joeyconcrete

Yep. Same issues, Microsoft basically stopped accepting Revolut for Azure.

I had a trip on it last Wednesday with two friends (it was a present). Despite the reputation, it was remarkably stable and good fun. One amusing aspect was it’s required to follow taxiways and the runway as if it was a plane..

Reading between the lines and based on your experience, if the scheme was better administered and the members skills scrutnised - there would be some value? I can only assume that was the original purpose, and that has been lost somewhat.

I can understand the preferred supplier status, assuming there is a vetting process which the fee covers. I asked because I noticed how many tradesman advertise their registered status, but I couldn’t see how someone would make that a requirement when getting their toilet fixed or living room skimmed. I guess it predates the world of Facebook and social media reviews. Maybe in the early 90s being Government Registered was the equivalent of 5* on Tripadvisor.

I have never assigned any value to it but I had assumed that some people must have. I was interested in understanding the practicalities of achieving the status, but it sounds more like a public sector best business guide, rather than a challenging certification process.

I see this a lot. Gardeners, Plasterers, Joiners, etc. In practice, what does this mean and is it a kitemark of quality? Does it set people apart? I see it a lot on vans and signage, so figured it must have a perceived value.

Related, some studies found campaigns saying “Don’t drink and drive” actually reminded many people to go out for a drink! I recall one study suggested that the primary correlation between drink driving occurrences were socio demographic and economic (unemployment and education amongst others). Campaigns had zero impact depending on conditions. They also considered punishments, shock adverts and free alternatives (ie bus travel). I think the conclusion in many studies... it made no difference! Regression toward the mean. I often walk past the ‘No fly tipping’ sign near Howstrake. The ardent fly tipper surely wouldn’t be dissuaded by the sign! While it’s of no relevance to a law abiding citizen. Would Tony, with his old Hotpoint fridge in the back of his van, be convinced to change his mind at 3am and go to the amenity site? Or would he tip elsewhere, in which case the sign really means ‘No fly tipping here’. How do the commissioners measure the ROI? No fly tipping? If it occurs elsewhere, does that warrant another sign? How about ‘No nuclear waste’ or ‘No felt museums’. I digress.

I'm not sure of the intent or insinuation behind your post - as it was a genuine question, not designed to offend? I remember, as a kid, there was the odd sign. A quick Google search (now) suggests they were for areas where there were multiple accidents. They stopped using them because they didn't actually reduce further accidents.

Speaking of which, can anyone remember the 'Accident - Black Spot' signs. Wasn't there one on the main road next to Anagh Coar?

My reference was to understand the limiting factor? Do people think we’re doing the best because it’s the only best they know? Island mentality What is the root cause? Lack of ability / not enough money / inadequate partners/ restrictive procurement. Unfortunate run of bad luck or a systematic failure? Lessons to be learnt. Whether you go from top down or down up, where is it flawed and who’s letting who down?

Being from the IOM, I have tried my best to develop a Manx Crab Correction ability. This is to try and counter any inate moan or grown that I may have about the Island, without first understanding both sides. Roads are a continual trigger, alongside the weather. Are the complaints about the DOI and the roads deserved - or just cognitive bias? I mean, is the Island's approach to road design and maintenance far worse than everywhere else? By that, I mean - far worse - in a measurable, evidential way? (not, they're just shit and they must be better everywhere else). Or do we have instances of the Dunning-Kruger effect?

I do not profess to being an expert on traffic systems design or road surfacing (an ironic entrée), but it seems whenever there are countless upon countless errors, mistakes and issues, there is little consequence or repercussion (at least publicly). Richmond Hill can only be repaired when it is warm. What do other countries do in colder climates? If this particular material/surface can only be repaired when warm, then why use it? The contractor is at fault - surely there are penalties/warranties that go beyond just fixing it. Firms normally have to demonstrate a level of insurance for exactly this. If it is poor quality, has the company been eliminated from future tenders? The journey has only increased by around 30 seconds, which is not the end of the world - but this is merely another instance of what many describe as amateur/incompetance. The 'new' corner they implemented on Johnny Wattersons (just down from the Cat) is not only non-sensical, but it has a shocking road surface (due to the increased wear of a corner). The surface dressing did wonders for the handling... The logic behind the construction of that questionable corner is equally illogical. Looking at the other side. Are DOI's challenges due to a lack of budget / lack of expertise / lack of leadership / lack of resource? Comparatively, how well funded are the Island's roads per-capita/per-mile to a region in the UK/EU?

Folly, quaint or feux Victorian - however you describe it, it has drawn a selection of people to the glen. On the costs, I know groups of people who are willing to get involved and as someone alluded to, they consist of engineers, joiners and suchlike. For my sins, I was at the original meeting. Many companies have deep pockets and will also donate staff/resource IF someone can spark their interest. My own personal view is ‘if’ it is restored, people should put the effort into creating something that isn’t just heritage. Applying some innovation, could put an interesting twist on it. One of the reasons it existed was to draw in visitors, that’s a good starting point. The wheel as-is won’t pull my kids away from a PS4 or give me a reason to drag visitors through the glen - nor do I think it would if it was restored as-is. It needs a little ambition, lateral thinking and creative thought. If that fails, pull it down. You often find groups/departments/people become so preoccupied with why things can’t be done, embroiled in discussions and minutia - then it doesn’t happen, or we have a comprehensive solution of compromise (that is worse than pulling the thing down). Its becoming the waterwheel brexit of Groudle.

100% agree. My sarcasm didn't come through strong enough. Any sniff of a corporate tax change, and I believe some larger companies would go quite quickly..

Tax. Although if we suggest to companies that they should pay a 'charge' that goes towards health, leisure, sport or Government. It could even be a percentage of profit. (Sarcasm!)

Where is the underground tunnel? Was this the one that went under the tram lines?

It's funny reading your stories about Spain and the bureucracy you've experienced. My girlfriend's parents have had a couple of places in Spain, both away from the tourist areas, and I've heard similar stores. Whether that be the lack of power, generators, solar panels, estate agents, the mayor, the town hall, lawyers or the utility companies - it certainly seems like a difficult place to get things done and by no means straight forward. I would imagine buying a generic apartment through one of the mainstream schemes is relatively easy, going alone and buying somewhere more `authentic` and getting your head around the almost peculiar ways of doing things is another matter. Good luck.

There's a few ready-made solutions out there. For example http://order.1and1.co.uk/xml/order/Eshops