buelligan

I saw this this morning and remembered this thread. [url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8318628.stm[/url]

...and rumoured to have been a bus-living traveller in his (very distant) yoof...I won't say what the other rumours were, I don't want to get into trouble.  But seriously Joe, very glad you enjoyed yourself and glad you're glad to be back![:D]

Dog said; [quote]Talking about tank slappers my biggest and nastiest was on a Greaves Scottish - terrifying at 65mph.[/quote] I think I may have been doing slightly more than that (though, of course, not off-road), but over-taking, in the face of on-coming traffic, on a wet road - oh what an idiot I am![:$] I too like to stand on the pegs (to stretch one's legs and to view on-coming traffic over to rooves of cars in front), but a Firebolt just isn't really the bike to ride in this position, you can't really enjoy the experience. and then admitted; [quote]My bro emailed me the other day to inform me that he has outed me in the UK bike press for crashing one of the very first Ducati Superlights within 10 yards of the dealership....oops....[/quote] We'll all have to have a google (and a laugh).  How terribly embarrassing for you!

I used to wedge the instep of my boot onto the stump of the peg.  It worked fine for me for "normal" riding just in extremis it proved to be rather less successful.  I have to admit, when you mentioned a "Sopwith", I immediately thought of the lovely bi-plane (as an exchange for the helicopter).  I'm sure I have seen a Sopwith motorcycle in the flesh over the years - maybe on the Brighton Run or similar, but I am ashamed to say I don't remember.  I have always loved motorcycles of that period so, I'm sure I would appreciate its beauty too.

Dog castigated; [quote]It wasn't that he had a thirst on he was just to dim to bother about no footrest.[/quote] ...have to admit, I rode my last Buell for about a year with one footpeg missing.  Had the new peg - but was too lazy to unbolt the stub and put on the new one.  Eventually, I experienced a rather interesting tank slapper.  This seemed to focus my brain a tad and I acknowledged that the designer may have got it right in the first place (two pegs = good...  less = bad)...[:$] Like the idea of the Sopwith and the MV.  Can I have those as well as the Jota - I'm not that strong but I am fairly tall and think I could handle one - I've always rather liked the "beastliness" of them....[:D]

I didn't see this thread from that angle at all JMB - I thought the OP was just highlighting the ludicrous nepotism extant in some areas of industry. I (and possibly others,) then took the opportunity to have a rather mild little snigger at the expense of Prince Andrew, a fatuous scion of that well-manured tree if ever there was one.  However, if you're handing out champers and 'copters, can I swap mine for some bottles of our good local red and a Laverda Jota...always fancied one of them....[:D]

You're quite right tegwini - how very silly of me!  It is far better for women not to bother their pretty little heads about anything.  You are indeed free from any responsibility to offer to others what you would like to receive yourself.  On the whole, it is far more constructive to complain about the losses one might suffer and do sweet Fanny Adams to make the world a better, happier, safer place. 

...it could be the flashbacks....[:-))]

I had always heard it rumoured that Andy was fathered by Lord Porchester but that picture has given me pause for thought.  Could it be that the poor Prince is actually the offspring of a hamster (see WoolyB's thread elsewhere in Other Topics)..?

Yep, January should be pretty chilly![:D]  BTW, I forgot to add to my last posting; If you don't already speak French, try to learn a little before you come.  Lots of people here do speak English (especially in the cities) and are happy to help floundering foreigners BUT, they definitely prefer it if said flounderer makes a little effort first.

IMO, French people are like people everywhere; some are open-hearted and some are not.  You sound like an out-going, friendly sort of bod so you're off to a good start as far as being viewed positively goes.  If you visit France, try to make sure that Paris is not your only port of call.  France has so very much to offer.  You would be cheating yourself if you didn't take the opportunity to see more of her when you have the chance (especially the South).  Whatever you decide, I hope you really enjoy your visit to this incredible country.  Hopefully, it will be the beginning of a life-long romance...[:D]

Yes, I particularly enjoyed that bit too.  But it made me continue reading the whole article in search of further bizarre treasure - sadly, there was none.  [:(]

I agree Tegwini!  Bedtime, or rather, I have some unexpected friends who have just arrived and want to drink and talk. As far as I understand you though, in my brief speed-read of your post, what you are really worried about is people who do not offer the freedoms and benefits you think are positive to others (in your case, females).  If you feel like this, surely, the best thing you can do is to set an example and give those benefits and considerations to others?  No?[:D] And thanks Scrooby, I do attempt to live with my head up my asana (as a keen student of yoga), how very perceptive of you.  Long may your bead-counting pleasure you.[:D]

Scooby, I do apologise for not understanding your prose!  I admit it, I can be very "stoopid" from time to time. But I wonder, could it be that you did not understand your "friend's" "confession" either?   With regard to "honour killings", I abhor any sort of violence.  It is my understanding that killing another human being is still considered a crime in Britain (unless, of course it is sanctioned by the State), am I incorrect in this assumption?  If not, pray tell me, what is your beef?

Oh, and Scooby, you said; [quote]A Pakistani friend of mine told me that this was the reason that these were the businesses of choice for Asians. [u] The £1 for the tax man £2 for the back pocket scenario.[/u]  He said it was also the reason that most Asians elected to live in the city. [/quote] Your "friend" must be a member of a great big bunch of heros - a brotherhood of Robin Hoods!  Overpaying their tax like that (assuming they're earning less than £37,400pa in the next taxable year of course)....[:D]

Tegwini; sorry I neglected to respond to your posting for so long - I too was having dinner!  The Values you list are what I would term "universal human  rights" rather than values that can be attributed exclusively to the English.  You use the word "all" quite frequently.  I consider the word "all" to mean "everyone"; not just those of "English" genetic origin.  If that is what you mean then you must agree with me; that all human beings should benefit from these values and should be welcome in England or anywhere else. 

Nooooo!  He was just being kind.

How are those "Values and Culture" guidelines shaping up Teggers..?[:D]

I think it would be useful if you would define the Values and Culture of the "English", tegwini.

It looks like a Vine Weevil larva to me.

I can't believe you just wrote that....[+o(]

You may have a good point there EBnut, we should all take a moment to think of the suffering poor Mr Griffin has had to endure for his principles and for our elucidation.  To tell you the truth, I could almost cry.  To think of him bravely bearing the cross of his ideals as he was mocked and scourged by a baying pack of outlanders.  What a wonderful human being......[:D]

...shocking indeed!  You would think that "they" would at least bother to find out that the British refer to her as the Queen...[:D]

I think the problem with that is that those who are stupid enough to vote for him would not understand the discussion. 

It's a funny old thing, Free Speech.  And a precious one.  And it's a sad old thing when rascals clothe themselves in the ragged tatters of it to mask their monstrous nakedness and gain protection from the winds of Righteous Thought.  You can bet your sweet asp that those same scoundrels won't be handing out coats if the Winds of Change turn in their direction.  Civilisation does not necessarily come with a guarantee of comfort and there's the rub. I am always conscious of the possibility that when a "Rent-a-Mob" clocks in - that's exactly what it is - and it may have been rented by anyone.  When looking for motivation, I generally tend to suspect the p(P)arty that benefits most.