact details and you can bet if another event was on the drawing board the first thing they'd do is hit their mailing list and try and gauge demand. by RingerMinger (Mon 12th Jul 2021 3:59pm)

Nothing gives me the fear quite like being handed a brand new hire van that doesn't have a single blemish on it. by RingerMinger (Tue 13th Jul 2021 12:10pm)

If only it were that simple. Stopping other people driving into you is usually the issue. I'm sure that, in the same way as Blockbuster made more money from late fees than actual rentals, some van hire companies make most of their profit from inflated damage repair bills. by RingerMinger (Tue 13th Jul 2021 2:15pm)

Upvoted for using "Tetris" as a verb by RingerMinger (Tue 13th Jul 2021 9:49pm)

True, I've always done that when hiring cars abroad. Most van hire places didn't offer it as an option in my younger, wilder days. by RingerMinger (Wed 14th Jul 2021 4:19pm)

That's a lot of the attraction I think - the Hyacinth Buckets of the world like to do their shopping away from the great unwashed. And the neighbours all get to see the Waitrose van pull up outside your house with the online delivery. by RingerMinger (Wed 14th Jul 2021 4:22pm)

That building has to win some sort of prize for being simultaneously so close, yet so far from the motorway. by RingerMinger (Thu 15th Jul 2021 7:19pm)

That's true, for small shops the commission/fees on card transactions has plummeted in recent years, to the point where it's probably cheaper than handling cash. by RingerMinger (Thu 15th Jul 2021 7:29pm)

Check with your solicitor about how long you have after completion to spot any defects. I think it's quite short, but if you're worried you could fix up an inspection for soon after you get the keys. If the sellers are covering something up, that might give you a chance at some comeback. But you have to discover it first. by RingerMinger (Thu 15th Jul 2021 9:49pm)

I've no idea why seagulls are protected, but pigeons and rats aren't. There seem to be more of them now than ever, and even if numbers are declining it would be interesting to see a comparison between now and 20yrs ago when there was less discarded junk food around. by RingerMinger (Mon 19th Jul 2021 2:46am)

There is a car park down by the river, if I remember correctly it's only a couple of minutes walk up the hill to the high street. Not sure how much of the on-street parking is tourists vs locals just nipping into the shops. by RingerMinger (Mon 19th Jul 2021 11:30am)

BAaD might be worth a look, although they could be as busy as SWG3 by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Jul 2021 1:53pm)

There's less people commuting than usual. Beggars etc. are less likely to work from home, so they're more noticeable. Less donations to go around might make them more aggressive, both with each other and the punters. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Jul 2021 1:57pm)

I had the opposite problem, quite a few times the bus was 90+mins late. Traffic congestion looked no worse than usual for a morning rush hour, you'd think they'd learn to take it into account. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Jul 2021 2:02pm)

You should take some photos and put a calendar together. by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 1:00am)

I'm looking at having to replace two vehicles - a 14 plate 4x4 and an 11 plate van. Neither are bangers, and annoyingly they only make deliveries into the city centre occasionally. I wouldn't be too unhappy to pay, say, £30 every time one needed to enter, similar to the congestion charge in London. However the way the charges are set up (doubling every time you enter) there's no option to do that. Replacing two perfectly good vehicles as we try and recover from Covid is not very welcome. No matter how "green" a new vehicle is, there's a huge amount of embedded energy (and hence pollution) in it. I know the zone is concerned with local emissions, restrictions make sense, but making it completely unusable for older vehicles has other consequences that I don't think the council have thought much about. by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 1:14am)

Worth mentioning as well that these diesels were being pushed as the "environmentally friendly" option at the time of purchase. by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 1:19am)

Not sure if the council has much say over the M8, since it's a trunk road? I vaguely remember an early version of the enforcement area that kept a route into Buchanan St bus station clear of the zone - presumably so old buses could come in without penalty. That seems to have gone now. by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 1:24am)

It'll be interesting to see how they police the exemption for vehicles for disabled people. At the moment for parking you just put a blue badge on the windscreen of any vehicle you happen to be in. (So a carer can use their own vehicle to take someone out - the badge belongs to the disabled person and is independent of any vehicle) I assume the emissions zone is going to be policed by ANPR cameras, reading a plate won't be much help in this scenario. I doubt the cameras will be able to read a blue badge. Appealing a fine every time you take your granny into the town wouldn't be much fun. by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 1:26am)

The webcam often goes offline for "maintenance" when there's something going on in the square that the council don't like. (E.g. their own workers picketing them) by RingerMinger (Fri 23rd Jul 2021 9:55pm)

It's worse than usual at the moment, because the eastbound on-slips from Charing Cross and Great Western Road are closed due to the viaduct refurbishment. All the traffic that would be entering via those is forced along New City Road, which is down to one lane itself in places. The viaduct works are likely to take around 2yrs, so it'd be nice if the council could put something better on this diversion route in the meantime. Traffic flow at the Round Toll junction (where St Georges Rd, Garscube Rd, and Possil Rd meet) has been completely screwed by the new design, with filter lanes removed and the light sequence changed. So that might also drive more traffic onto New City Rd, especially outwith peak hours. by RingerMinger (Mon 26th Jul 2021 1:48pm)

If you're looking to save money, it might be worth investigating solicitors outside of Glasgow. Costs tend to be lower away from the city, and I don't imagine it matters where the actual property itself is located, it's not as if they need to go visit. You might have a bit more travel if you need to meet them in person, but the savings may outweigh it. I recently changed accountants from one in Glasgow to one in Ayrshire, mainly because the Glasgow one was crap, but was pleasantly surprised with the cost difference. And a wee trip down that direction every once in a while isn't a big deal for me. by RingerMinger (Mon 26th Jul 2021 1:54pm)

Very true - and especially annoying for people who thought they were doing the right thing at the time of purchase and are now being penalised for it. by RingerMinger (Tue 27th Jul 2021 12:03am)

I've stayed in some student flats that weren't much bigger than a wheelie bin, so you never know... by RingerMinger (Wed 28th Jul 2021 3:51pm)

Another vote for R&D. by RingerMinger (Sat 31st Jul 2021 5:55pm)

Yep, it was part of the same project that brought us the grass Pyramids near Livingston and the big heids near Eurocentral. You can access the Horn on foot from Polkemmet Country Park, it's a fairly gentle walk down. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19296984.polkemmet-country-park-west-lothian-spot-packed-delights/ by RingerMinger (Mon 2nd Aug 2021 11:53am)

This article mentions that Motorola paid for the grass pyramids but doesn't mention who paid for the heids: [https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/scottish-fact-day-m8-motorway-sculptures-1519468](https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/scottish-fact-day-m8-motorway-sculptures-1519468) Irrespective of the actual funding, they were all part of the same overall project. by RingerMinger (Mon 2nd Aug 2021 11:23pm)

The Springburn Rd lane seems particularly stupid. About 100yds after it finishes, traffic splits in three different directions so there's loads of weaving. Previously everyone had the space from Tesco onwards to sort themselves out. It'd be interesting to know if it makes the buses any faster. I suspect all they'll be doing is getting to the jam at the other end a bit quicker. The redevelopment of Sighthill might have allowed for a dedicated bus route, or properly separated lanes in addition to what was there before. But that would have cost money, which seems to have have been spent on a rusty bridge over the M8. by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Aug 2021 2:44pm)

My preference is seat, because with the beds you're side-on to the direction of travel so you roll around every time the train changes speed. You maybe get more used to it if you're a regular traveller. (Although I haven't tried a bed in the new trains yet - it might be better) by RingerMinger (Mon 16th Aug 2021 12:29pm)

We've used Profix Autos up in Port Dundas. They're very good and seem fairly priced. They often have large vans and campers in. Brakes should be a fairly straightforward job, but they are busy just now. by RingerMinger (Mon 16th Aug 2021 12:28pm)

Yep, I've had this happen to me before. Normally you get wakened at Carstairs by the shunting. There's two Sleeper services that (potentially) service Glasgow, the main Glasgow/Edinburgh service that splits at Carstairs, and the Highland sleeper. I don't think the Highland Sleeper goes anywhere near Edinburgh so that seems like an unlikely diversion for it. I once took the Highland sleeper from Euston to Glasgow (since it was the only one that still had space) and didn't pay enough attention to the itinerary. I got kicked out at Westerton station at 5am, with a long wait before the next local service that would potentially get me to Central. Chucked it and got a taxi instead. Queen St Low level sounds like a real improvement on that arrangement. by RingerMinger (Mon 16th Aug 2021 12:25pm)

You should hear a "click" from the thermostat as you turn it up. (Around the temperature that the room is at, this is it switching on the circuit and triggering the heating to turn on) If you don't hear a click then it's probably knackered. The potential replacement unit sitting there is a good clue that it might be. Changing it over is a pretty simple job. by RingerMinger (Tue 17th Aug 2021 11:53am)

It always seems to get worse when the schools go back, but the Craighall slip road being closed for most of the evening rush hour was just the icing on the cake. by RingerMinger (Wed 18th Aug 2021 11:18pm)

Of course, the views over the Clyde from Helensburgh and Dumbarton are slightly spoiled by Greenock festering on the other side. ;-) by RingerMinger (Mon 23rd Aug 2021 1:56pm)

They've probably asked the same question in the Edinburgh sub and are comparing answers. Or they're just trolling. by RingerMinger (Mon 23rd Aug 2021 2:00pm)

That image really deserves to become a meme. by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Aug 2021 1:15pm)

If you could get contact details for the owner this way, it would be mainly used for road rage abuse. by RingerMinger (Thu 26th Aug 2021 11:08am)

Are you paying council tax on the place you're renting elsewhere? If so, I'd be expecting your insurance to be covering the cost of one or the other, as you're only liable for both as a result of the incident. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Sep 2021 7:02pm)

A lot of the problems with Edinburgh's trams were to do with ground conditions - everywhere they dug they found old forgotten basements etc. Not sure if Glasgow will be any easier in that regard. More stations with a park and ride facility like the new one at Robroyston would be good, if the aim is to keep traffic out of the city centre. Or service it with trams rather than mainline trains, so people can get to where they want within the centre rather than just being kicked out at Queen St or Central. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Sep 2021 12:34pm)

Most of the other cities that have removed motorways from their centre already have ring roads around the perimeter, drawing most long-range traffic away. The original plan was for Glasgow to have another two ring roads, plus numerous radial routes. If even half of that was in place, then downgrading the M8 would possibly be an option. As it stands, there's no chance of doing it without complete gridlock. The M74 doesn't count, as it only covers one half. A journey from, say, Easterhouse to Whiteinch, would have to be done on surface streets. You could wave a magic wand and build the best public transport network in the world, and still have more than enough vans and trucks clogging neighbourhoods. Having an elevated motorway running through a city isn't great, but it's better than the same traffic sitting idling in jams outside schools, shops, and houses. Yes, do what needs done to mitigate and soften the impact of the road, but getting rid of it isn't a sensible option. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Sep 2021 12:45pm)

Edinburgh had trams until 1956 too, although I'm not sure if they ran along the current route. And there's a possibility that modern trams are heavier, or construction regulations are tighter. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Sep 2021 3:09pm)

You're right, it's the same people. They seem to leave a trail of bad debt behind every venture they're involved with. I think they very much know what they're doing... by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Sep 2021 11:11pm)

Trashed the building on their way out as well. by RingerMinger (Wed 29th Sep 2021 12:42am)

Or you could go to a different festival, one that isn't run by a shower of bastards. Give your money to people who will support artists rather than lining their own pockets. There's lots of other festivals run by lovely people that pay their bills. by RingerMinger (Wed 29th Sep 2021 11:43am)

Do you know if they are actually behind the venue, or just promoting shows in it? (Hopefully just the latter, or a lot more people are likely to get stiffed on payment on something of that scale) by RingerMinger (Wed 29th Sep 2021 11:46am)

Yeah, that was one of theirs too. by RingerMinger (Wed 29th Sep 2021 11:45am)

I don't know chapter and verse on it, but at the very least they claimed to be involved, and had made various promises to people that (unrelated) debts would be settled once the takings from Fiesta were in. Strangely enough, no money appeared... by RingerMinger (Wed 29th Sep 2021 11:30pm)

Yeah, and if your favourite artist is playing X Festival, because X Festival can afford to fly a headliner in since they're stiffing everybody else, ultimately that helps nobody. It distorts the playing field and puts the festivals who do pay their bills at a real disadvantage when it comes to booking acts. Also plenty of people booked tickets to Playground because they wanted to see Kellis, or Hot Chip... It seems clear that those weren't last-minute cancellations from Covid or other illness. Looks very much like a "bait and switch". Not to mention all the punters who can't get refunds on their wristband balances. (And why is that even a thing, rather than just taking contactless payments directly?) The only solution is for punters to stop giving their money to these muppets. by RingerMinger (Thu 30th Sep 2021 1:06pm)

No, it's reopened under new management. Seems to be doing quite well. The building needed quite a bit of refurbishment as literally everything that could be removed was taken in a "midnight flit". Irrespective of whether they owned it or not. by RingerMinger (Thu 30th Sep 2021 1:12pm)

I'd agree with you that we don't want every single article on the Herald or GlasgowLive reposted here. But this one was pretty relevant and provoked some discussion so I think it justified itself being here. by RingerMinger (Thu 30th Sep 2021 1:19pm)

Yep, I drove past it at the weekend and thought it was an interesting combination. No idea if they'd be any good or not. by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Oct 2021 9:14am)

I'd be tempted to buy a couple of random VHS tapes first to use as dummy runs before you trust it with anything precious. Also be careful with the data that you've captured - make sure it's backed up, ideally in several places. by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Oct 2021 9:16am)

"Edit: The one down at the Saltmarket, near the High Court? That’s what I was thinking of." Yeah, that's the place. It certainly seems to be still operating. by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Oct 2021 12:01pm)

I'd say it really depends on where in Glasgow you're going to. If you have to cross the city then it's going to be a pretty lengthy trip. It's quite a fun drive to do every once in a while but I expect it'll get old quite quickly, especially in rush hour traffic. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Oct 2021 12:20am)

The new single tier councils were also arranged in a way that guaranteed at least some would be Tory - East Renfrewshire being the most obvious example. At the time there was no Scottish parliament and the situation was beginning to look quite embarrassing with a Con government in Westminster but the party hardly held anything in Scotland. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Oct 2021 12:25am)

The Barras as-was would never have lasted. eBay and Gumtree took away the second-hand market, broadband and torrenting replaced buying pirate discs, and there would be very few bargains to be had now that there's cheap Chinese tat in every supermarket etc. If you want "gas lighters, four for a pound", you go to Poundland. The area had to evolve or it would die. Some of the old-school traders are still there, but in far smaller numbers. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Oct 2021 12:59am)

You're optimistic thinking you can get a hotel room that close to Glasgow. Someone I know went looking and the nearest option they were offered was Callendar. by RingerMinger (Thu 7th Oct 2021 12:44pm)

Blue Zone is under UN control, Green Zone is UK government (was what I was told anyway) Somebody should have told them that dividing Glasgow into Blue and Green isn't the best idea... by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:29pm)

Needs more potholes and student flats. ;-) by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:26pm)

We've already got the Glasgow Coma Scale, the "Glasgow Agreement" might get wider publicity but I'm not sure how much it'll help drive people to the city. by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:30pm)

Park the tipper round the corner and ferry stuff in your car. ;-) Last time I took a van load of commercial waste to Polmadie, the cost wasn't terrible, but the minimum weight was 1 ton so a smaller load would seem expensive. Still likely cheaper than any (reputable) house clearance company will be. by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:36pm)

There's one on the 5th as well apparently. by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:35pm)

A pal of mine jumped into a lift at the Hilton, and found himself standing beside the Dalia Lama. (It was back when he was doing some event at the SECC) by RingerMinger (Fri 8th Oct 2021 1:35pm)

Someone should open "Best Gym", that in the style of "Best Kebab" is utterly crap and only tolerable after a long night of drinking. by RingerMinger (Sat 9th Oct 2021 7:49pm)

It may well have been that long ago. Thank you for reminding me of just how old I am... by RingerMinger (Sat 9th Oct 2021 9:12pm)

Could be worth a shout. Are there any you'd recommend? by RingerMinger (Sat 9th Oct 2021 9:23pm)

That'll be useful to keep in the toolkit, but I'm hoping for something more permanent (and matches the colour) by RingerMinger (Sat 9th Oct 2021 9:23pm)

All good points. I'm thinking if the seam can break once (on the fourth or fifth time it's been used) then it can probably break again. The problem is that the frame holds the apex up on two single points so there's a lot of strain there. I was wondering about getting some reinforcement around it - is "gusset" the word or does that only apply to underwear? by RingerMinger (Sun 10th Oct 2021 9:38am)

The taxman will be coming for a chunk of that. by RingerMinger (Sun 10th Oct 2021 11:33pm)

It seems almost inevitable that there's going to be some kind of demonstrations / protests. Looking at it from their point of view, it's the ideal opportunity when all the world's media is focussed on the city, and there's more pressure than usual on infrastructure. Many of these groups are surprisingly well-funded and have plenty of willing volunteers. I suspect it's going to get messy. by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Oct 2021 8:15pm)

Glasgow was one of the first - so much so that there wasn't anything in the UK that they could directly compare to. Instead the designers took a lot of cues from the USA. I5 through downtown LA is weirdly reminiscent of the M8 through Glasgow. by RingerMinger (Thu 14th Oct 2021 10:52pm)

Same thing happened with me. We tried for weeks to get the council to take us on as a business customer, nobody was answering the phone or replying to emails. Then a council crew passing one day offered to empty our bins for cash on the side. by RingerMinger (Thu 14th Oct 2021 10:51pm)

This seems like an excellent tactic by RingerMinger (Fri 15th Oct 2021 1:04pm)

A lot of the communities that the road ran through were slums, and were slated for comprehensive redevelopment anyway. That's not how we'd approach the problem now, but this was decades before anyone realised that refurbishing tenements was an option. Proof of this is some of the photos from the time, that show the newly completed motorway alongside old buildings that are no longer there. The road building finished ahead of the other redevelopment. Obviously the motorways take up a significant amount of land, but nowhere near as much as some campaigners make out. And much of it was going to be demolished anyway. by RingerMinger (Fri 15th Oct 2021 1:11pm)

Word is that many of the VIPs are staying at Gleneagles so it might affect the M80 as well. by RingerMinger (Mon 18th Oct 2021 11:05pm)

Wait until the next issue of the Digger comes out to get the definitive info. /s by RingerMinger (Tue 19th Oct 2021 1:04pm)

One of the problems is that we generate far more electricity than we need from renewables, but only when the wind is blowing. When it's calm, we need to import power from elsewhere. Hopefully advantages in storage technology will make this easier to handle in future, but we can't just chop off all the transmission lines at the border. by RingerMinger (Tue 19th Oct 2021 10:46pm)

Spotted my first motorcade on the M80 earlier today - at least ten motorcycle cops surrounding a couple of unmarked cars, all going a reasonable pace with blue lights but no sirens. It didn't seem to be holding the rest of the traffic up much, I expect it was some sort of practice. I could see them shutting the road temporarily to keep them completely clear of traffic when it's done for real. by RingerMinger (Tue 19th Oct 2021 11:15pm)

Historically, George Square has been an important gathering place for protests and demonstrations. I'm not against giving it a facelift, but it would be a big step backwards if the work essentially pushed those sorts of gatherings out of the city centre altogether. by RingerMinger (Wed 27th Oct 2021 1:36am)

I still feel that if you're going from city centre to city centre the train compares well to a flight. 4.5hrs or so where you could watch a movie or tackle some work, versus a 1hr flight with 90+ mins of faff either side of it. Add a taxi to the airport and Heathrow Express or Tube into London and the cost evens up a little. Still agree it would be nice if the train was a bit more affordable though. by RingerMinger (Mon 1st Nov 2021 5:05pm)

Definitely get shot of Yell. They're a bunch of fraudsters. by RingerMinger (Thu 4th Nov 2021 9:36pm)

And also, how many places have you already been for the last time? by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Nov 2021 7:22pm)

The problem is that the cameras which will inevitably enforce this zone will automatically recognise the reg. as belonging to a private vehicle and send out a ticket. The same problem will apply to carers / home help, takeaway drivers, and people like surveyors and mechanics who have more equipment than they can carry on the bus but not enough to justify a van. If you're holding a conference in a city centre hotel, then you'll either need to carry all the materials there yourself or hire a van. Or you could just book into one of the multitude of other hotels outwith the zone instead. by RingerMinger (Thu 11th Nov 2021 3:01pm)

A friend of mine lived in Lenzie and commuted to Edinburgh each day. He bought a Glasgow to Edinburgh season ticket, I don't think it was much more expensive than Lenzie to Edinburgh would have been, in fact it might even have been cheaper. It also meant he got free travel into Glasgow when he was needing to head in that direction. Nobody ever seemed bothered that he got on at Lenzie every morning. by RingerMinger (Sat 13th Nov 2021 7:40pm)

If a ticket inspector takes a dislike to your antics they can summon Transport Police, who have much more scope to spoil your day. I was once coming back from Edinburgh, sitting opposite a startlingly stereotypical grumpy frenchman, who decided that, since the train was 20 mins late in departing, he would only show his ticket to the inspector 20 mins after they first asked to see it. They weren't impressed by this tactic, and had a full blown shouting match with the guy, and (apparently) had police lined up to board the train at the next stop. Eventually he showed the valid ticket and that was that. (It was only later that it occurred to me that he could have been running interference for a bunch of unticketed friends further down the train...) by RingerMinger (Sat 13th Nov 2021 7:45pm)

On every boiler I've encountered, the thermostat connection is literally a 2-core cable. The thermostat closes a contact and shorts out the circuit to turn the heating on. (So you could replace it with a simple switch if that was all you needed) With Hive, you've got a unit that connects to the boiler this way, so you could just remove your existing thermostat and put that in its place. It then links wirelessly to the master hub (that connects to your router via CAT5) and the actual thermostat (with the temp sensing bit and display) is another wireless unit that you can put wherever you like. Most people will be capable of swapping two wires over, make sure the boiler is off at the mains before doing it. by RingerMinger (Wed 17th Nov 2021 11:29am)

The road is down to one lane so there's traffic lights, but because it's sitting on a junction it's a 4-way signal. You're waiting a good few minutes before you get a turn to drive through. by RingerMinger (Mon 22nd Nov 2021 11:28pm)

Some churches are more relaxed about alcohol than others. by RingerMinger (Mon 22nd Nov 2021 11:32pm)

True, but it's interesting that they've waited until now to expand after operating on Gt Western Rd for 20+yrs. by RingerMinger (Mon 22nd Nov 2021 11:36pm)

The Geo Sq decorations used to go up in a mad rush between Remembrance Sunday and the switch-on event. These days the ones on the lampposts get put up earlier but not turned on until nearer the time. by RingerMinger (Mon 22nd Nov 2021 11:36pm)

It may be a private company doing the collections rather than the council. The bins at my work get emptied overnight, not sure exactly when. One advantage of picking up rubbish at night is that there's less chance of accidents with pedestrians etc., not sure if that's factored into any of the decisions. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd Nov 2021 11:34am)

There must be some Facebook group or subreddit full of concertina nerds that you could join. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd Nov 2021 11:40am)

D: All of the above Even when Glasgow's industries were booming, there was huge inequality and slums that were amongst the worst in Europe. The decline of heavy industry probably delayed the improvements to housing stock etc. since there was less money to go around in general. It wasn't until the mid-1980s that the soot was being sandblasted off historic buildings. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd Nov 2021 12:07pm)

At Hampden there was a line of stewards asking to see them, I just held my phone up and was nodded through. Could have been a screenshot of my pal's passport. I'm sure lots of other people were just walking around the line. by RingerMinger (Wed 24th Nov 2021 12:35pm)

The problem with that is you could have caught Covid in the time since taking the test. If you're double-jabbed the chances of serious illness are so much less. It's highly unlikely to be a life-threatening problem if you come into contact with the virus. by RingerMinger (Wed 24th Nov 2021 12:42pm)

Sure, I was more thinking of your average football crowd where there's a good proportion of people of an age where the outcomes are more serious. by RingerMinger (Thu 25th Nov 2021 12:17am)

That's the movie that Samuel L Jackson should have made by RingerMinger (Thu 25th Nov 2021 12:37pm)

Yes, it was spectacularly good, even when sober. The Hong Kong Express that replaced it a few doors down was also great. by RingerMinger (Tue 30th Nov 2021 1:21pm)

Q-Club on St Georges Rd. It has pool as well. It's a couple of minutes walk from St Georges Cross subway and well served by busses. Unfortunately the Craigpark Masters in Dennistoun shut a while back. The building is likely going to be redeveloped into flats. by RingerMinger (Wed 1st Dec 2021 1:33pm)

Is there a game played where the first application is way overdeveloped, so that the council have something to complain about, and then the Plan B is what the developers were looking to do all along? by RingerMinger (Wed 1st Dec 2021 1:35pm)

A triple-deck road running along Princes St was proposed, top level for local access to the shops with two carriageways of expressway traffic underneath. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 11:54am)

All these cities in the Netherlands have ring roads around the outside. Glasgow had several planned but started with the "Inner Ring" before the rest got cancelled. Having long-range traffic running through the city centre isn't ideal, and is a product of the thinking of the time. But nobody has the political clout to run a ring road around the leafy suburbs, or the funding to pay for it. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 11:50am)

Some of the old Glasgow slums had population densities amongst the highest in Europe at the time. Large families crammed into a single room with a shared toilet in the back court, that kind of thing. The only way Glasgow could have kept the same population density with modern living standards would be high rise flats, and we saw how that turned out... by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 11:59am)

Edinburgh also didn't have anywhere near the same amount of heavy industry as Glasgow, and the area around the Royal Mile was fully built up much earlier. Glasgow didn't really take off (beyond the cathedral and old University site) until the tobacco trade - it was better placed than Edinburgh to trade with North America. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 11:56am)

You're right, those slip roads were going to connect to the original design of the M74 (southern flank of the Inner Ring Road). The original plan was that it would go through Tradeston and cross the river earlier, with a junction just east of Glasgow Cross. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 12:04pm)

Glasgow was quite early in building urban motorways (compared to other cities in the UK) so there was nothing much else in the country to refer to in terms of design. LA was an obvious candidate for comparison. Some parts of I5 that pass through Downtown do feel weirdly reminicent of the M8. Road design has moved on in the years since, and even if the M8 were being built on the same route today it would look very different. The M74 is an interesting comparison, with much more space between junctions and better traffic flow overall. The original plans for it had a much more intense layout with numerous slip roads. It's arguable that the city got a much better road by waiting 50 years to build it. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 12:02pm)

The trickiest bit of the Big Dig was that they had to build the tunnels underneath, whilst keeping a crumbling elevated expressway running above. I saw one documentary where someone compared to performing heart surgery on a patient whilst they ran a marathon. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Dec 2021 12:12pm)

One of the other reasons for the decline in passenger numbers is that some of the areas served by the subway changed massively, with big drops in employment and the surrounding population. I'm thinking particularly of Sheilds Rd, Bridge St, etc. by RingerMinger (Tue 14th Dec 2021 2:33pm)

The way the charges/fines are set up is very frustrating. Unlike a congestion charge or bus gate, the fines double every time a vehicle enters the zone. I occasionally need to make deliveries into the city centre. It's not the sort of stuff that's even remotely practical to move on foot, bike, or via public transport. If a trip incurred, say, a £30-60 charge, that would be enough of a disincentive that we would only be venturing in when there was no other option. The fines max out at something like £380 a time. This leaves us with the option of replacing perfectly serviceable vehicles, or refusing service to city centre customers. We don't make enough from those customers to justify replacing vehicles 2-3yrs earlier that we'd otherwise have planned. Especially coming off the back of Covid/lockdown. A fixed charge would be enough to discourage regular trips into the zone, but I suspect someone saw a chance to claw in more money from fines. Meanwhile servicing anything in the city centre becomes more and more expensive, with the knock-on effect being that customers will inevitably migrate outside the zone. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 6:03pm)

They do cheap deals on their oven pizzas on Mon+Tues. Amongst the best I've tasted. I wasn't quite so impressed with the chippy offerings, but might have caught them on a bad night. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 6:07pm)

I really didn't like the supper I got from Benny's a while back. I think I might have got the dregs from a batch of chips though. Cafe Zechhino, just a block further up the road, seems better to me. It's certainly busier, if that's any measure. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 6:11pm)

Manufacturing new vehicles (that wouldn't otherwise be required) produces huge amounts of pollutants. A charge (rather than exponentially escalating fines) would eliminate the vast majority of journeys and slash localised emissions, whilst minimising the economic damage. I notice that the Showmen's Guild (who operate and move funfair equipment) have been given a waiver on the new restrictions. Their particulates are just as damaging as anybody else's, have they just got better lobbyists? by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 9:39pm)

An old friend who worked in traffic police was once called out to the M8 at Hillington. A family of Swedish tourists had mistaken the hard shoulder for a cycle lane and were intending to pedal all the way to Greenock. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 9:42pm)

I'd picked £30-60 in my original reply, comparing it to a parking ticket or bus lane camera fine. Even something like £75 for 24hrs access would be enough for us to avoid premature replacement of at least one vehicle, possibly two. Yes, there will probably be one or two idiots happy to pay £75 each day to park their Range Rover at the office. Take their money and do something useful with it. The damage they do will be minimal, and a charge is going to eliminate the vast majority of journeys anyway. Also, this is a short-term measure. We've already got one hybrid and one Euro 6 vehicle. Anything we buy from now on will be Euro 6, and we'd be replacing within the next 3yrs anyway. My point is that forcing small businesses into buying new vehicles isn't ideal, especially when most are reeling from covid. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 10:20pm)

Right now, I've got the choice between potentially employing a new staff member, or spending an almost equivalent amount of money on replacing two vehicles. We would be replacing them within 3yrs or so anyway, but at a time that makes financial sense. As things stand, they do less than a dozen miles per month inside the LEZ zone. The cost vs benefits is completely skewed. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Jan 2022 10:29pm)

I'm not talking about cars, but commercial vehicles. The vehicles are not just kept on the road for those 24 miles a month in the city centre, they do plenty of work outwith the LEZ zone. Each delivery involves moving serious amounts of equipment, usually between 500kg and 4 tonnes. I'm afraid a bike or £7k electric car isn't going to make a dent in that. Both vehicles are often required simultaneously, and are different enough in terms of capacity and capabilities that we need both to handle the range of tasks. Vehicle prices are currently at an all-time high, so it's a bad time to be buying. We estimated that we'd need to spend around £30k to get what we need. by RingerMinger (Tue 4th Jan 2022 12:23pm)

If you're worried about the cost of insurance whilst you're away, would it be an option to change the policy to reflect the lack of use? Might be worth a quick chat with a specialist broker - Adrian Flux are one that I've used in the past for unusual things. Another possibility would be to insure it in a friend or relatives' name, if they're deemed less of a risk than you. Especially if they could start or move it every once in a while for you. by RingerMinger (Tue 4th Jan 2022 1:12pm)

I'd be happy enough to pass a £60 or £75 charge onto a customer. We're not going to be able to spread the cost of replacement vehicles amongst them. The amount of actual pollution produced is tiny. (In fact, one of the vehicles has emission levels that would pass Euro 6, but unluckily it was manufactured a few months before the classification was available) Fairground vehicles have been given a free pass - I presume the argument was that they are specialist vehicles, expensive to replace, that don't cover much mileage compared to regular commuters or deliveries. By your argument they don't have a business case either. "Any society that can't provide clean air for its citizens doesn't deserve the benefits of high economic growth." Air quality in Glasgow has improved massively within my lifetime. It wasn't that long ago that every bus and lorry was spouting blue smoke. I think the problem now is that most of the easy gains have been made and we're at the point of diminishing returns. But at the same time, we're importing goods instead of producing them here, essentially "offshoring" the pollution. And most of the vehicles that are replaced because of the LEZ aren't getting scrapped, they're exported abroad and will continue polluting long after we've forgotten about them. So I don't think we can feel too smug about cleaner air here when it's largely at the expense of poorer people elsewhere. by RingerMinger (Tue 4th Jan 2022 6:06pm)

Could have had Vice City vibes if it wasn't for the fir trees. by RingerMinger (Wed 5th Jan 2022 11:01am)

If I remember correctly, that was a large part of the reason for the demise of the original line. (The station itself closed in 1939, well ahead of Beeching cuts etc.) by RingerMinger (Wed 5th Jan 2022 11:08am)

It would seem fairer if the city boundary was extended around the contiguous built-up area. Most of these suburbs (Bearsden, Newton Mearns, etc.) are where they are because of the advantageous tax position at the time. And the local government reorganisation of the late 1990s maintained them because they were the only areas that the Tory government of the time was likely to win councils. by RingerMinger (Wed 5th Jan 2022 1:28pm)

"You can't build a pole for 5G coverage without there being local frontpage protests, let alone potentially meaning a train goes near someone's house." It's certainly much easier to push ahead with infrastructure projects in a place like China. Also land value has a huge part to play, as buying people out who are in the path of a new route becomes disproportionately expensive. That was part of the reason why the "cost per mile" of the M74 was so high. by RingerMinger (Wed 5th Jan 2022 1:25pm)

I happened to drive past one of the HS2 sites in Englandshire, and there was an army of security along with climbers and cherry pickers, all trying to evict protestors from some trees. by RingerMinger (Thu 6th Jan 2022 12:02pm)

Genuinely curious, what are the requirements? I was under the impression that most "Indian" food was actually Bangladeshi. Isn't it all just marketing, ultimately? by RingerMinger (Sun 9th Jan 2022 11:57am)

Downvoted into oblivion for liking a restaurant that (judging by its continuing existence) a fair amount of other locals must like too. If the OP is happy with chain restaurant food, Xsite at Braehead has a wide selection and is closer to the airport than the city centre. by RingerMinger (Sun 9th Jan 2022 11:55am)

Victor Morris would probably buy it (then resell it to some other random bam) by RingerMinger (Mon 10th Jan 2022 12:36pm)

They still have to identify the driver, so that they have someone to take to court. You can't sue a vehicle. by RingerMinger (Wed 12th Jan 2022 11:54am)

http://www.pepipoo.com by RingerMinger (Wed 12th Jan 2022 11:53am)

Can you send text messages TO phone boxes? It'd be a fun way to insult random passers-by. by RingerMinger (Wed 12th Jan 2022 11:50am)

Whatever you do, don't buy one off Wish.com... by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Jan 2022 4:04pm)

I've had a replacement bank card fail to arrive. Complete PITA as I've had to go into a branch in person to make payments in the meantime. by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Jan 2022 4:03pm)

We get plenty of waste polystyrene in from time to time, but most of it is shaped quite tightly around the items that it's protecting. Any thick pieces will typically have voids rather than being solid all the way through. Is there a way to melt it down and reform it, or is that how you make napalm? by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Jan 2022 4:07pm)

Surely discussion about the Tattoo should be in r/edinburgh? (I'll get my coat...) by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Jan 2022 4:05pm)

Thanks, now we're both on a watchlist. by RingerMinger (Sat 15th Jan 2022 1:18pm)

I'm not sure how secure safe/secure it would feel as a footpath, unless it was really busy or buildings get added with direct access onto it. by RingerMinger (Mon 17th Jan 2022 1:30pm)

Clearly Mohammed couldn't organise cover when he had to go and pump someone's maw at short notice. by RingerMinger (Mon 17th Jan 2022 11:26pm)

If you're worried about frittering away the extra income, could you set up a standing order so that when your salary lands, the majority of the extra gets automatically bumped over into some kind of savings account? (The idea being that it's not sitting where you can easily spend it with a debit card - out of sight out of mind) This doesn't take much effort to set up, and after a few months you'll have some idea how things are panning out. Going to a financial advisor then to set up savings/investments will be easier than doing it at the very outset. by RingerMinger (Tue 18th Jan 2022 5:55pm)

Alternatively, drive to the Gyle and take a tram in from there. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Jan 2022 6:21pm)

Waterfront at Greenock has two flumes and a rubber ring chute. Another potential option is Aquatec in Motherwell. I haven't been to either since Covid so as others have suggested it's definitely wisest to phone ahead and check what's open. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Jan 2022 6:04pm)

Always good when someone comes out too fast and lands flat on their back. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Jan 2022 6:02pm)

It really could do with better street lighting. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Jan 2022 6:08pm)

Surely they should carve the mirror image into the bat, so that the imprint that's left reads the right way around? by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Jan 2022 6:05pm)

I was very pleased to find myself in Blairdardie one day (completely by accident). I'd always wondered what it was like, having only seen the name on the front of a bus and never investigated any further. (Spoiler alert - it was a bit of a disappointment) by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Jan 2022 6:14pm)

That's a shame - it wasn't huge but seemed a nice wee facility. I suppose it's been overshadowed by the Time Capsule in one direction and Hamilton Water Palace in the other. by RingerMinger (Sat 22nd Jan 2022 1:21pm)

Back in my university days there were plenty people who wouldn't walk along Kelvin Way after dark. And that was with traffic passing regularly. I don't think the street lighting has been upgraded since then. There have been plenty of calls for improved lighting throughout Kelvingrove Park, the biggest thoroughfare would be a good place to start. by RingerMinger (Sat 22nd Jan 2022 1:26pm)

Something similar happened one Hogmanay when high winds cancelled all the street parties. The newspapers had clearly written generic reviews beforehand, so their first editions had headlines like "<famous act> rock the gardens" when the gig had been called off a few hours beforehand. by RingerMinger (Sat 22nd Jan 2022 1:30pm)

Are you allowed to sit there munching popcorn as the case unfolds? by RingerMinger (Sun 23rd Jan 2022 9:36pm)

I'm not sure if the World Buffet is still open - apart from the usual Covid struggles buffets are probably the hardest kind of food service to do safely. The owners also got themselves into a bit of bother a few years ago: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-owners-you-can-eat-20090263 by RingerMinger (Sun 23rd Jan 2022 9:35pm)

Ultimately the money owed will just be seized from your bank account, so dodging it won't do any good in the long run. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Jan 2022 11:34am)

From the looks of the statue, I imagine they won it at the Bingo. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Jan 2022 11:32am)

If you're struggling with the task, one option would be to hire a house clearance company. It'd be worth finding a reputable one that won't just dump the stuff in the nearest lay-by. But as others have said, there's no point in paying unless you want to try and find anything of value as you go through it. Otherwise, the HA will get it cleared themselves. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Jan 2022 11:40am)

It happened to me, but it was some years ago. I'm not sure if anything's different now. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Jan 2022 1:38pm)

Worst thing is, it's semi-detached. Can you imagine being the next-door neighbours? by RingerMinger (Tue 25th Jan 2022 1:02am)

It's already 40mph for a fair stretch at the moment, thanks to the work underway on the Woodside viaducts. Anyway, aren't most vehicles least polluting when they're cruising at a steady \~50mph? by RingerMinger (Sun 30th Jan 2022 8:56pm)

ok by RingerMinger (Thu 3rd Feb 2022 11:41am)

One thing to bear in mind is your car insurance will probably jump in price when you move. A friend of mine was in Kings Park, and the proximity to Castlemilk was enough to lift his premium significantly. by RingerMinger (Thu 3rd Feb 2022 2:42pm)

ProFix, not profit autos. (I imagine it was autocorrect but gave me a chuckle nonetheless) by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Feb 2022 3:17am)

The usual answer to this kind of question is "Patrick Thistle" Although I can appreciate it's not got quite the same allure as the big two, there aren't as many big European fixtures at Firhill... by RingerMinger (Fri 11th Feb 2022 4:51pm)

The Academy is essentially part of a chain of venues, so it's easy for bands to get booked on a tour round all of them rather than making individual arrangements for each stop. It also has most of the sound & lighting installed, compared to renting in (with the crew to bring it all up the stairs) Barras is certainly uniquely good. I've been noticing that a lot of the bands playing there recently could conceivably be filling much bigger rooms. It might be that they're making a point of choosing a Barrowland gig over others. by RingerMinger (Thu 17th Feb 2022 12:46pm)

Deer were spotted in Buchanan St during the first lockdown. I live on the outskirts of Glasgow and see them quite regularly, especially late at night. I'm not sure where they hide out when they're not roaming around. by RingerMinger (Fri 18th Feb 2022 3:51pm)

One family that I know moved back into a tenement once their kids were well into secondary school. Things like garden space were less important, and it was more useful being in a location that was central for various hobbies and activities. I don't know the numbers involved, but I'd imagine that downsizing from a semi-detached house with garden to a largish flat at least didn't cost them much to do. by RingerMinger (Sat 19th Feb 2022 1:56pm)

Agreed. If you're not short of time, it's cheaper to get a standard train down the day before and book overnight accommodation in London. The seated carriage on Sleeper trains is typically cheaper, (Around £80) but I find the seats in the new trains desperately uncomfortable. by RingerMinger (Sun 20th Feb 2022 11:58pm)

Despite all the shortcomings, the Hydro still managed to become one of the busiest arenas in Europe. Enough must be going well with gigs or the bands/promoters wouldn't keep using it. by RingerMinger (Mon 21st Feb 2022 12:21pm)

True, a package is much easier to administer than dealing with each venue separately. I expect that's one factor in the popularity of the Academy venues. There's also very few alternatives to the Hydro. Hall 4 is now full of exhibitions and conferences. Braehead? Ingilston? by RingerMinger (Mon 21st Feb 2022 11:11pm)

You're right, but for an attacker, there is still long-term value in knocking out the submarine maintenance facilities. Rosyth will be on target lists for similar reasons. However, the whole point of the "continuous at-sea deterrent" is there is always a sub out there ready to strike. Nuking Faslane is not the same as trying to hit ICBM silos before they can launch. It seems most likely that a modern-day nuclear exchange would be a gradually escalating tit-for-tat as one side tries to impose its will on the other. A full-blown Cold War scenario with thousands of missiles all launching at once is much less likely. (The one caveat with this is that we're assuming the leadership, or at least some in the chain of command, on both sides are still acting rationally) by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 12:57pm)

NukeMap is a useful tool that shows the effect various weapons would have. It's based on proper research, although geographic features might change some of the exact effects. I remember being told as a Cold War child that "two nuclear bombs could destroy all of Scotland" and naturally imagined the whole country being reduced to two large smoking craters. That's not how it works. For people many miles from the blast, the main hazards for people are burns, flash blindness and injuries from flying glass. That's before we take radiation into account. With any remaining emergency services overwhelmed. by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:03pm)

There's also a chance of a ground-burst strike, since there are storage facilities dug into the hills above the base. Which would mean much more irradiated dirt etc. (the really bad stuff) getting chucked into the atmosphere. by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:05pm)

If Scotland v Ukraine is still able to go ahead I suspect the atmosphere at the match is going to be quite something. by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:12pm)

r/combatfootage has some by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:10pm)

Excellent point by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:18pm)

Are you an estate agent? by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:15pm)

>But yeah, of course, just because they wouldn't > >have > > to use a ground burst doesn't mean they wouldn't... True, I think if it were to ever get to that point, the gloves would be well and truly off and collateral damage would be of very little concern to those making the decisions. by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Feb 2022 1:35pm)

If you're going to offer it on GumTree, list it at £5 or £10. This means you avoid the people who pick up free stuff to resell. by RingerMinger (Sat 5th Mar 2022 12:05pm)

Your speedometer is probably reading high, and the cameras won't issue a ticket unless you're a decent margin over the limit. That's probably how you got away with being "20 over", the lane change trick apparently doesn't work. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Mar 2022 1:52am)

There only seems to be two cameras on each post, so it figures they'll be monitoring two lanes whilst the contraflow is in operation, rather than the whole carriageway. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Mar 2022 1:50am)

Count yourself lucky. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Mar 2022 1:55am)

The bunks / cots are gone, only seated services now. You're spot on about the awkward size of them though. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Mar 2022 2:00am)

The B&Q timber saw ranks alongside the McDonalds ice cream machine for downtime. If you have the storage space, a sliding chop saw is an excellent investment. Evolution models seem to work pretty well for light work. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Mar 2022 6:16pm)

West end and Southside are both good areas. Not entirely crime-free, but I wouldn't be too worried about leaving a van on-street for a few days. Just make sure nothing valuable is within view. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Mar 2022 6:24pm)

Upvote for a helpful reply. The only drawback with airport parking might be that it's not as easy to get back into the city centre. Most will run a shuttle minibus to the airport terminal, but nowhere else. I think you'd have to get a taxi from the parking to the nearest train station if you don't have someone else who can give you a lift. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Mar 2022 6:23pm)

The suburbs around Glasgow (think Bearsden/Milngavie, Newton Mearns, etc.) are outwith the city boundaries. Council tax is significantly lower in these neighbouring local authorities. But the residents tend to make use of Glasgow services (roads, parks, leisure, etc.) hence the net drain on Glasgow coffers. I moved from a tenement flat in Glasgow to a detached house outwith the city. Doubled the floorspace, added a garden. Council tax bill actually went down. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Mar 2022 6:20pm)

The problem for the wider economy is that we end up in a situation where people are paying a larger than ever proportion of their income on keeping a roof over their head. That means less disposable income (spending money) so less custom for every other sector. There has to be some point where it would stop, even with a completely unregulated market the money has to run out eventually. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 3:54am)

My understanding was that a "square go" was a fair fight, man on man, with no sneak attacks or trickery. To use an example from my days in high school - someone jumped their opponent from behind in a corridor, and got a few good punches in whilst they had the element of surprise, essentially enough to win the fight. "Aye, but you couldn't take him in a square go" was the verdict. &#x200B; Often someone would offer a square go but have their pals jump in to assist if the fight wasn't going their way. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 12:48pm)

Yeah, that looks pretty brutal. I wonder who approved the design. It is essentially a raised kerb, albeit not full height. With virtually no slope it's got the potential to damage vehicles at almost any speed. Also unhelpful in that it blurs the boundaries between pavement and roadway. What would have been wrong with a normal speed bump or raised table in this location? by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 12:53pm)

It would logically have to at least start to taper off, there's got to be some point where people aren't in a position to offer 1yr of rent up front etc. Or we end up in the depressing scenario where people are paying 70%+ of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 12:50pm)

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to take out a payday loan or similar. They can look like easy options but get you into a death spiral of debt. A normal credit card or bank overdraft could be a sensible option if you're needing to tide yourself over until the first paycheque arrives. But given the circumstances, some of the other support available may be better than getting into any kind of debt. It might be worth asking for extra hours / shifts at work. You don't need to divulge the full situation, just say "I've had a few unexpected expenses at home so could do with bringing in some extra cash" and could help you dig yourself out of the hole a bit quicker. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 1:03pm)

These are excellent, thank you for sharing. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Mar 2022 11:30pm)

Bear in mind you need to submit an annual return for your company or you get hit with fines. (It's a simple enough process but easy to forget about) by RingerMinger (Fri 11th Mar 2022 10:58am)

At least the meat would be cooked all the way through by RingerMinger (Sat 19th Mar 2022 3:06pm)

If you like pizzas that are more thoroughly cooked, you might want to check out Dario on Queen Margaret Drive. They manage to stay just the right side of overdone. by RingerMinger (Sat 26th Mar 2022 12:31am)

Have you tried a standing desk? I improvised one when I'd thrown my back, and it felt like it made a difference. by RingerMinger (Wed 30th Mar 2022 12:13am)

The biggest reason for the "Arm's Length Bodies" like Glasgow Life being established was to avoid paying rates on their buildings. If a swimming pool or art gallery is owned by a council it's liable for rates, if it's owned by a charitable entity then it isn't. This arrangement also has the effect of distancing the elected councillors from unpopular decisions - Glasgow Life take the flak for closures etc. by RingerMinger (Sat 2nd Apr 2022 9:20pm)

When the current council boundaries were set, the main motivation was to carve out some Tory-voting areas so that Scotland wasn't left without a single conservative council when they were the government of the day. I'm sure the previous two-tier arrangement had its difficulties and inefficiencies, but it probably helped balance the suburbs vs city situation. Also some attractions and facilities are too big for a single local authority, Strathclyde Park is a perfect example. by RingerMinger (Sat 2nd Apr 2022 9:29pm)

The letters go out in normal post, (not registered delivery) so if someone claims to not have received the letter it's hard to prove they did. by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Apr 2022 3:22pm)

r/Prematurecelebration by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Apr 2022 3:19pm)

Means you can reach Waverley before succumbing to scurvy. by RingerMinger (Tue 5th Apr 2022 1:11pm)

Palomino in Bath St has a downstairs area that you can get exclusive use of. I was at a party there recently and it didn't seem too expensive. They also did nice pizzas for the buffet. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Apr 2022 12:41pm)

Part of the problem for Tesco is that they already have quite a few other stores of similar size elsewhere, so they're cannibalising their own customer base. They definitely over-expanded, and this is probably one of the casualties. I remember the big Woolworths shutting down - it was a similarly depressing scenario. Ultimately, something will happen with the space. It's too expensive to leave it sitting idle. Landlords have clearly lost their game of chicken with Tesco, it might take a while for them to adjust their expectations downwards but somebody will eventually come in with an offer that's better than having it sitting empty. by RingerMinger (Wed 6th Apr 2022 12:48pm)

I got a letter through last week for an "infringement" in December 2019. We must have had at least a dozen by now. If it's costing, say, \~£1 per time to post them out, they must have a pretty reasonable response rate. Somebody must be paying, or they wouldn't bother. I think what happens is one company sells their list of tickets to another who try and collect on them. Every letter has gone straight into the bin. by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Apr 2022 12:33pm)

If you feel aggrieved by this, it might be worth mentioning to the hotel management. The parking vultures market themselves as a hassle-free option. You'd be doing the hotel a favour by letting them know that the arrangement is actively pissing off their customers. (They're unlikely to bin the parking company, but might loosen the restrictions a little) by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Apr 2022 12:36pm)

I think the rules about naming the driver are different in England - they can go after the vehicle's registered keeper. In Scotland they need to prove who was driving at the time of the "infringement" which is an added hurdle. by RingerMinger (Wed 13th Apr 2022 7:09pm)

I wonder if it's him that parks up near my work late at night with a female passenger. by RingerMinger (Thu 14th Apr 2022 8:21pm)

I'm doubtful the venue itself will open, or if it'll be anything like what's been promised. Already one gig has been cancelled (Flaming Lips at the end of May) with familiar sounding comments on their facebook post from punters that can't get refunds on tickets. Maybe they should pretend to book the Sex Pistols next, for the great rock'n'roll swindle... by RingerMinger (Thu 14th Apr 2022 8:42pm)

I remember being very impressed with how many more stars were visible up in Aberfoyle. It's a bit more of a drive from Glasgow though. There might be suitable spots en route. by RingerMinger (Fri 22nd Apr 2022 12:08am)

Fair enough. If you really want to buy a ticket, make sure you do it with a credit rather than debit card so you have some comeback if the gig doesn't happen. (Spoiler alert: it probably won't happen) by RingerMinger (Tue 26th Apr 2022 10:46pm)

If anyone has a bit of time on their hands it would be interesting to investigate whether any licensing applications have been submitted or other permits have been applied for. I'm guessing you can't just take a random patch of ground and turn it into a "venue" without it getting onto the council's radar. If I've spotted the correct area, it just seems to be surfaced with crushed tarmac. That's going to be fun on a hot summer's day in a crowd of people. by RingerMinger (Tue 26th Apr 2022 10:56pm)

Don't pay it. They'll send you a succession of threatening letters but won't do anything about it. The only way for them to recover the money is by court action, which nobody is going to do for the sake of £60 or whatever. Possibly different if you've parked there every day and racked up thousands of pounds of charges. Look at the Pepipoo website for more details. by RingerMinger (Sun 1st May 2022 5:16pm)

I've seen plenty camera vans over the years and none have ever had flashing lights. (Unlike the Gatso fixed cameras, there's no flash when they catch someone either) The tax-checking vans tend to sit in lay-bys rather than on bridges, on the M80 I've sometimes seen one in the police lay-by just before the 70mph limit kicks in north of Robroyston. Most likely workmen, as there has been a fair amount of roadworks around there. by RingerMinger (Tue 3rd May 2022 11:39am)

ProFix autos up in Port Dundas are very good, although quite busy at the moment. They've got ramps that can take LWB vans so yours should be no problem. If you're coming from the West End it's a quick walk down to Cowcaddens underground. by RingerMinger (Tue 3rd May 2022 11:41am)

Did anybody else used to get the fear that the measuring machine would just keep on going and crush your foot? by RingerMinger (Sat 7th May 2022 12:53pm)

ComTec on Couper St will have them. https://www.comtecdirect.co.uk by RingerMinger (Mon 9th May 2022 11:31am)

Offline, there is a whole range of books with old photos. This is one I found for Shawlands: [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Old-Shawlands-Newlands-Sandra-Malcolm/dp/1840337648](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Old-Shawlands-Newlands-Sandra-Malcolm/dp/1840337648) Amazon probably isn't the best for these, there's a whole pile of them in Waterstones covering different areas. by RingerMinger (Wed 11th May 2022 11:14am)

Most of the English are Anglicans, so about halfway between the two... by RingerMinger (Wed 11th May 2022 11:17am)

Please promise you won't lie down in them and crush them just so you can get a photo for Instagram. by RingerMinger (Wed 11th May 2022 1:38pm)

Did you book two taxi firms to increase the chances that at least one of them would turn up? I used to do that with hire cars after being really badly stiffed on a booking. by RingerMinger (Sat 14th May 2022 2:53pm)

My vote is to have Bill Bailey do our entry next year. He'd be class. by RingerMinger (Sun 15th May 2022 5:09pm)

I liked the inherent assumption that it's always going to be one of the Old Firm that wins the title. by RingerMinger (Sun 15th May 2022 5:08pm)

Nobody seems to have good experiences with GlasGo cabs. It's a bit too long since the merger for all the problems to still be blamed on teething issues related to that. by RingerMinger (Sun 15th May 2022 5:11pm)

When TITP was at its peak, the site would have counted as something like the sixth biggest town in Scotland if it was a permanent settlement. So having a couple of deaths in a gathering that size isn't, statistically speaking, particularly grim. Nobody suggests doing away with Perth because somebody dies there every weekend. Maybe the gov and police recognition was because of the measures taken to reduce harm? I suspect the nuisance factor from festivals is less because the worst of it is contained on a site, you still get problems from punters leaving. (Rubbish, peeing up closes etc.) But unlike the title celebrations the punters aren't all in the streets for the duration of the event. by RingerMinger (Sun 15th May 2022 5:22pm)

Agreed. Without literally cracking skulls, it's very difficult for the police to lift people from a crowd like this. You need serious numbers of officers. Four cops to lift one misbehaving punter, plus more to defend against anyone who objects? This why large demonstrations get "kettled" into specific areas if they are at risk of getting out of hand. Leave them to run out of steam by themselves. by RingerMinger (Sun 15th May 2022 5:25pm)

Genuine question - how do you prove the age of someone under 16? The obvious ID that adults would use aren't available. When I was that age (and trying to ensure I paid half fares on the train despite a growth spurt) I'd carry a copy of my birth certificate. But that's got no photograph on it (for obvious reasons) and these days it would be trivial to change a couple of digits in Photoshop. Or borrow a siblings to get yourself into the gig. by RingerMinger (Mon 16th May 2022 10:31am)

I remember a pal of mine who claimed to be 14 at the cinema, in order to get into a PG-rated movie at half price. Then a couple of days later was back trying to get into a 15 cert. Same cashier. I do wonder if the under-14 restriction is an insurance or licensing thing that the promoters have to agree to but won't get heavily policed in practice. by RingerMinger (Mon 16th May 2022 12:03pm)

I find my definition of a "walkable distance" reduces somewhat after I've stuffed myself with pizza. by RingerMinger (Tue 17th May 2022 11:23am)

I'm sure a brown envelope will fix the problem. by RingerMinger (Tue 17th May 2022 4:12pm)

Flaps like a pizza crunch by RingerMinger (Mon 23rd May 2022 10:50pm)

A while back I had an old guy very upset with me because I'd parked a van on top of it. Demanded I move it so he could spit as usual. We pointed out that this wasn't a great idea in the middle of a pandemic. (Imagined a new strain of covid emerging from the soup of phlegm...) by RingerMinger (Sun 29th May 2022 11:38am)

Yep, +1 for these guys from me. by RingerMinger (Sun 29th May 2022 11:40am)

They've yet to put on a show. The "venue" still needs to be built. I'm not sure if any building permits or licensing applications have been submitted. Someone I vaguely know (who was stiffed by Bryan and Ricky at a previous venture) was looking a while back and couldn't find any. It's a great scam from their perspective, they can promote any gig they like, and the ticket sales that don't get refunded are pure profit. You only need a small proportion to make pretty serious money. by RingerMinger (Wed 8th Jun 2022 1:32pm)

I'd have been happy to pay an admission fee to be able to browse books for and listen to random performers. I did try and make a point of buying the occasional book, even if they were more expensive than Amazon. I expect they'd have been needing to shift an awful lot of product to cover the running costs of a building like that. by RingerMinger (Sat 9th Jul 2022 6:38pm)

I do wonder how much extra Wetherspoons are paying in rates for being able to expand \~30ft into the square. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Jul 2022 10:51pm)

Yep, the playpark is very good. Opened a few years ago. It's large enough that kids can enjoy exploring all the different areas. There's an older, smaller, but less crowded playpark further round the loch (head off in the opposite direction from the car park) by RingerMinger (Wed 20th Jul 2022 10:52am)

Melting Pot, probably? by RingerMinger (Wed 20th Jul 2022 10:51am)

Loud music wouldn't be a deal-breaker, I'd rather have nice food and loud tunes than a manky kebab somewhere quieter. Might be a bit weird rocking up to places like that dressed like a workie though. The staff will probably think I've been sent there to fix something. by RingerMinger (Mon 25th Jul 2022 4:09pm)

Is that the one just before the Sawmill junction with the expressway? Looks like a good option, I'll try it next time I end up down that direction. by RingerMinger (Mon 25th Jul 2022 6:14pm)

I remember going for a full sit-down meal in the Spice Garden (another much-missed former haunt). Was covered in mud, cement, and oil having spent the night battling with a malfunctioning mini digger. I was too tired and hungry to care what anyone thought of me, the staff to their credit never batted an eyelid. by RingerMinger (Mon 25th Jul 2022 6:13pm)

Balti Club? I've been there a few times. It's great for kebabs or a full curry. I liked the Canton Express back in the day because the helping sizes were just right - enough to fill me up but not feel like I'd gorged. The two Chinese round on St Georges Rd (near the M8 exit ramp) both seem to close around 10pm now. by RingerMinger (Mon 25th Jul 2022 6:11pm)

What would be really astounding is if every act on the bill turns up and performs. by RingerMinger (Tue 26th Jul 2022 6:38pm)

JD have been great for us. I'm pretty sure they're closed Sundays though. by RingerMinger (Sun 31st Jul 2022 10:14pm)

The organisers had employed acoustic consultants in previous projects, but stiffed them on payment. It's a very small field so they are probably struggling to find anyone to do that kind of work for them now. (Hint - the row of empty containers they've stacked up will be doing very little to contain anything) Anyone upset about the noise should consider making a complaint to Morris Group, who are the landowners. Word is that they're none too pleased with what's unfolding. by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Aug 2022 11:16am)

Noise can be controlled if the sound design is done right. (Weather / atmospheric conditions can have an effect too, it's never going to be 100% precise) Junction 1 is being run by a pair of scammers who have left nothing but chaos and bad debts in their wake. They have a long lamentable track record. People have been pointing out from the very start that the site wasn't suitable and there doesn't seem to have been any serious attempts at mitigation. Nothing against live events in general, just crap ones run by scrotes. by RingerMinger (Mon 8th Aug 2022 11:56am)

When I drove past on the motorway yesterday the stage was being dismantled. Make of that what you will... by RingerMinger (Tue 9th Aug 2022 12:30pm)

Wouldn't put it past those chancers. They'll keep the budget down by not paying any of their suppliers. by RingerMinger (Fri 12th Aug 2022 11:07am)

You could say that his sales are keeping up by RingerMinger (Wed 17th Aug 2022 4:01pm)

If you have bathroom scales, you can weight yourself standing on it holding the package and then again without. It's not super accurate but enough to give an indication to couriers. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Sep 2022 12:22pm)

The questions are all skewed. E.g. would you prefer to have the M8 slip roads removed or reconfigured. There's no option to leave them as they are. by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Sep 2022 4:24pm)

Liverpool is only a short train ride away if you're that keen. by RingerMinger (Sat 8th Oct 2022 4:10pm)

I'm in a similar situation, got a detached house with a mysterious leak. We get water dripping though a light fitting, but only in certain wind conditions. I tried to replicate the problem by aiming a pressure washer at every point I could find on the roof but could make anything come in. We've had two different roofers out, who both fixed some issues and said it was fine but the leak continued exactly as before. The most recent one now isn't returning our calls. I guess what I'm needing is some sort of "roofing CSI" for want of a better term. I guess it'll be a small repair, just finding it that's the problem and most roofers will be interested in larger projects. We're at the point where £500 for someone to pinpoint the problem seems like a good deal. Does anybody like that exist? by RingerMinger (Mon 10th Oct 2022 1:29pm)

Yep, the roofers fixed a few cracked tiles etc. but didn't look much further. Access to the point that the water is coming in is tricky, I'd need to be break through the gyproc. There's no obvious water on the first floor but it's a sloping roof so the upstairs rooms are set back a little. by RingerMinger (Mon 10th Oct 2022 2:38pm)

The fact that you say "keep my kidney" and not "kidneys" makes me suspect you've already lost one in a similar scam. by RingerMinger (Sat 15th Oct 2022 1:36pm)

I binned a few the last time I cleared out my office. (9500, 7200, and the weird Powerbook that could slot into a case and become a desktop machine) Still got an eMac and the angle-poise iMac model if they're of any interest? by RingerMinger (Tue 18th Oct 2022 11:27am)

What annoys me about the Merchant Chippy is if you ask for a full fried pizza supper, they give you two half pizzas. Then plonk them both face down on the chips so all the cheese falls off. Still quite tasty despite that, and they stay open a bit later than some of the others nearby. Pro tip: if you want ketchup, don't buy the silly little sachets they sell, go to the corner shop two doors down and buy a whole bottle for literally pennies more. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Oct 2022 5:43pm)

There is a bit of leeway before a ticket is generated (plus your speedo will almost certainly read a bit slow). If you drove through the zone with your speedo showing 50mph you might well be OK. 60/70 probably not. A single speeding ticket isn't a huge deal in terms of insurance etc. unless you're a very new driver. If you're genuinely worried about the consequences go onto the Pepipoo forum once you get the notice through the post. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Oct 2022 5:54pm)

I really like their oven pizzas - on a par with what you'd get from a restaurant, which shouldn't be a surprise as there's a sit-in option next door. I wasn't so keep on their chips but that might be just me, or I got the dregs of a batch. &#x200B; Further along the Parade, Cafe Zechhini is very nice too. Different style of pizza from Amore - maybe more American than Italian? I prefer their chips too. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Oct 2022 5:51pm)

The only permanent speed cameras that I can think of on a Scottish motorway are the Gatsos on the underpass at Newbridge. There are also cameras tied to the variable speed limits on the M9 and M90 around the Forth crossing. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Oct 2022 11:38am)

Cameron called a parliamentary vote before intervening in Libya. The USA weren't too pleased when the vote went against military action and we didn't join them. History will probably look on that as a good decision. Hard to know if the anti-Iraq war movement influenced the process, but it certainly won't have hindered it. by RingerMinger (Fri 21st Oct 2022 2:16pm)

Not sure if SWG3 organise this event themselves or if it's an external promoter that just hire the room. I was at one pre-pandemic that was run by English promoters, they underestimated the amount of drink that would be consumed so were scrabbling for supplies by halfway through the evening. At one point Red Stripe was all that they could offer... by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Oct 2022 11:45am)

There are some outdoor tables at Rouken Glen park if you fancy playing in the rain. by RingerMinger (Tue 1st Nov 2022 6:27pm)

Don't forget that colleges are businesses. They want to push as many students through as possible, because that's how they make money. Any tales they tell of future employment prospects is a sales pitch, and you should treat it as such. Pre-pandemic there were more students coming out of audio courses \*every year\* than the total number of full time jobs in the industry. I've seen some "graduates" with shocking gaps in their knowledge and practical experience. Recently someone with an HNC who didn't know which way round to run an XLR cable, and was essentially incompetent at plugging up a really simple vocal rig. So if you do choose to do the course, get some experience on the side, and hoover up whatever you can from online courses and information. ProSoundWeb is a decent place to start. Bear in mind that outside of the white glove corporate AV world, most production work involves a lot of physical labour, loading and unloading vehicles and assembling equipment. They won't have you doing that at college. If you're in any doubt about your capacity for physical work, go and get some shifts with a crewing company and see if you can hack it. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Nov 2022 11:54am)

We can all look forward to Hyndland St becoming a major traffic artery by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Nov 2022 12:06pm)

There's a proposal being actively considered just now to remove the M8 slip roads from the north side of Charing Cross. What that would do to traffic in the surrounding area is anybody's guess. It seems pretty obvious from Sauchiehall St that nobody put any thought into what would happen with deliveries. There are some loading bays but they're spaced quite far apart and typically full of parked cars anyway. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Nov 2022 12:05pm)

Traffic seems to have been particularly bad over the last few weeks. It always worsens this time of year (I guess more people choose to drive as it gets darker and the weather gets grim) but the combination of roadworks, especially on the Woodside Viaduct, and train strikes seems to have formed a perfect storm. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Nov 2022 1:45am)

I skimmed this post and the one phrase that jumped out was "squat and go in the sauna" which was not the mental picture I needed during my lunch break. by RingerMinger (Mon 14th Nov 2022 1:17pm)

My experience is a bit out of date, but I had a similar issue getting a permit for a company van. I had sole use of it, but the company was the registered keeper and a finance co was the ultimate owner. It took a letter from the company and some evidence of the lease agreement to get the council to issue the permit. (One snag was the lease agreement said the van was blue, when we'd ended up getting white as that was all that was available without a long lead time) Not sure if your partner can do something equivalent to prove you have use of the car. The council might be tighter on private vehicles as I suppose it would be an easy way for people to sell their permit rights on to commuters. by RingerMinger (Mon 14th Nov 2022 1:24pm)

I'm guessing that the thinking behind this is you call and say "we are going to recover belongings" so that when the ex calls and says "robbery in progress" there's an appropriate response. I'm not sure that the information handling throughout the force is that good though. Might work better in a small town that only has a handful of officers on duty at any one time. by RingerMinger (Tue 15th Nov 2022 11:35am)

Who'd have thought that shutting Kelvin Way to traffic would lead to an increase on Byres Rd? by RingerMinger (Thu 17th Nov 2022 11:54am)

Your first option shouldn't affect the banding as there would be little in the way of physical works, and no planning permission required. by RingerMinger (Mon 21st Nov 2022 3:12pm)

Greenock's maybe a little farther than I'd like to go in Limp Mode (the current problem!) but might be worth considering for more routine servicing. Hadn't thought of Malcolms, I assumed they only did trucks. by RingerMinger (Thu 1st Dec 2022 12:00pm)

They'd actually work quite well location-wise. They can fit the LWB but not the Luton unfortunately. by RingerMinger (Thu 1st Dec 2022 4:14pm)

They sound like a good shout - actually quite close to where I work. Thanks. by RingerMinger (Fri 2nd Dec 2022 11:22am)

Dropped in this afternoon. They seemed very friendly but don't do anything larger than SWB vans these days alas. by RingerMinger (Fri 2nd Dec 2022 3:25pm)

The rates on empty units causes problems - you end up with the American Candy Stores that are untraceable shell companies. The space is occupied so the landlord isn't liable, but the council can't find anyone to pay the rates. (This has been a well-documented issue in Oxford St in London) by RingerMinger (Mon 5th Dec 2022 2:58pm)

Surely it's King's English now? by RingerMinger (Wed 7th Dec 2022 11:52am)

They've also treated us very well with repairs. by RingerMinger (Thu 8th Dec 2022 5:48pm)

They recommended a place in Bishopbriggs that I'm taking our Luton up to tomorrow - will see how it works out. (They were a bit unsure about whether they could 100% physically fit it or not, so we'll see...) by RingerMinger (Thu 8th Dec 2022 5:50pm)

Should build a monorail instead... by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Dec 2022 5:52pm)

I suspect emergency repairs like that come out of a different pot of money than new infrastructure projects. It's not that doing one prevents spending on the other. But one of the easiest ways to cut road congestion would be to get busses working properly. I'm sure lots of cars on the road are commuters that would opt for public transport if it was reliable. by RingerMinger (Sat 10th Dec 2022 5:50pm)

Fair point, but if they hold the event outside working hours there's going to be nobody at the Scottish Power building to protest at. by RingerMinger (Thu 15th Dec 2022 10:51am)

Maybe the protesters should find out where Scottish Power are holding their Christmas party and go and demonstrate there. by RingerMinger (Fri 16th Dec 2022 11:34am)

"pledged" indeed... by RingerMinger (Sat 17th Dec 2022 12:53pm)

Many are pursuing legal action already, which is why the company that ran the 2022 festival has entered liquidation. It seems that their current plan is to run 2023's festival in the hope of making enough money to cover the debts from 2022 and before. That sounds optimistic at best. by RingerMinger (Thu 22nd Dec 2022 6:32pm)

Re. external monitors, on Macs there's an option to use an iPad as an external screen, possibly something similar on Windows with Android tablets? Also USB3 powered monitors are a thing (which I found out recently after buying one thinking it would have HDMI...), just one connection to the computer and whilst they're bigger than tablets it's easier when you don't have an external PSU etc. to cart around. (The lack of an external monitor is the main factor keeping me in my office, much as I'd like a change of scenery I'm too used to spreading out over an extra 4K screen...) by RingerMinger (Tue 27th Dec 2022 5:42pm)

Fair enough - hadn't thought of that as an issue at all. by RingerMinger (Wed 28th Dec 2022 3:23pm)

Reopen the Canton Express on Sauchiehall St by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Dec 2022 5:58pm)

That gets my vote. Alternatively, compel Waterstones to stay open later so I have a chance of actually visiting it. by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Dec 2022 5:57pm)

That sounds a bit like banning cinemas because some people spill their leftover popcorn over the floor. I'd agree that it would be an idea to have some wardens etc. ticketing people who litter in the car park - probably separate staff from the restaurant itself. The council could make allowing it a condition of the licence renewal if they had any gumption. by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Dec 2022 5:55pm)

I have a horrible feeling that the £8/day headline will be something like the cost per day if you're hiring a car for two months. Most will add insurance waiver and other costs onto the headline rate too. by RingerMinger (Thu 29th Dec 2022 6:02pm)

I do most of my reading on Kindle these days, but love browsing books. I've often thought that I'd happily pay an admission charge to spend a few hours digging through the shelves and sitting reading. Best I can usually do is make sure I buy something from the cafe if I'm there. (Waterstones on Piccadilly in London has a bar on the top floor - ideal if you want an £8 pint with a nice view...) by RingerMinger (Mon 2nd Jan 2023 2:25pm)

You might get some ideas from this programme: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gshr/jules-and-gregs-wild-swim](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gshr/jules-and-gregs-wild-swim) by RingerMinger (Tue 3rd Jan 2023 3:24pm)

This is correct. Borron St or beyond is your best bet. The wardens weren't around during lockdown but have been ticketing on he restricted streets in Port Dundas in the run up to Christmas. by RingerMinger (Tue 3rd Jan 2023 6:04pm)

Renaming the Steamie seems like a good idea to me. I don't think it's that common an expression anymore, especially amongst younger people. I vaguely remember the stage play, but when did the last steamie shut? 30+ys ago I'd guess. "The Steamie - Daily Chat and Questions" would cover it? And some sort of pinned post explaining the term and the history behind it? by RingerMinger (Thu 5th Jan 2023 12:22pm)

If you're paying on the day, it's £20 for entry which includes ten ride tokens. So that's £2 per ride. Before Christmas I went on some very similar rides at the Edinburgh market in Princes St. Prices ranged from £4 to £7 per ride. Of course, that's dependent on you using up all your tokens, which could be difficult during peak times as \~20min queues aren't uncommon. And all the refreshment stalls etc. are expensive, but not much worse than you'd expect. The McColls shop in the lobby sells the usual juice, crisps, etc. at prices closer to normal. by RingerMinger (Fri 6th Jan 2023 11:38am)

The opening hours are restricted now that the schools are back - it doesn't open until 4pm. by RingerMinger (Fri 6th Jan 2023 11:35am)

Italians are possibly less willing to sit outside in the cold without heating. And I guess from a financial point of view it needs to run for a lot less of the year than in Glasgow. Plus restaurants may have less indoor space in general, since you can sit outside comfortably for so much of the year. by RingerMinger (Fri 6th Jan 2023 11:44am)

BAaD have some outdoor seating in the lane, and a tent covering more tables in the yard over the back. They tend to only have them in play when the place is busier though. by RingerMinger (Fri 6th Jan 2023 11:45am)

Just looked at their page and the 4pm opening kicked in on Thursday. Glasgow schools seem to go back earlier than some of the neighbouring authorities. by RingerMinger (Fri 6th Jan 2023 5:05pm)

I was there about a year ago, and it seemed absolutely fine. Good layout and the guns seemed to work reliably. If you're a small group, you'll get lumped in with other people - might be interesting if a drunken works night out have to share the arena with an 8th birthday party... by RingerMinger (Mon 9th Jan 2023 3:52pm)

This seems like the kind of thing that could be crowd-sourced: passengers' phones ping a server with the bus number. The biggest drawback is that it wouldn't work with empty buses, but might be better than nothing. by RingerMinger (Tue 10th Jan 2023 4:15pm)

Yeah, but the old one was demolished years ago and the new one isn't open yet. I'm guessing that the parking controls might be in place before the bridge opens. by RingerMinger (Wed 11th Jan 2023 10:33am)

Unless they enforce it, what will happen is commuters will park there anyway. If you get one ticket a month you are probably ahead on paying for parking elsewhere. by RingerMinger (Wed 11th Jan 2023 10:35am)

A friend of mine was a traffic cop. His favourite ever stop was a family of Swedish holidaymakers, they were pedalling down the hard shoulder at Hillington, thinking it was a cycle lane that would take them to Greenock. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Jan 2023 12:03pm)

They should have built it next door to an Amazon warehouse so they could just wheel the books across once they're printed. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Jan 2023 12:01pm)

Yep, the cost of keeping all the infrastructure for TRNSMT in place for an additional day is far, far, less than what you'd pay to set it up from scratch. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Jan 2023 12:01pm)

I was in LA on a (rare) rainy day and the plain concrete looks absolutely horrible in wet weather. It was almost reassuring how dismal it looked. Glasgow seems to do quite well in comparison. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Jan 2023 6:07pm)

I've heard older people refer to it as George's Square (with the apostrophe / possessive) but not St George's. If I remember correctly George Sq is named after a king, St George's Cross after the saint (comes complete with a statue of him) by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Jan 2023 12:11pm)

Alas, it doesn't matter how well connected the new development is to the bus and train stations if the service is still crap. (Or they're on strike) Obviously a good thing in the long-run but won't solve the footfall problems which seem to be the most immediate issue for the city centre. by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Jan 2023 12:10pm)

Decades ago Glasgow lost a lot of tenement housing stock, demolished wholesale in comprehensive redevelopment. There doesn't appear to have been much objection at the time, the housing conditions were terrible. It was only later that the value of some (but not necessarily all) of the remaining tenements was recognised, and refurbishment undertaken. I do wonder if there's some imaginative leap that could be made with refurbishing some (but not all) tower blocks to make them more liveable. With what we know now about the embedded energy / carbon in these structures demolition should be a last resort. Some undoubtedly need to go, but what could be done to the rest to bring them up to scratch? It was possible with tenements, is it possible with a high rise? by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Jan 2023 12:19pm)

An alternative concept would have been to have a developer's bare arse hovering over the city centre, crapping out more identikit blocks of overpriced housing. by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Jan 2023 12:20pm)

I agree that more people living in the city centre is a good thing. However things like specialist shops, department stores, cinemas, restaurants etc. will depend on people coming in from elsewhere. There's never going to be enough residents to justify, say, a high-end restaurant. Right now the state of public transport and the cost/hassle of parking means that many choose to go elsewhere. It's probably no coincidence that cinemas and restaurants have opened at the Fort, Braehead, and Silverburn at the same time as the city centre has declined. More Park and Ride facilities along the lines of Shields Rd might be the answer, but that only works if the transit to them is 100% reliable and stays running late into the night. by RingerMinger (Sat 14th Jan 2023 1:22pm)

SafeStrip up in Anniesland do this sort of thing. I've no direct experience with them, but they've been in business for many years so must be doing something right. by RingerMinger (Thu 19th Jan 2023 12:58pm)

The funny thing is, if you go to Braehead / Silverburn / Fort, you end up walking the equivalent of a city block from your car to the nearest shop. by RingerMinger (Sat 21st Jan 2023 1:01pm)

There used to be a bandstand / arena down on the waterfront - you can see it here: [https://youtu.be/Lkt4SXZLVr4](https://youtu.be/Lkt4SXZLVr4) Something like that could be a great draw again, along with the Ferry and maybe some other bars and restaurants. by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Jan 2023 12:57pm)

To be fair, the concert hall itself is now 30+yrs old and the stonework still looks OK to me. by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Jan 2023 12:54pm)

What's probably more the issue is that we don't need the combination of Buchanan Galleries, St Enoch, and all the other on-street shop units between Sauchiehall, Buchanan & Argyle Streets. The combination of online and out of town shopping means the same floorspace just isn't required anymore. Left as things stand, Buchanan Galleries probably wouldn't have been completely empty but will have a fraction of the tenants it has now. Wouldn't be viable for the owners so the cost of redevelopment is easier to swallow than diminishing returns for decades to come. by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Jan 2023 1:01pm)

Last time I was on Avanti they abandoned seat reservations, first I knew about it was when I got to my seat and found someone's dog in it instead. by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Jan 2023 1:07pm)

<dies from scurvy> by RingerMinger (Wed 25th Jan 2023 6:59pm)

It's possibly the exception that proves the rule. by RingerMinger (Thu 26th Jan 2023 1:47pm)

I drove through Birmingham recently and it felt particularly soulless, although far more of the city centre was bombed and/or redeveloped than Glasgow. Birmingham at least has an outer ring road of sorts, so long distance traffic isn't skirting the city centre itself. Glasgow's problem is that we only got half of the inner ring road built, so most of the long distance traffic is funnelled through Charing Cross. by RingerMinger (Thu 26th Jan 2023 10:18pm)

Can't use the ticket but would like to say that "Coffin Mulch" is the best band name I've heard in quite a while. (My all-time favourite is a punk band from the US who called themselves "Children McNuggets" until they were sued by McDonalds) by RingerMinger (Fri 27th Jan 2023 6:34pm)

The pavements are hilarious with the tree roots bursting through the concrete. by RingerMinger (Sun 29th Jan 2023 7:35pm)

Most of the pedestrianised streets in the city centre were brought in after the M8 was completed, it just wasn't feasible before. by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Jan 2023 6:04pm)

Cars are getting heavier too. Some of that is positive, modern safety features add weight and electric vehicles are heavier than their petrol equivalent because of the batteries. But also people favour larger models like SUVs without really needing them. Some of it is the psychological effect of feeling safer in a tank-like car, but I think there's also a vicious cycle where people buy 4x4s to handle the pot-holed roads, which in turn puts more wear on them... by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Jan 2023 6:03pm)

Utrecht has motorways around three sides of the city. Here's one of them, almost as wide as the M8/M74 at Plantation: [https://goo.gl/maps/hoBnFfVCgFyDGP6w5](https://goo.gl/maps/hoBnFfVCgFyDGP6w5) So it's not that it's some car-free idyll where everybody bikes or paddles around. Glasgow was intended to get two more ring roads, both further out from the city centre. The outermost would have run from Robroyston round to near the Erskine Bridge, giving long-distance traffic the option to avoid the city entirely. Only bits of them were built and other roads links are still poor, so lots of traffic gets funnelled through the M8 that in an ideal world shouldn't be anywhere near it. You'd need a massive improvement in public transport provision, and better road links elsewhere, before you could think about downgrading the M8. by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Jan 2023 5:59pm)

So you're saying there's at least one part of the image that Glasgow could emulate? by RingerMinger (Tue 31st Jan 2023 11:32am)

Fair point in a sense, there was a thread on here just last week about how depressingly underused the riverfront is compared to other cities in Europe. by RingerMinger (Tue 31st Jan 2023 11:30am)

Of course, if someone steals a bike, they can make a much faster getaway. by RingerMinger (Wed 1st Feb 2023 12:44pm)

It seems to be one of the urban myths that did the rounds of almost every school. (Like the reports of dead dogs behind the local Chinese takeaway?) The version I heard involved sweet wrappers instead, with lots of potential for puns based on the marketing slogans they had at the time. (Bounty: a taste of paradise...) by RingerMinger (Wed 1st Feb 2023 12:47pm)

Lithium batteries - probably not the best idea to crush them by RingerMinger (Fri 3rd Feb 2023 12:14am)

They can be very quick responding to graffiti, especially if it is racist/sectarian. by RingerMinger (Fri 3rd Feb 2023 1:24pm)

Screwfix also have branches in Possil and Parkhead if you're anywhere in those directions. by RingerMinger (Fri 3rd Feb 2023 1:28pm)

The majority of the homes that were demolished to make way for the M8 were in comprehensive development areas, and due to be flattened anyway. (There's a separate argument to be had about whether it would have been better to refurbish them, but their fate was sealed, road or no road) In general, off-road cycle routes would be better (rather than a stripe of paint or those rubber armadillo things) but there's limited scope now that areas are much densely built up than, say, 30 or 40yrs ago. by RingerMinger (Sun 5th Feb 2023 12:17pm)

Re. density, I was meaning more the amount of gap sites and other brownfield areas in the city centre. Loads have been built on in the last 30+ years. Part of the problem with cycle lanes is they don't all join up at the moment. We'd have had a far better crack at creating a properly integrated network if it had been getting built back then. by RingerMinger (Mon 6th Feb 2023 12:38pm)

I suppose density will invariably drop over the decades - the tenements slums were ridiculously high density, amongst the highest in Europe. Multi-storey flats were the only way of getting anything close to the same number of people per acre in modern conditions. Now the multis are (mostly) all coming down and being replaced with low-rise developments... by RingerMinger (Mon 6th Feb 2023 4:09pm)

Try searching for the address on [https://www.saa.gov.uk](https://www.saa.gov.uk), for commercial property it's "Search for a Rateable value" That should give you the owner as well as the current occupier, but the details are sparse so you might just have a name and nothing else. by RingerMinger (Mon 6th Feb 2023 4:11pm)

Bikes skid on cobbles too. by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Feb 2023 12:27pm)

Interesting... I'd never seen any comparison like that before. Wonder if that covers just the city centre, the council area, or the conurbation as a whole? by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Feb 2023 6:22pm)

My lower back hurt just watching that. by RingerMinger (Wed 8th Feb 2023 5:53pm)

Isn't Byres Rd getting turning into an Avenue like the top end of Sauchiehall St? In which case the council probably wouldn't spend on any improvements that will be swept away by that. by RingerMinger (Wed 8th Feb 2023 5:56pm)

I agree - I'm normally driving up that direction at night, and it's quicker to get through without waiting on signals with nobody around. Have only walked it a couple of times in the daytime, but it seemed fine. by RingerMinger (Wed 8th Feb 2023 5:56pm)

Every other thread on here is people complaining about how crap and unreliable the buses are. Just because the fare is cheaper than fuel+parking doesn't mean it's a viable option. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:02pm)

Under Scottish law, there has to be "corroboration", you can't get a conviction on one person's evidence, even if they are police. If there was just a single officer in the car (and no video evidence etc.) a prosecution wouldn't get anywhere. Occasionally a single officer will pull someone over in the hope they volunteer a confession, if you accept the ticket at the roadside then that changes things. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:00pm)

The red-light cameras are expensive enough to put in place that they don't make much money in the long run. Plus all the regular drivers (taxis etc.) know exactly where they are so never get caught by them. Like the bus gate cameras, the majority getting tickets are probably tourists or business drivers who don't know the town well. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:08pm)

Making parking a nightmare will drive people out of the city centre and into out-of-town facilities. You're putting the cart before the horse here, there needs to be better transit options before people will give up on cars. Better park and ride options on the outskirts would help. Shield Rd is a decent example, but others further out with a decent transit service into the town would make sense. And have them running past 10pm at night, we're not schoolchildren. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:06pm)

I'd be in favour of something like this. It's probably not feasible to take people's licence away if they fail, (unless they're outright dangerous) but the test result could be added into the algorithm that determines insurance premiums. That would probably be enough incentive to make most people pay attention to it. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:12pm)

My understanding is that the common travel area predates the UK joining the EU, so it continues even after Brexit. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 12:15pm)

They need to be calibrated etc. and then maintained quite stringently so that the evidence stands up in court. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 1:10pm)

Those two routes might be outliers, I don't know. There'll be a bit of bias on this group because people don't post about a perfectly satisfactory, but otherwise unremarkable bus journey. However, when posters are contemplating changing jobs because the advertised buses don't turn up, there are clearly significant problems. Rutherglen's probably well placed for public transport into the town, it's a straight run on the Argyle Line on the train too. More complex journeys involving a change are less likely to be seen as an alternative to cars. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 4:16pm)

That's interesting - I wonder what the long-term trend is like? (i.e. I'm wondering if the High Streets rallied after being laid particularly low during Covid) I suppose I'm looking at my own experience more than anything. I used to visit Waterstones in Sauchiehall St quite regularly, it was usually possible to get parked a couple of streets away, and free on Sundays. Now I end up at the Fort instead, mainly because of parking and traffic issues. I'm probably atypical in that I'm usually on-call and need to keep a large vehicle on-hand for that. Even when I'm not, limited time means I don't want to deal with the hassle of the town. When I'm there for non-work purposes it's usually a dedicated trip (i.e. an afternoon and evening out with a meal somewhere). Shorter shopping trips are all elsewhere unfortunately. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Feb 2023 5:55pm)

Yeah, they dug up the street outside my work, blocked access doors with barriers, and then took almost six weeks until the tarmac was replaced. We were phoning them on a daily basis to complain. The barriers all ended up in a pile so we could, like, enter and leave the building. They sent someone out to reinstate the barriers every week. The tarmac could have gone back down the day after the digging - no idea why it wasn't done. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Feb 2023 6:01pm)

Potentially - although that's much harder to track. (There's a lot of argument around "regression to the mean": there are a couple of bad accidents on a stretch of road, a camera gets put in. No accidents happen for a while, is that because of the camera or because bad accidents are relatively rare and the first two were random events?) When I studied some of this back in the late 90's, the cost of a fatal accident to the public purse was over £1 million. That will have gone up significantly since, probably higher than inflation. At the time, the government had spent more money scraping bodies off the A77 between Glasgow and Kilmarnock, than the motorway cost to build. (It was a particularly bad road - two lanes each way with no central reservation - so the same argument doesn't apply elsewhere, although the A9 would have a decent claim) by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Feb 2023 6:16pm)

If it was kids tearing around on dirt bikes, infrastructure changes wouldn't make a lot of difference to the situation. It's not as if a speed bump is going to slow them down much. Police often won't chase mopeds, scooters, etc. as it's deemed to be too dangerous. So that arguably leaves anyone free to speed around with impunity, until their luck runs out and something like this happens. by RingerMinger (Mon 13th Feb 2023 4:17am)

I imagine that's a tricky call to make. Riders are likely to become even more reckless if they're being pursued. I wouldn't like to be the cop that starts a chase only to find they've ploughed into a pedestrian over the next hill. by RingerMinger (Mon 13th Feb 2023 11:47am)

And from the riders' perspective, there's been no earlier deterrent or consequences. Now that the shit really has hit the fan, they've got a death on their hands, and very serious legal ramifications. Addressing this kind of behaviour is difficult and time consuming, but it's far better nipped in the bud than ending up with a situation like we seem to have here. by RingerMinger (Mon 13th Feb 2023 11:51am)

Good on the guy. by RingerMinger (Tue 14th Feb 2023 12:21pm)

OP originally said it's a shrub - I wonder if that'll stand up in court... by RingerMinger (Fri 17th Feb 2023 12:21pm)

One factor in this is where you are commuting to within Glasgow. If the office is a few mins walk from Central Station, that's a very different proposition from having to get on a bus or subway. Both in terms of time/cost but it's also another potential issue if there's disruption. by RingerMinger (Thu 23rd Feb 2023 12:22pm)

I'm guessing that "Victor Morris" is the equivalent of a "Best Kebab" reply for this thread... by RingerMinger (Fri 24th Feb 2023 11:22am)

Collins in Muirhead? [https://www.scollinsandson.co.uk](https://www.scollinsandson.co.uk) About a 15min drive from the city centre. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Feb 2023 11:30am)

A few days before the show, put another post up here looking for people to meet up with. Chances are you'll be able to join up with a group and if you all go in together security won't bat an eyelid. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Feb 2023 6:06pm)

They did that to me, but left some half-arsed boards to bridge the gap. I think they were meant for pedestrian traffic, and bent the first time we drove a van over them. Meanwhile the building was surrounded by their Fisher-Price fencing. They couldn't send anyone to fill in the trench, but had a crew up every week or so to put the barriers back into place. by RingerMinger (Tue 28th Feb 2023 6:10pm)

I bet OP drives a white Range Rover by RingerMinger (Fri 3rd Mar 2023 11:45am)

Usually if there are lines painted on the road then the red light camera can also detect speeding offences. There was a minor legal kerfuffle when these models were first introduced, as the camera sites had approval for the (existing) red light function but hadn't been re-approved for speed cameras. by RingerMinger (Fri 10th Mar 2023 9:39pm)

I've only ever had tso's chicken in the USA - haven't noticed anywhere in Glasgow that does it? by RingerMinger (Tue 14th Mar 2023 4:24pm)

[https://www.intransitgarage.com](https://www.intransitgarage.com) are great, but a little out of the way by RingerMinger (Tue 14th Mar 2023 4:23pm)

That is excellent news - thanks. by RingerMinger (Tue 14th Mar 2023 6:05pm)

Agreed, Claypits is nice with the added bonus that since it's relatively newly opened, she won't have seen it before. by RingerMinger (Thu 16th Mar 2023 1:11pm)

One thing to bear in mind with Pollok is that cars aren't allowed to drive in at weekends. I'd hope there's something in place for folks with limited mobility, otherwise it's a fair hike from the entrance to the gardens. by RingerMinger (Thu 16th Mar 2023 1:11pm)

Jimmy Egypt have been one of the best-known in this market for years. I've not used them myself but know people who have, seems to have a consistently good reputation. As others have said, the guitar building is what might give you a unique angle. Trying to out-Egypt Jimmy probably won't get very far. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Mar 2023 1:09pm)

Just put your wife on your shoulders for the duration of the gig, I'm sure nobody standing further back will mind. by RingerMinger (Tue 21st Mar 2023 6:59pm)

If nobody else can come up with suggestions, perhaps have a scout around on Google Streetview. Even if the shop wasn't there the last time they took photos, it might jog your memory enough to get an address. by RingerMinger (Tue 21st Mar 2023 6:58pm)

The motorway works further along are to do with the Woodside viaducts, the Sighthill Bridge hasn't had much impact. (From what I remember there were a couple of overnight closures to demolish the original bridge, and wheel the new one into place) Woodside is quite a job - equivalent to what was done on the Kingston Bridge in the late 90's. They're jacking up the bridge deck on temporary supports, then renewing some components underneath, all whilst keeping traffic running. There's some impressive looking engineering going on. by RingerMinger (Wed 22nd Mar 2023 3:08pm)

Yeah, I can't help but think a less "arty" design might have been cheaper and quicker. The original bridge wasn't very attractive but could have been replaced with a wider concrete overpass that would still have been welcoming for pedestrians. by RingerMinger (Wed 22nd Mar 2023 3:10pm)

True. I'm not an engineer so I don't know what it's there for. You can see the big jacks either side of the original support pillars (with concrete pads poured earlier for the jacks to sit on). I don't think the scaffolding is what's holding up the bridge deck - surely the jacks do that? And there's far more than would be needed to support working platforms around it. by RingerMinger (Thu 23rd Mar 2023 4:30pm)

I don't think it was the look of the old footbridge that was the problem, more that it was narrow and uninviting for pedestrians. I'd guess that two oncoming cyclists would struggle to pass each other. So build a wider, nicer bridge with whatever decorative features people want. The bridge we've got took 2+ years to build, the labour cost of that alone must be huge. I drive past it almost every day and it was really rare to not see people working. Fancy metal bridge - or a slightly more standard design, and seven figures left in the budget to pay for, I don't know, a huge playpark for the weans somewhere nearby? by RingerMinger (Thu 23rd Mar 2023 4:36pm)

Should have installed something akin to a ski tow to drag wheelchairs up the hill. by RingerMinger (Thu 23rd Mar 2023 4:56pm)

Biggest drawback of a white van is that most standard models only have three seats across the front, so no good for ferrying family around at the weekends. The way the tax system is set up makes it far more cost-effective to buy a 4x4 than a "company car". Cars are taxed heavily compared to 4x4s, which for most sole-traders or small companies outweighs the extra cost of fuel and upkeep. Whilst there are definitely genuine practical uses for 4x4s, the big American style trucks are pretty useless for work purposes in the UK. The extra weight of the vehicle itself means that the payload is really limited. (Once you exceed 3.5 tonnes a whole load of extra regulations come into play, a top spec Range Rover is 2,800kg before fuel, passengers, etc.) The only exception would be towing (assuming you don't need to carry anything in the vehicle itself) but the more conventional 4x4s seem to handle that just fine. by RingerMinger (Sat 25th Mar 2023 6:02pm)

Is there a chance the track could bend? by RingerMinger (Sat 25th Mar 2023 6:19pm)

Exactly - the double cab means it can be used as a works vehicle but also a family car. Although I suspect many 4x4s don't ever have anything other than luggage and golf clubs in the back. The tax situation doesn't make a lot of sense but there's no easy way of closing the loophole. by RingerMinger (Sat 25th Mar 2023 7:44pm)

Similarly, we've been asked for footage from cops investigating two murders, a serious sexual assault, but also the theft of a skip. by RingerMinger (Thu 30th Mar 2023 1:47pm)

It's a while since I've been up to Loch Ard but it's lovely. There are a few places where you can get into the water easily. by RingerMinger (Fri 31st Mar 2023 1:12pm)

It's a while since I've lived in the area, but I seem to remember that the Park zone (south of Woodlands Rd, up towards Park Circus) was only restricted Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm. So you could put money in a meter on Friday night, and pay up until 10am Monday morning. Not sure if that's cheaper than the residents coupons, but it's only a short walk away so might work depending on what times he's visiting. by RingerMinger (Mon 3rd Apr 2023 11:51pm)

You've given me an idea for a new game show. by RingerMinger (Thu 6th Apr 2023 11:24am)

I've got ham but I'm not a hamster by RingerMinger (Fri 7th Apr 2023 12:58pm)

Bear in mind that colleges are run like businesses these days. Treat the course prospectus etc. like you would any other advert. Pre-pandemic there were many, many, more "graduates" from colleges and universities than there were full-time jobs (never mind vacancies) in any kind of production discipline in Scotland. Post-pandemic there is a bit of a shortage of \*experienced\* technicians but that will gradually correct itself. Despite what the lecturers say, most college courses will not prepare you adequately for the reality of gigging. Also for many parts of the industry, a driving licence is a big advantage (and experience of driving large vans without mashing them off walls will also stand you in good stead) by RingerMinger (Fri 7th Apr 2023 1:05pm)

RD Tyres up near Keppochill Road would be quite happy doing this sort of thing. by RingerMinger (Sat 8th Apr 2023 11:07am)

Didn't he also say that powered flight was impossible, about 15mins before the Wright Brothers went and did it? by RingerMinger (Sat 8th Apr 2023 11:07am)

There are plans to build a larger facility in the old Leyland building, not too far from Scotland St: [https://www.reglasgow.com/kitchen-role-back-on-the-menu-for-neglected-art-deco-building/](https://www.reglasgow.com/kitchen-role-back-on-the-menu-for-neglected-art-deco-building/) On a slightly unrelated note, has anyone ever had a Deliveroo/ JustEat / UberEats delivery turn up hot? I suspect that increased centralisation of the facilities would make it even less likely... by RingerMinger (Mon 10th Apr 2023 3:55pm)

I guess I'm working from a fairly small sample size, but literally every order I've received has been cold (or the old Greggs lie, "got a wee bit of heat in it" Makes sense to order from somewhere local, but if you know the restaurant, you might be as well just ordering direct from the restaurant at that point. by RingerMinger (Tue 11th Apr 2023 3:27pm)

Montrose St is carrying a lot of the traffic from the High St since it's closed for water mains work until the end of June. Getting down to that end of the town is a bit of a nightmare at the moment. by RingerMinger (Wed 12th Apr 2023 6:08pm)

I'm pretty sure that none of them will be able to afford to park in the NCP on Montrose St, tuition fees are cheap in comparison... It's taking significantly longer to make deliveries to Strathclyde Uni than it was pre-pandemic. Part of that is down to the High St closure, but the extra restrictions on George Sq have also made things difficult in that area. Fair enough reduce parking spots and discourage punters from driving into town, but the council seem to be intent on turning the city centre into an illogical maze. The streets are now choked with delivery vehicles who are forced to do three or more sides of a square to avoid bus gates and other closures. That's not any good for emissions (even with the LEZ) and has a knock-on effect on the cost of every delivery. That's got to affect the overall health of the city centre. by RingerMinger (Wed 12th Apr 2023 6:17pm)

And Sauchiehall St could never have been pedestrianised if the M8 hadn't been built... There's a certain amount of traffic that is always going to inherently exist (deliveries, disabled people, etc.) and making it all go three sides of every square is frustrating and counterproductive in both environmental and economic terms. The way to cut down car traffic in the city centre is by restricting parking and putting more/better/cheaper park and ride facilities on the outskirts. by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Apr 2023 10:42am)

This was the same for me growing up in the north of Glasgow. Backie was on a bike. Piggy back I think was more when one person was on all fours with the other sitting on their flat back. I remember it being a "go-carry" but that might just have been the consonants softening in the suburbs... by RingerMinger (Mon 17th Apr 2023 12:05pm)

Just fill the coalmines with rubbish, like at the end of that Simpsons episode. What could possibly go wrong? by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Apr 2023 2:31pm)

I do however like the idea of a "bin silo" large enough to take a Minuteman missile. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Apr 2023 2:30pm)

How will they figure out which properties are "second homes"? Let's face it, nobody is going to volunteer the information. Or what you'll find is the husband owns one property, the wife owns the second, dodge it that way. There's an equivalent with commercial rates: companies get rates relief on their first property. If you own more than one, the total "rateable value" is taken into account and in most cases will put you over the threshold. However, councils don't share information with each other so companies are claiming relief on multiple properties - works fine as long as they are in different areas. by RingerMinger (Wed 19th Apr 2023 2:36pm)

Last time I used the one in Parkhead, it failed to do the keys and kept my money. The store staff can't do anything to help, the person on the helpline for the machine refused a refund because I couldn't quote an eight digit number that had popped up on the error message. (It disappeared just as I was taking my phone out of my pocket to snap a photo of it) Definitely won't be using them again. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Apr 2023 11:29am)

They're called Keys Galore. [https://www.keysgalore.co.uk](https://www.keysgalore.co.uk) Did a bunch for me at a good price and they all worked. by RingerMinger (Thu 20th Apr 2023 11:31am)

You can also buy a ticket after hours and it will start from when the restrictions begin again. I used to buy a ticket late at night in Park Crescent and didn't need to move the vehicle until 11am the following day. by RingerMinger (Fri 21st Apr 2023 1:22pm)

Even if they did cover the entire M8, the emissions would still have to go somewhere. (Perhaps they could be piped out to Newton Mearns and released there) by RingerMinger (Thu 27th Apr 2023 2:52pm)

The weather works against it - riding roller coasters in the rain is no fun at all. Also there's less population within easy travelling distance compared to say, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, or Blackpool. A good small park is probably feasible (Loudon Castle scale), ironically the continuing existence of M&Ds helps prevent something like that from opening. by RingerMinger (Sun 7th May 2023 2:49pm)

Apparently the council aren't allowed to take the various non-payments into account when assessing whether to grant the organisers an event licence. The licence was secured by the skin of the teeth last year. I do wonder if the council will be throwing up as many obstacles as they can muster, or will just roll over and let it happen. by RingerMinger (Fri 12th May 2023 3:34pm)

Is your username a reference to that old anti-smoking TV ad? by RingerMinger (Wed 17th May 2023 4:07pm)

Great. How do I claim my prize? 🤣 by RingerMinger (Wed 17th May 2023 4:40pm)

[https://youtu.be/DjYGxVzIxq4](https://youtu.be/DjYGxVzIxq4) by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd May 2023 12:14pm)

Crucially, though, the flavour hasn't been specified. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd May 2023 12:12pm)

Most car speedometers read a little fast, so what's showing as 40mph could be 37 or 38. Between that and the leeway on tickets, there can be \~10mph difference between vehicles. Plus a surprising amount of people don't understand the concept of an average, and slow down for the cameras whilst speeding in between. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd May 2023 12:22pm)

I'd agree with the recommendations for Zen. I'd almost automatically rule our City Fibre for the way they carried out the installation work in my street. by RingerMinger (Tue 23rd May 2023 7:00pm)

Solas festival is up near Dundee - seems to have a lot for kids and families. by RingerMinger (Wed 24th May 2023 11:06am)

A lot of the people moved out of the city were as a result of slum clearances. Parts of Glasgow had the highest density in Western Europe. The only way to keep similar density was with high-rise developments (not ideal) and if you bring the density down some people need to decant somewhere. The M8 took some of the land, but the houses were coming down anyway. There are photos after the road was completed with rows of tenements beside it in places that are long gone now. by RingerMinger (Mon 29th May 2023 12:49pm)

You're right, private companies can't issue fines. (They're not like a parking ticket you'd get from a council warden.) All they can do is issue invoices, and claim that you entered into a contract by parking there. In Scotland they have to prove who the driver was (as a car can't form a contract...) whereas in England the companies are allowed to take it up with the registered keeper. To enforce their invoices, the companies need to take you to court. They are not going to do that over a single ticket, but if you take the piss and amass dozens of tickets it can become worthwhile for them. by RingerMinger (Mon 29th May 2023 3:30pm)

Fyffe and McGrowther in Kinning Park are a good option for these kinds of unusual fixings. by RingerMinger (Tue 30th May 2023 11:19am)

Good points well made. Let's get More or Less (on Radio 4) onto this. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Jun 2023 5:32pm)

We can't have full-blown referendums on every issue. But it'll be interesting to see which political parties (other than the Greens) will have "More LEZs" in their election manifestos. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Jun 2023 5:37pm)

The problem with expanding the LEZ is that it will affect a number of trunk routes that skirt the city centre. (E.g. turning off the M8 to go up the A81 towards Aberfoyle) One option they might pursue is leaving trunk routes clear but restricting all side streets, so non-compliant vehicles can pass through but only on defined routes. However the worst pollutant levels were always in the city centre (possibly due to high buildings etc. meaning the fumes lingered) so the potential gains of expanding become more marginal. by RingerMinger (Sun 4th Jun 2023 5:36pm)

I'm sure the University would snap up Wellington if the building ever became available. by RingerMinger (Tue 20th Jun 2023 11:36am)

Spotted one whilst driving through Dundee last week so they're not just a Glasgow thing. by RingerMinger (Tue 4th Jul 2023 11:24am)

There was a local campaign to try and keep the pool open. Looks like they at least partially succeeded. by RingerMinger (Fri 7th Jul 2023 11:34am)

I'd start by calling some of the places that sell trophies to sports teams etc. Most of their products are plastic but they'll hopefully be able to point you in the right direction. by RingerMinger (Fri 7th Jul 2023 11:30am)

Similarly, if you see someone shoplifting nappies or baby formula... by RingerMinger (Tue 11th Jul 2023 5:49pm)

You're not wrong, but the surrounding conurbation (all people who should be within an easy bus /train ride of the city centre) is well over 1 million. The city boundary was essentially gerrymandered in the mid-90s so that the number of Tory-run councils wouldn't be zero. by RingerMinger (Thu 13th Jul 2023 4:35pm)

Yes, and there are lots of economic ties too. Plenty people commute into Glasgow to work or study on a daily basis. You'd hope they'd be able to come into Glasgow for gigs or clubbing too, but... by RingerMinger (Fri 14th Jul 2023 12:18pm)

Let me guess - the old Best Kebab on the site burnt down in mysterious circumstances... by RingerMinger (Fri 14th Jul 2023 12:20pm)

Stadiums are fine for a one-off gig but don't really work for a festival with multiple stages. Plus more space for food options etc. required if punters are there all day. Ibrox and Hampden have both been used for gigs, I think there'll be a limit on how many are allowed to give nearby residents a bit of a break. by RingerMinger (Sat 15th Jul 2023 5:42pm)

Any car park (or tarmac surface) is brutal in hot weather. With a TRNSMT-sized crowd you'd have a significant number of people needing medical attention. Plus there are still events running in the SECC so they need their car park. Part of the advantage of the Green is that it's relatively accessible by public transport, and walking distance from city-centre hotels. And the build and de-build process could happen quicker if there weren't residents nearby that would get upset with noisy works happening overnight. by RingerMinger (Sat 15th Jul 2023 5:47pm)

If you play the drums every time someone comes to view the property, it'll stay vacant forever and you'll have all the peace and quiet that you want. by RingerMinger (Sun 16th Jul 2023 3:03pm)

I've blundered into it at least once in the last fortnight and not had anything through yet. (Fingers crossed) If you were diverted off the motorway, then the diversion route should (in theory) be exempted from the LEZ. by RingerMinger (Tue 18th Jul 2023 12:49am)

Why not both? by RingerMinger (Tue 18th Jul 2023 12:24pm)

I've noticed more this year. Endangered species my arse. by RingerMinger (Fri 21st Jul 2023 3:20pm)

Wonder if his username used to be "Berlin Cake" by RingerMinger (Fri 21st Jul 2023 6:13pm)

Giving Flea a mic always seems like a bad idea... I was at the show. Felt it was a little short. When they came back on for the encore I was expecting three or four songs, not two. by RingerMinger (Mon 24th Jul 2023 12:33pm)

It may be that's the authentic finish that would have been used on the building previously. (Limewash?) I remember it being applied to an old church building, with variable results. by RingerMinger (Tue 25th Jul 2023 12:07pm)

Separating the city out into fifteen minute neighbourhoods. Get your tinfoil hat on! by RingerMinger (Wed 26th Jul 2023 12:27pm)

Sounds like the Ashura procession. Shiite muslims (rather than Sunni) I remember being surprised by it one year myself, looked out the window and out of nowhere the street is full of people with this random horse in the middle of it all. Maybe someone should organise an Orange Walk in downtown Tehran and see how they get on. by RingerMinger (Sat 29th Jul 2023 10:36pm)

Deacon Blue's Raintown album. Serious vibes. by RingerMinger (Tue 1st Aug 2023 5:53pm)

Amsterdam built their outer ring roads first. Glasgow tackled it the other way around, then none of the outer roads got built (and never will). Funnelling long-range traffic through the city centre is far from ideal, but it's what we're left with since there isn't the money or political will to do anything else. by RingerMinger (Tue 1st Aug 2023 5:58pm)

Most of Anderson was earmarked as a comprehensive redevelopment zone. It was going to get demolished anyway, irrespective of the road. (Case in point, the tenements in the foreground of the photo are gone now, even though the road is already built) I'm not arguing that this was the right course of action, we now know refurbishing tenements is a good solution. But at the time, many ranked amongst the worst slums in Europe and something had to be done. by RingerMinger (Tue 1st Aug 2023 5:55pm)

You could get a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up if you're only using the car occasionally. (It's possible to fit a lead with connector so you're not hooking clips onto terminals every time) by RingerMinger (Wed 2nd Aug 2023 11:44am)

To be fair, this joke probably dates from the time when Ukraine was still in the USSR... by RingerMinger (Fri 4th Aug 2023 12:19pm)

Was the ticket issued on a vehicle you own, or was it a rental? If your own vehicle, then as others have said you can safely ignore the ticket. It's an invoice rather than a council-backed penalty. The only remedy for them to extract payment is court action that would cost more to bring than they'd recover so it's not going to happen. Rental vehicle is different as the hire company will most likely pay the fine then charge you for the cost (plus admin fees), and since they will already have card details that's much harder to dodge. by RingerMinger (Fri 4th Aug 2023 12:26pm)

You'd have more luck at an open-air or stadium show. Even then it's not going to be brilliant sound quality. by RingerMinger (Fri 4th Aug 2023 1:44pm)

I've noticed that compared to the Commonwealth Games, there's much less in the way of fringe events or community involvement outwith the races themselves. I guess there isn't the same budget there, but if part of the aim is to encourage uptake of cycling there's plenty more that could have been done. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Aug 2023 12:27pm)

Meanwhile everything bought or consumed inside the city centre is delivered via a van or truck, and it's increasingly difficult, expensive, and time consuming to do so. If they want to discourage cars from the city centre the council should eliminate parking, not turn the streets into an obstacle course which, even when there's no events, is a nightmare to navigate. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Aug 2023 12:26pm)

I had a "steward" in hi-vis tell me that I couldn't drive down a street which turned out to be open. It was the only route still open to get a delivery to a restaurant. She didn't recognise the name of the street (despite standing less than a block from it) and was clearly just there to shoo vehicles away. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Aug 2023 12:32pm)

Funnily enough, I had a similar situation but in the opposite direction. (I blundered through the wrong tollbooth on the New Jersey Turnpike and got a penalty charge) The hire company sent a few letters but nothing else happened. I think, however, they didn't have a credit card on file for me as the card expired not long after my trip. by RingerMinger (Tue 8th Aug 2023 1:50pm)

It's a while since I've needed to go there, but my understanding was that there are bollards which block access between 10am and 5pm. I had a client undertaking a refurbishment project in Buchanan st, was a complete nightmare because of the access situation. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Aug 2023 3:13pm)

Yeah, they should try out for the shot-putting. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Aug 2023 3:19pm)

So eliminate parking in the city centre, invest in park and ride facilities, and leave the roads free for pedestrians and delivery drivers that have no option but to be there. by RingerMinger (Wed 9th Aug 2023 3:18pm)

Canal St and Dobbie's Loan both fall inside the LEZ. So you'd need to jump into the car whilst it queues for the lights on the main slip road, probably not ideal. by RingerMinger (Thu 10th Aug 2023 11:02pm)

I'm not sure if, for example, hotel occupancy would be any higher than it would be this time of year anyway. (Lots of people stay in Glasgow and "commute" to Edinburgh for the Fringe) Maybe the hotels were able to crank the rates up more. Spending by cycling-related visitors seems to have been countered to at least some degree by locals staying away from the city centre. It's probably impossible to tell whether that spending is delayed (they'll come back once the cycling is finished) or gone completely. by RingerMinger (Mon 14th Aug 2023 3:27pm)

That plan has been abandoned by the developers. Apparently the costs of the project rose too far (construction inflation is high at the moment) and the building itself has deteriorated further in the meantime. by RingerMinger (Sun 20th Aug 2023 9:35pm)

Might be worth having a look on the Scottish Roads Archive. by RingerMinger (Tue 22nd Aug 2023 12:46pm)

Lots of lurgy starts going around when the kids get back to school. It's pretty common at this time of year. by RingerMinger (Mon 28th Aug 2023 3:19pm)

Non-ironically, Gumtree is where I've seen things like this offered. Maybe list it as "Firewood" rather than "Big Bits of Tree" though. I'm not sure you'll get much for it as anyone using it in a fire would need to chop and dry it first. The hassle factor of that means that it's often cheaper to buy kiln-dried firewood from companies who produce it on a larger scale. by RingerMinger (Thu 31st Aug 2023 5:58pm)

I can't help but think that "Otter or Rat" would have been a brilliant segment in Shooting Stars back in the day. by RingerMinger (Thu 31st Aug 2023 6:00pm)

Do they still do drifting at Lochgelly? by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Sep 2023 1:04pm)

I don't think I've seen a single Amazon branded van that would fall foul of the LEZ. Private contractors doing Amazon deliveries, maybe. But they're not buying these electric bikes. by RingerMinger (Thu 7th Sep 2023 12:18pm)

You'd still need to let disabled folks and delivery drivers in. The only way to do it would be to restrict all parking - loading / disabled bays only - with heavy enforcement. But I can't see the council closing the car parks at the Sauchiehall St Centre (as was) etc. St Enoch and Buchanan Galleries car parks are probably going to go though, when they eventually get redeveloped. by RingerMinger (Thu 7th Sep 2023 12:29pm)

London have been trying to take measures to limit "just in time" deliveries where you have Amazon and others making many, many journeys to the same addresses in a single day. Encouraging deliveries to group together or have consumers pick up from lockers at railway stations etc. For these bikes to work, there'll need to be a hub on the outskirts of the city centre, there's no way the drivers are going back out to Ballieston after half a dozen deliveries to reload. by RingerMinger (Thu 7th Sep 2023 12:33pm)

Perhaps try posting on r/pinball as well. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Sep 2023 12:37pm)

If the congestion charge applies to commercial vehicles as well, then that cost is going to be absorbed into the prices people pay for goods and services in the city centre. Everything bought or consumed inside the LEZ zone is delivered on a van or lorry. The real solution is to eliminate any car parking in the city centre (apart from disabled spaces) but the cooncil will always find it easier to just fine/charge people and make everyone's working life harder. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Sep 2023 12:59pm)

Agreed. If the boundaries can't be redrawn (for the various political reasons that others have mentioned) then there should be some sort of weighting/subsidy arrangement with council tax bills so that the surrounding suburbs support Glasgow in some way. I say this as someone who moved out of a tenement flat in Glasgow to a detached house outside the city. Despite the new property being larger and higher value, the council tax bill went down significantly. The level of service from the council also seems better. Back in the 90s when there were two tiers of local authorities, the Strathclyde Region helped address some of this imbalance. But the current single tier arrangements were gerrymandered so that the Tories didn't find themselves without a single council in Scotland, hence East Ren, East Dumbartonshire, etc. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Sep 2023 12:55pm)

It was a scandal that it closed in the first place. I'm guessing these new promoters must have got a brown envelope into the right hands. Previously the club side of the venue funded/subsidised a load of theatre provision which was also a huge loss to the cultural life of the city. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Sep 2023 1:05pm)

Excellent track and a cracking video. The Johnny Cash version is also worth a listen. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Sep 2023 1:28pm)

The reply was "Just an ordinary sword" It was used as the title for a medical study/paper about stab injuries. by RingerMinger (Tue 19th Sep 2023 6:26pm)

I live in a detached house, but the deeds say I'm not allowed to keep pigs or cows in the garden. Boats and caravans are banned too, although that's being ignored by several of my neighbours. by RingerMinger (Thu 21st Sep 2023 4:52pm)

Honourable mention for the (sadly missed) Canton Express which used to be on Sauchiehall St (along from Sleazy's) by RingerMinger (Fri 22nd Sep 2023 8:41pm)

Back in the day, Strathclyde Buses would do private hires on the side. Someone booked a coach to run mourners from a funeral service to the graveyard, and it was one of these that turned up... by RingerMinger (Sun 24th Sep 2023 2:59pm)

You can just hire a mini digger, they don't ask for any qualifications or even care what you're up to with it. The only problem with that plan is you'll need somewhere to dig, where he's not going to hit any buried pipes etc. by RingerMinger (Mon 25th Sep 2023 7:49pm)

Not sure about anything that size, but I've had mini diggers on hire before despite being completely unqualified. On the larger ones, there's more at stake (both the value of the machine and the potential damage it can do) so they might be more rigorous. by RingerMinger (Tue 26th Sep 2023 10:53am)

A well-placed ad from EE: &#x200B; &#x200B; https://preview.redd.it/h6r5joojedrb1.jpeg?width=1338&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1565b938c29af41b101c10957c23096754ec7750 by RingerMinger (Sat 30th Sep 2023 11:31am)

Are you 100% sure that the letter won't have gone to a previous address? I had a ticket end up with the previous owner of van, even though we'd done all the paperwork at the point of purchase and the ticket was a couple of weeks later. by RingerMinger (Wed 4th Oct 2023 10:25am)

Kirkintilloch town centre has been redone in this fashion, and it seems to work well. (I've driven through it more often than I've walked, and the lower speed seems quite natural because the road is designed that way) by RingerMinger (Mon 9th Oct 2023 12:30pm)

That's a fair point, but separate from the issue here. Good street design nudges most sensible drivers towards lower speeds, without making them feel like they're being held up. (Which is the clever bit) Boy racers are just going to tear around no matter what - as you say, it's an enforcement issue. by RingerMinger (Wed 11th Oct 2023 9:00pm)

It "wasn't progressed", and there's now a proposal for student flats on the site: [https://www.reglasgow.com/planning-permission-sought-for-woodlands-student-block/](https://www.reglasgow.com/planning-permission-sought-for-woodlands-student-block/) by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Oct 2023 3:10pm)

Also, a march doesn't necessarily mean a demonstration. Many finish with rallies of some kind, but if you're looking to get photos of angry protestors holding placards, look for something political rather than religious. Also have a look through the social media pages of the organisations, you'll get a feel for what their previous events have been like. by RingerMinger (Thu 12th Oct 2023 3:17pm)

There's an old one (long abandoned and a little overgrown) up behind Torrance / Baldernock. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkQhMjkyy8GHKXnB6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkQhMjkyy8GHKXnB6) by RingerMinger (Sat 21st Oct 2023 10:55pm)

\+1 for the tree (assuming the recipient has somewhere to plant it) Some friends of mine suffered a really traumatic bereavement. Their house was comically full with flowers - they ran out of vases so were putting them in anything that would hold a bunch. But someone bought them a tree, which was planted outside and is still there many years later. by RingerMinger (Tue 24th Oct 2023 11:02am)

Legal action from McDonalds in 3, 2, 1... by RingerMinger (Thu 26th Oct 2023 10:47am)

On most boilers, the thermostat just triggers a contact closure. So in theory any thermostat should work on it - or even a simple switch, which is what I did when my thermostat broke and I was waiting on a replacement. If the OP can get this fixed for a sensible price, then that's ideal. Less money spent and less stuff heading for landfill. But if replacement ends up being the only option, it'll probably be cheaper to buy a complete new system (transmitter and receiver) than paying over the odds for an old model that matches your existing receiver. by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Oct 2023 12:44pm)

Yes, police are ignoring all other road traffic incidents and offences in favour of seizing eBikes. When your house gets burgled, are you going to tell the polis that they should be out chasing rapists instead of helping you? by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Oct 2023 4:08pm)

It's simple enough. Should just be a 2-core wire from the boiler into screw terminals in the existing receiver. Swap them over into your new one and that's it. The contacts are often at mains voltage, so make sure that you've got the boiler powered down before working on anything. by RingerMinger (Mon 30th Oct 2023 4:05pm)

Yes, and if you beat a person to death with a spanner you'll get life. Drop the same spanner off scaffolding that you're working on and kill a passer-by, and you'll get a much lighter sentence. &#x200B; Meanwhile, if you get in an argument with someone, issue threats, and then run them over with your car, you'll still be up on a murder charge. But that's different from an accident, even if there was negligent driving. The legal distinction is between "actus rea" (actually doing the deed), and "mens rea", having the intention of doing it. This can sometimes get messy when, say, someone is punched in a bar fight, lands badly, and dies of a brain bleed. The person throwing the punch can claim they didn't intend to kill, but the intent to harm is still there. by RingerMinger (Tue 31st Oct 2023 4:17pm)

Sometimes the lesser plea is a way of avoiding a long trial if the evidence is less than overwhelming. From the prosecution's point of view, there's a risk that they could chase a murder charge, and lose because the bar is rightfully quite high for a conviction. For the defence, it's a sensible way out if there's a risk that a murder charge could stick. This sort of law is often messy and many cases are far from black-and-white. by RingerMinger (Tue 31st Oct 2023 10:14pm)

Solid foundations? A lot of tenements are built on old coal workings and suffer from subsidence. by RingerMinger (Thu 2nd Nov 2023 10:24pm)

True, but many of the tenements were built before subsidence was really understood. These days if a modern development gets built there is proper ground investigation etc. by RingerMinger (Mon 6th Nov 2023 12:45am)

I had something similar. Was crossing a side street when a cyclist (who had only sped into view after I'd started crossing) darted just in front of me. He was very offended that I shouted at him. by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Nov 2023 12:43pm)

If you're on the clock for Deliveroo/Uber/JustEat, then you're going to take the quickest, most direct route to your destination, irrespective of traffic laws and where the actual infrastructure goes. Sorting the problem at source would be the only way to make an actual difference. HGV drivers are on tachographs and have speed limiters, to prevent a situation where the most dangerous drivers win economically. I'm not sure what equivalent measures would stop delivery bikes racing around pedestrian areas in a dangerous fashion. by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Nov 2023 12:42pm)

And surely it would be possible to have automated announcements. I'm pretty sure that's how the London Underground do it. by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Nov 2023 12:45pm)

95/5 chance that the scran will be cold though by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Nov 2023 6:11pm)

I've stopped using any sort of delivery app because inevitably the food turns up lukewarm at best. I suspect that many of the "restaurants" on the app are dark kitchens based too far away for a bike to make the trip before the food gets cold. by RingerMinger (Tue 7th Nov 2023 6:09pm)

The building itself is student flats, so doubtful. (You could try befriending a student that lives there, I suppose...) by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Nov 2023 3:23pm)

Nobody on this sub would choose to live in those tenements as they were. It's possible that they could have been renovated as many have been elsewhere, but some were just thrown up as slum housing and were very poor. (Both in terms of structural soundness and general liveability) The neighbourhood might have remained bustling if the planners had followed the existing street pattern, but the prevailing thinking at the time was for lower-density development like we see here. I suspect today's planners are making plenty decisions that will get an equal amount of criticism in 50yrs time. by RingerMinger (Sat 11th Nov 2023 3:28pm)

Could have climbed the hill, and then tanned the bottle of wine at the top... by RingerMinger (Sun 12th Nov 2023 7:01pm)

Irn Bru in glass bottles would look clear rather than orange under sodium. Caught me out at least once when I thought someone had emptied it. by RingerMinger (Mon 13th Nov 2023 11:46am)

You'd probably have said the same thing about the Kingston Bridge in the mid-90's... by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 12:44am)

It's not just "how people get around Glasgow" - the M8 is major part of the trunk road network for the entire west of Scotland. Now, in an ideal world this kind of arterial link wouldn't be running around a city centre, but we are where we are and nobody is going to come up with the huge sums required for an outer ring road, never mind getting it built in the current climate. The whole point of the current two-lane arrangement is to reduce the load on the structure whilst keeping the road open. It would be far easier and quicker to close it entirely and either fix or completely rebuild it, but you can't do that without huge knock-on effects across a very wide area. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 12:48am)

Ho Wong is outstanding, but correspondingly expensive and I suspect booking is a must. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 12:50am)

They also have a branch on Queen Margaret Drive. The pizza seems to be to be "well done", not overcooked or burnt, but it's certainly been in the oven longer than other places might do. Still lovely, though. And they're open later than most which is a big plus in my book. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 1:07am)

Interesting... The one thing I've noticed is that, possibly because of the longer time in the oven, the pizzas have a very short shelf life once they're out. I usually pick up from the counter and eat it in my car almost straight away. Once I was held up getting there, and even though the pizza had been kept warm on top of the oven, I didn't eat the last two slices because by that time they tasted like they were past it. I can imagine a Just Eat etc. driver taking their time with the delivery and showing up with something cold and inedible. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 4:52pm)

My grease tolerance is fairly high, but all the same it sounds like they were having an off night. by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 4:57pm)

Yeah, interesting. I was there for a private function so they may have made more effort than usual on the food, and since the place was booked out nobody was being rushed to clear their table. Just happened to clock the regular prices on the menu by the door and had a sharp intake of breath... by RingerMinger (Mon 20th Nov 2023 4:55pm)

I suspect that if an act from abroad are offered a big payday to headline a UK festival, they'll take it, and pay someone to deal with the paperwork, equipment carnets, etc. But it's definitely a major disincentive for those further down the bill, and at Celtic Connections style events. Meanwhile the concert trucking industry has largely moved out of the UK due to Brexit, even if it's the same UK names the trucks are based on the continent. by RingerMinger (Thu 23rd Nov 2023 12:15pm)

Aren't most of the streets surrounding the stadium on the event permit scheme? by RingerMinger (Mon 4th Dec 2023 12:47pm)

Not quite, it's due to be replaced by a new-build prison on the site of the old gasworks near the M8/M80 junction. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Dec 2023 12:07pm)

Not quite, it's due to be replaced by a new-build prison on the site of the old gasworks near the M8/M80 junction. by RingerMinger (Mon 11th Dec 2023 12:06pm)