THE BRITISH THREAD

At university (of all places) I was asked by someone if I'd like to be a mason. He wasn't a bad bloke but a bit stuck-up and I wasn't keen to be part so I asked him a basic question:

Pete: "Are there any requirements for membership"

McTrouserWizard: "None, really, you just have to believe in one god"

Pete: "Sorry, that counts me out"

I had no idea it would be so easy to avoid without insult...

However, secret societies which are widely reputed to involve professional mutual back-scratching are not of any appeal to me. I'd rather be dealt with purely on demonstrable merits in each instance.

KP

Meanwhile, in international news

from the front page of today's Gruaniad

at which point I was unable to read what de Cock said about circumcision

Did de Cock make you laugh out loud?

I was rushing earlier on Steve, I should have written a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory.

I, like Pete mentioned was approached to join many moons back, I consequently found out as much as I could about the fraternity, which wasn't a great deal. They don't give too many secrets away, if any at all. It does go much deeper than the average person would ever realise though, it would appear to be harmless society of men. There are womens lodges as well, just how much they are aware of the secrets of free masonry though, I have no idea. I do know any male being introduced to the order has to bare his chest, or one side of his chest. Apparently (so the story relates) a woman did try to gain admission to a lodge by posing as a male. Adolf Hitler banned the same in his 'New Germany'

There have over the years been many accusations stating the brotherhood was nothing more than a police society, to regulate favourable promotion to members from the force. I suppose that could be possible.

Numerous people over the years have accused the fraternity of being involved in Witchcraft or Devil Worship. I think not.


There are also many books written on the subject by ex-masons I believe, giving away the secrets, of the funny handshakes and other signs or signals. I suppose the trappings of cash against their pledge of secrecy was beneficial to them. There are also numerous masonic jewelry items, rings, lapel badges, cuff-links and the like. Oh yes and a masonic ball, which is normally gold on the outside, opening up to show various signs and symbols which one has no real idea as to what they represent, unless he be a Free Mason.

The foundation of the society rests on the building of King Solomons Temple I believe.

Penty Queen mentioned hatred towards them, I have never heard of anybody actually hating The Society, it is possible I suppose, but that is life. I don't have time for religous freaks of any form, but I certainly do not hate them.

At least they don't do knock a door run around here, like the Mormons and Jehovas Witness brigade.

I saw that report this morning, and thought that it would be wonderful if someone had made a typo at the right place and spelt it "ed", instead of "de", also missing out a space.

Then you would read a report on circumcision by Doctored Cock.

He could have been christened Dick de Cock.

Or Nick de Cock, as a circumcision practitioner.

I must admit that I don't get that joke.

Sarah, please explain this joke to Walter.

Apparently Heathrow is going to be expanding even further. A sixth terminal and an additional runway.

Seven hundred homes and a 900 year old church are to be bulldozed to make room for the same.

In order to compensate for the additional damage to the environment by cars and taxis entering and leaving the airport, the government intend charging each vehicle a £5. toll each way..

You couldn't make it up.

Perhaps "Phillip."


Phil de Cock

Philip De Cock owned a glas fabrication in 18th century Brugges and was relatively famous due to the social advantages his workers got.

Walter you havent got time to comment on Brugges glass-works. You are supposed to be reading the Stevens report. Its 832 pages and I bet you haven't started yet.

Could have been Walter's cousin, of course, Helmut de Cock.

Belle N. de Cock

(Natalie)

I had the radio droning in my sleep-infested ear at a quarter to seven this morning when they had this item on - with an interview of Mr de Cock. I can't think how the interviewer kept a straight face!

Elmer Clancy de Cock. (American)

Nicknamed "Yank".

Clark W. de Cock

Goes by the nickname "Spanky."

Ben de Cock.