Fascinating stuff, but this kind of thing freaks me out a bit. I’ve had my electric razor turning itself on and off all day today 😉

Interflug flights to the “non aligned” countries in Europe were usually charters of one sort of the other. They could be bringing in a cultural orchestra or more often transporting folk to and from the fish processing ships off our shores. Interflug were quite common at Glasgow on fishing flights.

Yup, it was a charter flight that I was on, that routed LGW-SXF-TIA. We were only on the ground at SXF for around 30 mins. Apparently, back in 87, it was not permitted for flights to operate direct to Albania from the UK. The return leg a fortnight later, was on a Tu134A, again via SXF. Tirana (Rinas) was a tiny airport back then, and from what I remember, we were the only arrival that day. On arrival, we were parked next to an Albanian Airforce VEB IL14 in VIP/Government colours. Photography was very strictly forbidden, and we were warned by our cabin crew not to take any pics on leaving our aircraft. Believe me, those Albanian security guys looked about 16 years old, and gave the impression that they would simply shoot first, and then just walk away!

Just imagine it, a small apron in mid 80s Europe, filled up by an Interflug IL18, and an Airforce IL14, it doesn’t get more surreal than that, just like the country itself at that time.

Likewise. What really gets me annoyed, is that tiresome commercial for a particular feminine hygiene product, where we’re treated to a jolly little animation of a woman about to tear her furniture apart, and her poor dog too, due to feminine itching. The damn thing always seems to always appear just as you’re sitting down to your evening meal. Can you imagine the outcry from some, if we were treated at tea time, to a cheeky little animated commercial, advertising ‘Scroteeze THE answer to every mans personal hygiene problems’ I can.

Of course, it could be argued, that the very fact that I remember that particular advert, is proof that advertising works. But I’m not the target audience, and I sure as hell am not going to recommend a product in that category, to any of my female friends 😉

Even though its been around for a few years now, the length of the 777-300 is still remarkable. Reminds me of the first time I ever saw a DC8-61, a long time ago. Like the Libyan also.

Like that colour scheme

My partner has worked for the same company for thirty five years, has just gone into his sixth year without any kind of pay increase. Four months ago, both he, and his colleagues, had their salaries cut by one third in order to save the company. Next month, salaries are being increased to 80% of their pre payout levels. Bonus? I think he’s forgotten what the term means. I sincerely hope the bankers go on to enjoy theirs. I have no problem with the ‘ordinary Joe’ within the banking industry, but emotional or not, I’ve got no time for a*******s like the banker highlighted in this thread.

Barclays have been fined heavily for malpractice yet the fat cats still pick up their obscene bonus’ as if it is their right and privilege.

I know, isn’t Capitalism wonderful;)