Another Drive4show 'Anything goes' thread

[JAS]

First topic message reminder :

Well done Jas, I've done it a few times and have applied too. Not heard back yet though.

I did it in 2008 Super and was disappointed not to break 4 hours (I ran Glasgow 3 times in the mid 80s with a PB of 2.52) Huge difference in running marathons from early to mid 20's and late 40's/early 50's though. I said in 2008 that I had one more left and it WOULD be sub 4 hours!! I've applied 3 times without success since but I'm in this time.

Nice one JAS...trust all that training won't interfere with the golf schedule too much!

In reality and coupled with the Captaincy it probably will knock my game backwards a bit. C'est la vie :-/. Ideally the day I'd want to be doing my last long training run is the day of the Captains drive in.

Didn't Kirkygolfer run in it - think some of us helped him raise money?

I'm sure somebody from the boards did Kwini, cant remember the name though.

[super_realist]

No, As far as I can tell, despite her constant anti-english digs she isn't in favour of the split, but she is in favour of anyone who has ever seen The Krankies or eaten shortbread to be permitted a vote in it, regardless of where they live.

[pedro]

I'm sure the tax dodging sir Connery would like to vote though.

[JAS]

Because they don't understand the sniffy attitude most scots have about England. I've got Scottish family (pathheed I think) and my god don't they just whinge the whole time about how the english have done them over in just about every aspect of life. But the scots I know down south (devon) are the nicest most considerate lot you could hope to meet. Like I say i reckon it's the weather or something...

Pathheed?? as in the posh (ha ha) suburb of New Cumnock?? :-/  Jeez Monty I seem to remember NC being voted Britain's bleakest town a year or 2 back. I was brought up about 6 miles away in another contender for that title.

I am approaching tipping point, infact I'm right on it...I moved south when I was 25 years and 4 months old, I'm now 50 years and 8 months. So...I've now lived half my life in England. Do I still consider myself Scottish? Yes I do. Do I consider myself British? Yes I do. Do I still live in the United Kingdom? Yes I do. Do I want the UK to break up? No I don't. Do I care about both Scotland and the United Kingdom? Yes I bloody well do and dare I say it a helluva lot more than migrant workers from Lithuania, Poland, India etc etc who have been there 10 minutes and have no feel for the country whatsoever. Yet they can determine that I will soon need a different passport to my mum.  When I moved south I moved to a different part of the same country (i.e. the United Kingdom). If/when I retire and want to move back home but the vote next year goes wrong, how different/complicated is it going to be for me to emigrate back home? If there is going to be any complication whatsoever then the Independence vote affects me and I'd want a say.

I'm convinced the only reason I'm not going to get a vote is because Slimy and Lego looked at the potential constituency and came to the conclusion that the vast majority of people like me recognise the value of the Union and return an emphatic NO vote (give 'em their dues they're right to make that assumption). Cant quite work out whether giving 16 & 17 year old the vote is more or less cynical than not giving UK based Scots a say.

[McLaren]

I do wonder what a non SNP independent Scotland could become. A little socialist enclave where almost all powers have been handed over to brussels would be quite an appealing prospect.

[super_realist]

I do wonder what a non SNP independent Scotland could become.  A little socialist enclave where almost all powers have been handed over to brussels would be quite an appealing prospect.

Free Guardian every morning.

What I don't understand is they want to be independent but are reliant on being in Europe, presumably now given the Sterling issue with the Euro, so now they'll have gone from Union, to European Union and still not in charge.

They really are idiots. Again, just seems to add fuel that it's because of an anti English agenda.

I'd think a non SNP quasi independent Scotland would just be another economic basket case like our Lebprechaun loving cousins.

[JAS]

...and Iceland, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece etc etc.

We achieved infinitely more as a Union than we ever did alone, why some would want to take the huff because we don't get it all our own way is beyond me.

Nice romantic theory perhaps but the cold economic reality is much much different.

[gaelgowfer]

I see the comprehension skills of some posters have gone south again.  Can't imagine why anyone - north or south of Hadrian's Wall - could categorically draw the conclusion that I'm anti-English based on this from two pages back ...

Salmond is basically expecting scots to take a leap of faith into the unknown.  Why should England (and don't forget Wales!) do us any favours were Scotland to vote Yes?  Just can't help feeling the whole referendum thing is an SNP cynical exercise based on having no real expectation of winning in order to justify its existence.

Just to clarify, I am absolutely against Independence for Scotland.

Got it?

[Doc]

I have a feeling that cameron has underestimated the king in waiting, as he is a clever operator, you have to give him that. Yet are the Scotts so peed off with us that they will fall for this fiction. A new dynamic being employed is promising people they will be better off independant (Without providing proof) Allowing 16-year olds to vote is a leap into the unknown as most will vote because they can, and some will vote the same as their parents and some will vote the same as their mates and indeed there will be some who make a choice based upon their own feelings. However I bet there will be a majority who vote without fully understanding the issues.

How slimy can just assume that he will get BBC Scotland, keep the pound, get into the EU and NATO is beyond me as it may prove impossible to get any of those things. The EU are still saying all new entrants need to adopt the Euro currency. NATO without our nuclear fleet/threat, please think again. Where will he get this new army, navy and air force from? he obviously thinks we just hand over our forces and equipment. The man lives in a fantasy ....

One huge hole is if he does ever get accepted into the EU. By that time we will have a completley different immigration policy from the rest of Europe. Salmond will accept the satatus quo which means open borders. So in effect a simple route into England is via Scotland, which means new border security and even Hadrians Wall coming back.

[Bob_the_Job]

As a casual observer of the whole Scottish Independence debate I can't help thinking it's a giant waste of time and money.  

In the modern world, what country is or could ever hope to be truly independent? We are all at the mercy of a global economy that creates social and economic drivers that in turn determine the terms, conditions, rules and laws we end up living by.  

To compete or indeed to just exist on a global basis needs the support of neighbours near and far -  regardless of the vote, Scotland will be dependent on the UK for support in many areas, just as the UK is dependent on the relationships it has in Europe and the US.

For a small country like Scotland to go to the expense of replicating those links just to claim a degree of independence is a exercise in political vanity.

[super_realist]

I dont think he's a clever operator at all. He's like a vicar, just stands up there, spouts a load of crap and backs it up with nothing.

[MontysMerkin]

I also have a new manifesto.
I want all the things that I want even though some of them aren't mine, but I don't want any of the things I don't want even though they are mine.
Vote for me!!!!!

Bet Porn Connerwee is spinning in his toupe.

[gaelgowfer]

As a casual observer of the whole Scottish Independence debate I can't help thinking it's a giant waste of time and money.  

[/b]In the modern world, what country is or could ever hope to be truly independent? We are all at the mercy of a global economy that creates social and economic drivers that in turn determine the terms, conditions, rules and laws we end up living by.  

To compete or indeed to just exist on a global basis needs the support of neighbours near and far -  regardless of the vote, Scotland will be dependent on the UK for support in many areas, just as the UK is dependent on the relationships it has in Europe and the US.

For a small country like Scotland to go to the expense of replicating those links just to claim a degree of independence is a exercise in political vanity.

That's exactly what it is Bob.  The Scottish National Party's raison d'etre is built on independence from England the UK.  Having won a second term of office, it was pretty much committed to seeking independence although I think it secretly hopes if fails!  

Before devolution, Labour was, by far and away, the dominant party in Scotland.  No-one wanted the tories up here and the liberals never managed to get a real foothold either so, when Labour became too complacent both in its fiscal duties not to mention corruption issues, it was clear that an alternative strong opposition party was needed.  There were people like me who felt the only party who could challenge Labour's dominance was the SNP.  Let the tactical voting begin!  So you see, I think a lot of SNP support actually came from people like me who wanted to see an end to one party dominance but had no interest in seeking independence.  The thing is, I think they've done a decent job of running Scotland which is probably why they got voted back in.  

However, as has already been pointed out elsewhere, there is no way the Bank of England would want put itself at risk of having to bail out a bankrupt foreign country, were that to happen.  Salmond's not stupid.  He knows better than anyone just how risky a venture his party is proposing.  As I said before, I think they'll be secretly hoping they fail.  Who knows, when, fingers crossed, their campaign fails to win independence, we might even see the Scottish National Party remove the word "National" and replace it with "Democratic" given it didn't get where it is today without voters like me.

[Doc]

I wonder how much money has been wasted on this project. All the costs of both sides are picked up by the UK tax payer, and in a time of austerity when services to the needy are being slashed. A vanity project like this costs a fortune. Salmonds Harry Potter size work of fiction at 670 pages needs a huge print run, and anyone can have a free copy, so I guess the publishing costs alone will be circa £15 per copy, and there'll be 150,000 minimum at a conservative cost of £2.25m. The Scotts will have used a whole load of academics and civil servants for a couple of years, with research analysts and independant respected institutions. The UK government will have also utilised a massive amount of civil service hours, research analysts and academia too. Massive amount costs involved, but slimy doesn't have to foot the bill. Why isn't the SNP paying their own way in this as they were the only party wanting it? Why should we all pay?

[raycastleunited]

We have a disproportionately larger number of scots on this board, so obviously it seems the independence thing is a big deal to you guys. For balance, here is a view from "the south": I couldn't care less. It's not just me. Sitting on the tube to work yesterday morning, here is a selection of stories I read with more prominence in the Metro:

Taylor Swift isn't over Harry Stiles
A South African got on a plane to England because some Australians we're mean to him
A swimmer cried in the jungle in Australia
A dog looks like Hitler

Seriously, there's 60 million people in the uk and 52 million couldn't give a toss.

[MontysMerkin]

We have a disproportionately larger number of scots on this board, so obviously it seems the independence thing is a big deal to you guys. For balance, here is a view from "the south": I couldn't care less. It's not just me. Sitting on the tube to work yesterday morning, here is a selection of stories I read with more prominence in the Metro:

Taylor Swift isn't over Harry Stiles
A South African got on a plane to England because some Australians we're mean to him
A swimmer cried in the jungle in Australia
A dog looks like Hitler

Seriously, there's 60 million people in the uk and 52 million couldn't give a toss.

  
However I would like to point out that the Metro is not a guide for newsworthiness (or anything else for that matter). I do agree with the other points. Gets a big meh from me.

[Doc]

Talk about peeing on Slimy's parade  Spanish PM yesterday:

Speaking at a media conference during a summit with French president Francois Hollande, Mr Rajoy said: "I do not know the White Paper presented by the Scottish president (sic).

"I would like that the consequences of that secession be presented with realism to Scots.

"Citizens have the right to be well informed and particularly when it's about taking decisions like this one.

"I respect all the decisions taken by the British, but I know for sure that a region that would separate from a member state of the European Union would remain outside the European Union and that should be known by the Scots and the rest of the European citizens".

His stance appeared to echo the official position of the European Union.


IN other words Salmond has clearly lied to the electorate up there because he did this without seeking clarification.

[Roller_Coaster]

Doc - don't forget though the Spanish PM has a significant separatist element within his country as many Catalans continue to push for independence. So the comment will likely be aimed at his own country and may, therefore, be lacking full disclosure of facts.

I'd guess (and it is very much a guess) that the stated position is perhaps the headline clause but there will be any number of sub clauses/exceptions beneath it that could be called into play to permit easy if not instantaneous reinstatement/admission.

I doubt that even the most inexperienced politician would say something along the lines of we will stay in europe without some kind of researched basis and while he appears to be a poopie kumquat (typed in rather than filtered I hasten to add!) I would credit Salmond with enough nous to avoid that much of a colossal clanger here.

Could very well be wrong though, you guys will likely know more than me!

[mystiroakey]

The Spanish clearly do not want Scotland in the Euro- or Catalan will also jump ship from Spain.

[beninho]

Just just Catalonia. The Basques have been after independence for ages, though i think now ETA have stopped bombing. But if scotland can start breaking up unions to go it alone, whats to stop others all around europe trying?

[Bob_the_Job]

Just just Catalonia. The Basques have been after independence for ages, though i think now ETA have stopped bombing. But if scotland can start breaking up unions to go it alone, whats to stop others all around europe trying?

Common sense? Oh wait.. nationalism and common sense are usually mutually exclusive

[JAS]

Whilst I don't want a uk break up I hardly think Scotland making a break from the Uk would have any bearing whatsoever on Basques or Catalans.

Did Jocks look at the breakup of Czechoslovakia or Yugoslavia and say wow...look at that....lets have some of that ourselves??

[beninho]

Mybe they thought it was a good idea, but only just decided to do something about it. All those deep fried Mars Bars and Pizzas will slow anyone down.

[kwinigolfer]

I'm surprised Cameron hasn't one-upped Salmond by flogging Scotland to China, all except a deal with Halliburton being awarded a long-term contract to manage all the golf courses.

[JAS]

...who of any of these new independent states is powering ahead economically like Slimy and Lego assert that Scotland will??

If it does happen it will probably be a disaster and scare the Basques and the Catalans from thinking about going it alone ever again!!!

[super_realist]

He keeps mentioning Norway as a point of comparison to what he wants Scotland to be like, as if Norway being £750bn better off, with vastly more natural resourses a healthy, educated, cultured population with a great social structure, etc makes them remotely comparable.

He's a chump.

[JAS]

...best avoid any boat trips to an island on a lake then :-O

[JAS]

Changing the subject, I see Bodie from The Professionals has popped his clogs, good actor, shame he never got the role of James Bond, reckon he'd have made a better fist of it the Moore, Dalton or Brosnan for that matter.

[super_realist]

Moore was the best bond.

[kwinigolfer]

Moore was terrible!!!!!!!!!! Kept thinking he was playing The Saint!

[super_realist]

I liked him, liked the era, cars, baddies, women, stories, humour etc.

Don't like Craig at all.

[Doc]

He keeps mentioning Norway as a point of comparison to what he wants Scotland to be like, as if Norway  being £750bn better off, with vastly more natural resourses a healthy, educated, cultured population with a great social structure,  etc  makes them remotely comparable.

He's a chump.

He likes to keep quoting Norway, because they did what we should have done back in the 70's with oil boom. They created a petrochemical fund that has grown out of all proportions and its enabled them to ride out financial turmoil, carry on building large infrastructure projects and pay huge sums for childcare etc. Salmond is planning to start a fund, but all the experts say its too little and too late because there isn't any oil growth as such and prices/margins are falling so will end up costing money. Salmond keeps saying that the state will fund all that childcare because he will get massive tax revenues from all the women going back to work. Will there be millions of extra jobs for all these women to walk into which will pay enough for tax to be deducted. The mans a half wit

[westisbest]

Moore was the best bond.

Agree with that.

Thought Brosnan was decent also.

[mystiroakey]

Daniel Craig by a universe

[super_realist]

He keeps mentioning Norway as a point of comparison to what he wants Scotland to be like, as if Norway  being £750bn better off, with vastly more natural resourses a healthy, educated, cultured population with a great social structure,  etc  makes them remotely comparable.

He's a chump.

He likes to keep quoting Norway, because they did what we should have done back in the 70's with oil boom. They created a petrochemical fund that has grown out of all proportions and its enabled them to ride out financial turmoil, carry on building large infrastructure projects and pay huge sums for childcare etc. Salmond is planning to start a fund, but all the experts say its too little and too late because there isn't any oil growth as such and prices/margins are falling so will end up costing money. Salmond keeps saying that the state will fund all that childcare because he will get massive tax revenues from all the women going back to work. Will there be millions of extra jobs for all these women to walk into which will pay enough for tax to be deducted. The mans a half wit

Exactly, it's a pointless comparison because the horse has bolted, died, been sent to the knackers yard and sold in Tesco's as burgers.

His halfwitted henchmen INSIST there is 1.5 trillion left in the North Sea too, which given how much is not economic to extract is as useless as saying there is a million tons of gold in solution in our oceans.

The SNP reliance on oil is based on fairytale economics, and if they knew anything about the industry, oil prices, or production profiles he'd never get his idea of the ground.
Sadly, although he's a fat, disgusting unsightly idiot, he's not nearly as foolish as those who believe his claptrap.

[beninho]

Brosnan for me, he was the bond for my formative years. Watching old Bonds i liked Moore though. The new ones with Craig, though just seem like rip offs of the Bourne films.

[JAS]

Connery for me, Craig has been the best since Connery. I see nobody has stuck up for Dalton, thats who would have got the part around the time Lewis Collins auditioned for the role.

[super_realist]

I liked Dalton in The Living Daylights, but Licence To Kill was dreadful.

I also liked George Lazenby in OHMSS, one of my favourite bond films.

[gaelgowfer]

Daniel Craig.

[beninho]

Now what about bond songs?? Live and let die is a classic. What was the Duran Duran one from the 80s?

[JAS]

View to a kill
I actually liked Nobody does it better

[pedro]

Moore was the best Bond IMO. Liked his arrogance.
Craig not bad either. Dalton stunk, Brosnan not my cup of tea.

[Doc]

I know 'Question Time' last night wasn't a scentific exercise (Although you would think the BBC should have tried) I'm now fearing the worst at next years vote. Yes the programme came from Falkirk that much discredited city because of Labour and the union corruption etc, but it seemed most of the audience had already voted yes and the tv show was a pointless exercise except into seeing a complete lack of quality politicians. Lego head was by far the most compelling participant and she was lying through her teeth and was plainly at odds with reality, yet the others were a shockingly poor mix.

Sorry all you guys north of the border, but you get the polticians you deserve I'm afraid. Great golf courses and cartoon carachters running the country. "We will vote for independance because we can" I believe that will be the mantra and Scotland will drift off into ruin probably with its own thistle currency being devalued around the markets as not being credible. Trying to get into Europe, begging for hand-outs and a massive clamour from the vast majority (Within 2-years) of begging to get back into the union with us. Intelligent argument should prevail but it wont as the lowest common denominator will take centre stage ...... game over and goodnight

[navyblueshorts]

Maybe the standard of opposition to Ms. Lego was deliberate? Maybe there's a behind the scenes move to engineer the succession of Scotland?
Sheesh! To think we have another 9 1/2 months of this rubbish....

[super_realist]

I even dislike the name "Scotland".

[gaelgowfer]

I didn't watch the programme so can't comment.  However, Falkirk's a dump.  Always has been; always will be and certainly not representative of Scottish opinion across the board.

[Roller_Coaster]

Happy 40th birthday to Ryan Giggs. I'm not a Man Utd fan but think he is a genuine all time great. Model professional. Still worthy of a place at the top table of club football. 

Reading the BBC website I saw "Giggs, who has won as many league titles as Arsenal (13)" and thought wow, that's some stat!

[MontysMerkin]

He was on the radio this morning. What a very likeable if not slightly simple man. Bless.

[navyblueshorts]

Ah yes. Giggs. Sh@gger. Good player though and maximising his years at the top.

[beninho]

Roller its up there with Paolo Maldini has won as many European Cups as Liverpool!

[JAS]

Did he (Giggs)win SPOTY before or after the super injunction collapsed and it came out he was shagging his brothers Mrs?? Yeah great bloke :-/

A great on field example to youngsters though

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