The Off Topic Topic

[mongers]

All my cars have been black or white.

Mirrors some of your views on life/issues?

You know if you compromised a bit on those 'colours' it would be definitely more interesting, who couldn't fail to spot a black and white* car?



* Zebra like or maybe one of the WW1 naval cam. schemes?

[Sheilbh]

After my fruit and veg box got me into pickling and making chutney, I'm now a jam-maker too

[Josquius]

Russian intelligence doesn't have to be intelligent.
America just has to be stupid.

https://themessenger.com/news/thousands-of-sensitive-military-documents-are-being-leaked-to-russian-ally-because-of-spelling-mistake

[mongers]

After my fruit and veg box got me into pickling and making chutney, I'm now a jam-maker too

Cheese making next?

If so soft cottage cheese is a doddle, everything else look tricky. 

[Admiral Yi]

Just learned that bistro comes from the Russian word for quick.

[mongers]

Just learned that bistro comes from the Russian word for quick.

So anti-bistro would describe Putin's Ukraine invasion?

[DGuller]

Just learned that bistro comes from the Russian word for quick.

I'm not sure that's the right learning.  The words are neither spelled nor pronounced the same in Russian.

[crazy canuck]

Just learned that bistro comes from the Russian word for quick.

I'm not sure that's the right learning.  The words are neither spelled nor pronounced the same in Russian.

That theory comes from the story that when the Russians were in Paris after defeating Nappy, they shouted at French cafe owners to "hurry" and the word Bistro was born.

I think that is unlikely - the French are among the least likely to adopt an invader's word for a key part of their culture.  And the Russians were not there very long.

[Duque de Bragança]

Most dictionaries go for a regional etymology (Poitou) imported to Paris, these days.

[mongers]

Why does UK train ticketing and so planning has to be SO complicated? 

[Josquius]

Why does UK train ticketing and so planning has to be SO complicated? 

You just say that because you have the ridiculous idea its meant to be a public service to get people from A to B and enhance the economy rather than a way for properly connected old boys to get their fair share out of the country.

[garbon]

Why does UK train ticketing and so planning has to be SO complicated? 

You just say that because you have the ridiculous idea its meant to be a public service to get people from A to B and enhance the economy rather than a way for properly connected old boys to get their fair share out of the country.

I think I'd travel more via train and spend more if it didn't always feel like a research project.

[Sheilbh]

Don't you just use Trainline or National Rail?

[Josquius]

Why does UK train ticketing and so planning has to be SO complicated? 

You just say that because you have the ridiculous idea its meant to be a public service to get people from A to B and enhance the economy rather than a way for properly connected old boys to get their fair share out of the country.

I think I'd travel more via train and spend more if it didn't always feel like a research project.

That sounds suspiciously like holistic thinking to me you damn socialist

[garbon]

Don't you just use Trainline or National Rail?

Sure but I've seen they don't always make it easiest to figure out the best routes (love it when they suggest really long routes that are also more expensive than the short route). There's also that whole bit about how prices are dynamic. You can't buy them too late without getting too pricey but you also don't want to buy too far in advance.

I've also seen radically different prices for two nearby train stations