Thursday 14 April 2016

Wall Ties

I blame Eurocodes myself.....much simpler when folk could understand the codes of practice.

217 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank God you added the link there...thought Alan Cumming had died!
      Jx

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  2. It seems unlikely the same squad built all these walls so it could be a design problem.

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    1.  
      On today's "Breaking the News", Fred MacAulay remarked that those incarcerated in prisons built under the Private Finance Initiative will be rubbing their hands in anticipation of early release, a.k.a. escape.

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    2. Maybe it was an inside job.

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  3. All alone, or in twos,
    The ones who really love you,
    Walk up and down outside the wall

    Some hand in hand,
    Some others together in bands
    The bleeding hearts and PPP artists make their stand.

    And when they've given you their all
    Some stagger and fall
    It's not easy....
    Banging your heart against some mad bugger's wall







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    Replies
    1. What's the difference between "alone" and "all alone"?

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    2. Three beats as opposed to two

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    3. At our age, probably not aware, I suppose

      😠

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    4. I was trying to be nice, before anyone draws conclusions

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    5. Good to hear from you again. Sailing season started?

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  4. Looks like the cavity was too wide for the ties used, which pulled out under high wind suction. Still mystifying that the fault was repeated so often.

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  5. Been absent for a while due to travels but here's a little tale:
    There is a square here I cross every day and on it there is a large newsstand which doesn’t sell newspapers. Instead it offers CDs and DVDs mainly featuring music and films from the 60s and 70s. They have a TV and speaker set up alongside which is used to show 70s music videos from obscure TV shows from around the world. So as I cross the square listening to this stuff, I test myself on naming the band or singer. Yesterday I was pleased for getting The Moments and "Jack in the Box" and thought, "There is only one other person I know in the world who would have got that- oor Paulo from the Blog".
    (Follow up question being who did they team up with to have a big hit and what was it called. Which he also would have got, I'm sure)

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    1. Welcome back Adam!

      The Whatnauts rings a bell. Is that right?

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    2. Thats it Billy!

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    3. I remember that...Moments and Whatnauts - 'Girls' too. Jx

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  6. Replies
    1. I think GIO may be implicated in Prince's untimely demise following the republican backlash to their Queen's Birthday theme.

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    2.  
      I suspect the backlash to the POTUS 'advising' us all to be good little Europeans and dae as we're telt will have a greater long-term impact.

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    3. 10 years to negotiate a trade deal? You have to take your hat off to US dynamism.

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  7. Anyone watching the HBO series "Vinyl"?

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    Replies
    1. Yes. Terrible way to treat Bo Diddley's guitar.

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    2. Not the best thing Ive ever seen on TV but it has its moments. Its good how they mix the real with the ficticious and how they are approaching the disco boom and punk thing together.
      Interesting to see if it gets a second series.

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    3. Haven't finished it yet - tell me no more.

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  8.  
    Smashin' Hayes Carll gig at the C.C.A. the nicht.
     
    The sainted Allison Moorer showed up for three duets!

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  9. Today's paper
    http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/27/rio-olympics-street-child-games

    Very proud!

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  10. Mair repeat themes.

    Thursday's and Friday's repeat themes have come up wi' some guid yins, but.

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  11. Lenny Henry sings the blues getting big publicity on the radio. How utterly scunnersome for people like King King, genuine talent playing their hearts out round the country but not on any radio playlist so unheard of by any other than the diehard fans, while some erstwhile comedian commands the airwaves. I daresay Fergie or Marguerita could even get him on GIO since Miss B's probably heard of him.

    Anyhow, according to FB it seems like all my pals except Glen were at the Hydro last night. I'm going to the Art School on Friday (Minor Victories) and St Andrews in the Square next week (Kris Drever) - never been there before. Anyone know what it's like as a venue?

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    1. Adam from Rio5 May 2016 at 01:56

      Heard some of LH's blues.
      Straight to Compost Corner I'd say.

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    2.  
      St. Andrew's in the Square?

      It's like going to church. Great acoustics, uncomfortable seats. Take one of them thar inflatable cushion thingmies. I salute their inflatability!

      Been to some great gigs there. Yasmin Levy, Sam Baker, Mary Gauthier. Nice venue, but don't forget the cushion.

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    3. Cheers for that advice. Wasn't sure if it would be seated. Got caught out by wandering in fashionably late to Oran Mor one night to find it was seated and every seat was already taken. The Albany in Greenock, an ex church, is shockingly uncomfortable too.

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    4. Remember it's in the East End and take a bodyguard.

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    5. ....once while refereeing a footie game...i had to make a substitution as a player was kicking the s**t out of the goalie...they were both in the same team...the chap who was doing the kicking was from brigton...some of the natives are quite rough...take two bodyguards in case one runs off....

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    7. None of the unchivalrous b******s has offered. I'll just have to take my chances and hope they miss me when I'm gone.

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    8. Fewer than Norrie. And I live in Greenock so you'd have to get there quick.

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    9. On the positive side the venue is handy for The Royal Infirmary.

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    10.  
      Watch out for the 20 M.P.H. speed limit the City Fathers have imposed between High St. and the Kingston Bridge. (approx.).

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    11. Is that so if you've got wise to the Bus Lanes they get you for speeding?

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    12.  
      Indeed! Motorists are their major source of income.

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  12. What is a 1970s cocktail party?

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    1. Car keys and Liebfraumilch.

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    2. Pineapple and cheese on sticks.
      Cinzano and lemondade, Babycham served from a Hostess trolley.

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    3. Would you like a Cinzano or a Babycham?

      No, not a Cinzano. Cinzano reminds of those golden days of endless summer, the fields of waving corn and children laughing in the meadow - in the days before the family broke up.

      And Babycham makes me fart.

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    4. The aroma wasn't built in a day.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirMZGL-0mQ

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    5. You've got a new President - everything's going to be fine.

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    6. Olympics on the way. Everything's rosy!

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  13. Kris Drever was brilliant. And I got home safely, thank you so much for asking.

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    1.  
      Did your cushion get home safely also?

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    2. no need for cushions - nicely padded seats. Fairly closely rammed together, but was all good. I also obeyed the speed limit. Have to work out how to get from the M8 to the squinty bridge though - I daresay coming along the Clydeside Expressway to Clyde Street isn't the quickest route, but my choice of wrong turn if I don't know the route is a certainty so I just stick to what I know even if it's 5 miles longer.

      It's a lovely square that - good old Glasgow, there's always somewhere new to discover.

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    3.  
      The Squinty Bridge is not what it was. Half of the bridge is exclusively for buses going to and from the new hospital.

      Pacific Quay has gone from being a valid alternative route to a pain in the neck.

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    4. Maybe quicker coming down High Street from Townhead exit. Do they fumigate the bridge? Just been told that I've won a class action against Tickmaster's handling/booking/postage fees. This apparently amounts to about $38 in vouchers for further Ticketmaster purchases. I wonder if further purchases will get me more vouchers.

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    5. Never thought of that route. Yes, last ticket I bought started at - can't remember, but something like £12.50 and ended up around £17 - I may exaggerate, but not by much. Shocking.

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    6.  
      In my experience, the box office staff at GRCH tend not to impose extra charges.
       
      Contrast that with the box office staff at the SECC. (Yes, I know they're only following orders). I went there in person to buy tickets on a friend's behalf. Despite my actual undisputed physical presence, and the fact I was paying cash, (I think you'll find that's legal tender), I was charged a booking fee not only on the single transaction, but on every individual ticket.
       
      The laddie behind the counter seemed upset at my flabbergasted objections, but you have to take it out on someone, and he's probably developed a thick skin by now.


       

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    7. Probably. Now that he's out of therapy anyway...

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    8. It's like tyres used to be - "You mean you want air in it? - that's another £5"

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  14. Replies
    1. Two and a half hours of punk? Nein, danke.

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  15. So Glen, what was your verdict of Vinyl?

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  16. Still haven't seen any more of it. Started watching Billions. Not getting into it. What did you think?

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    1. Well Richie has to carry the show (he’s in practially every scene) because its difficult to sympathise with many of the other characters, apart from the manager of the Nasty Bits and the bloke who is just about to “disco music”. Mick’s son does an ok turn I suppose.
      The thing about putting in a “real star” every episode didnt really work and felt a bit gimmicky and they seemed to cut back on that aspect later on in the series.
      There’s enough interest there though, to warrant giving the second series a go next year.

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    2. ..discover "disco music"

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    3. What I saw was more entertaining than most other stuff. Just like real life there are no sympathetic characters. Olympics to be moved to London?

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    4. The IOC were thinking about it but then they remembered they'd have to "put up with that bloody volunteer choir again".

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    5. I hear the Queen's kept her diary clear.

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  17. would anyone like to convince me that Kathryn Joseph is as wonderful as everyone else seems to think. I can't stand what I've heard, but she and RM Hubbard are, unlikely as it sounds, playing the Beacon here in Greenock at the end of this month.

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    1. I like RM Hubbard. He played at a friend's wedding last year and his guitar playing was impressive. Also playing were Cosmic Death of whom the least said the better.

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    2. Good. (RM Hubbard, not the CD) I'm going go to the concert anyway, got to support our local venue being a wee bit edgy - we get little enough decent music here.

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    3. that sounds like an interesting wedding. I wonder who I can get for my daughter's intended nuptials...

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    4. If you could choose, who would it be?

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    5. You could speak to Neil Young tomorrow.You might need auxiliary generators, though.

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    6. Neil Young. My fave singer of course. However, unless he gets a makeover he's way to unkempt-looking for a high-class do such as we'd be having.

      Hazel would want Runrig for sure. If I were having a party and could choose anyone at all then obviously it would have to be Tom Petty & TH but I'd really also like The Twilight Sad who are my very favourite current band. Not exactly party music, mind. Robert Plant could come along too, with the Sensational Spaceshifters. They'd be pretty good for a party.

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  18. Billy, whats your verdict of LOL II?

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    1. They played some songs from it when I saw them last year. Some sounded just as good some less so. Overall I think it will be a good album. Seems to be getting reasonable reviews. Have you heard it?

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    2. Just one track.

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  20. Mr Git, how was Bonnie Raitt?

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    Replies
    1. looks like he got an invite to the after-party and forgot to come home, Billy

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    2.  
      Bonnie was fab, as ever! Beth Nielsen Chapman was dragged onto the stage to duet on "Angel from Montgomery", but no sign of Phil Cunningham. Perhaps he and Aly had a prior engagement.

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  21. Ha! Doesnt stop you from getting in there first! Hate to see what you're like inspired! You'd be over here in August up against Bolt instead of Glen.

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  22. Muhammad Ali said he was so fast he could switch out the light and be in bed before it got dark.

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  23. Almost inspired to right an Ali style poem for Billy but nothing rhymes with Alloa.

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  24.  
    GOALLOA!!!

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  25. There was a young fellow from Alloa
    Who was crossing the Forth with his palloa
    Who did suddenly sink neck-deep in the drink
    Crying, "You told me it would be shalloa"

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  26.  
    "The Tide is High" - Blondie

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  27. How can you request your forgotten albums if you've forgotten them?

    Norrie Maclean has abandoned all other commitments to go on a golfing tour of Scotland. Friends are concerned that he may overtax himself and are consulting Eddie "26 marathons in 26 days" Izzard for advice.

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  28. When Billy is good, he's on fire
    Of his suggestions we don't tire
    It is plain to see,
    In the words of Ali,
    He put the man in Clackmananshire

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  29.  
    "Clouds Acroos the Moon" is a shoo-in for Monday.

    (Long distance romance).


    On Thursday, we're back on the farm!

    "Farm on the Freeway" - Jethro Tull

    I'll get this song played if it kills me...    >8-D

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    1. Not sure CATM fits, Git.
      The romance (if any) was happening out in space. Lonely wife overheard some pillow talk going on. To paraphrase Benny, "a man's needs are many fold"

      Me and Gaie on the other hand...

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    2. Aneka's Japanese Boy might be suitable if he isn't helping Operation Yewtree with their enquiries. At least Cliff's off the hook. No one, innocent or guilty, deserves the trial by media he and Paul Gambaccini had.

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    3. are there bits of this conversation missing? Or have I been too long in the sun?

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  30.  
    Adam,
      Indeed! But it will make no difference to the G.I.O. team. Such subtleties sail over their collective head.
     
    Little Feat's LONG DISTANCE LOVE is another shoo-in.

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  31. Billy - any idea what became of RHLF's long promised new album? They played the tracks at the Hug & Pint around a year ago, a free gig, and since then there's been a few mentions until recently when it's all gone deathly quiet.

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    1. was beginning to think the same thing. They're playing at Birnam Arts Centre this Friday. It says on their webisite that 'Swithering, their latest album is due for release' but doesm't say when.

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    2. LOL. Good one Billy!

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    3. thanks for asking them, Billy. In the meantime Frightened Rabbit's Painting of a Panic Attack is fantastic, definitely benefiting from Aaron Dessner's (The National) production.

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  33. What future for Eurocodes now, Norrie?

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  34.  
    Glen,

    Wossa common room?
     


     
    uneducated git

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    1. A room for ordinary people.

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    2.  
      Mmmm. Despite being as common as muck, I don't think we had one of those at my school.

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    3. We had a common room from August 78 to May 79.
      I feel a fine list coming on ...

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    4. How's your list getting on Adam?

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    5. Ach, I've been in detention. No had time. Will try and get one done in time though.

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  35.  
    Perhaps Glen will suggest a 'Song for Scotty'.

    I have suggested Melanie Safka's cover of "Dust in the Wind".

    I just know that Gaie is burstin' to hear it...

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    1. Putting things in perspective, she's not as bad as Kathryn Joseph, who is not quite as bad as Joanna Newsom.

      I did give youse all the opportunity to stick up for the 'exquisite' warblings of KJ.

      still waiting

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    3. What do you think of Anna Meredith?

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    4. Haven't had time to listen to her yet. Too many EU posts to read, too many bags to pack, too much tennis to watch.

      Is she any good or is she sufficiently terrible to be labelled exquisite?

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    5. just had a quick listen there - too boppy electronic for me, but at least she doesn't sound like - you know, the auld yow etc. Malcolm Middleton's latest LP is similarly electronic, quite out of character, but kind of cheery and quirky. He's a very good guitar player so I don't quite know why he doesn't stick with that, but anyhow, it cheered me up on the way to work one of those dismal mornings at the beginning of this dismal week of politics.

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    6. Bags to pack Gaie? Where are you off to?

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    7. Rum, Billy. You'd think it was a Himalayan expedition, but got to prepare for all weathers...

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    8. Well it is Scottish summer...

      Have a good break!

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  36.  
    Is anyone else experiencing a problem leaving comments here?

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    1.  
      Mmmm. Guess it's sorted...

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    2.  
      No-one else listens.

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    3. Sport, siblings, summer, space. By the way, you were right about Facebook all along, Scotch.

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    4.  
      Well, I would like to say I told y'all so, but the truth us I'm just a totally paranoid git.

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  37. Glen, you know how we both agree that Junior Walker's sax solo on Urgent is the best? Well have a listen to Andy Mackay's solo on "My Only Love" on "Heart Still Beating" (live album and Roxy's best imho). It runs Junior's close I think.

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    1. I presume you mean THIS
      It's good but not short and sharp like Foreigner. I read that they edited the solo together from a few ideas that JW put down in the studio which takes some of the shine off it but it still gives me the shivers.

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  38. Thats the one...I think. Need to check.
    Difference with Foreigner of course is that they didnt have a sax player as part of the band. When you do you're kinda obliged to have them play on every song which doesnt always work (E Street Band being a good example. Madness being a bad one). However, its a great asset to have live for a solo.

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    1. AMcK good on the oboe too, which sets him apart.

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  39.   
    THURSDAY
     
    Time to drag out Jethro Tull again.

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    Replies
    1. This video contains content from WMG, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.

      Sorry about that.

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    2.  
      Och, weel.
       
      Check oot this insteed.

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    3. Tomorrow looks good!

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    4. Never been a better one for hair Billy, as you weel kain!

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    5. Most of mine fell out in the 80's (:-0

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    6. There you go.
      You could try them with this tomorrow:

      "Klactoveesedstein" - Blue Rondo à la Turk

      Great anagram op and topical to boot.

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  40. Thanks for the shout Billy.
    You let McCafferty off lightly did you no?
    Boys are Back in Town, Solsbury Hill, Echo Beach, I Knew the Bride and Girls Talk all from the 70s!

    Didnt know Frank had been in a band. Thats a good tune.

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    1. I noticed that. A Long Way To The Top was 70's too.

      Seriously you didn't know about Frank?

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    2. No I didnt.

      You should get back to Pat. He's slippin.
      Ye cannae let aff McCaff.

      Surprised no one else said anything. Mind you I dont think they read each other's posts.
      Not like the Blog.
      The Blog Monitor would have had you pulled up as soon as you'd pressed send for something like that.

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  41. Replies
    1. You'll have a fair list for Tuesday's theme SG! Kick off with Strangers in the Night (Uber doobie doo) maybe?.

      Glen's night on Thursday.

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    2.  
      Nah! Gonna pass on occupations.
       
      I have a delightful A.A. Milne poem lined up for Wednesday.


      poetic git

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    3.  
      Did I just not understand the theme?
       
      Did they move the goalposts? Again?
       
      Whatever!
       
      Happy Birthday, Jools!

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    4. You were not the only one to misinterpret the theme. I thought it was going to be based on lyrics.

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  42. Where's Glen?
    I have a feeling he may be in Boston.

    Know anybody coming here for the Games?

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    1. He's living a double life as Eric K.

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    2. No I don't know anyone going to Rio. Is everything ready now?

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    3. Living quietly at home. Dale Kelvin has probably volunteered. No criminal masterminds in Brazil. Who'd ask for ransom for a mother-in-law?

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    4. Ach Billy. I had a bet with a colleague that youd come back with.
      "More than a feeling, Adam, surely?"

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    5. I reckon the family have set it up themselves, Glen.

      Of course Dale Boy will be here! Needs to keep his place in the choir. I might have seen him yesterday on the Metro. There were a few lost gringo souls in uniform.

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    6. Sorry to disappoint you Adam.

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    7.  
      I do hope Kim insists upon Andy having a proper shave.


       


      scruffy git

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    8. Andy Kim - "Shave Me Gently (shave me slowly).

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    9. My son was at lunch with him yesterday, as it happens...
      AM, that is, not the Neil Diamond sound alike.

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    10. nah no rio for me...my place in the choir is assured as radio clyde said, it was the 'choir i started'....it's a truly magnificent choir too....it has changed lives irreversibly... unimaginable friendships have been forged...some quite exciting gigs and in the pipeline...and rehearsals to die for in a baptist church in clapham..first saturday of the month...and all because a young volunteer just said one day...hey anybody want to sing in a choir?....and it is fully inclusive.... truly a wonder...need i say more...

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  43. Norrie - if you're not too busy playing golf is there any chance of a new thread?

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  45. Replies
    1. Monday - Deacon Blue Special

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    2. Norrie's invited us for a round at Muirfield. Will sandshoes be OK?

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    3.  
      Norrie's buying a round?
       
      I'll have a large one!
       
                >8-D

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    4. So will I if the surgery works.

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  46.  
    The B.B.C. have issued new guidelines on political impartiality.
     
    Now presenters (and producers) can lean whichever way they want.
     
    so long as it's leftwards...

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  47. Feature on BBC this morning about Street Kids with sprinter Darren Campbell. Terrible lives these kids have with a soundtrack of gunfire as they play in the sunshine.

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    1. what programme, Glen?

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    2. Breakfast show.Campbell supports Street Child.

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    3. Yup. Thats our pitch he visited. Nice chap.

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    4. Have a look at what we did the following day with Qatar House.
      https://www.facebook.com/StreetChildUnited
      The video with Cafu.

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  48. I'd forgot about this until watching the Olympic golf & remembered our Adam, #fairweatherblogger

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    1. I was there. Walked the back nine with Rose, Stenson and Frazer.

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  49. Now for goodness' sake, Norrie, gie's another thread.

    He wasn't at the Olympic golf, was he, MadK?

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  50.  
    The time has come to revisit the Wall Ties.

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  51. Just got the full version of that Facebook video. If you're interested.


    https://www.facebook.com/qatarolympics/videos/1305682112782765/

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  52. Next week's themes:

    Monday - Songs about potatoes
    Tuesday - Songs by artistes with speech impediments
    Wednesday - Songs you didn't like in the first place that have been requested so often by dim-witted oafs that you have destroyed the radio with your forehead
    Thursday - Songs with no discernible melody sung by singers with poor pitch which send you outdoors in your underwear with a baseball bat.

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