What grinds my gears...

[Free Falling Foxes]

4 hours ago, Parafox said:

 

Can't you just ask Alexa to open BBC Sounds?

 

That's what I do.

That's what I tried but it told me I needed to link my BBC account to Alexa, to enable this.

 

Curiously, I was able to link, and access, BBC news via Alexa, but couldn't link to BBC sounds - even though I had confirmation it was set up.

 

I'm not alone with Alexa woes. I was out with some mates tonight and one said he and his wife gave up trying to get their Alexa to turn on a light in, despite following the instructions, buying a 'smart' switch and so on.

 

Needs binning I reckon.

Edited 20 January by Free Falling Foxes

[Parafox]

53 minutes ago, Free Falling Foxes said:

That's what I tried but it told me I needed to link my BBC account to Alexa, to enable this.

 

Curiously, I was able to link, and access, BBC news via Alexa, but couldn't link to BBC sounds - even though I had confirmation it was set up.

 

I'm not alone with Alexa woes. I was out with some mates tonight and one said he and his wife gave up trying to get their Alexa to turn on a light in, despite following the instructions, buying a 'smart' switch and so on.

 

Needs binning I reckon.

 

Mmm. It's odd that these devices perform the way they do, in that you have to link to other apps etc.

 

Alexa and other such devices listen in to conversations and monitor app activity. 

 

The world has become 1984 before our very eyes. 

 

Nothing is beyond the reach of information gathering in the modern world and it's ability to do harm is frightening.

 

But that's for a separate, already existing topic.

[FoyleFox]

23 hours ago, Parafox said:

 

Mmm. It's odd that these devices perform the way they do, in that you have to link to other apps etc.

 

Alexa and other such devices listen in to conversations and monitor app activity. 

 

The world has become 1984 before our very eyes. 

 

Nothing is beyond the reach of information gathering in the modern world and it's ability to do harm is frightening.

 

But that's for a separate, already existing topic.

These sure clever devices are doing all that and heavens knows what else but, can't be that smart as poor FFF can't even get simple music. 

If Alexa is reporting back, I  have to question the accuracy of her info! 

[Izzy]

Having to pay ‘tourist tax’ for accommodation in certain countries.

I see Edinburgh is now also bringing it in. 

[Parafox]

10 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Having to pay ‘tourist tax’ for accommodation in certain countries.

I see Edinburgh is now also bringing it in. 

Ridiculous. 

 

Anyone on a tight budget will surely think twice about visiting any country that charges you extra for staying there.

Edited 24 January by Parafox

[Zear0]

45 minutes ago, Parafox said:

Ridiculous. 

 

Anyone on a tight budget will surely think twice about visiting any country that charges you extra for staying there.

Think that's the point, they're trying to reduce visitor numbers. 

[Parafox]

25 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

Think that's the point, they're trying to reduce visitor numbers. 

 

Isn't that counterproductive given that tourism is a valuable income stream?

[Zear0]

4 minutes ago, Parafox said:

 

Isn't that counterproductive given that tourism is a valuable income stream?

More to life than money. So many places like Cornwall, Lakes and Edinburgh where locals are just priced out the areas. Good for the tourist economy, but making them ghost towns out of season. 

[Parafox]

11 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

More to life than money. So many places like Cornwall, Lakes and Edinburgh where locals are just priced out the areas. Good for the tourist economy, but making them ghost towns out of season. 

 

But is it a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face?

 

Every tourist attraction will do less well out of season but at the height, these places make shed loads.

 

Take Cornwall as an example, the cost of renting a holiday cottage between May and October is astronomical. That's where the big bucks are. Cornish people own and then rent such places at a vastly inflated rate during summer months then moan when the season ends and their income falls.

 

They can't have it both ways and a "tax" on tourism will affect them negatively.

[jgtuk]

1 hour ago, Parafox said:

 

But is it a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face?

 

Every tourist attraction will do less well out of season but at the height, these places make shed loads.

 

Take Cornwall as an example, the cost of renting a holiday cottage between May and October is astronomical. That's where the big bucks are. Cornish people own and then rent such places at a vastly inflated rate during summer months then moan when the season ends and their income falls.

 

They can't have it both ways and a "tax" on tourism will affect them negatively.

The tax is supposed to go towards local infrastructure. Helps pay for street cleaning, maintenance, attractions etc. 

I’ve no problem paying, especially as it’s normally quite a small amount. 

[Jattdogg]

3 hours ago, Izzy said:

Having to pay ‘tourist tax’ for accommodation in certain countries.

I see Edinburgh is now also bringing it in. 

Bloody English, coming to our city, eating all our deep fried Mars bars!

[ajthefox]

11 hours ago, Parafox said:

 

But is it a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face?

 

Every tourist attraction will do less well out of season but at the height, these places make shed loads.

 

Take Cornwall as an example, the cost of renting a holiday cottage between May and October is astronomical. That's where the big bucks are. Cornish people own and then rent such places at a vastly inflated rate during summer months then moan when the season ends and their income falls.

 

They can't have it both ways and a "tax" on tourism will affect them negatively.

You're kinda missing the point.

 

Many of these places will, in peak periods, be entirely overrun with tourism. Sure, that's a big part of the reason for the wealth in that area but it also puts huge strain on infrastructure and in many of these places locals, particularly youngsters are completely priced out of living there. And that's if they want to stay and can find meaningful work. I love the lakes but the idea of staying in Ambleside or Kendall for example, and staying through an entire summer season where everywhere is rammed and the streets are heaving doesn't sound great.

 

Many of the homes being rented out are also not locals. They're wealthy city folk from London or elsewhere who probably make a killing off their Airbnb, use it sparingly and contribute very little to the community.

 

I think it makes a lot of sense and as has been mentioned, as far as I'm aware it's generally intended to be a few quid for a week or so. Have one less pint or don't bother going.

[SeCrEt FoX]

Fvcking inconsiderate selfish neighbours 😡 

[jgtuk]

Just now, SeCrEt FoX said:

Fvcking inconsiderate selfish neighbours 😡 

I once sold and moved because of that. By buying isolated properties I’ve never had a close neighbour since. 

[SeCrEt FoX]

Just now, jgtuk said:

I once sold and moved because of that. By buying isolated properties I’ve never had a close neighbour since. 

We've been pondering with the idea of moving for the last 3/4 years. Just hate moving. Lived in the same area for 30+years but lived where I am for coming up to 10. I consider myself a good neighbour, never take the piss, help them when they in need, never play loud music or TV loud, take all their fvcking parcels in when they know they won't be in to take them! Etc etc.......but it feels like they just take it for granted and just take the piss like parking over my drive even though (I know it's just a line 😂) I have a white H and dropped kerb. Ruined all the grass verges because they all have 2 vehicles each, double park so noone can get through.Well 5 people that live there have 7 vehicles between them and that don't count for their visitors and other children that visit everyday. Is it me who's the problem? Am I being OTT? I dread going home after work thinking if I can get on my drive or at least park outside my house, especially After a long day's work and horrible journey home. They will block my drive so they don't block theirs 😡 I fvcking despise them. 

[jgtuk]

14 minutes ago, SeCrEt FoX said:

We've been pondering with the idea of moving for the last 3/4 years. Just hate moving. Lived in the same area for 30+years but lived where I am for coming up to 10. I consider myself a good neighbour, never take the piss, help them when they in need, never play loud music or TV loud, take all their fvcking parcels in when they know they won't be in to take them! Etc etc.......but it feels like they just take it for granted and just take the piss like parking over my drive even though (I know it's just a line 😂) I have a white H and dropped kerb. Ruined all the grass verges because they all have 2 vehicles each, double park so noone can get through.Well 5 people that live there have 7 vehicles between them and that don't count for their visitors and other children that visit everyday. Is it me who's the problem? Am I being OTT? I dread going home after work thinking if I can get on my drive or at least park outside my house, especially After a long day's work and horrible journey home. They will block my drive so they don't block theirs 😡 I fvcking despise them. 

I can totally relate. 
My neighbours marriage broke up and the husband stayed in the house but started renting the rooms as bedsits. It soon turned into a drug dealer and party house. Long story involving threats and some violence but at the end we moved to a semi derelict property with 3 acres around it - never looked back. 
You’re not ott at all, you just want your neighbours to respect your boundaries and that’s your entitlement. 
You can try mediation and reach an agreement but don’t hold your breath. 
Good luck 🤞 

[Torquay Gunner]

20 minutes ago, SeCrEt FoX said:

We've been pondering with the idea of moving for the last 3/4 years. Just hate moving. Lived in the same area for 30+years but lived where I am for coming up to 10. I consider myself a good neighbour, never take the piss, help them when they in need, never play loud music or TV loud, take all their fvcking parcels in when they know they won't be in to take them! Etc etc.......but it feels like they just take it for granted and just take the piss like parking over my drive even though (I know it's just a line 😂) I have a white H and dropped kerb. Ruined all the grass verges because they all have 2 vehicles each, double park so noone can get through.Well 5 people that live there have 7 vehicles between them and that don't count for their visitors and other children that visit everyday. Is it me who's the problem? Am I being OTT? I dread going home after work thinking if I can get on my drive or at least park outside my house, especially After a long day's work and horrible journey home. They will block my drive so they don't block theirs 😡 I fvcking despise them. 

That’s rough. Have you spoke to them about it? We moved into our new build terrace house last March and so far the neighbours seem nice enough, but you can’t legislate for nightmare neighbours. 

[SeCrEt FoX]

9 minutes ago, Torquay Gunner said:

That’s rough. Have you spoke to them about it? We moved into our new build terrace house last March and so far the neighbours seem nice enough, but you can’t legislate for nightmare neighbours. 

They know Im pissed off but it will all end in violence. Me 20 years ago would of sorted it out but I just can't be arsed anymore, my body is fvcked and just want a peaceful life. The whole street hates them. They have lived there for 30+ years and they are the sort that because they lived there longer than everyone else the basically own the street and can do what they like.

My missus' dad is really ill at the minute and she could get a phone call anytime so she has to shoot off and because they park where they bloody well please I have to block my drive. I start work at 6am so technically I'm gone before she goes work but if she does get a call at say 3am she's got to wake me to move the cars around. 

 

Anyone fancy an exchange 😂 

 

I'm seriously considering selling this year.

[BKLFox]

Parking or lack there of must be up there with most reasons to move.

With mortgages harder to come by kids are staying in the family home longer and a once 1 or 2 car family can quickly become 4 or even 5 with kids partners moving in.

Yet all new houses and estates don’t cater for this or the fact people have visitors and the 4 visitor parking spots they put on their new fancy estates are filled by residents 2nd car, they even build with car ports because they don’t want garages going unused by cars to try and stop people parking on the kerbs.
Even £1m houses only have parking for 2 cars on a drive, here’s an idea stop cramming 50 houses on an acre plot ffs.🤦‍♂️ 

[SeCrEt FoX]

5 minutes ago, BKLFox said:

Parking or lack there of must be up there with most reasons to move.

With mortgages harder to come by kids are staying in the family home longer and a once 1 or 2 car family can quickly become 4 or even 5 with kids partners moving in.

Yet all new houses and estates don’t cater for this or the fact people have visitors and the 4 visitor parking spots they put on their new fancy estates are filled by residents 2nd car, they even build with car ports because they don’t want garages going unused by cars to try and stop people parking on the kerbs.
Even £1m houses only have parking for 2 cars on a drive, here’s an idea stop cramming 50 houses on an acre plot ffs.🤦‍♂️ 

Exactly this! Thing is the residents in the past have asked for laybys to be put in to stop people parking all over the green which is a great idea but they said no because of drainage issues  so instead we have to put up with people not giving a fvck and turning what was once a charming street into an eyesore! 

[Daggers]

1 hour ago, SeCrEt FoX said:

We've been pondering with the idea of moving for the last 3/4 years. Just hate moving. Lived in the same area for 30+years but lived where I am for coming up to 10. I consider myself a good neighbour, never take the piss, help them when they in need, never play loud music or TV loud, take all their fvcking parcels in when they know they won't be in to take them! Etc etc.......but it feels like they just take it for granted and just take the piss like parking over my drive even though (I know it's just a line 😂) I have a white H and dropped kerb. Ruined all the grass verges because they all have 2 vehicles each, double park so noone can get through.Well 5 people that live there have 7 vehicles between them and that don't count for their visitors and other children that visit everyday. Is it me who's the problem? Am I being OTT? I dread going home after work thinking if I can get on my drive or at least park outside my house, especially After a long day's work and horrible journey home. They will block my drive so they don't block theirs 😡 I fvcking despise them. 

 

I can recommend The King by Teenage Fanclub.

 

An album chock full of feedback and distortion.

 

Ideal for going out for the night leaving it playing on repeat at full volume.

 

 

 

 

[Foxdiamond]

1 hour ago, BKLFox said:

Parking or lack there of must be up there with most reasons to move.

With mortgages harder to come by kids are staying in the family home longer and a once 1 or 2 car family can quickly become 4 or even 5 with kids partners moving in.

Yet all new houses and estates don’t cater for this or the fact people have visitors and the 4 visitor parking spots they put on their new fancy estates are filled by residents 2nd car, they even build with car ports because they don’t want garages going unused by cars to try and stop people parking on the kerbs.
Even £1m houses only have parking for 2 cars on a drive, here’s an idea stop cramming 50 houses on an acre plot ffs.🤦‍♂️ 

Our way people with garage attached next to house never use garage for car. Probably full of household stuff. Use the 2 spaces outside garage then other family members take other spaces in front of neighbours

[Foxdiamond]

2 hours ago, SeCrEt FoX said:

Fvcking inconsiderate selfish neighbours 😡 

I've always said you don't really know what a place is like until you experience close neighbours. It is so dependent on consideration and respect and empathy. These qualities are vital to us all getting on unless you have large private grounds with no immediate neighbours.

[jgtuk]

Thinking of selling and moving nearer to family. looking at stamp duty in wales on £800,000 property is £41,750

In England it's £27,500

[Trav Le Bleu]

8 minutes ago, jgtuk said:

Thinking of selling and moving nearer to family. looking at stamp duty in wales on £800,000 property is £41,750

In England it's £27,500

First world problems