Important news of the day thread

[Tubby Beaver 209]

Originally Posted By: thursday

any restrictions on the ammo?

actually that'd be a good way around it eh....

shop: sure you can have as many uzi's and AK's that you want, go ahead pck up 1 for your son.

Randy "Gun-nut" Wesienhowser III: Nice one, thanks. Right give me the bullets.

shop:hahahahaha!! Bullets! do you think we're that stupid??



I just can't believe that a place with so many problems created with guns, that they brazenly cling to this right to bear arms.

[JA2340 16]

And the stupid part is that the right to bear arms is ONLY to provide for the defense of the nation. SO, it is for a militia, not just because you can!

 

Stupid blardy judges, do they not read their own constitution?

[Tubby Beaver 209]

[brit-gob 9]

FLOP Ashley Cole sent a disgraceful message to pals days before flying out to the World Cup - snarling: "I hate England and the f***ing people!"

 

The Chelsea defender shared the astonishing insult with pals using his BlackBerry hours before he boarded a flight to England's pre-World Cup training camp in Austria.

 

He posted it as his status message, allowing all those designated as his friends to see it.

[scouser 4]

Not hard to understand why many English people simply aren't interested in the England team.

[thursday 1]

Move!

 

Quote:

Poor in UK dying 10 years earlier than rich, despite years of government action

 

 

The life expectancy gap between rich and poor people in England is widening, despite years of government and NHS action, a hard-hitting National Audit Office report reveals today.

 

Extensive efforts have failed to reduce the wide differential, which can still be 10 years or more depending on socio-economic background, says the public spending watchdog. While life expectancy has risen generally, it is increasing at a slower rate for England's poorest citizens.

 

In Blackpool, for example, men live for an average of 73.6 years, which is 10.7 fewer than men in Kensington and Chelsea in central London, who reach 84.3 years. Similarly, women in the Lancashire town typically die at 78.8 years – 10.1 years earlier than those in the London borough, who reach an average 89.9.

 

The gap in life expectancy between government-designated areas of high deprivation and the national average has continued to widen, so Labour's aim of reducing it by 10% will not be met, the NAO concludes. The failure to meet the target has cost an estimated 3,300 lives.

 

The report criticises the Department of Health and the NHS for making too little progress to tackle this key barometer of inequality. Although the DoH set a target in 2000 to reduce health inequalities and published a strategy in 2003, real NHS action did not begin until 2006, it says.

 

"The Department of Health has made a concerted effort to tackle a very difficult and long-standing problem," said Amyas Morse, head of the NAO.

 

"However, it was slow to take action and health inequalities were not a top priority for the NHS until 2006."

 

The service was also slow to apply three key policies, including giving more poor people drugs to reduce their blood pressure or cholesterol level. "These have yet to be adopted on the scale required to close the inequalities gap," the NAO said.

 

The report also highlights a continuing lack of GPs in poor areas with high health need, despite shortages having been identified as a problem in 2000. It is also unclear whether an extra £230 a head spent in some areas to improve health outcomes has had any real impact.

 

Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, said the disparities showed the inequality of English society. "If we see ourselves as a civilised society, these gaps are an indication of unfairness, which shouldn't be there, and is an unfairness which costs lives, damages people's health and will eventually be a huge burden on the NHS if they aren't tackled," he said.

 

But the NAO report did contain good news about improvements in the health of England's poorest citizens, he added. "The health of the people in the poorest areas is going in the right direction – that's good news. We shouldn't regard that as a failure. But the bulk of the population are improving their health at a faster rate." He urged ministers to resist any temptation to cut spending on health inequalities in the tough financial climate.

 

Anne Milton, the public health minister, emphasised the government's belief in health equality. "Everyone should have the same opportunities to lead a healthy life no matter where they live. We want the public's health to be at the very heart of all we do, not just in the NHS but across government," she said.

 

"This report shows that efforts have been made to address health inequalities but that more needs to be done to tackle the deep-rooted social problems that cause ill-health. I want to see the NHS, doctors and local government acting at the right time to improve the health of those who need it most."

 

The NHS Confederation, which represents most health service organisations, admitted that more progress was needed. Jo Webber, its deputy policy director, said: "The NHS and its partners, especially in local government, have a responsibility to help stop people falling into and continuing in ill-health rather than picking up the pieces when it may be too late. Encouraging improved health requires a focus on all aspects of society, including economic inequality, and quality of life in early years."

 

Tammy Boyce, of the King's Fund health thinktank, said the NHS could only achieve so much. "Tackling health inequalities is not a task for the NHS alone. It requires a co-ordinated, long-term commitment across government to address the wider causes of ill health such as poverty and poor housing," she said.

 

"The first test of whether the coalition government is likely to succeed where the previous government failed will come in this autumn's spending review. It is vital that cross-cutting issues like health inequalities are not overlooked in the scramble to deliver spending cuts on a department-by-department basis."

 

Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said the big gap in life expectancy had to be tackled in the light of the government's intention to increase the age at which people can draw the state pension. "With a 13-year disparity in life expectancy between different areas of the country, it's shocking that primary care trusts are still failing to use simple and effective treatments to help tackle the problem.

 

"This report follows the government's announcement last week to raise the state pension age further and faster, which will hit those with a shorter life expectancy in the poorest areas of Britain hardest," she said. "In this context, tackling health inequalities is more urgent than ever and the government must set ambitious targets to close the yawning life expectancy divide."

[pie-eater 207]

The Blackpool numbers are because locals have such excitement on the thrill rides of the Pleasure Beach.

[stemik 14]

as well as all those fish & chip shops

[pie-eater 207]

Some cracking fish and chip shops in Blackpool.

One of my favourites is there actually.

[stemik 14]

me too...mine is behind the large NCP carpark between the tower and central pier

[thursday 1]

wan't there a survey on the best fish n chip shop in the UK just a few months back? They wore white jackets and hats.

[pie-eater 207]

Never really trust things like that.

 

In other news.

 

Quote:

Maggots on a plane

 

Maggots falling from an overhead luggage locker have forced a US Airways flight to return to the gate at Atlanta airport.

 

"Bugs just began to fall out of the overhead compartment" causing panic on board, passenger Desiree Harrell was quoted as saying by Associated Press.

 

All the passengers were then asked to get off so crews could clean the plane.

[thursday 1]

Here you go sonny. The Times:

 

Quote:

 

The UK's Top 10 fish and chip shops 2010

 

It's a wrap... from thousands of entries here's the shortlist for the national Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competitionNick Wyke In the 150 years since Joseph Malin is said to have opened the country's first fish and chip shop in Cleveland Street, London the classic takeaway meal has changed very little.

 

A survey in 2009 reported that the nation’s favourite accompaniment to fish and chips is salt and vinegar (51 per cent) - vinegar was first splashed over fish and chips by Victorian cook, Eliza Acton, as a means of sweetening the fish - followed by tomato ketchup (15 per cent) and mushy peas (8 per cent).

 

The hunger for a fish supper reached its peak in 1927 when there were about 35,000 fish and chip shops in the UK. Now there are about 11,500 (that's eight chip shops for every McDonalds).

 

Today shops are judged on their sustainable sourcing practices, customer service, hygiene and staff training, and most importantly, the quality of their fish and chips.

 

Last year, the ethically sound Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife was crowned champion chippy.

 

According to Nikki Hawkins, the project manager and a judge for the competition, “Many fish and chip shops are giving customers the opportunity to try different kinds of fish, such as pollack and coley, as a way of addressing sustainability.â€

 

The organisers Seafish provides “buyers’ top tips†to encourage responsible seafish sourcing. For example, the fish supplier needs to know the management stock from which the fish has been caught and use traceability systems to assure the origin of the product.

 

The winner of the 22nd national Fish & Chip Shop of the Year competition will be announced on January 21 at a ceremony in London.

 

TOP 10 CHIPPIES

 

1. Linford’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Market Deeping, Peterborough, Eastern England

With a 36-year family history in the fish and chips business it’s no surprise that Paul Linford has featured in the competition on several occasions.

 

Serving mainly cod (steamed, floured or battered), the shop prides itself on its high level of customer service and quality products. When available from sustainable sources, Paul also serves haddock, plaice, lemon sole and huss.

 

A very traditional fish and chip shop, the building dates back to 1771 and was a former stables and coach house, before it became a counting house and then latterly a butcher’s.

 

Linford’s Traditional Fish & Chips, 6 Market Place, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8EA

 

2. Finnegan’s, Porthcawl, Wales

 

No stranger to the competition, Huw Jones, owner of Finnegan’s Fish Bars in Wales is the current Welsh champion and a former UK champion for his shop in Bridgend.

 

Located in the seaside town of Porthcawl, Finnegan’s batterless cod is one of several specials that cause long queues out of the shop door.

 

Jones and his team source all their fish from sustainable sources and count cod, haddock, plaice and pollock and hake as regulars on the menu.

 

A favourite with Welsh celebrities - Ruth Jones of Gavin and Stacey is a regular visitor - the shop has also hosted Hollywood star Michael Sheen.

 

Finnegan’s Fish Bar, Unit 6 Broadlands District Centre, Gentle Way, Bridgend

 

3. Metro Fish Bar, Bury, Lancashire, North West England

The Metro Fish Bar has only been open for one year but owners David and Suzanne Winfield have already made quite an impression on the locals by serving a delicious fish pie as well as traditional fish and chips.

 

A fish and chips fan since he was a boy, Winfield always knew he wanted to run a fish and chip shop. By serving a variety of sustainable species including skate, pollock, crab and potted shrimp the shop appeals to a wide variety of tastes.

 

Metro Fish Bar, 825 Manchester Road, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 9PT

 

4. Atlantic Fast Food, Scotland

Making its debut appearance, Atlantic Fast Food in Coatbridge, Glasgow, has been voted Scotland’s top chippy.

 

Owner Giovanni Fionda is a Scot with Italian heritage whose parents have run fish and chip shops for many years.

 

All food served in the shop is prepared and cooked by a fully trained chef and everything is sourced from sustainable Scottish waters. Haddock is the most popular fish of choice for customers, with scampi served occasionally.

 

Atlantic Fast Food, 155 Calder Street, Coatbridge, ML5 4QR

 

5. Scooby Snax, Brightlingsea, nr Colchester, London and South East England

Located in the seaside town of Brightlingsea, Scooby Snax is run by John McNeil, a former chef in the RAF. This is the second year running the shop has been crowned the best in London and the South East and its reputation means people come from all over Essex to sample his top-class fish suppers.

 

The shop serves an impressive array of seafood including cod, haddock, hake, salmon, plaice, lemon sole, tuna, squid and pollack. Fish can be griddled or fried and served with chips, a jacket potato or salad.

 

Scooby Snax, 3 Church Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester, CO7 0JE

 

6. The Fish and Chicken Inn in Ballymena, Northern Ireland

In less than a year the Fish and Chicken Inn has put itself firmly on the map. Owner Brian Surgeon is a believer in attention to detail and this is evident in every area of the shop – from the well-designed menus and consistently high quality product to impeccable customer service.

 

The Fish and Chicken Inn, 47 Ballmoney Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AN

 

7. Daniels Fish & Chips, Weymouth, South West England

Open since 1996, Daniels has made a name for itself as the best in Central and Southern England. Focusing on sourcing a quality product from sustainable Icelandic waters, the shop staff pride themselves on their customer service. All employees undergo regular training on the industry, and they are happy to provide recommendations and advice on what to eat and what's in season.

 

159 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, DT4 0TA (T: 01305 787720)

 

8. Royal Fisheries, Whitby, North East England

This shop has been in the Fusco family for more than 40 years and current owner Carol Fusco has worked there since she was still at school. The shop’s home-made fish cakes are legendary in the local area and by using fully traceable fish from sustainable sources, the team take the quality of its seafood very seriously. The best seller is cod but haddock, plaice, lemon sole, halibut, pollack and the famous Whitby whole tail scampi feature regularly on the menu.

 

No stranger to movie stars, the shop featured in the 1998 movie Captain Jack. Telling the story of a Whitby skipper, the film starred Bob Hoskins, Sadie Frost and Maureen Lipman.

 

Royal Fisheries, 48 Baxtergate, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1BL

 

9. Great British Eatery, Birmingham, Midlands

Set up in 2007 by two school friends, Conrad Brunton and Andrew Insley, who met at Haybridge Sixth Form College 11 years ago, the Great British Eatery was designed to combine a traditional menu with a modern edge.

 

Served alongside Icelandic cod and haddock is a selection of British beers and ciders and customers can even indulge in Cornish Ice Cream for pudding. Brunton and Insley take the quality of the food they serve very seriously and that’s why they employ Cambridgeshire’s Young Chef of the Year, Chris James, to help create the best fish and chips in the area.

 

The shop has a fantastic reputation in the local area. In fact Birmingham’s three Michelin-starred chefs Glynn Purnell, Luke Tipping and Richard Turner are all regular customers.

 

13 Francis Road, Birmingham, B16 8LP

 

10. Broughton Fish & Chips, Milton Keynes, Central & South England

Owners of the shop, Stephen and Deborah Wilding, obtained the Seafish Friers Quality Award just four months after taking over the shop. Winning is in their blood as the couple previously ran a chip shop in Biggleswade, which was regional winner for central England in the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Competition two years running in 2005 and 2006.

 

To ensure the business is environmentally friendly, all packaging is recycled and fresh fish is sourced from sustainable stocks. Potatoes are sourced locally where possible and state-of-the-art environmentally friendly equipment is used on site.

 

81 Tanfield Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9NJ

[Tubby Beaver 209]

The Anstruther Fish bar (last years champon) s a quality Fish n chip shop. Anstruther is about 30 mins from Dundee and I7ve often went across there on an early summer's evening to get a chippy and eat it overlooking the sea, nice scenic spot to munch on quality chip shop grub

[Go Native 70]

Serving fish from 'sustainable' sources seems to be a big thing in the UK. Well at least in the quality establishments mentioned above. Never see that sort of marketing claim in Japan!

[grungy-gonads 54]

Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver

and eat it overlooking the sea, nice scenic spot to munch on quality chip shop grub

Grub. Great word. And curiously used when describing food!

[Tubby Beaver 209]

haha true...wonder where the food usage orignated from. It is a very nice souding word though, rolls right off the tongue.

 

We used to use derivatives of "grub" to mean hogging the ball at football.

 

a grubber: Someone who always hogged the ball and didn't pass to his team mates

 

"oi Davey!! stop being a grubbing ba#ta*d!!"

[thursday 1]

I suppose anybody who wishes to enter just fills out a form and send it off.

[ShinyDiscoBall 2]

One of my good friends at college his nickname was Grub.

[RobBright 35]

Girl must eat every 15 mins

Quote:

In fact, the 21-year-old from Austin, Texas, must eat every 15 minutes to stay healthy.

Miss Velasquez has a rare condition which prevents her from gaining weight even though she eats up to 60 small meals a day.

 

Despite consuming between 5,000 and 8,000 calories daily, the communications student, has never tipped over 4st 3lbs.

"I weigh myself regularly and if I gain even one pound I get really excited," said 5ft 2 ins Miss Velasquez, who wears size triple zero clothes.

[thursday 1]

she needs to be pointed to the lunch thread

[RobBright 35]

But imagine how much pizza you could eat.

[RobBright 35]

Quote:

Real Madrid & Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo announces that he has become a father. Real Madrid star and former Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he has become a father.

The announcement came on Saturday night via his official Twitter account and Facebook page, in which the 25-year-old stated that the newborn child will be under his "exclusive guardianship".

However, the former Manchester United forward did not disclose the identity of the mother.

The full statement on Ronaldo's official Facebook page reads:

"It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy. As agreed with the baby's mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship.

"No further information will be provided on this subject and I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are."

Ronaldo has had a disappointing time with Portugal in South Africa, where his team lost 1-0 to Spain in the second round of the World Cup.

[grungy-gonads 54]

Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Birth To Baby Boy

 

No female involved! He did it all himself!

[grungy-gonads 54]

With all this talk of The Omen, this is almost scary.