ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomDo UK Citizens "file" Income Tax Like We Do In US?
It's worth trying to get the rebate - tho I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Try www.hmrc.gov.uk & look for a form to download. He will need to send his P60 (end of year tax form) or possibly P45 (end of employment tax form) to show how much he has already paid. Unless he was self-employed, it's unlikely that he has filed taxes directly. Good luck.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2006-02-24 10:20:00
United KingdomBanks - keeping UK bank account
I have a Natwest current account & credit card, both of which I can access here in the US online. I wrote to them before I left with my new US address and still receive postal statements from both accounts every month. I pay off the credit card from the current account online. No hassles.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2006-06-02 10:59:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

Keep the suggestions coming!


Obtain a hat, Laura. Works wonders.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-22 15:20:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible

My only suggestion is that mods should think twice before deleting a post. As they say in Spider-man, "With great power come great responsibility". Mod power cannot be underestimated in this environment, you guys are basically gods to us mere mortals, and when the gods get angry and smite our posts, it makes us feel bad. Make us feel bad and we'll get angry and stop believing in you, and that will make our lives less contented. Treat us well and we will offer up our devotion and praise to our fair and kind mods.

I think I took that metaphor too far. ;)


Not at all. I understood it. OK, I'm to get the sacrificial goat, right?

PS. Dr LHA also has a cool hat. Don't want it thought I'm choosing favourites here.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-22 14:48:00
United KingdomUK posts being made invisible
As far as I've seen, VJ has always had its fair share of posters who feel that all threads are about them. And if they're not, they find a way to make it so. The "Look at me, I'm being outrageous again!" crowd. Personally I get enough drama from real life to go look for it in a virtual world. I don't know how you moderate for those people. Ignore 'em, I s'pose.

I like the mods. They have cool hats.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-22 14:38:00
United KingdomI am...
Bumping this up, 'cos I'm still curious an' that.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-27 12:26:00
United KingdomI am...

I'm British. I'm going to apply for US citizenship as soon as I can, but I think I will always just be British.



I'm sorry but that is hypocritical. Why bother with US citizenship if you are 'British' by your own terms?


It's contradictory sure, but it is something that every person who is going to apply for another country's citizenship has to ponder over. I mean, I am British, I will ALWAYS be British, but when I am able I am going to apply for American Citizenship and have dual nationalities. Doesn't mean that who I am changes, I am still British. I'll still call myself British, it is also obvious as soon as I open my mouth that I'm British.

So, what to do? If you have American Citizenship and someone asks you who/what you are, would you then reply American? I certainly wouldn't, I'd feel a little silly, especially with the accent and all that.

You can take the girl out of Britain, but you can't take the Britain out of the girl. ;)


Technically when you become a USC, you have to rescind your foreign nationality. I'm aware the UK doesn't recognize that so you will be a dual citizen.

It was the way kins worded it, like hey, I'm British but damn, the USC is handy, why not get it? I'll still be British. (OK, that's reading into it, but as a USC, it's not something I take lightly.)


I see no hypocrisy. For me, when I become a USC it will be for mundane reasons. My family is here. I pay taxes here. What the government decides effects me. Shouldn't I get a say in choosing that government?

I will still be English, in the same way that my mother-in-law says she's Italian, although she was born in the US.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-05-29 07:58:00
United KingdomI am...
"Are there any... Americans here...?"

Posted Image
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-05-25 12:46:00
United KingdomI am...
I was born in Berkshire, brought up in Surrey, studied in Manchester, worked in Dover and the Medway towns and ended up for the last 5 years of my life in the UK in South London. I consider myself English. I may say British sometimes, and probably felt more British when I actually lived there. I suppose I choose England more now just to clarify that the UK is a sum of separate parts and that, despite my own Irish great-grandparents or Welsh cousins, my personal experience is English. Perhaps it's similar here too - people denoting the state they're from rather than "America".
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-05-25 09:25:00
United KingdomI am...
May have been done before, but just curious.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-05-25 08:26:00
United KingdomDid anyone watch Posh's TV show last night?

Media builds 'em up - to sell papers, magazines, TV advert space, etc. Celebs want the publicity and will do whatever it takes to enhance the build-up. I've got no sympathy for some attention ####### moaning about how mean the paparazzi are when the inevitable happens.


The media only builds em up because there's a demand in society for it. If no one gave a toss, then rags and mags wouldn't sell.

NOT our mags btw, lol

But why is in 'inevitable'? That's my point.


Because 'something' has to happen to keep selling the mags, or whatever. If you check out the mags in the supermarket aisle, you can see headlines saying that Brad & Angelina are planning a 2nd honeymoon on one, and bringing in divorce lawyers on another. Saying "Oh, these celebs are wonderful" over & over again ain't gonna sell nuffin. And celebs aren't gonna be great forever (see Paul McCartney, Marlon Brando...)

The media does give society what it wants, of course. A section of it, anyway. But they play the tune. People watch stuff on TV cos it's there, not cos it's good stuff they want to see, by and large. Saying 'the people want this shite' doesn't quite cut it, in my opinion. If every network showed needlepoint for an hour at exactly the same time - they'd still get viewers!

Edited by SteveLaura, 20 July 2007 - 10:06 AM.

SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-20 10:05:00
United KingdomDid anyone watch Posh's TV show last night?

I always hate when the paps do this sort of thing...it's like they have to search for a flaw just to point out as if to knock the person down. But they do it because it sells....and many people all over the place are going to relish in her imperfection out of their own insecurities.


True, but she just makes it so easy. Plus, those photos are pretty shocking; those legs belong to someone my age. *shudder* Yikes. The sad thing is that that's not really fixable and it'll only get worse over time.


It just goes to show how crazy we are...first, we build em up, then we knock em down.

Media builds 'em up - to sell papers, magazines, TV advert space, etc. Celebs want the publicity and will do whatever it takes to enhance the build-up. I've got no sympathy for some attention ####### moaning about how mean the paparazzi are when the inevitable happens.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-20 09:43:00
United KingdomDid anyone watch Posh's TV show last night?
I think the programme clearly showed how dull a life she has, despite the wealth. They obviously had to make up things for her to do - bring in an earthquake specialist, go visit Perez, throw a pitch at the Dodgers game, etc. Even her hamming it up for the cameras didn't make it entertaining.

Edited by SteveLaura, 20 July 2007 - 09:24 AM.

SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-20 09:24:00
United KingdomAny UK folks NOT applying for US citizenship?
I will.
  • I want the right to vote
  • I don't want the hassle of renewing my green card.
I doubt I'll feel less 'English' all of a sudden because of a ceremony saying I'm now American. I'm expecting that I will lose some of my 'Englishness' over time anyway.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-20 13:12:00
United Kingdomquestion about VWP
Some stuff about Deed Poll

Including the Mr. Save Barnsley Football Club.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-26 14:30:00
United KingdomFriend is looking for a Scottish Husband

She went to a presentation on syphonic roof drains that was by a man from Scotland and ever since she is in love with the idea of a "Sean Connery (young version)" type.

Nothing says romance quite like syphonic roof drains, in my mind.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-26 14:06:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?

Isle of Wight here. Did everyone come here on holiday with their nan, or does it just seem that way?


Sandown, Shanklin (sp?), Ventnor, Cowes, The Needles, Blackgang Chine (?) ... ah, seems like yesterday.


Oh, and the code for London, unless it changed back within the last 2 years, is 020. Inner London numbers begin with 7 and outer London with 8, but the code is not 0207 or 0208. Pedantic point, I know, but it used to bug me.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-08-08 09:48:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?

Dunno if being from Slough means he's a Londoner? *shrug*


That's the 'burbs, not London in my insignificant little book. :P


Seconded. Slough, Datchet, Windsor - can't call any of that London.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-30 14:03:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?
Originally Surrey, but have also called Manchester, Dover, Chatham and Rochester home at some point. The last 5 years in the UK I was a South Londoner, specifically Streatham & Tooting.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-28 11:59:00
United KingdomUK Healthcare
QUOTE (saywhat @ Aug 24 2007, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where the NHS is simply hopeless is all the things that ruin your life without being dangerous - say a hernia or depression ..

Then you have to wait months and months with your quality of life affected.


I would agree with you there, Alan. I think that the NHS were getting better at treating mental illness when I left - albeit in a pharmaceutical rather than a counselling way - but hernias, hip operations and like are still lagging behind.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-08-24 09:31:00
United KingdomUK Healthcare
I think walk-in clinics are the way to go. Having a free health service - as it should be - unfortunately means that you open the door to every hypochondriac with a hangnail to take up valuable time. A&E can't cope if you don't want to wait to make an appointment to see your doctor. Besides, they're dealing with the pub fight victims, so you end up waiting for four hours anyway.

Open more walk-ins. See a nurse. Get a bandaid and a kind word, if that's what you need. Or access to treatment pronto if it's more serious. (And with fewer people taking up your doctor's time, hopefully that should be swifter.)
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-08-24 09:15:00
United KingdomUK Food, what do you miss most?
QUOTE (robinklake @ Aug 22 2007, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I miss Pimms.


Found this recipe online. It's not bad.

QUOTE
two parts 40% gin
two parts red vermouth
one part orange Curacao
This makes the "Cheat's Pimms"
Then of course add either fizzy lemonade or ginger ale (usually about one of Pimms to three of mixer)

SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-08-22 12:07:00
United KingdomRemember, remember the 5th of November...
Well, as I started this thread, maybe I should kick off the suggestions.

This will be the 3rd Guy Fawkes Night we've celebrated here in the US. We make a guy each year (a mini one. This year's is constructed from chicken wire & paper mache and is about 1.5' high) and we burn 'em in our firepit. We have sparklers & some Bonfire Night goodies - this year will be homemade cream of tomato soup, jacket potatoes, bangers & cocoa. Rather than actually buy fireworks, I've requested a DVD from the library of firework displays, and a couple of CDs of sound effects - including more firework noises. To ensure the fireworks theme doesn't get confused with a late 4th of July celebration, I've also requested a couple of CDs of UK-patriotic music to play too. Gonna see if I can burn a mix CD of Brit faves & fireworks together!

I've also got this book and this one to help explain the history to my 6yr old stepdaughter. Of course, she enjoys Hallowe'en much more, but Bonfire Night was always the bigger of the celebrations for me growing up, and I want my wife & her to share in that.

Edited by SteveLaura, 25 October 2007 - 02:55 PM.

SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-10-25 14:55:00
United KingdomRemember, remember the 5th of November...
How will you be celebrating?
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-10-25 11:57:00
United KingdomQueen Elizabeth II becomes Britain's oldest monarch
My succession forecast: Charles will be temporary monarch (to see how it feels - after all, it's a part he's been in line to play all his life. Sort of like how Pierce Brosnan finally got to play Bond) then hand over to a younger, better-looking and more popular royal, William. The monarchy is doomed anyway, but I don't think Charlie wants to hasten its demise but clinging onto the throne until he breathes his last.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-12-21 10:40:00
United KingdomBecause it's almost here
BBC website

QUOTE
Regulations flatten pancake race

A traditional pancake race has fallen flat after it was cancelled due to health and safety regulations.

Every year, children and choristers take part in the Shrove Tuesday race in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

The event was revived 10 years ago and is usually started by the ringing of Ripon Cathedral's ancient Pancake Bell.

But this year's event has been shelved, with organisers blaming the mountain of risk assessments that must be carried out before children can take part.

Bernard Bateman, one of the organisers, said they were told they would have to pay £250 to Harrogate Borough Council to close Kirkgate Road, where the race takes place.

They would also have to hold insurance risk assessments and pay to have medical staff on hand in case of any injuries or accidents.

Mr Bateman, who is also a councillor for Ripon North, said it was difficult to find volunteers to carry out the procedures.

He said: "The main problem is the health and safety aspects and issues such as that.

"There is bureaucracy that goes into holding any event these days, the policing, the risk assessments, and it has a cost factor and takes a lot of time.

"I'm always disappointed when we've held something for some years now and it can't take place."

SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-05 11:07:00
United KingdomBecause it's almost here
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Feb 1 2008, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SteveLaura @ Feb 1 2008, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A friend of mine is from Olney. This is how they celebrate. Obviously it was great ammunition for us to take the piss.


So.....just how did you take the piss?

Run naked with your skillets?


Our piss-taking abilities weren't so sophisticated at that time. It was more along the lines of "Nyer, nyer, you come from a town where they do public pancake racing, nyer, nyer."




This was at university, by the way.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-01 14:41:00
United KingdomBecause it's almost here
A friend of mine is from Olney. This is how they celebrate. Obviously it was great ammunition for us to take the piss.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-01 11:12:00
United KingdomGrange Hill Axed
QUOTE (Mags @ Feb 12 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (SteveLaura @ Feb 12 2008, 10:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ha! My TV trivia knowledge is vindicated! Get me to a pub quiz immediately!


I had a Pub Quiz thread going on in here about a year ago. You could start a new one if you had the time...tongue.gif


You're trying to get me fired, aren't you..? tongue.gif
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-12 11:01:00
United KingdomGrange Hill Axed
Ha! My TV trivia knowledge is vindicated! Get me to a pub quiz immediately!
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-12 10:44:00
United KingdomGrange Hill Axed
Wasn't there another bloke who played Todd's character (can't remember his name)? Killed himself, I think. Had a sort of James Dean surliness about him.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-11 09:31:00
United KingdomGrange Hill Axed
Can they bring back 'Tucker's Luck' instead..?
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-02-07 16:25:00
United KingdomWhich of these kids shows do you remember watching?
Oooh, I meant to add 'Runaround' and 'Cheggers plays Pop'!
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-03-19 11:42:00
United KingdomWhich of these kids shows do you remember watching?
Read more about these shows, and others, here.

Organisers, please don't move this to the Poll forum as it's UK-specific. Cheers.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-03-19 08:51:00
United KingdomHeinz Baked Beans
I buy Roundy's Pork & Beans from Pick 'n' Save. Can't tell the difference.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-04-22 11:29:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
British news has had it's fair share of eye-candy (Katie Derham & Sue Turton) but I agree - you do get a sense that they have an inkling of where some of the countries they report on actually are. But then, look at our beloved leader. I enjoy watching his pre-written speeches, much more so than his off-the-cuff remarks. Whenever he uses a big word, I hope that a reporter will ask him afterwards, "You mentioned 'annexation' - could you explain what that means exactly?"
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-09-03 15:58:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (saywhat @ Sep 3 2008, 03:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
... and as for bare nipples !

good heavens reginald, to what are things coming ?


I used to get annoyed at the pixellation of uncovered mammaries on the TV. Now I just squint.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-09-03 15:43:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (Krikit @ Sep 3 2008, 06:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (saywhat @ Sep 2 2008, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When someone runs towards you screaming his head off waving a sword, its best to stereotype him as a danger rather than wanting to investigate whether he is film actor and there is a camera behind you.
Our brain works on images and set templates - in other words stereotypes - they are very useful.

I hate when this happens. Especially on a Friday. It ruins my whole weekend.


I agree. Just like when I invited that Barbara Bush home. I used up three bottles of Resolve.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2008-09-03 15:32:00
United KingdomTo the Brits - do you think everything here in the US is too sweet?

Also, my fiance drinks hot tea when it's a hundred degrees outside. Wouldn't this be bad for you? I drink cool water and lots of it.


I was always told that a hot drink cools you quicker on a hot day. Something about the body not having to work harder at getting the cold drink up to your body temperature.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-07-11 11:20:00
United KingdomTo the Brits - do you think everything here in the US is too sweet?

I think the issue with Cheddar in this country is that most people consider Cheddar to be a word meaning "Generic bland cheese". Most people have no clue even that Cheddar is English in origin, should not be orange, and is supposed to have some taste!

I've been to Cheddar many times - had some family that lived nearby. I think they'd be bemused at some of the stuff here that bears it's name.
SteveLauraMaleEngland2007-06-07 15:09:00