Unlimited

Posted on 27 June 2025 by pws

We get very annoyed when things are described as ‘limited’. We’re talking records, especially vinyl, books maybe, runs of plays, even camera models. We suspect that on some occasions we are simply being scammed.

Limited surely is the opposite of unlimited. This latter means that there could be as many as you like, an infinite number. So limited means a finite number, some kind of absolute maximum. This could be a huge number though.

It’s obvious that everything is limited. The resouces of the planet are not infinite. Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd may have already sold 45 million copies, and it may well sell another 45 million, and it could go on being produced for centuries, but one day it will stop, because it has to.

What ‘limited’ means, we think, is special. A cd box set with a bonus disc, perhaps, a vinyl record on coloured plastic, whatever.

The implication is that, once these are gone, there will be no more. There may be something different, more cd box sets without the bonus disc, but when the limited item is gone, that’s it for that.

We understand why companies say things are limited. It appeals to the die hard fans, they are motivated to buy before it runs out, the company can charge more, it’s good publicity.

People seem to buy some ‘limited’ item because they believe it will be an investment. No doubt others will lose out, so the purchaser can re-sell and make a hefty profit. We know of people who have bought five copies of the exact same vinyl record just to collect all the colours, because they were ‘limited’.

It’s annoying when something is produced as ‘limited’ and sells out, then you find that, because of demand or whatever, they are making more. That’s dishonest and pure greed.

If something is limited we’d like some indication of just how many eg “limited to 500 copies”. Maybe they are all numbered. We know that they have made more than the stated number, of course. For items like sweets, they can be available for a limited time, after which they must be gone.

If something has been limited and is now sold out, we don’t want to see the company making more, even if it is ‘in response to public demand’ or whatever.

Posted in Rant | Leave a comment

On the buses

Posted on 21 June 2025 by pws

London is busy with visitors, as you might expect. On our travels we have overheard people complaining they were at a bus stop and the bus came but did not stop, or simply did not come.

We’ve talked about this before, but here are some reasons why the bus may not stop, and what you can do about it:

It’s the wrong bus stop

Not all buses stop at all stops.

Look at the top of the bus sign and the routes served will be shown. Any route not listed will never stop there.

Look around for another stop which has the correct route on.

The stop is out of service

Manybe the road is being worked on and stopping a bus would be dangerous or cause a traffic jam.

Often there are temporary stops nearby.

On a similar note, if the bus is not appearing it may be diverted, because of roadworks or some event. Travel apps should highlight this.

Full

A bus will not stop if it is full and no-one wants to get off.

Even if it is full and stops and someone gets off, more people may not be allowed on. The space may still be too limited.

Look for another bus close behind that is probably half empty.

Out of service

A bus will not stop if it is going home to bed. Even if it shows the right number, it should say “Out Of Service” or similar.

Compulsory or request

There are two types of stop, compulsory and request. The meanings for these should be obvious.

When COVID/lockdown happened, buses still ran but stops became all Request stops. Buses would not stop unless you waved at them or rang the bell.

This seems to have continued and most drivers regard all stops as request.

If you are standing on the pavement and see your bus approaching, raise your arm so the driver can see you need it to stop. Give the driver plenty of time to react. If you are on the bus, press the bell once in good time (provided no-one else has already pressed it).

End of the line

If you are at the last stop on the route, the bus may stop to let the last passengers off but no-one can join. Look on the bus stop sign to see what direction buses are heading. You are probably on the wrong side of the road.

This can also happen in the middle of a route as it is possible that not all buses cover the entire route. A bus may be stopped short, so, while the route continues, and individual bus may not. Wait for the next bus which may not be far behind.

The destination of a bus may change while it is en route, eg for bad traffic conditions.

Posted in London, Public transport, Travel | Leave a comment

Brian Wilson

Posted on 15 June 2025 by pws

The death was announced a few days ago of Brian Wilson, founder of The Beach Boys, singer, composer and producer.

The Beach Boys started in the early 1960s and was a family group with Brian’s brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love together with Al Jardine.

Their songs were summery, surfing, cars kinds of sounds, both the songs the group sang and songs Brian wrote for others.

As time went on, the band started to mature and their work became more serious. Brian’s drug use became a problem and he had mental issues.

By the late 1960s Carl had taken the lead in the band and they produced a number of albums that many people have not heard, but are worth finding.

These include Holland and Carl and The Passions “So Tough”. It’s probably fair to say Holland has stood the test of time and is as near to progressive as the band ever got. Brian’s contribution, the fairy tale, came as an extra 45rpm disc and is odd.

Brian’s great contribution is said to be Pet Sounds (1966). It has huge ratings and has been released in numerous forms, including a multi-disc CD of the rehearsals and other arrangements. We don’t get the love for this. It’s got some good songs and interesting arrangements, but it doesn’t stand up to comparison with Revolver or Sgt Pepper, a common comparison.

Pages: 1 2
Posted in Music | Leave a comment