Cold Ale - The Blokes' Thread!

[Paulclem]

We like Germany too, and find the people very nice. My wife speaks German, and does all the enquiring. I agree with you Brian about some of the English attitudes to "abroad". It's embarassing - particularly the attitude to Germany promulgated solely by the daft press we have.

[dafydd manton]

One reason why I flatly refuse to buy a tabloid newspaper, especially anywhere near a football tournament. Not, actually, that much of a sacrifice, since I loathe football, but there's no point in having a principle if you're not going to get sniffy about it!

[The Atheist]

Carrot Cake! 7 (seven!) quid a head.

The world's best carrot cake is made by the mum of the bloke who runs a public 9-hole golf course in Papakura.

Monstrous pieces with icing half an inch thick.

Better than sex.

(and a lot cheaper at $2 a slice)

Shopping is the primary purpose of holidays apparently. I used to think the primary purpose was relaxing fun. My views have since modified themselves to the actual reality.

Ah, music to my ears. I knew I married a shopophobe for a reason.

We like Germany too, and find the people very nice. My wife speaks German, and does all the enquiring. I agree with you Brian about some of the English attitudes to "abroad". It's embarassing - particularly the attitude to Germany promulgated solely by the daft press we have.

Don't mention the war!

Germans are just a little stereotypical, though. Just too easy.

[prendrelemick]

To be fair, the carrot cake was probably among the top ten best things I have ever placed in in my mouth. It was home made and delicious, but I wanted to be wandering lonely as a cloud upon the high places at the time, not sat among chintz.


I think Brian is being a little Harsh on us Brits EXCEPT the tabloid press, which is a national disgrace. (I too won't buy a newspaper) It is the rottenness at the heart of our society.

[Emil Miller]

To be fair, the carrot cake was probably among the top ten best things I have ever placed in in my mouth. It was home made and delicious, but I wanted to be wandering lonely as a cloud upon the high places at the time, not sat among chintz.

I think Brian is being a little Harsh on us Brits EXCEPT the tabloid press, which is a national disgrace. (I too won't buy a newspaper) It is the rottenness at the heart of our society.

Perhaps you should have tried cannabis cake instead.

Got to agree about the tabloid press, which is why I read the Daily Telegraph, although not on a regular basis.

[Paulclem]

The tabloid press - a law unto itself - courted by spineless politicians because it has so much sway - which feeds off the critical ignorence of a lot of the public, but which pretends to champion them and is actually a tool for owners who are not of them - which as no regard for the damage it does to individuals - which mercilessly promotes with the carrot of celebrity before dumping and trashing a series of hapless narcissists - which has no interest in truth, integrity or decency whilst pretending that it really is the standard bearer for those qualities - which masquerades gossip and triviality as news whilst the real stories go unnoticed - which employs bigoted loudmouths who then leave to become respectable -

I have issues with the tabloid press which is why I don't buy any. I'll sign up for therapy tomorrow...

[jocky]

The tabloid press - a law unto itself - courted by spineless politicians because it has so much sway - which feeds off the critical ignorence of a lot of the public, but which pretends to champion them and is actually a tool for owners who are not of them - which as no regard for the damage it does to individuals - which mercilessly promotes with the carrot of celebrity before dumping and trashing a series of hapless narcissists - which has no interest in truth, integrity or decency whilst pretending that it really is the standard bearer for those qualities - which masquerades gossip and triviality as news whilst the real stories go unnoticed - which employs bigoted loudmouths who then leave to become respectable -

I have issues with the tabloid press which is why I don't buy any. I'll sign up for therapy tomorrow...

There is nothing to beat a good rant, I have been known to have one or two myself. I hate the News of the World as well but this leaves me in a moral dilemma. Is the Sporting Post a broadsheet or a tabloid ? As to the German problem, I have always thought that bullying was a group activity perfected by the herring folks. Apparently intellectuals practice this as well. I have always preferred to plough my own furrow.

[The Atheist]

A story to strike fear into every sheep-farmer's heart.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10674846

This storm will be nearly as devastating in dollar terms as the earthquake in the end.

I'm just waiting until someone reads the Jonah story and decides to throw me overboard!

[jocky]

A story to strike fear into every sheep-farmer's heart.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10674846

This storm will be nearly as devastating in dollar terms as the earthquake in the end.

I'm just waiting until someone reads the Jonah story and decides to throw me overboard!

You seem to be having a wee weather problem, earthquakes, storms the size of Australia, ad infinitum. The Arc idea seems to be beached. Gilliatt has cancelled the sloop and the general concencus appears to be you are on your own mate. Phone us when the sun re-appears. Your faithful pal Jocky.

[The Atheist]

You seem to be having a wee weather problem, earthquakes, storms the size of Australia, ad infinitum. The Arc idea seems to be beached. Gilliatt has cancelled the sloop and the general concencus appears to be you are on your own mate. Phone us when the sun re-appears. Your faithful pal Jocky.

Thanks very much for your support!

We're having more wind here than I get after three vindaloos in a row.

Trees across roads, old ladies across paddocks...

Classic storm-related comment:

"People are more resilient down here," the Southern Communication spokesperson said. "Not like Aucklanders. When a deck chair blows over we don't call the fire brigade."

[Paulclem]

Thanks very much for your support!

We're having more wind here than I get after three vindaloos in a row.

Trees across roads, old ladies across paddocks...

Classic storm-related comment:

"People are more resilient down here," the Southern Communication spokesperson said. "Not like Aucklanders. When a deck chair blows over we don't call the fire brigade."

It's inverted here in the UK. The Northern term is soft southern ********. I don't know whether it's fair though.

We don't hear anything about your end of the world here - or anywhere exept the USA for that matter.

[The Atheist]

It's inverted here in the UK. The Northern term is soft southern ********. I don't know whether it's fair though.

Yep, that's the exact equivalent!

The rest of the country sees Aucklanders as a bunch of rich arrogant bastards that ignore the rest of the country.

Since Auckland arrogantly ignores the uncivilised parts of the country (everywhere outiside Auckland) while piling up huge riches, I find it all a bit odd.

We don't hear anything about your end of the world here - or anywhere exept the USA for that matter.

Yes, the US-centricism of news media is pretty universal.

The only time UK makes the news is when Prince Phil lets off a zinger.

[The Atheist]

Holy crap.

They're talking 1,000,000 dead lambs now. The worst spring storm in 50-100 years down south.

A million!

Don't expect cheap lamb for a while.

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

A story to strike fear into every sheep-farmer's heart.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10674846

This storm will be nearly as devastating in dollar terms as the earthquake in the end.
I'm just waiting until someone reads the Jonah story and decides to throw me overboard!

Sounds like you are taking a beating down there.
Winter is not going away with a whisper.
I found this update article:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10675148

...Yes, the US-centricism of news media is pretty universal...

That and McDonalds!

You seem to be having a wee weather problem, earthquakes, storms the size of Australia, ad infinitum. The Arc idea seems to be beached. Gilliatt has cancelled the sloop and the general concencus appears to be you are on your own mate. Phone us when the sun re-appears. Your faithful pal Jocky.

Elissa is not eqiupped to handle those storms!
I'll drop anchor at Easter Island for the time being.


.

[prendrelemick]

Oh dear, a shortage of lamb! I hope prices don't go up.


To be fair though, the second article about the Mental affects of a disasterous lambing time is spot on. I have known a couple, and it is difficult to keep fighting the overwhelming feeling that every thing you do is useless, and you might as well stay in bed. Its probably a mixture of exhaustion and depression.