The observation and asides thread

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 4:45 am

I'm hoping this clip from FaceBook works...

http://video-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo ... 4?efg=eyJy bHIiOjMwMCwicmxhIjo1MTJ9&rl=300&vabr=166&oh=f35a7a1e599f767eb842d4c227ce7252&oe=55EEF2E6

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:08 am

He knows the tune alright and has the passion, but I wish there had been subtitles.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Tue Sep 08, 2015 6:02 am

Bruv;1485901 wrote: He knows the tune alright and has the passion, but I wish there had been subtitles.

When you already know the words, you can make them out. It's the dynamics he puts into it that is truly impressive - the crescendos & the diminuendos in all the right places, as well as all the actions - and all that with a broken arm as well.

I've been with several choirs that have done that piece, and most of them have had problems remembering the words as half as well as he does.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 6:49 am

I have noticed of late when viewing TV (where else Spot ?) that people start talking with a questioning "So" followed by a pause..........it might just be me of course.......it has started to annoy me.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 12:52 pm

Bruv;1487183 wrote: I have noticed of late when viewing TV (where else Spot ?) that people start talking with a questioning "So" followed by a pause..........it might just be me of course.......it has started to annoy me.

So is a linguistic filler like um, err, ah, basically, like, etc. It is used when the person wants to talk but the brain isn't providing content fast enough. Reagan used to answer all questions with "Well..." and a pause. Obama uses "Look..." and a pause. Interestingly, each language has its own set of linguistic filler words.

Post by **spot** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 1:24 pm

Bruv;1487183 wrote: I have noticed of late when viewing TV (where else Spot ?) that people start talking with a questioning "So" followed by a pause..........it might just be me of course.......it has started to annoy me.

I'm delighted someone else has noticed and commented, though I'm exposed more on Radio 4. I have a suspicion these people are actually taught to do it. Interviews with scientists, for some reason, can produce a So at the start of every single answer to the interviewer.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 1:47 pm

So.........Thank heavens it's not just me then.

There was the Australian inflection some time ago that drove me mad.

Now this, never thought I was so sensitive.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 2:22 pm

So, why are Americans so goddamn loud everywhere I go. In the bar the other night there was a group of lads boasting they had a particular make of phone, they then decided that only stupid idiots have an iPhone. On the train yesterday a good four tables behind me I could hear an American droning on about how wonderful Greece was, thank god for headphones! Then today on the bus there was another American lady pouting at the fact that last night they had decided to go on a vaporetto but by this morning all but her had changed their minds, whine whine whine. Argghhhh :wah:

I spotted an American bar earlier, I'll give that one a wide berth :wah:

Just turn the volume down please guys! Not all your fellow travellers want to hear you.

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 2:26 pm

Betty Boop;1487538 wrote: So, why are Americans so goddamn loud everywhere I go. In the bar the other night there was a group of lads boasting they had a particular make of phone, they then decided that only stupid idiots have an iPhone. On the train yesterday a good four tables behind me I could hear an American droning on about how wonderful Greece was, thank god for headphones! Then today on the bus there was another American lady pouting at the fact that last night they had decided to go on a vaporetto but by this morning all but her had changed their minds, whine whine whine. Argghhhh :wah:

I spotted an American bar earlier, I'll give that one a wide berth :wah:

Just turn the volume down please guys! Not all your fellow travellers want to hear you.

lol. Betty, Americans are that kind of people. We've been loud and gregarious since we founded the country. Telling us to be quiet is similar to telling Australians to settle down. Or telling the Japanese not to be so polite. Or telling Germans not to be so serious. Or telling the French not to be condescending.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 2:51 pm

Saint_;1487539 wrote: lol. Betty, Americans are that kind of people. We've been loud and gregarious since we founded the country. Telling us to be quiet is similar to telling Australians to settle down. Or telling the Japanese not to be so polite. Or telling Germans not to be so serious. Or telling the French not to be condescending.

Ouch !!!

Or telling the English not to be superior ?

Post by **Betty Boop** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 3:11 pm

Saint_;1487539 wrote: lol. Betty, Americans are that kind of people. We've been loud and gregarious since we founded the country. Telling us to be quiet is similar to telling Australians to settle down. Or telling the Japanese not to be so polite. Or telling Germans not to be so serious. Or telling the French not to be condescending.

I wouldn't tell any of the other lot anything, they are not invading my ears

. Germans, serious lol my ex did in law is mad as a hatter, no seriousness there, she's brilliant.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:20 am

Betty Boop;1487546 wrote: I wouldn't tell any of the other lot anything, they are not invading my ears

. Germans, serious lol my ex did in law is mad as a hatter, no seriousness there, she's brilliant.

OK.......so where are you now ?

Post by **spot** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:22 am

Sounds a lot like Margate, I thought.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 11:18 am

For now I am in mestre near Venice. Venice is stunning.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 2:27 pm

What?? Betty, I couldn't hear what you said. Speak Louder please!!

:yh_flag :yh_tong2 :yh_flag

Post by **Betty Boop** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:44 pm

All quiet today in Padova, no noisy people. Headed to Meta near Sorrento tomorrow.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 2:36 pm

Betty Boop;1487575 wrote: All quiet today in Padova, no noisy people. Headed to Meta near Sorrento tomorrow.

Have you taken a job as a Holiday rep or something ?

Was only last week you were fending off blokes with enticing eyebrows in Bulgaria.......or something like that......if my memory serves me right.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 2:55 pm

Bruv;1487542 wrote: Ouch !!!

Or telling the English not to be superior ?
That's not really fair. That's like telling water not to be wet. I has to be wet because it IS wet. That's why we have to be superior.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 3:26 pm

Bruv;1487577 wrote: Have you taken a job as a Holiday rep or something ?

Was only last week you were fending off blokes with enticing eyebrows in Bulgaria.......or something like that......if my memory serves me right.

Lol took my daughter to Bulgaria around six weeks ago.

This trip is a 'grand tour' of Italy with my big brother to celebrate his turning sixty this year. Cheap flights, cheap https://www.airbnb.com/?af=43720035&c=A ... FgodEbcJxA cheap pre-booked high speed trains :driving:

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:15 am

FourPart;1487579 wrote: That's not really fair. That's like telling water not to be wet. I has to be wet because it IS wet. That's why we have to be superior.

I was waiting for somebody to bite, so I could say something similar.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 5:24 am

Betty Boop;1487581 wrote: Lol took my daughter to Bulgaria around six weeks ago.

This trip is a 'grand tour' of Italy with my big brother to celebrate his turning sixty this year.

Grand Tour..............indeed, thought that was for the upper classes, we shall have to call you madam soon.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 2:59 pm

Bruv;1487590 wrote: Grand Tour..............indeed, thought that was for the upper classes, we shall have to call you madam soon.

Just a curtsy will be fine :sneaky:

The last leg of the journey was far from pleasant. Overall the high speed trains in Italy are fantastic and cheap when you pre-book, we had an upgrade to premium today, loads of leg room and not such a busy carriage, free newspaper and complimentary mouthful of coffee or wine. The move to the local railway was a nightmare in comparison, an hour stood on a packed in like sardines train! Imagine London underground at peak times but far worse!

Torrential rain, thunder and lightning this evening but still warm.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 4:13 pm

Oh no!

https://www.google.it/search?q=meta+wea ... e&ie=UTF-8

We're going to have to go buy waterproofs and shoes lol

Post by **spot** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 11:59 pm

Don't hide under trees, either. That sort of thunder is the BOOM sort, with lots of bright light and Apocalypse Now effects.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 5:40 am

Betty Boop;1487598 wrote: Imagine London underground at peak times but far worse!

Oily eyties reeking of garlic and sardines ?

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Oct 19, 2015 2:25 pm

Bruv;1487605 wrote: Oily eyties reeking of garlic and sardines ?

Something like that...

In Rome now, fly back on Wednesday afternoon.

I'm really not bothered by Sorrento, it just doesn't float my boat. Although Herculaneum was brilliant, very interesting and bad weather stopped us heading up Mount Vesuvius

I'll happily head back to Venice anytime.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Oct 19, 2015 3:47 pm

Betty Boop;1487757 wrote: I'm really not bothered by Sorrento

No class..........

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Oct 19, 2015 11:29 pm

Bruv;1487766 wrote: No class..........

Lol evidently not. Think my issue is I live amongst stunning coastline, I found the harbour area very nice where the fishermen were stood mending nets.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 1:20 pm

Bloody shower curtains. What are they all about ?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 3:01 pm

Snowfire;1488463 wrote: Bloody shower curtains. What are they all about ?

You been watching Psycho again ?

Post by **spot** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 3:32 pm

I had to look them up, I had no idea they existed. Why would one hang polythene across the entrance to one's shower? Surely it would cling.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 4:15 pm

Snowfire;1488463 wrote: Bloody shower curtains. What are they all about ?

Indeed, they stick to you, people never leave them open to dry off and air and they turn black and pink. The stiff plastic ones are the worst, the more expensive almost like normal material ones are best, they can at least go through the washing machine now and again.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 1:04 am

Betty Boop;1488497 wrote: Indeed, they stick to you, people never leave them open to dry off and air and they turn black and pink. The stiff plastic ones are the worst, the more expensive almost like normal material ones are best, they can at least go through the washing machine now and again.
Mine are nylon material. Being in an extremely hard water area, it's true, the do end up going stiff after a while but, as you say, it's no problem to put them in the machine now & then.

As for why anyone would use them - living in a cosy little 1 bedroomed flat, I don't have room for massive en suite facilities with a separate shower unit with glass doors - my shower is in my bath. Without the curtain the floor would get soaked. I do, however, only use the curtain along the side, even though it can go all around, as the water jets don't reach that far.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 1:24 pm

spot;1488495 wrote: Surely it would cling.

Precisely !

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:53 am

The latest word to wind me up is 'Challenge' in it's various guises.

It would appear that drunks in A and E give the medical staff extra challenges.

Badly behaved children throwing tantrums in supermarkets have challenging behaviour.

So.....when did aggression, bad manners, drunkenness, learning problems, and mental illness all get put in the same basket ?

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 11:03 am

Bruv;1494451 wrote:

So.....when did aggression, bad manners, drunkenness, learning problems, and mental illness all get put in the same basket ?

Sorry. That question is too challenging for me to answer.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 1:14 pm

Saint_;1494452 wrote: Sorry. That question is too challenging for me to answer.

Exactly

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 3:58 pm

Bruv;1494451 wrote: The latest word to wind me up is 'Challenge' in it's various guises.

It would appear that drunks in A and E give the medical staff extra challenges.

Badly behaved children throwing tantrums in supermarkets have challenging behaviour.

So.....when did aggression, bad manners, drunkenness, learning problems, and mental illness all get put in the same basket ?

Simple enough. Any and/or all of that stuff would be a challenge to an individual to deal with.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Sat Apr 09, 2016 5:20 pm

I think it started around the time when the condition commonly known as being a spoilt brat became known as ADHD.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 4:23 am

LarsMac;1494457 wrote: Simple enough. Any and/or all of that stuff would be a challenge to an individual to deal with.

Yes but you are an American.............you are used to euphemisms to candy coat the world.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 7:38 am

Bruv;1494465 wrote: Yes but you are an American.............you are used to euphemisms to candy coat the world.

Well, yeah. It is definitely more polite than saying "That's Fu@&ed up!" all the time.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 6:13 am

LarsMac;1494473 wrote: Well, yeah. It is definitely more polite than saying "That's Fu@&ed up!" all the time.

Just as wrong using that epithet to cover everything as the other.

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 7:09 am

Bruv;1494517 wrote: Just as wrong using that epithet to cover everything as the other.

Perhaps, but to come up with something more creative, all the time would be a Challenge.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 8:10 am

What annoys me a little is using 'challenged' to describe a particular impediment or short-coming. For example Visually Challenged (blind or very short-sighted), Folically Challenged (Bald head, or thinning hair), Vertically Challenged (short in stature ) etc. all designed to be more politically correct ! Such a load of rubbish really ! :-5

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 8:58 am

G#Gill;1494522 wrote: What annoys me a little is using 'challenged' to describe a particular impediment or short-coming. For example Visually Challenged (blind or very short-sighted), Folically Challenged (Bald head, or thinning hair), Vertically Challenged (short in stature ) etc. all designed to be more politically correct ! Such a load of rubbish really ! :-5

Those are generally intended more as injecting a little humor and a poke at PC, rather than an attempt at being PC. But then that may not be so obvious to those who may be humor challenged.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Apr 11, 2016 12:10 pm

LarsMac;1494529 wrote: But then that may not be so obvious to those who may be humor challenged.

It's humour..................and I refute the allegation.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 3:40 pm

I guess I'm Wealth Challenged.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun May 08, 2016 4:04 am

The new buzz word for your girlfriend, wife, husband, boyfriend, business colleague, golf playing mate etc.etc. is "Partner"

This irritates me, can't get what is wrong with girlfriend etc. etc. ?

Now to compound my chagrin, the people that started that trend, gay partnerships, have now started using the gender specific husband and wife.

Twice in the last couple of days, I have seen a female celebrity speak of her wife, and a male speak of his husband.

Now I am old fashioned, but I am being silly ?

Post by **spot** » Sun May 08, 2016 4:22 am

Bruv;1495576 wrote: This irritates me, can't get what is wrong with girlfriend It's demeaning. How does this I'm a "man" and my significant other is a "girl" thing perpetuate itself? What turns "boy" and "woman" into equivalent insults? Where's the gender balance? If I went into a pub and used different forms of address...

"Hey, man" - "hey yourself dude, how's it hanging?" vs "Hey, boy" - thump.

"Hey, girl" - "I'll have a Bacardi and Coke" vs "Hey, woman" - slap.

What we need are more gender-neutral age-neutral terms. I'm sure they exist already.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun May 08, 2016 6:46 am

spot;1495580 wrote: It's demeaning. How does this I'm a "man" and my significant other is a "girl" thing perpetuate itself? What turns "boy" and "woman" into equivalent insults? Where's the gender balance? If I went into a pub and used different forms of address...

"Hey, man" - "hey yourself dude, how's it hanging?" vs "Hey, boy" - thump.

"Hey, girl" - "I'll have a Bacardi and Coke" vs "Hey, woman" - slap.

What we need are more gender-neutral age-neutral terms. I'm sure they exist already.

OK then.................not a lot to do with what I was talking about, but I get your drift.