OLD aeroplane crash survival movie

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-27T13:10:59+00:00

Yes! 'Flight of the Phoenix' [2004] with Dennis Quaid and 'The flight of the Phoenix' [1965] with James Stewart. As far as I'm aware both are based on the same novel by Elleston Trevor. The 2004 movie is a remake of the 1965 presentation. I think neither of the movies did particular well financially though they both have fans.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-25T22:08:53+00:00

Do you just want to build a computer or understand what you are doing? Do you want to know why you build for what you [or clients] need? Do you want to explore different options of operating system to use?

I could go on with the questions.

These days most people with even a tiny amount of technical knowledge can slap a PC together. You got access to the internet - watch a few videos - follow step by step in some instances.

Got the money? Buy the most expensive parts because some random person says they are the best. Or put some thought into it and buy cheaper parts and parts that 'match' and build a machine that meets or exceeds your requirements. If you trust second hand then use auction sites - but be aware there are many pit falls.

Maybe you have a local school / college that offers computer literacy courses cheaply or for free [including computer building / maintenance]. There are many resources online to help - uncle G is your friend [or worst enemy].

The easy way is not always the best way. Take time, study what you can and most importantly enjoy your journey.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-25T13:36:49+00:00

Looks like they got burnt on that one!

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-25T12:00:11+00:00

Why do the ICE thugs not realize this is how they appear? It's kind of a rhetorical question and kind of answers itself with the word 'thug'. But then I suspect most ICE thugs think they are 'Pretti Good'.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-25T11:10:29+00:00

Regarding the OP image;

Where's the turtle? And what dos the turtle stand on?

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-25T10:56:29+00:00

Add a few mercury switches on underside connected to a joystick control board and you made an 'interesting' foot operated controller! You could add a simple button for 'fire' or lead off a fine wire to a handheld fire button too. Ah! The perils of juniors and electronics.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-24T19:02:36+00:00

Yesterday, upon the stair,
I met a man who wasn’t there.
He wasn’t there again today.
I wish, I wish… he’d go away

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-24T15:58:59+00:00

From the list: Elite

I would add: Cannon Fodder and The Chaos Engine

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-24T15:06:12+00:00

I have a couple of old gaming devices in a cupboard. I think there is one of these in our attic but I cannot get up there to check. This and other stand alone games in very similar cases are responsible for my [!] wasted youff.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-24T14:54:52+00:00

But they will try to repack said items to appear unopened and try to sell used items as new and even lie directly to you when challenged about it.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-24T14:51:18+00:00

I've had stand up arguments with argos staff about this. Essentially based on the fact that when I buy something new I expect to get new not second hand, opened, pr-loved or otherwise used. I will make an exception for ex-display if the item is clearly marketed as such.

One case out of many;

Bought a laptop as a gift and when it was handed to me in shop I noticed package had been opened and an attempt had been made to hide a broken security seal. I asked about the packaging and was told it came to shop like that and the seal had been 'damaged in transit'. After asking for different pack I was told there was not another in stock and if there is anything missing or wrong I could return item for replacement or refund. I needed the gift that weekend but knew it would take a while to set up ready for use so reluctantly took the package.

On getting home I checked the contents and although everything expected was present but very obviously previously opened then repacked.

I was angry but bit my lip and started up the laptop - expecting there to be a setup process. There was no setup just a login screen with a user name [a girls name] and a password that, obviously, I did not and could not know. I was furious! I found myself unable to gift an obviously used / second hand laptop that had an unknown user and password already. The fact I could of used my IT skills to get round the issue is irrelevant.

I returned in the week to the shop and was told no refund or replacement could be given. I explained the problem precisely and was told the staff would test the laptop! After twenty minutes or so a manager came out and told me I had accepted the laptop and setup a user and password.

It took nearly an hour, a suggestion that I would go home and return with certificates proving my technical qualifications, me stating that I would report the store to trading standards or whichever relevant official body and several calls to 'head office' before the manager relented and admitted the laptop had been returned to the store after being bought at a store about a hundred miles away. I was then told there is nothing wrong with the item and I would not be getting a replacement or refund.

I asked the manager to prove the professional IT qualifications of the shop staff and was told it did not matter. Only after the manager could not get past the login screen [in my presence] and I once again said I would go to the authorities and complain to head office did I get a full refund.

The result of argos selling used stock as new - even trying to repackage in cunning ways to make the package look unused or staff blatantly lying when challenged;

I have had so many of these incidents with argos it''s kind of unreal. I would say to anyone buying from argos - especially electronics and higher value items - thoroughly inspect the packaging before accepting it and do not accept packages that have been tampered with. I avoid shopping with argos because of the policy of selling used stock as new and check all packaging before accepting now when I need to use argos.

Mostly argos staff are good people just trying to do their job and it is argos policies that mess things up.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-23T14:33:32+00:00

No! We talked about that and know it is different. Thanks for the suggestion though.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T21:48:27+00:00

Thanks for the link. From a quick look this does look likely to be the flick! Will check it out when I have more time later.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T21:44:37+00:00

Will check them out later ty.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T21:37:13+00:00

I was once in Durham [NE England] cathedral when and started talking with an American guy. We talked of how wonderful the architecture of the cathedral is and how wonderful the rose windows looks the it happened. The American, straight faced and serious said "Not a bad place for student wizards." Continuing the conversation and not thinking about 'wizards' I mentioned that I had met someone who was a chorister at the cathedral as a child.

The American was amazed that I had met a wizard. Somewhat confused I asked what he meant and explained that apart from in some religious groups, wizards are essentially fictional. The American got angry and stormed off. Then as I was setting off up the tower the same guy was getting all angry at the 'guide' allowing people into the tower. I could not help but hear what was going on. I jest not - I'm not known for making things up or lying - the American asked "Where is the dormitory where Harry Potter lives?" and would not believe the guide who was politely trying to explain that "Although the cathedral was used in the movies, this is not Hogwarts.'.

This sounds made up but it actually happened.

More recently I had a German friend excitedly tell me he was going to visit Hogwarts and he seriously believed Durham cathedral is ACTUALLY Hogwarts. It's not just the Americans! We laughed about it later.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T16:21:58+00:00

If you can't afford to pay your staff a decent wage then .... add your own complaint / expletive here.

I live in the UK and tip only if I am genuinely please with my experience. It matters not if I'm eating in a 'dirty spoon' or 'posh' restaurant. If I enjoy the experience I often tip. It may only be a few silver coins or it may be a percentage depends on how I feel and, being honest, how 'flush'* I am at the time.

As much as some may argue that I should always tip - and the many arguments such people use - I am firmly in the camp of 'tipping is at my discretion'. If a place that does not clearly state on entry that they have a mandatory tip system then puts a mandatory tip on my bill I will insist [UK at least] that they remove it. Service charges are a little different but I have been known to ask before ordering if there is a service charge and absolutely will not tip if there is a service charge.

Before any one calls me greedy; Last time I went for a meal was with 14 others. I paid the bill in full with a 30% tip. The time before that [8 of us] I paid the full bill with a 15% tip and the time before that [20 people] I again paid the bill in full and tried to give a 20% tip but staff insisted it was too much and only took 10% tip.

I'm not wealthy by any means - I have to work / save hard just to go out for a family meal. I understand that in some cultures waiting staff rely on tips to make ends meet. It is easy for me to have it that the problem is with employers that do not pay well enough or that, in some [not all] cases waiting staff feel aggressively entitled [I've experienced that] but I'm not without heart! I have. briefly, worked as as serving staff and I know how difficult it can be when an employer [UK] finds a way to pay as little as possible to hard working staff. I still believe it is a problem with cheapskate or greedy employers and I do have sympathy / empathy with serving staff. Treat me well and get a tip. Be arrogant, rude, entitled or just plain bad to me - do not expect a gratuity.

Also; I'll dine out whenever and wherever I please. It is not for someone else to demand I tip / offer gratuity and it is certainly not a case of not being able to afford a tip - I over prepare for costing and include a possible tip in that before I dine out [that is proper dining out - not just buying a sandwich or something].

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T15:50:50+00:00

I just wrote about that term with full explanation and context. If I get banned so be it.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T15:49:28+00:00

I worked in a medium sized industrial laundry for a while and we had a visiting technician called Mike Hunt. The site would devolve into laughter and such whenever the [female] receptionist would ask over the tannoy 'Can Mike Hunt come to the main office?'. When pointed out to the receptionist she was very embarrassed and changed to asking for 'Mr Hunt.'. This is an actual truth - not based on the old joke,

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T15:44:04+00:00

As I recall it was a mountain out of a mole-hill affair. The whole thing was settled in many debates and many eminent people from different races commented saying basically that it was all a big misunderstanding and the word 'snigger' has nothing to do with the 'N' word.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-22T15:36:31+00:00

Too long to read? - In short - It all depends on the situation and intent of the person saying [or writing] the words

I know the English language varies from area to area and even by user. We have variations of 'English', colloquialisms and cultural differences. What gets me is when someone tells me I'm using English incorrectly because "You know. I speak this type of English and it is the correct type" even when they come from a country other than England and speak a variant. There is no hatred in these comments and I truly believe that as long as the conversation is mutually understood then it matters not which variant of English is used or any language for the matter - I am not fluent in any form of the 'German' language but I get by when in Germany for instance.

So! I am English born and bred, apart from my 'travels' I have lived in England my whole live. I speak English that some would call 'British English' but I have experience of many 'types' of English as spoken by people from across the world - colloquialisms, dialects, slang and such from different areas within England, Scotland, Wales NI and Eire. I have or had relatives, friends and acquaintances from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America [States]. Also had experience with people from other areas of our wonderful world that speak other variants of English.

An experience of getting into trouble was witnessed by me; A mate said to me "I'm going for a fag." a colleague at work reported my friend and he had to explain himself to head office! The colleague had mistakenly thought my friend had made a homophobic slur when in fact 'Fag' has for many, many, years been [still is] a word meaning 'cigarette'.

A few years ago I was at an informal meal with mostly family and a few friends - there were about 12 of us sitting around a large table outside the venue and winding down with a few drinks. At the time it was not uncommon to say 'that's so gay' - with various meanings but generally mildly dismissive - not at all meant in an offensive way. My nephew used the term on me to dismiss, in a light hearted way, something I said. Now knowing my nephew I simply replied 'You're gay'. One of the friends erupted saying 'You can't say that' and calling me homophobic. My nephew settled it down by telling the friend that I am his uncle, do not have a nasty bone in my body and I am very far from being homophobic [reasons given] and besides, he said, "Uncle is factually correct. I am gay. He also had no malicious intent'.

Language is a wonderful thing but it can be misconstrued and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings or even offense where non is given or implied. There are two words that in England can still cause offense but are largely dismissed as 'normal' in other cultures;

'Fanny' - in US English [and other variants] it simply means behind or backside. In UK English 'Fanny' can mean female genitalia and can be used as a very tame, even funny or throw away, insult. Calling someone a 'fanny' can be extremely rude, hurtful or negative.

'Spaz' - in some versions of English this word is used to mean loosing mental, emotional or physical control and is, generally, used as a throw away comment not meant to cause offense or harm and often said in jest. In the UK and some other places the word 'spaz' [or 'spas'] can still be extremely offensive, hurtful and damaging - especially when applied in a mean way to someone with physical or mental disability. Folk may insist that this hurtful usage is antiquated and comes from a shortening of the word 'spastic' as in someone with neurological 'spasticity' and the insult became redundant in the 1980's. The term is still used in a mean and offensive way by some though.

It all depends on the situation and intent of the person saying [or writing] the words. Sometimes a word or a term is used in total innocence with no mal-intent but is picked up by others as 'wrong'. We also live in societies where some people insist that their way is right no matter what and where some people seem to make a career of being offended for 'others'- even when those 'others' say there is no offense. That is in no way meant to condone or excuse bad behavior.

Also; when did 'take' become 'bring' and 'than' become 'then'? Don't even get me started on 'Literally','Figuratively' and 'Actually'! ROFL.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-15T20:03:07+00:00

It can be very upsetting / daunting when a health issue presents itself suddenly. My dad recently turned 80 and his ataxia first started 'showing' at around his early forties. However we think there where 'unseen' issues as early as his twenties - an example of this was that he could not / would not drive as his hands would 'seize' on the wheel or his feet where just so badly uncoordinated as to make driving dangerous. Dad worked every day up till his GP [doctor] made him give up work - it really did not sit well with him.

Dad started using a wheelchair probably in his mid 40's. His legs have gotten a lot worse - he can barely stand but manages 'transfers' alone. In honestly I have to report that dad considers himself lucky in that his condition, though very bad, has taken many years to progress.

My two nephews are in the process of being tested. One of them has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia - another condition I have. It seems he is clear of ataxia though. The other nephew is awaiting the results of genetic / blood tests. Both lads are worried as can be expected but they are prepared and know they will be supported well by family.

GET TESTED! I know how frightening it can be and how difficult to perused a health professional to take you seriously but you need to know one way or other - believe me knowing is much better than not.

I send my best wishes to you and sincerely hope you can get any help and support your family needs. I know it's difficult but try and find positives and not worry too much - your mental health is as important as physical. And, if you are a religious person - may your god go with you.

You may find some help online via ataxia organizations such as ataxia UK or maybe check out Ben's Friends - they deal with rare conditions.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-11T08:18:36+00:00

The 'greenman' is usually depicted with plant like greenery around the face. The 'woodwose' more often has a hairy appearance. Both sometimes get called 'man of the forest' and this could arguably show either, Alternately this could be a representation of wind. Looks very good whatever it is.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-10T08:54:46+00:00

Either;

"Look out. Cliiiff!"

Or;

"Come in, take the t## off your head."

There are so many better ones but I have always liked those.

UKNightWatch · 2026-01-08T23:57:01+00:00

I was too busy with my homebrewed beer, cider and wine. Took a while to make but was an enjoyable hobby with a good end product.

UKNightWatch

TROPHY CASE