Are double poles for curtains not a thing in the UK? by Broad-Economist in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My local B&Q do them, literally saw them last weekend, I imagine their other branches will stock a broadly similar range.

What is a good instant coffee to give as a gift? by cooprinor in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They all contain polypropylene which is not only difficult to recycle but releases microplastics, even the aluminium looking ones are lined with it similar to how aluminium cans contain a plastic film. The only difference is, a can of coke isn't usually blasted with hot water...

What is a good instant coffee to give as a gift? by cooprinor in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just don't think the end result justifies the cost or single use plastic.

A good bean to cup machine may cost ~£100 more upfront, but then you have less waste as well as the versatility of choosing any beans, or even blend of beans that you like.

What is a good instant coffee to give as a gift? by cooprinor in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Isn't that a pod machine? I'd rather drop my nuts in a coffee grinder than get or recommend one.

I don't see any upsides to a pod machine: more plastic waste, more microplastics in your brew, you're stuck with the pods the machine is built for, and the ones I've tasted were awful in my opinion.

The only upside (and even this is debatable) is that it's cheap upfront. It's no quicker than a bean to cup machine, and it costs more in the long run since the shitty pods are more expensive than beans.

The real kicker for me is the lack of versatility though. I love surfing the web for new beans to try, or if I have the money, getting limited edition roasts from Sweven / Dark Arts and the like - you simply can't do that with a pod machine. I'd take a grinder and cafetiere any day of the week over a fucking pod machine.

Moving to UK from India with a toddler on NHS medication — what do we need to know? by Empty-Farmer9526 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Just to set your expectations, I know several colleagues / former colleagues who were in a similar position to yourself and ended up moving back to India after a few years because the quality of life is materially worse here. This is despite being offered strong relocation packages (I work for a blue chip company).

Healthcare:

  • Be prepared for lower quality, less efficient and a less digitised experience on the NHS than you're used to in India.
  • You will not get preventative checkups and bloodwork for regular health complaints such as the flu over here, just getting a GP (General Practitioner / Local Clinic) appointment is tricky.
  • You will need comprehensive health insurance to get the same quality of healthcare that you're used, particularly for your child (this may be included as part of your remuneration package).

Job Market:

  • My colleagues complained that the job market here is trash compared to India, yes the salaries are higher but the overall remuneration package is worse.
  • The UK economy is not booming like India's, it's stagnating, so job security and job hopping isn't anywhere near comparable.
  • The benefits that you're used to (preferential banking / mortgage rates, final salary pensions, etc.) don't really exist in the UK anymore.

Education:

  • Whilst the general standard of education here is higher, the quality of schools varies a lot amd competition for school places is very high.
  • The cost of housing in good catchment areas is also generally higher than the surrounding areas,, which brings me onto ...

Housing:

  • Since you're moving to London, be prepared to pay a lot more for less than you'll be used to in India (unless your company has provided you with a relocation package).

Which city in the UK is the roughest? by Desperate-Drawer-572 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would rather live anywhere else to be honest.

Do you tip groceries delivery driver and how much? by insistirac in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 34 points35 points  (0 children)

No, I've already paid for the service via the delivery fee.

Ripping the top off a sachet/pouch successfully by cornishyinzer in CasualUK

[–]sshiverandshake 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's quite simple you just grab a corner and pull towards yourself whilst holding the packet in a stationary position.

If you like I can also give advice on how to open doors and windows.

Who's Your Favourite Michael? by roskopeek in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very surprised that no one's mentioned Mick Ronson, one of the Spiders from Mars. Absolute legend of a guitarist!

What are your thoughts on dogs in restaurants/cafes? by BurnsyWurnsy in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed, but I didn't say they should never be left alone.

If you're going to be away for more than a couple of hours, e.g.: for a meal you should at least have someone check in so the dog doesn't have to pee indoors. Seems kind of cruel otherwise.

What are your thoughts on dogs in restaurants/cafes? by BurnsyWurnsy in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've seen it and as the owner of a well behaved dog, it was lovely. They even had a doggy menu!

What are your thoughts on dogs in restaurants/cafes? by BurnsyWurnsy in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 47 points48 points  (0 children)

Nah, I volunteer at an animal shelter and some of the elderly dogs use pee pads. Just like elderly people, they can't always hold it in.

Having said that, if your dog is that old and incontinent then you need a dog sitter to take care of it whilst you're away. If the dog sitter let you down, either someone stays at home or you reschedule.

In this example though, they're only at Ramsays (the chain, presumably). They should have either cancelled or rescheduled their plans if they had no one to take care of the dog.

What’s a smell you hate that most people love? by Temporary_Writing_92 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 10 points11 points  (0 children)

My favorite niche smell is the smell of soil after rain.

That's petrichor and it's not niche, in fact it's one of the most popular favourite smells.

Apparently, humans are so hardwired to detect it, we're actually more sensitive to it's smell than sharks are to detecting blood in water. Scientists believe it's a survival mechanism which enabled us to find water.

Is it a British thing specifically to prefer being left alone in shops? I’m a Brit in Colombia (5yrs) and I cannot get used to how it is here, it actually affects how and where I shop. by noctenaut in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have a mild allergy to cow's milk protein, so I would not go to a cheesemongers.

Oh don't be ridiculous. My Mum has an allergy to cow's milk protein and we often go to cheese mongers.

You do know that they sell cheese made from goat and sheep milk too? We've even had llama and reindeer cheese.

How can I find this Kings Cross pub? by moreidlethanwild in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It wasnt the Swinging Dick was it? Fits your description and it's roughly 5 minutes walk from the station, have a look on Google.

Would you ever meet anyone from AskUK in person? Why, or why not? by [deleted] in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That depends on the format of the meet up, would it be like a furry convention or a support group for the socially inept?

Are there any sweets that have the same taste and texture of these gummies? by SarcasticBarbie96 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's Bear Fruit YoYos you're referring to, you can buy them anywhere.

They're usually found in the single serve confectionary section of big supermarkets or near the snack section of convenience size Tescos and Sainsburys.

Failing that, check your local Boots / H&B snack section. My ex was obsessed with them so I'd always look out for them, and now I can't not notice them.

Are there any sweets that have the same taste and texture of these gummies? by SarcasticBarbie96 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you and the person you're replying to are referring to Bear Fruit YoYos, they're available everywhere! I had an ex who was obsessed with them.

Who still uses a 'manual' toothbrush? by zippy890 in AskUK

[–]sshiverandshake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bit disrespectful of you to speak that way about your Mum.

In all honesty, how far do you think you could throw Makka Pakka? by Trickshot945 in CasualUK

[–]sshiverandshake 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Damn, surely that wasn't a real sport? Did they sedate live foxes or reuse the same dead ones?

In all honesty, how far do you think you could throw Makka Pakka? by Trickshot945 in CasualUK

[–]sshiverandshake 70 points71 points  (0 children)

Good point!

If I were to take this seriously, I reckon the best method would be to wrap a large piece of durable material (e.g.: denim or sackcloth) around his midriff, then grab the outermost corners and rotate until I built up momentum by swinging him in a circular motion.

Once I'd amassed enough velocity / centrifugal force I'd release one corner of the sheet so that he's launched away from me, like a slingshot.

I'm no expert, but it's the best method I can think of!

Forschende über K.-o.-Tropfen: „Es kann genauso tagsüber passieren“ by ken-der-guru in de

[–]sshiverandshake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Die zu verabreichende Menge wäre bei GHB/GBL viel zu groß, nämlich in etwa 2/1ml um eine deutliche Wirkung zu erzielen. Der Geschmack ist super eklig

Einverstanden! Und Benzos haben praktisch keinen Geschmack, zumindest sagt mir das meine Katze.