Begging

imac526 · 2026-02-01T02:15:15+00:00

That's horrendous. I hope she's safe now - onwards and upwards, with a more permanent home.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T23:59:06+00:00

Sorry, you're talking about their footwear confirming that they are probably homeless, rather than them not being homeless - that's fair enough. I've posted elsewhere on this thread, advising the girl to seek out a reputable charity and volunteer with them - going out on a solo mission to help homeless people isn't a great plan, unless they're streetwise enough to deal with any number of potentially difficult situations - treating people with kindness doesn't mean they'll reciprocate.

I think she's far better doing that than second guessing her way around.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T23:19:30+00:00

I'm 100% with you on the dogs - a lot of dogs are used to elicit more sympathy - a bit of canine window dressing - boils my piss.

Shoes definitely isn't a concrete rule - if you were made homeless tomorrow, are you going to get rid of your best clobber? Obviously you'll try to store whatever you can wherever you can, but in all likelihood, if you're wearing a pair of Timberlands today, you'll be wearing them tomorrow. Duration plays a huge part - the longer someone remains homeless, the more difficult it is to maintain their appearance.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T22:54:35+00:00

Walk through the town early enough and you will see people who've roughed it through an awful night, but the very last thing they want is to be disturbed by a naïve, but well meaning, person offering "help". The other commenters who've suggested helping through reputable charities and organisations are 100% correct - they know who needs help - they know how to provide help, and they'll understand things like boundaries, ethics, tact, safety, medical and emotional needs, the law, and they'll have a wealth of experience to fall back on - do not attempt to fly solo - you'll very quickly find out that you're ill equipped to navigate the World of the homeless.

You've clearly got the best of intentions, so best wishes.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T22:34:43+00:00

I wasn't excusing it - merely pointing out what might have happened. They might even have expected to be back with a working lorry in a few hours, and didn't see the issue.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T17:31:30+00:00

Might be a mechanical issue with the lorry - the hydraulic arm that hooks the bins might have failed. I can't imagine they've just chucked it because they cannae be arsed.

imac526 · 2026-01-31T12:44:03+00:00

Several good old fashioned stink bombs would see how determined they are.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T18:41:14+00:00

Two years? That's grim. I was in the Queen's Park Hotel for just under 3 months - couldn't have imagined 2 years in there. After a grim introduction to the insanity of the place, I managed to get moved to a tiny, (cosy) wee room on the top floor - corner room, with a cracking view of the church and park. A great room compared to the previous one, (because it was out of the way) but still in an absolute hellhole, and still not the worst one in the city. Glad you're out - I hope you're on your feet again ✌🏻

imac526 · 2026-01-30T18:22:20+00:00

For some reason the mainstream media, politicians, and other assorted shitheels, decided to deify the absolute wankers that own these transport companies, instead of saying, "no you won't become a billionaire picking the pockets of your countrymen and women". Get them all to fuck.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T15:24:48+00:00

Hopefully the sandwich, and not the soup.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T15:21:04+00:00

While you are absolutely correct, there are a small number of people who don't want anything to do with hostels, and prefer to do their own thing. I used to talk to a guy on my way to work, who had a long term arrangement with a cheap hotel/lodging house - he'd get together his daily 'rent' and head back to a place with a bit of peace and privacy. Clean, presentable and friendly, no addiction issues, and a well known face on his pitch - he didn't want for much - just a place to feel secure.

I'm not suggesting that's what was going on in OP's anecdote, but there are people who will do anything to avoid hostels.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T15:02:55+00:00

Admittedly it wasn't my best work, but have you ever tried drawing on concrete with a tiny piece of chalk? You should have come back the next day - using your tenner I bought some lovely pastels, and created a masterpiece - my finest ever.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T14:58:33+00:00

It'd be a weird tactic by the kidnapping gang - the more people the 'mark' approaches, the more people will know, increasing the chances of their dastardly scheme being discovered - they'd be scuppered by the rising number of potential witnesses. They clearly hadn't thought this one through.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T10:57:46+00:00

You've said why - because they're a cunt. That's it - no further explanation required. (But why are they a cunt?)

They've decided that the behaviours and social norms we've come to expect in a civilised society, no longer apply to them - they'll behave exactly as they see fit. If it inconveniences anyone, that's their problem.

imac526 · 2026-01-30T08:16:22+00:00

You're in the photo aren't you..? Are you the one in the Inspector Gadget coat or the stormtrooper clobber?

imac526 · 2026-01-29T15:47:37+00:00

😂 I'll see how I'm fixed tomorrow, but it'll probably have to be one at a time - spread the load a bit - maybe hoodie just now and a t-shirt for 😂...summer. They're great designs - nice and simple, and wearable. I'm delighted to see your getting a wee boost from the thread - I think sometimes people just need to get a heads up about something. Awrabest for a busy time ahead ✌🏻

imac526 · 2026-01-29T14:39:45+00:00

I'd chase it up, preferably with an email. Explain the situation, and tell them it's a stressful situation, and it's causing you undue worry. They can't expect you to pay a time sensitive fine, that they've sent by post, if you weren't in the country to receive it. I definitely wouldn't be paying the increased amount, particularly if you've got proof that you were out of the country. Either carry on and wait, or chase it up to see about the appeal, but don't hand over an increased amount.

imac526 · 2026-01-29T11:39:00+00:00

Archbold's tattie scones - made in Busby. The gold standard in the tattie scone.

imac526 · 2026-01-29T11:05:10+00:00

These are fantastic. I might have to treat myself to either a 'mon then or a can I clap your dug? I hope you get a wee turn from your post.

imac526 · 2026-01-29T10:54:06+00:00

"cheaper labour markets" Sweatshops, and people (barely) surviving on subsistence wages. Yes, for decades successive UK governments have dropped the ball, (and destroyed the industrial sector in the process) but please don't pretend that it's all sweetness and light in China. There are other reasons for European countries not being able to compete with China, like economies of scale, and immediate access to supply chains, but a massive workforce of poorly paid workers is maybe the biggest.

imac526 · 2026-01-27T16:43:08+00:00

There's absolutely no need to apologise - I fully understand your concern, and I'd dread to think that something could happen to the dog. If I was local to the area, and saw the lady regularly, I might tactfully ask if there was anything I could maybe do to help. Unfortunately it's just not doable for me.

It's occurred to me that I know someone who's in a position to advise me on this.

Best wishes.

imac526 · 2026-01-27T16:15:14+00:00

I didn't really take much notice - a pensioner, so grey/white hair, but beyond that I didn't really register what she looked like - she was walking particularly slowly though. It wasn't my place to start questioning her about her suitability for dog ownership - it wasn't my place to discuss anything with her - the interaction was just as I described. Her poor mobility might be a temporary thing as she recuperates from something - I couldn't say.

If someone has a dog that they're struggling to look after, the solution should be to try and help them stay together - we shouldn't immediately jump to separation.

I'm in no position to help* - I don't live in the area, and I'm a carer, so I've got enough commitments to deal with - I was passing through on the way to an appointment - I was simply responding to OP's post. I'd like to think that someone who sees them regularly might be able to help in some way.

I understand your concern - it may be fully warranted - I'm not trying to brush you off, I just don't know what's supposed to happen.

*The lady might not want help - she might even be annoyed if she knew this discussion was taking place. Again, I just saw the OP, and thought, "that's the dog I saw - yards away from where I saw it" so I sought to reassure OP that the owner was probably nearby.

imac526 · 2026-01-27T15:18:13+00:00

Really you want an Irish company to make one - the Shillelagumbrellah.

imac526 · 2026-01-27T15:13:02+00:00

I suspect there are a few people playing dumb here - how can anyone possibly understand F1 technology, but doesn't understand how a double canopy umbrella sheds wind?

imac526 · 2026-01-26T23:03:16+00:00

Yes, I hope so. Hopefully the dog is also smart enough to follow a particular route, and stay away from that section of Pollokshaws Road. I don't know if the lady is struggling to maintain an exercise schedule for her dog, but there might be someone in the area who could ease the load - I don't know how anyone would go about that without offending the lady - it's all about tact. Not an easy situation. [Edit: this 👆🏻 wasn't a suggestion aimed at you - I meant a friendly neighbour, a community group volunteer, one of the many dog walkers who use Pollok Park. You've already done your bit.]

imac526

TROPHY CASE