WBMT.....What baffled me today

JohnC6 said:
On a few occasions at the hotel we stayed in over the last couple of weeks in Madeira, a young couple with an 18 month old daughter sat at an adjacent table. They looked like they were from southern Europe ...olive-skinned. I noticed that the little girl,who was just about able to walk holding a parent's hand, had a stud in one ear and a round 'stud' the size of small button in the other. I asked my wife how they made them stay on. She said ear-piercing. The reason I asked was that whilst being aware that females have their ears pierced and a pin is pushed through the lobe with a stud or whatever on the end, I couldn't believe that a parent would do that to such a small child. It must hurt .My wife told me it would have been done using a local anaesthetic. I was shocked tbh... and a bit angry. My wife then told me that it's quite common. What ? At 18 months old ? She said that some parents have it done to babies. Unbelievable. No child should have that done to them until they decide themselves and only when they reach the age of..say..14..minimum. To do that to a baby, and in this case an 18 month old child is, imo, a form of child abuse. The reason I mentioned where they were possibly from..,ie southern Europe. is maybe it's a tradition there. I can understand, but still don't agree, that it happens in tribes from the likes of the Amazon or deepest, darkest Africa etc..but Europe ?

It's illegal in the UK to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 so why is it legal to punch a hole in a bay's ear or that of a small child ? Even on a practical level, as the child's ear grows that hole is not going to be where it is at the time of piercing. It's like tattoos, what are those going to look like when a person gets old and their skin shrinks and wrinkles ?

I can't understand why there isn't a law against ear-piercing here...or even Europe for that matter, as we share a common culture .
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It’s apparently very common in Hispanic societies and Hindu communities, where it’s a cultural thing. I can remember a couple of Italian girls at my primary school who’d also had it done. I’d always presumed it was done when the girls were very young so they didn’t know much about it and weren’t going to be upset by the anticipation of some pain if they were old enough to realise what was going to happen…. a bit like babies having inoculations.
 
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I have my left ear pierced, never felt a thing :)

Mind, I was drunk at the time :D
 
Did you have yours done at a jeweller's or elsewhere? I had one of each and the home brewed one was easier than the shop one. The shop guns/studs tend to be blunt (to stop the neck getting scratched) and done too tight (for ease of installation, I suppose) while home/studio ones are usually done with a needle of some sort and a ring put in rather than a stud.
 
In a jewellers @Nod

I was 17 at the time, out with a bunch of pals. I hade a sleeper put in and I was told to bathe it twice a day with salt water. Cost me £3.00 :)
 
This is something I've seen come up a few times in YouTube videos and I saw it happen today (I was behind the blue car). Is it a grey area, or are the rules pretty clear because whilst everyone knows you give way to the right, I'm sure the vehicle already on the roundabout has priority which is particularly important when it comes to mini roundabouts?

The blue car in front of me came up to the mini roundabout and we could both see the red car slowing right down for one of those nasty square speed bumps, so the blue car entered the roundabout as per diagram 1.

The red car then put his foot down whilst going over the speed bump clearly to close the gap and then started honking at the blue car, presumably on the basis that because he was to the right then he has right of way, as per diagram 2. But the blue car was already on the roundabout before the red car entered, but being a mini roundabout it reduces the distances involved and the speed cars can move around it.

Obviously the safest option is for the blue car to have waited, but the red car was originally approaching the speed bump slowly and deliberately sped up. So what's the deal here?

Mini Roundabout.jpg
 
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Red was being stupid. Perhaps blue might have been a bit slower than was reasonable too?

I've noticed some see driving as competitive, yet won't work with anyone else. Those driving in a national speed limit area at 48-50, who race you into the face of oncoming traffic if you try to overtake. Etc.
 
I was taught to drive properly when I was in the police, and one of the first thing that was drummed into us was to always, under normal circumstances, to drive defensively, not offensively and to always read the road and and anticipate.
 
Red was right but being a bit of a c*ck too. Personally, had I been blue, I'd have waited (in my car but depending on actual distance, might well have gone in Mrs Nod's [which accelerates VERY briskly!])
 
Cheers.

The blue car semed to move into the roundabout at a reasonable enough speed, even despite the red car initially slowing for the speed bump. I got the feeling the red car wanted to make the situation happen by unnecessarily speeding up. Similar to when someone in the outside lane is driving slow, but as soon as you draw alongside them in the inner lane they suddenly speed up for a few seconds.

I looked up the Highway Code and whilst as expected it does say "give priority to traffic approaching from your right" it also says "watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout".

Looking a bit deeper I found this:

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 | Item 6

"Vehicular traffic approaching a roundabout with a small central island or approaching a junction indicated by the marking shown in item 5 of this sign table should give way at, or immediately beyond, the line to traffic circulating on the carriageway of the roundabout"

I suppose technically the blue car was already circulating the roundabout, just not immediately to the right of the red car. This would also allow a provision for larger/slower vehicles once on the roundabout to then have the right of way.

The reason for my interest is that I use this roundabout daily and I often see problems on it and similar incidents to this, although I don't see people speeding up like the red car did, usually it's more of a timing and view obstruction problem (parked cars etc). I think I'll see it as a grey area and lean on the side of caution so I don't end up in the same situation.
 
To me, if someone is already on the roundabout then they have priority generally, even if I were to enter quickly behind them.
 
As a copper told us (on a course) - "You might well have right of way but if you get smacked off, it'll still hurt - or worse!"
 
I have this issue frequently at a local mini roundabout. There are 3 exits, I am approaching from 6 oclock, which is the "main road" and most traffic comes from my left to go around the rondabout, and into town on the road I'm on. I need to take the other exit to get home. What generally happens is someone approaches from the left turning, but I have enough time to enter the roundabout, follow them around but turn off before them. But a number of times, another vehicle has followed the car onto the roundabout while I am still on it, causing me to brake. It's my right of way, I'm on his right AND already on the roundabout. I'm not in the way of the first car as that is now behind me going into town. They have to slow down for the roundabout, so why not just wait until I have passed?

If you're any good at driving, you would have noticed I'm indicating right, so you could have slowed down a little earlier and enter the roundabout behind me without having to stop. I'm afraid it's the "me, me, me" attitude that we see so much on the roads today.
 
Jelster said:
I have this issue frequently at a local mini roundabout. There are 3 exits, I am approaching from 6 oclock, which is the "main road" and most traffic comes from my left to go around the rondabout, and into town on the road I'm on. I need to take the other exit to get home. What generally happens is someone approaches from the left turning, but I have enough time to enter the roundabout, follow them around but turn off before them. But a number of times, another vehicle has followed the car onto the roundabout while I am still on it, causing me to brake. It's my right of way, I'm on his right AND already on the roundabout. I'm not in the way of the first car as that is now behind me going into town. They have to slow down for the roundabout, so why not just wait until I have passed?

If you're any good at driving, you would have noticed I'm indicating right, so you could have slowed down a little earlier and enter the roundabout behind me without having to stop. I'm afraid it's the "me, me, me" attitude that we see so much on the roads today.
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These are the same kind of drivers that have just enough space to pull onto a national speed limit road and then gradually accelerate to about 45mph regardless of the stream of cars behind them.
 
....and then move straight into the middle or outside lane! lol
 
I stopped at a mini roundabout yesterday, as there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from the right. He also stopped, because there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from his right. That driver also stopped, because he looked right, at me, and saw I was about the same distance away.

So - we all gave way to each other, and then didn't know what to do!!
 
Bodian said:
I stopped at a mini roundabout yesterday, as there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from the right. He also stopped, because there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from his right. That driver also stopped, because he looked right, at me, and saw I was about the same distance away.

So - we all gave way to each other, and then didn't know what to do!!
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Mexican Standoff?
 
Poor to lack of lane discipline in general and especially at roundabouts is a common problem.

This is exacerbated by those who use a designated turn lane (right or left) at a roundabout approach to go straight across i.e. not turn as instructed.
 
Bodian said:
I stopped at a mini roundabout yesterday, as there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from the right. He also stopped, because there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from his right. That driver also stopped, because he looked right, at me, and saw I was about the same distance away.

So - we all gave way to each other, and then didn't know what to do!!
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You should all drive onto the roundabout at the same moment. :D
 
Several years ago, on a road leading into Northampton, I saw a wonderful example of stupidity plus lack of observation...

I was behind a marked police car, approaching a roundabout on the inner of two lanes. In the outer lane was a car indicating a right turn, The police car moved on to the roundabout at the same time as the car in the outer lane, at which point a very large, white van emerged from the road on our left, narrowly missing both the police car and the car going to the right.

Needless to say, when last seen, the police car was on "Blues and Twos", chasing the van!
 
Happens to all emergency vehicles, even when they're already on blues and twos.

Bodian said:
I stopped at a mini roundabout yesterday, as there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from the right. He also stopped, because there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from his right. That driver also stopped, because he looked right, at me, and saw I was about the same distance away.

So - we all gave way to each other, and then didn't know what to do!!
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Biggest/bravest goes first!
 
At a local mini roundabout near us recently I watched a vehicle from my right approaching so I stopped, he proceeded to drive straight over the white painted hump and carry on, maybe he should check his mirrors on approach, the police car behind lit up and pulled him over, mini roundabout are to be treated as if any large roundabout is, around not over. Depending on the officers mood. seems you can charged with a road traffic offence
 
mj4456 said:
At a local mini roundabout near us recently I watched a vehicle from my right approaching so I stopped, he proceeded to drive straight over the white painted hump and carry on, maybe he should check his mirrors on approach, the police car behind lit up and pulled him over, mini roundabout are to be treated as if any large roundabout is, around not over. Depending on the officers mood. seems you can charged with a road traffic offence
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Yeah it's also annoying when people do that in order to cut you up because you've got onto the mini roundabout first. Obviously large vehicles are allowed to go over them.
 
WBMT, the local buses, the roads are empty this morning, the bus I am on is almost empty and yet still nearly 10 minutes late... Which given I had a 10 minute to buy a train ticket and get to platform when I get off is a little frustrating.

(Luckily I can catch the next train if needed)
 
Nipped into local supermarket, wife needed a last minute bottle of soda water for something, huge queues at checkouts and self serve with people pushing overflowing trolleys, are the shops not open on the 2nd?or am I missing something, had been in the local Wickes for a couple of things and there were 8 couples at desks getting quotes/orders whatever for new kitchens, didn’t see any 90% off signs so didn’t expect them to be that busy.
 
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Not so much here, especially as we have an extra days holiday at New year, a lot of business’s are shut till Monday.
 
After cutting across two lanes on the roundabout. going over the chevrons, ignoring my toot because he was about to hit me, the best part was him then lightly brake checking me (wtf?) slowing right down and then glaring at me in his rear view mirror as if I'd done something wrong lol. Baffling.

I don't care about the actual mistake, but pop your hand up and own it. I can't work out if it's arrogance or just the inability to comprehend that they've done wrong. Pretty stupid as well considering we were going into a dead end - rookie mistake. Had my kids in the car though, probably a good thing. Roads are definitely getting worse.


Porsche roundabout.jpg
 
ancient_mariner said:
Probably just didn't realise. Porsche?
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Probably. But as said, it wasn't the mistake that was the problem. Although pretty impressive to be more arrogant than an Audi driver* :D


*I'm an Audi driver
 
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Bodian said:
I stopped at a mini roundabout yesterday, as there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from the right. He also stopped, because there was a car about the same distance away from the roundabout coming in from his right. That driver also stopped, because he looked right, at me, and saw I was about the same distance away.

So - we all gave way to each other, and then didn't know what to do!!
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Had that happen to me during a driving lesson once, instructor told me in the instance whoever takes initiative has priority.
 
WBMT is why the proposed compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70 is aimed at drivers over 70 rather than EVERY driver.
 
Is sliced bread getting smaller?

I can't find a decently sized loaf in Tesco, they also seem too short to make a decent sandwich with. I've been buying a multi seed loaf at ASDA but some weeks it's a decent size and some weeks it's a bit short. I do make my own bread but I always have a sliced loaf too and it seems to be getting ever more difficult to find a loaf with decently sized slices. I bought a wholewheat loaf last week but although it is a decent size I'm not happy with it and will look for something else tomorrow.

Anyone else finding this?
 
Can't remember the last time we bought sliced white "bread" - or any pre sliced bread.
 
I can't remember the last sliced white bread either but I might give one a go if I see a decent sized one.
 
What baffles me is watching people go into the sea with the water temperature at 11/12C and knowing that they think it's good for them. There were two young women and a middle-aged women in yesterday, swimming for about 15 minutes and they wore swim suits..not wet- suits. Two young men did wear wet-suits. The sea at that temperature must cause a shock to the system. It's not just that but the air temperature is 5C. We were on a walk up the cliff road..single-track overlooking the cove and dressed in warm clothing, a.quilted long coat, gloves,bobble hats and a scarf. Other walkers were simlarly-dressed.

I've read that the 'shock' enhances 'pleasure- enhancing endorphins' which makes people feel good.....for a while.
The RLNI and health experts have been giving warnings about it.

Copy/paste.
The RNLI said winter sea temperatures of 6–10°C (42.8–50°F) - far below the 15°C (59°F) point where cold water shock becomes a serious risk - could quickly turn a fun tradition into an emergency..

Another copy/paste:

"Cold water shock, hypothermia and swim failure are the main dangers, particularly in very low winter sea temperatures, which can quickly overwhelm the body and breathing, according to the RLNI, external.

"Cold water shock is the body's sudden, uncontrollable reaction to cold water, causing rapid breathing, panic and loss of control."

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, while swim failure is when cold and fatigue weaken muscles, making it difficult or impossible to keep swimming"

We originated out of Africa..not the Arctic.I'm no expert in these matters but we aren't designed to live in very cold conditions. I know many people do in the far north but,at least they dress for it. These people wear a swim suit. I was on the cliffs at 4.00pm today, hoping to get some decent sunset shots and after only 15 minutes my fingers hurt and I had a slight headache despite wearing a bobble hat. I joined my wife in the warm car for 10 minutes. There was a wee wind-chill but it was just a moderate northerly breeze. I was the only one out in it..other people sat in their cars. There's some rough made-up parking spaces on the cliff-top 15m or so from the cliff edge. Quite safe.

No-one will convince me that plunging...well they walked off the beach into the sea.... is good for you. This also applies to cold water swimming in inland lakes,of course. I think there are even cold water swimming clubs.
 
Someone once said something to the effect of "Never trust anyone who says they enjoy a cold shower. If they'll lie about that they'll lie about other things." Ronald Reagan maybe?

Having said that I had a GF who had a cold shower every morning. She sounded like she was being murdered though.
 
Nod said:
WBMT is why the proposed compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70 is aimed at drivers over 70 rather than EVERY driver.
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I didn't know about that. It must be quite a problem ,then.
 
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