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I have a small but growing

Eddie Mair | 10:21 UK time, Friday, 24 November 2006

collection of audio clips of faintly amusing things that happen off air during recorded items - or on air to the horror of everyone. I've posted a few featuring me, and we had the faulty intro to Newsnight the other day. Thought I'd post one of Nick. It's a preamble to an interview he was about to record. We used to play it loudly in the office to annoy him. Next week, we'll post the opening of the World at One on the day the Beatles tried to drown Nick out.

Comments

  1. At 10:53 AM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Brilliant! Thanks for that.

    I was disappointed you didn't relay my suggestion to Poseidon/Neptune as to what he could do with his Trident.
    Yours Aye,
    ed

  2. At 10:59 AM on 24 Nov 2006, The Stainless Steel Cat wrote:

    "...I don't want to go into that area because I don't fully understand it..."

    :o)

    I think I'll try that one on the students in the class I'm about to rush to.

    (Looks over shoulders)

    Um, it won't be true, of course...

  3. At 10:59 AM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    So articulate and firm, even when expressing ignorance.

    Lovely man.

  4. At 11:19 AM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    I hope you will still play it loudly in the office

  5. At 11:28 AM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Spot the !
    !
    xx
    ed

  6. At 12:34 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    I can see why it would annoy him!

  7. At 12:37 PM on 24 Nov 2006, OnTheLedge wrote:

    I know we're still thinking of dear Nick - but can we also recall that another 'great' passed on 15 years ago today?

    I refer, for those of you who are unaware, to Mr. Freddie Mercury. I still miss him. And I think, 15 years hence, I'll still miss NC.

  8. At 01:18 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Judith wrote:

    OnTheLedge (7), I remember and still miss him.

    I always wear my Aids red ribbon on 24th November. People ask "Isn't Aids Awareness Day on 1st December?" - but I prefer to remember one individual amongst the thousands or millions.

  9. At 01:24 PM on 24 Nov 2006, silver-fox wrote:

    The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

  10. At 01:34 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Richard the Inept wrote:

    I can't get it to work. Can you do a version with subtitles for the hard of thinking?

  11. At 01:46 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Good to hear Nick one more time. I think that there should be an online collection for clips like this... (I'd also include your "Golden Joystick" moment from a few weeks ago, Eddie. Any chance of you posting a clip of that?)

  12. At 01:58 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Richard t I (10),

    Do you have the Realplay module (a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ version free of charge) installed on your computer? If not, try following this link

  13. At 02:25 PM on 24 Nov 2006, coco wrote:

    Thank you for that clip. Missed hearing his voice but always thought it would be back on air. Now I know it won't.

    I agree with jonnie (4) and Big Sister (6). I'e been in the newsroom and know what you lot are llke. Some of my best friends are........................

  14. At 03:44 PM on 24 Nov 2006, KitT wrote:

    Eddie, Thank you for your tribute last night. It really made my impression of Nick Clarke much more rounded. Such a shame we never learn these little foibles until it's too late. In the light of which perhaps you'd like to divulge some of your less charismatic habits, so that we can acknowledge a kindred spirit, rather than regarding you with unadulterated awe.

  15. At 04:13 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Eddie Mair wrote:

    KitT,(14) I will ask my colleagues to post their thoughts on your very interesting question on this blog...

  16. At 04:15 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Titkos Mokus wrote:

    He has a predilection for really cheap sparkling wine. He spends hours on the internet (when he should be working) trying to find the cheapest sparkling wine deals.

  17. At 04:24 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Titkos Mokus wrote:

    He has a predilection for really cheap sparkling wine. He spends hours trawling the internet (when he should be working) trying to find the cheapest sparkling wine deals. He was mortified about yesterday's European Court ruling, which means he won't be able to source even cheaper, even nastier spakling wine.

  18. At 04:25 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Re: coco (13) Never trust a journo ;-)

    Now Eddie,

    You are being quiet today, will we need our cameras to hand at 5PM ???

    I have mine loaded and ready by the way.

  19. At 04:53 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Sara wrote:

    KitT (14) - Some habits I might not want to know about! I will stick with the awe.

    Respect and AWE.

    PS It's quiet around here today which is understandable - but humming on the lilypad. My fellow froggies are Sooooo clever ...

    More respect and AWE.

  20. At 04:56 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Ooh, yes, my breath is so bated I feel quite faint. Will Eric let us know whether what we're guessing about cameras and 5pm is right?


    Legal stuff sorted out yet? Is it copyright? Or libel??

  21. At 05:03 PM on 24 Nov 2006, KitT wrote:

    Mmmm Titkos, just savour the aroma of that adulterated awe.

  22. At 05:20 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Belinda wrote:

    Re: The Poverty/Tory debate on at the moment

    Economic policy doesn't 'bewilder' the British public, it bores the British public.

  23. At 05:32 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Aggie wrote:

    Eddie - making the poor woman's nose bleed? Ive always thought your interview technique was more suited to the Today programme... Well really.

  24. At 05:35 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    I am unhappy that BA has decided to look again at its dress code. I only wish religion was kept to the private sphere.

    I could say so much more but won't. Anyway not yet.

  25. At 05:42 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    Forgot to say, I listened to Nick Clarke at 4.00 in the car taking the puppy for an all too late walk on the beach. His taste in music was spot on for me, except the Delius dislike. It was very strange to hear him talking like that, and terribly sad.

  26. At 05:51 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Respect to the froggers read out in the programme tonight! Maybe 'the other' Lady P will return with a new moniker

  27. At 06:15 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    I managed to catch almost all of the broadcast this evening (stuck in traffic trying to escape Oxford...).

    Eddie, when you next interview the lady in the BA story, could you ask her to clarify a few points?

    a) Has she been offered a different position within BA which would allow her to continue to wear her crucifix?
    b) Can she clarify how her wearing of the crucifix is an article of faith as opposed to an expression of faith?

    An article of faith, in the terms I mean it here, is a requirement to perform an act or wear certain garb as a part of the faith. As I understand her comments previously, she has seen wearing the crucifix as an expression of her faith. Whilst I have no problem at all with her faith, the fact that it is not an article of faith means that she is not being discriminated against on grounds of religious belief any more than if a Jehovahs' Witness were stopped from trying to hand out copies of the Watchtower as you were checking in. Much as I support her right to hold a religious belief that I may or may not believe in, I think that BA are right in saying she can't wear her crucifix. It is an item of jewelry, first and foremost, and their uniform rules for customer facing staff seem to be very clear...

  28. At 06:36 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    FF: I seem to recall reading that she was offered another post. I believe it was in admin, i.e. non-customer facing.

    It's encouraging that they're prepared to review their uniform policy. As I think I've already said elsewhere on the blog, when I taught, schools did allow children to wear a discreet cross (nothing fancy, mind) in deference to anyone who wanted to express their faith. As a child I remember wearing a cross myself, for exactly that reason. I feel differently these days (not un-Christian, just different) but do remember that, for a while, it was important to me. So I guess I respect the woman's wish to do this, and am also challenged that, as things stand, other faiths may wear items which make clear their own faith while Christians cannot.

    But I wouldn't want to go to war over it.

    Big kiss from Big Sis x

  29. At 06:37 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    She was, as I understand, offered another post

  30. At 06:50 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

    Respect FFred - cogently put

  31. At 06:52 PM on 24 Nov 2006, LadyPen (formerly Lady Penelope) wrote:

    FrancesO (26) - I've changed my name in deference to the newbie. I'm getting even more confused than everybody else at having been duplicated.

    :-(

    xx
    LadyPen

  32. At 07:23 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    O Francis [26] - Monica perhaps?

  33. At 08:46 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Belinda wrote:

    Was it a full moon tonight? First the spontaneous nose-bleeding and then the other guest who was disconnected. It was all handled very smoothly though Eddie, almost as though you were expecting both things to happen all along.

  34. At 09:46 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    FF (11), there is always wik*quote (where EM has an entry) for his "Golden Joystick" moment. Just tidied up the entry again, but not added anything...

    Eddie (15), how will we know the colleagues? Their nom de frog's are...?

  35. At 10:10 PM on 24 Nov 2006, Diana Welams wrote:

    I can't imagine Eddie having any bad habits or foibles. Still, I suppose he must be human, like the rest of us, so perhaps he does have a tinsy fault.
    Perhaps while he peruses the Financial Times he recites Victorian poetry in a whisper. "The Boy stood on the burning deck "... te tum te tum te tum? I know I'd find that terribly annoying.

  36. At 10:53 PM on 24 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Now where does one post something like this?

    When war started in Iraq, a generation of US women became involved as never before - in a wider-than-ever array of jobs, for long deployments, in a conflict with daily bloodshed. More than 155,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among their ranks are more than 16,000 single mothers, according to the Pentagon, a number that military experts say is unprecedented.

    Oh well, I'll just put it here.
    Back to the beach for another Mexican beer and a couple of enchiladas

    Cheers!
    ed

  37. At 12:30 AM on 25 Nov 2006, tomi wrote:

    Re Delius: I have to agree with Nick's comments. I once played in a performance of "The First Cuckoo in Spring" and the joke among members of the orchestra was that it didn't matter whether you played that or "Summer Night on the River" which was on the reverse side of the music sheet

  38. At 04:54 AM on 25 Nov 2006, eddie mair wrote:

    I think you'll find Titkos Mokus (17) is a colleague. That's not his real name. But I know who it is...(sinister laugh)

  39. At 06:17 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    I did assume that Titkos whatever was a friend or something, the proposition he put forward was too gross to be true. Perhaps he could try for a little subtlety? And perhaps that was too harsh at this time of the morning. Is the Monica an anagram?

    In relation to the wearing of a cross when in uniform, I do understand that these outward symbols are important when one is a teenager, Big Sis, but there were rules which were clear, and in any case you could argue that the cross hidden away may be a comfort? I don't know.

  40. At 09:54 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    Rosalind:

    I don't see that the age of the wearer is necessarily important, and in particular I think you've jumped to an assumption here about me.

    I know that the rules were clear, as did the woman in question, but there is an apparent inconsistency of approach perhaps, and I imagine that this is why BA are reviewing their uniform rules. Because a simple cross can be classified as jewellry, whereas a turban is dress, one may be worn while the other cannot.

    I don't really want to get into an argument over this as we are simply expressing our personal views on the matter. My view is that, because Christians do not have anything visible to express their faith other than the wearing of a cross, I personally think they should be allowed, if they wish, to do this. While not one myself, I have known over the years many Roman Catholics who have felt very strongly that they wish to wear a cross. I've also known non-Catholics who feel similarly. Yes, I take your point that these may be concealed under a uniform. However, the problem here comes down to the fact that other religions' 'identifiers' (if I may put it that way) are not so readily concealed.

    And I have to say that I agree with the view, expressed on this debate elsewhere, that the long heritage of this country is Christian. I have absolutely no problem or quarrel with any religion, I hasten to add. However, when I am in a country with, say, a Jewish, or a Muslim, or a Hindhu, etc., heritage, I will see that heritage reflected in its symbols on a daily basis. Whilst, as I've already said, I no longer wear a cross myself, I find it perfectly normal for others to do so.

    Hundreds of years ago people were put to death for expressing their religious beliefs in this country. It strikes me as very wrong that we are now making an issue out of the right of expression today.

    The alternative, I would suggest, is that we ban all religious symbols. But, somehow, I think that would not be acceptable either.

  41. At 09:57 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    Good heavens, Eddie - How can you imagine a sinister laugh at that time of the morning!

    BTW, are you off to another exotic wedding or something? Or are you an insomniac? I could send you some lovely herbal tea that might help .....

  42. At 10:17 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    andycr - that *did* occur to me... hee, hee... you clever thing

  43. At 10:36 AM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Re 37 - tomi - are you sure it wasn't just your orchestra's playing that made the pieces all sound the same? And that perhaps some people WERE playing the other piece by mistake? That could make for an interesting effect. I do agree with you (and Nick Clarke) on the whole about Delius though. The only piece I have any time for is The Walk to the Paradise Garden, which has the nearest thing he wrote to a tune. It's also quite short. Probably why it's his most popular piece.

    As for Eddie blogging at 4 34 am - I don't know what to think about that. Either a VERY late night, VERY early morning, or, as suggested, insomnia. Possibly a symptom of the same growing blog addiction that has a lot of us "just checking" at unearthly hours (I don't always manage to write anything, but I like to see what others have said)
    I was very late last night, had a concert in Grimsby - the whole orchestra ate fish & chips in the break. Pretty spectacular they were too. Long way to go for a takeaway though. And somehow the smell in the car on the way home seems to be remarkably persistent. Unless we actually lost a haddock fillet somewhere...

  44. At 11:00 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Oh - re titkos - I've just remembered that 'Hungarian translations' is Archers-speak for $ex.

    Hmmmm

  45. At 11:02 AM on 25 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    Big Sister,
    One difficulty may be that when is a religious symbol a religious symbol? And how big can the symbol be? I am sorry about the assumption. Taken from my own experience of course.

    It is interesting that all this comes up now, and that the religious profile everywhere has been so heightened.

    One reason why the eighteenth century was fairly low key on religion was because lessons were learnt from the ferocity of the Civil War in Britain, and the dethroning of James II. Although not in Ireland of course, but there were issues of nationality additionally there.

    Oops, I can see that I either have to write an essay on this because of the ramifications, or stop. So I will stop.

  46. At 11:55 AM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Eddie, you realise that by blogging so early, you're going to force us to keep checking the blog at unearthly hours, just to make sure we don't miss something. You can imagine the impact on the productivity of the nation!

  47. At 12:01 PM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Fellow froggers,

    For those with an unquenchable thirst for blogging, or just with an interest in the habitat for amphibians and other creatures, here's another place to visit.

    Yours Sincerely
    A Miserable Environmentalist

  48. At 12:37 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    Rosalind:

    I take all your points. And also that religion and war have over the centuries become synonymous at various stages.

    If you've time, m'dear, I suggest a quick drink at the Beach to celebrate difference and tolerance.

  49. At 02:31 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    Any time for a drink, and any time for difference, always excepting those who won't allow for difference. I used to teach in a very varied and 'multi cultural' London borough and always felt we should be allowed all the holidays. I wonder who remembers that the government took a week of our holidays and made it into so called training days?

    Anyway see you there.

    The weather must be better there, this morning a monsoon, this afternoon brilliant sunshine here.

    I fear I have missed a birthday, Ed's was on Buy Nothing Day which was yesterday, so very many happy returns Ed.

  50. At 02:53 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Please would someone post where I can hear the Nick Clarke clips? I can't face scrolling though the Beach to find which grain of sand it's under...

    Thanks

  51. At 03:49 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Big Sister wrote:

    Yes, Rosalind - I was a teacher at one time too so know what you mean .....

    I'm heading off for the big smoke soon, but enjoyed the drink with you

  52. At 04:05 PM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Rosalind, thank you, and it was/is today. My first day officially pensionable, and I have treated myself well.

    All I have 'bought/consumed today is some butter, pigmeat wheatbread, ketchup, petrol through my neighbour's quad bike as I checked his livestock (of which more later perhaps) and electricity for the digicam and computer and bandwidth and shoeleather and a little electric light....and peanuts and birdseed from the Global Market (for my friends, not myself!)

    It's hard to really buy nothing.

    See y'all on the beach.
    ³§±ôá¾±²Ô³Ù±ð

    Oh, and a little of a friend's homegrown.
    ed

  53. At 04:14 PM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Frances O,
    try
    /radio/aod/networks/radio4/aod.shtml?radio4/wato_thu
    and
    /radio/aod/networks/radio4/aod.shtml?radio4/pm_thu
    for the world at one thursday and PM thursday
    there was also this (last Word) on Friday
    /radio4/news/lastword.shtml
    isten at
    /radio/aod/radio4_aod.shtml?radio4/lastword

    Hope that helps. Have ye got a wee poyem?
    xx
    ed


  54. At 04:54 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Oooh, Ed, Happy Birthday and, if this is correct, co-latha breith sona dhuibh.

    Thanks. I'll get to work.

  55. At 06:03 PM on 25 Nov 2006, wrote:

    For a brief tour of my honorary stockman's rounds, follow
    to flicker...

    i hope it works.
    xx
    ed

  56. At 07:35 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    How lovely, Ed. I can see there is plenty to do.

    We are very lucky here in Britain. I live in a quietly beautiful area, E. Sussex, and walking the dog has made me even more appreciative now.

  57. At 07:44 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

    Happy birthday EdI
    I tried not to buy anything but failed. Books I'm afraid.
    Frances, you may find titkos, not only cowering under a stone, but masquerading as an anagram.

  58. At 08:05 PM on 25 Nov 2006, Valery P wrote:

    Ed I, Happy Birthday To You! Thank you for sharing the photos. There will be a wee dram over on the Beach for you, just on the corner of the bar.

  59. At 02:04 AM on 26 Nov 2006, RobbieJohnDo wrote:

    Right

    The drinks are on me at the New New Beach

    /blogs/pm/2006/08/woody.shtml

    but please bring a bottle

  60. At 07:06 AM on 26 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    Good morning. I am late, the puppy overslept.

    Robbie, is it me or is your last entry a little bit contradictory?

    But thank you for reminding us of that thread.

  61. At 08:40 AM on 26 Nov 2006, sophie wrote:

    Robbie, is that the beach? I thought there was a newer one.

    I would love to find it as there is the most amazing storm in London now with, I think, the longest role of thunder I have ever heard.

    Sorry to reopen the whole wearing a cross thing but ...
    Just to put this into context I'm an atheist and it seems to me that wearing a cross should be as allowed or disallowed as wearing a star of David. I grew up in St John's Wood which has a large Jewish community so most of my friends at school were Jewish. I now have a lot of Middle Eastern friends, not least because I did a masters at SOAS. I admit to not knowing a lot of Buddhists and am ashamed to admit I don't know if they have either a symbol or a type of clothing that is important to their faith but I do know quite a number of Hindus and Sieks (sorry, I’m dyslexic and my spell check is refusing to help out on that spelling).

    Any way, the point I would like to make is that banning any form of expression is pretty slippery slope stuff and should be very, very carefully thought about before actioning. One of the problems of this government is the amount of knee jerk legislation they have passed with, apparently, no thought for the ripple effect. I’m not a fan of any religion as it seems to me as an outsider that they have all done far more general harm then the many goods done in their names but I’m considerably more wary of infringements of personal expression and of freedom of speech.

    Sorry that is a bit heavy for a Sunday morning.

  62. At 09:00 AM on 26 Nov 2006, RobbieJohnDo wrote:

    Rosalind & Sophie

    Posts are nearing 600 on the New Beach which makes it difficult for those not on broadband to access it.
    The new location is The Wood that backs the original Dayone Beach.

    /blogs/pm/2006/08/woody.shtml

    I'm making breakfast there now.

  63. At 09:16 AM on 26 Nov 2006, marymary wrote:

    Sophie there is a more recent new beach, you can find it at /blogs/pm/2006/11/welcome_to_the_new_beach.shtml.

    However the tide is coming in fast and around 600 posts the beach will have to be evacuated.

    The woods are a sort of temporary home apparently for insomniacs or people working shifts.

    I tend to agree with your views on the whole religion cross wearing thing btw.

    Morning!

    Mary (just about to go to her own little wood for Sunday stroll)

  64. At 10:31 AM on 26 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Aunt D (58, but not looking a day over 40), I did wonder about (anag), but all those 't's and 'k's were daunting.

    Still, try these:

    Tat isms kook

    Tot skis amok

    Took its mask

    Masks it took

    Skim toast OK

    Tom's soak kit

    Mistook task

    Ma's tot kiosk

    Mass tit kook

    Skim ska toot

    I could go on...

    FROGGERS: Plese don't!

    OK.

    But I did enjoy the Magyar stuff

  65. At 10:36 AM on 26 Nov 2006, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

    Re the cross debate. You have all spoken sense and with conviction, but I am more and more reminded in this falling-over-backwards-to-make-sure-nobody-has a scintilla-of-disapproval-ness that
    'The meek shall inhibit the earth'

  66. At 11:02 AM on 26 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Oh Auntie, you're a subtle one.

  67. At 11:24 AM on 26 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Marymary,

    We've moved items to the woods (see

    /blogs/pm/2006/08/woody.shtml

    )

    It was the place we had scouted out before Eddie presented us with "the New Beach". I've already taken the Barbeque over to the woods, the bar/hut will be moved later - unless others take it over before I get back this evening. If you're quick, you can still catch the coffee and croissants.

  68. At 11:42 AM on 26 Nov 2006, gossipmistress wrote:

    Frances (43/65) - Mokus is also a word for 'Squirrel' in hungarian:

    ..so are we looking for a 'furtive undercover rat-with-a-tail' at the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳?

    (I really should be doing something more constructive on a sunday lunchtime!)

  69. At 12:17 PM on 26 Nov 2006, gossipmistress wrote:

    Apropos none of the above, has anyone else wondered what on earth the A&E staff thought when Alexander Litvenenko presented to them, around the time the new 'Bond' film came out, saying that he was a defected ex KGB agent who believed he had been poisoned by Vladimir Putin?

    "Just take a seat over there while we get the psychiatrist to come and have a chat with you...."

  70. At 12:24 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    gossipm, you are *clever*! My 'hungarian translation' attempt didn't come up with that.

    So - I think you're right. Come on, Eric, have a look on the frog even though it's Sunday. You know you want to!

  71. At 12:54 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Valery P wrote:

    Why can't we access Eric's Sunday Posting (bit of a Scottish in-joke there...)

  72. At 02:03 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Why can't we access Eric's Sunday Posting

    Cos it's torn up and in the toilet

  73. At 02:37 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Valery P wrote:

    Well, that's one use for it Frances O!

  74. At 03:50 PM on 26 Nov 2006, gossipmistress wrote:

    I missed the word 'fluffy' out of No 69 (not often I can say that)

    Frances - I wonder if Titkos will reveal himself, or is he too busy burying his nuts for winter......


  75. At 05:11 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Rosalind wrote:

    Just been to Jonnie's new website, www.pmblog.co.uk

    Great stuff, needs our input now.

  76. At 05:26 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Waah! I'm posting here because I can't get into Eddie's new frog. Error message. Can't listen live, either. Pah.

    Anyone else had trouble tonight? I'm going to do a quick disk spit n polish, anyway

  77. At 05:31 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Frances O wrote:

    Heee, hee, gossip, fluffy it is! (understood in yr post anyway)

    Now, Titkos, we've anagrammed you, we've translated you, stop mucking around with those nuts and, er, reveal yourself

  78. At 05:54 PM on 26 Nov 2006, gossipmistress wrote:

    Well said Frances! You tell that darned squirrel!

    Do you think he is red or grey? Cos if he's grey he's really vermin....

  79. At 06:33 PM on 26 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Plenty of food at the BBQ in the wee wood
    and some more
    at flicker

    Off to another birthday meal (and pint)
    Slainte
    ed

  80. At 06:51 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Aperitif wrote:

    Aunt Dahlia (66),

    Thanks - you've just reminded me of a secne from the very funny final episode of the first series of 'The Black Adder', which involves one of the gang shouting "Let's get those meek bastards!"

    I must watch that again sometime soon.

  81. At 11:37 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Valery P wrote:

    Your photos are inspiring Ed, loved the Flounder Legs x4 in New York. So and I had a holiday there about that time, might have been us in the cab passing behind you!

    Yours took me on to RDJ's new photos with the teetering monastery, and somehow I ended up on Jonnie's fantastic Blog Extra. What a lot of work J - well done!

  82. At 11:54 PM on 26 Nov 2006, Dr Hackenbush wrote:

    (81)
    I think I’ve only ever seen the original series once. Repeats were restricted by the 35-minute slot, or something? Should I be thinking that the lack of Ben Elton was a Good Thing?

  83. At 02:34 AM on 27 Nov 2006, Mr. I. Kew wrote:

    Respectful E. Muir
    arranged a responseless blog.
    "Keep Sunday special"

  84. At 09:48 AM on 27 Nov 2006, wrote:

    But if the comments still won't work

    today, does that mean

    "Monday is special too"?

  85. At 09:51 AM on 27 Nov 2006, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

    Here yesterday, gone tomorrow?

  86. At 11:42 AM on 27 Nov 2006, gossipmistress wrote:

    Annasee - looks like Tuesday as well at this rate!

    Richard the blog wizard - please conjure up a cure!

  87. At 11:58 AM on 27 Nov 2006, wrote:

    Well, Richard and/or Lissa seem to have cured it, as I've just been able comment on Eddies' Sunday frog...

  88. At 03:19 PM on 27 Nov 2006, Vyle Hernia wrote:

    Mr. I. Kew (84)

    All this time I imagined your name was short for Intelligence Kwotient. Was it Haiku instead? Oh, dear. Must be the CJD kicking-in. As George, our cheery knight of the road used to say, "It does that sometimes."

  89. At 10:01 PM on 27 Nov 2006, Aperitif wrote:

    Doc (83),

    In my humble opinion, yes.

  90. At 12:32 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Ah, this looks like the perfect place.

    'Small but growing' ... yes, I like that.

    Okay, I have put up the walls and ceiling, installed a bar and kitchens.

    Give me a minute and I'll get this fire going.

    Anyone else here yet??

    Fifi xx

  91. At 01:29 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    Fifi: I'm peeking round the door, but am not convinced ....

  92. At 01:48 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Yep! But I'm afraid I'm more interested in your wallpaper samples than serious conversation!

    Do you have a topic in mind?

  93. At 01:52 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Little weed wrote:

    Yes I'm here! Took me a while to find you!

    I'm small but growing...blame it on the Christmas over-indulgence but that is another story.

    Now what I'd like in here is a few big comfy sofas to settle into.

  94. At 02:01 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    No, Fifi, just you hun.

    (Adopts the pose of the penguins from Madagascar) I was never here...

  95. At 02:02 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Big Sister wrote:

    Fifi; Have posted here once, but I think there's a bloggage somewhere.

    If Eddie were able to get it sorted out, might it be better if there were a Signposts to the Pub type set up?

    I suppose, too, that this type of set up might suit a message board structure, with different threads = the tables/discussions.

    I'm concerned that we need the layout to be as unwieldy as possible. A messageboard could, presumably be linked to the Blog anyway, and the Blog Editor could put up a menu of what the current discussions are, in the way that the recent comments are updated.

    Probably better to attempt with a couple of items to begin with.

    I'll email you later on this as there's something I'd like to mention.

  96. At 02:15 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    * sound of mournful breeze, as tumbleweed rolls slowly past the open double-doors... *

  97. At 02:27 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Mrs Trellis wrote:

    Hi fifi. Do you need a hand moving in? Oh, I like what you have done with the place already. You have a good eye.
    I have had a fine old morning so far, I have answered you on the beach and had a jolly good rant on Twenty thousand.
    Fancy some lunch? I have some lovely Provancal Pate and crusty rolls with me.

  98. At 02:45 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Little Weed,

    And there was me thinking it was due to over-enthusiastic 'pruning'.

    xx
    ed

  99. At 02:59 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Anne P. wrote:

    Big Sister (96) did you really mean you want it to be 'unwieldy' ?

  100. At 03:27 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Belinda wrote:

    I'm ready with a paint-brush if you need any extra help.

  101. At 03:46 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    My only complaint about the whole PM "blog being a forum" concept is the time lag between posting and it appearing. I know it has to be moderated &c but, as a forum, it destroys the spontenaity (sp).

    But the fire looks cosy and I could do with a fit of the giggles right now.

  102. At 03:49 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Now we need a serious discussion

    Ideas ?

  103. At 05:04 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Anne P. wrote:

    Jonnie (103) there seems to be one about climate change starting on 'Broken Links' . Not sure if it can be re-directed here.

  104. At 06:04 PM on 10 Jan 2007, LadyPen wrote:

    Fifi (and Lord Mair and NewLissa) - I'm a little bit concerned that, if The Furrowed Brow takes off, there'll just be one more place I won't be able to find owing to lack of signposts. And possibly that - as others have mentioned - there'll simply be too many interesting threads to keep track of. (Of which to keep track . . . Other sentence constructions are available.)

    I'm struggling as it is and I feel as if I'm losing contact with people's thoughts, ideas and concerns simply because I can't remember where they mentioned them :-( And the traffic's increasing all the time as new people join in (which is lovely) . . .

    Superbrain RJD may be able to remember where an idea was first mooted, but then he's a
    genius.

    :-)

    Do we maybe need to think about simplifying rather than complicateyfying? Or perhaps we should all just start up a commune and move in together?

    :-)

    xx
    LadyPen


  105. At 06:27 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Little weed wrote:

    Ed (99)

    I could do with re-potting.

    Little Weed

  106. At 07:04 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Little Weed (106) it may only be class C and decriminialised but we can't condone that sort of thing in here. If anyone asks, it's the petulli oil, okay?

  107. At 07:17 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Jason,

    I'm sure I've no idea what you're talking about, and it's patchouli, anyway.

    xx
    ed

  108. At 07:53 PM on 10 Jan 2007, Aunt Dahlia wrote:

    Mmmmm
    I just love smoking patchouli......
    (Puhleeeeze don't give me a recipe!)

  109. At 08:19 PM on 10 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Jason if you're talking about what I think you're talking about then it hasn't been decriminalised. It's been declassified. A pointless exercise is nothing on the part of the government. Oh and the maximum penalty for supplying it has increased! Mmmm!

    Mary

  110. At 10:11 AM on 11 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Ah, goodygoodygoody, you found the place! I'm glad you all brought the furniture .. we can shift it around later if we like .. and at last the fire is going and the walls are covered. I've brought a few house plants (not 'pot' plants, for that would be naughty!) and Daisy has adopted the wicker chair near the fireplace.

    Here are some suggestions for the first few discussions this week:

    Table A: name for this place

    Table B: design suggestions for it

    Table C: ending Iraq war by sending in 20k more US soldiers ... duhh?

    Fifi

  111. At 11:43 AM on 11 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Table D: Twenty per centers

    Here, at the risk of sounding like Ed Iglehart (never!), is a link to a thought provoking website

    ... the early part you will find familiar but towards the end I found my thoughts being definitely provoked.

    Fifi

  112. At 12:12 PM on 11 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Table C: ending Iraq war by sending in 20k more US soldiers


    Is it me? The last thing Iraq needs right now is MORE US soldiers! Just about anyone else's might be able to sort things out ... but not theirs.

    However skilled/brave/highly trained those personnel might be, the perception is that the USA is the problem. Ergo, the USA IS the problem. Deal with it.

    Or am I completely mistaken? Please someone enlighten me.

    Fifi

  113. At 12:16 PM on 11 Jan 2007, Little Weed wrote:

    Nice to have a little more foliage around the place.

    You could always call it the Conservatory, then I'd feel quite at home with the other house plants.

  114. At 12:22 PM on 11 Jan 2007, Little Weed wrote:

    FiFi (112)
    Thanks for posting that link.
    I wasn't particularly familiar with the earlier part so found the whole thing thought provoking. I guess we find it so "normal" to have the advantages we do that we don't think too much about the "rest"
    Are there only 1% of the globe's population with Higher education? that suprised me.
    As did 2% near birth. I would have put that figure higher, although I know that many under 5 years old in the developing world don't reach their 6th birthday.
    We are very privilaged.
    Little Weed

  115. At 01:10 PM on 11 Jan 2007, RJD wrote:

    Table C

    Is there no-one advising Bush that has every read a history book? Is there no-one that can even remember the Vietnam War?

    Problem - The place is on fire.
    Solution - Throw some oil on it!

    Cynic that I am, I suspect that the oil in Iraq is probably more than half the reason for the USA being there in the first place.


  116. At 01:18 PM on 11 Jan 2007, RJD wrote:

    Table A

    I know that it is bad manners to leave one table when a discussion is ongoing and move elsewhere but I just wanted to say that I think "The Furrowed Brow" was an excellent suggestion.

    Don't ask me why but the "The Burrowed Frow" also appeals!

  117. At 02:04 PM on 11 Jan 2007, RJD wrote:

    Strange, strange, strange.

    Post to Table A gets through PDQ. Earlier, non malicious, albeit uncomplimentrary to USA, post to Table C not yet appeared. Where are the moderators based?

  118. At 02:45 PM on 11 Jan 2007, admin annie wrote:

    well I've made it. And very nice it's looking too Fifi for somewhere that isn't yet complete.Well done.

    I said ages ago that multiple - hey my newsletter just arrived - threads per day were doing my head in and making things too complicated, although at the time I was in a minority of 1.

    My preference, for what it is worth, would be the beach for frivolity plus personal supportive things like wanting virtual hugs when you have a row, get the sack, lose a parent etc. And for asking about wedding music obviously!

    An originating post from Eddie, one per day and any further comments from him to be on that thread.

    The Furrowed Brow, once it's up and running for serious stuff. Don't see why that shouldn't carry multiple topics per day, if there are only 3 places to check. I'm just a tad worried that this thread might get a bit overwhelmed by two issues that keep coming up over and over again, and I feel we should somehow ensure that we don't get bogged down just talking about the Middle east and Climate change. I appreciate these are important topics, but they are not the only topics worthy of discussion.

    The slight flaw in this plan is of course obvious, sometimes Eddie's daily post is quite late. Sometimes it's very early but sometimes it's well past lunchtime. But surely we could get round that if we put our little green heads together.Or if someone battered their eyelashes at the NBP.

  119. At 03:48 PM on 11 Jan 2007, admin annie wrote:

    well it looks like this is the only place accepting my posts at present. I did one for today's thread, one for the beach and one for here in that order at about half past two. and this is the only one that has appeared sadly.

  120. At 05:02 PM on 11 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Hi folks,

    Table A: What's in a name?
    Table C: War games. It ain't just Iraq - only a symptom. The new strategy seems to try and hold out until the end of his presidency and leave the next lot (most likely the democrat 'enemies') to clean up the mess. Sort of a reversal on the normal, e.g. WWII and Vietnam. of course, the deals for control of oil by the megacorporations are already fairly well cemented in place, and there will still be loads of moolah to be had in rebuilding what we've blown to smithereens, using - guess what? - oil revenues. So we destroy their country and then help them to pay for rebuilding it with their own resources...and then there's Iran, and -don't mention the pachyderm - Palestine.

    Table D: Thanks, Fifi, for the namecheck.
    Your resident eco/socialjustice-grump

    Table D: A side-dish? Thanks, Deepthought, for the Fiore furore. blast from the past. And there's this
    as well.
    xx
    ed
    Thursday January 11, 2007 at 17:03:27 GMT

  121. At 05:22 PM on 11 Jan 2007, wrote:

    O, and Little Weed,

    I certainly wouldn't call you "Class C". Definitely First Class! Harrrrumpfh!

    xx
    ed
    Thursday January 11, 2007 at 17:26:53 GMT

  122. At 09:43 PM on 12 Jan 2007, wrote:

    Well, that's that then. The Furrowed Brow is officially open for serious discussion, and already it's going like a fair!

    Well done, froggers. Another organically grown development on our way to leading the world in bloggery.

    We are the best!!!!

    Fifi xx

  123. At 11:27 AM on 16 Mar 2007, wrote:

    Hi Bill n Ben, welcome to the new Cell!

    Fifi xx

  124. At 01:28 PM on 16 Mar 2007, wrote:

    I have put a secret stash of Big Sister's meat-free chilli in the fridge - a couple of mins in the microwave and it'll be perfect.

    The rest of the fridge is of course packed with Liffey water.

    ;o)

    Fifi

  125. At 03:40 PM on 16 Mar 2007, wrote:

    Oh Goody! Liffey Water! Thanks Fifi, if you ever see this post as I'm in some sort of moderation limbo. ;-(
    xx
    ed
    Friday March 16, 2007 at 15:42:22 GMT

  126. At 05:11 PM on 16 Mar 2007, wrote:

    I thought you might sniff out the Liffey, Ed!

    You have been very quiet lately, I notice.
    Not from choice, I guess.

    :o(

    Fifi

  127. At 08:17 PM on 16 Mar 2007, Bill'n'Ben wrote:

    Allo Fifi and any udder lurkers. ( imagine stupid French Allo Allo accent).

    I weeel 'ave just ze wee drop of le Water de Liffey.

    I 'ave noticed that your walls are not as padded as my old cell. Why did they 'ave to close it down.

    I'll be staying away from la beach for a leettle bit longer, and Fifi, I promise that when my 'ead is aleettle bit straighter I'll email you, Mark and Val.

    Time for a leettle sip and a curl up.

    B'n'B

  128. At 02:34 PM on 17 Mar 2007, Bill'n'Ben wrote:

    Well I left a post here last night with a stupid french accent, and guess what, its been moderated.

    I just can't win.

    Tataa

  129. At 02:49 PM on 17 Mar 2007, wrote:

    Bill n Ben, you appear to have shamed the pixies into letting your original posting through.

    Hurrah!

    You're right about the padding: inferior stuff I'm afraid. Had I known we were to be evicted I'd have had the original padding out of there and re-used it. :o)

    However I'm hoping to knit something better out of the stray Fifi-hair and Daisy-T-Cat-hair that seems to grow on every surface in my house.

    The colour will be a bit odd, especially now I'm going grey at last, but it will certainly be better than what we've got.

    See you around; you know where to find me if you fancy a chat. Or a moan. Or a drinking session......

    Fifi

  130. At 11:16 AM on 05 Apr 2007, wrote:

    Feeling gloomy today. Looks like our feral feline may have finally popped his clogs.

    Think I'll just sit here for a bit and brood in isolation.

    WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

    Fifi

  131. At 06:14 PM on 03 May 2007, wrote:


    * sound of wind blowing *


    * tumbleweed rolls slowly across floor *


    Good job I wanted to be alone!

    Fifi

  132. At 09:59 PM on 23 Jun 2007, Bill'n'Ben wrote:

    Fifi,

    The wind still blows.

    The tumble weed still rolls, but I'm certain I herd the start of a tune by Moricconi.

    I'm lurking.

    B'n'B

  133. At 08:32 PM on 15 Jul 2007, wrote:

    Ah, that's good to know B 'n' B.

    I won't even be lurking for this next week. Family health trouble is taking me up to Scotland tomorrow, and for 2 weeks after that I'm working away from home.

    Hope you are keeping OK though.

    Fifi :o)

  134. At 03:22 PM on 30 Aug 2007, wrote:

    * Lurk, lurk, lurk... *

    Fifi ;o)

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