Sudden Stop

^^^ I wondered if they had a policy of holding parcels for a set period in the hope that people would trace the parcel to them and then go collect rather than continue to wait - thus they haven't actually had to deliver anything yet still claim payment for it. Lord knows, i've resorted to collecting things myself. I would avoid them, but it's usually not an option or already in the 'black hole' before you have a chance to change anything.

Does anyone know what happens to a parcel once it arrives in the black hole that is 'Streamline'? They've be in possesion of a parcel of mine for over a week now and no sign of delivering it yet. And this is certainly not unusual when waiting for them to deliver - it seems to always take an extra 7-10 days. What's going on there?

Road around the Brae and Voe area are clear apart from a few very, very short sections where some drifts are continuing to blow across the road. There's not been any new snowfall all day by the looks of things.

Anyway, away from the airport malarky... I hear the police are shutting bits of road - Kergord (no surprises) and somewhere around Tingwall too? Anyone have any info?

I know, I know - it doesn't work in practical terms really. Just pointing out the frustrating irony of the whole situation. Never mind

^^^ Nowt! Nae alternates, and poor en route weather to the rigs means that we're all dressed up with nothing to do... Ha! Shame, as it's nice and sunny. Looks pretty poor towards that sooth right enough!

OT I know, but they could be flying from Scatsta today - it's wide open and the runway's clear. That way staff and passengers would get where they wanted to go. And back on topic...

I got a bit of a fright on night when coming out of a junction. I'd looked both ways and spotted a car coming towards me. It appeared to be quite far away and I was in doubt that there was more than enough time to cross the near lane and turn right onto the opposite lane. As I pulled out of the junction and was safely driving away I realised the vehicle coming towards me was not - far away driving at a normal speed, it was actually very close driving slowly. This, you may think was poor judgement on my behalf. However, the vehicle was not using normal headlights out on the sides/wings but instead was only using a pair of dull spot lights mounted close together in the middle of the bumper. The combination of the poor lights and slow driving speed looked identical to a normally driven, normally lit vehicle two or three times further away. It was a new experience for me. Not one I'll forget and probably an interesting evening for the driver of the other car. But these type of incidents are why regulations are laid down as to how you should light your vehicle.

Snow/winter tyres are made from a different type of rubber which stays softer (i'll not say soft) than normal tyres and hopefully grippier during the cold. The thread pattern will probably be different to a sports tyre for example and designed to 'throw' snow off the tyre rather than just filling in the gaps in the thread creating a slick surface. The softer compound does mean that during warmer temperatures the tyres are likely to wear out faster than standard tyres - thus the common practice of a second set of wheels with different tyres for different times of the year. As said above - nothing rubberly is going to help with sheet ice. You'll need something sharp to dig into the ice such as studs... or... a huskie with sharpened claws perhaps?

I drive motorbikes (only in nice weather ) and wouldn't agree with any proposal for a by law requiring lights to be displayed all the time. The lights on my bike were hard wired to be on by the manufacturer and even if they weren't I'd have them on as it helps highlight my presence amougst cars. If they all had their lights on then I'd be 'just another light'. That said, cars should display their lights when appropriate, for example - in dull overcast weather or whenever the visibility is reduced for any reason. If a driver has not paid due attention to the road condition (visibility included) or taken the care to safely operate his vehicle, the police should be stopping and re-educating. Repeat offenders or people whom are clearly operating their vehicle in grossly inappropriate weather without lights should be fined/prosecuted. It's a horses for courses thing really. Some days you need lights, some days you don't. I want to take advantage of the good weather days by using my bike headlights to highlight to other road users where I am.

^^^ Dunna worry about it. I've got a 4x4 and intend not to use it today having seen some of these reports!

Been to the Maryfield and Osla's (in the evening) within the last week and both places were splendid. Our whole group throughly enjoy the Maryfield - the staff were very polite, friendly and helpful. The food was great and served quickly in massive portions. And it's always an adventure taking the ferry and looking back at the town from the other side of the harbour. Fantastic. Olsa's were also well represented by their staff. Again the food was spot on. I'm probably a bit heavier now though as a result.... Good work chaps!

^^^ No no no, it's just that some other folks are dishonest elsewhere. This is how it should be everywhere!

Yeah that's a very good piece of work. It hope the updates keep coming.

Thanks unlinked, I never saw your post before I post my last message... I was fairly sure thay had some kinda business up here and they do! Papers are nearly mail...

Do they run the mail flights? Commiserations to the staff if the company have gone bust. It's never good when people loose their jobs.

We could have a collection for 'Dr' Willis too. Thinking about it though, why bother? We've already furnished him with a boat...

^^^ Like other professions, you get lazy staff and you also get hard workers - like the poor bloke that's been using his speedcameraraygunthingy nearly every day this past week in Brae BEFORE the crack o' dawn. It's not exactly been great weather to be standing outside at 6 o'clock in the morning but to give him credit - he stuck with it all week. I'd be interested to find out how successful or otherwise he's been? A percentage of cars that were speeding against those that weren't would be good...!

Watching Sky Sports News only for adverts to come on just as the info-bar gets to the suject that you're watching for. And then, just as the adverts finish the subject you're after - finishes!

How did everyone get on over the festive period without the centres being open? I was thinking about a way forward for next year... Obviously they'll be closing again, but do they have to? The ferries used to (maybe still do) only run the last trips if there was a booking. If there were sufficient bookings in advance presumably the SRT would reconsider closing? Payment in advance of course... Any thoughts?

Do not under any circumstances assume that washing up liquid (Fairy or otherwise) will act as a good substitute for dish washer tablets. That's all I'm gonna say - you've been warned.

To be honest, it wouldn't have bothered me if we had to wait. It'd still be faster than waiting for the dvd to come out and far cheaper/easier than going south to watch a film.

Don't forget the time of year... When a ten quid box of Xmas lights provides a better show - it's time to find a new project to spend money on.

If you're soooo caring towards other road users presumably you've changed your mind about not sending road salt down south? There are people still slipping around mainland Scotland, getting injured and running the risk of death on icy roads. But I guess since you won't be driving those roads so they don't matter. Where's next? Do you drive in Unst, shall we stop sending salt to Unst? (I wish there was a sarcasm font I could use... I'm in that kinda mood today) This whole thread on road rage seems to have become a p***ing contest regarding who thinks they're the safest driver. And it's giving me forum-rage. So much so that I'm going to add my theory. Consideration for other road users is the issue. If you are driving too fast or too slow, failing to indicate your manoeuvers prior to acting, distracting (bullying) people by tailgating or braking unnecessarily for kinks in the road or whatever, you are likely to be involved in some kind of situation - sooner or later. Presumably the safest thing for everyone on the road to do is - be predictable. It's only a theory and I don't put it into practice all day, everyday but it's a nice idea.

^^^ It's about time isn't it... 7.8 meters waves forecast on Saturday for all you surfer types!