The Crosby Channel

Yerwashup, just in case you weren't kidding, pasties are small discs which cover the nipples. As opposed to the Cornish variety. Like.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Mar 20 19:25:49 2010

.....i wunder wer de pasties iz?
:o)) <>
, , , Sat Mar 20 18:47:12 2010

.....and just over an hour ago......"Spring is sprung, the grass is riz"
;o) <>
, , , Sat Mar 20 18:45:36 2010

Hola Fransisco, que tal? What in God's name are pasties? And can you buy them in Satterthwaites?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Mar 20 16:30:56 2010

Wonderful things that never take place in my neighbourhood ! Boulder, Colo. – A woman gardening wearing only a yellow thong and pink gloves has brought neighbourhood complaints and new rules from a housing authority in Colorado. Boulder Housing Partners plans to amend its rules so that tenants cover up when they're outside. Several passers-by told Boulder police earlier this week that Catharine Pierce was topless while tending to her yard. Last year, she was threatened with eviction for gardening wearing only pasties and a thong.
Francisco <>
, , , Sat Mar 20 15:51:00 2010

A bloke goes in an adult store and asks for an inflatable doll. Guy behind the counter says, 'Male or female?' Customer says, 'Female.' Counter guy asks, 'Black or white? Customer says, 'White.' Counter guy asks, 'Christian or Muslim?' Customer says, 'What does religion have to do with it?' Counter guy says, 'The Muslim one blows itself up.'
Smiley <>
, , , Sat Mar 20 14:15:20 2010

News for Chrome users: I use Google Chrome and have noticed that, when I put up a Spanish language news page, a translation bar shows up at the top of the page, offering to translate the lot. I tried it and was surprised at how well, albeit not without the occasional pot-hole stumble, the system worked. So now, TCC'ers can access Venezuelan news -- and Chinese, Slovakian, Danish and an oodle piont five of others, at the press of a key. Google's roving tech delving has been widely reported and their language approach, a math/probability-based protocol as opposed to a grammar-based one, has achieved unlikely success: Give it a whirl; try France Soir or the Frankfurter Rundschau -- or even 'noticas24.com' and 'noticierodigital.com' for Venezuela.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 19 14:36:18 2010

jj. ugh. into peril ridden territory. avoid tents. prefer. broad based.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Mar 18 20:52:54 2010

Dear BE, I merely put in my two cents in objection to the preferential mention of gays. My own numerous, big-tented community, whereof I am a prominent member and we have chapters in every State, is "None of the Above": we rarely get a look-in. It's time for change we can believe and to stop all that. Say I!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 18 18:48:14 2010

be. rights or rites.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Mar 18 18:07:18 2010

assert or insert
. <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 17:48:10 2010

Well said, young John, we gays must assert our rights!
BE <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 16:37:17 2010

SB, It is my TCC'er duty to advise you that that latest of yours has a discriminatory thread; if gays, then heteros -- of all ethnicities, to be sure -- and, for the longer-haul reader, ungays or disconsolates too. These are delicate times and language must be tailored to avert provocation of sensibility-encroachment feelings in any person or community imaginable.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 18 15:14:12 2010

averting gays. averting gays. go.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Mar 18 13:39:04 2010

Just you stop this right now, ladies avert your gaze.
Mary WH <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 13:32:24 2010

well he was an engineer.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 13:30:41 2010

acc 2 bbc report. she was seated. he took whatever weapon came to hand.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Mar 18 12:37:36 2010

or she was below regulation height????
;o) <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 12:26:59 2010

//tried to strike the officer on the head with his penis when she was called out to his flat// Forgive me for laufing, but he must have had a very large thingie majig to reach her head....
Diana <>
, , , Thu Mar 18 12:07:30 2010

Watched one of the best movies I have seen foe a long time the other night on the tv in "the Departed". Being as it is St. Paddies day, just thought I would mention it. Certainly not for the squeamish Sunday school teacher. Well back to quaffing green beer, thankfully only for one day a year.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 16:43:17 2010

Cheap for you Franco, very expensive for the rest of us.
;o) <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 15:47:42 2010

Dear Green O'J: Yes. Hence the O'Bamagh optional spelling. Just what Irish characteristics he may exhibit, however, is open to question; and question it we shall, as he barrels and careens down the road to Unconstitutional US Reduction To Lowest and Commonest Denominator. ////Re. Glasgow altercation report: on your listing of "thirty-one things to do with a penis", I bet none of you had included 'attack a police lady'. But it does give new impulse to 'self-employed', what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Mar 17 15:10:11 2010

Man used penis to assault female police officer The court heard Marium Varinauskas had been drinking heavily A man who assaulted a female police officer with his penis has been fined. Marium Varinauskas, 28, tried to strike the officer on the head with his penis when she was called out to his flat, but she got out of the way. Lithuanian Varinauskas admitted a charge of assault at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and was fined £600.
Francisco <£100perinch@Justice uk>
, , , Wed Mar 17 14:35:53 2010

Ladies, I implore you to be extra careful when associating with 'self-employed engineers'. see scotland/north_east/8570398.stm
M.Whitehouse <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 13:50:22 2010

some say, O'Bamagh is Irish, heard it on Fox so it must be true, is that a fact now jj?
Green O'Jimmie <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 13:14:57 2010

To any of you who're duly Irished, have a lovely day. Dear Diana, I saw your vid there; sad that he falls so short of the mark. Have to ask how 'Change we an believe in' was so captivating... Mind you, his opposition wasn't really America's Best either. Well, they're down to the wire now on health care; that's 16% of the US economy: if government establishes it securely within its purview, it'll constitute the BIGGEST of big government and it's only the thin end of the wedge: fact is, once you're health-care enabled you can regulate anything at all in its name, car speeds, restaurant calories, TV content [here, no violence at all is allowed before 2300 hours: you can't show 9/11 footage; it might hurt the children...], school hour distribution, noise pollution: virtually nothing falls beyond a creatively conceived vision of what's health-related. Which means that, if it passes, you'll have government "hasta en la sopa" "even in the soup", i.e. inescapably into all you do. And the Pelosi stated clearly that "We have to pass the Bill to find out what's in it": what sort of prostituted expression of "We, the people..." is that load of rubbish?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Mar 17 11:42:24 2010

A very Merry St Patrick's too..Keeping things topical:youtube.com/watch?v=hlzY-hLhndo.....Bibi is in trouble with Barack too..Worst relations for 35 years..
Diana <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 06:40:47 2010

Happy Paddy's Day to all y'all.
BE <>
, , , Wed Mar 17 05:09:14 2010

But do those people have a job with perqs like a big White House?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Mar 17 00:32:11 2010

Re xmas trees - if you take that as a serious indicator of anything the number of fairies at bottoms of gardens and those believing in same must exceed the number of Mao's victims by a factor of at least ten. Ho ho ho (chi minh)
gus <>
london n11, , , Tue Mar 16 23:51:01 2010

There is also the rumour that the "special" relationship between the US & the UK is wearing a little thin, 'they' are even referring to the Falklands as Malivinas. Apparently 'they' are like 90% of English people in not trusting (or liking) the right Dis.Hon GB
jimmie <>
, , , Tue Mar 16 21:57:21 2010

Dear Gus, Did you look at the 'stuttering etc'website I gave there, re Mao [that would be 'there's no Christmas because we're atheists' Mao] on the Chrisie tree? Or google up 'White House Christmas Tree' [images].
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 16 20:57:52 2010

I have been quiet. JJs description of Obama as proto-Commie has left me speechless for a while, if not gobsmacked. Not until Obie's Caracas bound for advice from Pres Chav will I even begin to take this serious like.
gus <>
london n11, , , Tue Mar 16 18:07:48 2010

Dear Andy, Thanks: I enjoyed the Frith site and added my 2 cents for Myers Road; took me way back well enough; I used to shop right there and used the post office too.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 16 15:08:15 2010

mayor. gud syte but careful. those photos will unmask yor soul. lyke it or not.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Mar 16 10:51:53 2010

Any of youze feeling nostalgic about the Fair Borough circa 1960? Found a rather fab site plus a search box if you want to type in Blundellsands, Formby etc: francisfrith.com/crosby,merseyside/photos/
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Mar 16 10:29:07 2010

American values ????????
. <>
, , , Tue Mar 16 01:09:13 2010

Dear Andy, Re Arboreal Mao, see one example at h=t=t=p://stutteringmessiah.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/obamas-white-house-christmas-tree-features-ornaments-with-chairman-mao-and-transvestite-hedda-lettuce/ , And re fairness, how much of what exactly constitutes fairness and by whose benchmark? The foregoing may fruitfully be compared to what are the [sadly misnomered but nonetheless worth aspiring to] American values. What the western democracies morph into would depend directly which wins that confrontation. As for the point of departure, baseline, point T=0 or whatever, what fraction of Brits today live virtually 100% on government 'entitlements'?/////Re young and higher-mileage folk: where's the beef? Neither politeness or likelihood of whiskey-shot slobber are prerogatives of any particular age group, surely? As for the poor gent in his cups on an aeroplane but with diverse tropical diseases in his past [I had dengue fever a couple of years ago] a) was he afraid of flying? b) Recently bereaved? c) Just diagnosed with MS? or whatever; had his flight companion engaged in confab, maybe those tropical experiences could have made for a pleasanter hour or two. As for the Y generation: is their seeming mono-person the result of excess CRT exposure or are they apprehensive about flying somewhere beyond their usual habitat? If you live a lot of time in a virtual world, the real one can be frightening possibly? And they are, after all, our own generations' offspring: does a collective "we" bear responsibility here? One thing is sure, blathering on from both sides about the shortcomings of the other ain't gonna help at all at all. For myself, I think Kiera Knightly is sweet; not as sweet as Kristen Scott Thomas but potentially slipper-cert worthy; I'd be happy to find next to me on an aeroplane, preferably long-haul.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 15 20:31:34 2010

Have to disagree with you there Hermes, most of the kids I meet, really are very considerate of others. Must be the water or something, but in all cities there were/still are places you would be advised to go with a crowd. The likes of Toronto seem to have areas, mostly where minority groups collect, that it is definitely a good idea to keep out of.
Salty <>
, , , Mon Mar 15 20:14:59 2010

Hi, William & Mary. You'll be there someday, if you survive!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Mon Mar 15 18:57:29 2010

Hi Willie, came across one of those old farts last time we flew, by the time the peanuts arrived he was half sloshed, the way his eyes looked (and from what he has told us of all his travels) prob not hemeroids but Berry Berry or F-Bola or somefink. Right old misserable sod. wouldn't want him as a husband.
Mary the Moll <>
, , , Mon Mar 15 14:35:54 2010

....and have another smashing day...
Willie <>
, , , Mon Mar 15 13:46:38 2010

Still at it Hermes, besides Winston being half American, what's that to do with your appreciation of us 'Less old fogies' than yourself. Either the hemorrhoids are playing up again or you have those tension socks too tight or perhaps way up under the armpits.....and why would we need to see 'repeats' of any tv program?
Wullie the Younger <>
, , , Mon Mar 15 13:29:22 2010

What the hell is wrong with you morbid so and sos, the piece that I wrote was the quintessence of what an English man is all about, jeeze you north American types take yourselves so seriously, get over yourselves, you are running the world no wonder it's in such a mess. Winston was so right , you certainly don't understand us, all this diatribe about death and disillusionment and misery has nothing whatsoever to do with what I was thinking. remember this, watching repeats of British tv doesn't help you think like an Englishman.
Herm <>
, , , Mon Mar 15 12:58:29 2010

Lighten up a bit Herm, we'll all be dead soon enough!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sun Mar 14 22:15:01 2010

JJ, a 'little' while back I made several visits to the 'middle Kingdom' when Mou was in power. What a place, Britain under Brown or the States under Barack certainly has a bit of catching up in the 'big brother' department of them there days. Strangely enough one of the more progressives of that time was a Chou en lai (maybe not the right spelling) who I had quite the regard for. This was a fellow who once a year would, reportedly, go back to country villages and work with the farmers/peons to get some idea of what made the place tick. Methinks it would be a good example for some of the more 'professional' politicians of today. In most well run organizations, the bosses can to be found, once in a while, talking to the person cleaning out the bogs or putting the widgets together. If nothing else might just prevent the occasional mutiny. Aye lad, me 'arties, and all that.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Mar 14 15:17:58 2010

Herms, stop trying to stare the sh!t, 'we are the people', modest, intelligent, thoughtful, and respectful of our 'elderly and somewhat stuffy 'Hermes like' fellow travellers. When the plane stops, it takes the likes of Hermes so long to get his bag out of the overhead bin, holding up up all us younguns trying to get to the beach, must be the special tension socks the old people wear to stop deep vein thrombosis restricting his movements, that or just plain old age. But don't forget 'O creaky one', it is us that will, hopefully, be able to afford paying for your old age pension, even if the pot is dry when it is our turn. Cheers, 'have a smashing day' as they say over the other side of the pond.
Willie the Younger (aka Billy the ....) <>
, , , Sun Mar 14 14:06:26 2010

My pick of the week is generation Y. If you want to see proof positive of these cretins try flying with any budget airline, in fact they are becoming omni present.they are all well under thirty, are the same hight and weight, male or female and are clones of each other. they have zero personality, speak in mono tone, and are totally dispassionate with no redeeming or mitigating qualities. from my obs, they will be shown the emergency exit when they reach thirty and put on the scrap heap, thirty is the new fifty. Have a nice week, peace.
Hermes <>
, , , Sun Mar 14 12:32:19 2010

Ah keep a fairy on the top o our Chrizzy tree, don't mean, well yer get the drift.
jimmie <>
, , , Sun Mar 14 11:21:40 2010

So...O-bomber is a "Muslim", a "terrrrst" a "Commie" and black to boot. Got to admit, Noo paranoia is rather good for a giggle!
Mayor <>
Airstrip One, Burbo, , Sun Mar 14 07:04:46 2010

Dear Salty, Just for the record, along with an oodle of other unsettling odds&ends, one of the pretty telling details shown on the widely photographed O'Bamagh White House Christmas tree was a picture of a smiling Mao Tse Tsung! Allez figurer vous, old mate. So,if that's what Barack meant when he said 'change', it behooves the Cons to elucidate a tad wouldn't you've opined? In the light of Labour and LibDem promises to impose [their shifting perception of] 'fair', like.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Mar 14 00:23:01 2010

No different here, jj. Buying votes with the populaces own money....."Well you did vote us in". But was it ever any other way? It's not that long ago that only male house owners had the vote; now, just as it appears the case in Britain, the more any one party can let into a country (with all the perks that go along with entry) the more that party seems to think it will win an election. I think you may be exaggerating the marxist flavour in the US of A. What the man has/is doing was long overdue in a near dictatorship of the rich. In my opinion for what it is worth, is that the problem we have in the country to the north is a man determined to be the second coming of Bush. Even before this latest financial meltdown, Harper and his gang in the PMO had this country with a larger debt than ever before - strangely enough, just about the same as the last conservative lot. I always thought 'they' were supposedly the 'best Managers' .....bullcrap! Pox on all their houses.....buy gold and dig deep (holes in the back yard to keep it in). Gawd that feels better.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Mar 13 20:44:32 2010

Dear MayorMan, What a dreadful show!! The Cons will provide some diffuse 'change', unqualified and so, essentially, casting themselves in the 'trust us' mode: the founder-members of 'Slime&Sleaze Not-So-Anonymous' could have been expected to come up with something a bit more vibrant, would you've opined? As for the LibDems and Labour, both seeking to bring 'more fairness' Holy Moses. To my here-honed sensibilities, the subtext is, "If your earnings are honest-to-goodness elbow-grease certified, we'll ensure that there are no complaints of unfairness by confiscating all that we can of them to dole it out to elbow-grease challenged masses, created by our ubiquitous entitlement programmes designed to perpetuate us in power as sole dole-ers. This task will unfortunately require us all to live in huge mansions with bodyguards and drive [read: 'be driven in'] big bullet-proof motor cars and enjoy unrestricted access to freely convertible foreign currency. As we'd say here, "Que Díos no agarre confesados, vale!" but, if you go that road, you can keep singing, "God Save the Queen": she'll be the only one left with a house after private property, now so eroded on the personal privacy front, is finally eliminated, however gradually! Exaggerated? Well, have a dekko at O'Bamagh and his numerous Marxist advisors as they undertake their version of the 'Time for change' promise, namely, the creation of the USSA, the United Soviet States of America. Telegramme from Barack yo Osama, "Lay of us matey: you're trying to destroy America in the old-fashioned way; me, I've got a pile more style; you just leave it to me.] I can't sniff the UK voting climate but, as you say Andy, it reflects your theme, "What a GodAwfully Sorry Lot!" with an implied "Have they any respect for voters at all at all?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Mar 13 19:25:28 2010

You've heard from The Mayor before about the British political system/British politicians being the absolute pits. Well it looks like their Ad agencies aren't much better. 2010 election slogan for the dreaded Tories: "Vote for change" (Oh, how exciting and original). Noo Labor: "A future fair for all" (ZZZZzzzz...). So can the Lib Dems top any of this drivel? Er, no. To show how 'different' they are from the other two parties, they've simply combined the two other slogans and come up with the awe-inspiring "Change that works for you. Building a fairer Britain" What planet are these people on??
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Mar 13 18:24:21 2010

They never stop talking; that's why they call them birds!
BE <>
, , , Sat Mar 13 16:59:37 2010

Diana, Having spent much time on the South America run with Lamport and Holt and Booth line, with the home dock being the Langton or Gladstone dock , I have seen many a parrot arrive in the Port of Liverpool. One particular parrot that fascinated me was one that took up residence behind the bar of the Caradock hotel in Seaforth where I would nip into for some refreshment whilst working by( ship slang for port day work)estimates varied, but some believed that this bird was over eighty plus some. It must have seen some changes.
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Mar 13 11:52:43 2010

youtube.com/watch?v=K7ht0a2-OnA.....................We had one of these little feathered friends for many years. Always took him on board with us when we sailed. He could sing the National Anthem from the beginning to the end. Imitated all our voices all the time..The trouble having him on board, was the changing time zones. He never knew when to stop talking and shouting. He kept most of the Officers awake, so in the end he was banned to the bridge... Einstein is an amazing bird isn't he..?
Diana <>
, , , Sat Mar 13 06:53:01 2010

Dear Gus: England also has interesting politicians, see theregister.co.uk/2010/03/12/arrowsmith_mp_bid/
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Mar 13 04:09:37 2010

Oh for the days of Jewemmy Thorpe, 'is big black dog, and South african friends, what?
'ello Sailor <>
, , , Fri Mar 12 22:38:18 2010

Old Sarko is a bit of a lad, innee? Provides much more entertainment than our own politicos - amusez vous bien ici: youtube.com/watch?v=axDyUNWyuw8 et aussi youtube.com/watch?v=1uxb0JHqzlA
gus <>
London N11, , , Fri Mar 12 22:18:49 2010

Oh, Oh! Low blow for a type 'O' there SB. Still, with a view to taking the pressure off Nic [and after having a dekko at Chantal] I'll link my own name romantically to hers, killing two Euro-stabilising oiseaux with one fell swoop. How's that grab yer?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 12 19:47:59 2010

jj. u kan see my enfabt. if u let me see yors. & hoos syd r u on enny whey. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Mar 12 19:17:42 2010

Allons enfabts de la patrie: Allez le hog entier: ménage a quatre, trumping the visibly worn-out "been-there; done-that" 'á trois' version! Pouvoir a ses bras et bienvenu au nouveau siécle. Perhaps if Gordon were to cultivate a few rumours and get Mrs. Gordon to do likewise, he'd have a better chance of losing gracefully come May! Joanna Lumley's quite patriotic... and "there are no grounds for the malicious ScrewsoftheWorld report that the lady who signed in as "Mrs. Brown" at a Dorset B&B this weekend, accompanied by Elton John was the Mrs. Brown as therein insinuated..."
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 12 19:12:13 2010

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a busy man. Too busy to even mouth the word, “Non.” Sarkozy and his wife, former model Carla Bruni, have been beset by rumours that they are both involved in affairs. Sarkozy has been linked in the French press to Chantal Jouanno, a married junior minister of the ecology. Bruni has been tied to French pop star Benjamin Biolay.
<>
, , , Fri Mar 12 18:42:56 2010

French bread spiked . C.I.A. . w*w*w.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/7415082/French-bread-spiked-with-LSD-in-CIA-experiment.html
Francisco <>
, , , Fri Mar 12 15:23:55 2010

the duke puts is foot it it again. . w*w*w.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/7423530/Duke-of-Edinburgh-asks-female-sea-cadet-if-she-works-at-a-strip-club.html
Francsico <>
, , , Fri Mar 12 15:16:49 2010

the others have always been the cowboys Herms, that's what's so dangeroos.
Jimbo <>
, , , Fri Mar 12 00:46:59 2010

jj, It will hit you in the gob like a Manx kipper, that the Iraq people are the Indians and the others are the cowboys, there is no cultural awareness which the only salient point.I don't want to spoil it for you,can't anyway as it's totally naff
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Mar 11 23:59:29 2010

Dear Gus, If your only stock in trade is finely honed expertise with just seven boringly well-known tools, being pride, lust et al, and by nature, you have no choice but to contract out all the actual physical work, your posted listing, though only partial looks like a good start, what?///Dear Herm', Haven't seen hurt Locker yet; possibly this weekend. The tomatometer reading [rottentomatoes.com] was particularly good though: should be an interesting Sunday movie outing. Saw 'An Education' last Sunday: great performance by that new bird, "La Mulligan"; maybe she's good in the kitchen too, with gollykins top-end soup, brownish on occasion, perchance?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 11 19:09:28 2010

Interesting piece there jj I have no opinion on the reality or otherwise of demonic possession never having come across it in any personal capacity but as with most things retain an open mind. If it does exist it seems to be only a small percentage of the daily miseries that people inflict on each other anyway, stemming from the swellings of the ego, the excesses of power, limited intelligence, competition for survival etc etc etc. Same proportion I would guess between acts of ordinary goodness: the miraculous; acts of ornery wickedness: the diabolical.
Gus <>
London N11, , , Thu Mar 11 18:07:49 2010

the devil made me do it
the forth Swiss Fairy <>
, , , Thu Mar 11 17:00:19 2010

It's long been said that the Devil's in the details; well, he seems to have upgraded: according to the Times, he's alive and well and living in the Vatican[shades of Jacques Brel?]. We've come a long way since those innocent "Yer know, 'VAT-69' is the Popes telephone number" days, what? Dear Gus, You might tack this lot onto your recent subtlety observation, eh? GOTO: w+w+w.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article7056689.ece
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 11 15:39:44 2010

diana. thanks. i will to wear a new skirt next time over.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Mar 11 14:16:46 2010

Been to see Hurtlocker. What a load of cowboy, macho, propaganda garbage it is, and it's sad to think that films like this are being made in this day and age,. we havn't moved forward much.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Mar 11 12:44:03 2010

and for some real earth shattering news; there's no escaping John Cleese, even at the Bank of America see: middle_east/8561707.stm
jimmie <>
, , , Thu Mar 11 12:38:12 2010

jj, there was quite a show on TV of Bibi and VP Biden brown nosing each other...Apart from the fact that Mr Bibi would kiss anything in a skirt...Got quite a reputation if you know what I mean...wink wink...quite a lady's man.BTW, try this link..
Diana <h*t*t*p://w*w*w.implu.com/government_news/4/127365>
, , , Thu Mar 11 11:59:24 2010

Dear Diana, That would make the present mess -- 'US condemnation' and so forth -- a hypocritical dance orchestrated by Bibi and Biden with malice aforethought don't you think? To salt up matters, Joe declared [acc. BBC] that "the US has no better friend than Israel", throwing its relationship with the UK and the rest of Europe overboard. The whole thing makes Biden and the US look as though Bibi as PM is playing them masterfully, underlining a US administration that's way out of its depth. If that friendship is over 30 years old -- hugs and kisses as you say, let me ask, just who does would Bibi hug and kiss and why?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 11 11:22:03 2010

jj, it was known over three months ago that there was permission to build new housing in the settlements.(Some say it was approved over three years ago (says me giving an eye roll to heaven)..I am not a fan of Bibi and his kind and in fact I try to avoid being associated with his policies...As for VP Biden,s visit in this region..It was stated by both Biden and Bibi that their personal friendship went back a trio decade.Hugs and kisses all round...Go and know...I see that the peace talks are again on hold...//In the news this morning it was stated that Britain is now financing Zimbabwe's poor souls, who are starving..They should force that lunatic from power..Check this out:h*t*t*p://w*w*w.chillnite.com/wtf-gallery-of-zimbabwes-robert-mugabe
Diana <>
, , , Thu Mar 11 07:19:38 2010

BE, the 'poyntie bit' is her tung.
j, t w m <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 21:14:52 2010

Dear Gus, I'd not've glorified it with "theological" just one guy's reflexions on a theme and the grounds for particular options opted for, so to say. On theology theology, I can claim no expertise beyond the next man {Hi Ad old chap, how's Eve these days... Finally got her off that orchard duty I hope...]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, And God Bless, Wed Mar 10 21:11:43 2010

Your "old lady" said that you were wearing the horns, Jimmie!
BE <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 21:10:30 2010

Gus, sounds like my old lady.
jimmie the welder's mate <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 21:00:11 2010

Not often we get a theological debate here jj but your distinction between 'evil' and the 'evil one' is a bit too subtle for me. 'Forgive them for they know not what they do' as was once said, and, I would humbly submit, whether whats a temptin' them is a vague abstract force or an individual usually characterised by horns and a pointy tail.
gus <>
london n11, , , Wed Mar 10 20:32:16 2010

Dear BE, Schifferstadt Mike would be your best reference point in that regard but I don't think that there'd be any barney about it: after all, if you're 'pure of heart', then you're also 'clean of heart', are you not? But with the, to my mind tragically misplaced, emphasis on sex over my 'formative times', I felt that the 'pure' option that you mention focussed too strongly on that, to the detriment of owt else so I've gone the 'clean' road because a) it specifically doesn't respond to the above-mentioned obsessive intensity and b) more readily encompasses a whole string of other -- healthier? -- aspirations and spiritually affords a damned sight more mileage than the alternative. The "Proddy or not" never crossed my mind. A parallel occurs in the Pater Noster, Lord's Prayer or Our Father, according to your propensities: the last bit says "and deliver us from evil"; my own (legit) preference -- a minority one, to be sure -- is "deliver us from the evil one", underlining an aspect of things that entirely escapes attention in the more widespread option as cited above. [I have my reasons, btw.] The original of that last bit is 'sed libera nos a malo' which happily yields to both English options mentioned. Mike, wo bist Du, kerl?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Mar 10 19:10:15 2010

Is "pure in heart" the Proddy version, JJ?
BE <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 18:00:26 2010

and in a more modern vein "Thou shalt not believe Politicians"
s <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 16:03:49 2010

Come now Salty; you're just having me on there. I mean, the fellow's not even a Catholic... In which vein, themthere VAT69'ers are getting themselves into even deeper dudu again, this time in the Low Countries: more child molesting, after the tsunamis of the US, Ireland and Germany/Austria. When will they learn? And all their own foreseeable, arrogant bluddy fault. Makes yer want ter spit. Fact is, of the Beatitudes, over the years, my own personal fave has been #6, "Blesséd are the clean of heart...". I always figure that, if you hang onto that one, the rest'll fall into line. Heigh Ruddy Ho!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, etc, Wed Mar 10 15:31:18 2010

Your MI5 bit rather ties in with the reluctance of the present Canadian Government's stand on 'sending' detainees to certain 'grilling'. Maybe these poor lads (Al Kider and his mates) should have taken more marmite and a bit less dried meat. So that wasn't you jj in the CH....oh well.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 14:37:58 2010

jj. Biltong, biltong biltong idle i o, is a South African nibble, aka beef jerky. I have never been on the Velt, but visited the nations ports. My friend who is South African has a grudge, and he keeps his car in it.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Mar 10 14:26:33 2010

Well, the Israelis could hardly have been more clear in conveying their opinion of O'Bamagh if they'd stuck Joe Biden in a clapped-out sidecar to roll into town. The episode seems to have captured only backburner sidebars, possibly to allow less public US nursing of sensibilities but I can't remember Jerusalem ever having said so outright, "You're a wuss!" /////Dear Joe Walker, I don't know Brian Hughes [I'm about 4 years behind there] but wanted to ask, Aren't you the chap who was writing a book a while ago? How did that turn out? ////I see MI-5 is claiming 'excusable ignorance' on extraordinary rendition details there; one Eliza Manningham-Buller. Hmmmnn. In spite of which, I tend toward the face-value intepretation in this one. ///For those TCC'ers whose life takes them out and about, have a look at w+w+w.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2010/03/packing_tips&fsrc=nlw%7Cgul%7C03-09-2010%7Cgulliver for high-density travel tips: the comments are as insightful as the article proper. and I found out that 'biltong' is 'jerked meat', wot i didna know heretofore...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Mar 10 13:32:56 2010

Friends, Greetings from Texas! Is there anybody in the area who might know a Brian Hughes. I am related to him but have never met him, he would be about 73. I will appreciate your kind help in this matter. Thanking you Joe in TX
Joseph Walker <jwalker85@hotmail.com>
San Antonio, Texas 78209, USA, Tue Mar 9 18:38:42 2010

Dear Salty, You should clarify that that JJ chap is James, Anglican Bish, unrelated to this jj chap, the lower case, where nuts are kept maybe... I am un-high profile and un-likely to be getting into a debate on gays; thinking on, about gays, would probably be better phrasing there.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 9 15:11:26 2010

all 2 complicated. make mine branston pickle.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Mar 9 14:34:52 2010

unless you look like that
ss <>
, , , Tue Mar 9 14:31:44 2010

salty. do u think the image is jesus. ma might. i dont.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Mar 9 14:16:30 2010

Couldn't help but notice that Bishop JJ is considering a debate on Gays in the church (CH) , and also the 'Power' of Britain's favourite food,marmite. I fact it would seem to be very beneficial to grannies living in Ystrad when they need comforting : wales/8071865.stm
Skeptical Salty <>
, , , Tue Mar 9 13:57:10 2010

Holy Moses! Beware the marauding asterisks, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 9 13:56:13 2010

Dear NP, In asserting that 'like many others' as opposed to everybody, I was manufacturing a loopy hole for [often Seafield] ladies, upon to whom the passage of years fails to leave a trace, in spite of their being fully Tuesday/Thursday'ed up. ///Dear William of the be-pensioned Granddad, I thought it was interesting that you said 'just received his pension' when, in my parlance, possibly generationally gapped from you'rn, I'd've said 'just got his pension'. I've always seen British English as more Saxon than American but 'to receive' preferred over 'to get' would be a recent [inversive] development. I use 'to get in the way of' more naturally than 'to obstruct' [or hinder] and 'to take off or away' rather than 'to remove' the latter both closer to American usage [I think]. I see those funny old compounds are characteristically German-driven. Of course, my stuff probably exudes a stiltedness owing to my having been out of daily English touch for going on 45 years. I'm told that, despite English's having an over 47% Latin-based word base, to achieve punch and vibrancy, you keep to Saxon as much as feasible. Hence the 'receive' 'to get' "disquisition". OOps! Make that 'Thingie', from German 'Ding'['thing'], occasionally being the complement of 'D**g' if the Ding is a bell, or 'Glocke', whence 'Glockenspiel', the sales chat for selling bells.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 9 13:53:35 2010

wellit's Tuesday now and me granddad's just receeved 'is pension.
Yung Billie <>
, , , Tue Mar 9 13:12:07 2010

Were others older then? Maybe the Tuesday/Thursday rule also applies to age.
np <>
, , , Tue Mar 9 10:32:57 2010

He's lost one tribe already -- and you want to take his aeroplanes? truth be told, I flew proudly aboard their aircraft on the Rotterdam-Speke route back in the mid 60's. Like many I know, I was younger then...
jj <eyc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 9 02:59:06 2010

by Danair?
. <>
, , , Tue Mar 9 02:27:33 2010

or ville. perhaps.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Mar 9 00:34:36 2010

Wright u r!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 8 19:42:20 2010

Tuesdays and Thursdays
np <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 19:29:07 2010

Dear NP, If "usually", then which days doesn't it apply on? If today, we're in open country; if not, your correspondent could argue 'understandable mis-step', esp. if located in a country where it's already tomorrow, thereby enabling his/her access to a potentially exonerating 'tomorrow' protocol so allowing, despite posting times' all being reduced to Crosbological horology. Understandably, natch.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 8 18:57:35 2010

I don't think Preseland Road was unadopted, it certainly never had a sign up to say so, I remember seeing that in Liverpool but the old Borough of Crosby probably felt it looked a bit off. It always had a surface as far as I recall but only as far as the end of the doctor's house on the right and the photographers on the left, it then turned into a track which eventually led you to Seafield. Next road up Fairholme was definitely unadopted and still may be, I grew up there to age 5, stones in the road were tempting things to throw on occasion. My grandmother who lived there in the thirties said the owner of the road used to have a toll gate at the top which was ceremoniously used on only one day a year. Sounds a bit odd but you used to be able to see what looked like the remains of a gate on the wall of the top house (Carmichael the dentist in my day.)
gus <>
London N11, , , Mon Mar 8 18:02:06 2010

i before e except after c (usually), as in "receiving," "yung wully"
np <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 17:47:13 2010

Nay, thuz ony thee, yung wully.
ole gaffer <>
, , t'other on a bar of soap, Mon Mar 8 17:42:33 2010

Are there ANY other young people out there, yes I mean those not recieving/should be getting a pension?
Billie the Kid <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 16:29:34 2010

old scout hand. u say. outright brass face denial. was his vociferous reply. old. indeed.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Mar 8 15:25:48 2010

never mind 'finding' the lost tribe of Dan, sb, being an old scout hand, is it true that your Baden had a soft spot for dear old Schiclegruber? see newsid_8551000/8551491.stm
19th. <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 15:12:49 2010

lost tribe of dan found. claims dan was negligent.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Mar 8 13:57:28 2010

dear jj, Unadopted in respect of roads means that the road surface and and any other services are not the responsibility of the council to maintain. There are a few of them around, and they will have a sign, the same as the street sign usually below, with the words Unadopted, you can always tell an unadopted street as the road surface will be quite bad, and I'm certain that Presland is one of them
Hermes <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 13:54:25 2010

in fact man, just be thankful you are not of the villiage of Zot.
rm <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 13:44:22 2010

for all we on dis board know dj you might be black also, and would it make any difference? in fact from recent postings you may be israelyish as well, but then DNA might tell you that you are not of the lost tribe of Danl
rastus man <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 13:39:51 2010

Dear Herm', What exactly does 'unadopted' mean for a road?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 8 13:08:44 2010

Preseland road has been unadopted for the longest time, and remains so, this has never compromised its nature as the boulevard of dreams.
Hermes <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 11:42:52 2010

dj. lukky u. pse advise hoo u r when knowed. and dna analisis address. i 2 want 2 kno if i have any 1 exotic back ther. spine tingling. i think.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Mar 8 11:26:08 2010

Dear Bro', Dis heah is a scream, ain't it?
BE <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 01:46:40 2010

Sorry premature projection. start again...............BTW, Just mailed off my DNA in order to find out who I am. I have always had a suspicion that I was adopted. Ma & Pa were black, rather makes me wunder.
Dj <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 01:34:42 2010

BTW, Just mailed off my DNA in order to find out who I am. I have always had a suspicion that I was adopted
DJ <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 01:31:24 2010

Brian, my regrets for asking you to to view clip twice- my error-was seeing double. Brian, my regrets for asking you to to view clip twice- my error-was seeing double
DJ <>
, , , Mon Mar 8 01:28:52 2010

Thanks, Di. I knew about the Ethiopians, it was the others that I was interested in.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sun Mar 7 02:59:59 2010

BE, there is a large Black Jewish community here. They came from Ethiopia in the 80s when there was a lot of fighting going on in that region...//Genetic testing has determined that men of the Lemba, a black, Bantu-speaking people, have the Y chromosome of the Jewish priestly class, the Cohanim. It is rare among non-Jews. The Lemba observe kosher-like dietary laws and seem more Middle Eastern than African. They may have come from Yemen. Some 65,000 Ethiopian Jews from different groups have moved to Israel since 1974. Israel's chief rabbis believe they are descended from the lost tribe of Dan. Others say they are descended from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Many Ethiopians were so isolated they thought all Jews were black. ////
Diana <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 22:30:49 2010

Dear DJ, Loved the clip altogether. Kamloops, here I come!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Mar 6 20:14:42 2010

?. nosy. nosy. may be they forgot yor number?
sb <att@ease.edu>
, , , Sat Mar 6 20:04:21 2010

butt wot?
? <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 19:57:29 2010

sum ladies call me.
s <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Mar 6 19:32:52 2010

BTW, some call Geordies Scotsmen with their brains removed.
Angus MacFrugal <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 17:42:42 2010

BTW, some Europeans call Canadians "polite Americans"
BE <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 16:49:03 2010

Dear Dave: I watched the clip (twice, as instructed), and I take exception on a few items: first the US doesn't really have the money, when you consider the debt (unlike Canada); next, we most definitely have multiculturalism; have all those animals too, but short on water. They also have the gun culture disgrace, and NO healthcare system. Enjoyed the clip!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sat Mar 6 16:46:12 2010

Mountie Hip Hop. //w*w*w.youtube.com/watch?v=mWQf13B8epw
DJ <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 16:15:15 2010

Mountie Hip Hop. //w.w.w.youtube.com/watch?v=mWQf13B8epw
DJ <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 16:14:20 2010

Thanks, Jimmie; those crazy Scots! ////// Do they still use "Oi!" in Britain to get someone's attention? I wonder if it comes from Yiddish? ////////Di, have you heard about the Lemba Jews?
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sat Mar 6 15:30:00 2010

Cold comfort under the kilt?..../highlands_and_islands/8552225.stm
jimmie on the pisste <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 14:55:06 2010

sb, just you keep your teats inside your vest please, this is a family site.
M.Whitehouse <>
, , , Sat Mar 6 14:32:36 2010

1 mans h is anuthers y. demokracie atitts vest.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Mar 5 20:27:37 2010

Oy vey!
np <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 20:16:31 2010

Assault or not assault? That is the question; "But I've never been to sea", was his 120/80 rejoinder... ///Re frying pans, or 'fry-pans' as a prior put it, unlike the case of the foggily named 'split thrunge pin reverse-thread driver lens', the very term, 'frying' pan sidelongédly indicates the intended use, so "wouldn't know what it's for" becomes an indictment of the particular husband's thoroughness in the obligatory wife-education department, an offence punishable by any handsome next-door neighbour withing nod-shot. Whence the phrase 'come hither eyes', for use over fences all the way up to bust-height. "Ah, youthful fence-leaping muscles, where are you now that there's an odds-on chance?" Oh Vey!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 5 19:20:12 2010

be, Doze wid hy blud pressur shud cut down on there salt
jimmie <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 17:28:41 2010

.......although the frying pan is for a more serious assault.
BE <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 15:15:58 2010

That too, Di.
BE <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 15:13:58 2010

BE, I thought it was the rollin' pin...
Diana <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 14:48:08 2010

That too, JJ.
BE <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 14:46:22 2010

Possibly Pro-Trudes......
j <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 14:36:56 2010

BE. It's not prudery; it's ignorance.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 5 14:30:02 2010

We have to protect our prudes, Jimmie.
BE <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 14:22:09 2010

BE, what's going over that side of the pond? what with fry-pans and now snow-women: see ....americas/8551528.stm
jimmie <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 14:09:10 2010

be. how daring. with a skillets handling & fallique shape. u r being a riské dubble entendre person. eye look forword 2 yor next fridays post.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Mar 5 13:54:26 2010

Dear Shelly-B, Yer on! I am sitting comfortably.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Mar 5 13:35:31 2010

Jimmy, a frying-pan is a woman's weapon.
BE <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 03:23:17 2010

Salty, My wife asked for an animal skin coat, so I gave her a donkey jacket.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Mar 5 02:01:24 2010

Glad to see that you're paying attention, Smiley.
BE <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 22:34:23 2010

It was only the tale end thow
;o) <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 22:00:32 2010

Dear JJ, there was a PBS special on freak waves on Jun 21, 2007. I mentioned it at the time, but the sea-dogs didn't bite. It was very scary!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Mar 4 20:58:57 2010

Oye cud tell yer tails JJ, about de see that wud make yer curly hair strighten itself out, that I cud
Shelly Bache <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 20:58:03 2010

The last voyage we did from Vancouver to South Korea was the one where I thought we would never see home again...Most of the major companies take advice for the shortest route from "OCEAN ROUTE PLANNERS all done through satellite ". Through the Bering Sea was like going on a journey to hell and back.The Bering Sea is separated from the Gulf of Alaska by the Alaska Peninsula...A journey which should have taken us 11 days was over 17 days..Gale force 9 with 25 metre waves lashing the bridge nonstop for 17 days.The ship was badly damaged, all the railings buckled in... One good thing though, good for losing weight, couldn't look at food.(The galley was closed anyway as it was far too dangerous.)..It was a huge container vessel, but being packed high and we were thrown around like an egg shell...The ships propeller was more out of the water than inside...Nose dives and then coming up for breath...We are going on a cruise in August. North Europe, Russia, Berlin, Denmark, Amsterdam and a couple of other places...You'd think that 47 years at sea was enough for his nibs, but he wants to sail...
Diana <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 20:57:24 2010

Re. that cruise ship hit by a wave in the Med.: there's a video at w+w+w.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/146151/el-estremecedor-momento-en-que-una-ola-gigante-impacto-a-un-crucero-en-el-mediterraneo/ where the sea seems rough but not 'that' rough; on impact, it cuts to inside the vessel and shows water bursting through the saloon windows which must be quite high above the water in normal circs.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 4 18:40:24 2010

Dear Salty, Re fur coat: just hold off on the Beama!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 4 15:20:32 2010

Salty, you don't know how lucky you are, my 'old lady' doesn't know what a fry-pan is for.
jimmie the Bosun's mate <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 15:20:23 2010

Hermes, as 'they' get older their backs tend to loose a lot of strength, ending up with a soft bit in the middle. A fine example of a vessel which survived one of these freak waves was the 'Bencruachan' . She encountered bad weather in one of the most dangerous parts of the Seas off the South African coast when, if the wind is in the wrong direction, the Agulhas current can produce huge waves. She ended up with the forward part of the ship bent down 7deg. when one of these breakers landed on her deck. ////jj, I have been telling my wife for years just how difficult it has been to put food on the table, and what do I get..... "Never mind all that bull, I want a fur coat to match the Beama you are going to get for me", no end to it, will want a new fry-pan next!
Salty <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 15:14:26 2010

Dear jj, The majority of the vessels lost I would assume, had broken their backs as they say. Many a bulk carrier has met such a fate in that way. it's a case of the bigger they are , the harder they fall, in rough seas that is, there ain't no way round it....nb have you had a deko @ Churchillia bartoli lately, and does she remain a magnet for the thinking man, and a candidate for the golden slipper?.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Mar 4 11:26:54 2010

For marine TCC'ers: I was shocked to see a BBC article on rogue waves with the info that at "two large ships sink every week, on average"; that's news to me. The waves in question run up to 30mt high. Blimey days. It would seem that you're all lucky to be alive after extended years afloat without being hit by one of those monsters... GOTO: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3917539.stm
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 4 11:14:31 2010

I say steady on old chap! I haven't heard that word for a long-ish time. Like about 40 years [thinks: that would put us, well, in the 60's]. Where did 'U' get it?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Mar 4 01:51:29 2010

salacious sixties. lolloping & lascivious. by jove. tcc spreads wings. moove over hef.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Mar 3 19:45:39 2010

As noted Di, you send me a salacious picture of a babe in her sixties, It is incumbent on me to let you know that I'm not really into the "Young Stuff" . I prefer ladies of a more mature age. Do not let this deter you from sending me further "Artistic studies"
DJ <>
, , , Wed Mar 3 18:21:23 2010

we would certainly hope 'you' don't.
Dirk Diggla <>
, , , Wed Mar 3 16:50:21 2010

DJ, you have let the cat out the bag...Now I shall have to tell all...I sent him a picture of a rather bonnie Brit lass, boob sledging in the Olympics..I would say she is in her early 60s, so keep your keks on sb.....On the same note, will the person who keeps sending me junkie male selling viagra and penis enhancement offers, please stop it...We don't need either....
Diana <>
, , , Wed Mar 3 15:25:55 2010

expensive umbrella too !....and no whistling please.
:o( <>
, , , Wed Mar 3 13:49:58 2010

deth. wer is thy styng. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Mar 3 13:42:00 2010

He might have had a bit of Foot & mouth but our Mick seems to have lasted very well thank you under the Socialist umbrella. Some might say "If only it were Hovis"......But I will get HIM one day.
the Grim Whatsits <>
, , , Wed Mar 3 13:25:12 2010

Thinking on, if naughty means naughty, how can pictures standing alone actually be naughty? On top of which, one man's naughty is another man's -- or lady's -- art; Venus de Milo [or Ovaltine, maybe] it's time you piped up, old girl: some say you're 'armless; others naughty. What say ye? DJ, re sb's exhortation; I'll second that, purely (eh?) on a disambiguation -- á la Wiki -- basis to enable my clear categorisation of naughty naughty and the other kind.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Mar 2 23:40:42 2010

dj. share and share alike. say i.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Mar 2 18:37:20 2010

Some one from the middle east has sent some naughty pictures to my personal e-mail address. Please do not stop.
DJ <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 17:37:38 2010

....not midges, mozzies or other biting gollyburgers, but just English style house flies.........& flies.....
s <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 15:03:25 2010

I was the flies I remember, flies, flies flies.....etc.etc.......
s,s,s,s,s <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 14:25:04 2010

Hermes, I'm sure that Uncle Frank's pale face will give the game away, Fez or no Fez...Reminds me when we used to sail through the Suez canal.. The Egyptian shipping agent's rep use to come on board at the entrance of the canal, with the ships papers.Of course there was always ten cartons of ciggies waiting for him as this was the DONE thingie in those waters.(Otherwise they would delay the ship)...This particular day a very smartly dressed fellow arrived to the bridge, (wearing a fez) and said he was 'the agent'...The Officer on watch handed over the ciggies and the "agent" disappeared...Ten minutes later the real shipping agent appeared, and with no embarrassment asked for his ciggies.Did we have a laugh....Since then, one has to beware of men wearing the FEZ...
Diana <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 12:39:58 2010

//did Britain have a team at the Olympics, funny ..musta missed them.// They were going too fast to catch them on camera.
Olympic judge <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 11:47:58 2010

Don't buy any of them post cards from Port Said.I always like to ware a Fez when I'm there, as you don't get bothered as much, but it doesn't work with jeans and a T shirt, or shorts.
Hermes <>
, , , Tue Mar 2 09:32:06 2010

Thank you for the helpful advice Mr mayor. Frank.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Tue Mar 2 07:22:13 2010

Its akin to wigan pier
<>
, , , Tue Mar 2 01:20:20 2010

Burbo M, is 'the Nile Perch' of the same genis as 'the Garston Trout' ?
? <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 23:00:10 2010

Dave, I do believe they had a Scottish team representing them in the curling bonspiel, but like ALL the other teams, was defeated by the only 'Skip' who wone ALL his matches - a Canadian.
Salty <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 20:55:46 2010

dj. splutter. what. splutter. splutter. idem. idem. r bristol berd got goaled at the skeleton sledge event. in bristol fashion. sew ther. besides. the islands got gulf stream 2 the max. leeving us little winter game tradition. 2 weeks of sledge down moor lane dont cut it. gud on kanada. and r sidney.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Mar 1 20:51:48 2010

Grouch er by the way - did Britain have a team at the Olympics, funny ..musta missed them.
DJ <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 19:52:24 2010

You'll enjoy the Nile cruise Uncle Frank, we went a couple of years ago and it was one of the most fascinating hols i've ever had. The temple of Karnak What?! It was like being in the Old Testament. A little tip: when venturing from the boat into 'town' stick an English fiver in your pocket. If you see something worth buying they will give you a price, and you will put on a frown and say that all you've got on you is a fiver. Empty your pockets to show your great disappointment. I think you know what happens next...Oh, and beware the Nile perch,
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Mar 1 18:51:22 2010

Now then grouch, it might not have been a 'tin' whistle, but was worth every dollar spent. All I personally require now is to get the circulation back in me bum - too much sitting down in-front of the TV for the last almost three weeks. It certainly brings out the point that medals are won by hair-breadths, one small hick-up and it's a wait of another four years for another try- if you are not past it by then. Some, even current world champions, never get to take home the Gold, others, with seemingly no chance of winning, end up on the podium....that's life. But what a show Eh? My one big fault was having to endure the PM taking every opportunity to get his fizog photographed, for future election propaganda?
Salty <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 15:06:03 2010

Unsmiley: what's your beef? They chose to spend their own funds and, by all accounts, achieved their purpose [no easy task, truth be told] and all you can do is complain about disbursement dimensions. What side of the bed did you use this morning? Power to their arm, more like it! Try rejoicing with them instead of cold-showering it this bright Monday morn!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 1 14:23:44 2010

expensive whistle too!
:o( <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 13:56:31 2010

Very proud of my adopted country. The usual polite, mild mannered Canuck national identity has erupted into a joyous,proud nation that is finally blowing its own well deserved whistle .
DJ <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 13:26:13 2010

The games closing ceremony is still on here at 11.20pm but I gotta go: apart from the out-of sync [why do they do that at all?] and some less than lofty music, I thought it was great; the mechanic's capitalising on the faulty piece at the inauguration was a brilliant occurrence; Mike Fox, merci beaucoup; the Mounties - Go RCMP!! and they just about managed to get away with dancing Mounties, verging on very dodgy but artistically scooting right on by. I think 'salute' is just fine: with you there Elaine. And, regardless of my Canadian take, we just heard from our son weekending in Calgary: last evening he went to a comedy theatre presentation [not a big place; about 350+]. It was packed to the rafters; there wasn't room for another soul. Odd when you find out it was all in Spanish, by a Venezuelan humourist, imported from Caracas. Seems there are quite some Venezuelans -- more than enough to justify bringing a comedian from the home country -- very happily settled in Canada and, seemingly, likely to stay for a while. Yes, the tar sands aqnd our PresMan's arbitrary firing of 20,000 oil experts in 2002 have got owt to do with it.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Mar 1 03:54:39 2010

Well done Canada.........I salute you.
Elaine <>
, , , Mon Mar 1 00:49:20 2010

bill cometeer. u r close. it was. in a while. krokodyle. i took poetic permit 4 chaynge.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, , , Sun Feb 28 23:47:01 2010

BE You beat me to it.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Feb 28 23:00:30 2010

Crosby just won for Canada!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sun Feb 28 22:59:39 2010

......an after shock, no doubt
s,,,,s <>
, , , Sun Feb 28 21:57:42 2010

I suppose everybody must remember being in a cinema in "Your youth", and wondering if an earthquake was going on with all the stamping feet. Never seen anything like it since (nothing to do with getting OLDER).
s <>
, , , Sun Feb 28 21:56:54 2010

After a while, crocodile.
B. Haley <>
, , Your Youth, Sun Feb 28 21:44:50 2010

@£18.99, u kiddin'
. <>
, , , Sun Feb 28 20:15:09 2010

Has anyone read the Cherie Blair book, 'Speaking for myself'.?
Diana <feedback please>
, , , Sun Feb 28 17:28:03 2010

nostalgic memories. c u later alli gator. on the nile. krokodyle.
sb <att@ease.educ>
c, .., .., Sun Feb 28 15:58:07 2010

Uncle F, sounds quite the holiday. However, can't help thinking of all the people that have seen the insides of crock-oh-diles on that little stretch of river. Tell us more.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Feb 28 15:38:17 2010

Dear Uncle Frank, Lovely to see you back! Re. the quake; I live in country where private property is almost a dirty word: I am law abiding to a fault. Massive quake tho'. And a dark and unhappy contrast to Haiti's case, which was some 50 times less potent.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Feb 28 01:44:11 2010

Uncle Frank my Dear, I am glad that the PC withdrawl symptoms were not too awful for you...Well, well, what a compensation....EGYPT...You are going at the right time of the year, as later in May is really hotto, hotto You will enjoy cruising down the Nile and if you haven't been in those areas before it will be quite an experience for you... and Jane.//Yes its shocking the 8.8 quake in Chile, indeed, indeed...One of my best friends and her hubby are around that area, they were at the Carnival festivities in Brazil last week and were to continue to Chile to visit friends..We are all rather worried as we haven't been able to get in touch with them..I am hoping they are still in Brazil..They are both in their middle 70s and it is a worrying time for their family too..They didn't leave a schedule with anyone...Don't we do silly things as we get older...
Diana <>
, , , Sat Feb 27 22:47:38 2010

I have been, sans computer for a fortnight. How I managed to exist without THE Channel. I'll never know. I watched a lot of TV, which only added to my state of depression! Now I'm back. Have I missed much? How much is unmissable? Most of it? Oh, I see.// On the plus side, my daughter has contrived to whisk me off to Egypt and a Nile cruise, no less. So,in four week's time, I hope to be making the acquaintance of Wilson Keppel and Betty on their home ground.// I read with regret today that Chile has experienced an Earthquake of 8.8 Richters. I would say to JJ., I hope this is not your Fault!
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Sat Feb 27 19:17:28 2010

smiley. which is mor attraktiv. a brite jung thing. or coy & foxy with a longish memory. frankie's mamma mite have plen tea on offer. amanda redmans 53 this yeer.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Feb 27 16:21:47 2010

Franky, sb doesn't get out too much.
;o) <>
, , , Sat Feb 27 15:03:51 2010

Native American phrases were used alot by the Yanks during the war.Did you know that Ronnie Corbet was once a test pilot for Airfix,not alot of people know that.
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Feb 27 13:29:30 2010

be. u have 2 ask francisco y getting fresh with mamma wud be stupido. if shes a nice lady. y not. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Feb 27 11:30:59 2010

A nice lady, pure as the driven snow.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Feb 27 10:48:19 2010

GesÃ¹ Cristo, Whatsa matter with you Idioti trying to get fresh wid my Mamma. stupido
Francisco <>
, , , Fri Feb 26 23:29:54 2010

Your reference to the Formosa straight and Sabre jets/Mig 15s takes me back a 'few' years when sailing through the area, and being 'buzzed' by mast height US and Chinese aircraft. The vessels were equipped with large canvasses to hang over the sides with painted union Jacks on them. This did nothing to stop an inquisitive fighter to suddenly appearing with bellowing exhaust noise, scaring the fertilizer out of anyone working out on deck
Salty <>
, , , Fri Feb 26 22:25:30 2010

That Kimosabe reference takes me back to when I first came here; one customer was Cauchos [tyres] Firestone de Venezuela whose top rubber-acquisition charlie [I came to market rubber for Shell] was an American, priorly a Korean war pilot, who, as a volunteer civilian, had been flying military patrols for the Kuomintang wayback when [think 'Formosa'; Quemoy and Matsu']. The [People's Republic] Chinese tried to waylay their Offshore foes, inter alia (ahem) by broadcasting in perfect American English, to on-sortie aircraft patrolling the Formosa Strait. To counter this, American pilots [who'd be for the high jump if brought down over China] used culture-specific terminology, unaccessible to their enemy. A prominent part of that was calls to and acknowledgements from Kimosabe. Gotta say, some guys have all the fun, what? Heigh Ho!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 26 19:03:20 2010

kimosabe. u look up 2 find. trusty scout. urban dict. he inform gud.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Feb 26 14:55:19 2010

And talking of the Lone Ranger, 'tonto' means stupid in Spanish, and doesn't 'que no sabe' roughly translate as 'he that knows nothing'?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Feb 26 14:36:01 2010

Aw Shucks, Herm'! And furthermore, all themthere blondes out there are going to want to give you a piece of their mind [Ahem] for that sideswipe at their Friday -morning reflective capacities; rumour has it that a Seafield course was guaranteed to set even blonde birds straight. They say...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 26 14:08:07 2010

Thanks, jj, it was inter alia, I was just having a blonde moment, you are indeed the man Friday of this sight you are utterly reliable and decent, you strike me as one who would carry a Swiss army knife, and be very practical in any situation, be it thought word or deed.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Feb 26 01:20:16 2010

Re insults and message transmission & reception; a quickthought reaction of Air Canada gate agent in Winnipeg:::::: "A crowded Air Canada flight was canceled. A single agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket on the counter and said "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I am sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but, I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?" Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone, "May I have your attention please, " she began, her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14." With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Air Canada agent, gritted his teeth and swore "F***You!". Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir, you'll have to get in line for that too!"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 25 23:15:50 2010

To BE or not to BE? If the cap fits... Bri', the reference there below is the Royal Academy on 'zorra', oddly enough, a bit different than 'zorro' despite the one being just the opposite gender of 't uther. As for a 'little vixen', I would be happy with that for little vixens up to 5'2", after which I'd move up to 'mediumly dimensioned' and so on up to 'big vixen' for sizes of 6'0" and points north. Millie's barney there points up the weird way that words can be taken, occasionally not the same as they were said, i.e. transmitter and receiver aren't always on the same frequency [so we can defuse insults by opting not to receive the message transmitted: do I exaggerate? Your call but THE classic example is posted stand-alone after this one: it CAN be done successfully!]. Which, apropos of nowt, brings me to a question that's been bothering me all day: can a moribund pianist play 'Tocata & Fugue' on a vital organ?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 25 23:12:58 2010

Dear JJ, I've heard the English word vixen used in England to denote a bad woman, though not in a sexual connotation, e.g. "she's a little vixen!"
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Thu Feb 25 20:36:38 2010

PS for Millie: sorry there; that sublime video was at w=w=w.youtube.com/watch?v=hai1gIWEUFw
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 25 20:07:23 2010

Dear Herm', Offhand, I don't know which one you refer to: the only one that I've used promiscuously has been "inter alia", being "among others" or "among other things" [not "between allies" as apocryphally reported in the now defunct soldiers weekly "Centurion Today"].///Dear Andy, As far as we're concerned here, zorra and zorro are vixen and fox; the whole story -- there's always a 'whole story'-- can be found at buscon.rae.es/draeI/SrvltConsulta?TIPO_BUS=3&LEMA=zorra where even 'prostitute' turns up as one option.///Dear Mike, I have only ever had the pizza option there. But it was lovely... Named after a loftily born Italian bird, they say.///Dear Mildred, If you want to soar beyond the madding terminological riffraff, in matters "my mother was Italian" then, go to a vid with Rosa Ponzilla whose Mum was Italian too. Our Rosy was born in 1897 and had a nice voice so made a few coppers singing locally even to vaudeville level. Until she got a break -- and became Rosa Ponselle --and never looked back. There's plenty of her but one I happened on of late is "Carmen Carmella": now, if that doesn't melt your heart, your freezer's turned far too low.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 25 19:41:40 2010

Actually. Yerwashup, "bitch" is a relatively mild translation. Usually there is a sexual connotation, like "s**t" "whore", etc.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Thu Feb 25 18:42:10 2010

or idem vaulting onto a horse in california.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Feb 25 18:17:23 2010

......or a masked man on a horse in Mexico!
BE <>
, , , Thu Feb 25 18:02:06 2010

.......... or just a fox.
BE <>
, , , Thu Feb 25 16:12:35 2010

A male fox.
BE <>
, , , Thu Feb 25 16:08:31 2010

Dear Millie, I never use these pejoratives, and I don't drink alcohol. A scarf would also be rather silly in South Florida; however, I do like to be aware of worldly things, and I find the origin of some of the words (like "limey", or "lime-juicer" and "WithOut Papers") to be fascinating. Say "hi" to mamma.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Feb 25 15:57:32 2010

If Zorra! means Bitch! in Spanish? What does Zorro mean?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Feb 25 15:42:53 2010

jj, I'm writing a a letter at this time and I want to incorporate a latin phrase that you use from time to time, it means also or part of, and I just can't think of it at this time, and it contains two words.
Hermes <It's good to have an educated man aboard>
, , , Thu Feb 25 15:28:26 2010

jj, Margherita? Which do you prefer the drink or pizza? I think I would go for both.
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Thu Feb 25 15:22:58 2010

There you go again, even me name is cause for comment.
Mrs. Gelato <>
, , , Thu Feb 25 14:34:04 2010

Dear BE, I bow to your more proximate judgement; the long & short seems to be that, if any given charlie's ignorant enough to engage in such reprehensibility, then he's also ignorant enough to confuse which applies to whom. Nearly in that vein, I remember GWB referring once to immigrants who speak "Mexican"!! He also figured prominently among those who pronounce 'nuclear' as 'nu-cu-lar'. ////Dear Mildred, Thanks for the contribution; we must have a nice ice cream some day under the sun: here in Caracas yesterday we had an unusually high high: 36 degrees, spot on for a pistacchio, what? Your lager reference went over my head, I have to admit. I didn't quite grasp the 'more superior' comment either; maybe all that sun's having it way with me: who knows? [thinks, in italics, "The Shadow knows..."] If I had had an Italian Mum, I'd be proud of it and, by the way, a whizz at Pizza by now into the bargain! How's your Margherita?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 25 14:20:09 2010

My mother's Italian, and I'll ask you all to change this subject right away. As Franky, the first gentleman said, very British, racist and arrogant too. Those times have past, you certainly can not call yourselves more superior to anyone these days, now go back and have another couple of gallons of lager. In fact why don't you go and put the team scarf on and bovver some old ladies, that's about the level you're at these days.
Mildred Gelato <>
, , , Thu Feb 25 12:33:42 2010

pps: but not Español.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Feb 25 06:47:24 2010

ps: I have to admit, there are so many Spanish-speaking countries south of the border, that it's difficult for most Americans to differentiate between them (or even find them on a map). In any case, they don't seem to mind being called Spanish.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Feb 25 03:09:04 2010

Dear JJ, I once pointed out the evolution of "dago" from Diego, a Spanish given name, so I agree with you on that score; nevertheless,that is not the US usage. In the US "dago", "wop" "guinea" and a few other disgusting pejoratives, mean italian. "Spanish" or "spic" is used for any Hispanic.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Feb 25 02:54:29 2010

Paco, I have never heard of "Dago" in reference to Italians; truth be told, I think you'll find it's derived from 'Diego' a Spanish first name. If you ever watched "El Zorro", you'll remember our hero was "Don Diego de la Vega"; I think that the derogatory term for Italians would be 'spics'. "The Economist" was once brought to book by a US letter writer; they confessed their racist errors under an "Only in America" sidebar. The complaint was for the use of 'despicable' and 'denigrate' because both terms had offensive parts incorporated. I agree there are terms used with malice in mind but they only take effect when the intended target takes the offense. I opt to ignore that stuff. I am married to a Venezuelan lady; both she and our children would class as 'dagos' I suppose. [thinks: does that make me a Crosboligan with Dago-Dad overtones?]. I am quite sure they don't give a tinker's expletive. The use of offensive vocabulary reflects more on the user than the target. I think. On utterance, the user thereof exposes himself: the target has the choice of opting not to do likewise.
jj <e5tc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 24 22:56:32 2010

Italians are called Wops in America and Britain, and Dings in Oz, there is no such thing as Dago, and just stick to the one sign off name if you can.
Italian bravery award winners club <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 22:52:55 2010

Dago is a term used in unflattering terms to describe Italians thats what bothers me. Not S. Americans. Arrivederci
Francisco <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 21:05:29 2010

Dear Mike, Lovely to they still have 'fattéd calf' for 'thinnéd lad' over at The Nags, what? With my mileage, I could put it on my credit card without being sure I'd be alive for the payment date. Good for the heartsoul, what? Oddly enough, I did look into a UK pension option: they asked me whether I wanted it paid monthly or three monthly and so on: it worked out to eleven pence a week! [11p/week] I'm saving up for a pint.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 24 19:54:14 2010

Dear Francisco, As an eighteenth/nineteenth C hero of the Venezuelan revolutionary period, you of all people must know that Venezuela in its entirety lies north of the equator which [pretty obviously] runs through "Ecuador". so are you posting from your Argentinian retreat in Patagonia. Or similar? [purists: Caracas is 10+ degrees North; at 70 statute miles/deg, we're 700+ north. The Brazilian frontier's a bitty bit nearer]. Re. 'dagos': such terms are only offensive if so deemed by the hearer so, you're only offended if you choose to be, Paco, old mate. Opt right and live longer, what? it's good for the heart soul!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 24 19:25:49 2010

Will the real Frank stand up - Spanish? Venezuelan? Russian? English? or just trouble maker?
jimmie <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 18:02:09 2010

"a bunch of daigos". Racist comment. Victorian "Britain rules the waves" mentality. British arrogance at its finest.
Francisco De Miranda <>
, , south of the equator, Wed Feb 24 16:12:56 2010

....and not surprising with all those cabbages consumed there.
s <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 15:13:43 2010

Salty, mea culpa, I did mean the UK and not 'der vaterland' I realised it after I had sent the post
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Wed Feb 24 15:08:30 2010

....and in other more interesting news for those pensionafobics.....sex discrimination abounds in BBC sports div see: bobsleigh/8529563.stm ......how can we dare to have women in '2-man' events. At one time it was only in Oz "that men are men , and so are their women"....is the UK following suit?
s <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 14:20:19 2010

Mike, if JJ should "go home" (presumably you mean the UK and not der Farter land) he will certainly be well looked after, especially if applying as a refugee. I am led to believe that the benefits amount to far more than the average UK PENSION(even with yearly increments) and include housing, medical and even teeth restoration. (Although, obviously that excludes 'hand replacement', even for certain religious clerics). But JJ is certainly not 'armless and would not require that added expense to the already burdened taxpayer; fatted calves ARE however NOT covered.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Feb 24 14:08:15 2010

jj, Come home, all is forgiven!! We may even find a 'fatted calf" for you Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Wed Feb 24 13:50:36 2010

Dear Mayor, Just how subtle? I've seen none unsubtle enough for me to have unraveled... I do have friends who've just moved -- as have very many Venezuelans -- to Panama. Such is the diaspora that my son could find Venezuelan ethnic food articles in Perth Australia and, in the face of the flow, the Panameñans have upped the ante for Venezuelans to enter the country with a view to staying. My daughter lives ten minutes from SFO and has Venezuelan friends; my erstwhile Perth-borne son is now on a project in Vancouver and spent the weekend in Banff/Lake Louise -- with Venezuelan friends resident in Vancouver. How subtler must I get to detect these messages whereof you speak..."That's what i'd like to know".
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 24 13:02:33 2010

I keep getting subtle messages in the meeja that Britain is stuck in it's outdated, jingoistic, imperialist past and the real place to enjoy the forthcoming boom is...Latin America. Que fuerte amigos!
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Feb 24 12:15:40 2010

be. this band of brothers. & laydees. is 2 few 2 be picky. i did not kno aboot canadian uk pension atrocity. sew woz en litened. re. assasinations. pse advise.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 24 11:07:38 2010

Dear Salty: While I am very interested in things that happen to you (pension), or us, I am also interested in other topics such as firing practices and assassinations, etc. etc. The broad perspective, like.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Feb 24 00:58:34 2010

ps....and for the Mayor, maybe you should try some of that there Jerry communion wine: europe/8530736stm
s <>
, , , Tue Feb 23 21:58:15 2010

Most of us that post on this board really couldn't give a rat's botty about the Pierrepoint of the business werld - thank goodness. Retirement has some benefits!
Salty <>
, , , Tue Feb 23 21:53:37 2010

in lite of recent doubt. yes they do fire vicariously. see news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8524042.stm .
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Feb 23 13:57:56 2010

The Beeb's put the Chavez-Queen vid online. See //news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8529969.stm where our civilian presman, wearing his uniquely designed military jacket with epaulettes curiously similar to those of his 'father' Fidel, voices his respect for civilised dialogue. The 'father' mention is not sardonic either; in the past, he's called the fellow "Our father who is in Havanna". Holy Moses, what?///Gus, apart from your film-crit generic, re the 'Up in the Air' movie itself, have you (or anyone else0 seen it?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Feb 23 13:14:06 2010

jj re film critics I tend to treat any over-enthusiastic review as suspicious these days having been similarly disappointed in the past. The old 'seen any good flicks recently' tends to be a better guide. So if anyone has, please tell.// Perhaps if 'president' Blair was still around he would have 'done a Maggie' now in response to Pres Chav's taunts. As it is Brown's agressive instincts seem confined to his own office staff...
Gus <>
London N11, , , Mon Feb 22 22:05:17 2010

Sounds like a wonderful country; a land of opportunity, where a bus driver can become foreign minister and a lunatic can become president, and anyone with ambition can become rich by robbing tourists. What's more, it's a democracy!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Feb 22 22:00:23 2010

Dear EsBie, I think your question about a perceived knowledge shortfall, or at least its being 250 years out of sync, is answered by another observation during the same peroration namely one pointing out that England[never the UK or GB] speaks of democracy but still have a Queen. You have to "Ahem" that lot at least; one'd've thought that the foreign ministry would have mentioned the detail beforehand but they're not privy to what he'll say on TV anyway. But again, the foreign minister's only known prior job was that of bus driver in Caracas; once, on arrival at Sao Paulo by fancy jet, he complained that no Brazilian government delegates were there to greet him. Then it was that he was quietly apprised of the detail that the capital of Brazil isn't Sao Paulo but Brazilia: one imagines a mischievously grinning Brazilian charlie, "A bit further over in (gesturing) that direction". An understandable oversight for the foreign minister, one supposes, Brazil only being by far the biggest country abutting Venezuela and the one with which we share a very lengthy frontier and have massive business commitments. Now, to have been caught short on the capital of Bhutan, say, would've been unforgivable...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Feb 22 18:58:15 2010

You'd almost think politicians were corrupt...
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Feb 22 18:24:31 2010

jj. dammit orlman. r u saying that yor man thinks buck house has some thing 2 say in brit politics. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Feb 22 17:13:10 2010

Dear Mayor, It's not inherently about oil: the Argentines claim the entire continental shelf and, though the islands are quite a ways off their coast, their claim covers both them and the hydrocarbon exploration area in question. Hence the barney but bear in mind that Botox Christine, as she's known, isn't at the peak of her popularity and a US court has just finalised its findings regarding a briefcase, ostensibly one of many, with 800 thousand in greenbacks: it was, the court states, a part of a much larger foreign cash financing scheme for the BoChris's presidential campaign. A foreign political engagement as delicate as the Falklands would come in handy just now. [the matter was in a US court because the proximate perp was Ven/American and hightailed it to Miami when the scandal broke.]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Feb 22 14:03:54 2010

Ah, The Falklands, you'd almost think it was about oil...
Mayor <>
HMS Burbo, , , Mon Feb 22 12:48:35 2010

Dear jj,I would assume that that Admiralty has notified the fleet that a mouse has roared, in as much as a bunch of daigos in cast off warships with three astern positions on the telegraph, are flexing their Latino, macho, muscles.It may just make the news in the ward room between pink gins.but life goes on..This takes me back to a time when a venezualan vessel docked in Liverpool, it's a while ago so I can't remember all the background but there was a dispute over payment for repairs or some related issue and the ship couldn't leave the Mersey for what ever reason, and some of the crew gravitated to the Crosby area and began attending a club that I belonged to, they stayed for a long time, and they may have never left, I am a little out of touch so I don't know for sure.
Herm <>
, , , Mon Feb 22 12:04:38 2010

Well jj, he does sound like he is inciting a little bit of mischief .....He is a lunatic and fortunately for us, the more less radical countries realize that and just ignore him...On the other hand, most of the third werldies are lapping up his erratic behaviour, like a dry sponge mops ups spilled water,mistaking his outbursts as a show of strength...Sadly, its good honest people like yerself who get caught up in all this mess....Losing out both financially and in your lifestyle...Keep thy Pecker up Laddie...
Diana <>
, , , Mon Feb 22 08:21:45 2010

Dear JJ, I've heard of the practice, and it doesn't surprise me at all. US engineering companies are renowned for their firing practices. I heard of one case (I think it was LTV) where they used the P.A. to inform those who were laid off.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Feb 22 00:33:01 2010

Look out England. In his weekly TV programme, our PresMan issued a warning that, in any conflict arising between the Argies and the Brits over the Falklands, Argentina wouldn't have to go it alone. His words were [purists may like to goto: w-w-w.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/144498/advierte-que-argentina-no-estara-sola-en-hipotetico-conflicto-por-las-islas-malvinas/] "Lookit here, England, how long are you going to stay in the (Malvinas)? Queen of England, it's you I'm talking to, Queen of England, empires are over with; haven't you realised that Queen of England? Give the (Malvinas) back to the Argentine people" -- "The English are still threatening Argentina. Things have changed Mrs. Queen; we're not in 1982 anymore. If there's any aggression against Argentina, you can be sure that they will not remain alone as did the Argentine Fatherland which is our Fatherland, did then." Nothing like oiling troubled waters, what? I have to wonder whether, sooner or later, someone may ask themselves if John might not have been infiltrated 42 years ago by MIFive&a-half, ancient precursers of today's full-blown '6'. ///I just saw, "Up in the Air" with George Clooney, based on lotsa good reviews. All well acted etc but it seemed to me to be contrived: it's based on a guy whose work is to fire folk for client companies who, on downsizing, actually hire people to fire people. Has anyone ever heard of such a practice? Sounds weird to me. When our man gets his forseeable comeuppance, the movie peters out. For my money, this wonderful [w-w-w.rottentomatos's tomatometer reading was 90%!!] movie speaks more of a sickly and contagious widespread oddballism epidemic striking film critics than the film's inherent redeeming features, few that they were.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Feb 21 21:51:43 2010

Go Amy! Good on you! And, it looks as though Man U have got the blues too, by jingo! great stuff our lads, there! Make mine a nice fresh toffee, if you'd be so kind...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Feb 20 20:12:35 2010

Well done Amy Williams, her skeleton looks just fine to me, especially in gold.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Feb 20 01:37:43 2010

Countries don't have friends, they have 'interests'
;o) <>
, , , Fri Feb 19 20:25:41 2010

Dear sb: I'm not sure that I would call either country our "friend." They are both connected to us by trade and debt. The Chinese like to keep things calm while they steal our intellectual property and high-tech manufacturing techniques.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Feb 19 19:25:46 2010

be. rite u r. but japan counts as a friend. du u think china sees itself in that lite. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Feb 19 18:33:11 2010

Dear sb: I was surprised to see that Japan holds even more US paper: businessweek.com/news/2010-02-16/japan-overtakes-china-as-largest-holder-of-treasuries-update1-.html
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Feb 19 18:07:00 2010

I did tell you , the "Yellow horde"
Enock <>
, , , Fri Feb 19 14:14:12 2010

di. china holds over 700 billion of us paper. in uther werds. the us is in hock to the orientals. if i were creative. i wud say. theres a chink in their armour.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Feb 19 13:37:53 2010

Who are China, that they can dictate to Pres Obama, with whom he should speak with...? FGS that is just the tip of the iceberg as to what the world will be experiencing in say another 10 years...
Diana <Chutzpah>
, , , Fri Feb 19 12:34:03 2010

Hermes, you hit the nail on the head...Anybody,who has power or the financial resources really doesn't give a hoot today as to what the ordinary man in the street is suffering..Its a real I'm OK Jack mode these days...Its the same all over the world....
Diana <>
, , , Fri Feb 19 12:31:14 2010

jj, Modern life including the body politic has become far to sophisticated for the ruling class to mitigate, or correct any mistakes that they make, thats why we are seeing unprecedented repercussions from failed government policies such as those that effect the nations finances, the world has become so unforgiving, and it transcends politics.you need to have the right people making the right decisions on a constant basis, no room for error.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Feb 19 11:07:42 2010

Herm', The persistent conception of dereliction of duty -- in the form of a repugnantly cavalier disdain by the 'powers that be' -- for the remaining 95% of the community at large, broadly deemed valiant and vibrant, has been so widespread for so long -- our soldiers have often been seen as 'lions led by donkeys' esp. after Ypres III and also during the Crimean conflict -- that the phrase has entered the vulgate: before this post, I googled it up again to be sure of the source; well, it's got more than I knew. Do you also not remember that chappielad [Nick Leeson] who did for Barings Bank: one of the topbankchaps famously commented "One of our barrow-boys has gone missing". AARRGGHH!! Themthere's you and I matey, so let's not expect Brit leaders in this old-fashioned, anachronistic Monarchy to even realise that there are people out there, much less pensioned people, out beyond the north ring road or whatever. And another thing, ... but I digress.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 19 04:09:10 2010

Salty.Britain is well on it's way to becoming a banana republic, but without the sun, so the bananas won't grow.Oh dear what to do?
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Feb 19 00:24:21 2010

salty. c yor point. get priory teas rite. lyk u say. up the pound. say eye. and up again.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Thu Feb 18 16:00:36 2010

Does it really matter who killed some trouble maker since the deed has been done. BUT, now if the UK government is deliberately trying to reduce the pounds value to that of the Euro, (as it would appear to be), ALL of us are in the brown stuff. Those in the Uk will pay more for all imports and those of us with pensions out of the same place will see them reduced, once again.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Feb 18 14:07:49 2010

diana. hoo else rounyourway could make good fake passies. wots street wisdom say. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Feb 18 11:50:04 2010

Quote jj..PS: If, because of operational sloppiness, we can say that Mossad it wasn't, why would we think that MI5 (rather, 6 surely?) or the Yanquis would exhibit this [possiblyly deliberate?] sloppiness?...This fella was not very popular with Fatah either..Some even hinted that it was possibly Hizbollah themselves...He was working with Iran, which we all know is not 2 popular with the West.. The plot thickens daily...BTW, Who killed Archie Mitchelllll?
Diana <>
, , , Thu Feb 18 09:36:17 2010

Dear Diana, The Argie PresBird isn't top of the pops just now so the latest is probably politically focussed -- remember Galtieri did his thing as a last ditch effort to rescue his regime's popularity -- with the pretext that the UK is sanctioning oil exploration in what Buenos Aires deems their waters; though Stanley is over 1200 miles from Buenos Aires, they claim the entire continental self as economically theirs. Fact is, all they've said is that boats leaving Argentina, or traversing Argentine waters, for the Falklands must have a special permit. Offhand, that didna oughta be a major problem but we'll see how it develops. Her next electoral process was expected to be for her to pass on to her hubby, a 'vice-versa' of what came before but, just last week, her fella, Nestor, had an ACV that medically left him no worse off than many other ageing gents [but he was too young (59), in fact, for it to be completely normal] but putting the kibosh on any future political galivanting. She may have been seeking to shore things up while seeking a new candidate.////PS: If, because of operational sloppiness, we can say that Mossad it wasn't, why would we think that MI5 (rather, 6 surely?) or the Yanquis would exhibit this [possiblyly deliberate?] sloppiness?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 17 23:58:51 2010

sb, there's been a lot of chittychatter aboot this hepisode..Any immigration hofficer nose that the Brits have to be straight faced for a passie piccie...(I took my grandson to have his foto taken last week and the little blighter didn't stop smiling at the fotografer)Took about twenty pics until it was acceptable.(No teeth showing and straight faced.).(No teeth was no problem as he's 8 months old....Everyone here knows that requirement....Soooo many caught up in this squad, 17 to date...Oh my, it's going to be better than Eastenders, whodunit...BTW, talk on the streets here is that it's MI5 and CIA...//////Oh is Britain going to go to war again over the Falklands? Seems the lady prime minister of Argentina is playing like the Iron Lady in that part of the werld? The Argie Bargies seemed to have waited their chance whilst the Brits are tied up in Afganistan and Erak...Oh what is this werld comin' to?
Diana <Place your bets...Whodunit?>
, , , Wed Feb 17 21:21:31 2010

di. i rest my case. 2 sloppy 4 mossad. must be nuther lot. but hoo. a 4 passports. how qum dubai let them in with slipshod passport. or was immigration çur inonit. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 17 20:51:53 2010

Mayori, don't get your knickers in a twist...Still better to have the security check than to get blown to Thy Kingdom Come...Besides, maybe the women were actually men?
Diana <Anyone placing bets?>
, , , Wed Feb 17 20:27:41 2010

Soooooooo many gliches in the Dubai episode...Take a butchers at the passie foto's of the Brits...One guy grinning showing his teeth, another one with tinted glasses...The Brits or Israeli passie office wouldn't issue a passie to anyone doing either...I myself, believe it was such a c**k up to have been carried out by the Mossad.......Myself, I think that one who lives by the sword...etc etc...
Diana <>
, , , Wed Feb 17 20:19:40 2010

di.& mare. if trail sew sew easy to legendary mossad. maybe its not mossad. but a gent without ther interest at hart. i venture. or even a hamas inter knee sign thing. & wher did airport security mess up. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 17 19:34:39 2010

BTW I agree with you Gus, it's the Jospice rather than Easyjet for me any day. My mum and dad both died in the Jospice in Thornton after the most wonderful care. They were lucky; others aren't. Even so, they still have a policy whereby close relatives have to choose between 'Resuscitate' or 'Do not resuscitate'. People in desperate agony who want to die, should be allowed to do so. Along with climate change, care for the elderly in this country is going to be the big debate over the next few decades.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Feb 17 19:29:03 2010

So...can we now put to bed the total b-ollocks over airport (Splutter!!) "security"? If those nice men from Mossad can (allegedly) steal Brits identity so easily, in order to murder someone in Dubai, why do we have to all go through the Noo Stasi-like miserable experience at Airports? It's a joke- politics of fear gone mad.
Mare <>
Burbo Airstrip, , , Wed Feb 17 19:14:14 2010

Gus I too agree that a Hospice is the better alternative..What surprises me about the Ray Gosling thing is that his friend was dying in agony...28 years ago my Father was dying of terminal cancer..The final stages before his demise were helped by our GP and Dad suffered no pain.My Father died at home not in a Hospice....Surely RGs dying partner would have been offered pain relief? I think it was wrong what he did...
Diana <>
, , , Wed Feb 17 18:13:50 2010

If this euthanasia thing is about my old favourite Ray Gosling (a clever thoughtful documentary maker for Granada for many years, Radio 4 and wrote tons when there were clever weekly mags like the Listener etc) then, in the extract I saw, a pact did not come into it. It seemed he just decided to do the deed there and then. As for euthanasia becoming legal though it stinks. Sorry but it sends all the right signs to the fascist control types. Perhaps the current blind eye turning arrangements are best, but I'd still rather go to Jospice than Switzerland any day.
gus <>
London N11, , , Wed Feb 17 17:46:03 2010

May I add to that last post of mine ?...It was always thought that the UK had the most CCTV installations, looks like the Dubaians are over taking the UK by a mile...
Diana <>
, , , Wed Feb 17 15:57:56 2010

Hermes, how was your holiday in Dubai? Well you TCC Brits/Irish had better hold on to your passieports...I, and friends here don't believe that such a mission would have been carried out by the locals, fancy leaving such a trail of evidence behind....Well time will tell.Better than a Fredrick Forsyth novel...
Diana <>
, , , Wed Feb 17 15:53:54 2010

Dear Andy. I'm not in a country where this is part of public debate but would suppose that groups opposing are apprehensive more because strict legislation allowing mercy killing of any description would, over time, become ever less strict: after a while, "How'd ya feel?" to a pensioner may be seen as an opener for "Can I interest you in this 'home-hemlock', government-certified 'fast, fatal and painless'?" [Worse, of course is "How's yer father these days, in that classic Rolls?"]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 17 14:25:11 2010

Couldn't agree more JJ. It needs to be made legal and regulated fully. It will be when they can't afford to keep so many terminally ill people alive any more. There are quite a few cases of distraught locals having to fly to Zurich at their suffering loved ones behest. Far better it was in 'the comfort of their own home'. At least when Bonnie makes her final woof, she won't have to suffer.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Feb 17 12:46:19 2010

Dear Andy, Far be it from me to intrude á la bull in a cup-and-saucer boutique; indeed, I did caveat it for further barneying ['apart from...']. My comment fastened onto a) the BBC's keeping mum on it; and b) it's claim that it wasn't obligated to do anything in the [quite undocumented] circumstances. The whole affair rested on the reporter's claim of a pact and that such pact entailed one party to it being killed by the other. There was no evidence proffered: that scenario leaves open a big bay window for folk to knock off others; if a simple, undocumented "Well, we had a pact y'know" will fill the bill, somehow, there's owt wrong, wouldn't you've opined? As for the God Squad, somewhat contemptuously so monickered and conveyed as though they were a cohesive grouping in your post, why would it be interested in prolonging suffering? For starters, JPII had the option of being taken to hospital to live a few days/weeks longer and said no. I'd've thought he'd qualify as a card-carrying chappielad under any definition of "God Squad" on offer.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 17 11:22:43 2010

JJ, the BBC guy who 'murderered' his lover is part of the movement by many people now who, on request of their partners, are putting them out of their misery when suffering terribly. They are heroes, not criminals, and the courts are starting to go really easy on them. The Mayor and his missus have a similar agreement. The only reason euthanasia is not legal in the UK is that the politicians are afraid of losing votes from the God Squad. Already Easyjet makes a tidy sum from punters flying from John Lennon to Zurich so they can peacefully be put to sleep at a clinic there. No one has been prosecuted. One can give all the moral/political/religious arguments one likes but I'll take any bets that within 10 years, euthanasia will be legal - if only to save state money by artificially keeping certain people, who are suffering dreadfully, alive.
Mare <>
Burbo, , , Wed Feb 17 06:49:35 2010

or even "after."
BE <>
, , , Wed Feb 17 03:33:51 2010

Dear JJ, a colon ater "illegally" would sort of fix the meaning, but I agree: the Beeb no longer sets a standard for English, at least not in the written version. (me being notoriously picky - like.)
BE <>
, , Sameold, Wed Feb 17 03:32:32 2010

wer r u Mr tek
? <>
, , , Tue Feb 16 21:18:39 2010

I just returned to the BBC site to look at their version of the drone thingie. It's first sentence this gem: "Police on Merseyside have had to ground their new drone over concerns it was being used illegally without a licence." Since when has BBC English lost its gravitas? Whence this rubbish? It leaves us to assume the options on offer are: a) legally without a licence; b) legally with a licence; and illegally with a licence. A simple 'illegally' or 'without a licence' would have been OK. Also, 'concerns that' in this case is no different than 'because' [what it didna oughta either but I suppose it could've been werse]; Heigh ho! The wish for more instead of less is widespread: in a refinery once, I went into a building marked "Entrance restricted to unauthorised persons" , instead of "Authorised personnel only"; by getting artsypharty, they managed to say exactly the opposite of what they sought. Try driving a car "legally without a licence" and tell the arresting officer that you were trying to stay a step ahead of Merseyside's finest.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Feb 16 21:15:22 2010

Dear Gus, I sense your point but can't accompany you all the way there: the device, however, is no more than a poor man's version of a similarly equipped police helicopter to which there'd be no objections. Given that you can get more mileage from a device than coppers on the beat [how many would it take?] or in their Z-Cars [how many would it take?] it seems reasonable to OK it and tell the Aviation Authority to get its fingerout. ///In other [BBC] news, I see that, in a TV programme, a freelance TV presenter said he'd murdered an unnamed man in hospital, claimed they had a pact and regretted nowt: regardless of the myriad other non-trivial issues arising, the BBC claimed that, though they knew of the claim after the December filming, they were under no obligation to divulge this information. Holy Moses!! What ever happened to the parallel universe -- today only nostalgically familiar -- where right/wrong and burden-of-responsibility questions exhibited a far greater specific weight than appears to have been the case here? One might ask too, in that same vein, whether the Irish Catholic hierarchy live in a similar virtual irreality when it comes to revealing active criminals to civilian justice, a process they'd certainly have encouraged and supported were the perps in questions not priests and bishops. Like that old phrase, "Doesn't it make you want to spit?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Feb 16 18:45:15 2010

I think Mayor is not against crook catching but the anonymous remote surveillance by flying things which I would find a bit spooky myself law abiding as I am. There is no better deterrent than police actually doing regular foot patrols though but of course they disappeared into their cars, into their stations to do their paperwork and now monitor the latest pictures from their flying thingy I guess.
gus <>
London N11, , , Tue Feb 16 18:10:38 2010

Now just you listen 'ere, my little yellow brained friend. No leesarnce, no fliying
Insp.Cluseaux <>
, , , Tue Feb 16 17:33:55 2010

jj. just say the law is 2 serve men. not vice versa. qed. & terser.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Feb 16 16:20:33 2010

The law only just came into force and the sole vehicle deployment was effictive: no problemo, hombre. If the law even stops model flying, one's gotta wonder what it's supposed to achieve and whether it may be overly far-reaching. This sort of episode reminds me of the quintessentially American cold-war turf problem between the CIA and the FBI, the latter being the domestically responsible counterspy agency so, if the CIA's target went to the US, they were acting illegally by following the target from the plane door. If Merseyside's police are to track crooks, then efforts to find fault and rummage for malfeasance by police officers looks like dodgy logic to me.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Feb 16 16:12:05 2010

"does your Minkie 'ave a leesarnce?"
;o) <>
, , , Tue Feb 16 14:52:58 2010

Noo Labor Spy Police (Liverpool division) hoisted by their own petard: liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/02/16/merseyside-police-forced-to-ground-aerial-drone-flights-in-licence-breach-100252-25843958/
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Feb 16 14:46:54 2010

It's a bluddy mess.
. <>
, , , Tue Feb 16 13:49:32 2010

It's Britain's Vietnam.
Churchill <>
, , , Tue Feb 16 12:33:18 2010

MoD........"Going according to Plan"
Major Clarence Bonkington-Smythe VD and Scar. <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 20:43:48 2010

they have been warmongering 4 a long time. now they r making war.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Feb 14 20:36:28 2010

The PR stunt has already backfired salty. 12 civilians killed and they've only been warmongering for a few hours.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Feb 14 16:49:12 2010

This site needs to undergo a twitter makeover. Reducing the number of characters to (say) 120 would allow succinct comme
mr tech <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 16:28:57 2010

....and I DID mean Chinese New Year.
s <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 15:26:34 2010

......and on this romantic day, something to really loose your breath, and get the heart bonking : health/8514227.stm
s <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 14:14:46 2010

ps, surely not a PR stunt?
s <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 14:09:06 2010

jj, we also had the pleasure of seeing the new 1st-base player in some Ven. baseball game. Velly talented that Prez of yours.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Feb 14 13:59:19 2010

And the winner for the best PR Stunt of The Year is.......The Noo incursion into Helmand Province!!
Mayor <>
Stunt Watch, Burbo, , Sun Feb 14 08:11:00 2010

I prefer "Oh Susanna!"; I suppose the foster you are...[aarrgghh]. Love that stuff tho'. I also saw most of the games beginning but missed the anthem so can't comment. From the parts I saw, I found it moving altogether.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Feb 14 03:17:40 2010

Dear Salty, I like "Camptown Races." Dooh-dah, dooh-dah. Gwine to run all night!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sun Feb 14 01:58:27 2010

Yes, all very good except as most commentators noted, the National Anthem. It was a bit like "God Save the Queen" to the tune of "the Camptown Races". Why can't it simply be sung as it normally is?
Salty <>
, , , Sat Feb 13 21:34:20 2010

salty. dj. and all sgt. prestons. big acknowledgement 2 Canada 4 stupendous inaugural lites. creativity. 1st nashun parts. dan george kwoat. modern zed poet person. canadian sutherland. authentic art. class presentation. all fab. werth staying up 4.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Feb 13 20:37:43 2010

werz Eddie de Eegle wen we need 'im?
jimmie de sport commmentater <>
, , , Sat Feb 13 16:45:00 2010

and for something little 'liter' : the winter Olympic games was opened last night and met by temperatures in excess of 10 deg c this morning. Mens down-hill race has been postponed. Isn't is always the way, want a quiet day and get tortured by MI5. Life's a beach sometimes Eh?
Salty <>
, , , Sat Feb 13 13:14:41 2010

Have you heard the joke about the head of MI5 who said they don't torture people?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Feb 13 12:27:01 2010

I see 4000 of the lads are getting stuck in in Helmand; let us wish them well in the job at hand and pray for their safe return.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Feb 13 02:44:58 2010

Look here my BE man; I'll have you know that I shower every single Monday without fail, even if I don't need. So There!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 12 19:44:52 2010

Dear JJ: What a shame; maybe you should have taken a shower!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Feb 12 19:11:03 2010

Dear Andy, It looks like the 'may nots' have it today, what? So much for that: it's the last time I take the trouble to star-quality myself; shave, clean behind ears, fresh socks, rent a tie even; "the works"; all to no avail. Every time there's the remotest danger of a card-carrying TCC'er leaving others in the shade, well; I guess most TCC'ers know what it feels like... But the Global Minds thing does exist and there is some feedback that you can read on their BBC subsite.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 12 17:05:26 2010

According to the UK schedules, JJ may/may not be opining this avvy at 16.40 Burbo Mean Time, repeated at 19.40 on BBC World.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Feb 12 14:41:13 2010

jj, I signed off in a very recent post as h,I'm glad that you agree with me, Talking about the Beeb World service, I listen in the car on my way to work to a program called Outlook, it is consistently a brilliant example of good broadcasting, the topics that they cover are amazing in there diversity, and very very interesting.It is broadcast twice every day, so where ever you are in the world you should be able to tune in,and I recommend that you do.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Feb 12 11:41:43 2010

Dear BE, God knows; maybe? We actually get the BBC World programmes on telly so I've used the BBc page only for news and occasional clips.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 11 21:20:27 2010

Dear JJ, thanks for the warning; can I get it on the internet thingy?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Feb 11 20:32:25 2010

To whom it may concern: it is narrowly reported that, on the this week's "Weekend World"[BBC], there very just might be a short clip of jj opining. If they use it. At all at all. Like.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 11 19:36:56 2010

s. do u mean. it saw the hugo first. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Feb 11 18:41:59 2010

Perhaps the logo had just seen a Hugo?
s <>
, , , Thu Feb 11 16:33:51 2010

Dear H, Gotta say I'm with you there. And I've seen Toyota engines being assembled right here in Venezuela, without an olive-configured eye in sight, by local lads in Cumaná [qG]: that's engineering. They established legendary quality control, using a US developed system [W. Edwards Deming; qG] poohpooh'ed by US manufacturers; ironically, it would become known as Japanese quality. Meanwhile, GM, Chrysler, American motors et al were blithely tooling down the road to bankruptcy.////Dear Salty, yes, I had a Corolla for eleven years putting almost 200,000km on it: I sold it for more than new and it was running just fine.[That's more inflation-driven though: under the latest regime, currency has inflated by over 750%. ///As for the Bell cartoon, I suppose it depends how you take it: what were the 'scream grounds', I wonder? Pain? Disenfranchisement? Desperation? Other?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 11 14:42:38 2010

Toyota are and will remain a manufacturer of very good vehicles, their engineering is second to none. These glitches are just that. and I wish them well.
h <>
, , , Thu Feb 11 14:16:18 2010

Flying drones over Crosby..........what sort of a place do we live in these days? (See CH). Just how do you ask a drone the time? That's wot.......know.
jimmie <>
, , , Thu Feb 11 14:05:36 2010

Those of us that have Toyotas probably won't change for a while, must admit though, the driver's heated seat on mine has stopped working. Gives me quite the chilly bum on cold mornings. Oh, the sky is falling....again.....and again Oh, Oh. ///By the way JJ, if memory serves, I think you might have mentioned that you owned a 'corolla' some time back. That will most likely be my next car, a second hand one though.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Feb 11 13:52:17 2010

Uncle Frank here's a great cartoon re: Toyota (with apologies to Edvard Munch) guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cartoon/2010/feb/10/steve-bell-toyota-recall
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Feb 11 13:32:24 2010

maybe their cars are too green...gas , you know!
;o) <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 21:27:20 2010

I read that the latest problem with Toyota is air bags. Taken together, these events are surely indicative of something organically wrong.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Wed Feb 10 20:34:41 2010

dumbo. re dirm. yes. from karachi.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 10 20:21:38 2010

perchance Mr.Phynn is a Pakidirm. You did say a corolla no ?
Dumbo <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 20:13:24 2010

uncle f. dead right. bit of a low blow tho. toyota revolutionised car quality. now they are found underperfect. lyke i and others. and all the worlds against. not fair.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 10 19:54:02 2010

A recent cartoon, I forget wher: Picture a hearse with a notice on the rear saying "my other Car is a Toyota". I wasn't too comfortable with that one.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Wed Feb 10 19:49:31 2010

Dear Mr.Phynn, I gotta come clean: for the last two years, I've been an Issan chap. But how'd you know that I had been at Oyota toff prior? That's what I want to know.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 10 19:28:00 2010

wid all the tremmors associated with Toyota (and you being/was an owner of such) I tort yuze might consider one of my superior products. Aspeshially living as yuze sed in erth quake ally.
Micky <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 17:27:21 2010

Dear Unfinned Mickey, I had writted to Diana, so a quick kyke at her prior about a tremor near Chicago mighted have oriented you; as she and most TCC 'ers know and, I live -- at least in comparison to Great Crosby, Liverpool 23 -- in earthquake alley and that tremor of hers Richtered in at 4.3, hence my comment. Not a Corolla in site.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 10 16:42:57 2010

JJ....4.3.....motor cars....Toyota ?
Micky Moto Honda <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 15:35:55 2010

congratulations bonnie, surprised you have lasted that long with the woman in the red dress tickling yer bum all the time
;o)....say no more....say no more <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 15:30:19 2010

Bonnie The Dog is thirteen today. Woof! Gifts etc. please to Freshfield Animal Rescue.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Feb 10 15:00:39 2010

Salts, Working in the engineering game, all over the place you do hear some strange industrial stories about people and situations There was a bloke stealing mercury from a plant in Widnes, his M O was to place the mercury into the frame of his bike and push the bike out of the gate past security, on one occasion he dropped the bike and he was unable to pick in up at the gate.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 14:57:13 2010

Dear Uncle Frank, Touché; very touché altogether. The next croissant's on me.////In other news, it is narrowly reported that, on Friday this week, the BBC's "Weekend World" [with Paddy O'Connel] is expected to a short clip of potential -- albeit fleeting -- interest to TCC'ers.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 10 14:42:59 2010

Dear Diana, Just a note to say that 4.3 is the 'introduction to' course; should be no problemo and probably not noticed by many: a) if asleep in wellsprung bed; or b) if driving motor cars.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 10 14:26:35 2010

//An early morning earthquake rattled northern Illinois on Wednesday, shaking an area about 50 miles west-northwest of downtown Chicago, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The magnitude 4.3 quake hit just before 4 a.m. CT (5 a.m. ET), with an epicenter about 3 miles underground.// Just read this on the local news rag....Wondering Elaine,if this affected your area? Hope not...
Diana <h*t*t*p://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/02/10/illinois.earthquake/-1.html?eref=igoogle_cnn>
, , , Wed Feb 10 13:50:54 2010

Herms, funny, the same story I had related to me, had a silver-back Gorilla destined for the sydney University. Thank Gawd for the stomach pump eh!
salty <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 13:50:40 2010

Taking the piscatorial view, if even a blank cartridge were to be fired inside the barrel,the shock wave would shake 'em up if not dispatching them. And,never forget, one man's fish is another's poisson, n'est ce pas?
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Wed Feb 10 07:51:11 2010

JJ, This piceacooperonic argument has left me thinking about the Dockers in Liverpool, who drank the spirit form a barrel, only to find that amongst the dregs was an expired ex monkey that was destined for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, WHATS YOUR'S cheers.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 03:08:09 2010

Dear Herm', You're quite right and way ahead of me; I never thought in those terms but rather in ones of a big heavy vat-like barrel and little [9mm maybe] pistol [whose slugs wouldn't penetrate the staves]. I still don't see the why of it though, or the similarity "like shooting..." to what went before. Fact is, I've never heard of barreled-fish shooters at all but the phrase is there, posing a second question re the whence of it. And that's just the beginning: far from you and I, there are purists out there who'd question whether shooting the barrel structure out would constitute 'shooting fish in....' and so on but they are pretty far out; nowt to concern ourselves with here in the real world.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 10 02:27:30 2010

Now if the barrel was filled with, say Rum, (or Gin and tonic) and we each had a long straw..... those fish would be even easier to despatch.....certainly, like dear old Horatio - pickled.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 02:22:45 2010

JJ, One just blows a hole in the barrel with the gun aiming at the bottom, and physics/gravity will do the rest.It's called thinking outside the circle, I learned this from Eddie De Bono,or was it Sonny Bono, who cares.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Feb 10 01:32:29 2010

Where the similarity with piscatorial assassination comes in escapes me but truth be old, shooting fish in a barrel can't be as easy as it would appear at first blush either. Barrel-dimension parameters play a part, as do refractive index and barrel-access angles [what if you can't get above the barrel, for instance?] along with the requirement to kill more than one fish to comply [the phrase 'shooting fish in a barrel' can only refer to more than one]. Dear Smiley, Please enlighten.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Feb 9 15:49:26 2010

like shooting fish in a barrel
;o) <>
, , , Tue Feb 9 13:41:41 2010

cobber, o cobber. where the l art thou. now my soles got a hole. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Feb 8 23:58:39 2010

or perhaps: Tumba-bluddy-rumba me old cobblers.
Bruce <>
, , , Mon Feb 8 23:47:50 2010

or in Tumbarumba..ese "Put another shrimp on the barbie"
. <>
, , , Mon Feb 8 19:30:12 2010

a sort of "Any-old-how" you might say.
. <>
, , , Mon Feb 8 19:26:25 2010

Dear Bri', That's the point of the recent sb/smiley to&fro: a) it wasn't "twenty-six or under" but "twenty six and under" [which, absent some classy wiggling, merits at least an aarrgghh]: Smiley's convoluted contrivance failed to pass sb muster. Hencely. But you're right; Tmesis might opportunely step in and clear up lingerings and maybe, for us offshorers, tell us why their theatre itself is called Tmesis. Googling same will bring you into contact with inter alia, "Tumbarumba" which I found both cute and enlightening: and I'd never come across the Ancient Greek 'tmesis' underpinning depsite having employed the device on more than one occasion. A cut above, one might venture? [an unspecified 'one' natch!]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Feb 8 19:19:25 2010

Dear Tmesis: How did you come up with "26 or under"
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Feb 8 18:51:52 2010

dere çur. u r a backslider.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Feb 8 18:40:58 2010

Yuz will 'ave to ask the Blessed Cherries for that bit.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Feb 8 15:27:58 2010

deer smiley. interesting equivalence. apostles=evangelists. r these american football or basquetball teems. ot wot. and just by getting to 26 by a suspishus root duznt explane the magic part. i am reddy for yor take ii.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., & God Bless, Mon Feb 8 15:19:02 2010

idiot. multiply '3' (St. Patrick's shamrock leaves) by '4' (Aposles, Matty , Mark Luke and our Jimmy) and get the 'magic' number 12 (desciples), now have you got that bit? Now multiply by Cherries and Antony Blair ('2' , some would say....bad b*ggers)now just for luck add 2........and there you have it, simple really. 26.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Feb 8 14:37:54 2010

aged 26 and under. thinking on. impossible. 26 maybe. 25 maybe. 24 maybe. but 26 and under. hmmnn. and theys theatre peeple. experts in conveying meaning. sloppy ashell. i wud say. anuther thing. wots magic abouit 26. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Feb 8 11:45:03 2010

THE DREADFUL HOURS. Liverpool's Tmesis Theatre embark on their biggest collaboration to date with THE DREADFUL HOURS, produced in association with the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, premiering at the Everyman Theatre from Thursday 11th - Saturday 13th February at 7.30pm. Working with Crosby playwright Chris Fittock, 'The Dreadful Hours' is a darkly comic drama with a highly physical and inventive style, which is directed by Javier Marzan from the nationally renowned theatre company, Peepolykus. "When one hours dinner can seem like years, yet years seem to pass in a heartbeat... The Dreadful Hours is a darkly comic drama exploring the quiet disintegration of loves first flourish through the lifetime of one couples relationship". For anyone aged 26 and under, there is FREE ENTRY on Friday 12 February. To book tickets call: 0151 709 4776.
Tmesis Theatre <>
Crosby, Liverpool, , Mon Feb 8 09:02:24 2010

Noddy, interesting even if they are a load of youngsters.
;o) <>
, , , Sun Feb 7 16:38:14 2010

Exactly my point. I know the feeling well from Harold Wilson times, as soon as he appeared on the tele, I wanted to throw something at the screen. Now living in a commonwealth country, and having my pension fixed from the day I started receiving said pension, I feel even more evil towards the bones of the man who managed to get this into law. God damn the bass-t**d. There are little old ladies, their husbands long gone, who are trying to exist on pensions fixed way back 20/30 or even more years ago, even though having paid the same contributions as those living in the UK. This is simply thievery.
salty <>
, , , Sun Feb 7 14:20:19 2010

Salty I can hazard a guess that the only way the paper would remove a comment would be that it was obscene or libellous.Seema to be a fair number of rabid redneck neocon comments in there too
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Feb 7 14:00:25 2010

Interestingly enough, Ricky Tomlinson aka Jim Royle, he of the my arce Royle family is to contest the seat of Wavetree, in part to forestall the election of the new Labour candidate, a woman from down south who is cast in the Blairite mold and she is a friend of Blair's son. I feel for the people of Wavertree are they the meat in this Arabesque sarny.
Hermes <>
, , , Sun Feb 7 11:22:37 2010

Salty. Apparently not. Under US law, George was allowed to go ahead. The mystery of it all remains. The "oil & control of it" observation, however close to the mark is just too diffuse to enlighten us. [the 'wrest potential control of Mideast oil from a megalomaniacal wacko' scenario that I broached priorly has drawn no comment as yet: it wasn't my scenario either, btw but seems to be the most viable in public view] Both of them, Tony and George are likely to finally be brought to their knees for the whole affair. I say finally because, as the article suggests, in both countries there are still too many guys who went along and would suffer if matters were handled properly. As for the mass murder charge, I think that's where the wheels come off the writer's wagon: his resorting to that terminology, dollied up with fancy phraseology is gauged more to incite tempers than to contribute to anyone's being brought to book in future. In such an eventuality, the charge would not be 'mass murder' but something typified in legal codes. It is a shame to see writer who has just laid out what seems like a watertight case to try to advance his equilibrated argument by resorting to incendiary language adding naught to the nittygritty, whereof there seems to be no shortage.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Feb 6 21:13:08 2010

Mr. Mayor, that is quite some article. I couldn't help but notice that amongst the following comments may were removed, the man certainly brings out the best eh? But exactly the same goes for the fellow living in luxury, on his ranch, this side of the Pond.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Feb 6 19:27:38 2010

I found this page of peoples RETRO memories from this page , I dont know whos it is but I enjoyed reading it . I moved from just off St Johns Road about 25 Years ago so some of these I relate to, -htp://sq-al.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2215471232&topic=3308
noddy watson <hotmail.com>
ottawa, , canada, Sat Feb 6 19:19:29 2010

correction, born Bury, and some say she should be
. <>
, , , Sat Feb 6 17:10:54 2010

Maybe this explains it better: guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/25/bounty-blair-war-criminal-chilcot
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Feb 6 17:07:50 2010

jj, this is not just my opinion. If an illegal war is fought,particularly if the aim is regime change it amounts to a crime of aggression under international law. This includes murder. The Noo Labor appointed Attorney General told B-liar it was illegal. Then Abracadabra! a few days later said it was legal! He was leant on because of Bliar's pact with the devil. But I'm no lawyer. Maybe you should speak to that acclaimed Crosby-born judge Ms Cherie Booth QC.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Feb 6 17:03:00 2010

tru enuph. but nutterbugger justlykthat duznt cut it. wich is wer we kaimin. itz all jjs. noose. folt. duz he sea wot hes 2 answer 4. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Feb 6 16:43:02 2010

....if you drop 'u' ?
. <>
, , , Sat Feb 6 14:36:13 2010

smiley. r u au current with hoo pierrepoint waz. he waz a professional dropper.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Feb 5 23:14:55 2010

sb, dat wood leeve yo a ntter or a bgger, witch is it?
;o) <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 22:19:16 2010

al. where would u lyke me to drop u. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Feb 5 20:17:37 2010

some say, bad noose sells, or that it's only money for old rope.
Al Pierrepoint <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 19:52:45 2010

Dear Jud, Your uncluttered straightforwardness can only attract but, beforehand, on the way over to the gallows [on the fifteenth floor -- or was it the sixteenth?] if they ask you what this one's getting the chop for, what'll you say? No noose is good noose. They say.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 5 15:36:32 2010

u wud think that 6 ft under wud be locked away enuff. but kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., .., Fri Feb 5 15:22:59 2010

Hate to bring this up, BUT, the Roman div. of Christianity Inc. would seem, to the unblessed, to be an equally good place to find a really good selection of "old bones" (together, so I am led to believe, whole fingers, nails and even foreskins). If I was the local priest I would certainly lock away any such treasures. But then, I am not, and certainly wouldn't know where to find such a supply.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 15:20:42 2010

Venezuela watchers will be glad to learn that a circle of tomb raiders acting as a witchcraft-supply facility has been caught. Witchcraft requires a supply of bones -- people's bones for top performance -- and where better to find same than at a "used bones dump"? No longer; at least for that circle. Me femur's feeling better already.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 5 15:14:21 2010

'ang the 'ugger
Jud Jeffries <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 15:11:53 2010

'e's guilty, ain't that 'nuff.
Fortisque-Smythe q-c <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 15:10:05 2010

Dear Mr. Mayor, Whatever the upshot of the dubious Chilcottian delving into the dubious legality of the Iraq war, I can't see where the 'committing mass murder' comes in: there was never any military intent to fire on civil populations, though it surely must have occurred in some degree, so the mass murder charge won't stick. Furthermore, I can't see British military targeting protocols allowing of any such undertaking. I see the Iraq-war debate in terms of the degree of legality that attaches: was it or wasn't it? The enquiry isn't configured to elucidate that point, inter alia, because -- oddly enough(?) -- I gather there are no lawyers [i.e. guys qualified to pronounce on legality] on the panel.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Feb 5 14:21:27 2010

ps.///Mr. Mayor, what can you expect from a woman who wears 'magic' stones around her neck. Much more 'important new @: scotland/8499931.stm
s <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 14:09:01 2010

Herms, my Moggie days go back to St. Michaels Road times during the late 60s/early 70s, with, as you know with right hand driving possition./// Diana, its a sign of old age (or even dottage) to loose ones car. My poor old Dad developed Parkinson's and still wouldn't give up "his freedom" machine until the Doctor literally had his license revoked.....didn't last too long after that! ////Gus, I had a neibour in Montreal who would not buy his wife a car (very unusual), she took taxis everywhere....he still found it was far cheaper that way.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 14:01:59 2010

Is there no end to religious nutters taking over the wirld? First B-liar uses his "God told me to do it" -lite message to commit mass murder in Eye-rak, now The Blessed Cherie spares someone from jail 'cause he's "religious": news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8497365.stm I feel a Pauline conversion coming on...
Mare <>
Burbo, , , Fri Feb 5 14:00:01 2010

Salts, Was your Moggy L/H drive?.It would seem very alien to me to see one in that format..When I worked in Crosby one of the lads had a bubble car, and as he lived in West Derby, he would drop me of in Seaforth. It was the exact model that the barmaid drives in Heartbeat.When you alight from this thing, the whole front opens up and the steering wheel would disappear outside, believe me I would get some very strange looks from people standing at the bus stop, my mate would then tug on the steering wheel to get the door closed, and then off he he would go in a cloud of smoke.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 11:38:47 2010

Gus you are so sensible not to have a car....I wish I could persuade hubby to give it up..We really don't need it either. I have a bus stop about 100 metres down the hill from us taking us to wherever. The local train service into the main cities at a very low cost to senior citizens, that I think holding a car is a waste of money...The problem here though, is on a Friday from about 1530pm until Saturday 2000hrs all public transport is at a standstill.This is to appease the religion faction of the residents.....In North London you have a fantastic transport service and one can live without a motor...
Diana <>
, , , Fri Feb 5 06:47:34 2010

but wots a tuffet. book. he say. low seat. do i hear short legs. waddley fellows. or the lyke. thats what i want 2 kno. as 4 curds. mine is 1 only. lemon. if u pleez.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Feb 4 23:10:30 2010

No curds either poor Ms Muffet.
gus <>
london n11, , , Thu Feb 4 22:13:41 2010

styrofoam for beer. i ask u. like going bareback on a rocking horse. no whey.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Thu Feb 4 20:51:17 2010

Mr., jut have to serve pints in styrofoam cups
;o( <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 20:31:17 2010

u injure the uther guy. u pay the bill. not the taxpayer. how long hav peepl pay 4 selfcaused ill helth. ciggies included. thats what i want kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Feb 4 20:06:23 2010

The Associated Press. LONDON-The British government wants pubs to try out shatterproof pint glasses as a way to cut back on beer-related violence. The problem is the high number of binge drinkers who break pint glasses and use the jagged remains as weapons in fights. Officials say the resulting injuries cost the National Health Service about 2.7 billion pounds (.3 billion) each year. Officials say there are an estimated 87,000 incidents each year involving pint glasses and other glasses used as weapons. Two prototype pint glasses designed not to break up into dangerous shards were introduced Thursday by the Home Office anti-crime design team and the government-funded Design Council. Further tests will be made before the glasses are introduced on a voluntary basis. We are not amused
<>
, , , Thu Feb 4 19:57:16 2010

In Caracas, there's no practical no-car option: you use a car because of dodgy public transport and to stay safer whilst out of the house. There's a brisk business too in bulletproofed units. in a traffic jam, it's on the cards that some gent'll knock on your window with a pistol, demanding you surrender your watch. at the airport, Rolex, Panerai, Omega etc wearers are professionally spotted on leaving the aeroplane, before immigration and sought out on the journey to Caracas [30km approx]. The car can be crashed into and a robbery carried out when it stops to object. There are other routines too. In an eye hospital yesterday, I was chatting with a chap who, it transpired had a grouping of taxis, primarily for airport pickup services. His fleet includes four bulletproofed units and, for some companies, at their behest, he has to send always three cars, being one for the guy and one for fore, one for aft, escort units. He mentioned that passenger names are never used; pax are told to look for a particular name in the receiving group: it will not be their own name but another, all in an endeavour to elude any charlie seeking to follow whoever picks Mr. XYZ. Weather's lovely though. For potential visitors, I can say that Timex and Swatch are in low demand.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Feb 4 19:28:43 2010

Very sensible Gus, unfortunately over in this place, one would be lost without some sort of transport. Even those with mobility problems can be seen whizzing around on little super-charged electric three wheeler scooters. (What an existence to look forward to eh?
s <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 18:49:10 2010

I haven't driven a car for nearly ten years and don't miss it a bit/Feel so much fitter expecting the call any day from Marine to come to their rescue.
Environmentally Green gus <>
London N11, , , Thu Feb 4 17:44:53 2010

Herms. I think the country one was in fact part of the 'Mini' series, rather than the one I had , a 'Minor'. It was similar to the one shown on the "Heart Beat' TV series, a woody (although in North America, if I mentioned I went around with a 'Woody', some would be quite disturbed, while others, I like to think at my age, would be quite impressed.) .......and Hermes, some might have been red and blue, but there was certainly grey (like mine) and green. If memory serves the thing only had a 998 cc sized engine, but could keep up with the traffic speed of the early 70s. The biggest 'thing' I ever owned was a Chevy Caprice Waggon, which my wife could almost put my all daughters basket ball team into, unfortunately it got quite expensive to run, only getting around 10 mpg.The one good thing about it, after around two years of ownership the thing went on fire right in the daughters school yard and we got exactly what was paid for the beast, back in insurance. (two years almost free driving).and today an old 4 cyl. Camry, which so far has not had any brake trouble; a bit heavy on gas though when compared to some of the more modern cars. Until this car, I have for many year had Hondas (incl scooters, outboards and lawn mowers) which I consider as more pleasurable to drive. Salty <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 14:41:48 2010

nb/BTW.Salty, one version of the same vehicle was called a Countryman, ring any bells?... Or was that the Mini station wagon, I think it was.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 12:18:26 2010

Two years back we bought a new Toyota Avensis...I have always loved Subaru's (we had a five year old B4 at the time, with only 60,000 kms) but hubby insisted he wanted to change so we sold the Subaru and went after the Avensis...Was that a HUGE mistake...Firstly, the front is very low and if you draw into a parking area and accidently (now shut up you lot about women drivers, I am a holder of an advanced driving cert)touch the pavement with your front bumper, the whole front, around the headlamps etc slip out of alignment...Now we are waiting to hear from Toyota to see if we will have our Avensis re-called, as it was made in the UK...Anyone else with Toyota's?
Diana <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 12:17:23 2010

Salts, Was your motor a traveler per chance, with the wood trim, there was a red and a blue. If this is the case then I believe that the time is ripe for you to give us the gen on all the passion wagons that you have owned time. The truth will set you free.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Feb 4 11:34:22 2010

yeah, worth two Toyota Corolas!
s <>
, , , Wed Feb 3 15:57:17 2010

I had a 'Moggie' for a number of years, until it virtually fell apart; biggish holes appeared in its bottom, and I had to have a recond. engine fitted. One of the best little cars I ever had. Just wish I still had the rotten thing, those "Moggie Minor Traveller's" must be worth a fortune today !
Salty <>
, , , Wed Feb 3 15:56:18 2010

I had a 'Moggie' for a number of years, until it virtually fell apart; biggish holes appeared in its bottom, and I had to have a recond. engine fitted. One of the best little cars I ever had. Just wish I still had the rotten thing, those "Moggie Minors" must be worth a fortune today !
Salty <>
, , , Wed Feb 3 15:55:25 2010

Dear Chaps, Stick with good old scouse "moggie" what everyone know the meaning of instead of this outrageous semantic gallivanting. Like. 'Which limb' indeed. Gertcha!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 3 15:35:23 2010

limb. which limb. that what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 3 14:44:56 2010

P_U_S_S_Y
<>
, , , Wed Feb 3 14:26:01 2010

usually its the man who will risk life and limb for a p***y
<>
, , , Wed Feb 3 14:25:06 2010

Dear Diana, Graphic stuff about what it's like to be bombed! Blimey Days (!!) etc but I can't say my love of moggies would take me to such lengths!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Feb 3 13:50:01 2010

Actually the Boston strangler came from a place called K**b. Just as well that he left there before starting his criminal activities.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Feb 3 11:33:55 2010

s. re. your size reference. if biggish. is a ship called for. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Feb 3 00:30:13 2010

for Gawd's sake.....K*nob.....it is a place name, and in no way should any dirty minded sod think it has any connection with the male member, no matter what shape, size or shock that male member may produce.
s <>
, , , Tue Feb 2 13:33:03 2010

And for some real news: direct from Gobblers K**b, Punxsutawny Phil has foreseen six more weeks of winter (the little b*gger); this has only 8 minutes ago, been confirmed by the prediction of Wiarton Willie. Sorry guys and lasses, keep wearing those long wooly coms. (That other prognosticator , Shubenacady Sam concurs)
Salty <>
, , , Tue Feb 2 13:30:00 2010

I saw on the news that the US has placed patriots in many of the Emirate States as a deterrent for the Iranian missles...My, that does bring back sour memories of January 1991...Those scuds which came over from Iraq were also suppossed to be biological enhanced (if that's the word)We had a scare when one fell about 50 metres from our block,damaging and blasting out all the windows of one side of our appartment building...It was funny really when I think back, my son was going with a girl from Canada and she knew (in Canada)before we did that the scud rockets were on the way..It seems that at that time CNN were tuned in before we were...We didn't have cable 16 years ago...So we would get a phonecall from her and rush to the safe room...Safe room indeed, it was a inner bedroom which we had to seal up all the windows and cover them with huge plastic sheets in case the rockets were with biological warheads...It was with mixed feelings seeing all of us with our gas masks and waiting 20-30 minutes for the all clear..Laughing, but feeling sh*t scared on the inside..We were in and out of bed so many nights that I dragged mattresses into the safe room and we all ended up sleeping together...One night the siren went and my youngest son was hysterical cause the cat was outside and the sirenswere blasting...I ran outside and brought her into the safe room with us,but the howling of the siren made her wild and she started jumping up to the plastic covered window to get out...Of course tearing the plastic and everyone in panic, the darn cat was finally caught and closed in the wardrobe....What a night....I really hope that something will stop all this madness and that this government won't decided to tackle Iran...
Diana <>
, , , Tue Feb 2 12:20:58 2010

It may also be recollected, that Iraq prior to the invasion had decided to sell their oil priced in euros.
Herm <>
, , , Tue Feb 2 11:12:03 2010

i see B-liar as dangerous and that given a sniff of power again he would be very dangerous indeed. Just that give someone the green light to commit mass murder?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Feb 2 07:18:42 2010

oops. hermes. not henrmes. apologies. sir.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Feb 2 03:44:08 2010

proez ymaculate and innim itable. congratulaits henrmes.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Feb 2 03:42:01 2010

Jimmie,The Cypress connection, so called by myself, refers to the perceived threat annunciated by Blair as a catalyst for the invasion of Iraq,insofar as it was maintained by the British cabinet of the day, that it was deemed plausible that the extent of Iraq's WMD, might be able to reach cypress, there was not much concern about the Cypriots, it was the fact that Britain held military personnel on the Island.
Hermes <>
, , , Tue Feb 2 01:04:39 2010

Oh Gus you noticed
;o <>
, , , Mon Feb 1 18:41:14 2010

In the days when Marine had their own supporters club namely the RPMA (Rossett Park Mariners' Association) they also had their own songlist, songs led by Ned Kelly (an outlaw of sorts, but not the Aussie one). They did use one Beatles tune actually 'We All Live to Support the Great Marine' to the tune of you can guess, it began 'In the town of Waterloo..'
gus <>
london n11, , , Mon Feb 1 18:00:57 2010

"oil an control over it" can mean more than one thing: a) taking control; b) ensuring control doesn't stay in dodgy hands and finance possible mayhem; c) ensure said mayhem doesn't boil over next door and really potentially shut down supply to western economies. Et Cetera. a) are "we" all on about the same thing; b) as the situation on the ground now stands, which, if any, and to what degree were the varying interpretations of "oil and control of it" achieved? Mittlerweile, Ich spreche kein russki und kein Norski, "Y'know what a'm sayin'?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Feb 1 15:00:07 2010

the Russians need help (shell) to oil out of their own ground. Hermes, what is the Cypress connection?
jimmie <>
, , , Mon Feb 1 13:23:14 2010

//oil and control over it. This is the views of people I know in the industry and also a high ranking officer in the British Army. Babs // There was a time when many of us thought this was the reason, but today's news says that the oil fields of Iraq have been taken over by the "Russians" (that must be a feather in Moscow's cap) and the Norwegians...I wonder how the US and UK have taken this news...?
Diana <>
, , , Mon Feb 1 08:41:45 2010

Just wait until Clare Short gets in front of that inquiry, then the schizen will hit the fan.You may be aware that one of the jokers on that panel has been in the past a speech writer for Blair. BTW, what ever happened to the Cypress connection, to listen to blair you would have thought that the hole world was at risk from Saddam (not true).
Hermes <>
, , , Mon Feb 1 03:31:47 2010

Dear Babs, My scenario of western apprehension of potential control, or mayhem, by Saddam would fit that description. And that aim - eliminating fear of Saddam and what he might have undertaken - has been achieved. But was that the objective sought, if indeed, the oil-control scenario was the whole reason for sending our men into harm's way? In other words, what would have been an 'ideal outcome' of the war in US/UK eyes?////Dear Little Arrers, If Marine are our lads, then, as I see it, we (I) support them win or lose; we'd like wins, natch but if they have a run of ill fortune, all the more do they need our support, not cantos about being a 'loser' or whatever. How about you shy clear of that stuff with a view to sidestepping "fair-weather friend"-couched snide shots, what? Go Marine! ///Dear Father, I read the piece; the tune for you could be, "Just a sarong in my heart", what?
jj <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Jan 31 23:00:20 2010

just be careful you irreligious scoundrels, especially if caught with 'the Girl friend' while only wearing jockeys...it might cost you more than 'an arm and a leg', or even ten Hail Mary's. see:asia-pacific/8490212.stm
Father bunloaf <>
, , , Sun Jan 31 20:09:09 2010

jj ~ oil and control over it. This is the views of people I know in the industry and also a high ranking officer in the British Army.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Sun Jan 31 18:34:35 2010

yeah, doubly so!
; <>
, , , Sun Jan 31 16:45:45 2010

sb, In suggesting a tune jimmy might try: "I'm a loser", "I'm so tired", "all together now" "Bad boy" and for the demon removing priest...."Everybody's got something to hide, except me and my monkey"....and when he finally does the dirty deed perhaps the Marine Field can be converted into "Strawberry fields forever"?
;o) <>
, , , Sun Jan 31 16:44:58 2010

jimmie. u shud know that. mor than 1 is plural. and plural 4 that is. cats licks. no promise. not catliks. wether roman or from little crosby. if marine believes. ok. & sounds lyke a song. marine believes. yes. u cud wryte that. marine believes. witya marine. u cud suggest a tune. maybe. hey jude. perchanz. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Jan 31 15:29:10 2010

Those Roman Catliks will do anything for a transfer fee
Jimmie <>
, , , Sun Jan 31 12:15:30 2010

And just as bizarre: Marine Football Club turn to God to improve results! /news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8487688.stm
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 31 07:28:25 2010

Must admit, never heard that before "Thank God for Gordon Brown"
Salty <>
, , , Sat Jan 30 14:27:10 2010

Ker- ching!! guardian.co.uk/politics/cartoon/2010/jan/29/tony-blair-chilcot-iraq-inquiry
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Jan 30 07:47:25 2010

Truth be told, and by way of a PS, I'd mention that, for anyone who actually uses the url given, the iron hook affair there depicted is designed and declared as being for use in dismantling blockades, burning tire heaps and suchlike. Does look horrid though.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Jan 30 02:59:13 2010

Dear Babs, How exactly was oil the reason? I'm still mystified about the nittygritty of what the whole dreadful affair was about but can't see how oil was the trigger: supplies to western nations weren't under threat; there's no way that a foreign power can become owner of some other charlie's oil, so how was oil THE thing? In what way would western nations [foreseeably; as a militarily achievable aim, that is] benefit by disrupting Iraq's industry and reconfiguring it somehow? [Yes, I'm aware of the idea that, after the Gulf war-Kuwait adventure and abundant Sadammic threats to neighbours, whose oil is important to the west, it was thought that the ever more proximate probability of a Middle-East oil basin run by Saddam [Kuwait and Saudi fields overrun or destroyed by Iraqi invasion, successful or not] was not an eventuality that the west could live with and so saw themselves facing fewer options, a process that reduced to one,the military, in the end] /// For anyone thinking of a weekend at a local beach, let me know so I can pick out a route for you, after your contemplation of (a rather simplistic but that factually, broadly parallels reality) article at: .foxnews.com/scitech/2010/01/29/terrorist-twitter-threatens-hugo-chavezs-stranglehold-media/ a lead-in to which might be "betwittered, bothered and bewildered". I do this kind of thing at no charge so don't be shy and demure: upfront yersel' and tell me right out if you prefer the Andean mountains option or maybe the jungle destinations [hammocks thrown in].
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 29 23:32:02 2010

Thanks for the additional link jj. Oil was the reason for the war in Iraq. Blair is a very polished liar but what will happen if they don't believe him? This country will be crippled with all the lawsuits against it.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Fri Jan 29 20:30:20 2010

For those wishing to see & hear ''is nibs' with only a minute delay, can tune in on one of the BBCs sites. The p***k will probably get a further payout from some acting outfit, or at minimum a Golden Globe (literally) from some academy or other.
jimmie the political proctologist <>
, , , Fri Jan 29 16:36:50 2010

'suppose Andy, if you were a young women trying to keep abreast of the situation, you would be damned if you wore the 'T' shirt, or if you didn't wear the 'T' shirt.
;o) <>
, , , Fri Jan 29 16:11:00 2010

Mind you Andy, While you feel there may be odd moments in the UK, a contrast may emerge when you look at my neck of the woods where inter lotsa lotsa alia, one of our 'offcial' websites was advising all and sundry that the recent big quake was actually a US weapons trial of an underground shockwave generator; the ultimate target is Iran and the Caribbean island, of small import could subsequently be occupied militarily. And you should read that piece that I recommended to Babs yesterday: it was entitled "wolf sheds fleece". 'Nuff said. In other news,...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 29 15:21:46 2010

Dear Andy, I read the piece and it looked to my untutored eyes, on the basis of the reason given as ostensible grounds for arrest, as though the local plod's officers were ignorant, untrained and unprofessional: to be arrested for what, in somebody's momentary opinion, might be the effect of a widely distributed T-shirt on 'a 70-80-year old woman' [no sexist discrimination here?] seems to point to police who're unapprised of a person's having to be suspected of an indictable offense to qualify for arrest, surely. I mean, the BBC must have folk every day touting opinions that just might offend some sector of the [female only?] community at large? You have to ask what might have lead police to arrest the girl at all; are they pressured [NOT 'Pressurised', btw] to run in a daily quota regardless or what? I wonder how the constable on the beat feels about what he's being prevailed upon to implement?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 29 15:09:43 2010

John, nooze re: terrorist t-shirt here: w-w-horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/392/68779.html As regards the Eye-rak 'enquiry' with members appointed by Noo Labor to investigate Noo Labor, I've seen Lear at Stratford on Avon and don't wish for a repeat. As for the snippets I've seen on the news, I'd call it a 'gentle poaching'
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Jan 29 14:37:50 2010

Dear Andy, let me get this straight: the wearing of that T-shirt constitutes a crime under an anti-terrorism statute? Normally, I'd've expected a crime to be typified in a criminal code of some description: the use of a shirt with slogans critical of a specific fallen politico seems a bit of a stretch in that light. Especially compared to what happened to the Islamics in London who brandished placards calling for beheading and enslaving [blatant incitement to terror and violence which must be typified somewhere] of anyone 'insulting'(undefined this last) the religion? I have to wonder what those T-shirters arrested were finally charged with: does anyone know? Or is that secret in this enlightened and transparent age? PS: How's Tony doing under the enquiry grilling?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 29 13:42:01 2010

Sorry John if my point wasn't clear. People in the UK protesting against the warmongering have been arrested in the recent past under the anti terrorism act for wearing "B-ollocks to Blair" t-shirts. The Iraq inquiry has now proved that the invasion of Iraq was illegal. It is therefore a case of mass murder. Blair has made £10 million blood money and counting on the back of the war. Today is his "King Lear" moment, the one role that great actors aspire to as the pinnacle of their profession. He's learned his lines, stage make up has been applied, the 60 people allowed at the Iraq enquiry have even been allocated 'tickets'. Lights down. Curtain up...
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Jan 29 07:25:13 2010

Dear Smiley Arrers, Another crack like that and I'll have to assume you're about to broaden the breadth of "rear view". And your asterisk fluency is totally enviable. Keep them coming matey! I'm off to Stokes Garridge to see if I can buy a narrer or two of my own, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 29 02:11:31 2010

Dear Babs, You might like to add this most recent article to those I sent already: .economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15393502&fsrc=nwl it is in the latest edition.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 28 22:14:13 2010

Thanks John, I am going to get in touch with the Red Cross detachment in your neck of the woods after the Haiti disaster settles down, if ever and see if they have any documentation re. the mudslide. Again John Thanks.
DJ <>
, , , Thu Jan 28 20:07:48 2010

b*umming
; <>
, , , Thu Jan 28 19:55:08 2010

JJ, stop b*****g about.
;o) <>
, , , Thu Jan 28 19:54:33 2010

Dear Andy, What was all that about?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 28 19:12:41 2010

Ah, dear old Blighty! Wear a B-ollocks to B-liar t-shirt and get arrested as a terrrrst suspect. Be responsible for mass murder in an illegal war and make £10 million.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Jan 28 17:42:28 2010

SB. Please take term care: your choice of "bottom drawer" might lead minds so inclined to assume that people keep their bottoms in their drawers. That could elicit further doubts: do ladies keep two-piece cozzies in two drawers, being a bottom drawer and a top one? Does Jennifer López's salary boil down to "bottom dollar"? Are her meal times to be deemed "bottom feeding"? If her career flags, would it be "bottoming out"? Blithely broaching "bottom drawer" rummaging as you did places us all on the brunt of myriad potential thingies: kan u shoulder that responsibility: that's what I want 2 kno.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 28 17:06:21 2010

rummaging in a bottom drawer. i tripped over an american opinion. that may underpin mayoral disquiet. r wee the same. wers. or werser. thats what i want 2 kno. see .opednews.com/articles/1886--When-The-American-E-by-Jon-Faulkner-090526-671.html
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Jan 28 15:41:14 2010

Dear DJ, All I could add is that the airport is at La Guaira but it's not called La Guaira Airport but is referred to as detailed priorly. As for the casualties of the dreadful mudslides of '99, who knows? At the time, I recollect mentioning to Magalí that, with all the associated confusion, there'd be material for movies along the lines of folk who'd take advantage of their being assumed fatalities, with all that that'd facilitate in parameters of fullumdom. Whether your friend's erstwhile spouse was in there would be anybody's guess.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 28 13:42:33 2010

J.J. A long time pal of my married a girl from Caracas eons ago. They also split up eons ago and she went back to Venezuela and lived at La Guaira. He "thinks" that she was killed in the 1990 mudslide but I can find no trace of details about it but there is plenty about the 1999 mudslide. For some unknown reason he wants to make sure she did not survive. He asked me to look for information about this and it appears he thought the airport was at La Guaira. Incidently he was a manager of a large computer installation but will not have anything to do with them now Go figure.. BTW My pals wife was stunning.
DJ <>
, , , Thu Jan 28 00:38:25 2010

Dear Herm', The mountain range or "cordillera" that you'd've contemplated from your vessel is the coastal range, an 'offshoot' of the Andes; just how rigourous the term 'offshoot' is in topographical description, I cannot say. The 'mainstream' Andes, of course form a sort of backbone of the South American continent and arose - literally -- a 'long time ago' in an upheaval that was of such massive dimension that it re-directed the Amazon, which in proto-history, unloaded into the Pacific, to its current [aarrgghh] position. The Orinoco underwent a similar configurational shift. I suppose that, were we able to ascertain that the long-gone convulsions were instrumental in the formation of the coastline in question, we could at least make a case for the mountains being 'a part of the Andes': otherwise, I expect we'd have to settle for 'coastal mountain range'.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 27 15:11:59 2010

should ask the MaYOR
jimmie <>
, , , Wed Jan 27 13:03:14 2010

jg, The port of La Guaira stairs memories for me.I have spent many a day anchored out in the bay awaiting a berth, when I worked for Harrison Line. there are some very large peaks in the background of the city, that are spectacular, Someone once told me that they are part of the Andes range, but I don't think that this is correct, I'm sure that you would know.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Jan 27 05:34:00 2010

Dear DJ, The port town next to the airport is called "La Guaira"; the village right next to the airport was called "Maiquetía" and the airport has always been known locally simply as "Maiquetía". There has not been any name change, neither either before or after the mudslides of '99. That said, all the while, the official name of the facility has always been "Simón Bolívar International". Truth be told, I have never heard of its being referred to as "La Guaira Airport" and, since there is no other facility (local flights or private field] in the vicinity, the above would be all that I could tell you monickerationwise about our local two-runway, ex-Concorde destination etc etc aerodrome. If you had a particular purpose in asking, maybe I could help were I to be apprised? Like.
jjètc <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 26 20:09:48 2010

J.J. Simon Bolivar Airport... was this ever named La Guaria airport prior to the 1990 mudslide that occurred at that location in the same year ?
DJ <>
, , , Tue Jan 26 19:37:56 2010

Dear Mike, [Archly, with musingly mischievous proto-smile] "Hmmnn". Go Seafield!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 26 12:58:11 2010

Hi Maureen, I also worked at Peerless during the late 60s and early 70s. I worked in the office in charge of the newly installed computer system. As you say the smell was really bad on the days when they were making the oil and magarine. The good things were that you could by cheap Groundnut Oil which was great for cooking and also because Peerless was part of Distiller's company once a month you were allowed to buy reduce priced spirits. Do you remember a Bernie Emmett who worked there I think he was one of the managers in the factory and also there was the bloke who lived in the house next to the offices. I also used to go out with one of the 'lab' girls. I don't recognise the name you mentioned, but if you can think of any more perhaps I may have heard of them. // For jj's delictation she was a Seafield Girl
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Tue Jan 26 11:51:11 2010

Maureen, As one who grew up in Seaforth, the Whabbs was a bridge that crossed the railway line in Seaforth. to cross the bidge you had to walk/cycle down a narrow dirt track lane off Sandy road, and after you crossed he bridge the track continued to field lane Litherland, Bill another lad who posts here who lived in Seaforth remembers the same.However I think that you have the right erstwhile site for the tip.
Hermes <>
, , , Tue Jan 26 01:50:16 2010

Hello Maureen from Thetford, which I am sure must be a very nice little place to live in. The Thetford on this side of the Pond (in darkest Quebec), is probably world famous, or infamous, being how it is one of the largest mining areas for the deadly mineral asbestos. Probably even worse than winter around Whabbs Tip, or even End-butt lane. Hope you find someone on this site that you might have known from earlier times. I never have, so don't let it bother you if you don't. I am sure you will learn something....even if some of us are rude, abrasive, cantankerous old f*arts, that having lived among the natives in a variety of foreign countries, have lost some of that UK gentlemanly behaviour, our only connection being a memory of the Crosby area....although I wonder about that sometimes too. Nice to hear from you.
Salty <>
, , , Mon Jan 25 21:39:11 2010

Dear Babs, Your specific words were, "Could you summarise in a very tiny nutshell any good points he may have"; my answer was a wordily expressed "Yes", implying that the particular good points at issue would readily fit said receptacle. Truth be told, I had assumed your nutshell lead-in was just such a nuanced loophole that your were kindly providing. In matters like this, I aim to go the 'circumspect' route for reasons you may infer./////Dear Maureen, Welcome altogether to TCC; fresh blood and so on, all to the good: the outfit is pretty eclectic: Dain's in Haifa; the Mayor's in Formby; DJ and Salty are in the Toronto area: you're in Thetford [Had heard of it but had to upGoogle to be sure: thinks: how did she get from here to there?] and I'm St. Mary's, class of '59, exported for marketing to Caracas 40+ years ago and still here [hence Babs's query about the local regime]. So, Go Maureen! Go Thetford!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 25 19:08:14 2010

Thanks for the links jj ~ I will pass them on. The nutshell request was intended to save your time as I know how thorough you like to be and it's a very lengthy subject.There is plenty to read in the press etc but first hand experience is priceless. Most successful protests are made by getting out there and trying to change the system Andy. However I still think we have a pretty fine system in place which has come a long way since the days of the Rotten Boroughs. Yes there are still problems in politics but for every opportunist there are many more who work hard for the better good. The guy I usually vote for in Southport is one such - I've met him several times. It's just a pity he's a Libdem and I'm reduced to strategic voting.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Mon Jan 25 18:33:04 2010

Certainly John, no hay problema. But they would have to provide a car and a driver to get me to the ballot box and back home for tea.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Jan 25 15:53:23 2010

Re: Whabbs Tip Sorry, I forgot to mention my reason for writing. In 1965 I left Countess of Derby Girls School, Netherton, and started my first job at the beginning of September of that year - at John Moores, Kershaw Ave, Crosby. I cycled to work and when I got to know a couple of other ladies there who lived near me and who also cycled they showed me the quick way. This entailed us riding from our estate - Dale Acre Estate - down to Cookson's Pub on the brew/canal bank then riding along the towpath for a while before coming off onto a path. This path took us across Whabbs Tip (smelly in summer and dark/spooky in winter) until we came out not too far from Endbutt Lane. As I said, it saved us a lot of time but could be hazardous during winter months both for cycling along the towpath and also riding across the dark expanse of the tip. I vaguely recall a metal bridge being erected about half way across the tip - or am I getting mixed up with somewhere else - which was very slippery in wintry wet weather and quite steep.
Maureen <maureenmcb@yahoo.co.uk>
Thetford, Norfolk, UK, Mon Jan 25 15:46:17 2010

I've just finished vaccuuming for today and my partner commented on how nice the lounge looks but, as usual, I said "I wish it was but it still looks like Whabbs Tip!" "Come to think of it" he said "where is this Whabbs Tip or doesn't it exist?" So I decided to google Whabbs Tip and I have literally just stumbled on this site whilst having a conversation with my partner. Being a scouser, born and bred in Bootle and having grown up just off Gorsey Lane I'm always eager to find new sites about my homeland. As I was quickly browsing I spotted a notice board on which somebody has mentioned Peerless Refinery, Netherton - I worked there, on evening , for over 6 years when my children were growing up. It would have been around late 70's onwards. I can still smell the nauseating stench now all these years later. It was a hot, dirty place and the pace was fast and hard. Our floor manageress was Sheila Mcinerny (I think I've got that right) who was a hard taskmaster but a very nice lady underneath - as we found out when the First Aid team (of which I was a member) went down to London for a competition. When I lived in Liverpool (until 2004) I bought the local papers i.e. Echo, Bootle Times & Crosby Herald, every week and miss them dreadfully. Gosh, I'd best stop now because finding this site has made me all nostalgic. Glad I found you and look forward to visiting the site often. Maureen
Maureen <maureenmcb@yahoo.co.uk>
Thetford, Norfolk, UK, Mon Jan 25 15:38:23 2010

Dear Andy, Can you not intentionally 'spoil' the ballot by voting for more than one candidate, thereby registering a protest? [Or similar, natch]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 25 14:59:23 2010

Unless the punters protest, nothing will change. If more people refused to vote for a bunch of scamsters, the scamsters would get their act together. I genuinely value democracy but not hypocracy. And I've always voted - up to the last election, but made a decision (mainly after the Eye-rak WMD b-ollocks) to not do so in the future - unless things change significantly. Democracy has become hypocracy. However, the first step to get the Mayor happily skipping to the polling station is simple: that the voting card that lists the candidates, also has an option to vote for "none of the above". Easy to do, but they're too scared to do it.
Mare <>
Burbo, , , Mon Jan 25 07:27:48 2010

Babs, And the BBC: look at news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8477428.stm where, as usual the whole story ain't there. But, as usual it's a long story and I gleaned from your nutshell reference that you don't want a long story, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 24 22:09:22 2010

Dear Babs, In case you felt I shortchanged you there, you might look at the following articles; the magazine is one of the few that, albeit blandly and politely, give a take on the country that corresponds at all at all to reality. There are myriad convolutions and richly-woven backdrops that have to be assimilated beyond what's there and all thats seen abroad. Also, that mag is read by many folk with independent reliable information so they have to do reflect fact; that said, Their correspondents are unknown: they come and stay a while or go to return later and they live in the region. If any of your correspondents are Spanish speakers, they might like to read Francisco Suniaga's "El Pasajero de Truman" for an inside dekko at the Venezuelan political animal. Articles of varyiing interest: w-w-w.economist.com/theworldin/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14742469 +++++ w-w-w.economist.com/world/americas/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15287355 +++++ w-w-w.economist.com/world/americas/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14803155
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 24 21:57:45 2010

Must admit I find it a little difficult to understand someone who does not vote and then bellyaches about policies thrust upon them. The voter can at least state that he/she never voted for that bass-t**d or the other...so don't blame me! Personally I think the Ozzy system has the right idea, in that none voters can be fined or worse for refusing to mark ones 'X'. Then, that might be construed by some to be just another tax. Well, just have to vote once again for the "Raving Loony Party".
salty <>
, , , Sun Jan 24 21:51:29 2010

Dear DJ, Gotta love "seul loup", what?////Dear Babs, re. your tiny nutshell requirement and the question per se: the short answer would be "it would not constitute an insuperable difficulty ". In my view, if folk are unable to evaluate the information in the flow, occasionally, torrent, of what comes down the pike on this and much else, there's not a great deal of meaningful discussion that can take place. Look at the American health-care debate: us extra-borders folk haven't experienced it so cannot differentiate; so too, global warming: is the science finally final or ongoing? "We the people" are hamstrung in that regard. Back to your query: how do your interlocutors evaluate whatever they feel they may "know"?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 24 20:41:04 2010

This is a tough one. Babs is right. People fought and died for the right to vote and it is our duty. Andy makes a good point also. He doesn’t want to vote and become complicit in a process that perpetuates what he perceives to be a corrupt system. Perhaps his Honour should get more involved in the process and try to ensure quality candidates who would eschew corruption. I plan to continue voting even if it is for the lesser of two or three or more evils. I do wish there was a spot on the ballot where we could record our opposition to the candidates we find repugnant. PS Happy New Year all of you. It is still really difficult to load this site even though I have followed advice given previously. I will just keep trying (and voting ;)
Dee <deescouse@mindspring.com>
, Buckle of the Bible Belt, South Carolina, USA, Sun Jan 24 19:53:12 2010

I'll vote for you Jimmie!
MaYOR <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 24 18:40:18 2010

J.J. Been there, done that, got the tee shirt and ate the cockles. However re. the recluse. I prefer hermit,ascetic eremite marabout loner traglodyte misanthorpe, my favourite being seul loup
DJ <>
, , , Sun Jan 24 16:52:54 2010

if the system is sew bad. what shud we substitute it by. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Jan 24 16:42:55 2010

Your Right Royal Highness, in not voting you ARE part of a problemo that can not possibly change. I can only hope that your portfolio of stock includes all those bogymen that you rant against, otherwise all the obvious thoughts you engage in about politicians is simply a waste of time.
Jimmie de fillocciffer <>
, , , Sun Jan 24 14:59:59 2010

I respect your opinion Babs, but I finally realised several years ago that western democracy works like this: The big corporations like those run by Stoopid Murdoch buy the politicians power through the form of massive donations to produce media campaigns which persuade the punters to vote for them. Once elected, it's payback time. The politicians use their 'democratic mandate' to dance to the tune of the corporations and feather their own little nests along the way. It's a business transaction. And the biggest business is war. It's a joke and I don't fall for it anymore.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 24 13:30:28 2010

Andy I'm shocked. People fought so that we could all have a vote and it's our duty to use it. Living in Southport I am reduced to placing a strategic vote in order to keep the Con people out. I'm not a particular fan of politicians but someone has to run things but heaven help the country if slippery Cameron runs the ship. Diana, College Road was impossible to park on when I lived above the butchers over 30 years ago. There were restrictions even then and we had to park our car down one of the side streets ~ usually right at the far end. JJ - Venezuela and Chavez are a subject of discussion on my site. Could you summarize in a very tiny nutshell) any good points he might have? Ta
Babs <>
Southport, , , Sun Jan 24 09:08:23 2010

Salty, I've said it before, I will never vote in the UK again. My vote is worth nothing. Zilch. Nada. Rien etc.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 24 07:50:32 2010

Salts, One wonders why your gov is not that well disposed to faggotry, paradoxically the scoutmasters may tell them about the real world, it sounds very intolerant. Opposites can and do attract..you do have a good handle on the UK body politic, the place is stuffed, borrowing 330 million per day to pay it's way, and prosecuting wars at the same time, what ever happened to the war chest....David Miliband is an avowed atheist, there are no other pollys that will admit that they don't believe, as they think it would be a bad move on their part, but he is now taking flack for placing his kid into a C of E school, why the hell shouldn't he his taxes are paying for it,and it would not be difficult to produce stats of how may kids leaving these faith schools actually carry on in the faith after leaving, but I don't think that they want that out there.
Hermes <>
, , , Sun Jan 24 02:56:08 2010

Salty, I read in the CH today, that Waterloo and Crosby are increasing the pay and display parking charges around the side roads of South Road, Crosby Marina and Mount Pleasant..In our day Laddie, there were hardly any cars on the streets, only bikes...Riverslea and Endsleigh will be the next targets........College Road is already having parking difficulties....
Diana <>
, , , Sat Jan 23 20:14:59 2010

Quite something, Sky-Drones indeedei, we only have Drones over here. You are so right however, the UK seems to have gone to the proverbial Rat-Crap since the demise of that great Greek scholar Eenock de Powell (even if everybody has by now forgotten his reprehensible stand on those poor little thalidomide children and their parents). But never forget that an Englishman's home is his castle, even without the cleaned moat and expensive floating duck-house. I had hoped to return one day to live out my final few days.....not anymore. Then, it's all up to you voters to change the b*ggers.....and if the alternative is no better, change them again. (unfortunately, I suppose the result might eventually be an English speaking Bellisconi though)
s <>
, , , Sat Jan 23 15:07:19 2010

Well Salty et al, just be pleased where you live now. Check here to see what the Noo Labor Stasi are up to now: guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/23/cctv-sky-police-plan-drones
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Jan 23 14:30:21 2010

(No H*omos....
s <>
, , , Sat Jan 23 13:58:51 2010

Mt.MaYOR, be thankful you don't live under the dictatorship of the dreaded HARPER. We are no longer even allowed to ask the sort of questions that will be put to Hovis and Blair, without Parliament being shut down. It is rumoured, that brown shirts will be available soon simply by applying for them and that Harper Youth will be shortly meeting when enough 'scoutmasters' have been rounded up for training the little b*ggers. (NO H***s need apply in the 'New Harper Hierarchy'). But this morning the sun is shining, and supposedly the temperature is to reach a tropical 8 Cent. tomorrow and plenty of good old rain. Ahh, just like home.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Jan 23 13:57:24 2010

Welcome back indeed and now we see that Noo Labor has raised the UK terrrrrsm threat to 'Severe'. I shouldn't be surprised at this brazen example of the politics of fear of course - Moron Broon and B-liar are about to give evidence in the rape of Eye-rak whitewash, er enquiry. Perfect timing.
MaYOR <>
Burbo, , , Sat Jan 23 07:15:22 2010

Phew!! I see TCC was offline for a while there and wondered what was whatting. Nice to see y'all again! Re. bearded recluses and eccentrics, I think we didna oughta lose sight of a couple of elementary details, namely, a recluse must of definitory needs, have been a regular cluse to begin with, subsequently giving up the cluse life-focus only to recant and re-integrate into cluse ranks, thereby becoming a REcluse; for the case at hand, the person would then have to cease shaving for a period sufficient to allow the adjective "bearded" to become applicable and last but definitely not least, one would have to ask the person in question whether he had duly recanted [as above] in order to apply the REcluse qualifier, instead of just a nonchalant 'cluse'. Truth be told, the foregoing is awkward to ascertain with any ascertainity because the entire process has been seen in some quarters as a tad embarrassing so, as a rule, most self-respecting, dyed in the wool authentic recluses have been know to hold themselves apart from society at large. Except for the odd fishmongering loner. They say.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 22 19:18:48 2010

Mayor, I beg your pardon but that bearded recluse was me, but eccentric - never.
DJ <>
, , , Fri Jan 22 18:35:00 2010

Salty, I have eaten seafood far and wide, as I do to this day, but I swear that one of the best fish that I have ever tasted came out of the Mersey, it was given to me by a guy in my street when I lived in Seafort. It was a flat fish something like plaice and it was yum.
Herm <>
, , , Fri Jan 22 07:05:19 2010

Dear Salty, That may well contribute but I'd expand a tad: you can't elicit enthusiasm that's not there in the first place; the warmth and spontaneity is all there: it just needs the unconventional moment to unleash it. Whatever: I hope to see plenty more; maybe the MayorMan'll take up the challenge at Lime Street, what??
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 21 15:30:46 2010

jj, I think some of the enthusiasm is created by the wonderful sound echos generated in such tiled enclosures...much like singing in the bathroom.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Jan 21 15:21:57 2010

Dear Salty, Just wanted to say that, apart from the excellence, idea-wise, execution-wise and "outreach thrust-wise" at your original recommendation [w-w-w.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds8ryWd5aFw, I've found there are several "involve the folks" undertakings, not quite as classy but still most entertaining and uplifting, if you're that way inclined: living where I do, I'll take any uplift on offer, natch! [try Antwerp railway station at w-w-w.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k&feature=fvst]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 21 15:08:14 2010

Salty, are you trying to tell us, you are full of ....?
;o)....say no more....say no more <>
, , , Thu Jan 21 15:03:34 2010

Anyone know when the sewer was built? I only ask because I am sure the cocklers must have gone out of business shortly after........ but then the shrimpers must have had a field day. Some of the best shrimp I have ever tasted came from the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, way out past Baie Comeau, not far from a ....yes, you guessed it.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Jan 21 15:01:42 2010

DJ, I think the tradition of beach cocklers goes back a long time. I can even remember from childhood a bearded eccentric recluse living in a beach hut at Blundellsands made from driftwood. There are still quite a lot of those grand merchants' houses left in Merrilocks road etc. Many now divided into flats.
Mayor <>
Burbo Beach, , , Thu Jan 21 10:25:02 2010

Dear Salty, I saw that vegetable youtube piece: it is really great stuff. The only thing I found was that the passersby didn't seem to enter into the mood of the moment; they mostly just looked on bewildered and amused but armslengthed it a sight more than I've done, that's for sure. Still, it appears there's a number of not unsimilars. Whatever: I like opera stuff and the Valencia market initiative was tremendous. I thank you altogether. Let's hope we see more of it, what? At Lime Street perchance? Andy: could you sort that out? An' make a fillum what we can all see.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 21 03:50:34 2010

Mayor, yer honour, Just ran across an interesting item in the 1891 census of G. Crosby. I have discovered that I'm related, by marriage, to several families who lived in Blundellsands. They were shipowners located on BurboBank, Merrilocks rds and the Serpentine, loads of servants etc. but the last listing on the page shows 5 women and 2 men no names but ages. Occupations given as Cockle & Chip gatherers. A note underneath states " slept in Sandhills but could not deliver a schedule" (a census return). Looks like the riff raff penetrated the " Sands" long ago.
DJ <>
, , , Thu Jan 21 01:35:01 2010

Dear BE, Thanks but had already gotcha'ed the queue rate and seen the right sight site by then hence the 30+ timeline mention. Dear Li'l Arrers, Find a GI Joe Tommie reference anyplace and I'll pay the lattes. Grunt if you agree. Dear BE, would you say that Obamagh's taken a hit in Mass? Could the Yanquis be awakening to the fact that his personal appointment of (about 30!!) czars, several of whom have been indiscreet enough to profess openly that they're Marxists and admire Mao [plus diverse etceteras] might mean that he's "that way inclined" himself? The present, post-Mass barney's about the viability of health care approval in the suddenly changed Congressional climate but the big picture is still out there and it ain't going away anytime soon: themtheres are't likely to give up so much 'progress' without a fight, which would augur new demonstrations of what "hardball" means, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 20 19:00:37 2010

For a travesty in buying your buns, bananas or brisket in the market place. try,......... youtubing...../watch?v=Ds8ryWd5aFw
Salty <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 17:16:30 2010

BE, it wood appere to be30+ years two lait
Farther time <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 17:03:13 2010

Alas, too late.
BE <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 16:44:27 2010

Dear JJ: You can simply Google 8468981.stm and the BBC address will appear within the results.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Wed Jan 20 16:42:54 2010

BTW, Government Issue Joe
. <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 15:56:04 2010

Dear RevLad, Gotcha; that outfit has been putting their policy on gunsights for over three decades: agree or disagree as you will but then do so a bit less than 30+ years after the intial episode.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 20 15:54:31 2010

jj, 'UK troops to be issued with Jesus guns'....this might help
the Rev <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 15:47:37 2010

Dear MayorMan, You say that the BBC had to go international to compete with SM. a) Why? What would have been the result of their doing nowt? b) You seem to discount CNN entirely; c) If SM's bailiwick had reached proportions that "obliged" the BBC to act, then maybe SM wasn't so S as you'd have him. And I still don't see why the BBC's "having" to go international should render their performance less than top-of-the-line. As for SM, I watch their Foxnews on telly, along with a variety of others and our local lads and don't see where the "S" in SM emerges. I have no access to Sky so can't opine re UK editorial policy as screened, natch. //// Dear Jerry, Couldn't for the life of me find that Americas piece you cited.[btw, 'British Tommies' would distinguish them from which other brand...?]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 20 15:08:10 2010

Glad to see that British Tommies are seeing the 'light', even if it is through a site. /americas/8468981.stm.....I wonder if the recipients appreciate this.
the most Rev. Jewemy Ramsbottom <>
, , , Wed Jan 20 13:36:31 2010

jj, if you can get UK Channel 4 nooze, then that's your best bet. But don't knock the Beeb too much, they've had to go international to compete with horrors like Stoopid Murdoch.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Jan 20 12:23:46 2010

JJ thanks for further insights I was just thinking more of the fashion for saying sorry for past wrongs rather than the immediate craziness which you sum up so well. Thanks also for all the tips about media sources, agreed the BEEB is pretty poor these days, the Port au Prince (rhymes with wince) pronunciation sums it up really, ITN and C4 here have had generally much better coverage of that dreadful situation in Haiti.
gus <>
London, , , Tue Jan 19 18:09:41 2010

What sort of a bluddy Met office is it that requires instruction to find ANY weather conditions in any part of the globe. Google it up, google it up man!
Dr.C. Bonkington-Smythe <wheather@are-us.con>
, , , Tue Jan 19 14:32:09 2010

metoffice. use google 4 snow. re temp. which 1. fahrenheit. centislope. celsius. or kelly girls. pse specify.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Jan 19 14:04:03 2010

Jimmie, Are you getting much snow in Uxbridge, and whats the temp?.
Met office <>
, , , Tue Jan 19 11:18:15 2010

Dear :O))))): You dirty cake taker you!!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 19 02:40:57 2010

& sew u should be. 2 off topic 4 me 2 get.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Jan 18 23:14:32 2010

sorry
more ;O))))))) <>
, , , Mon Jan 18 22:21:58 2010

'What is it withe themtheres?'...... modesty
:O))))) <>
, , , Mon Jan 18 22:04:30 2010

Dear Gus, I can't help feeling that you may be off the mark there. The self-declared-on-national TV follwer of Karl -- and Christian to boot (aarrgghh) -- bearing in mind that that "ism" is a self-declared "science" [remember, in the USSR, dissidents were put not in jail but clinics for megalomania for denying science, viz, Marxism] of the human condition, a detail that he specifically cited, is unlikely to "Oops" it at this stage, especially since a plain apology, in the wake of an income over 11 years of close to a trillion greenbacks with a national debt in excess of what it was when He had on acceding to power --- with all that that entails. The quick reaction of the US to counter public disorder in Haiti has been condemned here and by puppet Nicaragua as a military occupation, in accord with the Empire's expansionist policies and disregarding Haiti's status as Latin-Caribbean entity [no mention that the rest of LatAm has equally disregarded for decades]; we're still doling out funds for electric power in third countries whilst our own will have to be rationed very soon again, because of foreseeably wrong policies. BUT credit where due: Venezuelan pilots were touching down in Haiti very early in the latest crisis and supplies were soon underway. In that context, by the way, has anyone seen the BBC showing our own efforts; Deutsche Welle has interviewed German rescuers on the ground; CNN and others have shown US efforts cumulatively: the BBC has shown very sparse footage of the lads who, I am sure are getting on with the job. Truth be told, and wandering a tad, if you want some news about Germany, Deutsche Welle has a number of good programmes; the Spanish channels too, especially "Desde Galicia para el Mundo", and the French channels are the same: if you want to know about the UK, the BBC is the last place to look. Even their sports programmes show German foootie highlights but only give UK scores. What is it withe themtheres? Not to speak of a disproportionate fraction of their presenters being, albeit very articulately, Far Eastern? It's slowly becoming "Formerly the British Broadcasting Company".
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 18 19:36:02 2010

May not be much consolation jj but Chavez strikes me as more tinpot (or crackpot) than Pol Pot. Don't worry he will APOLOGISE one day, it seems to be all the rage these days...
gus <>
london n11, , , Mon Jan 18 17:40:45 2010

Dear Jimmie G., The ice cream parlour there in Mérida is famous for being what the man describes however, if you fancy one, get a flight now to Venezuela [ex-Uk; Lufthanse via FFM; ex Canada, Air Canada, 5.75 hours from Tronno]. I say now because our PresMan has pointed out that he's a Marxist [with the admission he's not read Das Kapital(Yer wha?)] now and that it is the most advanced social theory to deliver on Christ's mission to earth {do I hear a "Golly!"?. That said, on the way, all vestiges of bourgeois society are to be eradicated: that would include privately owned ice cream parlours selling something for a profit. On arrival, see to it that you remove your Rolex, Omega, Panerai or similar --- strictly before you get off the plane -- because it will be spotted and you run a very real risk of being stopped midway to your hotel by some gentleman -- no Liverpool supporter he -- whose sole exigency will be the very prompt handover of the watch. Hardfship you say? Well, it's like this,...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 18 00:25:31 2010

Jayjay ma man, wots all dis about 'ardship in Venezuela, for dose wid a sweeta tootha it is mecca: /from_our_own_correspondent/8460094.stm
jimmie de Gelato Man <>
, , , Sun Jan 17 19:27:08 2010

For the UK The Mayor recommends the Disaster Emergency Committee - dec.org.uk/
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 17 17:03:19 2010

Now if every reader to this site put $5 in we would have at least 5 Million dollars, what?
Salty <>
, , , Sun Jan 17 16:44:21 2010

........and five or ten bucks seems rather a small contribution unless its en masse.
BE <>
, , , Sat Jan 16 23:35:42 2010

Tanks to all of yers. Di, I don't even own a cellphone, so text messaging is out, but thanks for the tip.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Jan 16 23:30:08 2010

only trouble Brian with Sally Anne she expects you to be good at the Tambourin
;o) <>
, , , Sat Jan 16 21:40:12 2010

Maybe this will be easier for you Brian...Its for USA peeps only.
Diana <The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only: * SMS text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts * SMS text YELE to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haitis Earthquake Relief efforts * SMS text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief>
, , , Sat Jan 16 21:19:14 2010

h.t.t.p://w.w.w.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=haiti%20charity
Diana <Hi Bri, try this link for Haiti Aid.>
, , , Sat Jan 16 21:11:54 2010

BE, there are many sites that will let you donate. In the States, one that has a variety of causes is to be found at: /cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
Salty <>
, , , Sat Jan 16 20:24:38 2010

Does anyone know which is the best organization to donate to for Haiti. Is it still Sally Ann?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Jan 16 16:05:08 2010

Dear Uncle Frank: The Gershwin bit referred to "Let's call the whole thing off", which was my answer to JJ's neether, neyther comment!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Jan 16 03:47:15 2010

Dear Jun Gatheart, I see you slyly slipped James a mickey[finn] with that ruthless but nonchalantly delivered 'ect' -- surely feigning a slip of the finger -- followed by implying, nay, asseverating the presence of 'disorders': how hartless when, as many must be apprised, ect is globally acknowledged as standing for 'electroconvulsive therapy'. on the weekend too, by jove; what IS the world coming to? and "Fie for shame" too by the way. I'd say "ruddy fie" if it didn't seem to be advice to turn carmine.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Jan 16 02:27:44 2010

Jim/Jimbo ect, You have some promlems and disorders, one is forgeting who you are.If you require help Sister or any of the staff will assist you to identify yourself, or ask any TCCer.
Jung @ heart <>
, , , Fri Jan 15 23:45:50 2010

capitalised. nice work. with a vu of the med maybe. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb. <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 15 22:48:24 2010

BE, I missed the Gershwin connexion, must have been on the wrong platform?
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Jan 15 21:43:13 2010

BE would that be Summertime or Nice work if you can get it?
Jimbo <>
, , , Fri Jan 15 21:41:12 2010

consider me hereby duly behoofed.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., .., Fri Jan 15 21:25:24 2010

No Jimmie, like George & Ira.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Jan 15 20:08:06 2010

Dear Di', I mokey and it was a long way off and only 5.8; those ratings go up by an order of ten each time so the Haitian episode at 7.3 would gave been 15 times more intense. And it was 45 seconds; hairy stuff however you look at it. ////Hartly Deering up for Winter you say? I haven't heard that 'crack the flags' expression for a long time. Do thye still use 'flag' for paving stone?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 19:27:51 2010

Just heard on the news that Ven has suffered a near 5.8 earthquake..Hope our man out there is OK..Blimey days, suppose we here in the ME shall be next..The sun is cracking the flags here no sign of winter yet and its mid January....
Diana <>
, , , Fri Jan 15 19:15:28 2010

I say, this is good stuff: we all seem to have egg nogged it this Friday afternoon, what? SB, I must question your Wiki consultation: obviously Uncle Frank is right with the two deer for eight legs but, that said, does WikiFauna mention anywhere that a putative 'leg of venison' in authemtic (jimmie-sic) Robin Hood terminology, á la venison chunks round the Forest Fire singing Sherwood shanties, would only denote back-end legs that look the part? If so - and that's a big IF -- your rumination about a four-deer requirement for eight legs would stand. Like. I shudder to observe that it would behoof you to clarify.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 19:07:34 2010

uncle frank. eight legs 2 dear. no. at least 4. according 2 wiki fauna sexion hirschbein graf. or deerleg count. humter jimmie. dont be shy aboot it.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 15 18:22:02 2010

A pal told me he'd been offered eight legs of venison for 60 quid, and did I think that was too Dear? Does anybody. Have a hart.
Uncle Frank <>
Cosby, , , Fri Jan 15 17:45:45 2010

do I humt.....not really sure.
jimmmie de Bum <>
, , , Fri Jan 15 17:05:36 2010

jimmie. du u humt. yo is a man after my own hart.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 15 15:38:41 2010

'the whole thing off', bit like your clothes BE, now that that Canadian blast seems to be moving on. Are there oranges still for tea?.... "Oranges are frozen dear"
jimmie <>
, , , Fri Jan 15 15:12:04 2010

Dear Bri', Wot no jaunty argument? And is there honey still for tea? "Honey moved out weeks ago, Love". Now this eether/ayther dicotometucious divide: I go for the "Einstein" route and so say ayther for "either" and neitherly too.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 14:42:46 2010

Dear JJ, Let's call the whole thing off!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Jan 15 14:28:54 2010

Dear BE, By omitting that from 'errata', I implied it was deliberate and, bearing in mind my Celtic backdrop, I thought the remeniscential superficial similarity to a well known Celtic term [Taoiseach], it sat well on the page. That was all. As for is applicability to the Haiti pronunciation question, that'd be arguable but a jaunty argument. I thought. Now about "eether" or "eyther", I take the pronunciation of "Einstein" as my basic bearing and... Lyke.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 11:39:58 2010

Dear JJ: Silen taich, natch.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Jan 15 06:15:42 2010

Erratum: for 'gear', read 'hear'. Aplogia pro screwup sua to them as pick up on suchlies...
jj <etc>
e3tc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 02:45:21 2010

Dear Bri', I think the French version would entail a silen taich. //// Dear Herm', We are of a mind regarding the Mrs. Brown clip which did come across as pretty coarse, I felt; still 'n all, don't be too hard on our co-scouse folk; they's the only ones we've got and, if one can find it in one to look beyond the specifics of content, our spirit and enthusiasm was clearly recognisable in the audience manner of comment, if not in what they said. For me, ensconced in tropical remove, as it were, the best part was just to gear those tones, grafted onto my soul long ago and, as the clip revealed to me, still lovely to listen to.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 15 01:00:27 2010

smelly feet u say. 2 confirm. ask a groveller.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Jan 14 21:00:29 2010

that prez must have some smelly feet
jimmie the dobhi-man <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 20:18:53 2010

I am only going by the recomendations of the Ven. Supreme Leader. 3 mins it should be;3 mins it will be. Me, I need about 10/12 mins or even longer if washing my socks every morning, with or without the power on.
salty <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 20:13:26 2010

be. r u trying 2 impose 3 mins regardless of how dirty a man be. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Jan 14 19:46:28 2010

Salty, three minutes is plenty of time for a shower, unless of course, you have a partner.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Jan 14 19:41:06 2010

Rhymes with "matey". French style. Like.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Jan 14 19:29:52 2010

How do you say the word: lifelong, I've known the island as Ha-i-ti; now I find newsfolk from varying nations speaking of both Ha-i-ti and Hayti.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 14 19:01:57 2010

Dear Salty, Yes, the Man cancelled the power cuts because of the utter mess made of it but your other speculations aren't far from the mark. The underlying power-supply shortfalls remain. As everything here, nowt's simple: those power-supply deficiencies were foreseen in a government report almost 10 years ago. As for a respite in Tronno, Air Canada flight #075 does the stretch in 5 & three quarter hours, arriving at Tronno Pearson at 1835, in time for din-din. And yes, I'd hop on one of themtheres at the drop of a lottery winner! Inter alia, TCC factors included, Magalí went to school in Armour Heights, albeit a while prior to extant TCC' ers advents! ////Re Haiti, the security situation has deteriorated to the degree that US military, still in the process of securing the now strung-out airport, are requiring arriving aircraft, including UK Teams, to divert to Santo Domingo to await the inbound green-light telling that there's facility enough for them to land. Myself, I wonder where they're getting outbound fuel; I suppose they just hop back to the Dom. Rep. to tank up.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Jan 14 18:58:49 2010

What an awful mess in Haiti, as if it wasn't bad enough already. I hope yous all notice that the US of was once again the first, and probably the largest donor for relief aid. So Hermes, you would not buy tickets to see Mrs.Brown, nor would I. JJ, have you had your 3 minute shower yet today? It seems that your Supreme Leader has also changed his mind about the electricity shut offs (nothing to do with votes, of course....as if that matters where you are), even sacked old Angelo. But the idea of a sort of dual value for the Bolivar must be of some concern, perhaps he has finally 'lost it', always the most dangerous stage in any dictators time in office. If the weather was a bit warmer, perhaps a good time to come up north for a bit of a rest....and a long steep in the shower?
Salty <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 15:47:39 2010

Don't they have theatre critics in Canada then.Perhaps not.
Jock <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 12:32:43 2010

beginning to sound like a socialist politician herms- "we will tell you what to enjoy, or not enjoy, because we know better"
jimmie <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 12:24:47 2010

I watched that Mrs Brown whatever brought to our atention by Salts.I have heard this discribed as a stage play by those unclever people on Radio Merseyside who wax lyrical about it, but they are afraid to say anything negative about a play in which merseyside actors take part, as they are absolutely gutless.This production in my opinion is not a piece of theatre, by any stretch of the imagination, but it is in fact an ensemble of blue comedians doing scripted jokes, it's rather sad that the people of Merseyside can't tell the difference, and they go on their way believing that they have just enjoyed an evening at the theatre, how stupid some people are, and how far many of the people in the area are in their understanding of culture, I think it's rather sad.
Herm <>
, , , Thu Jan 14 11:46:23 2010

duddlie. she didnt. harpy did. protocol calls 4 him to advise the qween in person. via her. he just telephoned. how did u peeple get that schmuck. 2wice. thats wot i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Jan 13 23:21:15 2010

conidering she is the QUEEN'S representative, she has been very quick to close our Parliament down.
Dudley Doolittle of the RCMP <>
, , , Wed Jan 13 22:33:32 2010

What a horrible disaster inflicted on the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Was that an act of God?
BE <>
, , , Wed Jan 13 22:31:49 2010

haitians get around. i c the governor general of canada is 1 of them. & a bird 2 boot. a sort of hiatian classy chassis christine lagarde. didnt expect that. orl power 2 her arm.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Jan 13 22:25:18 2010

Gus, B-liar's blood money just goes up and up. If you need to make a bob or two these days, just try the war crimes business. By the way, I remember the Gordon West handbag business. From what I recall, there was a female character called Honey West in some 1950s/60s TV Western, hence the association. I don't remember the character but maybe some of our more 'mature' contributors may?
Mayor <>
Brrrbo, , , Wed Jan 13 18:54:17 2010

Owing to a series of factors, all foreseeable etc, there's power rationing here; announced for 1200 midnight and to last for 4 hours in our sector, it has just begun, at 1210 midday and left the place chaoticised. I am working from home on a netbook; others, cafés, restaurants, malls etc will have been taken by surprise. I thank my luckies however that I wasn't in Port au Prince [Richter 7.3, 45 secs: heavy stuff that] where things are looking drastic, and worse by the hour, as details emerge. First relief flights [French] will be on the ground about now. Fact is, it is a blessing that the runway at the local airport is still intact. The only other option for bigger planes would have been the Dom. Rep., next door, for subsequent overland transport in what would be surely very scarce lorries.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 13 18:37:19 2010

.., I am sure his highness the Mayor would not indulge in such a crude mouth- watering & mind-altering beverage as Screech. Have you tried it? Over the years I have spent many weeks on the Rock, but never even got a sniff of the real stuff. The local liquor stores used to sell quite a good rum with a screech label,... but ! They tell me it's quite difficult even to find a good sized cod these days.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Jan 13 15:09:17 2010

Dear S, I got it just now without problemo at w+w+w.youtube.com/watch?v=FdSaWW9vuow all straightforward like. You can also Google it up with simply searching for "Mrs. Brown".
j <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 13 13:49:30 2010

Salty, I can't acces the vidio that you mention via the codes that you give for youtube, could you pleez give a googley key word, thanks.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Jan 13 12:48:33 2010

screech
.. <>
, , .., Wed Jan 13 02:34:40 2010

Gus, 'scran', sounds like some sort of Newfoundland/Tibetan fish dish (or booze). I remember coming over to this place in the early 70s and being quite embarrassed when first coming across 'the doggy bag'. It was just not done in the UK in those days. One had to eat everything on ones plate - "just think of all those little black boys and girls that had no food to eat. When you look around at some of the platefuls that are being tucked into at the next table, it really is true, that each could feed an African village for a week. It's an age thing, bit like wearing jeans/dungarees, I don't feel that old, but to me they are still work clothes, no matter how much they cost. s <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 22:31:18 2010

Maybe the report exaggerated somewhat. I found one on the net at the knockdown price of £171.10. This has probably been kept from Blair though as only the grand plus effort would flatter his vanity sufficiently. These are bags to carry your cute little doggie around in btw, not for taking home your excess scran.
Gus <>
London N11, , , Tue Jan 12 21:48:07 2010

...and I thought the breathable mesh window (which is included), was so that one could smell the contents.
s <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 21:42:46 2010

doggy bag. restaurant. left overs no waste device.... dog bag. 4 taking poodle 4 walkies in.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Jan 12 20:00:27 2010

In my North American ignorance, why would a doggy bag cost so much?
Salty <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 19:11:01 2010

Further on Blair. For some reason I am reminded of Kopites handing a handbag to Gordon West at Derby Games not sure why. PS a quick check on West's bio reveals that after a short spell with Tranmere he ended up as a security guard at RAF Woodvale. Oh how times change.
Gus <>
London N11, , , Tue Jan 12 17:59:47 2010

The Blair creature is going into the handbag business. Well with all those mortgages to pay who could blame him: "At last we have found Tony Blair's core principles, his true beliefs, the real third way. It is handbags. He is in the final stages of negotiating a job with Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey. It not so much a corporation as a posh-brand pile-up on Millionaire's Row. Louis Vuitton is a shop that sells dog bags for £1,260 (breathable mesh window is included)." guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/12/tony-blair-louis-vuitton
Gus <>
London N11, , , Tue Jan 12 17:55:30 2010

Mr. Mayor, is Mrs.Brown an old production, or a fairly recent phenomenon in the Liverpool area? if the following site is anything to go by she would apear to be a bit more popular than the other Mr/Mrs. Brown: ...................youtube.com/watch?v=FdSaWW9vuow.....a bit rude, but very scouse.
Salty <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 16:15:48 2010

Oned've thought them scholarics had better things to do. Prithee take a butcher's. Wiki out themthere's I descry [or something]/////None of this elucidates how the "Welcome your Friendly Neighbourhood Intruder -- or else" imperative is to be modified or indeed, whether there's e'en a movement so to do.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 12 15:04:56 2010

//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithee.........?......and to old boot.........many scholars debate this one
;o) <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 13:59:08 2010

Stratford, now theres a place that I have visited, as my wife is a Warwickshire girl. We from time to time visited a pub much patronised by the actors from the RSC,the name of the pub is the Black Swan, but it is known as the dirty duck, a name given to it by the lovies from the RSC. Adorning every inch of the walls.There are photos of all the actors who drank in there during their time at RSC. many of them very famous actors, and these photos go back decades.
herm <>
, , , Tue Jan 12 13:12:01 2010

Re. same: AARRGGHH! And prithee to boot. Not to speak of what, at first blush, would appear to be a very dodgy genitive!! O tempora; o mores; o gentivi! [exeunt all, left, humming Tannhauser's chorus to the lilt of Hey Jude(y)]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 12 12:59:49 2010

a happy and timely use of the royal.thou. i see.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Jan 12 12:41:50 2010

ah, oh jajacus, from slumber cerebrebrum thou hast awakened
.) <>
, , , Mon Jan 11 21:25:01 2010

Dear Çur, Your Olympian disregard for Stratford's hallowed best does you little favour.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 11 19:19:44 2010

...somebardy stole my gal...
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Jan 11 19:02:51 2010

it had a touch of the bard (speare) about it
) <>
, , , Mon Jan 11 18:54:07 2010

yes
;o <>
, , , Mon Jan 11 18:51:59 2010

All well and good but did you read the piece? at least 1 correspondent said it ws brilliant: at my remove, I can't opine. You can.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 11 18:39:02 2010

ok, ok, just wish someone would 'shake 'is speare' up the tanned one as well.
) <>
, , , Mon Jan 11 15:07:28 2010

Dear Smiley, On that very note, look at that link: it's a 'tragedy' called 'Gordon Rex', including á la Mack-0-Beth-O, a Banquo-related ghost, "Enter, ghost of tony Blair, with a tan". Kinda fun altogether. And you UK-based charlies'll undoubtedly appreciate it more than foreign beshoréd I!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Jan 11 14:54:38 2010

just wish someone would shake 'is speare up you know who.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Jan 11 13:10:48 2010

BE: Interesting. Specially with the saying "A man's home is his castle", what? WEll, things have undoubtedly changed. Goota say, I'm still gobsmackergasted at this business of any charlie can intrude and I'm in no position to do owt at all at all since all depends on what the first constable [who might have a sick daughter being operated that day; who may be depressed; on the point of divorce; passed over for promotion; etc etc] opts to call 'reasonable'. /////In other news, all you Gordon-hung TCC'ers might w+w+w.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15111272 for a classical view.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 10 23:27:08 2010

Try doing a Google on *castle doctrine* derived from English common law!
BE <>
, , Brass Monkey State, Sun Jan 10 20:37:46 2010

Dear Andy, That policy as set forth sounds like a load of rubbish: if someone knocks on my door -- I'm a [relatively] frail gent or lady of 59, or 43, or pregnant -- and brushes past to clean me out, threatening to get rough if I react beyond heavy breathing, you're saying that I actually have NO rights at all, because only the plod on subsequent visits, can determine whether I was 'reasonable' when I said "I've got a cousin with a pit-bull 2 doors down". All the intruder needs to do is claim he's genetically terrified of dogs and nearly had a heart attack to render my comment "unreasonable" and land me in gaol. What's going on there? Are there advanced courses, in Hightown, maybe, for "The better class of intruder", forms of firm address, best parking policy to block owners and ensure more dignified getaways? "After answering a 999 call, and learning that Plaintiff's pets were decapitated, his daughter raped and his belongings stolen, I properly detailed the intruders' rights as per police protocol: I was met with what can only be described as a subversive and angered glare and was thus obliged to arrest plaintiff on the spot to preempt any even blacker looks that he may have had up his sleeve, your honour". Where do I sign up for my course? 'genteelrobberies.com'?
jj <et5c>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 10 19:32:22 2010

sb, I am sure, if as you say it is "display of potentially injurious intent", that at least half of all citizens of the UK will soon be in gaol.....every time the Right Horrible (sorry Hon) George Brown is seen on TV, that number must by their visible actions towards the said TV, be guilty of this heinous crime......and some would say with cause.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Jan 10 16:06:07 2010

John, I think the Noo Labor law states that you must 'reasonable response' to an attempted violation. Trouble is, it's a bit difficult to feel reasonable when someone is violently trying to rob you. So Noo Labor police have power over both the victim and the attacker. Clever.
Mayor <>
Brrrbo, , , Sun Jan 10 16:02:18 2010

jj. u fall short. and miss point. u are liable if u dont. the original art. showss any display of potentially injurious intent make u jailable. lyk u say. school 4 scoundrels is setting entrance exams. already. r u aghast. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Sun Jan 10 11:35:48 2010

Dear Andy, From your post, am I to understand that the report conveys the facts as they are? Intruder school must be oversubscribed!! So,if intruded, I have to offer an array of teas and coffee, maybe a scone or two to ensure that the intruders coming my way don't have their sensibilities [read: fundamental human rights] offended? "Just one spoon tonight, John, if you'd be so kind; the Aston's in the shop so, down to the new Focus only, we're a bit pushed for time but, see you at the weekend,eh? Maybe for a late night TV show and a nice malt?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 10 11:12:01 2010

jj, welcome to the world of Noo Labor state police
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Sun Jan 10 07:31:40 2010

Dear TCC'ers what live there: is there any basis in the story at w+w+w.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/6957682/Myleene-Klass-warned-by-police-after-scaring-off-intruders-with-knife.html where some show bizbird ws warned by police that even in her own home, she cannot defend herself against intruders? Can that be? If so, why aren't lotsa people queuing up to be intruders?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 10 03:17:47 2010

holy aunt jemima from toledo. he seems 2 hav been a master of inyuorendo. sailing a bit close 2 the windy bone that.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 9 20:26:19 2010

I understand that he drank the warm brandy later calling it a brandy c*cktail
<>
, , , Sat Jan 9 20:21:37 2010

items in the brandy. hmmmn. how stiff was the drink. then. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 9 20:19:27 2010

don't think he concluded wheather or not it did any good, except ruin (but not waste) a good Brandy.
. <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 18:02:49 2010

items. hmmmn
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 9 16:26:22 2010

Fritz the Dachshund, if you remember David Niven had the same problem while skiing he solved it by immersing items in warm brandy
<>
, , , Sat Jan 9 16:18:21 2010

Dee, what has happened to dear old Hightown? Can a lass not even walk off the train to School lane without having her Guchi s stolen...see CH
;o( <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 15:56:33 2010

It's all the Chineses' fault sowing the clouds outside Bejing to make snow (the Butterfly flapping it's wings causing a typhoon) That's the last time I go into Wallie Marts.
jimmie the Eagle <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 14:04:41 2010

Hermes glad to read you are enjoying yourself on Bondi Beach, Ozland..Heard that they go topless,and that's not only the males...wink wink...My eldest son lived and worked there for over a year. He rented a flat a few hundred metres from the Bondi beach area. He always said he would love to go back and live in Oz.Have you been up North past Cairn's? Well at least you're not short of beer there...Heard that the UK is now getting short of beer due to the bad weather and factory workers not making it to their jobs...Gaud, the UK will collapse if that happens.
Diana <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 12:59:53 2010

Dear JJ, a belated thanks for your interesting description of Venezuelan festivities on Christmas eve.
BE <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 10:38:12 2010

Dear Herm: Good on yer, you lucky basket. The temperature here in South Florida is predicted to drop to 1°C on Saturday and Sunday night, before warming up on Monday. Very unusual. Must be that global cooling that everyone is worried about.
BE <>
, , Shivering State, Sat Jan 9 09:03:54 2010

Sorry about this folks but I am having a gay ole time in Bondi staying with my daughter, 35c today, I have been here before but never checked it out properly, it is such a fantastic place. Great beaches and in my opinion the best cafes and dining out in the world.
Herm <>
, , , Sat Jan 9 01:04:32 2010

dan. kan oui suppose u refer to ledger ink kolor. or is it sumthing mor to the left. lyk more sinister. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 8 21:46:43 2010

.....OR RED.....
Mad Danny <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 19:52:08 2010

Dear Andy, Indeed, a revealing depiction of green England's sceptred isle [or something]. And Salty, if you look closely on the enlarged picture, you can see both Mariners Road and Bonnie with besprungen step. So, Britain under Brown is White, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 8 17:18:08 2010

di. i was being polite. u use a scanner to reveal stuff wots covered. in other werds. 2 achieve visual nudity 2 see if the persun is safe 2 board. nudity itself dont need scannin. sew the phrase. nudity scanner. is rubbish. 2 not be unduly abrupt at the illogic. i just sed. nudity scanner. hmmmn. as 4 the xmas day bomber. best term 2 date. fruit of the boom. bomber. u have 2 warm 2 that.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 8 16:55:48 2010

Isn't that quite something, but it doesn't show 'the' Crosby Pier too well, at the bottom of Mariners Road.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 16:50:32 2010

Any esteemed contributors feeling homesick. Here's the latest picture of Britain to cheer you up: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8447023.stm
Mayor <>
Brrrbo, , , Fri Jan 8 16:08:59 2010

Oh gawd, they could see my extension piece.
little Willie <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 16:08:20 2010

.......and if children are exempt, then the terrrsts will use them!
BE <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 16:07:55 2010

Presumably the scanners would not detect objects under the skin. Breast implants or butt enhancements would be a great place to carry explosives and detonators.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Jan 8 16:03:24 2010

perhaps sb undresses with the light off.
;o) <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 14:08:13 2010

sb, you seem to be overcome with the idea of nudity scanners. Do I assume that you are applying for the job, or are you intending to be a frequent flyer? That's vot I wanna know...
Diana <>
, , , Fri Jan 8 09:15:12 2010

pt. with a nudity scanner. u wud scan nudity. but. if nudity is wot is being scanned. why scan. & the short form is. nudity scanner. hmmn
sb <att@ease.edu>
, .., .., Fri Jan 8 02:36:55 2010

one bum to another, you might say
. <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 22:58:28 2010

s. nudity scanners. hmmmn
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., ., Thu Jan 7 18:49:24 2010

;o( - the fact that Bonnie still has a bum to be tickled is remarkable.
Mayor <>
Brrrbo, , , Thu Jan 7 18:16:40 2010

remarkable considering that women in red is stil to be found tickling her bum
;o( <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 16:10:23 2010

Diana, Bonnie is 80 years old in human terms, the fact that she still has a 'step' is remarkable!
Mayor <>
Burbo-with-Bonnie, , , Thu Jan 7 16:05:23 2010

This cold weather is not good news for us little fellows!
Fritz the Dacshund <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 15:24:30 2010

ps, for that sort of flying, in those days, Eddie did not need to get frisked or go through total nudity scanners.
s <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 15:10:11 2010

For those interested in the 'Greats' of British Sports personages, it should be noted that Eddie the Eagle Edwards has been invited to run a short section of the Winter Olympic torch relay. He is at this moment up to his ears (or glasses) in snow in the Winnipeg area....he's welcome. Those old enough will remember that 22 years ago 'Eddie' was the only Ski-jumping representative of the UK.....probably the last too. It must have taken some nerve to stand at the top of a 90 metre ski jump, espectally wearing his bottle bottom glasses......could he even see where he was aimed at. At those games he was hailed in Canada as a hero. Well done Eddie.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 15:07:15 2010

// Bonnie the Dog has a real spring in her step - she loves snow!// You too would have a spring in your step if you were subjected to walking bare foot in the snow...Buy the little mutt a pair of warm boots...;-)
Diana <>
, , , Thu Jan 7 13:38:58 2010

deer little arrers. if it gets that way. i will be on the sainsbury. satterthwaites. scotts bread. jumps dairy. and rose hip syrup flights.as of tomorrow. c u there kuchi.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Jan 6 19:09:49 2010

jj, Burbo has had snow like this before on the odd occasion, but this cold spell is lasting longer than ever before. It's pretty trecherous, JL Airport is closed and no buses are running anywhere on Merseyside. But Bonnie the Dog has a real spring in her step - she loves snow!
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Jan 6 17:55:27 2010

I would get on a plane naked if it kept me from being blown up, the people who don't like the new security measures should walk, sail, swim,take a motor or flap their arms and fly instead of flapping their lips
<>
, , , Wed Jan 6 17:34:22 2010

It's even werce over here.......American juniors beat Canadian Juniors at their own game. 6-5, thus winning the Werld Ice Hockey Junior Championship. How dare they.....this is Canada's cup........as if anyone cares. Bit of snow around too about 20" so far.... just a dusting really. Salty <>
, , , Wed Jan 6 17:00:37 2010

luks lyke gordons without power. could there be a. brown out. coming down the pyke. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Jan 6 15:30:20 2010

I see you chaps are having some snow in the region; will it challenge our generation's 1947 graduates? A Manchester-based contact of mine couldna get out of her road by motor car and was constrained to resort to shanks's pony to the nearest artery whence to werk by flagging a lift. How's the Burbo area scanning on the weather tuble (sic)?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 6 15:17:53 2010

And so they should be; otherwise TCC quality may suffer. Bear in mind that critics don't always have to criticise. Dear Andy, what would your focus be regarding scanners? The child porn criticism can hardly stand if a corresponding adult porn one doesn't surface. It's either both or neither surely? Or did I miss something?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Jan 6 00:56:25 2010

everybody is a critic
<>
, , , Tue Jan 5 23:06:38 2010

New Labor once again hoisted by its own petard. It seems that the noo terrrrst scanner stunt breaches the Noo Labor 'child porn' rules. So now all children who can't be scanned will be regarded as terrrrsts. It just gets more and more funny.
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Tue Jan 5 17:36:35 2010

Ryan air screeches to a halt at lennon airport after emerg landing, pilot reporting fire on board. faulty light bulb. take off again. so sorry
biggles <>
, , , Tue Jan 5 16:10:34 2010

For TCC'ers enamoured of a bit of diddlydiddly and doodleydoodley at this time of year, goto the ultimate diddlydiddly at w+w+w.youtube.com/watch?v=Oio1G-7aopo&feature=related and think what it must be like to be a countertenor. Like.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Jan 5 14:58:24 2010

itad not be the first fireman to light his own fire, and wots mor reaaallly enjoy it
jimmie the pyromaniac <>
, , , Tue Jan 5 13:46:46 2010

Diana, looking at this board and having an inkling of the Scouse sense og humer, could it possibly be an Isreali with a rather "different" look on life to the majority.Might even be some crafty one from intelligence looking for a raise?
Salty <>
, , , Mon Jan 4 15:14:09 2010

mayor. have u already jettisoned. hope springs eternal. and sutch things. them sentiments can rain on yor own parade if they gets 2 be a mindset. how do u think zimbabweans get up in the morning. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Jan 4 15:07:04 2010

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6021E020100104...Bit like bolting the stable door eh? Makes one wonder exactly what do we pay our politicians and security people for?
Diana <>
, , , Mon Jan 4 14:59:31 2010

reuters.com/article/idUSL1185309020080311.....After this incident I don't believe there is any fool proof way to stop the 'luggers'.If they want to blow us to Kingdom Come they will...All those security measures are for the passengers peace of mind, nought will help.....What a load of CODS W....Fly today at your own risk. Nothing is safe anymore.
Diana <>
, , , Mon Jan 4 14:56:15 2010

sb, I have no idea. I don't vote for any of the slimy greedbag liars and chancers. The establishment have always shafted you. They are shafting you. And they always will.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Jan 4 14:42:31 2010

y front. no doubt.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Mon Jan 4 14:01:36 2010

Front for the Protection of Gooies ('Y' FPG)
.. <>
, , , Mon Jan 4 13:27:24 2010

Y
. <>
, , , Mon Jan 4 13:11:49 2010

Whilst it's all a very serious business, I can't help noticing on a word-use level that the query on the as yet 'unmentioned' El Al procedures applies to explosives secreted in the unmentionables, immediately positing the question of whether what, in practice, are 'unmentionables explosives detection protocols' are rendered unmentionable by definition?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Jan 3 23:00:14 2010

being worried is an option 4 u and i. not 4 an electable persun. hes got 2 act. sew. in his unenviable downing street number. how would u propose he proseed. thats what i want 2 kno.....special 4 dynah. el al has 100% record in aer safety. sew it is a surprise their procedures unmentioned in mainstream debate. wot do they do. thats what i want 2. kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Jan 3 18:43:55 2010

What would I do if I were Moron Broon? Er, be worried.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 3 18:04:59 2010

let's see what HE wears under 'is kilt ! Probably Chinese made gitch.
Hamish <>
, , , Sun Jan 3 18:03:43 2010

mr. mayor. i see yor bodyscan nooz item. i dont like gordon eyther. but what wud u do if u wer he. thats what i want 2 kno. u cud equip all pax with those motor bike helmets with opaque visors. then strip them. without any loss of privacy. after inspection of clothes and bods. all pax dress again and board. motto here. i dont care hoo sees me naked as long as he dont kno it is i. or have u a better suggestion 4 scots gordy. or has any body. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Jan 3 17:17:47 2010

but then.....maybe not !
;) <>
, , , Sun Jan 3 14:19:46 2010

A certain establishment in good 'ole US of A is setting up a ladies section. Some of you young studs out there may be interested to apply for employment with good pay, plenty of exercise, and good chiropractic benefits see.... shadyladyranch.com........Uncle Frank, they may find you a little long in the tooth for such energetic pursuits !
;o) <>
, , , Sun Jan 3 14:18:37 2010

In the nooze this morning: Noo-style airport body scanners would not have detected the underpants bomber! So now you know that when your hard-earned tax money is used to install these scanners, (bringing even more misery, humiliation and delays to airports) it's all a PR stunt to show that the politicians are protecting you against terrrrrsm.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Jan 3 07:41:15 2010

JJ, your mention of variously expensive 'bikes' is certainly true in this neck of the woods, but, and this I find incredible, the most popular for the one wanting to show off his wealth is the inefficient but noisey "Hog" . Milwaukees finest are going like hot cakes and will only set you back anything from around $20,000 to $40,000 Canadian. A real status symbol!....but it has all been done with marketing, a trade the Brits seem to think is somehow a bit crude....but it works. My toy is a remarkably reliable 1986 Honda 250cc scooter, starts every time I press the starter.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 22:28:34 2010

dynah. inspectors. id est. knickersnickers. r 2 get. onthejob training. hands on the job. 2 be explicit. but souly on taken off 1's only. that means the best option is not 2 be a knickersnicker but the man what scans the knickers on&off change area on cctv. for flying safety of orl. they will be on elastic work schedules.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 2 20:45:40 2010

Dear Herm, I feel you're being optimistic re the global call fro Brit goods: the "it'll do the ton" bikes of the 50's were priced out by Japanese versions a few short years later but the Gerries and Eyeties still make (fancy) bikes and export them. I saw BMW bike here the other day; Nortons, AJS's and BSA's vanished long since. [I gather there's an effort to get Triumph up and running again]. As for the Common Market as it was, it doesn't restrict our lads: they do that themselves. Why did GB slowly evaporate from world markets? Not because of royals or French, German, Italian or Dutch buyers but for being too artypharty in world markets. Once upon a time, Leyland supplied buses all over: when did you last see a Leyland in Chennai? The UK can be good at innovation[it is not software-challenged]: it's our only stock-in-trade but, with a purposely inculcated national psychology against risk taking [nanny will even tell you whether to wash your ageing children's underwaer!!] you can't expect UK innovative energies to blossom and them as do will soon mosey over to Speke or Ringway to go tech-gallivanting where it's actually 'allowed'.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Jan 2 20:36:12 2010

[As the latest terrrrst had the explosives pack down his undies, guess what the latest 'security' measure will soon be... Mayor]......Buttttt Mayori, the security are now reaching into our souls..New scanners can now see everything......If its our knickers to be searched, can we now say we have been nicked!!!!!!
Diana <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 20:15:33 2010

one. what is silverbonce. thats what i want 2 kno. two. pse respect irish national identity. black maria=paddywaggon. if yood be sew kind. three. whats the scanner and privacy beef. if the man dont kno it is i. my privacy remains extant. no problemo. if titters arise. lettem.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 2 20:14:24 2010

Mr.M, it may take some time to read
c b-s <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 15:17:51 2010

Claude, do you have a site where we can view your expenses?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Jan 2 15:10:15 2010

try "merseyside/8430411.stm c b-s <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 15:04:01 2010

I can only surmise that you people on this 'ere site seem to consider safety at airports as some sort of joke. I, myself, as a representative of this area find this contempt for authoritarianism, in what ever guise or uniform a very dangerous mind set. Just the other day one of my pensioners was held at gun point at the very place where most of us expect to be healed not harmed. see "merseyside/843o411.stm... and as for you ;O), you might smirk when reading (if you can) about police not being able to safely carry good citizens in their carriages after a little indiscretionary behaviour. What about my own situation, I may have lost at least two votes, one the poor sod in hospital and two, the police officer who damaged his little voting finger during the scuffle. In conclusion, I just warn all you louts, once again, show some respect. Claude Bonkington-Smythe MP <>
Blundellsaarrhhds, , , Sat Jan 2 15:02:04 2010

Never mind taking your shoes off at the airport---it's not even safe to get a complimentary ride in the back of a 'Black Maria' anymore: see CH "Merseyside man in Hospital"
;o) <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 13:55:05 2010

Diana, punters have had to take their shoes off at airports since the failed 'shoe bomber' attempt. As the latest terrrrst had the explosives pack down his undies, guess what the latest 'security' measure will soon be...
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Sat Jan 2 13:26:24 2010

Herm, Charles Atlas (for it was he who had the sand kicked in the face and used to be a seven stone weakling) never used a bullworker but his own patented system of 'isometric tension' (which in fact used no special equipment and seemed to be mostly about just tensing and relaxing muscles). Every American comic I ever bought from Murphy's and other outlets featured his ad.
gus <>
London N11, , , Sat Jan 2 13:17:17 2010

h.t.t.p://w.w.w.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/06/20/bc-virtually-naked-airport-scanner.html?ref=rss..........Has anyone been asked or told to use one of these new scanners? Bet there are a few giggles behind the scenes/screens at the various airports....
Diana <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 09:00:50 2010

Last time I flew,I was surprised to have my meal served together with metal cutlery..including a very sharp knife..Earlier at the security check at Heathrow I had a small pair of cuticle scissors confiscated.Unbelievable...OH, not to mention the hassle of taking ones shoes off for security check in and hobbling on one foot to put them on again as all the seats are occupied...
Diana <youtube.com/watch?v=gL1_EjPVM4o&feature=PlayList&p=DB64F6EC3119D51D&-1=4>
, , , Sat Jan 2 08:53:21 2010

The Noo Labor airport security jobsworths at Manchester confiscated the Mayor's missus's lipstick recently. We are both now obviously on a UK government 'watch list'. As for the lipstick, and all the other 'terrrrst materials' confiscated, I suspect there is a healthy profit to be made at local car boot sales. It's PR stunt. Get over it.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Jan 2 07:17:28 2010

jj,You obviously missed the subtext to my post, and I can't faut you to some extent, you shot the hip and rolled in the royals, in the wrong context, the undertone of my post was multi -factorial whilst scant on detail,let me explain andclarify a small part of it,if Britain had have been rebranded with a new flag, and the confidence of a nation unsubjecated with the self reliance ,of a nation that can trade unfettered with the world. There remains an unrestricted demand, for British made goods, from whiskey to motorbikes,but most of the revenue comes from invisible earnings, so if you are allowed to trade with whomesoever, without the butter mountains and wine lakes of Europe, then who knows....I have to agree with Salty's point.
herm <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 05:07:06 2010

dir s.o.o. lamentably 2 be sure. but the explosive was not visible 2 any test. how was the detonating fluid presented. and how much was there. all very unsettling. but classically within snafus. expectable in an industry flying millions a day. safely. and what is silverbonce. when its at home. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Jan 2 00:41:37 2010

Well Frank, what about the Amsterdam security people who confiscated my half-bottle of SilverBonce because of its potential risk and managed, only two days later, to allow someone to take a half kilo of PETM and detonating fluid on board of a flight to the US...
Someone or Other <>
, , , Sat Jan 2 00:23:32 2010

dianah. pie in the sky. but. my pie. and moving 2 boot.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 1 21:55:09 2010

Salty, I despair of your negativity. Have you any evidence to support your rediculous claim?
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Jan 1 21:37:52 2010

youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7D2g5v-Sg.........................I thought some of you will enjoy this clip, seeing as its the season of good spirit...
Diana <All you need is luv......>
, , , Fri Jan 1 20:37:51 2010

sb, "to live long and prosper - just keep at it"
Icabod <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 20:16:06 2010

Mr.M/Uncle F, but who checks the checkers? Most airports employ the cheapest labour they can get their hands on, not necessarily the best or most reliable. If Manchester or Toronto are anything to go by, to the untrained eye, the Taliban (or their cousins, parents or children) would seem to be in charge of most of the running of security, cleaning and the poisoning of travellers in the canteens. Reporters from a variety of newspapers have at various times been able to 'slip past' any safeguards intended to protect the flying public. It doesn't matter how many scanners are in place, if a wink and a nod can get you past the officious official behind to console.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 20:13:29 2010

Re US staying [abroad] resolve: see w-w-w.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15065772
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 1 19:51:43 2010

I fear the mayor's response to the use of Whole Body scanners is more cynical than realistic. Whilst it is true that there will always be an attempted counter response to new measures aimed at deterring terrorist activities. That is not of itself a good reason for not using new techniques. Whole body scanning does seem to offer the best way of detecting explosives which might be secreted on the outside of the body, bearing in mind that to be of any use the said explosives have to be sufficiently large enough to have any chance of success. Another point which is frequently overlooked, is that the potential perpetrators are subject to the usual laws of human incompetence which is why,fortunately, they often fail miserably in their prime objective.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Jan 1 19:16:08 2010

Dear Herm', How can you trade above your weight? You can only trade so much, importing what you need and selling a fair fraction -- but no more -- of what you manufacture. If you let yourself get dependent on export liftings, you are excessively exposed to the tender mercy of winds of change [see Dubai]. If we'd kiboshed the royals years ago -- my point for many posts heretofore -- what difference would it have made? I'm all for it as you must have noticed but I don't see how it would have guaranteed a better trade positioning. What does GB export these days: no Reilly cars; no Austin cars; no Fraser Nash cars; no Morris cars; no Lagonda cars; no Cars. They did once. They do export Nissan cars, I'm told. I don't know but are there any British-owned tyre makers left? What tyres are on your car? Or the Mayor's? Or whomsover's? All this can't be the royals'fault: it has been a management, at best, confused, not to get verbally impoliter about it. Energetic Moscow-backed Bolshie elements have neither either been absent./////Dear Mayor, when the AlkeyDalkys first tried blowing up the WTC in 1993 and subsequently the US African embassies and way back, took the US embassy staff hostage in Iran, there weren't any Brit or US troops involved in any significant wars anywhere but the Jihadi Club still had it in for the western democracies so, whilst bringing current hostilities to a quick end is surely everyone's objective, how do you feel that it will impact on the AlkeyDalkey drive to wipe the US [and western Europe] off the map. Ad maiorem Allahi Gloriam. /////As for body scanners being a publicity stunt: their absence would allow easy access to aircraft destruction and, were my son, for instance a commercial pilot, their absence wouold lead me to advise him to look for another, safer, job, flying in the South American bush maybe.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Jan 1 19:13:47 2010

ichabodule. that link gets me an. oops seems broken. but no mor.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 1 18:38:44 2010

Too right Mayor !
scouser <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 17:41:52 2010

jj, full body scanners at airports is a PR stunt that will not make any difference. The terrrrsts will just find another way to make air travel a complete misery (and try to kill a few punters along the way). So here's The Mayor's suggestion for safe and secure international air travel: stop making people wanting to kill you! That means stop raping and pillaging basket case areas around the world run by medieval war lords.
Mayor <>
Brrrbo, , , Fri Jan 1 17:19:07 2010

Good God Icabod, get a grip on yourself, Man !
Claude Bonkington-Smythe <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 15:03:10 2010

i wuz right all along, kept telling the girlfriend, but she woodnt believe me: ..... health/4703166.stm
Icabod <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 14:16:04 2010

Happy New year everyone!
Babs <>
Southport, , , Fri Jan 1 10:32:51 2010

Herms, the only reason Britain is/would still be Great, is the way some of the 'old' families and their money has been managed and re-invested (even if that money was originally stollen from all corners or the earth)
jimmie <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 04:17:06 2010

I believe that if Britain had become a republic at some time in the past and not joined the EEC, then it would be a superpower at this moment in time, and honors would be worth something, and she would be trading far above her weight, and atract plenty of respect and prestige around the world, and not be in the parlous state she is in now, and we wouln't have another bank of old Etonions waiting in the wings ready to induce more deline, and many more people visit that tower in Paris than Buckingham palace...And what eve happened to the sunrise industries that Thatcher promised us?.
herm <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 01:52:38 2010

smiley. intonated. hmmn. as 4 metric. it means. base 10. how base do u want me. thats all i need 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Jan 1 00:19:58 2010

Diana, i think sb intonated that when he thinks metric, it just seems BIGGER ! and a prosperous, or maybe a preposperous New Year to all our readers
;o) <>
, , , Fri Jan 1 00:07:31 2010

An old Pilot sat down at the Starbucks and ordered a cup of coffee. As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him.. She turned to the pilot and asked, 'Are you a real pilot?' He replied, 'Well, I've spent my whole life flying biplanes, Cubs, Aeronca's, Neiuports, flew in WWII in a B-29, and later in the Korean conflict, taught 50 people to fly and gave rides to hundreds, so I guess I am a pilot.' She said, 'I'm a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about naked women. When I shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women.' The two sat sipping in silence. A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the old pilot and asked: "are you a real pilot?" He replied, 'I always thought I was, but I just found out I'm a lesbian.'
Diana <Have a Happy Healthy New Year>
, , , Thu Dec 31 23:53:47 2009

dyana. r u stretching my imagination souly 4 your own amusement. thats what i want 2 kno. happy 2010.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 23:41:28 2009

sb, most men prefer to go metric, now figure that ooot...;-)
Diana <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 23:26:22 2009

Gem from BBC: [datelined 'Waziristan' today]"Pakistani army attacks hospital used by Islamic militants operating in the area". You can almost visualise Captain John Ahmed Clease asking his sergeant, binoculars in hand, "Where do you think we could find militants operating in the area, serge?" "We might try hospital first, Sirrah! Would seem obvious place for militants to operate", "Spot on, Anwar! consider yourself for promotion" ; [standing up} "Look men; we're going to hit the hospital in the town over the hill; before letting ask ANYONE out, ask them whether they are a militant, and if so, are they operating. This way, instead of wandering these God-forsaken mountains, we'll be home for tea, By Jove. Or whomsoever".
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 31 21:53:36 2009

smiley. in would never do that. i went metric long ago.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 21:32:30 2009

sb, I hope you are not that naughty boy who "painted a 60 foot penis on roof" of his parents home. Really would need counselling.
;o) <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 20:44:32 2009

uncle frank. old u must be from posts about early crosby but cynical not. happiness and hope dogs not unduly obtrusive. like u. re. swallowing sydney carbon neutral claim. i 2 need counselling...... mr or ms smiley. saw news item about tooting tiplers and hospital overnites. over 500 smackers it sed. & cheap at the price.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 20:38:40 2009

Uncle F, be careful that you don't end up in hosptal due to over-indulgence, there's going to be a special 'party levy' of a couple of hundred quid. Only in Browns Land you say - pity!
;o) <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 20:25:09 2009

It's nearly 20.00 hrs., here in Liverpool and already the fireworks are beginning to disturb the dogs! We saw earlier on the TV news, the celebrations in Sydney, OZ, where an enormous spectacular firework display was given. But fear not, we are assured that it was carbon neutral! Figure that one out, if you can. Meanwhile have the best sort of New Year that you're going to have any way. From a cynical, old, Uncle Frank!!!
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Thu Dec 31 20:04:07 2009

diana. i cant live with extremist total ban on hanky panky. its too ultra rite wing if sharing 2 be lopsided. restricted to expenses only. might need counselling.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Thu Dec 31 19:01:28 2009

I see full-body scanning is erupting into a battle over invasion of personal privacy; you can see what are described as 'intimate medical details' [anyone have an idea what that could be?]. In order to get them up and running pdq and to sidestep postponing travel in the wake of protracted cultural-tripe based codswallop, my suggestion is to eliminate full-body scans for those who don't want them but to have separate flights for those who accept them. The passenger chooses to fly scanned; or unscanned, along with all individuals who refuse to be scanned. See you at the airport, what? [subtext for some: keeping 'intimate medical details' private beats being blown out of the sky; dreadfully sorry old chap but, at least nobody put my false sense of sensibility on view: Phew!!]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 31 18:51:12 2009

Depends?
;o) <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 18:46:23 2009

sb, we all share the household expenses.Renting in that region is not too expensive, believe me its not..(Cheaper than Butlins)..No hanky panky if you get my meaning...We shall all have our Zimmers and diapers with us..wink wink
Diana <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 18:41:00 2009

with u renting in tuscanni and me what cant afford. i need counselling. trubble is. no counsellers free. all counselling excounsellers unduly aghast at number of peeple seeking counselling. as 4. retired pensioners. hmnnn.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 18:30:56 2009

sb, do not despair Laddie/Lassie, the water rates here have/will double from midnight tonight.Welcome 2010.As one living in an extremely hot climate, one needs water in abundance, showers, showers and more showers...The increase in water prices will no doubt have a snowball effect on vegetable prices etc...Oh well, it could be worse..at least the heating bills are low so far this year..We have had snow in latter years for this time of the year, but as the greenies say, its all climate change...I shall, I hope, be emigrating out of here for three months of the summer months...Some friends have suggested renting together a huge villa between 8 of us (four couples all retired pensioners)for the summer in Tuscanny, now thats sounds like a good idea...
Diana <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 17:03:58 2009

Touché, Yerwashup, and a Happy New Year to all of youse.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Dec 31 15:22:16 2009

mare. be may be not sew off target. if sum had been pickier be4. you wuddent have been stuck making excuses for them now. all them breakups and the like. get payed 4 by u. everybodys got 2 be helped. always. subtext. no 1 can handle anything. by definition. even brit policemen offered counselling after what they saw in a house in aldershot. will potato shoppers can get it 4 shock if spud prices unduly rise. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 15:07:41 2009

Di, partly the credit card, but also the "percentage take" all Governments seem to think is quite normal......and for what! This bunch of thugs over here, led by our illustrious 'book-keeper' had once again shut down Parliament because ....basically they could, and they were unable to stand the heat of the kitchen. Canada may not be too long as a country. The West want to joint the US, and Quebec doesn't want to join anybody. But it's New Year already in some parts of our readership, and almost that time here, so all the best for 2010 (then again with 2012 nearly upon us....the end of the werld ...............AAGGHHHHHH)
Salty <>
, , , Thu Dec 31 14:49:46 2009

sb, it's not as bad as it seems chum....The marriage bit is the real change, I think.,Here marriage is going to the dogs. Many youngsters are just making a pre-nup and voila, Bob's yer Uncle...Maybe its good, maybe its bad...Only time will tell..I think the reason that the youngsters, (or not so young-sters) are returning home is because of the credit card..So easy to come by everything today, with little consequences.They rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad..How many of us have bailed our kids out of debt, especially during University period.I think one could call it emotional blackmail?????..Any way whatever, have a great NEW YEAR and a Happy and Healthy one to you all...Di
Diana <youtube.com/watch?v=lvJRmdN9iyU&feature=related>
, , , Thu Dec 31 14:30:22 2009

sb, lighten up lad, you're in danger of joining the BE school of 'pickies'!
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Thu Dec 31 14:25:13 2009

deer mare. i c u do not blame the peeple themselves 4 anything. all sum uther persons fault. 45 years and still no responsibility 4 breakdown of marriage. but u say 2 that they go back 2 mummy. not mummyanddaddy. so parents marriage broke down 2. cuntry going 2 hell in a bucket. it looks lyke. saw 2 in recent nooz that marriages now down to half what they were. peeple shacking up. but then breaking down. happy nu years. tiger in china.it says.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 31 11:35:18 2009

Go easy on the recent graduates. Nooze out today says that loads of 35 - 45 year olds are going back to live with Mummy due to marriage breakdown and the recession. Their poor parents, who'd thought they'd seen the back of them, now after nurture them all over once again. Jeez, what it is about Thatcher's children that makes them so useless?? Probably because they've been drip fed a diet of 'Celebrity Gossip/Glamour' from Stoopid Murdoch's raciist comics for so long it's made them completely brain dead. Happy Noo Year!
Mare <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 31 10:26:33 2009

hermes. thanks 4 the farm info. very sorry to hear that. but. do not grasp how they can. dumb things down. on the land. as 4 plastic celebrity etc. with u till the cows come. & a happy new year 2 u & all.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 30 17:04:38 2009

Herms, didn't no they still grew Rape seed anymore in our fields, see: **W.ithyroid.com/canola_oil.htm
the aggreeculterist <>
, , , Wed Dec 30 14:28:23 2009

Sb,They run beef cattle and dairy, also crops, canola, spuds ect, but things arn't honkey dorey on the land in the uk, just like everything else things have been dumbed down to extinction, such is life in the plastic, celebrity world that we now inhabit.
Herms <>
, , , Wed Dec 30 11:17:32 2009

ok, ok, supposedly.
s <>
, , , Wed Dec 30 02:28:07 2009

Dear Salty, All you say may be the case but a) they did write it so your 'socialist government' pointer could well be nearer the mark than they'd like us to realise; and b) the foregoing, once writ and reviewed by some commissar or other, was blithely released for public consumption so your 'socialist government' pointer may be nearer the mark than they'd like us to realise. Tovarich. PS: I'd have to demur at your 'well educated' qualifier though.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Dec 30 00:46:02 2009

JJ, only a Socialist Government would go to extreme lengths, employing some other well educated lay-about to write up such drivel on his/her out-of-work classmates. Must be a card holding member, or son/daughter of a party member, simply to give the bum a job. I think I saw something about the Russian Gov. trying to get rid of of a whole bunch of similar nannies, I hope for their sake they can.
Salty <>
, , , Tue Dec 29 21:44:54 2009

hermes. looks like people who work the earth have their feet on the ground. not like recent graduates. or the government. talk about nannys. spoon feeders more like. in school days. nuns told my wifes class. if u want 2 be happy. marry a farmer. sumthing 2 that. eh. and what sort of a farm is it anywhey.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 29 16:17:01 2009

baah
.. <>
, , , Tue Dec 29 14:30:28 2009

....but what are you putting your wellies on?
. <>
, , , Tue Dec 29 14:05:32 2009

Over last sevral years I have befriended a family that farm in Warwickshire and grown very close to them, and it never ceases to amaze myself how much knowlege and skill, it requires to work the land, apart from the animal husbandry ect and how resourceful the people on the land are, and they like their ale and good food, can't wait to put my wellies on again.
herm <>
, , , Tue Dec 29 13:39:54 2009

I saw that the British Government has got a praiseworthily well-focussed perspective on the business of government. See news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8433491.stm and opine. Read only when recent graduates are either in the pub or haven't gotten up yet thereby sidestepping any potentially hurtful eventualities that just might surface in some cases on days when, for instance, there might have been some drizzle; breakfast eggs weren't quite as runny as protocol dictated; or a free, regime-provided jobseeker-allowance may not have materialised as promptly as graduate-life exigencies required.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 29 12:15:35 2009

SB, True to style, a real, 'Christmas interregnum' AARRGGHH observation, albeit not entirely de trop, AARrgghhing our way to the 31st, what?//// Dear Herm', With you all the way; this ain't no 'keypark' channel; no proscriptions beyond common decency. Mind you, cyberbully action does seem to be the last redoubt of scoundrels, wouldn't you've opined?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 28 21:08:43 2009

pull de udder 1.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 28 20:29:54 2009

bull seems to werk very well around here, that's for sure.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 28 14:01:47 2009

hermes. in my igno rance. i thort a bullworker was a cow. google has now enlitened me. now. i can dye happy.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 28 13:47:34 2009

Dear Mike; Gotcha! And who wouldna be, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 28 13:42:16 2009

jj, a bit later than sooner, but manaeged to pick up a 'virus' on my PC. I am always in favour of 'more' rather than 'less' in the case of the 'Pulcritudinous Seafieldendsius'
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Mon Dec 28 10:39:35 2009

Also brave women!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Dec 28 02:55:59 2009

Diana, In no way should you regret expessing your opinions or knowlege on any subject under the sun. you have to put down the negativity and undermining to the carsanagenic cyber bullying that has become a fact of life in this day and age, don't try and understand it, cos you won't, just count yourself lucky that you don't have to live under the same roof as this trash.I'm of to the beach, and if I get sand kicked in my face, it's because I didn't have the strength to open the box containing the Bullworker.
Hermes <Happy new year>
, , , Mon Dec 28 01:11:21 2009

Refering to the vessel mentioned D. If you follow the history of the ship alone, (the President Warfield) it was some feat to even cross the Atlantic and then be used as a troop carrier, - Just another piece of junk the Americans managed to get rid of during the war. I am sure with 4 scotch bloilers and a triple expansion steam engine, below the waterline also had certain exciting moments.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Dec 27 20:50:06 2009

There is nowt more moving than seeing brave men being brave so "Go Our Di'!!". I think that, these days, it's never a bad time to remember heroes, especially seamen: Ike was one; apart from wartime, we have around that period, the HMS Amethyst in the Yangtze and the Flying Enterprise right off our own coast. Keep the pennants flying! [Thinks: can I semaphore as fluently as in yesteryear? Norrachance.] In the 'brave' category, I just saw "The Children of Huang Shi" about Brit in Prewar China; pre our war that is but in the middle of the Sino-Japanese one, about the time of the Nanking massacre. Blimey: a better man than I am, Gungadin!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 27 20:39:33 2009

Drop it Isaac, I'm sorry that I mentioned it..
Diana <>
, , , Sun Dec 27 19:28:29 2009

might be that scouser is referring to the British Govs part in the whole sordid ordeal that the 'immigrants ' had to go through, and not the incredibly brave actions of a boatload of frightened and eager settlers.
Isaac <>
, , , Sun Dec 27 12:17:50 2009

Scouser, s****y story or not, its history and 'Ike' was certainly a remarkable brave young chap to attempt such a fete at such an early age...It seems to me Scouser, that you ate too much turkey Christmas pudd and swigging back the cooking sherry..Anyway, A Happier and Brighter outlook for you in the New Year.
Diana <Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.>
, , , Sun Dec 27 09:02:26 2009

scouser. looks like yor merrie xmas went the way of the dodo. u use that scouser signoff. r u wrothy of it. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Dec 26 21:02:59 2009

Diana, rather a sh*tty story
Scouser <>
, Tarbock, , Sat Dec 26 18:39:39 2009

LBW
... <>
, , , Sat Dec 26 18:03:11 2009

bowled
.. <>
, , .., Sat Dec 26 18:02:21 2009

in fact some say the Popa was knocked off his feet by her.
;o) <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 19:28:40 2009

The Popa might have fallen, but that Card' Roger really is quite the 'Hip' fellow, what-oh?
the A'Bish <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 16:55:05 2009

Diana, quite some story behind that voyage. As you say some 'Old Rust Bucket'. If one can believe Wiki's version, not the expectected happy arrival depicted by Paul Newman. One of the two cruisers (Ajax) involved in the River Plate do was also at the scene, my only connection, having sailed many times on Blue Flue's Ajax several times, fortunately without any such excitement. RIP indeed.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 16:48:32 2009

Dear ArchB/Cant(ab), He's still behind though; hasn't reached full plenitude of Seafield Appreciation: let's hope he does before the next encyclical, "Pulchritudo Mulieribus Seafieldibus" [Mike: OK? More or less?]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Dec 25 16:21:56 2009

is that Crosby?
. <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 15:35:01 2009

Can't help but notice how that old chappie in Rome keeps falling for younger women, just wish I was so lucky.
Archbishop of C <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 14:17:59 2009

Quote from Haaretz:Yitzhak Ike Ahronovitch, the Captain of the Exodus ship whose attempt to take Holocaust survivors to Palestine built support for Israel's founding, has died, at 86. The Exodus 1947 ship left France in July 1947 carrying more than 4,500 people - most of them Holocaust survivors and other displaced Jews -]............. I try to imagine what it must have been like for a young Captain in his early 20s to take on such a task..4500 sick passengers on that rust bucket named EXODUS...Today was the funeral of 'Ike', many of his former seafaring friends have attended the funeral..He was a very brave man. RIP
Diana <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 12:39:41 2009

Just been for a walk on the beach and Snowdonia looks white, glistening and rather stunning. Even the Burbo turbos are at peace with the world (no wind). Merry Xmas one and all.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Dec 25 10:42:41 2009

Merry Christmas everyone!
Babs <>
Southport, , , Fri Dec 25 09:43:24 2009

To all Posters & Lurkers, Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Fri Dec 25 08:36:06 2009

A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy..' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Moral of the story: Bull S**t might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there....
Diana <Have a lovely Christmas dinner....>
, , , Fri Dec 25 08:32:31 2009

May the winter be short, and the sun soon return.
;O) <>
, , , Fri Dec 25 02:02:39 2009

Christmas Greetings to all friends at TCC, especially those who sent cards. You're all very kind. Here's hoping for a Happy and peaceful New Year. Frank.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Thu Dec 24 22:11:52 2009

Well its about time I popped in to wish all of you TCCers a very MERRY CHRISTMAS....Snow on Burbo, my you are lucky devils, a white Christmas..I can only ever remember having one white Christmas as a child...Here we have temps of 22C and winter seems to have neglected us this year.(I am still wearing my sandals).Our water rates have nearly doubled and we are now on a constant water watch...So that means sharing showers or having a shower once a month etc.,;-)..It was an annual haj for my friends and self to go to Jerusalem for Christmas Eve, but auld age and severe back problems have cancelled that jaunt this year....I shall raise a glass or two to all you great folk and I sincerely wish you lots of fun opening those Chrissie presents...
Diana <The Holyland.>
, , , Thu Dec 24 21:25:21 2009

In other news, the Venezuelan PresMan is Televisually exhorting the people to not give in to the capitalist, consumerist 'obligation' of buying clothes and stuff to give to children at Christmas making them lose spiritual values: better, sit them down and tell them stories of the Liberator Bólivar and 'La Patria'. So long new trainers; hello Simon, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 24 19:58:58 2009

Dear Mayor: Jospice; what a good Turkey deployment idea!!//// BE, The traditional Venezuelan "Christmas Dinner" [not dinner at all actually] includes 'pernil de cochino al horno' (roast leg of pork) and 'jamón planchado' (literally 'ironed ham'; it's a long story) along with a central piece, being The Venezuelan part por excellencia, the 'hallaca ', pronounced 'ayakka', being a whole mishmash of meats, olives, sultanas, capers ('capers'='alcaparras'; I always liked that word) all together in a particular sort of 'guiso'(=stew; or, in the vulgate, 'scheme for cheating' so "hay algún guiso por allí" would be "there's something shady afoot there" ) wrapped in palm leaves and boiled for quite a while. It is eaten late on the 24th, 'Nochebuena' and constitutes the family reunion part of the Christmas celebrations; the tradition complete would call for going to Midnight Mass and coming home to that meal, whereafter, gift giving. Today's ambiance isn't good for that violencewise so what we've been at for several years now is eating the meal on the evening of Nochebuena and doing gift giving thereafter. Church and stuff will either be one of the late evening Nochebuena Masses or a Christmas day service. Happy Chrisie anyway to you and yours, what? ///////Scouser: Yes; what fun. Not too often that plain old exuberant clean living gets a look-in these days. And so nice to see so many different passport holders joining in to that {'Pool-dyed} unifying melody. Thanks for the heads-up.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 24 19:51:48 2009

Wot fun. www*youtube.com/watch?v=orukqxeWmM0&feature=channel
scouser <>
, , , Thu Dec 24 15:50:13 2009

Gottcha hermes
<>
, , , Thu Dec 24 15:34:12 2009

Can you get up to Thornton with the Turkey? I'm sure the Jospice could make good use of it. Squark!
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Thu Dec 24 09:24:36 2009

It's snowing on Burbo. This is outrageous!
Mayor <>
Brrrrbo, , , Thu Dec 24 07:35:14 2009

%2AN, "One hell of a beast up for grabs", so is my ex, but know thanks.
jimmie <>
, , , Thu Dec 24 01:20:57 2009

Dear JJ, do you have your Christmas dinner on Christmas eve or on Christmas day?
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Thu Dec 24 00:51:05 2009

%2AN Just to reiterate, not a joke or scam, it's gen. One hell of a beast up for grabs, but, it seems destined for the bin or perhaps the binmen when they make their extra pick up tomorrow. I will try the Sally army of course, but the lateness, the weather and the fact that the bin lorry may well arrive before their office opens means they may want it but I had to let it go in case they didn't. Two weeks with a dead turkey in the bin is not an option.
%2AN J <>
, , , Wed Dec 23 23:35:18 2009

There you go, Yerwashup. Much better than last year's scrawny chicken!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Dec 23 23:20:45 2009

ps....local time.
C.M.B <>
, , , Wed Dec 23 23:06:36 2009

2%AN, please send by airmail to my Canadian address, am willing to pick up at Toronto airport if delivered before Thursday 3:30 pm.
C.Moore Butz <>
, , , Wed Dec 23 23:05:32 2009

%2AN Does anyone want a free fresh 6 KG Kelly Bronze turkey? If so, can you pick up AM Christmas Eve from the Crosby area? This is very time sensitive as you can guess, if I don't hear back by say, Midnight tonight, ( Wed 23 Dec ), then, sadly as neither family nor neighbours want or need one, it will be tragically binned. It is a competition win, but it turns out no one likes turkey! If you want it, post so to say so here as soon as humanly poss, along with your email address. I can't prove it of course but this is not a joke nor a scam, just an attempt to stop waste. Cheers. J
%2AN J <>
, , , Wed Dec 23 22:29:10 2009

Don't know sb. The Mayor stopped being a wage slave years ago. Incidentally, coming from good Burboian stock, isn't it good to know that us sea level types are snow-free!
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Dec 23 16:42:42 2009

mayor sir. you obviously know the casualties. since they were cheated. r they now getting their union organised. sew that. come the easter season. they can strike just at the delicate moment. and crush the oppressor. thats what i want 2w kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 23 16:09:50 2009

Dear Mr Mayor, I just installed the Chrome browser, and here I am. It's certainly fast (because it's stripped down) and very good for TCC posts. I'm not going to transfer just yet, because I'd like to see what security holes show up. I really hope that Google will successfully challenge Microsoft in other areas, and send Gil Bates back to the motel business. Thanks for the 'heads up' Yerwashup.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Dec 23 15:00:23 2009

As far as I'm aware sb, it was not imposed as the companies would risk prosecution. It's all done on a nod and a wink and as far as I know, no extra pay rates as it's 'voluntary'. "And if you don't do it, you're letting your colleagues down, and it's Christmas so orders are heavy, and in a recession your job is important, and and, and..." In other words got them bent over a barrell.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Dec 23 06:38:39 2009

Mr. Mayor, you know, that was a couple of the activities we really did miss, especially the family thingie
s <>
, , , Tue Dec 22 22:14:21 2009

mayor. u say not a day off for 3 weeks. but dont say if it was imposed. or agreed on. or remunerated at extra pay rate. 4 the xmas season. did any of that apply. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 22 19:28:27 2009

Point taken Salty old salt BUT...when you're at sea you don't have the knackering drudge of commuting or have to do loads of family orientated thingies. Dee, have you tried the NOO Google Chrome browser? It's rather fab.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Dec 22 18:34:15 2009

.....and the point Salty?.....don't nip into Mother Martin's on the way home to the Old Lady, maybe it was her that put them on to you.
;o) <>
, , , Tue Dec 22 16:10:24 2009

Dear Dee, lovely to see you again!! Happy Christmas altogether; and a propsperous 2010, what? And the rest of yers.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 22 15:44:56 2009

Mr. Mayor, even today, most seafaring personell are members of unions, but sometimes have to work without a day off for months on end. At the end of such a voyage, most would only be entitled to the equivelent time off of their weekends spent at sea. The pay for time spent away might seem excessive to those working for the likes of BA, but hour for hour was very modest. Then, I suppose, it sure beat the old days of 'Press Gangs', when a hard working office whalla might just have nipped in to Mother Martin's for a 'quick one' on the way home, and wake up on a vessel serving the King of the day. My Gawd, Brown and his lefties are not so bad after all ! It's amazing how satisfying it is for an old man to reminisce about his early shoeless and footloose boyhood, but enough......May all our readers have a wonderfull Christmas and profitable New Year.
Salty <>
, , , Tue Dec 22 15:07:20 2009

Dear Mayor, The incompetence whereof you speak, if uncontested, would have mightily benefited someone's agenda. Is this then 'fortuitous incompetence'?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 22 13:37:43 2009

Dear Dee, as somebody pointed out, the guestbook has not been archived since Oct 2005, so it is an enormous page. The trick is to click on the "stop loading" button as soon as you see any text. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Tue Dec 22 13:33:15 2009

For some reason my browsers have not liked this web site but I was able to get on today just in time to wish all of you a Happy Christmas!
Dee <>
, , Sunny South Carolina, Tue Dec 22 12:32:58 2009

incompetence. cuddent organise a pissup in a brewery. howcome theys running an important union. but u must wonder how no 1 noticed how thick as 2 shorts they was before now. whichever it is. if it were my union. i wud say. out on there ears.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 22 11:37:23 2009

I haven't been following the BA story fully, but I suspect good old fashioned British incompetence rather than intentional fraud. Meanwhile, I know many white collar workers who haven't had a day off for over 3 weeks. They're not in a Union.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Dec 22 06:40:07 2009

And a Happy Christmas to you, JJ, and all other TCCers.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Tue Dec 22 00:00:11 2009

Happy Sameold Christmas then Smiley old sock, and many of them, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 21 22:33:16 2009

Perhaps in hindsight, it should be..... Sameold?
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 21 22:22:41 2009

Dear Smiley, It's a sign of human authenticity to see Christmas and other celebrations, birthdays, weddings etc that are neither new nor have endings unknown, with the an early-life freshness, I've always felt. Ill-applied, the term "sameold" -- which indubitoubly has a space to fill -- comes across a bit jaded, blasé and stuff that don't suit your characteristic verve. One man's reflexion, like. Here in Caracas, we're excited about Christmas because it hasn't been banned yet though our great leader has [finally] declared that he's marxist; going the locally preferred [Cuban] way would foresee the devalidation of the Christmas observances. So colourful, vibrant, joke-heavy, Christmassy-spirited Christmas is precisely the "sameold" that we want. Happy Christmas BE!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 21 22:11:37 2009

Sameold
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 21 21:09:30 2009

Only 4 days to Christmas, I'm so excited!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Mon Dec 21 21:07:14 2009

Dear Herm', I cannot claim to be up to date on the UK and BA working environments but, with a deliberately flawed ballot, in the first instance, only the organisers would come under suspicion, leading me to suppose, suppose, mind you, that they have an agenda that doesn't include the well-being of their members. All the trollie dollies and flight staff can't be layabouts; instinctively, I'd've expected a majority to be regular folks suffering, as do all regular folk when things "aren't so bad", from a degree of laziness in matters concerning their union membership, thereby allowing more radical elements to push ahead with somewhat politicised progammes in the guise of 'wellbeing of members and revindication of (invariably) "legitimate" rights'.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 21 13:07:12 2009

Indeed Salts but that was long ago when they were real men good and true, and you would indeed be going back a long long way to find one, It has recently come to light that that nice man, and champion of the workers and pensioners Jack Jones was s spy, or traitor if you like, and he was well tolerated by the Wilson government, and they must have known about his activities just like the Tories tolerated Antony Blunt, until one Margaret Hilda Thatcher came in to office and exposed Blunt, yes jj the BA trolley dollies and pretty boys who point to doors, deserve no quarter.
Herm <>
, , , Mon Dec 21 02:35:56 2009

BROWN
s <>
, , , Mon Dec 21 01:30:35 2009

Dear Salty, I thought I'd exhorted the union's rank and file to get rid of elements who betrayed their trust: the Lord Gordon reference went right above my head, I'm sorry to admit.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Dec 21 01:10:09 2009

jj, I hate to ask, but why is Lord Gordon, and his bunch of Soviet sympathizers still where he is?
salty <>
, , , Sun Dec 20 23:48:08 2009

Dear Salty, With you all the way; but the union has to represent the dues-payers' interests: when you stage a fraudulent ballot, you not only fail in your duty to do that but reveal that your true objectives to be quite divorced from those of your own members who, in the event, were prostituted for the purposes of leaders, trying to become barons of their own, if you will. So turfing them out on their ears would be the very least, and the kindest, that therank and file should undertake.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 20 21:22:55 2009

Without some sort of union, most of us would probably still be tilling the fields while the local Baron/lord/Master had his way with our women, and what's worse think it was quite normal.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Dec 20 20:47:52 2009

Dear Herm', Right you are but notice that BA had to go to court to have the crime brought to light. Otherwise, the strike ballot would have been seen as legit: 80% turnout and 92% approval; who can argue with that? Now, we see that the union, straightfacédly presenting the fraud as legit, lied in its teeth and did no service to its members or the egg-laying goose either, in my mind, emasculating any validity to its claim to represent the interests of its members. What a bunch of layabouts: the rank and file should be turfing them out on their ear!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 20 15:57:49 2009

jj,I agree with you, and it's frightening to think that this type of abuse of the voting system could have taken place, the law did an exellent job in this case, and the CEO of BA has come up smelling of roses,KLM, cabin crew carry one less member than BA, so if these changes are implemented BA pursers will have the roll up their sleeves and do a bit of graft, and the rest of them will be treated to a dose of real life in modern aviation.
Herm <>
, , , Sun Dec 20 13:18:24 2009

ba fraudulent worker election redolent of merseyside docking disasters and of decades ago. its like totally. beware a happy christmas wish from the bolshies.
sb. <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Dec 20 11:47:56 2009

Personally, speaking for meself like, I think anyone traveling from, to or around the UK over the Xmas holiday period is absolutely bonkers or decidedly masochistic. Roads are gridlocked or snowed under, trains are packed and don't even run on Xmas day or Boxing day, and screaming kids airport hell rules. (Anyone been reading about the Eurostar fiasco/PR disaster??) Stay at home, put on a DVD, crack open a bottle of something cheeky and ....relax
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Dec 20 07:25:28 2009

Dear Herm', The 'own goal' is well enough in that, like an own goal, it constituted a significant setback for the perpetrators but, as a depiction of what happened, doesn't go far enough: however unfortunate an own goal turns out to be, it is not done deliberately. The BA strike-ballot defects were deliberate and so go beyond an own goal, falling into the area of cri8iminal deceit with intent to mislead, to gain predominance in, and hasten the eventual demise of BA. After all, now we know that BA can be held to ransom at any time, who'd voluntarily book flights on it? [and btw, when was the last time you heard of a strike at KLM, Lufthansa or even strike-capital France's Air france?]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 20 03:06:53 2009

be thankful that your tickets were not of the Globespan variety.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Dec 20 03:03:14 2009

It will be interesting to watch developments in the case of the British Airways trolley dollies, in this day and age of such a rashionalised industry, they seem to be over indulged and somewhat overpaid, depending on which way you look at it, I think that their union scored an own goal by allowing people to vote in the strike ballot who were not eligible to vote, will their pay and conditions mirror that of Easy Jet of Ryan Air , of Virgin Atlantic in the not to distant future?only a fool would bet against it, I have flown to the sun this xmas with Emirates, who I prefer, so my trip was never in jepody, and I'm glad for the people who did get away with BA,eventually.
Herm <>
, , , Sun Dec 20 00:32:53 2009

Dear Jimmie, In that case, all your cooking imponderables are solved for the rest of your life: you just buy chicken. You are indeed blessed.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 20 00:23:34 2009

all tastes like chicken to me.
jimmie <>
, , , Sat Dec 19 23:15:45 2009

pls get it righty ho. all chocky but. reasearch shows ortho. para. or meta chocky 2 bee taste interchangeable. sew distinction irrelevant. special on christmas.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Dec 19 19:06:56 2009

now would that be Pro,Mesa or Meta?
. <>
, , , Sat Dec 19 17:00:22 2009

academic rigour calls for leg 4 leg. thorax for thorax. comparison. sew. each 2 his own. for fastfoodfans. i wud go earwig.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Dec 19 16:28:52 2009

surely, mili or centi-pedes offer better leg value?
;o) <>
, , , Sat Dec 19 13:57:52 2009

research shows that. leg for leg. thorax for thorax. chocolate earwigs are as nutritional as chocolate ants. and the moulds are cheaper.....and. yes. smart observation about the premacdonalds era videos showing no fat children.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Dec 19 11:49:08 2009

'they' also say that there is more weight of ants on the earth than humans.....so eat more ants.
. <>
, , , Sat Dec 19 03:09:03 2009

'they' say chocolate ants are quite nutritional too.
. <>
, , , Fri Dec 18 20:33:13 2009

chianti. plonk mor lyke it.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., ., Fri Dec 18 20:24:30 2009

If well fried, together with a few Fava Beans and a bottle of Chianti,,,,,wonderful.
s <>
, , , Fri Dec 18 20:13:15 2009

Is that what you used to do Salty?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Dec 18 18:32:04 2009

One thing I do remember, and it's evident on the videos. not too many fat kids, even as they got older. Hermes, it might not have been enough to crack the flags, but it was hot enough, especially when concentrated through a spectacle lens, to fry ants.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Dec 18 15:10:21 2009

But did the sun really crack the flags during that era and before,thats what I want to know.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Dec 18 14:48:41 2009

Not only the other half: who remembers -- as I do -- playing all over bombsites, and also 'knock down Sally' with pebbles and little twigs set up against the wall on city (Well, Wavertree) pavements (= 'sidewalks') just like all the downtowners who did the same? And who used to put pennies into the tramlines so the boneshakers [trams of the design before Indian Empresses] would crush them flat, leaving them temporarily gleaming with the newly squashed copper?
jj <etc>
ec, etc, & God Bless, Fri Dec 18 14:17:27 2009

Glad you enjoyed in JJ. By the way, the BBC Liverpool website says "Filmed in 1958, and shown in 1959, Morning in the Streets was made by acclaimed documentary maker Denis Mitchel". Which was my initial point - it looks almost like Edwardian times. 'How the other half lived' I suppose.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Dec 18 06:46:35 2009

jj, I don't like to think it's that close, but 7/6d for a cematoriam finish, feathers an' all !
Salty <>
, , , Fri Dec 18 01:12:15 2009

I agree jj, sad to look back and only I have those Liverpool memories...Noticed some of that antique furniture in the youtube clip... today one would pay an arm and a leg for some of that stuff, wood worm an' all...It was so popular to wash and whiten one's doorstep in those days..I remember my Gran on her knees with the Aunt Sally disinfectant bottle by her side..Probably because someone's dog had cocked its leg on the door step....
Diana <>
, , , Thu Dec 17 22:59:12 2009

Holy GaMoley! I looked at several of the YouTube options [thanks Andy: just never thought on] and what a collection of stuff: I laughed and I cried and reminisced and heard the barney picking the footie sides and saw the gerls, like dancin' round an' singing those rhyme-lilted chants to time and with that skippin' rope too. Blimey days! Those children were younger than I (!!!) and, absent the 1958 date info, I'd've put the film far earlier. Loved the Budgie lady with her very particular accent [exACtly like me Wavertree-lady auntie Pauline; she were single 'til 70 year-old, then got married and traveled the world!] and other odd&sods re-embodying a world gone by. To think, all that was going on when I went to the varsity at Brownlow Hill and joined up for the Woodvale episode. Gotta say, thye were right to film in black&white but I remember at least a little bit more colour. Mind you, when one's the only scouser in the family, reminiscing is one-person-alone undertaking.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 17 19:32:40 2009

JJ/BE etc: if you go to You Toob and type 'Morning in the Streets' into the search box, there are a couple of shortned clips. Both about 5 minutes long, but you'll get the general idea. Enjoy!
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 17 17:39:19 2009

Dear Andy, I answered by mail but, for budding offshored 'Pool watchers, the clip is only accessible via UK based servers. Unless you've gorra a friend like Lisbeth Salander, of course...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 17 17:15:52 2009

John, does this clip work? Filmed in 1958 by the way. Amazing. bbc.co.uk/archive/working/0189.shtml?all=1&id=0189
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 17 16:41:32 2009

BE I found the same for the BBC vid. Is there a way somebody could record it and attach to a mail, I ponder?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 17 15:13:15 2009

Dear BE, I wouldn't have mentioned the state dept. report had I thought it was anything other than a faithful rendering of the facts. My son is landing at the international airport on Saturday: I will contract a driver [instead of going myself] to do the pickup because the professionals are more onto the various wiles of unsavoury gentlemen -- not to say bandits -- on the road up into Caracas.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Dec 17 15:01:53 2009

Dear JJ, I have read all your posts and emails re Venezuela, and understood how everything was fouled up, with a maniac in control, but the US State Department description is truly terrifying. I don't know how you can stand it. //////// The BBC Liverpool video is not accessible from outside the UK, dammit.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Thu Dec 17 13:57:30 2009

Amazing film that gus. Looks like it was filmed in the 60s, but feels more like something out of Dickens.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 17 07:33:15 2009

Re coconut Octopus, The Fabs' Ringo was on holiday in Sardinia in the 60s and heard local stories that Octopuses make their own 'Octopus's Garden'. So he wrote a song about it. So why the 'sudden' amazement of scientists?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 17 07:22:01 2009

Herms.....?
. <>
, , , Thu Dec 17 01:54:34 2009

I see that the incorrigible, gutless, and inane cyber bully is still hanging around like a bad smell , thats the on a few posts back who signs off with no text, absolute s**m.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Dec 17 00:15:45 2009

'Morning in the Streets' fascinating 1959 BBC documentary short of Liverpool, lots of old kids games and songs some of you may remember available on the iplayer bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00d30nz/Morning_in_the_Streets/
gus <>
London N11, , , Wed Dec 16 22:38:17 2009

dear sb. thanks for octopus stuff. i know how he feels. more animal fun on same web page and you probably already saw. vinland.com/Birdstory.html
be <>
, , ss, Wed Dec 16 16:31:41 2009

, grind up 1 fennel seed, 1 senna leaf & 1/2 cup of cabbage in olive oil, gulp down quickly - should cure any lazy bum....but who gives a fig?
;o( <>
, , , Wed Dec 16 16:25:03 2009

you talk lazy
<>
, , , Wed Dec 16 15:43:58 2009

s. thats just details 2 help avoid confusing octopi with swimming hippothingabobbi. the word book gives 2 choices. but. crosby classicals like. we. go with i. not us. c u in satties.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 16 15:26:27 2009

ps, in fact just like that Geordie.
s <>
, , , Wed Dec 16 14:51:08 2009

sb, bit surprised that bbc would use the plural...octopuses, always thought it was like Hippopotomi, only a bit smaller and more slimy !
Salty <>
, , , Wed Dec 16 14:49:36 2009

be. thanks. i finally saw it. and i shudder. as. i imagine. does he. ugh.;;;;; changing the subject. look at /news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8408233.stm for amazing. view of. an invertebrate. taking a stroll. stopping for rest. sheltering a while. carrying on. and hes not one bit shy. on camera.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 16 13:12:40 2009

dear sb. try. news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wear/8413974.stm looks like a repeat
BE <>
, , Sameold, Wed Dec 16 10:07:31 2009

even worst, possibly Gordie.......
. <>
, , , Tue Dec 15 23:43:39 2009

re address of bbc news item. i got. broken link no. go. flag. so cannot say if hes blundelly material.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 15 21:03:52 2009

but would he like to have a pint with you?
<>
, , , Tue Dec 15 19:58:52 2009

Very obviously, this couple where NOT from Blundellsaarrhhnds: /news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/englandwear/8413974.stm
. <>
, , , Tue Dec 15 13:37:18 2009

well. did u. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 14 14:49:32 2009

oh dear, did I miss: or..
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 14 12:53:51 2009

Gentleman?....very interesting rascal
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 14 12:51:57 2009

Theres, a fella who works in my local chippy who thinks he is Bill. I can well understand the interest in him, as he displays all the traits of one of natures gentlemen, and the type of man that one would like to have a pint with.
Herm <>
, , , Mon Dec 14 11:24:44 2009

Dear Andy, I got the message.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 13 19:05:28 2009

The gmail one John
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Dec 13 14:06:41 2009

Dear Andy, which fine-fettled mail addie did he use?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Dec 13 10:47:24 2009

Post Script. Bill is in fine fettle. I had an email from him this morning.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Dec 13 09:23:58 2009

Here are a couple of email addys I have for for Bill. I don't know how current they are. blue-eyes@buddhist.com and: lorelei@freeler.nl
MaYOR <>
Burbo, , , Sun Dec 13 07:51:35 2009

Dear BE, Your reference there covers some energy and shortfalls; what's not obvious is that the maintenance and other needs have been known for over a decade: contrast that to the last 10 years where oil earnings have topped 950,000,000,000.00 greenbacksmackers and you begin to get a pre-inkling of the enormity of virtually everything officially undertaken here. The " GOTO" reference below is an advisory to (American) travelers in Venezuela, read it -- all through -- just to get a whiff of our 'daily bread', being what we're up against every day when we get up. In the hinterland, being anywhere not Caracas, the power cuts are up to 9 hours daily; people seek voltage regulators by the oodle because all manner of household and industrial equipment has suffered; those water shortages can last from hours to weeks and protests [for water, power, back pay even for oil workers and government staff] are countrywide. The causes, according to official explanation, are rooted in anything from El Nino to climate change etc. Never official shortcomings. In general, I've ceased to post much about our local conditions since I feel TCC interest is diaphanous at best and some stuff -- appointment of a Tupamaro urban guerilla chief as police chief of the city here; well documented support for and official links to foreign subversives etc -- is unlikely to find believing ears, owing to the utter absurdity of it all. Only last week, a protesting student was killed and the (regime-supporting, masked) shooter filmed. The Home Affairs minister initially blamed 'police negligence' without mentioning that the police there (Tachira state), being under an opposition governor [who has never been allowed to occupy his physical office], were disarmed long since: the revolution can't afford to have firearms -- even police pistols -- in the hands of those they don't control. If any of you are thinking of coming over, you just drop me a line and I'll arrange airport pickup and accompany same. I'm sure you'll like the many excellent restaurants in the city and the lovely weather; more or less: of late we've had a bracing snap with themercury downto 21 ans 22 centigrade, for God's sake. [if the foregoing is eerie, today, the regime announced that in January, Cuba and Venezuela will undertake their first transaction in the new dollar-replacement (???) money, the sucre, tobe come the money in the revolutionary "Bolivarian Alternative" group, or "ALBA": 'alba' also means 'dawn'. How would you like to switch your pounds for my sucres, old chap? RE local conditions, GOTO: h+t+t+p://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1059.html
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Dec 12 23:20:45 2009

I think I have found Bill on Facebook, something I abhore.............If anyone connects with him please post it.
DJ <>
, , , Sat Dec 12 18:19:58 2009

Maybe Bill has snuffed it?
informer <>
, , , Sat Dec 12 16:02:56 2009

if you google it up there are still some contacts
s <>
, , , Sat Dec 12 14:51:14 2009

I did try some time back at: bill.crompton@gmail.com......but recieved no reply.
s <>
, , , Sat Dec 12 14:48:55 2009

Brian, Snow blower up and running and used twice already. Two J/D's rescued from the junkman, brought back to life,restored to mint condition and sold. Two more tired machines purchased and ready for constructive surgery. Life goes on..... J.J. I will let you know if I get a line on Bill....... Mayor, Thanks for the info, appreciated.
DJ <>
, , , Sat Dec 12 14:20:27 2009

Dear JJ, Marketwatch has a piece on Venezuelan infrastructure, but I suppose it's all old hat to you: what a mess. See marketwatch.com/story/venezuela-dark-because-of-infrastructure-neglect-2009-12-11?link=kiosk
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Dec 11 21:15:29 2009

Dear DJ, what a pleasant surprise. Is your snow-blower up and running?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Dec 11 19:30:27 2009

The Mayor has been busy doing some lucrative contract work in the old Speke Airport aircraft hanger. (Now there's a cryptic!). I haven't heard from Bill either, but have had notice of a few of his updates on Linkedin. I suspect old William is well and will reappear with a flourish when he feels in the mood.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Dec 11 18:40:40 2009

Dear DJ, If you get a line on Bill, let me know too; I've wondered for a long time and have no mail addie. As for a jail option? Blimey Days!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Dec 11 15:41:37 2009

or just: newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/631891/
s <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 14:51:44 2009

and for those canoe riding footy fans: newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/631891/WORLD-CUPS-GOT-HARDER-England-footballers-offered-Viagara-forWorld-Cup.ht
s <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 14:49:15 2009

Mr Mayor, Have you heard from Bill lately ? I have sent him a few e-mails and not had an answer to any of them them. I am wondering if he is ill or in jail ? ? Please reply
D J <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 14:48:17 2009

h, I can only hope and pray that was in the missionary possition, otherwise, as you very well know, certain laws of Hydrostatics would have come into effect. Can be tricky things canoes.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 14:24:16 2009

Good Lord!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Dec 11 12:27:30 2009

And theres more, that whiskey, well I tried it, and it's like making love in a canoe, it's feckin near water.
h <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 11:23:38 2009

Yeh, That resonated with me, it was a bit of Henry Kissinger revisited, bomb and try to free the whatever out of a small nation and they give you one of those shiny gongs and one million bucks plus, a token of thanks from a grateful nation in Scandinavia that I'm sure insults the intelligence of it's fine peoples.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Dec 11 11:19:45 2009

It really doesn't matter, Yerwashup, any innocent civilians will do.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Dec 10 18:08:15 2009

Mr.Mayor, you haven't been on for a while, have you tried that new English whisky, only 35 quid a bottle?....and that Penguin P*ss, they say it's almost as strong.
jimmy the scouser <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 17:07:04 2009

The Mayor fancies a jolly. Who do I have to bomb to win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Dec 10 16:16:19 2009

c*o*c*k*s
j <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 15:16:56 2009

A bit close to home: A youth intent on stealing c***s, had to make do with amorous sleeping owner's car.(CH- "Youths arrested following spate of burglaries")
jimmy <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 15:15:58 2009

Morning BE, in 2 werds:bluddy cold; in 4: same with strong winds. Winter seems to have arrive, Was looking at some adds for Sandals in St Lucia, very tempting but will probably stick with flip-flops in Cuba instead.....JJ, you might find this of interest: /news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8404025.stm ...no doubt sb will still use 'that's what I want to no'.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 14:49:07 2009

Dear Salty, hows the weather in your neck of the woods? /////// Smiley, yes. I got up late (8am) today.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Dec 10 13:38:16 2009

What's all this then, BE having a lie in this morning?
;o) <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 11:28:39 2009

ho bluddy ho.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 10 11:05:57 2009

'When is a pigeon not poached?' According to Mrs Beaton, when it is broiled, roasted, stewed or put in a pie.
. <>
, , , Thu Dec 10 01:49:49 2009

when is a pigeon not poached. on the wing over the estate but heading out of said estate domains within certain defined time limits. in seconds. can it be returning but still in the free world. before entering estate airspace. pse explain sew i can choose right cartridges.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 10 00:27:09 2009

no poached (from the masters estate) ?
;o) <>
, , , Wed Dec 9 16:38:39 2009

Salty, Mrs. Beeton's cookbook has several pigeon recipes: broiled, roasted, stewed, and pigeon pie.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Wed Dec 9 15:20:52 2009

ps, I don't think they taste like chicken.
s <>
, , , Wed Dec 9 14:55:22 2009

jj, just daydreaming about pigeons......smelly, scabby, critters that they are. Herms, was on a ship docked up in Gladstone many years ago, and saw the Chinese catching plenty of the feathery protein to complement their already 'varied' diets. After de-capitating, they were hung out to dry like game meat.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Dec 9 14:53:59 2009

bit surprised nobody remembered that j.W.O.Lennon song .....yesterday !
;o( <>
, , , Wed Dec 9 13:47:42 2009

if they all taste like chicken. problem solved. just give me chicken.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 9 13:30:46 2009

I can't conceive of eating a pigeon, even one of your prize Micks Salty, the English in true style only eat wood pigeon, but I just couldn't touch one, to me a dock road pigeon and a wood pigeon from Little Crosby are just the same, I supose that the old mantra comes out that they taste like chicken, funny how anything that you have never tasted, tastes just like chicken, and they tell me that if you lick a baldy mans head that tastes like chicken too.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Dec 9 12:29:43 2009

Dear S, Are we still on about pigeons or are you walking on the wild side?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Dec 9 01:16:45 2009

Herms, and who wouldn't keep an eye out for those loverly big breasted plump birds, always coming home to roost provided they are kept fed and their caged bottoms are lined with paper.........and you can always eat a few if you become hungry.
s <>
, , , Tue Dec 8 20:52:47 2009

Salty, I never knew that you were a pigeon fancier, tell us more.
Hermes <>
, , , Tue Dec 8 13:48:44 2009

BE, besides noticing that you have a bad case of insomnia, I can only imagine that you have forgotten the weather conditions in this part of the continent. Yes, I have sailed on Windermere, but at the present (now only being a fair-weather sailor) do not enjoy the riggors of Lake Ontario at this time of the year. Now if I lived in your area, I may be tempted to get as early as yourself and go out on the briney for a bit of peace and quiet (the old lady not being that keen on very small boats). But, I suppose in the meantime, will have to make do with me pigeon loft. As to the shaking up of loose things I have been in touch, but the feathers in question are quite content to remain unruffled - for the moment anyway. I am affraid you will all have to wait for the next instalment of the JD saga. This is bad, must be catching some sort of writers diarrhoea - lot of it about, you know. Best wishes for Christmas, Honika or any other merry times !!!!!
Salty <>
, , , Tue Dec 8 13:32:47 2009

salty. do not take a fence. be does not mean that u have superfluous loose stuff 2 shake. he means. can u dislodge some john deere story 4 reading.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 8 12:34:33 2009

Speaking of immigrant Canucks, I miss the John Deere stories. Salty, can't you shake something loose?
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Tue Dec 8 10:33:27 2009

Dear Salty, it couldn't get much worse than that! BTW, I see that you were sailing a small boat on Windermere, way back when, and now you're doing the same thing in Canada. Good on yer, mate!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Tue Dec 8 10:25:08 2009

I suppose it could get worse: Williams woz a man of the cloth....who encountered Erromango's roth....on the Island they say....as at mealtime they pray....but indigestion always follows the broth....
Salty <>
, , , Mon Dec 7 21:12:03 2009

thinks. did they.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 7 21:04:14 2009

btw sb. I appreciated your position on missionaries.
be <>
, , ss, Mon Dec 7 20:04:08 2009

be. glad u lyke. like missionaries. try 2 be on top of my game.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 7 18:49:50 2009

jolly good. sb. jolly good.
be <>
, , ss, Mon Dec 7 17:13:19 2009

be. it has been a while. pearl who was that again.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ,, ., Mon Dec 7 16:09:10 2009

Remember Pearl Harbor!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Dec 7 16:05:07 2009

be. careful there. between us. u open yourself to comment on how firmly clung onto the missionary position was.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Dec 7 13:43:26 2009

some say his memory still brings on indigestion.
. <>
, , , Mon Dec 7 13:42:17 2009

Seems that the missionaries refused to adapt!
BE <>
, , , Mon Dec 7 13:31:45 2009

be careful young jj, any more epissalling and you may end up like.....aagghh... news.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8398562.stm.....very yummy
;o) <>
, , , Mon Dec 7 12:48:59 2009

Salts me auld Scouse..How funny you should mention the ship Mont Blanc..On our last trip to Halifax a couple of years back, I was given a book by the seaman's mission pastor. It detailed all the history of that fatal accident...Couldn't put the book down. For those who may be interested I have posted wiki's version..Could have been avoided, so many peeps(2000) lost their life due to the negligence of that accident.
Diana <h*t*t*p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_Explosion>
, , , Sun Dec 6 19:06:41 2009

Hermes, you might be interested to know that the largest man-made explosion, until the atomic bomb was fired, happened on this day back about 1917 . The froggie ship "Mont blanc" was in collision while transiting Halifax NS harbour and cought fire - she was full of dymamite. This was 'another one' that never made it to the bottom (in one piece anyway)..........and while the subject seems to be the Dam busters, I was a little boy sprout up at camp in the Lake District when the movie was being filumed. The noise of those Halifaxes (or was it Lancasters) shattered the peace of of some luverly quiet sailing days out on Windermere - I believe the shots of the bombing runs were taken on another lake but their path seemed to go directly over us. From what I remember there were no inclusions of sea scouts in the film, so we must have been left on the cutting room floor. So close to fame and to end up like that! The story of my life.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Dec 6 14:58:33 2009

Just scroll on by..............
BE <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 23:26:27 2009

BE, not only old, bit slow 2 (ref: "good akter....and parrachute), no disrespect intended to the Irishman who played the Englishman so well. Biggles III <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 21:43:03 2009

glen. welcome aboard the good ship burbo. looking 4ward 2 plenty more. any details. hemisphere. reds or blues. stuff. yes. i dont want a self educated doctor. but i think hermes was recommending 4 some. not all. as 4 arcadia and 14. i 2 was there. once.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Dec 5 20:43:03 2009

Been hiding behind my keyboard but must take the plunge. Without higher education where would we be ? Where would the doctors and scientists and research workers come from? Do I want a self educated doctor looking after my health ?
Glen <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 18:36:11 2009

Dear JJ: Yes, I have a suggestion, one which I should have followed. Just ignore, and scroll on bye!
BE <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 18:19:57 2009

Dear Smiley, Where would you say that you stand on the nice/nowt yardstick? Re epistles: they are constructed to teach; I end on an invitational query; any comment? //// Dear BE, you're right; you have to ask why the "knock it, regardless" mindset is rifer than the "how-can-I-add-to-the-thread" one, eh? Any suggestions?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Dec 5 17:54:43 2009

Todd was a real D-Day soldier, one of the first to parachute into Normandy on a specific mission. It's puzzling to me that his actions should be a source of amusement for some TCCers. He was also a talented movie actor.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sat Dec 5 17:01:04 2009

and here endeth the epissall in accordance with jj; bro jimmy, give that boy twenty of the best flogs you strong arm can apply.
;o) <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 16:37:52 2009

Dear Biggles, I remember a scouse exhortation of yore, "if yer've nowt nice ter say, say nowt". It remains as applicable today as formerly. Richard Todd was the quintessential English chap, in a pre-goons era when old fashioned, though none the lesser for it, English humour had a place. Thereafter, that era took on something of a diffuse and musty aura and would so remain until it was transitively reminisced in Howards End and Gosford Park [remember Ivor Novello? "We'll gather lilacs..."]. Today's comedic ambiance was achieved largely in the shadow of and as a reaction to the Todd-type and thus owes something to it; without that backdrop, where'd've the 'post' era, starting with Goons and progressing from there?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Dec 5 15:47:07 2009

ps, used to play with his parachute, i believe too!
Big II <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 13:42:13 2009

BE, i didn't no you were that old. Nobody remembers him......good akter though, and those Lancasters played a magnificent supporting role, what heh?
Biggles II <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 13:39:47 2009

I see that Richard Todd just died, at the age of 90.
BE <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 12:26:54 2009

Salty, before I went away to sea I heard of a collision in the River Plate between two vessels, one of the ships was a British merchantman MV Royston Grange this incident stuck in my mind for some reason.The Royson never sank but everyone on board was killed, fourty plus,the other vessel was a tanker and the resulting fire was terrible,on my first trip to sea I went to B A where the Royston was tied up and saw her, what a mess, it was such an disturbing sight, most sea disasters end in a sinking.
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Dec 5 01:09:02 2009

Dear Herm, you're right that "don't believe" was inappropriate; it should have been "don't agree". I did discover that there were times when children left school at 14. those were different times with different needs. There were other times when it was proposed that the legal leaving age should be 18, but these were turned down because of national budget constraints (After the two world wars). In my opinion, high school is a basis, a foundation, for further education or training, and only in exceptional circumstances would 14 be an appropriate leaving age.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Dec 4 19:03:56 2009

impartilally evaluated. the phrase. as par for the course. is meaningless. did u leave @ 14. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Dec 4 17:21:17 2009

Tiger, shut yer GOB.
Popeye <>
, , , Fri Dec 4 16:48:37 2009

As par for the course, Hermes is full of sh*t and hot air
Tiger <>
, , , Fri Dec 4 16:24:26 2009

Herms, as I am sure you are well aware, the 'Edmund' is a relative newcomer to the land of Davey Jones, and don't forget between these two, the Dakar, (ex-Totem) when I imagine, you would only be in your mid twenties. Must admit, the Ellan was a little before my time.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Dec 4 14:37:03 2009

Yesterday marked one hundred years since the sinking of the Ellen Vannin in Liverpool bay, I'm certain that all TCCers can reflect and pay tribute to the lost thirty six, it was our Edmond Fitzgerald, I'm so glad that they are not forgotten.
Hermes <>
, , , Fri Dec 4 11:28:09 2009

BE, I was putting forward an opinion and by definition I don't expect you to believe my opinions rather you should agree, rebut them, reserve judgement, or ignore them, there is nothing to believe,but if you have a counterpoint then I would like to hear it...btw Do you think that Columbine would have happened if what I was suggesting had have been policy at that time.?
h <>
, , , Fri Dec 4 00:23:13 2009

Of which country or organization?
BE <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 20:24:26 2009

jj. for pres?
observer <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 20:01:59 2009

jj. for pres?
observer <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 20:01:54 2009

jj. for pres?
observer <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 20:01:40 2009

gus. i stand corrected. i knew of no irish noun. grind. i agree usage must be delicately calibrated 2 sure of excluding doobleentendres. 2 be sure. the of comedic tentacles of the term look legion. esp. if the verb u coined has stamina. what looks like a yes.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 3 19:20:29 2009

sb not sure if you are objecting to my vocab or opinion, strictly the verb form should be 'ground', I essayed "grinded" to chime with the Oirish term for extra after school tuition, "grind". I was somewhat taken aback the first time I saw it in a newspaper ad column and mistook it for a different kind of, ahem, "personal service" - "Grinds offered, £20 an hour" (including French lessons no doubt..)
gus <>
London N11, , , Thu Dec 3 17:17:15 2009

With all due respect, Herm, I don,t believe a single word from your last post.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Dec 3 13:49:04 2009

When I went to school, there were 50 in a class. Discipline wasn't usually a problem. The cane, or even the thought of it kept most of us in line. Having been a regular recipient of caning for being late, I very rarely risked getting the cane for behavior in class. I think the cane is what is lacking in the lives of a lot of young people today......provided it is not wielded by a sadist like some Crosby schools used to employ. Di, hope all is well with all at #40. God bless.
Elaine <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 01:59:54 2009

In by gone days of yore most people left school at fourteen, as there was no point in remaining in an institution that had no function for them going forward, and I believe that now kids should be allowed to leave school at fourteen, as they lose their mojo and lust for life if they hang around these institutions to long for only aimless reasons, they know that the system is in chaos and they are savvy enough to know that they are just pawns in a cynical game of bluff and bluster, their are many many thousands of kids out there who would now be regarded by society as worthless scallies, but I believe that amongst them would be many many talented people, the reason I say this is because they carry the genetic material of their forefathers who left school at fourteen and where not poisoned by this stupid dysfunctional system that treats them as cattle, nb this is not a one size fits all approach as that would be wrong and that is what we have now.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Dec 3 00:26:33 2009

dumb system. hmmmn.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Dec 3 00:20:33 2009

gus. cept for. grinded. i think you analyse aright. sew long united kingdom. hello blighted kingdom. labour equalising aims achieved. all snafu.ed together. go gordon. 2 a far off land. please.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 2 23:47:53 2009

it could be that kids will be looking more at the achievements of their parents and grandparents, all it needs is patience, they'll all pop off one day.....AND IT'S ALL MINE!....in the meantime the dole, with all the benefits that go with it .....are we really so stupid to allow such a dumb system to exist !!!!
modern Jimmy <>
, , , Wed Dec 2 23:44:48 2009

Holy Moses didn't spare the rod and the CBs didn't spare their weapon of choice either, but autres temps autres moeurs and all that - these days it seems you have the choice of a sink (and maybe swim)school or paid-for education in all but name by being available to afford a house in the catchment area. On the one hand kids who couldn't care less unless they're being indulged and entertained by the curriculum, on the other a minority being crammed and grinded through the exam sausage machine and not getting much fun out of life. At neither of those extremes is there much value placed on thinking for oneself (as opposed to thinking OF oneself). A 'comprehensive' failure indeed.
gus <london n11>
, , , Wed Dec 2 22:24:43 2009

diana. in homage to an earlier israel person. holy moses. but is discipline a factor. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 2 20:39:21 2009

sb,Over here there are 42 children in a class...
Diana <>
, , , Wed Dec 2 20:22:58 2009

I have no idea how it is in the North of England, but in London its the in thing for KUMON. Most parents are pushing these 'kumon' lessons on their 6/7 year olds...My grandson has little time for play and the pressure is heart rendering....This is a very Japanese system of education, and I myself am so against pushing a child into the competing game...My three kids were never pushed and all of them did OK educational wise...The suicide rate for Japanese students is horrific..Let kids be kids....
Diana <h*tt*p://w*w*w.libertarian.co.uk/lapubs/educn/educn032.pdf>
, , , Wed Dec 2 20:17:07 2009

babs. u nail a point there when u say classes. of 30 or often higher. its hard enough just to teach that many. but without discipline. high class numbers optimise chaos. making teaching the class secondary to survival. no wonder bbc says many uk schools are under par. classes of 30 plus r just 2 many. does your daughter remember how big korean ones r?
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Dec 2 15:02:19 2009

if 'they' were so disciplined of yore, then why did your favourite brothers need to 'flog' so often?
;o( <>
, , , Wed Dec 2 14:58:05 2009

Dear BE, The news item says 'ability' and I read it to convey that, in years of yore, the ability wasn't a factor as disciplining teenagers wasn't what it was about; teaching them was. Now, seemingly, the rowdy factor has become so predominant and the ability to ride that wave -- and teach simultaneously [what's asking a LOT] --is more critical. This last may be why teachers have been 'flogging their guts out': once, that wasn't a faithful portrayal of being a teacher at all at all. How were teenagers disciplined years ago? They weren't; they carried their own discipline innerly, brought in from home. Where they learned it in the first place.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Dec 2 14:39:50 2009

Slpitting posts so as not to rain on JJ's parade! My ex worked for Tesco in the 70s. He was flattening cardboard boxes in the back when someone commented to a visiting higher being that he had a few GCEs. Next thing he was promoted to assistant manager. He could very well have moved further up the chain but decided he'd be better off as one of the sales guys who visited the store in their company cars. Less money to start off with but I couldn't believe it the day he picked up the first free Escort Estate. Anyone remember that awful bright green colour? Still it was possible to work to work up the workforce hierarchy and these days the company car he drives is a Merc. Kids just cannot do this nowadays.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Wed Dec 2 11:07:24 2009

Re the BBC report. As I said earlier expectations are set very high and it's a hard task to reach every child in classes of 30 or often higher. I am currently involved in a new initiative aimed at boosting those children identified as not reaching their full potential in the classroom situation. tda.gov.uk/teachers/onetoonetuition.aspx Reluctance to write is a common trend, particularly with boys. I'm hearing tales of how they spend long hours playing Xbox games and the like. With Maths children are being encouraged to 'find out how many different ways' they can solve a problem. This leads to situations were it takes them 5 minutes to subtract 4 from 7!
Babs <>
Southport, , , Wed Dec 2 11:00:52 2009

Dear JJ, I'm sure you meant the *inability* in the third line of your post, no?
BE <>
, , , Wed Dec 2 06:15:26 2009

Dear Herm', I knew Tesco's top charlie was a scouser but I think his rise from shelves to top shelf was a bit more than a random, 'how it worked out for him'; his own elbow grease and acumen had to be involved somewhere along the line. I'd've opined.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Dec 2 03:27:50 2009

Dear Gus, Thanks for the BBC report. It looks as though your earlier 'keeping order' comment was more to the point: the report you recommended has a sidebar comment in the same vein, "School has changed so much in the last 20 years but mostly the ability to discipline teenagers is the biggest change" so the root problem lies yet again in social factors, due adjustment etc, and ultimately [I'd be prepared to wager] the home environment. Just as Babs's Korean example where the parents set the tone, albeit excessively academe-focused, so too, I believe parents set the tone anyplace else and that entails there being parents, a) of known identity; b) present in the same town or county, ideally, house; c) with an active interest in their offspring's wellbeing in general, including their school life and learning, now more than before when things weren't so techie-oriented. Once upon a postwar country, that'd've been the norm; today no longer and both the children and the parents, ultimately the nation, will pay the very high price. Gotta say Gus that the rationale offered by the Baroness Morris looks daft; it includes a quote from her, "it certainly was never intended that all and sundry would drop studying languages" which can be readily extrapolated to "Owing to the truant-prone child syndrome, we made up exam requirements that were calculated to be more attractive to students, in an effort to persuade them [do us a favour, eh wilya?] to go to school and, lo & behold, they ditched what they now could without thereby consolidating national ignorance, person by person, being the most efficient way. That scholastic shortfall can't bring students happiness in later life and, additionally, the country's national enemies, today legion, could hardly have devised a better -- and for them cheaper -- plan. jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Dec 2 03:23:06 2009

The chief executive of Tesco is a Scouser he is also an ardent Everton supporter, he began his career stacking shelves in his local Tesco in Liverpool, he was not part of a cadetship or management program to start at the bottom and work up,it's just the way things worked out for him... There are many ex high flyers in the financial sector now seeking work in the fast food industry, so maybe these jobs are becoming vocational.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Dec 2 00:19:25 2009

jj the story here seems to blame it on a drive to reduce truancy! Apparently languages were too hard for the poor darlings and turning them off school... news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7867323.stm
gus <>
london n11, , , Tue Dec 1 23:23:55 2009

.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8389029.stm........what's all the argument about?
. <>
, , , Tue Dec 1 21:02:25 2009

Yoy, Yoy, Yoy BE, my old manns a dustman, wots rong wid dat?
Lonnie <>
, , , Tue Dec 1 20:55:33 2009

Dear Gus, Why was the modern language requirement deep 6'ed? It would seem at first blush to be among the daftest of decisions but there must have been a reason cited: what was it? I did science but learned Latin and Greek along with French at SMC: science or not, I have never felt that my time at languages study, ancient or modern, was anything but well spent.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 1 20:42:54 2009

gus. re schooling and exams passed. or not. one non graduate talked about those drawbacks. see w+w+w.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc where u appreciate that degree is guid. but not everything.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Dec 1 20:15:17 2009

We seem to have forgotten that when most of us left the educational institute of our relative level, there was ALWAYS a 'job' to go to. The idea of having to look for a 'job' in today's market must be very frightening to most school leavers. (....and very few of us consider the examples listed by BE as 'proper jobs'...and nor do you!)
Salty <>
, , , Tue Dec 1 20:09:25 2009

Maybe it's a sidetrack to this v.interesting educashunul debate we seem to be having but the link between scholastic success and career achievement has never been as simple and direct a thing as certain people seemed to hint at when we were young. We've probably all known folk with genius levels of academic intelligence but no nous or common sense (maybe some of them work for Tescos even) while at the same many less favoured in the intelligence stakes and largely free of paper qualifications who have succeeded and prospered through sheer determination or force of personality. I was very critical of the narrow academicism of SMC at the time but my scientific understanding (though I'm not by any stretch a scientist) and linguistic abilities due to doing 3 modern languages for O level are things that I'm almost embarrassed to refer to in front of younger colleagues who regard my occasional Spanish banter with the Spanish contingent here at work as a wonder to behold. If this was possible in the 60s and 70s why not now? Since Modern Languages were made non compulsory a few years ago, the numbers who take them at GCSE have plummeted dramatically. Meanwhile the rest of the world all learn English with no problem and zoom ahead.
gus <>
london n11, , , Tue Dec 1 18:09:36 2009

Maybe it's a sidetrack to this v.interesting educashunul debate we seem to be having but the link between scholastic success and achievement, 'success' etc has never been as simple and direct a thing as certain people seemed to hint at when we were young. We've probably all known folk with genius levels of academic intelligence but no nous or common sense (maybe some of them work for Tescos even) while at the same many less favoured in the intelligence stakes and largely free of paper qualifications who have succeeded and prospered through sheer determination or force of personality. I was very critical of the narrow academicism of SMC at the time but my scientific understanding (though I'm not by any stretch a scientist) and linguistic abilities due to doing 3 modern languages for O level are things that I'm almost embarrassed to refer to in front of younger colleagues who regard my occasional Spanish banter with the Spanish contingent here at work as a wonder to behold. If this was possible in the 60s and 70s why not now? Since Modern Languages were made non compulsory a few years ago, the numbers who take them at GCSE have plummeted dramatically. Meanwhile the rest of the world all learn English with no problem and zoom ahead.
gus <>
london n11, , , Tue Dec 1 18:06:55 2009

Dear BE, The purpose of my comment warn't to ask the direct question -- anathema to my style as you know -- but to underline that we can hardly educate to turn out Tesco-compatible school-leavers who are one rung above our other category of Tesco-incompatible school-leavers. Any school-leaver should be able to do simple addition and subtraction and read without effort. Babs is right to defend the defendable and our, seemingly very brave, teachers but in her Tesco comment, doesn't indicate just how incapable the school-leavers in question are, a detail that would make all the difference. In other words, you can't educate children with a view to their becoming ditch diggers and, in Winter, valet parkers. Can u now?/////The moving over invitation still stands. There are still some places for second week December...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 1 15:18:17 2009

JJ: There are floors to be swept and scrubbed, ditches to be dug, garbage to be collected, and burgers to be flipped, not to mention valet parking, and a host of other jobs.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Tue Dec 1 14:46:40 2009

Dear Tim, I prefer to be shaken, not disturbed; btw, have you not got at sister at a loose end...? /////As for the quality of Brit schools, I've no doubt that lotsa hard work goes into them but would still ask how we stack up against the rest of the world [without wishing to become unhealthily Korean-obsessed]? Still, I think that Gus put a finger on the delicate nerve at the centre of "flogging their guts out" with his reference: "most of the energy went into keeping order". On a daily basis, that alone can undermine the teacher's inner devotion, I'd've opined. [what say Babs?]. Tesco' may complain about candidates scholastic shortfalls and maybe they'd get better with higher wages as Babs suggests but then where are the poor sods who Tesco no longer employs because of seeking higher quality going to work?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 1 14:20:44 2009

& @ this time of the year, God bless one & all....just don't ask me to climb over/move or otherwise disturb jj
tiny tim <>
, , , Tue Dec 1 13:59:32 2009

Well gentlemen, it's hard to argue with a lady who has been at the pointy end for 30 years, God bless her!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Tue Dec 1 13:31:50 2009

To dispel any lingering doubt, any of you glorious topline Crosbegian ladies who'd fancy taking up that exhortation to move over jj is welcome; I can recommend flights...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Dec 1 03:21:10 2009

move over jj
. <>
, , , Mon Nov 30 23:23:53 2009

I currently teach in primary schools but have also taught in secondary. There are no caves in Southport that I know of and have I've never had the opportunity to even visit Tora Bora. New subjects have been introduced, some being seen as softer options, and existing subject areas have been revised. Maths GCSE, for instance is taken at different levels but the students do not all get the same piece of paper. The results are graded and if employers cannot understand this then the should go back to school. Job attraction is based on pay or vocation. Tesco recently bemoaned the fact that applicants couldn't add up or write properly. I wouldn't describe shop work as vocational so maybe if they paid more they would attract the more able applicants? Lord knows they make enough profit! My eldest daughter taught in South Korean for 4 years. The parents there are extremely pushy. Children usually go on to private educational establishments at the end of the school day. They have a very strong work ethic and push themselves to the limit. All decent jobs require a high level pass in an English exam. The US would do very well to emulate them. I don't usually blow my own trumpet but I have raised 3 'high achievers,' and there has been nothing mediocre about them or their education. The Young Gifted & Talented (YG&T) programme identifies pupils from an early age. The emphasis in schools is now on high expectations and nothing less than than A star results were good enough for my youngest. So much stress for one so young. She is now in her second year of A level studies (5 of them!) and it's the first year that there will be an A* rating for these. Universities have been asked not to request this higher result for the first year but the one of has done so. Guess what ? It's the one my daughter is aiming for. I don't think I have ever made such a long post on here before but it makes me angry when people knock our schools and pupils. Sure, it's not all rosy but there is so much hard work going on. So many improvements have been made since I was at school and even during the time I've been teaching. By the way ~ I checked the news item about St Nicks. It was with reference to Ofsted an inspection which involves considerably more than exam results. Well done to St Nicks and the other schools who achieved Outstanding results.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Mon Nov 30 20:10:04 2009

Dear Gus, One of my exhortations to my growing children was to "Say what you mean and mean what you say"; if you are unable to say what you mean, then under the situation you describe, that'd be one casualty right there, y'know what am sayin'? For your info, I was in the school before the "Wedge"; we were his first or second 6th form at all at all. Oddly enough, I noticed that he always wore his watch rather loosely, a detail I felt lead to comfort & ease and so adopted: I still wear it so. Funny how long-forgotten odds&sods lead to others, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Nov 30 19:15:33 2009

Babs I would heartily agree most teachers 'flog their guts out', I used to be one of those gut floggers myself, (though most of the energy went into keeping order). I have now sound something duller but less stressful. It sounds like you worked in primary(?)- the dumbing down is more evident in secondary where the sort of Physics Wedge taught me is rarely seen (except in the posher establishments). I could begin a rant, but when you see the lamentable standards of English of some people I work with whose job descriptions require 'good communication skills' you might weep. Were I one of those conspiracy theory types I would suspect a plot on behalf of the powers that be to dispense with those who think for themselves, smile, be happy, do what you're told and be grateful for the paycheque.
gus <>
london n11, , , Mon Nov 30 18:15:57 2009

hermes. did not labour actually once say they needed better exam pass figures. the dumbing was announced. and implemented. now what. thats what i want 2 kno.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Nov 30 12:57:21 2009

Dear Babs, are you a teacher, and if so, what subjects do you teach, and at what age levels?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Mon Nov 30 09:38:07 2009

Anyone who isn't aware of the dumbing down of exams in UK,GCSEs and the like must have been living in a cave in Tora Bora for the last 25 years, I have never heard any rebuttal of this argument from the educational establishment, and if they are not aware of it then the public at large are and also employers, the sad part is that high achievers can get hitched to mediocrity, as they all get the same pieces of paper at the end of the day and who benefits from that?
Herm <>
, , , Mon Nov 30 00:15:28 2009

Dear BE, I remember years ago -- about 1998 maybe -- talking to my old physics teacher, "The Wedge" [John Thornton] and mentioning that, when I arrived in the US to do a further thingie, including doing a stint as a teaching assistant at Georgetown U [part of the conditions], first-year US science students had no integral calculus AT ALL [Blimey days] against St. Mary's with two years of it, under the then prevailing Brit system. With saddened tone, he told me that UK varsity-entrance exam calculus requirements had been jettisoned long since. That's dumbing down if ever there was. And, by all accounts, it's still under full steam. I saw a piece recently where the US was cited at aiming to get closer to South Korean and Finnish school evaluation results. 'Cos they's miles behind. I suppose that our lot's slogging through heavy weather there too. [There was a piece a while back about how US children were expected -- and delivered -- to know 800 lines of Hiawatha by age 9: they began in early grades and commonly had the thing off pat before their 10th birthday: no GitcheeGumie'd charlie'd dare to suggest such expectations today. In a way, that's an insult to the offspring; they can do more and, given the challenge, will. Not PC of course. And PC is what counts.]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Nov 29 21:43:57 2009

Dear Babs: I've only heard the term "dumbing down" used with reference to US schools; I have no idea what the current situation is in British schools. In any case,(in the US) it's no reflection on the teacher, it's on the powers who set the syllabus to enable more students to pass. Hope your daughter feels better.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sun Nov 29 16:27:58 2009

Herms, why does Welsh Boxers somehow remind me of Rice Puddin's?....and Babs, had you known 'The Douche' (Headmaster of the sed skool of akedemia), nobody, but nobody was allowed to be dumb (up or down) in the 40/50s without threat of the cane or a good whacking across his ample knee. Child molestation had not been invented in those progressive days.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Nov 29 13:49:32 2009

s, Did he perchance make wonder bras, or bake Wonderloaf, or even invent Golden wonder Crisps,or did he just perform boring old miracles that had no impact on mankind whatsoever, but just perpetuated myth and superstition, speaking purely as a lad from Seaforth thats the way we think down here, and if you say that Sugar Diabetes is a Welsh boxer, you're dam right he is.
Herm <>
, , , Sun Nov 29 13:19:57 2009

Unfortunately have had to waste Sunday afternoon concert tickets due to daughter not feeling too well. Thanks very muchly for the foodie advice ~ will make a note of those places for next time. I've worked in schools for over 30 years and have not once come across any 'dumbing down' in any educational establishment. Most teachers flog there guts out for the benefit of the pupils. I've also worked with the current head of St Nicks in her previous school and can guarantee they deserve their position.
Babs <>
Southport, , , Sun Nov 29 13:15:28 2009

ps, but then he was also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker.
s <>
, , , Sun Nov 29 00:19:08 2009

Hermes, for a lad who growed up in Seaforth, you seem to know an awful lot about our Christmas Saint
Solts <>
, , , Sun Nov 29 00:16:41 2009

Herm, I remember the North American reaction to Sputnik in 1957. There was a lot of fear, and standards were significantly raised throughout the whole educational system. Some high school students committed suicide because they couldn't keep up. In Canada, standards in engineering schools were raised progressively, year by year. I remember us looking at old pre=1957 maths exams in the early sixties, and they were a joke! I mention this because I now hear much talk of the "dumbing down of America", and I think it's true. The emerging economies are pouring resources into education, and will equal or surpass us in the future, unless we adopt a "post-Sputnik" mentality. but by-and-large the threat is ignored by the man in the street.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sat Nov 28 23:41:38 2009

Salts, I don't really want to rain on the parade, but it is the case that there has been lots of dumbing down going on at primary, secondary, and terciary level in education in the UK, in an effort to bring the stats up, lets hope that St Nicks is different, despite the fact that he is the patron saint of prisoners.
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Nov 28 22:22:13 2009

must admit, after a couple penguin/chickens do humm a bit
;o) <>
, , , Sat Nov 28 19:30:46 2009

non.penguin takers called chicken. hmmm.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, ., .., Sat Nov 28 17:30:30 2009

No takers on the Penguin beer thingy! Chicken eh?
;o) <>
, , , Sat Nov 28 16:00:12 2009

'Crozby skools earn top marks', glad to sea St. Nicks is still up their with the best!...CH
Solty <>
, , , Sat Nov 28 15:19:16 2009

Babs. Google 'Bistro Jaques', it's close by the Phil and guaranteed to please.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Sat Nov 28 13:16:08 2009

Just had a shufti - sadly Side Door not open Sunday, but the other 3 will be.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Nov 28 12:19:34 2009

Babs, there's a little gem called The Side Door in a little side road off Hope St next to Everyman theatre. Trust me it's great: thesidedoor.co.uk. You can of course large it at 60 Hope Street or London Carriage Works, both opposite the Phil (Hall not pub). There's also the Everyman Bistro -self service but great value.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Nov 28 12:16:06 2009

Dear Doug, The Dragon Tattoo Girl is the one that started it all; the other two follow right on [and, as yet, are up to snuff, altogether]. The Economist review,entitled "Don't mess with her", is w+w+w.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14743378 and I would add that the stretch of belief suspension mentioned there as being at at the end of Book II is feasible: my Grandad suffered very similar and more far reaching [deep shrapnel skull-fractures] wounds [in 1917 no less] and survived happily [after 1 year in hospital] to make my acquaintance 23 years later: he was fully functional. We told my sister-in-law in Port St. Lucie about it and she went to the local library: "You'll have to get on the waiting list, Honey", they intoned. Go Salander, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Nov 28 02:54:07 2009

jj, I have just finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", I have obtained the other two books as the first one was so good, will start the second one when I have finished the Robert Goddard book that I am now reading. It will be good reading on the plane to the U.K. next week. It is a pity that Stieg Larsson died not long after completing the Millennium Triology, it seems that he had the drafts of several more books ready to go. Cheers
Doug <>
, , Oz, Sat Nov 28 02:02:48 2009

Looking for a decent eatery near the Phil for Sunday lunchtime. I'm tired of Caesar's Palace!
babs <>
southport, , , Fri Nov 27 23:52:03 2009

Anyone had the aristocratic nonchalant experience of a 'Tactical Nuclear Penguin' yet?
;o) <>
, , , Fri Nov 27 22:51:42 2009

As a matter of interest bookingly, I am in the home stretch of the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson, with the unlikeliest of protagonists, Lisbeth Salander. Has anyone else made her sandpapery acquaintence?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Nov 27 13:34:37 2009

Er, Noo Labor establishment investigate Noo Labor warmongers. The result is a foregone conclusion. As always the truth eventually starts to dribble out, but no one's brought to book. Noo poodle Brits lied to parliament, are complicit in torture and raped Eyerak. Illegally. Pity B-liar didn't get the top Euro job, he could have been arrested, a la Pinochet, when larging it on some faraway Euro junket. And thank God it's Friday.
Mare <>
Biurbo, , , Fri Nov 27 06:54:23 2009

SB, you may be right but, fact is, Churchill had personal battle experience whilst Tony couldn' knock the skin off a rice puddin'. That would cast aspersions on the validity you mention.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Nov 26 21:11:10 2009

blair and bush were partners in war. sew were churchill and roosevelt. a bald comparison like hermes cites. would be valid.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 26 14:01:31 2009

Sounds a bit like Goebels......the greater the lie, the more will believe it
Salty <>
, , , Wed Nov 25 21:54:34 2009

Dear Herm', I think we could do with a bit more than that slightly truncated background info before arriving at an opinion, wouldn't you've opined?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Nov 25 21:19:45 2009

What a larf!
BE <>
, , , Wed Nov 25 20:45:49 2009

The Chilcot commission looking into the Iraq war seems to be a very interesting cadre, one of it's members once described Blair as the new Churchill, and Bush as the new Roosevelt.
Herm <>
, , , Wed Nov 25 10:54:23 2009

We do no favours to our grandchildren letting this go on, no matter where it occurs.
Claude B-S <>
, , , Tue Nov 24 19:09:31 2009

brucy. almost certainly. the raison detre of the fellow is no different than that of home growed ones elswhere. commonwealth or not. people dont want 2 admit that theres a war on. its uncomfortable. the other antagonist has no such qualms. and can laugh all the way to the bomb shop.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Nov 24 16:18:08 2009

Is this happening in England and other comonwealth countries?....see:youtube.com/?v=081-MHMLRh8
Brucy <>
, , , Tue Nov 24 12:49:42 2009

smiley. i see you got to letter s unhampered. most sisters r someone elses tho.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Nov 23 23:32:26 2009

;o), Wife who sends man to doghouse, likely to find him in cathouse.
Conficious <>
, , , Mon Nov 23 21:06:42 2009

'Scandal', Safer & more Satifying when Someone elses Sister.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Nov 23 14:43:24 2009

Dear Salty, Re 'hart'; gotta AARRGGHH that one eh? But despite the misfortune that befell her, there was quite a bit of fortune that did too, esp. for the daughter of a north-country blacksmith, what? And one gets a bit fed up with convention so a bit if scandal the while can be quite refreshing.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Nov 21 23:57:27 2009

ps. just shows the road to a man's hart is not always through his stomach.
s <>
, , , Sat Nov 21 22:51:44 2009

Almost a scouser no less! Was quite the sailor's moll, but was all Hart or so wiki says. Bit sad really, little or no education going from the ridiculous to the sublime and ending up broke and dying of the dreaded cra*ps.
s <>
, , , Sat Nov 21 21:37:23 2009

Dear Salty, I thought you'd tripped momentarily there but sure enough, a Wiki-quickie brought me up to your speed: the Hamilton bird's birth name was Emy -- 1 'm' only. You dark equine quadruped U!! Just HOW how cute do u get??
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Nov 21 19:47:16 2009

don't know Herms, had he lived he would have got an Emy.
Salty <>
, , , Sat Nov 21 17:31:08 2009

hermes. than nelson did out of trafalgar. hmmnn.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Nov 21 17:04:14 2009

I like many of you have been aboard victory, and as I'm six one it's difficult moving around her, one amenity that I never found on Victory was a galley and they never talk much about that, it may well be the case that hard tack and the ubiquitous pork barrel slung under the keel contained the only protein aboard.I think that the Duke of Marlborough did better out of Blenheim than Nelson ever did out of Trafalgar.
Herm <>
, , , Sat Nov 21 12:42:24 2009

also a diefied Trickster, Messenger of the Gods, Protector of Travellers, Miscreants, Harlots and old Crones.....so there
. <>
, , , Fri Nov 20 20:54:26 2009

in some ways, more the Eastern Star.
. <>
, , , Fri Nov 20 20:48:11 2009

and i thought hermes was the north star.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 20 20:21:22 2009

Interestingly, if you stay on that site and go into the section on 'James Cook' and then 'History of Navigation' it shows the position of the North Star incorectly...... & from the BBC too.
s <>
, , , Fri Nov 20 17:13:10 2009

thanks jj for the site on Trafalgar, as you say those 'ordinary' seamen were far from it with the conditions they endured. I always find it interesting that many of the names of the vessels in the engagement were later some that I sailed on with a scouse company. Obviously the 'Victory' (Nelson's) and 'Royal Sovereign' (Collingwood's) are remembered but what about 'Agamemnon', 'Ajax', Bellerophon, 'Polyphemus', with an 'Achilles' in both the British and French fleets? Some of these same names are used by various companys from all over, some sb even in mediterranean Sea (mostly at its eastern end).
Salty <>
, , , Fri Nov 20 16:29:37 2009

&
. <>
, , , Fri Nov 20 14:12:35 2009

BE, Touché & thanks; 'o-bloody course'; Scrap that 'n', what? Argument for answer remains unchanged though.////Mr. , In our family, we only have quintessential answers: you must ask my wife her age some day for a nittygritty appreciation of details like that. The whomsoever who placed the Traff in the Med was mistaken of course. No excuse for that in these beGoogled days, eh? That said, for anyone interested in a quirky and interestingly successful presentation of the Battle that settled our sea power for over a century, much of which was Liverpool-dependent, natch, GOTO: .bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/launch_ani_trafalgar.shtml where they show rudimentary details of sea fighting of the day and take you through the action. Give it a whirl, 'with details' and without and then try feeling what being a Navy matelot in that must have been like. Holy Moly! Make my rum a double!!!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Nov 20 00:37:54 2009

I think that the nameless poster was pointing out that Cape Trafalgar is on the Atlantic side of the Straits of Gibraltar, not the Mediterranean side.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Thu Nov 19 23:34:18 2009

Testing: & & &
BE <>
, , , Thu Nov 19 22:56:58 2009

JJ, it's "ever more shall be so". like.
BE <>
, , , Thu Nov 19 22:47:06 2009

jj, perhaps you will have a quintessential answer to: but is one all alone in the Medi, or is Trafalgar only for the pigeons?
. <>
, , , Thu Nov 19 22:32:09 2009

how about that. the new euro-foreign stuff dame is from upholland. she probably used to shop at c&a modes 2.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 19 19:52:11 2009

How do you get those little and to show up? In the prior post, mine vanished there.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Nov 19 19:47:18 2009

Dear , I was so pleased to see your query "since when 1?" since it took me in a flash back to my scouting days, hove clitches, eweshanks, lowbine --- and especially campfire ditties one of which answers your query dead on, namely, "One is one and all alone and never more shall be so..." so we can extrapolate, I, think quite validly: if that assertion can be taken at face value [and why not?] then not only is one one and never more shall be BUT CRUCIALLY always has been - - - - one: Queue 'e Dee, what? You know, people ask so many questions whereto one doesn't have the answer that it can get discouraging and it's been so many years since someone asked me something that I did so quintessentially have the answer to that that it took me an instant to realise but there it was, large as life! Thank you, thank you so much; altogether; Go , what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Nov 19 19:45:58 2009

since when 1 ?
. <>
, , , Thu Nov 19 18:32:28 2009

1 -- trafalgar is in the med. 2 -- the foe fleet was a french hispanic co-op. 3 -- they were prejockey days sew everyone was commandoed. 4. -- etc.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 19 02:26:04 2009

then ?, don't forget the time when Nelson changed into 'Gordon' kecks when he sighted for'ie fouhsand frenchie frigates, all coming up the English channel commando style.
. <>
, , , Thu Nov 19 00:08:46 2009

Subject: Security Threat Levels++ The French government are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats in Islamabad and announced yesterday that it has raised its alert level from " terror Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and"Surrender". The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory effectively paralyzing the country's military capability. + It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly to ‘Elaborate Military Posturing". Two more levels remain "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides".+ The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose + Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual. The only threat they recognise is NATO pulling out of Brussels ..+ The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines deployed. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish Navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish Navy. + Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes on all of their allies, just in case. + New Zealand has also raised its security levels - from "baaa" to "BAAAA!" Due to continuing defence cutbacks, New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is "S**t, I hope Australia will come and rescue us". In the event of invasion, New Zealanders will be asked to gather together in a strategic defensive position called"Bondi + Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from No worries" to "She'll be right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain: Crikey!", "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and "The barbie is cancelled". Never before has the barbie been cancelled + The British have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved. Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross". Brits have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance". The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666 . .
? <>
, , , Wed Nov 18 23:35:47 2009

h*t*t*p://w*w*w.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1128787.html....jj, I can't comment about what Peres thinks, as I haven't read the full story..But I did come across this article in today's Haaretz.
Diana <>
, , , Wed Nov 18 20:36:13 2009

did Rabbi Baruch Chalomish 'go Commando' that's wot i......
. <>
, , , Wed Nov 18 19:16:08 2009

Dear Di', I tried both with success but u're rite: only Spike, eh? Btw, your Mr. Shimon of the Peres declared yesterday that our Mr. C, along with Mr. Ach Ma DinnerJacket would soon fall from power: since when has Israel been taking an interest in Latin America?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Nov 18 12:29:12 2009

youtube.com/watch?v=4_iLElHqv-w&NR................................jj, only Spike Milligan could get away with that.
Diana <Try this. There was too much on the end of the link.>
, , , Wed Nov 18 10:08:26 2009

so thats what its all about. odd stuff though. except in cases where describing. men. preferences tho. viva diana. sed he breezily.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., ..., Tue Nov 17 15:49:26 2009

try 'go commando'
;o( <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 23:49:17 2009

googled the gringo. utoobed also. to no avail. pls give us anuther clue.
SB <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Nov 16 23:38:00 2009

sb, see 'walk the gringo'
;o) <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 21:33:03 2009

Now Madam, What do you think of the Royals, Charlie et al? Well, young-fella-me-lad, I'm with Spike Milligan as shewn in later years with a solitarily unique one-off, delivered with unmatchable aplomb at:.youtube.com/watch?v=4_iLElHqv-w&NR=1&feature=fvwp
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Nov 16 21:09:00 2009

diana. that opens so many swinging options. but how does a full commando get flustered. as. twisted thingies. which is where we came in. all innocent. just a few short posts ago. and these days of stretched military budgets. where did. go commando originate. thats what i want 2 kno
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Nov 16 20:43:47 2009

just how many, that wot.....?
.. <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 18:43:19 2009

Men?
. <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 18:42:33 2009

sb.I know you like to know,but I like my men to go commando....
Diana <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 17:59:09 2009

to really enjoy your favorite pooch see: /wolf.ok.ac.kr/~ammyg/english/e5.htm......bon appetit.
Yummy de Budgie <>
, , , Mon Nov 16 16:33:29 2009

you won't believe just how bad it is jj, am even considering buying a 'Land Cruiser' and following the advice in the attached blog: /bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman/2009/11/time_to_eat_the_pets.htlm......comments please.
'Jurbil Jim' <>
neverwasverygood@spelling.con, , , Mon Nov 16 14:59:19 2009

Dear Salty, If that -- comparatively trivial -- stuff makes your blood boil, you can imagine how our blood thermometers are reading, what?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Nov 15 22:57:08 2009

jj, sooner you than me living in a place like that. My greatest worry is the squirrels getting to me apples and pears before I do; mind you, the local politicians (who will hopefully retire themselves one day) don't seem capable of grasping the idea of fixed income. The taxes are becoming a bit of a burden to what is an area housing a good percentage of retirees. When you see the bluddy waste, it makes the blood boil. No different to the uk.
s <>
, , , Sun Nov 15 17:14:52 2009

Dear Salty, Just to get a whiff of what he's like, you might look at .noticias24.com/video/videos/mirar/1009/Ch%C3%A1vez-reitera-llamado-a-prepararse-para-ataque where -- at a rally 'for peace', of all things -- he spouts the latest, having just a day before, denied any belligerence toward Colombia: they are the culprits of the border tension etc etc. That said, you'll see that misfittery is one of the political driving forces here and so to decide to take golf courses out of spite (I'm no golfer myself, btw) should be a pre-breakfast snack after confiscating coffee processers, farms galore [no longer productive] and esp. taking into account that in the face of any shortage -- now water and electric power --- we are told we're all wastrels [from a guy whose personal approved budget for 2010 is over 600% bigger than 2009 and included $80,000 for presidential cosmetics (why do they publish their personal figures, I wonder)] and how we're to shower with 3 gourdfulls of water, that we should use a torch to go to the john at night and that industries using ' excessive power' will be cut off[gotta ask who uses an expensive resource more than he needs to?]. The regime can do no wrong; anyone disagreeing with any aspect of its dictates is either a CIA infiltrate, a 'petit yanqui', as he calls them or, at best an unwitting toll of the "Empire" that's bent on getting its hands on the oil. There's lots more but what you saw reported abroad implies there's a shortage of land just where the golf courses are and that 'the workers' are the cohesively grouped beneficiaries "at last" as it were. In the event, all rubbish: the workers nationwide are protesting for lack of payment, regime refusal to enter into contract negotiations on agreements expired years ago and a slew of other things. The golf course threats are old hat too: they've been at that for a while though, as yet, I've heard of none actually taken over either a) because they've not done so; or b)because the news has been smothered: who knows? The Shadow maybe.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Nov 15 16:24:51 2009

jj, what's all this about your beloved leader taking up golf (or is it taking out golf)? Bit on the news this morning, something about turning the greens into tenements for the workers. Quite the fellow isn't he?
Salty <>
, , , Sun Nov 15 15:41:25 2009

diana. yor place or mine. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Nov 15 11:19:03 2009

sb. Bloomers or keks maybe?
Diana <>
, , , Sun Nov 15 05:21:10 2009

i didnt deliberately know of that phrase use before. but after googling. i c it looks fairly common. maybe some subliminal awareness played a part. it has to be observed that. in the expression. knickers sounds better than panties or boxers or yfronts. and. undies is a nonstarter. say eye. anyhow.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Nov 14 16:33:30 2009

interesting: google up 'knickers remain untwisted'.......are u Chinese or Indian?
;o) <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 22:35:50 2009

apologia pro error his. misprint. for blustery jimmie. read maggie whatsername. i trust all snooks uncocked.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 13 22:31:59 2009

blustery jimmie. i sed. a private function held. dead parrot might cover it actually. were u about 2 say leads-n. or lead-ins. by the way. your call. and no harm ment . all jaunty 2 & fro. knickers remain untwisted this end.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 13 22:29:41 2009

but is maggie dead?............8358544.stm.
. <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 21:42:16 2009

sb, ah fink 'e might av' mooved.
jimmies mate <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 21:38:17 2009

'a private funtion' 'a dead parrot'how many more lead-in do you need sb?
Maggie Smythe <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 21:35:59 2009

jimmy. pls i. define. a private function held. ii. if not 4 that sort. for what sort of riffraff then. iii. how come fancy hotel but no supper. only. din-din. iv. how come u use english versions like lolly and colour. but yanqui. den. v. pls advise how many dens u have if specifically basement den is the preferred location. your call.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 13 21:09:55 2009

'Some bloke and his tart'. I'll have you know that that was my missus and the Paparazzi hood was definitely not invited to my afternoon 21st party. This was supposedly 'a private function' held at the Blundellsarrhhnds Tennis club, and not open to that sort of riff-raff. The pork dinner afterwards was superb. Must admit, did get quite a bag of lolly for the negative, and the original in colour still graces our basement den.
jimmy <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 14:08:30 2009

hermes. to a buff scarce tcc. at least the journal edition date would have helped. then we cud all. get the unadorned benefit. sure it was the journal of comerce. not . engineers health r we. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 13 11:38:15 2009

Salts, I only embroiled you into this maelstrom of humanity at large by accident, as I opened a chest in my loft and discovered some very dated editions of Health and Efficiency and contained within was monochrome photos of some bloke and his tart playing volley ball, with another couple in the buff(which was the colour of the funnel of Banks line another Liverpool shipping company based in Bank Hall)anyway this dude gave his occupation as an engineer with Alfred Holt line, and his best read was the Journal of Commerce and not LLoyds List, so perhaps it wasn't you.
Herm <>
, , , Fri Nov 13 11:23:40 2009

I say, I say Hermes old bean, old feller me son. The very idea of eating organic anything is a bit choice, and incidentally the only volley my balls ever had were after contact with a fast swiping tennis racket in Victoria park back in the 50s. As for reading, the occasional Lloyd's list crosses me path together with 'The News of the Werld' and the local St. Catharines Standard. Why should the implication of me (of all people), being some sort of Pontiff (or even ponsifier) want to make you see me in my best St. Michael's underwear.... very kinky I must admit, but as I switch the light off before undressing, even my wife has never seen me in such spoze. I would ask that you see someone about such fantasies before they become out of hand.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Nov 12 21:20:20 2009

Dear Herm', I recollect the advice in question and can imagine it still has its place; I shall, however, refrain from querying who exactly you imagine so clad these days albeit not without wondering, "Virginia McKenna, where are you now?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Nov 12 19:18:07 2009

Dear jj The only piece of advice that was available to us whence growing up and faced with intimidating situations involving interviewers, and people who had the temporary right of pontification over one, was to imagine them in their undies, it was a great leveler then, and it remains so.
Herm <>
, , , Thu Nov 12 12:36:22 2009

Dear Herm', naked volley ball eh? Lend yer specs a mo', will yer: I just gotta see this lot.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Nov 12 02:37:05 2009

I see someone who takes that paper as a person who eats organic muesli, and plays naked volley ball, rather like Salty, I spose.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Nov 11 23:56:41 2009

BE, I think the Annual Armistice Ceremony is held at the War Memorial at Five Lamps. I'm not sure if a ceremony is held at The Memorial in Alexandra Park.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Wed Nov 11 21:07:16 2009

Are Armistice Day ceremonies still held at Potter's Barn?
BE <>
, , , Wed Nov 11 21:01:18 2009

Here in Caracas, it will soon be coming up to the eleventh hour of the eleventh day: my grandad was severely at Paschendaele -- they shall not grow old; as we that are left grow old...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Nov 11 14:21:45 2009

Dear BE, SB's right: that "can" option appears in MW [.merriam-webster.com] as option #3 of "can", transitive verb variant. For quickie checks, I find that MW online for gratis is a thoroughly practical choice; they give both Brit & US spelling variants where applicable too and include equivalents, as 'traveller' and 'traveler' so can be used fastly to clear up spelling doubts and suchlies. I've got it bookmarked. All selfrespecting lurkers should too, to monitor whether TCC posters remain up to world-class snuff, dammit.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Nov 11 13:23:10 2009

In fact, 'e's a very naughty boy.
Terry <>
, , , Wed Nov 11 13:17:29 2009

be. yes.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Nov 10 21:55:06 2009

sb. does can it mean desist. thats wot eye 1 2 no.
be <>
, , sameold, Tue Nov 10 21:39:10 2009

informer. if cross = vexed. he would have every rite 2 be. can it.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Nov 10 20:56:24 2009

I'll not vote for calf deprivation Uncle Frank!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Tue Nov 10 19:25:18 2009

Maybe Uncle Frank is a cross dresser?
Informer <>
, , , Tue Nov 10 18:31:21 2009

The Daily Telegraph a (Splutter!) 'august journal Uncle Frank'? It's become just an up market gossip column for toffs and Thatcher fanciers.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Nov 10 18:30:33 2009

Uncle F , just why were you looking at women's fashion? But, if following through, there is quite an eye opener on other dresses that you dear Cherrie has worn over the years.
MI5 <Ihavemy@on.you>
, , , Tue Nov 10 15:09:23 2009

Diana, Yorks. Curd tart is not like what is served up as Cheese cake. I is rather like a shallow bakewell tart, sans almond flavour, with currants The curd comes from the first rich milk produced by a cow after calving.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Tue Nov 10 14:22:42 2009

This morning I read The Telegraph on line. Under the heading 'Fashion' the paper drew attention to the fact that Cherie Blair was seen at the Cenotaph Service "dressed in bright Purple" all others were dressed in Black, so they said. The apparel in question was actually dull purple. Readers were then invited to comment. Well, I've never seen such vitriolic comments about anyone and their character. I know the lady is not everybody's cup of tea, but this from readers of such an august journal. I have to say I was appalled.
Uncle Frank <>
, , , Tue Nov 10 14:14:06 2009

Diana, or whatever your real name is. Your last entry will be kept on OUR files for the next 12 months. WE suspect that the use of certain words (the Yorkshire Curd, Bash, and Padstow Fish Place) are code words for beating up some North country t**d with a piece of old Cod. This site, and all those contributing to the said site will be interrogated at a later date by the combined forces of the Mosad and MI5.
. <>
, , , Tue Nov 10 13:47:28 2009

h*t*t*p://w*w*w.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/yorkshirecurdtart_70382.shtml.............Uncle Frank, I checked through some of the recipes for Yorkshire Curd Tartand found this one...Rick Stein is a great Chef..We went to his fish place at Padstow. His food was second to none..It looks a great recipe and I shall have a bash at making it and let you know how I got on...I love cheese cake so this looks upmy street...
Diana <>
, , , Tue Nov 10 11:55:02 2009

h*t*t*p://w*w*w.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/6533107/Every-phone-call-email-and-internet-click-stored-by-state-spying-databases.html
Diana <Big Brother is watching you!!!!>
, , , Tue Nov 10 08:28:37 2009

Dear Uncle Frank, I sometimes went to Stokes' Garage during the fifties. I'm not sure of the relationship between you and the owner, but I think that I asked him if he had any calcium carbide, and with a long pole he brought down an original box containing an (antique) automobile acetylene lamp, presumably in stock for many years. It was unusual to find an adult who was so patient with young people. He was a very nice man. Happy birthday, many more to come!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Mon Nov 9 23:10:29 2009

Here's a thought, a game for 'n' players. First, the background; When I was a little lad c. 1930, Satties used to do a Yorkshire curd tart. It was small, flat and round like Jam tarts used to be. More recently when son Richard went to live in Stokesly, North Yorks, I became reacquainted with the said tarts (much bigger), and I rediscovered my taste for the said confection. I have approached Satties to ask if they might start making Yorks. curd tarts again. The asked if I could get a sample as a pattern. I haven't been to Yorks. for a while, but recipes are available on the internet. Now, whatsay we all write to Satties and make a plea for this important cause? We could make history? En avant mes Braves!
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Mon Nov 9 22:56:06 2009

Dear JJ, Thanks for the rescue; I think that the interpretation of "beef" for "carne" is widespread, maybe even universal./// This is slightly different, but I have come across a number of English-speaking people who interpret "metal" as steel, not aluminum or copper, brass, etc. /////// Curmudgeon, I think that you're right; in fact some say that it was originally a peasant dish, Whatever the case, it does seem that the Valencian version has become the "standard." Recently some Latino friends of mine entertained business friends who were Spanish pilots (Españoles). One of them prepared a "paella negra", blackened by the ink of squid. I wish I'd been there! //////// Yerwarship, a Christmas webfest, what a tremendous idea, very Burboesque, worthy of a famous marketing man. I have a problem because a) I need to keep a low profile, and b) Halloween is now over, and I don't want to scare the kids.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Mon Nov 9 22:47:04 2009

A train of thought has been started, and scratching my head, I remember that about 1937, waffles were a fad. my Mother made a batter and we had a collection of waffle irons of different shapes each with a long metal rod for the handle. The iron was dipped in the batter and then straight into a flat pan with about an inch deep of hot fat. when cooked the waffle came away from the iron and was drizzled with honey or Golden syrup. Eventually we became sick of the bloody things. The irons were secured with a piece of string never to be used again and thrown out years later
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Mon Nov 9 22:41:56 2009

Apple and sugar butties?
Diana <>
, , , Mon Nov 9 20:45:51 2009

dear uncle frank. i think its obvious that youre cheating unashamed. you started before anyone else and got a very beneficial headstart what leaves us all in the dust. but we bask in it very willingly 2. keep them koming.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Nov 9 19:47:12 2009

Conny-onny, or condensed milk was a breakfast favourite with my brother and me, pre-war. Nestles used to do a small tin which contained about a tablespoonfull and was enough to go with a couple of rounds of toast. My father swore by C/O. As a soldier in India during the first War, he used to buy it from the NAAFI and used it to make rice more palatable. Also,through his Indian experience, we regularly had curry dishes with mango chutney, at home, long before they were even heard of in UK.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Mon Nov 9 19:15:07 2009

sb, does ANYONE ever have that wonderfull accomniament to a good breakfast anymore? Knowning the frugallity of my father, I always thought it was just a way to make sure nothing was thrown out, but it certainly made a tasty conlusion. Once had it with coni-ony on it while camping at Tawd Vale, felt quite ill all day.
s <>
, , , Mon Nov 9 14:30:55 2009

well. to liven up tcc. just add a soupçon of fancy cooking advice. bread and dripping. we miss you so.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Nov 9 13:38:44 2009

Hermes, Blue Funnel was certainly not one of the better hotels, but Kedgeree was a frequent breakfast dish. Then again so was Potage Sidley (a sort of flavour similar to over-cooked Garston Trout). EDs were certainly better 'feeders'.
Salty <>
, , , Mon Nov 9 13:35:30 2009

If you have spices hanging around the larder, it's always worth warming them in a pan in a dry fashion to release any essential oils that remain if there is no other alternative, also if you are really stuck and don't have any saffron for the paella you could substitute turmeric, it gives a great colour and is extremely good for you, I think that some really good English tomatoes could carry the day here accompanied by some homemade fish stock or chicken stock, cheap and easy to make, don't get to selective over the rice, on a grey day the sight of a paella is great as it is such a sunny looking dish. .Kedgeree is another fantastic meal an anglo Indian version of paella, traditionally eaten at breakfast in the best hotels, it also is cheap and easy to prepare and all the ingredients that you need are readily available in Liverpool, smoked haddock, eggs,curry powder,and turmeric. bon appetito .
Herm <>
, , , Mon Nov 9 12:46:20 2009

I know Diana. I was in Egypt a few years ago and bought a huge supply of herbs and spices for tuppence. Trouble is, we hardly used them and eventually threw them out. I'm sure saffron was amongst them. Que pesimo.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Nov 9 07:16:01 2009

abit like scouse really
'ric <>
, , , Mon Nov 9 00:31:57 2009

I thought there was no authentic paella - everywhere just uses there local produce, seafood for the coast, meat, chicken or even rabbit for the interioir
Curmudgeon <raffo@fsmail.net>
Waterloo, Liverpool, UK, Sun Nov 8 23:10:38 2009

There's still time to plant your crocus bulbs you saffronophiles.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Sun Nov 8 18:21:25 2009

I'm off to score some saffron. Adios!!!!!!!!!! Mayori, I hope you took a sack of cash with you..Saffron is SOOOO expensive.........h*t*t*p://w*w*w.saffron.com/cons_guide.html...........See the price.You should have bought when you were in India...
Diana <>
, , , Sun Nov 8 16:10:38 2009

Excellent Diana. Right that's it. I think we should all have a special "TCC Christmas Paella Party". We can hook up by webcam and compare notes. I'm off to score some saffron. Adios!
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sun Nov 8 07:10:40 2009

h*t*t*p://w*w*w.youtube.com/watch?v=CfN4_52loC4&feature=PlayList&p=C2E3AF92AC2EB8BE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5........................
Diana <Paella the English way.>
, , , Sun Nov 8 05:09:24 2009

Dear BE, In regard to the werds for dead animals in nosh applications, Venezuelan usage tends to restrict "carne" to beef so you can be told at a restaurant that they have specials of "Carne, pollo y cochino" , being beef, chicken and pork. Or that they don't have carne, only pollo, for instance. I found it frustrating how the usage gives the impression that chicken [or pork, in the event] isn't meat: "no tenemos carne, vale; solo pollo" "We've got no meat, mate, just chicken" which sounds non-sequiturish to Brit-driven ears but thats's how it is. As for paella, ever since I knew the Laguarda family who were, in one of those odd quirks of fate, previous residents of Uncle Frank's current house just off Moor Lane, I had always seen it as a characteristically Valencian dish [they were a Dutch-Spanish family: Mr. Laguarda was a Valenciano]. In today's age, with a) Spanish cuisine more widespread; and b) natural paella developments over time, there are all manner of them so, whilst everyone's got a favourite that they'll claim is as real as the real McCoy, historically the Valencian version seems still to be the real 'real McCoy', without detriment to other sturdily defended McCoy's of diverse provenance.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Nov 8 00:42:59 2009

Yerwaship, that would certainly limit its consumption in the UK, unless you like rainy paella; now there's an idea!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Nov 7 16:29:40 2009

It's crap....would that be as in crapmachine.com?....if as eric sed, its nere the see so it must be d' air.
Cedric <lavinya@depool.crap>
, , , Sat Nov 7 14:58:45 2009

with all it's connections with the sea?
eric <>
, , , Sat Nov 7 14:50:32 2009

According to mi primo who was a tourist guide in Spain for many years, paella should only be eaten outdoors, preferably near the sea. Something to do with the air reacting to the cooked ingredients. There is a Spanish restaurant in Liverpool (La Vinya) that does paella. It's crap.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Sat Nov 7 14:17:37 2009

just don't let him say anything about the war.....then again perhaps one can use a nice big plump bratwerst in a sort of Hanovian Paela,no ?
;o) <>
, , , Sat Nov 7 13:44:30 2009

Hermes I had to smile, you wrote that you have a mate from Barcelona...One of my husbands best friends is called Pepe from Barcelona..He is the exact copy of Manuel from Fawlty Towers....I shall ask him today which recipe they use in their household...Fish or meat, yummy yummy....
Diana <>
, , , Sat Nov 7 06:44:13 2009

BE, Ishall tell him the error of his ways when I see him next, he is from Barcalona after all.
Herm <>
, , , Sat Nov 7 05:22:19 2009

Another thought, Herm: I have never seen beef in a paella. Beef is translated as carne de vaca, but many people just say "carne" which also translates as "meat" Help me JJ!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Nov 7 03:12:54 2009

Dear Hermes: who knows what constitutes "paella" throughout the world. Your Catalan friend is either full of boloney, or was stating a personal preference. Just Google: Catalan paella, and check the results, for example: catacurian.com/course2.html where it describes Paella mixta: The quintessential Catalan rice dish with both meat and seafood. And this is a culinary school in Barcelona! Check the other results. Here in the US they follow Spanish recipes, except that as far as I know, they use long-grain rice. Paella Valenciana is the common dish, and usually contains chicken drumsticks and pork along with the mariscos.. One (expensive) local restaurant flies in mariscos from Spain. American chorizo is not so good, but in the mixture it passes.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Nov 7 02:45:41 2009

BE, paella it seems is more than a regional dish in the Latino world, it is in fact an intercontinental dish so it would follow that there are variations on this theme, A friend of ours is a paella fella from Barcalona, and he is adament that Catilans don't mix meat and fish in paella, it's an absolute no no down there but I except that things are different in the new world still in all we use chorizo which is very spicey.
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Nov 7 01:43:06 2009

Dear Ash Ash Ash: Did the clips and thrashes cure you?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Nov 7 00:10:52 2009

At least the scallies will be safe at home with mam, when i was a youth if one got caught by the bizzies on mizzy night we golt a hefty clip round the lugole by a giant of a copper and dragged home by the earlobe (the b*****s always knew where yer lived) and deposited there only to face a further thrashing off ones dad or mum. But was fun. Has the Brooke shut?
ash <>
Crosby, , , Fri Nov 6 23:23:48 2009

Glad I am not growing up in Crosby these days - can't even throw an egg or two on mischief night without some rozzer bundling you into a darkened bus and taking you home to yer Mam.
;o) <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 21:37:00 2009

got it. and horses mouth dictionary gives. condiment for stews made of various oil fried ingredients. esp. onion and garlic. sounds punchy 2 me. u all must have had a ball. from images available. paella looks like good treament for chronic undereaters.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 6 20:46:43 2009

Errata: Second ratio was one to two, and the rice is Calasparra (like anyone cares!)
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Nov 6 20:41:30 2009

sb. google: paella sofrito. there are other kinds.
be <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 20:30:06 2009

sofrito. sofrito. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 6 20:13:50 2009

Dear Hermes & Your Worship: Re the paella last Christmas, my elder son bought a big pan and a propane burner on a stand stand with two concentric rings. Lots of little flames, even heat, made especially for paella. The store (tienda.com) has outlets across the US, and offers overnight delivery! They also provide a kit with saffron, olive oil, rice, and other stuff. All the rest we bought locally. The fun started when my Spanish ex. read the label on the "bomba" rice (which we had never heard of), and it stated: one part of rice to five parts of liquid, by volume. My ex. said that they were wrong, she had been cooking rice for ever, and it should be two to one (except Basmati). So we sneaked the extra water in while she wasn't looking! I later Googled "Bomba rice" and another called "Calaspara." They are very short grained, and absorb a lot of liquid, thus each grain becomes highly flavored.//////////// Hermes, completely agree re saffron, but not on being "naff" to combine meat and mariscos. Most paella has something like chicken and/or pork. Rabbit and snails are sometimes used, but as you say, it's a matter of taste. /////////// I read an article that said "The mistake most beginners make is they skimp on the sofrito ingredients and think it is only the seafood and chicken that matters. The majority of the flavor comes from the Olive Oil, Pork, Spices, Peppers, and Tomato that are used in the sofrito. We are not talking about bland tomato rice here! We are talking about rice that bursts with flavor and re-affirms to you why Paella is such a talked about dish"
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Fri Nov 6 19:04:37 2009

Thanks Diana.I've had a very nice week; best for a long while. Frank.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Nov 6 17:56:18 2009

Memory lane episode 49. The timber wolf in Formby pinewoods. Was this just a (sub)urban myth, or was it really only a big dog that chased us one summer afternoon?
gus <>
London N11, , , Fri Nov 6 17:54:41 2009

sb. catchee monkey?
be <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 17:06:20 2009

jj, yes, just testing, & then was told to go out shopping. Sorry about that.
s <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 16:43:21 2009

be. no females in st. marys back then. but yors reminds 1 of softly. softly.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 6 14:40:49 2009

Oh come, come, it wouldn't take that long if you're female!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Nov 6 14:29:21 2009

re all 5000. you r quite right sir. it would take weeks -- or months even -- 2 get through that lot.
sb <att@ease.edu>
.., .., .., Fri Nov 6 14:18:26 2009

Dear Salty, Just got your mail and, on answering via the 'reply' option[twice] I got a delivery failure notice: was it actually you who sent it?
jj <etc>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 6 14:15:26 2009

sb, according to the news release, if for personal use, you would need to be a lot more virile than the likes of myself, as sale is for all 5000 objects.
s <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 14:09:45 2009

salty. from your post. do i see that regardless of how. ex. the ex st. marys boys are. due to characteristic macho and virility traits. they are the ones whose bedmates are those still most needful of condom protection. if sew. where can i enroll. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Nov 6 13:58:50 2009

Dear Jock, Where's the fire, mate? I'm sure your correspondent merely sought to sideline Observer's quinzieme siecle-nasty by insinuating that the personnel purportedly aboard the vessel were, by dint of working location, probably precluded from exerting decisive influence on passengers'conditions. I see no belittling of stokers; as one whose Uncle Hubert was below decks on Atlantic convoys throughout and 5 times torpedoed, only to return [though after torpedo-attack, sinking rescue and return to Liverpool (his case), you weren't obliged], I felt no innuendo there. As for our matelots having worked "so that people just like you can spout crap and live off benefits", it's a) no compliment to their heroism; and b) the crassest of non-sequiturs. If our TCC is a community channel -- which I take as a given -- why do we so frequently see utterly gratuitous slanging matches? Nothing 'community' that. Without detriment to the rights of free speech, untrammeled criticism where called for and so on, let us at least not lose sight of that old exhortation, "If yer've nowt nice ter say, say nowt": and God Bless.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Nov 6 13:45:40 2009

to change the subject a little, maybe some of you ex-St.Mary's Lads might be interested in Mr. Zhao Xiaokai's 'Faster', 'Higher' & 'Stronger' sale for some left over Beijing games memorabilia.....see: /news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8345961.stm.......
Salty <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 13:44:41 2009

Sí, claro.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Nov 6 13:18:47 2009

Get a grip man stokers were phased out over fifty year ago, and if you want to demean stokers remember this, many good men from Liverpool and Glasgow (the town of my birth)died doing that important job during the war, so that people just like you can spout crap and live off benefits, Liverpool is a seaport and the people belong to the sea and the other way around, nothing unusual there..if you are addled then I am sorry about that , just putting my point of view.
jock <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 10:38:04 2009

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just been informed that an ex tcc er has two rellies and a chum serving on the queen m.---------------------------one galleyboy and two stokers?
Original original observer <>
, , , Fri Nov 6 07:27:34 2009

rica?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Fri Nov 6 07:13:55 2009

Real Ob: Childish, vindictive, humorless, and pointless.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Nov 6 04:59:49 2009

Erratum: for '..on-grumpy-to-ungrumpify-ever'; please read "'..on-grumpy-to-ungrumpify-ever' grounds". Apologies etc.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Nov 6 04:08:55 2009

Real Observ. just how did you find that out?
The left Hon Claude Bonkington-Smythe <>
Blundellsarrhhnds, , , Fri Nov 6 01:21:17 2009

Just been informed that Real Observer is about to be accorded unsought-for fame as the first student applying for the "how to win friends and be ungrumpy once in a ruddyblue moon" course who was unable even to gain entry on "too-fundamentally-bent-on-grumpy-to-ungrumpify-ever". HolyMoley, mate: what in God's name could you possibly seek to achieve or add to TCC with that QM-trip comment that, tp put it mildly, virtually borders on the unkind? It's a mystery to this country boy. Please advise.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Nov 6 00:57:55 2009

Just been informed that an ex tcc er has two rellies and a chum serving on the queen m. They have been asked to make the May voyage to the big apple a special one for the resident "wanna be popular, know everything middle class snob" Chortle chortle
Real Observer <>
, , toodle oo, Thu Nov 5 23:56:46 2009

Yerwashup, check the last letter of your recent post.
BE <>
, , s, Thu Nov 5 20:36:39 2009

Happy belated Birthday young Frank........hugs
Diana <>
, , , Thu Nov 5 19:19:54 2009

be. then we r of a mind. bienvenu.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 5 16:31:09 2009

sb. yes it does.
be <>
, , , Thu Nov 5 15:55:15 2009

I think the tastiest paella I've eaten was that cooked in a giant frying pan heated by burning wood on a rocky coastal location in Ibiza. Muy rico.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Nov 5 13:52:57 2009

Mr.Mayor, do you not have "Doggy Bags" over in the UK? In Canada, even some reasonably poesh caffs will box up any food not eaten. As pensioners with relatively small appetites my wife and I find going out to eat is now well within the budget, the greatest deal is on loaves and fishes when the 'doggy bag' will then feed a further 4998 others when taken back to the mount.
;o) <>
, , , Thu Nov 5 13:49:29 2009

Good topic paella, it has been on are home menu for the longest time. this dish is a moveable feast but one thing that I won't compromise on is saffron,it has to be saffron, and it is naff to to mix meat with sea food with the exception of chorizo sausage, a good place to enjoy this dish is in the antipodes, so much sea food is available down there, New Zealand mussels are much better than the common or garden variety they look different and they are very meaty, banana prawns, squid and cray fish, bon apitito.
Hermes <>
, , , Thu Nov 5 11:44:42 2009

be. that sequence. since i live alone...but i do plan 2 help the less fortunate. pithily broadens the concept of. fortune.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 5 11:19:48 2009

mayor. cast a wider net. order paella with a frend or two and give the missus liberty 2 venture farther afield on the menu.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 5 11:15:03 2009

The problem with paella BE, is that almost every restaurant that offers it, you can only get it "for two persons". I love the stuff, The Mayor's missus doesn't. Result? I'm deprived on paella.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Nov 5 07:19:27 2009

Forgive me. Should be tienda.com
BE <>
, , , Thu Nov 5 04:13:26 2009

Dear sb, Ah yes, 'tis (almost) the season. I well remember that in the companies I worked for, the technicians just screwed off between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Made it very difficult to produce anything! ////// As for turkey, you can keep it. Since I live alone, I have no pressure at Thanksgiving, but I do plan to help the less fortunate. As for Christmas, I will observe it with my former wife, two sons, and daughter-in-law. The fare will be a large paella, made with Valencian (bomba) rice, and cooked over gas. Check Latienda.com for details!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Nov 5 04:04:44 2009

uncle f. oh alright. noel joyeux. merrie xmas. well. soon. we will all be turkey experts. again.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Thu Nov 5 00:10:34 2009

pps....ooh
. <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 22:03:05 2009

ps......so you can celebrate anything you want
; <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 22:02:08 2009

'I dig a Pony'
;o) <Iaskedyou@saynomore>
, , , Wed Nov 4 22:00:53 2009

Joyeux apres Noel, je prefer.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Wed Nov 4 21:55:58 2009

;o). joyeux noel.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Nov 4 19:37:16 2009

Salts,he's snoring his off as usual.......
Diana <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 19:03:28 2009

It's time to archive the comments.
be <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Nov 4 18:58:33 2009

Thanks Diana for the funnies, just glad to see you have a smile on your face......and how is the Old Gramps doing?
Salty <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 15:27:21 2009

Dear JJ, re my Boogie Woogie stand-in, it could also have been for Silan Zingg (piano), Nuno Alexandre (bass), or Simon Shuffle (drums), but your interpretation of my question was much funnier, or as we say in Burbo, hilarious. BTW, the two dancers were fabulous!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Nov 4 14:10:09 2009

sb, how about 'Christmas time is here again'
;o)....say no more....say no more <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 13:26:44 2009

Salty, Hinter to the vexed question of funnels, I sailed with Harrison line and their funnel livery was two light bands with a red band between, and they were known colloquially as two of fat and one of lean, I also sailed with Lamport and Holt and their house flag was a triangle with the letters L&H and they were known as lousy and hungry both terms must refer to what came out of the galley in times past, or the terms and conditions of employment, still and all you have to admire the cooks who could produce a decent meal to the saloon in spite of the storms at sea.
Hermes <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 11:41:44 2009

As most of us have grandchildren, I thought this was so Grandparents: 1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye......................... 2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?".................................... 3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old jeans and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair.. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"............................ 4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond I had a swing made from a tyre; it hung from a tree in our front garden. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"....................... 5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.................... 6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read.".............. 7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colours yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these, yourself!"............... 8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."................ 9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to 6."....................... 10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."................ 11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child.".............. 12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close.."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants.".......... 13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her.. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."................... 14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!............. 15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over; you hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog................................................................................... funny....Grandchild:
Diana <>
, , , Wed Nov 4 11:31:09 2009

;o). crikey. if thats your best shot. what would your mother think. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Wed Nov 4 02:33:35 2009

lived a man who sailed to sea
Salty <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 22:38:49 2009

Your mother should know.
;o) <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 21:44:17 2009

silence. is its own reply. chargement dordures.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Nov 3 21:12:38 2009

We CAN work it out
;o( <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 20:28:41 2009

You can see them out for dinner with their picky wives...
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Nov 3 20:16:39 2009

But yes, it was quintessential boogie woogie waren't it now? As for your query, on a more serious level, I'd have to own to having been standing in for the one wearing pants.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Nov 3 20:07:23 2009

Dear BE; Gertcha!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Nov 3 19:59:51 2009

Uncle Frank and JJ, I liked the Boogie Woogie. JJ, For which performer were you a stand in?
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Tue Nov 3 19:46:40 2009

I'd love to turn you on!
BE <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 19:33:56 2009

BE started it.
. <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 17:45:07 2009

"Silence is it's own reply"
;o) <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 17:41:35 2009

What's all this about little holes, pickies and House of Lords etc?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Nov 3 14:59:40 2009

Dear BE, Following up on a foxnews piece about a chap in South Africa who accidentally (!!) ejected from an aeroplane, I got ontrundled into .dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1224577/Who-cares-elf-n-safety-Biggles-climbs-replica-Britains-plane.html where our very own Woodvale figures. Catch that between your teeth, like they says. /////Mike, Re water rationing, inasafar as revolutionary outfits [owners of truth] can't have a plan B [we are right: if wrong, more of the same will render it right; if still wrong, even more etc ad infinitum] and the regime hasn't invested in water or energy resources [but, by definition, must be right, remember] since it came to power 11 years ago so, beyond the capital, there are daily power cuts nationwide -- suddenly blamed on "citizens' dreadfully wastefull habits" [we can't mention numerous facilities broken down] -- the water crisis [foretold by experts months ago and officially denied outright: NB, we live waterwise from rainy season to rainy season, unlike the UK], btw is all 'because of El Niño' (yeah) -- and so it goes on. And whatever happens, it's the fault of the previous regime, oligarchs, the CIA, 'disruptive' or 'destabilising' [and treasonous, US-directed] forces. The other steady ill-doers are the two remaining independent TV stations that , "Create a matrix of negative opinion" [the regime owns or controls over 85% of the TV-radio spectrum and closed 24 local radio stations just weeks ago and ALL the upset is for 2 stations!]. So, as the place continues to fall apart at every turn [infrastructure, services, education, medical attention etc, the regimes tries ever less convincingly, to underpin its bona fides and simply cannot. I shall refrain from chundering on about the latest rules on foreign travel whereby, to use your {maximum} 1533 pounds annually allowed, you must tell the regime, with notice, of dates out and back, routes etc, to be told of how much of it you're going to have access to and your credit card will be unblocked at departure and reblocked on return: late return [like if Aunty Joan takes ill and you want to stay a day or two longer] may just be interpreted as "illegal exchange activity" with penalties as yet undetermined. Re those seasons, btw: we are at the end of the rainy season now so ought to be in top nick for supply. If we've got problems at this stage, I'd've though we'd be gumtreed by Chrissie, what?
not-jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Nov 3 14:28:15 2009

and how did he no that there were only 4000 little holes
... <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 14:20:15 2009

Everywhere there's lots of pickies, living picky lives ;-)
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Nov 3 14:18:05 2009

but was he from the House of Lords?
.. <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 13:57:36 2009

sb, its all in the local airport
. <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 12:55:49 2009

be. what news. thats what i want 2 kno. sew that i 2 can oh boy.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Nov 3 11:13:17 2009

I read the news today; oh boy.
BE <>
, , , Tue Nov 3 08:03:07 2009

jj, Saw on the news this morning, 'severe water rationing' in your home town! What International Country is Hugo going to blame this on? Too much oil not enough water.
Mike <>
Schifferstadt, , , Tue Nov 3 07:21:38 2009

and I always thought that she was born old.
;o) <>
, , , Mon Nov 2 20:47:20 2009

bumpers u say. look at ford motor bumpers. z cars. and judi dench. as a judy. at .youtube.com/watch?v=rWflrCrwUSw
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, , ., Mon Nov 2 19:22:24 2009

I was just sent some 'senior bumper stickers'[can't think why] whereof I share a couple: "I'm not old; I'm chronologically endowed" and an advert for a sunny state "FLORIDA! God's Waiting Room"; "I'm Retired; I was Tired Yesterday and im Tired Again Today"; "Heigh Ho!and a Bottle of Rum! Not Quite 15 Men on a Dead Man's Chest!"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Nov 2 11:35:37 2009

Some interesting 'stuff' if you "Google" up Dummy Funnels on Ships. Never sailed on one meself - like, as all Blue Funnel gear was strictly needed on voyage. Even the blue funnel colour was originally a case of "saving" a bob or two by using some old paint left over from a previous owners demise.
Salty <>
, , , Sun Nov 1 14:57:08 2009

"Miss, I can't find my lubber," "WELL BOY, USE THE BOYS BEHIND!"
;o) <>
, , , Sun Nov 1 14:15:40 2009

Dear Herm', If the dummy funnel stuff is right, then 'aspect' was indeed a consideration: heigh ho, what! Who'd'bve thought it? Not I; but then I am the wrong sort of lubber, maybe. [thinks: would a Latin Lubber do the trick? I dolive in Venezuela...]
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Nov 1 01:42:40 2009

Salts, We all love the lines of the old liners even if some of them had a dummy funnel to look more impressive, as ships are designed by navel architects is it any wonder that they reflect in some sense buildings ashore, architecture went bye the bye along time ago, but compromises could be made by incorporating art deco and art nouveau features into the interior design which I'm sure that they have done to some extent to replicate the golden age of steaming, anyway I shall have a better idea when we sail on the QM2 from Southampton to New York next May. cheers,
Hermes <>
, , , Sat Oct 31 23:28:41 2009

expert. yor right except for cruise boats. where aspect counts. this 1s got a lousy aspect. if you had yor druthers. would you prefer this tenement 2 another vessel. with better aspect. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sat Oct 31 15:20:01 2009

salty bouyo, a commercial vessel of any type is not in the business of looking pretty, it is there to make profit.
the 'expert' <>
, , , Sat Oct 31 13:34:46 2009

I say chaps; sailing a it close to the windbone aren't we? The unmodulated '60's innuendoes being trowelled on a tad thick on the very brink of a family Halloween Saturday: a bit tricky altogether. Do I gather that, pace Uncle Frank, no charlie fancied the Boogie? But Salty, I did see the ship: capacity of over 5000 pax; I even tyhoughtb of moving there myself. The damned thing looks so big as to be3 one place where you'd never guess you were at sea, of all places.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sat Oct 31 03:10:06 2009

Buddy, that is all one word, aswell, not as well.
picky <pocky>
pucky, .., .., Fri Oct 30 23:12:13 2009

OOOH........... "Testicle Talc" takes the biscuit, and some other things as well
Buddy <>
, , , Fri Oct 30 22:38:40 2009

diana. look in wickedpedia. that is only the recorded event. testicular tickle cups. deluxe variety complete with moving fingernails. were already longstandingly in use.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Oct 30 20:03:46 2009

Of course, if it's not Spanish you fancy, have a go at .youtube.com/watch?v=2CyFHPo_mxs&feature=related where Sumi'll knock yer backwerds off yer stool --- en français this time -- with the Romeo & Juliette Waltz. witha voice like that, she must eat all her greens AND go to bed early, what?
jj <etc>
etc, e, & God Bless, Fri Oct 30 19:54:58 2009

Reticent Spanish-oriented potential students might fancy a shufti at Sumi Jo's rendering of "Besame Mucho": as they say, "gerra a load 'o tha', fer Heaven's sakes!!"--- Truth be told, lokks as though she's so devoted to her craft thta she's been practising before the show; just to convey authenticity. Which she achieves; in bucketloads. HolyMaloley! Go Sumi!
jj <etc>
etc, e, & God Bless, Fri Oct 30 19:42:05 2009

unknown fact....no longer
s <>
, , , Fri Oct 30 19:20:15 2009

Di, (or any other ship enthusiast) what do you think of the "Oasis of the Seas". Personally I have almost never seen such an ugly floating tenement building before. there's just no style at all. My Rubber Ducky looked more appealing. Whereas the QE2 had an artists touch that made her stand out from all the other Billy Butlin knock offs.
Salty <>
, , , Fri Oct 30 19:18:25 2009

Real cool, Di, similar to my joke about the first bi-sexual baby, born with a penis AND a brain. Feminist stuff, but very humorous.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Oct 30 19:02:29 2009

Unknown fact.... The first testicular guard Cup was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974..................................................................... It took 100 years for men to realize that the brain is also important.
Diana <>
, , , Fri Oct 30 18:11:51 2009

TCC'ers wondering how to make an impression might like to see how the Camorra does it: you go into a shop and then, on emerging, fire on a chap leaning against a crate. See w-w-w.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/107723/la-policia-italiana-difunde-imagenes-del-asesinato-de-un-presunto-mafioso/ and, on that page, open the video part. It's also on Fox but the [here Italian] comments are in German. Stick to Satties, say I!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Oct 30 15:07:41 2009

Hi JJ. The Boogie stuff was interesting. If that is your taste, go to Youtube and search 'Boogie Woogie Piano Tommy Wilson' and as the man says, fasten your seat belt! Best an'all.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Oct 30 07:13:17 2009

Dear Bri', As for tasking stuff keeping u young: I was the stand-n for this fellow that night, but pray as I would it didn't rain: can you imagine how it'd've been if I'd had my big chance? See: .youtube.com/watch?v=1QQzbCmlZM4
jj <etc>
etyc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 29 21:41:58 2009

Dear Bri', Apparently my faux apoplectic didn't make it to your PC [I thought the term, "BluffetySpluck" would be a dead giveaway] ; I assumed that your priorly posted 'look at jj' [language to keep the dreaded heimers at bay] was a goodnatured sideswipe subtexted, 'If he didna have knowed the parley espanyolee, he'd be in a loony bin'-- but since 'e does [know it], he's gotten by. So I responded in kind, equally unruffled and merely feigning 'Colonel PompousArse'. No offense meant certainly and, none taken either: apologies generous but unnecessary altogether. Fact is Bri', in our virtual-world way, I'd've opined that you and I [and most others hereon] have accumulated mileage enough not to be constrained to observe all social graces in their refinedest forms to ensure matey conveyance of banter and riposte. Let us make for the bar and see whether there are any totties still on the loose, what?/// Dear Claude, Loved the 'bowls of darkest forests': took me back to making spud soup in the scouts.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 29 21:08:18 2009

BE, did you watch any of the Monty Python 'almostthe truth' series recently on PBS? Must be getting really old as I found the swearing a bit unnecessary, especially by Eric Idle.
Salty <>
, , , Thu Oct 29 21:06:11 2009

Who the BluffetySpluck do I think I am? Certainly nothing special, and certainly not an MD, but I am able to read articles on the internet, and watch them on PBS. Apparently I also unwittingly induce rage!
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Oct 29 20:48:10 2009

AND FOR THE REST OF US 'ERE IGORANIOUSES. SPEAK CLEARLY IN A LOUD VOICE IN THE QUEENS 'ERE ENGLISH AND ALL WILL BE UNDERSTOOD - LIKE. WORKED FOR ME, EVEN IN THE BOWLS OF THE DARKEST FORRESTS OF WOGGER-WOGGER LAND, CERTAINLY WHEN I WOZ A LAD DOING MY APPRENTICESHIP IN THE JAM BUTTY MINES OF NEARBY NAUGHTYASH
The now Right DisHon. Claude Bonkington-Smythe <>
, , , Thu Oct 29 20:34:26 2009

Dear JJ, was that a reprimand? I'm sorry that I made you angry.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Oct 29 20:11:02 2009

Dear Bri', Who the BluffetySpluck do you think you are? There are other way to keep Al's heimers at bay. As also learning languages of course but mine are picked up offa the streets. The only one I 'learned' was French, at St. Mary's College, Crosby, Liverpool 23, primarily with "the Bodge" [who could forget, 'remember lads, "one's an oeuf"']; the German was for selling high polymers and I got two weeks off Shell, 'total immersion' in Caracas. As for whether it was any good at all, all I can say is that I'm all outa heimers; por los momentos anyway! And I liked Stork; and Marmite and Bovril but not Babycham; and how things have changed: when did our cholesterol-spooked society last "Go To Work On An Egg'? jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 29 19:14:06 2009

See, Andy, Yer well on yer way. Did you know that there are differences of opinion on the number of characters in the Spanish alphabet? BTW, I would have said "si es posible" but that's just me. I also use jugo for zumo (just a variation). Yerwashup, you are being overly modest. learning, particularly languages, keeps you young and wards off Alzheimer's. Just look at JJ.////////I must be boring countless TCCers with all this Spanish stuff and non-stuff. so I will desist.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Thu Oct 29 18:29:17 2009

That should be "perro" Bonnie. Pero no es importante.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Thu Oct 29 16:43:12 2009

Supongo the difference was that butter was made from cows and Stork wasn't. Woof!
Bonnie el Pero <>
Burbo, , , Thu Oct 29 16:41:57 2009

Yerwashup, I have to agree with your points (a) and (b); the same applies when conversing with French Canadians, actually even more so. As for your never being able to dspeak Spanish proficiently, I find that hard to believe unless of course you never practice. BTW, my knowledge of Spanish, like yours was gained without the benefit of books at least initially. I had the advantage of a Spanish wife and two small children, and we all spoke Spanish at home, so I learned it as the babies do.
BE <>
, , el Estado del Sol, Thu Oct 29 16:01:42 2009

Dear MayorGent, And what could be more natural at that time of the morning? One zumo coming up, what? Go Mayor y su señora esposa!! As you know, my own Spanish expertise is due solely to my having been thrown in at the deep end during the notorious "sixties" of last century. Had you been I and I been thou, things'd doubtless've transpired in another fashion. I can't speculate how I'd've been as a copywriter though: I couldn't tell Stork from butter!!!
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 29 11:16:45 2009

The Mayor is a realist. He will never be able to speak Spanish fluently or even well. In fact, he's not particularly bothered. What is important when dealing with Spanish people is (a) you make the effort. (b) you are understood, even if grammatically raher disastrous. This was proved in a recent visit. Ahora me gustaria un zumo de naranja si possible.
Mare <>
Birbo, , , Thu Oct 29 07:26:21 2009

Dear Bri', Point taken and indeed, the Mayor's version would seem to underpin a conclusion that he embraced the straightestforward 'There's no problem''hay no problema' approach which didna work this time. Maybe the response wasn't so much to your (correct) observation but that you opted for the (for you out-of-character) signoff, 'Picky' potentially sparking an adverse reaction. Let me tell you though: I'm no good at all at construing Virgil.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Oct 28 20:29:35 2009

Dear JJ, I must admit to signing "picky", but not just for the fun of it. His Washup has told us that both he and his wife are learning Spanish, and I thought that this little bit would help. The more complex stuff I leave to you!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Oct 28 20:21:52 2009

Picky, stick to you snozz
Durant <>
, , , Wed Oct 28 19:32:17 2009

Dear Picky, On TCC, and in keeping with longstanding tradition {see: "Mademoiselle from Armentières Par ley voo, Mademoiselle from Armentières Par ley voo"), the 'no hay problemo' option, as also the "problemo, no hay" or "problema, no hay" would also get by the screening protocol software. Lamentably, the originally posted "hay no problema" wouldna make the cut, among other things, because, pronunciationwise, it may engender confusion with the famous German pop singer, "Heino", despite his being 71 already. On the other hand, just how picky can one afford to get, pre-Christmas at midweek?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Oct 28 19:30:03 2009

Anyone remember, probably around 1960, a lady went swimming just about every day, not far from Crosby's pier (the 'outlet'); it seemed like it was right through the winter....bluddy nut.
;O( <>
, , , Wed Oct 28 17:32:31 2009

No hay problema.
picky <>
, , .., Wed Oct 28 16:45:26 2009

End of October and people are paddling in the sea. Climate change? Hay no problema.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Wed Oct 28 16:26:41 2009

Uncle F, it was not just the meadows that were flooded out. Remember some time in the 50/60s riding my motorbike through a couple of feet of water on the road back from Maghul. My parents told me of earlier times, ice skating in the general area. Must admit , frightens the fertilizer out of me, just 'walking like a Penguin' on any ice thinner than two feet thick. In the winter over here, the locals do all sorts of things with/and on the stuff (even some putting it in beer).
Salty <>
, , , Tue Oct 27 18:16:45 2009

Taking things point by point; when I was a lad, and the boating lake froze over, you'd need more than a bike to brake the ice.// In the winter of '47, I was at RAF West Kirby. It was cold, very cold, and we had to sleep with all of the windows in the hut open, because there was an outbreak of Polio and we were running a death a week for the first five weeks in January. There was however,a much colder winter about 1962, when the temperature fell to about -13 deg. and stayed below freezing for quite a few weeks. I think the Mersey, water's edge showed signs of freezing. It was a regular practise to flood Sefton Meadows in Winter, and crowds would go there for ice skating.// To those of you who are concerned about my age, I shall be 84 on 3rd Nov. 2009. Thank you kindly for your interest.
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Tue Oct 27 16:44:47 2009

Dear Anci' old chap, there were enough less-than-'47 deep freezes meanwhile for bike-owner Mayors-2-be to practise on. Dear Uncle Frank, are you coming up for your 59th again then? Is it time already? I'm still beavering away at '68' and, for the mo', it's holding up well enough...
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Oct 27 16:01:25 2009

I didn't no u wer around in '47 wen the deap freaz hit.
ancient mariner <>
, , , Tue Oct 27 14:53:41 2009

But how many used their bicycles as "ice-breakers" when Corro Park lake was frozen over?
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Oct 27 14:36:29 2009

a don't know could bee
frankie goes to pieces <>
, , , Tue Oct 27 13:45:02 2009

Uncle Frank, maybe my memory is failing, please put me right..Don't you have a birthday coming up about now????
Diana <>
, , , Tue Oct 27 13:30:36 2009

ball park kid get dat pram owt da canal
nogz <>
, , , Tue Oct 27 11:26:24 2009

mr. ;o). u derty point misser u.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Tue Oct 27 03:38:20 2009

some even more cheesy than others too
;o) <>
, , , Mon Oct 26 20:18:08 2009

mr. ;o). r nt we all. some mor. some less. maybe.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Oct 26 19:07:11 2009

Old fruit , that's a bit ripe!
;o) <>
, , , Mon Oct 26 19:03:18 2009

My thanks to all for putting me in the ball park, so to tell. Why didn't I think of that? The canal site is well worth anybody's time for the immense amount of interest it contains, and the Pier Head bit, surely a 'welcome home' to all ex pats.// My use of flow' was euphemistic, though there must be a small water flow if only by virtue of the top up which is always neccesary. Finally, the virtual trip to the Albert Dock is a wonderful experience. Does anyone offer a real cruise?// Mr. Hermes, you've got your trousers on back to front old fruit!
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Mon Oct 26 17:48:03 2009

uncle frank. at .penninewaterways.co.uk/liverpoolcanallink/boaters.htm you see the exact route of the. canal link extension. to salthouse and albert.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Oct 26 16:09:38 2009

Uncle Frank, Perhaps this link might enlighten you to flow of the said canal. w*w*w.penninewaterways.co.uk/ll/-1.htm Good boating and don't fall into the canal as you did in Corro Park as I also did many years ago!
Mike <>
, Schifferstadt, , Mon Oct 26 12:19:27 2009

Dear Herm', In my posts, I stayed clear of bow thrusters; never mentioned them and calculatedly avoided the term 'stern thrusters' so nobody'd feel referred to like. The tug in the original vid, however equipped, was very much 'full-steam-ahead' which was what piqued my curiosity in the first place.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Oct 26 11:29:15 2009

never thought til uncle frank said but. if the canal flows. it must get a refill from somewhere. how does that happen. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Oct 26 11:28:40 2009

I have been wrong before but I never knew that the canal flowed south from the albert dock but went north to the trafalgar dock, someone will know.
herm <>
, , , Mon Oct 26 10:45:25 2009

Can anyone tell/show me the path the extrapolated Leeds Liverpol canal takes as it disappears, heading South, from the Pier Head to The Albert Dock?
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Mon Oct 26 10:31:19 2009

jj, Revisiting your theorum on propulsion of the bow thrusters and the resulting aqua jetefication and vortex, I think that you are correct to proceed with caution, as the bow trusters power plant would I suspect be an electric motor, as diesel electric is used very widely.
Hermes <>
, , , Mon Oct 26 05:57:07 2009

Well, GOOD ON YERS all, 'Pool! Eye-moistening to read of the Anfield drubbing of them uppity perennial rivals and their reportedly churlish supporters. Delightful altogether. That said, I see that any rounded interview of our forward line would now entail a smiling, "Óla, vale! Como andas?", along with "Bonjour mon pas-tellement-vieux," in addition to any more familiar island-driven [as in 'keep it on the island!'] opening banter. Maybe we could get a special Anfield passport office going for "membres manqués du Kop" carrying the Liverpool torch beyond far-off shores instead of having to stuffed-shirt it at local outposts. Still,great stuff lads; lovely altogether.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Oct 25 20:08:35 2009

Doug yur grt.Unc wasnt called emmy by any chance?
nine lives <>
, , , Sun Oct 25 19:40:47 2009

'Ancient Mariner', the good old days eh? Doug, I might have even been to sea with your brother having served me time with the 'Welsh Navy' and staying for many a year, me 'arties. Did a final couple of trips down to OZ on the Hector after stints with all three of the Companies divisions. Finally ended up sailing the Great Lakes......my what a change. From being 'attended to' at the dining table and a room steward to make your bed every night.... to a self serve dimpled plastic plate with nosh piled up on it, while waiting in line. The pay wasn't half bad, and the leave system eventually gave me more time off than I worked. The food must have been very nutritious as most of the 'lads' were just a tad overweight. Certainly not wot an ex Corro lad ever dreamed up on warm afternoons while being taught math by m.Ferrie
Salty <>
, , , Sun Oct 25 14:05:02 2009

Hi Salty, my lad has been sailing for about twentythree years, all out this side of the world.It has been a family tradition, except for me I am the black sheep, I did my apprenticeship as an electrician back in Liverpool. My brother first started with The Blue Funnel Line, an 11 month trip back in 1957, my father, his father and so on were all merchant seamen. I did intend to go after I had completed my apprenticeship but lost the desire eventually. A brother of my grand father was on the Empress of Ireland when it was hit by a Norwegian collier the Storstad in the St.Lawrence River early 1914. Over a 1,000 people perished, not as many as the Titanic but more passengers died on the Empress. My grt.uncle survived and carried on sailing he eventually died in mid 1980's nearly 101 years old, got through both world wars. Cheers
Doug <doug@downunder>
, , Oz, Sun Oct 25 09:00:51 2009

Talking of the boating lake in Corro park, hands up anyone who has fallen in the lake? I have, I was too close to the water's edge as someone was launching a rather large interesting boat. It was the surge of the crowd behind me, wot done it!
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Sun Oct 25 08:54:15 2009

Likes threesomes
Ash <>
Crosby, , , Sun Oct 25 01:45:39 2009

All this talk about tugs reminds me that I had a "tug boat Annie" bought from Harry Parnell's bike shop on College rd. I used to "skipper" it on corrie park boating lake and it was powered by two batteries. I had a submarine too and that is probably still there cos it did not resurface. Tell me to buggeroff if you want.
Ash <>
Crosby, , , Sun Oct 25 01:43:47 2009

Dear Expert, If your 'expert' signoff is the case, then why wait until now to, as it were, put your oar in? Truth be told, our excursion into water-jetting options was far from being a waste of time but, now you've opted in, why leave us at the altar with no inkling of what that that 'variety of propulsion systems' might consist of? The info on 'diesel-driven gearbox arrangements' would describe no end of motive devices and, given we're on about tugs, we could have probably guessed the propeller part, in which connexion, you might have expanded a tad on the articulated ones mentioned in Doug's post. Now we've opened this can of John West's Middle Cut, I'd like to know: as a nexpert, could you enlighten my benightedness?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Sun Oct 25 01:23:02 2009

In my day the tugs were powered by dozens of chappies pulling on oars with a whip being used as a throttle.
The Ancient Mariner <>
, , , Sun Oct 25 00:59:44 2009

I suppose it was grounded by Mr. Clark, and removed by Mr. Wilson.
BE <>
, , Sameold, Sat Oct 24 22:10:12 2009

Thanks Doug. Interesting 'Wiki' article on that "Pasha Bulker". In view of the recent discussion on what comes out of the rear ends of boats, one wonders just what is causing the high expulsion of a foam like substance from the back of said vessel while high and dry on the beach. (see photo) Could of course be a school of Mermaids all splashing about trying to get some Philippinos attention? How long has your lad been sailing? Years back(1968) I went for an interview for a job with BHP, who had at that time a whole series of new steam-turbine bulk carriers (coal fired). Even back then the unions were being blamed for the total collapse of the Australian merchant marine with their restrictive practices and huge wage demands. Funny how one subject can trigger memories hidden in the folds of the grey stuff for almost 40 years...even funnier to end up on the opposite side of the world in a land of ice and snow, what?
Salty <>
, , , Sat Oct 24 16:02:30 2009

Doug, that may be your sons limited experience. Tugs definitely have a a variety of propulsion systems (some of which are indeedie diesel driven gearbox arrangements with one/or more propellers at their sterns), it depends on their intended service areas.
the 'expert' <>
, , , Sat Oct 24 14:12:11 2009

Sorry it came up twice, a little too much red wine, cheers
Doug <doug@downunder>
, , Oz, Sat Oct 24 12:16:33 2009

Hi all, we went to stay with my son and his family for a couple of days before he goes away to sea again. He also spends a lot of time working the Melbourne and Geelong tugs, he sailed from Melbourne to Newcastle N.S.W on a salvage tug to refloat a large bulk carrier (Pasha Bulker) that had gone aground during a storm in 2007, it can be googled. I asked him about propulsion of tugs and he said that they all have diesel engines and drive through a gear box to propellors ( no water jets etc.) a lot of them have propellors that can be moved to different angles to let the tug push differently without having to do much manoeuvering, this can create different views at the rear of the tug. Cheers
Doug <doug@downunder>
, , Oz, Sat Oct 24 12:12:24 2009

h*t*t*p://w*w*w.waterlootheplace.com/................This new site should be of interest to some of you ex-mariners and I'm sure others..There is a video clip of QM2 passing Waterloo/Crosby..Brought back a lot of memories.
Diana <>
, , , Fri Oct 23 17:48:55 2009

dear tuggy. never u mind. a little splash and tickle wont hurt anybody.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Fri Oct 23 15:28:38 2009

Dear BE, No problemo with your "Hi!" density: the one which I was referring to was the first, namely at youtube.com/watch?v=erzXB6wrdCs where there's Our Big Lass at the back and a churning wannabe in front. Given the size of the aspiring candidate, the (what looked like propwash to me in my ignorance) churning mass of fluid looked oversize, hence my initially piqued curiosity and what led, rightly or mistakenly, (because the waterjet thing was speculation: might have been prop after all) to rousing poor Isaac.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Fri Oct 23 15:20:44 2009

Pardon my high density, JJ, but which video showed the tug getting excited, and in what way?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Fri Oct 23 10:40:26 2009

Yesterday,I looked at several items about the QM2's arrival, on you tube. The best was one in HD, with music(Katachurian, used in The Oneidin Line). The great ship moved up the river accompanied by a couple of tugs and a fire tender which promised to hose the 'lady' down. Because the play was speeded up, the big turn round looked more like a pirouette. The tugs seemed to be there just in case things went wrong, which, of course, they didn't. On this evidence, it would seem it was a case of so much water over the bridge, or it would have been if the bridge hadn't been so high! I can't see that there was ever any need to get poor old Isaac out of bed. Did I miss something?
Uncle Frank <>
Crosby, , , Fri Oct 23 08:45:23 2009

Dear BE, And there you have it: it's a straightforward jet where all that mvsquared stuff applies: the TCC 'hose-buck' post was on the money! OkeyLiDokeyLi; jolly good show and thanks. We've become waterjet 'au fait' with all this so we got more mileage than with threads in general but never actually found out what so exited SCOUSETUG I in the QM@ vid; I wonder what it was?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 22 21:22:04 2009

JJ & S, there is an interesting comment on water jets at: answerbag.com/q_view/494775
BE <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 20:38:06 2009

ps, it may be of interest to Di that bow-thrusters have been fitted to the 'Lake Boats' (generally 750 - 1000 foot long boats) for the past forty odd years. It started as a way of getting around the exorbitant fees charged by the tug companies for their service.
s <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 15:30:18 2009

It would seem that 'Jimmy of the rats botty' might not have been too far off the mark. Here in Canada the ecconomy is just bustling along fine....with the inevitable increase in the dollars value. All party MPs are very concerned about falling exports and loss of jobs, even with the incredible amounts of taxpayers money (supposedly) being poured into the infrastucture. Perhaps Mr.Brown is the wonder leader that his wife claims he is.... within a very short time all out of work Brits will be back at the grindstone earning huge paypackets so that their taxes can keep Noo labour in the lifestyle they have become accostomed to!....Oh yeah !!!!!
Salty <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 15:25:37 2009

a few tugs maybe.....
nn <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 14:25:13 2009

I never found a bowthruster to help me with any birthing!
Naughty Nursey <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 14:24:21 2009

I'm no expert on this physics malarky but I do know that as we become weightless to a large extent in water, it is not such a mega deal to to move a vessel such as QM2 on the surface given her displacement weight, land load values and maritime weight values are a completely different animal, and as Di remarks bow thrusters can supplement the work of tugs no problemo.
Herm <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 13:04:57 2009

h*t*t*p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_thruster////Now that's an interesting discussion. Most ships hubby Mastered had a bow thruster,well especially in the latter years..I always remember when the pilot came on the bridge, he gave a sigh of relief when he knew the bow thruster was operating...Genius invention, as it certainly is a big help with berthing.(Well hubby always said so)
Diana <>
, , , Thu Oct 22 05:20:26 2009

Dear ;o), You seem to have the thingie arseovertit: it waren't BE but Salty what said about waterjet and then, qualifying it with a 'might be'; if as you say that it'd be unusual for tugboat to be waterjetted (whyso, btw?) , then: what would its propulsion be: marine diesel & regular props? If so, we're back to square 1; what was the aqua-balloo it was kicking up all about?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Thu Oct 22 03:47:19 2009

BE, I think it is stiil a little unusual to have this type of propulsion for Tug-boats.
;o) <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 20:44:26 2009

ps: like a bucking garden-hose?
be <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 19:33:17 2009

Dear JJ, it is very interesting; sort of action and reaction. Like. The capabilities of tugboats in general has always impressed me (as a landlubber).
BE <>
, , Sameold, Wed Oct 21 19:19:26 2009

Salty never has ruminations, used to, but now take me medicine every day
s <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 18:44:43 2009

Dear Bri,' Having seen the flustered tugboat on the QM2 vid, [and remembering that my cardiovasc swimming exercises call for underwater rather than overwater action to gain thrust] I was simply intrigued -- if Salty's ruminations were on the money -- to see how the flipping thing got underway at all at all. Curiosity piqued, I rummaged about a bit and found what I hadna expected to and shared it on TCC.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Oct 21 17:07:37 2009

Well done, that boy, well done!
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Wed Oct 21 16:29:37 2009

if u sa so.
;o) <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 15:37:46 2009

Dear Salty, Finally, it seems that the water-jet works in accordance with Isaac's motion protocol thingies, which would put them in the same place as aeroplane jets: at the end of the day, [where m=mass and v= velocity] mvsquared(ejected water)= mvsquared(boat), so the water weight x velocity=boat weight x velocity so, for high water spew velocities (readily achieved with today's engine options) you can get very respectable thrust and my initial assumption, namely, that the outgoing water would have to 'bite' on the stationary water around it was a load of rubbish. Thanks. Go Canada!
jj <etc>
etc, e, & God Bless, Wed Oct 21 15:33:30 2009

but to go back to the language bit look into the latest Crosby Herald.....plenty of QM2 videos
s <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 14:06:01 2009

jj, plenty on the web, try: w*w*w.rina.org.uk/waterjet......the velocity at the 'pump' outlet is probably as you note, enough to produce the characteristic surface piercing 'plume'. Works similar to that of an aircraft jet nozzle where 'directers' can change the direction of the thrust... even astern.
Salty <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 13:55:11 2009

Dear Salty, I saw the ferry pics: how does that thing deliver thrust? The spewed water arcing airward looks unlikely as a candidate; or is that just an excess after power was already delivered at some other level? As for the QM2 vid, the image generated was for all the world reminiscent of a flustered youth getting in close to an unapproachable lady way out of his league: all blustery and macho but that's as fr as it goes. It was nice too to hear the mini-commentary by someone what talks like me. Or if snootily inclined, like [what] I. Do.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Wed Oct 21 04:22:39 2009

'image'
s <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 00:37:42 2009

jj, google up Machinac Island Ferry for extreme example
salty <>
, , , Wed Oct 21 00:36:22 2009

Dear Bri', One of those 1940's stars (Bette Davis?) said it best: on seeing the Queen Elizabeth moored in New York (I think), she asked, "How long does this place take to get to London?"
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Oct 20 22:52:27 2009

Dear Salty, I appreciate the comment, however, again, from the abyss of my marine ignorance, I'd've opined that, with a water jet [or propeller for that matter] there'd be significantly enhanced thrust if the aqua-hullaballoo shown on the vid had taken place underwater: where it was, it looks impressive but how can it deliver the same thrust as'd've been the case were it submerged? Just one airlubber's query, like.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God bless, Tue Oct 20 22:46:34 2009

Looks like a floating block of flats (apartment block).
BE <>
, , Sameold, Tue Oct 20 22:10:30 2009

Hermes, don't let the Ships Chaplain put his finger in your ear when travelling on the QM2.
;o) <>
, , , Tue Oct 20 21:56:05 2009

jj, might be water-jet propulsion, similar to small water craft; certainly not regular propeller driven. The type of superstructure reminded me of the German Voith- Schnieder tug arrangements, with its all round vision. Most definitely not steam driven 'Rea' tug-boats of yore.
Salty <>
, , , Tue Oct 20 21:53:25 2009

Dear Di', I watched the QM2 vid; magnificent stuff; I did wonder though why that tugboat out front was so flustered. That was some revs she must have had on to make all that propsplash; or, as a non-naut, so to say, am I missing something?
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Tue Oct 20 21:10:26 2009

youtube.com/watch?v=erzXB6wrdCs
Diana <QM2 Liverpool 20/10/09>
, , , Tue Oct 20 20:57:31 2009

LK was a fine person..Remember him as one of the first newscasters on ITV? I think it was ITV..///Hermes you lucky devil, QM2...I saw her older version at Long Beach..just looked her up and found this info:Queen Mary 2 "QM2" is the first liner to be built since QE2 35 years earlier. QM2 entered service in January 2004 and is the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expensive passenger liner in history.I have a cousin who's son is working on P&O passenger ships..He is 2nd Engineer, life of Reilly...
Diana <>
, , , Tue Oct 20 17:09:46 2009

Sad to hear of the passing of Ludovic Kennedy he was a good man.
Herm <>
, , , Tue Oct 20 12:44:39 2009

Thats interesting about Queen Mary Two,as in May next year I shall be posting from aboard her, if all goes well, as the wife and myself are booked to sail on her from Southampton to New York on the 15th of the month.
Hermes <>
, , , Tue Oct 20 11:57:30 2009

For any erstwhile Seadogs interested - live webcam on the bridge of The Queen Mary 2 as she sails into Liverpool this morning: bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/webcams/ship_qm2_webcam.shtml
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Tue Oct 20 09:34:08 2009

sb, would that be both you and the boat sails?
:-) <>
, , , Mon Oct 19 22:52:16 2009

Venezuela watchers will be happy to register that the Presman donated a guayabera [qG; best at 'images'] that was originally a gift from Brazil's pres. Lula, to a Havana museum specialising in articles of clothing that had been worn by Fidel and Raúl Castro. The museum curator must be over the moon.
jj <etc>
etc, etc, & God Bless, Mon Oct 19 20:10:58 2009

He is my cousin Doug. Bald before it was fashionable!
Mayor <>
Burbo Reds, , , Mon Oct 19 16:56:22 2009

yacht for sale. bath is mono.occupancy only. hmmmn. in my case it wud be. snapshot of yacht for sale. shows both sails.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Mon Oct 19 15:08:44 2009

or is that balls-up?
. <>
, , , Mon Oct 19 14:09:00 2009

Mr. Mayor, what's the story of Liverpool and its extra balls last week?
;o) <>
, , , Mon Oct 19 14:05:58 2009

Mr Mayor, Jimmy Melia was a great football for Liverpool is there a connection. Cheers
Doug <>
, , Oz, Mon Oct 19 13:59:26 2009

No connection there BE. My branch of the family were bookies or footballers.
Mayor <>
Burbo, , , Mon Oct 19 13:32:37 2009

Diane, thanks for your email, one thing that I can say, your son did not work on my yacht,two of us would not fit into the bath at the same time. I am glad he enjoyed his time out here it is a great place to visit, we do get a lot of back packers. Mind you despite the fact that I would not live in the U.K. again it is also a great place to visit. We have had three trips there in the last ten years all taking three months as we travelled around, as I said in a previous email we will be there again for a month over christmas.I also want to get back again for another summer visit as we are doing our family history and need to visit a few places and chase up parish records. Cheers
Doug <doug@downunder>
, , Oz, Mon Oct 19 10:51:07 2009

Thanks for the clips Yerwashup, and all the other leads. Do you have any connection to the Melia's general store?
BE <>
, , Sameold, Mon Oct 19 08:32:13 2009

Interesting clips of The Pool in 50s & 60s (if sountrack a little cheesey) here: youtube.com/watch?v=bGK_pCEEJpA&feature=related
Mayor <>
Where's all the traffic then?, Burbo, , Mon Oct 19 07:21:52 2009

Jimmy, You don't know what you are talking about, Oz creamed through this resession with no impact at all and did the same with the last world downturn in the early ninties, it hasn't had to play catch up with any country, as they say it's the lucky country but it is also the clever country, they had a banking crisis ten years ago but they sorted it out, Britain chose not to and look where it got us, there is much to learn.
Hermes <>
, , , Mon Oct 19 05:46:58 2009

jimmy. it is wonky to chunder on about any body being a closet anything if what likkle we kno of jimmy might 2 be a front for a closet xyz himself. & i couldnt get. as the effects of higher currency values underscore exports. how do u underscore exports anyway. thats what i want 2 kno.
sb <att@ease.edu>
c, .., .., Sun Oct 18 22:22:25 2009

Doug funnily enough my friends son is visiting here from Oz...He too said exactly as you about Australia's economy..Before University,my eldest son spent a year in Oz, living in the Bondi Beach area..He worked as a maintenance man on a millionaire's yacht...He saved his salary and bought himself a motor bike..He traveled all round Australia on two wheels...I always had a feeling he would return there and settle down...You are a lucky chap to live in such a blessed country.........Glad to see you didn't forget your fellow Scousers.
Diana <>
, , , Sun Oct 18 21:38:27 2009

Dear Jimmy, I asked Doug a simple question, to which he gave a comprehensive and completely satisfactory answer. Then you entered with a totally off-topic comment. Please don't muddy the waters. Thanks.
BE <>
, , Sunshine State, Sun Oct 18 19:05:11 2009

Doug, (if that's not just a Nom de Whatsits) unless your name woz 'one' my comments were not directed at you personally. Most swords have a point and usually two edges. As you say, probably for the majority, an improved economy (& lets face it Oz was starting quite a bit behind most) will benefit some jobless, in the short term at least. But, as the effects of higher currency values underscore exports, more will eventually be put out of work. The example of a uk pensioner is not confined to the Oz example, but covers more than half a million others in similar circumstances living in any number of other ex-colonies. How can we be sure you are not a closet MP, your description of the Australian economic outlook could have been written by any number of politicians around the world, blowing their own trumpets.
jimmy (but is it the real 'one'?) <>
, does anyone give a rat's botty, , Sun Oct 18 16:01:23 2009

Thank you Hermes for your support Mr.Tech may be some ignorant fool who does his best to undermine others but all that he really does is make people wonder what planet he comes from.I thought that this site could communicate on a fairly sensible level and still have a little bit of fun. Mr tech, whoever he/she maybe is a thing from the past that feels they have to put people down to retain "cred". Hermes the N/W Shelf is where the money is being made and Perth is very nice but eventually the East Coast is where it is all about.I would never put the U.K. down in any way but I would never move back there ( THANK GOODNESS SOME SAY) I could not afford to live there England could not give me what we have here. Cheers
Doug <doug@downunder>
, , Oz, Sun Oct 18 13:36:29 2009

Mr Tech, you should trade in your computer and invest in a coloring in book and crayons, as soon as someone posts a theme and thread that interests people on this board as sure as night follows day some little shitbag will try and deflect attention away from them and try to undermine the writer and grind them down, I apologize Doug on behalf of the decent people who post on this board, we are interested in your comments so keep em coming... The Oz economy has so much going for it, the resources boom has gained strength again and you have so many export commodities, I know vastly more about the Oz economy than I do about the UKs as I work there from time to time on the north west shelf projects, and the mining industry Rio Tinto et al. er indoors wants to sell up and move there full time and I'm up for that.
Hermes <>
, , , Sun Oct 18 12:58:14 2009