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I agree, learning English should be a condition of gaining benefits here.  It's difficult to tell whether the ones who won't learn are genuine immigrants who want to work or "scroungers".  Unfortunately, there are cases where the UK has made it easy by providing interpreters for everything from claiming benefits to driving lessons.  Brits can be lazy when learning languages as they're not taught early enough in school; English is taught from age four in some countries.

Experience on holidays has mostly been locals very eager to practice their English skills.   Greeks are very pleased when a non-Greek attempts a few words of their language, especially as it's difficult to learn.  I think the number of English people abroad who try to make themselves understood by shouting is diminishing, with many keen to integrate into the community.   Indeed, some communities in Spain provide free language lessons to welcome new residents.  

No, not the next Hollywood blockbuster but the growing trend to shop in sleepwear.

A man recently posted online a photo he took in Tesco Salford of two female customers shopping in their nightwear at 7pm and a mini-rant about it.  He got a lot of support but is now being criticised for taking the photo and his attitude towards "casual dress".   The one point he made was are we so busy that we can no longer take a few minutes to change into something more suitable.

Not the first time this subject has been raised and I remember another Tesco branch banning customers from wearing pyjamas.  I've only seen this once in my local Co-op convenience store, but at least she had a coat on.   What do you think?  Is it acceptable to wear pyjamas or a onesie to the shops?

Originally Posted by Higgers

“Not a plane buff, but do like a Tom Hanks film and did like that one where he crash landed on a desert island. So I'd give it a go on Julia's recommendation  Are you on commission lol.”

Sadly, not on commission ,  just interested as ex worked in the industry (systems, not "up front"); used to point out different "noises" during flight and slept for most of journey as he viewed take off and landing as the most interesting parts.  Couple of ex-colleagues were private pilot and glider pilot respectively.  I know it's an unusual interest for a girl.......

I'd already seen Captain Philips so didn't watch again last night, but Brother has taped it.  Can't think of a Tom Hanks film that's been a "turkey"??

Got to see it again, this time in IMAX (Resorts World, Birmingham).  My niece decided she preferred her own "Disney type" version of the remaining geese carrying the aircraft down onto the river!

Unfortunately the gutter press have a field day with stories like this because the majority of readers (no disrespect to anyone here) will accept what they print because they don't know/not interested in knowing what really happened and the journalists don't have much idea either so make things up to sell newspapers, etc.   

Having read a book on the subject by an aviation expert and viewed some of the YouTube videos, the film did a good job in balancing fact with drama.    Watching a video of a presentation given by the First Officer to an aviation related audience, Sully was doing what a captain should do but relying on his FO to support him, which he did.  The movie didn't cover the PTSD suffered by the FO (dramatic weight loss and lack of sleep) and no doubt other members of the crew and passengers.

One minor thing that bugged me though was the rings on Tom Hanks's fingers kept swapping over.  Wedding ring moved from left to right and back again, as did a decorative signet ring....

Very sad at any time of the year, but especially so at Christmas.

Will be interesting to see how long it takes for the attacker to be found, hopefully alive, so that German Police can establish whether he is a refugee or not.  If he is, this will be proof that Mrs Merkel's "open door" policy was wrong and will be her political downfall.   Interestingly, on the news this morning it was reported that there is little or no CCTV coverage as Germany (like USA) considers it to be an invasion of privacy.  Rightly or wrongly, the UK has amongst the highest CCTV coverage in the world.

Originally Posted by Barney

“Even Cliff has given up now... ”

Thankfully!

Explained Band Aid to my 11 year old niece yesterday; she'd heard the record but didn't know the story behind it.  Her favourite Christmas song is the Roy Wood one, possibly because her Dad met him before she was born and told her about him turning up at the trade counter in full make-up.

Popstars and actors don't seem to retire at a set age so they seem to be around a long time and you can lose track of just how old they are.  One example is Tina Turner who turned 77 recently.

Originally Posted by Steve.Richardson

“Cynic ”

Guilty as charged!

And I'd just come back from church........

Well, the outcome was predictable.

The show is supposed to be live so how does the BBC manage to convince us that the result isn't known beforehand, especially when Andy Murray was in Miami!  I was very pleased to see that the voting public recognised Nick Skelton's achievements but it would have been good if there had been some recognition of the Para Olympians in the final winners.  

As for Robbie Williams........

Yesterday I went to church twice.  I know, that really is taking it too far but it was Nativity in morning (11 year old niece was "behind the scenes").  Evening was more traditional, carols by candlelight in a proper church.

Both churches are CofE, but there similarity ends.  The first one is the "happy clappy" type which leaves me cold; the kids have better organisational skills than the vicar!   The latter is my aunt's local parish church.  Only problem was they dimmed all the main lights so you couldn't read the order of service, but the atmosphere was great and there wasn't a spare pew to be had.  I'm not the religious type but I felt uplifted.  I can't hold a tune but appreciate good music and you can't beat a good choir and organist....