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2001 Archive
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Ummm, the statue of Mary. Shouldn't she have dark hair and dark skin. I don't remember being told by my RE teacher that Mary was Anglo Saxon.
sylvia
Here, there and everywhere, - Tuesday, January 01, 2002 at 12:05:21 (GMT)
Happy New Year to everyone in Ely. Friends Old and New.
Chick <bbmdl@dartsplayers.co.uk>
Bracknell, - Monday, December 31, 2001 at 19:51:20 (GMT)
hello all. It was nice to see Ely all snowy over Xmas. Happy New Year to everyone.
trentside lyn
- Monday, December 31, 2001 at 19:09:37 (GMT)
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and is going to have a happy New Year!
Badger Belle
- Monday, December 31, 2001 at 15:30:12 (GMT)
Sadly,being self-employed,I'm still on my Christmas break.You haven't got anything that needs delivering have you?
deadly
ely, - Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 23:38:44 (GMT)
Must have done deadly; maybe the Christmas pudding bunged up his innards and he's suffering as a result? But enough of moaning minnies; how was your holiday break?
Silver Point
- Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 13:26:42 (GMT)
Blimey,Dick, you're a bit sensitive aren't you.Did we have a bad Christmas
deadly
ely, - Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 23:23:07 (GMT)
This message board is being used wrongly as a "non-live" web chat line. All these idiotic one liners from sad fennies called gg and fenscum etc. If you can't compose a sentence properly ask your sister (sorry, mother) to teach you. Richard Carter

- Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 16:14:20 (GMT)
could anybody please tell me any info on the public house the Anchor at prickwillow, is it still standing,my great grandfather was the owner in 1929 please e-mail many thanks.happy christmas.
beerbelly? <fairhead5@btinternet.com>
- Monday, December 24, 2001 at 22:26:08 (GMT)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE. PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP ME FIND AN ALAN ROBERTSON D.O.B 25/11/75 I AM URGENTLY NEEDING TO FIND HIM AND GIVE HIM SOME NEWS FOR CHRISTMAS HE IS LIVING SOMEWHERE IN THE MORNINGSIDE AREA OF EDINBURGH AND DRIVES A V REG GREEN PASSAT PLEASE HELP ITS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH I HAVE CONTACT WITH HIM THANK U.
Katherine Mooney <Katherine51@btinternet.com>
EDINBURGH SCOTLAND, - Monday, December 24, 2001 at 18:36:24 (GMT)
GG - I quite liked 'excrement man'
Badger Belle
- Monday, December 24, 2001 at 12:08:08 (GMT)
tut tut tut - I can't spell 'gypsy'!!!
Badger Belle
Ely, - Monday, December 24, 2001 at 12:06:49 (GMT)
River Gypsey - hello! why 'strange' to find me here??? I have been 'here' for about the past 18 months!! The boy (+ 1)is doing a marvellous job on the ceiling - have had to postpone reparations as R'side Lyn is staying, but due to be finished after the New Year!
Badger Belle
Ely, - Monday, December 24, 2001 at 12:05:39 (GMT)
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to someone from the ordinary sect.!! xx
Princess <lesley_pond@yahoo.com>
London, - Saturday, December 22, 2001 at 19:17:00 (GMT)
I'm a bit worried that with all this talk of "stools" and the "heart of my bottom" that excrement man might make a return! Still,Joyeux Noel a tout le monde.
deadly
ely, - Friday, December 21, 2001 at 23:05:41 (GMT)
How about the Red Lion???????? I'll be there.
Big Bad John
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 16:00:04 (GMT)
Any of you supposed drinkers frequent the Five Mile Pub???????????
big bad john
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 15:58:22 (GMT)
I WISH YOU ALL A MERRY FLUNGE FROM THE HEART OF MY BOTTOM
Foggy
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 13:27:28 (GMT)
no, I don't know where she's been
Sonny Boy
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 13:26:20 (GMT)
I like the bit about stools.... hmm, Yuletide, still a bit religiously pagan (along with misteltoe, holly, ivy, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer, and setting fire to boiled puddings)
Silver Point
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 13:04:57 (GMT)
what about yuletide instead? tempted to send out lab christmas cards to GPs with the slogan "send us a stool this yule".
gg
- Friday, December 21, 2001 at 10:29:36 (GMT)
have sex wid yo mama
Henna <henna@lycos.com>
calafornia, - Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 13:40:03 (GMT)
Yeah, that'd do. Sounds very mean and miserable, but then us atheists are a mardy bunch ;-)
Silver Point
- Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 10:33:11 (GMT)
How about 'merry institutionalised festivities'?
MaccLass
- Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 10:12:48 (GMT)
PS: as a dyed-in-the-wool atheist, I don't have merry Christmases.
Silver Point
Bah Humbug, - Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 10:01:17 (GMT)
Oh pardon me for being slang gg, but I was trying to save time. But if one is going to be pedantic, have a happy Christ's Mass/midwinter solstice/Hanukkah* (*delete as applicable). Woof woof!
Silver Point
- Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 09:22:50 (GMT)
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!! I'll probably say it again tommorrow, but just in case I forget, I'll say it now...
MaccLass
- Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 08:27:43 (GMT)
XMAS? XMAS? somehow I would have thought XMAS was a bit too 'slang' for your writings... but a very merry christmas to you two. does the old bag mind? your owners should use an aniseed toy rather than an old bag, much easier to find in the undergrowth than smelly old bags.
gg
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 22:18:30 (GMT)

gg
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 22:15:18 (GMT)
Hi GG! Happy Xmas! Are you going for drinkies tomorrow? We can't, unfortunately, we have to go and retrieve an old bag.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 16:19:05 (GMT)
oh dear! hurrah, managed to get on a computer, hotmail won't work but this will...hello everyone!
GG
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 16:14:26 (GMT)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Silver Point
Having a bad End Of Financial Year day, - Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 14:54:37 (GMT)
Yo any feeling bored go on this website now! You won't regret it. http://www.kayoxide.supanet.com/cypresshill/homepage.html
Cyress Hill <http://www.kayoxide.supanet.com/cypresshill/homepage.html>
Birmingham, - Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 12:11:23 (GMT)
I'll be the invisible girl! Mines a pint of whatever looks nice and thick.
MaccLass
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 11:44:56 (GMT)
OI OI BB!! Just thought I'd pop in for a look - strange to find you here! ;o) How's Dan getting on with yr ceiling?
Rivergypsy <rivergypsy219@hotmail.com>
Ely, - Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 09:11:18 (GMT)
see you in the albert on friday night "i shall be in the guise of the pub pillock" if anybody is wondering whom i may be! ps. mines a black current and babycham lee.
stez
- Wednesday, December 19, 2001 at 00:45:21 (GMT)
Wotcha BB - no mate, you don't know me - and apologies for having an occasional childish sense of humour....must be something to do with my age....21 last week and now rapidly approaching 30. Good luck to all the beer warriors on the drink-a-hon...avoid 'turbo' Stella ( normal pint + 3 vodka ) it put me right off my breakfast last Saturday morning. Happy Birthday to Dan. Yuletide Felicitations to all.
Bored@Work <NewYorkNewYork>
StickyBun, - Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 17:14:47 (GMT)
Lee, will you pay for me to come back to Ely for it? I'd like to see the old Albert again...
MaccLass
- Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 14:20:45 (GMT)
Yo any girls go on this website u won't regret it.
Cypress Hill Crew <baker1985@hotmail.com>
Birmingham, - Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 12:05:17 (GMT)
Lee, Can I come if I promise not to chat up Aira? Will you buy all my drinks?
Foggy
- Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 11:55:59 (GMT)
Please can any one help to trace someone before christmas his name is Alan robertson d.o.b 25/11/1975 drives green v reg passat lives and works in edinburgh please help to make christmas special for a one year old.
Katherine Mooney <Katherine51btinternet.co>
EDINBURGH SCOTLAND, - Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 11:15:36 (GMT)
A reminder that this friday (Fri 21st) it's the 4th annual EOL Xmas drinkathon at The Prince Albert - 7:30 onwards. Everyone welcome!
Lee
- Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 09:14:12 (GMT)
I feel like flunging it all away. it's a hopeless feeling. but I could always become a mime
foggy
- Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 09:10:27 (GMT)
Bored at Work - do I know you?? I have definately heard the song you sing recently!
Badger Belle
- Tuesday, December 18, 2001 at 00:25:20 (GMT)
I think we should get the Horse & Donkey Preservation Society onto this one. There seems to have been a major outbreak of foot-driven assaults on donkeys in recent years, yet nobody does anything about it.
Silver Point
- Monday, December 17, 2001 at 09:01:35 (GMT)
visit www.expage.com/perfectrevenge now the site kicks ass ive just been told to go there and i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
maagment <PERFECTREVENGE@lycos.co.uik>
afgantasian, - Saturday, December 15, 2001 at 04:25:01 (GMT)
This weeks' "Weekly News" headline should not read "Terror gang on rampage", it should read "Teenage Idiots on rampage". Who is more contemptible......!
Tarquel <Tarquel@aol.com>
ely, - Friday, December 14, 2001 at 12:45:38 (GMT)
yeah, childish!!!!

- Friday, December 14, 2001 at 11:59:40 (GMT)
BB - try the message board again but this time goto www.pornolize.com, then enter www.ely.org.uk, gives the site a slightly different angle !
Bored@Work <dobedobedo >
great, - Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 17:53:04 (GMT)
Well, they do say that Christmas is a time for the children.
Silver Point
- Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 10:46:02 (GMT)
Stop talking about bums - I can't help it that I'm unable to work
Flunge <boneidle@thelion>
- Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 10:13:05 (GMT)
drinking vino is gooooooood
Guido
- Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 09:52:58 (GMT)
How about a plumb gumpling?
Aira Force
- Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 09:19:20 (GMT)
or a dumb bumpling

- Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 09:05:22 (GMT)
Aira is a bum dumpling.

- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 15:54:28 (GMT)
Oh dear, seems anon has been drinking vinegar again.....
Silver Point
- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 12:23:58 (GMT)
martin lupton pics of ely are the best.
rob <robert8897@talk21.com>
ely, - Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 10:46:03 (GMT)
Aira's too busy to be on anon my old fruit.
Mr Aira
- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 10:13:34 (GMT)
Hello all, I thought I'd pop in to see if I missed anything interesting. It appears not! Love you BB.
trentside lyn
- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 10:02:54 (GMT)
Read your policy? Now that is great advice. Glad these experts could provide such useful offerings. Shocked that Aira didn't pipe up with something. Did you really have to be told to read your policy?

- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 09:25:25 (GMT)
BB - insurance companies are a pain in the you know where. Firstly check your policy. They may be able to argue the point that due to a known relationship between central heating and older plaster this is in fact a maintenance issue, rather than an insurance claim. If you want to spend some money, get someone in to provide a second opinion (although I'm not sure people would be too keen to go up against insurance comapnies). Have they actually been out to look at it for themselves? If not them get them out. If you do not get satisfaction there is an ombudsman - I ended up contacting them as my brokers told me to go ahead without actually allowing the company to investigate my claim. I won. Good luck and don't let the b******s grind you down!
MaccLass
- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 08:31:01 (GMT)
BB -I would say unto them , bull sh**. Plaster over lathe and central heating must be a very commom combination . You don't hear of ceilings falling down all too often ,do you? I would read your policy , although it is probably not in plain English ,and I would threaten to write to the governmental body that oversees/ regulates insurance companies. Here in the US each state has an insurance commission that looks into abuses and regulates rates. good luck.
Jim
- Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 02:00:08 (GMT)
A question for those of you with sensible advice to offer: just recently, a large part of my spare bedroom ceiling literally fell down! Luckily, no-one was hurt. The cause does not seem obvious, there is no damp and no rot. I spoke to my Buildings/Content Insurers yesterday, who tell me I am not insured for this type of accident!!! why, you may ask. Their answer is, that the ceiling is plaster and lathe (the plaster being what fell off), and their arguement is that the plaster fell off due to my having central heating in the house!!! they say that the heating will have dried-out the plaster causing it to fall. Please can someone advise as to whether this can be right; it seems like a far-fetched way of getting out of paying any insurance to me. Thanks for your considerations.
BB
- Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 18:43:01 (GMT)
Yes the Needingworth houses are collecting for charity, and I of course contributed, but for the life of me cannot remember which charity!
Lee
- Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 11:10:52 (GMT)
Check out the webcam - I told you they were going to knock down the cathedral!
HG
- Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 10:47:13 (GMT)
ooh those houses in needingworth, blimey oh riley, I bet it takes a whole powerstation to keep them going, I hope they're for charity!
gg
- Monday, December 10, 2001 at 22:49:50 (GMT)
Thanks for the reply. I see where you are coming from. I am currently empployed, but on until February. The problem is I am scared of the part of the job that involves managing people. I've only ever managed temporaries before, and that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (at least that how it feels now). I will accept the job if I am offered because you are exactgly right. I would also add that I am extremely foolish to let a little uncertainty/risk put me off what could otherwise be a golden opportunity to gather new skills and work with a nice bunch of people with a commute of under 45 minutes. Thank you!
MaccLass
- Monday, December 10, 2001 at 08:19:58 (GMT)
Historic and Pictureque locations around East Anglia at www.view-east-anglia.com
<admin@view-east-anglia.com>
- Monday, December 10, 2001 at 06:16:41 (GMT)
Pete - I thought the crime had been committed in Wisbech! How was the BBQ? :-(
Badger Belle
- Sunday, December 09, 2001 at 14:52:18 (GMT)
5000 people were arrested when two men held up soham garage late last friday night, one of the gunmen cut his finger on the way out and police found the drop. they tested it for D.N.A and police took 5000 people from soham into custody!
pete <pmccaig@ukonline.co.uk>
ely, - Sunday, December 09, 2001 at 00:03:17 (GMT)
hmm gut feelings, i like the oirony (oirish accent there) of that but moving on, yes - bones, guts, stomachs, urine and tealeaves. strange combinations of words I know but I think the feeling you're having macclass is fear of the unknown. I knew that I needed something more interesting to do at work so I left my old job for this one, despite old job having lovely people to work with, a pleasant working environment and a better salary. Moving jobs to a completely new field, or intestinal tract as it turns out, scared me but I needed to do it. Too many people stay in the same job through fear of the unknown [many people stay because they like it despite moaning like hell to all and sundry]. If you like your current job then why were you looking? If you're unemployed at the moment then, I know this is cheesy and overused, it IS easier to get a job when you have one. I like challenges because they're difficult and I like learning new things as often as possible. Doing my new job for six months will give me new techniques to add to my cv and give me greater flexibility when it comes to choosing my next job. Anyway, off to waitrose for some dinner ingredients, have a nice weekend!
gg
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 18:10:05 (GMT)
PS: I'd love to work less than 40 hours per week with flexitime........... hey ho.
Verdigrised Point
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 16:01:01 (GMT)
Gut feelings, boom boom!
Silver Point
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 16:00:02 (GMT)
gg, sorry to hear about the sh**e. Gut feelings are usually right though aren't they? If you agree with that (or not), please give me an opinion on this. I've just been for a second interview. They will let me know tommorrow. Its a good job, with extra responsibility. My gut is not particularly keen though. I am wondering if this is a reaction based on having been made redundant twice in a year, and the prospect of working 40 hours per week without flexitime, and actually having to manage people for the first time. Or if it a genuine lack of desire to do that particular job. Its an interesting one for sure...
MaccLass
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 14:28:46 (GMT)
You're all wrong. The Higgs Bosun is, of course, the Bo'sun of the good ship M/V Higgs, which used to ply its trade off the coast of Hispaniola.
halfhitch
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 12:17:44 (GMT)
Stop panicking, start picnicking, that's what I say!
Firefly
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 11:28:02 (GMT)
I thought the whole panic about it was that if it could be found, it would indicate that the universe wasn't in the lowest energy state possible at the moment, with potentially dire consequences for everyone. So if it's all a bit of a fib, will the scientists stop panicking?
Silver Point
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 08:57:47 (GMT)
I must admit I never got the hang on the Higgs Boson. If, in common with most subatomic particles, it's really really tiny, yet that's supposedly where all the mass lives, then surely it's a teensy tiny black hole. But maybe my particle physics isn't up to the job.
Firefly
- Friday, December 07, 2001 at 08:54:05 (GMT)
it's sh*te! literally speaking of course. pants and not as interesting as I'd hoped, so the back section of the newscientist is being perused once more. some might say I'm being a little hasty after 4 days but them bones of mine are telling me something... it is very nice though to be able to get home half an hour after leaving work.
gg
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 19:43:19 (GMT)
Clap your hands if you believe in the Higgs Bosun!
Tink Your Bell
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 17:27:04 (GMT)
I did. I'm hiding.
Higgs Bosun
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 15:58:37 (GMT)
Who said that?
Firefly
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 14:59:13 (GMT)
I DO EXIST TOO!!!!!
Higgs Bosun
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 12:51:38 (GMT)
Agreed gg. How's the job going?
Silver Point
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 09:21:27 (GMT)
Dan, I think you have to be a UK resident typically, but there are occasional stories of people coming from other countries to have work done on the NHS. Why not write to the British Consul in Washington?
MaccLass
- Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 08:15:54 (GMT)
I hope to visit the city, particularly the cathedral, in 2002. What time of year do you recommend for such a visit?
Ely, Walter <walter_ely@adg.ardemgaz.com>
Little Rock, Ark., - Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 05:23:08 (GMT)
Does anyone know if an American citizen, married to a citizen of the UK, is eligable for medical benefits IN the UK? Thanks, Dan
dan bessie <danbes@volcano.net>
west point, California, - Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 23:36:51 (GMT)
mummified can hardly be correct either.
gg
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 22:50:43 (GMT)
this message board rulez

- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 18:25:11 (GMT)
cheese on toast and bob the builder are cool

- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 18:23:21 (GMT)
But they're not pack animals are they? (It was also likely to be foxes, and neither are they pack animals.) I wish journos would get their facts right when they're looking for an emotive byline.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 13:05:18 (GMT)
emmmm, unpleasant thought, but rats I guess.
Firefly
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 12:56:25 (GMT)
This is a quote from today's times regarding the Sarah Payne trial: "the discovery of her naked, mummified body partially devoured by pack animals". Please could someone tell me which carnivorous pack animals roam the fields of Sussex? Jackals? Dingoes, perhaps?
Silver Point
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 12:31:29 (GMT)
And did you know that the "fenny snake" referred to by the witches in Macbeth (fillet of, boil and bake, in cauldron, witches for the use of) is in fact an eel and not a snake at all?
Silver Point
Useless Information Diva, - Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 11:57:52 (GMT)
I am currently reading "Cromwell's Ely" by Reg Holmes and have come across this section which provides further proof on Ely having had Town Criers in the past. It is contained in the section titled "Misdemeanours and Foul Speeches" regarding the bad feeling of the local commoners to the draining of the Fens and to the Judicial power of the clergy around 1636. Edward Powell was indicted and condemned for his actions. The section states "When his Majesty was at Newmarket in Lent last year ye said Powell gave ye Cryer of Ely 2d and caused him to make proclamation thro ye towne that all that would should meet ye next morne at ye Market Place to go to ye King with a petition about their fennes". So it also seem that the practice of being able to privately hire the Ely Town Crier existed back then - a tradition which will be continued with the new Ely Town Crier..
Lee
- Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 10:41:01 (GMT)
There used to be (and perhaps still is) a burger/chip van in York called The Unidentified Frying Object. (Not sure why the owner thought this was a particularly good name, all things considered....)
Silver Point
- Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 15:00:53 (GMT)
UFOTREK: UFO sightings recorded information line. Tel 0870 046 2270 (24 hours). Report a sighting on our automated answering service. (Calls charged at normal national BT rate).
Chris Rolfe <astratech@supanet.com>
Folkestone, - Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 14:20:59 (GMT)
Had a rather strange occurance last night. Parcels for next door were delivered to us (I was in, they were not) so later in the evening I went round to deliver them. Surprised to find out that our new neighbours who just moved into the flat next door - are in fact a couple who used to live next door to us when we lived in Milton in 1999. Weird!
Firefly
- Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 12:57:33 (GMT)
Well the bridge protection system seems to work. Saw it in action at first hand last Sunday. A council worker in a gritter lorry (I guess not his usual vehicle) set it off and slammed to a halt just before the bridge. It was a very red-faced council worker who then slowly reversed the truck back up the road to then go 'over the top' instead. Embarrased no doubt, but not as embarrased as he would have been if he had wedged it.
Firefly
- Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 09:31:33 (GMT)


- Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 07:46:30 (GMT)
Am looking to get back in touch with a Mr. F.T. Kemp aged 23(?) birthdate 18/6/78. He used to live in Ely and now i'm not sure where he's gone off to. please contact me.
Arianne <purplefishy@onebox.com>
USA, - Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 00:02:14 (GMT)
I wonder if Brave Bob could tell us if he is a great fan of Esso; and,if yes, why?
deadly
ely, - Monday, December 03, 2001 at 23:21:52 (GMT)
Hi gg - well, as you said, it is the NHS.... have you got your bumper book of poo yet?
Silver Point
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 22:20:29 (GMT)
hello, back home after first day of new job. there seems to be a more fundemental reason for my likely inability to join in daytime discussions - extreme lack of 'pooters! well, what do you expect in the NHS? down in reception they have the latest fastest 'pooters for patients and their families to play with whilst they're there, but the people trying to stop them being there in the first place are sharing 3 between 50! maybe forced to buy my own laptop. damn. despite that - good new project, crap building.
gg
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 18:24:34 (GMT)
Bob. Short for Kate.
HG
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 16:40:05 (GMT)
Of course not - some people just get off on being arsy. I saw a lot of them at the football on Saturday. Sad men, every one.
Silver Point
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 16:25:29 (GMT)
Do you have nothing better to do than deliberately misinterpret people?
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 15:50:35 (GMT)
MaccLass, happy? You can call me Bob. Now am I as brave as you?
Bob
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 14:50:56 (GMT)
First Christmas do on Saturday night - a rather delicious meal with my fellow pub quiz team members. It was paid for out of our winnings - we just had to put up the difference! Yesterday afternoon I and the boyfriend went to Edale for a walk in the rather lovely sunshine. Had a lovely meal that we both made and the settled in front of the telly to watch Monarch of the Glen. I skipped the quiz as I was knackered. Watched Cold Feet too. Lovely.
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 14:12:23 (GMT)
Not bad, went to the footy on Saturday (we lost), spent Sunday reading the papers and watching a Hammer version of Hound Of The Baskervilles, followed by Monarch Of The Glen and Extremes. Very lazy! You?
Silver Point
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 13:38:18 (GMT)
Pond life/gumby types, don't suppose it really matters. They don't have names so arguably they don't exist. Good weekend?
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 13:14:04 (GMT)
Aha. The pond life are back, I see.
Silver Point
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 12:55:34 (GMT)
or you could post under an assumed name.........that's standing up and being counted isn't it?

- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 12:35:31 (GMT)
PS: If you have the courage of your convictions, identify yourself, don't be a coward and hide with anonymity, stand up and be counted.
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 11:45:58 (GMT)
I think you'll find the protest was organised by a consotium of environmental pressure groups including Greenpeace. I wasn't involved because I don't have any Esso stations near me. I posted it because someone had mentioned they were interested in finding out more about 'dirty' companies. Personally, I am in favour of the market deciding that a company isn't worth the paper its listed in - with the example of Enron. What a bunch of crooks they were...
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 11:44:57 (GMT)
thats gumby damnit.

- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 10:15:15 (GMT)
MaccLass - well you've done it now. Esso has announced they are closing up shop due to your protest. Thanks for changing our world for the better. You make a difference.

- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 09:37:04 (GMT)
Oh My God!! The Gumbys are here!!!!
MaccLass
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 08:21:34 (GMT)

MaccL
- Monday, December 03, 2001 at 08:21:09 (GMT)
eminem,dr dre ,dmx,ruff ryders,d12,2pac,jadakiss and rap music rule da world cos it is so cool

- Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 22:58:45 (GMT)
eminem,dr dre ,dmx,ruff ryders,d12,2pac,jadakiss and rap music rule da world cos it is so cool

- Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 22:58:02 (GMT)
you are the best daughter in the world and i love you very very much amelia
amelia <a.mangani@internet.com>
chester, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 22:53:53 (GMT)
hello mum hope you get well soon!
lucia
chester, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 22:50:50 (GMT)
DEAR CATFLAP AND FIREFLY....HA HA VERY FUNNY!! JUST WANTED TO KNOW SOME GOSS ABOUT ELY! I WILL DEF MIS THE CATHEDRAL WHEN KNOCKED DOWN!HAHA! THERE MUST BE SOMETHING GOOD GOING ON BACK HOME???
SUNSHINE
- Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 14:50:23 (GMT)
dear ground force mum and dad were thing of doing a deck for our new pool but they are to busy to do it i was hopping you could make there dreams come true they are the best perents love kayla p.s e-mail me back on kayla_rox35@hotmail.com
kayla <kayla_rox35@hotmail.com>
brisbane, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 10:08:17 (GMT)
dear groundforce in our back yard mum and dad were thinking about doing a deck for our new pool but mum and dad are to busy to do it i hope you could make there dreams come true love kayla
kayla <kayla_rox35@hotmail.com>
brisbane, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 10:02:48 (GMT)
hi ground force i was wondring if you could do our back yard please i think my mum and dad deserve it because they work long hours they were thing about doing a desk with our new pool love kayla benson
kayla <groundforce@i7.com>
brisbane, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 09:57:17 (GMT)
hi ground force i was wondring if you could do our back yard please i think my mum and dad deserve it because they work long hours they were thing about doing a desk with our new pool love kayla benson
kayla <kayla_rox35@hotmail.com>
brisbane, - Sunday, December 02, 2001 at 09:55:51 (GMT)
Stez, you must have watched a different programme than me. The woman was British, the "I love pakistan" sign was on the till(not on the window) and she had had quite a bit of reaction from the locals.
deadly
ely, - Friday, November 30, 2001 at 23:06:27 (GMT)
You never know your luck - try saying you need to do important patent searches or something (it worked for me!) Otherwise, we'll just all have to do it in the evening.
Silver Point
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 16:30:59 (GMT)
well, bye bye to the ely messageboard probably. can't see me getting near the web
gg
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 16:25:22 (GMT)
thank the lord its time for 15 to 1
stez
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 15:49:29 (GMT)
When it grew up to be a large tiger, they decided they didn't want the responsibility and expense of looking after it, and tried to dump it (without any monetary donations) onto various zoos/wildlife parks. Trouble was the tiger had never been socialised with other tigers (not that they're particularly social beasts anyway), and had become far too tame with humans. Made it a difficult animal to rehome, apparently.
Silver Point
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 15:21:55 (GMT)
What did they do to their baby tiger mascot? Or should I not ask?
MaccLAss
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 15:09:53 (GMT)
King Bill is fab isn't it? I only ever went once, but I wil never forget the wonderful food! Did you see the dog?
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 15:09:12 (GMT)
that does sound like quite a bad week. less than 3 hours to go, just come back from my leaving lunch (King Bill at Heydon, wonderful vegetarian food) and feeling very sleepy.
gg
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 14:11:51 (GMT)
And Esso were horrid to their baby tiger mascot....
Silver Point
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 13:41:39 (GMT)
Unfortunately the fuel card that comes with all our pool vehicles is for Esso stations so I can't help!
Helpful Geomorphologist <(except on this occasion)>
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 13:05:28 (GMT)
Soapfest for me last night. At least its more realistic than documentaries as a genre these days...
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 12:22:05 (GMT)
Manclass - it was a joke, and meant in good humour, but it was what led to the joke that narked me (ie being blamed for something that was patently not my fault)! I watched something called "what not to wear" last night - horribly naff and compelling - two up-themselves fashion journalists pick on some poor sap (who's been nominated by her friends and family as needing a style makeover), diss her dress sense and generally reduce her self-esteem to rubble. Christians to the lions for the 21st century.
Silver Point
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:46:28 (GMT)
I would protest outside our local ESSO station and prevent any cars from buying fuel from them, except that they shut down last month, where's the moral victory in that eh?
Firefly
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:37:41 (GMT)
talking of tv did anybody see the program insiders last night. what a load of crap! sending a pakistani woman into a deprived area to set up a corner shop where she was just about the only asian and then putting i love pakistan in the window because they weren't getting any reaction from the locals.
stez
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:34:37 (GMT)
SIlver Point, Sorry to hear that work's being a bag of whatsit at the moment, naff to say, but chin up! What were they hoping to achieve by mock firing you?
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:33:29 (GMT)
GG - a teevee! Your brain will turn to mush you know..... why's it a bad week? Well, I got fired on Wednesday for losing a deal in Hong Kong (mock fired, it must be said, but initially I had a total sense of humour failure about the incident which lead to the mock firing), yesterday someone lost their rag at me in a big way because I was doing my job in the way I had been instructed to do it, and as of last Monday I've been doing 2 people's jobs instead of 1 which is making for interesting times. So I'm just feeling a little battered and sorry for myself. But normal service will soon be resumed.
Silver Point
Wallowing in self-pity - we all deserve a good wallow from time to time, - Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:21:36 (GMT)
Its and extract form the Polly TOynbee column on Guardian unlimited today.Makes for very interesting reading, assuming its factual.
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:10:51 (GMT)
If anybody fancies a spot of protesting this weekend then try this for size. Tomorrow a nationwide Stop Esso protest will picket over 300 Esso petrol stations across the country. Organised by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, thousands will be out on the forecourts intent on inflicting lasting damage on Esso's brand image. Esso is the ugliest oil bully, most vigorous in undermining the Kyoto agreement, and the fiercest advocate of keeping the US out of it. As the biggest oil donor to George Bush's election campaign, its $11m annual lobbying budget has purchased vast "scientific evidence" to deny that climate change is caused by fossil fuel burning. At the intergovernmental panel on climate change meeting last month, Esso was the only company in the world lobbying for the removal of any reference to the human causes of global warming. If Esso can be made to feel the heat, the Stop Esso protesters hope that other oil companies will also take fright. Wiser companies are starting to redefine themselves not as oil companies, but as energy companies. But unlike the others, Esso last year made the biggest profit in history - $17.7bn - yet it spent not one cent on renewable energy. The aim of the protesters is to punish the Esso brand, as Nestlé or Nike have been made to suffer: protesters hope that motorists directed away from Esso to the nearest alternative station will stay away from Esso indefinitely.
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 11:07:12 (GMT)
why is this a bad week SP? today is my last day! and we get a teevee this weekend, the first for four years exactly.
gg
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 10:35:40 (GMT)
Isn't it sad about George Harrison? God bless 'im guvnor.
MaccLass
- Friday, November 30, 2001 at 10:23:32 (GMT)
Is this International Week of the A***hole, and I didn't realise? Am a very fed up geographical feature today!
Silver Point
Can't wait for this week to end, - Friday, November 30, 2001 at 09:07:06 (GMT)
ELY rated more highly than Oxford! Full details on Editor's Page. Oh Yea!
The Other Ely Town Crier
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 11:40:44 (GMT)
Rheology - the study of large, flightless, South American birds.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 11:25:19 (GMT)
ya
hi
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 10:46:38 (GMT)
what do hewlett packard have to do with rheology?
gg
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 10:16:30 (GMT)
Don't be saucy!
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 09:32:32 (GMT)
Sorry SP, I was never very good at rheology. I guess you should ask HP.
Firefly
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 09:13:12 (GMT)
I remember the 'battles' for the Greene King site. They won (eventually) the right to build an access road to the brewery. The road will cross a water meadow, quite why anyone would want to try to build a road accross land that should spend most of the year in some state of flood (to my understanding), I really don't know. I do believe however that the site was supposed to be protected. The case for argued the relief of traffic congestion in the centre of Bury, which is a 'major' problem.
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 08:55:58 (GMT)
Silver Point-Friends of the Earth is a good starting point. I heard about Greene King through the local media. They have decided to build a new access road which cuts straight through a very environmentally sensitive area. Unlike Nestle they won their battle in court and,despite the destruction of landscape, they have the will to proceed.
deadly
ely, - Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 23:12:21 (GMT)
aah the re-appearance of the ely and district pedant society
gg
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 16:29:00 (GMT)
viscous: adhesive or sticky, and having a ropey or glutinous consistency; viscid; glutinous

- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 16:07:48 (GMT)
Firefly, methinks you miss my point. What's viscous about unions? Unless it's the National Amalgamated Union of Slugs and Snails.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 16:06:13 (GMT)
whereas a viscous cycle is a bike that bites the hand that oiled it. bet jasper is currently sitting ontop of the pergola.
gg
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 15:08:13 (GMT)
It's the same as death spiral or an active form of catch 22. ie Our union is crap so no one joins, and so they have no mandate and are powerless and crap, so no-one joins so....
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 14:44:08 (GMT)
Apols oh spam busting one. Thought we had a flunge attack going on yesterday ..........
HG
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 13:26:20 (GMT)
You have been re-visited by The Spam Buster! Please don't insult me this time - just doing ma job ;-)
The Spam Buster
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 13:19:30 (GMT)
Can someone tell me what a viscous circle is? I've just seen it in an email to me.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 13:14:44 (GMT)
Now HG, I think you should apologise to the Spam Buster, we need him. Spam Buster where are you in our femtosecond of need?
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 13:13:57 (GMT)
Caused me to be as Harpic - clean round the bend!
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 13:11:13 (GMT)
I'm Usama would be only too happy to oblige. What have they done to you?
MaccLass
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 12:38:41 (GMT)
Aaaargh! Does anyone have a spare fuel-air bomb? I would like it to drop on our Hong Kong office.
Silver Point
Becoming tarnished with stress, - Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 11:03:02 (GMT)
Deadly - re your message below - where can I find information (that isn't hysterical, biased, or inaccurate) about which companies adopt a less than ethical approach to their commercial activities? I think everyone knows about Nestle, Gap and BAe, but I'd not heard of Greene King being unpleasant. Can you give me some more feedback?
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 09:53:41 (GMT)
Yes, the subterranean car park is going ahead using the entrance to the (formally) secret nuclear bunker under cherry hill. The stores of chocolate and marzipan for the expected nuclear winter are going to be distributed around the poor of New Barns and High Barns on top of christmas cakes and they are planning to rebuild Roswell hill out of old plastic buckets and returned transport survey forms.
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 09:14:20 (GMT)
Blimey, haven't you heard about the Cathedral then? You must have been away a while. The High Street traders decided it was affecting their trade and petitioned the council to have it knocked down. Word is that the space will be used for more free parking.
Catflap
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 17:50:13 (GMT)
DEAR ALL, COULD YOU PLEASE GIVE ME SOME JUICY GOSS ABOUT ELY AS I HAVE BEEN AWAY A WHILE AND WANT TO KNOW ALL FOR WHEN I COME BACK AT XMAS!!

- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 17:03:35 (GMT)
I don't think it's the real HG. He's made a basic grammatical error that the real HG wouldn't have.
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 16:58:02 (GMT)
The Bam Spuster!
HG
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 16:50:57 (GMT)
What? Who are you insulting this time HG?
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 15:54:39 (GMT)
That's nice of you. Were you born feeble minded or did you have to practice?
HG
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 15:28:51 (GMT)
Well you could always use money.
The Spam Buster
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 14:59:31 (GMT)
Thank you spam buster you've saved us again! How can we ever repay you?

- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 14:56:33 (GMT)
You have been visited by The Spam Buster!
The Spam Buster
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 14:18:06 (GMT)
Sounds like my first attempt at hazlenut scones (many years ago, not to be repeated)
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 12:50:58 (GMT)
Slack nutty lumps? Sorry to hear that.
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 12:40:06 (GMT)
I dunno, you posh types - my mushroom stroganoff doesn't have any wine in it, or cream for that matter (I make do with low fat fromage frais, me). Right, I'm off t'shop for a lump of nutty slack.
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 12:37:40 (GMT)
MaccLass you wish has been granted : Ambulance bosses are recruiting a new paramedic for the Ely area. The new paramedic, who will be equipped with a car and life-saving equipment, will be one of 20 across East Anglia who provide ambulance back-up. Full story on Eds Page.
Lee
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 11:43:00 (GMT)
isn't it the other way round? the wine coaggulating the cream (I suppose to be pedantic since it's co-aggulating they must both do it together)
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 11:27:26 (GMT)
properly made mushstrog is quite a different thing to the frozen gloop. it's quite difficult to stop the cream coagulating the wine.
gg
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 10:59:55 (GMT)
Said hot boy was probably seven and a half at the time.
HG
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 10:54:25 (GMT)
and what makes you think we give a ####?
renmimbi
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 09:54:52 (GMT)
Back in the days, when my mate was going out with her HOT BOY. Now she wants her hot boy back. Will she get him back? remains a mystery. Come on here in a couple of weeks and i will tell you!!!! Stay tuned!!
mystery
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 09:43:43 (GMT)
I agree about Sheffield, but the Powers That Be then gave permission for the Meadowhall shopping centre and that hit the centre quite badly for a time. But I understand it's now on the upagain. GG, what a pity about the veggie meals - I made a mushroom stroganoff last week, it took me about fifteen minutes, and was really nice. Bet it takes about 15 minutes to heat up the ready made slop!
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 09:04:54 (GMT)
sheffields mechanical clock is really good and attracts lots of people. they also compltely pedestrianised the road that went through the city centre and that improved it. wet carpet tiles? yes, that'll be the lasagne. wet kitchen roll? aubergine bake. bland slop? mushroom stroganoff.
gg
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 08:59:44 (GMT)
From my limited experience the Market Square certainly needed something to add some vitality (and a vital city center is one step in securing sustainable development). Perhaps the powers that be could have come up with something a bit more effective then a human sundial for 30k but lets give them some credit for trying. As a town planner I think I would have suggested a small performance space - raised platform , backdrop , electrical connection- for music , drama, art exhibits etc .Of course it would have to fit in somewhere and not interfere with the Market. That is my humble opinion. Sheffield has a great mechanical clock in a city center pedestrian square, but of course that is big bucks ( pounds )
Jim
- Tuesday, November 27, 2001 at 01:59:35 (GMT)
Remember,all you people campaigning for a better environment, that Greene king's attitude to the environment stinks and I've stopped drinking their very fine IPA.I also remember being slagged off for encouraging people to boycott Nestle products but I shall carry on. This is not tokenism. If enough people contribute things will change. The Southern bypass will probably be built because most people don't care if valuable wildlife sites are destroyed. If you do care, do something about it!
deadly
ely, - Monday, November 26, 2001 at 23:05:19 (GMT)
She does.
Firefly
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 21:00:15 (GMT)
I quite like the Standard as a pub, and yes the beer is fine. (Or at least it was last time I was there.) gg, does your MIL buy those veggie ready meals that taste like wet carpet tiles?
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 16:55:17 (GMT)
just another thought, maybe our friend john would have liked barton square to have a nice tank on it, some old jet fighters and a burning oil well to remind him of times long since gone.
gg
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 16:53:13 (GMT)
the standard is supposed to serve perfectly decent beers, although I've never been in. just like my mother-in-law who buys me vegetarian meals and says they're really nice when she's never eaten one in her life.
gg
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 16:51:22 (GMT)
Not really, when you consider that many Greene King ales are considered to be "real ales". (They don't all have to have names like Ferret's Wobbler and to have been brewed in genuine oak troughs in some tiny village in Somerset.)
Silver Point
It's that jumper again, - Monday, November 26, 2001 at 16:33:17 (GMT)
I've just had a shufty round the web site and noticed that the Ely branch of CAMRA had a meeting at the Standard. Is that not a little like a restaurant critic eating from a burger van?

- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 16:20:34 (GMT)
Unfortunately and this is going to be controversial, would you want your decisions made by the vocal majority view of Ely? I sincerely hope not.
HG
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:54:55 (GMT)
It is a shame that we can't be more flexible. I'm sure the local's would like to see local provisioning and if flexibility became a reality then this might too...
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:52:26 (GMT)
Manclass, I really don't wish to be pedantic (honest) but it's not up to the council to fund the NHS. The council can only fund those things that it has the power to, or it will get itself judicially reviewed (painful). I can see where you're coming from, but with the current administrative framework in this country we can't be that flexible on spending - a pity!
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:43:46 (GMT)
How about spending the £30k on the paramedic? (Ely News)
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:30:11 (GMT)
I think its a state of mind. If everything was approached with a 'well what difference would xxx amount make' attitude then money could be frittered away very quickly without achieving anything, which is my point. Remember the saying 'you take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves'? I am still convinced that government be it local or central has better things to spend its money on, and if it hasn't it shouldn't be taking it.
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:23:04 (GMT)
It's all complicated by the divide between local and central government spending. For eg: not all roads are the responsibility of the local authority - and you can just imagine the squawking if local people thought their hard-earned council tax cash was being spent on something that wasn't really "local".
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:10:24 (GMT)
That's sort of the point Macclass, it's always a big compromise. What would £30,000 have contributed to the overall transport scheme of Ely? There is a major transport review underway in addition to this and at least the cobbles have been dsone properly and fit in with a historically important part of the city (and a good pub). Also it's not exactly unique to ELy. Cambridge must have spent a fortune on all its various traffic schemes and you can't get a car anywhere near the centre for love nor toffee.
Firefly
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:09:39 (GMT)
It's also true that if we were all healthy and educated but living in a grim and uninspiring place then that would be getting it wrong too. I'd raher have a £30,000 human sundial (and I'm sure the sundial wasn't all the money bought) than a footballer for a week (ok, footballers aren't paid public money but the only one of us that earns that much is SP)
Firefly
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 15:01:22 (GMT)
I always feel that money spent on making real improvements to quality of life - ie enabling people to lead a healthier and more productive existence are wise. What doesn't help are the tokenistic approaches that treat a symptom for a short period of time, as apparently adopted by most governments these days. Surely proper levels of investment in something like the whole transport infrastructure as opposed to localised traffic calming schemes would be a better approach. More difficult to do of course, but the harder the job the more reward is to be had.
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 14:58:54 (GMT)
I think education gets plenty money these days, I agree about health but maybe it's the system that doesn't work not the lack of money.
gg
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 14:39:48 (GMT)
I suppose it depends on whether you think public "art" is ever a good thing to spend taxpayer's money on. I think that public installations like the Angel Of The North and the brick steam engine at Darlington are superb things to have in our immediate environment, and that there should be more of them - you can see and enjoy them every day, whereas initiatives such as waste recycling can't be "seen" in the same way, even though they may help to improve our living conditions. (And, from a budgetary point of view, £30k on something that will have been designed to last for a very long time is not, IMHO, a lot to spend - especially when you consider what else you could actually get for £30k that would be worth doing.)
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 14:34:33 (GMT)
Surely the market square could be used more imaginatively - as a centre for the community there could be a more community-based aproach. A few lines in the pavement isn't really a good way to spend £30k. As for sustainable development, what contribution is the council required to make towards recycling/alternative disposal of waste, or integrated transport initiatives. If all it has to spend its money on is a human sundial perhaps the money should be diverted to the county where it could be spent on education or health?
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 14:12:52 (GMT)
Exactly. I suspect John would like it turned back into a car park.
HG
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 13:20:36 (GMT)
You've got to look at the big picture also. It's almost useless sustainably developing your own town if the rest of the country isn't following suit (eg: as, unless you're really brave, you'll still get 44 tonners past your bedroom window). And anyway, I rather liked the idea of a human sundial. Let's face it, anything that brightens up that misery of a market square (while still permitting it to be used as a market square) has got to be a decent idea.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 13:02:30 (GMT)
Sustainable development of what? I often feel that 'sustainable development' is a phrase that gets put about a lot (like broad-based-multi-ethnic government) but I'm not sure people are clear about what it means. Are you talking about recycling schemes? or solar power? or traders having a say in town decisions? [Whenever I hear the phrase 'sustainable development' I can't help picturing a voodoo doll with it's head rotating - but that's just my own personal problem, it came from a bad interview experience in glasgow]
Firefly
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 12:49:06 (GMT)
I'd like to show my support for John's comments. Silver Streets light are a load of old toss, and as for the human sundial? Shouldn't they be looking at spending money on more important things like sustainable development?
MaccLass
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 12:17:36 (GMT)
Well said John. You are obviously the kind of forward thinker Ely needs to move forward into the 21st Century. Prince Albert anyone?

- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 10:35:37 (GMT)
Oh I don't know, Ely shopkeepers turn down trade all the time. One of the little antique/junk shops opposite the Lamb had a rather nice cabinet that I fancied - it was being used to display trinkets etc. I asked how much it was, and was told it wasn't for sale. Even after I'd said "are you sure, I'm prepared to pay a fair price". Obviously the owner there was a hobbyer, as well.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 10:19:18 (GMT)
nope, don't think so. he's supposed to be a businessman so turning down trade shouldn't be an option. if he kicked everyone out of his pub who was a 'newcomer' with opinions then he'd be out of business very quickly. however, he does look more like a hobby landlord than a real one.
gg
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 09:41:46 (GMT)
You're really going to get chucked out of the pub now.
Firefly
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 09:25:04 (GMT)
Hear hear gg.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 26, 2001 at 09:20:28 (GMT)
Helen give me an e-mail back miss all the fun times we had as a bank . Your Fiend and old drummer, Todd"O"
Todd orcutt <toddhawkwind@yahoo.com>
San Diego, California USA, - Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 23:15:47 (GMT)
strange John that you dislike the refurbishments of the street around your pub so much as they must surely enhance it's attractiveness. you now have 2 nice trees in addition to the ones already on barton square, even though it's going to be some years before you see the benefit of the tulip tree on your side. you are also unlikely to enjoy the views of people on this messageboard as we generally represent the dreadful newcomers to the area that you so despise. I'm now hoping to get the council to scrap the southern bypass rubbish and build the thin ely really needs - a southern bypass that allows lorries and very heavy articulated vehicles to go from the a142 to the industrial estates without driving through narrow residential areas. come up with some RAL ideas john instead of harking back to a time long since gone, thank goodness.
gg
- Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 21:24:08 (GMT)
Well what do you expect to happen over the phone?
Firefly
- Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 21:11:19 (GMT)
I called the number for a good time and didn't get any!
rw
ely, - Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 19:56:15 (GMT)
Congratulations to the council for organising the street lighting and road building in Silver Street so well. I'd also like to congratulate them on the very fine Sun Dial in the market square the cost us all £30,000. Excellent stuff. They must lay awake night dreaming of ways to waste people's rates money. What next I hear you cry? I think we could use this message board to make suggestions on how to keep the little darlings busy, planning and so on...
John
- Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 15:07:23 (GMT)
is this message board a big in joke because i still cant understand why nobodys picked up on dannielles thigh high boots the most interseting message by a mile and i beg your eternal forgiveness 4 my punctiation & grammar

- Sunday, November 25, 2001 at 03:29:52 (GMT)
that was despite UKIP voting a billion times for NO, so quite amazing.
gg
- Saturday, November 24, 2001 at 20:58:58 (GMT)
I've just been on the BBC website, where visitors were asked to vote on whether Britain should join the Euro. And guess what? 57% said yes (there was no "don't know" option). Ha ha ha!
Silver Point
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 17:21:55 (GMT)
Nah, take it from one who knows, whistling rats get right up your boilers. One minute you are minding your own business, wandering through the Karoo and the next your eadrums are perforated by perishing rats whistling Colonel Bogey.
Namib Neville <Walking with (whistling) Beasts>
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 16:52:24 (GMT)
i like the idea of having a whistle on your boiler made from a rat, as the pressure builds up then a squeaking would start then slowly get louder and louder. pity they don't make them for kettles.
gg
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 16:26:10 (GMT)
You should see Mrs Rodenbach in Walvis Bay, she's a bit of a boiler I can tell you.
Namib Neville
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 16:08:54 (GMT)
silly Neville, there's no boilers in the Namib.
renmimbi
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 15:49:00 (GMT)
Mice don't cause any problems for whistling rats.
Firefly
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 15:48:47 (GMT)
What about whistling rats?
Namib Neville
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 14:58:21 (GMT)
mice can cause problems with boilers, especially when they bung up the outlet.
renmimbi
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 14:55:50 (GMT)
Zen was cool in Blake's Seven.
Armstrong 1-0!!
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 13:24:08 (GMT)
This isn't some kind of Zen, is it?
Silver Point
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 12:43:38 (GMT)
Steam?
Firefly
- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 12:01:26 (GMT)
what is overheating in boilers ?
roohi-safary <m_e_safary@yahoo.com>
zahedan-iran, - Friday, November 23, 2001 at 05:13:39 (GMT)
Why has nobody mentioned Dannielle`s second hand thigh high boot`s?

- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 00:44:09 (GMT)


- Friday, November 23, 2001 at 00:41:19 (GMT)
And the thing that puzzled me is the fact that so many fires are started by drunken folk trying to cook chips. Very odd. I mean, after I've been out for the night and had a few, the last thing I want to start messing about with is a chip pan.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 15:56:51 (GMT)
Only cos I disembowelled my smoke alarm due to it going off when the boiler men were in brazing!
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 15:41:52 (GMT)
are you sure your company should be sending you on such courses? you had a similar reaction after the first aid course :-)
gg
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 15:35:02 (GMT)
I wouldn't mind working in a funeral director's - after all it does sort of run in my family (as those who've been told the story of my dining table will know). But onto slightly grimmer things - I've just come out of fire marshall training and we were shown the Match Of The Day footage of the Bradford City fire, as an example of how a tiny fire can spread to a raging inferno within 4 minutes. Absolutely horrifying. I need to check my home smoke alarms....
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 15:20:40 (GMT)
Boom Boom!
MarkAngelGabriel <markangelgabriel@lycos.co.uk>
Manchester, - Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 14:49:55 (GMT)
So long as I don't corpse, eh!
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 12:26:07 (GMT)
Just tell them you love working with people.
Firefly
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 11:38:43 (GMT)
What is it with some people and roundabouts? That's the most dangerous I've heard of but my particular favourite is when people think its helpful to indicate right and then go straight on! Gits. Didn't get the job by the way. Got an interview with a funeral directors next week though...
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 11:27:25 (GMT)
What is it with some people and roundabouts? That's the most dangerous I've heard of but my particular favourite is when people think its helpful to indicate right and then go straight on! Gits. Didn't get the job by the way. Got an interview with a funeral directors next week though...
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 11:25:44 (GMT)
Fractions of a road would do.
Fearflue
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:47:04 (GMT)
Certainly the bloke on the A10/M11 roundabout this morning had not been sufficiently trained in the high technology equipment he was in control of (a Vauxhall Vectra). He thought that, sitting in the right hand lane, it was OK to turn left off the roundabout. Missed me by centimetres (or should that be fractions of a rood?)
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:27:51 (GMT)
?
gg
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:12:27 (GMT)
are you tired
gg
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:12:13 (GMT)
Can't even spell my own pseudonym today.
Firefly
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:07:16 (GMT)
Excellent story from the International Space Station (courtesy of everyone's favourite mag). There was a big argument recently between the Russian and US sides over the visit of Dennis Tito the first space tourist. The Russians wanted him to go, he brought lots of money, but NASA were insisting that he wasn't properly trained in all aspects of the equipment and risked breaking something. This argument was raging during the NASA trip just prior to Tito's flight when the American toilet broke down. The NASA astronauts had to go begging at door of one of the Russian modules to use their toilet, where the commander in charge refused stating, "this is high technology equipment, and you have not had full training in its use!"
Forefly
- Thursday, November 22, 2001 at 09:06:06 (GMT)
If I remember rightly a vicar went round telling children that Father Christmas didn't exist as he detracted from the "christian message". Watch out Harry Potter!
deadly
ely, - Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 23:08:54 (GMT)
Lee has a look of Hereward about him don't you think? Perhaps you could start there!
Helpful Geomorphologist
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 13:59:25 (GMT)
Oh dear, I'm running the risk of being a moaning old minnie today. I've just read that some closed-minded little vicar somewhere in Essex has banned the use of his church hall for yoga classes, as “We are here to tell people about Jesus and His exclusive claims and it seems completely inappropriate that we should give someone a platform who is advocating different spiritualities.” Forget the fact that some of his congregation wanted to go to the classes. And the C of E wonders why worshipper numbers are dropping.....
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 13:07:39 (GMT)
blimey that's quite a lineage you have there jill. how did you manage to have all of those people in your family tree?
gg
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 12:59:32 (GMT)
I am just starting out to trace my family tree. Can anyone help me? I am looking for the descendants of Hereward the Wake. I also hae the names lord Bulmer llyton,coleman, lady godiva hope someone can help me thanks
jill mcasey <jmcasey@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au>
melbourne, - Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 12:50:37 (GMT)
Edit>Replace 'doublespace' with 'single space' and run that until it can't find any more double spaces. Same with double 'hard-returns'. My reformatting nightmares always come from one computer program giving an output that the next one reformats. I only trim it back down so it uses 10 pages to print rather thatn 24, because I'm an nice environmentally sensitive type, then I print out sixteen copies and file them.
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 12:26:29 (GMT)
Oh, you suffer from that too? My other usual one is someone telling a customer that the agreement with them will work in a certain way, without asking me first, and then along come I and say that what's been proposed is a gigantic pile of doggy doo and won't work. Thus I look like a pedantic, obstructive so-and-so. And yet another buggaboo is engineers writing documents in which they give words initial capitals because they think it looks pretty. It's enough to drive one to the bottle.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 11:47:25 (GMT)
oh dear. my current bugbear is going into meetings where your work colleague has signed you up for things without discussing it with you first and then you have to explain why you're not doing it to management rather than to them, so it makes you look like a bickering so and so
gg
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 11:15:24 (GMT)
Aaaarghhhh!!! Why don't people learn to use Word properly? I keep having to amend agreements drafted by my boss, and it drives me round the bend - he aligns text using the space bar rather than tabs, outline numbering is conspicuous by its absence (except where the computer tries to do it without being asked, which causes its own problems), page breaks are unknown (he starts a new page by hitting return umpteen times), and his numbering style has no consistency whatever. I know I'm being completely anally retentive about this, but when I'm the one having to clean all the duff formatting off so that the document actually looks any good......
Silver Point
Rant rant rant!!!, - Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 10:55:12 (GMT)
...two "adults"??? oh, sh*t, I thought she was looking for two dolts. I was going to ask NBF if...oh, nevermind
Kev
- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 09:27:42 (GMT)
for a really good time call Shelley at ely 614960...or go to .....

- Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 03:25:09 (GMT)
Norman is in Ireland!
John Donne
Sick of people asking about my handsome and charming elder brother, - Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 21:14:12 (GMT)
P.S Hi to everyone who knows me!! will soon be back for xmas!!
Lisa
Ely, - Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 16:34:13 (GMT)
wanted to see what was happening at home right now!
Lisa
Ely, - Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 16:32:18 (GMT)
Nettles
Firefly
(I hope that's the answer you're after, I'm only trying to help), - Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 13:57:16 (GMT)
maybe she means one of the seven dwarves
gg
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 13:55:07 (GMT)
No we used to be an island but no longer, so the dock isn;t really used much anymore.
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 13:12:12 (GMT)
hello whats up dock
liane davies <www.com@lbd>
blackwood, - Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 13:07:56 (GMT)
Are oyu reading that rag Physiological and Molecular Cell Biology again?
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 12:36:44 (GMT)
the sort of magazines i read tend to achieve it.
gg
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 12:18:27 (GMT)
Surely you are not expecting a magazine to be 'scientific' in its experiment are you?!
HG
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 11:02:20 (GMT)
That's a good point - it is an average weight for each individual (in which case you could use the BMI) or for the family? And, perhaps even more tricky, what's an average appetite? I know people who eat like birds (7 times their own body weight daily) and others who find it hard to manage a whole Weetabix on their own.
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 10:40:13 (GMT)
I like the bit about the family having to be of 'average weight'. How exactly are you going to determine this alison? are you going to weigh each family against some sort of average weight for a family of four index? how will you compare a family with two 'fat' parents that have anorexic teenage girls with an athletic family who eat like horses?
gg
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 09:50:40 (GMT)
I'll go if someone can lend me the teenagers. I don't mind their company (and they tell very funny, if crude, jokes)
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 09:04:09 (GMT)
How did your 'Not all Stepmothers are Evil' article go Alison? Nice controversial subject. Or it the all-you-can-eat article a replacement due to lack of non-evil stepmums?
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 09:02:16 (GMT)
anybody out there willing to loan me two teenagers under 16 for the free meals in cambridgeshire thing? hold on though, an evening with 2 teenagers in a restaurant? no thanks, they'd have to pay me as well.
gg
- Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 08:36:43 (GMT)
yeah there is a laundarette in ely .. cept its on the outskirts of town and way to far to walk too!! ...or instead of openin a launderette u should do mobile laundry .. now that would save me walkin newhere :)
[M]
ely, - Monday, November 19, 2001 at 19:45:21 (GMT)
Are you a family of four (two adults and two teenage children under 16) of average weight and appetite who are prepared to go out to dinner, free of charge, three times in about a fortnight. I am carrying out an experiment for a woman's magazine on all-you-can-eat, buffet style restaurants to see if they are actually good value for money and how much you can save. One meal will be a Chinese, one a pizza and one and Indian meal so the whole family should like all three types of food. I only want to hear from adults in the family so if you are a teenager reading this and would like your family to get involved, please ask your parents and get one of them to contact me. I must speak to you soon though, so don't delay. Expenses will also be paid to cover the cost of travel. Either email me on the given address or phone, day or evening on 01353 720572 (if I'm not in, please leave a number and I'll call you straight back.) Look forward to hearing from you asap. Thank you
alison palmer <alisonpalmer@oakhouse24.freeserve.co.uk>
Cambs, - Monday, November 19, 2001 at 18:46:31 (GMT)
Has anyone seen a Mr Bin Laden I can't seem to find him anywhere????
Tony Blair <The pm@no10@uk.gov>
London, - Monday, November 19, 2001 at 15:38:05 (GMT)
Understand what you mean about floppy Q's. Still, at least I made em laugh - maybe I'll get a 'nice person, shame about her appalling lack of understanding... NOO! not whinging. Life's too short. Did anyone watch Dr Terrible's House of Horrible? Excellent programme providing an excellent satirical interpretation of 1970's horror films. Or alternatively, an excuse to lesbianism and tits... Either way, a rollocking good laugh!
MaccLass
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 15:06:28 (GMT)
You're my wife now Dave
MaccLass
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 15:03:05 (GMT)
saw 'league of gentlemen' for the very first time this weekend, i'm still disturbed. "we didn't burn them"
gg
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 12:27:17 (GMT)
tough questions are better than floppy questions. at least you feel like they were interested enough to try and engage your brain. i've been to some interviews where i wondered how they'd ever work out who to employ from their technique. morning all.
gg
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 12:22:25 (GMT)
Ugh! What an interview! Really tough questions... Oh well, should hear by the end of the week, so not too much more time to go.
MaccLass
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 11:37:24 (GMT)
I think there is a now-common term for redundancy which was imported from the US and does neatly sum it up. Its "scr**ed over". Ho hum, interview today for a job with a nice organisation. Ho hum, hope to get it... Good weekend had by all?
MaccLass
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 09:14:59 (GMT)
And why is it always Geocities that hosts all the wacko websites? (It was them that hosted the half horrifying, half funny abortion website that carried on about dead babies being Satan's favourite food.)
Silver Point
- Monday, November 19, 2001 at 08:55:18 (GMT)
I couldn't agree more.If this guy loves England so much,you'd think he'd at least learn the language.
deadly
ely, - Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 23:13:26 (GMT)
Aw, Shaun. Try being correct in your use of the language of the country you profess to love, and then people might listen. Until then, sod off.
Silver Point
- Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 22:13:49 (GMT)
Sure thing - check out www.drumtastic.co.uk - Ely based drum tution.
Lee Gillett
- Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 20:28:53 (GMT)
Please can you help me, does any of your readers know of a local drum teacher that would consider teaching an eager 13 year old. I currently live in Witchford but can travel to nearby villages if necessary. Thank you Scott
Scott Rayner <S182rayner@aol.com>
ely, - Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 19:25:58 (GMT)
i hate to say this but i told you, please, now visit our website, www.geocities.com/englishgateway. if your english and care about the future for your children.
shaun ENP
- Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 23:16:02 (GMT)
My apologies to MaccLass - my early retirement is not of my choice but I see that it is not the same animal as redundancy as you have known it. Both are life change experiences not good for the ego .I guess my situation is preferable if we must endure either one .( In america we use the terms laid off or Riffed ,rif being reduction in force). Not pretty by any name. To Firefly - no I am not that versitile , just angry and anger does motivate . The snow globe emporium was a bit of a joke as was the intimate appearl shop. Yes .I realize I would have to do much more resaerch if I were to pursue such a crazy idea . Consider my inquiry just like a wild idea that is tossed around in a pub -most of which will go down the loo along with the recyled beer . I am a week end on looker for the US . (By the way were is the laundrette in Ely?)
jim
- Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 12:21:54 (GMT)
Do anyone really read this stuff. I only glanced through and found this site as interesting as watching my cat in the litter tray. Sad, sad people.
Lisa
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 20:26:16 (GMT)
It shortly being Thanksgiving in the US, I read with interest some "traditional" recipes for the annual blowout. But one sounded - well, pretty grim, if it was meant to be eaten with the turkey and gravy. It was described as sweet potato puree, and involved cinnamon, cream, eggs, pecan nuts and butter, with a sugar and marshmallow topping. Can anyone tell me if this is the equivalent of mashed spud (to go with the turkey), or if it's meant to be pudding? Cos if it's the former..... erghh!
Silver Point
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 17:13:35 (GMT)
Just to let the Ely On-Liners know that Soham On-Line http://www.soham.org.uk is the grand old age of 2 today...Thanks to Lee & Mick Gillett for website ideas, inspiration and all round help...Cheers 8)
Christopher Scurrah <webmaster@soham.org.uk>
Soham, - Friday, November 16, 2001 at 15:21:26 (GMT)
It looks like a loophole in the firewall - as posters to Portadown News have identified that they can't swear (the web host won't let them). But if they put, say, an umlaut over the "u" in a well-known Anglo-Saxon epithet (or indeed change it to an "e"), it passes the scanner. Which really just shows up how rubbish the scanner is!
Silver Point
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 14:10:53 (GMT)
Interesting site. Funny how I can get that but not The Onion through my company firewall...
MaccLass
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 13:59:44 (GMT)
This is a website rather like theonion.com which was pulled by Freeserve. Can't imagine why.... http://www.portadownnews.com/
Silver Point
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 12:57:20 (GMT)
it sounds more like his rods have gone with a half peck to me. If he converts his cubitts into 1/3gills of a hand and then makes sure everything else is measured in hectolitres he'll be fine.
gg
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 11:23:24 (GMT)
Oh dear deadly, you are in a bad way if you measure your weight in bushels. Take two parsecs and one acre every night (with a glass of water) for a Saturn year, and you'll soon feel better.
Silver Point
- Friday, November 16, 2001 at 09:17:42 (GMT)
I've run out of groats,my weights up to 5 bushels and i'm having trouble walking 30 cubits.Can someone help?
deadly
ely, - Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 22:57:31 (GMT)
WHERE ARE ALL KEITHBLACKMAN GUYS ARE YOU NOT NO LINE<<<<<<<<<<<<<
G MURRAY PANCHO <PANMURE9@SYMPATICO>CA>
WALLOWDALE CANADA, - Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 19:11:11 (GMT)
Indeed. And I bet that not many Long Road pupils live in Milton anyway.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 16:32:52 (GMT)
given that this bus goes from milton to long road and takes an hour, if that was my commuting prospect I'd cycle instead and only take 30 mins to get there. no probs.
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 16:28:35 (GMT)
Ah. Oops!
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 14:37:12 (GMT)
except that the bus doesn't get to addenbrookes until 9 and they miss their first lesson
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 14:18:18 (GMT)
Addenbrookes to Long Road isn't far. Do them good to get a bit of exercise, given that the national curriculum doesn't have time for PE any more.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 13:54:42 (GMT)
And in Edinburgh too - it will work on the same rule as the old "if you ask an Edinburgher what sex is for, they'll say "you put your potatoes in them."" (whether or not bought by the slug.)
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 13:53:10 (GMT)
surely it's also used in south africa?
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 13:03:18 (GMT)
I wouldn't but potatoes in slugs, and I certainly object to paying for slugs in potatoes. My favourite obsolete unit of measurement is the Peck. No longer in use in most parts of the country but people in Bearsden and the posh suburbs of Glasgow still ask for 'A peck of sausages please'
Firefly
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 12:28:43 (GMT)
by snail or slug is probably the fastest way to get across cambridge these days. apparently a stagecoach/Cambus schoolbus that drops kids off at hills road and long road, stopped at hills road 6th form and said the route had now been altered and would no longer go to long road, the kids will have to walk from addenbrookes.
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 12:16:34 (GMT)


- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:41:10 (GMT)
nothing wrong with slugs, they just have bad PR
Flunge
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:41:03 (GMT)
sack the slugs

- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:39:58 (GMT)
under new management? then they should sack the new manager
Tom K
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:35:35 (GMT)


- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:34:41 (GMT)
the constant - e - is the same length (in yards) as a megalithic yard. half a peck of megalithic yardsticks please with a sprinkling of slugs top.
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:29:50 (GMT)
PS: you often hear about slugs of lead in relation to ballistics in 1960s and 1970s US cop films - seems to me that plugging someone with a slug of lead is, in reality, slightly de trop.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:08:39 (GMT)
Today's unit of measurement to be protected is the slug (stop giggling at the back). You get about 14 and a half kilos to the slug (I'd like to see metaldehyde stop THAT baby). So, protect your heritage - buy potatoes in fourteenths of a slug NOW!!
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:07:16 (GMT)
the P&R system is "under new management" since July. Guess it's not working they way they thought

- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 11:06:18 (GMT)
Also , have you seen the market on Thursdays, it's pretty busy and could hardly be described as 'GONE'
Firefly
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 10:43:26 (GMT)
I come back to the oft-repeated point - what do you expect if you have the main market on a day when a lot of people are at work? It may have worked back in the 1950s when women stayed at home and polished the lino (except on Thursdays, obviously), but it don't work now that we're all selfish enough to be earning a living.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:50:53 (GMT)
indeed, what miserable old duffers they are in the ely standard letters. if you only read those letters you'd think ely high street was completely devoid of shops and the market on thursdays had more tumbleweed than shoppers.
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:44:43 (GMT)
What in the world has happened to the Cambs Park and Ride system? Schedules are out the window, if a bus turns up it is by accident. Up to this summer it was a fairly reliable service and the best alternative when going to the city centre. But now..........does anyone know what is going on?
Tom Kabs
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:42:38 (GMT)
You'd need a dry-cleaning facility as well, for those more specialist items which cannot be washed in a conventional machine.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:39:29 (GMT)
how about an intimate items only laundrette?
gg
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:37:16 (GMT)
I like the idea of a bicycle repair-cum-adult items shop. You can buy your foot-pump knowing it will be dual use. And it might cheer up those miserable so&sos in the Sub-Standard.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:24:36 (GMT)
Fantastic doom merchants on the ely-standard letters page today. Oh Ely's once thriving market has gone, oooh the parking problems's unsolvable, oooh we're all doomed might as well turn to drugs oooh.
Firefly
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:04:20 (GMT)
So who are you, and why do you want to set up your Snowglobe Emporium in Ely? Ely aready has most of the things you mention, though I've often thought that a laundrette that doubles as a second-hand book shop and pub would be quite an idea, ooh it would be like reliving a schoolboy dream). I'm not sure a message on a website is entirely suficcient market research for setting up a business in another country, I hope you are putting a bit more thought into your venture. Selling figurines and postcards OR running a gum with judo classes and bicycle repair, I must say you are very versatile.
Firefly
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 08:55:00 (GMT)
How about a shop selling containers made from plastic? I don't think Ely has enough of those. What's this early retirement? I don't wish to be rude, but early retirement and redundancy are two completely different animals. Having been made redundant twice this year I can guarantee that it is not of personal choice like early retirement. Oh how I would like to be able to take early retirement. Unfortunately at not even 30 I think it would be more likely to be considered premature retirement!
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 08:12:46 (GMT)
Suppose a person is facing early retirement ( made redundant as you say in the Uk).Suppose that that person wants to make a radical change in life situation (immigrate) and start a small business. Suppose Ely is one such place under consideration. What does Ely need and what would Ely support ? 1. launrette 2. shop selling outdoorwear- walking shoes, camping gear, os maps , rain gear etc. 3. bicycle sales &repair? 4.fitness center ( weights , tread mills stair masters, classes in aerobics , dance & self defense etc. )5. Shop specializing in intimate appearl , chocolates , scents ,lotions ( sort of a combination Body Shop / Victoria's Secret) 6. shop selling casual clothing , trainers and sporting goods . 7. shop selling small glass figurines , snow globes , post cards and souveniers.Please give me your thoughts. Thank you very much.

- Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 01:19:47 (GMT)
This may sound very weird,but I need help in finding a pair of cheap second hand thigh-high boots,and fast!Im going to a xmas party soon,as porn star barbie and Im getting desperate to find a pair!Please contact me at 02890644770 if you can help,it would make my xmas!!!!thanks
Dani <danielle100o@hotmail.co.uk>
Belfast, - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 22:26:14 (GMT)

<d>
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 22:20:52 (GMT)
FREE NOKIA 8210. No contract, peak from 5p, text from only 2p anytime! Line rental £9.99 reducing to £5.99, connection charge of £35, no credit checks, direct debit mandatory, only cheque, debit or credit card orders accepted. To order email totalmedia@aol.com or go to www.instoresavers.co.uk and order Online.
TON DRY <totalmedia@aol.com>
Sudbury, - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 18:09:21 (GMT)
What - your bicycle has wings and clucks? Oh, sorry - a PALTRY bicycle.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 16:20:05 (GMT)
HG: 'bout 148 boy, gi' or take a furlong
Even Older Git
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 16:19:24 (GMT)
Soon be time for a firkin of ale...

- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 16:18:31 (GMT)
my megalithic yard speedo is too big to carry on my paltry bicycle.
gg
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:57:05 (GMT)
I wonder how many chains it is for me to cycle home tonight?
Helpful Geomorphologist
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:50:13 (GMT)
But these young'uns these days, they dunneven know their imperial measures. Twere only the other day when I asked for one sixteenth of a British Imperial gallon of IPA, and the lass behind t'bar dinnow what I were talking about.
Even Older Git
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:48:38 (GMT)
my cycle distance home is approx. 40 perches, 2 poles and and quarter of a rod. my speedo is too difficult to read.
gg
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:38:37 (GMT)
PS: or should that be 11810 and 279 five hundredths?
SP
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:36:23 (GMT)
It's never been the same since the cubit was outlawed - oh and bring back hanging and National Service.
Old Git
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 15:33:08 (GMT)
Having read the Editor's Page, I am so amused at the ridiculous antics of the Guard The Yard campaign that I think we should start campaigning for the continued use of the most esoteric and obscure measurement units available. To start off, I propose we maintain the barleycorn as a measurement of distance - it's equivalent to 0.008467 of a metre. I therefore propose that, for example, we no longer have the 100m freestyle in swimming competitions - it should be the 11,810.558 barleycorn freestyle (assuming my maths is right). If anyone else has a particular favourite measurement that they fear is going to fall out of use, name it here!
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 14:49:16 (GMT)
the projections i've seen before have made britain look much smaller than that, never mind.
gg
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 13:14:48 (GMT)
Steady folks, methinks you might be overestimating the size of Spain. N-S the British Isles and Spain are quite similar in length, it is only the E-W part and overall area that are different. The satellite image shows that quite nicely.
Helpful Geomorphologist
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 11:59:50 (GMT)
That'll be Mercator for you (a famous Belgian, incidentally). My favourite was on theonion.com - "Greenland thinks it looks fat in Mercator Projection".
Silver Point
Spent too long with Helpful Geomorphologiest - now I'm laughing at geographical jokes!, - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 11:26:39 (GMT)
I've just looked at the met office satellite weather image and it makes the uk look the same size as spain!
gg
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 11:15:13 (GMT)
No disagreements there Master. But how come you have time to read books? I thought that MSc would be keeping you busy.
Firefly
Norwich, - Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 08:46:44 (GMT)
But the rotary club don't want opinions from people that work in the dreadful city of cambridge, next thing they'll be pretending that they actually live here.
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 08:44:15 (GMT)
what a lovely frosty sunny morning! morning all. noticed in the CEN that the ely rotarians are looking to boost their membership. perhaps the first thing they could do is stop meeting at lunchtime in ely and have it in the evenings. meeting outside of work during lunch hour for most people is an impossibility! add to that the fact that most ely residents now work in cambridge/london (I know certain ely citizens find this deplorable but that's how it is) their lunchtime meetings are probably the very reason their membership is in decline.
gg
- Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at 08:28:48 (GMT)
DRUM TUITION NOW TAKING ON NEW STUDENTS ALSO RECORDING PLUS PIANO AND GUITAR TUITION. VISIT WEB SITE WWW.DRUMTASTIC.CO.UK
ian turner <ian.turner9@ntlworld.com>
ELY, - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 19:45:23 (GMT)


- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 16:08:34 (GMT)
Anyone disagrees that Miles Teg is a cool character in DUNE?
master
manc, - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 16:06:51 (GMT)
Good to see you're keeping up with Fen traditions Kev ;-)
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 13:16:20 (GMT)
hiya SP. Alison, we are ALL looking for stepdaughters in their 20s.
Kev
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 12:45:47 (GMT)
I have a pet giraffe and my uncle nesbitt is a lay-cardinal in venezuala, does that count? does my pet giraffe have to be alive?
gg
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 11:09:28 (GMT)
Speak for yourself sediment boy - I think of myself as more of a light jam sponge.
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 11:01:03 (GMT)
Blimey Alison, have you read this board at all? With the fruitcakes on here the last thing I'd hand out is my telephone number!
Helpful Geomorphologist
- Tuesday, November 13you read this board at all? With the fruitcakes on here the last thing I'd hand out is my telephone number!

Helpful Geomorphologist
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 09:51:23 (GMT)
as a young church-going geographical feature, I used to get terribly confused at the bit in the Creed where it goes "we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church" - I used to think "but we're C of E".
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 09:30:49 (GMT)
Hello, I wonder if you can help me. I'm writing an article on the influence of catholicism on modern relationships. Please could you contact me if your step-neice just became a cardinal or if it you've just been voted pope for the third time this year. Ideally you should be vegetarian and have a pet giraffe.
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 08:51:05 (GMT)
Kev: if NBF is in Kabul, I expect he's turning tail and running from the Northern Alliance like all good Taleban boys?
renmimbi
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 22:09:07 (GMT)
I am writing an article about the special relationship a stepmother and stepdaughter can share and would like to hear from any out there who get on really well. (stepmum and Dad must have married in last few years) Please call me asap on 01353 720572 or email me at alisonpalmer@oakhouse24.freeserve.co.uk I am particularly looking for stepdaughters aged 10+, in their teens and twenties
alison palmer <alisonpalmer@oakhouse24.freeserve.co.uk>
Cambs, - Monday, November 12, 2001 at 20:17:36 (GMT)
If anyone is planning to go see the film "The Pledge" with Jack Nicholson in it - don't go, it's pants (IMHO).
Silver Point
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 16:46:58 (GMT)
SMD
randy
jetmore, - Monday, November 12, 2001 at 16:36:17 (GMT)
Just thought you'd appreciate the opportunity for a rant. But EU ranting is more NBF's thing than yours it's true.
Firefly
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 16:31:16 (GMT)
Hi Kev, how's it going?
Silver Point
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 14:42:13 (GMT)
Firefly - why would I care about how the EU refers to sprouts? BTW I thought NBF was supposed to be back.......maybe he is in Kabul
Kev
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 14:35:36 (GMT)
why?
gg
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 13:24:23 (GMT)
PLEASE HELP I AM DESPERATE TO LOCATE SUPPLIERS OF FAKE LOUIS VUITTON GRAFFITI STYLE BAGS!!!!!!!!!!!
CSHERWOOD <CSHERWOOD@MANGANESEBRONZE>
BIRMINGHAM, - Monday, November 12, 2001 at 12:18:41 (GMT)
hmmmmm.... interestin!!
[M]
ely, - Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 16:46:55 (GMT)
BRILL SITE! if you need another good message site i found loads! thay are in the UK KNOWHERE GUIDE simply type in: CONTENT OF KNOWHERE that will take you to the UK KNOWHERE GUIDE which has an endless list of UK places message boards! and if your looking for old school m8s try: www.friendsreunited.co.uk its fantastic! im in touch with loads of old m8s through that site, another good message board i found is: www.vavo.com cheers! Dina.
Dina <Dina@hotmail.com>
Folkstone, - Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 11:02:31 (GMT)
Your website is very useful for homework cheers!
? <?>
?, - Saturday, November 10, 2001 at 12:40:03 (GMT)

?
- Saturday, November 10, 2001 at 12:39:01 (GMT)
gg - having been involved in this kind of thing before (in another life), the difficulty is that, generally speaking, if people aren't given options to choose from, they tend not to choose anything because the remit is so vast. So the initial public consultation bombs, the PTB get in a consultancy anyway to come up with ideas, and then they have to get the public response going yet again. This all means that things get decided at a speed somewhat slower than continental drift. But I agree that in Ely it's pretty obvious what options are available as solutions.
Silver Point
- Friday, November 09, 2001 at 17:07:20 (GMT)
with reference to the Ely Transport planning thing mentioned on the editors page, why do citizens of ely not get consulted before the plans are drawn up as options? how does this design company know what ely wants before it's asked? i'm convinced that people who use the current transport within ely have some very good suggestions for how to improve it based upon knowledge of actually using it. I always hate how public consultation comes after the expensive design group bit not before. putting the cart before the horse or offering carrots to its bum instead of its head.
gg
- Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:59:32 (GMT)
G'DAY MATE!! IT'S THE 3 BIG BOOTY HOE'S BRINGING IT TO Y'ALL TOWN TO PICK UP THE PIMPS!!! AY AY AY! THIS IS FOR ALL Y'ALL PIMPS OUT THERE!!- HELLO TEDDY!! THIS IS A HOE WILD WORLD WERE LIVING IN!!! LOVE YA GALS!!
The 3 hoe's!!!! <Bigbootyhoe!!!>
Sudbury, suffolk, - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:16:32 (GMT)
Mates just got done!!!
Twiddle Dee & Twiddle Dum!!!!!! <2freaks@bilf.com>
USA, - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:16:07 (GMT)
G'DAY MATE!! IT'S THE 3 BIG BOOTY HOE'S BRINGING IT TO Y'ALL TOWN TO PICK UP THE PIMPS!!! AY AY AY! THIS IS FOR ALL Y'ALL PIMPS OUT THERE!!- HELLO TEDDY!! THIS IS A HOE WILD WORLD WERE LIVING IN!!! LOVE YA GALS!!
The 3 hoe's!!!! <Bigbootyhoe!!!>
Sudbury, suffolk, - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:15:39 (GMT)
Bin Laden's a HO y'all!!

- Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:09:25 (GMT)
BIG BOOTY HO!

- Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:01:42 (GMT)
BIG BOOTY HO!

- Friday, November 09, 2001 at 14:01:17 (GMT)
Oh dear, it's starting - achy joints, sore throat, hot feeling at back of nose..... and I have to drive to Shrewsbury tonight. But when I get there I'm sure my mum will give me as much fuss as I require.
Silver Point
[dong dong] Unclean! Unclean!, - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 10:14:52 (GMT)
that'll be why I've got a nasty virus then? it's bad news when you have to wear a hat inside. if you ever want cheering up take a trip to tylers (as was) and glory at the magnificence of their luminous plastic penguins, snowmen and reindeer, only 7ft tall and plug into the mains. wonderful.
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 15:42:20 (GMT)
Nononono... it's a deliberate architectural feature of the building, to ensure that natural ventilation is employed for the benefit of the occupants, rather than nasty air-conditioning.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 14:06:18 (GMT)
sure will, thanks. so far I'm going to work on a per hour basis, that's all they've mentioned! as I sit here behind my computer in my cosy office I feel slightly disconcerted that everytime the wind blows I can feel it on my face. methinks the building work that surrounds me is of dubious quality.
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 13:56:35 (GMT)
Let me know if you get any terms for the consultancy off your current employers.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 12:26:53 (GMT)
http://www.ely-standard.co.uk/News/letters.asp#5 some good letters today about ely traffic and a certain 'businessman' with rose-tinted byegone glasses.
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 12:26:37 (GMT)
first monday in december. just about to register with the (whispered very softly -) Inland Revenue for the consulting thing
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 12:05:36 (GMT)
gg - when do you start your next job?
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 11:39:19 (GMT)
I actually meant the bumper book of poo, but on your description perhaps I won't enjoy it after all....
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 11:08:01 (GMT)
Blood of the Vikings by Julian Richards (the bloke on bbc2, apparently). it's a very good read for a 'book accompanying the telly programme' type book, I'll pass it on when I'm done, which won't be long. the bumper book of poo is my textbook for the next job, 300 pages of electron microscopy of intestinal villi before and after diarrhea, colour charts (with dulux codes) and jokes. mmmmm
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 10:30:38 (GMT)
Your what? Sounds an interesting read, can I borrow it when you're done? I've just finished Ian Dury's biography, and Rolf Harris's - they were both well worth the effort.
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 09:57:50 (GMT)
back at work with very irritating sore throat and temperature, but able to stand up and drive a car (these minis are so basic) - I think that constitutes better. just ordered a cold frame for the garden. next thing will be a greenhouse but I haven't a clue where it would live and get some sun. unhappy that while i was off my 'bumper book of diarrhea' didn't turn up so I had something nice to read in bed. blood of the vikings had to suffice.
gg
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 09:28:26 (GMT)
Sounds good Manclass, let's hope it all slots into place for you. On the subject of pharmaceuticals - gg, how are you feeling today?
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 09:24:11 (GMT)
They're pharma industry. Big issues running round my head constantly. Still, they are paying me to 'work' from home today so I think I can wrap my head around that... Mind you, some good news about the other interview... good organisation that works to protect people without torturing anything!
MaccLass
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 09:06:05 (GMT)
Gap? Nike? Nestle? British Aerospace? BNFL? Huntingdon Life Sciences?
Silver Point
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 08:45:27 (GMT)
welcome back manclass. Monsanto? no, it must be worse, Mc Donalds? Railtrack? Rio Tinto? Phillip Morris or BAT? They're the big 'can't mention where I work at dinner parties' names. Oh, unless you're managing projects for Labour?
gg
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 17:47:04 (GMT)
PS: yes Ignisbum - you would!
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 15:39:03 (GMT)
Dunno, but the dictionary says fireflies are "Any of various nocturnal beetles of the family Lampyridae, characteristically having luminescent chemicals in the posterior tip of the abdomen that produce a flashing light". I fell about when I saw that.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 15:38:40 (GMT)
No I'm not joinin gin Latin wars, I know who'd win. What's latin for Firefly?
Ignisbum
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 14:51:21 (GMT)
Could be worse Ff, it could be Psittacosis rosacea, and then you really would be sick as the proverbial.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 14:09:06 (GMT)
You and Dr Stuart's Botanicus can go and get ...
Ff
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 13:53:40 (GMT)
It's not spots it's Pitoriasis rosea, which is 'Latin for spots' and therefore much more serious.
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 13:52:58 (GMT)
Hi guys!! I'm back, albeit for a limited time most likely. Phew what a 2 months - decorating, tiling, walking, visiting Ikea... I am now 'gainfully' employed as a project manager (la di da) with a company I never ever would have dreamt of working for... Please don't ask because I am having difficulty with my principles over it. However it is only for 3 months, and it beats being on the rock n roll... Any way I have an interview for a great job next week, so fingers crossed I will be sorted by xmas... How is everyone anway?
MaccLass
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 13:51:52 (GMT)
folk at work and at my other half have had something which manifests itself as 1. sore throat, 2. bad headaches 3. feeling crap and lethargic. most of the time you don't feel bad enough to be staying at home but then for a few days you feel very bad indeed, this lasts for a few weeks. at least I haven't come out in spots as well, unlike some I could mention.
gg
must dig out the echinacea tea again, - Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 13:48:23 (GMT)
So far I have been cold-free (I attribute this happy state of affairs to echinacea tea, available from tesco), but as all those around me are beginning to drip with mucus and cough like a blocked plughole I confidently expect to be KO'd within the next few days, echinacea tea or no. gg, sounds less like a cold and more like flu/paraflu. And on that subject (rant alert) I am sick and tired of people round me having one day off, snuffling a bit, and then saying they had the flu. Believe me lads, if it really was the flu you'd be on your back for a week, and iffy for another week.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 13:02:16 (GMT)
afternoon! how many other people around here are fed up getting poxy colds every fortnight? at least today I'm capable of lifting my head off the pillow but still weak n wobbly. F1 sprout hybrids (British x Brussels obviously - sorry a geneticists in-joke there) would be more vigorous and give higher yields than their inbred parents, an effect seen in these parts before.
gg
acheylimbland, - Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 12:49:18 (GMT)
Ermm... shades of a sort of Teutonic "American Pie"?
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 11:47:26 (GMT)
One of these days I must learn to type.
Ff
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 11:11:06 (GMT)
Whereas gettin ghte cabbage to mate with the ferarri driver is a whole lot easier.
Schumacher Firefly
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 11:10:34 (GMT)
Johnny Dee and the "Up The Workers" team will be visiting Ely On-Line this morning Wednesday! Tune in at 96 and 95.7FM around 10am. The "event" will also be "webcast" onto the Ely On-Line webcam so you can also watch the fun at www.ely.org.uk/webcam
Lee (the sour-face)
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 09:57:18 (GMT)
Interesting - the only websites I could find talked about F1 sprout hybrids. All I can say is, if they've come up with a sprout that can do 200 miles per hour around Brands Hatch, hoorah for cross-breeding! (But I bet it was difficult getting the cabbage to mate with the Ferrari...)
Silver Point
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 09:40:22 (GMT)
That's a very severe expression you have there ont eh judging panel Lee! Been eating lemons again?
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 09:13:27 (GMT)
I heard recently that EU doesn't like the name and wants to call them 'English Sprouts', but that could just be somebody making up more EUballs. Nevertheless I expect to see NBF (or Kev) shouting about it on a website too near you very soon.
Firefly
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 09:08:36 (GMT)
Did a quick web search and found a site that claims ( according to Keith Smith in Classic Vegetable Catalogue )that Brussels Sprouts originated near Brussels- first reference to them appeared in market regulations about 1213.They were introduced into France then the UK in 1800's. God think of it. For 600 years they kept them to themslves.
Bubble and Squeek
- Wednesday, November 07, 2001 at 01:49:13 (GMT)
Yes indeedy.
Silver Point
Stroking a fluffy white cat, - Tuesday, November 06, 2001 at 13:38:31 (GMT)
Quite frightening the power you wield there SP
Firefly
- Tuesday, November 06, 2001 at 12:30:59 (GMT)
Goodbye, hello.
Silver Point
- Tuesday, November 06, 2001 at 09:14:54 (GMT)
That's not going downhill - some people would pay good money to travel to work sat on someone else's buttocks.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 16:26:01 (GMT)
I noticed that wagn have re-painted some of their very old rolling stock. just on the outside mind, the insides still have broken seats, graffiti and bloodstains.
gg
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 16:16:03 (GMT)
my, wagn has gone downhill if the seats are now made of buttocks!
gg
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 16:14:15 (GMT)
You're all doing it wrong. In my business suit wearing days, when I travelled by train it was far more effective to tread on Briefcase Man's feet as I got to my seat. Several stone transferred onto the heel of one formal court shoe can make quite a bruise.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 16:07:58 (GMT)
Glad to see my 'positive yoof' post sparked some interest. I think I sat next to Briefcase Man this morning; legs akimbo either side of his case with me perched on a solitary buttock. Did I say anything? No. I seethed.
Reg Dixon
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 15:49:09 (GMT)
I think brussels sprouts are named after brussels, which is probably the first place they were grown as a vegetable or selected for their little sprouty offshoots of the mainstem. there's nothing else that grows quite like them.
gg
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 14:19:57 (GMT)
Pah - just been looking at an online Belgian beer shop, and they describe Liefman's Kriek as a lambic. When any fule no it's based on a bruin.
Silver Point
Rapidly sprouting a real ale lover's bobbly jumper and beard, - Monday, November 05, 2001 at 13:54:34 (GMT)
Actually Firefly, you've now got me interested. Why are Brussels sprouts so called? Because I have a funny feeling that they were originally nothing whatever to do with Belgium, and that they were called that in an effort to make them sound exotic. Anyone got any views?
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 13:36:58 (GMT)
Funnily enough, no we didn't. I was very tempted by a huge European stars flag, and the giant chocolate Euro coins were also a near thing. But I was running out of space in my rucksac.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 13:29:06 (GMT)
Did you get any sprouts?
Firefly
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 13:16:43 (GMT)
I didn't actually have any waffles. It was a case of "so much lovely grub, so little time..." Managed to lug back several bottles of lambic, a few packets of speculaas and a box of chocs though.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 13:13:53 (GMT)
what about stroepwaffels?
gg
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 12:49:08 (GMT)
Hello all! Back from sunny Brussels, at least a stone heavier due to all the frites mayonnaise, crepes, stoemp and beer (ah, the beer.....) I know someone who suffered similarly to the pregnant lady in the story below - an ex-workmate of mine was travelling by tube while 8 months gone, and nobody would give her a seat. She fainted, and upon coming to vomited. The person who helped her up and off the train was the homeless guy who had just minutes previously been begging on the platform.
Silver Point
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 11:40:57 (GMT)
somehow that story doesn't surprise me badger. i find london a sad and demoralising place that accentuates the human races bad points from having too many people live close together. I never want to work in london. lovely morning here! cold, crisp and sunny - perfect.
gg
- Monday, November 05, 2001 at 08:22:58 (GMT)
hello people

- Sunday, November 04, 2001 at 15:28:13 (GMT)
i have not been opening any emails since the scare
me
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 18:21:13 (GMT)
WE got a fantastic wanring email at work to all staff. "Many facilities in the USA and UK have recently received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes, and some have contained powdery substances. The threat of such action against an organisation like ours is extremely low, but we need to be prepared" Prepared how you might ask.... well the email then goes on to detail the proceedure if you find yourself in receipt of a "SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE SPILLING POWDER OR MARKED WITH THREATENING MESSAGE SUCH AS "ANTHRAX"" because of course every responsible terrorist would make sure it was properly labelled!!!
Firefly
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 16:54:30 (GMT)
The state of the UK today. You have the following choice, either A) you can get a decent job in the area that pays ok. OR B) you can afford to buy a house in the area. ie, either houses are affordable but there are no jobs or there are jobs but there's no way you can afford to live even close. Discuss (50 marks)
Firefly
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 16:29:53 (GMT)
gg - during the time I worked in London, a colleague of mine was pregnant and travelling to work each day by tube, and generally having to stand each way. One particular day, when she was nearing the end of her pregnancy, she was standing, as usual, when the heat and crowds got too much for her, resulting in her fainting. No-one offered to help, and she eventually had to pick herself up off the floor, and got off at he next stop, in order to have a sit down on a bench on the platform. On leaving the train, she heard a suited, city-gent type, mutter loud enough for her to hear, "pregnant women should not be allowed to travel by tube"! There is no comprehending the insensitivity of some people.
Badger Belle
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 15:54:19 (GMT)
why don't you smoke a fag while you fill your petrol tank

- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 12:53:21 (GMT)
Yeah, sure gg. You don't have the nerve to speak to me, so I'm sure you will take action.
M+50SW
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 12:22:43 (GMT)
are we poor people?

- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 12:21:22 (GMT)
I think britain is a rip off country the most expensive petrol in the world the most expensive ciggarreetes in the world and the most expensive trains in europe. I think we should seek independance for ely.
john
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 10:36:49 (GMT)
you've just lessened my opinion of male over fifty suitwearers that's all and i'll be sure to ram my bike wheel into your ankles at every given opportunity.
gg
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 10:24:15 (GMT)


- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:50:45 (GMT)


- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:50:02 (GMT)
And I just laugh at your glare knowing in my heart of hearts that I have lessened your opinion of the world. therefore, I win.
Male, over 50 suitwearer
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:49:51 (GMT)
No - we don't do plastic buckets. Could do you a nice ceramic fridge magnet with a Cathedral view of it? Make a nice christmas present for your mum! :-)
The Shopkeeper
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:49:00 (GMT)
I buy all of my plastic buckets from Ely on-line and you should too!
Old Dear
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:46:20 (GMT)
and they are ALL, without any exception so far, over fifty, male suitwearers with briefcases, every single last one them.
gg
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:31:34 (GMT)
Todd, I used to do that on the train but got quite fed up of being sworn at/cursed and threatened by such people. It's easy for you to say as a bloke, not having been there and never seen me stare at anyone in a 'you loathsome scumbag' way. There are so many people like that old man on the Ely-London trains they are tiring.
gg
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:29:57 (GMT)
and we all used to be so nice................

- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:17:40 (GMT)
I'll buy an NBF dartboard.

- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:16:29 (GMT)
You don't should at old men like that bloke on the train because people like that keep up their reputation for being weird and scary. That's the lesson that a lot of people learn on this planet. If you are intimidating arrogant and frightening enough then people avoid you and you get your way. This has been going on for long enough now that it is arrogant freaks that are running the place. It's time for us timid people to stand up and.... well you're never going to have a revolution of polite people are you, storm parliament and say 'excuse me do you think that perhaps when you've finished speaking, that the polite people of the counrry could have a word?'
Firefly
Working hard to be arrogant and frightening, but it isn't fooling anyone, - Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:02:48 (GMT)


- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 08:41:24 (GMT)
wow gg I'll bet that showed him. You simply looked at him? The why come here and complain? when you could have said something to HIM?
Todd
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 08:41:11 (GMT)
perhaps an autographed photo of NBF? I doubt his photo has ever been taken - superspy and all......

- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 08:39:40 (GMT)
Negative old (git) person story : typical oldish bloke with briefcase sitting in outside seat of a pair when inside not occupied, woman comes along and asks if seat is vacant, he replies that obviously it is and if she can climb over him to it she can sit in it. so she did and he didn't move his knees or his briefcase in order to help. the woman in question was around 60 years old. many penetrating glares did he get from myself and the rest of the carriage.
gg
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 08:37:22 (GMT)
hello poor people
god no
- Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 17:59:55 (GMT)
We are pleased to announce our new shop which has been re-stocked to include many new products. In our continued effort to make Ely On-Line pay for itself (which it doesn't at the moment) we are now stocking many items which feature Ely Cathedral and other Ely sites. However, we do not wish to be seen as profiting from Ely without giving something back. Therefore, we have established an "Ely On-Line Fund" - 5% of all the profit for all items sold from this shop will be donated to a worthy local cause yet to be decided - it may be help for local schools or the homeless or whatever. We will publish details of the progress of the fund at regular intervals - if you have any questions or suggestions with regard to the fund please e-mail elyonlinefund@ely.org.uk - The shop is linked off the home page and is directly available from www.ely.org.uk/shop - order now for Christmas! :-)
Lee
- Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 15:11:45 (GMT)
Hi Todd! Nice to hear from you again - hope things are fine with you. Where did you go for your holidays?
Lee
- Thursday, November 01, 2001 at 09:07:05 (GMT)
Hello all!!! Been away for a bit. But done with me holidays. Lee looking forward to your reply. Your Friend, The Yank drummer Todd"O"
Todd"O" <toddhawkwind@yahoo.com USA>
San Diego,CA USA, - Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 18:16:37 (GMT)
Positive yoof story: I was on the train yesterday evening and a young lad of about 13 politely asked me if the seat opposite was vacant. He sat down and took a packet of chewing gum from him pocket and offered me a piece. When I declined he offered a piece to the lady next to him.
Reg Dixon
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 16:59:19 (GMT)
When I lived in Shrewsbury we used to get lots of trick-or-treaters. We used to offer them small bags of museli, telling the little horrors that it was good for their bowels. They soon learned not to bother ringing our doorbell.
Silver Point
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 15:45:15 (GMT)
Oooh, few things I like better than a clean break, a fresh start, a new beginning etc etc, cheers Lee, it loads a bit faster too. Halloween eh? I was in Canterbury yesterday helping my brother pack boxes for his house move today and we were interrupted by some trick-or-treaters (we used to call them 'guisers' I don't know if that's maybe a scottish thing). Oddly they didn't seem impressed to learn that they were a day early and that my brother (being somewhat distracted by packing) was completely unprepared. Strangely he told them to come back in 15 mins and nipped off to the corner-shop to buy them some treats. I think I would have told them to come back in 24hours (by which time he'll have moved house).
Firefly
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 13:03:34 (GMT)
A new month is about to start so I have decided to start a new message board. Not sure if I will bother giving a link to the archive - who could possibly be interested in reading that lot! Can I remind people not to swear - it just means I have to edit the page. Happy halloween!
Lee
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 12:29:16 (GMT)
New message board starts

- Wednesday, October 31, 2001(GMT)
br> - Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 12:29:16 (GMT)
New message board starts

- Wednesday, October 31, 2001(GMT)

 

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