Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Anchorboy46 on June 06, 2009, 07:25:37 pm
-
OK2 Just wanted to go on record as saying that,I have read many posts in here,and I must say that the Brits (or people from all over the UK) are generally truly great people!
Today,as you know is D-Day. You guys make me glad we came over and worked with the English and Canadians to land in France. You guys have such awesome spirit and passion. Way to go!
I don't know how to feel about the Americans with all the steaming fuel puck in the papers these days... But I, for one, am glad you guys do what you do...and I'm also glad to be a part of Model Mayhem... I'll climb off my soapbox now... Captain Michael R. Daniels AKA "Anchorboy46".
-
We try our best ;)
-
Dear Daniels,
There are Wets in all Countries, but, believe you me, and though good old GB has gone very very far to weak and soft, be absolutely assured that there are many Brits. who have the true good old fighting Spirit. We will fight though determinedly whatever, and we will win, it's just a matter of getting rid for good of the rubbish in between.
Regards, Bernard
-
Dear Michael,
Sorry - should really in the strictest have said Capt.Daniels.
Regards, Bernard
-
Captain Daniels, it's a pleasure to be able to welcome you here and share some of our British spirit with you. Mind you of course we now pride ourselves in having members from all over the world and so try to think of us all as fellow modellers rather than of varying nationalities but the British spirit is still alive and kicking and gets us through some challenging times.
Welcome aboard sir! (and that's doing well from a Chief Engineer!)
-
We will fight them on the beaches....that's if the beach has a clean bill of health and there are no health and safety issues.
Rich
-
But it's just 04:43 in the early hours of Sunday morning. All the health & safety nutters are still in the land of nod. O0
-
But it's just 04:43 in the early hours of Sunday morning. All the health & safety nutters are still in the land of nod. O0
Ha ha. It is lunch time in my part of the world. :-)
And as for H&S, well I think the attitude here is either fatalistic or pragmatic.
I.E. If you fall down a hole you will get a mixture of responses varying from
"Bad luck" to "Why did you do that?"
They will think, but being Chinese will not say, "you idiot" %%
We are glad to hear that you like it here Anchorboy. We try to be helpful most of the time, and are always happy to hear from members anywhere in the world. It all of us together that make Model boat mayhem what it is :-))
-
That's because most Chinese are miles better mannered than the average Brit. Mister average Brit will not only push you in the hole, he'll also give you a good kickng while you're in there.... much like they hate to see a fellow Brit doing well for himself. ("What?!!.. you gained your wealth because you got off your butt and actualy earnt it?!!", sort of attitude).
I don't have the heart to ruin Capn' Daniel's preconceptions, but..............
Original coloquialism amended so as not to offend approximately 500 million people.
-
That's because most Chinese are miles better mannered than the average Brit. Mister average Brit will not only push you in the hole, he'll also give you a good kickng while you're in there.... much like they hate to see a fellow Brit doing well for himself. ("What?!!.. you gained your wealth because you got off your butt and actualy earnt it?!!", sort of attitude).
I don't have the heart to ruin Capn' Daniel's preconceptions, but..............
PMK
You must take off those rose tinted glassess... :}
Seriously, I must be living on a different Island.
Doug
-
Welcome aboard Cap'n Daniels.
I would like to suggest you get yourself settled in now you have toured the mayhem ship. There is no real safety equipment supplied here other than a few officers who will whip you into line should you overstep the mark and who will do their best to protect you when the flak begins ... as it does sometimes. We are a fairly affable lot, like most crews and do our best to contribute to the smooth running of the ship , there is also plenty to do as it can get a bit busy at times.
Thank you for your kind remarks and compliments and yes, some of us Brits remain alive and kicking and there are still alot of of the good 'uns left sir.
Chris
-
"Seriously, I must be living on a different Island."
Nah, just a different county.
Somerset has always been a bit iffy when it comes to things like that. The place has its fair share of snobbery and back stabbers, and would sooner see a man fail because they don't know how to take it if he succeeds, is all.
Apart from that, the county does have ME, so it can't be all bad. %)
-
That's because most Chinese are miles better mannered than the average Brit. Mister average Brit will not only push you in the hole, he'll also give you a good kickng while you're in there.... much like they hate to see a fellow Brit doing well for himself. ("What?!!.. you gained your wealth because you got off your butt and actualy earnt it?!!", sort of attitude).
I don't have the heart to ruin Capn' Daniel's preconceptions, but..............
Nah, most of us Brits are not like that at all! The more likely observation would be a question. i.e. "Can I give you a hand?", or "As you are down there, is there anything interesting?"....and if the answer is "No", THEN you kick him in the teeth.
-
True, true. But maybe this is getting a tad misconstrued hither and dither.
For the most part I'm well chuffed to be able to call myself an Englishman. I'm just so grateful that I live in a country where we have basic essentials such as clean running water, edible nosh, electricity, a Mayhem forum and generally decent folk (not including those who partake in The X-Factor, of course). So it's especially nice whenever anyone from foreign shores pays us a compliment; it kinda gives you a nicey-feely warm glow, doesn't it? But I try not to let it go to my head, because, rose-tinted spectacles or not, the cold truth is that we in the UK still have our Godly share of loonies like most countries. I know this for a fact, because most of 'em are alive and well in the Houses of Parliament.
...and one living in Somerset, apparently. A total tosspot for refering to our Chinese cousins as 'Chinks'.
Strange that, because my best schoolmate was of Chinese blood. And he, nor his family seen it as derisive. In fact just the opposite.
Though, I have broad shoulders, and do apologise for any misunderstanding, just the same.
-
Just in case anyone thinks the Moderators were being overly PC....you should know that a Chinese Member complained.
I am sure your apology has been accepted but maybe we should all think a little more about what we type.
Roger in France
-
Did he?
Well, in that case, I'm doubly apologetic. No offence meant, it's just that the offending colloquialism for the Chinese people has been used around these parts for as long as I can remember. It's always been used in the affectionate sense, so I'm well shocked to see that also means the opposite.
Note to the member who complained: Sorry, dude.
-
Good man for apologising PMK, :-)) I am sure we all realised you meant absolutely no offence. We have all used that title, as we do with many others but as you rightly say, it's not meant to offend, it's just been the old estabished British verbal shorthand coming into play.
I feel a lot of these issues are the results of the pc brigade who have indoctrinated everyone with their poison and made us all feel rather sensitive about such remarks. I am sure the Chinese gentleman has accepted your apology and realises that no disrespect was intended.
Still haven't forgot that pint one day you know!
-
I think you are absolutely wrong about "old established British verbal shorthand". The issue is that we all have and continue to conspire to put down others by using names and descriptions which denigrate them or something about them, or - rather more subtly - put them in a place inferior or dependent on ourselves.
I am not suggesting we do it deliberately and malevolently every time, but we do it casually which by its very nature shows we do not care about doing it.
A small example: To introduce someone by saying, "Hi, I'm Roger and this is my wife" defines the lady as an appendage of yours and not as a person in her own right. But to say, "Hi, I'm Roger and this is Lyn, my wife" says she is a person first and foremost and she is in a relationship with you.
OK, you can dismiss my argument as PC and say I am placing connotations on things that nobody means. In reply I would say we should avoid lazy, sloppy and potentially hurtful language.
I expect the majority of you to disagree with me and call me a wishy-washy, PC, liberal. All I ask of you is that you stop and think carefully about it before jumping on me.
Roger in France
-
Hi Roger, I cetainly won't jump on you or totally agree either. I do understand that cetain expressions can convey the wrong message but more often, it depends on the context in which it is used and how it is said. I don't totally agree with the example of ones introduction of 'my wife' however, but I do think it particularly awful when someone labels his partner as 'THE wife'. Again, it depends on how it is used and also who is using it. I think back to characters I have known, larger than life, happy go lucky types, full of smiles and laughter who have used this expression and no-one, including 'the wife' took exception... it was the norm and they loved each other dearly. Even though I would not use it myself, I would never inflict my views or standards upon them as this was 'their way'.
I could ramble on but won't because we all had a say on this a while back and therefore don't want to open a can of worms up on this thread, it is an interesting debate however. I don't think any of us are particularly right or wrong on the subjet but as this is an open forum, we do have to consider the feelings of others and need to refrain from usage of these terms.
My remarks about the PC brigade are not directed to anyone here I might add, it is necessary to police the forum in this manner and PMK is the better man for publicly apologising and not throwing his toys out of the pram.
Chris
-
As quoted ........"I expect the majority of you to disagree with me and call me a wishy-washy, PC, liberal"....well no Roger......to the contrary....a number of current & former Mayhem members have offered communications via PM to me where distaint...arrogant or and self opinionated ignorance has been displayed in many of the Mayhem member postings ....in OZ we only call a spade a spade :-)) ....Derek
-
"...but we do it casually which by its very nature shows we do not care about doing it."
Good point. Not caring about how we treat our fellow man is probably the worse human trait of all. Every man, woman, child and animal, each and every one, we all deserve respect and we all deserve to treat each other with the same respect, no quibble. I totally agree that using colloquialisms in the casual sense can be considered as downright rude - ignorant even. But, surely that only applies if the casual sense is spoken with malice, or intent. In the case of this particular thread, it would seem pretty obvious that all colloquialisms used within were only used in the context for which they were meant. i.e: in the affectionate sense -- no malice whatsoever. It really is the easiest thing in the world for any person to immediately start ranting, but, seemingly, very, very difficult for some to understand the difference between the two.
FLJ, for instance, I can call him just about every name under the sun, but, in his case, it is always received with a hearty chuckle. Never once has he questioned my motives, or tried to make me justify myself. I think the reason being that he simply has the gift to see it for what it really is. And, because of that, it is quite easy for me to assume that all fellow humans are of his same attitude. But, every once in a while, I run into a brick wall. There is always someone out there only too willing to think otherwise, always assuming the very wrong end of the stick.
In the three years since I joined this forum I have lost count of the numerous times I've been made to apologise for things said. Think about that for a moment. Having to apologise to someone just because that someone did not have the good sense to understand the true context. In some eyes, apologising for a wrong which you had not committed goes above the call of duty. Me, I call it keeping in line with forum etiquette. But you reach a point where you get sick and tired of apologising for, or having to justify your actions.
So where does it go from here?
Does one live a lie, becoming a person which they aren't in order to keep the whiners from whining? Or does one live the true and honest way, but risk being banned from the forum?
It's too heavy. Let's just lighten up, be what we are meant to be. If we can't do each other a good favour then let's not do each other a bad one. And for Gawd's sakes, puhleeeese quit making me justify myself. You've known me long enough by now surely to realise I'm not out to deliberately cause agro.
By the way, some time ago Martin berated me for my use of the word ''foreign''. A good friend of mine, 'foreign' Patel, he insisted we all call him that name, such was his character. After I explained the situation to Martin no more was said. So if the boss can see that I'm not out to cause grief, then why can't everyone else? Let's just build boats - and bridges. No need for all this heavy jive.
-
That's because most Chinese are miles better mannered than the average Brit. ....
Hi PMK
I think the intent of your message is clear. To praise the 1.3 billion people of Chinese descent for their good manners.
It is clear no mallice was intended, and any offence was accidental.
For which you have apologised, and thank you for doing so.
-
....in OZ we only call a spade a spade :-)) ....Derek
Now that should upset our Pommie PC brigade Derek.
-
Hi all....yes a proud direct decendent O0 of convict stock exported in the First Fleet to OZ.....on board HMS Scarborough....the transcripts from ye Olde Bailey accompanied the fleet...so at least we know our fore bears crimes & names.......Derek {-)
-
You Mayhemers constantly wrong foot me! There was I expecting explosions and we get reasoned debate! Thanks folk.
I do think we must always remember that, no matter how friendly we are and how informal in this Forum, there is a vast difference between the spoken word and the same words put into writing and published for anyone to read.
I agree that few of us are malicious. But I do think some of us can be careless. I have never found the argument, "Oh, stop fussing it's just my way", at all impressive.
I am aware that I tend to write rather formally but that is my background and training, it helps to avoid ambiguity and misunderstanding. I also spell check (I have to because I cannot spell)and preview every message I write, something we should all do as it allows time to reflect before pressing the "Send" button. I do not think we need to be so uptight as to discard spontaneity but I do think we owe it to ourselves and others to remember the difference between speech and writing.
Roger in France
-
To reiterate a wonderful piece from Dougal 99:
"The wriiten word is not as flexible as the spoken intonation."
I guess that once we have that sort of knowledge buried well within our cranium, the rest is just plain sailing.
-
On the subject of wives, a lot of us have now reduced them to ' SWMBO'. Where does this fit in the respect stakes? I bet there are a lot of wives who look in or even participate on this forum, Does this reduce or demean them, despite the affection we obviously have for them. How would a 'newbie' married female, looking in here, feel about the males who refer to wives in this manner and would she feel demeaned by it?
We mostly all use the term and we all know what it means and that we honestly mean no disrespect by it, but given the logic applied by the pc brigade, would this be frowned upon?
Just throwing it out there men, as I said, it makes for interesting debate and I am being the devils advocate here as I hate the pc brigade as you know.
( No Roger, not aimed in your direction)
-
"...but given the logic applied by the pc brigade, would this be frowned upon?"
Most probably. But given that you're obviously the sort of chap who considers his lady's wellbeing before his own, then I'd say you got nuttin' to worry about.
My ex, just after we got together, she dragged me along on one her shopping sprees one day. After ten minutes I was bored witless. "Come on, Flooze - let's get the hell outta this place!". Her face said it all. "You called me a floozy!". "No I didn't. I said Flooze". Which didn't bode well at all.
Then one day, just before she died, she suddenly said: "Why don't you call me Flooze any more?".
What?!!
You just can't win, so don't bust a gut trying.
Stay with the endearing stuff which they like and you'll forever be in their good books. Sugar/Sugar Lips/Honey/Doris usually works. Even addressing her by her proper name sometimes works. Me personally, I can't stand that 'SWMBO' malarkey. Waaaay too cheesy. But I don't think you have anything to fret about where the PC mob are concerned.
-
She Who Must Be Obeyed...
Let's look in to that shall we...
It means someone who must be obeyed, and put quite simply, she must be obeyed so that you're not chucked out into the street...
-
I really do appreciate the tone in which this discussion is taking place. Sheerline, I know you are not getting at me and please be assured, although I am a liberal I am not unduly sensitive!
SWMBO has, of course, a very honourable and noble ancestry. The late John Mortimer coined it for Rumpole to use about his wife. In his original books I think she never appeared, rather like the wife of Capt. Mainwaring (or is it Mannering?) in "Dad's Army". I rather think the sense of a looming presence, unseen and to be feared was rather effective.
Lyn lives with me and is married to me and suffers incredibly! I just call her "Lyn" and such endearments as are appropriate.
I just love your story, PMK. You cannot win with women, I long since gave up trying. There is no truer saying than, "Men are from Mars, women are from Venus". however, after many years of marriage I find the occasional deaf ear and a highly noncommittal "Uh" to be very useful !
Incidentally, next week I shall be attending my in-laws 68th wedding anniversary. If such a period was given to murderers it would be deemed inhuman treatment!
Roger in France
-
My wife Carol and I enjoy the freedom of good banter, even to the point of insulting one another. To other people's ears, it must sound as though we hate and disrespect each other as we hurl insults back and forth. For example, she is doing something upstairs:
I say "Where's the camera"?...silence, I say it again a bit louder and get ...
"I didn't hear you, what did you say"?
I will yell back "For goodness sake you cloth eared bint, have you gone ruddy deaf or wot , where's the ruddy camera"?
I don't know, you had it last!
No I didn't you had it last week when we went out in the car!
The camera is flat!
You just said you didn't know where it was!
Well I think it is flat anyway.
I'm not asking you if it's flat, I want to know where it is.
You will need to charge it up.
I will if you can tell me where it is.
I don't know.
But you usally leave it on the chair up there in the bedroom, isn't it there?
I don't know.
Well is there any faint possibility you could just turn your head slightly and look please, you are in there after all.
.......Silence...
Well......WELL??
I don't know.
Now life is too short to wait around whilst she thinks about it so, exasperated I sigh heavily and tear up the stairs and into the room.
The camera is half hidden by some bit of clothing but is easily spotted on the chair. Grabbing it, I wave it at her... "Wots this then, you said you didn't know where it was"
I didn't!
You could have looked when I asked.
All you had to do was come and see for yourself!
For goodness sake woman, my hair was dark when i started this conversation, wots up, you thick or summat or just plain deaf or blind or wot!!
AAAh shaddup!
You shaddup!
Dopey bint.!!
Miserable ole git!
Knickers to you
Up yors!!
Kiss me wench!
Fancy a cup of tea darling.
Yeah, good idea.
er em, what did you do with the charger?
I dunno!
Right... forget it, make the ruddy tea Wench, I will do it myself!
Now, all this to-ing and fro-ing and insulting each other is just pure banter and God help any poor soul within earshot. Sometimes we forget we have company and their faces are a picture when i get downstairs and find them sitting there in silence.
We have now joined the modern trend so commonly found in the youth of today and sometimes, when the 'argument' doesn't go someones way it will be responded to with ... WOTEVAUGH or MINGAAR!
Sometimes we behave like kids instead of two old gits!
-
I have just returned from a few days away, and have read through this thread, which I find quite fascinating. It's strange how some common terms for different nationalities have come to be regarded as offensive. Here in Australia, Pakistanis are usually called Pakis, even in the newspapers, simply because 'foreign' is a contraction of Pakistani. I am not aware of visiting members of the Pakistan cricket team being offended by this practice. We Australians are referred to, and call ourselves, Aussies - where is the difference?
I do realise that 'foreign' can be an offensive term in Britain, but I can assure you all that Aussies mean no disrespect to people of Pakistan by calling them Pakis. Americans are often called Yanks, English people are called Pommies, at least, they are in Australia, and I've never been reprimanded by a Pom for so doing. New Zealanders are Kiwis, Canadians can be called Canucks (so I'm told) and the list goes on.
As I said, fascinating.
Peter.
-
In the same vein as sheerline's post...
Some years ago, Carol and I were in a supermarket queue with her mother, who is sadly no longer with us.
Carol's mum wanted to pay for our purchases, and I was adamant that I would pay. In the end, I said to her in a loud voice "If you don't put your purse away and behave yourself, I'll take you straight back to the care home."
Mum, who had a fabulous sense of humour played along, with bottom lip quivering, and tears welling up in her eyes pleaded with me not to.
The checkout operator's face was a picture!
Malc
-
Hi Malcolm, I have a similar story. My wife Carol and my Mum who is no longer with us shared a great sense of humour.
Again in the checkout queue's :
Carol: If you don't let me pay for this and play me up again, I will have to give you another good slap!
Mum: Oh, not again... and please not in the face this time!
They would end up in uncontrollable fits of laughter which would result in Mum propped up against something with her legs crossed and tears rolling down her face.
Wonderful moments indeed.
-
Don't understand how the "T" has got dropped out. SWTSMBO? Must be a Yorkshire thing>
Regards Ian.
-
.a number of current & former Mayhem members have offered communications via PM to me where distaint...arrogant or and self opinionated ignorance has been displayed in many of the Mayhem member postings ....in OZ we only call a spade a spade :-)) ....Derek
Really Derek ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdM3N_GRo1s
-
Really Derek ?
{-) {-) {-) Perhaps it was his first speech in Parliament, Richard :embarrassed: . I have almost stopped laughing O0
Peter.