Deimos

Don't know what I'm allowed to post any more (so I hope this wont get me banned). You can get montants up to 3m long. Plasterboard 3m as well. It's heavy (the 3m plasterboard that is) but I managed to make a room from the stuff. I would not like to be joining montants as they are bendy enough already. When I did a load recently I doubled-up the montants (back to backed them) to help make the wall a bit more ridgid. Much better to do this (provided it is high enough) as all the plasterboard I've seen does not have tapered ends (just sides), this they don't fill well and you will probably end-up with a line showing (or a small crack or something non-fatal but non-ideal). Ian

My understanding is that some walls require a degree of damp to stay up. Dry them out and they will fall down. I have also notices that the French seem far less concerned about a bit of "damp" whereas Brits are paranoid about anybody mentioning it. Of course not talking about "mould on the walls" type damp. I suspect that a lot of modern treatments can cause as many problems as the solve. Most builders tell me that old houses should be allowed to "breath" and then there is no big issue. Also, I have come across the same types of companies in France as in the UK - the "specialist" people who will treat for non-existent problem for a vastly inflated price. I had some wood treatment people round who showed me all sorts of pictures of nasty bugs eating timber - to which I commented that it was a great relief that I did not have any such things in my roof. They spent about 2 hours trying to convince me, gave a a ludicrous quote then tried calling their boss for a "better deal "as they were "in the area". Eventually I told them there was no way on earth I was making any decision there and then so they immediately left.  Of course I have no idea about the people quoting OP. Ian

[quote user="TreizeVents"]Glad the lads and lasses are back.  Now we can hope that all of them come home soon.  What a disaster, that invasion. As for your comments WJT, of course well everyone is entitled to their view.  Especially on a Forum [:D]  When the Israelis (or anyone at all) do actions like they did recently ... ... ... [/quote] Well said - and I agree with pretty much everything you said (and said well) - though was not going to have the forum software repeat it all in a box. Ian

I've had a number of architects round to advise me on converting an attic (which it seems they all agree I do not need permissions for due to its current state).  However, something else they all agreed on is that if you don't need permission for something then don't ask for it.  They commented that the process of asking may easily cause the person you are asking to make checks on what might apply and they commented that as there are so many regulations, which apply to what, how and when is something that is open to quite a bit of interpretation and that the process or asking at best risks delaying things and may easily complicating something a lot - when you don't need to ask anyway. If you are unsure from the responses here, call a local architect and ask him to come round to advice you (cost a few hours work).  The ones I got also came up with some really good suggestions about other things as well. Ian

[quote user="cooperlola"]But when this just degenerates into insult flinging then it's not good for anybody and I, for one, am often relieved when the mods step in and put a stop to it.[/quote]

[quote user="Prasutagus"] The problem with their evidence is whether or not their interpretation of the border is correct. They say it is, we say it is not. I think we all know that they will not chnage their minds, even if the truth is staring them in the face. [/quote] It is starting to look as thought their "facts" regarding the border might actually be correct.  Seems the definition of the border is the projection of the centerline of a waterway and the sand banks are continually moving (as they do in some areas) - causing the border to be continually moving.  That is all fine unless the charts you are using are 1970 charts - which is what the British Navy were doing !! Personally I cannot comment on whether they were over the border or not as I have no charts, no "inside information", etc.  Just that for all the posturing Tony is doing, his "proof" is based on potentially flawed facts (does not mean he is wrong neither does it mean he is right - just that it is open to question). Ian

[quote user="Renaud"]When you think how astute Iran have been at creating and manipulating this crisis and consider that they soon will have a nuclear bomb - this makes the case for Britain's retention of Trident.[/quote] Trouble is, who says the Iranians will have a nuclear bomb.  Same people that told us all about Saddam's WMDs.  About how these could be deployed to attack us within 45 minutes, etc..  I have no idea about what they may or may not have in future - but I can see no reason to believe people who have "vested interests" and who have only recently been caught red handed lying to get their own way.  They say something like a "To be caught out one is unlucky, twice ..." (cannot remember the exact saying). One thing I think that Iraq and Iran do have in common is "loads of oil". Ian

Sorry, but I've had 2nd thoughts so I've removed what I said myself (yesterday I was warned). Ian  

I see on the news today that it is actually possible that the 15 concerned had entered Iranian waters. Seems that the border is defined by the projection of the "centre line" of the waterway and that the mud/sand banks are continually moving. The UK navy charts of the mud/sand banks appear to be based on 1970 positions (from memory anyway) and things may have changed quite a bit since then. Ian

[quote user="Quillan"] Dick sometimes you really are a nasty piece of work. You say things without any shred of proof and quite frankly talk utter rubbish in some instances. I have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the locking of the Blog thread. In fact I would prefer it was not locked. You use big words knowing full well many people don't know what they mean but you use them in such a way as to try and make yourself superior to others. You are a liar, you said I locked the thread, I did not, you have said that somebody somewhere posting on another forum is a moderator from here. I say again, you are a liar now you get absolute proof I am wrong and you are right. No hearsay just absolute proof. If you can do that then I will apologise to you here in front of everyone. I don't want your little mates putting their noses in, you made the accusation so you back it up, come on. [/quote] If anybody was wondering, it was me who "reported" the post above. It is rare to see so many of the forum Code of Conduct rules broken in a single post. Ian

[quote user="Eslier"][quote user="Dotty "] Hello RH Well I'm really glad I pressed that report button.  It would seem no body gives a stuff what I think.  The button is there but press it and guess what?  Nothing. What's the point.  [/quote] Well that's very strange Dotty.  I replied to your "report" and I can see that the PM I sent has been viewed four times - that's once by me and three times by you or someone logged into the forum as you. Perhaps someone else in your household has been reading your PMs ? Please let me know if you would like me to send my PM again. [/quote] How come when a different thread get one or two posts that are not directly related to the subject of the thread it gets locks, yet a moderator can happily make posts to a related thread that are nothing to do with the thread topic. Thus, does the moderator take the thread "off-topic" and then lock it because of what they have done ? Bit of "selective moderating going on here ? Ian

I think I should point out to everybody that there is a clear forum code of conduct. When the code of conduct is broken threads can be deleted or locked. When a post or thread becomes abusive or ill mannered then the thread/posts may be locked or deleted. Even when the code of conduct is not broken and posts are polite, etc. threads can still be locked. Seems it is the moderators right to "do as they please, when they please". Life like that must be great. Ian

[quote user="Bugbear"] Get two pieces of sticking plaster and stick one each on the bony lump that you will find right behind each ear. It's does something to your balance recepters (what, I don't know) [/quote] That is interesting and I believe I know where it started. Several years ago there was some drug you could get that worked really well. It was "taken" through "patches". These were plaster coloured and applied (stuck) behind each ear. People often used to cut them in half to only get a "half dose". They were not readily available in the UK and most people using them were Americans. There is a guaranteed cure for sea-sickness: "Sit under a tree". Ian

Maybe look at http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/907009/ShowPost.aspx (a few posts below this on the same page). Ian

[quote user="Barkham"]I have no idea what sort of software I need to down load onto my computer. Please help. [/quote] Loads of things - e.g. the web browser you are using to look at this forum will download files (incl. MP3). No need to find, install and learn new software. Ian

Supposed to have finished now (in most places anyway) but does anybody have any idea when it starts again (next autumn/winter). Ian

For those inclined to support charity collections, buying batteries is great. I always buy an extra one or two and donate these to the collections boxes most supermarkets have. After all, when I get old and grey I will need batteries and will be dependant on the charity of others. Ian

What is strange is how they seem to charge the same for the really old manky ones as for the shiny new ones. I always go for new ones -much better value for money. And the excellent customer service in France is so good that if you get a faulty one (jammed wheel or something like that) you just take it back and normally get a full immediate refund. Ian

One thing that is a lot cheaper here (in France) is supermarket trolleys. Generally they cost only 1€ (though some places charge twice that - you need to shop around). I've got so many of the things now I'll have to start looking for some canal space to store them in. Ian

I commented in a different thread - but that one was just starting to turn into a bun fight. Certainly I hope the RN people will be released quickly and without trials/humiliation/etc. Without doubt there are loads of possible conspiracy theories possible. However, without evidence assuming such things in not really constructive. Undoubtedly it gives our (and their) politicians loads of opportunities to posture (like those animals you see in the wildlife documentaries strutting around eyeing each other up). All good opportunities for tough talk on both sides. What does seem totally daft is, given the UK's public attitude re: Iran's nuclear arms/power program, why were these people stopping vessels so close to a disputed border. Does seem a bit like inviting the situation (a bit like withdrawing the navy from the Southern Atlantic and guess what happened then !). And through it all our politicians sit safely at home getting all the good PR they can from their tough talk whilst the real innocent people are being held captive. Ian

[quote user="Cassis"]You could be right.  In that case: "All the French detest all foreigners and you should not believe anyone who says otherwise.  Stay in the UK." I hereby waive all rights to this post.  No attribution or remuneration required. [/quote] When you signed-up to the forum the T&Cs for a different web site said you "you warrant to all us that all content that you submit will be accurate, truthful and not misleading in any way".[Www] Anyway, the truth is that in France you are expected go round roundabouts the opposite way to how/what you do when in the UK (like bathwater turns a different way round a plug hole in Australia than in the UK). It is differences like that that are really important and should be published without delay (next issue !!) Ian

I certainly hope the RN people are released soon without trial, etc. However, given the posturing by Blair/Bush re: nuclear weapons/power programs , it must be said that stopping and searching a vessel so close to a disputed border was pretty stupid - pretty well inviting something to happen. One can only wonder at the real reasons behind such actions (both UK and Iranian) - a great opportunity for conspiracy theories and a great opportunity for Blair (and the Iranians) to do some more posturing all at the cost to ordinary people's lives. Ian

Maybe there is to be an article about French attitudes in the next LF magazine and they are seeking something to write ? Ian

With regard top the original question, there is a good online store for camping stuff http://www.au-vieux-campeur.fr/gp/. I have used them before, ordering with a card over the telephone and it was good, worked well. No idea how they work with things like cloths and shoes where one might not be unsure of the size and never done any price comparisons.  I tend to only use online places when I already know exactly what I want (or it is such standard stuff that there is really little choice between brands/models/etc.) Ian

I tend to find "Go Sport" quite a lot better. Not sure how widespread through France they are but they have an outlet in the shopping centre on the N138 just on the north side of Le Mans (plus another in Tours). They have a slightly wider range of sports than e.g. Intersport. Ian