TLC

After carefully considering the whole debate about the use of the word 'drivel' and when its usage is deemed appropriate or otherwise, I feel it is time for me to close my eyes and march forwards windmilling my way carefully into this lively debate. Whilst not wishing to speak uninvited on behalf of other members... actually, that's exactly what I'm going to do, it's the equivalent of saying 'I normally consider myself broad-minded, but..' or 'whilst I usually take a joke as well as the next man, but...'; anyway, I digress slightly. I just figured MH was using the old literary trick of making a point by using some of the same words as the person you are replying to; for me, it's a fairly easy way of making a pun and somehow makes the reply 'fit' that much better. So, you call what spews out of Mr Hawking's mouth drivel, IE+ responds by saying she'd choose his drivel over yours, and after MH fairly thoroughly answers your post he suggests that your post is currently drivel because it is just as unprovable as you claim Hawking's work is. He could have chosen any word, but presumably he picked drivel because it fits. If you'd said 'bollocks' instead of drivel, I presume the repliers would have used the word 'bollocks' too. Although I absolutely agree that you don't have to respect posters just because they've made loads of posts, I will say that MH is one of the most careful and considered posters here, not someone who randomly attacks people just because he's got a good joke that fits, so it's interesting how you've managed to start off here. From my own point of view, drivel is almost a compliment; If you could get banned for posting drivel, I certainly wouldn't have got past 600. Or 6 for that matter. I expect he wasn't trying very hard, have you given him reason to? ps don't think I've took sides here because we're all 'old school' or some such nonsense, the person I disagree with more than anyone on this site is I think one of the 3 biggest posters (in total, not size) and yet we're still pretty civil with each other. Hi BS! please note all opinions in this post are my own (or at least I'm trying to pass them off as my own) and are not intended to represent the opinions of any members that I appear to be speaking on behalf of.

Not that I doubt your credentials or anything, but I do. Can you prove they don't transmit anything, or are you using someone else's argument to batter Hawking with? In which case, perhaps the fact there are disagreements in this field will get people to work on it more until some sort of scientific consensus starts to appear. As seems to happen in science, the current battles cause mass indignation and debunking of each other's work, whilst quietly in the background the more basic ideas gradually get kind of accepted. When I was a kid (only about 20 years ago) it still hadn't been accepted that black holes even existed, they seemed more like a convenient way to explain a certain amount of the (at the time) unexplainable to many scientists. I for one long for the day when the transmission/non-transmission of Black Holes debate that is currently raging across the planet calms down again, and science can once again be our friend.

Just voted for the 'I have no opinion' option, and it did feel as pointless and slightly dirty as I suspected it would. A bit like writing to 'Points of View' to tell them that I'd missed a programme but would let them know my thoughts next week if I remembered to set the video. Saying that, if there really was an option to vote for 'none of the above' on a voting card (like in Brewster's Millions) I'd do it like a shot, although in my head that's not quite the same thing as that would be democratically registering my dissatisfaction with the alternatives, or something. Yes, I realise I've just had a debate with myself in real time on the internet... it's Janaury, and I can't afford to 'get out more' even if I actually had some real life friends to go out and see.

Maybe. TLC. Tables Ladders and Chairs. Out of genuine curiosity, do you ever post on the Castro and Niemeyer threads as a guest? Does squid play an important part in your life? And my post still makes more sense than the bit above.

Micheal Foot? Nope, sorry. Michael Foot? Ah! Now that's a different story. And I know where you live Debra, and everyone else for that matter. Unfortunately, I am bound by the laws of heaven to keep stum. Isn't that partly fermented grape juice?* Drop the word partly and having to keep stum doesn't seem so bad. *according to a very quick google search that is, I won't try to pretend I knew that in advance what with your omniscience and all.

Which other ones are "made up"? Maybe he is a delutional. And all he see's are his imagination. So yes Mr.Youth in Asia we see all the one scene actors you see, and the one hit wonder singers who's lyrics are read like a page ripped through the middle. The comedians who's jokes are more pathetic then themselves, we laugh at their honesty. The directors and the movies that were released with no year, and no name. But a classic script that if on a vote could top a 7 star. The philanthropists who donated nothing, and the economists who only wrote books, and the authors who mastered the economy. The scientists who were not brilliant, but just the first of human kind to open their mouth. Wine makers who made liquer. Branded and hated nazi's that saved jews. Politicians who aren't who they say they are. From famous names stolen, to false signs hung around necks. As usual BS, you've just said what we were all thinking. Good man. I think that might be a case of mistaken identity.

Quality, although with that amount of studio production on the vocals I wouldn't raise your hopes too high for the live version. Could call the live album Hawking Unplugged though...

Absolve us? No. Dissolve us? Yep, or certainly the bits that count. Weak pun aside, if you want absolution for whatever it is you think you need it for, the best chance you'll have is whilst still alive I should think. On balance, I'd rather have absinthe. Should also help get the dissolving process under way early.

I don´t really care about this idiot who has ties with ailling Castro. Castro will be gone in 2007 so will Oscar. Saddam (=Arab Socialist he used to call himselfand his Baath party)has just been hanged. I wish it had been Chavez, Lula, Ortega,Zé Dirceu,Rafael Correa. Die stupid commie die!!! Not really conclusive proof my dearest squid. We had this chap in Europe 70 odd years ago who had this political party called the National Socialist party, which turned out to not entirely promote all of the traditional socialist values one would expect. The word preceding 'Socialist' is often quite important, especially when I expect 'Arab' or 'National' in the above two cases could as easily be substituted for the word 'Not', although admittedly that's a bit less catchy. If anything, Arab bath parties sound pretty liberal to me.

In preparation of the day we can mourn the Princess of Iron's sad demise, this chap Darren Hayman (formerly of Hefner, a favourite of mine) has produced a pretty good song 'The Day That Thatcher Dies' which at time of writing is streamable on the above page. I presume if it's taken off in the meantime it'll be back pretty sharpish once she pegs it. Even for those who don't like the music, the lyrics are worth listening to. It warms my heart knowing the words 'ding dong, the witch is dead, which old witch, the wicked witch' are on this occasion dedicated to Lady T.

I'll give you some credit, if you enrolled on here on the 11th December you must have successfully evaded the people from the mental home for at least a fortnight, no mean feat. Hope you get time for xmas dinner.

No, I just think they should stay in their own countries not export their poverty and crime over here. Western countries are becoming overrun with foreigners and they don't make much of an effort to fit in plus they steal local peoples jobs! What's the point of us setting up these independent countries for people if they are just gonna come and live over here? OK, I give up. Who are you? I presume you're someone I know trying to wind me up, I can't think of any other reason for the sh*t you're spouting.

I don't live in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland anymore so I don't read the Guardian but I am a very strong defender of the union between Great Britain and Ireland as well as the monarchy itself and right wing causes. I have wrote poetry in the past, I don't work for that group, I vote for the Liberal party in Australia (which is despite the name the Australian equivalent of the Conservative and Unionist party and is pro monarchist), I never hugged a tree, hardly ever eaten lentils, don't have a "partner", campaign against the homosexual deathstyle and AIDS is a Godsend against the wicked. (reading between the lines) Has Keith just recently left you then, Xenon II? Just try and remember the good times, and all the things that made it special while it lasted. Is it all AIDS that's a godsend, all those wicked children born with it eh? Not that I'm saying your (presumably) intended target of homosexuals, drug addicts, heretics, communists, weirdos, hippies, republicans, pacifists, people of 'low moral fibre', prostitutes etc deserve it any more than anyone else. A sad day for the world that you can support anything known as Liberal, even if the name's not particularly accurate. You are almost starting to make me warm to Mrs Thatcher, although hopefully that's warm as in 'warm my hands over her as she burns, whilst choosing not to piss on her'.

Oh alright. How about this one? Much better! I like this one myself. Ho ho ho!

Or "Homosexual pedophile released". Seriously these people should be executed not realised so they can carry on raping kids to their hearts content. Bring back the death penalty now! Xenon - short for xenophobic? I'm not afraid of foreigners, so no. Just a straightforward racist & bigot then. And 'these people'? Are you trying to get a job at the Daily Mail?

May your day be mer-reee, and briiiiiight! And may all your Christmases beeee whiiiite. I'm expecting to start working on the warm fuzzy feeling in a few hours' time (it's still only 1pm here, so far I've only lit the..er..festive incence), but the hopes of getting everything I wanted this year disappeared when the restraining order was increased to include 'Grottos of all types over the forthcoming festive season'. Werthers Humbug. Seasons non-denominational winter festival celebration greetings! And happy Annual Gift Man to all of our Japanese friends.

Yeah, I was also thinking that if Jesus really was the son of God, now about 2,000 years old and still living on earth that I'd really hope he'd be doing party tricks. I suppose he wouldn't have to work so hard at converting people what with the still being alive thing, so perhaps he could do it part time.

Bollocks, I was going to organise a 'how long before Xenon II mentions belief in the fake Moon landings nonsense?' sweepstake too... Just thinking of my next sweepstake attempt, are you a huge Dan Brown fan?

Well I can see that you and Windsor have something in common My aunt lives in Toronto btw and she is a race mixer. Is that your particularly polite pc way of saying she is in a mixed race relationship? And anyway, what the f*ck has your aunt in Toronto got to do with the comment you quoted above it? Whatever colour or race of the man currently pleasuring her. I have come to expect your utter stupidity and bigotry in each post, but I still haven't quite grasped how you manage to outdo yourself with every single subsequent one.

I am enjoying the fact that I sent 25 personalised xmas cards this year. All with a big grinning close up of my face in full santa clobber, much like the pic in my avatar at the moment except slightly wilder looking. The first response I received was: - That sounds to me like, "TLC, your message is strong and valuable. Share it with us at every available birthday, xmas or vaguely special occasion" now that I've discovered the ease and cheapness of online card designing. Once I get the hang of photoshop (notably how to merge my face on a selection of 'hilarious' bodies and or backgrounds) there'll be no stopping me, like it or not. Seasons greetings!

Mum? This is getting a bit embarrassing now, I've told you before that I've said all I'm going to say about Dave Mount, can we just leave it alone now? It was over 10 years ago, things have moved on and so have I; we should start building bridges.

According to Wikipedia (trust at your own peril) it's Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth. or indeed The Queen of Australia for short. As an aside: I presume Xenon II has no problems with a female monarch. regards, Hein OK, fair point, I mistakenly replied on the presumption that Xenon II had given her her full title, so I didn't check it out. It would make sense I suppose, I don't admit to having much royal knowledge. Still, do Aussies refer to her as the Queen of Australia, or the Queen of England, or just the Queen? And do they think of her as their queen or someone else's queen being in charge? I was aware of the referendum victory, I was just thinking that if they did (or maybe they do) think of her as the Queen of Australia she might be even more popular there? Of course if they do already then that's a bit of a non-question.

Oh my. Let it be noted that I disagree with a certain amount of the above, and I'll leave it there. Do on to others and all that.

Maybe if it was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Australia there might be more reason for Aussies to give a sh*t? Just asking. Superb sentiment by the way, wanting to abolish a democratic political party in the name of defending multiculturalism...

Best Thread/s - I find the Oscar Niemeyer and Fidel Castro threads very funny due to the curious breed of ranter/conspiracy theorists they attract. Which are beautifully complemented by my incisive and rapier-like replies. Post of the year, I think either BHB's Crow King effort or MPFC's terminal illness football league suggestion were classics. Possibly also NAP's one he drew attention to earlier, not that I'm being lazy or anything... a bit upsetting that my only nomination so far is something my mum text me, so not even my own work! Best poster of the year should perhaps be separate from best post? I usually very much enjoy the Pooka's posts, also Alphonsin & Twelvetrees on their less frequent visits. MH is consistently good, a midfield general if you will. Also, TF manages to combine factual and relevant info infused with some sharp comments and just a dash of cynicism, but also usually manages to keep his posting brief and to the point. I dread to think how many lessons his posting style holds for me, clearly I've still not started on lesson one. Hate filled rant? He's a member, but that doesn't stop each post being an insane rambling rant. It's my current pick of the pops Xenon II, and his entourage of Feminazis. When Good Books go Bad.... Best link? The one I wasted the most time on was the plate spinning one, so maybe that. Best death. Erm, I still don't really care except to the extent that a few deaths make the forum a bit more lively right accross the board. As long as they keep on dropping, I don't care who.