|
|
Am
I the only one that hasn't had problems? Also, I just heard from James that
Robin was very sick and had been in the hospital. I hope she is all right.
derik
- Friday, October 27, 2000 at 14:14:42 (BST)
Toby!
get peddaling harder - some people can't get onto the site..
jon d
- Friday, October 27, 2000 at 14:00:26 (BST)
Seems
like a number of people are having problems getting on here. But not me!
derik
- Friday, October 27, 2000 at 13:30:54 (BST)
blah
blah blah!
jon d
- Friday, October 27, 2000 at 13:01:46 (BST)
who's
coming from New Orleans? I've always wanted to go there. (Unlike Hackney where
I've been many,many times, and lived there too for a while)
siobhan
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 23:46:43 (BST)
It
strikes me that the Barbican gig, bizarre venue though it is, is going to be
a meeting of the diehards from all over the UK (oh, and New Orleans via Hackney),
pretty much like the Blackheath one was. And how good was that? Only about 1000
of us, but very good company. Worth going to if you can, I reckon.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 19:09:20 (BST)
Sonj,
you should really consider going to Copenhagen to see Billy. It's not out of
the question!
Barbara <makingmejealous@homeinroyaloak>
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 16:56:06 (BST)
hello
there Hester, where are you and what are you doing? ....my own moment of reflected
Shane McGowan glory was when he opened one eye, for the first and only time
in the whole gig, and after taking a couple of minutes to focus on things beyond
his mic, looked RIGHT AT ME....
pete w <arse>
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 16:44:09 (BST)
or
the last few G+T's that ended a day of gluttony.
siobhan
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 15:36:20 (BST)
or
that extra pint of cider i forced down .....
sonj
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 15:05:12 (BST)
I'm
just hoping the massive amount of food I ate yesterday didn't really exist
siobhan
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 14:51:23 (BST)
does
that mean the work i did yesterday didn't get done after all?? glad i didn't
waste my time on housework then!
sonj
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 14:43:31 (BST)
is
everyone else in a time warp or is it just me. I'm currently at yesterday morning
siobhan
- Thursday, October 26, 2000 at 14:21:30 (BST)
FREE
real audio and MP3 files at www.globalseepej.org. Support independent political
labels and music! -MT
Mike Toschi <miketoschi@graffiti.net>
Portland, OR, USA - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 22:32:41 (BST)
Re
albums- first one I bought was Sandra Beech (kids music). First real one I bought...(It'd
be a tape, not a LP, although the aftermentioned is LP) The Box, "The Pleasure
and the Pain". Bought it after booting the concert 2 days before :). First CD
I bought, that'd be "Who's going to ride your wild horses" U2, CD single with
"Fortunate Son" and "Paint it Black" on it, covered by U2. James
James Powell <wx732@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
St John's, The Bannana Republic of Newfoundland :) - Wednesday, October 25,
2000 at 22:05:48 (BST)
Carol,
here's a great tip to improve your gambling skills: Put as much money as you
can afford to lose (ha!) on Kramnik to be the next world chess champion. The
fellow is absolutely superb, and currently leading Kasparov 6-4 with only five
games to play... A safe bet! (me thinks). Next game tomorrow 3pm GMT. http://chess.vavo.com/wcc2000/game11.html
http://chess.vavo.com/wcc2000/game11.html
Carsten
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 18:52:48 (BST)
"Boney
M were a group of black German dancers (none of whom actually sang)" This sounds
alot like Milli Vanilli.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 18:19:32 (BST)
Obviously,
I am not a very good gambler myself since I can't remember what I bet! A Giants
magnet it is--and Pac Bell Park is gorgeous. If you visit San Francisco, you
won't want to sleep on my floor--you'll want to sleep in right field instead.
Carol
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 17:58:18 (BST)
i
thought i'd win a giants magnet.... i can get all the yankee gear i want over
here. it's such a howl to be in the city these days... friends are just yelling
at each other...a mix of politics and baseball! i want to go on a baseball holiday...
travel from ballpark to ballpark..pac-bell would be on my list. but then there
is sheffield in the spring.
keri
NYC, - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 17:52:11 (BST)
Hi
Keri: I was getting worried there, but I am still scouring the sports equipment
stores for Yankee magnets. I guess I am a pessimist. In the restaurant I ate
at last night, the cooks and waiters were making bets on the game. I left a
big tip for my waiter because I was worried about his gambling habits.
Carol
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 17:41:38 (BST)
morning
carol... you're on the comeback...
keri
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 17:09:50 (BST)
Hi
Hester. What have you been doing lately?
Carol
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 16:57:56 (BST)
I
bought my copy of "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" (anyone else got the 7-inch,
not a napster download ?) as a thirteen-year-old, and it cost me a major kicking
at school. ("IRA Pete"). I still maintain that the lyrics are crap, however.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 15:05:28 (BST)
Sorry,
Rob. I should've realized it was Jon D having a prankster's laugh at our expense
(bugger!:))
Carsten
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 14:35:50 (BST)
better
cool than a spineless turd
Brian
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 13:47:32 (BST)
Rob,
I think you're confusing something there. Almost all entries in AI's Ireland
report refer to 'Northern Ireland' and therefore the UK. I couldn't think of
a country without human rights abuse inside or outside Europe. But I surely
never heard of the Irish State being behind the murder of unarmed civilians...
Btw, the Catholic church does not 'dominate' the Irish govt. - it runs it!!!
(something we'll change as well:))
Carsten
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 13:14:44 (BST)
Hey
Brian is there anybody you haven't told about you standing next to Shane McGowan
rolling a spliff.Whoopiedooo what an anecdote maaaaaaaaaaan.
Brian is so cool!
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 12:56:58 (BST)
I
totally applaud the sentiment behind "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" whilst
being less than enthused by the lyrics, and the patronage of the line "Give
Ireland back to the Irish; don't make them have to take it away". But yeah,
I'm just an Englishman.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 12:13:45 (BST)
Sorry
Carsten, Ireland has an entry in the Amnesty Intl annual report too - therefore
you're clearly not entitled to an opinion on British abuses [or anything else].
Besides which the goverment of Ireland is dominated by Terrifying Religious
Fundamentalists [Catholic church] who have been trying to take over the world
for centuries.
BARM POT
kneejerk, kneejerk - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 12:08:16 (BST)
Boney
M were a group of black German dancers (none of whom actually sang), the brainchild
of producer Frank Farian. They had a hit called 'Belfast' which was pretty crap.
Carsten
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 11:56:21 (BST)
"Give
Ireland back to the Irish" is a great song - obviously from an English perspective.
To date it's still unparalleled. In fact, it's so great it was not only banned
by the BBC but also shot straight to No 1 in the Irish charts (don't think that's
something Black 47 can say for themselves). But I guess there'll always be someone
somewhere in England who knows better and who will tell people in Ireland what
they should like.
Carsten
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 11:50:06 (BST)
Anyone
heard about Bill writing "Accident Waiting to Happen" for Shane McGowan, inspired
- *grin* - by seeing him backstage at a gig once, bottle of wine in hand (Shane,
not Bill, of course), then changing the lyrics completely later ?
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 11:47:19 (BST)
Boney
M were from the same stable as Milli Vanilli - nuff said!
Brian
London, UK - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 10:52:33 (BST)
Me
and Shane McGowan stood next together, both rolling joints, in the toilets of
the Scala cinema in Kings Cross about 12 years ago - it was a horror all-nighter
with Nightmare on Elm Street 1-111 and Evil Dead 1 & 2
Brian
London, UK - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 10:50:57 (BST)
have
just heard that trains from paddington to the west country are 'terminating'.
If you hear stories about the Beast of Bodmin, it's probably a stranded commuter.
How long before they resort to canibalism, the buffet is bound to be closed....
sonj <alberr
is barred from going on a train today>
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 07:13:32 (BST)
First
7" bought, XTC Ball & Chain, 1st LP was Madness 7. How about best gig? The Pogues
with Joe Strummer after Shane 'left' the band, I'm so envious of you Carol,
Shane seems to spend more time playing in the US than the UK these days.
Jon
Bristol, UK - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 07:12:08 (BST)
i
won't embarrass lisa with any more revelations, particularly about her early
taste in music (liz, you were sworn to secrecy:)
sonj
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 07:10:15 (BST)
...and
my sex life improved once i had given up cliff richards.
sonj
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 07:05:52 (BST)
Boys
in the convent!? They weren't allowed within a mile (literally) of my school.
And it was me who got the whole 6th form gated at lunchtimes for being seen
with a male person in a CAR......
sonj <once a strumpet
always a strumpet>
i had grown out oof tommy steel by then, - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 07:04:18
(BST)
Boney
M was the name of a band not a person as far as I recall - their greatest hit
was 'ra ra rasputin' http://gunther.simplenet.com/v/data/rararasp.htm
Just passing
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 02:40:40 (BST)
"Who
is Boney M?"...well, I recall Boney M being a pop star in Germany during the
'70s.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 02:07:38 (BST)
Records...first
...the Beatles "Red Album" (greatest hits LP..). second..a Dick Clark "oldies
compilation", third the Beatles "Blue Album"...fourth a compilation of British
60s pop (stuff like "Glad All Over","Hippy Hippy Shake", "Itchycoo Park", etc),
Fifth....ELP Brain Salad Surgery (of course I was taping like mad off the local
"Album Rock" station in Louisville at the time..the time being the mid 70s).****there
does seem to be a few old ELP fans here at the BBgb (I think Steve was).
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 02:03:58 (BST)
not
to be showing off but my older sister was achingly cool as a teenager and she
brought Shane McGowan to our house, she met him at a King Kurt gig in Manor
House and he came back and I saw him putting a teaspoon of something in his
tea and when I asked her the next day she said very witheringly that it was
sulphate and didn't I know anything. All I thought then was he was ugly. Unlike
now where at least I love his music even if he's still ugly.
siobhan
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 00:41:57 (BST)
I
once did a 'contemporary' dance to Mull of Kintyre at the convent and my (male)
partner picked his wart and wiped it down my bare leg, McCartney was soured
for me from that moment on. My first gig was The Jams farewell tour, I really
don't think I have been so excited since.
siobhan
- Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 00:30:47 (BST)
Did
McCartney disown The Frogs Chorus while he was at it?
Bogues
Japan - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 23:43:17 (BST)
I
suppose the line I really object to is "Great Britain, you are tremendous, and
nobody knows like me, but really, what are you doing in that land across the
sea". Speaks for itself I think.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 21:33:41 (BST)
Pete
C: "Meanwhile Back In Ireland There's A Man Who Looks Like Me And He Dreams
Of God And Country And He's Feeling Really Bad And He's Sitting In A Prison
Should He Lie Down Do Nothing Should Give In Or Go Mad" I don't think those
are such bad lyrics. Of course, Lennon never backed down on his pro-Irish songs,
did he?
Carol
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 21:25:51 (BST)
Carsten:
Hop on a plane and I'll give David's ticket to you. The Fillmore is a great
venue and the toothless one will attract San Francisco's Irish crowd--the one
that dumps Bushmill into the gutters. MacGowan is a truly great songwriter,
drunk or sober.
Carol
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 21:02:07 (BST)
My
first record (and it's stil one of my best) was Complete Madness by Madness.
The first song I downloaded was Gloria by Van the Man
Barmy Rob
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 21:01:09 (BST)
Just
to qualify that: "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" - a sentiment with which I
wholheartedly agree - was banned by the BBC, to the extent that it was not permitted
for the name of the song to be broadcast on public radio or - shock horror -
Top of the Pops ("and at nuber 21 we have a song by Wings"). I still maintain
that the lyrics are crap, however.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 21:00:03 (BST)
Paul
McCartney disowned "Give Ireland Back to the Irish". Great idea for a song,
totally crap lyrics. Hey, listen to Black 47 and the man from Wexford instead.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 20:45:19 (BST)
I'd
love to go and see the toothless old bugger aka Mr MacGowan with you, Carol.
Enjoy the show!
Carsten
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 20:21:33 (BST)
Lucky
sod, Pete W, you're obviously too young to reveal emarrassing secrets about
John Denver et al. My first record was "Band on the run" by Paul McCartney which
I bought in 1976. And the second one was the one by the same artist which rhymes
with 'penis and arse'. (The latter obviously much better.) Napster is a brilliant
thing and while I don't go overboard anymore about Sir Paul and his music, full
credit to him for writing "Give Ireland back to the Irish" which I finally found
on napster - and have been busy distributing :)
Carsten
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 20:19:51 (BST)
mmm,
first album i ever bought was the corries live in concert, which i still like...and
the first single was the mighty Shane McGowan's "lonesome highway". and my first
gig was also the great Shane, and 3was so damn good that i didn't realise my
glasses had been trampled underfoot in the first half of the gig, and i was
effectually blind, until i left the venue soaked with sweat...i was 15 and i'd
put mascara on the fluff at the side of my face to make me look more manly....
pete w <getting all nostalgic>
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 19:41:27 (BST)
...but
for me the two songs that really count are "London's Burning" by The Clash and
"Small Axe" by Robert Nesta Marley.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 19:00:18 (BST)
Haven't
downloaded anything yet. I'll have to make it a good one. Perhaps a rare Jeff
Buckley track...
Susan <still not doing my paper!>
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 18:30:39 (BST)
Aha!
You lucky duck, Brian. It really helps to have older siblings in the house.
I only had a worthless younger brother who liked Queen. (cool, actually!) I
remember my older cousins being surprised that I had never heard of the Pretenders
at age 11. I had to do the hard work of finding cool music on my own! Then came
junior high (ages 12-14) and a friend introduced me to David Bowie (not personally...
I wish!) and everything changed!
Susan <Though
I've been told I play a jukebox "with a lot of heart">
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 18:28:32 (BST)
...in
thirty years time there are gonna be groups of people on bulletin boards discussing
the first song they downloaded
Brian
London, UK - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 18:26:01 (BST)
Susan:
I have two older brothers so the house was always filled with the sound of punk/reggae/sheffield
electronica/pop (except on sunday mornings, after church, when my parents would
play Mick Shine or Kenny Pride at full blast). I also used to read the NME and
Smash Hits from the age of about 10 and used to record John Peel and Annie Nightingale
off the radio. But I did also go through a Howard Jones/Thompson Twins phase
- so not THAT cool really!!
Brian
London, UK - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 18:14:30 (BST)
Oh
man, Carol. Wish I could go to see Mr. Mcgowan but I'll have MUCH family in
town for my grandma's memorial (which I'm doing a beautiful job of organizing,
btw) derik, yeah, I learn so much from music. I didn't know who Nelson Mandella
was till I heard the song... Also Spearhead taught me a lot "Assata Shakur and
Geronimo Pratt". Music is revolutionary! I wouldn't be the political gal I am
now without all those references in music showing me the way. there is A LOT
of use in mixing pop and politics!
Susan
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:48:25 (BST)
The
first record I bought with my own money was ABBA's greatest hits. Well, o.k.
that was the second. The REAL first album I bought was ---donny and marie---!!!Doesn't
get much more embarrassing than that!!(I was only 8 years old, gimme a break!)
John Denver's greatest hits was also one of my early records. I didn't have
to buy any Beatles, as my parents had all of them from Revolver on. Those were
the only non-classical records in the house and I used to march around the living
room to them as I was learning to walk. Brian, you can't possibly be that cool!
You must not have bought any till age 14 or something (that's when I fell in
love with the Specials...)
Susan
Santa Cruz, near the lovely Monterey Bay, resting place of J.D., - Tuesday,
October 24, 2000 at 17:42:51 (BST)
My
first 45 was "Your Precious Love" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and my first
album was the first Bobby Sherman album. And I'm very sorry.
Barbara <startedoutstrongbutfadedwhenthehormoneskickedin>
butIcameback!, adventuresinbadtaste - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:41:26
(BST)
Just
bought two tickets to see Shane McGowan at the Fillmore on November 17th. Who
wants to come with me? (My husband gets first choice.)
Carol
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:38:50 (BST)
Who
is Boney M? I have alwayss wondered cause it is mentioned in a song I like.
derik
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:38:07 (BST)
I
still dance in the kitchen too when alone, I have no curtains or blinds so all
the people in the flats over the back get a clear view in. I like to think I'm
doing my bit to entertain the community,(but it does somewhat curtail sex on
the kitchen table).
siobhan
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:36:49 (BST)
The
first single I bought was Elvis's Don't be Cruel with Hound Dog ads the B side.
It was 1956 and I was 13. Somebody gave me an Elvis T-shirt for Christmas.
Carol
San Francisco, - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 17:18:16 (BST)
Goodness
me. Coincidentally one of my earliest memories that could theoretically be dated
is seeing 'She Loves You' reviewed on Juke Box Jury with David Jacobs - I must
have been 4 or 5 depending upon the precise date. I really don't remember, but
presumably it was a Hit (ding!!) rather than a Miss (quaaaack!).
Bogues
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:55:34 (BST)
Well,
the very first record I ever bought was "She Loves You" by the Beatles (and
I have it right here in front of me on Parlophone) as a five-year-old, from
Catons Records in Herne Bay, Kent, in 1963. I had to scream and cry to get my
parents to fork out five shillings for it (they didn't know who the Beatles
were at the time, you understand...)
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:48:08 (BST)
first
single(s) bought by me - Stereotypes by The Specials and Baggy Trousers by Madness
/ first lp(s) bought for me - Kings of the Wild Frontier by Adam and the Ants
and Dare by The Human League / first self-bought lp Andy Warhol presents The
Velvet Underground with Nico when I was 12 (read an article in the NME about
them influencing other bands) - how cool is that - siobhan: I STILL dance and
mime to records in the lounge when there is no-one else about (we have large
glass patio doors and at night they act like big mirrors)
Brian
London, UK - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:33:25 (BST)
Actually,
thinking carefully, the VERY first record I ever bought was the single 'Albatross'
by Fleetwood Mac (quite some time before all that 'Rumors' guff for those of
you who were in diapers...).
Bogues <Baoo-wah-wah, ba ba...>
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:14:10 (BST)
As
opposed to 'Leaving on a single-engined experimental airplane' which was only
a big hit for JD in the limited Monterey Bay context...
Boguespierre <Rocky Mountain
Hii-iigh, Colorado!>
Yokohama, - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:09:45 (BST)
'And
did those feet in ancient times, walk upon England's pastures green' - Willaim
Blake. 'Upstairs they're buying a stairway to Heaven, Down in the Garden they're
changing sticks into snakes' - William Bloke
Boguespierre
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:04:33 (BST)
my
mum loved that John Denver L.P. and I have to confess to downloading Leaving
on a Jet Plane from Napster only last week. We used to sing it en famille in
the Morris Marina.
siobhan
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 16:01:11 (BST)
Yeah,
I had a David Soul album but that was bought for me, the first record I bought
myself was the Too Much Too Young E.P. Cool I know, but the second was Boney
M I think. My son also loves the Backstreet Boys and when he doesn't think anyone
is watching he throws down some wicked moves and sings in an american accent
in front of the mirror. As is right.
siobhan
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 15:57:32 (BST)
So
connect Emerson, Lake and Palmer with Billy Bragg, anyone...
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, Englaand - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 15:39:10 (BST)
True,
true. Sad loser I may be, but I'm an INTERCONTINENTAL sad loser....
Bogues
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 15:28:52 (BST)
You
in Japan again, Bogues! You do a hell of a lot of travelling.
derik
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 15:24:20 (BST)
It
was 1973. The very first album I ever bought was 'Brain Salad Surgery' by ELP
- relatively cool in a contemporaneous context. The second album I bought was
Monty Python's 'Matching Tie and Handkerchief' which remains a smart purchase
27 years later. The third was 'John Denver's Greatest Hits'.... Never was a
14 year old so in need of a quick introduction to drugs.
Boguespierre
Yokohama, Japan - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 15:11:36 (BST)
or
the Bon Jovi albums... Think of the millions of kids that will in the years
to come be embarrassed by their Britney Spears albums.
derik
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 14:51:49 (BST)
siobhan,
i passed on the my life story gig on saturday. it was an acoustic set of jake
and someone else from the band. i couldn't be bothered...nor did i have $15.
about your 8 year old son.... trust me it's just a phase. didn't everyone listen
to crap music when they were kids? i don't tell anybody about the REO Speedwagon
records... or the Stevie Nicks. and i'm sure some day in the future i'll be
imbarassed to admit i actually paid money for that graham coxon album.
keri
ny, - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 13:55:18 (BST)
OK,
I'll shut about Leon Rosselson for a while after this, but just listening to
"History Lesson" from his 1975 album "Palaces of Gold" confirms my belief that
he is truly one of the greatest socialist singer-songwriters. Ever. Plus you
can play his stuff in the car, and the kids will lap it up.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 12:13:47 (BST)
"Bernie
works a miracle" is just part of Leon Rosselson's subversive repertoire. Bernie's
a girl, by the way (in case anyone wondered).
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 10:58:53 (BST)
Sonj.
I can't talk about the trains anymore - its just too depressing. Myself, Nic
& Tilly were stuck on a train the other night for 5 hours. Just about every
element of teh sad episode was a result of privatisation.
Barmy Rob
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 09:17:12 (BST)
Rob.
I'll bet you're delighted that the answer to your abysmal train service has
been to give the franchise to a company with a worse safety record because the
answer to rail safety is monopoly capitalism. or did i get that wrong?
sonj
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 08:49:35 (BST)
For
the record. Having looked at the Amnesty Report 2000, human rights abuses are
catalogued in every single Arab country.
Barmy Rob
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 06:26:14 (BST)
Carsten,
I agree that Britain has a particularly poor record on human rights. I only
hope that the incorporation of the European convention on human rights goes
some way to addressing that; hopefully some of the more unjust legislation of
recent years may be overturned. But until the six counties are demilitarised,
the nefarious activities of the secret services are curtailed (at the very least
by opening them up to public scrutiny) & a bill of rights and freedom of information
legislation are enacted there is still a long way to go. I think the problems
in Algeria are partly the responsibility of European colonialism as are many
conflicts around the world ö including Israel; but not wholly the responsibility
of European colonialism.
Barmy
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 02:50:48 (BST)
"The
State of Israel ought to stop human rights abuse regardless of what happens
in other nations". I agree
Barmy
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 02:36:25 (BST)
I
can't believe I didn't make the connection 'bernie works a miracle' has been
a favourite in my house for ages. I suppose when it's nine o'clock and I'm reading
the fourth book I don't take much notice of the author. Shame on me. BTW my
8yr old son has played Robbie Wiliams latest CD constantly for about 3 weeks,
should I be pleased that he's into music or disturbed because it's shite?
siobhan <ItwasabirthdaypresentIdidn'tbuyit>
- Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 01:09:49 (BST)
Or
visit: http://www.fishdesign.com/rosselson/leon.html
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 23:59:53 (BST)
Check
out the children's section of your local public library. Honest. Trust me.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 23:50:42 (BST)
What
books are these then Pete? (re:leon rosselson)
Ad <blee1@tripod.co.uk>
Southampton, UK - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 23:23:04 (BST)
Leon
Rosselson is the most subversive and radical songwriter that England has produced
in the past twenty years (apart from...). In my humble opinion. Plus he writes
great stories for primary-school aged children (yes, really). A commie from
my neck of the woods in West London: check him out.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 23:11:29 (BST)
what
are you going to be doing in cuba?? btw i think it is just the bull's semen
drink that wrecks keyboards. Rob, why is your keyboard sticking??
sonj <very envious of the
cuba sojourn>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 22:52:01 (BST)
I
have been at work (today) and yesterday alberr was working on the pc (anyone
would think it belonged to his office). Pleased to see you have joined the hall
of fame at last susan. I have bought alberr a beautiful appliance of the type
featured in your picture but it is a surprise so i won't be more specific. Carol,
if you didn't want a cup of tea you should have said. Setting light to the kettle
was a bit drastic:)
sonj
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 22:49:38 (BST)
Hooray,
I'm a Rogue! My forehead isn't (always) that shiny in real life! Sonj, just
thought of you as a tiny bit of tofu from my lunch found its way into my keyboard!
My s key seems to be doing fine, though.
Susan <Hooray! I get
to be next to The Man!>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 22:25:52 (BST)
Carol,
Thanks for thinking of me! I will have to check out Mr. Leon Rosselson! Did
I tell you I'll be going to Cuba for 2 months this summer!!! :) Bogues, had
an odd dream about being at a Japanese dinner party with a bunch of rude Americans.
Was trying to rein them in to no avail. Totally mortifying! Saw Brapi last night
in a quick cameo in "Being John Malkovich" (which I just got on tape. SEE this
MOVIE!!!) and my friend and I shouted out BRAPI! at the same moment!!! Bore
does equal Gush in my book and Leiberman is a major supporter of right wing
Cuban Americans ACK!!! Just another good reason to vote Nader! Brian you rock.
Looking forward to the BB article. Sonj, where have you been?
Susan <There's
a lot to not like about my country.>
Santa Cruz, United States of Asinine Affluent Assholes - Monday, October 23,
2000 at 22:18:49 (BST)
To
Carol sorryI'manAmerican@don'thatemefornotlikingtea I did genuinely mean the
'nothing against Americans' bit. It's just that the last time I was here, there
were comments from a broad spectrum of nationalities, so when I accidentally
wandered into the other site, I had cause to wonder where all the other Europeans
had gone. And I can't bear coffee myself. Unless it contains whiskey.
Katherine
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 22:00:38 (BST)
Ahhh
- So what Rob actually ment to say was that some Arab Nations have terrible
human rights records and definately wasn't trying to tar them all with the same
brush! Ironic perhaps - but irrelevant. The State of Israel aught to stop human
rights abuse regardless of what happens in other nations. Nations shouldn't
sign treaties unless they are prepared to be bound by them e.g. The Geneva Convention
to which Israel is a party and which Israel keeps violating. Why shoud prosecution
of those responsible for human right's violations depend on the USA signing
up for the ICC?
Jon D <joinedup@yahoo.co.uk>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 21:46:44 (BST)
m/w:
Are you the publisher of a dictionary? www.m-w.com
derik
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 20:10:59 (BST)
Carol:
It is hard to imagine a candidate without ties to big money and that's a shame.
How can a candidate compete w/out the financial backing to campaign vigorously?
But I wonder if Gore really believes in representing the "average Joe" or does
he simply want to win over "average Joe" because he knows that is his ticket
back to Pennsylvania Avenue? ... which by the way is not in the same neighborhood
as Mermaid Avenue.
m/w
philadelphia, - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:30:05 (BST)
I
know what it meant, but it is rather inane. The other slogans were worse though.
I am not even sure what they said.
derik
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:26:04 (BST)
Bore=Gush
means that the two major candidates are interchangeable. I would argue that
they aren't, but both represent big money and the drug war and other things
I don't like.
Carol <ctarlen@att.net>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:20:26 (BST)
I
saw Leon Rosselson last night. He had a full house, but since the place only
holds about 150 people, it's not surprising. I saw a lot of old friends there.
It was sort of like an old lefty convention with Leon as the keynote speaker.
He was very funny (as usual). He sang a lot of songs I was not familiar with--new
stuff, I guess. Susan, you would have loved "Postcards From Cuba" about his
family's trip there in Dec-January, '98-99. It tells about the current problems
with the economy that Cuba is having and the capitalist influence there, but
it ends with these words about what Cuba is: "It's refusal to submit to the
rules of the marauder, red and green revolution, take the power from the few...It's
the poor demanding bread, the oppressed demanding freedom, itâs the turning
of the tables, it's the world turned upside down, you can't buy everything with
dollars, it's the voices of the voiceless bursting out into the sky, and whatever
the reality that Cuba will not die."
Carol <sorryI'manAmerican@don'thatemefornotlikingtea>
San Francisco, - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:16:10 (BST)
derik:
oddly, "Bore=Gush" makes about as much sense as most of Mr. Bush's debate material.
Is it possible that this was a jab at Bush's recent speech troubles ... inadvertently
blirting out the wrong words? Speech Pathologists supposedly have a name for
this malfunction.
m/w
philadelphia - where all I received from the Republican National Convention
was a free t-shirt, usa - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:16:03 (BST)
Hey
all... Just checking to see if anyone has any recordings of the current tour
to trade. I have a -fantastic- CDR of the Philly show (from the 'board!) Trades
on CDR or DAT only. Thanks!
Robert <rradel@home.com>
Chucktown, USA - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:12:28 (BST)
Leon
Rosselson is performing at the Workmen's Circle he in NYC this Saturday the
28th at 8:00pm that's 45 East 33rd Street b/t Madison and Park... that's your
public service announcement for the day. AND THAT'S RIGHT YANKS LEAD 2 GAMES
TO 0!
keri <FYI>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 18:33:55 (BST)
I
just had a funny moment there... I went into what I thought was this guestbook
thingy and found it full of Americans. And no one else. Cripes, I thought, I
know it's been a while since I checked out the website (about eighteen months...
I've been busy...) but I can't believe that Billy's support base/discussion
group has shifted so entirely. Then I realised that I was in the wrong place
entirely. Oops - sorry - made my apologies and shuffled out. Nothing against
Americans, of course. K Incidentally - on the tea front - I've bought the Fair
Trade stuff in the past, but I've always found it too damn weak.
Katherine
London, - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 18:22:35 (BST)
Rob/Pete
W/Siobh‡n: Just to get this straight; i have no problems with people's Englishness
or Britishness. But I don't believe the protection of human rights is a particular
British strength.
Carsten
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 16:49:14 (BST)
Rob,
I would definitely agree with Jon D, Europeans certainly are world champions
at genocide. Would be a bit rich for us to be schoolmasterly towards the Arab
world... - Algeria is a particularly bad example as their problems (as that
of many nations) is entirely a result of European colonialism. - Pete W. when
it comes to human rights Britain certainly has nothing to be smart about!
Carsten
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 16:41:33 (BST)
I
agree with you Bogues. I am half English (my dad) but as a child and teenager
I identified only with the Irish half (more romantic, more politically right
on, better music) and enjoyed the fact that my uncles and grandfather rebuilt
London. But I am english, I was born and raised here and Billy,s right, it means
something different now and its alright.
siobhan
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 16:37:11 (BST)
More
of an implication that he gave Dennis Wise a bunk up, I heard. But by now we
all want to confess, right?
Bogues <*I* am Spartacus....>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 16:01:40 (BST)
...so
Les Ferdinand has admitted that he was the one who smashed up the Blue Peter
garden
Brian
London, UK - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 15:52:50 (BST)
Jon.
I was referring to Carstens comments on the Arab summit ö attended by most Arab
countries (the phrase I used and the one used throughout the Arab world). I
never said they were homogenous and I never accused them of killing Jews, I
merely pointed out that the human rights records of the Arab countries are no
better or worse than that of Israel, nor of European countries throughout the
years.
Barmy Rob
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 15:50:56 (BST)
Thanks
for the link, Brian. I really find myself identifying with BB's recent essays
on Englishness - my own particular dilution is Irish, but the point is that
I *AM* English, just with an Irish heritage. It's a shame that "England, Half
English" has been a pretty crap song every time I've heard it to date, because
the sentiments behind it are spot on. I really do think that Bill's future is
as a writer, rather than a singer. Or even a poet - I could relate to a whole
evening of BB on stage without a note of music. (By the way, the records seem
to indicate that Elastoplast is Danny in Ireland. If so, slag us off to our
faces Danny. We can take it...).
Boguespierre <Resting
the equipment for a week or two>
Yokohama, Japan - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 14:39:51 (BST)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/londonlive/whoruns/thinkofengland/england_feature.shtml
Brian <an article by BB>
London, UK - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 13:54:08 (BST)
I
watched most of that game last night and the Mets were pitiful, though apparantly
I missed the one inning that they actually got a hit... On another note, someone
sprayed mostly incoherent political graffiti around the train platform. Such
inanities as "Bore=Gush" and some other slogan that made no sense at all. Hell,
if they are gonna do political graffiti make it fuckin legible!
derik
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 13:38:16 (BST)
Paul
W: my address is...
Tettland <tettland@hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 13:34:15 (BST)
Paul
W: thanks for the support. I don't know if I can use the resources (I'm teaching
beginner-intermediate) but for furure reference it would be appreciated. Feel
free to mail me at the address below. BTW, since when did we become arseheads?
And why don't you post something constructive, Elastoplast? Post your real name
while you're at it. Go on, I dare you...
Tettland
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 13:33:23 (BST)
Tettland,
yeah, you're absolutely right. I am an EFL teacher, and like you, find it quite
frustrating to deal with the level of racism amongst my adult classes. AS you
say, the kids are often not as bad as the adults, although I'm not sure whether
that's cause for optimism, or it just means thay're not as confident about expressing
their opinions. Most of the comments take the form of anti gypsy statements,
views etc, which is, for the vast majority of the population, inculding otherwise
highly educated, liberal and open minded people, an acceptable view. There's
a separate problem with them thinking all English people are white, middle class,
well spoken etc. Indeed, any EFl teachers who aren't any of the above have a
pretty tough time. I'm running a british studies/advanced class at the moment,
and they've found a lot of the films & TV programmes we've looked at really
surprising because I've deliberatly shown things that are an antidote to the
Merchant Ivory crap they normally get fed. IN fact the comments from any students
that have been to England are usually along the lines of how ethnically diverse
it is. On the practical side, though, I don't know what you can do other than
try to counter the usual media. If you want I'll send you a list of some resources
that have worked well for me.
Paul W
Bratislava, - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 09:49:32 (BST)
"Jeff.
So does this mean you will not be supporting Bush?". Right. I will not be voting
for Bush.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 03:34:15 (BST)
'Arab
Nations' Eh rob - that's borderline extremely dodgy in my book... It may suprise
you to know that they aren't completely homogenous, and most of them have human
rights records no worse than the 'European Nations' (who've killed more Jews
than anybody)... Bloody Europeans like you criticising anybody really is the
pot calling the kettle.
Jon D
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 00:57:07 (BST)
Well,
gassing the Kurds in Iraq (a favourite pastime of Winston Churchill as well
I know), plenty of massacres in Algeria - to name but a few. Besides what is
the difference in murder during war and murder during peace - check out Saudi
Arabia's detah penalty record? Have a look at http://amnesty.cupboard.org/cgi-bin/eatsoup.cgi?id=mideast.
Rob
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 00:17:05 (BST)
http://www.web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/countries/egypt?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expandall&ft=S512.htm
pete w <might help>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 00:08:42 (BST)
Carsten,
are you saying Egypt's human rights record is better than Britain's? I don't
think that really rings true.
pete w <hardcoretim@yahoo.com>
- Monday, October 23, 2000 at 00:08:18 (BST)
anybody
going to the Bristol uni Dec1 im in the sad position of going on my own because
none of mates like Billy Rob Wales - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 17:46:14
(BST).... Rob i'll be there. ill be wearing a billy bragg tshirt, see if u can
spot me :-)
NeVsKi
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 22:45:09 (BST)
Rob,
I'd think that war always means a violation of human rights; here we're talking
about war crimes as per Geneva Convention e.g. in the form of shooting an unarmed
13 year old in the heart... Which war crimes committed by Arab countries specifically
were you thinking of? (Btw, when talking about human rights records I doubt
Egypt's is worse than Britain's!)
Carsten
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 19:36:00 (BST)
keri:
I was joking.
Carol
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 19:03:23 (BST)
carol,
i do agree with you ... pop culture can be studied both historically and culturally.
but i am not elitist cause i like the yankees. if i was elisit i would have
$3,000 so i could actually go to a game. and the tickets aren't any cheaper
at shea (working class team my ass.) and how do you know if we agree or disagree
about politics... you don't know anything about me--politics or otherwise. i
feel bad for the mets though... aren't you suppose to run if you hit the ball...
ha ha! ROB- go to the gig alone if no one else will go with you... sometimes
it's just better that way.
keri
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 18:17:23 (BST)
Sonja:
You can wear the Giants cap next spring, when the new baseball season starts
and the Giants start winning again. In the meantime, send Jason to San Francisco
in it. San Franciscans wear that Giant caps year round.
CAROL
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 18:03:50 (BST)
of
course I'd meant to say in my earlier post "the pot calling the kettle bLack"
- I have a sticky keyboard
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 17:35:34 (BST)
Jeff.
So does this mean you will not be supporting Bush?
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 17:33:30 (BST)
So
you Brits can understand what we're in for:....GW Bush is Bertie Wooster in
cowboy boots. Dick Cheney is probably his Jeeves.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 17:31:22 (BST)
When
mass-murderer Gee Dubya is elected and starts pontificating about human-rights
abuses in China Tom Lehrer will have to give up satire all over again
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 16:19:56 (BST)
Not
that I'm condoning recent Israeli actions.
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 16:14:16 (BST)
And
that Arabs countries calling the Israeli's on human rights violations is also
rather like the pot calling the kettle back don't you think?
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 16:12:43 (BST)
Until
the United States accepts an International Criminal Court with worldwide jurisdiction
I don't see why anyone should be put on trial for war crimes whilst the worlds
most consistently criminal regime cannot be held accountable.
Barmy Rob
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 16:07:24 (BST)
Given
the General Council of the UN has been rubbing Israel's knuckles for decades
about violations of the Geneva Convention you'd think it'd be an open and shut
case.... unless the USA veto's it. yep, maybe Carsten has more chance of becoming
pope.
Jon D
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 14:42:51 (BST)
In
the light of the recent massacres in the Middle East, the Arab summit in Cairo
calls on the UN to put Israel on trial for war crimes. Not very likely to happen
but an interesting suggestion, don't you think?
Carsten
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 13:25:24 (BST)
Hello
Arseheads, something for your hearts? Bragg must puke himself to sleep after
reading the bull you post on here.
Elastoplast.
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 12:05:30 (BST)
carol,
we have actually seen some baseball on the telly over here (presumably because
they are playing on the subway or something) but not enough for me to form an
opinion about which team has the best bums. haven't seen the giants but have
my cap ready.
sonj
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 08:23:51 (BST)
Keri:
If the Mets continue to play like they did tonight, blowing all kinds of opportunities,
then I'd better get that fridge magnet ready for you. The Yanks were the better
team tonight.
Carol <ctarlen@att.net>
San Francisco, - Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 06:19:40 (BST)
Now
you can get to work on ridding yourself of that 1 percentage point!
Susan <46% pure 64% sullied>
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 06:00:29 (BST)
The
BALD Eagle, even!
Susan
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 05:58:39 (BST)
sonj:
keep an eye on your postbox :) but beforehand, can you e-mail me ya postal address
again - lost it when I erased a load of old e-mails
Brian
- Sunday, October 22, 2000 at 00:28:00 (BST)
anybody
going to the Bristol uni Dec1 im in the sad position of going on my own because
none of mates like Billy
Rob
Wales - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 17:46:14 (BST)
Vikki:
I misspelled your name. I am hopeless. Keri: I am looking forward to a Mets
fridge magnet. However, I disagree with you on baseball and politics. Pop culture
can be analyzed historically and thus politically. Will argue later. I need
to another cup of coffee. It's still morning.
Carol
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 17:27:16 (BST)
Vickie:
Only Yankee fans know how to spell Vassar and Manhattan. As a giant fan, I never
misspell martini.
carol
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 16:59:15 (BST)
Some
very interesting posts about how to confront racism in the classroom. I wish
you the best of luck, Chris. In my line of teaching (EFL [English as a Foreign
Language]) things can get even more depressing as there is a fairly wide-spread
popular racism (something like on the level of the UK in the 70s) in Denmark,
and I teach adults, whose are opinions are pretty strongly held. My students
are mostly lower middle-class, (often) white and middle-aged and by no-means
all racists. This group does seem pretty open to this kind of racism, probably
at least partly because they tend to have little daily contact with people of
different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. In fact, the only knowledge these
racists have of people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds is that
gleaned from a shockingly racist media. Often this kind of racism takes the
form of the "I'm not racist but..." type comments but I haven't found decent
way of tackling it yet. Any comments/suggestions would be appreaciated. PAUL
W: Are you also an EFL teacher?
Tettland
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 14:45:10 (BST)
Keri,
report back on My Life Story. My friend Ali played violin with them for years
and left just before they had any sort of success. Shes a music therapist now
(and one of the nicest human beings on this planet).
siobhan
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 14:05:23 (BST)
My
point was not of a Spanish Inquisition type of persecution, although it could
have sounded that way, but more in the line of eye color that Sonj suggested
or left handedness. We did a similar exercise at school many years ago, and
as I was one of only 2 left handed people in the class, it was certainly an
eye opener, after a bit of a stacked debate which we duly lost, we had to write
reports (right handed) on what we'd learned in that hour, which were duly marked
down as they were unreadable! I like the idea of showing him American History
X, but maybe something like Romper Stomper or Made In Britain would hit home
also. My wife & I got married in Queensland in '98, at the time when there was
some quite high profile One Nation activity in the Port Douglas / Daintree area,
and I'm glad to say that they were so disorganised that hardly anyone took them
seriously, in fact we heard a stpry that one candidate had posted a 'vote for
me' banner by the sugar cane rail track and stood back to admire their handy
work just at the right time as to be hit by the train and killed. The only other
main candidate turned out to be half English and wasn't entitled to stand or
vote. Sad thing is though, that with even the Laurel & Hardy publicity that
they had, people still had the car bumper stickers. Good luck Chris.
Jon
Bristol, UK - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 11:00:38 (BST)
for
11.99 you exp[ect to gget a few missing letters
sonj <toooo vacuous by half>
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 08:53:07 (BST)
interesting
debate about using the method of singling out children ( eg with blue eyes )
to show them how stupid prejudice is. I saw something on the tv about it and
it did appear to work. It would seem to me that the young man in chris's class
may already feel pushed out and has convinced himself that there would be a
huge welcome for him in his 'homeland'. Did anybody see Bill and the englishness
programme? hopefully there will be a video on its way to me.
sonj <i
was just going to post about keri's thory on baseball teams but i don't want
to appear to vacuous.>
i am sure the giants have the best bums:), - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 08:51:05
(BST)
Carol,
you misspelled Vassar and Manhattan. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. If it makes
me less of a nit-picker, I only got 20% on the Purity test.
Vikki
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 08:34:50 (BST)
Thanks
for the support, Carol. Right on! After all, how could anyone root for a team
that is supported by Rudy Guliani???
Jake
Philadelphia, - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 08:12:07 (BST)
Thanks
again guys. Carol, you're point concerning Michael's level of literacy is slightly
accurate, although I must admit that he does develop these ideas via a thorough
examination of current British issues. He has spent the past 18 months or so
proclaiming himself a Tory; although he now feels that their attention to National
concerns are rather lacklustre. Of course, my attitude to him has never been
aggressive or impatient, although I have expressed my concern that he has not
thought the ramifications of decision through entirely. I also cannot see him
as a 'fascist' (I guess I would simply prefer not to), but he definitely has
the potential to be a very ugly Englishman. The Australian version of the BNP,
One Nation or the City-Country Alliance, simply does not appeal to him due to
its lack of 'Englishness'. I'll have another chat to him on Monday, armed with
some of these points. Thanks a lot all.
Chris
Bris/Nth Tamborine, Australia - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 06:57:56 (BST)
Chris:
Concerning your BNP student. In the US, proto nazi youth are usually very pathetic
young people who are almost illiterate. They feel that the system has given
up on them, and they are right. Listen to what this kid says. There is a reason
for his anger. Kids like him usually come from dysfunctional families and long
for a strong father figure and clear cut rules. They are sad. I would take a
different approach. I would offer him a sympathetic ear, but I would make clear
that I do not agree with his views. However, I would also make clear that his
views do matter to me, along with his future. For the class, I would show the
film American History X and afterwards have a discussion of the film. I would
set rules before the discussion--no racist slurs, no name calling, no sexist
language, no violence, but also no one can be put down or yelled at for expressing
his/her opinion. Total honesty within these guidelines. I would also try to
determine how literate this kid is. Perhaps he has reading difficulties, etc,
that make success in school difficult. I don't think arguing against this kid's
ideas will work. I think showing interest and concern is more effective, and
if that fails, then perhaps there was nothing you could do in the first place.
Carol
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 05:13:17 (BST)
Chris...sounds
like your student has some "national identity" issues of his own...does he see
himself as English? Australian? You say he holds dual citizenship...was he born
in (and raised in) Australia? If so why the strong interest in English politics?
Seems like he would want to join the Australian version of the BNP (if there
is one).
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 03:51:51 (BST)
Hmmmm
the prospect of a BNP member with (I presume) A profound antipodean accent handing
out leaflets on the streets of London in favour of repatriating foreigners?
How thick is he? If you've tried explaining that there isn't such a thing as
a pure English or British race, The BNP is proposing an unworkable solution
to a problem that doesn't exist. try telling him that his opinions will not
be well recieved by the majority of people back here, cos they wont. (have you
met his parents BTW? would they be any use, or is that where he's getting it
from)
Jon D <joinedup@yahoo.co.uk>
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 03:36:15 (BST)
carol,
so sorry to disappoint... i didn't go to vasser. i leave the english lit to
derik. in fact i studied history (american and english.) and by a being a true
fan of baseball, it has nothing to do with politics. it has everything to do
with fat asses. my team looks good running around the bases. it's why i like
sport. the team with the best 'bums' wins. but thanks for the insult anyway...
i will indeed cherish the magnet all the same. i'm not such a baseball junkie.
i'm just a poor excuse to see brit bands-- MY Life Story tomorrow night. jake
beats out derek jeter hands down tomorrow night. cmj here we go. isn't it great
to be young?
keri
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 02:42:32 (BST)
Thanks
to all who responded to post. Jon's point was, I think, to give a direct indication
to the student (His name is Michael, btw) of the detrimental effects of his
intended behaviour. This is not fascism in its historical sense, but more an
element of control employed by totalitarian regimes. What is most important
is that this kid has very little idea of what his own 'place' is, and he is
idealising the right wing platform of the place his parents were born, but he
has only visited. When I pointed out to him yesterday that he has been an immigrant
in two countries (New Zealand and Australia) he retorted that he has not "gotten
anything" from these two places, so he is still English. Of course, the benefits
of education, employment, shelter and health care don't qualify as "anything".
He is critical of the trend of teaching what he calls "left-wing history" but
he was non-committal when I pointed out the considerable drawbacks of teaching
Whig history in any way. I fear that this seventeen year old boy will be in
London within twelve months shouting slogans and handing out BNP pamphlets.
Any other advice greatly appreciated.
Chris <rebellion@myclassroom>
Brisbane/North Tamborine, Australia - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 01:49:48
(BST)
so
Jon, doesn't fighting fascism with fascism just prove that fascism actually
works? Maybe if you persecute this guy in a spanish inquisition stylee until
he gives in, yuo'll have saved one soul but at the same time proved that he
was right to start with?
pete w <*immensely puzzled*>
- Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 01:01:48 (BST)
keri:
I left at one more reason why you are an elitist--like all Yankee fans, you
spend your spare time fantasizing that you the the subject of an Edith Wharton
novel, and I'm not talking about Ethan Frome. (This is a REAL insult, but you
have to have a grad degree in American Lit to understand. I only reserve such
digs for Yankee fans :)!!!)
Carol
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 23:05:32 (BST)
Definitely,
keri. You are one of those Rockefellers or knickerbockers or knickes or whatever.
In Brit terms, you are posh. You probably went to Vasser and you drink Manhattens.
Carol
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 22:45:55 (BST)
so
carol, am i elitist for liking the yankees?
keri
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 22:20:25 (BST)
jake--I
may have been a no brainer, but I had more guts than most 8 year-olds, and I
would face down any bully (even Yankee fans). Pretty good for a girl, don't
you think?
Carol
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 22:16:26 (BST)
So
even when you were 8 you were a no brainer!
Jake
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 22:09:06 (BST)
Hi
Jake. When I was a kid living in California and Nevada, I was a big Brooklyn
Dodger fan, too. After all, they were the "bums," the working class team that
broke baseball's color line with the great Jackie Robinson. Even as an 8 year-old,
I knew my politics! And every year, those damn Yankees, that aristocratic, elitist
team, would beat my bums! (Pun intended). I understand how your Dad feels.
Carol <ctarlen@att.net>
San Francisco, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 21:56:44 (BST)
The
"subway series" is a pretty big deal for my father. He grew up in Queens, rooting
for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who were repeatedly defeated by the Yankees in the
World Series, so he has held a lifelong hatred of the Yankess. After the Mets
came into existence in '62 he started rooting for them -- they were the replacement
for his Dodgers. Now, finally, his NY team has a chance to crush the evil Yankees
and exorcise those demons!! Yay! Go Mets!
Jake
Philadelphia, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 21:34:23 (BST)
Thanks
Keri for setting me straight. You move 60 miles away and you lose touch from
these things. Pete Seeger is comming tommorow to Ariel bookstores to autograph
his new book of children stories.
james <not
a surbanite-my garden is in the front of the house>
New Paltz, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:39:34 (BST)
They'll
riot!
derik
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:37:54 (BST)
george
steinbrenner doesn't own new york city... everybody knows rudy giuliani does.
and a stadium on the upper west side is a stupid idea... and die hard yankee
fans won't let them close the house that babe built... so easily.
keri
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:34:33 (BST)
Derik,
yes, I've seen it used and work.
Jon
BRistol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:30:23 (BST)
Ok,
Jon. I was taking that a different way. You mean it like those experiments that
have been done in classrooms with younger kids to teach them about prejudice.
derik
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:18:11 (BST)
Derik,
But that's what the BNP or any similar organisation would do. This person needs
to find out what it feels like on the other end of the stick.
Jon
Bristol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:12:07 (BST)
I'am
for the mets simply becasue I can't stand George Steinbrenner(current Yankee
owner) who is a creep and has the attitude that he owns NYC. Had the audicity
to demand the taxpayers build him a stadium in Manhattan on the West side in
the most crowded part of the city. Would take you 2-3 hours to get from the
Brooklyn Bridge to the upper west side if that happened among other things.
James
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:09:36 (BST)
"What
you and your class need to do is single that person out for being different
and persecute them constantly." -- Huh? That sounds a little fascist in itself.
derik
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:09:07 (BST)
Chris,
It's really hard to explain to a facist, either fully fledged or a wannabe why
you consider what thet are doing is so completely wrong, something just shuts
off. You can point them in the direction of the bnp website or the one nation
website, and you'll be showing them no reasons why his choice is wrong, it's
just showcasing ignorance. There are plenty of anti-facist internet sites that
you can show them but I doubt they'll do any good either. What you and your
class need to do is single that person out for being different and persecute
them constantly. You can't tell a person they're wrong, you have to show them
why they're wrong.
Jon
Bristol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 19:04:00 (BST)
Sonj,
just got the parcel. Thanks, it looks very interesting. I'll let you know what
Sandy thinks of it.
Jon
Bristol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:43:23 (BST)
Carol's
fooling nobody that she's too pure to hang round a betting shop! 4/6 means for
every 6p you stake the bookie gives you 4p back plus your original stake money
(if the yanks win). 11/10 means you get 11p for every 10p you stake... If you
bet on the mets and they win you'll walk away with 21p for every 10p you staked.
for the yanks you'd get 16.6p for every 10p staked - is that any clearer?
William Hill
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:40:12 (BST)
magnets
sound great to me... deal.
keri
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:38:15 (BST)
Okay
keri--here's what I am willing to bet: if I am right, you send me a Mets refrigerator
magnet--if you are right, I'll send you a Giants magnet. Are you game?
Carol
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:35:35 (BST)
You
can, of course, choose to pay your Tax on your stake, when you place your bet.
That way, your winnings will no longer be Taxed.
It's still a mug's game, still don't do it.
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:26:03 (BST)
hey
carol... wanna bet? i'm going yankees in 6.
keri
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:24:59 (BST)
I
think I'll leave off the betting... or...
derik
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:23:58 (BST)
If
you place $6 on the Yankees to win, and they do, you'll walk out with $10 ($4
win & $6 returned stake), less Tax. Place $6 on the Mets, and they win, you'll
walk out with $12.60 ($6.60 win & $6 returned stake), less Tax.
Don't do it, it's a mugs game !
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 18:19:27 (BST)
I
don't udnerstand betting odds, but I'm betting on the Mets to take the series
in 7 games. They are just scrappier and younger and more fun than the elitist
Yankees. However, remember this: the Giants had the best record in baseball
last year, and they sunk like a ton pound rock during the post season, so my
predictions are worthless. Except politically. I usually am right when it comes
to politics (unfortunately) and I predict a serious recession within two years
of a Bush presidency. Free market and small government be damned! (And damn
Yankees, too). Sorry keri, I just couldn't resist that.
Carol
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 17:49:28 (BST)
New
York Yankees are 4/6 and New York Mets are 11/10. (According to Blue Square
: www.bluesq.com)
Bet-U-Like
London, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 17:10:25 (BST)
question???
does anyone know the english betting houses odds for the world series?
keri
new york, ny, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 16:57:29 (BST)
Bogues,
though I'm not a member of PETA, I DO refrain from lewd acts of animal cruelty.
so the answer is no.
Susan
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 16:53:16 (BST)
I
don't know if it's possible to use logic to defeat the BNP as their ideology
is not rooted in any sensible logic. They rely on gut(ter) feelings and ingrained
prejudice, which they then give a veneer of logic (that only makes sense to
them). It would be like trying to kill rats with fly-spray. What needs to be
done is to challenge their gut feelings and ingrained prejudices. Let's not
forget that these are people who revel in Britain's glorious past (Battle of
Britain etc) yet see no contradiction in that and saluting the swastika. In
my experience, you can argue with them that the politics of race is flawed,
but they will just point to inner city areas with large numbers of ethnic minorities
and high unemployment and call it cause and effect. It seems quite obvious to
them and eloquent rebuttals get nowhere. The BNP peddle the politics of hate.
They are anachronistic in Britain's multicultural present and should have no
place in our future. Whilst arguing with them may never win the war aganist
fascism, it is better than doing nothing. Where you hear the BNP's views, counter
them. When you see them on the streets disrupt them. If you see their literature,
bin it. Give them no space or room. No platform for fascists anywhere!
Dyl
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 14:42:46 (BST)
....but
i have no idea how to actually dissuade someone from being a (very unpractical)
fascist...
pete w <*!*>
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 11:20:51 (BST)
From
what i saw on the BNP website, it has very little to do with nationalism in
a positive sense, but deals in an exclusively white tribal mentality. The manifesto
actually advocates a two-stage repatriation of every coloured person in Britain
to the homes of their parents/grandparents/great-grandparents, starting as a
voluntary migration with financial assistance, then moving onto a forced, unassisted
program of ethnic cleansing and expulsion.... I really don't know how to defend
something like that, not only because its ideology is repulsive, but because
it's just so damn stupid and unrealistic....the BNP are lunatics on a practical
scale even more so than in their views.
pete w <hardcoretim@yahoo.com>
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 11:19:32 (BST)
One
of my students vowed today to join the British National Party (he holds dual
citizenship). I hereby ask BBgb contributors to post some points to dissuade
him - my Senior Modern History class was unsuccessful in that venture today.
Chris
Brisbane, Australia - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 10:51:29 (BST)
41%
pure. I hope the children never find out...
chris
Brisbane, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 10:35:58 (BST)
Bogues,
Don't give them any ideas, I'm already in enough shit for failing to toe the
line on extolling the virtues of Western Capitalism. Possibly playing Attila
the Stockbroker's 'Market Sector One' to my business class wasn't the best career
move I've ever made.
Paul W
Bratislava, - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 10:15:37 (BST)
Sonj,
30% Wrap up? I was never that good!
Evil Jon
Bristol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 08:02:16 (BST)
An
interesting note regarding train travel. Yesterday as a mark of respect to the
rail crash this week, some Virgin trains were travelling at a reduced speed
which was a nice gesture, plus it meant that because the train back from Gloucester
was running 50 minutes late, I got a chance to get on it (I'm awful at catching
trains) instead of waiting an hour for the next one. Curious that the train
I took to Gloucester didn't run at a slower speed, and that the driver decided
to leave his seat and stretch his legs for a few seconds but not while the train
was stopped.
Jon <GonnaTryTheBastardTestLater@Work>
Bristol, UK - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 08:01:12 (BST)
jon,
it must be your fault that they are moving the call centres out to India. (headline
heard on radio 4 this morning). I presume that 30% was your wrap up and idle
(st monday) stat.
sonj
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 07:35:26 (BST)
Hi
Mike
sonj
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 07:28:07 (BST)
that's
it. I am not going to do the test. I refuse to ruin my strumpet credentials
by proving how pure i am!!
sonj
- Friday, October 20, 2000 at 07:27:32 (BST)
Hi
folks! Just wanted to let you know that although I don't post too many messages
here anymore, I often pop by and see what you are all chatting about! Cya
Mike Taplin <mbtaplin@myplace.net.au>
Perth, Australia - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 05:00:06 (BST)
I'm
afraid having a criminal record drove my score down, the bestiality was by-the-by.
siobhan
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 23:51:56 (BST)
To
answer Jeff's question (briefly): The current British Lib Dems are Decended
from the old liberal party and the SDP, The SDP was a centrist splinter party
whose leaders broke away from the labour party in _thinks_ 1982...
Jon D <joinedup@yahoo.co.uk>
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 23:41:24 (BST)
I'm
getting very worried about the company here. From what I saw, the only way to
drive your purity down to 30% (without being a racist) is to have had sex with
both a parent and a sibling whilst snorting coke, pooping your pants and sucking
off a much-loved family pet.
Boguespierre <What nasty people...>
MA, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 23:26:40 (BST)
64%
pure
Brian
London, UK - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 23:06:49 (BST)
Oh
dear, only 30%
Jon
Bristol, UK - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 22:36:23 (BST)
Peter
Crook..the answer to your TWTUD question is Dick Gaughan, on his Handful of
Earth album.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 21:21:09 (BST)
Im
sort of curious as to who these Liberal Democrats are and where they fall on
the political spectrum (odd that so many posters landed in this group per that
online test as there are alot of left wingers here)...is this the modern version
of the old "Liberal" party of the 19th century?
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 21:19:46 (BST)
Oh
dear, so that's a 'yes' to the bestiality question then?
Bogues
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 21:09:07 (BST)
Siobhan
and I are the dirtiest birds on here! Bogues, I'm happy to say that my no answers
were all the defication, incest and racial slur ones. Also what is the idea
of that 60's throwback question "Have you ever been smoking pot while someone
is going down on you"?--how retro! I'm a proud impure bisexual Scorpio Prince
fan (Perhaps that explains it...) See, Librarians aren't what people make them
out to be!
susan
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 21:02:43 (BST)
I'm
50% pure this time, but every time I do something *bad* i go back and do the
test again, and watch my purity levels slowly drop.....
pete w <hehe>
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 20:16:39 (BST)
Does
having a major roof leak with accompanying drywall damage count as appliance
problems?
Barbara <guysonmyroofscaffoldingallovermylivingroom>
nowheretohidebaby, - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 18:57:25 (BST)
Sonja:
You would probably get extra points for not sleeping with management and sticking
with union men, who are probably more creative and lusty, anyway.
Carol
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 17:29:55 (BST)
i
don't need a test to know i am a strumpet! Anyway i thought it was about politics.
33% pure what?????
sonj
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 17:20:59 (BST)
I
mean years of course (how Freudian is that?)
siobhan
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 16:22:33 (BST)
oh
god, I amswered that test honestly and came out at 33%, all I can say is I was
an adventurous teenager and have not indulged in many of those activities for
at least ten weeks.
siobhan
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 16:20:39 (BST)
33%
Pure / 6% Less Pure than me / 94% Purer ???? It's rigged !
C. Annotsay
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 16:14:29 (BST)
Q:
Who plays a version of Leon Rosselson's "The World Turned Upside Down" which
knocks Bill's into the ground ? A: http://home.btclick.com/pete.crook/billy/photos/attila1/index.htm
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 16:03:14 (BST)
A
serendipitous 69, haha.
derik
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 15:51:44 (BST)
i'm
52%... come on derik...what's the %?
keri
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 15:43:42 (BST)
Yeah
yeah yeah... what's the FIGURE, derik?
Bogues
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 15:22:43 (BST)
I
am a pure and heavenly angel.
derik
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 15:08:07 (BST)
I
am 60% pure, but that must be because I knew everyone's names before I had sex
with them. Being from Califronia, I also knew their astrological signs.
Carol
San Francisco - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 14:30:48 (BST)
Paul
W - At 46% I think we can prove by a process of elimination that you've engaged
in more than enough illegal activities to justify the British Council giving
you the heave-ho...
Bogues
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 14:22:38 (BST)
46%
pure but I'm young, so young. I reckon with a bit of training, I can halve that
in a few years. I feel the gauntlet has been thrown down
Paul W
Bratislava, - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 12:55:34 (BST)
55%
Pure and I came out as a Politician in the personality test!!!!
Barmy Rob
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 12:50:01 (BST)
Well
I came out at 47% pure, and judging by some of the things I admitted to Susan
must be one wicked woman to have undercut me. Oh dear, I hope it wasn't one
of the defecation ones...
Boguespierre
MA, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 12:23:06 (BST)
54%
pure!
Tettland
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 11:22:18 (BST)
Carol:
Seems you're 1% more tory than me! That makes me feel 1% better. Though I can
see I'm in good company which makes me feel at least 50% better. Sonja: You
will indeed be in Copenhagen on that date watching BB with me and few hundred
other lucky blighters. :) I'm off to take the purity test ...
Tettland
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 11:11:57 (BST)
barbara,
i am running round getting ready to pick up my mother, mustn't be late. this
afternoon i am going to catch up with my post!
sonj <no work for me today>
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 09:19:53 (BST)
Sonj,
write to me please I lost my whole damn e-mail address book. It's catastrophic
really.
Barbara <handlingitbeautifull@anotherdrink?>
billybraggissuchaniceman, - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 09:02:56 (BST)
good
morning Sonj! I am having a glass of wine, are you having tea? Kiss Alberr for
me please and have him lay one on you too.
Barbara <imissbobingallsitshardhavinghimworkmidnights>
hehhehhehheh, - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 08:59:28 (BST)
'fraid
i'll have to give that one a miss Barbara as alberr and i will be in copenhagen,
with tettland, watching Mr Billy Bragg:)
sonj
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 08:44:54 (BST)
Friday,
November 10th at 8:00 pm at The Good Coffee House (718-768-2972) 53 Prospect
Park West at 2nd Street Brooklyn, New York 11215 Come celebrate with us the
release of THE BEST OF BROADSIDE 1962-1988 on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
featuring the music of Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Arlo Guthrie, Nina
Simone, BEV GRANT and more. Rolling Stone Magazine calls the collection "topical
songwriting [as] holy warfare"! Special and featured guests will include Richard
Bryant, Joel Darelius, Lenard Hebert, Gene Hicks, Barry Kornhauser, Bruce Markow,
Sandy Opatow and Talata Reeves. Ticket prices are: $8 at the door - $7 in advance
(e-mail Bev at BGrant@OsborneNY.org for advance ticket info)
Barbara <publicserviceannouncementforthoseluckyenoughtoliveinnewyork>
butdonthaveyankeestickets, wellthisisnovemberbutithougtidgetaplugin - Thursday,
October 19, 2000 at 08:26:02 (BST)
oh
dear, i don't think i will do the survey. Carol knows what a stalinist i am
and goodness knows how that will be interpreted:(
sonj <must remember
to pick up my mother today>
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 07:02:09 (BST)
63%
pure? Hmmm...
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 03:40:40 (BST)
The
first subway series in my lifetime!
Red Robin
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 03:14:05 (BST)
I'm
shocked to discover that I'm still 46% pure! That's cos I'm an ANTIRACIST Hootchie
Mama. Why they include racial slurs in there seems odd. That should be in the
asshole-survey instead. Asshole, read: mean person, not bung-hole. I'd probably
get a good score in that!;-)
susan
Santa Cruz, - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 02:35:19 (BST)
I
am 35% Labor, 56% Lib Dem, and (I don't believe this) 9% Conservative. Just
call me an old Tory. I am not at all libertarian. I think in US terms, I would
be 35% Democrat, 9% Republican and 56% left Third Party. But I think there has
been a mistake here. Now, onward to the purity test. If I grow wings, I will
give up the Net.
Carol
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 02:12:32 (BST)
the
best internet test is the purity test at www.thespark.com, by which you measure
your level of depravity..... I'm off to test my purity now :)
petew <hardcoretim@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 00:52:54 (BST)
I
heard about that bad train wreck on ITN World News...one of our local public
television stations carrys it...as this is an English news show there was quite
a bit of coverage. Seems they dont think it was a bomb? Wasnt there a bad wreck
at near station in London last year, too?
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 22:31:23 (BST)
37
Labour 47 Liberal Democrat (sort of odd answering UK political questions). Not
sure what "Liberal Democrat" would translate to in the US...probably not our
"liberal Democrats", which I think are closer to your Labour party.
Jeff <dwellej@aol.com>
Dayton, OH, USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 22:24:15 (BST)
Your
dad sounds like of a cunt too!
uno
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 19:23:42 (BST)
Barm
- you'd probably have come out as an even bigger lib if it had asked about constitutional
reform and devolution, the libs have been pushing both for years!!!
Jon D
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 17:47:08 (BST)
pete
w... apparently, i'm going to die on jan. 13 2048... @ the tender age of 72.
that's ten years off from the psychic i saw a few years ago.
keri
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 17:37:07 (BST)
Tett.
I thought it was skewed because it didn't ask me one single question on devolution
or constitutional reform...
Barmy Rob
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 16:39:57 (BST)
No
wi am a member of teh Labour Party & my Dad is a member of the Lib Dems, but
he considers himself a Tory with a social conscience - I always considered one
of the most honest political descriptions of anyone I know. Of course I tell
my Dad he's a fascist:) Anyway I answered the questions how I thought he would
and it came out Con 57% Labour 28% & Lib Dem 15%. So I guess we are both in
the wrong parties. Only thing is the Lib Dems are such a bunch of dorky geeks...
Barmy Rob
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 16:34:45 (BST)
Don't
scream at the tv too much, you will scare it.
derik
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 16:14:22 (BST)
Puzzled
by that quiz thing. I thought I answered it honestly. It turns out that I'm
38% Labour, 57% Liberal and 5% Tory. Strange as I can't stand the Tories and
the only things I agree with the Liberals on are higher taxation and joining
the single currency.
Dyl
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 16:08:55 (BST)
well,
thanks to david justice my dream has come true...SUBWAY SERIES. i see another
pub filled week ahead of me...and lots of screaming at the tv. yippie!!!
keri <center of the universe.>
ny,ny, - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:56:48 (BST)
"fiscal
rectitude", eh Bogues! Golden globes still playing up then? Up with taxes for
the rich and a significant increase in public spending, say I.
Tettland
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:56:45 (BST)
Barmy:
scary to think - if one accepts the skewed nature of the yougov.com questions
(I don't)- that us lefties are no different to the likes of Charles Kennedy
and Co. I'm still reeling from that 8% tory that I'm supposed to be. Where the
hell did that come? :-(
Tettland <iamasocialisthonest@keeptheredflagflying.com>
Copenhagen, Denmark - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:52:14 (BST)
Now
that I've seen a few other scores I'll come clean and admit that I was 41% Labour,
48% Lib-Dem and 11% Conservative. Presumably our Tony would score even higher
on the C rating! I can only assume that I rate a few per cent Toryboy as a result
of a certain degree of fiscal rectitude, since I'm very right-on on social issues.
Boguespierre
MA, USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:50:01 (BST)
Tdon't
feel too bad - there was an article in the Independent after the Lib-Dem conference
proclaiming them as the most leftwing mainsteam party in Britain... progressive
taxation, redistribution of wealth, funding for public services etc etc.
Jon D
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:43:06 (BST)
Well
I'm on the extreme left, but that makes me for some reason 70% Lib Dem, 30%
Labour & I am very glad to say 0% Tory. Strangely though I am only 8% Libertarian
- which just goes to show how skewed the questions were - especially as there
wasn't a single question about devolution.... Very Odd
Barmy Rob
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:30:33 (BST)
I
missed Billy in September (being "out of town" during his concert) but I have
tickets to see Leon Rosselson this Sunday. Life sort of balances out, doesn't
it? Cheers, Pete. Cheers, all.
Carol
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 14:46:12 (BST)
Just
tried out the yougov.com "what are your true political colours?" test and was
disturbed to find that I'm 60% Liberal Democrat, 32% Labour, and a horrifying
8% Tory! That I'm even 1% tory is enough to make me want to jump of a very high
bridge, and as for the fact that I'm such a Lib Dem (at least according to this)...
On mature reflection I've decided that this score probably says more about the
right-wing drift of Labour party policy than my enthusiasm for the Lib Dems
- at least I hope it does. Any more news about that train crash, Sonja? I haven't
travelled on British trains for about 3 years now but after what Carol described
it sounds like a nightmare. However I used to travel the Leeds to London route
a lot about 10 years ago when I had a mate at Leeds Uni.
Tettland
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 14:16:43 (BST)
Tickets
available for Vicar Street, Dublin, via the venue's web site - http://www.vicarstreet.com/
- unfortunately the online buying link is to, um, Ticketmaster. Don't all cheer
at once. There's also a link on this site's Tour dates page, http://www.billybragg.co.uk/shows.html
Bragg Office
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 13:10:01 (BST)
keri,
i'll commend you publicly for your valiant effort, and will also second your
suggestion for a martin fan club. (your theory holds true, right down to dave
grohl.) have to let everyone know that i am still stuck on sarah harmer from
the west coast shows. i'm finicky about the girl+guitar pop model, but she is
incredible. can she really be canadian? glad you made it safely home from philadelphia,
although i never would have doubted the good care of your company. and finally,
rhonda thinks basement jaxx just doesn't sound quite the same without you. she
is happy to have new windows, though. gotta watch out for that stock speaker
bass.
erin
portland, usa - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 08:53:15 (BST)
Mark
from Florida (the place Bill never plays, nor, I believe, ever *has* played,
because "it's not near anywhere else* - *sigh)*: great to see you posting in
Braggland again. Still, at least your state is the home to Discount, of "Love,
Billy" CD fame, but I guess that's no substitute... Do drop me a line in private
if you feel like it some time. Shame about your experience taking pics at the
DC gig. The security's "no photos at the request of the band" line is utter
bollocks and must be one they trot out every time by rote, since of course no-one
in the band would give a monkeys.
Pete Crook <petecrook@bigfoot.com>
London, England - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 08:26:05 (BST)
Robin,
I'm no doctor but I don't think that coughing up blood a good thing. Please
write me, my address book got corrupted and I am hopelessly out of date and
out of touch.
Barbara <tiredcrankybitchybutnotdonewithmyglassofwine>
soimnotgoingtobedyet, - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 07:55:04 (BST)
Derik:
thanks for the headline (pun intended). I could use a few more of those laughs!
Hey Bob. The guy who stayed after the gig and met Billy in Philly. You couldn't
have said it better buddy!
paul <briarpatch@dellnet.com>
Costa Mesa, ca - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 06:28:06 (BST)
Keri:
I had the ticket in hand to go, but I spent the evening coughing up blood instead.
Needless to say, I was not happy about it.
Red Robin
- Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 04:56:58 (BST)
I
forgot to ask! Anyone at the DC show: Did Billy stay and do a "meet & greet"?
I was hanging out for a while in the line for merchandise, but I didn't see
him come out. Just wondering if I missed it...
Mary <MBrunnemer@gateway.net>
Durham, NC, - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 04:07:41 (BST)
Well
I mustdo my duty as a Billy Bragg fan to post my report on the 9:30 club in
D.C. Most of you have heard, I am the crazy one travels from Florida every year
just to see Billy. And this time I felw up to DC for a long weekend and a chance
to sing "A New England" with a room full of people! I like all the new songs
especially "Half English". He opened with "Milkman of Human Kindness" with the
band which was great! Billy's comments were more brief than usual and that helped
get me over the long delay of the show getting started. Also why the club kept
me from taking pictures? I can't tell you how many staff asked me to stop taking
pictures due to the "band's request". I doubt Billy cares If I take pitures.
Shit I have a hundred pictures of him on and off stage. The highlight was when
he played "There's power in a Union". Wow! When the band sang backup for the
chorus it was powerful. Its strange to see him sing "A New England" without
a guitar, but I love the sound of it. Solo version of upfield was great in the
encore. I had to leave before the last song to catch the train. I was also glad
he told us more about "Stetson Kennedy". I had no idea who he was and that he
lives in my home state of Florida. Billy thanks again for a great show and memories.
So I ask again, when are you coming further south. -Mark
Mark
Tampa, USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 03:56:52 (BST)
I
traveled up to see the DC show and was hoping to get back and read opinions
of others on the music, but I don't see a whole lot posted. I loved the show
and it was well worth the 4+ hour drive, even driving in DC. I was glad to hear
some old and new stuff instead of a whole night of Mermaid Avenue. (After all,
new stuff means new album and new tour, right?) I'm just wondering... is anyone
else turned off a bit by the versions of songs the Blokes are doing? I assume
this tour is all the same- very different from the tour I saw in September 1999.
There were lots of weird versions with this sort of "island" feel to them. Bleah.
The best songs were the ones Billy did alone with his guitar in one of the encores.
I know that Ian McLagan is legendary and all, but I would rather hear Cara Tivey
any day. And what happened to Wiggy?
Mary <MBrunnemer@gateway.net>
Durham NC, - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 03:33:59 (BST)
Just
catching up after a day or so and Carol, I completely endorse your sentiments
from 00/10/17 at 14:42:48. I, too, was disturbed to read of someone 'politely
refusing' to leave a venue. I know it sounds arsey and pedantic but four
