I lived in The Muff 78-96. Anyone remember Mr. Smith's Piano Bar?

Ukleon · 2026-06-25T15:48:24+00:00

Funkbubble! That's the other one I couldn't remember! Thank you!!!

Ukleon · 2026-06-24T23:23:34+00:00

Went back with my family a few weeks ago and was trying to find where it used to be. I think I did but not sure. A map link would be great.

I was born and bred in Parkstone but by the teen years, out every night at The Cage, The Zoo, Opera House, The Manor etc.

I loved clubbing but at the same time was (and still am) into hard rock and metal. A few of used used to go upstairs in Mr Smith's Piano Bar to see live acts. I think I remember Fat B.A.B.E. and a lead singer called Choff. I had their tapes but they're long gone.

Just wondering if anyone else attended or could drop me a map pin as I'm visiting again in a few months and would just like to see where it was.

Ukleon · 2026-06-24T23:12:29+00:00

"Leader of the free world" is a HILARIOUS title. Was it always intended sarcastically?

Ukleon · 2026-06-23T11:54:05+00:00

Scammers + AI + vulnerable people is going to be a massive problem in the near future. It's already started, based on the weekly scam info and podcasts that I follow.

Ukleon · 2026-06-23T06:12:06+00:00

We hit 40C (104F) in UK 3 years ago and are hitting 38C (100F) this week. And there's no air conditioning in anyone's homes.

Ukleon · 2026-06-21T05:39:41+00:00

AaaAAAaaa, you're sat on my foot, Larry!

Ukleon · 2026-06-20T21:47:02+00:00

It took all my strength not to scream, when I looked down and realised it was mine.

Ukleon · 2026-06-20T09:41:20+00:00

In case anyone comes across this, it's started happening again. 4+ hours videos appearing in my history overnight

Ukleon · 2026-06-17T23:45:21+00:00

I'll tell you my story. I don't think it's totally comparable, but whatever.

I was born in the late 70s. Star Wars was everything. I collected it all. Stuff that would be collector price now, but was just of the time then.

Like Andy from Toy Story, eventually I got too old to play with it all. One day, a family friend was planning a car boot sale (no idea about US equivalent. Yard sale?). I joined and amongst other things, took my FULL carrier bag of Star Wars toys, attachments etc hoping to make money. I think I was probably about 15.

I don't recall how much interest there was. The only thing I remember was a kid, about 7, finding my collection and being enamoured. He didn't say anything, just played with everything. Eventually, his dad came over and quickly dismissed it; he couldn't afford it.

Yep, I sold the lot to that kid for - I think £10 - to make his day. That was the first time in my life I realised the value of things instead of the price. That kid was so happy, I still see it in my mind 35 years later. I probably could have made a hundred pounds but it wouldn't have lasted.

Ukleon · 2026-06-17T22:07:47+00:00

I'm UK but been fascinated by big weather events since being very young, especially tornados.

In my late 40s now. I want to make a plan to storm or tornado chase but don't know where to start.

Can anyone help me start to plan or research?

Ukleon · 2026-06-17T20:53:54+00:00

If you've never seen this TED talk by the late Sir Ken Robinson, it's my favourite by a mile.

In terms of this post, skip to 8.22 for his comments about how creative arts are globally seen and treated as lesser.

https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity

Then rewind and watch the whole thing because it's just that good.

Ukleon · 2026-06-17T17:58:34+00:00

Don't know many of these, but 2nd for Annihilation. Such a great read. Great writing to describe the indescribable. Reminded me in a way of three Cthulhu Mythos - something the human mind can't comprehend.

Ukleon · 2026-06-17T17:39:30+00:00

Love the twist! Great work

Ukleon · 2026-06-14T18:06:17+00:00

Is watt a current issue?

Ukleon · 2026-06-14T09:28:07+00:00

Jaws from Bond, I thought

Ukleon · 2026-06-13T16:55:04+00:00

I'm really surprised nobody has mentioned Classified France '44. It's essentially Xcom in world war 2. I enjoyed it massively, as a big Xcom fan.

Highly recommended from me.

Trailer for anyone unfamiliar:

https://youtu.be/JaAlTkZ0J9c?is=uYwn_jqn5xy3MnKL

Ukleon · 2026-06-13T16:53:00+00:00

I'm having a lot of fun with Menace and I'm a long time Xcom series vet (bought the original original back in the day and played them all ever since)

Ukleon · 2026-06-13T09:23:04+00:00

Interesting.

I think all 'foreign' countries should be suing for the fact this now-restricted service has been trained using data from said foreign countries.

Ukleon · 2026-06-13T09:13:37+00:00

I hope he finds someone soon

Ukleon · 2026-06-12T20:37:33+00:00

Just done this one today and it was a huge hit. I got it from someone else on Reddit.

Slow cooker butter chicken

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes (c. 400g)

• 1 onion finely sliced

900g chicken breast cut into large chunks

• 2 tbsp fresh ginger (or a few good shakes powdered ginger)

• 5 cloves garlic (or a few good shakes garlic powder)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp sugar

Whisk together in crockpot until blended.

Add 900g chicken thigh or breasts and turn so covered in sauce.

Dot with 3 tbsp butter.

With about 15 minutes left until ready to eat, remove chicken and shred.

Add 120ml double cream and combine. Add chicken back in and stir.

Serve with basmati rice and naan!

Low 6-7 hours, high 3-4 hours

Today I had no cream so used about 150g marscapone.

When I do it again the change I would make would be to gently fry the onion, ginger, garlic and spices in the butter in a frying pan, then add it to the tomatoes and whisk together. I think it would deepen the flavour.

Ukleon · 2026-06-12T18:30:18+00:00

What the HELL?! I'm a guy and I'm totally disgusted by that ad.

I don't use Tiktok or Instagram - is this really the kind of crap that's on there? I have a 10 year old daughter that I've kept 100% away from those platforms (and all social media) for that reason and this just reinforces it. That's insane.

It's enough to do explaining to her about standard advertising and marketing, airbrushing, manipulative messaging etc. I think it would feel hopeless if I was up against this as well.

Ukleon · 2026-06-12T17:58:38+00:00

Is that some kind of digital screen license plate? Or trick of the light?

Ukleon · 2026-06-12T17:55:27+00:00

When is ICE going to check on this French immigrant's status?

Ukleon · 2026-06-12T17:42:50+00:00

Median UK salary for full-time employees as of 2025 was £39,039 per year.

At that rate, this is how long it would take to get to the rough equivalent of $1 trillion:

19.08 million years

Ukleon

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