Election Year or Fear!

[Andy_Faber]

That rather depends upon what you consider a reasoned response! The personal criticism has generally been when either you or GP has made some petty observation to a post of mine, rather than providing an objective response. Why are you surprised when such a response gets a sharp retort?

In any case, your usual modus operandi is to selectively reply and then disappear when that's comprehensively shown to be total *******s! I mean there is only so much tosh obviously regurgitated from dubious sources that one can read before assuming that there the person doing that has a clear lack of cognitive ability.

I have tried to a ask a question in a polite way and received no response, as has RA, equally frustrating.

You?re doing it again Swale?

You clearly don?t have a lawn to mow?

[SithHappens]

In other news, rumours of trumps demise having not been seen since Tuesday proved to be unfounded. The latest rumour of farages demise as he hasn't been seen on the BBC since 6.30pm are thought to be premature.

[ramAnag]

You?re doing it again Swale?

Seriously? It’s what you do, Andy. You put people on the spot to ask very direct questions, usually saying something like ‘genuine question, not a trap’…and there’s nothing wrong with that, but you never answer when the same is returned to you. Swale is right, it is frustrating…and oddly evasive.

[Andy_Faber]

Seriously? It’s what you do, Andy. You put people on the spot to ask very direct questions, usually saying something like ‘genuine question, not a trap’…and there’s nothing wrong with that, but you never answer when the same is returned to you. Swale is right, it is frustrating…and oddly evasive.

Get used to it rA. Mac is right, we should have better things to do than score silly irrelevant points of one another. I'll discuss any points I make with with those with open minds but I've insufficient time to argue with the blinkered

[ramAnag]

Get used to it rA. Mac is right, we should have better things to do than score silly irrelevant points of one another. I'll discuss any points I make with with those with open minds but I've insufficient time to argue with the blinkered

C’mon AF, please don’t try and hide behind mac. He’s a sensible, worldly chap who I completely respect and his objection is, quite reasonably, to acrimonious personal fall outs, not debate and the seeking of opinions. It is a forum after all.

The problem is, it seems to me, when you ask questions of others that’s all fine and dandy, but when you are asked specific questions about your opinions you immediately come up with excuses.

You’ve asked questions of me…I’ve answered. You’ve asked questions of Sith…he’s answered…but I ask questions of you and it’s ‘blinkered’, or ‘silly, irrelevant’ point scoring.

Differing from you doesn’t make anyone blinkered, but actually discussing and answering perfectly reasonable and sensible questions can, in my experience, lead to increased understanding.

[swaledale]

Get used to it rA. Mac is right, we should have better things to do than score silly irrelevant points of one another. I'll discuss any points I make with with those with open minds but I've insufficient time to argue with the blinkered

Oh come on, this is your usual cop out after your points have been comprehensively demolished. You disappear, or bleat o about being criticised.

I agree, that there should be less scoring silly points, but when you make a statement about "good bullying" and fail to explain what you mean by "good bullying" or quote some anecdotal "evidence" in support of an opinion its hardly surprising you get a bit of flack.

One can only assume that you don't have the courage of your convictions. I guess you only like a debate where your not shown up to be lacking in credibility. Your description of blinkered, seems to be anyone who doesn't take what you post at face value.

Forgive RA and myself for being less likely to believe anecdotal "evidence", what is reported in the mainstream press and the infallibility of opinion polls amongst other things you like to quote.

[MadAmster]

Yep its hard. Even drinking Beer as I think fish bladders are still used in production?

I think if I did go further today I'd be a pescatarian rather than a vegetarian.

Used to be THE way to help create a clear rather than a cloudy beer, once fermentation had finished. These days there are non-animal derivatives that are used, in the main. They are known as finings

Back when I did part time bar work and cellar work, if we got a cloudy barrel, we'd phone the brewery, tell them which brew it was and they'd send the finings for that brew. Add to the suspect barrel and, hey presto, you're serving a nice clear pint of Pedigree.

[Andy_Faber]

Used to be THE way to help create a clear rather than a cloudy beer, once fermentation had finished. These days there are non-animal derivatives that are used, in the main. They are known as finings

Back when I did part time bar work and cellar work, if we got a cloudy barrel, we'd phone the brewery, tell them which brew it was and they'd send the finings for that brew. Add to the suspect barrel and, hey presto, you're serving a nice clear pint of Pedigree.

On a similar theme, I welcomed a new friend from the USA for a holiday here recently, and as a beer drinker he was keen to compare American and English brews. England came out best in every instance, for instance the Coors we have is way better than the American equivalent, beer served with meals always tasted better, and he’s become a convert to our bitters, preferring Pedigree but loving others, and preferring our pubs to American bars (and the more relaxed atmosphere of not being expected to tip for every minor service)

[MadAmster]

On a similar theme, I welcomed a new friend from the USA for a holiday here recently, and as a beer drinker he was keen to compare American and English brews. England came out best in every instance, for instance the Coors we have is way better than the American equivalent, beer served with meals always tasted better, and he’s become a convert to our bitters, preferring Pedigree but loving others, and preferring our pubs to American bars (and the more relaxed atmosphere of not being expected to tip for every minor service)

An American with taste. I've met a few in my time. I've also met some archetypal ones too. I remember one time, it would have been mid 70s. With a mate down at Henley for regatta week. Went 4 or 5 years running. First year, landlady in one pub was pretty desperate. Hubby had run off with one of the barmaids, cleaned out the bank account and done a runner. We popped in first lunchtime and the place was bursting. She was obviously troubled, a regular told us the story. We were both adept behind the bar and I knew how to work a cellar. We helped that lunchtime and got a free lunch as well as a couple of beers. Back in early evening, free dinner and helped behind the bar. Rest of the week, 8 o'clock at the pub, breakfast, cellar, bottle up, off to watch the morning's rowing. Lunchtime serving and getting another cracking free lunch. Wash rinse repeat. Anyhow, I digress... one post lunch, walking back to the course, I saw a 1930s MG VA sports car. British Racing Green and leather straps over the bonnet. We stopped for a moment to admire the beautifully restored vehicle. Across the road was a couple. From their garish attire you'd guess they were American. The confirmation came when she opened her mouth and uttered, with very many decibels, "hey Elmer, is that for real?". We creased up. Possibly shouldn't have but their appearance, supported by the loud shrill voice and word choice was spot on stereotypical.

Good and bad and indifferent everywhere. I wouldn't want it otherwise.

[Andy_Faber]

An American with taste. I've met a few in my time. I've also met some archetypal ones too. I remember one time, it would have been mid 70s. With a mate down at Henley for regatta week. Went 4 or 5 years running. First year, landlady in one pub was pretty desperate. Hubby had run off with one of the barmaids, cleaned out the bank account and done a runner. We popped in first lunchtime and the place was bursting. She was obviously troubled, a regular told us the story. We were both adept behind the bar and I knew how to work a cellar. We helped that lunchtime and got a free lunch as well as a couple of beers. Back in early evening, free dinner and helped behind the bar. Rest of the week, 8 o'clock at the pub, breakfast, cellar, bottle up, off to watch the morning's rowing. Lunchtime serving and getting another cracking free lunch. Wash rinse repeat. Anyhow, I digress... one post lunch, walking back to the course, I saw a 1930s MG VA sports car. British Racing Green and leather straps over the bonnet. We stopped for a moment to admire the beautifully restored vehicle. Across the road was a couple. From their garish attire you'd guess they were American. The confirmation came when she opened her mouth and uttered, with very many decibels, "hey Elmer, is that for real?". We creased up. Possibly shouldn't have but their appearance, supported by the loud shrill voice and word choice was spot on stereotypical.

Good and bad and indifferent everywhere. I wouldn't want it otherwise.

Well having been very reluctant to set foot on American soil over the years my visit (actually partly on land, partly on an american cruise ship) in feb/march was a bit of a revelation, especially the politeness and lack of political discussion, and the existence of my favourite tipple, Nigeria-brewed Guinness