I now know why I am useless when it comes to cryptic crosswords. Not a single solution to Jack's question did I begin to understand. All I can think off would be "cod, for example, plus cream for example".

William rote:

"retired, no longer driving, a computer is essential. I need it in order to arrange grocery deliveries from Tesco."

I wish my late father in law was as thoughtful as you William. For a long time I was trying to persuade him to get a computer in order that his daughter, who lived nearby, didn't have to do his shopping for him. Being a very old fashioned type of person, he didn't even consider the possibility. I thought I was stuck in my ways, but there you are, it takes all sorts to make a world.

Joe wrote:

At least one overseas holiday (vacation) per year.
Upgrade to the latest 85" television.
Televisions for other rooms.
Phone contracts with unlimited data for the whole family.
Multiple TV streaming service subscriptions.
Audio streaming service subscriptions.
New pc, laptop or tablet.
New/new to you car.
A second car.
Same spend on Christmas presents as last year.
Lottery tickets and scratchcards.
Gambling.

An interesting list Joe, quite thought provoking.

The last overseas holiday we took was back in 2017, mainly due to the pandemic rather than financial hardship.
We just have the one TV in our living room, although this computer can double up as a TV when required.
Don't understand about phone contracts or data, all a bit beyond me, I told you I was a stick in the mud.
Multiple streaming stuff, again don't quite comprehend, and having a million channels with Virgin media, we don't see the need for them.
We only buy laptops, computers and cars, when the old ones breakdown and are irreparable.

You may turn your nose up at lottery tickets and scratch cards, but at least the proceeds do go to charity and good causes in general, so cannot be too sniffy about them.

Well, why not? Don't you find the subject of emojis representing people who wear glasses totally fascinating and absorbing Jack? I would have thought that somebody with a mathematical bent, such as yourself, would be all over this.

Just out of interest William, when did the word "emoji" replace the far friendlier word "smiley". Emoji sounds almost sinister to my ears, whereas smiley conjurers up a world which is full of love and happiness. If only today's world was like that...

Is that because you are social distancing? We are led to believe that it is so very contagious, especially when indoors.

Personally I have no idea whether I have had it or not, taken the odd test about a year ago which came back negative, but the symptoms are so very similar to the common cold that it's almost impossible to say cold or covid.

The biggest problem is that the tests have been proven to give false positives, so it seems to me that they are worse than useless.

I hope that your wife gets back to peak fitness very soon.

My simplistic way of seeing the "problem" is that the answer is five. Why dos he say that we will not believe it? Unless you do the right hand side of the equation fist, then the answer becomes 230-110=120.

But most people in the western world read from left to right.

I don't think you can beat this video you made a few years ago Gordon. https://youtu.be/8mRPQNhLA-M It has a lot more pace about it, and in my humble is a lot more visually appealing.

It's a bit like myself when I keep videoing the same subject over and over, I tend to run out of ideas, there's only so many angles you can use. My first video I took of Hyde Hall for example, is probably the best version I took.

Very nicely done Gordon, I can see a lot of hard work has gone into that film. Nice scenery, lovely animation, acting was a bit wooden, but kudos to you for having a go. Makes you appreciate just how talented those who act for a living have to be.

The video had a "melodrama" feel to it. I'm assuming that was the intention?

The alien certainly had an interesting taste in men!!

Do you always get those messages when you forget to pay your phone bill Gordon? I would try changing your network provider. It's all a bit spooky.

Not that I am taking sides, but on my computer Joe's link doesn't do anything, as you say Gordon "most peculiar"

Yet another insight into your weird and wonderful mind pberk.

How long into the future do you think this scenario will be, and who would be the unlucky person being gently bullied into submission? Lots to think about. I did like the special effects, especially the roaming eye, you have a marvelous imagination.

As for myself, I will stick with videoing flowers, trees and shrubs, with the odd bit of wildlife or even an occasional steam train!!

It take all sorts - have to go now, the telephone's ringing...

Thanks Joe.

According to that site my data has been breached, I had this result.

"Oh no — pwned!

Pwned in 1 data breach and found no pastes (subscribe to search sensitive breaches).

No idea what I can do about it though.

I stumbled across this video from the BBC Archive Channel. It's a fascinating look at how to edit home videos back in 1987. To a man of 71, that seems just like yesterday, I do not think I could be bothered to edit anything using the equipment Sue Robbie was demonstrating. https://youtu.be/_cnQv8JCsX4