NationStates Jolt Archive

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

I'm irish and over here people seem to have a mixed view of the British. Historically most people hate you because of what you did. However, most people now feel that the British are pretty decent and have great realtions with them.

i my greatgrandfather was irish. but i can understand the historic hatred of britain

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

I rather like the British myself - no complaints here.

Decent people with an interesting history

I think we rule.

Oh wait, other nations' opinions.

*gets coat. Leaves sharpish*

Meh, you brit. You have good breakfast.

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of Tony Blair.

I think we rule.

Oh wait, other nations' opinions.

*gets coat. Leaves sharpish*
*gets coat*

fancy a pint?

I generally love you guys. I mean I've been to London only once and it was for a week. The Brits generally seem like a clean, polite people, with many having politcal views similar to mine, definitely more socialists than here in the states it seems. Unfortunately I did not enjoy the food. I thought Brits would be boring in bed too because of their general traditionalists, but I was wrong there too. hehee I like you guys lets just put it that way

England suffers a tragic shortage of teeth.

:rolleyes:

*gets coat*

fancy a pint?
Sure.

*considers*

Oh wait, you're 200 miles away. Ah well - drinks alone again.

*pulls a crate of tennets super out of his coat* ¬_¬

Sure.

*considers*

Oh wait, you're 200 miles away. Ah well - drinks alone again.

*pulls a crate of tennets super out of his coat* ¬_¬
ah well, lets each go binge drinking, British style! ;)

ah well, lets each go binge drinking, British style! ;)
Oh! were we not supposed to have started yet? ....(hides brown paper bag)

ah well, lets each go binge drinking, British style! ;)

Get completly fucked then start a fight on a random stranger?

Get completly fucked then start a fight on a random stranger?
Nah mate - get completely wankered then start a fight with a complete stranger whilst balancing a half-full pint glass and a cold kebab. That's what separates us from apes.

Nah mate - get completely wankered then start a fight with a complete stranger whilst balancing a half-full pint glass and a cold kebab. That's what separates us from apes.
And during all that, knowing when to make your exit so the other guy is still standing around when the police show up.

One of the questions in my AS General Studies (Cultural Domain) paper today was: What is it to be British? ... Two good things about British culture ... Two bad things about British Culture. Binge Drinking obviously came up.

Binge Drinking makes us great, damnit.

Monty Python...

well this managed to move on to a descpition of our collective alcoholism very quickly....... (realises that this was inevitable)

One of the questions in my AS General Studies (Cultural Domain) paper today was: What is it to be British? ... Two good things about British culture ... Two bad things about British Culture. Binge Drinking obviously came up.

Binge Drinking makes us great, damnit.

I took AS General Studies three years ago and had a very similar question, I hope it went ok!

Well I'm about 50% English and about 15% Welsh... I am fond of the British, and most especially the English. Way, way, way back there's some Scottish blood too.

I've been shown how John I is a direct ancestor of mine (through my paternal grandmother)... I don't really care, but it sort of does make me proud of England.

so my bias comes from that source. I am going to be pro-England/Britain until I die, and if I ever move to another country, or purchase an apartment/cottage/land anywhere outside the US -- with the exception of the Italian Riviera, lol -- it will be in England.

(assuming that Cancun prices are too steep. hehe)

I'm the first generation "Americanized" Irish in my family ('cause my dad totally married a not-so-much-Irish woman), and honestly....I don't really understand the CONTINUED beef my family has with the British. I think that, aside from a few failing aspects *cough*teeth*cough* that just happen to be huge hangups of mine, you're okay by me. Not that I've met a WHOLE lot of British citizens....some dude from the Isle of Man and a South African is the closest I can personally claim as friends here in the Midwest, and they really only have to count in my mind because of the accent. Which is hot. So very, very hot.

Oh, 'cept I do have something big against you guys....seeing as you all spell things differently than we do over here (bunch of stinkin' rebels, we are), and the nun who took care of us at Catholic school was British, I ended up spelling, in a lot of cases, like that unless I really think about it otherwise (which I try hard to). I missed an awful lot of credit throughout middle and high school for "misspellings" that were totally freakin accurate. Not that I'm saying I'm angry about the differences in spelling, because that's not your fault. No, I'm angry at you all for sending Sister Margaret over in the first place :mad:

Course I'm not too angry to overlook the better aspects of British contribution to the world.....cinematically speaking. If I had never fully realized Alan Rickman (in a Samuel Beckett sense....ever seen Play?), the world would be lost to me. Aaaaand........well lots. Lots and lots. A whole lot.

And during all that, knowing when to make your exit so the other guy is still standing around when the police show up.
Yeah - preferrably holding a knife with a bit of your blood on it so you can claim against him. Make the bastard pay for daring to look at your kebab like that...

One of the questions in my AS General Studies (Cultural Domain) paper today was: What is it to be British? ... Two good things about British culture ... Two bad things about British Culture. Binge Drinking obviously came up.

Binge Drinking makes us great, damnit.


Wow, I had that exam too. God bless general studies, I think it's physically impossible to get it wrong.

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of John Cleese.

Simonist']I'm the first generation "Americanized" Irish in my family ('cause my dad totally married a not-so-much-Irish woman), and honestly....I don't really understand the CONTINUED beef my family has with the British. I think that, aside from a few failing aspects *cough*teeth*cough* that just happen to be huge hangups of mine, you're okay by me. Not that I've met a WHOLE lot of British citizens....some dude from the Isle of Man and a South African is the closest I can personally claim as friends here in the Midwest, and they really only have to count in my mind because of the accent. Which is hot. So very, very hot.

Oh, 'cept I do have something big against you guys....seeing as you all spell things differently than we do over here (bunch of stinkin' rebels, we are), and the nun who took care of us at Catholic school was British, I ended up spelling, in a lot of cases, like that unless I really think about it otherwise (which I try hard to). I missed an awful lot of credit throughout middle and high school for "misspellings" that were totally freakin accurate. Not that I'm saying I'm angry about the differences in spelling, because that's not your fault. No, I'm angry at you all for sending Sister Margaret over in the first place :mad:
The Isle of Man???? I live near there! There's something in the water there though. tax-dodgers!!! (mad laughing)

The Isle of Man???? I live near there! There's something in the water there though. tax-dodgers!!! (mad laughing)
What constitutes 'near' the Isle of Man? Technically, I live near the Isle of Man, were it not for that little perma-puddle called 'The Irish Sea'

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.


I know a handful of British and like and admire them. They were more than hospitable when my family and I spent time there and like the ones that visit us here. My sister in law married a Brit while she lived in England and now they live here and he's alright.
So- stereotypes aside- I can say on the whole, I like the people and I like the country. I'm glad our countries are close allies.

The only negatives I've experienced with the British has been here in Nationstates.
And thats certainly insignificant-I would never judge any group by the cockeyed representatives they've got in here.

Sometimes, in moments of passion, I wish for a moment I were British, so I could call somebody a "blighter" and not sound like a jackass saying it.

Or so I could make light of some impossible situation with elegant hubris, like:

"2000 of them and 60 of us...well, each of us is worth at least 100 of them, so we've got them outnumbered 3 to 1. Hardly sporting, perhaps we should offer them a chance to surrender"

I'm sure the British vary like everybody else, and maybe I've seen too many old movies, but it really seems the British have the composure-under-pressure thing down, and I'd like to be like that.

Simonist']I'm the first generation "Americanized" Irish in my family ('cause my dad totally married a not-so-much-Irish woman), and honestly....I don't really understand the CONTINUED beef my family has with the British. I think that, aside from a few failing aspects *cough*teeth*cough* that just happen to be huge hangups of mine, you're okay by me. Not that I've met a WHOLE lot of British citizens....some dude from the Isle of Man and a South African is the closest I can personally claim as friends here in the Midwest, and they really only have to count in my mind because of the accent. Which is hot. So very, very hot.


Ok so I understand where most of the popular english stereotypes come from but bad teeth? The first time I heard that was on the Simpsons and I still dont understand where it came from.

Er, hate to be annoying, well not really but it would seem the view of the "British" here is missing one little point. Us Scots :D

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.do you want the politically corretc diplomatic answer?

...or the Brutally honest answer?

What constitutes 'near' the Isle of Man? Technically, I live near the Isle of Man, were it not for that little perma-puddle called 'The Irish Sea'
Puddle, schmuddle. My friend wanted to voice her opinion of the British, though I know this is likely a bad idea, so if you have any problems with it, email me and I'll give you her cell phone number. Then bother her directly :D

"The British, ah, a fair and enterprising peoples, known for their exceptional cuisine. I especially like the noodles. Oh, and that chicken they make, divine, wonderful. Did you know the main ingredient of sweet and sour sauce is ketchup? Yeah, I didn't either. But anyway, so those British, good people, I suppose, but always a little squinty. Seemed kinda shifty to me. And then they never do speak English, seems quite a conundrum to me. But have you seen that big friggin wall of theirs? That's a feat! A big damn wall! What will they think of next?
Oh, that's the Chinese? What were we talking about.....the ENGLISH? Oh, no, God no, f*ck 'em."

I'm pretty sure she was kidding, though.....I think.....it's hard to tell with her. She informed me that her people (the Swedish) have a knack for deception, which I never even saw coming.

What constitutes 'near' the Isle of Man? Technically, I live near the Isle of Man, were it not for that little perma-puddle called 'The Irish Sea'
technically youre right. i apologise. i live on the northwest coast. ive been there a few times though and i always wondered why manx cats dont have tails? does anyone know?

Er, hate to be annoying, well not really but it would seem the view of the "British" here is missing one little point. Us Scots :D

Your the same as the english but louder

Er, hate to be annoying, well not really but it would seem the view of the "British" here is missing one little point. Us Scots :D
I don't forget you Scots. I love you Scots. Isn't Ewan McGregor one of you Scots? He plays French Horn, so he's okay with me.

No, seriously, who could forget the Scottish. Bunch of BASTARDS you Celts (oh, oops, that's me as well) were to the Romans, but you can hardly be blamed, now can you?

technically youre right. i apologise. i live on the northwest coast. ive been there a few times though and i always wondered why manx cats dont have tails? does anyone know?I'd go with allopatric speciation personally for the lack of tails. Also, NW coast of Scotland or England?

I'd go with allopatric speciation personally for the lack of tails. Also, NW coast of Scotland or England?
England. but i come from elsewhere

in england not abroad

I think there are too many varied opnions about you blokes to make a blanket statement about what americans think of the British.

I guess my first impressions as a small child learning about the american revolution & the war of 1812 were to hate your guts. A lot of silly partiotism but as you grow older & learn more about history we taught that other then the 2 forementioned wars you've good allies.

I guess from my point of view the US will alway have an odd family tie to the British.

Your the same as the english but louder

Pfft. We are infinitely superior to most English people. At least we don't have an incredibly annoying, grating accent. :p

I can't stand it when people speak of "British accents" and just do an English one. I mean, really... :rolleyes:

England. but i come from elsewhere
Ah. I was just wondering. I'm from Preston and I'm always trying to find people nearby.

Pfft. We are infinitely superior to most English people. At least we don't have an incredibly annoying, grating accent. :p

I can't stand it when people speak of "British accents" and just do an English one. I mean, really... :rolleyes:
This poses an interesting question- How many British people actually speak with the standard enhlish accent that the rest of the world thinks we all use? I speak in standard english, but im not posh or anything.

so my bias comes from that source. I am going to be pro-England/Britain until I die, and if I ever move to another country, or purchase an apartment/cottage/land anywhere outside the US -- with the exception of the Italian Riviera, lol -- it will be in England.

(assuming that Cancun prices are too steep. hehe)

If Cancun is too steep, forget anywhere in Europe. Unless you want a broom closet that is.

I am a Brit, and I left due to Tony Blair (and the weather)

This poses an interesting question- How many British people actually speak with the standard enhlish accent that the rest of the world thinks we all use? I speak in standard english, but im not posh or anything.

If you mean that posher than posh accent which is the stereotypical english accent then I'd say no-one.

This poses an interesting question- How many British people actually speak with the standard enhlish accent that the rest of the world thinks we all use? I speak in standard english, but im not posh or anything.
I've got a bit of a Peter Kay/Vernon Kay thing going on. It isn't so bad here, but if I go anywhere else people have actually laughed at it. Southerners, that is.

*points a gnarled, inbred finger to the South and the 'weird ones' that dwell there* :p

This poses an interesting question- How many British people actually speak with the standard enhlish accent that the rest of the world thinks we all use? I speak in standard english, but im not posh or anything.

I don't know if I've ever met one. I certainly don't. I hope...

Ah. I was just wondering. I'm from Preston and I'm always trying to find people nearby.
when i say coast.... i lie. when i put near the isle of man i meant it that i was sort of nearer than all these american people and then when i realised that you were english and probably knew about english geography more, i didnt wnat to look silly because its not that near
I live in bolton....which is quite near to preston. i have an uncle in preston.

The Brittish? A bit chewey, they go well when served with rice and a white wine sauce....

"2000 of them and 60 of us...well, each of us is worth at least 100 of them, so we've got them outnumbered 3 to 1. Hardly sporting, perhaps we should offer them a chance to surrender"


That reminds me of the book 'Interesting Times' by Terry Pratchett, but there was only seven old men and 500, 000 Aegatians.

Monty Python?

I've got a bit of a Peter Kay/Vernon Kay thing going on. It isn't so bad here, but if I go anywhere else people have actually laughed at it. Southerners, that is.

*points a gnarled, inbred finger to the South and the 'weird ones' that dwell there* :p

Could be worse, boyo, they could be fenlanders.

*Hides webbed feet and hands*

What? Me, no, I'm northern. Honest.

Pfft. We are infinitely superior to most English people. At least we don't have an incredibly annoying, grating accent. :p

I can't stand it when people speak of "British accents" and just do an English one. I mean, really... :rolleyes:


What's an English accent? What's a British accent?


"Hello! One is a Cockney!"

i always thought there'd be at least one cannibal on nation states. It was just a matter of time...

What's an English accent? What's a British accent?


"Hello! One is a Cockney!"
Remember Dick Van Dyke's character in Mary Poppins? That is how we all speak.

What's an English accent? What's a British accent?


"Hello! One is a Cockney!"

"Cor' blimey guv'nor, 'av a butchers at this. Me trouble an' strife tripped over 'er own plates o' meat goin' up the apples and pears"

or

"Oh dear. Charles, do come and have a look. Dorothy just slipped on her way up the staircase"

Could be worse, boyo, they could be fenlanders.

*Hides webbed feet and hands*

What? Me, no, I'm northern. Honest.
*watches as Mac goes fishing for Eels in the fens. Without a fishing line*

*considers presenting Mac as an example for microevolution*

Remember Dick Van Dyke's character in Mary Poppins? That is how we all speak.
Es tell the truth e is mi ole' mucker. gotta climb the apple and pears to get mi specs.

*watches as Mac goes fishing for Eels in the fens. Without a fishing line*

*considers presenting Mac as an example for microevolution*

*Blinks his eye*

*Snarls at Tribes, then jumps back into the fens, and swims off, breathing through gills behind his ears, a la Waterworld*

*Blinks his eye*

*Snarls at Tribes, then jumps back into the fens, and swims off, breathing through gills behind his ears, a la Waterworld*
*at the risk of carrying on horribly off topic, tribes fishes for Mac with an eel on a hook. Once caught, tribes slaps Mac repeatedly with Mac's own webbed hand*

Never never NEVER mention Waterworld in my presence again.

Back on topic, I want to know if there are horrific stereotypes for different areas of England/Scotland. Ones that are known by non-Englanders, obviously. I mean, I know of many, but I was wondering if we're just a nation of scummy-toothed londoners to foreigners.

Nah mate - get completely wankered then start a fight with a complete stranger whilst balancing a half-full pint glass and a cold kebab. That's what separates us from apes.
lmao:p

I am half irish as my mums entire family was. and my dads was a bit scottish so

1 i have a strange accent
2 i have a relativly in depth view of why the british are hated by their neighbours

in fact one of my ancestors was susposedly hung for rebelling against the british.

i am mixed about the british and at the moment i generally dont like them
the british/we are
xenophobic, EU hating, conservative thinking , selfish group of S*** who believe our little island still has its empire and everyone is out to stop us.
and i dont want that image of us.

we need another thatcher to show my generation how awful it gets when we take this to the extreme, and then we'll know how awful we were in the 2000's

That reminds me of the book 'Interesting Times' by Terry Pratchett, but there was only seven old men and 500, 000 Aegatians.

Monty Python?

Sorry, not a specific quote, just a sort of rendition of various anecdotal observations made in 19th-20th century literature/film/comics and so forth. Actually, I think for one of the best renditions of British courage, see "Captain Darcy" of "Real Adventures in the Rifle Brigade" by Garth Ennis.
Also the source of such British wit as:

"Don't play coy with me, Captain! I know you went to PUBLIC SCHOOL"

"Well, it doesn't count if you were in School, everybody knows that."

I went to England (Portsmith) last summer from the States and had a blast. I love the accent and even picked it up for a while, and come to find, Portsmith has its own unique accent as well, ( some could be quite hard to understand :)). The people in general were nice and really enjoyed their tea. I did too. Some older friends of mine taught me the importance of the British Open. And yes, their breakfast is awesome. So yeah, I like the Brits.

Politically, Britain is *the* Western world country. Americans aren't, they have their own perv--- peculiarities. Select any other Western nation, and it's going to be identified primarily by its national characteristics.

There's no "British accent"; the notion was invented by people who speak bad English. Just as well you might speak of a "Japanese Japanese accent", or "Russian Russian accent".

The British are great orators. It's no accident that modern parliamentarism was invented in England.

They also like to pick up fights with people.

If they had a cuisine, someone destroyed it, collateral damage extending to America, Australia, etc. Fat in more fat, vaguely "cereal foods" with guess what, fat in them, und so weiter.

With behavior, they're very much like Americans. I was in a diving course designed for Brits, and the difference wasn't.

Ah. I was just wondering. I'm from Preston and I'm always trying to find people nearby.

Wow! Life in the big city!

Hey, I'm from Blackburn. Preston is the big city to me...

I'm impressed no-one has mentioned football hooliganism yet, I always thought that that was how foreigners thought of us.

bloody bastards! .........just joking....

They are people much like everyone else. Good and bad, smart and stupid, happy and sad, funny and dull. Good comedy on tv, The League of Gentlemen!

Sad you lost your empire, you should try and get it back.

God bless general studies, I think it's physically impossible to get it wrong.

I failed it! I reckon it was a marking cock-up, but remarking costs money, and general studies is worthless to a student who did well in other A-Levels, so...

Britain has a terrible cuisine, Tony Blair sucks fat monkey balls (how could you re-elect this idiot?!?!?!) and the British servitude towards the US is sad. Otherwise, the UK is quite ok. I've been to London only once though - great Subway system :p

As an Englishman, I quite like the incorrectly-called "British" accent, but only if it's done well. You want to sound refined, but you don't want to sound like Michael Howard.

You guys over use the letter "u"!

But otherwise are good.

Ein Deutscher']Britain has a terrible cuisine, Tony Blair sucks fat monkey balls (how could you re-elect this idiot?!?!?!) and the British servitude towards the US is sad. Otherwise, the UK is quite ok. I've been to London only once though - great Subway system :p

Blame those idiots in Sedgefield for electing Blair, it was nothing to do with the rest of us.

Whilst the vast majority of our food does suck, Lancashire Hotpot is mighty.

The Idiots Guide to the United Kingdom

England

This (for future reference) is the country of England:

Map of England (http://www.pmfgolfguide.com/england/_derived/map.htm_txt_england_map.gif)

This is its flag:

The Cross of St.George (http://www.teezz.co.uk/images/flags/england-flag-092.jpg)

Now England is only one section of the country known as the United Kingdom (or Britain or Great Britain or Great Britain and Ireland). It has several regions and like in any other country has regional dialects and accents. The Cornish for example actually have their own language, although I think the last Cornish speaker died a few hundred years ago. When you refer to "England", you are refering to this. Although English people like to think they are the most important part of the Union, they should have a closer look: the Prime Minister was born in Scotland, the Chancellor is Scottish as is the Health Secretary and the leader of the Liberal Democrats. The leader of the Conservatives is Welsh by birth.

SCOTLAND

Map of Scotland (http://users.ox.ac.uk/~peter/workhouse/map/scotland.gif)

St. Andrews Saltire (http://www.scottishgolfhistory.net/images/Saltire05.JPG)

This is the little nobbly bit on the top (sorry Scots but I am in the process of dumbing down) of England. They too have their own accent (see Sean Connery) and contribute a great deal to Britain as a whole. They were an independant state until the Act of Union 1707 which was passed by both Scottish and English Parliaments and joined them together. However they have maintained their own legal system. Ever since, Scotland has been represented in Westminister, London but recently Scots have been offered the chance to electe Scottish Members of Parliament to a Scottish Parliament situated in Edinburgh. Remember when you refer to Scotland, you are refering to a part of the United Kingdom (Great Britain). They do, on occasion, wear kilts but I would not advise any tourists to look up - the sight is unpleasant to say the least.

WALES

Map of Wales (http://www.studyabroad.com/content/portals/maps/wales_map.gif)

The Red Dragon flag (http://areciboweb.50megs.com/fotw/images/g/gb-wales.gif)

Wales is attached to the westward side of England. It has been a part of England since the 1200s and has actually spoken English for most of that time. However due to a bout of resurgent nationalism, everyone in Wales has decided to speak Welsh and so we now have to print road signs in Welsh as well as English even though a large proportion of the Welsh population only speak Welsh in front of English people so to confuse them. It too is a member of state of the United Kingdom (Great Britain).

NORTHERN IRELAND

Map of Northern Ireland (http://www.southtravels.com/europe/northernireland/gifs/map.jpg)

Flag of Northern Ireland (http://www.mantaway.com/northern%20ireland.gif)

Northern Ireland (also known as Ulster) too is part of the Union of states that forms the United Kingdom (Great Britain). Northern Ireland has voted to remain part of the Union and as such they still contribute Members of Parliament to Westminister. Southern Ireland gained independence in the 1920s I believe (but I am probably wrong as to the date but hell you can find that out yourselves).

THE UNITED KINGDOM, GREAT BRITAIN, BRITAIN, GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND ETC ETC

The map of the United Kingdom (http://www.retreats.org.uk/images/map1.jpg)

Union Jack (http://www.patrimoinecanadien.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/images/union-jack.gif)

And when you put all the parts together (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) you get the United Kingdom/Britain. All have the same head of state (Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II), the same currency (pound sterling), the same head of government (the elected Prime Minister), the same national anthem (God Save the Queen) and the same army/navy/airforce. The official language in all is English except in Wales who have two languages: Welsh and English.

And that is the end to my brief, insanely idiotic guide. Any Scots, Englishmen, Welshmen, Ulstermen or Americans wishing to pelt me with rotten food stuffs are asked to form an orderly queue.

My son thinks the Brits are great. He returned from Kosovo a few months ago. During his tour of Kosovo, he spent 2 months on a mountain full of Brits at a communication post. He didn't understand the soccer part, but he understood the beer part. :) The pictures he sent back showed them in their Kosovo Hard Rock t shirts and their mugs of beer. He said they would really get pissed at each other over English Premier Soccer games. :)

If they had a cuisine, someone destroyed it, collateral damage extending to America, Australia, etc. Fat in more fat, vaguely "cereal foods" with guess what, fat in them, und so weiter.

Well, we invented Deep-fried Mars Bars.

*Fills with pride*

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

I'm Irish, but I live in the UK.

One word - queueing.

Drives me insane everywhere but the pub - the politely queueing mass means that I can jump ahead of dozens of people at a crowded bar.

I've got a bit of a Peter Kay/Vernon Kay thing going on. It isn't so bad here, but if I go anywhere else people have actually laughed at it. Southerners, that is.

*points a gnarled, inbred finger to the South and the 'weird ones' that dwell there* :p

As an Irish guy living down here, I know exactly how you feel. Half the time Southerners look at me like I'm speaking Finnish.

As an Englishman, I quite like the incorrectly-called "British" accent, but only if it's done well. You want to sound refined, but you don't want to sound like Michael Howard.

But he's Romanian :-)

England suffers a tragic shortage of teeth.

:rolleyes:

We *do*?! Oh no! How many am I supposed to have?!

What's all this about British cuisine being dire? Nothing beats a good fish and chips .. best dinner ever. All this talk about funny teeth left me slightly confused too. And queue jumpers are evil, evil things.

Ah. I was just wondering. I'm from Preston and I'm always trying to find people nearby.

I'm from near stockport, tinks' living in the back of bloody beyond in the lake district, anarchic conceptions is also from manchester...err Carops is from Bolton, Tazikhstan is from blackburn...I'm sure there are a few others about somewhere...

The North West > Rest of UK :D

And when you put all the parts together (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) you get the United Kingdom/Britain.
No, it's the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Britain is a purely geographical entity. It's the island landmass encompassing England, Wales, and Scotland. The UK also includes the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, etc

Well, I was in London once...for one day...when I was ten years old.

Nothing but good things to say regarding that visit.

On the whole, I don't have any complaints...good people. :)

Drives me insane everywhere but the pub - the politely queueing mass means that I can jump ahead of dozens of people at a crowded bar.
I'm surprised the staff would serve you. :mad:

Why does drive you insane? It makes sure everyone gets to do whatever it is in the correct order. Deal, y'all. Just wait your turn like everyone else.

I am intensely proud of our amazing queuing abilities. Especially the invisible queue system and etiquette in pubs, which would, no doubt, baffle foreigners.

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

i'm american. the british have treated us like total shit in the past, but they are a lot better than americans right now.

I am Canadian, and I regard Britain as the motherland. Odd, since I am 10th generation Canadian. My family were United Empire Loyalists though, and remain staunch monarchists. I would say that being 35 years old, I was brought up with fairly British values (Canada still identified strongly with British roots at that time) while the next generation of young Canadians seems to have much more American values.

Oh, and I must point out my own Anglo-Canadian bias here, I make generalizations about "Canadians" identifying with Britain and seemingly ignore all of the Franco-Canadians who may well identify with France. I imagine that les Quebecois are probably more secure in their identification with Europe due to their language. Funny, the whole political issue of English vs French languages in Canada is based on the idea that French culture is threatened by the all-pervasive English being spoken in America and Canada, when in reality that is the very aspect that protects Quebecois culture from being drowned out - their language allows them to identify with France. English Canada is falling prey to American media, and it seems our youth are more American in their values each day.

So I would say that for the most part I enjoy Britons, because their culture is similar to my own. I believe Britons to be polite and well-mannered (like my mental caricature of "Canadians") while Americans seem brash (purely a cultural difference).

Oh, and I once had a co-worker from Nottingham who was dreeeeeamy...I could listen to that accent forever.

I'm from near stockport, tinks' living in the back of bloody beyond in the lake district, anarchic conceptions is also from manchester...err Carops is from Bolton, Tazikhstan is from blackburn...I'm sure there are a few others about somewhere...

The North West > Rest of UK :D

o.O

Wow, there are a lot of us.

There's also Refused Party Program (amoung others) up here.

Maybe we should organise a party :p

I think, for all their faults and imperial ambitions, Britain gave the world a glorious memory of 'enlightened imperialism' and certainly gave most of its former colonies a strong base to become great nations in their own right.

self confessed Anglophile,
Cathenia

o.O

Wow, there are a lot of us.

There's also Refused Party Program (amoung others) up here.

Maybe we should organise a party :p

That would rock so much :D I forgot about RRP (doh) he's from near me somewhere.

August 15th anyone? :D

That would rock so much :D I forgot about RRP (doh) he's from near me somewhere.

August 15th anyone? :D

Yeah, provided we pick the dirtiest, nastiest dive in town (since I'll probably be skint and it'll be cheap :p)

Yeah, provided we pick the dirtiest, nastiest dive in town (since I'll probably be skint and it'll be cheap :p)

Jimmys Rock World

Either that or the Ritz on a monday :D

EDIT: What a fluke! the 15th is a monday lol! :D

A good cultured folk with a rather nice reputation for raising cute catholic boarding-school girls. And having tea.

History is history, and today they have decent foreign relations.

Jimmys Rock World

Isn't it Jilly's?

Haven't been out in Manchester for fucking time so cannot be sure.

Either that or the Ritz on a monday :D

EDIT: What a fluke! the 15th is a monday lol! :D

What a guess :D

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/CMSIcons/emoticons/happy/clap.gif

Isn't it Jilly's?
Haven't been out in Manchester for fucking time so cannot be sure.

Meh, one of the two! Its a hole but its not too bad. Most of my mates insist on going to 5th Ave most of the time though...

The United States and the Uk special relationship is the topic of much discussion. The Average person from the states does not care one way or another, but has sexual fantasies about the British, some even fantasise about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Tony Blair (hopefully not at the same time) :-P. The more enlightened appreciate their Shakespeare, and love the BBC, and might even watch PM's questions on television. The more I think about it the term closet anglophile seems to fit. That's about all there is to say about that. Might I ask what your opinion of the U.S. is? if possible, please ignore the George W. Bush policies when formulating responses.

NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland (also known as Ulster)
not true :p

I love going to England. It's basically this weird part of Massachussettes where people drive on the wrong side of the road and everything is more expensive. :D

I'm surprised the staff would serve you. :mad:

Why does drive you insane? It makes sure everyone gets to do whatever it is in the correct order. Deal, y'all. Just wait your turn like everyone else.

I am intensely proud of our amazing queuing abilities. Especially the invisible queue system and etiquette in pubs, which would, no doubt, baffle foreigners.

In a busy pub, I'm not going to wait behind someone who's having a chat to his mate while the bar staff are standing idle just because he got there first.

In Ireland, the rule is simple - if you're not buying, and buying *now*, stay out the way. If you want to have a chat, fine, but nobody's going to wait for you to finish.

I like the queueing mentality in other areas - airports, Tesco, cinema etc etc - just not pubs.

I like the British...I got a British buddy here in the US...he moved here to get married. He's awsome...we make fun of him for being british, and he makes fun of us for being american. It's great fun!

-Kinstonya-

not true :p
Isn't Ulster made up of 9 counties, 6 of which make up NI?

In a busy pub, I'm not going to wait behind someone who's having a chat to his mate while the bar staff are standing idle just because he got there first.

In Ireland, the rule is simple - if you're not buying, and buying *now*, stay out the way. If you want to have a chat, fine, but nobody's going to wait for you to finish.

I like the queueing mentality in other areas - airports, Tesco, cinema etc etc - just not pubs.
Damn, which pubs have you been going to with a queueing system? Everyone I've been, the bar person (politically correct you know ;) ) just serves whoevers there, or if its busy moves down the bar.

Since i've been living in South Africa, i've noticed a great many things about britain that i used to take for granted.
1.) charity shops.
2.) the weather (you heard me right, all that rain is a feature to be proud of. here in grahamstown, ZA, the rain we get is extremely horrible. Also, we get the cold winds from the south pole, so stop complaining when the sky dribbles in GB.)
3.) the people. be grateful that they don't run up to you and ask you questions frantically about where you come from. sometimes it's better to get shifty looks from people on the underground than people talking at you 24/7.

also, i think the teeth thing is from the 70s. wasn't that mentioned in 'Austin Powers'? It gets old after a while, and also you can get braces free from the NHS if you're under 16. :D
my accent is a bit posh actually, but only because i got sent to a lower school at the wealthier end of town. anybody here from leighton buzzard, linslade, milton keynes, aylesbury, or Herts, Beds & Bucks?

Since i've been living in South Africa, i've noticed a great many things about britain that i used to take for granted.
1.) charity shops.
2.) the weather (you heard me right, all that rain is a feature to be proud of. here in grahamstown, ZA, the rain we get is extremely horrible. Also, we get the cold winds from the south pole, so stop complaining when the sky dribbles in GB.)
3.) the people. be grateful that they don't run up to you and ask you questions frantically about where you come from. sometimes it's better to get shifty looks from people on the underground than people talking at you 24/7.

also, i think the teeth thing is from the 70s. wasn't that mentioned in 'Austin Powers'? It gets old after a while, and also you can get braces free from the NHS if you're under 16. :D
my accent is a bit posh actually, but only because i got sent to a lower school at the wealthier end of town. anybody here from leighton buzzard, linslade, milton keynes, aylesbury, or Herts, Beds & Bucks?
I lived in Luton for 3 years, that count?

Ah. I was just wondering. I'm from Preston and I'm always trying to find people nearby.

I'm from Wigan, although i'm now studying in Salford - nearby enough?

meh, i suppose. :) i left luton out, for a reason unkown to me.

Isn't Ulster made up of 9 counties, 6 of which make up NI?
yup, Ulster is NI (Fermanagh, Antrim, Tyrone, Londonderry, Armagh, and Down) plus Monaghan, Donegal and Cavan

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

um, I've never been to britain, but I hear you have some not-so-tasty food...and...the weather seems to be awfully rainy as well. About the people, you are probably much like us finns; "rednecks" to the bone. Of course this is just my opinion and "brittishness" is far to wide a topic to describe right here. Please don't hate me now. :)

I have a sort of mild feeling of disgust for the English (sorry its inborn). I like the scottish and don't really have any feelings for the welsh. I like most of the population of N.I.

I think Britain is okay, but two things.

1. Lay off the tea, it's like a shotgun is to a Southern Redneck

2. Put flouride in your water dude, I visited my grandma in August and holy christ, I think I was the only in the city with white teeth.

I'm from Wigan, although i'm now studying in Salford - nearby enough?

Another one to be added to the list!

NW > all UK

Another one to be added to the list!

NW > all UK

NW is, indeed > rest of the UK. Especially the South. And the North East - bloody wrong side of the penines!

Yay, another!

NW uber alles

I try not to make blanket statements about any particular group of people from a country or a particular ethnic background. However, several of my NS friends are British and I've begun adopting some British idioms and spellings in my RPs. I've done that for so long that I have to think when I'm writing for an American audience, like at work!

meh, i suppose. :) i left luton out, for a reason unkown to me.
Can't say I blame you, I would've. :)

The United States and the Uk special relationship is the topic of much discussion. The Average person from the states does not care one way or another, but has sexual fantasies about the British, some even fantasise about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Tony Blair (hopefully not at the same time) :-P. The more enlightened appreciate their Shakespeare, and love the BBC, and might even watch PM's questions on television. The more I think about it the term closet anglophile seems to fit. That's about all there is to say about that. Might I ask what your opinion of the U.S. is? if possible, please ignore the George W. Bush policies when formulating responses.

Well I for one like Americans. They're always so pleasant and cheerful. A lot of my friends are staunchly anti-American, primarily due to Bush, but I try not to let him cloud my judgement. The fact is both British and American people share a language and have similar cultures. Lots of people complain about American cultural imports, like Trick or Treating on halloween but I think that the American influence can be enriching as well. The only Americans I dont like are those loud ones you meet when you go on holiday who speak so that everyone else can hear their conversations. But generally, the majority seem to be good decent people. And America has done a lot in the past to change the world for the better

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of Tony Blair.


as a brit only one comment

Oh ****

now were in trouble

I love the Brits. Rich history and culture, friendly people, awesome accents. A great country in my opinion.

I am from Sutton Coldfield (not far from Birmingham) in the West Midlands

I'm Irish, but I live in the UK.

One word - queueing.

Drives me insane everywhere but the pub - the politely queueing mass means that I can jump ahead of dozens of people at a crowded bar.


How do the Irish normally decide who gets served first, then? A fight?

The Citizens of the United States have a mixed view on the English(British if your talking about the UK). I for one think they English are a fine bunch of people but have a dry since of humor.

Im british and i always wondered how other nations saw us. We seem to have a habit of putting ourselves down, but what do foreigners think? Do you like us? loath us? Think we smell, etc. I just wondered.

The good:

- Well behaved and mannered
- friendly
- courteous
- excellent cuisine
- intriguing culture and history

The bad:

- very proud and nationalistic
- snotty

The ugly:

- haven't come to terms with their colonial past and the Empire yet

We're disliked, although not so much as we were last year. Just look at Eurovision. And Ireland likes us.

I was British myself, once upon a time. I miss the food, but I was from a little northern town, and don't miss much else. I don't think I'd like to live there again.

I'm from Wigan, although i'm now studying in Salford - nearby enough?

Congrats on gaining promotion this year. 7 teams from the Northwest in the Premiership next season definitely, and there's a chance that we could have 8 if the Knob-Enders (sorry The Tribes Of Longton, habit ;) ) do well against the mightiest of all London teams.

Yeah, provided we pick the dirtiest, nastiest dive in town (since I'll probably be skint and it'll be cheap )

Jilly's is a dive, but if you're looking for that authentic gritty, crappy, divey atmosphere, Burnley's your best bet for a night out, Manchester's too cosmopolitan.

The United States and the Uk special relationship is the topic of much discussion. The Average person from the states does not care one way or another, but has sexual fantasies about the British, some even fantasise about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and Tony Blair (hopefully not at the same time) :-P. The more enlightened appreciate their Shakespeare, and love the BBC, and might even watch PM's questions on television. The more I think about it the term closet anglophile seems to fit. That's about all there is to say about that. Might I ask what your opinion of the U.S. is? if possible, please ignore the George W. Bush policies when formulating responses.

Judging from the Americans that I've met, they seem a pretty varied people and display all manner of qualities, both good and bad, but there are a few specific attributes that I've noticed often:

1) Really seem to hate smoking, and insist on telling you just how bad smoking is.

2) Enthusiastic. I think this is probably a carry over from the whole "American Dream" thing, but the colonials I've met all seem to have a postive "up and at 'em" attitude about pretty much everything.

3) Know nothing about/cannot drink beer. And they seem to consider all us Brits borderline alcoholics.

4) Generally a lot smarter than the stereotypes would have you believe, and a lot more sensitive to our differening cultures. I have yet to meet an American who assumes I live in a castle or that I love the Queen. This goes against everything my Grandad taught me.

All in all, I like them. They're a little odd sometimes, and I don't understand some "American" values ("No national health service? What?!" Or, "What's so fucking great about apple pie?" etc) but generally they're a positive influence and add a good dynamic to any group.

How do the Irish normally decide who gets served first, then? A fight?
What a silly question, we figure that out by finding out which one of us has seen the most lepracuans the last week. If you manage to get a pot of gould, you get free beers all week.

Now that's a double-win if ever I heard one.

I was going to respond with 26 and 6 is 1, but decided not to. :)

Americans think the following of the British:

1) A bit stuffy/dry/boring at times

2) A bit metrosexual/liberal

3) Strong Allies whose picadilloes aren't worth fighting over when we have external enemies. The Brits and the USA are two major military powers standing in defense of Western Civilization against hordes of external threats and hordes of internal nihilists.

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of Tony Blair.

well thats a bit daft cos he is a bit of a muppet...he was OK then he decided to become Bush's lapdog and it all went a bit pearshaped

I've got a bit of a Peter Kay/Vernon Kay thing going on. It isn't so bad here, but if I go anywhere else people have actually laughed at it. Southerners, that is.

*points a gnarled, inbred finger to the South and the 'weird ones' that dwell there* :p

i agree completely...im from just down the motorway from you in manchester with a very strong manc accent, so ive got to speak really clearly round southerners or else they dont understand me. I dont like a Londoner accent...I just find that annoying. no1 I know speaks with with and RP accent (but then again most of my friends are either from Manchester or, when at university (in Leicester)...from the Midlands or the West Country).

I went to England (Portsmith) last summer from the States and had a blast. I love the accent and even picked it up for a while, and come to find, Portsmith has its own unique accent as well, ( some could be quite hard to understand :)). The people in general were nice and really enjoyed their tea. I did too. Some older friends of mine taught me the importance of the British Open. And yes, their breakfast is awesome. So yeah, I like the Brits.

Do you mean Portsmouth?

well thats a bit daft cos he is a bit of a muppet...he was OK then he decided to become Bush's lapdog and it all went a bit pearshaped
and because the vast majority dont get to vote for him, just a few people in Sedgefield, unlike Bush where the entire electorate can decide on him


blair represents one constituency, bush represents the whole country. big difference.

Ein Deutscher']Britain has a terrible cuisine, Tony Blair sucks fat monkey balls (how could you re-elect this idiot?!?!?!) and the British servitude towards the US is sad. Otherwise, the UK is quite ok. I've been to London only once though - great Subway system :p

rofl...im british and I agree...we should have elected Charles Kennedy instead. Ditto, we should stop being in cahoots with the US. Have any foreigners actually been to any British city other than London?

btw, this person sounds like an American (apologies if you arent) so, [coughs], fair enough we re-elected Blair, but you re-elected Bush...that is so much worse

The North West > Rest of UK :D[/QUOTE]


well...duh :P (but give or take scousers)

Have any foreigners actually been to any British city other than London?

Some must have...

um, I've never been to britain, but I hear you have some not-so-tasty food...and...the weather seems to be awfully rainy as well. About the people, you are probably much like us finns; "rednecks" to the bone. Of course this is just my opinion and "brittishness" is far to wide a topic to describe right here. Please don't hate me now. :)

what is it that people have against our food. im a northener and we have some great food up here. you just cannot beat liver and onion gravy, or a Full English [breakfast] or Toad in the Hole, or Yorkshire Puds, or even good old fish and chips. People might say our diet is too fatty, but look at the americans, they eat much more fattier foods than us (not quite sure what point that is, but Americans cannot really slag off our food when their own is pretty bad).

Do you mean Portsmouth?
boo pompey! yay southampton!

boo pompey! yay southampton!

I couldnt really give a toss about either of them...to me they're just part of 'down south'. Both are fairly crap football teams (apologies to anyone who supports them), but being a Manchester United supporter, I would think this (and, I am actually from Manchester, not a glory hunter) [awaits backlash from pretty much everyone cos manchester United don't seem to be well-liked by many in Britain]

The only negatives I've experienced with the British has been here in Nationstates.
And thats certainly insignificant-I would never judge any group by the cockeyed representatives they've got in here.[/QUOTE]

that would have been me then [laughs manically]

boo pompey! yay southampton!
Boo Pompey and Southampton. Yay Plymouth! :D

I couldnt really give a toss about either of them...to me they're just part of 'down south'. Both are fairly crap football teams (apologies to anyone who supports them), but being a Manchester United supporter, I would think this (and, I am actually from Manchester, not a glory hunter) [awaits backlash from pretty much everyone cos manchester United don't seem to be well-liked by many in Britain]
bah, don't really give a toss about you northerners to be honest:p

you're good for Hovis, coal, and heavy industry as far as i'm concerned; and anywhere north of Watford is barbarian territory;)


and for the record Saints weren't doing that bad till Lowe started messing around about 2 or 3 years back... up to number 6 or 7 in the premiership and all!
pompey, of course, just suck;)

Oh, okay...

When I first time ever "listened" to music another than finnish, it was the Beatles - and I liked it (later I thought they sucked though... more of a Stones man myself)
So first, i got to thank Britain for good music.

When I was a young boy (circa '80), against all odds, I took a liking to football instead of hockey. That's not enough though... for some reason my father was (rest his soul) a Liverpool FC fan... so I inherited that. Thanks to him and Liverpool, I finally get to watch a good game tomorrow night.

And thanks to some anomaly, there is not enough fellows to teach philosophy in the university of Preston...so I get to visit UK once again...

I really don't have much bad to say about the britons.

Hot Accents.
Bad teeth.

As a whole, i suppose they're ok, my mum was born in Yorkshire,(Yorkshire Puddings, mmmm) but she moved when she was one to Australia.
It depends on the person though, we have an english guy in our class who came over a couple of months ago who thinks the only people who are really Australian are people who are descended from British convicts and keeps telling us not to talk like Americans. Very annoying.

boo pompey! yay southampton!

*cheers*

Nice people, terrible teeth. Only spent a few days in the UK, as a stopover to visit old friends while on the way to Germany. Hit up Club Paradise in Bristol for an AWOL party... wow. You have an amazing music scene, particularily the electronic variety. Being in Canada, there are a lot of British Ex-Pats here, leftovers from the days when Canadian citizenship was guaranteed for all Brits who desired it. For the most part they're just folks, like people from anywhere else in the wolrd. Oh, but those awful teeth (j/k)

My father has no use for Brits, but thats not too surprising, since he was German until he moved here, then hung out with a bunch of Irish for his first decade here. His beef is really with the "Old Boy Network", the old fossils who still refer to Canada as a colony.

Being heavily invovlved in the Rave scene in Toronto, I got to know a lot of Brits. Many of them helped establish the scene in Toronto back in the day around 90' and 91'. Guys like Paul Walker, Dr. No, etc left me with a very good impression of Brits in general. When I visited Britain I found it clean and the people generally friendly. I was surprised by the number of people with accents so thick I thought they had marbles in their mouths. They claimed to be speaking English, but I had serious doubts about that.

So,um, yeah, UK=Good place.

Jilly's is a dive, but if you're looking for that authentic gritty, crappy, divey atmosphere, Burnley's your best bet for a night out, Manchester's too cosmopolitan.

You go to Burnley by choice?!!?!? :eek: :p

Christ, does no-one here speak with anything near RP? I live in bloody Essex and I make an effort to. :p

Also, quiet down you Northern proles. Get back to going down the mines or whatever it is you do. :p

I couldnt really give a toss about either of them...to me they're just part of 'down south'. Both are fairly crap football teams (apologies to anyone who supports them), but being a Manchester United supporter, I would think this (and, I am actually from Manchester, not a glory hunter) [awaits backlash from pretty much everyone cos manchester United don't seem to be well-liked by many in Britain]

Yes, brilliant Manchester United. I'll just reserve third place for you again next year shall I, THIRD BEST TEAM IN ENGLAND. Mwhahahahahahahahaha.

Christ, does no-one here speak with anything near RP? I live in bloody Essex and I make an effort to. :p

Also, quiet down you Northern proles. Get back to going down the mines or whatever it is you do. :p

:eek: Oh god....its from essex....

*Brings out a cross and a wooden stake*

Someone hold it down!

:p :D

Yes, brilliant Manchester United. I'll just reserve third place for you again next year shall I, THIRD BEST TEAM IN ENGLAND. Mwhahahahahahahahaha.

And your team would be?

:eek: Oh god....its from essex....

*Brings out a cross and a wooden stake*

Someone hold it down!

:p :D
Don't worry. I hate the locals. :rolleyes: I mean, technically I am one, but I'm nothing like the "Essex man" stereotype. I do hate myself though, just to be sure. :p

And your team would be?
Arsenal, the second best team in England. Thats one more than you. Booya!

Don't worry. I hate the locals. :rolleyes: I mean, technically I am one, but I'm nothing like the "Essex man" stereotype. I do hate myself though, just to be sure. :p

So no customised car? No 16 year old pregnent gf whos name is Shanice and who wants the kids name to be Tyler Lopez? No St.Georges cross tatooed on you somewhere? Not even a vague hint of gold jewellry?



You've gotta drink Stella right?

Arsenal, the second best team in England. Thats one more than you. Booya!

I don't support man utd, i was just curious. And arsenal are technically 53 places better than my team. But at least I have brits in my team :p

Touche.

Oh, and I once had a co-worker from Nottingham who was dreeeeeamy...I could listen to that accent forever.
Nottingham? Of all the accents to find dreamy...

Christ, does no-one here speak with anything near RP? I live in bloody Essex and I make an effort to. :p

Also, quiet down you Northern proles. Get back to going down the mines or whatever it is you do. :p
I'm terribly sorry. I'm from Kent, which means I am genetically programmed to look down on you, preferably with a supercilious sneer. Fair commentary on the barbarians, though.

Can I get a booyah for Gillingham FC? No, thought not... ahem, should be said here that my southern accent is cort of the glottal- sorry, glo'al eschery varie'y, rather than the Queen's own.

Right, what is it about teeth? We have plenty of fluoride in the water - I should know, it dissolved half my teeth as I was growing up. Most people I know, however, have a perfectly respectable set of choppers.

So no customised car? No 16 year old pregnent gf whos name is Shanice and who wants the kids name to be Tyler Lopez? No St.Georges cross tatooed on you somewhere? Not even a vague hint of gold jewellry?



You've gotta drink Stella right?
Only when I'm given it. I'd never buy it for myself. I'm more of a Fosters/Miller man. Come on. Would an Essex man be reading the Iliad?

I'm terribly sorry. I'm from Kent, which means I am genetically programmed to look down on you, preferably with a supercilious sneer.

Can I get a booyah for Gillingham FC? No, thought not...

See you at Valley Parade next year :D You'll get a Boo of somesort there :p

Only when I'm given it. I'd never buy it for myself. I'm more of a Fosters/Miller man.

I see our tastes in beer are vastly different, but glad you don't follow the stereotype! :)

Only when I'm given it. I'd never buy it for myself. I'm more of a Fosters/Miller man. Come on. Would an Essex man be reading the Iliad?

*shudders*

Does nobody drink proper British beer nowadays?

*shudders*

Does nobody drink proper British beer nowadays?
Mmmm, Landlord.

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of Tony Blair.

Oh dear god .... don't please dont

See you at Valley Parade next year :D You'll get a Boo of somesort there :p
Heh, I remember Mama Sidibe (the Gills' own Ronaldo, oh yes) giving your lot a right terrorising.

Mind you I live in Millwall territory nowadays. Eeeek.

*shudders*

Does nobody drink proper British beer nowadays?

Spitfire, Waggledance and Bishops Finger. Oh and Newkie Brown :D

Nice :D

Heh, I remember Mama Sidibe (the Gills' own Ronaldo, oh yes) giving your lot a right terrorising.

Mind you I live in Millwall territory nowadays. Eeeek.

Yeah, but we have got our own back on some occasions :D

But Millwall...unlucky...

Spitfire, Waggledance and Bishops Finger. Oh and Newkie Brown :D

Nice :D

Phew! I thought for a nasty moment I was the only one left :D

*has a sentimental moment*

Ah, I remember drinking Waggledance back when it was brewed by Vaux...

The closest I get is ale at the pub, I'm afraid.

Phew! I thought for a nasty moment I was the only one left :D

*has a sentimental moment*

Ah, I remember drinking Waggledance back when it was brewed by Vaux...

Haven't had any for a long while, as I am living in Germany right now, however the abundence of excellent cheap lager is a bonus! :D

Well this is a bally wum do, what? Aye wath thaying to Wupert jutht the other day, "Golly, the colonialth are getting bumptiouth, aren't they? Shilleh-shallehing all awound the world twying to tell evewyone elthe what to do: it'th jutht not cwicket, what?", and he weplied, "Well, Algie, one must look at the colonials as small children; they'll grow up, eventually. Simply gaze on them tolerantly and take away their toys if they misbehave too much. Ah, the exuberance of youth!"

Withe man, Wupert. I've alwayth thought that. More tea? Or perhapth you would pwefer a pipe of opium, what?

I like British people
and I recently think that all my fouvorite Band and singer are british

I think that's beacause English are more genuine than U.S. People


and much more you've most delicious Fried Onions....

Now look here dear chap, what's all this about us fellows having bad chompers eh? It's simply not cricket, and it quite simply will not do, I tell you, it won't.

It's a myth, you blighter, a myth! Invented by those bloody loathsome colonial chaps with their vulgar and uncouth manner!

We'll tell them what's what, won't we Tony Blair? Eh? Hello? Is anyone there, by any chance?

Good God Tony! Are you mad?! Be a man! Or be a Woman for God's sake! Not a poodle you nancy! It's not on!

Now look here dear chap, what's all this about us fellows having bad chompers eh? It's simply not cricket, and it quite simply will not do, I tell you, it won't.

It's a myth, you blighter, a myth! Invented by those bloody loathsome colonial chaps with their vulgar and uncouth manner!

We'll tell them what's what, won't we Tony Blair? Eh? Hello? Is anyone there, by any chance?

Good God Tony! Are you mad?! Be a man! Or be a Woman for God's sake! Not a poodle you nancy! It's not on!
I think it'th thafe to thay that Anthony will not be invited to any more dinner partieth in the Cholmondley-Featherstonehaugh* houthehold.

*Pronounced 'Fanshaw'. Honestly.

Considering I was born and raised in a former British colonial territory (Malaysia), I think you guys have done the best job out of all the other Imperialist powers; most former British colonies have modernized and successfully maintained a relatively free government, much which can be linked to British rule and example. If you guys were more concerned about the welfare of the colonials and truly believed in a meritocracy that has no glass ceilings for non-English, where anyone could successfully be English if they prove themselves, I sincerely think that resentment in the colonies and the wish to be independent countries would have been much, much less. Who knows, if there wasn't so much racial preference back in the colonial days, the British Empire might've remained as large as once was during it's peak.

I base my opinion of the British solely on the actions and words of Tony Blair.

Oh dear... :eek:

So you think we are arrogant and liars then ;)

bah, don't really give a toss about you northerners to be honest:p

you're good for Hovis, coal, and heavy industry as far as i'm concerned; and anywhere north of Watford is barbarian territory;)


and for the record Saints weren't doing that bad till Lowe started messing around about 2 or 3 years back... up to number 6 or 7 in the premiership and all!
pompey, of course, just suck;)

I think they should just turn the M25 into a moat. Keep us happy, keep them happy. :D

Anybody who lives further south than Manchester owns a jaccuzi and at least 3 cars. Fact.

You go to Burnley by choice?!!?!?

Only if I want to feel like I'm in a dive. Those Dingles truly epitomise "divesque"*.

Can I get a booyah for Gillingham FC? No, thought not... ahem, should be said here that my southern accent is cort of the glottal- sorry, glo'al eschery varie'y, rather than the Queen's own.

Gillingham FC are one of my irrational football likes, along with Kingstonian. So I'm more than happy to give a booyah to them. I still think though that they should rename themselves to PSV Gillingham. It just sounds....right.

*shudders*

Does nobody drink proper British beer nowadays?

Thwaites produce some fine beers. And Marstons Pedigree is officially Mighty. Go Rams!

I'm amazed that so many people have had positive things to say about us. It baffles me. If I was from a former colony, I'd probably hate us.

*Having or pertaining to the qualities of a dive.

Anybody who lives further south than Manchester owns a jaccuzi and at least 3 cars. Fact.

Only if I want to feel like I'm in a dive. Those Dingles truly apitomise "divesque"*.
*Having or pertaining to the qualities of a dive.

Point 1: Then my parents have been hiding the Jacuzzi from me!!! :mad:

Point 2: Very very true. :D

well...duh :P (but give or take scousers)


As an honourery scouser I, uhh, kinda agree. :(










(Though in all honesty, scousers make up some of the nicest people I have met :))

As an honourery scouser I, uhh, kinda agree. :(










(Though in all honesty, scousers make up some of the nicest people I have met :))

Well today they are either going to be stupidly happy or extremely hungover after last night :)

I think they should just turn the M25 into a moat. Keep us happy, keep them happy. :DOnly if this involves the complete destruction of Watford. I think it's improtant to do these things right.

Anybody who lives further south than Manchester owns a jaccuzi and at least 3 cars. Fact.Daahhling, jacuzzis are just sooo Sussex. Anyone worth their salt has a private lake, a harem and a legion of oiled Masai for their personal delectation.

Gillingham FC are one of my irrational football likes, along with Kingstonian. So I'm more than happy to give a booyah to them. I still think though that they should rename themselves to PSV Gillingham. It just sounds....right.Now THAT's a grand idea.

I think it'th thafe to thay that Anthony will not be invited to any more dinner partieth in the Cholmondley-Featherstonehaugh* houthehold.

*Pronounced 'Fanshaw'. Honestly.

I dare say you are quite right my dear fellow, Anthony has been acting most vulgar, not at all in accordance with proper table manners.

Well today they are either going to be stupidly happy or extremely hungover after last night :)

I am talented i am managing to do both :D
shouldn't smile makes my brain wince

Beer and Real Real Ale, (not this trendy brewed in vats since 6days ago aged with nitrogen smoothcreamcoldflow piece of crap) Is truly the finest on the planet, why no-one has brought up that although some of our food is dire (what is true British cuisine) our Ales are sublime,

Well today they are either going to be stupidly happy or extremely hungover after last night :)

They are both. Believe me. They were really happy last night. When I was walking a friend to the bus stop last ever car that drove past was honking its horn (not quite sure how to do the sound by writing, here goes, da da d-d-da, that one. Hope someone knows what I'm on about), plus everyone we past was pissed as lords. There was apparently a riot just down the road from my flat :)

I am talented i am managing to do both :D
shouldn't smile makes my brain wince

Beer and Real Real Ale, (not this trendy brewed in vats since 6days ago aged with nitrogen smoothcreamcoldflow piece of crap) Is truly the finest on the planet, why no-one has brought up that although some of our food is dire (what is true British cuisine) our Ales are sublime,


Ooo, are you in beautiful Merseyside too?

Congratualtions Puddytat :D

We got yelled at here caus we (me, two germans, one irish girl and 3 french and 1 moroccan) celebrated rather loudly....esp as we were all slightly drunk at the time.

apparently you can't make any noise in a flat in germany after 10pm...bloody hell thats crazy...

Well today they are either going to be stupidly happy or extremely hungover after last night :)

Unless they're toffeemen....

:D

Unless they're toffeemen....

:D

Well, even they have a slight reason to celebrate as they will be in the CL and Liverpool won't be at this rate...

That's my favourite part of the Champions League - come fourth and you're in, win something, you might not be. This must be some usage of the word "Champions" that I was hitherto unaware of. :D

Ooo, are you in beautiful Merseyside too?

Nahh I am in Beautiful North Yorkshire at the minute, besides I am a plastic scouser I come from the Wirral, plus I am a Tranmere Fan (*Waves Fist* Damn those monkey hanging bastards)

That's my favourite part of the Champions League - come fourth and you're in, win something, you might not be. This must be some usage of the word "Champions" that I was hitherto unaware of. :D

Well its not even a league. It a knock out cup competition with a couple of league stages...stupid UEFA.

Nahh I am in Beautiful North Yorkshire at the minute, besides I am a plastic scouser I come from the Wirral, plus I am a Tranmere Fan (*Waves Fist* Damn those monkey hanging bastards)

5-4!!!!! :p :D mwhahahahahaha suckers

Well its not even a league. It a knock out cup competition with a couple of league stages...stupid UEFA.
Statement from UEFA:

"We did bandy the name 'Knock-out Competition with some League stages incorporating a few top teams from lots of European countries' around a bit but eventually decided that 'Champions League' was catchier"

Statement from UEFA:

"We did bandy the name 'Knock-out Competition with some League stages incorporating a few top teams from lots of European countries' around a bit but eventually decided that 'Champions League' was catchier"

Champions Cup

Call it like it is.

what is it that people have against our food. im a northener and we have some great food up here. you just cannot beat liver and onion gravy, or a Full English [breakfast] or Toad in the Hole, or Yorkshire Puds, or even good old fish and chips. People might say our diet is too fatty, but look at the americans, they eat much more fattier foods than us (not quite sure what point that is, but Americans cannot really slag off our food when their own is pretty bad).


Well, I'm on a vegetarian diet so there you go. Also, I'm not American. Other than that, ok. ;)

Statement from UEFA:

"We did bandy the name 'Knock-out Competition with some League stages incorporating a few top teams from lots of European countries' around a bit but eventually decided that 'Champions League' was catchier"

Made me laugh like a bastard. Also, "'Knock-out Competition with some League stages incorporating a few top teams from lots of European countries" doesn't quite scan in the theme song.

Well, I'm on a vegetarian diet so there you go. Also, I'm not American. Other than that, ok. ;)

mmm a vegetarian diet, just what do vegetarians taste of?

Only one thing screwed up with England:

They don't let their subjects...er...citizens have firearms without a LOT of hassle.

Only one thing screwed up with England:

They don't let their subjects...er...citizens have firearms without a LOT of hassle.

So?

Whats so bad about that?

Only one thing screwed up with England:

They don't let their subjects...er...citizens have firearms without a LOT of hassle.

And you call kids running around schools blowing away classmates because of your gun laws (or lack of) and banks giving guns away when you open an account with them not 'screwed up'?

Oh and er, to sneeringly call us subjects when your Emperor....er...President is ruling with absolute rule over in America, declaring war here and there, and making you subjects for his rule as opposed to citizens is just typical of the typical Yank who can't grasp IRONY.

Have a nice day now.

So?

Whats so bad about that?

Well, I'm not partial to being ruled, so I feel that would be the only thing really screwed up with Britain.

He wanted to know what others thought, so I opined. It's not really up for debate. He can take it or leave it.

Well, I'm not partial to being ruled, so I feel that would be the only thing really screwed up with Britain.

Strange I must have missed all my rulings from the queen that have been given to me, is that ruled as in having a titular head of state, or as in being controlled by thought police, or just being led?

And you call kids running around schools blowing away classmates because of your gun laws (or lack of) and banks giving guns away when you open an account with them not 'screwed up'?


Kids with guns is already against the law. Did a lot of good, no?


Oh and er, to sneeringly call us subjects when your Emperor....er...President is ruling with absolute rule over in America, declaring war here and there, and making you subjects for his rule as opposed to citizens is just typical of the typical Yank who can't grasp IRONY.


Seems we don't actually have an official title of King or Queen (yes, I know she doesn't have any real power--however, you still have the title which rather points to a possibility that you're still willing to be ruled in some capacity). I can grasp irony just fine. I don't like him being in office any more than anyone else that doesn't. But he's going to be gone in three years <insert happy dance>; your monarchy won't.


Have a nice day now.

Thanks, I will. Same to you.

And you call kids running around schools blowing away classmates because of your gun laws (or lack of) and banks giving guns away when you open an account with them not 'screwed up'?

Oh and er, to sneeringly call us subjects when your Emperor....er...President is ruling with absolute rule over in America, declaring war here and there, and making you subjects for his rule as opposed to citizens is just typical of the typical Yank who can't grasp IRONY.

Have a nice day now.

But we are subjects aren't we?

Strange I must have missed all my rulings from the queen that have been given to me, is that ruled as in having a titular head of state, or as in being controlled by thought police, or just being led?

First step to ruling a populace, through force or thought police, is to disarm them.

Again, the fact that you still have the title, means you're clinging to a form of government that can take control away from the populace.

Look, the guy wanted to know what we all thought. I stated my opinion. That's all he wanted--why the debate? You're not going to convince me otherwise, and I'm pretty sure I won't convince you.

Kids with guns is already against the law. Did a lot of good, no?


No, the law that allows kids to get their daddy's gun from the cabinet, or let people get guns so easily is what does no good.




Seems we don't actually have an official title of King or Queen


Nope you have a President who has become Emperor in all but name.


(yes, I know she doesn't have any real power--however, you still have the title which rather points to a possibility that you're still willing to be ruled in some capacity).


Er no, I'm not actually, and besides, she does not hold much power, apart from the old traditional powers like calling new elections by accepting the PM's call for it by dissolving parliament.

By all intents and purposes, she is more or less a figurehead, a puppet.

Good for the tourists, but does what the government asks of her.


I can grasp irony just fine. I don't like him being in office any more than anyone else that doesn't. But he's going to be gone in three years <insert happy dance> your monarchy won't.


You are still optimistic about that then are you? That's nice. I hope you are right, not just for your sake, but the world in general.


your monarchy won't.


Don't be too sure...




Thanks, I will. Same to you.

Good. Cheers!

wasn't arguing,

besides where I am there are an awful lot of guns around the local population,

I live in Catterick Garrison, so besides a huge amount of military hardware, a lot of surrounding towns & villages population have guns for hunting & pestcontrol

Besides it is relatively easy to get a gun, you just have to give a valid reason to own one, and proove you're not a nut job,

just wanting one does not onstitute a valid reason, besides crossbows are far cooler

You are still optimistic about that then are you? That's nice. I hope you are right, not just for your sake, but the world in general.

I doubt even Bush will manage to push a constitutional ammendment allowing him to stand another term

Don't be too sure...


We can only hope:)

But we are subjects aren't we?

More so to Blair's whims I would say.

When they talk of British people being killed abroad, they don't say British subject killed, they say citizen.

If we are subjects, it's more or less in name only, as the Royals lose their powers more and more, we are subjects less and less to them, and more so to Blair.

Argh. I dislike both.

I doubt even Bush will manage to push a constitutional ammendment allowing him to stand another term


Never 'misunderestimate' Bush and what lengths he may go to, or those who support him may go to, to assure he gets an extended time in power. Seriously, don't.



We can only hope:)

We can indeed, :) although as Munch (Richard Belzer) from Law and Order: SVU once said, "He who lives on hope, dies of starvation."

although as Munch (Richard Belzer) from Law and Order: SVU once said, "He who lives on hope, dies of starvation."
I miss Homicide: Life on the Street.

Anyway, fair commentary Zaxon. I don't agree with you, but that's another issue.

Technically, we're subjects. However, the majority of Britons seem to find this acceptable, so I guess we're stuck with the inbred ones for some time yet. A written constitution might be nice though...

Nope you have a President who has become Emperor in all but name.


Your perception, but not here.


Er no, I'm not actually, and besides, she does not hold much power, apart from the old traditional powers like calling new elections by accepting the PM's call for it by dissolving parliament.
By all intents and purposes, she is more or less a figurehead, a puppet.
Good for the tourists, but does what the government asks of her.


Then why are you wasting all your money on continuing to have a position that does nothing? I'm honestly curious. It just doesn't make sense to me.


You are still optimistic about that then are you? That's nice. I hope you are right, not just for your sake, but the world in general.


If he's not gone in three years, and there hasn't been an amendment repealed, there are those that will take steps.


Don't be too sure...


I would certainly love to be wrong. That would be really cool.

More so to Blair's whims I would say.

When they talk of British people being killed abroad, they don't say British subject killed, they say citizen.

If we are subjects, it's more or less in name only, as the Royals lose their powers more and more, we are subjects less and less to them, and more so to Blair.

Argh. I dislike both.

Doesn't the British Passport refer to the bearer as a "subject of her majesty?" (I cannot check this since I don't have a British passport though)


Never 'misunderestimate' Bush and what lengths he may go to, or those who support him may go to, to assure he gets an extended time in power. Seriously, don't.


Bush may be fairly popular, but from what I've seen he isn't popular enough to go against the Constitution in such an obvious way. No matter how powerful his supporters.

First step to ruling a populace, through force or thought police, is to disarm them.


Alternative First Step to ruling a populace: Let the populace think they are free by letting them have arms, then constantly feed them 60 years of propoganda about the 'enemy' and how the 'enemy' threatens the populace and their way of life. The enemy will change owing to geopolitical changes.

Continue rant about enemy to avert populace away from one's own corrupt and despotical administration for eternity.


Again, the fact that you still have the title, means you're clinging to a form of government that can take control away from the populace.


'we' did not ask for the title. In fact a large part of 'we' don't wan't the monarchy, and oh on the subject of government taking control away from the populace, does 'The PATRIOT Act' mean anything to you?

I thought you had grasped irony. Try grasping it harder.

A written constitution might be nice though...

I used to think that. Then the EU published their proposed constitution. I've since lost hope that anyone in Europe can right a serious constitution that can be as easily read and understood (to an extent) as, say, the US Constitution.

wasn't arguing,

besides where I am there are an awful lot of guns around the local population,

I live in Catterick Garrison, so besides a huge amount of military hardware, a lot of surrounding towns & villages population have guns for hunting & pestcontrol

Besides it is relatively easy to get a gun, you just have to give a valid reason to own one, and proove you're not a nut job,

just wanting one does not onstitute a valid reason, besides crossbows are far cooler

Admittedly, some crossbows do look wicked cool, but alas, in some of the states, you can't really hunt with those legally unless you are disabled in some fashion.

The "just wanting one" is defended because the guys who put together the US constitution (with a GREAT deal of influence from their British roots) wanted the citizenry to be armed for WHEN the government was so corrupt that it had to be put down (some might say we're late).

The subjective "valid reason" is my problem. You have your request in front of a government official that's had a bad day--no gun, even if you meet requirements. Same goes for the measurement of a "nut job". Some would call me one just because I have a gun. I haven't hurt anyone, and I've shot all of one bird (that was with a pellet gun when I was 12), yet they'd still say I was a nut job because I have the hardware.

Then why are you wasting all your money on continuing to have a position that does nothing? I'm honestly curious. It just doesn't make sense to me.

She brings more money into the economy than her upkeep costs, so its good for both the populace and her. Besides, she pays taxes too you know :D

Doesn't the British Passport refer to the bearer as a "subject of her majesty?" (I cannot check this since I don't have a British passport though)


I think it might do yes, but as I say, it's becoming more and more in name only, and more and more I am hearing the name 'citizen' when referring to British people.



Bush may be fairly popular, but from what I've seen he isn't popular enough to go against the Constitution in such an obvious way. No matter how powerful his supporters.

As I said, don't 'misunderestimate' him. He may well find a way, if not through the usual situation, then from another that will galvanise people to rally around him.

Never 'misunderestimate' Bush and what lengths he may go to, or those who support him may go to, to assure he gets an extended time in power. Seriously, don't.


I most certainly don't. I think the founders of the US had it right--and Bush is really close to proving the need.

Doesn't the British Passport refer to the bearer as a "subject of her majesty?" (I cannot check this since I don't have a British passport though)

Nope, a whole load of other rhetoric but never states in so many words that we are her subjects.

If he's not gone in three years, and there hasn't been an amendment repealed, there are those that will take steps.

Then it could be said American guns are protecting the world.

Anyway, fair commentary Zaxon. I don't agree with you, but that's another issue.


I could have opened better, but thanks.

She brings more money into the economy than her upkeep costs, so

Meh, that's a ridiculous post hoc arguement.

The tourists would come anyway, bit like at Loch Ness.

Your perception, but not here.


America is a big place, if I recall rightly. I'm sure that there are Americans who think along similar lines as I do.



Then why are you wasting all your money on continuing to have a position that does nothing? I'm honestly curious. It just doesn't make sense to me.


Because A) Our money goes to the government, and she (Queen) gets a snippet because....

B) She's good for tourists apparently. But even then, they see the palaces, not meet her.

Why do you waste money on Bush?





If he's not gone in three years, and there hasn't been an amendment repealed, there are those that will take steps.


And I'm sure there may well be those that will take steps to ensure Bush stays in power.



I would certainly love to be wrong. That would be really cool.

Yes, yes it would.

Meh, that's a ridiculous post hoc arguement.

The tourists would come anyway, bit like at Loch Ness.

I'm going to try and find it, but there was a break down of profit loss/sheet published somewhere. IIRC the properties of the Queen and other Royals, merchendise and other bits and pieces bring over £50mil to the economy on balance. Thats not too bad imo.

Don't get me wrong, if they try and tell me I'm a subject to another, they can go cram it where it hurts the most, but if they are ding some good then i can live with their continuing existence as monarchs.

I most certainly don't. I think the founders of the US had it right--and Bush is really close to proving the need.

To take up arms you mean? How about a peaceful march of millions to The White House in such an event? Or sooner, like now? Or do you have no confidence because you think your own military and police would fire on you all?

Alternative First Step to ruling a populace: Let the populace think they are free by letting them have arms, then constantly feed them 60 years of propoganda about the 'enemy' and how the 'enemy' threatens the populace and their way of life. The enemy will change owing to geopolitical changes.

Continue rant about enemy to avert populace away from one's own corrupt and despotical administration for eternity.


Funny, the only enemy I can see is a sneaky little weasel from Texas with big ears. That's the one I'm watching.


'we' did not ask for the title. In fact a large part of 'we' don't wan't the monarchy,


Then if you actually have control of the government, why don't you get rid of it?


and oh on the subject of government taking control away from the populace, does 'The PATRIOT Act' mean anything to you?


It's a huge slap in the face of what the constitution of the US stands for. It's a horrible, despicable act. And completely illegal. It circumvents several amendments. I'm proud to say that my state had the ONE senator willing to vote against it.


I thought you had grasped irony. Try grasping it harder.

Seems you need to loosen yours....you're getting mighty tight around the edges. I already know what's going on in the US, thanks--but that's not WHAT THIS THREAD WAS ABOUT. I'm not happy with the curtailment of my freedoms already--I do not support what my president is doing. I'm willing to bet I have a much better grasp of the pulse of my own country--Bush got in by a VERY simple majority--he doesn't have as much support as ALL media outlets seem to indicate.

Again, the original poster wanted to know what we thought about Britain. I answered with ONE thing that I thought was faulty, and you got all defensive because you thought it was an attack. Good job. How about this, if I say something I like about Britain, will you shut up? I think they have great beer. I also like that nifty scotch from the north. Neat history too. Now get off my back.

I used to think that. Then the EU published their proposed constitution. I've since lost hope that anyone in Europe can right a serious constitution that can be as easily read and understood (to an extent) as, say, the US Constitution.
You know, I actually planned to read it in order to be properly informed when it comes to the vote. Then I discovered how long it is. Sheesh.

She brings more money into the economy than her upkeep costs, so its good for both the populace and her. Besides, she pays taxes too you know :D

Wow, a governmental position that actually pays for itself?? Cool!!!

It's pretty much unheard of here (well, there is the post office, I guess).

I'm going to try and find it, but there was a break down of profit loss/sheet published somewhere. IIRC the properties of the Queen and other Royals, merchendise and other bits and pieces bring over £50mil to the economy on balance. Thats not too bad imo.

But the money 'bought' into the country isn't directly generated by the monarch[y]. The same wealth would be generated in a Republic in all likelyness.

Anyway, I'm not a Republican from an economic stand point but a political one :)

The subjective "valid reason" is my problem. You have your request in front of a government official that's had a bad day--no gun, even if you meet requirements. Same goes for the measurement of a "nut job". Some would call me one just because I have a gun. I haven't hurt anyone, and I've shot all of one bird (that was with a pellet gun when I was 12), yet they'd still say I was a nut job because I have the hardware.

The Decision is made by the Regional Police (I'm applying for the job of firearms licensing officer), there is very strict and definate critera on the definition of nutjobs of all shapes and sizes, as well as the reasoning, even if I say no yu can always appeal against my decision,

just because you own or want a gun doesn't qualify you as a nut job, you are going to have to try harder than that to receive that coveted title, most brits aren't anti gun as such (except in cities where they are also anti fishing hunting and anything apart from cars money rent a rising up the property ladder), just that we do not want to see the police armed because firearms are easy to get hold of. I'm used to seeing armed police and patrols and tanks and the sound of small automatic and Warrior gunfire, it doesn't bother me. I just hope that the control of licensing is tightened to stop the occaision al muppet that slips through

You know, I actually planned to read it in order to be properly informed when it comes to the vote. Then I discovered how long it is. Sheesh.

I know, I still have it on my computer somewhere. Should delete it and free up a few gigs.

Because A) Our money goes to the government, and she (Queen) gets a snippet because....

B) She's good for tourists apparently. But even then, they see the palaces, not meet her.

Why do you waste money on Bush?


My point was, you have two "leaders", one a figurehead. Why pay for that one. Now that I know that the actual position pays for itself, and doesn't just suck the money from taxpayers like most governmental positions do, there's really no reason to remove the position. We have one elected leader--yeah, money goes to the position. But it's still only one. I didn't ask why you waste money on Blair as it is PAINFULLY obvious that money goes to support the elected COO of the country.


And I'm sure there may well be those that will take steps to ensure Bush stays in power.


Perhaps. May see another 1860-1865, if it gets really awful.

To take up arms you mean? How about a peaceful march of millions to The White House in such an event? Or sooner, like now? Or do you have no confidence because you think your own military and police would fire on you all?

Can you cite an event in history where a peaceful march led to the downfall of a government? Off the top of my head, I can't. I'd like to know of one, though.

But the money 'bought' into the country isn't directly generated by the monarch[y]. The same wealth would be generated in a Republic in all likelyness.

Anyway, I'm not a Republican from an economic stand point but a political one :)

Maybe, but there is something about having a Queen that brings tourists in. Esp form those places that don't have one. But still the omney is being brought in. IMHO i don't think a President of GB (or eqivilent) would do the same. but there we go. it'd be a matter of wait and see, but i'm ok with it as it is for now :)

Wow, a governmental position that actually pays for itself?? Cool!!!

It's pretty much unheard of here (well, there is the post office, I guess).

I thought it was strange when i read it, but its all good. I don't mind the monarchy, they don't bother me so i won't bother them. If they do, then i suspect a great many people will get p****d off.

Can you cite an event in history where a peaceful march led to the downfall of a government? Off the top of my head, I can't. I'd like to know of one, though.

The Orange revolution in the Ukraine. That was fairly peaceful.

Being English though Britain represents nothing more than an outdated Union in need of reform, a dead Empire, a monarchy full of inbreds, the biggest twat as PM, a country obsessed with crappy soaps and reality tv programmes. . Just get rid of the Union all together. Independence for all 5 countries!

I generally love you guys. I mean I've been to London only once and it was for a week. The Brits generally seem like a clean, polite people, with many having politcal views similar to mine, definitely more socialists than here in the states it seems. Unfortunately I did not enjoy the food. I thought Brits would be boring in bed too because of their general traditionalists, but I was wrong there too. hehee I like you guys lets just put it that way

Clean? What an odd thing to say! :eek:

Erm, isn't every country outside of the US leftwing to you ;)? I'd hardly say Britain was socialist at all.

Get completly fucked then start a fight on a random stranger?

That's the one ;) !!! World Cup 2006 should be very interesting. But you know us, it's compulsive.

England suffers a tragic shortage of teeth.

:rolleyes:

I do believe he/she was referring to Britain, not solely England.

Someone had to say it though I guess :rolleyes:.

Funny, the only enemy I can see is a sneaky little weasel from Texas with big ears. That's the one I'm watching.


Indeed. And I quite agree.




Then if you actually have control of the government, why don't you get rid of it?


We tried to get rid of Blair's government at the last General Election, seriously, we did.

But as in all populaces, there are those who continue to support him, as there are pro-monarchy and anti-monarchy.

Now, if you have control of the government, why don't you get rid of yours? Oh. You have another three years to go. In that time you have not got a choice in the matter, unless you take to the streets.




It's a huge slap in the face of what the constitution of the US stands for. It's a horrible, despicable act. And completely illegal. It circumvents several amendments.


I quite agree.



I'm proud to say that my state had the ONE senator willing to vote against it.


That's a start, but it's still only a start.



Seems you need to loosen yours....you're getting mighty tight around the edges. I already know what's going on in the US, thanks--but that's not WHAT THIS THREAD WAS ABOUT. I'm not happy with the curtailment of my freedoms already--I do not support what my president is doing. I'm willing to bet I have a much better grasp of the pulse of my own country--Bush got in by a VERY simple majority--he doesn't have as much support as ALL media outlets seem to indicate.


Goodness, you are angry, are you not? I see you don't like it when a foreigner points out your country's fault when you point out another's country's faults.

We have faults in our country, and I am against them, but so do yours, quite, quite evidentally. That's what I'm pointing out, which I did in reply to your view on on our gun laws.


Again, the original poster wanted to know what we thought about Britain. I answered with ONE thing that I thought was faulty, and you got all defensive because you thought it was an attack. Good job. How about this, if I say something I like about Britain, will you shut up? I think they have great beer. I also like that nifty scotch from the north. Neat history too. Now get off my back.

LOL No I would not 'shut up' actually, as I was merely replying originally to your view on British gun laws, which you saw as negative. I replied concerning your gun laws, and the negative of that, and of course Bush and The Queen Nothing to do with nationality, but laws, and perspectives of leaders and monarchs until you made it one of nationality. It's called a debate. Enjoy them while they last, cos good old George may well see to it you won't anymore.

If you can't stand the heat of a good debate on matters of laws and such, you need not have replyed to my reply. In other words, if you can't stand the heat of debate, get out of the kitchen and don't bother. Alright?

I like British people
and I recently think that all my fouvorite Band and singer are british

I think that's beacause English are more genuine than U.S. People


and much more you've most delicious Fried Onions....

British and English are synonymous to foreigners?

You like the British because the English are more genuine?

My point was, you have two "leaders", one a figurehead. Why pay for that one. Now that I know that the actual position pays for itself, and doesn't just suck the money from taxpayers like most governmental positions do, there's really no reason to remove the position. We have one elected leader--yeah, money goes to the position. But it's still only one. I didn't ask why you waste money on Blair as it is PAINFULLY obvious that money goes to support the elected COO of the country.


Money goes to the Queen as wages for being a figurehead, She's not exactly running our lives as Bush is runninfg America if we are to compare, we have Blair for that.

Why waste money? Well, it's called Tax. You pay it, I pay it, we all pay it, a prt of that goes to the Queen.



Perhaps. May see another 1860-1865, if it gets really awful.


You may well indeed.

Can you cite an event in history where a peaceful march led to the downfall of a government? Off the top of my head, I can't. I'd like to know of one, though.

The toppling of Milosovic.


Georgia 2002, 'The Rose Revolution'

Ukraine 2003, 'The Orange Revolution'.

We tried to get rid of Blair's government at the last General Election, seriously, we did.
even when a million (ok 75,000) file out into the streets of london in protest against a Government measure, while even the best Gov polls put the issues at near-enough 50/50, does the Labour Party listen... forward not back..

Zaxon, you must agree that there's a point with the whole gun thing. What was it.. an 11,000 odd figure quoted in BfColumbine? 11,000+ gun-related deaths in the US in a single year. How many in UK?

We tried to get rid of Blair's government at the last General Election, seriously, we did.

Tories got a majority in England of votes. . . Interesting considering Scotland has its own devolved Parliament to fill with Scot Labour and SNP, and Wales has its own Assembly to fill with Plaid Cymru. The Tories could have won more seats if the UKIP didn't exist, but you could I guess argue the other way. The electoral system is one of the biggest problems (especially for the LibDems), and the population of constituencies isn't very fair (with Labour strongholds being smaller in population). But I think Labour are sorting that out so there majority will be reduced to the 50 something. Not sure if they ever sorted out Scotlands over-representation in Westminster however.

Tories got a majority in England of votes. . . Interesting considering Scotland has its own devolved Parliament to fill with Scot Labour and SNP, and Wales has its own Assembly to fill with Plaid Cymru. The Tories could have won more seats if the UKIP didn't exist, but you could I guess argue the other way. The electoral system is one of the biggest problems (especially for the LibDems), and the population of constituencies isn't very fair (with Labour strongholds being smaller in population). But I think Labour are sorting that out so there majority will be reduced to the 50 something.
1997 Labour Manifesto: We will carry out electoral reform to change to proportional representation.

1997 (election day+1) Labour Manifesto: Haha, we were just kidding.. April Fool

even when a million (ok 75,000) file out into the streets of london in protest against a Government measure, while even the best Gov polls put the issues at near-enough 50/50, does the Labour Party listen... forward not back..


It was a protest that did not intend to bring down the government on that day, but against a government measure. It was not a revolution, and Blair ignored it. Now, if crowds were banging on the door of No 10...

Tories got a majority in England of votes. . . Interesting considering Scotland has its own devolved Parliament to fill with Scot Labour and SNP, and Wales has its own Assembly to fill with Plaid Cymru. The Tories could have won more seats if the UKIP didn't exist, but you could I guess argue the other way. The electoral system is one of the biggest problems (especially for the LibDems), and the population of constituencies isn't very fair (with Labour strongholds being smaller in population). But I think Labour are sorting that out so there majority will be reduced to the 50 something. Not sure if they ever sorted out Scotlands over-representation in Westminster however.

Agreed.

Zaxon, you must agree that there's a point with the whole gun thing. What was it.. an 11,000 odd figure quoted in BfColumbine? 11,000+ gun-related deaths in the US in a single year. How many in UK?

Isn't the right to bear arms in the constitution?

I guess you could argue that peoples right to bare arms could stop tyranny as a last resort. They're banned over here, nothing to stop Mr. Blair imposing house arrest on all of is :D! Also our gun crime in the UK is rising, even though guns are banned, criminals still have guns.

I wouldn't however like Britain to legalise guns, of give guns to the police. I just think America may have different reasons, so let them get on with it.

Can you cite an event in history where a peaceful march led to the downfall of a government? Off the top of my head, I can't. I'd like to know of one, though.

Most of the collapse of the regimes in Eastern Europe cicrca 1989 were achieved peacefully: more specifically East Germany and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.

It was a protest that did not intend to bring down the government on that day, but against a government measure. It was not a revolution, and Blair ignored it. Now, if crowds were banging on the door of No 10...
..They'd get shot for interrupting Herr Blair's dinner..

Isn't the right to bear arms in the constitution?

I guess you could argue that peoples right to bare arms could stop tyranny as a last resort. They're banned over here, nothing to stop Mr. Blair imposing house arrest on all of us! Also our gun crime in the UK is rising, even though guns are banned, criminals still have guns.
aye but then the constitution was written up just after a large-ish skirmish across America and at a time when the people still liked to play target practice with the natives. The question is should that law still apply in times of (relative) peace.

Nottingham.. gun city. Nice city centre though.

1997 Labour Manifesto: We will carry out electoral reform to change to proportional representation.

1997 (election day+1) Labour Manifesto: Haha, we were just kidding.. April Fool

lol too right.....sadly.