Cold Ale - The Blokes' Thread!

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

"Drawer blindness" or perhaps the "forest for the trees" concept or in our case we could say "couldn't see the catnip for the batteries"

It appears that batteries are certainly common among all "drawers". We've seen some form of tape, gun cartridges, screwdrivers and dice in more than one drawer.

Paul, the ladies have more experience at blind rummaging and location since their drawers go with them, hung over the shoulder.

[prendrelemick]

today I told Mrs Paulclem about our theories about "the drawer".

She rather poo-pooed them, and said instead that we blokes suffer from "drawer blindness". She claims it is a condition that manifests only in men and is a psychological condition brought about by "finder panic". What happens is - she said - is that men will open a drawer in the expectation of not being able to find the big sticky out thing that is there sticking out at them. They automatically go into panic mode and cause a self induced "drawer blindness".

I'm still bearing in mind the female propensity for the manipulation of the laws of physics as another likely explanation though.


Your Mrs P may have a point, only don't bring her down to the club I'm not sure we chaps could cope with such painfull truths being so forthrightly expressed.

Obviously if she is right it could be a throwback to Hunter-Gatherer days when we chaps were the hunters, and they were the gatherers. Women are/were conditioned to spot inanimate objects like fruit and edible grasses. Whereas we are fullfilled by tracking down our prey and bringing it home after a long chase.

[Paulclem]

Your Mrs P may have a point, only don't bring her down to the club I'm not sure we chaps could cope with such painfull truths being so forthrightly expressed.

Obviously if she is right it could be a throwback to Hunter-Gatherer days when we chaps were the hunters, and they were the gatherers. Women are/were conditioned to spot inanimate objects like fruit and edible grasses. Whereas we are fullfilled by tracking down our prey and bringing it home after a long chase.

Yes she is forthright - you may remember her referring to my steady cheerfulness as due to me being a simpleton, and encouraging me to keep a beard as I am otherwise chinless. She is generally scornful of my activities, and won't be logging in I think.

I'm satisfied by your explanation for drawer blindness. Further delving into the drawer of explanations may well bring forth those painful truths.

[Paulclem]

"Drawer blindness" or perhaps the "forest for the trees" concept or in our case we could say "couldn't see the catnip for the batteries"

It appears that batteries are certainly common among all "drawers". We've seen some form of tape, gun cartridges, screwdrivers and dice in more than one drawer.

Paul, the ladies have more experience at blind rummaging and location since their drawers go with them, hung over the shoulder.

Yes - coached at a young age to understand the related handbag physics, that must give them the edge.

[MarkBastable]

today I told Mrs Paulclem about our theories about "the drawer".

She rather poo-pooed them, and said instead that we blokes suffer from "drawer blindness". She claims it is a condition that manifests only in men and is a psychological condition brought about by "finder panic". What happens is - she said - is that men will open a drawer in the expectation of not being able to find the big sticky out thing that is there sticking out at them. They automatically go into panic mode and cause a self induced "drawer blindness".

I'm still bearing in mind the female propensity for the manipulation of the laws of physics as another likely explanation though.


A corollary of this is the exclusively female strategy 'post-eventum contextual location adjustment'.

"Mark, while you're in there can you get me the paper scissors?"

"Sure - where are they?"

"They're on the first shelf of the Welsh dresser."

".....er...can't see them there."

"They're there."

"Nope."

"They are."

"Well, hang on - is the first shelf the bottom one or the top one?"

"What? Obviously it's the top one..."

"What's obvious about it?"

"Stop being such a dick, and bring me the scissors."

"They're not on any of the shelves of the Welsh dresser."

"Try moving something and looking properly."

"I'm telling you, they're not on any of the shelves of the Welsh dresser."

"Oh for...."

Enter wife, who scans shelves of Welsh dresser, tuts, turns and opens the drawer next to the sink.

"Here they are - where they always are."

"That's not the first shelf of...."

"Really, for a supposedly intelligent person, you can be so stupid sometimes."

"But..."

"How long have we lived here?"

"You said..."

"I mean, obviously the first place any sensible person would look is where they're supposed to be."

"Actually, in this house, the last place you'd look for anything is where it's supposed to be..."

"Now you're just arguing for the sake of it, you dick. This tea's cold."

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

....Obviously if she is right it could be a throwback to Hunter-Gatherer days when we chaps were the hunters, and they were the gatherers. Women are/were conditioned to spot inanimate objects like fruit and edible grasses. Whereas we are fullfilled by tracking down our prey and bringing it home after a long chase.

That is great!!
(five green laughing smilies pounding fists)

[prendrelemick]

A corollary of this is the exclusively female strategy 'post-eventum contextual location adjustment'.

"Mark, while you're in there can you get me the paper scissors?"

"Sure - where are they?"

"They're on the first shelf of the Welsh dresser."

".....er...can't see them there."

"They're there."

"Nope."

"They are."

"Well, hang on - is the first shelf the bottom one or the top one?"

"What? Obviously it's the top one..."

"What's obvious about it?"

"Stop being such a dick, and bring me the scissors."

"They're not on any of the shelves of the Welsh dresser."

"Try moving something and looking properly."

"I'm telling you, they're not on any of the shelves of the Welsh dresser."

"Oh for...."

Enter wife, who scans shelves of Welsh dresser, tuts, turns and opens the drawer next to the sink.

"Here they are - where they always are."

"That's not the first shelf of...."

"Really, for a supposedly intelligent person, you can be so stupid sometimes."

"But..."

"How long have we lived here?"

"You said..."

"I mean, obviously the first place any sensible person would look is where they're supposed to be."

"Actually, in this house, the last place you'd look for anything is where it's supposed to be..."

"Now you're just arguing for the sake of it, you dick. This tea's cold."

:lol:


Mark, Paul. Being called a dick or a simpleton or even "supposedly intelligent" is nothing compared with my Mrs P's infinitely eloquent sigh and under her breath "honestly" as she produces the scissors from the void.

[Paulclem]

:lol:


Mark, Paul. Being called a dick or a simpleton or even "supposedly intelligent" is nothing compared with my Mrs P's infinitely eloquent sigh and under her breath "honestly" as she produces the scissors from the void.

I know the look, and Mark's conversation is .... recogniseable. Is it me, or is the finding of things one of the most stressful everyday occurences?

Whilst we're on a domestic tack, another thing that has begun to assail my senses are those fragrance machines that have begun to appear in plug sockets around the house. Do you have these? They squirt me every time I go past, and I have developed the paranoid notion that Mrs Paulclem has programmed them to respond to my footfall, or odour...

Some of them are ok, but the really annoying one is in the living room next to the TV, which always seems to send out its lemon fragrances when I've sat down with a cuppa or my dinner in front of the TV. (In my favourite part of the settee - nearest the telly so I can see who has the ball when the football is on).

[Paulclem]

I'd also like to report that the taties are all now in - I got an extra batch of second earlies, so i now have 12 rows. I was also given some shallots and onion sets, which have also been planted. I harvested some purple sprouting broccoli today, and I have leeks in their beds ready. All three sheds are still standing, and I've dug over most of the new allotment, but the grass and weeds are now abundently growing where I have previously dug. I hope to get more stuff in next week.

[prendrelemick]

Wow! Paul, it's shed of the year time. (BBC Breakfast)

Get your entry in and clear a space on your mantlepiece.

[Paulclem]

Wow! Paul, it's shed of the year time. (BBC Breakfast)

Get your entry in and clear a space on your mantlepiece.

Absolutely. I could enter all three and get a sympathy shed from the sponsors cuprinol. All three have got a certain savoir faire - I reckon I've got a good chance.

Speaking of sheds, I've not long ince got back from the Allotment AGM - doesn't time fly!

The same people were there, and the 5% rule - 5% of the people cause 100% of the problems came true again. I recognised the faces.

We devolved into farce again over a dispute over those who had not read the new proposed constitution. It ended with a vote on whether to hold a vote on adopting the new constitution. The vote was passed, and then there was a vote on the new constitution - which also passed. So the grumblers and disputers lost that one. In our corner I assured the gathered crew that Eric in the corner had read and agreed with it, and so our corner voted for it.

It's a fascinating process.

[MarkBastable]

Absolutely. I could enter all three and get a sympathy shed from the sponsors cuprinol. All three have got a certain savoir faire - I reckon I've got a good chance.

Speaking of sheds, I've not long ince got back from the Allotment AGM - doesn't time fly!

The same people were there, and the 5% rule - 5% of the people cause 100% of the problems came true again. I recognised the faces.

We devolved into farce again over a dispute over those who had not read the new proposed constitution. It ended with a vote on whether to hold a vote on adopting the new constitution. The vote was passed, and then there was a vote on the new constitution - which also passed. So the grumblers and disputers lost that one. In our corner I assured the gathered crew that Eric in the corner had read and agreed with it, and so our corner voted for it.



Or possibly David Nobbs.

[prendrelemick]

Is there a more edifying sight than democracy in action?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

I know the look, and Mark's conversation is .... recogniseable. Is it me, or is the finding of things one of the most stressful everyday occurences?

Whilst we're on a domestic tack, another thing that has begun to assail my senses are those fragrance machines that have begun to appear in plug sockets around the house. Do you have these? They squirt me every time I go past, and I have developed the paranoid notion that Mrs Paulclem has programmed them to respond to my footfall, or odour...
...

hehe. Our squirt machine is named Lily.
Clay litter can only absorb so much.


... All three sheds are still standing, and I've dug over most of the new allotment, but the grass and weeds are now abundently growing where I have previously dug. I hope to get more stuff in next week.


Wow! Paul, it's shed of the year time. (BBC Breakfast)

Get your entry in and clear a space on your mantlepiece.


Absolutely. I could enter all three and get a sympathy shed from the sponsors cuprinol. All three have got a certain savoir faire - I reckon I've got a good chance.

....

Paul, I'm confident you would win on the merit of the sheds alone, but in order to seal the deal I would suggest attaching last year's play to the application.

BTW...I must have slept through a few posts, I wasn't aware of a third shed. I remember "Ivy League Estates" and "Post Modern Villa".

.

[Paulclem]

BTW...I must have slept through a few posts, I wasn't aware of a third shed. I remember "Ivy League Estates" and "Post Modern Villa".

.

Here are the three sheds

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/P200311_1131_01.jpg

The Leaning Shed of the Allotment

[Paulclem]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/P200311_1134.jpg

The Fallout Shelter

[Paulclem]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/P100411_1916.jpg

Ivy Cottage

This is the shed that Fred wanted to keep using. He sits in there when he has his beer, or tea, and also when it rains - though I'm not sure it does much good in that case. I'm happy for him to use it. I am.

The pictures were taken a year or so ago - maybe more. Not much has changed with them, though I have finally fitted a bit of guttering to two of them.

[prendrelemick]

Great pictures and so thoughtfully arranged, its like a progression of characterfulness. The first one is still recognisable as a standard garden shed, the next is beginning to morph into something abstract, and the last is nature reclaiming its own from the insolence of man,s creation.

I think Cuprinol could use them as a cautionary tale. - Use our product, or....

[Paulclem]

Great pictures and so thoughtfully arranged, its like a progression of characterfulness. The first one is still recognisable as a standard garden shed, the next is beginning to morph into something abstract, and the last is nature reclaiming its own from the insolence of man,s creation.

I think Cuprinol could use them as a cautionary tale. - Use our product, or....

:lol:

Yes - good for before and after photos.

Fred - my allotment neighbour who uses Ivy Cottage above - has another normal and ordinary shed, but he insists on using that one. I've no idea why, although he does have a filing cabinet of stuff in there with his tools. Perhaps they are secret files he's filched.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/P200311_1131_01.jpg
...




“Villa Paulladio”

From Andrea Palladio’s “The Four Books of Architecture:

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2532.jpg


Of Timber…


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2530.jpg



Of Foundations…


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2531.jpg


Of Furniture…

Furnishings shall compliment the design of the structure for which they serve. Plastic has become a popular choice of material in recent years. Cheap, able to be mass produced, brittle in winter, legs capable of buckling at the first attempt to lean back, plastic is the material of choice at the Villa.


Note the use of the chair as a platform to place your flask and copy of Sir Bannister Fletcher.

.

[prendrelemick]

Or in the case of Pauls shed. Nail on piecef of interior grade hardboard to the eavef.

We bodgers know it is a perfectly acceptable material, that co-operates with the weather rather than resists it. It is a sign that the architect was an optimist. Provided you don't push your finger through when it's wet it will last for years.

[Paulclem]

I must acquaint you chaps with the secret of the construction of this shed. It is my belief that whoever constructed this fine edifice intended it for a much more grand purpose than a mere allotment shed. I can only surmise that the original purpose was lost in events of the past. I'm sure the robust nature of the construction - as you will see, will convince you fellows of its worthiness for extraordinary duties.

I'll get some interior pictures on my next trip down - perhaps Saturday.

[prendrelemick]

“Villa Paulladio”

From Andrea Palladio’s “The Four Books of Architecture:

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2532.jpg


Of Timber…


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2530.jpg



Of Foundations…


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Books/IMGP2531.jpg


Of Furniture…

Furnishings shall compliment the design of the structure for which they serve. Plastic has become a popular choice of material in recent years. Cheap, able to be mass produced, brittle in winter, legs capable of buckling at the first attempt to lean back, plastic is the material of choice at the Villa.


Note the use of the chair as a platform to place your flask and copy of Sir Bannister Fletcher.

.

It was very remis of Chippendale, Sheraton and Adam not to include examples of the above in their pattern books.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

It was very remis of Chippendale, Sheraton and Adam not to include examples of the above in their pattern books.

haha!
I am curious to know whose furniture Paul is featuring there in his photo, perhaps a derivative of Breuer or Eames.
I wonder if Paul made it down to the allotments for the interior shots?

btw - My apologies to Mr. Fletcher, that should be one "n" in Banister.

.

[Paulclem]

haha!
I am curious to know whose furniture Paul is featuring there in his photo, perhaps a derivative of Breuer or Eames.
I wonder if Paul made it down to the allotments for the interior shots?

btw - My apologies to Mr. Fletcher, that should be one "n" in Banister.

.

I did.

Just look at the thickness of those beams. I reckon they are railway sleepers. There are a couple more over the page. Apologies - the picture quality is not so good. The syle of chair in the picture is most likely B&Q or Wilkinsons. You probably don't have those mass outlets in Texas.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0306.jpg

[Paulclem]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0302.jpg

[Paulclem]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0304.jpg

[Paulclem]

I picked some lovely purple sprouting broccoli today.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0308.jpg

[Paulclem]

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0307.jpg

The green mesh you can see is scaffolding mesh which we bought a couple of years ago. It's great for keeping off the leaf chompers.

[prendrelemick]

That shed is built on the sound Victorian Principle of over-engineering, when things were built to last and then a bit more was added just in case. Brunel and Vitruvius would've approved.

Meanwhile Mrs P has introduced a Throw to go over the Throw on my half of the settee. I know my trousers can be a little fragrant at times, especially after mucking out the cows, but a quick squirt of fabreeze would've been more discreet.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

That shed is built on the sound Victorian Principle of over-engineering, when things were built to last and then a bit more was added just in case. Brunel and Vitruvius would've approved...


Prendrelemick, I'm not so sure about those sound Victorian principals.

“God is in the details”
And the devil is in the shed.

Just look at the tenuous moment connection in the photo below. The beam end is cut at an angle thus preventing a tight flush fit and see how the nails reach out in a futile attempt to grip the air.
The beam entering to the left may as well be “skipping down the road” as my structural class professor would say.
The fact that Villa Paulladio still stands, is a testament to the composite diaphragm action of the exterior panels compensating for a moment connection performing at about 50%.

From the beast to the beauty.
Your Brocolli is looking mighty fine there!

.




http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0302.jpg

[prendrelemick]

I think you have just named an important branch of shed architecture "The Paulladian style"

The ill fitting joint could be an abandoned attempt at a dovetail. It is true that in conventional structures the frame supports the cladding and not the other way round. perhaps what we have here is evidence of the first tottering steps towards today's Monocoque technology.

[prendrelemick]

Speaking of Victorian Principles...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/victoria-principal-46.jpg

[MarkBastable]

Never fancied her. Looking at her now, I think perhaps it was the weirdly long thumbs.

However, if she serves to move us on from the subject of sheds, I'm all for her.

So - women we fancied when we were teenagers.... Here we go....

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtyaepkfsbY/TfTjRODQV5I/AAAAAAAADO0/ImawpJbtWz4/s640/jane_seymour_gallery_1.jpg

http://www.alicia-logic.com/capsimages/rhps_025MagentaTimeWarp.jpg

http://www.johnkalodner.com/photos/misc/1970s/JerryHall1975.jpg

http://iaith.tapetrade.net/doctorwho/images/leela1.jpg

[prendrelemick]

Yes
No
who?
Perhaps. ( if Jane Fonda's unavailable.)

[Paulclem]

Isn't the third one Jerry Hall?

[DocHeart]

It's got to be Kim Wilde. I think she still holds my personal record, if you know what I mean.

Parker... seriously... WHAT'S in this whisky?

http://oldvinylonline.com/items_images/1295723230k1.jpg

[MarkBastable]

Isn't the third one Jerry Hall?

Yeah. As it happens, I ended up marrying a very tall American with blonde waterfall hair and - by now - a weirdly Anglicised Yank accent. Though she doesn't have Jerry's talent for leg-wrestling.

[Paulclem]

Yeah. As it happens, I ended up marrying a very tall American with blonde waterfall hair and - by now - a weirdly Anglicised Yank accent. Though she doesn't have Jerry's talent for leg-wrestling.

I remember you saying you went on a road trip on motorbikes recently. How goes it?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Speaking of Victorian Principles...
Victoria-Principal


Now there’s a couple of principals we can all set our sights on.
A brilliant way to “dovetail” into a new topic. Come to think of it I believe we’ve covered this ground a few times in the past. It feels like home to a bloke.

A few that got me in a lather during the formative years…

Barbara Eden in her role as “Jeannie”


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Barbara_eden_as_jeannie_1966.JPG/344px-Barbara_eden_as_jeannie_1966.JPG


Raquel Welch

http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TCM/Images/Dynamic/i124/onemillionyearsbc_1966_cs_01_1200_012420110108.jpg



Nichell Nichols as Lt. Uhura from Star Trek

http://www.startrek.com/uploads/assets/articles/a585ca66700cc45a800acdeffbe981e569d2aa01.jpg


.

[prendrelemick]

As a teenager I fancied every presentable female that hove into view. Top of the Pops was the most fertile ground with Suzy Quattro, The Three Degrees and the petite dark one in Pans People deserving special mention.

Kim Wilde was exceptionally gorgeous - but I was happily married by then - so obviously she had no affect.:drool5:


T'other night on't telly Sally Carr was on again, who was a goddess to my 13 year old self.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZjTrBkBIqw

[MarkBastable]

As a teenager I fancied every presentable female that hove into view. Top of the Pops was the most fertile ground

....so many Biblical and cultural allusions there, waiting to be transmuted into off-colour gags, that I'm paralysed by the extent of the possibilities.




T'other night on't telly Sally Carr was on again, who was a goddess to my 13 year old self.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZjTrBkBIqw

Even at 13, there's no excuse for that.

Sally James, on the other hand....

http://thehelplessdancer.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sally_james_29-e1271773264902.jpg?w=500&h=534

[prendrelemick]

^Mmm, proving that Sallys are a little thin on the ground when it comes to glamour.

Does anyone remember the classy Shirley

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/wow.jpg

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...Does anyone remember the classy Shirley


edit - Mick, which Shirley is that? I had a second thought and googled images of MacLain and don't see the ones you posted. The hair is different but the eys and eyebrows looked similar. Either way, she would have done fine by me.

original post...
My first and lasting association with Shirley MacLain is from her role in Alred Hitchcock's The Trouble With Harry, a humorous piece of dark comedy, however, she was not among the cast of my youthful fantasies. Had I seen the images above, she would have been given the part... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3eWgbVvqNY

If you would indulge me for a brief sidestep from the current train of thought, what are your impressions regarding "Boddington's Pub Ale"?. I recently made an entirely random purchase of Boddington's consisting of a four pack in cans. Very smooth, nice color and plenty of head. Thanks in advance, now back to the ladies of our youth.

.

[prendrelemick]

My Shirley is Shirley Anne Field - a minor starlet who was probably too gorgeous to be taken seriously. Shirley Maclain on the other hand, like most hurricanes, was always taken seriously.


More importantly a cold "Boddie" at the end of the hard, hot day hits the spot as well as anything else.
It used to be known as "The Cream of Manchester, but it's multi-national owner moved production and for what ever reason the flavour of the beer altered (probably something in the water.) It's still a half decent beer, but tastes more watery that it used to.

[MarkBastable]

My Shirley is Shirley Anne Field - a minor starlet who was probably too gorgeous to be taken seriously. Shirley Maclain on the other hand, like most hurricanes, was always taken seriously.


One of my favourite Hollywood quotes, from Shirley MacLaine...

"I've played a hooker so often that they don't pay my agent any more. They just leave the money on the dresser."

[MystyrMystyry]

Old Boddie's sounds yum!

Has anyone tried the William Stones Bitter Draught Sheffield [this is what's emblazoned on the replacement pint glass] (and I'm sure a few of you have!). A google took me to the Wikipaedia, but apart from discovering it was once the most popular brew in Britain I couldn't find an actual review. I've yet to check whether they export.


Incidentally I pegged you both as Shirley MacLean blokes...

[prendrelemick]

Boddies, Stones and John Smiths are very similar apart from their signature coloured cans (Yellow Orange and Green respectively.) Tetley's (blue can) is slightly superior. Bitter of any sort is becoming scarce on the supermarket shelves these days - even here in the beer swilling north. Lager now accounts for about 80% of shelf space, and cider is the latest fad. Where once they dominated, the mass produced bitters are now tucked away with the specialist stuff like Black Sheep and Hobgoblin.

Shirley MacLean is more admirable than fanciable for me.

[MystyrMystyry]

So only as good as new Boddies? I was thinking of ordering some, but maybe I'll stick to local. Actually I've gone off bitter myself lately, because Cooper's Vintage is just about the best I've ever tasted ever - it's got the creamy aspect, but you could almost start comparing it to wine with it's slight sarsparilla bouquet and chocolatey nose.

I can taste the wonderment. I can taste the excitement. I can taste your jealousy.

[prendrelemick]

I cannot be jealous of a Newcastle Brown virgin.

I may have mentioned before that I do enjoy the odd glass of Newcastle Brown Ale. However sometimes you just need something to quench your thirst, and those bottled beers are a pit pricey and not as slakey. That's where your cans of Stones, Boddies and John Smiths come in. OK they might not be wine-like in their subtleties but they are good beers, not as gassy as lager and a lot better than the really cheap stuff. I like to chop and change between them, but I can't say which is best. Boddington's used to be best, but it aint what it was. Tetley's is better, it is very smooth and creamy, it goes down easily, the flavour is deep rather than strong. After your first one you'll want another. For a high volume mass produced beer it is exceptional.

The specialist and small brewery ales are ok, they have their own distictive flavours much like wine, but in that price range I prefer my superior Newkie Brown every time.

[Paulclem]

Newkie Brown. I haven't had one in years. Distinctive flavour. I used to drink Tetleys quite a lot in my youth, but, as Mick says, the others are fine.

I tend to have a spiced rum in the coffee down the allotment more than anything else exept in summer when there's nothing like a cool pint.

[prendrelemick]

Is your local Tetleys as good as that of your youth Paul? I only ask because some beers don't travel well. I was in Leamington Spa a while ago and went to a pub across from the municiple bowling greens. The landlord recognised my accent - to within about 10 miles - because they got alot of bowlers in from "up north". "I've just the thing for you" he said, then pointed out the Timothy Taylor's Landlord he had on tap, which is brewed in Keighley and usually very nice. He proudly pulled me a lovely looking pint and with several locals looking on I took a sip. It was disgusting. However I looked into the landlord's eager face and felt that telling him so would be like kicking a puppy. "Mmmm that's grand." I said.

[Paulclem]

Now you've set me a task. I'll have to invest a little time to answer. I can still taste the first sup of Tetleys I used to have in good old Wakey. Very distinctive.

[MystyrMystyry]

Slake's the operative there actually - Vintage creates a thirst. I defy anyone, boozer or no, to stop at just one. So Newc's and Coop's are probably similar - going by a few boutique ales I've tasted - but again I'm not really a drunk (though I've certainly had my moments of glory), a pint usually lasts me half an hour to an hour (unless we're talking party, in which event who tracks time?)

I've discovered a pub that serves only imported beer, with a huge ornately chalked blackboard displaying their offerings. Newc's on there and Boddies too, though don't remember seeing a Tetley's, but perhaps they do.

Unfortunately it's a city hotel with no garden, and that generally means I'm not likely going to hang around, and also it has the air of an up-market bistro rather than a place you'd want to spend the day in - with a view to tasting everything in one sitting - but it could be fun to try

(After about the third I'd guess)

[Paulclem]

I haven't had that Tetley's yet. There's a festival over in Earlsdon on Monday - (Earlsdon is a part of Coventry which has been referred to as the muesli belt). I think they put a lot into the street party - it's the kind of place that has committees for everything. Perhaps I'll get to have the Tetley's there.

By the way, did I tell you that I've been invited onto the allotment committee? Out of seven, there were three, and so they're just making up the numbers. Now I get to help out in the shop. I think I'll be carrying compost bags out of the store as a start.

[prendrelemick]

^ With power comes privilege.


Earlsdon sounds the kind of place where you're more likely to get a pint of Evian than a Tetleys.

[Paulclem]

^ With power comes privilege.


Earlsdon sounds the kind of place where you're more likely to get a pint of Evian than a Tetleys.

It certainly does. I'll have a gander tomorrow during the festival. It might provide entertainment of one kind or another.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

The missus and I finished the "Boddies" and she followed up with a purchase of Becks last week.
Today we swung by the grocer to get some hamburger buns for our grill night. As fate would have it, the bread aisle is adjacent to the beer and wine section and what to my wandering eye do I spot? Newcastle Brown Ale, right next to the Boddington's. I'm on my second bottle. Quite good.
Bass Ale was on the shelf as well. - How does Bass Ale stack up with you blokes?

Paul - A character from one of those bizarre tales of mine was named "The Dungloader"

.

[prendrelemick]

Quite good! Well I suppose it could be an aquired taste. I think it is akin to a food, its a nourishing drink designed for these cold damp cilmes, to be had in front of a warm fire of a winter evening, rather than with a barbie. Course I drink it all the time.

It sounds as though your grocer is better stocked with good beer than our supermarkets are these days. I like the Bass Premium Ale - that's a black can with a big red triangle on the front, it comes in at around the Tetleys mark, so not bad at all, a bit over priced though.

We have Becks Coors and Buds over here, I find them flavoursome though a bit gassy for my taste.

[Paulclem]

I didn't make it to Earlsdon for the festival. A bloke at the gate barred my way with a spear and called me a knave and a wastrel. I took umbrage at being called a wastrel, but he wouldn't let me in, and, as he was backed up by a big bloke with a large axe, we went on into ye olde Coventry and had a pubbe Lunch instead.

Instead we saw a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Messcherschmidt109 in the newly paved centre, and I had a burger whilst Mrs Paulclem had a curry. They didn't have Tetleys on tap either. We had a pleasant time of it though.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...Instead we saw a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Messcherschmidt109 in the newly paved centre...
Wish I were there to see three of the greatest fighters of the time. The local air museum has a Spitfire and a Messerschmidt 109 fitted with a British Rolls Royce Merlin engine. (you can tell by the position of the exhaust ports) oh the shame!
Regardless, both are beautifully restored aircraft.

I just finished the last of the "Newkies" and now I'm starting on a Warsteiner.

[prendrelemick]

I just finished the last of the "Newkies" and now I'm starting on a Warsteiner.

As Hamlet put it.-

Could'st thou on this fair mountain leave to feed,
And batten on this Moor?

[prendrelemick]

Wish I were there to see three of the greatest fighters of the time. The local air museum has a Spitfire and a Messerschmidt 109 fitted with a British Rolls Royce Merlin engine. (you can tell by the position of the exhaust ports) oh the shame!
Regardless, both are beautifully restored aircraft.

I just finished the last of the "Newkies" and now I'm starting on a Warsteiner.





As a matter of intrest GG, what would the American equivalent of those three aircraft be? Iconic dog fighter, that is.

[prendrelemick]

Here's a joke from my school days.

After the war Douglas Bader goes to a girls convent school to give a talk about his wartime experiences.

"I was on patrol over the Kent coast, when suddenly two Fokkers came diving out of the sun towards me -"

Noticing some giggleing on the front row, the Mother Superior stepped in. "I should tell you girls that a Fokker was a type of German aircraft. Isn't that right Mr Bader?"

"That's right Mother Superior, but these Fokkers were in Messerschmidts!"

Ahh how we laughed.

[MarkBastable]

. A bloke at the gate barred my way with a spear and called me a knave and a wastrel.

Was this one of these Mediaeval Crafte Fayre things, which involves unconvincing broadsword jousting between a portly greengrocer and sallow History postgrad, and some pale hippy chick attempting to make a loom interesting and a bell-hatted wanker on stilts scaring children while discomfited parents look on murmuring, "It's alright, Jocasta. He's funny."?

Or not?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

As a matter of intrest GG, what would the American equivalent of those three aircraft be? Iconic dog fighter, that is.

I’ll give the top three to:
Lockheed P-38 Lightning (J and L models),

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLKiQ06z7_g

*North American P-51 Mustang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEpzGcA_OTY&feature=related

and the Vought F4U Corsair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQxb-V-rZqA&feature=related

*Mustang’s were eventually fitted with the Rolls Royce -Packard Merlin V-12

Now most folks would give the Mustang the nod for top U.S. fighter but I must go with the Lightning for reason of personal pride. My father flew the Lightning in the Pacific theatre. Here he is on the wing of “Blood & Guts” assigned the Captain Elliott Summer somewhere in the Phillipines. They were in the same squadron:


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/FatherandP-38Lightning.jpg



I’ll see about rounding up a few more shots I found among the rolls of film from my father’s Leica.


"LIGHTNINGS IN THE SKY"
George A. Evans
Oh, Hedy Lamar is a beautiful gal, Madeline Carroll is too.
But you’ll find if you query a much different theory amongst any bomber crew
That the loveliest thing of which one can sing This side of the heavenly gates
Is no blonde or brunette of the Hollywood set
But an escort of P-38s

In all the days past when the tables were massed with glasses of scotch and champagne
It’s quite true that that sight was a thing to delight us intent on feeling no pain
But no longer the same nowadays in this game as we sail onto the missing state
Take your sparkling wine but always make mine
An escort of P-38s.

Byron, Shelley and Keats ran each other dead heats describing the views from the hills
Of the valleys in May where the winds gently sway an army of bright daffodils
Take your daffodils Byron, the wild flowers Shelley, yours is the myrtle, friend Keats
Just preserve me those cuties, all-American beauties
An escort of P-38s.

Sure we’re braver than hell on the ground all is well, in the air it’s a much different story
As we sweat out our track through the fighters and flak we’re willing to split up the glory
Well, they wouldn’t reject us so heaven protect us until all this shootin’ abates
Give us courage to fight ’em and another small item
An escort of P-38s.



Here's a joke from my school days.

After the war Douglas Bader goes to a girls convent school to give a talk about his wartime experiences.

"I was on patrol over the Kent coast, when suddenly two Fokkers came diving out of the sun towards me -"

Noticing some giggleing on the front row, the Mother Superior stepped in. "I should tell you girls that a Fokker was a type of German aircraft. Isn't that right Mr Bader?"

"That's right Mother Superior, but these Fokkers were in Messerschmidts!"

Ahh how we laughed.

Brilliant !!


Was this one of these Mediaeval Crafte Fayre things, which involves unconvincing broadsword jousting between a portly greengrocer and sallow History postgrad, and some pale hippy chick attempting to make a loom interesting and a bell-hatted wanker on stilts scaring children while discomfited parents look on murmuring, "It's alright, Jocasta. He's funny."?

Or not?

We have Scarborough Rennaisance festival http://www.srfestival.com/
One year we attended with our son, about 8 years old at the time. A wench with clevage was flirting with our son. Suddenly from acroos the green we hear a ragged knave pushing a cart of rags yell "Leave him alone, he has not yet known woman"

.

[prendrelemick]

^Thanks for thar Gilliatt, I had a feeling you'd choose the Lightning.

The sound of those supercharged merlins (in the Mustang) with that doppler effect as they fly past makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.



Madeline Caroll, a prototype Hitchcock blonde who gave it all up when her sister was killed in an air raid.

Who can forget this .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5tmPrvuDVU&feature=related

[MarkBastable]

A wench with clevage...
.

Yes, fair enough. Bloodye Irrytating Crafte Fayres do have that going for them - women with cleavage. Though most of them tend to be of the sturdy English oak rather than the slender green willow variety. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

And I do have a sneaking suspicion that all this Mediaeval festival stuff and the Sealed Knot palaver and anything that involves bustles and bonnets and top hats and twirled moustaches at neighbourhood Christmas Fairs - all that - is actually no more than extended Method-acting foreplay in anticipation of sepia-tinted oh-Sir-Jasper owzyerfather when the participants get home.

[Sancho]

Strange times.

Great photo, Gill. I may be projecting, but your dad looks like a man who is ready to take on whatever life is going to throw at him. At any rate, it’s a great photo.

I agree. The P-38 was the king of the Pacific. Everything in aviation is a tradeoff – speed for maneuverability – fuel for weapons load – etc. But with the P-38, the sacrifices made for the extra engine were more than paid back by getting the plane back home, over long stretches of ocean, with one feathered.

The Cats did fairly well against the Mitsubishi Zero. The Navy has always liked Grumman as an air-framer. The U.S. got ahold of its first A6M Zero in the Aleutian Islands. Japanese Petty Officer Koga took a .50 cal round to an oil line, but rather than scuttle the plane in the ocean and wait for a submarine rescue (as were his instructions), he decided to land the plane in a meadow and then, presumably, planned to torch it and walk down to the beach and wait for rescue. I suppose he figured that Alaskan water was awfully cold and the meadow looked so inviting, but the meadow turned out to be muskeg (tundra) and a really poor landing surface. The plane flipped and Koga was killed – he had a broken neck, but he also had water in his lungs indicating he may have drowned as water filled the cockpit. Anyway, the plane was recovered by the Navy and taken to San Diego where it was repaired and flown against everything we had. Those tests strongly influenced the design of the F6F Hellcat, which turned out to be very effective against the Zero. The F8F Bearcat was probably an even better plane against the Zero, but it came along so late that it didn’t see much action.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/77693-F6F-Hellcat.jpg


If the Cats did well in the Pacific, there was a junkyard dog of a fighter plane that did well over Germany – the P-47 Thunderbolt. The Jug had a reputation for making it back across the channel with an obscene amount of battle damage – even with cylinders shot off. The P-51 Mustang, by contrast, was more of a finely tuned racehorse; one shot to its pressurized liquid-cooling system and it was out of commission.

The P-47 wasn’t pretty, or particularly lovable, but was effective, like a junkyard dog:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/P-47_Thunderbolt.jpg

[prendrelemick]

How does the Corsair measure up? A plane that looks menacing even when it's on the ground (or carrier.)

Our junk yard dog was the Hurricane. Though out performed and out graced by the Spitfire, it could be patched up with a bit of cloth and a slap of glue, and be ready for the next scramble, it was also alot cheaper and quicker to make. these were pretty important factors during those desperate times.

I've just been reading about the De Havilland Mosquito, the World's fastest plane of its day, it was built of balsa wood which meant its airframe parts could be produced in small workshops all over the country and not take up stratigic resources and materials. In fact it was only because of this, the Air Ministry approved its development.

[MarkBastable]

Do you know how many minutes' ratta-tatta-tatta the Spitfire could deliver before the pilot had to go home for more bullets?

None.

It was sixteen seconds.

That's not how it comes across in the movies, I'm telling you.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Strange times.

Great photo, Gill. I may be projecting, but your dad looks like a man who is ready to take on whatever life is going to throw at him. At any rate, it’s a great photo.

....If the Cats did well in the Pacific, there was a junkyard dog of a fighter plane that did well over Germany – the P-47 Thunderbolt. The Jug had a reputation for making it back across the channel with an obscene amount of battle damage – even with cylinders shot off. The P-51 Mustang, by contrast, was more of a finely tuned racehorse; one shot to its pressurized liquid-cooling system and it was out of commission.

The P-47 wasn’t pretty, or particularly lovable, but was effective, like a junkyard dog:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/P-47_Thunderbolt.jpg


Thanks Sancho. My father did quite well for himself after the war, through the remainder of his life.
(Quick correction: That's MAJOR Elliott Summer referring to my earlier post)

The P-47 is a beast.
A humorous excerpt from Famous Fighters of the Second World War by William Green:

“When in January 1943, the U.S.A.A.F.’s 56th Fighter Group arrived in the United Kingdom with its massive Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, R.A.F. fighter pilots banteringly suggested that their American colleagues would be able to take evasive action when attacked by undoing their harness and dodging about the fuselage of their huge mounts.”



How does the Corsair measure up? A plane that looks menacing even when it's on the ground (or carrier.)

...I've just been reading about the De Havilland Mosquito, the World's fastest plane of its day, it was built of balsa wood which meant its airframe parts could be produced in small workshops all over the country and not take up stratigic resources and materials. In fact it was only because of this, the Air Ministry approved its development.

The Corsair was quite intimidating with an impressive performance under the Navy and Marines. It was the longest production piston fighter continuing service into the Korean War. The Corsair’s fame was due in part to the accomplishments and antics of the “Black sheep Squadron” led by “Pappy” Boyington.

With only balsa and plywood wrapped around two Merlins, high speed was not difficult to achieve in the Mosquito!

I spent some time on a sentimental journey digging through old photos and found a few you might appreciate.

First some background music - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot_1MHbFOtY&feature=related

Father during Primary Training (“PT”) phase along with the rest of the class. He is standing at far right. The tubes coming out of the ears received a flexible communication hose, given that you can tell who the instructor is!
The plane is a Ryan PT-22

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/FatherandPrimaryTrainingclass.jpg


Next phase was Basic Training (“BT”). The plane is Vultee BT-13 “Vibrator”


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/FathersoloflightBT-13.jpg


Final phase was Advanced Training (“AT”) using the North American AT-6 “Texan”.


Father and a nightclub blonde bombshell. Somewhere in California, probably LA, during fighter training before heading off to the Phillipines.


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/Fatherwithnightclubbombshell.jpg


Good looks must skip a generation, cause I sure as hell don’t look like this:


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/FatherWWIIPilotstudiophoto.jpg



Finally, some P-38 nose art plus one from a C-47 photos taken by my father C’mon, they’re no worse than some of those images St. Lukes posts:


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/P-38NoseArtreduced.jpg

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/P-38LapGognoseart.jpg

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/JeanCreamernoseartreduced.jpg

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/SleepyTimeGalonC-47.jpg

[Sancho]

Do you know how many minutes' ratta-tatta-tatta the Spitfire could deliver before the pilot had to go home for more bullets?

None.

It was sixteen seconds.

That's not how it comes across in the movies, I'm telling you.

It’s counterintuitive but 16 seconds is an eternity in Air Fighting, and more than twice the trigger time of modern Fighters. So if it seems like a very long time when that the movie pilot is firing away – it is in real life too. What Hollywood doesn’t get at very well is trigger discipline, which is a technicality and doesn’t really matter to the plot or to movie goers anyway, so – who cares? Suffice it to say, in Air-to-Air or Air-to-Mud whether you run out of fuel or bullets first (Bingo Out or Go Winchester) is a crap shoot.


The P-47 is a beast.
A humorous excerpt from Famous Fighters of the Second World War by William Green:

“When in January 1943, the U.S.A.A.F.’s 56th Fighter Group arrived in the United Kingdom with its massive Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, R.A.F. fighter pilots banteringly suggested that their American colleagues would be able to take evasive action when attacked by undoing their harness and dodging about the fuselage of their huge mounts.”

Nice photos, Gill! I haven’t heard that story, but I suppose at that point in time, having survived the Battle of Britain, the RAF Blokes certainly had bragging rights over their Yankee brothers. The always quotable Winston Churchill said of the RAF’s performance during - the most intense air battle of all time: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. Another well-known quote (or at least sentiment) from the time prior to D-Day, when much of the US Army was in England, was about the only problems with the Yanks…was that they were overpaid, over-sexed, and over here. But I reckon John Bull preferred Uncle Sam to Herman the German.


...Madeline Caroll, a prototype Hitchcock blonde who gave it all up when her sister was killed in an air raid.

Who can forget this .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5tmPrvuDVU&feature=related

I’ve gotta tell ya, Mick, I’ve met more Aviation buffs in the UK than any other place I’ve been. I suspect the Battle of Britain left a mark on the national consciousness aviation-wise, but I don’t know. At airports like Manchester Intl’ they still have viewing stands by the runway where people hang out and write down the tail numbers of airliners in their logbooks as they land. Speaking of Manchester, the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry has a very good aviation hall. There’s no Hurricane but they do have a Submarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hunter. I was disappointed that there wasn’t an Avro Lancaster Bomber, but there was an Avro Shackleton Maritime plane. And more importantly there were a bunch of old guys hanging around there who knew absolutely everything about all of the exhibits. I got a personalized tour – “Hey mates, it’s a Yank, let’s show him around…he needs to know about the aspect ratio of the wing on the Hawker Siddeley Trident…oh yes, and we need to tell him about the engineering history behind the pitot-static system of the de Havilland Vampire…and so on. I stayed there until closing time, and then the old guys let me buy them a few pints at an off-license pub. It was a great day. And this is sort of weird, but somehow symmetrical, considering you mentioned Madeline Caroll, I ate at an excellent restaurant in Manchester on that trip – a little pricey but worth it – called 39 Steps. Freaky,eh?

[MarkBastable]

Sancho wrote: I suspect the Battle of Britain left a mark on the national consciousness aviation-wise, but I don’t know

I'm sure it did, everywise. I think that the fact that the war came to the towns and countryside has made it an immediate part of British understanding of the world in a way that until recently was impossible for Americans to understand.

In the winter of 2001, my wife - who'd by then lived in London about eight months - and I went to an exhibition at the Barbican of photographs of the City during the Blitz. All those images of London in flames were familiar to me, of course. But she said, "God - I never realised what it was like. It was 9/11 every night."

While we're talking about the Second World War, by the way, I highly recommend this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Double-Cross-Ben-Macintyre/dp/1408819902/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336891897&sr=1-1

[prendrelemick]

Those are great photo's GG, your father was a real hero.


I suppose the Battle of Britain is stamped upon the consciousness of the Nation. Or should I say the Legends are. Churchill, The Few, the Spitfire, our finest hour and all that. Perhaps it is because it was fought overhead in full view of the population, or the fact that we were the underdog. Whatever the strategic implications, it was a glorious episode in our history.


I would recommend reading Adolph Galland's biography for a German view on the Battle of Britain. Fascinating stuff.

I know the MMSI well, though I like to go and look at all those huge mill engines next door.


I couldn't remember the lovely Jean Creamer who's image appears on that plane so I looked her up!:blush:

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Thanks Sancho and Mark for the book suggestion. Coincidentally, I am currently reading volume one of Anthony Cave Brown’s Bodyguard of Lies from my father’s library.
“The extraordinary true story of the clandestine war of intricate deceptions that hid the secrets of D-Day from Hitler and sealed the Allied victory.”

Richard Hough and Dennis Richards The Battle of Britain is another we’ve had in the family library.
There’s a humorous sketch in the book, exemplifying how near to home the battle truly was. The sketch shows a couple blokes out in the countryside, one of which is offering directions to the other:

“Eglantine cottage? Go down the lanes past the Messerschmitt, bear left and keep on past the two Dorniers, then turn right and it’s just past the first Junkers.” Punch, 4 September 1940

I stumbled on this video back during those glorious chemtrail thread days. On a serious note, it still brings brings a tear to my eye:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUx3MU9iM6c

Thanks Mick and also for the book suggestion. Galland and Rommel seemed to be of similar stripes regarding their personal feelings about the war and attitude toward Hitler, Nazism.

I’m pretty sure Jean was a fictional character whose role was to “cream” the enemy with four .50 caliber guns and one 20 mm cannon. Note the one gun port that is taped over.

If you will indulge me one more time with a family photo, it is Mother’s Day here. Mom in uniform as WW II Army nurse:

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Family%20History/MotherWWIIArmyNurse.jpg

[Paulclem]

The pictures and discussion has taken an interesting turn. I've been a bit busy recently, though I've dropped in to take a look at what's happening.

Fantastic pictures Gilliatt - thanks for sharing. You must be proud of your parents. They look great in the uniforms.

I have little knowledge of planes, but a few of our relatives have told us of the effects of the bombing in Coventry during WW2.

My Mother-in-Law was evacuated to Wales when she was a kid during the Blitz. She didn't like the schools there as they did too much singing, but she had fun working on the farms.

The old Uncle and his family was bombed out of their home. They lived near a huge ordanance warehouse, which was not the best place to live during total war. They had just spent their first night in a house in a village - Fillongley - a few miles away, and when the old Uncle and his Dad returned to the house the next day after the big raid, they found that a slab of masonry had gone through the roof and smashed his parent's bed through the living room ceiling.

They didn't return to the house, as it had been rendered uninhabitable, but eventually got their own place in the village.

One of the learners in my class a few years ago told me that she had been a schoolgirl during the war, and, upon going home for dinner one day, she was fired at by a German plane. She said she told her Mum, who told her off for exaggerating, and sent her back to school for the afternoon.

[Sancho]

I agree. Those are fabulous pictures, Gill. And you’re a good son – Happy mother’s Day to your Mom. While I was browsing those photos I had to keep reminding myself that for all those people, with all those smiling faces, the future was uncertain. We all have the benefit of knowing what happened, but at that time the outcome of the war was far from guaranteed.

Also, that's an amazing schoolgirl story, Paul. The Nazis did some horrible things, but strafing schoolgirls is below dastardly.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

The pictures and discussion has taken an interesting turn. I've been a bit busy recently, though I've dropped in to take a look at what's happening.

Fantastic pictures Gilliatt - thanks for sharing. You must be proud of your parents. They look great in the uniforms.

I have little knowledge of planes, but a few of our relatives have told us of the effects of the bombing in Coventry during WW2...

Very proud indeed.
Well Paul, you only have yourself to blame with your mentioning on the planes you saw during your recent to “ye olde Coventry.” One mention of a WW II fighter plane and you’ve suddenly opened up the throttle to a classic blokey subject.

The mention of Conventry and the Blitz, brought to mind a gesture of peace I learned of a few weeks ago when I was trying to recall the name of the ruined church in Berlin. Inside Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church there is a cross made from large nails once used in the wood structure from Coventry Cathedral that was destroyed during the Blitz.

From Wikipedia:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/16-142a_Coventry_Cross.jpg/220px-16-142a_Coventry_Cross.jpg



I agree. Those are fabulous pictures, Gill. And you’re a good son – Happy mother’s Day to your Mom. While I was browsing those photos I had to keep reminding myself that for all those people, with all those smiling faces, the future was uncertain. We all have the benefit of knowing what happened, but at that time the outcome of the war was far from guaranteed...


Thanks and interesting observation Sancho. In the case of the photos above, the smiles were a little easier to come by among those you see and among the Allies in general, since they were taken toward the latter half of 1944 and into 1945. The Allies had, by that time, gained air superiority and it was clear that we were advancing on the ground in Europe and island by island in the Pacific.

One serious threat to that air superiority came with the advent of jet power and the Messerschmitt ME 262. Fortunately Hitler’s coked up mind (see Theodor Morell) convinced him that the jet should be used primarily as a ground attack weapon instead of a pursuit fighter against the waves of allied bombers. And it was those bombers that included ME 262 factories among their top priority targets thus stymieing production.

Back to planes and engines. Another British workhorse that I’d always admired, is the Hawker Tempest. The subtle gull wing and curvature of the trailing edge of the Tempest is beautiful, not quite as pronounced as the Corsair. A 24 cylinder Napier Sabre engine hauled the Tempest over 400 mph.

Listen to the pass at 4:23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKq51LdJ-ZU

(what is happening to this thread?)

.

[prendrelemick]

I had a Sancho like experience in Coventry Cathederal, I was taken in hand and given a three hour tour by an old bloke who remembered the bombing.

Coventry Cathederal sent many of those crosses out all over the world. Strangely for a symbol of peace, the original one that was fashioned immediately after the fire cooled was given to the warship HMS Coventry and was passed on to Ships bearing that name untill The Falklands conflict, when the last Coventry was sunk.

Navy divers salvaged the cross and it is now on another ship with Coventry connections. (I can't remember the name.)

[Paulclem]

Yes - they've got a cross of nails in the ruins of the old cathedral too. It's a powerful symbol of regeneration for the city. There was a lot of reconciliation work done after the war.

I'm going to post those pictures of the Spitfire and Messcherschmidt. I would have done it just now but the converters for the micro SDs have gone!! Grrrrrrr

Just as an aside to the current topic, I watched the last Match of the Day last night which showed the last games for this season played in the football premiership.

I have to say it was brilliant.

It was between Manchester United and Manchester City - reds and blues respectively.

The went into their final games on equal points, but with Man City ahead on goal difference - the amount of goals scored minus the amount conceded. Manchester United needed to win to have a hope of winning the title again.

If Manchester United won, then Manchester City needed to win to stay on top with the better goal difference.

Man United were playing Sunderland away. They had quite a few chances, but Wayne Rooney scored to make it 1:0 to Man U. Sunderland came close, but didn't look like winning.

Man City took and early lead against Queens Park Rangers to make it 1:0, but QPR came back with two goals to make it QPR 2, Man City 0.

Both games were drawing to a close, and the situation remained the same. It looked like Man U had snatched it from Man City.

Then extra time was added - 3 mins for the Man U game and 5 mins for the Man City game. As a consequence Man U's game ended, with them winning their game and waiting for the final whistle in the other. They were in front, and it looked like they had won.

Then, in the extra time, Man City scored two gaols within a minute, and took the lead 3:2 over QPR, won the game and won the title.

It was a brilliant end to a brilliant season. I'm glad Man City won, as Man U have won the title loads of times. Roll on the next one in August - after the European Cup. Yippee!

[prendrelemick]

Yup, Football is Drama. That's its appeal to me, and Sunday had it in bucketfulls. The whole season came down to the very last minute.

Afterwards the joy of those Man City fans was brilliant, it reminded me of the first time Man United won it under Fergie - before they became used to winning all the time.

As one City fan said, they have been waiting 44 years for a bit of luck and on Sunday it all arrived in one two minute dollop.

[optimisticnad]

Tsk tsk tsk...I return after a long time and decide to take a sneap peak at the enemy camp and lo and behold! we have pornographic content in the blokes' thread! :P Stereotypical much? :D :D xx

[prendrelemick]

No no, Our historical and cultural discussions are wide ranging and unbridled.

eg. compare this with the WW II art

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/120078_venus_de_milo.jpg

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...I'm going to post those pictures of the Spitfire and Messcherschmidt. I would have done it just now but the converters for the micro SDs have gone!! Grrrrrrr

....It was a brilliant end to a brilliant season. I'm glad Man City won, as Man U have won the title loads of times. Roll on the next one in August - after the European Cup. Yippee!

Don't forget those pictures Paul.

Yes, I noticed the headline a few days ago about Man City winning. Congratulations.
The Dallas Mavericks (pro basketball) were swept in the first round of playoffs after winning it all last year.
The Texas Rangers (baseball) are starting out pretty well. Maybe third time's a charm after losing the World Series two years in a row.



No no, Our historical and cultural discussions are wide ranging and unbridled.

eg. compare this with the WW II art

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/120078_venus_de_milo.jpg

Haha! brilliant.

I can picture it now; the Mona Lisa on the nose of a B-17.
Who knows there may have been one.

.

[Paulclem]

I won't forget. I'll pop them up as soon as I find the micro-sd converter.

[prendrelemick]

More footballing drama last night. Chelsea are European Champions. They were 1-0 down to Bayern Munich with 2 minutes to go, ( they should've been about 5-0 down on balance of play,) then Didier Drogba pops up and scores. It's still all square after extra time, (Robben failing to score with a penalty) and in the penalty shoot-out it's Drogba who gets the winning goal, with what could be his very last kick as a Chealsea player.

I'm not a big footie fan anymore, but you can't beat it for drama. It has all the classical elements - Tragedy, Hubris, Pathos, it's Heros and villians its Gods and Titans. A match has a narrative too, a story with twists and sub-plots. Chelsea last night were out played and out classed, they were down and out, but somehow managed to win in the end.

Even Halifax Town vs Torquay on a sleet riven wednesday night will have a moment of artistry that makes the spectators (20 cold men and a dog) gasp and remember why they turned out.

[Paulclem]

The manager has done a great job after Villas-Boas made a hash of his time there. It was a good game, and would have been even better if they had not flashed the result onto 5 news, which took me by surprise.

The BBC did that on the last day as well announcing Man City as the winners at the beginning of the news before Match of the Day. I swore.

[Sancho]

I don’t know anything about soccer.

But I did get to go a match a few years ago in Manchester – what a gas. We knew something was going on in town as soon as we hit the ground. The whole place was nervous, on edge. It was in the air. The concierge at the hotel filled us in: England was playing Wales in the elimination for the World Cup, which was a matchup that hadn’t happened in quite some time. I said, “Oh hell yeah! We gotta go.” The hotel man said, “It’s sold out, but I know a bloke who…”

So we called the guy, who probably figured we were alright on account of our Yankee accents, and he told us to meet him under a certain sign in front of the stadium and he would contact us – Oh yes, and have the money ready, in small unmarked bills. I guess they’re weird about ticket scalping in Manchester.

Anyway, it all worked out and we got in (for around £100 apiece). And so we’re sitting there, watching the game, getting comfortably numb, and chatting it up with our section mates. They filled us in on the finer points of the game – I think – I’m not really sure, because between the many pints involved and those crazy accents, I was only getting about half of what they were saying.

What impressed me most was the coordinated abuse heaped on the Welsh by the English fans, the Welsh being ensconced in a tightly knotted defensive position in a small section of the stadium. The English had one cheer in particular that everyone seemed to know. They’d all start chanting something unintelligible (to my Yankee ears anyway), and then, on cue, and in unison, they’d all turn towards the Welsh section and – flip them off. It was hilarious. I was dying.

David Beckham was playing for England, and I surmised it was somewhat of a homecoming for him (he’d already left Man-United). The Fans certainly loved the man. At one point in the game he took a hard hit and was down on the field. Again, I don’t know anything about soccer, but I know a cheap shot when I see one. I also sensed it was probably a vendetta. Anyway the whole stadium fell into a stunned silence for a few moments until one guy, not too far from us, jumps up, with veins popping in his neck and spittle flying from his mouth, he screams at the Welch section: “YEW F*CKING BASTARDS!”

And so it went.

After the game we walked back to town, which was a sport in itself. Everybody was going in the same direction, but the battle line ran down the center of the street. Unwittingly we found ourselves on the side of Wales for this skirmish. My buddy (a former field artillery man) yelled, “Incoming!” and then we dodged a salvo of beer bottles from the other side of the street. We then watched while the Welsh returned fire and the English reloaded. We figured it wasn’t our fight, so we wound up taking refuge in a pub (they didn’t want to let us in until they figured out we were Yanks – “This way, mates.”).

Anyhow, next chance I get, I’m going to another soccer match.

[prendrelemick]

Was it "Are you Scotland in disguise?" A popular chant around that time.

[Sancho]

In all honesty, Mick, I have no idea what they were chanting, but that sounds about right. It says something, though I’m not sure what. If I’m remembering my history, the word for the Welsh evolved out one of the invader’s words for outsider or foreigner. Which is a crackup since they were invaders and they were naming an indigenous people as foreigners. And I’m drawing on a pretty thin education here – my knowledge of history in that area is – spotty. I don’t know if the invaders in question were the Romans, or the Angles/Saxons/Jutes/Frisians, Vikings, Normans, or what have you.

[prendrelemick]

You know as much as any "expert" in the field Sancho. The Tudor kings of England claimed descent from Troy through their Welsh roots. " Welsh "is an outsiders name for the natives - they call themselves Cymry nowadays.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

With only balsa and plywood wrapped around two Merlins, high speed was not difficult to achieve in the Mosquito!...and here is one of the wooden Wonders (I think I snapped those back in the 80's):

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o127/ClaesG/Aircraft%20old%20and%20new/Mosquito.jpg

As a bonus: An unusual formation:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o127/ClaesG/Aircraft%20old%20and%20new/SpitP47B17.jpg

/Claes

[prendrelemick]

The Mosquito looks fast when it's stood still.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

The Mosquito looks fast when it's stood still.Yes, it does, and I suppose that proves the old saying that an aircraft that looks right usually also flies right. It even sounds right: You should listen to the sound of those two Merlins crackling in idle, and then opening up with really throaty roars.

I actually had the great opportunity to listen to one Merlin during the weekend: A P-51D, in Västerås (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1142285&postcount=3007), Sweden. Magic...

/Claes

[Sancho]

Yes, it does, and I suppose that proves the old saying that an aircraft that looks right usually also flies right...

And I suppose there’s an exception to every rule:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/A-10_Thunderbolt_II.jpg
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/Warthog01.jpg

[prendrelemick]

Those Tank Busters used to practice over our valley, you always knew one was coming by the whistling noise the engines made.


Saw a TV documentry t'other night about the Japanese military build up before WW2. The narrator mentioned - in a throwaway line kind of way - that the Zero would out perform anything the west had at the time of Pearl Harbour.

[Paulclem]

Those Tank Busters used to practice over our valley, you always knew one was coming by the whistling noise the engines made.


Saw a TV documentry t'other night about the Japanese military build up before WW2. The narrator mentioned - in a throwaway line kind of way - that the Zero would out perform anything the west had at the time of Pearl Harbour.

Was that the one about Singaspore, and the traitor Lord Sempill?

Disgraceful. They wouldn't charge him due to revealing that MI5 had broken the secret of the codes, which is understandable, but when they exiled him to Scotland in some dead end job, the wouldn't force him out of his commission. He then goes on to be a celebrated member of the armed forces with honours and awards.

On 9 October 1941, a signed note from Churchill says: "Clear him out while time remains." The following week the Admiralty confronted Sempill and told him he could either resign or be fired. Sempill protested, and Churchill - unhappy at the action - wrote to the Admiralty: "I had not contemplated Lord Sempill being required to resign his commission, but only to be employed elsewhere in the Admiralty

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Forbes-Sempill,_19th_Lord_Sempill

In 1956 the Swedish government awarded him the Order of the Polar Star.

Anthony Blunt and his mates all over again.

[Paulclem]

I've seen A-10s in action at a big display by the army and air force down in Warminster. The groaning sound they made when they fired those depleted uranium ammunition from gatling guns(?) was unbelievable.

[prendrelemick]

Yup. The Peer of the realm gets away with spying for the enemy. It was a good programme that, though I doubt if the entire Far East debacle was entirely down to him - as it tried to make out .

[Paulclem]

Yup. The Peer of the realm gets away with spying for the enemy. It was a good programme that, though I doubt if the entire Far East debacle was entirely down to him - as it tried to make out .

No doubt you're right.

There was some scandal about Edward who married Mrs Simpson conniving with the Nazis too. Reward - Carribean Island life.

Lord Lucan, that marvellous evader of justice who single handedly escaped to South Afrca comes to mind too. I'm surprised the inventor of Where's Wally didn't merge the two characters together in the 90's to produce his darker alter ego books- Where's Lucan?

[Sancho]

Oddly enough, I just started reading John LeCarre's, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Rereading actually, but the first time I was a teenager and was just looking for a thriller. Now I'm able to recognize the depth.

[Sancho]

I just thought of a great Blokes-type topic:

Suck, Squeeze, Bang, and Blow

The four-stroke internal combustion engine:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/smallblockchevy.jpg

And you can still take a small-block Chevy apart with a screwdriver and a 9/16 wrench (Spanner if you’re working under the bonnet, box-end wrench if you’re working under the hood), but you’ll probably need a torque wrench to put it back together again.

[MarkBastable]

Is that Duchamp?

[prendrelemick]

We've lost that in Europe. The Grey Fergie tractors used to come with a tool kit that had one spanner in it.

The Daughter number two's car was occasionally miss-fireing so I got my tackle looked under the bonnet - there was nothing I could adjust or tinker with, I could hardly even see the engine. Worse still, they took it to a garage and they said they couldn't investigate which sensor or micro-chip was acting up without specialist Ford software. So they took it to a Ford Garage who said they'd look at it, but they had recently upgraded their diagnostic equipment and the old Mondeo might not be compatable. ( The car was 10 years old.):frown2:


To be fair, modern cars hardly ever go wrong, but I liked tinkering with the old Minis and Escorts.

[Sancho]

Is that Duchamp?

Nope, not a Duchamp, it’s a Chevrolet. Wait, hmm, were you talking to me?

Anyway, I know what you mean, Mick. Nowadays, I think, tinkering with automobile engines is strictly for hobbyists. I had a similar experience with my wife’s Honda. I lifted the hood (bonnet) and noticed the engine had a huge don’t-even-think-about-touching-me plastic shield over it. Ah well, I don’t miss adjusting the points every few hundred miles (kilometers).

You know, it was you British who gave us our standards for weights and measures, and then abandoned us for the metric system. Which king was it who had a 12 inch foot?

[ClaesGefvenberg]

To be fair, modern cars hardly ever go wrong, but I liked tinkering with the old Minis and Escorts.I can't say that I miss the tinkering, as I used to work on an assembly line for Wheel Loaders when I was younger. I want a car to transport my bottom from A to B in a comfortable and safe way, and that's about it. :biggrin5:

/Claes

[MarkBastable]

Nope, not a Duchamp, it’s a Chevrolet. Wait, hmm, were you talking to me?

Oh, okay. I'm not that well-versed in the French Dadaists, so I don't know Chevrolet. I just thought it might be the follow-up to these:

http://www.bikejuju.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/duchampwheel.png

http://www.personal.psu.edu/mas53/duchamp_fountain.jpg


You know, it was you British who gave us our standards for weights and measures, and then abandoned us for the metric system. Which king was it who had a 12 inch foot?

By tradition, one of the Tudor Henrys. Unlikely though. We had that measure way before them.

Wiki: The Roman foot was introduced to Britain in the 1st century AD. The length of the Roman foot has been estimated at 296 mm or 11.65 inches. In the 5th century, the Anglo-Saxons introduced the North German foot of 335 mm (13.2 inches). The new foot was used for land measurement, while the Roman foot continued to be used in the construction crafts. Some time between 1266 and 1303 the weights and measures of England were radically revised by a law known as the Composition of Yards and Perches (Compositio ulnarum et perticarum)[38] often known as the Compositio for short. This law, attributed to either Henry III or his successor Edward I, instituted a new foot that was exactly 10/11 the length of the old foot, with corresponding reductions in the size of the yard, ell, inch, and barleycorn. Furlongs and rods, however, remained the same. The furlong remained an eighth of a mile, but changed from 600 old feet to 660 new feet. The rod remained the same length, but changed from 15 old feet to 16 1/2 new feet.

[Sancho]

Haha! Me neither. I looked at that 1st picture and thought, cool truing stand, and speaking of whom, wasn’t Peugeot was a Dadaist as well? I had a bike made by him with British tubing (Reynolds 531) all around, and Italian components (Campy). It was a sweet ride. I broke the bottom bracket on it about ten years ago, which was a tragedy; If I’d’a had a pistol, I’d’a shot it right there on the side of the road and taken it out of its misery.

They don’t make many steel bikes anymore, so I bought one of these:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/Zep.jpg

It’s a sweet ride too. It was made by a company in Ohio (Airborne) from reclaimed aircraft titanium. This one has Japanese components (Shimano). The front fork and pedals are French (Look). The saddle is British (I doubt I’ll ever be able to ride on anything but a Brooks Saddle). And there’s got to be something on there that’s Italian…Oh yes, the handlebar tape is cork, by Cinelli.

And, unlike a car, you can still tinker with a bike. You can still tinker with one of these too:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/O200Continental.jpg

Little airplane engines haven’t much changed since the 30s. It’s more cost than it’s worth to certify new innovation through the FAA. I like the simplicity of an airplane engine. Note the split crankcase, the bolt-on cylinders, upper and lower spark plugs - each set with their own magneto.

Thanks for the run-down on weights and measures, Mark. My intuition told me it was probably a Tudor – I was banking on Henry VIII, gout and all. We also like an archaic temperature scale over here, but I think Mr. Fahrenheit was Dutch.

[prendrelemick]

[QUOTE=Sancho;1143845]
You know, it was you British who gave us our standards for weights and measures, and then abandoned us for the metric system. [QUOTE]


Only after you'd bowdlerized the good olde gallon.

[Sancho]

Imperial Gallons still show up around here from time to time, but only about as often as nautical miles show up on our highway signs. The question I have is: why didn’t we coordinate with each other on which side of the road we were planning to drive on. I mean it seems like it’d’ve been an easy thing to do. A phone call between our two Transportation Secretaries would’ve solved the dilemma:

“Hey Nigel, what side of the road yous planning to drive on over there?”
“Well, Ted, our boys prefer the left side.”
“Uh-huh, well we want to drive on the right.”
“Bloody good then, what say we flip a coin.”
“I call heads.”

Problem solved.

I did all right driving in England, and it only took me a couple of laps around the round-a-bout to figure it out. But the mistake I kept making was a simple one. At a standard four-way intersection, when I wanted to turn right, and there was a car waiting at the Stop Sign there, I kept trying to make a space for myself between that car and the curb.

I had the same problem in Japan.

[prendrelemick]

Ha! A recent visitor to our shores (a fellow litnetter) said she kept doing double takes at all the moving cars with no one in the driving seat.

[Paulclem]

I've never tinkered with an engine, and I have driven a car five times with five lessons. I maintain my bike rather than tinker. At the moment I have a disintegrated pedal that I can't change myself because I can't get the old pedals off my oldest bike because they are inset with a nut and don't have a long socket to get in and undo it. That's because I don't tinker and have never had a car. Oh well...

[prendrelemick]

Then you won't understand this. I've just bought a Halfords Professional tool kit. It's a thing I've long admired and was on very special offer. The spanners have a satisfying heaviness to them, they are tactile and smooth I like to just run my fingers over them. The ratchets of the socket set have a smooth competent chatter. The whole set is a thing of beauty (to me) Best of all is the ring the spanners make when you tap them together, a test I always use when buying tools, the pure bright note sings of quality.

[MarkBastable]

What's a ratchet?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Growing up as my pop’s tool runner, I became ambidextrous with the dual measurement system; the left hand was metric and the right hand American. Volkswagen flat fours and Chevy Corvair flat sixes (That’s Corvair mind you, not Corvette) were in perpetual need of tinkering or complete overhaul.
My father was like a doctor waiting for the nurse to slap the correct sized wrench in hand at a moment’s notice. It was easy enough to spot the 17mm socket in the tool box by our side, but when asked to fetch the torque wrench or timing kit meant I had to run back and enter the manliest of all manly drawers; the garage!!

Our garage was a hoarder’s delight, a labyrinth that evolved from the lingering effects of the Depression…

“Where’s the timing kit?”
“It’s under the table saw between the box of vacuum tubes and the stack of National Geographics…and don’t break any of those tubes, they came out of our old Zenith.”
“Hey Pop’s why do you have a can full of bent nails down here?”
“I plan to straighten them out some day and re use them.”

In time I ended up driving one of those flat fours in the form of a 1966 VW Beatle powered by a 1300cc engine. It chirped like a charm.



What's a ratchet?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ed/Nurse_Ratched.jpg/300px-Nurse_Ratched.jpg

[prendrelemick]

Mark asks a good question. Is it the pawl or the gear?



My Dad always had something that needed mending, a muckspreader or forage harvester or something, but he was happiest working in wood and used to leave mechanics to me and my brother. To be honest my brother was the brains of the outfit, he was a natural tinkerer. I used to hand the spanners to him, even though he was 3 years younger than me.

[Sancho]

‘Cepting Mick and Gill, perhaps I should explain the earlier sexual innuendo I used concerning the 4-stroke internal-combustion engine.

Suck Squeeze Bang and Blow

- was the mantra used to teach hundreds of thousands of hyper-hormonal teenaged boys the rudiments of an automobile engine. It’s how I learned it. It’s how everybody learned it. There was a guy in my neighborhood who worked on cars. He was an easy-going chap, and didn’t mind us kids hanging around. We were all drawn to his garage, like a crack whore to a slow-rolling Cadillac.

First, some definitions:

Cylinder: The vault in which the piston rides: up and down, in and out
Piston: See cylinder
Rod: Connects the piston to the Crankshaft
Crankshaft: A spinner. Goes round and round, and delivers thrust
Valves: Open and close orifices on the cylinder head to let gases in and out
Sparkplug: C’mon, baby, light my fire

The 4 Strokes of an Internal Combustion Engine:

Intake: Valve opens, Piston slides down the cylinder, SUCKING in a fuel/air mixture
Compression: Valves close, Piston rides up, SQUEEZING the mixture into volatility
Power: Sparkplug fires igniting the mix, and driving the piston down with a climactic BANG
Exhaust: Valve opens, piston rides up, BLOWING out the spent mixture

Next week, class, we’ll discuss the dual-overhead camshaft, and the importance of top-end cylinder head lubrication.

I need a cigarette.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/fourstrokecycle.jpg

[MarkBastable]

Lemon meringue pie is not as easy as it looks, you know.

[Sancho]

Also a good bouillabaisse is hard to come by. And would you please be quite out there in the garage! You’re going to make my soufflé fall.

Can somebody explain to me why the French need so many freaking vowels to represent just one sound?

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Mark asks a good question. Is it the pawl or the gear?

My Dad...but he was happiest working in wood...

Likewise with mine. What types of wood projects did your father favor?
Wood makes a fine blokey subject.
At some point I'll share a couple examples of my handiwork, but for the time being it would seem Mark and Sancho are transitioning into French cuisine.


Let's see how they are doing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7mtEoMFJ60

.

[MarkBastable]

My dad can fix, make, DIY anything - and he does it all conscientiously and to a professional standard. He reconstructs hand tools. He works with wood. He restores furniture and brings new life to antique clocks.

He was round our house the other day, putting in some electric points, and I was sitting there with a cup of tea watching him - if only for five minutes before it became uncomfortable for both of us.

And I said, "Given that we moved house about every three years as the family grew, and given that you spent my entire childhood plumbing, or laying floorboards, or rewiring, or knocking walls down, or taking the engine of your BSA to bits, or building fireplaces, or filling them in - given that my memory of you from when I was small is always a man covered in brick dust or wood shavings or Swarfega - how come I've managed to grow up with absolutely no skill in this kind of domestic DIY, and less interest?"

And he said, "I dunno."

"I do. It's because whenever I stuck my head round the door to see what you were up to, you looked up just long enough to say, 'Bugger off - I'm working.' And that's why you're going to be round here next weekend putting a radiator in the downstairs bathroom. It's your own fault, really. Ginger nut?"

[Sancho]

Sounds like it worked out for the both of you.

I don’t want to go all touchy-feely psycho-babble here, but absentee fathers were the impetus behind a lot of great men. Bernardo O’Higgins comes to mind.

Ack! More psycho-babble. Out of curiosity, Mark, how was your relationship with your grandpa? In my family, personality and general disposition seems to skip a generation.

[MarkBastable]

Sancho wrote: I don’t want to go all touchy-feely psycho-babble here, but absentee fathers were the impetus behind a lot of great men. Bernardo O’Higgins comes to mind.

Ack! More psycho-babble. Out of curiosity, Mark, how was your relationship with your grandpa? In my family, personality and general disposition seems to skip a generation.


----------------------------------------------------------

Wait, wait. My dad wasn't absent. He was there constantly -well, as constantly as a cop on shiftwork can be. He's a moral and noble bloke who with my mother's help has overcome an inauspicious start to make a successful and happy life for himself and his family. He and I are completely different personality types with utterly different talents. But we get on great, thanks.

My paternal grandfather, on the other hand, was a callous, vindictive, bitter, damaged bastard who did his malicious best to ruin my father's life, and whose lingering and painful death was much too short and painless for my liking.

[Sancho]

Ouch!

I have very pleasant memories of both of my Grandfathers, even though I didn’t get much time with either of them. The two men couldn’t have been more different. One grew roots, one roamed. One was a farmer/school teacher, one was a sea captain. I think they both led more interesting lives than I have so far. The sea captain told me he signed onto a ship in San Diego when he was fourteen-years-old and stayed on that ship for ten years. I don’t think he actually stayed on board for ten straight years; I’m pretty sure he ran the ‘ville with the rest of the sailors when they were in port. He had a colorful way saying things – “Hey, you kids smell like a buncha Bombay hookers. Why don’t yous go and shower off?”

I read a book awhile back on the recommendation of a Litnetter that may be applicable here: All Families are Psychotic, by Douglas Coupland.

[MarkBastable]

I read a book awhile back on the recommendation of a Litnetter that may be applicable here: All Families are Psychotic, by Douglas Coupland.

Applicable to whom?

Also, I wouldn't take too seriously any proposition put forward by Douglas Coupland.

[Sancho]

Well, me, I guess.

It wasn't a serious book, but it was fun.

[prendrelemick]

That's the good thing about psycho-babble, you can choose your own and apply it however you want.


Likewise with mine. What types of wood projects did your father favor?
Wood makes a fine blokey subject.
At some point I'll share a couple examples of my handiwork, but for the time being it would seem Mark and Sancho are transitioning into French cuisine.


Let's see how they are doing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7mtEoMFJ60

.

He was more Carpenter than Cabinet maker, though he could turn his hand to anything. He sounds very similar to Mark's dad. His most famous project was a cattle barn he built out of railway sleepers for about £12.10s.4d.

[Sancho]

He was more Carpenter than Cabinet maker, though he could turn his hand to anything. He sounds very similar to Mark's dad. His most famous project was a cattle barn he built out of railway sleepers for about £12.10s.4d.

That is graduate-level work. Bravo!

[Paulclem]

My Dad was a first class bodger. I remember he put his foot through the ceiling once, and managed to "fill" it with quite a lot of polystyrene tile and a bit of polyfilla.

I'm a third class bodger, but aspiring. My most impressive construction has been a set of cupboards in our living room which cover the fuse boxes and meters. I built it onto the wall, which was less than level, which had an unfortunate effect upon the hang of my doors. I managed to square it up with strips of that thin wooden edging stuff from B&Q.

[Scheherazade]

What is a bodger?




Can somebody explain to me why the French need so many freaking vowels to represent just one sound?Same reason as the English has so many different "sounds" for the same letters probably:

cough

dough

plough

enough

ought

through

:D

[Sancho]

Good point, Scher. Ya gotta like a language with a sense of humor, eh? Or is it Humour? I don’t know, but it gives the language a certain flavor, eh? Or is it flavour? It can also make for some colorful expressions. Doh! Or perhaps it’s all just a shade of gray. I realize this could be cause for confusion.

Also, I'm glad you asked because I’ve got no clue what a bodger is either, but contextually I’m going to guess it’s a handyman. BTW, 6 months ago El Sancho stepped through his ceiling too, and La Senora was pissed (not drunk - angry).

[prendrelemick]

Well, some say bodger, some say practical genius.

The original bodger would make a wood turning laithe in the forest using a bit of string and a bendy sapling. Nowadays it's about mending stuff with what's to hand.

[MarkBastable]

Well, some say bodger, some say practical genius.

The original bodger would make a wood turning laithe in the forest using a bit of string and a bendy sapling. Nowadays it's about mending stuff with what's to hand.

I think 'bodger' has a perjorative overtone - and a 'bodged job' is improvised, ugly and, whether intended to be or not, temporary.

So a third-class bodger - such as yourself, Mick - might either be not very good even at bodging (which which would mean very very crap at DIY), or might be unable to countenance bodging (which would mean very very good at DIY).

I am proud to say I have never bodged any DIY task in any of the houses I've lived in. Not one. Ever.

[prendrelemick]

I tend to bodge things for a temporary fix, then do it properly when Mrs P threatens to get a professional in. The one thing I cannot do is plastering - the harder I try the worse it gets. I leave that to the Father-in-law.

[Sancho]

Nice explanation, guys.


Well, some say bodger, some say practical genius.

I’m going to put the Sancho clan squarely in the bodger camp. On a road trip, my dad was one of those guys who wouldn’t stop for anything, no way, no how. He was focused. But the kids in the back of the station wagon had other ideas:

“Hey, Dad, we gotta go pee.”
“You can hold it.”
“No we can’t”
“Yes you can. Just think of something else.”
“Hmm, it ain’t working. WE GOTTA GO.”
“Oh, Christ.”

So, after the trip, Pop was out in the garage with a power drill, a couple of feet of surgical tubing, and one of mom’s funnels from the kitchen. Our family wagon became the first one on the block to have a relief tube.

[Scheherazade]

Good point, Scher. Ya gotta like a language with a sense of humor, eh? Or is it Humour? I don’t know, but it gives the language a certain flavor, eh? Or is it flavour? It can also make for some colorful expressions. Doh! Or perhaps it’s all just a shade of gray. I realize this could be cause for confusion.
Oh, don't start me on that.

Some teachers had a good chuckle at my expense because when I started to learn English, I thought you could Americanise any "-ou-" word by simply removing the "-u-" from them.

Seriosly.



I am proud to say I have never bodged any DIY task in any of the houses I've lived in. Not one. Ever.Could that be because you have never any DIY tasks? Not one. Ever.

[MarkBastable]

Could that be because you have never any DIY tasks? Not one. Ever.

Well, yeah.

My mate says DIY stands for Don't Involve Yourself.

My attitude here is that there are people who make a living doing this stuff well, and it would be misguided and arrogant to think I can do it to a professional standard with no training, no experience and no interest. Of course, some non-professionals can do this stuff - my dad, for one. But, me, I've never completely mastered the use of scissors, and I assume that if you don't put a light bulb in, electricity will leak out all over the floor.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

I think 'bodger' has a perjorative overtone - and a 'bodged job' is improvised, ugly and, whether intended to be or not, temporary....



I tend to bodge things for a temporary fix,...

Ahh, you mean botcher, botched as in "That's a botched job".
By the way how is "garage" pronounced?





...So, after the trip, Pop was out in the garage with a power drill, a couple of feet of surgical tubing, and one of mom’s funnels from the kitchen. Our family wagon became the first one on the block to have a relief tube.

Haha, I like that.
Since we had the one son, all we required was an empty Gatorade bottle and a marker to label the contents.

.

[MANICHAEAN]

At this juncture, might I introduce other Lit Netters to the word "tosher."

[MarkBastable]

Ahh, you mean botcher, botched as in "That's a botched job".

Yeah, in my part of England, we use that variant too.

The variations of accent and dialect in England (never mind the rest of the UK) are so many and so fine, that you can actually map the use of some words geographically, like strains of DNA.

http://www.bl.uk/learning/langlit/sounds/regional-voices/lexical-variation/

You can also, I've noticed, map these lexical variations to areas of the US, which'll give you some idea which part of the UK the early British settlers of different bits of the US came from.


By the way how is "garage" pronounced?




Interesting one - I think that in British English, the convention on this has shifted in my lifetime. When I was a kid, the more acceptable pronunciation - at least in the south of England - was 'guh-RARZH', with a soft g, in imitation of the French. These days that sounds a bit pretentious and practically everyone I know says 'GA-ridge'.


An American pretension that drives me absolutely nuckin futs is the use of the French word 'homage', pronounced 'om-ARZH' or 'om-ARGE'. There's a perfectly good English word for that, and it's been part of the English language for a thousand years, and it's 'homage', pronounced 'HOM - idge'.

[prendrelemick]

^ I love this sort of stuff.

How would you describe your accents? Mine is Yorkshire, but not deep Yorkshire like they speak round Barnsley. Think Ted Hughes with a hint of Coronation Street. I certianly use 'appen for "perhaps" but "praps" is acceptable too.

[MarkBastable]

My accent's variable, sometime within a sentence. It comes from being working-class by birth - Sarf Londen boy; Wansworf, to be precise - and middle-class by education - Emanuel Grammar School, prefects, quadrangles, Latin, the whole bit.

So I can sound like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Tn38T9o5U&feature=related), or I can sound like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4byn2CIwec0&feature=related)- but generally I sound like both at once.

[Paulclem]

I was more like Keith Lemon - he comes from Morley near Wakefield. I must have spoken like this though I don't remember the oo sounds being so prtracted when I said them. I think I was a bit gruffer - less perky - if you see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3LnQckyDo

Now I'm more muted. I work in the Midlands with second language speakers, and the accent - while still there - is more muted... unless I'm with my brothers.

[Sancho]

At this juncture, might I introduce other Lit Netters to the word "tosher."

I give up. What’s a “tosher”?


…The variations of accent and dialect in England (never mind the rest of the UK) are so many and so fine, that you can actually map the use of some words geographically, like strains of DNA.

http://www.bl.uk/learning/langlit/sounds/regional-voices/lexical-variation/

You can also, I've noticed, map these lexical variations to areas of the US, which'll give you some idea which part of the UK the early British settlers of different bits of the US came from.

Somebody told me the pronunciation of the word "four" will closely nail down where in the U.S. the speaker grew up. In NYC it’s foa; up in Boston it morphs into fo-wah; out in the middle west it’s far, which is funny to me because Interstate Farty-Far runs through St. Louis. Down south we just say four.

And that’s cutting it with a broad axe. There are a lot finer distinctions, say between Brooklyn and The Bronx in NYC or between The North End and Southie in Boston.


An American pretension that drives me absolutely nuckin futs is the use of the French word 'homage', pronounced 'om-ARZH' or 'om-ARGE'. There's a perfectly good English word for that, and it's been part of the English language for a thousand years, and it's 'homage', pronounced 'HOM - idge'.

Not sure why that’d drive you nuts. Languages live and breathe and evolve. Besides I’m pretty sure if that word entered the English language a thousand years ago, it probably came across the channel with The Normans. Two thirds of modern English comes from Norman French. And I’m willing to bet that even around the year 1066, Parisians thought the Normans were butchering their language - The Normans, or North-Men, having arrived in Normandy a couple of hundred years earlier from Scandinavia.

[MarkBastable]

Besides I’m pretty sure if that word entered the English language a thousand years ago, it probably came across the channel with The Normans.

Er, yeah. I know. That's my point. The word has already made the trip once, and the new trip is adding absolutely nothing to the language. Using it as if it had just arrived from French is cringingly pretentious. My suggestion is that any attempt to justify such oo-SARZH will probably be gar-BARZH.

[Sancho]

Well, I’m not sure where the pronunciation over here came from. I don’t know if it floated across on the Mayflower and then got changed back by pretentious Francophiles, or if it was always here as a result of all those Frenchys in the huge swath of land in the Mississippi River Valley - which we bought from Napoleon at a bargain-basement price, I might add.

I just don’t know. And I don’t care. It is what it is. But the fact that you assume it’s pretentious probably says more about you than it does about us.

I also don’t care that certain Americans like pronounce “ask”- “axe”. It is what it is. In fact, I think “ask” was pronounced “axe” in Middle English. And I don’t think that going back its original pronunciation is pretentious.

[MarkBastable]

Well, I’m not sure where the pronunciation over here came from. I don’t know if it floated across on the Mayflower and then got changed back by pretentious Francophiles, or if it was always here as a result of all those Frenchys in the huge swath of land in the Mississippi River Valley - which we bought from Napoleon at a bargain-basement price, I might add.

If Americans had always pronounced it that way, you'd have a point. But I believe that the Mayflower folk would have pronounced it HOM-idge.

I'd say the new usage is a twentieth century phenomenon, and my guess is that the hipness of French arts - especially cinema - mid-century led to the use of the French pronunciation amongst the chattering classes. 'Of course, the scene with the dove is an om-ARZH to Truffaut'. And it caught on from there.

And if I'm right, then pretension is precisely what it is.

[Sancho]

Could be. But it would surprise me that such a small group of Americans could hijack the pronunciation of a perfectly good English word and force down everybody else’s throats. I mean, French films don’t have a lot of car crashes, and Americans generally don’t like to watch movies without car crashes.

[MarkBastable]

Could be. But it would surprise me that such a small group of Americans could hijack the pronunciation of a perfectly good English word and force down everybody else’s throats. I mean, French films don’t have a lot of car crashes, and Americans generally don’t like to watch movies without car crashes.

Nobody would have to watch the movies to pick up on the use of the word. All it requires is for people in the media to use it that way. This is how fashion works. These days, people are coached and paid to use certain words in interviews, precisely because viewers do pick up on these things.

[Sancho]

All pretentions aside, I notice that place names, particularly in the South West, are starting to be pronounced in fully inflected Spanish rather than in Gringo-ese. I kind of like it. We’ve got an avenue in Atlanta called "Ponce de León" that so far it’s retained its Southern White Cracker pronunciation: Pons-DUH-lee-on. At any rate, this shifting of pronunciation is just the nature of language, I think. Also, I suppose, there’s a certain pretension in human nature. Did you think it was pretentious when Linda McCartney all of a sudden wound up with a British accent? And did it sound true to your ear? I read a Nick Hornby book a year or so ago that had an American character in it. I enjoyed the book, but I thought I could hear Hornby’s British peeking around the corner of the character’s dialog.

[MarkBastable]

I don't think it was pretentious of Linda. Most people tend to pick up the accent of the people they are with.

In the nineties, when my wife was a radio broadcaster doing a drivetime show in Columbia NC, she used to mock Madonna mercilessly for having adopted an English accent and for using so many British idioms - on precisely that principle - that it was a pretension.

Eleven years later, having lived in London for all that time, my wife has developed what to all her friends in the US sounds like a British accent, and she says 'telly' and 'pavement' simply because that's what everyone around her says.

[Sancho]

Interesting.

Was that Columbia in North Carolina or South Carolina? My H.S. Spanish Teacher (A woman on whom I had a blazing crush) insisted we pronounce it Co-Loom-bia as opposed to Co-Loam-bia, which she reserved for the country next to Ecuador –Colombia. Both places were named for the same guy, but spelled differently and pronounced slightly differently. Speaking of Columbia (the one in S.C.) there is a street there named Huger Street. It’s a French name and everybody used to pronounce it U-gee street, but that’s more-or-less fallen by the wayside now, and most folks just call it Hugh-ger street.

Ah well, speaking of place names, during WWI there was a vicious battle (several actually) around the town of Ypres in Flanders. As you probably know, the British insisted on calling it The Battle of Wipers. I love that kind of stuff.

I hate to go all mooshy-whooshy here, but Paul and Linda had to have had one of the great loves of all time, I think.

[MarkBastable]

Yeah - sorry. SC.

[OrphanPip]

Back in the 70s the Separatists went on a translation spree with the street names in Montreal, Pine became Avenue des Pins, Mountain became de la Montaigne, Church became De l'eglise and so on.

This causes a lot of confusion between old Montreal Anglos, like my family, and newer arrivals who often look at us with blank stares of incomprehension when we use the older English names for the streets.

[prendrelemick]

There is official Big History and there is a sneaky, unwritten sub-history that still lurks in places like pronounciation and accents.

During WWII, some American GIs stationed in Norfolk walked into a village pub and found themselves surrounded by locals who spoke as they did. It turned out their Ancestors had emigrated from there and settled in the Appalachian Mountains, where the thrust of American History had passed them by, leaving their accents and idioms almost pristine.

I don't know how much of a backwater the Appalachians were, but in a similar story from there, Mike Harding (The Rochdale Cowboy) was making a documentary about American Folk Music. He was filming some good ol' boys playing together on their porch when they started playing a song he'd last heard played years before in a room above a pub in Manchester.

Nearer to home, that Yorkshire Anthem "Ilkley Moor Baht 'at" is adapted from a Cornish song and was brought North by Cornish tin miners in search of work.

I wonder if GG has ever heard "Shoals of Herring" played in Texas.

[MarkBastable]

That Mike Harding documentary tracing the journey of British folk music across America was great.

I recently came across a British folk song that was obviously the ancestor of the quintessential cowboy ballad Streets of Laredo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_PlG3dtl8). Can't remember what the hell it was now...*

However, here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMAzT5mKX_8)a Welshman doing an excellent Euro-rock version of an American folksong derived three hundred years ago from an ancient British root.


*Aha. Found it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajySHfXUnVw).

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

I really enjoy the fluidity of this thread, it flows seamlessly from one topic into another.


Back in the 70s the Separatists went on a translation spree with the street names in Montreal, Pine became Avenue des Pins, Mountain became de la Montaigne, Church became De l'eglise and so on.

This causes a lot of confusion between old Montreal Anglos, like my family, and newer arrivals who often look at us with blank stares of incomprehension when we use the older English names for the streets.

One can't imagine how thems foreign words get butchered down here; "fill it - mig non" for example. I'm planning to head over to the Kimbell Art Museum this weekend to see an Impressionist exhibit along with a touring Poussin. I will not attempt to sound out the Texas version of Poussin.
As for street signs here, the recent trend among activists in the larger metropolitan areas is to force the renaming of long established street names in honor of a particular cultural icon. The solution seems to be the naming of new streets in their honor.


...I wonder if GG has ever heard "Shoals of Herring" played in Texas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ov81aogaxg

I have now! followed by a wipe of the eye. Very nice. Thanks


That Mike Harding documentary tracing the journey of British folk music across America was great.

I recently came across a British folk song that was obviously the ancestor of the quintessential cowboy ballad Streets of Laredo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_PlG3dtl8). Can't remember what the hell it was now...*

However, here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMAzT5mKX_8)a Welshman doing an excellent Euro-rock version of an American folksong derived three hundred years ago from an ancient British root.


*Aha. Found it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajySHfXUnVw).

Interesting history and variations on the tune. Having finished some brief research, I see the tune is also referred to as "Cowboy's Lament". The performance I am most familiar with is by the great folk singer Burl Ives... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61XaTltS8E4

Speaking of Folk music, I learned that Neil Young and Crazy Horse are about to release Americana, a collection of American folk songs. Among the tunes from the album, is The Gallows Pole

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maid_Freed_from_the_Gallows

Here is Leadbelly's take on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsgGNWlNAfA

.

[prendrelemick]

Me and Mrs P went (once) to a folk (or Put yer Finger in yer Ear )night in the village hall. It's not really my kind of stuff but we went with friends. Happily there were indeed many earnest vocalists singing with their finger jammed in their ear (probably trying to block the accompaning hurdy-gurdy.) Then a young girl got up and sang "Matty Groves" and I was transported back to my college days when there was a pirated reel to reel tape of Sandy Denny singing it live going round. Took me right back. I bet if I went to another one I'd hear the same songs, sung in the same way.

[Paulclem]

When I was at school, we had a series of music teachers who - I'm sure - adpated what they liked and made us sing them. The first music teacher we had - a sadistic fellow who looked like a big Milky bar Kid whose way of compelling you to be quiet was to pull the hair by your ear - (oddly painful) - had us singing modern versions of bible stories. The next - a lady whose name I forget but who had an unusually long stride - (odd the things you remember) - had us singing The Streets of Laredo with the words printed in nice smelling banda copies. Our next music teacher had us singing The Beatles, which I thought was a great improvement in terms of if you had to sing something, sing something good.

Incidentally, my Mum and Dad loved country music, and would often sing El Paso as we drove back from visiting relatives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn3JB51NH_M

It was touchingly romantic in what was often a dfficult relationship.

When I was about 16, my dad would sometimes take me out with him to the local pub - The Whinney Moor. They would have Country and Western bands on, and you would get the old guys whooping along to Don William's songs.

[Paulclem]

Finally - the pics of the Messerschmidt 109 and 2 Spitfires.

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0342.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0341.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0340.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0339.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0338.jpg

http://i995.photobucket.com/albums/af75/paulclem1/SP_A0337.jpg

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Finally - the pics of the Messerschmidt 109 and 2 Spitfires.



Thanks Paul !!!
Nice photos and we can easily discern that the BF-109 has the real McCoy engine; a Daimler-Benz 12 cylinder vee INVERTED, thus placing the exhaust ports toward the bottom of the front cowling. As I mentioned earlier, the 109 restorations I've seen were fitted with the RR Merlin which you can tell by the ports toward the top of the cowling like the Spitfire or Hurricane.

RE: Sandy Denny
I had discovered her and Fairport Convention a couple years ago. It was sad to read of her life cut short by a freak accident. Here's a wonderful song by FPC, perfect for an early Sunday morning or a gray wintry day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2xODjbfYw8


.

[prendrelemick]

^ That was beautiful. A perfect combination of voice, mood and lyrics.


Paul: Are those planes the real thing, or replicas? They look a bit on the small side. One of the Spitfires is a Hurricane, you can tell by the greenhouse they used for a cockpit cover.

[Paulclem]

^ That was beautiful. A perfect combination of voice, mood and lyrics.


Paul: Are those planes the real thing, or replicas? I only ask because if I had a wartime Spitfire or a 109 I wouldn't want people clambering all over them.

http://www.battleofbritainexperience.co.uk/

It says on the website that they are replicas. The website is on the banner in one of the photos.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Finally - the pics of the Messerschmidt 109 and 2 Spitfires.I could not help noticing the serial no of the Hurricane replica: The original was flown by RAF ace R. Stanford Tuck. More info here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Stanford_Tuck)and here (http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?t=85738).

/Claes

[Paulclem]

Thanks Claes - fascinating stuff.

I've just been down the allotment. We have been clearing rubbish and fixing boundary fences around the site for the past couple of weeks, but this week it is chucking it down.

Our "Boundary Task Force" comprises of 5 blokes and one woman, and is akin to something out of Last of the Summer Wine seeing as I'm the youngest at 48. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YZr_PeoYeE&feature=relmfu

Having said that, we had to traverse a fence, using two ladders and "yomp" upriver to where a load of rubbish had gathered on the bank, and remove it. We were, I felt, moving from Last of the Summer Wine closer to Where Eagles Dare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKGhG0W0LQ

[Paulclem]

Here's a link to the Last of the Summer Wine and aviation. Wally also contributes an interesting twist to our linguistics discussion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bit3wkgHtVc

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...Having said that, we had to traverse a fence, using two ladders and "yomp" upriver to where a load of rubbish had gathered on the bank, and remove it. We were, I felt, moving from Last of the Summer Wine closer to Where Eagles Dare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKGhG0W0LQ


Here's a link to the Last of the Summer Wine and aviation. Wally also contributes an interesting twist to our linguistics discussion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bit3wkgHtVc

Thanks for the allotment updates.
Where Eagles Dare or perhaps the The Eiger Sanction...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEc1aEYmiA8

Summer Wine was funny, there's a nice detail shot of a Mick style wall at 6:51

.

[Sancho]

I think I may be a Dadaist.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/snap-on-air-compressor.jpg

I love the sound of air-wrench in the morning.

[prendrelemick]

I am pheeling a bit patriotic aphter all those jubilee shinanigans. (apologies - grandchild sprinkled tea on keyboard.)


http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/prendrelemick/Jubilee_WKD.jpg


I wonder i Mrs P... No phorget that.

[Sancho]

Haha, spice it up.

That looked like quite the shin-dig over there.

By the way, on my last post I was thinking of pneumatic tools; now, for some strange reason, my thinking has come around to hydraulic tools.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

I am pheeling a bit patriotic aphter all those jubilee shinanigans. (apologies - grandchild sprinkled tea on keyboard.)

[/IMG]

I wonder i Mrs P... No phorget that.


Ahh, Glorious Albion from last year's play.

RE: missing letters -I too thought you may have tipped the Jubilee bottle one too many times.


...my thinking has come around to hydraulic tools.

Which is consistent with the fluid nature of this thread.

[prendrelemick]

Yes, the Jee and the phirst letter o the type o creature Dracula is, won't work. I could'e used them as substitutions phor each other i either one was ok. I hawe tried warious other substitutions and ommissions but am wery weary oph it now. So iph you chaps hae any suggestions on what to use as a tea solent, I would be grateul, beore I need to spell aour or ga or some such.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Have you tried popping the keys off and do some hoovering?
That "V" sound is a challenge to spell out.

In case you miss it on the Everyday is Interesting thread, I know you would be interested in my son's knapping progress, so I'll post here as well...


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/th_IMGP2671.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/?action=view&current=IMGP2671.jpg)


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/th_IMGP2674.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/?action=view&current=IMGP2674.jpg)

.

[Scheherazade]

Mick> Try doing some vacuuming (at lowest setting) over the keyboard or use the hairdryer to get rid of any unwanted dust or crumbs hiding under the keys. Also, running the tip of a safety pin around and under the troublesome keys helps at times.

If not, you might use < as a substitution for "v" maybe.

Gilliat> What is "knapping"? I get the feeling it is not same same as "napping".

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Gilliat> What is "knapping"? I get the feeling it is not same same as "napping".

Not quite. While you gals are napping in the cave, the blokes are knapping by the fire preparing to bring home the bacon in the morning.

The term refers to the art of shaping stone into various implements, primarily "points" attached to shafts used for hunting, commonly referred to as arrow heads, altough larger ones were used on spears or hand held daggers.
Search Clovis and Folsom point.

Here's one of many videos on the topic. Pretty exciting stuff huh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znm9SujCnlQ&feature=relmfu

.

[Paulclem]

In Yorkshire my Dad used to the word knap to mean hit - usually in the context of hitting someone on the head. (The hitting someone on the head bit was probably just my Dad. Interesting how words are used).

[prendrelemick]

A knap on the noggin, or a clout or a clump round the ear. Them were the days.

[Scheherazade]

A knap on the noggin, or a clout or a clump round the ear. Them were the days.And not a single "v" or "f" in those sentences!

Thanks for the explanation and the youtube link, Gillead.

I think I will ask for a knapping kit from Santa next Christmas! Some of those stoney thingies would make lovely necklaces...

[Paulclem]

Aye. It made us the blokes we are today - slightly brain damaged.

Down the allotment we've been looking for some new gear. Thieves nicked two of our strimmers from the container which was padlocked up.

So this Honda strimmer with a changeable head which gives you a hedge trimmer on a long pole. I'm reviving my Jedi Lightsaber skills in order to use it. Could be good.

http://www.justlawnmowers.co.uk/strimmers-brushcutters/Honda_UMK425LE.htm

[Sancho]

Ha! Got it. Strimmer = String+Trimmer, aka Weed Whacker

[prendrelemick]

And not a single "v" or "f" in those sentences!

.



^That's like dancing a jig in ront o a one legged man!

[prendrelemick]

Right, it's WD-40 time!

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

^That's like dancing a jig in ront o a one legged man!

I'm rediscovering Spirit including this mesmerizing tune and video that goes well with the dancing jig topic. In this case her arse nal of moves are limited but no less hypnotic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5GqfPikK28


Right, it's WD-40 time!

and duct tape, WD-40 must be accompanied with duct tape and vice-versa - the universal repair kit. Although, I'm not sure how the duct tape will help your keyboard dilemma.

[prendrelemick]

^Interesting and yet phrustrating at the same time.^

I was thinking more o this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W22gpBv00gg


My laptop already has duct tape holding a corner together, but the WD-40 wery unphortunatly phailed to ephphect a recowery.

[Sancho]

Well, as the joke goes: If it moves and it's not supposed to - Duck Tape it. If it doesn't move and it is supposed to - WD-40.

So...I guess you'll have to take it apart. And for that a ball-peen hammer may come in handy.

[Paulclem]

I used to think it was duck tape too, though I've never used it on ducks or ducts.

Have chaps tried Glayva? The old Uncle used to drink it neat from the bottle when the fancy took him. He'd have a swig and offer it round. My wife wouldn't partake because she couldn't get the idea of the old uncle's saliva "backwashing" into the bottle. I was more philospphical about it though and would swig readily. It is sweet and smooth. I might get myself one.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-5237.aspx

[MarkBastable]

Lots of Americans say 'duck' rather than 'duct'. It's so common I think it's pretty much an accepted variant in the US, though it does raise a smile over here.

[Sancho]

It’s a brand name over here:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/Duck_Tape.jpg

Nobody uses that stuff on ducts anymore. But there are many other clever usages:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/duct1.jpg

[prendrelemick]

I used to think it was duck tape too, though I've never used it on ducks or ducts.

Have chaps tried Glayva? The old Uncle used to drink it neat from the bottle when the fancy took him. He'd have a swig and offer it round. My wife wouldn't partake because she couldn't get the idea of the old uncle's saliva "backwashing" into the bottle. I was more philospphical about it though and would swig readily. It is sweet and smooth. I might get myself one.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-5237.aspx

Neer heard o that Paul. I shall look out or it.

We'e been trying to sit in the garden and sip Pymm's and lemonade this summer. We'e managed at least hal an hour beore wind, rain, midges or hyperthermia sent us inside.

[Paulclem]

Pardon me Sancho. I thought my DIY knowledge had doubled when I discovered it was duct tape, but now no. My wife will be pleased. She thought it was duck tape - and so it is!

Pimms is it? I like Pimms - we've got some in the cupboard. Last week wasn't too bad. I was able to do a bit of gardening down the allotment that currently has a distinctly wild look to it. The weeds are prospering this year.

[Sancho]

No worries, Paul.

***Sancho goes into his Cliffy Claven routine***

Now what you want for your basic ductwork:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/aluminum_foil_tape_1.gif

Is not duct tape, but hundred-mile-an-hour tape, aka aluminum tape:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/aluminum-tape.jpg

Of course, back in the Air Force, its official name was: Heat Resistant Aluminum Reinforcement Adhesive Tape, but everybody just called it 100mph tape. Speaking of naming conventions, those little stickys that are applied to the holes of loose-leaf paper to keep them from tearing out of the ring binder were officially known as vinyl reinforcement tabs, but everybody just called them paper a**holes.

Also, Pimms – good cookies.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...Have chaps tried Glayva? The old Uncle used to drink it neat from the bottle when the fancy took him. He'd have a swig and offer it round. My wife wouldn't partake because she couldn't get the idea of the old uncle's saliva "backwashing" into the bottle. I was more philospphical about it though and would swig readily. It is sweet and smooth. I might get myself one.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-5237.aspx


Aye, that Glayva ul geeya a roll in the heather, but doos she stake up weel again’ me grandmother’s Drambuie?


http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae114/tabuka1/Misc%20Album/IMGP1834.jpg


I haven’t tried Glayva. I’ll see if it’s sold at my local spirit shop.


EDIT...

Happy Father's Day


.

[Paulclem]

Happy Father's day - belated. Did you have a good time chaps?

I was in Manchester listening to HH The Dalai Lama. 4 hours there. 4 hours back. We went by coach, which wasn't too bad. I had the old kindle to rustle up some books.

We were sitting a long time, but it was worth it.

[Sancho]

Well. Happy Pappy's day to you Paul. I have no children - wife and I figured our gene pool was inappropriate for having children.

And, Gill, be careful with that Drambuie. I've watched more that one of my friends light himself on fire doing 'Flaming Hooker' shots.

As for the LP, well done! That's manly - kilt wearing, bagpiping, haggis eating - stuff.

I've always liked this tune: Paul McCartney and Wings, Mull of Kintyre http://youtu.be/GFRcMYjut4o

[prendrelemick]

I was at a wedding the other day, when towards the end of the evening a chap in a kilt was goaded by a gaggle of mature ladies to prove he was a real Scot. It made their night.

[Sancho]

Hah!

That seems to hold some fascination for the ladies, eh? I was at a funeral a couple of years ago where, similarly, a group of women were harassing the bagpiper.

He said, “Are you asking me what’s worn under me kilt, ladies?”

They said, in unison, “Yes!”

He said, “Nothing is worn; it’s all in good working order.”

It was a lighter moment in an otherwise bummer of a day.

[Paulclem]

Never worn a kilt. The closest thing I've ever worn to one was a grass skirt at a fancy dress pary. I prefer to be fastened in. Not keen on all the slip slopping about - shoes or anything.

[MarkBastable]

Never worn a kilt. The closest thing I've ever worn to one was a grass skirt at a fancy dress pary. I prefer to be fastened in. Not keen on all the slip slopping about - shoes or anything.

Well, thanks for that. I was going to go to bed, but now I've got to stay up until that thought fades.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

You know, it seems like a lot of my favorite posters post in this forum. If anyone's interested in "friending" me, here's my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/matthew.schneider

Theere's only one poster whose request I wouldn't except, and he/she shall go unnamed.

[Sancho]

You know, it seems like a lot of my favorite posters post in this forum. If anyone's interested in "friending" me, here's my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/matthew.schneider

Theere's only one poster whose request I wouldn't except, and he/she shall go unnamed.

M.M. I’d be happy to, but I’m afraid I’m one of those Nuevo-Luddites who hasn’t opened a Facebook account. Also I took a pass on the IPO.

But welcome to the Bloke’s threat. We’ve been discussing going commando in a kilt lately.

Here’s a new manly topic: percussion instruments. And here’s the manliest drum set ever assembled:

Keith Moon
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/keithmoon.jpg

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

You know, it seems like a lot of my favorite posters post in this forum. If anyone's interested in "friending" me, here's my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/matthew.schneider

Theere's only one poster whose request I wouldn't except, and he/she shall go unnamed.

MM, like Sancho, I don't touch the stuff. This Forum is the only social network site I participate in, otherwise it's either face to face, maybe a phone call (phones are a nuisance) or I'll lick a stamp.
In the meantime, welcome. Parker will set you up, he's currently serving Glayva and Drambuie.

[MarkBastable]

Here’s a new manly topic: percussion instruments. And here’s the manliest drum set ever assembled:

Keith Moon
http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae197/mollyandbruno/keithmoon.jpg


Have you read Tony Fletcher's biography of Moon, Dear Boy (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Boy-Life-Keith-Moon/dp/1844498077)?

The author does a sterling job of trying to paint Moon as the wild, lovable, amusing, roguish figure of pop legend, but it becomes increasingly obvious that the bloke was mostly just an objectionable hole.

Bit over-rated as a drummer too, if you ask me.

[Paulclem]

You know, it seems like a lot of my favorite posters post in this forum. If anyone's interested in "friending" me, here's my Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/matthew.schneider

Theere's only one poster whose request I wouldn't except, and he/she shall go unnamed.

Sorted - though I don't post on Facebook much. If I comment on my son's stuff he deletes them. :lol:

[Paulclem]

Well, thanks for that. I was going to go to bed, but now I've got to stay up until that thought fades.

Job done. :biggrinjester:

[Paulclem]

I used to drum with my mates - I wasn't very good, but it was a laugh. My very basic kit had a Pink Panther on the front. We once got a knock at the door at 3 in the morning from a woman who lived across the street asking us to be quiet as her husband was working early. They must have been tolerant- or scared. We were a bit rowdy, though we never caused bother for the neighbours. We didn't carry on if we were asked.

[Sancho]

My only experience drumming is on my desk at school with a couple of pencils, which generations from now be known as ‘Van Haling’ and nobody will remember why they call it that. (I also was asked to stop it)

Van Halen, Hot for Teacher:
http://youtu.be/-4GZFbCqx18

I’ll keep an eye out for the Tony Fletcher book. Thanks for the recommendation, Mark. I’d like to read it. My completion percentage on biographies is low, though. I tend to bog down. I’m still trying to get through Slash’s book.

My ear has always preferred John Bonham’s drumming to Keith Moon’s. But then, I’ve always preferred Led Zeppelin to The Who. I don’t know why - a matter of taste I suppose.

For Sancho’s money, the best drum solo ever:

Zep, Bonzo’s Montreux:
http://youtu.be/Sal1nVhYPiY
(I understand the electronic effects were added by Page after Bonham’s death)

[prendrelemick]

I sort of rate Kieth Moon on the drums. He had a distinctive sound, as though he thought the drums should play the lead all the time.

I once played the drum in the Boys' Brigade Church parade. They took it off me after that. My mate who was a drummer, told me Buddy Rich was the best ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWrxHP36N1Q


Of course its a different genre to Led Zep and The Who.

[Sancho]

Uh-huh. Read on-line somewhere that he had borderline personality disorder, which would explain a lot. World-class drummer, no matter how you look at it, though.

Righteous Buddy Rich link, Mick.

Anybody know whatever happened to these guys:

Animals, House of the Rising Sun
http://youtu.be/bwAw9ThDQmk

[MarkBastable]

Uh-huh. Read on-line somewhere that he had borderline personality disorder, which would explain a lot. World-class drummer, no matter how you look at it, though.

Righteous Buddy Rich link, Mick.

Anybody know whatever happened to these guys:

Animals, House of the Rising Sun
http://youtu.be/bwAw9ThDQmk


The bass player ended up managing Jimi Hendrix, and the drummer worked for that management team too - as well as securing the copyright to the name of the band. The organ player had a few hits in the Randy Newman mould and wrote some noted film music. The guitar player didn't do much after the Animals split. The singer joined the California band War and also had a pretty good career as a solo artist. He was ranked 57th in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

[Sancho]

Ah-hah, thanks Mark. That kid had a voice. I’ve heard that song probably a thousand times, but I never realized those guys were so young.

[MarkBastable]

Ah-hah, thanks Mark. That kid had a voice. I’ve heard that song probably a thousand times, but I never realized those guys were so young.

Yeah - he was about twenty-two when he recorded that, I believe.

[Sancho]

Well then, Electric guitar, drums, or keyboard?

Dave Chappelle (with the help of John Mayer) gets to the root of our musical leanings.

White People Can’t Dance? http://youtu.be/_9DcihpNYds

[prendrelemick]

Guitar every time for me.

I just love Brian May mucking about with Brighton Rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHxqxfVaTqc&feature=fvwrel

ps. I am white and can't dance.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Two brothers who was / is pretty good at their trade...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSjRggiSBrU&feature=related

[Sancho]

Truer words have not been spoken, my friend. I used to catch Stevie Ray down on 6th Street during my undergrad years. Then I saw him for the last time in (of all places) Fairbanks, Alaska a few months before his death.

Little Wing

Stevie: http://youtu.be/k0zy0lqpOyc

Jimi: http://youtu.be/c_DTdFppN9c

[prendrelemick]

Little wing! Suddenly I'm 16 again - round at a neighbours with my mate and neighbour's two daughters lying on the living room floor listening to Ron Wood playing it on his (only?) solo album.


Music and memories, a potent mix.

[Paulclem]

Little wing! Suddenly I'm 16 again - round at a neighbours with my mate and neighbour's two daughters lying on the living room floor listening to Ron Wood playing it on his (only?) solo album.


Music and memories, a potent mix.

I've recently posted some pop from my days at the slaughterhouse. The radio was always blasting out radio 1, and thememories are inextricably mixed with the music. They're not ones I particularly like, but they are like the gaudy wallpaper in a house you didn't decorate, imposed but indelible.

[Scheherazade]

Music and memories, a potent mix.Fills one with an urge to acquire a bandana, a pair of tight jeans, leather jacket and some boots, doesn't it?

Oh, not to mention a Harley.

[prendrelemick]

Fills one with an urge to acquire a bandana, a pair of tight jeans, leather jacket and some boots, doesn't it?

.

Especially if you're in Dire Straits.

[Scheherazade]

Especially if you're in Dire Straits.Oh, Dire Straits!

For a minute, I thought you said, "...if you're in a dire state".

:p

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7iZ4iIu_YE&feature=related

.

[Paulclem]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7iZ4iIu_YE&feature=related

.

Catchy tune, the ladies reminded me of that Robert Palmer video for some reason - I think it was the dancing with instruments - , but what I didn't get was the bruiser they seemed to be taken with.

[prendrelemick]

OK, now the footie has finished I've been assessing the form at Wimbledon this year. Miss Sharapova has just been thrashed by that Blonde Teutonic Goddess, Sabine Lisicki. I'm so pleased about this, I was getting fed up with the lovely Maria's sulky face. Other highlights are Ana Ivanovic's Long-legged grace and Serena's magnificent thighs. But I remain loyal to Sabine, I sure she'll go all the way!

Oh, and some blokes have been playing too.

[Paulclem]

OK, now the footie has finished I've been assessing the form at Wimbledon this year. Miss Sharapova has just been thrashed by that Blonde Teutonic Goddess, Sabine Lisicki. I'm so pleased about this, I was getting fed up with the lovely Maria's sulky face. Other highlights are Ana Ivanovic's Long-legged grace and Serena's magnificent thighs. But I remain loyal to Sabine, I sure she'll go all the way!

Oh, and some blokes have been playing too.

I did hear tell that the blokes games are more boring than the ladies as they score so many aces. I don't watch, so I can only ask you chaps for verification.

I myself am about to log into ITV player in an attempt to watch the highlights of todays Tour De France. Our oqwn Bradley Wiggins is favourite this year after he's had some success on other tours. Last year he fell off and broke a collar bone. He's come back strongly though.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Are those tennis gals still grunt'n like stuck hogs when they serve?

[prendrelemick]

They are to some extent, though number one seed and Grunter-in-chief Maria Sharapova was knocked out by my personal J Hunter-Dunn, Sabine Lisicki - who was then knocked out herself by the grumpily silent Angelique Kerber.

That leaves That All-American doyen of the Grunters Serena Williams to rule the decibels on Centre Court.

[prendrelemick]

Sooo, it's the impressively developed Serena Williams agin the slight and girlish Agnieszka Radwanska in the final. I hope those Anti-bullying campaigners don't try and intervene - the diminutive Polish girl is tougher than she looks.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Fellas, I just discovered a new approach to delivering the evening news.
I'm sure Mr. Cronkite would have approved.
I call it "Headline Poetry"
Take a snort of this...

Piano’s glass did shatter
a Shard of which stands tall.
Tallest in Europe for that matter
casts a shadow on St. Paul.

Grunts were heard round the world
when serving a fuzzy ball.
Serena pounds a stubborn Pole
now Krakow’s covered in a pall

Coming “round” to the Hadron Collider,
we discover a new particle.
All proclaim; that’s one helluva divider!
proving Higgs’ theory wasn’t farcical.

“On this day” in Missouri
a light went off in a bakers head.
“I found a way to wrap the turkey,
the greatest thing since sliced bread.”

By God, I'm proud of that and you won't sway me; that's right right, I'm posting this somewhere under the poetry heading.

[prendrelemick]

I think you've hit on something there GG.

And now the Sports News

Andy's fairly handy,
But Federer is Betterer.

[Paulclem]

And from The Tour...

Yesterday in the Tour De France
Things didn't go by luck or chance,
The leaders avoided all the crashes
And the resultant red road rashes.
Cancellara, lost the front
On a mountain stage that made them grunt.
Bradley Wiggins is in pole position
And keeping it up is his mission.

Back to you Gill ...

(Excellent idea)

[prendrelemick]

And from The British Grand Prix.

Waters lapped
Drivers lapped
Organisers Flapped
Cars got Trapped

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

...And now the Sports News...



...Back to you Gill ...

(Excellent idea)

Thank you Paul and thank you Mick,
Now I know what makes you tick.
Headline sports holds you in thrall,
So let’s turn to the dimpled white ball.

Greenbriar can be thorny place
Too much for Tiger, he’s cut from the race.
With time on his hands and a decent salary
He’s free to prowl for a lassie in the gallery.

I’m signing off,
You’re on the air.
Paul, a little more rouge.
Mick, straighten your hair.

.

[prendrelemick]

Hair?

[Darcy88]

I just saw this show last night and it had me laughing harder than I've laughed in some time. You Brits have comedy down. lol.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news/article/twenty-twelve-comedic-twist-olympics.html

[prendrelemick]

They're re-showing it over here as well, starting this week. I can't help thinking it is very close to what really goes on.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Hair?

Speaking of hair and the current discussions and associated poles on what attracts us, I recall someone commenting on running the fingers through hair.

Have you stopped to wonder what it must have been like for the '70s guy trying to break through the V05 iron curtain?
It's no wonder that the ozone looks like Swiss cheese!
For example, where would a bloke even begin to rake through these examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqM2pewRv_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4wcNVbYOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK-kmfl_giw&feature=related



I just saw this show last night and it had me laughing harder than I've laughed in some time. You Brits have comedy down. lol.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news/article/twenty-twelve-comedic-twist-olympics.html

Darcy, look out for those four bears...we'd hate to lose a musical genius!
I got a kick out of your music.

.

[Darcy88]

Speaking of hair and the current discussions and associated poles on what attracts us, I recall someone commenting on running the fingers through hair.

Have you stopped to wonder what it must have been like for the '70s guy trying to break through the V05 iron curtain?
It's no wonder that the ozone looks like Swiss cheese!
For example, where would a bloke even begin to rake through these examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqM2pewRv_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4wcNVbYOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK-kmfl_giw&feature=related




Darcy, look out for those four bears...we'd hate to lose a musical genius!
I got a kick out of your music.

.

Thank you Gilliat. That means a lot to me. Thank you.

[prendrelemick]

Speaking of hair and the current discussions and associated poles on what attracts us, I recall someone commenting on running the fingers through hair.

Have you stopped to wonder what it must have been like for the '70s guy trying to break through the V05 iron curtain?
It's no wonder that the ozone looks like Swiss cheese!
For example, where would a bloke even begin to rake through these examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqM2pewRv_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4wcNVbYOQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK-kmfl_giw&feature=related


.
Mmm. Alternatively...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7bnXJOjxyU&feature=related

[prendrelemick]

Bad news about the Olympics today. The Beach Volly Ball Ladies may have to wear clothes if the weather doesn't improve in time.

This time British weather, you've gone too far!

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

haha!
I was about to throw in the Olympic towel upon reading your sad forecast, but wait...not all is lost my friend!
We still have women's wrestling, syncronised swimming and...trampoline!

Aye, we've much better chance at a wardrobe malfunction with these events.

[Emil Miller]

Speaking of hair and the current discussions and associated poles on what attracts us, I recall someone commenting on running the fingers through hair.

Have you stopped to wonder what it must have been like for the '70s guy trying to break through the V05 iron curtain?
It's no wonder that the ozone looks like Swiss cheese!
For example, where would a bloke even begin to rake through these examples:

.

Hi Gilliatt,

I posted about running fingers through hair and this is the kind that I was thinking of. No V05 here and get that kid's smile at the end.

http://youtu.be/Vn7UnQWkcjY

[Sancho]

What kind of miscreant throws carpet tacks on the road during a bicycle race? Hats off to Bradley Wiggins for recognizing the unfairness of the situation and slowing the pace. That’s a true sportsman right there.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

What kind of miscreant throws carpet tacks on the road during a bicycle race? I'm afraid that this is not something new: I know from first hand experience how royally peeved you get when you suddenly find yourselves with tacks in both tires... Just when a lot of other riders start hollering about the same thing. Anyone trying that stunt is in line for a proper arse warming if the cyclists manage to catch him, that's for sure. :flare:


Hats off to Bradley Wiggins for recognizing the unfairness of the situation and slowing the pace. That’s a true sportsman right there.Indeed. :hurray:

/Claes

[Emil Miller]

I hope he wins because with a name like Bradley Wiggins there has to be some compensation in life.

[Paulclem]

The Tour has been good so far. Wiggins and the Sky team seem to have a good grip on it. Did you see the man in the duck suit on the hill on Saturday? And the flare wielders on Friday? They do get a bit excited.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Hi Gilliatt,

I posted about running fingers through hair and this is the kind that I was thinking of. No V05 here and get that kid's smile at the end.

http://youtu.be/Vn7UnQWkcjY

Hello Emil, I now recall that being your remark.
That smile is priceless and those fingers, I'd rather they run through my hair!


I haven't been following the tour.
I'll check up on the current status.

.

[Revolte]

What kind of miscreant throws carpet tacks on the road during a bicycle race?

I have to admit I laughed when reading that. I wouldn't do it of course, but somehow it gave me a giggle.

[Paulclem]

Is anyone going to any of the events? I'll be an armchair spectator.

The rain is very much halting the growing process at the moment - except for the weeds! This is the wettest summer on record so far. All the gardeners down the allotment are complaining about the slow growth - except for the potatoes.

There's also going to be ructions in the allotment society soon. Our site wants to break away from the other two whom we see as unproductive and less committed. We anticipate an extraordinary meeting being called. I'll keep you chaps informed of developments. (I never knew the Allotment Committee would be so - I was going to say exciting, but I'll go with interesting).

[MarkBastable]

Is anyone going to any of the events? I'll be an armchair spectator.

The rain is very much halting the growing process at the moment - except for the weeds! This is the wettest summer on record so far. All the gardeners down the allotment are complaining about the slow growth - except for the potatoes.

There's also going to be ructions in the allotment society soon. Our site wants to break away from the other two whom we see as unproductive and less committed. We anticipate an extraordinary meeting being called. I'll keep you chaps informed of developments. (I never knew the Allotment Committee would be so - I was going to say exciting, but I'll go with interesting).

There's a movie in this: The Milton Street Secession.

I see Rushdie writing the screenplay. I'm thinking Scorsese for director, to really get us in there amongst the runner beans. I have Timothy Spall in mind to play you, Paul. I have no idea if there's any physical resemblance, but I feel he could express your spade-wielding insouciance.