The UK Thread

[Rojo]

OK, this thread is for all of the Brits around here to discuss things which only really affects the good old UK, we've had the UK film house now its time for UK curent affairs and other stuff. Someone will set up a topic and we'll discuss it for a while.

First up:

UKIP's election 'victories', what do they mean?

For me it's a good indication of people's discontent with mainstream politics, but also the majority of UKIP's voters ignorance and xenophobia. To blankly want to leave the EU is just stupid, the population of the UK is an amalgamation of people from a large number of other European nations, through the Celts, Romans and Viking/Saxon invaders as well as immigration throughout the ages since. Our royal family are franko-germans and the UK has only even existed for about two hundred and fifty years. So what are they trying to save? This country has always flourished through co-operation with Europe and ignorance is not going to stop it. I have a strange feeling that in a hundred years or so, the descendants of UKIP voters will be campaigning against a united but varied Europe being involved i a world state.

[Gazelle]

As someone who has recently been affected by legislation from Brussels, I am moving more and more in favour of UKIP. I would NEVER have voted for them up until a few months ago. Now, I wonder if it might be the best idea and the best use of a vote.

[mazzy]

I was so amazed when I saw how well UKIP had done, especially with that racist idiot Robert Kilroy Silk campeigning for them. Personally I think that we are in the continent of Europe so why the hell would we not be involved with it?? The trouble with UKIP is that it probably will be a party that attracts narrow-minded racists. Also it might help if they thought of few more policies - who could vote for a party with one policy. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

[Gazelle]

I am not a narrow minded racist.

[mazzy]

I didn't say that you were, I said UKIP would "probably" attract those types of people. Also you said that you hadn't voted for them anyway. If it's not too personal or anything how have you been affected by Brussels legislation? Just interested.

[cj790]

I personally am quite concerned about the move away to these Independent parties, especially the ones whose goal is isolationism and intolerance. There is mass hysteria in Britain that we are for some reason going to lose all governmental control over to the continent; this will simply never happen, nor would the EU want it to happen. That is not what the EU is aboutat all, but the tabloid media here are manipulating the majority of people who remain uninformed about the facts. We suffer from an oligarchy in our newspapers, and from popular racism disguising itself as 'old fashioned values'.
In the last general election the BNP received a strengthened vote because of the increasing failings of the current government being misplaced on innocent targets. This is exactly the same behaviour as Hitler peddled, 70 years ago. The fault lies not within Brussles, but within our own government. We need to stop looking for scapegoats, the others that are supposedly ruining our country, and deal with the facts as they are.
The mass majority of people largely remain uninformed about the nature of our alliance with Europe. 60% of our trade is with Europe. We would not survive as a Western country if we severed our ties with Europe; our economy needs to exist within the EU. Britain needs to have representation in the EU, otherwise it will find itself falling behind, in economics and in global importance. To have UKIP MEPs inside the world's largest trade organisation belies our own ignorance and selfishness.
I heard a great quote last year - someone said we should ask our workers if they would prefer their paychecks to be paid in Euros, or their dole money in pounds. That about sums it up for me.

[JediBendu]

It could be worse - there could be 4 MEPs from the BNP style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif

[mazzy]

True.

[pudooku]

Originally posted by JediBendu@Jun 16 2004, 11:05 AM
It could be worse - there could be 4 MEPs from the BNP style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif
I was recently quite shocked to find out that one of my close friends was a BNP voter... It has caused a rift between us, and not a few raised words... But the point is, the fact that he has said he supports their narrow-minded thuggish policies has lead a few other people I know to have the bravery to say the same thing...

I live in Leicester so they are all like, "I don't want my kids learning F****** Gudjurati in school... They need to be taught English values."

A couple are even moving out of the city to 'get away' from 'them' - I mean, where the F are they running to? And what from?
It's all pretty rich, coming from a mongrel nation like we English - I'd've thought it'd be pretty cool to learn Gudjurati.

But the point is, the support is growing - just like the Nazi's between the wars, the BNP are appealing to the "these immigrants are taking your jobs and your kids' jobs" fears... It's all BS really, 'cause the whole wealth that this country enjoys is based on the exploitation of immigrants in the UK, and slave labour around the world in the days of Empire.

Pudooku

[mazzy]

Well said Padooku. I came into work the other day and found a BNP leaflet on the doormat. I couln't believe that a BNP representive had just been walking around and distributing this stuff, it's so strange. I guess that I have never been so close to it, and have never really considered it as something that would be close to me. It put me a bad mood for the rest of the day...

People have such frightening misconceptions about Immigrants, I mean, would you want to go to a country that you knew didn't really want you there. We were lucky to be born free and should be happy to give others hat option to.

[Obi-Stu]

Sorry to disturb the flow of convesrsation but is this thread for UK Residents or those with citizenship?


Rule Britania!

[cj790]

I don't think we need a passport check at the door style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

If someone has an opinion they should be allowed to express it.
(but if you're the BNP then we're also allowed to call you racist thugs style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif )

[Rojo]

Originally posted by Obi-Stu@Jun 18 2004, 01:48 PM
Sorry to disturb the flow of convesrsation but is this thread for UK Residents or those with citizenship?


Rule Britania!
Whatver you feel like.

[Darth Badly]

Seems to me this thread might belong in the LIFE section more than here.

Most of the threads in this section talk about SW or SW fans in various forms rather than other real world issue. The location of a thread is usually down to what's being discussed rather than who's discussing it.

Also you might do better business over in LIFE.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wave.gif

[JediBendu]

when and where's the next star wars con in london!!!!!

[Rojo]

Originally posted by Darth Badly@Jun 18 2004, 08:57 PM
Seems to me this thread might belong in the LIFE section more than here.

Most of the threads in this section talk about SW or SW fans in various forms rather than other real world issue. The location of a thread is usually down to what's being discussed rather than who's discussing it.

Also you might do better business over in LIFE.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wave.gif
Well, I had it there but it got moved here.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by JediBendu@Jun 19 2004, 01:19 PM
when and where's the next star wars con in london!!!!!

Your house - next Saturday!

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[flo fett]

Originally posted by Rojo+Jun 19 2004, 03:57 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rojo @ Jun 19 2004, 03:57 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Darth Badly@Jun 18 2004, 08:57 PM
Seems to me this thread might belong in the LIFE section more than here.

Most of the threads in this section talk about SW or SW fans in various forms rather than other real world issue. The location of a thread is usually down to what's being discussed rather than who's discussing it.

Also you might do better business over in LIFE.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wave.gif
Well, I had it there but it got moved here. [/b][/quote]
The Boss decided it was a community thread so here we are! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

*puts the kettle on and gets the biccys out*

[Rojo]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jun 19 2004, 05:07 PM
The Boss decided it was a community thread so here we are! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

*puts the kettle on and gets the biccys out*
Didn't know you were from the Uk, Flo. Or are you just pulling all our legs? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/innocent.gif

Anyway, we need a new topic.

Is 'football patriotism' good for national moral, or just stupid?

I gotta say I'm somehwere in between. It's cool to see our flag displayed around the place, and for people to be proud of where we live, but it all seems a bit false. Can't we be proud all the time not just every two years, or when we win Rugby World Cups?

I'll link to this thread in my sig, to boost numbers.

[Gazelle]

The football isn't really the point for me. I love the carnival/festival atmosphere it brings - a sense of oneness and comradery among Brits that very little can bring these days.

[flo fett]

Originally posted by Rojo@Jun 19 2004, 06:39 PM
Didn't know you were from the Uk, Flo. Or are you just pulling all our legs? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/innocent.gif



Me? I'm up here in Scotland freezing my butt off in a village just outside Glasgow style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Obi-Stu]

Is it ever warm in Scotland?

I got an email from my Aunt in Dumbartonshire (Sp?) and said: " We had a great summer, but rained for all three days..."

How do you guys cope with a 9 month winter? I mean we have a 3 month winter and I'm sure it's not half a cold as you have it (it was 1 degree this morning). but we complain all the way through.

[flo fett]

Ach the weather isn't always bad. You get used to it anyway. We like the cold up here, oh we might complain about it but british people are never truly happy unless they're complaining about something style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jun 21 2004, 12:28 PM
Ach the weather isn't always bad. You get used to it anyway. We like the cold up here, oh we might complain about it but british people are never truly happy unless they're complaining about something style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif
Rofl.

I'm going to Scotalnd for my hols this year, Isle of Mull I think.

[Obi-Stu]

flo fett
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>but british people are never truly happy unless they're complaining about something [/b][/quote]

How true...

[flo fett]

Originally posted by Rojo+Jun 21 2004, 01:24 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rojo @ Jun 21 2004, 01:24 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-flo fett@Jun 21 2004, 12:28 PM
Ach the weather isn't always bad. You get used to it anyway. We like the cold up here, oh we might complain about it but british people are never truly happy unless they're complaining about something style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif
Rofl.

I'm going to Scotalnd for my hols this year, Isle of Mull I think. [/b][/quote]
Cool, Mull's lovely. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[mazzy]

I'm from Ullapool at the top of Scotland, it's not too cold, we are on the gulf stream. Anyway, I don't live there at the moment, I live in Wales which always seems to be quite warm.

[Obi-Stu]

Please define warm, I think we Africans will have different definition to the word... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Rojo]

Warm is about 18 celcius and upwards in the UK. In the deserts of Oz, warm is about 30 degrees.

[Obi-Stu]

It's 16 here today and everyone is complaining how cold it is... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[mazzy]

Yup ok, different opinions of warm. Without a jacket is my warm...

[Obi-Stu]

I think it doesn't matter where you live one will always complain.

[mazzy]

We British are known for being complainers though.

[cj790]

Are we complaining about how British people complain a lot? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

BTW- I get rather fed up of patriotism. I don't mind it on match days, but I get really fed up every time I see a flag outside a window or on a car. There's nothing wrong with being proud of your patch of land, but why do you need to force it down other people's throats? Besides, nationality is becoming more and more irrelevent; I for one wouldn't cry to see the death of national pride. It would cut down on racist attacks, sporting hooliganism, wars, etc. And what are the benefits of being xenophobic, exactly?

[mazzy]

Not complaining, just commenting........

[cj790]

Note - I just complained a bit style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[flo fett]

Originally posted by Rojo@Jun 22 2004, 10:21 PM
Warm is about 18 celcius and upwards in the UK. In the deserts of Oz, warm is about 30 degrees.
18!! When the temperature hits 13 degrees up here the ladies of Glasgow get their bikinis on! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[mazzy]

Yeah, a hint of a blue sky and it's short skirt and boob tube.

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by flo fett+Jun 24 2004, 06:50 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(flo fett @ Jun 24 2004, 06:50 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Rojo@Jun 22 2004, 10:21 PM
Warm is about 18 celcius and upwards in the UK. In the deserts of Oz, warm is about 30 degrees.
18!! When the temperature hits 13 degrees up here the ladies of Glasgow get their bikinis on! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif [/b][/quote]
13 here and out come the blankets and heaters...

[Rojo]

This has all become a little light hearted, which is no bad thing. In the spirit of the thread, the new topic is:

Where in the UK, or elsewhere, do you live? And how's the weather?

I live in Norwich (http://www.norwich.gov.uk/site_files/pages/Home.html) but I go to university in Bath (http://www.bath.co.uk/).

Norwich is usually calm and not that cold really, relative to Bath where it seems to be windy all the time. Right now, Norwich is sunny and breezy with some cloud.

[mazzy]

I used to live in Norwich and I LOVED it! It's such a great city. I went to art school there. I'm from the Highlands in Scotland but at the moment I live in Wales. I haven't lived here long but the winter was awful and the summer seems really nice.

Rojo - did you know they have taken 'A Fine City' from all the Norwich signs..... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jun 25 2004, 11:53 AM
Rojo - did you know they have taken 'A Fine City' from all the Norwich signs..... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Ah no. The great publication that is the Norwich 'Evening News' (sigh) informs me that the signs are just being changed and that the 'Fine City' title is staying. A good job too, Norwich is a fine place with some great sights and history. It's just that after twenty years you start to get a bit tired of it all...

[mazzy]

Phew, I'm so glad about that, Norwich being such a fine city and all.

Only lived there for six years and by the end I wanted to leave. But, in classic grass is always greener mode I miss it...

[JediBendu]

Bethnal Green, London

a slightly sleezy quarter on the east side (e2) with a suprisingly comfortable number of strip clubs meshed with the trendy caf's and bars of shoreditch and hoxton.

[Gazelle]

WE WERE ROBBED.

What else can I say?


Gazelle
Euro2004

[Darth Darthy]

Hahaha! I no longer live in hell!!! I finally moved to Durham and there ain't a smack head or charver/pikie/scally in sight. Which is a distinctly marked contrast to Middlesbrough. I hate Middlesbrough. I would destroy it were I King of the Universe.

[Darth Badly]

Are we doing the 'where do you live?' bit?

I'm in Blackheath, just south of Greenwich. It's a nice green bit of London.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by Darth Darthy@Jun 25 2004, 02:08 PM
Hahaha! I no longer live in hell!!! I finally moved to Durham and there ain't a smack head or charver/pikie/scally in sight. Which is a distinctly marked contrast to Middlesbrough. I hate Middlesbrough. I would destroy it were I King of the Universe.

Congrates to you, Darthy.

[Gazelle]

Gazelle resides in Cambridge, England.

[mazzy]

Middlesborough (sp?) is one of those places in Blighty which does seem distinctly unappealing....

[cj790]

I currently live in Aberystwyth, Wales, though I used to live in Norwich too - glad to hear the 'fine city' got a reprieve. It's twee, but nice.

[flo fett]

Originally posted by Darth Darthy@Jun 25 2004, 02:08 PM
Hahaha! I no longer live in hell!!! I finally moved to Durham and there ain't a smack head or charver/pikie/scally in sight. Which is a distinctly marked contrast to Middlesbrough. I hate Middlesbrough. I would destroy it were I King of the Universe.
OoooooOOOOh Durham...lovely! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif

[Darth Darthy]

I'm just slowly moving closer to you Flo. In a few years I'll be your next door neighbour.

[Darth Badly]

You wish.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[flo fett]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by cj790@Jun 26 2004, 04:50 PM
I currently live in Aberystwyth, Wales, though I used to live in Norwich too - glad to hear the 'fine city' got a reprieve. It's twee, but nice.
Jeez, anyone who's never lived in Norwich?

[Darth Badly]

I haven't.

Although I did go there for a school trip for the day once when I was 13.

[flo fett]

I've never been anywhere near Norwich...been to Bristol though...um and Durham...um and Nottingham...and um....and...

[Rojo]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jun 27 2004, 09:21 PM
I've never been anywhere near Norwich...been to Bristol though...um and Durham...um and Nottingham...and um....and...
I go to uni in Bath, which is near Bristol. The place is full of charvers though.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jun 27 2004, 09:21 PM
I've never been anywhere near Norwich...been to Bristol though...um and Durham...um and Nottingham...and um....and...


London?

[cj790]

Does anybody know where a 25 year old male primary school teacher would be needed? I'm finishing college this week and want to move!

[Obi-Stu]

Well, I hear that there is a shortage of teachers in in South Africa...

[cj790]

Sounds good; I just need to get away from small towns with small minded people again.
I hear Jo'burg is nice this time of year...

[Obi-Stu]

What's wrong with small towns?

Jo'burg's great. I like it. You might find though, ironically, that the schools that need teachers are in the small towns...

My wife is studying to be a primary school teacher...

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by cj790@Jun 28 2004, 09:12 AM
Does anybody know where a 25 year old male primary school teacher would be needed? I'm finishing college this week and want to move!

Schools in London would snap you up I'm sure - if you fancied a year in the Big Smoke.

[Darth Badly]

Note: A heads up - I've been posting some stuff with a UK angle in the Micheal Moore thread. Might be of interest to UK puppies.

[vodo]

UKIP: undermined kilroy inscurance policy

erm there are loads of teaching jobs in the UK. I just finished my GCSE's so I need a job any suggestions.
BTW iam in manchester

[vodo]

Hey Tim Henman won!!!!!!!
I will check them out darth badly

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah, a hint of a blue sky and it's short skirt and boob tube[/b][/quote]

In Newcastle they don't need blue skies for that !

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Gazelle resides in Cambridge, England.[/b][/quote]

M. Perror resides in a little town in the North East (not near Middlesborough style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif) but lived in Cambridge for about a year in 1989/1990 - worked in Sainsbury's and Travellers Rest Beefeater Steakhouse !

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Obi-Stu]

I love Cambridge.

Only been there once, on holiday...

[JediBendu]

Originally posted by Darth Badly@Jun 28 2004, 04:33 PM
Note:* A heads up - I've been posting some stuff with a UK angle in the Micheal Moore thread.* Might be of interest to UK puppies.
the yanks wouldn't understand the meaning of 'gun problem' until the visit a country without one.
then again, if you went to the states, wouldn't you prefer to be armed to the teeth? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

the whole gun issue was the focus of Moore's Bowling for Columbine - I'm suprised you didn't bring that in

[cj790]

I'm getting really offended by what some people are posting in the Michael Moore and Terorism threads. I think I'll stop posting in them. I had relatives (albeit distant ones) who died in the Wolrd Trade Centre and to see all these deaths fuel so much borderline racism, xenophobia and 'national pride' sickens me.

Obi-Stu: I'm just feeling the need to get back to larger places, smaller cities and the like. I like to have options style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
I wish your wife well! It's really tough, but really rewarding. Don't expect to have too much time with her for the next year style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

DB: I don't know if I could handle London; too expensive and rather scary. How do you find it?
The problem is that I'm in an area where you have to speak Welsh to teach, and I don't style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Might make my way over to Cardiff, or Bath, Oxford, Brighton...

Vodo: What do you like doing?

[mazzy]

Yeah Vodo - what are your streghths, don't say none!

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by cj790@Jun 29 2004, 10:20 AM
I'm getting really offended by what some people are posting in the Michael Moore and Terorism threads. I think I'll stop posting in them. I had relatives (albeit distant ones) who died in the Wolrd Trade Centre and to see all these deaths fuel so much borderline racism, xenophobia and 'national pride' sickens me.

Obi-Stu: I'm just feeling the need to get back to larger places, smaller cities and the like. I like to have options style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
I wish your wife well! It's really tough, but really rewarding. Don't expect to have too much time with her for the next year style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

DB: I don't know if I could handle London; too expensive and rather scary. How do you find it?
The problem is that I'm in an area where you have to speak Welsh to teach, and I don't style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Might make my way over to Cardiff, or Bath, Oxford, Brighton...

Vodo: What do you like doing?

cj - I know what you mean about those threads. A lot of the Americans are hugely hugely right wing and don't even seem to realise it. They post as if posting reasonable mainstream opinions while over here in the UK those views would be seen as pretty much on the very right wing of things. Strange. I have to be very very careful not to get into trouble etc over there becasue I just think so many of the views held by many people about what a good idea it is to have the right to own a gun etc are just bonkers. But you just can't tell Americans that - they just have a completely different POV.

It also shows how divided America is as a country regarding who they vote for. There's far bigger difference between the parties than Tory/Labour diference over here at the moment.

As for London - I love London but then I'm a Londoner. I was born here.
I like the fact that I can see any film in the country here in the capital whenever the f**k I want to. I can fully understand it being daunting though. It's true that it's more expensive to live here but then most (many) jobs including teachers get a London weighting so you get £2 - 4K more per year to help cover it. (That doesn't cover all the expense, but it should help.)

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Rojo]

I know what you both mean about a lot of Americans that [ost here. I used to debate a lot over at pdt.com (http://www.pleasedrivethrough.com/forums) but now I don't because it just infuriates me.

[mazzy]

It is wierd what a huge difference in general opinion there is between the Americans and the British. I never realised how big until I started posting here. But it's cool, I've got a few American friends who are really lefty.

[cj790]

I know exactly what you all mean - especially what you say Badly about not realising how extreme their views seem to others and about gun control. I saw something in one of the other threads that really annoyed me about how British police are somehow inferior to the criminals without guns; the idea being 'shoot first and ask questions later' style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif
The worst thing I have been finding is that people on those threads get personally offended too easily, as though a challenge to the political ideology is somehow a challenge to themselves, and become aggressive very quickly. The debating has turned into squabbling. And very few of them can admit when they are wrong.

DB- you nailed it when you mentioned the cinema; that's exactly why I want to get out into a city again. I like to have options, to be able to do things. I've never really been one for pubs every week, but that seems to be the focal point of most small towns style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Choice is a good thing style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I've never really been one for pubs every week, but that seems to be the focal point of most small towns[/b][/quote]

And small cities.

But then alcohol is the focal point of most peoples lives anyway.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by cj790@Jun 29 2004, 04:29 PM
I know exactly what you all mean - especially what you say Badly about not realising how extreme their views seem to others and about gun control. I saw something in one of the other threads that really annoyed me about how British police are somehow inferior to the criminals without guns; the idea being 'shoot first and ask questions later' style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif
The worst thing I have been finding is that people on those threads get personally offended too easily, as though a challenge to the political ideology is somehow a challenge to themselves, and become aggressive very quickly. The debating has turned into squabbling. And very few of them can admit when they are wrong.



Absolutely.

I could just about understand someone saying 'it's a shame our ploice have to be armed, but there you are" but the responces I got were pretty close to "yeah, it's great they're armed because then they can shoot more bad guys!"

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/giveup.gif

It's like cowboys and indians all over again.

[T-bone]

I was referring to the comedy piece by Robin Williams when I posted that remark. I thought it would lighten up the thread and I do think it was a funny bit by Williams. Sorry I even mentioned it, now because it's adding to the "T'bone is an a$$hole" dogma going around.

I do feel that different countries require different rules and while I am for gun CONTROL I am glad police here are armed because the level of crime here (I believe) is not only higher than it is in the UK, but much more violent and worse due to a LACK of gun control among the general public and not enough rules/training to warrant owning a gun - which I won't keep in my home for fear of some kind of accident involving my children, etc.

So, let's stow that "arrogant americans" thing. If you lived here and grew up here, you might have some different opinions and vice versa. I am not saying your police should always be armed but there may come a day, one day, in your area, where because of this new law in your country, someone's life is actually saved or some good happens. Hell, it might end up being every day.

That being said, there's no cowboys/indians here and it's definitely not a game. It's taken seriously by folks like me, not extremists who walk around armed and ready to shoot people over the color of their sneakers.

[Rojo]

I know what you mean, T and I don't know what all this stuff going about you being an a$$hole is about, but it's probably stupid.

I personally wasn't saying the Americans are arrogant, I think we were just trying to express our frustration at some people's stance on opinions on this and other boards. I have encountered a great many people across the net who can't understand HOW someone can consider another point of view let alone understand that POV itself. That a majority of these people are from the US might be a coincidence, it might not. I don't think its arrogance, just misunderstanding.

[Darth Palpy]

To understand the American psyche you have to live there and to understand why they're so pissed you just have to look back to 9/11...it IS, by far, the most horrific act of terrorsim ever and it HASstill got people angry three years on. People rely on their governments to protect them and if something as bad as 9/11 happened in the UK, us Brits would be DEMANDING protection for the safety of ourselves AND our children.

[vodo]

answering the question"what do I like"
As I have just finished school this has become a majour issue in my life. For the next two months I have to find something I like to do in Manchester. So I bought a new guitar(I'm a rock fan) and started writing my book.I'm not a football fan though which pits me in the minoritory in the UK.
I also act.

When I saw bowling for columbine I was scared to death. I couldnt believe how a country as powerful as america could have such a rotten core. Im not saying that americans are wrotten or anything, but the way people can buy guns when they wish shocked me. One of the worst things I found was that some of the gun nuts were clouded by the illusion of patriotisem. That it was fine and dandy for al americans to sleep with an M16 under their pillow.

P.S. do any of you brits get sfx?

[darth bobo]

true dat homie!

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by T'bone@Jun 29 2004, 06:20 PM


So, let's stow that "arrogant americans" thing. If you lived here and grew up here, you might have some different opinions and vice versa.

I wasn't calling Americans "arrogent" just saying that what is regarded as mainstream views in the USA appear to be extreme right wing views from a POV in Europe.

I know you meant the Robin Williams quote to lighten the thread and it did. But there was also a cooment which implied that I should perhaps rethink being against UK police being armed because it might save someone's life of they were. It's absolutely fine for you to hold that opinion (obviously) but to a Brit it would be utterly unacceptable to arm our police as a matter of course. (Any Brits disagree with that?)

As for your comments about "If you lived here..." I totally agree with you. And said the very same thing a few posts back.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by M. Perror Palpy@Jun 29 2004, 09:31 PM
To understand the American psyche you have to live there and to understand why they're so pissed you just have to look back to 9/11...it IS, by far, the most horrific act of terrorsim ever and it HASstill got people angry three years on. People rely on their governments to protect them and if something as bad as 9/11 happened in the UK, us Brits would be DEMANDING protection for the safety of ourselves AND our children.

I don't want to get into a "whose had the most people killed in a terrible way" whizzing competition but let's not forget that my own London was bombed by the IRA for two decades.

(I won't mention that they were terrorists who killed people and that a LOT of their funding came from the USA in the days before 9-11 poisoned the word terrorist forever.)

So Brits have suffered terrorism regularly in my point. You post seemed to imply that perhaps we had not and would understand you POV more if we had.

[Darth Palpy]

I'm a Brit...but we have not suffered terrorism on a scale such as 9/11.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by M. Perror Palpy@Jun 30 2004, 12:05 AM
I'm a Brit...but we have not suffered terrorism on a scale such as 9/11.

I didn't say we had. Just that we have suffered terrorism for a number of decades in our capital city.

[Trilogist]

Originally posted by Darth Badly@Jun 29 2004, 04:46 PM
I wasn't calling Americans "arrogent" just saying that what is regarded as mainstream views in the USA appear to be extreme right wing views from a POV in Europe.
I think that is actually very interesting, because over here in America it's quite the same line of reasoning turned around -- what is regarded as mainstream in Britain and other parts of Europe appear to be far left over here. The unusual thing is, right now America is pretty much 50/50 politically. Just look at the last presidential election, how close can it possibly get?

But alas, I'm not a Brit, so I'll promptly shoo myself out of here. I'm just a Brit wannabe! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I didn't say we had. Just that we have suffered terrorism for a number of decades in our capital city.[/b][/quote]

By saying the above and saying :

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>but let's not forget that my own London was bombed by the IRA for two decades.[/b][/quote]

You ARE implying that we have suffered "terrorism on a scale such as 9/11"

But tell me...how did you feel during all the IRA stuff and how would you feel if the UK suffered a really bad terrorsim attack ?

Angry ?

[T-bone]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>When I saw bowling for columbine I was scared to death. I couldnt believe how a country as powerful as america could have such a rotten core. Im not saying that americans are wrotten or anything, but the way people can buy guns when they wish shocked me. One of the worst things I found was that some of the gun nuts were clouded by the illusion of patriotisem. That it was fine and dandy for al americans to sleep with an M16 under their pillow.[/b][/quote]

just remember again - this isn't all facts and/or true.

[T-bone]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I should perhaps rethink being against UK police being armed because it might save someone's life of they were. [/b][/quote]

and i was trying to put that idea in your head.
times have changed and you never know what can happen, that's all.
you live there - you know better than I what's best for brits.

[T-bone]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I don't want to get into a "whose had the most people killed in a terrible way" whizzing competition but let's not forget that my own London was bombed by the IRA for two decades. [/b][/quote]

but the circumstances and the origins of that crisis - entirely different.
what's that McCartney song..."Give Ireland Back to the Irish."
This was no 911, but terrorism is still terrorism, of course.
I just don't think you can compare these situations and the long lasting effects on the entire world, not just 2 countries.

[T-bone]

I love the UK - I really do.
I just think that they're believing a lot of the anti-american press over there and without living here, they just don't know the real deal - - - and that's no fault of their own, it's the press.

same thing with France here - I'll say that in my opinion, that Chirac is a major _________ <---insert adjective of your choice. This guy wants nothing but to throw a monkey wrench in the progress of just about anything the US or coalition wants to do in the aftermath of Iraq. They seem to take a certain delight in poking us in the eye (as I heard on TV tonight) and that has been for years and years now.

however - I will not say that all the french feel this way.
i'm sure they're a wonderful people.
i feel about their leader the same way they feel about mine, it seems.

anyhow - i'm sorry for hijacking this thread - i'll go back to my homeland now and leave the UK folk to talk in peace...

i'm sorry - really - i do mean that, it's not sarcasm.
i shouldn't have been in here.
i just get a little testy when i see people generalizing about americans.

see you in the other life threads...

[Darth Palpy]

People generalise all the time, even about us Brits...remember, the Welsh all do it with sheep, the Scots all eat haggis and the English all drink afternoon tea dontcha know !

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[JediBendu]

<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:red">BLOODY TUBE STRIKE!!!!!!!!!</span></span>

[cj790]

I wasn't intending to appear anti-American or that I believed Americans are arrogant either; I just wanted to point out (like Badly said) the aggresive behaviour of some of the other posters when their viewpoint is challenged.

I think Badly is again right about the IRA bombings, though. What we can't forget here is that America has never seen it's land atttacked before now (by a foriegn body, at least), wheras other countries have; by terrorists or not. Other countries have had to live in the fear of attacks before, yet for Americans this must be a new experience. Everyone is obviously concerned about their own and their families safety when under threat, but there are still forms of behaviour that must be considered unnacceptable. If a child is bullied, and bullies others as a result, one must still deal with that child's behaviour whilst offering support.


What are the tube operators striking about this time?

[mazzy]

A terrorism attack is an attack, does scale matter, it's all worng, it's all bad.

If only Americans lived in Britain then they could see it's NOT LEFT ENOUGH!!!

[Rojo]

Alright, alright it's over. Brits cannot fully undertsnad the US without living there and vice versa. Generalisations are bad and that's that.

New topic, suggested by Badly:

Should British police be armed?

[mazzy]

Actually to be honest I didn't know that they weren't until all this came up.

I'm not sure, it's really difficult because police do get attacked and brutalized, but then if they were armed would it lead to shootings by mistake?

I think I'll probably go with no but I might try and look as some statistics. Also I wonder does anyone know any police and what do they think? I've got a friend who's a special constable so I'm going to ask for her opinion.

[Obi-Stu]

I will say this, I live in a country where not only are the cops armed, but in some cases carry semi automatic rifles.

When my Wife and I visisted London in 1999, it was one of the first things we noticed.

I do not think it's a bad thing at all, but it has always been that way. We could tell the South African cops that tomorrow they can't carry firearms, it just wouldn't work.

Good on you, UK...

[Gazelle]

Originally posted by M. Perror Palpy@Jun 29 2004, 12:26 AM
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Gazelle resides in Cambridge, England.

M. Perror resides in a little town in the North East (not near Middlesborough style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif) but lived in Cambridge for about a year in 1989/1990 - worked in Sainsbury's and Travellers Rest Beefeater Steakhouse !

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif [/b][/quote]
Which Sainsburys?

[cj790]

Happy Birthday Mazzy!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif


I think that the British police should remain unarmed. I think that to empower the police would lead to a knock-on effect of criminals requiring firepower to 'defend' themselves from the police, thus making the criminality of the country actually worse.
Also I feel that some people may abuse the power given to them and shoot without thinking, as the 'easy' way to capture a criminal. We have already seen from the BBC documentary last year that some police are not as intelligent as we may hope (although this was of course an isolated incident, one would imagine; and the policemen and women I have met have all been pleasant enough, decent people). This would only incite more anti-police hatred and more violence.
It is true that British police are less capable of dealing with armed suspects than their counterparts in America, though the actual number of armed suspects they deal with are minimal; there simply aren't enough crimes being committed (from the statistics I have seen) to warrant arming the police.
Besides, shooting a criminal because they have a gun is not the only way to deal with them.
The British police force have a pretty good record, in comparison with other countries.

[mazzy]

Thanks CJ!!

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Which Sainsburys?[/b][/quote]

The one in the centre.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Gazelle]

Ah

By the way, I have just re-subscribed to Hyperspace but nothing seems to be happening.

Anyone else sign up lately to the "international" deal and have to wait for it to be processed?

I am terribly vexed. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[vodo]

Ok Im sorry that Im throwing things a little off topic here but on the whole terrorisem issue. I was in Manchester when the IRA blew the centre of it up. I was young and I had never been so afraid nor have I been as terrified since in my life. Is not on the same scale as 9/11 but to a 7 year old looking for his brother while people run screaming?????

Any who

My cousin is a bobby, he himself sometimes feels underarmed when hes doing his job. The batons we have now are apparently very weak and can bend and break when used to strike people. I personally dont think the police should be armed.
+ keep marco n the house I want to see him go crazy an kill Jay. Vote Michelle out!!!!

[Darth Palpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Anyone else sign up lately to the "international" deal and have to wait for it to be processed?[/b][/quote]

When I re-subscribed, the digital code to put into the box was on the receipt page and i got it in an e-mail pretty soon thereafter.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Is not on the same scale as 9/11 but to a 7 year old looking for his brother while people run screaming?????[/b][/quote]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[mazzy]

Keep Marco in!! Someone has to kill Jason, a complete and utter embarrisment to the Scottish race!

Vote - no one out, I like them all this week style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Obi-Stu]

You guys watch Big Brother???

[mazzy]

Yup, and I'm not ashamed either style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue2.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jul 1 2004, 10:21 AM
Keep Marco in!! Someone has to kill Jason, a complete and utter embarrisment to the Scottish race!

Vote - no one out, I like them all this week style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Conversely, I hate all three of them, especially Marco who's simply an immature, *****y and selfish man.

[mazzy]

I'm not a Marco fan, I think he's a pain and I would hate to be trapped in a house with him but I find it amusing to see him and Jason fighting. How far can he push him....

I do like Michelle, the most inarticulate person in the world tm, and Nadia though.

[cj790]

I created a BB thread but it was hardly used style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Marco is slightly grating. Jason and Victor are a$$holes who deserve to have their own sense of exaggerated masculinity force-fed back to them. Michelle to stay in!

[Darth Darthy]

Anybody who calls people "chicken" and has a temper tantrum when they're nominated is annoying in my book. Marco's a dick but him and Victor fighting is highly amusing. And Nadia doesn't do much apart from smoke and get her plastic boobs out.

Vote them out, all of them.

[T-bone]

Hmm - flaming? here?

[vodo]

I didnt meen to say should be armed that was a typo. Iam against arming. Its just not cricket.

Mazzy is your second name mazza because mine is too

on BB Its much better this year so im watching it. I knew Emma's cousin.
Michelle should be evicted because she is least likely to use the knifes to kill every one.

[mazzy]

CJ knows someone who punched John Tickles brother!!

My second name ain't Mazza but that's cool that yours is, Mazzy comes from my first name which is Mhairi, but easier to remember as Maz or Mazzy like my Mum does.

BTW I'm really drunk right now.... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[cj790]

It's true, I do style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
Though sadly, I'm not drunk style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[cj790]

Does Mazzy have a hangover?

[Obi-Stu]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/chortle.gif Perhaps...

[mazzy]

Uh huh style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif

[Obi-Stu]

10 points to cj790 style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[cj790]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Rojo]

Rofl.

Anyways, inpsired by recent activities, the new topic is:

What's your favourite tipple?

If you're underage, you'll need a fake ID to answer.

Mine's Guinness.

[Darth Darthy]

Beer. Yum!


*SIP!*

[JediBendu]

Originally posted by Rojo@Jul 2 2004, 04:02 PM
Mine's Guinness.
Kronenberg, Becks then Stella

[cj790]

Brains S A
Stella
Kronenburg

[mazzy]

Red wine.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blush.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jul 3 2004, 11:09 AM
Red wine.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blush.gif
Good choice.

[mazzy]

At least it wasn't Tenents Super, the choice drink of hobos everywhere (especially the guy with sandles on St.Benies in Norwich who likes to stagger and sing).

[vodo]

Ive had a beared since was 14 Im just 16 now so Ive never needed fake ID However dont drink but I would have to go with guiness, but only in irleand

[flo fett]

Vodka...but I guess everyone here that knows me has guessed that. not cheap vodka though...I do have some dignity. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Gazelle]

Teetotal actually

[Justin]

No taxation without representation!

[JediBendu]

Originally posted by cj790@Jul 3 2004, 09:29 AM
Brains S A

the mind boggles style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/alien.gif

red wine's cool - but not when you're out. Can't justify paying £20 a bottle when the same thing costs £4.99 at tesco style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif

cointreau is of course the nectar of the gods

[Gazelle]

By the way, I hope you all like my new avatar. Truly, one of the great Britons!

[Obi-Stu]

Hey, what happened to simon? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

[Gazelle]

I was told that people were bored with him, so I have opted for Boris.

[Obi-Stu]

We want simon back....

[vodo]

you are right boris johnson is my favourite britain. No one can warble like him.....I say he should present have I got knews for you

[Gazelle]

Originally posted by Obi-Stu@Jul 5 2004, 01:45 PM
We want simon back....
You would agree though that this is a thoroughly stunning photo of Boris....

[JediBendu]

the only good thing about bb this year was the live nude mud fight - and it has to be said was quality tv style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grins.gif - the rest is bollux

[mazzy]

I am enjoying it. Taking my usual shameful pleasure in watching a bunch of show off loosers being fools. But what does that make me? I know, I know, who's more foolish..... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blush.gif

[Obi-Stu]

I don't know about the UK one, but I tried to get into both Serries of Big Brother, here in SA, but could really see the piont.

[mazzy]

Somebody set a new question, I can't think of one....

[Obi-Stu]

Why should you immigrate to South Africa? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[mazzy]

Well...... why?

[Obi-Stu]

Sun, Sun, Sun style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[mazzy]

It's a good reason, looking out the window today I'm tempted. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Is there a good music scene? Do you get films at the same time as Britain?

[Obi-Stu]

Music. You can buy the Wil Young CD here, if that's what you mean. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

Hmm, Spiderman 2 comes out here tomorrow.

[mazzy]

Nah, I didn't mean the Will Young CD. What kind of music do the SA kids jump around to? Got Belle and Sebastian?

[Obi-Stu]

I'd have to ask my sister, I getting to old for that sort of thing now.

[cj790]

Does S A have the same stormy weather Britain is having at the moment?

[Darth Char]

Not here in Durban, I know Jo'burg has had some odd weather

[vodo]

does south africa have kangaroos

[mazzy]

Even I know it doesn't, except maybe in zoos.

[Darth Badly]

Originally posted by vodo@Jul 8 2004, 11:53 PM
does south africa have kangaroos

They are unique to Oz.

[mazzy]

Anyone ran a mile for Sport Relief?

[Gazelle]

I am wondering if all us Brits should meet up some time.

[Obi-Stu]

Sorry, I've been in durban, at the seaside, swimming, getting sunburned. in winter. Gotta love SA style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/devil.gif

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I am wondering if all us Brits should meet up some time. [/b][/quote]

Now why would we want that to happen? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Darth Darthy]

So we could plan our take over of South Africa. The Brits want it back.

[Obi-Stu]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

I walked into that one...

Cool, I could be the mole working on the inside...

[cj790]

LOL!


Meeting up would actually be quite cool, though. Hostile takeovers or not style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[mazzy]

I will enstall myself in a seaside fortress drinking the local SA beverage...what is that?

Where would we meet up?

[Obi-Stu]

I think one would start in Kwa-Zulu Natal, there are quite a few Brits left from the last..um..stand. We would find a few allies there.

Well I believe that beer is our National drink.

[mazzy]

Right! Lets start there!

I might bring my own drink though, don't feel like beer very much.

[Obi-Stu]

If our paranoid government see this, I could stand trial for treason... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grouphug.gif

[mazzy]

Only joking SA goverment! Obi Stu is innocent!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grouphug.gif

[mazzy]

The idea of the seaside fortress went to my head........

[cj790]

Originally posted by Obi-Stu@Jul 13 2004, 01:10 PM
If our paranoid government see this, I could stand trial for treason... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grouphug.gif
How do you know we aren't working for the government to trap you... ?


style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif


If there's anywhere that needs a good invadin' it's Wales.

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by cj790+Jul 13 2004, 05:53 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cj790 @ Jul 13 2004, 05:53 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Obi-Stu@Jul 13 2004, 01:10 PM
If our paranoid government see this, I could stand trial for treason... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grouphug.gif
How do you know we aren't working for the government to trap you... ?


style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif


[/b][/quote]
Nooo. That's not true, that's impossible... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/giveup.gif

[mazzy]

Muh huh huh ha!!!!!!!!!!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/devil.gif

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by cj790+Jul 13 2004, 05:53 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cj790 @ Jul 13 2004, 05:53 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-Obi-Stu@Jul 13 2004, 01:10 PM
If our paranoid government see this, I could stand trial for treason... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/grouphug.gif

If there's anywhere that needs a good invadin' it's Wales. [/b][/quote]
Is that wise?


I don't like rain... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/chortle.gif

[mazzy]

It's raining in Wales today!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Obi-Stu]

My point. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Gazelle]

Wales? Nah. I am part of the committee working tirelessly to get rid of Cornwall. It is quite simple. We're going to blow up the Tamar Bridge and let it just float away...

[mazzy]

But there are so many good galleries in Cornwall and it's so pretty....

[cj790]

Of course it's raining in Wales - it's a weekday... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[cj790]

I suggest if we meet up it shouldn't be in Wales style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Gazelle]

There is a great kebab van at the end of my road. I'll meet you all there.

[Obi-Stu]

Hey, what about the invasion of Souh Africa?

We could blame flawed intelligent reports afterwards... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[mazzy]

Rain again style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

Ok that's settled, see you all at the kebab van at the end of Gazelle's road tonight. Then what?

[Obi-Stu]

Um...dunno.

Who started this?

[Darth Darthy]

Dunno but I think somebody mentioned kebabs. In which case, count me in! No chilli sauce on mine though, I'll bring me emergency tabasco instead.

[cj790]

Ok UKers, did anyone else see the Secret Agent programme about the BNP?

Hopefully this will finish them off now. It has proven that their leaders base opinions on racist attitudes and some of them harbour violent intent; I want them prosecuted and disallowed to hold the offices they currently have.

[mazzy]

I couldn't believe that documentary, I was so shocked that people are that aggressive and have those horrible attitudes. I think this should finish them off, they are clearly not a proper party but a bunch of thugs, which is what we all thought anyway.

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/banghead.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif

[Gazelle]

Let's hope that this severely damages the BNP but somehow I doubt it, sadly.

[Obi-Stu]

Well, it's hard to do anything without funds, and now that Barclays has now frozen their accounts. I wonder what retaliation lies in store...

[Rojo]

I thought that show hadn't been on yet? I have been away though.

Hopefully it will finish the BNP, but the Sunday Mirror ran a story yesterday on the UK's new Nazi Party. Worrying.

[cj790]

Nick Griffin (BNP leader, documented racist, absolute style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif ) has come out and said (in his usual thuggish way) 'Come and prosecute me then...'

Let's take him up on his offer.

[Obi-Stu]

But he can't pay for a lawyer cause his accounts have been frozen... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[mazzy]

Nazi party, OMG I'm moving style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Obi-Stu]

I'm afraid, they pop up everywhere...

[mazzy]

Even in SA?

Stupid pyscho style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif....

[Rojo]

OK, new topic.

Should smoking in pubs, restaurants and clubs be banned in the UK?

I say yes, although restaurants and such do have no smoking areas the key property of smoke is that it drifts into those areas and I personally don't want to breathe it in. Drinking and eating too much, neither of those harm other people, but smoking does.

As for meeting up, I don't know if it could happen. Me and cj at least live on opposite sides of the country. Perhaps we could find the dead centre of the Uk and meet there. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Gazelle]

Yes it should. I know it will upset all the smokers but hopefully it will encourage many to quit and save a lot of lives.

That's my simplistic answer!

[cj790]

I would agree with a public ban on smoking - how many bar staff contract passive smoking-related diseases each year for NMW pay?
Smokers decide to smoke - non-smokers suffer from their actions. I used to smoke myself but quit; the 'benefits' of smoking do not outweigh the practical disadvantages. How much money would we save on the NHS if there were a reduction in smokers?


The middle of the country?
Manchester?
Brum?

[Obi-Stu]

Come on guys, you live on an island, you can't be more that a few hundred miles away at the most. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Smoking - We have have a no smoking in public here in SA. It works well, in most restaurants the smoking section is pretty well sectioned off, unless you happen to sit next to it. There are also heavy fines for none complience. I have heard though that some business would reather pay the fine, than loose patronage.

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jul 20 2004, 02:08 PM
Even in SA?

Stupid pyscho style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/censored.gif....
Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging

[Rojo]

Ignorant Nazis.

Anyway, using complex methods (halfway up/halfway across) I have found the centre of the UK and therefore the point with the least average distance for each of us Brits to travel to (provided we travel in a straight line). It's in the Pennines, so I guess it's some kind of wilderness spot, away from civilisation. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

[Obi-Stu]

It's still +- 5911 miles from me... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif

[mazzy]

^Poor Obi-Stu, you'll have to save your pennies.

I agree with a ban on smoking in a public place. Somebody chooses to do something that is harmfull to themselves of, but to harm others too is wrong. I feel for people who don't smoke but work in pubs, that must suck.

The penines? That's miles away! (not from the penines obviously!)

Not Brum? That has got to more convinient for everyone....

[Gazelle]

I still think the most convenient place to meet as at the end of my road. It's a nice place.

I am not thinking of myself, really.

[mazzy]

Not the end of my road?

[Gazelle]

Oh no, no, not the end of your road.

[cj790]

I don't even have a road to meet at the end of...

The Pennines?
A camping trip! Yay!

[Gazelle]

I suggest if we meet we meet in London.

One of us will have to vounteer to dress up as Bossk and walk around Kings Cross Railway station....

I thought Darthy might want to do that....

[mazzy]

I think London is best too.

Has anyone ever lived in Liverpool, what's it like?

[mazzy]

Originally posted by Gazelle@Jul 21 2004, 05:31 PM
Oh no, no, not the end of your road.
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue2.gif

[Darth Fool]

I live just beneath the Pennines, which means I don't live as close to the center as I thought I did - how about if we ignore Scotland?

Anyway smoking, yeah ban it! I work around smokers and it's horrible. What's worse is a lot of the staff smoke, which means anyone who doesn't want to slowly kill themselves and others have to take their break outside. Smoking is allowed in the one (small) staff room as us non-suicidal types are in the minority. I tried taking a break in there once with no one smoking and I still felt like I was going to throw up. I'm fairly sure it's illegal to have a smoking staff room and not a non-smoking one (which would make sense). Anyone know?

[Darth Darthy]

I'm currently chewing on a Nicorette Minty Fresh piece of gum cause I'm trying to quit. I'd imagine it won't be too long until smoking is banned in public places but it's that hypocritical stance the government would appear to be taking; you can buy fags cause we get lots of tax but you can't smoke 'em. Just stop selling them altogether, it'd be easy to quit if I didn't see them in every shop I walk in.

[Obi-Stu]

Darthy for PM... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wave.gif

[Darth Darthy]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jul 22 2004, 02:36 PM
I think London is best too.

Has anyone ever lived in Liverpool, what's it like?
Full of scousers. Not that I've ever lived there. It's the Force that tells me these things.

And I just noticed that according to that map the centre of the UK is 2 inches away from Middlesbrough. Thats 2 inches too close.

The problem with meeting up in London is that its a bit of a poo city. Dirty and overpriced. Leave it to the tourists. No offence Gaz. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue2.gif

And your right ObiStu: I should be a Private Message. Or a Prime Minister, which ever one gets the most free beer.

[Gazelle]

And what about dressing up as Bossk?

[Rojo]

If you're all serious about this, I can make it to London most times.

[Darth Darthy]

Originally posted by Gazelle@Jul 22 2004, 09:57 PM
And what about dressing up as Bossk?
The Bossk mask may hamper my beer drinking ability so I'll have to decline the kind invitation Gaz.

[cj790]

^ What about Dengar? His mouth is left uncovered style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif


I could make it London, Manchester or Brum quite easily.

[Darth Darthy]

London's fricken miles away from Durham, it should be more centralized. Which means not at the end of Gaz' road. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by Darth Darthy@Jul 22 2004, 10:03 PM

And your right ObiStu: I should be a Private Message. Or a Prime Minister, which ever one gets the most free beer.
I was thinking of Post Mortem, but hey, what ever floats your boat... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue2.gif

[flo fett]

Can I come too? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[Darth Darthy]

Yes. It would be a requirement at a get-together such as this. We need to show the world the SW nerds can also be sexy ladies.

[flo fett]

We should go to Oxford, they have good pubs in Oxford.

[Darth Darthy]

Never been there but it looks like a nice place where highly intelligent SW fans might meet and get drunk. And possibly eat a kebab.

[JediBendu]

I've only been to oxford once - twas way too p!ssed and fell asleep on the train before I needed to get off at Reading - ended up in Oxford with the train guard telling me there were no more trains back! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif
cost be £40 to get home style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/banghead.gif

did anyone see that fight last night on BB?

[Gazelle]

Originally posted by Darth Darthy@Jul 23 2004, 10:05 AM
London's fricken miles away from Durham, it should be more centralized. Which means not at the end of Gaz' road. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
hehe, the end of my road is quite central to the village I live in!

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jul 23 2004, 12:53 PM
Can I come too? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
Someone has to take pictures for me... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[mazzy]

Originally posted by Darth Fool@Jul 22 2004, 04:40 PM
I live just beneath the Pennines, which means I don't live as close to the center as I thought I did - how about if we ignore Scotland?

I think you'll find both Flo Fett and I are from Scotland so how about you DON'T ignore it! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[mazzy]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jul 23 2004, 11:05 AM
We should go to Oxford, they have good pubs in Oxford.
Yes! I love Oxford style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

You just want to bump into Johnny Greenwood Flo....

[mazzy]

Originally posted by JediBendu@Jul 23 2004, 11:52 AM


did anyone see that fight last night on BB?
Yes I did, and cj did too. How amusing. I have much more respect for Shell since calling Victor a C*** heh heh heh.

[cj790]

Oxford sounds lovely. Never been, but willing to go.

Should we do a whip-'round for Obi-Stu's flight?

BTW - if anyone wants some betting advice on BB I've been asking for votes in my sig each week, and so far I've had a 100% success rate! Keep your eyes peeled for my next verdict - it'll be a sure thing, schweetheart!

[mazzy]

OK, I'll give a few quid to Obi's fund style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif

[JediBendu]

Originally posted by mazzy+Jul 23 2004, 02:51 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mazzy @ Jul 23 2004, 02:51 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-JediBendu@Jul 23 2004, 11:52 AM


did anyone see that fight last night on BB?
Yes I did, and cj did too. How amusing. I have much more respect for Shell since calling Victor a C*** heh heh heh. [/b][/quote]
i'm not really watching it this year - but watching this guy hurl abuse like no tomorrow was just pathetic. He was soo full of himself style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif

bring back the nude mud wrestling I say style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/evil.gif

[Rojo]

I can get to Oxford more easily if we go after I return to Uni in Spetember. Otherwise it's a bit of a mission for me, to be honest. But I can probably get there.

New topic, inspired by cj:

It's Day 60 in the Big Brother House, who's going to win?

Unfortunately, my money's on the obnoxious Nadia.

[Obi-Stu]

Originally posted by mazzy@Jul 24 2004, 01:24 PM
OK, I'll give a few quid to Obi's fund style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happy.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wave.gif

[JediBendu]

Originally posted by Rojo@Jul 26 2004, 11:08 AM
I can get to Oxford more easily if we go after I return to Uni in Spetember. Otherwise it's a bit of a mission for me, to be honest. But I can probably get there.

New topic, inspired by cj:

It's Day 60 in the Big Brother House, who's going to win?

Unfortunately, my money's on the obnoxious Nadia.
a trannie would make Big Brother history style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/barf.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[mazzy]

I like Nadia, and Dan, so whoever I don't mind.

Yeah, it was pathetic to watch Victor shouting at everyone, he thought he was some kind of gangsta' but actually just a prat. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Obi-Stu]

Is there a point to BB?

[Darth Darthy]

Yes, to be amazed at the stupidity of people.

[mazzy]

Yes, to watch and laugh. Is there a point to any TV?

Except the news and sensible things.

[Obi-Stu]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Is there a point to any TV?[/b][/quote]

Now there's a question. I was suprised how much I could get done instead of watching a re run of a Star trek episode.

[flo fett]

Originally posted by mazzy+Jul 23 2004, 03:49 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mazzy @ Jul 23 2004, 03:49 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-flo fett@Jul 23 2004, 11:05 AM
We should go to Oxford, they have good pubs in Oxford.
Yes! I love Oxford style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

You just want to bump into Johnny Greenwood Flo.... [/b][/quote]
Lies! It's all lies! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Me? Want to bump into that gangly guitar playing love god? Never!
*starts to plan her underwear for the trip*

Seriously, I suggested it cos Oxford is a nice place with good pubs and it's fairly accessible...the fact that I may bump into Jonny Greenwood can only be seen as a bonus

*runs away giggling wickedly to lick a picture of Jonny*

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/devil.gif

[flo fett]

Oh and.... NADIA TO WIN!!!

*runs away again*

[Rojo]

Originally posted by flo fett@Jul 27 2004, 06:27 PM
Oh and.... NADIA TO WIN!!!

*runs away again*
Oh dear.

I can get to Oxford easier after 10th September.

[JediBendu]

just to bring it back to star wars for a bit - are there any cons coming up in the UK this year?!

[mazzy]

I can't do anything until Sept 10th either.

How much is in the Obi Stu fund? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[cj790]

I'll be happy if Nadia, Dan or Michelle win. They all amuse me. Stuart and Shell are irritating as hell.


I'm busy up till term time, but free then on style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Obi-Stu]

Who's this Stuart? I'll have to have a word with him... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/saber.gif

[Rojo]

Originally posted by Obi-Stu@Jul 28 2004, 08:26 PM
Who's this Stuart? I'll have to have a word with him... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/saber.gif
Rofl. He's a student, being preyed on by a geordie praying mantis called
Michelle.

What about if we all meet up in Oxford for some kind of famous day? I'm think of 31st October or 5th November (fireworks! fireworks!).