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Off-topic

Posted on January 02, 1968 by

For off-topic chat. Duh.

39636 to “Off-topic”

  1. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Mmmmm…

    It hasn’t been approved – my post at 7.39pm is still “awaiting moderation”.

    Reply
  2. Taranaich says:

    Strange to think that back in October, Dumfries & Galloway looked like the most impossible seat for the SNP (4th place in 2010), yet Ashcroft and others are showing it going gold. Maybe everyone’s fed up with their MP:

    link to wildernessofpeace.wordpress.com

    Reply
  3. cearc says:

    Happy Birthday John.

    Reply
  4. Thepnr says:

    Happy birthday from me and mine John. Don’t get fat on the cake 🙂

    I played this for Ian Brotherhood last year so your honored (or insulted).

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  5. Oneironaut says:

    Happy birthday John! 🙂

    Raising a drink to you…
    (It’s only cheap Lidl cola, but it’s the sentiment that counts, right?)

    Reply
  6. Jim McIntosh says:

    As we were discussing postal votes in a recent thread on the main blog for anyone interested I’ve listed the areas and postal vote percentage returns below. I think I’ve removed all formatting so hopefully will show up OK 🙂

    Aberdeen City – 92.6%
    Aberdeenshire – 94.3%
    Angus – 92.9%
    Argyll & Bute – 95.1%
    Clackmannanshire – 95.2%
    Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar – 92.8%
    Dumfries and Galloway – 95.1%
    Dundee – 91.3%
    East Ayrshire – 94%
    East Dunbartonshire – 94%
    East Lothian – 94.8%
    East Renfrewshire – 94.4%
    City of Edinburgh – 92.2%
    Falkirk – 95.5%
    Fife – 92.3%
    Glasgow – 88%
    Highland – 93.8%
    Inverclyde – 92.2%
    Midlothian – 93.7%
    Moray – 92.9%
    North Ayrshire – 93%
    North Lanarkshire – 86.6%
    Orkney – 94.5%
    Perth & Kinross – 94.1%
    Renfrewshire – 95.1%
    Scottish Borders – 93.6%
    Shetland – 93.7%
    South Ayrshire – 93.6%
    South Lanarkshire – 93.5%
    Stirling – 95.3%
    West Dunbartonshire – 93.5%
    West Lothian – 93%
    Total – 92.5%

    Reply
  7. cearc says:

    Jim,

    To put that in perspective, the highest voter turnout in Australia (where voting is compulsory) since 1946 was in 1946 at 91.85%.

    It has not been above 85% since 1972.

    link to idea.int

    I don’t recall them giving out the PV turnout seperately at the Highland count. Mind, it was 8.30am so my brain had pretty well gone on strike by then.

    Reply
  8. Thepnr says:

    @Jim McIntosh

    Those numbers are truly eye opening.

    To be clear though these are the percentages of people who requested a postal vote and then actually bothered to vote?

    I’d guess if you bother to ask for a postal vote, chances are you will use it.

    Reply
  9. Fiona says:

    Thanks for that Jim McIntosh

    Must have been a lot of work.

    Reply
  10. Jim McIntosh says:

    cearc,

    I was at the Moray count they didn’t give it out there either, but as you know there were teams of staff recording info from all the boxes.

    I extrapolated the info above from the ‘Scottish Independence Referendum – Electoral Data (XLS)’ document found at

    link to electoralcommission.org.uk

    Reply
  11. K1 says:

    Jim do you have a breakdown of the percentage of non postal votes of each area too, for comparison?

    Reply
  12. Jim McIntosh says:

    K1 – if you follow the link in the post above all that info is in the excel spreadsheet. Lots of other interesting stuff as well.

    Reply
  13. K1 says:

    Thanks Jim, will do 🙂

    Reply
  14. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Ian B.

    See my post at 7.39pm last night. It was in moderation for hours so you may have missed it.

    link to wingsoverscotland.com

    Reply
  15. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I’m just trying something – just ignore me.
    ——————————————-
    Interesting comparison…

    Voter power in Dundee West 0.216
    The average UK voter has 1.18x more voting power than voters in Dundee West.

    Voter power in Dundee East 0.973
    Voters in Dundee East have 3.85x more voting power than the UK average.

    BTW: that site also suggests for Dundee West,

    Constituency marginality Fairly safe.

    I don’t think McGovern is “fairly safe”, going by the SNP’s canvassing returns onnyhoo.

    Reply
  16. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Strange.

    The above appeared immediately after hitting “Submit Comment” but the bit below the line just wouldn’t appear on the “a-fundamental-misunderstanding” page.

    Don’t know if it’s ever gonna appear. (That’s been around 12 minutes and it’s still not showing.)

    Reply
  17. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    My last post (above) took AGES to appear here.

    My post in today’s page took around 15 minutes to appear, then I ended up with two of it because I thought the first one had been binned for some reason.

    Reply
  18. Betty Boop says:

    just a wee test …

    trying to see if there’s still a delay and if my details are “sticky” (don’t even go there!)

    Reply
  19. Betty Boop says:

    no delay but, also no details in the boxes … hmmmm

    Reply
  20. Betty Boop says:

    Brian, are you getting your posting details (name and e-mail) being pre-completed?

    It’s odd that Jim T (who is sitting alongside me) using an almost identical laptop, and Chrome settings, can post immediately and retains user details.

    Reply
  21. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Which takes us to the classic, “What’s brown and sticky?”

    Reply
  22. Betty Boop says:

    Just had the cookies changed to permit Wings so, we’ll see what that does!

    Reply
  23. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Betty Boop.

    I have no problem on my MacPro at home – username and email filled in, although I did have to put them in manually, for a wee while, when I moved to this machine and updated system software, Firefox, and so on.
    OK now though.

    However, on my personal iMac at work, and the Windoze machine I sometimes use, it’s erratic. Sometimes stuff posts immediately, other times there’s a delay, like this afternoon.

    Neither machine displays username and email; I have to click in each box then select. Firefox installed on both machines.

    Reply
  24. Betty Boop says:

    another cookie change

    Reply
  25. Betty Boop says:

    yet another tweak (in IE this time)

    Reply
  26. Paula Rose says:

    Beedeeteetee honey I’m on my way to give you a special stroke, have the darkened room ready – all will be well.

    Reply
  27. Jim Thomson says:

    She’s off out to do battle with the Troon survey sheet delivery.

    I’m fiddling with her bits (technical term, apparently) to see if I can replicate the working set up on my laptop versus (why do sports link people always say “vee”? Poor education I reckon .. anyway ..) this one.

    I might be doing a “Captain Oates” on this tonight :-p

    Reply
  28. Paula Rose says:

    Walk don’t run…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  29. Macart says:

    Weird.

    When I use Safari on my imac posts are near instantaneous. When I post from W8 and use Chrome they take about half an hour to appear.

    See you in half an hour.

    Reply
  30. Betty Boop says:

    settings in IE changed – wonder if that will help …

    Reply
  31. Betty Boop says:

    restart of lappy to try that and see if posting name/email sticks

    Reply
  32. Betty Boop says:

    back on Chrome (and still waiting for previous post from past 20 mins to appear)

    Reply
  33. Jim Thomson says:

    Right … on my own lappy now, same OS build, same anti-virus, same browsers (IE & Chrome)

    Another thing I notice is that on this lappy, once I send a post, it returns to bottom of page but, the other lappy doesn’t (probably linked to the slow update of posting data).

    I am convinced there’s something happening outside the browsers but there’s not much there that can be tweaked except a/v software and the OS (Win7 pro x64) isn’t as tweakable as XP was.

    ho-hum

    Reply
  34. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I think I’ll try Safari on my personal iMac at work tomorrow, and see what begrails of the lateymost postage, that happidge with Fireyfoxy.

    Oh yes!

    Reply
  35. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    OK, a video for yooz, that I picked up from Facebook.

    It’s rather good, in an anglo-centric way. Appears to be available, even if you’re not logged into Facebook.

    link to facebook.com

    Reply
  36. Jim Thomson says:

    right, as I was comparing Chrome browser settings, I noticed that my one has “Done” buttons and Betty’s has “Finished” buttons in same place.

    No obvious language settings (different versions of English maybe?) and the installed versions of Chrome are identical.

    Reply
  37. Jim Thomson says:

    @BDtt – was the egg hand familiar? a bit quick for my old eyes but, a youngster like you will spot it 😛

    Reply
  38. Betty Boop says:

    ok, yet another go

    Reply
  39. Betty Boop says:

    righty-ho, next minor fiddle to see if that helps … probably not.

    Reply
  40. Betty Boop says:

    ok – that posted straight away !&?*? whit?

    Still not keeping poster details though.

    I switched on Java helpers in Toolbars and Extensions, and also Norton Identity Protection. Bizarre. Will need a few other posts over time to see if it’s going to be permanent.

    Reply
  41. Betty Boop says:

    Hah! Knew it was too good to be true. Bugger!

    Reply
  42. Betty Boop says:

    getting fed up now.

    last try – cleared browser cache in IE 11

    Reply
  43. Paula Rose says:

    One of my old show reels – notice how cleverly I lose my heels –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  44. Taranaich says:

    While I’ve done my best to just let him hoist himself on his own petard, I cannot help but reiterate how much I loathe Ian Davidson.

    link to wildernessofpeace.wordpress.com

    If he gets back in because the Patriotic Socialists, Scottish Socialists and Scottish Greens split the vote with the SNP, I might defenestrate something. Man is a lout, a goon, a blockhead, and he needs kicked out.

    Reply
  45. Oneironaut says:

    Strange that…

    Chrome is Google’s browser, and from what people are saying here, it has an odd habit of losing posts?

    I’m using Gmail (until I can find a better alternative!) which is also by Google, and it frequently loses my messages…

    Coincidence?

    Reply
  46. Paula Rose says:

    when do we get back to normal stuff like quarks?

    Reply
  47. Oneironaut says:

    You mean “quark” as in, the elementary particles that combine to form such things as the building blocks of atomic nuclei?

    Or “quark” as in the noise made by an atomic duck? 😉

    (*watches a tumbleweed blow past in the silence…*)

    …I’ll get my coat…

    Reply
  48. Taranaich says:

    Also, six days to get to £3,000. I’m going to post this every day until we get there.

    link to crowdfunder.co.uk

    Reply
  49. Paula Rose says:

    Um – app, Twitter and wings – how does that work on etch-a-sketch?
    I’m dumfoundit. Time to watch naughty stuff, nighty night.

    Reply
  50. Paula Rose says:

    Um – app, Twitter and wings – how does that work on etch-a-sketch?
    I’m dumfoundit. Time to watch naughty stuff, nighty night.

    Reply
  51. Thepnr says:

    Yes Paula, what has happened to Auld A? An informative chap.

    O/T and since this is O/T that’ll be Ok then.

    Just substitute Westminster for B….. and it just about sums up the media frenzy.

    link to youtube.com

    By the way, lead singer has a slight resemblance to a young Jim Murphy. No offence mate!

    Reply
  52. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi peeps.

    You must know that microsloth has given up on Indecent Exploiter?

    Microsoft relegates Internet Explorer to a ‘legacy engine’ to make way for new browser

    link to theverge.com

    Reply
  53. Oneironaut says:

    @Brian Doonthetoon

    Internet Explorer has actually been dying (not so slowly!) for years now. All that’s left is the digital equivalent of skeletal remains reanimated through some sinister dark techno-magic that left it nothing more than the shambling electronically-zombified remains of something that was never all that alive to start with…

    (Feel free to quote me on that. I’m at my most creative at these insanely late/early times!)

    Knowing Microsoft, I doubt I’ll be tempted to use their “new browser” either.
    Then again all my systems here are Linux powered now, and they wouldn’t want something working on Linux.
    That would be like Jim Murphy going on the BBC and telling the world that he’s been lying all along and that everyone should vote SNP!

    Phew, rant over. I’m off to bed now… 🙂

    Reply
  54. Michael McCabe says:

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  55. Macart says:

    Do you ever get tired?

    I’m tired and right about now a hill loch with a head of trout and a wee break is calling. A total break from screens, arguments, debate. Just friends, wine and a craic, perhaps some of my old chefing skills and some eats.

    Some days you just want to see a child laugh because the future is all before them, feel the arms of that pretty girl you married twenty seven years ago around you, feel the wind in your face and watch the world go by.

    Today feels like one of those days.

    Reply
    • Nana Smith says:

      @Macart

      Totally agree. Enjoy your break Sam.

      Reply
  56. Macart says:

    Thanks Nana 🙂

    Consider me gone… for a time.

    Reply
  57. CameronB Brodie says:

    Brotyboy
    Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. That was indeed my dad and everything was fine, thanks.

    I’m back in Dundee every two or three weeks, so I imagine it won’t be too difficult to get together. I’m not sure how contact details are best shared though.

    Thepnr
    Apparently you’re the man to speak to.

    Brian Doonthetoon & Pete the Camera
    Nice to finally put faces to names. 😉

    Reply
  58. DerekM says:

    Tight lines @ Macart and i think i might do the same this weekend so thanks for a cracking idea 🙂
    Sometimes you just cant beat being out in the beautiful Scottish countryside watching a river flow or the waves of a loch lapping about your waders as the world passes by to the twittering of the little birds in the trees 🙂

    Reply
  59. Bugger (the Panda) says:

    test with Safari

    Reply
  60. Bugger (the Panda) says:

    second test

    Reply
  61. icyspark says:

    @BtP

    Safari so goody 😉

    Reply
  62. Bugger (the Panda) says:

    20+ minutes delay

    Reply
  63. Oneironaut says:

    Sometimes I’m tempted to take a holiday myself.

    Trouble is, if I did, I don’t think I’d come back…

    Reply
  64. Betty Boop says:

    @BtP, 1:59pm

    Panda on Safari? You don’t hear that every day of the week! 🙂

    Anyways, please explain what going on Safari does for you rather than being an Explorer, ie, when you see this in half an hour or so! 🙁

    Remember that I (the real Betty B not the imposter posting above) am an IT idiot…

    Reply
  65. Natasha says:

    Can someone tell me what’s going on with the Rev? I seem to have missed something.

    Reply
  66. Betty Boop says:

    @ Natasha, 4:04pm

    Read through the last main thread Temporary Service Interruption and you will get the idea from some of the posts why he might need a breather. Apart from that, I have a feeling he has something he wishes to do over the next few days.

    Anyways, what we can all do is keep the heid for a few days and behave like the sensible adults we are 🙂

    Reply
  67. Betty Boop says:

    Oh, that was interesting. Post to Natasha appeared immediately:-)
    Pushing my luck now!

    Reply
  68. Jim Thomson says:

    @Natasha he’s simply gone “tilt” over the (as yet formally unannounced) appointment of Kate Higgins as a SPAD to our Nicola.

    Alternatively, he’s being touted by a variety of folks on here as having audience tickets for a range of politics shows over the next couple of days.

    There’s even a wicked rumour that he’s attending the conference this weekend.

    The first one above, was the subject of a (now replaced) thread he started and which rapidly became a misogyny accusation-fest.

    Other than that, he probably simply needs a wee spell away from the hassle, and who can blame him?

    Reply
  69. Jim Thomson says:

    @Betty Boop – Hmmm, so my tinkering with your bits seems to have some intermittent success?

    Probably not my undisputed skills as a laptop fiddler, more likely to be a random occurrence of getting past some invisible barrier.

    Reply
  70. Betty Boop says:

    @JimT

    It’s now 4:44pm and my post at 4:31pm still hasn’t appeared on Chrome which is where I posted it, but, is here on Explorer. Go figure.

    And stop hinting about your predilections… my reputation is at stake and PR will be envious. 😉

    Reply
  71. CameronB Brodie says:

    Natasha
    There’s only so much a sentient being with funtioning nervous system can take, before having to think up new and imaginative swear words? 🙂

    Reply
  72. Thepnr says:

    @CameronB

    Email me at thepnr03@gmail.com and I’ll pass on Brotyboys email address as he instructed earlier.

    Reply
  73. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Natasha.

    Email me at:-

    brian@navelfluffdoonthetoon.plus.com

    (Remove navelfluff to get correct address.)

    I’ll send you something.

    Reply
  74. Chic McGregor says:

    @CameronB

    I remember at Kinfauns Primary school a hundred and fifty years ago or so, someone suggested we invent swear words.

    The two I thought up have both appeared on TV.

    The first was ‘Smeg’, which appeared some years ago on Red Dwarf and the other was ‘Cunk’ which has appeared recently as Diane Morgan’s alter ego ‘Philomena Cunk’ on Charlie Brooker’s show.

    Probably just coincidence, especially the second.

    Reply
  75. iclare1 says:

    Can you put me down for 1st May please?

    Reply
  76. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @iclare1 –

    Noted!

    🙂

    Reply
  77. TJenny says:

    Hi BDTT + Ian B, can you make sure I’m on the May 1st list too, please. Ta. 🙂

    Reply
  78. Cactus says:

    Hi iclare1, welcome, should be a lively night at the Counting House 🙂

    Reply
  79. Thepnr says:

    Hi Ian

    Was undecided about 1st May for personal reasons but if I can make it will definitely be there.

    @BDTT

    I intend staying overnight so will be driving, looking forward to shacking up with Paula Rose once again 😉

    Reply
  80. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Thepnr –

    🙂

    Reply
  81. Natasha says:

    Thanks to everyone for filling me in about the Rev. Kate Higgins sounds like a real piece of work.

    Reply
  82. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Ian B.

    You haven’t read my post at 9.48am yesterday morning, have you?

    link to wingsoverscotland.com

    Reply
  83. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @BDTT –

    Sorry mister, did see it, but didn’t respond immediately, then forgot…

    Your list is the main one. I don’t have any names that you don’t, assuming that you’ve updated today with iclare1, TJenny and Thepnr.

    Still waiting to confirm a good few via my missus and SSP buddies – probably another dozen or so, but I’ll have to nail them down and get whatever names they want on badges etc.

    Sorry if I’m flagging a bit, but you seem to have it all under control!!

    Reply
  84. cearc says:

    Hey Brian,

    Is the YES bus getting spruced up for a trip to Westminister?

    Reply
  85. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Cearc.

    Because of the age of the bus, it usually keeps to within a 20 mile radius of Dundee.

    However, it is going through to Edinburgh on 18th April.

    Reason for keeping close to Dundee…
    For example, if it breaks down on the Edinburgh trip, it would cost around £600 to get it ‘recovered’ back to the yard in Dundee. + the cost of getting the passengers back to Dundee.

    From the 5th April, until the election, the Dragon will be at City Square in Dundee every weekend (mostly Sundays), as a campaigning hub for the SNP – whether they like it or not!

    .

    Hi Ian B.

    I am continuing to be an alert reader!
    BTW: ‘Alexandra Holmes’ has suggested ‘Sand Holmes’ as her username for the badge. That saves some ink…

    Reply
  86. cearc says:

    Brian,

    It would be worth low-loading it down for the MPs to arrive at Westminster in it.

    Reply
  87. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @BDTT –

    🙂

    You’ve got it covered.

    So far we still haven’t captured any celebrities (apart from, obviously, Miss Rose) so the shout is out – who will be the first ‘name’ to pledge attendance?

    The smart money (or so I hear) is on Bateman, but a slender possibility that a Riddoch or McAlpine may, by sheer coincidence, find themselves in or around the CH on May 1st? Michty me, the grapevine is a weird and wonderful thing…

    Reply
  88. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    OOH! Cearc!

    I will put that idea to Bob.

    8=)

    Reply
  89. Michael McCabe says:

    @ Brian Doonthetoon Why is the yes bus coming through to Edinburgh on the 18th of April. My part of the World.

    Reply
  90. cearc says:

    Ian,

    Celebrities?

    I hear that a famous author and crossword compiler will be there!

    Reply
  91. Chic McGregor says:

    @Ian Brotherhood

    Don’t know if you are today’s compiler Ian, but if you are, could you post the missing clues? Looks like they used a bigger or bolder font for them and couldn’t fit them all in.

    Reply
  92. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Chic McG –

    Wisny me mister!

    It’s a hell of a mess today. Don’t know what must’ve happened to cause that.

    Is that your letter in there today? Gordon Bennett, we’re taking the place over one column inch at a time…all we need now is Paula Rose doing a tasteful centre-spread.

    Reply
  93. Chic McGregor says:

    Aye, that wis me.

    Reply
  94. Thepnr says:

    @Chic McGregor

    Very nice coverage of Maxwell’s achievements here:

    link to maxwellyear2006.org

    One quote from Einstein on his work.

    “the most profound and the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton.”

    Reply
  95. Chic McGregor says:

    @Thepnr

    Although he is well up there in the pantheon among his fellow physicists, I doubt whether even half the population of Scotland could tell you anything about him.

    Another example of Union dividend perhaps?

    It is remarkable how the greatest achievements of Scots become ‘buried’.

    For example, James Gregory’s discovery of the calculus, the invention of the reflecting telescope, the identification of diffraction grating effects and his fundamental work on mathematical series and first proof of the calculus all attributed to Newton, Leibniz, Taylor et al.

    Yet how many Scots have heard of him?

    And then there is ‘survival of the fittest’ a well established theory of evolution in Scotland from Lord Monboddo to Patrick Matthews going back decades before Darwin ever came up to Edinburgh to do his degree.

    Curiously, ‘second division’ achievements are ‘allowed’, James Watt, Bell, Baird.

    Reply
  96. Chic McGregor says:

    Patrick Matthew no s

    Reply
  97. Thepnr says:

    @Chic McGregor

    You definitely got me there with James Gregory, I had always believed (and read) that there was a dispute as to who “founded” the use of calculus was between Newton and Leibniz.

    I also have never heard of Lord Monboddo nor Patrick Matthews. How ignorant are we (I) then?

    Looks like I should give up reading novels and start reading about Scottish history, in particular it’s scientists. Thanks Chic.

    Reply
  98. Natasha says:

    Thepnr
    How ignorant are I? Tut tut.
    🙂

    Reply
  99. Thepnr says:

    Ok Natasha. Am I.

    I said “are we” then realised that it was I who was ignorant and not Chic, hence the addition of I.

    Please don’t belt me again Miss, I promise not to do it again 🙂

    Reply
  100. Jock Scot says:

    Hi Folks
    Ninja Penguin in brilliant form and giving me something f@ckin’ excellent to sing..Hail Alba

    Nicola’s Army

    youtu.be/hiuSR8hQf18

    Reply
  101. Ninja Penguin says:

    A wee tune from Yew Choob for the weekend link to youtube.com

    Reply
  102. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Michael McCabe.

    I’m not sure – something at Holyrood. I’ll try to get more info.

    Reply
  103. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Chic McGregor and Thepnr (and ‘et al’).

    On the ‘scientist’ subject…

    Who was the first person to demonstrate working electric light? And where?

    And if anyone feels the urge to type Edison or Swan, award yourself a spell in Quarantine!

    link to wingsoverscotland.com

    Reply
  104. kendomacaroonbar says:

    @Brian Doonthetoon

    Brian, did you receive my e mail ?

    Reply
  105. Jock Scot says:

    Thanks Ninja Penguin

    I tried a while ago and followed all the rules so I’m glad you’re the ones wi’ the brains

    Reply
  106. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Ken.

    Yes. I’ll reply tonight.

    8=)

    Reply
  107. Thepnr says:

    @BDtt

    Would that be James Bowman Lindsay in Dundee in 1835?

    He was born less than a mile from where I now live.

    Amazing where Google can lead you 🙂

    Reply
  108. Caledonius says:

    Electric light – was it Nicholas telsa?

    Reply
  109. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Well done, Thepnr!

    In 1835, 40 years before Thomas Edison announced the invention of the lightblub, he demonstrated constant electric light, whereby he could read a book at a distance of one and a half foot.
    His concern with electric light was mainly prompted by the need to provide a safe method of lighting the jute mills, where severe fires had devastated the lives of the workers.

    link to leisureandculturedundee.com

    Oh, and it was in the Thistle Hall in Union Street, which, in a later incarnation, was Teazers Nite Club.

    Reply
  110. Caledonius says:

    Nvm google says thepnr is right :p

    Reply
  111. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I see you’ve discovered ‘off-topic’ Caledonius.

    Welcome to the clubbie!

    Gonna be in the Counting House on 1st May?

    Reply
  112. Chic McGregor says:

    @Thepnr

    I remember an incident as an undergraduate when we were going through the series definitions of various trigonometric functions.
    The lecturer put up the series for arctan. I realised that if pi/4 was the presumed value then we could use the series to calculate a value for pi. I interjected with that suggestion and the lecturer told me I was correct and that it had been used to do that and that it was known as the Leibniz series.

    On another occasion the lecturer covered MacLaurin’s series, pointing out that his grave was no more than 200 yards away from the lecture theater, in Greyfriar’s churchyard. He then went on to the related Taylor’s series which he prefaced (tongue-in-cheek) with the comment “but, of course, whatever a Scotsman can do an Englishman can do better”.

    It was many years later that I learned, by chance nerdy leisure research, it was in fact Gregory who came up with both ‘Leibniz’ and Taylor’s’ series and many others.

    Moral is – ignorance is rarely the fault of its possessor.

    Something we should bear in mind when next exasperated by unionist displays of it, however spectacular.

    Reply
  113. Chic McGregor says:

    Didn’t know about Lindsay, thanks.

    But on a similar theme, the World’s first wind turbine used to generate electricity was built by James Blyth in Marykirk, just over the Angus/Aberdeen border. He offered to supply electricity to the town, but the people refused, thinking it the work of the devil. He used it to light his own house.

    A useful one to use on Quixote types.

    Reply
  114. Ian Brotherhood says:

    The lassie dancing in this video looks strangely familiar, but I can’t place her.

    Red Hot Chili Peppers, ‘The Zephyr Song’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  115. Thepnr says:

    @Ian Brotherhood

    Nice choice, enjoyed.

    The dancer was also a little familiar to me too. Though I can’t place her, will have to wait until I get my cataracts operated on 🙂

    @BDtt

    By the way I met my lovely wife in Teezers Nite Club in 1978, I’d had a few and the cataracts were just starting to give me problems.

    Reply
  116. Chic McGregor says:

    @Ian
    Nope, can’t place her. Similar cheek structure to Sandie Shaw from the 60s.

    Reply
  117. Ian Brotherhood says:

    ‘Show me a motion!’
    ‘Aye. Nae borra. Jim’s jist left wan oan the carpet.’

    Boney-M, ‘Brown Girl In The Ring’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  118. Chic McGregor says:

    Rain surely 🙂

    Reply
  119. Natasha says:

    Ian B, Thepnr, Chic McGregor
    Is ‘cheek structure’ some kind of euphemism? Mind you, if I had a figure like that, I’d probably be dancing in my underwear too.

    Reply
  120. Chic McGregor says:

    Nat, never noticed her figure. Yes, I am that old.

    Reply
  121. Ian Brotherhood says:

    This one, obviously, is for Rev:

    Boney-M, ‘Hooray! Hooray!’ (It’s A Holiday) –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  122. Chic McGregor says:

    Well the Rev must often think he his lying down by the rivers of Babylon, or at least the Tower of Babel.

    Reply
  123. Thepnr says:

    Hey Ian Brotherhood

    Just saw your post on the main thread, that 20 minute delay drives me nuts too. I was searching today for some kind of solution with no luck.

    Patrician mentioned a few days ago here that he was close to having a solution. Have you got there yet P?

    Now for Boney M 🙂

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  124. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Thepnr.

    I’m using Firefox 35.0.1 with MacOS 10.6.8 (old, I know) on a Macpro from 2007 and I am having no delays.

    .

    Onnyhoo, this has got to be my fave Boney M track of all time, in the world, ever. When I played the 12″ in Chalmers & Joy for the wee listen, back in the 70s, I thought, “That is GOOD!”.

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  125. Chic McGregor says:

    Sorry Ian,
    For my entire life I have heard that line as “Brown girl in the rain”. Quite shocked really.

    Reply
  126. Thepnr says:

    @Brian Doonthetoon

    Glad to hear your not having any issues with delays to posting. I guess your not yet on the “list” and your posts don’t have to be filtered through GCHQ before appearing.

    “A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what’s going on.”

    William S Buroughs

    Reply
  127. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Oh Thepnr, I have delay issues at work, both from my personal iMac and the work’s wintelbox.

    I can’t think of a rational explanation.

    Reply
  128. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I think it’s all down to some cookie malfunction.

    Reply
  129. Chic McGregor says:

    Brian,
    If you have enough confidence/knowledge, try installing dual boot to a Linux OS (Ubuntu, Mint etc.)

    Reply
  130. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    No Thanks, Chic.

    MacOS 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) is working fine on this machine.

    I don’t want to jinx it.

    Reply
  131. Michael McCabe says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood If you go to go-go amy.com then to video then to commercial work you will find your Red Hot Chili Peppers Dancer. Anyway here is Something Delightful With a bit of Dancing. Does the Dancer look like a young Paula Rose ? link to youtube.com

    Reply
  132. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Thepnr –

    I hereby nominate you as WOS’s very own ‘Daddy Cool’. You may have to acquire a suitable outfit for May 1st.

    I’m sure Paula Rose would agree, but she’s been strangely quiet.

    (Rev goes on an unexpected holiday, and Paula Rose is AWOL? Hmmm…)

    @Chic McG –

    ‘She looks like a sugar in a plum’ is the one that always got me, but it turns out that is the actual lyric. Never mind – great tunes summoning happy memories. And Scotland’s very own Boney-M is looking more like ‘a sugar in a plum’ with every passing hour. Roll on the Sunday papers and politics programmes: “Taxi for Murphy!”

    Reply
  133. Michael McCabe says:

    Never mind a taxi for Murphy. Let him run home The W–ker.

    Reply
  134. Caledonius says:

    @ Brian Doonthetoon

    What’s happening May 1st?

    Reply
  135. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Michael McCabe –

    Nice one.

    Can’t even guess whether this one is of similar vintage, but it did it for me at the time.

    Black Box, ‘Ride On Time’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  136. Thepnr says:

    @Ian Brotherhood

    And Scotland’s very own Boney-M is looking more like ‘a sugar in a plum’ with every passing hour.

    You mean he’s on to plums! Hahaha 🙂

    Reply
  137. Natasha says:

    Caledonius

    Bless you, child, we’re all meeting up in the Counting House in Glasgow for a Wings get-together! (Well, I say ‘we’ but I’ll probably be chained to a canvassing sheet and clipboard in Jedburgh). Scroll up the thread and you’ll find details

    (I do hope you weren’t taking the p*** with that comment, because I’ll look really stupid if you were).

    Reply
  138. Caledonius says:

    @ Natasha

    Lol no, I was serious, I’m kind of new to Wings so behind on news like this. I don’t really get to talk politics much with family or friends so I’d thought Id try out talking to people on wings – people who hate the Union and want independance like I do. 🙂

    Although I think Ive rubbed a few people the wrong way, not the best start. The meeting sounds fun, if I’m allowed to stick around this site I’ll certainly try to go.

    Reply
  139. Caledonius says:

    Btw, I tend to use my iPad and sometimes I get instant posts but at night it takes about 15mins for my posts to appear. Could the slowness be due to some sort of time of day thing?

    Btw I’m no tech wizard, just a silly thought. Wanted to let you know my experience as I see others are suffering posts appearing after long delays too.

    Reply
  140. Oneironaut says:

    @Caledonius
    “Although I think Ive rubbed a few people the wrong way, not the best start.”

    Don’t worry about it. I do that all the time! 😉

    Reply
  141. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Michael McCabe.

    The info below is from the event’s Facebook page at:-

    link to facebook.com
    —————————————————-

    18 April
    at 12:00–16:00

    The Scottish Parliament, EH99 1SP

    To ensure the Scottish voice is heard at Westminster, and to stop a majority government, we need to vote SNP in the general election. This is the best way to support Scotland on the road to Independence.

    BEST TIN HAT AWARD – Embracing the phenomenon we will award a trophy and a bottle of wine to the most innovative tin hat of the day 🙂 🙂 🙂 PLEASE wear it proudly on the 18th April 🙂 🙂

    POETRY COMPETITION – Closing date 31/3/15
    We are running a poetry competition and the winner will get to read out his/her poem on the day of the rally. Please submit your entries to;- thevoiceofscotland@virginmedia.com
    ;- just a couple of rules….keep it clean, no swearing, and as the focus of the rally is on the SNP, please mention them somewhere in your entry. Good luck!!

    Speakers;
    Joyce Rahman – Opening address
    1.MC McKinnon – The Voice of Scotland
    2.Colin Keir – SNP MSP Edinburgh West
    3.Tommy Sheppard – SNP Westminster Candidate
    4.Maciej Wiczynski – Poles for an Independent Scotland
    5.Paul Young – Scotland Against Fracking
    6.Roddy Oliphant – link to itsscotlandsoil.com
    7.Martin Mitchell – The Radical Road Bar/Restaurant
    8.Ex-Corporal Cliff Purvis- Veterans for Independence
    9.?????? – Poetry competition winner
    10.Ben Munnoch – Young Scots for Independence
    11.Barbara-Anne Haig – Yes45Fife
    12.Ruaraidh Oliphant – Scotland’s Youngest activist!
    13.Deb Brown – Yes We Care Dundee
    14.Steve Bell – Steve will read out statements from supporters who are unable to attend the rally.
    15. Andy McGurk – Catelonia/Scotland & Independence
    16 Derek Bateman -Ex BBC journalist-derekbateman.co.uk
    17 Adrian Bayne – The Voice of Scotland
    18 Hannah Bardell – SNP Westminster candidate
    19 Hardeep Singh Kholi – Comedian, Broadcaster, Journalist & Chef TBC
    20 Michelle Thomson – SNP Westminster Candidate
    21 June Reilly – Charity worker with homeless and vulnerable adults
    Joyce Rahman – Closing statement

    Supporting statements;
    Springbank Distillers Campbeltown.
    A YES supporting family company

    Brian Cox – Dundee born Scottish actor, films include Braveheart, The Bourne Identity, X-Men

    Elaine C Smith – Glasgow born actress, TV credits include Rab C Nesbitt, Naked Video, theatre roles Calender Girls & I dreamed a Dream.

    The fabulous YES BUS will be there!

    Music:-

    Dick Gaughan – International Singer/songwriter/guitarist
    Ted Christopher – One of Scotland’s finest performers
    Kenny Donaldson – Wonderful accordionist
    Amanda Brown – Fabulous vocalist/guitarist from Fife
    Scott McWatt – Critically acclaimed Scottish recording artist
    Rebecca McKinlay- Traditional piper & highland dancers
    Musicians for Indy – Please check out their facebook page
    Jack Rowberry – Award winning modern blues singer

    LIVESTREAM

    FOOD BANK COLLECTION
    It has become customary for there to be a food bank collection at these events, and this one will be no different. The generosity of the Indy folks is now well documented and welcomed from the charities that run these places. Many, many thanks.
    —————————————————

    You can see the ‘poster’ here:-

    link to tinyurl.com

    Reply
  142. Chic McGregor says:

    Cannae make the rally. Will be in New Zealand. 🙁

    Reply
  143. Natasha says:

    @Caledonius 12.58am

    You haven’t rubbed anyone up the wrong way; when you get to know Ian B a bit better, you’ll be able to have a joke with him. You’re very welcome here. More so in my opinion than some long-term commenters who have just revealed a very nasty side to their natures over on the ‘Temporary interruption’ thread.

    Reply
  144. Betty Boop says:

    @Bdtt

    Met Kevin (livestream)at the SNP conference today and he is intending to come to the Counting House bash on 1 May.

    Badge name required = Thistle

    Spent pm with QQ & Chipmonkey and met a few more Wingers hingin’ aboot the place. Great first day.

    Reply
  145. Lollysmum says:

    Betty Boop
    I watched the conference on independence live.It looked really good & would have loved to be there. Had to make do with Ronnie Anderson & John King causing havoc on Livestream comments page instead! 🙂

    Have no idea whether they are livestreaming tomorrow but hope so.

    Reply
  146. mumsyhugs says:

    Help! Can I have some reinforcements on the main thread – they’re starting to eat each other – it’s not pretty 🙁 very sad 🙁 My first venture onto Off Topic by the way xxx

    Reply
  147. Betty Boop says:

    @ Lollysmum, 9:41pm

    Conference was really good, excellent speeches and resolutions. You know, it is just like Wings; it is like being amongst family.

    I’ll have to look at the livestream and see what RA & JK have been up to 🙂

    Reply
  148. Thepnr says:

    @Natasha & mumsyhugs

    Believe me it is not worth becoming embroiled, the exact same thing happened in Sept after the Referendum when the Rev took a break.

    Paula Rose made the right choice when telling me by email on Friday she would not be back until Monday when the Rev returns.

    Reply
  149. Betty Boop says:

    @ mumsyhugs, 10:18pm

    I’ve been trying to catch up on what’s been going on in the main thread and it seemed to be calming down a little while back.

    I guess the report that started the argument is having the effect intended, ie to be divisive. Whilst respecting everyone’s opinions, we shouldn’t allow that to happen.

    Reply
  150. Thepnr says:

    I have just saw a post from Paula Rose on the main thread, I guess the valve popped and the pressure just had to be released!

    Reply
  151. Paula Rose says:

    I’ve left the Rev sleeping peacefully – he loved his foot massage. I’ve already had to do some whip stuff on the main thread, now dears can we get the kilted hordes to behave?

    Reply
  152. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Natasha –

    This is for you.

    I like to think it’s about a Blobfish, but they just couldn’t bring themselves to use that in the title:

    Radiohead, ‘Weird Fishes’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  153. Paula Rose says:

    No surprise here –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  154. Michael McCabe says:

    @ Brian Doonthetoon 9:43am Thank you for all that lovely Information. I will be taking a wee daunder down there on the 18th.

    Reply
  155. Paula Rose says:

    (do these comments from the Bahamas reach you?)

    Reply
  156. Thepnr says:

    Coming over loud and clear Paula. Oh wait…Paula come back Paula…

    I guess the Rev called huh, that’s you and me finished LOL.

    Reply
  157. Paula Rose says:

    Jock Tamson has just tweeted me that he’s not too particular.

    Reply
  158. cearc says:

    Paula Rose,

    Gently with the thumbscrews, sweetie. We want the Rev returned still able to type.

    Reply
  159. Paula Rose says:

    Please be quiet – took me ages to get the Rev to go to sleep last night.

    Reply
  160. Thepnr says:

    We didn’t half post some good music on here in the last year. Fellow Wingers take a bow.

    Reply
  161. Paula Rose says:

    He’s stirring – got to go xx

    Reply
  162. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Paula Rose –

    ‘Do these comments from the Bahamas reach you?’

    Yes, they do, but they take approximately 20 minutes, as they would if you were ten feet away.

    Reply
  163. Paula Rose says:

    Thepnr – shh dear, we don’t want everyone to know.

    Reply
  164. Paula Rose says:

    Cearc sweetest – he’s salivating over the flocked wallpaper.

    Reply
  165. Chic McGregor says:

    @Ian
    The Piglet Squid looks more like Mr Blobby than the Blob Fish, IMO.

    I know, controversial suggestion, but judge for yourself:

    link to divereport.com

    Reply
  166. Chic McGregor says:

    Oops! wrong url.
    Hod on…

    link to 36.media.tumblr.com

    Reply
  167. Caledonius says:

    @ Natasha

    Aww thanks Natasha. You, Lesley Anne and a couple of others have certainly helped me feel more part of the group. And as for Ian Brotherhood, I think we concluded we clashed when not in the best moods, it seems all sorted now. 🙂

    And yeah was sad the way the main thread went. Personally thought the SNP conference would have dominated the talk today, but hey ho, maybe tmoz.

    Thanks again for filling me in on the counting house event!

    Reply
  168. Chic McGregor says:

    There’s a bit of Lord Foulkes about it as well.

    Reply
  169. Paula Rose says:

    Does this work? Maybe…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  170. Paula Rose says:

    Oops – Rev is stirring, must attend – xx

    Reply
  171. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Chic McGregor –

    🙂

    Sooperbus Maximus.

    Reply
  172. Ian Brotherhood says:

    ‘There’s a bit of Lord Foulkes about it as well.’

    So, not only is it a Piglet Squid, but it’s pished?

    Now there’s a thing…

    Reply
  173. Natasha says:

    @Ian Brotherhood
    Thanks – I think. You continue to broaden my musical education.

    I’m thinking of changing my username to Shrieking Harpy. What do you think?

    Reply
  174. Thepnr says:

    @Natasha

    FWIW I agreed with everything you said, just reluctant to get involved. Been there and done that. Decided it’s a waste of time, refusing to fan the flames.

    Nice to see you getting stuck in though. By the way if I felt I needed too, believe me I would. Better though to starve them of oxygen.

    Reply
  175. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Natasha –

    😉

    I think it’s too late for me to attempt to answer loaded questions, because I am, myself, loaded.

    I also think that some folk are still wielding hatchets which, for the greater good, need to be buried soonermost.

    Reply
  176. Macart says:

    Should I ask, or just go back to bed?

    Go away for a few days RnR and the last thread seems to have gone tonto. Seems an awfie lot of grumpy folk on it. With over a thousand posts I’ll give reading back through the thing a miss.

    Any roads, played catch up on my recording of the SNP conference last night. Helluva speech by the FM. I haven’t trusted the political class for (mumble) years, but that lady may just be the real deal y’know. Mr Hosie and Mr Robertson looked like class acts in their interviews, hell even the random bods interviewed on the floor after the main event looked different class. The old Beeb couldn’t lay a glove on any of them.

    Reply
  177. frogesque says:

    Morning folks. Hate this changing clocks, I’ll be jetlagged for the whole day!

    Popped over to the main thread. Popped back out again.

    Going to play some Red Hot Chilie Pipers at full crank to see if it will wake me up.

    Reply
  178. Natasha says:

    Just looked at my laptop to find it’s an hour later than I thought. B******ds! Who invented BST anyway? They ought to be shot at dawn. Not that I’m intolerant or anything.

    Reply
  179. Natasha says:

    Ian B
    I’m keeping my hatchet up my sleeve until I can find a head to bury it in.

    Reply
  180. cearc says:

    Natasha,

    Plenty of wood to chop here!

    Reply
  181. Thepnr says:

    Just noticed something that I hadn’t noticed before when refreshing the page using Chrome.

    If you scroll down to the very bottom of the page so that the “Submit Comment” button is visible and then refresh the page. As the refresh completes I briefly see this line of text appear below the comment button:

    Current ye@r* 3.4.

    Anyone one else fancy trying this, I know after doing a google search for “Current ye@r*” that it is associated with WordPress and may be a bug.

    Reply
  182. Thepnr says:

    Tried again using Firefox and got this line of type:

    Current ye@r* 2015

    2015 instead of 3.4. Puzzling.

    Reply
  183. Thepnr says:

    And that last post went up instantly instead of the typical delay.

    Reply
  184. Thepnr says:

    That last post did not appear instantly and still hasn’t.

    Reply
  185. Lollysmum says:

    Thepnr
    Yes you are right. I get it with Chrome but nothing when I use IE

    Reply
  186. Thepnr says:

    @Lollysmum

    Thanks, do you suffer from posts being delayed or not?

    Reply
  187. Oneironaut says:

    @Thepnr
    I get that too.
    2015 for me.

    Currently using Linux version of Pale Moon (a modified variant of Firefox).

    Reply
  188. Oneironaut says:

    Out of curiosity, I took a look into the source code of this page.

    The “Current Ye@r” thing seems to be part of the antispam measures. With “2015” and “3.4” being the two values listed there.
    Not too sure exactly how it works, since my knowledge of web scripting is limited…

    Reply
  189. Thepnr says:

    @Oneironaut

    Your knowledge of web scripting may be limited but mine is non-existent.

    Take a look at the first few results of this Google search, seems there is some kind of issue starting 4 or so months ago. I have no idea though if these issues are in any way related to the delays of posts appearing.

    Just hoping someone with more knowledge might find something as it’s an absolute pain.

    link to google.co.uk

    Reply
  190. Oneironaut says:

    Going by that, it definitely seems to be part of the antispam measures.

    One site on there has it set as an actual visible form field (like Name, Mail and so on). Except it’s filled in as a number like “3.4” by default, and the poster has to clear that and type in the current year, “2015”.

    That way it’s less likely to be an automated spam bot, as they wouldn’t know to do that. Similar to a “captcha code” used on some forums that only a human could respond to.

    On this site though, it doesn’t seem to be active. Maybe once a poster is moderated, the Rev can add them to a “not spam” list thus it isn’t needed. Anyone on that list can post normally, while anyone not on that list gets sent to the moderation queue and either allowed or blocked.
    So it’s a bit more aggressive than normal spam filtering, as I’d guess this site is under various forms of attack most of the time.

    I’m only assuming that’s how it works though. Could be wrong.
    I don’t think it’s what’s causing the slow down though. Unless the antispam measures are unusually slow to respond to new messages.

    Reply
  191. Paula Rose says:

    I find that a spot of sauce coding and whipped scripting does the job.

    Reply
  192. Thepnr says:

    @Oneironaut

    Thanks for that, I’m probably barking up the wrong tree but did find it funny that I hadn’t noticed that appearing before.

    I’m certain the site has a “not spam” list as your first post is always moderated, same if you type your email or id wrong.

    Reply
  193. Lollysmum says:

    Thepnr
    Oh yes, I’ve always suffered from delayed posts. So much so that it isn’t worth trying to join conversations because by the time my post appears, the thread has moved on to another subject so I’m always behind the curve.

    I often end up just giving up on posting.

    Reply
  194. Lollysmum says:

    Would you believe it-my last post appeared immediately!

    I did wonder if it was something to do with how many were browsing particular pages simultaneously.

    Reply
  195. Lollysmum says:

    And my last one didn’t appear immediately-it just doesn’t make sense.7 minutes & counting for that one.

    This one submitted at 9.16pm

    Reply
  196. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I just tried the reload right at the bottom of the page thing and, for a microsecond, I saw the date 2015. I will now post this and see what happens.

    Reply
  197. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    And that posted immediately!

    Reply
  198. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    BTW:

    The last four names I have for badges on the 1st May are:-

    iclare1

    TJenny

    Alex Clark Thepnr

    Thistle

    Anyone I’ve missed over the last 48 hours or so?

    Reply
  199. X_Sticks says:

    @BDtt

    “Anyone I’ve missed over the last 48 hours or so?”

    Apart from the Rev, you mean. 😉

    Reply
  200. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @BDTT –

    Not that I’ve noticed – you’ve caught all the same weird fishes as me.

    Reply
  201. Caledonius says:

    Ignore this post, just testing post speed!

    Reply
  202. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi X_Sticks.

    The Rev has his badges from Invergowrie in September last year, Glasgow in November, and Invergowrie in February. And his Seafest badge, and his ‘Arbroath Declaration’ badge, and so on.

    He probably has a bigger collection than Betty Boop!

    I wonder if he’ll come to the Counting House to collect his latest, in person?

    .
    We’re up to speed then Ian!

    Reply
  203. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @BDTT –

    We certainly are.

    I told the hardy buddies in Ardrossan about it today, and will do so again at SSP branch meetings, perhaps RIC meet if I can make it. Genuine interest – especially as it’s likely to be the last social for most prior to the GE.

    Reply
  204. Paula Rose says:

    Rev safely delivered back into the fray – don’t mention flocked wallpaper.

    Reply
  205. Ian Brotherhood says:

    So, when do we start rehearsals for doing this on May 1st? Out there in George Square, with all the moves sorted, tight as a drum. Bags me the bass player.

    But who will be Maurice White? I suggest Ronnie A should get first shout at that…

    Earth Wind and Fire, ‘September’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  206. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood I read yout post on the main page re Ardrossan, next time better no making your notes in a notepad in the pissing rain. But weil done to you,s all that braved that storm front.

    Reply
  207. Thepnr says:

    @Oneironaut & Ian Brotherhood

    Just wanted to say, well done both of you for getting drookit and freezing just to let Gordy know that we haven’t gone away.

    Hope your having a hot toddy now 🙂

    Reply
  208. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood am no blacking up fur anybody ask Billy Cotton an he,ll bring his band lol.

    Reply
  209. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Just stumbled across this. Used to love the Neville Brothers, and this guy was the business. Seems he’s still going…

    Aaron Neville, ‘Tears On My Pillow’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  210. Paula Rose says:

    Ronnie darling – just over a month to go till I am in your arms!

    Reply
  211. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Here’s one for Paula Rose.

    Johnny Nash, ‘Hold Me Tight’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  212. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Ian B.

    Before I turn in…

    “She said spread your wings my little butterfly…”

    “Mom, I touched the net!”

    “If these wings could fly, for the rest of our lives…”

    link to youtube.com

    link to youtube.com

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  213. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Oneironaut –

    Haven’t even checked with you yet if you’re coming to CH on May 1st. Are you? You wouldn’t want to miss out on the customised badge – your campaign medal collection won’t be the same without it.

    Please confirm!

    Reply
    • chipmonkey says:

      Enjoyed the conference the last 2 days in the good company of QQ Betty Boop and Jim T. Pictorial evidence that Betty Boop and I got our hands on Humzah Yousaf to follow when I work out how. Jealous Paula Rose and Natasha?

      Reply
  214. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Briandoonthetoon Please add Jock Scott for the 1st May also waiting on Julie submitting names.

    @ Paula Rose You,ll need tae strech your arms tae git roon everybody lol.

    Reply
  215. Thepnr says:

    Hi chipmonkey

    Try using tinypic.com to post the pictures, works well on Wings and no need to give any personal details like email ect.

    They are stored on their site with a link you can post here.

    Reply
  216. Indigo says:

    What’s the times for the get together on 1st May? I’d love to come but would be relying on trains to Dumfries

    Reply
  217. Betty Boop says:

    @ Macart, 7:49am

    They were all class acts!

    Never thought I would spend two full days at a political party conference and want to do it all over again!

    If anything, the atmosphere was even more intense than the Hydro a few months back. We did get down to business too! 🙂

    Reply
  218. Oneironaut says:

    @Ian Brotherhood
    Dunno really. You know I’ve never been much of a social person.
    (An “antisocial socialist”, you might say!)

    I’ll see what kind of state I’m in by then anyway. Also whether I can afford the fare and the ridiculous prices they charge for drinks up in Glasgow! Hehe.

    Reply
  219. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi peeps.

    My last post, anywhere, for tonight.

    This was in today’s Sunday Herald. The wee segment that jumped out at me was,

    “Dundee West, won by Labour in 2010 with a 7278 majority over the SNP, is said to have been written off by headquarters and has not been given an organiser.”

    Here’s the link but you don’t have to click it – I have pasted the full story below.

    link to heraldscotland.com
    ——————————————————

    (Headline)Scottish Labour accused of ‘giving up’ in key election marginals
    Paul Hutcheon
    Investigations Editor
    Sunday 29 March 2015

    SCOTTISH Labour headquarters has been accused of giving up on key battleground seats by channelling resources to the party’s favoured “sons and daughters”.

    The Sunday Herald has learned that Dundee West, held by Labour for 65 years, has not been given a dedicated party organiser, while resources have also been moved away from a prime target seat on the outskirts of Glasgow.

    Labour won 41 seats at the last general election in Scotland, but opinion polls have predicted meltdown for Jim Murphy’s party and sweeping SNP gains.

    Political parties in Scotland tend to prioritise a small number of seats in national elections, but the polls have meant that nearly all Labour constituencies north of the border are in play.

    Of the thirty or so organisers working for Scottish Labour, some are focusing on one seat, while others are taking care of multiple constituencies.

    In public, Murphy is committed to holding every seat won in 2010 and picking up gains from the Liberal Democrats.

    In private, tough decisions have been made in the party’s Bath Street HQ about which seats should get the time and resources.

    Dundee West, won by Labour in 2010 with a 7278 majority over the SNP, is said to have been written off by headquarters and has not been given an organiser.

    The organiser in East Dunbartonshire, which Murphy said he wants to win from LibDem Minister Jo Swinson, also covers the Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East seat, and is believed to be focusing more on the latter constituency.

    Lanark and Hamilton East, which Labour’s Jimmy Hood won in 2010 by 13,478 votes, is not expected to get a dedicated organiser.

    Activists are knocking doors in these constituencies, but senior party insiders believe these seats are either lost causes or risks not worth taking.

    When considering which seats to prioritise, Labour HQ looks at the 2011 Holyrood result, referendum voting behaviour, and whether local members are hitting targets for the amount of voter contacts made.

    Resources are being used in Glasgow, parts of Lanarkshire, as well as in the West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire seats, the latter of which is held by Murphy.

    Glasgow East MP Margaret Curran, who is also shadow Scotland secretary, is receiving help from the party.

    One senior party source said: “The resources are benefiting the favoured sons and daughters.”

    A second insider said: “It looks like HQ has given up in these seats.”

    An email has also revealed that the Blairite Progress group will be campaigning next week to save seven Scottish Labour candidates associated with New Labour.

    On Wednesday, Progress activists will visit the seats held by MPs Anas Sarwar, Gemma Doyle, Gregg McClymont and Pamela Nash.

    On Thursday, the team will help MPs Ian Murray and Sheila Gilmore, as well as candidate Melanie Ward.

    A spokesperson for Scottish Labour said: “Labour has 33 organisers working in seats across Scotland. It is the largest ground campaign we have ever had and we will continue to make the case for social justice through the election of a Labour government, street by street, door by door across the country.”

    Ross Greer, the Scottish Green candidate in East Dunbartonshire, said: “It’s amazing that Labour have taken so long to realise East Dunbartonshire will reject them at the ballot box in May, although their reliance on Royal Mail would indicate that they don’t have the volunteers knocking on doors and feeding voters’ anger back to party HQ.”

    SNP MP Angus Robertson said: “Labour are paying a heavy price for their toxic alliance with the Tories in the referendum – and these revelations show that there is simply no such thing as Labour heartlands in Scotland any more, as their support under Ed Miliband and Jim Murphy continues to stagnate.”

    A Scottish Conservatives spokesman said: “Labour appears to be paying the price for decades of complacency in these seats. Parachuting in last minute organisers to certain parts of the country won’t reverse that neglect.”
    ——————————————————

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  220. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Indigo –

    No big fixed times – say, 7, 7.30-ish? but some will be there beforehand. I’ll be there about six-ish. If we lay claim to the same patch as before, it’s a sharp left when you go in through the main doors on St Vincent Place.

    Last time I had the space booked, but there’s no need for it – the place is so huge that, even if 150 of us turn up, we’ll find room enough, if not in that patch, elsewhere, and if we end-up absorbing other punters, no worries – it could be a happy hunting ground for us, get a few last-minute converts.

    Not sure what the numbers were last time, we all had different guesses, but it couldn’t have been far off 150 at its busiest, maybe more. The doormen got a bit tetchy with us at one point because we were jam-packed and the bar staff were having bother getting through us to clear the empties.

    Regardless of numbers, it should be a great night, if for no other reason than we’re doing it right on the doorstep of Glasgow City Council – they won’t like it one wee toty bit.

    Really hope you can make it Indigo – tell all your pals, and make a proper night of it!

    Reply
  221. Indigo says:

    That’s interesting, I wonder whether perceived strength of SNP candidates is shaping where they’re putting resources too – Chris Law in Dundee West with his Spirit of Independence profile would be difficult to beat I think

    Reply
  222. Betty Boop says:

    @ chipmonkey, 11:12pm

    Good to see you both in Glasgow.

    Never did get Alex’s book signed. After having us wait in the hall, they asked everyone to join on the end of the queue buying their books in the stalls section! I think folk might still be there!!!

    Don’t want to make Paula R too envious with tales of Humza, but, a lady was positively swooning when she said she had a kiss from him yesterday. Your photo might put Paula over the edge. 😉

    Reply
    • chipmonkey says:

      @Betty Boop
      Trying the tiny pic thingy

      //i62.tinypic.com/rwjp08.jpg

      Reply
  223. Indigo says:

    Thanks Ian, might just be me but keen to meet other wings folks, train back is at 11 apparently so that should be fine, just need to get some child sitting organised 🙂

    Reply
  224. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Indigo – that’s you added to to the badge list.

    You better turn up!

    8=)

    Reply
  225. Indigo says:

    Haha, well that’s that decided then! Cheers Brian

    Reply
  226. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Indigo –

    🙂

    Can BDTT add you to the list for a personalised badge? And if so, what name should appear on’t?

    Reply
  227. Indigo says:

    Real name? Lorna

    Reply
  228. Betty Boop says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood and CH Wingers

    Perhaps we would endear ourselves to CH staff by making sure we return glasses to the bar and save the staff the bother of having to climb over or shimmy through us.

    No shimmying might upset Paula, however, but I’m sure she’ll find some other entertainment 😉

    Reply
  229. Betty Boop says:

    @ Indigo

    Hi Lorna – meant to say, we’ll be pleased to meet you at CH. The more the merrier!

    Reply
  230. Chic McGregor says:

    Xword fans. Digital version today, clues invisible on chrome w7 unless you click and hold over them.

    I usually use snip to screen capture so you can fill it in with the snip pencil.

    Trying snip seemed to work, clues were visible during capture, but were not visible in final captured image.

    Same for the National’s built in version of snip.

    However the page pdf download function does display the clues.

    ctrl + to zoom in on pdf then use snip to capture is a workaround.

    Reply
  231. Oneironaut says:

    @Ian Brotherhood
    Just checking, did you get my message with the pics from yesterday?

    Not sure if Gmail are playing sneaky tricks with my messages again…

    Reply
  232. Jock Scot says:

    Cheers Ronnie
    Looking forward to meeting up with folks again.

    Reply
  233. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Oneironaut –

    Yeah, I got the pics and message, quite late-on.

    I replied last night. Didn’t you get it?

    Reply
  234. Oneironaut says:

    @Ian Brotherhood
    Nope. Looks like Gmail was playing sneaky tricks with my messages after all.

    At least that one got through 🙂

    Reply
  235. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Indigo (Lorna).

    On your badge, do you want,

    Indigo

    Lorna

    Indigo (Lorna)

    Lorna (Indigo)

    Lorna Indigo

    Indigo Lorna

    ?

    .
    BTW: Captured Jock Scot (Yew Choob) also.
    Do you want,

    Jock Scot

    Yew Choob

    Jock Scot (Yew Choob)

    Yew Choob (Jock Scot)

    Jock Scot
    Yew Choob

    Yew Choob
    Jock Scot

    ?

    I know, it reads pedantic, but we’d hate for you to be disappointed with the nomenclature on your badge.

    Reply
  236. Paula Rose says:

    Beedeeteetee

    Executive decision – “Indigo” and “Jock Scot” – It’s who we Ken them as.

    Reply
  237. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Paula Rose.

    Will you be wearing the crotchless earflaps while you administer you executive decision?

    What about,

    Alex Clark

    Thepnr

    Alex Clark (Thepnr)

    Thepnr (Alex Clark)

    And so on?

    Are you willing to risk the wrath of Thepnr if we get his badge wrong?

    Reply
  238. Thepnr says:

    I do wish that I could follow my own advice since it’s embarrassing that you can’t.

    Like a lot of others here we can only take so much before letting off steam. I regret posting last night when I should have know better than to do that, my trigger was pulled and that was that.

    Apologies to those I may have offended by flying off the handle. Particularly X-Sticks as my comments were aimed at controversy and those were the three that sprang to mind.

    I wasn’t arguing the right or wrong of any position, only the timing. Sorry again, I know I can contribute much better than that.

    Reply
  239. Paula Rose says:

    Thepnr

    Wrath? LOL.

    Reply
  240. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Alex.

    Like many others, who can’t keep up with comments as they are posted, I find myself trawling through them and I find that any post I was gonna do in response to the ABL story, has already been addressed by another Winger.

    I know that there are are many who read the ABL story, then immediately click on the icon to go to the comment box, type and submit their comment, without reading if anyone has typed the same thing, provided the same link(s) and so on.

    I find that so frustrating!

    It’s like that ALL the comments that have been posted before are irrelevant!

    That’s why my posts on the main pages are few and far between – someone’s already typed what I would have typed.

    Does what I’ve typed concur with your particular regrets of last night?

    Eh dinnae ken. Eh’m fae doon the toon, ken, iye?

    Reply
  241. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    “ABL” = “ATL”; Above the line.

    I was thinking in shorthand.

    Reply
  242. Paula Rose says:

    Beedeeteetee – you’re frae a lovely part of town dear, succinct and to the point xx.

    Reply
  243. Thepnr says:

    No Brian of course not.

    To understand what I was trying to apologise for you would have to read all the comments from about midnight on.

    Please stick Thepnr on my badge. Ta.

    Reply
  244. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Alex.

    “Please stick Thepnr on my badge. Ta.”

    Noted.

    BTW: my observation in my earlier post wasn’t aimed at you.

    I read your wee disagreement with X_Sticks last night and I thought, “Alex is a wee bit emotional tonight; that’s no’ like him.”

    I was just observing that a lot of Wingers comment without reading everything that has been posted previously, and that’s why I find that anything I was thinking of typing has already been typed.

    If I THINK I’m gonna type, I make sure I read all the other posts before I type my 2p worth. Then I find that what I was gonna type has been covered already.

    Not all Wingers do that, as I typed previously.

    Makes one feel like a lurker…

    Reply
  245. X_Sticks says:

    @Thepnr

    No worries Alex I know what a wee hothead you can be 😉

    As long as you get a pint to me at the Counting House before I get my hands on Paula whip you’ll be fine 😀

    Reply
  246. Bob Sinclair says:

    Had a great weekend at the conference, first time I’ve ever been a delegate to a party conference. Who knew that it would be such fun. Those who know me will know that politics only became a part of my life because of Wings. Thanks for that guys – Mrs Bob is now an SNP widow as well as a Wings widow.

    Lots of fellow wingers there as well. In order that I don’t offend by omission ill just say it was great seeing you all.

    Reply
  247. Oneironaut says:

    That’s part of the reason I rarely chip in on main article discussions.

    Even before the current “posting lag” problems, I was still lingering behind the discussions (likely due to the fact that my mind takes longer to process certain topics that aren’t related to my usual interests). Not to mention the fact that I usually don’t have the spare time to read through several hundred posts a day to check that my comment hasn’t already been said.

    Easier not to bother saying it, than to say it anyway and be greeted with a reply of “(name) already said that. Try and keep up, ya daftie!” (Or less flattering words to that effect!)

    Also, I had other reasons for taking a few steps back from Wings over the past months…

    And on that note, I just deleted most of what I was going to type next. I’d rather not feed any dirt diggers from the MSM who happen to be reading through these posts.

    But yeah, like Rev Stu said before, everyone has their breaking point.

    Anyways, lightening the mood a bit. I’ll post up some music…

    Here’s one for Jim Murphy! 😉 Hehe.
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  248. Thepnr says:

    @X_Sticks

    Thanks, same goes for all that were supporting the petition, I used it, wrongly, as an example of timing.

    Interesting that the Rev goes and does exactly what I was arguing against in the first article of today. Maybe simply a case of wash your sheets right away rather than lay in the filth?

    Reply
  249. Natasha says:

    Bdtt
    Only just caught up on posts, read yours from the 29th at 11.55pm, fell about laughing. “Given” organisers by HQ? We’re fighting off volunteers at branch level, and that’s in the Scottish Borders! We could easily have had three organisers just for our branch, never mind for the constituency, but had to choose just one because of the way the membership data network is organised.

    What a joke. They really are dead in the water now.

    Reply
  250. Natasha says:

    Bdtt
    What the heck. I’m going to ask for a badge, and then I’ll feel obliged to make it to the CH even if I should be out canvassing.
    I’m torn between ‘Natasha’ and ‘Shrieking Harpy’ though.

    Reply
  251. Caledonius says:

    @ Brian Doonthetoon

    Nothing wrong with being a lurker! Lurkers unite! Well I was such until I actually summoned up the guts to finally post an opinion one day… now I can’t stop. Damn my addictive personality.

    Oh and as it happens my first few posts (after validation) took about 15mins each to appear. Now it’s only about 2mins to instant. Curious.

    Reply
  252. cearc says:

    Natasha,

    Wee Evil Furrin Shrieking Harpy, surely?

    Thepnr,

    Shouldn’t worry about too much. Compared with the ‘Let’s pick on people (apart from ourselves) to blame for losing the referendun’ brigade, yours was a quite mellow remark.

    Reply
  253. Natasha says:

    Caledonius, 12.24pm

    It’s so sweet watching you leaping about in the deep end after having put a toe in the water; I was just the same when I started commenting (don’t recall anyone welcoming me, though – some people actually reserved judgement in case I was a troll! Honestly – petite moi?)

    Just keep an eye out for sharks (and blobfish – ask Ian B about that).

    Reply
  254. Natasha says:

    cearc
    Nah, that wouldn’t fit on the badge. 🙂

    Reply
  255. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Caledonius Ah dont lke Lurkers. Ah like Lurchers WOOF WOOF did nobody tell you.

    Lurkers =s Lurchers =s Winger =s Informed.

    All the Graduates meet on the 1st May in the Counting House register your name for a named badge to BrianDTT.

    Reply
  256. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Natasha O ya wee fibber ah welcomed you as did others,you,ll be gone tae the back of the class if you fib again.

    Reply
  257. Michael McCabe says:

    Having read all the posts on the main threads. I now find myself at the last resort and it seems Everybody has gone. So Before I call it a night I will leave you with a Song. link to youtube.com Oh nearly forgot. It’s great having you back Rev Stu.

    Reply
  258. pete the camera says:

    Re Alex Thepnr and Brian DTT comments on how quickly the threads move on, I suffer the same fate of being to late for the party as well this is more to do with my slow one finger typing speed rather than any delay in uploading, still
    its good to see lots of new posters on the threads just shows that our group are not withering away but getting stronger, we would have more to moan about if the site was shrinking rather than growing.

    Reply
  259. John Young says:

    I would like to set up a SNP stall in our wee corner of Scotland. Where can I get hold of leaflets and other campaign materials as local SNP branch has nothing spare. Happy to purchase badges etc direct from SNP shop but really need stuff people can take away and read. I do not have the facilities to print my own.

    Reply
    • kendomacaroonbar says:

      @John Young I can arrange to get you iScot magazines which you can sell and split the sale 50/50 allowing you to generate a ‘fighting fund’ to print your own material.

      Let me know if that is of interest to you.

      Reply
  260. Oneironaut says:

    It’s a good thing I’m not religious.

    Looking at the storm that’s battering this place right now, I’d probably suspect Jim Murphy and Co of trying to summon up dark malevolent supernatural assistance to win them the election!

    Reply
  261. Oneironaut says:

    @kendomacaroonbar
    Hmmm, consider me intrigued by that idea also… 🙂

    Not sure who’d buy them in this town, but curious about it anyway.

    Reply
  262. Betty Boop says:

    Hi Natasha

    I think I welcomed you when you first started posting 🙂 I do try when I see someone new, but, by the time I get on here these days, they might have been posting for weeks before I notice.

    Having difficulty keeping up with because of all the stuff going on outside and, these days, I usually have a 20+ minute delay on most posts. Always surprised now if a post appears immediately!

    Anyways, for anyone I have missed greeting, please be assured that you are welcome as far as I am concerned :-))

    Reply
  263. Caledonius says:

    @ronnie anderson

    Oh please say I’ve evolved into a winger! It would make my year!

    Also May 1st – I might be heading up to Striling around then for a friends 21st birthday, things a bit up in the air atm, I’ll try to confirm one way or the other in the next week.

    @ Oneironaut @ 11.37am

    ‘And Lo! Did the dark prophet Jim Murphy of the Fib attempt to summon forth a great flood, that it might sweep away the scourge of Sturgeon and her followers, and all who dared to dream of independance and a fairer society.’

    Reply
  264. Chic McGregor says:

    Not sure about 4 down today.

    BTW clues are still invisible today, so wondering if it may not be a ruse to get folk to buy the paper version? In which case, my bad for telling workaround.

    I buy the paper version anyway, but in the evening. That is to check how many are left. If there are none left, so much the better, I didn’t waste a possible first time buyer getting one.

    Reply
  265. cearc says:

    Chic,

    Just keep complaining to them, maybe they will sort it.

    My today’s complaint @8.20:

    ‘I know it is rather dull and conventional but how about having a crossword with ALL the clues every day and VISIBLE.

    That tantalizing glimpse of the clues as one taps on the screen does produce a wee frisson of excitement. Then there is the thrill of discovering that if you hold click continuously you can both see the clues and get a sore finger.

    Sadly, overall, these pleasures are totally outweighed by not being able to do the *** crossword, again.’

    No response yet!

    Reply
  266. Chic McGregor says:

    cearc

    See my workaround above (yesterday).

    Briefly download pdf of page.

    Zoom in on crossword with ctrl+

    Snip it (snip should be in accessories on windows)
    Fill it in with the snip pencil. Might want to set mouse to slow for easier writing control.

    Reply
  267. Chic McGregor says:

    BTW yesterday’s maths square was particularly easy 😉

    Reply
  268. Oneironaut says:

    @Caledonius
    “Oh please say I’ve evolved into a winger! It would make my year! “

    Becoming a Winger is a state of mind…

    A form of transcendence into something greater…

    Just as the lowly caterpillar that knows little beyond the taste of the leaves shall one day rise as a beautiful butterfly and enjoy the freedom of the sky. So too shall the brainwashed follower of the Red and Blue Tories one day be reborn anew by the discovery of the truth, and rise up to know all the freedom that the promise of independence can offer.

    No-one can tell you you are a Winger, it is something you have to feel within the heart and soul.

    And with great power comes great responsibility…

    There is much to learn. Next week, how to catch a fly with chopsticks! 😀

    Reply
  269. Chic McGregor says:

    @Oneironaut, Caledonius

    Yes, only when you can walk the entire path of paper without missing a single lie will you earn the name ‘Grassrootshoper’.

    Of course there remains the minor matter of burning the Wings logo into your forearms by lifting the Rev’s cauldron of truth.

    Reply
  270. X_Sticks says:

    Caledonius says:

    “Oh please say I’ve evolved into a winger! It would make my year!”

    You’ll have to attend one of the Wings over Scotland new inductees backroom gatherings where you have to make a sacrifice to the Rev. Sleeves and trouser legs being rolled up are optional but won’t do your cause any harm.

    Certain high officers in the cult of the separatists must be in attendance before your induction as a winger is recognised by George Galloway.

    😀

    Reply
  271. Caledonius says:

    Natasha, don’t rename yourself shrieking harpy! I fear that would involve a picture change, and that dog with the yes sticker on its noggin is far to cute to be replaced.

    Reply
  272. Caledonius says:

    @ Oneironaut

    Yes Sensei, wise words, I shall reflect in them.

    Reply
  273. Chic McGregor says:

    OT Today was the deadline for countries to join the AIIB and retain founder status and rights.

    A lot of dominoes have fallen in the last few days. The UK was the first in Europe. The last biggie, Russia lodged its application a couple of days ago.

    Even the IMF and World Bank have felt it necessary to give it support despite American opposition.

    This really feels like the beginning of the end of dollar dominance. i.e. just a wee bit important in the World order of things.

    Reply
  274. Wee Jonny says:

    How do I post a foatay on here?

    Reply
  275. Chic McGregor says:

    Wee Jonny

    Ye cannae. The Rev disnae allow it.

    Ye’ll need tae post a link tae it in an online repository.

    Reply
  276. Paula Rose says:

    Natasha honey – your name is and will be Natasha, now stop being silly, and have you forgotten that lovely stroke I gave you after your first comment?

    ronnie anderson – don’t forget the hairy string on the first of May for our lovely new wingers.

    Caledonius darling – don’t be trepidatious, I’ll be gentle.

    Reply
  277. John Young says:

    kendomacaroonbar at 11.09am what a good suggestion, think I would prefer just to hand them out to anyone who shows a genuine interest. Can I get back to you tomorrow evening and thank you for responding so promptly.

    Reply
  278. Wee Jonny says:

    Chic M.
    Ah okay. No biggy Twiggy.

    I’ve just had a few signs on my car changed and fancied posing a foatay o it in here.

    Reply
  279. kendomacaroonbar says:

    @John Young

    Absolutely no problem John.

    Reply
  280. Lollysmum says:

    Oneironaut @ 3.26pm

    Brilliant post on being a Winger & so funny. You earlly should post more often. I’ve needed that LOL all day. Catching a fly with chopsticks :-)When & where is the lesson going to be?

    Reply
  281. Lollysmum says:

    Aaargh Really not earlly-duhhhh!

    Reply
  282. Macart says:

    Never having had the pleasure of a wings meet n greet before, quick question. Is there eats involved or should you eat before you get there.

    Sounds a daft question I know, but just getting things squared for the trip and the hotel.

    Reply
  283. X_Sticks says:

    @Macart

    There’s no food laid on but the Counting House does decent pub grub and seems pretty popular for food.

    Go early and get a seat. Wings have generally gathered in the south west corner of the pub – it’s almost a separate room tucked round the corner.

    Look forward to meeting you there.

    Reply
  284. Macart says:

    Ditto x_sticks

    Any particular time?

    Reply
  285. Paula Rose says:

    MacArt love – I expect there will be flutterings of wings from about six rising to a roar within an hour xx

    Reply
  286. Macart says:

    @Paula Rose

    Many thanks m’lady.

    Look forward to it.

    Reply
  287. Thepnr says:

    @Wee Jonny

    Try tinypic.com read the instructions. It’s just a drag and drop case then you can post the link it generates.

    Reply
  288. Ian Brotherhood says:

    SSP branch meeting earlier, first in a wee while for me, and I was telling them about the WOS Mayday bash. One of the chaps expressed particular interest – thing is, if he does come, he’ll be bringing his fiddle.

    Now, me ain’t no musician, but this guy is good. Problem – nae music in Wetherspoons pubs. (Aye, well, if they object to him playing then they’ll mibbe lose one hundred or more customers at a stroke…)

    Reply
  289. cearc says:

    Ian,

    He could play to the smokers outside?

    Reply
  290. Oneironaut says:

    @Lollysmum
    The lesson will probably be somewhere on the Dreamscape. For there, anything is possible, where worlds rise and fall with but a fleeting thought, and catching a fly with chopsticks is an effortless task.

    Alternatively, I could come along to the Counting House gig, and you could bring some chopsticks and flies with you, and I’ll give it a go here on the material plane too 🙂 Might take me a little longer than I’m used to though!

    @Ian Brotherhood
    Now I’m definitely tempted to come along after all. Curious to see if the bouncers decide to use the window instead of the door to remove him from the premises! I’ve heard they do that sometimes.

    I’ll bring some popcorn to eat while enjoying the show! 😀 Hehe.

    Reply
  291. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Natasha.

    I’ve added you to the badge list for the 1st May, “as known”.

    8=)

    .
    Macart and Caledonius – if you’re definitely gonna be there, let me know and I’ll add you to the badge list.

    The deadline for claiming a badge will be 11.59pm on Wednesday, 29th April.

    .
    Hi Wee Jonny.

    If you want to send me pics like last time, I’ll do the needful. You no’ wahnt ti book a seat or seats on the charabanc through to Glasgow with us on 1st May?

    That goes for anyone else in the Dundee > Perth > Blackford > Stirling > Glasgow route area. 8 seats still available @ £8 for the return journey.

    Leaving Dundee @ 5.30pm; leaving Glasgow @ 12.15am.

    Reply
  292. Almannysbunnet says:

    When I want cheering up I watch this clip. Just something in the kid’s joy when he really get’s into it makes me smile.
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  293. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @cearc –

    That’s exactly what I was thinking – he could play outside, in George Square, and we could go out to see him. And he would do it too, I’m sure. Lovely guy, and a real character.

    At the SSP/SNP stall in Saltcoats a couple of weeks ago, he got right up the noses of the neighbouring ‘Labour’ stall-people by loudly referring to them (repeatedly, for over an hour) as ‘the wattered-doon Tories ower there!’

    Reply
  294. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi peeps.

    I’ve been a tad remiss, what with one thing and another.

    It was Paula Rose’s mention of the hairy string that reminded me.

    Here are a couple of pics from last Sunday, 22nd March, where Wings joined up with Team YES Bus to campaign for independence and the SNP at City Square in Dundee.

    This first shows Wingers and assorted Team YES Bus members. For those of you who don’t know Ronnie Anderson, he’s the tall guy in the middle.

    link to sites.google.com

    The second features Ronnie wielding the hairy string over the head of CameronB Brodie, in Henry’s Coffee House in City Square, at the après-campaigning wind down.

    link to sites.google.com

    Reply
  295. Ian Brotherhood says:

    ‘The place reminded me of home – it was filthy and full of strangers’.

    That, plus the best mother-in-law joke of all time, right here:

    Les Dawson on ‘The Good Old Days’ (1983) –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  296. Caledonius says:

    Ah Dundee… not been back in 11 years. Nice seeing photos of it again 🙂

    And dare I ask the story of the hairy string? Or is it an enigma wrapped in a mystery?

    Oh and Ian Brotherhood, Natasha tells me to ask you a very very important super serious question. It is: Blofish?

    Reply
  297. Caledonius says:

    Oh, blobfish actually.

    Reply
  298. Michael McCabe says:

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  299. Michael McCabe says:

    Here is an Oldie. link to youtube.com

    Reply
  300. Betty Boop says:

    @ Caledonius

    To be invested into the Order of the Hairy String is one of the highest honours bestowed upon a Winger. The ceremony always comes as a surprise to those so honoured as does the criteria for being anointed.

    The roll call of anointees is short, such is the status of this honour.

    Be assured, you will know if you are ever so anointed. :-))

    Reply
  301. Betty Boop says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood, 12:43am

    That, plus the best mother-in-law joke of all time, right here:

    Les Dawson on ‘The Good Old Days’ (1983) –

    Thanks for that, Ian. Les Dawson never failed to have me in stitches.

    I never remember jokes except this one from Les, on Jokers Wild, I think: “I saw a film last night that was so old it was made by a 17th century fox!”

    Well, it was funny at the time! 🙂

    Reply
  302. Betty Boop says:

    @ Brian Doonthetoon, 12:13am

    Gee, I’m up late tonight…

    There’s nothing desperate about Ronnie!

    Anyways:

    The second features Ronnie wielding the hairy string over the head of CameronB Brodie,…

    @Ronnie, the curl that hairy string still has is quite impressive. You haven’t had the curling tongs on it, have you?

    @CameronB, Nice to put the face to the name!

    Reply
  303. Cactus says:

    Yeah Mr B. would be good to have some live instrumentation at the CH giggle.

    Should the evening take a wander outside, I’d probably have a notion to do the locomotion around Freedom Square, led by fiddle.

    Merry April the 1st Day attendees 🙂

    X

    Reply
  304. Michael McCabe says:

    @ Ian Brotherhood For You. link to youtube.com Thank You Very Much.

    Reply
  305. Oneironaut says:

    @Caledonius
    “And dare I ask the story of the hairy string? Or is it an enigma wrapped in a mystery?”

    That’s the final lesson.
    After the one about how to walk on water and how to master the “midge stance” of Winger martial arts (you must be very swift and very annoying to your opponents!) 😉

    Reply
  306. cearc says:

    Talking of The Hairy String, here it is at Inverwotsit.

    Sorry, I had forgotten about those pix.

    link to tinypic.com

    Reply
  307. Patrician says:

    @thepnr and others having issues posting. The issue here isn’t with most people’s browser or PC. The issue is the WordPress installation on the server hosting the site. To use a highly technical description the configuration is sh*gged. Stu needs to get whoever is doing the hosting to go through the configuration and fix the issues. There are some issues that are not fixable unless you are quite technically minded.

    I have some workarounds but they are more hacks. For example, for Firefox if you are having to fill in your details every time you post, then use the extension auto fill version 1.6.

    Reply
  308. gerry parker says:

    @Patrician.

    Need to get you to look at my i mac sometime , that “technical” description fits my copy of Safari – don’t know what happened to it and I’ve stopped using it. Now use Firefox.

    Reply
  309. Thepnr says:

    @Patrician

    Thanks for that. Will give it a try.

    Reply
  310. Patrician says:

    apologies, I am blaming autocomplete on my phone, earlier post should read:

    autofill3.6 version.

    Just ask if you have a problem setting it up, the official instructions are rubbish.

    Reply
  311. Thepnr says:

    testing autofill

    Reply
  312. Thepnr says:

    Hmmm, not working yet. Installed autofill, restarted Firefox, returned to Off Topic and name and email fields blank. Will try again after restarting computer.

    Reply
  313. Thepnr says:

    Not working for me I’m afraid. I suspect there may be other issues??

    Reply
  314. chipmonkey says:

    link to i62.tinypic.com

    @Betty Boop – I was bound to get it wrong …

    Reply
  315. Thepnr says:

    @chipmonkey

    Nice pic 🙂

    Reply
    • chipmonkey says:

      Aha! Thanks @Thepnr

      It must have worked then!

      You never know what I’ll manage to post next… hairy string… seafest…

      Reply
  316. Natasha says:

    Ian Brotherhood, 12.43am
    Great link to Les Dawson. Just a shame it was followed by Bernard Manning!! 🙂

    Caledonius
    The first time I encountered the hairy string, I thought Ronnie was going to hang me!

    schrodingers cat – if you’re lurking out there, Loretta says hello. 🙂

    chipmonkey – I am very jealous, although I would still choose Alex over Humza.

    Reply
  317. Betty Boop says:

    @ chipmonkey

    Thanks Fiona for the pic of Humza and his granny! Nice bloke, eh?

    Reply
  318. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Chipmonkey.

    The rule of thumb is…

    If the web address has both h.t.t.p.// and w.w.w. (disregard the periods), then you don’t paste the h.t.t.p.// part – WordPress adds that in automatically. You only need everything after, and including w.w.w.

    So, a link to my webspace should look like this (with h.t.t.p.s.) typed in front of it:-

    link to sites.google.com

    However, if you link to a site that has the whole shebang, ie, h.t.t.p://w.w.w. (without the dots), then you only paste the stuff from “www” onwards.

    See?

    Reply
    • chipmonkey says:

      @bdtt thanks, now I remember. I got it second time:-) I thought ailing the first time was worth it not to get hit on the head with a big stick for rule breaking 🙂

      Nice photo. It’s the one where I’m the blob half hidden by the yes flag!

      Reply
  319. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Like Youtube, for example.

    Reply
  320. Patrician says:

    @thepnr
    It does work, the trick is to after installing the addon and restarting firefox.

    Open a wings article and do the following.
    Click in Name text box, fill in your name, now right click in that box, in the dropdown menu select Autofill -> Add rule for this field. Click next button and then click Finish button.

    Repeat for Mail and Website, if required.

    Open a different Wings article and you should hear a beep as it updates the text boxes.

    Reply
  321. Taranaich says:

    Hello all, sorry I haven’t commented or put up any new Devo Files for a while: a mixture of a horrendous bug and some trying personal issues have really taken it out of me.

    With the start of the campaign, the negativity, lies, corruption and fighting has kicked into gear, and it’s supremely difficult for me to keep a happy face. The recent SNP gender quota controversy didn’t help: the last thing I wanted to see was people sympathetic to the cause fighting with each other on a complicated issue like this. We have enough problems with New Labour lying about the SNP planning to scrap the UK pension and the “biggest party forms the government” meme, the NeoLibDems lying through their teeth about fantasy federalism and holding the Tories to account, and the Tories just being the Tories.

    With only about five weeks to go, I have to get out of this mess. We’re on the cusp of a new age, and I’m still too traumatized by the referendum result to countenance defeat in May. I’m sick of the people and cause I believe in being called racist, right-wing, xenophobic, economically illiterate, fascist, evil, everything under the sun, while *I’m* the one being accused of having a problem with “tone.”

    Reply
  322. Thepnr says:

    I have made an arse of myself on the main thread, (not for the first time recently) with stating that the BBC were messing with the Jim Murphy interview. No excuses, I missed it.

    Taking a break from Wings, I need it, see you all on election night.

    Reply
  323. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Taranaich & Thepnr –

    Steady lads, steady…

    To paraphrase Orwell – if you want a picture of Scotland’s future, just imagine Brian Donohoe’s face, laughing, forever…

    It could happen – if we give up.

    See ye’s tomorrow?

    Hoots!

    Reply
  324. Grouse Beater says:

    Thepnr: Taking a break from Wings

    When a guy lives vicariously by who he talks to on a social website it’s time to find a new hobby. 🙁

    Reply
  325. Natasha says:

    Thepnr
    We love you.

    Taranaich
    We love you too.

    The hour is always darkest before the dawn.

    Reply
  326. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Thepnr et a’body else interested –

    My new email address:

    ianbhood@gmail.com

    The old one will die on Friday.

    Reply
  327. Caledonius says:

    @ Taranaich

    Hi there, I for one just want to say great work with those files. I’ve been utterly shocked at the votes some of these so called Scottish MPs took in our name. If you ever make more I’d love the dirt on Frank Roy.

    As for all the negativity, dunno, I found it worse during the referendum especially the moment my dad phoning from England said to me “no idea why those racist yes voters want to destroy the Union, utterly disgusting – don’t let them intimidate you.”. To which I could only reply “dad, I am a Yes supporter.” it was a horrible awkward time. And after defeat I literally felt numb for weeks, don’t think I even ushered a word the full day following it.

    Now, I can’t explain it, I don’t feel the same pressure or dread. I dont want to call it hope or optimism but it feels damn close to that. I also find limiting how many blogs I visit and how much news I look at help. I know most of it will be full of crap and just raise my stress levels. So why bother – and if polls are correct and as rock solid as they have been for months then it seems many people are now clued on to much of the medias bile.

    Perhaps just step back from the politics for a few days, this things got weeks to go yet. The Rev seemed to benefit from his four day break.

    Let them call us names, it’s nothing new. With luck our revenge will come election night, watching smug unionist MPs who have called us allsorts dethroned. Hope you feel better soon, you really have been doing a great thing with those files, and I for one do appreciate the work you must have put into them.

    Reply
  328. Macart says:

    @Thepnr

    Know what you mean fella. Had to take a break myself.

    Sometimes you get too close, too involved, so invested you don’t see the wall until you smack into it. Do what I did and have a rest. In your case well earned.

    By the by I’m still looking to shake that hand.

    Rest well.

    Reply
  329. Macart says:

    @ taranaich

    That’s what makes you, you.

    You care.

    No bad thing in my book.

    Kick back with some non political literature for a few days and possibly the box set of your fav sci fi. That’s what I do. 😉

    Reply
  330. Kininvie says:

    I’ll be there on 1st May……badge please if possible?

    Reply
  331. Wee Jony says:

    Thepnr & Taranaich

    To regain the world we need to step back from it a little. Away from the noise.

    Reply
  332. Oneironaut says:

    @Taranaich + Thepnr
    Now you know why I keep disappearing for months on end…

    Have to stop doing that though, it’s getting more and more difficult to return each time, knowing I have to immerse myself once more in that vile pool of media poison.

    Ignorance truly is bliss… Maybe that’s why so many people out there like to remain gullible and uninformed…

    Reply
  333. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Kininvie.

    Noted. You’re on the list…

    Reply
  334. Chic McGregor says:

    Sair fecht the day, cannae get 15 doon. Some kine o flooer Ah think, mibbes in Latin.

    Reply
  335. Capella says:

    Hi Taranaich. Me too. I don’t comment on the posts now as I feel there is a great big elephant in the room called gender equality.

    So I’m taking a break and reading blogs, reading books, watching videos etc to keep the mind active! I’ve just baked an Easter cake too!

    Watched all ten parts of a video on the 1916 Easter Rising (well it’s Easter and the 100th anniversary is next year and there’ll be precious little about it on the MSM).
    link to youtube.com

    Keep on blogging – you have a great resource in your devo files back in your Wilderness of Peace!

    Reply
  336. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Patrician.

    I installed that extension on my ‘at work’ iMac and it works fine, filling in the two fields.

    However, that hasn’t cured the delay in a post appearing. They still take around 10 minutes to appear. On this machine, my home MacPro, posts appear within seconds of hitting ‘Submit Comment’.

    Strange thing is, both machines are running MacOS Snow Leopard with Firefox 35.0.1.

    Reply
  337. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Oh, and I disabled “Blur” (formerly “Do Not Track Me”) on WOS pages, on the work machine, but that didn’t make any difference either.

    Reply
  338. Chic McGregor says:

    Starting the third in The Lewis Trilogy by Peter May.

    What a cracking read so far. Already feeling sad that this is the last in the series.

    Reply
  339. Taranaich says:

    I hasten to add: by “this mess” I most assuredly did NOT mean you fine folks, it’s more about my local situation. Inverclyde is one of the localities which is still predicted to be a New Labour retention, even given the SNP surge, and I desperately don’t want any SNP Inverclyde folk to think this is going to be a cakewalk. Not a single activist I know is complacent, of course, but there are only so many of us: even if every member got out and worked, 1,300 for an electorate of over 60,000 is a momentous challenge.

    Reply
  340. Oneironaut says:

    @Taranaich
    Could always suggest pooling resources to buy up a few advertising billboards around Inverclyde and use them to display some of the choicest bits from Mr McKenzie’s Devo File there 😉

    Failing that, getting them made into stickers for bus shelters and public noticeboards perhaps?

    Good luck with the campaigning! 🙂

    Reply
  341. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    If you’re watching tonight’s leaders’ debate, keep the page at the link open and click on disagree or agree as your mood takes you.

    The graph will be updated in real time.

    link to itv.com

    Reply
  342. Capella says:

    @Chic McGregor what a fascinating character Peter May is. Just googled him. Will look out fof the Lewis Trilogy. Sounds like the kind of story that would make a great TV series.

    Not watching the debates as no TV but will look on youtube.

    Good luck with the canvassing Taranaich. You sound quietly determined!

    Reply
  343. Chic McGregor says:

    @Capella
    Yes I think he is excellent. The grit and detail and the realistic well developed characters are fully up to or surpass those of ‘Nordic Noir’ of which I believe ‘Scottish Noir’ (McIlvanney, Taggart etc.) is a subset or maybe even a precursor.

    Like Nordic Noir he has characters which are all allowed to work to the full intelligence of which they are capable, which distinguishes that genre from the Anglo/American likes of Midsommer Murders, Murder She Wrote, Death in Paradise and the like, where superficial, often inexplicably stupid, stereotypes are the order of the day.

    He avoids stereotyping, like Nordic Noir, but takes that even further by, whenever he can, describing some of the character’s history which helps an understanding of how they got to where they are. Not just one or two characters but as many as he can do that for.

    Even the ‘bad’ guys.

    OK his character development is maybe not quite up to that of McIlvanney but his overall fusion of character development, real life grit and the care over how many of the main characters got to where they are is new an unique I think. A new, and I think better, quality/quantity balance.

    His plots are logically cohesive and intelligently intricate.

    As for televisation, yes, much of it you can easily see is transferable, but some bits, very important bits, would require a new approach and a very good director to accomplish it. But if they managed it, it could be groundbreaking.

    Reply
  344. Chic McGregor says:

    Let me rewrite this bit: (Must learn to check that edit window before hitting send)

    ‘OK his character development is maybe not quite up to that of McIlvanney but his overall fusion of character development, real life grit and the care over how many more of the main characters got to where they are is new and unique I think. And I think a better, quality/quantity balance.’

    Reply
  345. Capella says:

    @ Chic McGregor
    Are you a copywriter? You could write the blurbs for his novels! Intriguing. I do love Nordic noir and I thought the Swedish and Danish productions were much superior to the British version of Wallander. I put it down to a completely different world view. Maybe Scandinavian, maybe social democrat? Beyond stereotypes anyway. How can these wee countries produce good drama!

    But I have to confess to not reading McIlvanney. Must add to reading list already too long.

    Reply
  346. Chic McGregor says:

    Capella
    No, just a recent find for me.

    Reply
  347. Chic McGregor says:

    PS
    I agree the superiority of the Scandinavian productions, directorially, but to his credit, I thought Branagh, who I normally write off as a luvie-wannabe, did ‘get’ it. But not enough to salvage. Scandi was better.

    The Bridge, is my fav.

    But in book 2, May attempts insight into an even more challenged character than Saga Norn.

    Reply
  348. Michael McCabe says:

    @ Thepnr. You said you were talking a wee break from Wings and not Posting. I think you will still be reading the posts though. Anyway here is a wee song for you. link to youtube.com Haste ye back Alex

    Reply
  349. Cactus says:

    For those taking a time-out, a virtual thumbs-up to y’all, lurking is mandatory though 🙂

    It’ll soon be party-time in Scotland as each and every SNP seat win is announced.

    This Tuesday is the month to go marker, see you then.

    Reply
  350. Ken500 says:

    McIlvanny is brilliant. So astute. After the ‘Kiln’ have read most of his books. He was in a Hotel in Glasgow recently being acknowledged. Rankin has borrowed a few hints. Ian Banks is a good writer.

    Been reading up on Irish History after a recent trip to Dublin. A great City with a good Art Gallery. An interesting exhibition of Artists and Writers linked.

    Reply
  351. Oneironaut says:

    @Cactus
    My mind is on permanent time-out these days. I just leave my body to do the occasional post.

    Try not to engage my body in debate though, he’s a sarcastic little git when he gets going! 😉

    Reply
  352. Capella says:

    Interesting feedback on the Leaders Debate. I watched the BBC “highlights” last night and Nicola Sturgeon was particularly impressive on two points:
    1 keeping Labour honest
    2 challenging Cameron on an EU referendum to honour the votes of the member nations of this “family of nations”.

    I find today that her EU referendum challenge has been edited out of the “highlights” !

    Ah the BBC, what are they like?

    Reply
  353. Capella says:

    Even worse – all broadcasters have edited out Nicola’s attack on wasting billions on Trident. That wasn’t even the first version of the highlights. Craig Murray has detail:
    link to craigmurray.org.uk

    We will need a special youtube video of “offcuts”.

    Reply
  354. Cactus says:

    Can someone advise please..? I’ve enquired using the contact form but have yet to receive my crowdfunder perk.

    Has everybody else received theirs?

    Thanks.

    @oneironaut – know what you mean dude.. hopefully things will make more sense in just over a months time 🙂

    Reply
  355. X_Sticks says:

    @Cactus

    I wouldn’t expect the Rev to get around to that stuff until after the election. He may be a bit busy to deal with such trivia before that 😉

    If he turned up at the Counting House he could probably save himself a fortune in postage…just sayin’ like..

    Reply
  356. Paula Rose says:

    I am not allowing the Rev to leave his parishioners in Bath for the foreseeable future – he has a flock that need his spiritual guidance.

    Reply
  357. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I’ve posted this on today’s main page but I thought it would be an idea to post it, also, in off-topic, for the cognoscenti.
    ————————————————-

    Two subjects to this post…

    1. McGovern’s reason for withdrawing.

    I read this web page through a link on a Facebook page on Tuesday.

    link to iaindale.com

    The pertinent sentence is right at the end of 14 Dundee West.

    “There are rumours that Jim McGovern is being pressured to stand aside for a new candidate.”

    .
    2.
    Back on 21st November 2014 (the Day before the Wings get-together in Glasgow and Nicola’s Hydro gig), Rev Stu posted this:

    “We’ve still got cash left over in the Wings kitty and it’s only £500 for an election deposit. We think it’s about time that we put up our own candidate, either at the next available by-election or at the 2015 general election.

    We’re not even joking. We’re going to do it. Because it looks like ANYONE can beat the Lib Dems now.”

    And he typed that here:-

    link to wingsoverscotland.com

    So, me and Pete the Camera managed to get some badges made for the Wings get-together on the 22nd November in Glasgow.
    (See link below.) Some of you may possess these badges…

    I recently sent Rev Stu a collection of badges that we’ve put together since August last year. In his email reply, he said that he’s definitely wearing this one the next time he’s asked on TV – the one we managed to put together for the November meet.

    link to sites.google.com

    Reply
  358. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @All me O/T buddies –

    Anyone who wants to keep in touch, please note my new e-mail – ianbhood@gmail.com

    Please drop a note if you’ve a spare minute, or you’re going spare for a minute – either will do nicely, so long as I get your details.

    The address you have for me will be deid on Monday, if it isn’t already.

    Reply
  359. Capella says:

    Since the gender balance debate looks like it will be permanently Off Topic, I thought I should post a couple of links here to current articles on this issue.
    First up is Bella Caledonia where the wings position is mentioned, I thought quite sensitively.
    link to tinyurl.com

    Second is a Common Space article which covers other types of discrimination against minority groups.
    link to tinyurl.com

    For those who regard these as “divisive issues” and wonder why they are raised now, I can only say from decades of experience:
    There is NEVER a right time
    There is NO proper method.
    It is always TOO MUCH and TOO SOON.

    There’s an election to win.

    Reply
  360. Cactus says:

    Message received, thanks.

    Reply
  361. Patrician says:

    @Brian Doonthetoon

    I sometimes see a delay on posting on one of my home machines but not on the others. The one I perceive as slow is the one that doesn’t have cookies installed, it needs the autofill fix. I say perceive, as occasionally the posts appear almost immediately. To me this points to either the server that hosts this website is labouring under the strain occasionally or GCHQ need to get their finger out and process the posts quicker 😉 Unfortunately, either one takes it out of our hands.

    Reply
  362. Betty Boop says:

    @ Patrician

    Well, let’s see how long this post takes to appear!

    I know you have been sporadically putting the brain cells into gear on this for months, so, thank you for your efforts.

    Been having trouble since just after the Ref. It did get better for a while, but, was dire last week. I used to find that if a post was taking a while to appear on Explorer, I could pop over to Chrome and would be there and vice versa. Now, they can both be simultaneously slow or can pop up immediately on the odd occasion especially if it is the first post of the day!

    ‘Tis an enigma or a mystery or just tomfoolery at Cheltenham 🙁

    Reply
  363. Betty Boop says:

    My 2:25am post went up immediately! 🙂

    Reply
  364. Betty Boop says:

    @ Patrician

    The post right afterwards didn’t go up immediately and the 2:25 still hasn’t appeared on Chrome.

    Doh…

    Reply
  365. chic mcgregor says:

    Ken500
    Agree on all those comments.

    I think you would like May.

    Reply
  366. Irene Anderson says:

    Hello, please put me on the list for 1 May at the Counting House. Irene Anderson.

    Reply
  367. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Irene.

    You’re now on the list!

    Good to meet you this afternoon in George Square.

    (Thinks… Another Anderson. Should we be worried?)

    8=)

    Reply
  368. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    After a bra’ trip to Glasgow today, I’ve been catching up on the Wings main pages and comments.

    Which made me think of the link below. We have not returned to the back of the bus – we have occupied the driving seat!

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  369. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Referring back to my post of last night at 9.35pm…

    link to wingsoverscotland.com

    Re: item 2. In the last 23 hours, someone pointed out to me that WOS = Wings Over Scotland and WOS = Wings Over Somerset.

    I never noticed that…

    Reply
  370. pete the camera says:

    It was me doon

    Reply
  371. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Edith Piaf, ‘La Vie En Rose’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  372. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Gabriel Yared, ‘C’Est Le Vent, Betty’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  373. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Johnny Hallyday, ‘Un Jour Viendra’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  374. Ian Brotherhood says:

    The Manhattan Transfer, ‘Chanson D’Amour’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  375. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Irene Anderson –

    Got ye on my list as well – looking forward to seeing you.

    Hoots!

    Reply
  376. K1 says:

    I see you mentioned crazycat’s and my benightment today Ronnie, on ‘The Accused’ thread 🙂

    Aye, an unexpected ‘honour’, does that make us knights of the hairystring realm noo?

    Anyways lovely to meet you and Bdtt and crazycat, caz-m, and Pete…hope I haven’t left anyone out.

    MIssed Nicola’s speech but more than made up for by meeting you guy’s 🙂

    A wee song that could describe the ‘spirit’ of many on here 🙂

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  377. Patrician says:

    @Betty Boop

    Some of what happens can be fixed by pressing Ctrl+F5 to refresh your browser. This is a fix that I suggested to use when the site was under DDOS for a while.

    A simple explanation: F5 reloads the latest version of a webpage, this will usually be from a copy in your computers memory. Ctrl+F5 requests the server that has the webpage to send a completely new version of the webpage.

    However, it worth noting that while Ctrl+F5 will cause a request for a new web page from the server, the server may ignore the request and return a server cached page. Thus even Ctrl+F5 may return an old version of the page if the server doesn’t properly handle the request. I think this is part of the problem, there are issues on the server hosting Wings or to be more precise there are issues with the WordPress installation. I see issues like this almost every day in my working life, usually caused by someone for example, upgrading a piece of software with a fix that looks innocuous or tweaking a setting to see what it does and forgetting to return it to its original setting. It usually just comes down to bad change management and testing procedures.

    Skip this part if you don’t want technical explanation: F5 reloads the webpage from the local cache if it is available and hasn’t timed out, if it isn’t available then it will request the page from the hosting server. Ctrl-F5, requests the webpage directly from the hosting server regardless of whether there is a locally cached copy. More info on caching can be found at this link, link to w3.org.

    Reply
  378. Paula Rose says:

    Ian Brotherhood – I’m sitting comfortably.

    Reply
  379. Paula Rose says:

    Have I got this right?

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  380. Paula Rose says:

    Sweet…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  381. Paula Rose says:

    just a note…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  382. Paula Rose says:

    I know dears – but it’s gotta be…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  383. Paula Rose says:

    Anyone interested in the English view?

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  384. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Paula Rose –

    Good Dury there. 🙂

    Reply
  385. Paula Rose says:

    4

    Reply
  386. Paula Rose says:

    3

    Reply
  387. Paula Rose says:

    2

    Reply
  388. Paula Rose says:

    1

    Reply
  389. Paula Rose says:

    I was young once…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  390. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Paula Rose –

    My e-mail’s deid tomorrow, or day after, so please note: ianbhood@gmail.com

    Hoots the noo!

    Reply
  391. Paula Rose says:

    One for the Rev…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  392. Paula Rose says:

    Did I do this one for the Rev?

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  393. Michael McCabe says:

    @ K1 That was a great wee song you played. you should pop over to off/topic more often with a song. Anyway. link to youtube.com Aye till I die.

    Reply
  394. Paula Rose says:

    Can’t resist – my thoughts go out to you all…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  395. Paula Rose says:

    something quiet…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  396. Paula Rose says:

    Time for some real music…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  397. Paula Rose says:

    I live and breathe in this country.

    Reply
  398. Paula Rose says:

    For Easter this is lovely…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  399. Paula Rose says:

    hermless…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  400. CameronB Brodie says:

    2

    1

    Blast Off – The Birthday Party
    link to youtube.com

    Paula Rose
    You might have guessed by now Paula, you make me want to fiddle about and get at the fundamentals. Well, I think this cat has a lot to do with the development of certain predilections we share.

    Talking about ‘hip to the beat’, here’s one of the wildest showbiz dudes of his era. Mae West apparently thought he was probably one of the greatest entertainer of his time. I don’t think “race music” would have been accepted into ‘popular culture’ at that time, without him. 😉

    Sorry for poor audio quality. 🙁

    Thanks bro. 😉

    Harry “The Hipster” Gibson – Piano Boogie Jump
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  401. CameronB Brodie says:

    Darn, missed the new page. 🙂

    Reply
  402. pete the camera says:

    something for this Groundhog weekend

    Groundhogs from Who will save the world

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  403. K1 says:

    Thanks Bdtt, and Teddy Thompson’s cover of ‘Tonight Will Be FIne, is one of my ‘heart’ songs…:-)

    I replied to you in the wee sma’ hours but it didn’t post…think tiredness left in the http…anyway…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  404. K1 says:

    Oops that reply was meant for Michael…:-)

    Reply
  405. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi peeps.

    Here’s the updated info forom the Facebook page, regarding the YESNP Independence Rally in Edinburgh, on 18th April.
    ======================================================

    18 April
    at 12:00–16:00

    Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre
    Ocean Drive, Leith, EH6 6JJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    Not long now until our event, but as the heading above suggests, we have had to have a change of venue!
    We have three incredible SNP Westminster candidates on our speakers list and the Scottish Parliament felt the rally was taking the form of an election broadcast and under their rules they have to remain neutral, which we totally understand.

    So, we have managed to source another fabulous space, it’s The Waterfront Plaza, Ocean Terminal – just opposite the main entrance to the shopping centre.

    The new venue means our candidates can speak freely and are not restricted by the constraints at the Parliament grounds on the run up to the general election. It also means we are not as pushed for time, which is wonderful.

    Car parking at Ocean Terminal is FREE, and it’s well served by Lothian Buses. I hope this will be an easy change for you and that you will still be able to attend.
    Many thanks for your support

    To ensure the Scottish voice is heard at Westminster, and to stop a majority government, we need to vote SNP in the general election. This is the best way to support Scotland on the road to Independence.

    BEST TIN HAT AWARD – Embracing the phenomenon we will award a trophy and a bottle of wine to the most innovative tin hat of the day 🙂 🙂 🙂 PLEASE wear it proudly on the 18th April 🙂 🙂

    POETRY COMPETITION – Now closed.
    We have had a phenomenal amount of entries! Some funny, some poignant, all fantastic….thank you so much for embracing the suggestion. The admin will meet in the next few days and we will announce our winner 🙂 🙂

    Speakers;
    Joyce Rahman – Opening address
    1.MC McKinnon – The Voice of Scotland
    2.Colin Keir – SNP MSP Edinburgh West
    3.Tommy Sheppard – SNP Westminster Candidate
    4.Maciej Wiczynski – Poles for an Independent Scotland
    5.Paul Young – Scotland Against Fracking
    6.Roddy Oliphant – link to itsscotlandsoil.com
    7.Martin Mitchell – The Radical Road Bar/Restaurant
    8.Ex-Corporal Cliff Purvis- Veterans for Independence
    9.?????? – Poetry competition winner
    10.Ben Munnoch – Young Scots for Independence
    11.Barbara-Anne Haig – Yes45Fife
    12.Ruaraidh Oliphant – Scotland’s Youngest activist!
    13.Deb Brown – Yes We Care Dundee
    14.Steve Bell – Steve will read out statements from supporters who are unable to attend the rally.
    15. Andy McGurk – Catelonia/Scotland & Independence
    16 Derek Bateman -Ex BBC journalist-derekbateman.co.uk
    17 Adrian Bayne – The Voice of Scotland
    18 Hannah Bardell – SNP Westminster candidate
    19 Hardeep Singh Kholi – Comedian, Broadcaster, Journalist & Chef TBC
    20 Michelle Thomson – SNP Westminster Candidate
    21 June Reilly – Charity worker with homeless and vulnerable adults
    Joyce Rahman – Closing statement

    Supporting statements;
    Springbank Distillers Campbeltown.
    A YES supporting family company

    Brian Cox – Dundee born Scottish actor, films include Braveheart, The Bourne Identity, X-Men

    Elaine C Smith – Glasgow born actress, TV credits include Rab C Nesbitt, Naked Video, theatre roles Calender Girls & I dreamed a Dream.

    The fabulous YES BUS will be there!

    Music:-

    Dick Gaughan – International Singer/songwriter/guitarist
    Ted Christopher – One of Scotland’s finest performers
    Kenny Donaldson – Wonderful accordionist
    Amanda Brown – Fabulous vocalist/guitarist from Fife
    Scott McWatt – Critically acclaimed Scottish recording artist
    Rebecca McKinlay- Traditional piper & highland dancers
    Musicians for Indy – Please check out their facebook page
    Jack Rowberry – Award winning modern blues singer

    LIVESTREAM

    FOOD BANK COLLECTION
    It has become customary for there to be a food bank collection at these events, and this one will be no different. The generosity of the Indy folks is now well documented and welcomed from the charities that run these places. Many, many thanks.

    Reply
  406. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    “forom” = from

    Reply
  407. Betty Boop says:

    @ Patrician, 12:14am

    Thanks for the tips. As we have found over the months, it is outwith our control 🙁

    At least there was only a few minutes delay in the wee, sma’ hours instead of the usual 20+ minutes!

    Reply
  408. AuldA says:

    Err…
    Crivens! You know what?
    Our ambassador woke me from hibernation.
    How’s everybody doing?
    Cheers!

    Reply
  409. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi AuldA.

    Good to see the March sunshine – and your ambassador – have brought you out of hibernation!

    Your lack of input to Frenchgate/Memogate over the last couple of days perpluzzled* me.

    Onnyhoo, as you have typed that you want us to correct your English/Scots, I must point out that the usual spelling of “crivens” is “crivvins”, usually preceded by “Jings!” and followed with “Help ma Boab!”.

    This link may help you to get your tongue round the Dundonesian dialect of Scots.

    link to web.archive.org

    Onnyhoo, nice to see you back.

    * One of my makey-up words.

    Reply
  410. Paula Rose says:

    AuldA honey! Coffee or something stronger?

    Reply
  411. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Wee Jonny sent me a pic of the update to his wheels a few days ago and – woe is me! – I’ve just got round to uploading it to my web space.

    Apologies to Wee Jonny for my tardiness.

    BTW, WJ: you want to book a seat on the minibus through to Glasgow on 1st May for the Wings get-together?

    link to sites.google.com

    Reply
  412. Betty Boop says:

    @ Bdtt
    @Wee Jonny

    Jings, that car is impressive – love it 🙂

    @ Auld A,

    Whaur hae ye bin? Welcome back:-)

    Reply
  413. AuldA says:

    @Everybody:
    Thanks for your heartwarming messages!
    Feel a bit dozy tonight but will answer tomorrow for sure.
    Hugs and kisses from Paris! Have a great evening!

    Reply
  414. Thepnr says:

    @Hoss Mackintosh

    Regarding the article about the Today programming being edited. After Morags post saying everything was the same I of course listened again and it was the same.

    Thinks how did I miss that? Doesn’t matter the “fact” is that I did. So pissed off with myself that I took a break from wings. This was a good idea in any case.

    However, I started reading again tonight and went back to that original thread and saw that I wasn’t the only winger to see the edit. That was a relief, here’s the good news for our sanity. The original version of the Today program I listened to was 2:59:46 the previous two days were 3:00:16 a 30 second difference obviously.

    The version that is up now is 2:59:57 an extra 11 seconds from what we listened to.

    I know what I heard, everybody else can make their own minds up.

    Reply
  415. cearc says:

    Glad to see you back Thepnr.

    Reply
  416. Paula Rose says:

    Thepnr dearest – got the coffee machine on for AuldA, do you want the same?

    Reply
  417. Ian Brotherhood says:

    re – Return of Thepnr.

    On the face of it, a contradiction in terms, but a most welcome development all the same.

    Alex – please note my new email: ianbhood@gmail.com

    (The auld yin will be deid tomorrow.)

    Reply
  418. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    I’ve been asked, by Bob Costello of Team YES Bus, if Wingers want to have presence next Sunday in Dundee, with the YES Bus at City Square, the 12th April.

    The YES Bus will be campaigning for a maximum vote for the SNP on 7th May, and for independence for Scotland, in the long term.

    Ronnie is now in possession of the banner, so it’s now up to him.

    Reply
  419. Paula Rose says:

    cearc sweetest – special stroke.

    Reply
  420. Paula Rose says:

    Ian has had a quick swish – anyone else before I put the wand away?

    Reply
  421. ronnie anderson says:

    Dont be putting the blame oan me you didna tell me yesterday , an I asked you if you had anything on in Dundee, to take the Wings banner back with you,sneaky bahaaah,ah know yer game so’s I,ll come tae Dundee ae you need tae do is ask Lol.

    Reply
  422. cearc says:

    BDtt,

    I could post you a spare white tarpaulin 3.41 metres long and 1.76 metres wide. If you want to make another banner.

    Reply
  423. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Och Ronnie…
    Bob only got back into Dundee after his Norwegian cruise, at 3.15 this morning.

    He’s only, just, getting back into the campaigning groove.

    If you’re coming up to Dundee, gimme a shout on…

    0-7-9-8-6–8-8-7-9-9-8 (Day time)
    or
    0-1-3-8-2–2-2-1-1-8-0 (Evening)

    Reply
  424. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Cearc.

    What makes you so sure that I would know what do do with such an implement?

    Reply
  425. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Paula Rose yup everybody knew but ,money spoke louder than words.

    Reply
  426. Paula Rose says:

    Whose got the ‘I want my baby back’ link?

    Reply
  427. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Briandoonthetoon Whit dey yea mean

    (Thinks… Another Anderson. Should we be worried?)

    There,s many branches in oor Oak Tree Brian,so dont be walking under any or anither Anderson mibbee faw in here,ah want mair tae come oot the woods,an they dont need tae be of ma Clan lol.

    Welcome Irene.

    Reply
  428. Hoss Mackintosh says:

    @Thepnr,
    Thanks for your comment – I also thought I was going nuts but my wife was listening as well and we both did not hear Rev Stu’s bit.

    It had been cut and then replaced later.

    Waste of time complaining to the BBC but sometimes it is better to get it out of your system. I just got their response earlier…

    “If it was not available for technical reasons initially, that problem seems to have been corrected now. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

    Still waiting on my final one at the BBC trust.

    I have bought the G.A. Ponsonby book and looking forward to that.:-)

    Welcome back.

    Reply
  429. Natasha says:

    Hi, Auld A! Welcome back; we’ve missed you.

    Reply
  430. AuldA says:

    @Paula: a coffee with a dram of… well, uh.
    @Natasha: Thanks!

    I’ve lost a lot of time engrossed in literary exercises (i.e. trying to write short stories), until I found out recently that, whatever amount of energy and love I put into them, I could not get them fully right—specifically I couldn’t write realistic dialogues. There seems to be an insuperable fence here: if you’re not immersed in an English-speaking world or use English everyday with native speakers, there is hardly a way you can tell, for example, unusual or posh words from normal ones, which leads to stilted dialogue; it’s not about purple prose or something of that ilk, it’s about picking the right word and not something (almost) nobody uses and that you choose nevertheless because, well, you don’t have the necessary feedback to sort the chaff from the wheat.

    And written English does not help you here.

    Besides, I suddenly realised listening to the accent tag feed on YouTube that there were still large areas of Scotland where I would experience (at least at start) a ‘lost in translation’ syndrome. Like, e.g., listening to the Aberdonian accent. That was an exotic experience.

    @Brian: thanks for your advice. That will help me write better Scottish dialogues in the future! 😛 Perpuzzled. You mean discombobulated? Flabbergasted maybe? Ever-so-slightly :°

    Besides, I’m still involved in linguistic quests. This time I search I word I forgot whose meaning both encompasses ‘move repeatedly up and down, yoyo’ and ‘discuss vividly’. Any idea?

    Have a great day anyone out there in the Northern mists! 🙂

    Reply
  431. Wee Jonny says:

    Bdtt – Thanks for posting that photo Brian. I do love my car.

    I won’t make the Coontin Hoos on the 1st.

    Is it my imagination or are there more Yes stickers on cars again? There was a lull after the 18th but I’m sure I’ve saw more and more the last couple o weeks. Anybody else?

    Reply
  432. Oneironaut says:

    @Paula Rose
    “Ian has had a quick swish – anyone else before I put the wand away?”

    Aww, did I miss my chance? 🙁

    Was just out wandering in the fog down by the shoreline here. No zombies or ghost ships spotted yet.
    (All the Labour supporters must be staying at home then!)

    Hope everyone had a fun chocolate bunny day! 🙂

    Reply
  433. X_Sticks says:

    @Wee Jonny

    Just out of interest Jonny has the political stuff on the motor lost you any business?

    Reply
  434. Silverytay says:

    Wee Johnny
    Its not just on cars , I am beginning to see them pop up everywhere down my area , there was a big yes banner on the fence of one of our co-ops .
    I tore all mines down on the 19th September but after logging back onto wings a few days later I put mines back on my car and office .

    Reply
  435. Wee Jonny says:

    X_Sticks – No.

    My wife advised me against it incase it did cost me business but I needed to do something.

    My view was that we were saturated with Union Union Union, and felt that some people were scared to talk about Yes. So my car was my way of saying it’s okay to talk about Yes and even be Yes. And it’s done that in spades.

    I had 1 customer who said they thought I was ramming it down people’s throats and that people can think for themselves. (This was also in response to me wearing a Yes t.shirt everyday, having Yes stickers on my windee cleenin buckets and havin Yes on my bills). My response was “If you’re away to tell me you’re gona get another windee cleenir because I’m all for Yes then you can shove your windeez up yir arse and that’ll go for anybody else who has the same thoughts because nothing will change my mind that Scotland should be an independent country.”

    She thanked me for my honesty and loved my dedication. I still do their windeez.

    I had another who only realised what was on my car as late as last August. She was mortified that one of her neighbours might have saw my car. I laughed at her and told her I was gona drive really really slow down her long driveway and the private road her and her neighbours live beside.

    My thoughts then and now are If you have a problem with what’s on my car then fuck you.

    In the lead up to the referendum it got loads of attention. Some positive and some negative.

    It still does.

    Reply
  436. Wee Jonny says:

    Siverytay-

    I kept my Yes flag flying in the backies until the pole eventually couldn’t take any more of the strong winds last month and snapped. I’ll put it back up as soon as I get a new flagpole.

    I’ve never stopped wearing my wee gold Yes badge on my work shirt collar,Yes badge on my jeckit and wee SNP badge everyday.

    Yes spotting was part of everyday life last year but things obviously died down but obviously never died after “The day we shall not speak of”. But now the Yes spotting game’s back on.

    Reply
  437. X_Sticks says:

    Respect for your commitment Jonny. Takes some bottle to risk your livelihood.

    I shall put my Yes badge back on my jacket from now on for the sake of solidarity.

    Reply
  438. Wee Jonny says:

    Ha.

    I’d rather risk my livelihood than risk not being able to look myself in the mirror.

    Reply
  439. Natasha says:

    Auld A
    Does it have to be just one word, or could it be an expression/phrase?

    Reply
  440. Natasha says:

    Auld A

    bandy about, thrash out, toss around, spar with, altercate, bounce off

    Altercate was the only one I could find which was just one word, but I’m not sure it covers the first meaning you mentioned.

    Reply
  441. Thepnr says:

    Could this be McTernans last throw of the dice?

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  442. CameronB Brodie says:

    @ British Labour and your imperialist Fabian masters.

    Chumbawamba – The Land Of Do What You’re Told
    link to youtube.com

    Chumbawamba – Walking into battle with the Lord
    link to youtube.com

    Chumbawamba – One Way Or The Other
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  443. Thepnr says:

    @CameronB Brodie

    Been trying to catch you, email me at thepnr03@gmail.com and I will forward Broty boys email to you.

    Reply
  444. CameronB Brodie says:

    Thepnr
    Cheers. I’ve been laid low this last week and have only recently resurfaced. I’ll drop you a line in a day or two, when feeling more human.

    ———————————————————–

    Here is one for those already attuned. 🙂

    Negativland – Negativland
    link to youtube.com

    For those not in the know, Negativeland were at the heart of the culture jamming movement. A postmodernist rejection of cultural orthodoxy.

    IMO, the Yes movement could have been view as the postmodern culture jamming of British orthodoxy.

    Here is another culture jammer. So much for the BBC’s competence. 🙂

    Bhopal Disaster – BBC – The Yes Men
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  445. Patrician says:

    I have been working on this opinion piece for a week or so now,with nowhere to post it up.

    link to dl.dropboxusercontent.com

    Have a read and let me know what you think.

    Reply
  446. ronnie anderson says:

    @ Wee Johnny Big TAMMY doff tae U.

    Reply
  447. Natasha says:

    @Patrician 12.46am
    I thought it was very interesting and well-thought out, with clear sources and evidence.

    Reply
  448. AuldA says:

    @Natasha: Thanks, it was ‘to bandy’. I didn’t know that meaning of ‘spar’, which for me was just a name meaning some kind of pole or bar. I will… spar it for future use! 🙂

    Thanks once more and have a very great day under the Sun!

    Reply
  449. Arabs for Independence says:

    FAO: thepnr

    Hope you are well – if you still have my mobile number could you let me have yours. M

    Reply
  450. Thepnr says:

    @Arabs for Independence

    My phone packed in and I lost all my contacts, send me an email at the address from 11:35 above and I’ll send you my number.

    Reply
  451. Betty Boop says:

    @ Wee Jonny
    @ X_Sticks

    I still wear my Yes badges, wristband and have Yes on my windows.

    The Yes flag took a battering in the gales and the pole (approx. 30 feet) had to be taken down, but, it will soon be refurbished (hopefully) and will sport an enormous saltire.

    Think I should go for a tattoo ? 🙂

    Reply
  452. Oneironaut says:

    @Wee Jonny
    “My thoughts then and now are If you have a problem with what’s on my car then fuck you.”

    Well said! 😀

    I picked up one of those big “Yes” flags during the referendum campaign, but never managed to find a place selling anything suitable to use as a flagpole.

    Then after that ill-fated day of the vote, I thought it would never see the light of day again anyway…

    Still, maybe if I can find a pole for it someday.

    Until then, it sleeps and dreams of flying free in the wind… 🙂

    Reply
  453. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    My 4 wee (3′ x 2′) saltires are still hanging from my windows.

    However, the big (5′ x 3′) YES saltire was damaged during the January winds and has rolled itself up around the cane it is hanging from.

    Never mind; on holiday next week so I’ll get it fixed.

    Reply
  454. Paula Rose says:

    Betty Boop – NO!!!

    Reply
  455. Paula Rose says:

    Beedeeteetee cherub – I’ve just checked, I’ve got a spare cane.

    Reply
  456. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Oneironaut.

    Keep an eye on Aldi and Lidl for their 30+ feet fishing poles. Available for virtual peanuts.

    They get them in, then a week later, they have them at half price.

    Pete the Camera has a splendid example with a YES saltire, which he wielded with some effect during the referendum campaign.

    Reply
  457. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Paula Rose.

    It is well known that you always have a spare cane!

    However, my cane is in perfect working order. The winds caused the grommet at the bottom flagpole side of the flag to tear out, thus allowing further winds to cause the flag to start retreating round the cane.

    Reply
  458. Paula Rose says:

    I don’t know why…

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  459. Natasha says:

    @AuldA 7.46am
    Hooray! I didn’t think I’d get it so quickly. We also have a term, “sparring partner”, which is someone you practise boxing with, or someone you have regular debates with.

    Reply
  460. Paula Rose says:

    Spar – moi?

    Reply
  461. Natasha says:

    @Paula Rose
    I usually go to the Co-op.

    Reply
  462. Paula Rose says:

    Natasha sweetie – ssh honey.

    Reply
  463. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Lidl for a fiddle…

    Reply
  464. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Keep trying with this new e-mail address…can’t get any comments through, here or main thread…23.45…test

    Reply
  465. Oneironaut says:

    @Brian Doonthetoon
    Hmmm, never seen those in the Lidl down my way, but I’ll keep a look out. Thanks 🙂

    Ideally I’d prefer something that wouldn’t bend with a heavy flag in a strong wind though.

    The winds down our way have to be experienced to be believed! If they ever invent a wind turbine that can handle it, they could probably run the national grid from this place! 😀

    Reply
  466. Ian Brotherhood says:

    …still testing…canny get through…

    Reply
  467. Patrician says:

    Don’t worry Ian, we can see you.

    Reply
  468. CameronB Brodie says:

    The Remains – Don’t look back
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  469. AuldA says:

    @Natasha, @Paula:
    I always thought a ‘sparring partner’ was a guy you kept in your larder/pantry in case… well… you’d experience ‘an unfortunate spell of deep sorrow’… 😛

    Reply
  470. Wee Jonny says:

    Betty Boop – No. But ‘sup ti you.

    Oneironaut – I used the same pole I use for window cleaning. They’re actually painters telescopic poles. They’re strong (but obviously not strong enough for the strong winds) and the one I have for work is a double but they also come in triple piece for reaching higher up. Mine can extend to around two metres (Ooh Matron). I get mine from Wickes as they have always been the cheapest at around £12.

    When I do put another flag up I’m gona swap the 5×3 Yes Saltire for my 5×3 Lion Rampant and cut the Yes from one of my t.shirts and sew it next to the Lions mooth. Good idea I fink.

    Reply
  471. Oneironaut says:

    @Ian Brotherhood
    I can see your post at 12:30, but your avatar is missing.

    Some BOFH at GCHQ been taking out some frustration on your internet connection?

    @Wee Jonny
    Sounds like a plan there. If I see that one being carried around at some event, maybe I’ll come up and say hi 🙂

    (Assuming someone else doesn’t have a flag of similar design and I get the wrong person. But, oh well, maybe make a new friend!)

    Reply
  472. Betty Boop says:

    @Paula R
    @Wee Jonny

    Thanks for the advice (nay, instruction from PR!). Well then, maybe I shall have to look for a transfer instead and have Paula stroke it on for me 😉

    Anything (almost) for the cause 🙂

    Reply
  473. Paula Rose says:

    Darlings – I’m always here, touched by your wotsit.

    Reply
  474. Thepnr says:

    Well that debate was good. I’m now informed LOL.

    Reply
  475. Paula Rose says:

    AuldA honey-waggle dance.

    Reply
  476. Paula Rose says:

    So much touching by so many – oh my word!

    Reply
  477. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Heads up, Wingers who will be in the Dundee are over this weekend.

    On Sunday, from 12 noon until 4pm, Team YES Bus will be at City Square in Dundee, campaigning for independence and the SNP.

    Any Wingers who are in Dundee at the weekend will be welcomed with open arms by Team YES Bus, to hammer home the benefits of re-electing Stuart Hosie in Dundee East and electing Chris Law (Spirit of Independence) in Dundee West.

    link to sites.google.com

    We Wingers had a bra’ afternoon at City Square a couple of Sundays ago!

    Reply
  478. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    “Dundee are” = Dundee area.

    Reply
  479. Oneironaut says:

    @Paula Rose
    “Darlings – I’m always here, touched by your wotsit.”

    A cheesy wotsit? 😀

    Reply
  480. Ken500 says:

    @ Wee Jonny

    Like your style

    : > )

    Reply
  481. Paula Rose says:

    Remember that Sex Pistols song that began with the lines…

    Don’t know what I want

    but I know how to get it

    I wanna be… in Dundee

    xx

    Reply
  482. Paula Rose says:

    Oneironaut honey – bad dreams can be avoided by consuming cheeses wrapped in urtica leaves xx

    Reply
  483. Natasha says:

    Brian Dtt
    We Wingers had a bra’ afternoon at City Square a couple of Sundays ago!

    What cup size were you?

    Reply
  484. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi Paula Rose.

    You’ll be made welcome! Who will be able to resist the heels?

    .
    Hi Natasha.

    We had catering facilities so mine was ‘coffee cup’.

    .
    Anyone else gonna make an appearance?

    Reply
  485. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    BTW Paula Rose.

    “Sex Pistols”, “Dundee”.

    The original Sex Pistols played their only Scottish gig in Dundee, in October, 1976.

    From the link below…

    “My memory of the journey is hazy, probably because there was beer involved, but I do remember waking the following morning as the train trundled over the Tay bridge and into Dundee.”

    and

    “We played that evening in a student union gaff and, while lightly attended, after a few numbers, pretty soon a barrage of glasses and bottles started hitting the stage belying the numbers in the sparse crowd.”

    This was the gig in the “Bowlin’ Alley”, the students’ union of the Bell Street College of Technology. (See second link.)

    link to edinburghnews.scotsman.com

    link to retrodundee.blogspot.co.uk

    Check out “THE BOWLING ALLEY – MARKETGAIT” in the list of hits.
    BTW: I am “Brian Wilson”.

    Reply
  486. Betty Boop says:

    @Natasha, 10:10pm

    Brian Dtt
    We Wingers had a bra’ afternoon at City Square a couple of Sundays ago!

    What cup size were you?

    Natasha, I was avoiding that corny question 🙂 BTW, does anyone use “corny” these days or am I just showing my years? 🙁

    Reply
  487. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Hi B Boop.

    The adjective “cheesy” seems to have been substituted for “corny” in the past few years.

    It has been applied to music, (ABBA, etc) and popular cultural philosophies, like deelyboppers, whirly bow-ties, and other stuff worn “for fun” at social functions.

    Personally typing, I would be quite happy to see “cheesy” consigned to the wheely bin of obsolete words.

    Reply
  488. Oneironaut says:

    @Paula Rose
    Ahh ok. Had to ask Wikipedia what Urtica Leaves were. I’m not sure I want to try that… (O.o)

    Besides, I can draw some good inspiration from bad dreams! 🙂

    @Brian Doonthetoon
    But “corny wotsits” just doesn’t have the same ring to it… 🙁

    Reply
  489. CameronB Brodie says:

    The Jackets – Freak Out 🙂
    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  490. Paula Rose says:

    Very very O/T something so beautiful…

    link to thehollywoodnews.com

    might incur the wrath of rev – in mitigation, please watch out for Zizi.

    Reply
  491. Paula Rose says:

    Cornish Yarg wrapped in nettle leaves – one of the most exquisite cheeses on the planet, Cornwall has an SNP branch – we are the future xx

    Reply
  492. Paula Rose says:

    No embeddy thingy -phew!

    Reply
  493. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    And no remarky on the whole Sex Pistolly Dundee fundemold.

    Me thocht that would have suffered an interestymost in the punkoley Paula Rose.

    Perhail, Paula Roses forgrail their roots, as they climbil the laddridge of age and noteritridge? Oh, deep folly!

    Reply
  494. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Onnyhoo, tonight I am mostly partaking of Lidl’s “Cheese Puffs”, which are Wotsits without the marketing budget.

    Reply
  495. Thepnr says:

    OK, here we go a very special song dedicated to Johann Lamont from her very bestest pals Mags and Jim.

    The O’Jays link to youtube.com

    Most apt LOL

    Reply
  496. Paula Rose says:

    Darlings hold on a sec – gotta tidy up a bit.

    Reply
  497. Ian Brotherhood says:

    Sshhhh…

    FFS, no-one let-on that the main thread comment-count is approaching 400,000.

    We all remember Paula Rose’s shocking behaviour when this place was getting close to 10k. (Aye, the mask slipped then eh?)

    It would be of inestimable benefit to us all if we confine her to O/T in the mantime, I mean, meantime – a suitably saucy conversation, and/or a steady supply of her fave music links may do the trick.

    If, on the other hand, she breaks cover and hits the main threads as the clicker nears 400k? God bless us and save us and soap us and shave us, it doesn’t bear thinking about…

    Reply
  498. Thepnr says:

    @Ian Brotherhood

    I’ll try to hold the fort here with this. Paula loves the 70’s.

    link to youtube.com

    Reply
  499. cearc says:

    Hey, we’re discussing Maggie and Michael’s cheese! (The Yarg)Yummy stuff.

    Reply
  500. Ian Brotherhood says:

    @Thepnr –

    Appreciated.

    A manly/womanly/humanly supreme effort is required here, and it must succeed, like the gumsy budgie of yore. We must sort our plans before she gets back…

    Anyway, here’s a catchy tune!

    Jamelia, ‘Superstar’ –

    link to youtube.com

    Reply


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