Al Milton

IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY ALL IS SECURE T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE AND TO SEE JUST WHO, IN THIS SMALL HOME DID LIVE I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE - NO TINSEL NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY THE MANTLE JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF A FAR DISTANT LAND WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS. THEN A SOBER THOUGHT CAME INTO MY MIND FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, T'WAS THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN DISORDER NOT HOW I PICTURED A LONE SOLDIER.. WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ, CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED I REALISED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS, WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT AND SOON ROUND THE WORLD THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY THEY ALL ENJOY FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN'T HELP BUT WONDER, HOW MANY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME? THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY THE SOLDIER AWAKENED, I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE "SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE. I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS" THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP. I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SAT AND SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHTS CHILL. I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE, ON THAT COLD DARK NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR, SO WILLING TO FIGHT... THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE WHISPERED "CARRY ON SANTA, CHRISTMAS DAY IS SECURE" ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND - AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!" THIS POEM WAS WRITTEN BY A BRITISH PEACE KEEPING SOLDIER STATIONED OVERSEAS. THE FOLLOWING IS HIS REQUEST - I THINK IT IS REASONABLE. PLEASE WOULD YOU DO ME THE KIND FAVOUR OF SENDING THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN CHRISTMAS WILL BE COMING SOON AND MUCH CREDIT IS DUE TO OUR BRITISH SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN FOR OUR BEING ABLE TO CELEBRATE THESE FESTIVITIES. LET'S TRY IN THIS SMALL WAY TO PAY BACK A TINY BIT OF WHAT WE OWE!

John, These hub nuts do require quite a lot of welly to torque them. When I replaced my bearings, I hired a large torque wrench from Hire Station I think, (it's the one by the Clocktower in Margate). Returned it the same day, hire cost less than a tenner, but this was couple of years ago. The wrench was about a yard or so long and came with a calibration certificate copy. The wrench was 1" drive, so had to buy a reducer for the socket which is 3/4" drive (or was it 1/2" to 3/4" ) Belt and braces, I have the socket in the garage if you want to borrow it. Al

Thanks for the thoughts and comments, plenty of thinking been running through the head. Have drawn up a simple tank mod, can anyone see any problems with this? (see attached - sorry for the naff drawing). Then just pipe direct to the hp pump via a filter set. I like simple, thanks Stephen. Can't vouch for the grade of stainless the tank is made from, but the tank mod will be in either 304 or 316 ss, whatever sheet is lying around in the engineering welding workshop, unless some major faults are identified on the drawing. I will earth out the tank separately as it won't be in direct contact with the chassis. As always, thanks for the advice. Al Tank_Mod006.pdf

Thanks for the ideas guys. I had thought initially about transfering the Ford swirl pot etc from the original tank Rob, but the plastic innards of the pot within the tank put me off this. Steve / Bob, Facet pumps seem by far a most popular choice. If I were to mod the bottom of the tank Stephen, would this simply be welding a stainless 'pot' with suitably sized fuel outlet to the hp pump? Would there have to be any special profile to this pot (square / circular)? Any idea how deep this would have to be? As always, comments appreciated. Thanks for the help. Cheers Al

Hi All, I am ditching the standard RH kit supplied Ford (Fiesta / Escort??) tank on my SuperSpec (04 - Rover engine) and replacing with the RH 30ltr tank, (to make better use of the boot space so that the misses can pack her hair dryer, make up, sink etc ). I am boxing the boot area with 9mm exterior ply, covered with fibre glass resin for waterproofing etc. Reading previous posts, the preferred route appears to be tank / low pressure (LP) pump / swirl pot / high pressure (HP) pump for fuel injection. Looking through various suppliers' catalogues, the choice of pumps is various. The engine requires fuel at 3 bar, so the HP pump seems a no brainer (Facet type interrupter pump), but the selection for the LP pump seems a little confusing, or am I being a bit daft and seeing too much in the choices? The RH tank does not have a swirl pot, so I have a cheapie from e-bay, (nice alloy one). The options open appear to be: Stick with the route described above Mod the tank to accept a Webcon all in one swirl pot / sender / pump assembly (anyone had experience of this unit?) Get another tank (OBP tank with integral swirl pot). 11.5 gals has pot, but does it fit?? Any help or advice on recommending a suitable LP pump or route from above appreciated. Cheers Al

Good reason to build a dragway so this kind of thing is contained! Illegal Drag Racing A friend who works for the Police Department received the attached photo of a drag race that went horribly wrong. It's kind of disturbing to look at, but it serves as a reminder of what can happen when drag races occur. Keep drag racing off the streets

The French President is sitting in his office when his telephone rings. "Hallo, Mr. Sarkozy!" a heavily accented voice says. "This is Paddy down at the Hogshead Harp Pub in County Clare, Ireland. I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you Frenchies!" "Well, Paddy," the President replies, "This is indeed important news! How big might your army be?" "Right now," says Paddy, after a moment's calculation, "there is meself, me brother Seamus, me other brother Sean, me next door neighbor Flaherty, and the entire darts team from down the pub. That makes eight!" The President laughs and replies, "Paddy, you should know that I have 400,000 highly-trained and well-equipped soldiers in my army." "Begorra!" says Paddy. "I'll have to ring you back..." Sure enough, two hours later Paddy calls again. "Frenchie, the War is still on. We have managed to get ourselves some infantry equipment!" "And what equipment would that be, Paddy?" the President asks. "Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor." Sarkozy sighs, amused. "Paddy, I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armored personnel carriers. And since you have last called, we have recruited an additional 10,000 soldiers, bringing the total to 410,000." "Saints preserve us!" says Paddy. "I'll have to get back to you." Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day. "Froggie, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We have modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Bar have joined us as well, so we are 12 men now!" After a moment, the President clears his throat. "Paddy, I have 100 bombers and 250 fighter planes. My military bases are surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, my army has grown to 450,000 men." "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" says Paddy, "Let me talk to me mates." That afternoon, the President's phone rings once again. "Mr. President," states Paddy "I am sorry to inform you that we have had to call off the war." "Really?" asks the President. "I'm sorry to hear that. Why the sudden change of heart?" "Well," says Paddy, "we had a long chat over a few pints of Guinness, and have come to the sad conclusion that there's no way that we can feed 450,000 French prisoners of war."

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference. Now that I'm 'older' (but refuse to grow up), here's what I've discovered: I. started out with nothing, and I still have most of it. 2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran. 3. I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart. 4. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded... 4. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded... 5. All reports are in; life is now officially unfair. 6. If all is not lost, where is it? 7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser. 8. Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant. 9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few... 10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents. 11. Accidents in the back seat cause kids. 12. It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere. 13. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom. 14. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees. 15. When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess? 16. It's not hard to meet expenses... they're everywhere. 17. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. 18. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter . I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after. 19. I am unable to remember if i have mailed this to you or not! 20. Funny, I don't remember being, . . . absent minded... Now I think you're supposed to send this to 5 or 6, maybe 10, oh send it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are. Then something is supposed to happen, I think. Maybe you get your memory back

Andy, If you ring your local Halfrauds and get a trade price, then i'll pop over and collect with you (i've got a trade card), if you are happy with the price from them of course, to ensure you get the discount. Would have to be a cash sale though. Let me know, happy to help. I'm in Ramsgate, so it's only about 40mins or so. Cheers Al

Good read as always well done folks One question though, how did someone figure out to use WD40 to keep the flies off their cows . Just hope this doesn't taint the milk Just goes to show the depth of knowledge of club members Al

1. Teaching Maths In 1970 A logger sells a lorry load of timber for £1000. His cost of production is 4/5 of the selling price. What is his profit? 2. Teaching Maths In 1980 A logger sells a lorry load of timber for £1000. His cost of production is 4/5 of the selling price, or20£800. What is his profit? 3. Teaching Maths In 1990 A logger sells a lorry load of timber for £1000. His cost of production is £800. Did he make a profit? 4. Teaching Maths In 2000 A logger sells a lorry load of timber for £1000. His cost of production is £800 and his profit is £200. Your assignment: Underline the number 200. 5. Teaching Maths In 2008 A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is totally selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of £200. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers. If you are upset about the plight of the animals in question counselling will be available 6. Teaching Maths 2018 أ المسجل تبيع حموله شاحنة من الخشب من دولار. صاحب تكلفة الانتاج من> الثمن. ما هو D8لربح له؟

Notice that there aren't any pics INSIDE Hooters though Bob

No! That would be NFFIMTBTGSSHF [No F***ing Fuel in my tank but the gauge still shows half full]

Just seen the news. Some town in the States is forcing noise offenders to listen to Barry Manilow Had very few re-offenders, so something is right. How about the boys in blue piping this 'music' round the Station, any thoughts Enforcer?? Obviously have to sound proof the Station to prevent noise pollution

Then you'll have the tree huggers on your back as well for contributing to a biohazard. If and when the Police catch the little darlings, all the courts will do is probably slap them on the wrist and send them to bed with no tea..... Corporal punishment does have it's advantages (birching for example), as a deterrent. Other than that, the Arabs have a good scheme of sorts Al

NTDWM Is this something to do with fuel gauge accuracy Robin Al

Class Steve, just got in from the obligatory frock, coat, handbag, shoes, scarf and glove hunt (for her that is, I get mine from the charity shops purley for New Years Eve entertainment!!), the misses even brought the coffee and buns this afternoon. Made me chuckle on a dismal afternoon. Al

You and me both Harvs, best start saving those pennies. Maybe the price hike will involve free re-tests, but more chance seeing Lord Lucan riding Shergar Bugger!! Al

Do they walk funny then!!

Signed. It's a national disgrace the way the Government treats these fine chaps and their families. Remember, 2 of their ranks have recently been killed in Afghanistan doing the Governments bidding. Had the good fortune to meet a couple of ex Gurkhas a few years ago, you could not meet more polite people if you tried, but thank God they are on side, fearsome warriors. Al

The misses is the IT Network Manager at the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate, itself a charity, so this cause is quite close to us. We know quite a few deaf people and understand how these dogs really do change lives for the better. Duly sponsored, good luck Richard. Al

Good shout Harvs, I wonder if they do home assessments!! Don't know what the misses would say though Al

Hi Harvs, Good reminder, this really is something I must sort out this year! Can't help with suggestions i'm afraid. Cheers Al

Hi Mat, Went through OK, got Paypal receipt, clicked on 'return to RHOCAR' and hey presto, all done. Great stuff. Al