May I recommend. . .

[Stanley]

But I will rew3commend this one. Read the story of this 61 year old Thai Logging elephant and the terrible life it hd and then listen. You might do what I did and shed a tear....

[Stanley]

I've had one of Wendy's 'ear worms'. It's a cowboy song called 'I've got spurs that jingle jangle jingle'.
Dating back to 1942 have a look at the Wikipedia article on it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingle_Jangle_Jingle)
and if you're really brave try the Gene Autry version.....

[plaques]

Why I remembered this I'll never know. It would probably be banned from the BBC immediately but went down well at the Carton Club in Burnley some years ago.

.

[Stanley]

I miss some of the words when they sing Ken. Here's something I remember well from that period.....
Robb Wilton......

[Stanley]

An interesting half hour......

[Tripps]

This dates from 2010 and relates to an incident concerning aid to Gaza.
Nine people died in the incident. Little has changed since - on both sides. Be sceptical about all information from both sides.


The current situation causes me despair. The background over centuries says there is no solution. I won't go into detail of my views - no point. It will get much worse, sooner rather than later, and there will be consequences in this country.

[Stanley]

I fear you are right David. And not just Gaza, it is the whole question of Israel and their interaction with the Palestinians. All my life, this (and of course Ireland) have been running sores and I don't expect anything to change....

[Tripps]

Mainly for Plaques. -

Have you seen the new star Alice? Aged about eight - she beats Fatality who is a FIDE Master, (again)
Unusually - she concentrates in this game - not gazing around the room as she usually does.

[Stanley]

Completely outside my experience I'm sorry to say. It would appear that the finer things of life have passed my by. I am more at home in piles of swarf or cow manure.....

[Tripps]

Much fuss about the John Lewis Christmas (?) advert. Remember the business is on its knees, the 'never knowingly undersold ' promise has been abandoned, the staff partners' bonus has gone, and the 'Chair' Dame Sharon White has said she is leaving. Apparently the family this year is all white, which of course in the world of advertising is almost unique - but the Christmas tree is now a Venus Flytrap plant called 'Snapper'. (There'll be protests of course from the 'anti cruelty to flies brigade). At least the ad is better than the Insurance one which had to be pulled.
This is my favourite Christmas advert from a Welsh Hardware shop in Rhayader - shot by an amateur in 2019 on a shoestring budget on a Saturday afternoon. What a shop - I bet he'd find you fork handles.
It's so hard to get old without a cause
I don't want to perish like a fading horse
Youth's like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever
Forever young
I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever, and ever
Forever young
I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever, and ever

This is worth a look for the back story Hafod Hardware

[Stanley]

I don't want to live for ever....

[Tripps]

"Do what you like"

[Stanley]

Brilliant David! Just what I needed and you're right; Dennis was spot on target then and he would be now if he was still with us.
(And isn't it wonderful that in order to effect this stunning piece of political chicanery 'Dodgy Dave' had to be elevated to the peerage.... )

[PanBiker]

I have to comment that Dennis is still very much with us but not in the House, which is a great pity.

I have enjoyed a pint with the Beast of Bolsover on more than one occasion, he is very nice bloke.

[Wendyf]

Wrong link Ian?

[Stanley]

What would we do without you!

[Tripps]

Dennis is still very much with us but not in the House,

Must admit I had to look him up. Pleased at the result.

[PanBiker]

I have to comment that Dennis is still very much with us but not in the House, which is a great pity.

Dennis Skinner

I have enjoyed a pint with the Beast of Bolsover on more than one occasion, he is very nice bloke.

Sorted.

[Stanley]

I read that article on Dennis and it was a pleasure to be reminded of him and his career. A proper People's Representative! Oh for men and women like that in the parties nowadays.

[Tripps]

I was put on 'hold' for a few minutes by Plusnet this morning, whilst an almost uninteligible (and I used to work there) scouse lady made an equiry. They played me a song while I waited - It was purgatory - I'd rather it had been this one.

[Stanley]

That was a very pleasant interlude, thank you David.

[Tripps]

Who would have thought that it was written by this chap, Ewan MacColl who would be an easy winner if there ever was a category of "best Scottish accent for someone born in Broughton, Salford".

I think his life story would probably find favour with a few on here, (the word Clarion appears a few times) and I have his autobiography from the book club, patiently waiting in the in tray for me to leave Youtube alone, and start reading more.

The Ballad of John Axon is worth a listen (bit of a Stockport connection).
I love the line - "I once loved a maid - a spot welder by trade".

Here he is

[Stanley]

Sorry to say I detest Ewan MacColl for that reason, that horrible, nasal, bogus Scottish Accent.

[Tripps]

Sorry to say I detest Ewan MacColl for that reason, that horrible, nasal, bogus Scottish Accent.

That's a shame - I'd have thought you could look past his accent (which was surely accentuated here due to the date and origin of the song),and see a little deeper into the man. I'd have thought his impeccable cast iron socialist beliefs, and his interest (and documentation of), working class social history. would have attracted you to him.

My daughter in law was born brought up and educated in Bury - she has however a very attractive mild Scottish accent - the result of having (like MacColl) Scottish parents. There's nothing 'bogus' about it at all. I'm told that when her sister visits and they converse, it's as if you were in Glasgow.

It's all a puzzle. Please yourself - as Mr Howerd used to say.

[Stanley]

Chacun a son gout......