woolybananasbrother

[quote user="Maricopa"]Depending on which news report you watch, there are 3 dead and between 9 and 14 injured[:(].  It looked like a bomb had gone off, not a small tornado.  It was in dept 59 (Nord, in Nord-pas de Calais)[/quote] Ah, could you be closer to the truth than you realise. Was it really a tornado? Look at the damage. It is too extreme for a European tornado. I reckon the government knows more than they are letting on.[6]

What was that you said cassis? I know it was something, I felt it, like passing wind.

Still there. The problem I mean, dunno about the hole

Problem is still there. The site has had something fragile about it for a few days now and has been fragile ever since the last update when I think extra servers were added or somehting. And it makes typoos too[:P]

The French press reports seem curiously dry. None seems to mention that he came to the Vendée to mark the 200th anniversary of the attempted genocide here and opened the 'Holocaust' memorial. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7540038.stm

[quote user="Russethouse"] Disposable income ? Whats that ? [;-)][/quote] It is the wads of cash that antique dealers keep in their coat pockets[6]

Yes LandR.we have just had a long and somewhat acrimonious debate about IB, a substantial part of which turned around the accuracy of the figures and statements made. Now we are haggling about this without thinking about the numbers. Who for example commits the most offences? That is the group to be hit hardest , regardless of income and family committments. This is just an elaborate piece of nonsense in which the courts beging to discriminate against the successful for the same crime as layabouts. Sorry, not on. Speeding one suspects is a crime primarily committed by young drivers, so hit them hardest. Fine them, take away their licence yes, but also take away their cars.

Deeply, but then I am a woman and used to pain.

[quote user="Benjamin"]I've just had a go with making bread by hand and for the first attempt I'm quite pleased. However, what a messy business ( a bit like childbirth I would imagine). Can someone tell me the name for a breadmaker in France (Boulanger is not the answer I'm looking for, before WB's bro arrives) so that I can have a look on Ebay? [/quote] Hello, I'm randy (sorry about the lack of caps, I'm having trouble with my a 'r's), Yes, it is a messy business isnt it benjy baby, all that sticky slippery stuff that gets every where and doesnt wipe up. Well, now that my obnoxious other brother is asleep with the dogs again may I recommend that Panasonic as being by far the best. You dont even need to get your fingers sticky. The best trick is to check the satisfaction ratings on Amazon uk, then you know what is what. I think Clair may have indicated all this, bless her froggy thighs. (By the way Benjy, WB died a slow and horrible death some months ago and we are still mourning him. I think your slightly cruel reference was to WBB. I undertsand your confusion and accept your apologies in our hour of pain.)

No, but the law aint as precise as many of us like to pretend.

Just out of interest, is it easier not to be got for tax is you rent a place here.

Your question presupposes that tax is paid Tony.

183 days per year is the crunch point.

What naffs me right off are the people who hover around, knowing you are moving, discreertly or less discreetly asking for stuff, regardless of its potential value oe importance. Last time I moved, my neighbours (Brit and French) were round like flies on a **** and seemed quite put out that i wasn't about to give them my new brushcutter, circular saw, workbench and other tools. Other bits they asked for were the (gas) barbie, chairs and tables. One even had his eyes on my Nilfisk.

U meen we gotta pay tax??? Nah this iz France. Noone payz it. Whas Portugal like? Do they have Tata tanks?[6]

I understand that a question was asked in the Commons recently concerning the number of people receiving IB who are living out of the UK. Did it get answer of weasel words?

The one point that seems relevant to me is what happened after 1979: either systems definitions were changed or a massive fiddle was inititated by the State. If this is true,  then it seems that the pre 1997 figures are a resaonable target to achieve. Which means that the number of people obtaining IB but not being truly entitled to it actually runs into millions. and that the figures are still being massaged and that many people are on it because of the law of lethargy.

The issue is how much you can work and earn and how much the taxpayer is needed to help out. The danger from the taxpayers point of view is not just shirkers but the energy sapping effect of benefits which create even greater dependence.

I think that we are all agreed then that IB cannot and should not be regarded as a long-term benefit except in the case of those who genuinely cannot work. Nor can it be seen as a substitute for work, but as a temporary support which will diminish when and if the person is able to undertake some sort of reasonable, paid work. Which means that those living with conditions which might permit them to do some paid work will perhaps find themselves refused benefit unless they make themselves available for work, which means being in the UK. Work does not necessarily mean in your original field but should be reasonable field. Thus someone who, for example, left teaching or the Civil Service early could perhaps turn their hands to antique dealing or woodwork. They would not expect to settle down to a lot of years on benefit because one field was closed to them. Better to support people to get into work and stay there rather than settle to a life on benefits. And so there is no real reason why the numbers receiving IB should not fall to pre-1979 levels or better.    

Though this doctor speaks in 2004 I suspect is more than ever relevant. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article421177.ece  

Seems a really irrelevant post. You got a problem?  

This is the power of the untouchable civil service in France. Do what they like when they like. Just look at the Europoean bureaucracy which was modelled on it and which is being adopted throughtout all European states.

The police are going over the parent's homes to see what is what.

honest antique dealers? now there is a subject for a wet afternoon's posting!

No Cat, that is not allowed. So, running a little gite business to earn a few extra bob is seen as work and would tend to disallow IB. Extensive gardening when you are off for a bad back might also but SOME people are very adept at feigning injury or illness. Just look at the recorded cases to see examples; google Incapacity Benefit fraud.