Dipped Headlights.

My feelings exactly. The smoking ban is absurdly draconian and based upon some very dodgy "science" pushed by a few very vocal pressure groups. It should have been left to the individual publican to decide arrangements for smoking or otherwise. The only legislation that, IMHO, might have been useful would be to give statutory backing to a publican's decision to ban smoking in the pub.

I sit in the garden with the radio on quiet as I read a book. If next door enters their garden, I tuirn the radio off, just in case I disturb what they want to do. If we have a barbeque, I ask them if they are ok with that before I light it. If I am going to put my hi-fi on, I close the door, even if it is hot outside because I don't want to disturb what they may want to do.

They smoke drugs in the alley right next to our computer room and kitchen. When we tell them that is a problem to us, we just get abuse - they smoke outside so their son doesn't hve to breathe it - an admition they think the habit is dangerous.

They have put their washing line parallel to our fence, so when it is windy, we look outside to see their washing draped over our plants. They play their music at top volume levels with the door open, so it is impossible to sit in the garden for some peace and quiet.

A reasonable request was made to them. As we didn't smoke, and it was quite smeely in our house, would they mind if they closed the windows while smoking.

I have never filled their house with my diesel fumes.

We asked next door once if they would mind closing their windows when they smoke. I have never complained to, or belonged to any anti-smoking organisation. I have never spoken to an MP about smoking. I have never approached my council, wrote to a publication or in any way publically announced my hate of smoking.

I have never suggested to any publican I wouldn't visit their pub due to smoking. Apart from once getting angry, I have never asked anyone to stop smoking anywhere.

That and

This are conflicting opinions.

So, in summary.

You didn't frequent pubs. You don't smoke. You don't drink alcohol.

Why exactly do you think you have the right to comment on the rights and wrongs of the smoking ban in pubs?

No they are not. Banned is banned. Suggesting it is done so as not to affect those that don't want to do it, is not banned.

Yes, essentially a manual box, with the clutch and shifting being controlled by computer.

You can change gears manually (ish - using the flappy paddles and / or push / pull on the shifter) - but you don't have a torque converter getting in the way of things.

It's the future, I tell you.

What is your issue - smokers and non smokers can now visit pubs.

There are cars that do not have cigarette lighters - it's the future, I tell you.

That is something I'd have no problem with. It's the landlords place, he should be able to set the rules instead of having some poxy law imposed on him.

Unfortunately, there are people like Ray who think it's perfectly reasonable to impose draconian laws just because he agrees with them.

You mean, just as they could before?

Only now, the ones who spent the most money spend it down the supermarket and drink at home. Irritating you in the process - so it's not all bad.

No, Ray would like us all to have a choice - it should be down to the landlord.

Just to say, I agree 100%. What should have been left to common sense and a business decision has been hijacked by the pressure groups.

Yes, I'm with you there. The law is interfering too much IMHO.

I'm not sure that's entirely true for all subject areas.

Best wishes all, Dave.

Come to think of it, the new Fords I was delivering three or four years ago had power points, but no lighters.

Best wishes all, Dave.

Lets try another simpler word. Perfectionist.

I've explained to you before, leaving more gap doesn't lessen the chances of someone butting in.

So stop being so worried about negligible things.

Funny, I don't find those bright as they light up very evenly. It's a point source (bulb) that's brighter. Which is why I hate the new smaller headlamps.

What I do hate about some of the (cheaper?) LED brake/tail lights is that they seem to use some kind of chopping circuit to alter the brightness. And it must be about 50Hz, cause I can see it flickering, especially if it's not directly in front of me.