THE BRITISH THREAD II

On BBC News 24 the newsreaders were trying hard to stifle a grin all day. There was a guy from Edinburgh University saying how Farage had screwed up big time. A (supposedly) democratic politician hounded off the streets and called a Fascist despite all his efforts (PR wise) to rid his party of racists is something that could be spun to give Farage a semblance of dignity.

Instead he calls his opponents Fascists in return, accuses the BBC of race hate towards the English, and picks a fight with the SNP, when most of his hecklers were Scottish Socialists and not members of the SNP at all. Farage had the opportunity to look statesmanlike, instead he ended up looking like a dickhead.

Oh, good! I'm back, briefly, for Christmas!

They were friendly when I was there (also briefly) last year. I got free medical care and prescription drugs - just because he sun was shining (they said!). Although, from my previous experience, I have to say that seeing the sun, and blue sky, was indeed a novel experience for Scotland. No wonder they were in a good mood!

...dd

bump... (see, I've got the idea)

bump again

I got my figures in a twist before. At the local elections, UKIP went up from 9% to 18% of the vote. At the same time, the percentage of poll responders in favour of leaving the EU went down from 51% to 43%*. And it was El País not El Mundo.

* In other words, the UKIP success was a protest vote. One where voters can register discontent with the governing party without dangerous consequences. We can't really say Farage has blown it, because he had nothing to blow. Everybody knew he was a prick already, and for a protest voter - I suggest = that is part of his attraction.

He certainly appeals to swivel eyed loons across the political spectrum.

You're in good form today, Izzy!

Just had to post this link - found it on the dog thread - just HAD to be a Newcastle pub!!!

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-pub-sells-beer-dogs-1342861

Good for dog friendly pubs anywhere and everywhere!

Thanks Pet.

Do you think Phil Thompson's wife dare watch her husband perform on Gillette Soccer Special?

I really enjoy it, I liked the bloopers round up they did at half time.

I know absolutely nothing about Phil Thompson's domestics and wouldn't want to speculate either way.

I know nothing either about PT's personal life. I assume he is married because he looks like a married man.

There's a new bit of the Manchester Metrolink opened this morning, and I travelled on it from East Didsbury to St Werburgh's Road in order to go to an event of the Chorlton Arts Festival at St Werburgh's Church, the Ellesmere String Quartet playing works by Beethoven and Vaughan Williams.
It was quite well attended, and very well performed. And we got a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Well that response was really underwhelming. Not everyone is familiar with the chamber music of Vaughan Williams, pity. The Lark Ascending and the Tallis Fantasia are not the sum total. Good stuff.

I'm sorry Taggers, but I didn't respond because I didn't feel like saying what I felt about your post concerning your daily doings.

I did toy with the idea of offering some very gracious compliments to your artistic tastes, and your good fortune in being able to indulge them so conveniently but it struck me you would know I was taking the piss.

Were there any Penelope Keith types to chat up over the tea and biscuit?

Didn't know you were waiting for a response! I like The Lark Ascending, and the Tallis Fantasia! But I take your point. Here's one I like a lot, the Wasps -

For what it's worth: a German team will loose at last in Wembley!

Your teams were a credit Walt.

You might be surprised about the "types" who show up, no one type discernable. My pal is an ex-army bandsman who arranges big band jazz as a hobby and plays trombone.

I think Penelope Keith likes Andre Rieu and James Last.