blonde poker forum

News photographs that caught your eye, mind, & imagination this week. Or just made you think.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80814000/jpg/_80814168_glitter1.jpg)

(http://cdn3.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/article30952053.ece/e02e9/ALTERNATES/h342/2015-01-31_new_6597278_I2.JPG)

(http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/styles/full/public/images/t/a/TAIWANPLANE_800x600.jpg?itok=zbdcvh-P&mtime=1423093599)

Great thread Dewi.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80811000/jpg/_80811594_80811593.jpg)

(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/B87Ss40CMAA7V5K.jpg)

Mostly just anticipating this...

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/Andr4w/burrel_zpsfsqtd724.jpg)[/URL]

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/Andr4w/Beer_tasting_heading-web_zpsjo0nuytl.jpg)[/URL]

(http://images.latinpost.com/data/images/full/34580/metro-north-railroad-train-crash-accident-valhalla-new-york.jpg?w=600)

(http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2101720!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/article-pilot1-0203.jpg)

(http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2015/02/02/462644904_slide-cfadb5f4a46c43a0408ae1ea2c0ede8c3cd48001.jpg)

Awwwwwwwwwww yes

(http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/587908/stream_img.jpg)

Outside UKIP offices Rotherham Friday.

Forgot the spellcheck comrades? :)

Another "Gadd" in the news this week was Will Gadd, & his girlfriend (34 years old) who both climbed UP the frozen Niagara Falls, the first people ever to do so.

Must be bonkers.


(http://media.mnn.com/styles/featured_blog/s3/will-gadd-niagara.jpg)


(http://static-dev-climbing.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GaddNiagaraNearFalls-L.jpg)

(http://wordlesstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Ice-Climbing-Frozen-Niagara-Falls-2-640x367.jpg)

(http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_large/hash/3e/04/3e04ad3524c0c16f7278dce45b342e12.jpg?itok=meGR7Eo6)




(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRV9J2uY_eOYsLo2Ms77jyomuGcElGPhh6zIbAFgnN3FnnSH4Aq)


(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScNsh2fct_QUOD4KJ-tc1-kZ0XWhRW1rbAyrdBUqKq3eny0C1x)


(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqlHRi7Vk0dE_qaZTm_GlQXETlnxFgb5RB1zQM8XLgmM_IEHteaw)

.

Jon Walters scores the perfect hat trick.


(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee61/Bloot58/untitled_zpso5gmtu3l.png) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/Bloot58/media/untitled_zpso5gmtu3l.png.html)



Celebrating 100 years since Sir Stanley Matthews was born.


(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee61/Bloot58/images_zpspfng07fm.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/Bloot58/media/images_zpspfng07fm.jpg.html)

22 killed in a stampede to get in the Stadium before a League Football match in Egypt.

The match went ahead as planned.

One player, Omar Gaber, refused to play, out of respect for the dead, so his Club suspended him. 


(http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/straitstimes.com/files/imagecache/ST_REVAMP_2014_STORY_PAGE_640X360/20150209/egyppolives0902e.jpg)

St Moritz horse racing

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9Y7YUICEAAtheH.jpg)

The Grammys

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03192/POTD-GRAMMY-WIGS_3192338k.jpg)

FYP.

Los Angeles......


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80875000/jpg/_80875087_samafp.jpg)



Ukraine.......

(http://cdn5.img22.ria.ru/images/101438/21/1014382176.jpg)

Kuwait.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/09/25840EDC00000578-2946393-Prince_Charles_took_a_tour_of_the-a-19_1423517377892.jpg)

Some amazing pictures from the recent World Press Photo awards

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/12/2599A23500000578-2950891-Istanbul_Protest_by_Turkish_photographer_Bulent_Kilic_A_young_gi-a-80_1423756254049.jpg)
Istanbul Protest by Turkish photographer Bulent Kilic: A young girl is wounded during clashes between riot-police and protesters after the funeral of Berkin, Elvan, a 15-year-old boy who died from injuries inflicted during last year's protests. The photograph won 1st prize in the Spot News Singles category

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/12/2599823100000578-2950891-image-a-110_1423759108435.jpg)
Act of Forgiveness by Iranian photographer Arash Khamooshi: The mother of murdered Abdolah Hosseinzadeh slaps her son's killer, Balal, and stops his execution in an extraordinary act of mercy. The photograph is one of a collection from the near-execution which won third prize in the stories section for the Spot News category

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/12/259A67E300000578-2950891-image-a-94_1423757549530.jpg)
Final Fight for Maidan by French photographer Jerome Sessini: An Orthodox priest blesses protesters at a barricade in Kiev's Independence Square during the conflicts of last February when unidentified snipers opened fire on unarmed protesters in the Ukrainian city

Another from the World Press Awards.

These are Libyan refugees, about to be rescued by the Italian Navy.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/12/259998C600000578-2950891-Operation_Mare_Nostrum_by_Italian_photographer_Massimo_Sestini_T-a-81_1423756267834.jpg)

(http://i62.tinypic.com/o8i69d.jpg)

Charles took a tour of the... Wardroom?

I might still have some of my tropics somewhere, however, I doubt they'll fit :D

70 years ago today (in fact, it was over 3 days, 13th, 14th & 15th of Feb 1945) , the City of Dresden in Germany was subjected to a series of ferocious bombing raids by the Allies.

The bombs were high explosive, & incendiary, designed to set fire to anything & everything.


(http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/dres/images/bw09.jpg)



Some 25,000 civilians were killed. For context, some 3,000 people died in the 9/11 tragedy, though many more later, indirectly. 

To expedite the burials & cremations in Dresden, they cremated them in the City Square, in batches of 500.


(http://www.whale.to/b/msfft0s9dresden.jpg)

you might like this that the telegraph had yesterday

Dresden Now and Then - in pictures

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11409209/Dresden-Then-and-now-photographs-of-city-razed-in-Allied-firestorm.html

R.I.P Steve Strange.

(http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article10046249.ece/alternates/w620/M1-crash.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/14/25AB7D3700000578-2953376-The_mangled_wreckage_of_a_car_is_taken_away_after_the_M1_crash_i-a-3_1423935898430.jpg)

this was a great pic

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B94FPTlIUAE3gED.jpg)

Copenhagen.


(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150215115140-02-denmark-0215-suspect-shooting-scene-super-169.jpg)

Oh my, LOVE that photo.

(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00856/4301b82c-b554-11e4-_856068c.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/02/09/article-2555114-1B537F9500000578-54_634x640.jpg)

Photographer Jay Daley from Australia took this incredible picture of the Milky Way while out experimenting with his camera in New Zealand's Mount Cook and the surrounding Westland Tai Poutini National Park

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03200/potd-milky-way_3200650k.jpg)

You can tell that's taken in the Southern hemisphere because it isn't revolving around a single point, which you (as near as makes no difference) get oop North.

(http://en.es-static.us/upl/2010/07/polaris_star_trails_shutterstock-e1341776066790.jpg)

(http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/i/newscms/2015_07/891551/150215-isis-still-blurred_9b8a9cc8975da8cc97fa8399d2ab6637.jpg)

(http://showbizgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Screen-Shot-2013-07-01-at-14.58.09.png)

23 Hat tricks in La Liga - equal with Ronaldo.

23.

That is astonishing.



(http://e1.365dm.com/14/12/768x432/barcelona-espanyol-lionel-messi-hat-trick_3238116.jpg?20141207185434)

Love Twitter

(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee509/Nakor99/Tony.jpg)

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/events/zurich/legends/legends03.jpg)

An exhibition match in Zurich between former World Championship Candidate, Wolfgang Uhlmann - 80 years young - and former World Championship Runner-Up, Viktor Korchnoi - an astonishing 84.

A chess journalist looked up where these two rank in terms of most recorded games of chess (national and international level tournaments and matches):

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/events/zurich/legends/legends01.png)

Top give you an idea of Korchnoi's strength, despite a life-threatening stroke two years ago, he still has a rating that would put him 14th in England's list, ahead of no fewer than twelve grand masters!

Page 3 and 2 Islamic state propoganda photos.  I understand you want hits, but surely this isn't the place for it?  The lounge should surely be somewhere more light hearted than the main fora? 

Maybe I just speak for myself, and I don't want to be confronted by that here.  I read about the murders of the Coptic Christians, the Jordanian pilot and the man outside the synagogue.  Each time I resisted the urge to take part in any rubbernecking. 

Maybe it is just an Islamic State thing, I strongly feel that if they want us to watch, we really shouldn't. It feels very different to seeing a photograph from somebody who is just reporting the news.   Even then I don't think we should have a rubberneckers thread in the lounge.

I posted them because I'm posting stuff that I have seen that particularly caught MY eye, that made ME think, be they good or bad.

You don't need to explain why you posted them.  It is obvious.  But we can think about theses pictures, videos and executions without seeing them. 

There is a reason some press outlets are not showing them.  ISIS don't show us prisoners spitting in their faces, they don't show them killing and mistreating women, they edit their videos, the videos show exactly what they want us to see.  ISIS all poweful, the enemies are always powerless and weak. 

We give them the publicity and we don't give publicity to people who behave reasonably, then some of those that behave reasonably stop doing so?  It is a bit like Katie Hopkins on Twitter, the more shares she gets, the more controversial she gets.  But it doesn't stop there, others start behaving like wankers too.

And we only show ISIS in positions where they have the power then people will start seeing them that way?  Why join a bunch of losers when you can join the winning side? 

It seems a shame that we publish what they want us to and are becoming too scared to publish what they don't want us to. 

http://pando.com/2015/02/12/the-war-nerd-islamic-state-and-american-narcissism/

not just speaking for yourself at all, was bit shocked to see them when I clicked on new posts tbh :(

Who looks at those ISIS photos and thinks "hmmm they look all powerful"?? They look like utter clowns! The more pictures I see the more weak and stupid they look. So yeah, not quite feeling this ISIS all powerful thing. Their antics are a massive turn off for any right thinking individual so essentially showing pictures unites the world against these loons so not such a bad thing.

Doobs, are your eyes not up to the usual standard? This is a thread called "The week as we saw it", the week as we saw it last week will be filled with news about IS, this week it is, next week it is.

As the saying goes "ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away"

CNN & co, who choose to ignore, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Just because it's horrible, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I get the feeling that if these was 21 British people, you would be posting a lot differently.

Well there is two sides to every story, how many more will die trying to make this journey because of this pic? Will this fuel more wanting to make the journey or die trying based on this pic?

I don't think it will make much of a difference either way.

Well to be fair I doubt most would need 2 spots on that boat like you or 1.5 like me  ;whistle;

:)

Maybe the photos are helpful for those who aren't very good at reading comprehension?

That was the whole point Woodsey - hundreds, thousands, maybe.

How desperate must life be to make that journey like that? And it's happening daily.

It's achingly sad, no matter what nationality or religion they may be.

You should ask my missus if coming from a very poor background to a 'developed country' makes a big difference to happiness in life.......I can fix up that conversation if you wish.....the grass is always greener and all that.

Mrs Woodsey has been trying to catch a boat back for months ;)

You're doing better in the weight department than I am, Vin!

At the moment, I'd probably need a row, or two...

Honestly mate, she's realised the grass isn't greener at all, and believe it or not Thailand is too fucking hot!!! Can you believe that one?  rotflmfao rotflmfao rotflmfao

Not a huge fan of hot weather, so I would probably think the same :D

Personally, I think we are far more likely to think about things if we see them, rather than just hear or read about them.

You are putting a spin on what I see, but you don't know how I see them. I don't see IS propoganda, I see one of the most barbaric & horrific ways of dying I have ever seen in my life. I see incredible dignity from the hostages, heads held high, when I know if it were me, I'd be a gibbering begging wreck. Imagine being 17th or 18th in a line of 21, & seeing your mates, one at a time, dying in that horrendous manner, knowing your turn is minutes away. If I wanted to show "gory", I could show far worse, it's all there on google.

Some news stories are "lifetime worst", like the 2 British soldiers who blundered into a funeral procession in NI & were beaten to death, or homosexuals in the Middle East being thrown off roofs because it is illegal there. We never, in our whole life, forget these dreadful things.

I look at the paper every day, & some stories or photos jump off the page, be it IS stuff, David Beckham the proud Dad, Super Bowl, Gary Glitter, dardevil climbers, Harry Redknapp, Mr Farage looking gormy, a fatal motorway crash on a stretch of road I passed through 20 minutes earlier, or any number of photographs which "speak to me". That's all, no "message", just "this is what I see".

Apologies to anyone offended by the content, that was not the idea.

First person to work out the relevance to today gets one Tal Point*

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gSC1XF7Qws/VLaBnGYkTFI/AAAAAAAAAXk/ahiYJ0aWDQo/s1600/Bill_Gates_III_20080123_068.jpg)






*no cash value

Microsoft is 40 years old today?

That assumes the photo is Mr Gates - if it is, it was taken a very long time ago.

Maybe it's not him......

Right person. Wrong reason.

Billy Casper, 3 times Major winner, passed away last week.

Lived quite some life, on & off the golf course, was a Mormon, had 11 children (6 adopted), one of whom is serving 135 years jail sentence.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Casper


(http://golfweek.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2011/05/16/AP660620065.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJVfyxHEetnpFho3Mw0c7xQSNY8B3xPyHUXwDAn2WPrGRSPOyq)

Something related to the Bill & Melissa Foundation?

Have to say, I think he is a quite extraordinary man.

If you don't know the story behind the connection, you might find him even more extraordinary this morning.

I doubt anything you tell me could make me respect him more than I already do, but I'm keen to know.

Is this a clue?


(http://static1.uk.businessinsider.com/image/54ddfcff848fb6c316e5cd33-1024-768/maggots.jpg)

Final clue:

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/08/article-0-0D85940C000005DC-685_634x779.jpg)

Ahh, it's "pancake day", as in Shrove Tuesday.....

Still none the wiser, mind.

http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/nov/14/flipping-pancakes-mathematics-jacob-goodman

Love that, really love it.

Thank you.

They definately help those of us who neither read newspapers,watch TV news nor browse the internet for news stories.

Keep on posting Tony.

Can someone give me a quick idiots guide how to post pics on this forum please?

Hi Alan,

Not sure of the best way, but I.....


Press "REPLY" & the empty text box comes up.

C & P the URL of the photo into the empty text box.

Highlight it, then click the "INSERT IMAGE" box.

That's it, job done.

The "INSERT IMAGE" box is a little icon on the 2nd row above the Text Box. (Above the card graphics). It is the third icon from the left, two to the right of the "YOU TUBE" Icon.  


Have a go at that.

It's not like Next Door - the photos are of decent size, & don't need prior Mods approval.

I think photos make a huge difference to any Post, or thread, I really do.

Cheers Tikay....

I found all that before.....but just couldn't work out how to just post pics 'saved' on pc onto here rather than from a URL? I may be missing something simple, but without a users guide....I am usually lost.

It is just a pic off facebook, which made me look and think of this thread. Just not sure how to get it onto here now after saving it earlier to pc.

You'll need to upload the pic to a image sharing site online.

Photobucket is a well known site, as is Instagram and Imgur

.

right click the picture on facebook

click "copy image location"

click it into the insert image box that puts the image in (http://) boxes

Cheers Tighty/Tikay/.......

More than one thing caught my eye with this pic anyway....





(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11012591_768163796595040_763905122799264122_n.jpg?oh=0aafedf7d7ffb8579467a2a3d4dcaef1&oe=5558D724&__gda__=1431433957_d0e430a23f59e906d1fd20ce8b42dbf6)

Is that Rory drinking a bottle of water in a seductive manner?

Think it's the advert on his waistcoat...

Yeah Betvictor are ***** :)

;D

Yes....the unfortunate sponsors name was the main point of pic, but it also illustrates other things . It shows how far snooker has come to me. No 20 B&H fags by a pint pot in a smoky venue. Nowadays.....none smoking.....water drinking.....with a must for sponsors logos. Prize money gone through the roof. Just felt that picture showed an average player 'at work' earning his crust while Ronnie (who I admire greatly as a player) was bemoaning his ordeal on having to play in a 'shopping mall'.

I'm not sure I ever recall seeing a black snooker player before either, although I'm not an avid snooker fan...

Lovely job Alan, you have EXACTLY got the idea. A photo like that says so many things, far better than you or I could write anything.

Poor old Ronnie, eh?

I like your description, Rory is a very good player that knows exactly where he stands in the pecking order. Would say he is in the category of players that are looking to make a living from the sport than having the need for trophies if you see what I mean. He's on the cusp of the top 48 but according to Wiki has only ever reached the last 16 of a ranking event. There would be a lot of golfers in that kind of bracket too where getting sponsors and keeping them is important.

He's black and a muslim, tho I just saw a snooker player tbh.

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/

With the greatest of respect to Rory he is playing snooker because he doesn't want to get a real job.  He should have quit the pro game a long time ago.  I bet he would have earned more in an average £25k a year job after expenses than he has playing snooker all these years.  he has £330k of event winnings in 24 years as a pro before tax (he has probably rarely exceeded his personal allowance in most years to even pay tax) and expenses.  I can't imagine he has made much out of sponsors either or exhibitions.  Maybe he plays big money games away from the tv events to make up his wages against rich mugs.  I have often wondered how he makes the game pay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_McLeod_%28snooker_player%29

Tournament earnings might be a modest percentage of his income. Exhibitions, pool comps, money matches, sponsorship, coaching, county/league appearances and so on will all require him to be practicing regularly.

I'm just equating it to - for want of a better expression - your bogstandard chess international master or grandmaster.

No idea about his personal circumstances of course. Maybe he loves snooker more than he loves money. Good for him if so.

Agreed.  On his wiki page sounds like he has always played part time with other jobs so fair play to him.  I just often wondered how he had been a snooker pro for 24 years when he had won virtually nothing. 

I doubt they're paying him £10 an hour to coach the Qatar national team...

Fwiw and I maybe the only one that didn't know, but I went past a truck belonging to the unfortunately named ISIS freight company.

I wondered if that has started to impact their business at all. Can't help.

I presume that may be the sponsor. That or maybe he is off to Syria when he gets knocked out?!

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mr9LmOvr6M

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM_QZQFs2ZM

The family respectfully asks that the news media avoid playing into the hostage takers’ hands and refrain from publishing or broadcasting photographs or video distributed by the hostage takers.
 
"We prefer our son is written about and remembered for his important work and the love he shared with friends and family, not in the manner the hostage takers would use to manipulate Americans and further their cause.”

Would a Muslim play money matches?

Prob the same chance as a Christian

Yo, this ISIS situation is an assault on humanity and we are all engaged in a war on terror so I'm afraid individual families don't get to call the shots. It is a infinitely bigger situation than their individual grief. Whilst I feel for their tragic loss I don't believe Ed Kassig is suitably qualified to tell me what the best strategies are to defeat this current terror threat, at the end of the video he also requests "time to forgive", I don't like or agree with that strategy either.

Noted.

Had I known that, I'd not have posted the photos.

I take the point The Rt Hon Mantis makes, but the parents of a son who had just had his head lopped off really are entitled to a bit of respect in what must be, for them, a terrible time.

(http://entertainment.ie/images_content/kkk%20wednesday.jpg)

(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee61/Bloot58/fr_zpsnllamq8s.png) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/Bloot58/media/fr_zpsnllamq8s.png.html)

Wednesday's in Krispy Kreme sound like they could be the next Chelsea away match meeting point!

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Cornwall_UK_locator_map_2010.svg/2000px-Cornwall_UK_locator_map_2010.svg.png)

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80661000/jpg/_80661814_preview.jpg)

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03205/cow-bike-potd_3205078k.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/19/25D4BD7300000578-0-image-m-45_1424358123300.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/05/article-0-0D0B9D29000005DC-163_468x497.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/02/19/25D75DF600000578-2960527-image-a-34_1424371237694.jpg)

(http://www.histoirenormande.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/maigret-et-l-affaire-sai-ii04-g.jpeg)


(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/2/20/1424434585077/cb50467e-4759-4ca5-9a0a-31aaea841d23-1020x612.jpeg)

(http://sport.bt.com/images/england-women-cricketers-get-glammed-up-ahead-of-their-tour-of-new-zealand-image-seb-winter-136396297111903901-150219175119.jpg)

Rowan Atkinson is going to play the bloke who made the World Cup trophy? ITV will make a show out of anything!

(http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/6178142-3x2-700x467.jpg)

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/peel/images/a/a9/Blur.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130509091442)

(http://www.mkweb.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276490/Article/images/26057356/9521293-large.jpg)

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81147000/jpg/_81147909_81147908.jpg)

.

Good spot David, I was not aware.

Loved that place.


http://www.pokernews.com/news/2015/02/aviation-club-de-france-judicial-liquidation-20707.htm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11425496/Warren-Buffett-buys-German-biker-gear-retailer.html



(http://im.ft-static.com/content/images/82a25479-3ec3-4255-8f96-df9d6bb29180.img)

Cowhorn handlebars are sooooooooooooo 70's

Geo

Are these teenage girls off to Syria?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-Ze46hIIAA9HiA.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-cHT1SCQAAW2ua.jpg:large)

(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee509/Nakor99/Shoulder.jpg)
.

Anyone we know?

One from the personal collection.
Screamed like a 4 year old when they put it back in, not helped by the fact I "soldiered on" for 36 hours in denial (and much pain).

Recent ?

This weekend

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/ff/sarwer01.jpg)

http://en.chessbase.com/post/former-child-prodigy-returns-to-chess

(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/ed47/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/C6EC9DE1-D8DA-45A6-B51D-5BC8A2D990AE_zpsiv20ycez.jpg)

whoooooooooooooooa!

how much is each plaque?

(http://pnimg.net/w/articles/0/54f/441a3e2615.jpg)

Not entirely sure, I'm not generally a plaque man, I'm more into 25p chips, but I believe they were worth £1,000 each.

The pot was - I'm told - £40,000, & the 2 hands were something like 4-4 & A-3.

Ian must be sitting in Rob's seat , although Rob always likes seat 1 , so I guess Ian has "borrowed" a few plaques for a
photo opportunity.

Looks like over 40k to me , the plaques are 1k each.

The only other explanation is that it's Ian's winnings , nah , getting silly now.

I found the photo on Ian & Ed's so-called Diary, here.....


http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60192.1095

I honestly have no idea if it is true, but I was told it was by one or two at DTD.

Would love to know how the hand played out.

I'll go for....

Limp pre

Check call

Check call

Check raise.

Genuine photo :)

4 or 5 ways to a flop in a raised pot.

 Ac  3c  4d

Ian can't remember the betting but all hell breaks loose and three stacks are in the middle. Ian had middle set Vs. a flush draw w/gutter Vs. a flopped straight and pinged a Barry (Ace) on the river.

He is now in Whistler for 10 days on a work trip so it's not all roses....

India


(http://images.indianexpress.com/2013/06/b_id_360432_crowded_train.jpg)

(http://blogs.reuters.com/anya-schiffrin/files/2011/09/india.jpg)


London Bridge Station this week



(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10083412.ece/alternates/w620/LondonBridgeChaos.JPG)

(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2679730/thumbs/o-LONDON-BRIDGE-CHAOS-900.jpg)

(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2679728/thumbs/o-LONDON-BRIDGE-CHAOS-900.jpg)



(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2679732/thumbs/o-LONDON-BRIDGE-CHAOS-900.jpg)

Mark Lippert, US Ambasador in Seoul, was slashed across the face by a Korean.

The North Korean Governemtnt issued a statement later, claiming the attack was justified, "a knife of justice" & "an expression of resistance".

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/05/2654A8B700000578-2980097-image-m-4_1425550081708.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/05/2653CCBB00000578-2980097-Bloodied_U_S_Ambassador_to_South_Korea_Mark_Lippert_was_attacked-a-1_1425570871519.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/05/2653CD6400000578-2980097-Korean_tensions_Someone_shouted_North_Korea_and_South_Korea_shou-a-3_1425570872665.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/05/265979E800000578-2980097-image-m-9_1425570411889.jpg)

Mr Cameron will only debate the once

A year ago today, a giant passenger aircraft simply disappeared. The combined efforts of many Governments have failed to find any trace whatsoever.


(http://mk-cdn.mkini.net/732/d4c4f9f990384c05cdcb2b56ec6f1dd4.jpg)



There have been more conspiracy theories than enough, but I think we can reasonably rule out this one though.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ53WVIgS0cq9nz3BkuEZlMoXuF4CDZcd3xfUMCkqPfP2yz98PNTw)




The PPRuNe thread now runs to 11,725 replies & 19.8 million views.


http://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/535538-malaysian-airlines-mh370-contact-lost.html

Scotland finally win summat  ;nana;

I was gutted there wasn't a betting market this year on it. The Best in Show Judge is a big terrier breeder and the terrier group was very strong this year. Anything over even money would have been a steal.

Sadly, not even Ladbrokes had a market up this year.

Also, I think the handler is American and the dog lives in Russia.

Rare clouds spotted in N Wales

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_pL6xQWIAAyfrG.png:large)

Margeret Thatcher's "Battle Bus" is up for Auction, & the auctioneers expect it to make £25,000. Optimistic.


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65886000/jpg/_65886318_tv017227242.jpg)

(http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/c6/36/c6363b7ea6f6091775c69b2dbbad154b.jpg?itok=-AS45ahP)

(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00070/30958_Thatcher_70482b.jpg)

So tragic.               http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/10/ten-dead-in-apparent-helicopter-crash-in-argentina



(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81531000/jpg/_81531973_81531972.jpg)

Can Top Gear survive?

As a general rule, when a Show is built around such a charismatic host, they never survive the loss of the Host.


(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3523294.ece/alternates/s615/Jeremy-Clarkson.jpg)



(http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn83/bluekat1503/Angus%20Deayton/vlcsnap-307259.png)

The Big Breakfast survived after losing Richard Orford/Bacon........

The ever popular Michael O'Leary had two winners at the Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

Interviewed afterwards, he was the perfect gent, being polite, humble, deferential & respectful.

I wonder which is the real Michael - the acerbic & massively successful businessman, or the nice chap we saw yesterday?

He owns the very successful Gigginstown House Stud, where, somewhat surprisingly, he also breeds Angus cattle. Who'd have thought?

(http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276334/Article/images/26159647/9640933-large.jpg)

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/Chelsea-CFC-Jose-Mourinho-Diego-Costa-Chelsea-v-PSG-563396.jpg)

Golf in Florida

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_4sXauUYAEFnPd.jpg)

(http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article6884928.ece/alternates/s615/TNW_MPP_inquests_01.jpg)



(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5307374.ece/alternates/s615/HillsboroughMain.jpg)

(http://e1.365dm.com/15/03/660x350/racing-cheltenham-full-length-uxizandre-ap-mccoy_3275784.jpg?20150312150208)



(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2015/3/12/1426177101873/McCoy-Cheltenham-festival-007.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8cXs-Yhyu-2XHB93g9oSRzbfB8zt0aP0WXMa-5H6J3c6bEj87vw)

I never knew until recently that he's Northern Irish. His accent is, to my English ears, much further south than his Antrim family were on the TV yesterday. Did he move to a jockey school in the Republic at an early age?

Good spot Tal Bloke.

He began his career as an apprentice with Jim Bulger, down in Co Kilkenny, quite near Waterford, so that's way down south.

I wonder whether, when he rings home, his accent switches back.

Can I get this on android?

8/10 would laugh again

Bhutan, the lowest ranked international football side in the world, have just won a World Cup qualifier beating Sri Lanka 1-0, it's their first win since beating Afghanistan in 2008.


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81613000/jpg/_81613669_bhutangetty2.jpg)

Was going to post the picture of Wayne Rooney, but a bit of delving assures me that he was sparked last month.

Instead, I saw this photo today, taken in Reykjavik, where there is a chess tournament going on at the moment. A wonderful picture of a storm. So much going on.

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/events/reykjavik/round5/oceaj.jpg)

(http://wtf1.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/arnoldf1-1024x576.jpg)

"One can have a dream, baby"

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03232/arnie-lewis_3232987b.jpg)

"Two can make that dream so real"

(http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_site_images/motorsport_news/2015/03/_it_s_arnold_schwarzenegger_man_____lewis_hamilton_gets_excited__412861568.jpg)

"One can talk about being in love"

(http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/466377600-arnold-schwarzenegger-and-lewis-hamilton-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QTxNl3xI7soXV1FTXolv3lt4htlfh0yMdCbdGCa2jdJnAmtAVQhU4ZWoTZ4Yq1tK1Q%3D%3D)

"Two can say how it really feels"

(http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/4/4/s/0/8/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.144rtr.png/1426412872944.jpg)

"It takes two, baby"

(http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/35/16/05/7659856/3/628x471.jpg)

"It takes twooooo, babyyyyy"

(http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2015/03/15/1227263/642076-95676ce4-cae2-11e4-bf8c-949d9dd98cd7.jpg)

"Me and you"

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81654000/jpg/_81654935_hamilton_schwarzenegger.jpg)

"Just takes two"

I thought that was the nut worst post-race interview ever ever ever.

F1 seems to have decided to get some sort of celeb to do these interviews. It was about as interesting as the race.

Now, if they want someone to do those interviews, & increase the audience, I know exactly the right person.


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByEp15iCUAMeRxO.jpg:large)

(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/13/1426269005780/8fc439a3-fc0f-47c3-9fa9-b9370b252337-620x374.jpeg)

Alexander McQueen exhibition opens at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Stars turn out for the opening gala:

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/375/media/images/81632000/jpg/_81632219_pandb.jpg)

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/375/media/images/81632000/jpg/_81632560_hincemoss.jpg)

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/375/media/images/81632000/jpg/_81632221_poppy.jpg)

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/375/media/images/81632000/jpg/_81632225_salma.jpg)

(http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5340564.ece/alternates/s1023/PAY-MAIN-Wayne-Rooney.jpg)

Easily my favourite news story of the week.

PS Andy Hocking (52), a regular "beat bobby" in the town of Falmouth, Cornwall for 20 years, died of natural causes a week earlier. He was so well-known & popular that the locals organised a procession & gathering in the town in his honour. 6,000 people took part.

Things must be very different in Cornwall that the community held a policeman in such high regard.

Wonderful.


(https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/ad_163030268.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=1000&h=667)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAEado0W8AEIfoS.jpg:large)

http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/resources/images/3605718.jpg?type=article-full

(http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/resources/images/3605695.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=mc2)


(https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/ad_163030322.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=1000&h=667)


(http://www.westbriton.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/Gallery/images/26175071/9659792.jpg)


(http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/resources/images/3605711.jpg?type=article-full)


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81648000/jpg/_81648243_81648242.jpg)

Quite a turnout for the Richard Attenborough Memorial Service yesterday.



(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81702000/jpg/_81702059_davidattenborough1_pa.jpg)


(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5349373.ece/alternates/s615b/Memorial-Service-for-Sir-Richard-Attenborough.jpg)







(http://i.cbc.ca/1.2998438.1426610378!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/michael-caine.jpg)

(http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/4/5/b/c/p/image.gallery.galleryLandscape.600x400.145ban.png/1426628527787.jpg)


(http://cache4.asset-cache.net/gc/466591060-peter-bowles-attends-a-memorial-service-for-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QeIDCIGELYKEkiet7XWkpmnjBLEtnpyJsKIDwe0BVanoa6wyUg%2Be8cUUO4fv%2B6PRIA%3D%3D)


(http://www.contactmusic.com/pics/ln/20150317/170315_richard_attenborough_memorial/jeffrey-archer-mary-archer-richard-attenborough-memorial_4638657.jpg)

The Shire Horse Society annual affair takes place this weekend in Grantham.

They have some big buggers there, look at the neck on this one.


(http://www.harrisonshirehorses.com/userimages/t-y-w%20mascot.jpg)

Even to casual followers of football, to watch Messi last night was something to savour, he gave a mesmerising performance.

Players on both teams were arguing, fouling, play acting theatrically & stupidly, but the great man just got on with the job.

I doubt there has even been a better footballer, & it's a pleasure to watch & admire as he weaves his magic.

(http://dantri4.vcmedia.vn/evddVG6Tq2Ng593qTnRluXGPk4eNba/Image/2014/12/Chelsea2-a31c7.jpg)

AMEN.

Andy was a traditional "bobby on the beat" always had a smile and time for a chat with everyone. His beat was the Main Street of Falmouth which encompassed the main shopping area so he was a real local face.
He lived in Penryn about 5 minutes from where I lived and on occasions I would pick him up early mornings as he walked his way to the Police station to start his day and I was on the way to the rank in Falmouth.

I was really shocked when I read of his passing on FB and then followed the unfolding story of the march that was organised in his memory and it really reminded me of the community spirit that exists in Falmouth pretty much the same in other parts of Cornwall as well.

I feel privalaged to have known Andy even if only in a small capacity, he will truly be missed by the people of Penryn and Famouth.

RIP Andy

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81762000/jpg/_81762299_81762298.jpg)

(http://thisistrovegeneralstore.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/hello-spring.jpg)

You knew him? Wow, what a small world.

It was easily my favourite story of the week, on so many levels, though nobody else seemed much impressed judging by (lack of) feedback.

I think you have made a mistake Tikay.

I think its actually a photo of Freddie "Actonbeech"s tip in the Chelmsford parade ring, before the race, last night! ;)

Oh dear.

I'm guessing it never won, right?

Meh, tips schmips.

The Solar eclipse as seen from the International Space Station.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAh5WIBVIAARXs3.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/20/20/26D8B02C00000578-3004680-image-m-3_1426882515692.jpg)

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03239/clarkson_3239008b.jpg)


(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10122715.ece/alternates/w620/stig2003b.jpg)



(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/79/590x/secondary/The-Stig-tank-267205.jpg)

And in the "cleverly named companies" department......


(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/1.4003240!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg)


You can even hire a tank hearse now.



(http://www.tanks-alot.co.uk/tank_hearse/tank_hearse_for_hire_4.jpg)


(http://www.midcounties.coop/PageFiles/1109/thprhs.jpg)

(http://www.sbcnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/666betworldcup.png)

(https://voilalafete.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/maincampus-daffodil.jpg?w=1640&h=1230)

1,4, but definitely not 3, 2 :)

(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5383746.ece/alternates/s615/Aircraft-carrier-USS-Theodore-Roosevelt-arrives-in-the-Solent.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/22/22/26E5ADAC00000578-3006792-image-a-2_1427063388985.jpg)

Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew, 'a true giant of history', dies aged 91



http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/22/singapore-lee-kuan-yew-dies-91

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew


(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/5a156505a978d7d58c903b640b1cbbdd2450c990/c=5-0-3676-2760&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2015/03/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/635626394117837833-AFP-539101444.jpg)

(http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Gerrard-stamp.png)


(https://s.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/uULpX0isZjhtQuZPyyYE.Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTM3NztpbD1wbGFuZTtweG9mZj01MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz02NzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_GB/Sports/Eurosport/1441231-30821523-2560-1440.jpg)


(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i/?img=/media/motion/ESPNi/2015/0322/int_150322_gerrard_red/int_150322_gerrard_red.jpg&w=738&site=espnfc)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/22/15/26E50E1F00000578-3006547-image-a-1_1427039840340.jpg)


(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10125864.ece/alternates/w620/gERRARD%20HEAT%20MAP.png)

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81832000/png/_81832093_screenshot2015-03-22at22.23.02.png)

Truly bizarre story, pretty sure more revelations to come, but he appears to be toast as a Candidate?

On Sunday, in Leicester, some King bloke, who died 500 years ago or whatever, was given a formal burial.

Can you imagine spending a day to watch the procession, which, as far as I can tell, simply consisted of a horse drawn hearse, a car full of local dignataries, & that's about it?

Nobody likes history shit, do they?

But it seems they do - look at those crowds. Liverpool v Man U was on TV, too. Supposedly, 35,000 came to see the burial. (Of the King, not Liverpool), but that's just guesswork, it was probably half that. Even so, tidy number.

What an amazingly diverse society we live in. You'd have to pay me a lot of money to watch tosh like that, but I daresay they think the same of us poker players.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/22/22/26E5E64300000578-3006275-image-m-10_1427064454897.jpg)


(http://i3.hinckleytimes.net/incoming/article8897282.ece/alternates/s615/The-crowd-is-growing-as-we-get-nearer-to-the-arrival-of-Richard-III-coffin.jpg)


(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5379991.ece/alternates/s615/King-Richard-III.jpg)

Then, on Monday, you could go & file past the coffin in Leicester Cathedral.

People queued for FIVE hours, some 5,000 of them.

I can barely believe all this.



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/23/10/26EB3F3600000578-3007435-image-a-25_1427106958823.jpg)


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03242/richard-3_3242936b.jpg)


(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/625/media/images/81843000/jpg/_81843137_longq.jpg)

I can understand the interest factor, to a degree, in my town/royalists etc, but the clips I saw showed hundreds of people throwing roses at the casket. A bit OTT, or simply odd?

The florists did well though.

All a bit beyond me, but I'm not mocking them, just found it all a bit surprising.

Apparently, a whole tourist industry is being built around it. In Leicester. Never thought the day would come when Leicester would appear in any tourism guides.

Some strange comments from those who attended on my local news programme. One said "It's a once in a lifetime thing to see a Monarch buried". Anyone told the Queen? Or will they not televise her funeral?

She will live forever, she's immortal.

One of the most interesting things about it is the service was conducted by Catholics, as of course the Church of England didn't exist in 1485 (Henry VIII came two kings later).

He was only king for two years but had a busy tenure. I think the Game of Thrones hype is helping to pique the interest of the public: warring factions, family rivalries, treachery, a king killed in battle. Only lacking dragons, direwolves and unnecessary nudity for the full house.

Shakespeare wrote a play to please Queen Elizabeth I, whose grandfather's army defeated Richard's at Bosworth Field. Richard was portrayed as an evil, hunched wretch and we were given two of the most famous lines in literature:

"Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this son of York"

And

"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"

(http://www.mckellen.com/images/0605.jpg)

He would have been a figure of fun in the late sixteenth century. And here we are, 400 years on, mourning his loss.

Arguably one of England's most influential and controversial kings.

He died almost 600 years ago and his remains were supposedly long gone, but one woman said no, he's buried in Leicester.

After years of fundraising, negotiating, nagging, cajoling and begging, she finally got her way, walked on to Leicester car park, said "Dig here" and there he was.

It's a real life fairy tale.

Crikey, how do you know all that stuff, Tal, is that what they taught you at Uni?

We were taught 3 history things at my Secondary Modern. (Think they are called "Comprehensives" these days).

1) The Romans built straight roads.

2) The Batttle of Hastings

3) The Great Fire of London.

That was it. 

Really? Good Lord, never knew all that.

Guess we'd better see what they found.


(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/130204103037-richard-iii-renauns-3-super-169.jpg)

I'd call it the "Princess Diana Effect" - since then people (as in the general public) have been pretty willing to feel a loss because they're told to rather than because they know the person or feel any 'real' affinity/friendship - or in many cases knowledge - of the person they're mourning.

Well, there's your next Bluff article sorted ;)

4,754 people queued for up to 4 hours yesterday to walk past the casket

you can do so til thursday

4 hours!


it is enormous around here. the visitor centre is a great visit and the effect on tourism is huge

the woman from the richard III society who led all the fund raising effots is a real eceentric

there is obsession and then there is obsession

(http://d2jkk5z9de9jwi.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2015/01/richardiii_this-800x500.jpg)

this morning 8am

queues to see the box

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA2ceyMWAAATJqv.jpg)

The world's gone mad.

I'm struggling to think of anything I'd queue 4 hours for.

http://www.mccroryengineering.com/the-uk-concrete-show-2015/

A latte and a sticky bun?

He'd get Jeeves to do that :)

This is your roving reporter Redsgirl, live from the queue at Leicester cathedral.
You lot are  philistines. I've seen people queue 3 hours for a ride at Alton towers, or worse still outside Next from 4 in the morning for half price trousers,  so a couple of hours stood about in the sunshine chatting to equally excited people waiting to file past the coffin of the last Plantagenet king of England surely can't be that crazy can it? Can it?
I'll tell you in 2 hours.  ;D

##Live update##
That Phillipa Langley bird just took a stroll down the queue.
Can confirm she is as mad as a box of frogs.

Can anyone find the clip of David Starkey talking to Philipa Langley on the Richard III programme that aired at the weekend?
Mr Starkey was not very complimentry.

I still don't think it doesn't mean you aren't mad, but just slightly less mad than those people. :)

I got a selfie with the coffin, what could be more sane?
(http://)

Very nice photograph Ms Red Junior (Senior).

Superb blend of respect, deference, & insanity. Actually, you look a bit scary, in a "mad witch" sort of way, much the same as Mrs Red & that woman in the Adams family does. (That was probably before your time, ask yer Dad).

So, you queued for 4 hours, was patrolled by a loony, saw the coffin the King was tookoffin, & took a selfie.

Was it worth it?




(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/Morticia_adams_origional.jpg)

(http://media.thedenverchannel.com/photo/2015/03/24/Airbus_crashes_in_the_French_Alps__no_su_2744470000_15489703_ver1.0_640_480.jpg)

(http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2015/03/25/1227277/362813-8c701d02-d25d-11e4-a5b4-b2d65ac8975a.jpg)

(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1974068.ece/alternates/s615/Angelina-Jolie.jpg)

A man from Glasgow tweets tesco...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA7cm4kUwAA1Cdj.jpg)

Catch of the day in Mogadishu, Somalia

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA8A71YUgAA1uHQ.jpg)

I love Angelina. She's intelligent, funny and beautiful.

But is the fact she's had her ovaries removed REALLY newsworthy?

To you or me, maybe not, but I think it delivers a good message. I don't for a moment think she went public for anything other than good reasons, this was not the usual celeb "look at me" stuff.

Think it is a huge story.
Elective surgery of this type for these reasons is a agonising decision for many, that until recently got no mainstream coverage.  In these times of celebrity culture I think its brilliant and important that she is willing to publicise such an issue.

I was going for a solemn but slightly enigmatic look, think more Mona Lisa, less Mr Bean.
(http://)

Joking aside, I really did enjoy the day, it only took 2 hours altogether from joining the queue to being sat in the coffee shop afterwards, and those two hours flew by.

We met the head archaeologist Richard Buckley and other members of the team, watched various news anchors doing their little pieces to camera and were thorough entertained by the fully frocked members of the clergy strolling up and the line vigorously shaking peoples hands and thanking them for coming, they were clearly thrilled to bits with the whole thing and it was kind of an infectious feeling, especially if the whole history/monarchy thing floats your boat to start with.

Wild horses wouldn't have kept me away.  :)

Fair enough.

I was wrong.

0.8 Direction

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA9RdTaUkAA65D8.png)

this made me chuckle

the person giving the sermon gets R3's birth date wrong this morning

just watch lol

https://vimeo.com/123297187

(http://aperture.adfero.co.uk/Image/Original/14111459)

(http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1430728/andreas-lubitz.jpg?w=730)

Joan Collins became a Dame yesterday, though heaven knows why.

Amazingly, she is 81. The lady in red is her Daughter, & might pass for being Joan's mum.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/26/15/270408BD00000578-3012987-Meeting_royalty_Dame_Joan_was_awarded_her_honour_by_the_Prince_o-a-19_1427383212072.jpg)


(http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes/celebrities/2015032624261/joan-collins-collects-damehood/0-125-395/joan--z.jpg)



(http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes/celebrities/2015032624261/joan-collins-collects-damehood/0-125-394/joan-2--z.jpg)

This misadventure happened whilst the car was being MOT'd yesterday in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.


(http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/webimage/1.7176685.1427363983!/image/164670144.jpg)


(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/590x/MoT-test-centre-and-crashed-car-566616.jpg)

Hyde Park, London, yesterday.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/26/12/2702EFAC00000578-0-image-a-87_1427371359180.jpg)


(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10135291.ece/alternates/w620/fallseries.jpg)

Syrian girl thought the photojournalist was holding a weapon, so she "surrendered"

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBHRZODUgAA4fTY.png)

Strewth, how bad is that?

Tragedy at Nurburgring as a race car flips over the safety barrier.


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/81980000/jpg/_81980438_car.jpg)


(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--bziNUCNm--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/pi2oxzi09vtrbnn8lzfa.jpg)


(http://www.gtspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Nissan_GTR_crash_2-640x360.jpg)

(http://static2.solarplaza.com/media/uploaded/2014/07/10/littlemorton01.jpg)


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02597/solar-panels_2597461b.jpg)


(http://www.lightsource-re.co.uk/images/mingay-solar-farm-1-project.jpg)

The Tweed clan are officially the oldest family – with a combined age of 1,019 years and 336 days

The seven brothers and five sisters aged 76 to 95 heard yesterday they had won the Guinness World Record.

Between them they have an astonishing 33 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 17 greatgreat-grandchildren.

A photo in 1939 shows 14 of them with their parents outside their three-bedroom house in Coventry Mum and dad Flo and Percy had 16 children in 21 years


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/31/02/2727570600000578-3017761-image-a-14_1427765406267.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/31/02/2727501200000578-3017761-image-a-13_1427765391715.jpg)

"The photographer who broke the internet's heart"

The child is in fact not a boy, but a four-year-old girl, Hudea. The image was taken at the Atmeh refugee camp in Syria, in December last year. She travelled to the camp - around 10 km from the Turkish border - with her mother and two siblings. It is some 150 km from their home in Hama......

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32121732

Daily life must be a bundle of fun there. And that, presumably, is better than from where they fled.

(http://gdb.voanews.com/5A994330-21B5-480A-BC26-3EB32BC2A74A_cx0_cy12_cw0_mw1024_s_n_r1.jpg)


(http://cache3.asset-cache.net/gc/461820096-thousands-of-syrian-refugees-fled-their-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QZM20h4sDfUM47XUVM4cQykCYefB72zJ5SY3Hck9pa3r23cyNaN4dClDObimNNOXUw%3D%3D)

I had a foot operation when I was about ten and that lady (Tara Newley) was in the same ward at hospital as me.

(Joan didn't come and visit)

Seeing that picture makes me feel very old indeed.

(https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/492051594_640.jpg)

Manchester Airport yesterday.



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/31/15/272B1DC500000578-3019124-image-a-167_1427811470753.jpg)

I really don't want to be, but I can't help feeling a bit sceptical about that photograph.

Ditto.
Kids that age seem to naturally raise their arms or shrug or maybe even tip their heads from side to side when you are talking to them, especially if they're a bit shy, it's probably an unconscious gesture by the little girl and clever captioning by the reporter.
That said, if it highlights the plight of children in refugee camps......

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-32121732

Thousands online have shared an image of a Syrian child with her hands raised in surrender - but what is the story behind it?

Hmm, still not buying it.
I don't think its a natural reaction to surrender of when faced with a weapon anyway, I reckon most people would just be cowering in fear.
Hope to God I never find how I'd react. Sadly there are children out there who are facing such traumas every day. I just think this particular photographer is using a little artistic licence.

Im pretty sure this type of image 'thought it was a weapon' is a trope of sorts. Almost 1000% certain I've seen it before.

Why no discussion about that Monarch Airlines Airbus?

Incredible picture. Moving, too. Sideways.

Was it taking off or landing?

Am I being whooshed again, I ask myself?.......

It was attempting to land, in gale force winds.

No. You're not being whooshed. Why, was it a daft question?

I'm with Paul Potts on this one, tikay.

'Planes don't land on one wheel. They have one on the other side, too, so they can land on both. Much safer that way. Surprised you didn't know that tbh.

Well I get whooshed so often these days.

Not a daft question as such, but it had to be landing, it would not get that much out of shape on take off.

I almost replied to Tom's original question with "yes".......

Anyway I have a bone to pick with you. You just made a post on FRED, two sentences, two exclamation marks. Disgraceful. Bangorrhea is not something I expect from one so learned as you.

(https://www.conservatives.com/~/media/mug-share.ashx)

Each was entirely justified. I met a bloke in Vegas in June, he said he reads Fred every day (a lurker) and today he popped up with an empty the clip bet.

Spring onions aplenty, IMO.

Superfluous.

It's fluff, & fill, like what you read in books.

But no exclamation marks, you note. Usually a sign of bad writing, see?

Any chance you can have a word with your old bosses about turning 861 into a Grammar Channel?

"Good evening. I'm Tony Kendall. Today, we are joined by special guest, Tal J. Talington, Esq., and he is going to talk to us for two hours about commas."

I reckon we'd get more viewers than The Terry and Gaby Show.

Jen Mason would be a fine studio analyst.

We once landed sideways at Gatwick it was a long time ago when we had the hurricanes. Ours was the last one into Gatwick the others were diverted. After landing the pilot did his announcement commenting that to think people pay a fortune to feel that scared!!. Not quite sure what his thinking line was but I sure crapped myself along with the trained trolly dollies who did not restrain from excercising their right to feel and express fear.

Artist's impression of The Grammar Channel:

(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JN7y0Sb0s6Y/hqdefault.jpg)

I'd watch it.
Speaking as someone afflicted with a particularly virulent strain of the aforementioned bangorrhea, I think it could be beneficial.

Wincanton Races, yesterday.

The 18 year old amateur jockey walked away unaided, if a little shaken.
 


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/82071000/jpg/_82071310_jockeylewisfergusonfalls.jpg)



(https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/jockey.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=528&h=511)


(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2015/4/1/1427909179917/Lewis-Ferguson-007.jpg)


(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00881/162016508_ferg_881333b.jpg)


(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mb4LPBYxSCI/hqdefault.jpg)

It's dramatic but I would imagine that after the fence slowed him down he hit the ground at a fairly slow pace, a much less dramatic fall straight off the horse would probably be much more damaging (I would have thought)

Depends how he landed, he did a full 360. If he had landed on his head or neck, it could have been pretty nasty. Landing UNDER a horse is always the worry, of course. Brave, them lads, very brave.

He flew through the air with the greatest of ease.....

Wrong thread, but quoted for revenge purposes.

It was not just the wrong thread, it was the wrong bloody day. (Now deleted).

Honestly, I'm losing the plot here.

I forgot my Online Banking Log-In yesterday. There was a "Forgot Password?" thing, so I tried that, & it wanted my Account Number & Sort Code. I had forgotten those, too.

I've had the same Bank Account & Bank Account number for 37 years, & I check it every single day.

My mind literally went blank for half an hour.

Off with you, I've got things to do.

Now, where was I?

Cynthia Lennon passed away yesterday, she was 75.


(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4b3KVJEVEawPXByx1cK1eaKvk2SuhTuBxG8VDtj7oz8jRYClN)

(http://photos.vanityfair.com/2015/04/01/551c18b2fa699a350cfdc0a5_cynthia-lennon-tout.jpg)

A fire underground caused havoc in the West End yesterday, & many Threatre Shows had to be cancelled.

Here we see a firefighter desperately trying to quell the blaze.


(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRuOOGSYDhQ4XekITw0NPN3QqB5MqAa5WZKZxTi5pdehBMOYQgAFg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/01/17/273321A900000578-3021628-Blaze_More_than_2_000_workers_were_forced_to_flee_their_central_-a-7_1427905232092.jpg)

Snow fell in Cumbria yesterday, & was cleared away by a very big man.


(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXuWikrIyGCHos6Grn7sQCZ_7obkbyrpyt6xHnvOo-aXmjZE-K)

This couple won £1,000,000 on the EuroMillions lottery for the 2nd time in less than 2 years.

What are the chances of that? (Allegedly, 283 billion to one).



(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5440887.ece/ALTERNATES/s510b/David-and-Kathleen-Long-with-their-cheques-at-The-Mallard-in-Scunthorpe.jpg)

Not quite. That's the odds of THAT couple winning it twice. Doesn't factor in the number of times they played and lost, nor all the other winners in the intervening time who have played and lost.

Also, have you noticed that they got £2.70 more the first time? Why is that?

They should complain.

(http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/632960/image_update_img.jpg)



(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5450049.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Live-Leaders-Debate.jpg)

(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00881/gatiss1_881838c.jpg)

(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10150890.ece/alternates/w620/thuirs1.jpg)

The "exploding pavement" fire in London continues to burn.



(https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/fire-preview3.jpg)

Clare Balding got married yesterday.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/04/02/039A8B6400000514-3025248-image-m-24_1428111641788.jpg)

This sailor was rescued after 66 days adrift at sea.

He claims to have survived by catching fish with his bare hands.

He looks remarkably well for one who has barely eaten in 2 months. 


(https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2015/04/Missing_Sailor_Found-01498.jpg&w=1484)


(http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/ABC_sailor_rescue_ml_150403_16x9_992.jpg)

This is a great story. Right up my proverbial.

I can't wait for the book.

Me too - stories like this were the first books I ever read, & I read dozens of them.

I have to admit, I'm a little sceptical about this one. I hope I'm wrong, of course.

I haven't actually seen the details of this story, but why are you sceptical? Was he heading for Panama in a canoe?

He just looks in spectacularly good health, with a nice plump rounded face, for one who claims to have had to live for over 2 months on catching fish from the sea with his bare hands.

Maybe the whole story will explain how he managed to stay so healthy.

I am with you Mr T. He looks far too well, I used to look worse than that after a heavy weekend.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/03/us-sailor-louis-jordan-rescued-capsized-boat-missing




Just read the story and call bullshit on it. Crucial thing for me is the thing with the American flag and 3 whistles. I reckon he hid in the woods for a while and then put out to sea no more than a week ago.

So, he is 200 miles from land, sitting on the upturned hull of his boat, when a freighter comes sailing by.

And our hero thinks, "hmm, better turn my flag the other way round, in case they think I just like sailing my boat upside down".

And what did he use to fly his flag - did his boat happen to have a flagpole on the upturned hull?

Just as well when his boat sunk he had he good sense to rescue a flag, & not one, but 3 whistles.

"What really happened" casts more doubt on the story as so far told.

http://www.oldsaltblog.com/2015/04/louis-jordan-sixty-six-days-adrift-what-really-happened/

Bob Burns, the original drummer in Lynyrd Skynrd, ("Freebird"etc) was killed in a car crash yesterday.



(http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2015/article/lynyrd-skynyrd-drummer-bob-burns-dead-at-64-20150404/191243/medium_rect/1428170066/720x405-74282234.jpg)

As everyone would have known, Trafalger Square yesterday hosted the 7th International Pillow Fight Day. It was widely advertised to bolster attendance.




(http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/world-pillow-fight-day-london-trafalgar-square-2013-anatoleya-2.png)
(http://static0.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/a_scale_large/7200-0/photos/1428201672-international-pillow-fight-day-2015-celebrated-at-trafalgar-square_7283240.jpg)


(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5457332.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/CS39083060.jpg)

Most people don't get your puns duvet?

I don't mind, I prefer to get it quiltly.

Ider downed tools if I were you.

Still, sheet happens.

(http://i2.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article8983139.ece/alternates/s1227b/JS60590185.jpg)

Each to his own and all that, but for crying out loud, you wouldn't let your granny(double checked first letter 3 times) go out dressed like that.

I don't know what to make of it really.

I don't have any problem at all with his, or anyone else's sexuality.

The problem I have, such as it is, is that I can't help staring at photos like that, & if I saw him in real life, I'd stare, too. It's like seeing a man with 3 arms, you know you should not stare, but you can't help it.

I went to google images after seeing that, & found dozens of similar photos of him. In fact, he looks quite smart, I think. Certainly far more at ease & natural in his clothes than, say, Sarah Stirk.

It does not disgust me in any way, far from it, I just can't quite fathom it all out. On balance, I quite like it, & him. I do wonder what my Dad or Grandad may have said though.

The times they are a changing.

Do we have any cross dressers on blonde? If there's any 10/1 available, I'll have a fiver on nirvana. He has the perfect cheekbones for it.

I have absolutely no problem with staring at people who intentionally do thing that they know will get them stared at.

Who is it in the picture?

I can only name the one in the middle, who is Eddie Izzard.

I understand he is a comedian by trade, & an "activist".



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Izzard

Wild stab in the dark that the lady on the right is Julia Tickridge, the lady in the poster!! ;)

Ah makes sense he's always been a Labour supporter but on recent TV appearances he's been dressed asa bloke and not wearing the make-up or anything.

(http://www.home-of-poker.com/gallery%20images/devilfish.jpg)


(http://www.playerireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Devilfish-Player-Ireland-Poker.jpg)


(http://www.highstakesdb.com/images/players/20150406115608.gif)


(http://www.pokerista.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/devilfish.jpg)


(http://whdn.williamhill.com/cms/images/news/library/en/feature/devilfish2.JPG)

A Times Obituary this morning reports the passing of someone nobody on here (with the probable exception of Tal Bloke) will have ever heard of, me included, but it's tells the story of an unsung hero, exactly the stories I love to see.

This young lady held her job for 45 years, & after retirement, still attended the office every day.

Her name was Mary Clarke, & she held the fairly unusual titles of "Editor, Dancing Times". In fact, has anyone here (Tal excepted, of course) even heard of "Dancing Times"?


It does not matter. She did her job well, for so long, a real people person.

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03250/clarke_3250737b.jpg)


(http://www.limelightdanceandgym.com/images/T/DancingTimesJune2010.jpg)

Folk who live in Leicestershire so some queer things.

Yesterday was the "Easter Monday Bottle Kicking" (kegs, not bottles, in fact) at Hallaton in Leicestershire. Big day, that.

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQB-DoxGItBxgqJ3cEhvRsIXDNzu-yLWL8cgfNgoeUIJGZ_jY3)



(http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/275788/Gallery/images/18578737/4714349.jpg)


(http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/Gallery/images/26276971/9780710.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiE03udeJmZBC_P1cwOHjC-3LraPEFZvl6vgkS9_I0seKvq6h2)

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_PiTxQc62qo6zE2nJV80xdaOA3zxXB9qL8Z5eskxuolQ09Wm3)

Meanwhile, as folks in Leicestershire have a good time, Prince Harry is doing his bit for Queen & Country, on a secondment to the Australian Army.

I would imagine he will be very popular with those nice Australian folk.


(http://i.cbc.ca/1.3022347.1428331886!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/4x3_620/prince-harry-final-military-assignment-australia-april-6-2015-canberra.jpg)

This particular image left me a really really shocked. I think Uliott had an aura of invincibiility, which made this picture all the more saddening:

(http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276270/Article/images/26293848/9805211-large.jpg)

^^

Me too, Barry, the moment I saw that photo, I suddenly realised how bad things were.

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03258/Hatton-Garden-safe_3258803b.jpg)

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSK-6w6PBwQu17YH6iaBGreB5RHQrr9hJ69TnS6P5dtglrFUXnS)

Rolls Royce now have a 4 x 4 version.


(http://www.automotoportal.hr/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/trg5456.jpg)


This will compete with the new Bentley Bentayga off-roader.


(http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/5fd0af50402ab69a1ca81b837c28897c/201137923/bentley-suv-spyshots-03-1.jpg)



Every rapper & footballer will want one.

.

^^

I almost posted the You Tube Video of that, but in the end, I thought it a bit too graphic.

Cliffs for those who missed the story.

In South Carolina, USA, a chap was stopped by police for having a defective brake light in his car.

It's unclear what happened at first, but the chap runs away (as per Taxi's photo) & the cop shoots him in the back, killing him stone dead. (He fired 8 shots at him). 

The police officer has since been charged with murder.

There are suggestions of racism, as the victim was black, & the cop was not.

don't know all the facts, of course....


why couldn't the cop shoot him in the leg, say...bring him down but not fatal?

seems absolutely senseless to kill him stone dead

I can't see any facts surfacing that could in anyway explain coldly shooting a man in the back eight times as he was running away from you.

We had better get another referendum organised before those pesky Scots get their hands on our oil.

This adorable couple celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary today, & I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing them many more happy years together, whilst they continue to serve their Country so well.

Fittingly, they are spending today in Scotland, where the Royal Family are so popular.



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/12/268C547E00000578-2990569-Affectionate_Prince_Charles_has_praised_the_way_his_wife_tackled-a-12_1426171404665.jpg)

The rise & rise of Aldi continues, as they overtake the sales of Waitrose.

Quite a story behind Aldi, which remains privately owned.

It was founded by the Albrecht brothers, & the name "Aldi" arises from "Albrecht Discount".

They operate over 5,000 stores across the world.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/08/22/1DAD1EF000000578-0-image-a-3_1428530372591.jpg)





(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article9214316.ece/alternates/w620/2503waitrose1.jpg)

This story is barely believable, but has been widely reported today.

A chap has volunteered to have a head transplant.

He has a severe wasting disease, & will die soon.

In fact, his head appears to be fine, it is his body which has failed, so really, it's a body transplant.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/08/00/2759994700000578-3029376-Mr_Spiridonov_I_don_t_do_this_because_I_don_t_have_a_life_but_I_-a-32_1428448339300.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/07/23/2759990E00000578-3029376-image-a-26_1428446291947.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/07/23/275AF17100000578-3029376-image-a-3_1428445463062.jpg)

You're confusing the virtually impossible head transplant operation with the much easier body transplant.

(http://images.canberratimes.com.au/2012/11/09/3782005/benaud_main-620x349.jpg)

(http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276410/Article/images/26308901/9825206-large.jpg)

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/09/football/england-norway-penalty-replay/



(http://m1.joe.co.uk/YToyOntzOjQ6ImRhdGEiO3M6MTY1OiJhOjM6e3M6MzoidXJsIjtzOjEwMzoiaHR0cDovL21lZGlhLWpvZWNvdWsubWF4aW11bW1lZGlhLmllLnMzLmFtYXpvbmF3cy5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTUvMDQvMDkyMzA1MTkvNDY5MDY5NjcyLmpwZyI7czo1OiJ3aWR0aCI7aTo2NDc7czo2OiJoZWlnaHQiO2k6MzQwO30iO3M6NDoiaGFzaCI7czo0MDoiODBiNTY2MjMwZTliZGU1MGIyNDcxMTFmN2UxOGUwNjRiYjNjNDU4MCI7fQ==/469069672.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/09/22/27697C5900000578-3032535-image-a-32_1428615402108.jpg)

(http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5488668.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Tiger-Woods.jpg)

A star is born

This young man - just 21 - from Texas, a golfer, until now, of great promise, is playing in The Masters. A select field, on one of the toughest courses in the world, but he blew them away, breaking nuumerous records, & leads by 5 strokes.

Good looking boy, he has 30 years of pro golf ahead of him, & will likely earn north of $20 million every year.

I wonder how he feels right now?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Spieth

(http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/assets/uploads/articles/jordan_spieth_day_2_augusta_golf_masters_tag-reuters.jpeg)

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-Sog4kYIJeYo0fcZuuVtVWo9Ofr9BykLX8roYaYjBP_aRkz_cvA)

(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article9235841.ece/alternates/w620/bike.jpg)

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJNR2etbHzuQhCku4-xspg8U9f259WHgPXciCNY6DcYU43RV1d)

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR-MenZK_Qz-2RThyInXhvj_Wu-baIn4csioZYAJpGtk0_5dr_B)

(http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001022402.jpg)

Kensai Airport in Japan.

Not lost a single piece of luggage in 21 years.

It has the longest concourse in the world

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Kansai_International_Airport02n4n4272.jpg/440px-Kansai_International_Airport02n4n4272.jpg)

When the Kobe earthquake struck in 1995, with its epicentre just 20km away, the airport was unscathed, owing to its sliding joints. Didn't even break a window.

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/375/media/images/82247000/jpg/_82247298_20c4cfb8-bcb6-41df-865e-51f774aa72da.jpg)

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is 71. Last night, he completed the 159 mile Marathon des Sables in Morocco over six days, including beating temperatures topping 50^oC.

He raised £1m for Marie Curie.

On an reptilian forum somewhere, there is a thread where alligators debate how they would cope in a one acre enclosure with Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Ladies Day, Aintree


(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/4/3/1238775501133/Ladies-Day-at-Aintree-Lad-008.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/04/04/article-2597048-1CD6018D00000578-119_634x422.jpg)




(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5494653.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/PAY-Ladies-Day-at-Aintree.jpg)

Chinese doctors bowing to the 11 yo boy w brain cancer who saved several lives by donating organs

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CA_U3e-VEAA9I7Q.jpg:large)

Lidl is owned by one of the brothers now. The story goes that they had a falling out a few years back so one kept Aldi and the other went and formed Lidl. That's why the shops look similar, similar names, similar strategy of discounting etc.

Am flying into there in a few months  :)

That's incorrect Woodsey, Lidl is not, & never was, owned run or managed by either of the Albrecht Brothers, who founded Aldi.

It was actually named after a chap named Ludwig Lidl.

Aldi was started by the Albrecht brothers, Theo & Karl, just after the war. (Both brothers died in the last few years).

The business grew to about 300 stores, & then they made an amicable decision in 1960 to go separate ways. One became the owner of Aldi Sud (south) & the other Aldi Nurd (north).

They are completely separate businesses, not linked at all, but share a common identity & policies worldwide, & pool their buyiing resources. They split the world between them, amazingly, & each division operates internationally, but never in the same country, except in Germany, which they have split 50-50 into North & South, & the USA, where they operate in different States, never in competition.

They are not quite identical in corporate logos though.


(https://curiositykilledtheconsumer.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/aldi-vs-aldi.jpg)



The Aldi we see in Great Britain are part of Aldi Sud.

Sorry to be such a geek, but I have known Aldi for a very long time, & they were a huge part of my business life for 15 or 20 years.

They are a spectacularly interesting Company, & I could tell you 100 tales about their points of difference from other retailers, & how they operate. An utterly fascinating Company, to me, anyway. They are exceedingly German in every way.

I was very successful in my dealings with them, as I was quickly able to adapt to their philosophies. I did work for them throughout the Midlands, down as far as Cornwall, over in Dublin & Cork, & up in the North East. At one time I held the Contracts to do their Property Maintenance nationwide, & I was responsiuble for the new store shopfit in over 200 of their new-build Stores. From breaking the ground to opening a store, we got 22 weeks, not a day more. The Shopfit took 48 hours dead. I won that Contract from a Company in Leicester who had taken 5 days per store.

The first time I visited their Atherstone Distriubution Centre (brick built, unlike other retailers distributon centres which are clad "sheds") I had quite a shock. I had an appointment to meet Mr Head Bloke, & was keen to impress. I was all suited & booted, & had my pitch perfectly prepared. Ushered into his spartan office (NO personal momentos allowed, no pictures on the wall, nothiing at all) I placed my briefcase on the floor & took the proferred chair.

"Mr Kendall, the floor is for walking on, it is not a receptacle for miscellaneous items".

I could either give a smartarse reply, or comply in a subserviant manner. I chose correctly, got the gig, & there began an amazing story for me.

I became their UK & RoI "go to man", & some of the tasks they sent to me to sort were quite extraordinary. Several of them were illegal - "we are not interested, just sort it" & I ended up in court 3 times. Offences included cutting down trees which had TPO's on them (twice). Eventually, I learned how to overcome TPO's (Tree Preservation Orders) quite legally. (Inject poison into the base, they die within 12 months).  

Their store at Luton became invaded by Travellers, who set up camp in the Car Park just beforer Easter one year. Easter is a hugely busy time for Retailers.  

"Get them off, by 9am tomorrow morning" they instructed me. Just like that.

I went & met the head of the Travellers in the Aldi Luton Car Park, & explained my problem.

"It will cost us £3,000 to move, pay us £3,000 in cash, & we'll be gone by 9am in the morning".

I reported back to Head Bloke, & warned him this was not wise, it would bite them in the bum if we complied.

"What part of I WANT THEM GONE BY TOMORROW MORNING DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?" he said, & hung up on me.

I got hold of the cash, & drove down at 7am the next morning. I was abso crapping myself, scared they would beat the shit out of me, or renege on the deal.

I meet the Main Man, & he had all his lorries, caravans & traliers lined up, Indian Style, at the exit gate, ready to leave. I said "I'll give you the cash when the last vehicle leaves".

The convoy moved out, one after the other, &, mightily relieved, I gave the man his £3,000. He gave me £500 back, "you are a good lad, we won't forget this" he said.

I rung up Mr Head Bloke & told him I'd sorted it.

"Why are you telling me that, I gave you as job, & I expect you to sort it, not bother me with phone calls telling me how good you are.

Err, sorry.  

He rings me back one hour later.

"Tony, a group of Travellers have just set up camp in the car park of our store at Leighton Buzzard, I want them off by tomorrow morning".......


 

Sorry about all that, I have hundreds of Aldi tales like that, though with time, I'm slowly forgetting the details. I ought to write them all down one day.

I really should quit messing about on a bloody two bit Forum, & do something more useful with my time.

As you were.

Ahh gotcha, good shops anyway...

(http://www.thedrum.com/uploads/news/tmp/77017/sylvester_stallone_1.jpg)

Info please?

Love the Aldi story btw but you are a bad bad man killing poor ickle trees. :-)
Seriously though,  I know you're old, but I bet even Methusala didn't pack as much into his working life as you. More stories please. 

P.s. What happened to the Vegas thingy you were supposed to be posting links to?

Yes, here's a link.


http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scots-cyclist-killed-in-london-lorry-accident-was-leading-designer.1428667934



(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10167221.ece/alternates/w620/Moira%20Gemmill.jpg)

The young lady was a Director of the V & A. 

This was the 5th death of a cyclist in similar circumstances in London this year. Exactly 3 hours later, a 6th cyclist lost their lfe in identical circumstances elsewhere in London.

We can point fingers at all sides, but it is a really difficult issue to solve. Cyclists don't tend to be aware of how difficult it is to maneourve large vehicles round tight corners, & the drivers of the vehicles don't always pay the respect to cyclists that they should. Often, it is impossible to even see the cyclist. 

In London, it usually happens at tight, 90 degree left hand corners, for obvious reasons.

The point of the photo was that the battle between a lorry & a cyclist is brutally uneven, but whereas we can glance quickly & move on when we see car crashes, when a bike is shown to be mangled under 20 tons of lorry, it seems so graphic, so shocking, so real. 

I am not proud that I went round abusing TPO's, at the time it never crossed my mind that it was a bad thing. I do realise now, of course, but if my career & livelihood depended upon it, as it did at the time, I'm not sure I'd do any differently now, tbh. We can moralise all day & night, but when it comes to the crunch, we are often not quite so brave. Well I'm not. Path of least resistence & all that.

Methusaleh & I led very different lives, he a free spirit, me always enslaved (happily) by employment, as I'm naturally subservient & Ralph is not, but we probably both have a ton of stories to tell.  I can say this though, if I could write one tenth as beautifully & subtly as he does, I'd quit everything here & now, & write a book - actually, I'd write several. When I see what counts as interesting on blonde, I know I have stories galore that would surprise many. Even in my time Next Door, the finale of my working life, I could write a simply amazing book, you would never believe in a million years some of the stuff that has happened in that time.  Amazing? Only to me, probably, but I have a yearning to commit some stuff to paper, stuff that can't go on blonde, certainly not at the moment. Every day brings new twists & turns, & every morning I can't wait to wake up & see what's happening in life. 

Ralph amazes me, & I'm a bit envious. He gets by on his wits, always has, & is completely happy with his lot in life, whereas I have always been a busy fool.

The Vegas story? - apologies, I can't recall, which one, remind me please.

I assume she means the Next Door blog.

Ahh, gotcha.

I don't know whetether I'm having a shite or shave right now, so much going off, but they'll resume shortly.

My next Bluff Column has to be in by tomorrow @ Noon, & my little "jobs to do list" on my desk, next to the lappie, has about 30 items on it. Dying of boredom is unlikely.

And when she says Methusaleh, she actually means Methusaleh.

Great Aldi tale Tikay, more please.

The mike pic made the hairs on my arms stand on end.

Completely whooshed me mentioning Uncle Ralph as I didn't know his nickname, I meant the actual Methusaleh, seeing as you seem to have had at least five different careers lasting at least twenty years each you must be at least part way into your second century.

I for one always enjoy reading about your exploits and  even though you've obviously got decades left to while away you really should get on with that book,  us mere mortals can't wait forever.

As the all knowing one helpfully pointed out it was Next doors Vegas trip wotsit I was waiting for, when you do get round to it let me know x

Edit: You do know I was only teasing about the trees don't you?

It's "Tony the tree-muderer" from here on in.

In The Netherlands cycling is the norm and you don't get people dying in the same way.

The only two ways that you can make cycling safe on the roads would be to have segregrated cycle lanes (like they do in much of Peterborough for example) or for their to be a shift in attitude amongst motorists so that they actually assume a cyclist could be around the corner rather than only notice them when they see one going through a red light (for example).

Although it seems unlikely; the second one is actually what happened in The Netherlands - the government a few generations ago made a conscious effort to make the country concentrate on cycling and cycling safety. Now they rarely even wear cycle helmets over there because it's so safe - a lot of which is down to the motorists and cyclists treating each other as peers rather than one side seeing the other as invading their territory.

But realistically I think the first one is probably the more achievable.

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/media/images/82266000/jpg/_82266678_51875423.jpg)

Spend, spend, spend comes to an end

Bad move by Chess Grandmaster.

Rather enjoyed this little story, don't quite know why.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/chess/11531055/Grandmaster-makes-bad-move-after-being-caught-cheating-at-chess-in-a-lavatory.html



(http://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/images_users/tiny_mce/PeterDoggers/phpXAphfE.jpeg)



(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03264/nigalidze_3264848c.jpg)



(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03264/Gaioz_Nigalidze___3264845b.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/13/00/278124E200000578-3036168-Spieth_has_his_green_jacket_handed_to_him_by_reigning_two_time_M-a-132_1428881640288.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJeEtHDSVzA/U0ZhcF4vMJI/AAAAAAAAqIc/-yjwId72yE8/s1600/hillary+clinton+2016+Madam+President+or+Mrs.+President+-+the+world+of+hillary)+clinton.png

(http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150412150020-andy-murray-wedding-5-super-169.jpg)

(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5503502.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Gordon-JackMain.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/11/18/2777B57800000578-0-image-a-6_1428773246787.jpg)



(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03263/BOAT-RACE_3263806b.jpg)

(http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276272/Article/images/26320368/9837873-large.jpg)

(http://www.powerlog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Brighton-Maraton.jpg)

(http://www.theargus.co.uk/resources/images/3671769/)


(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000iEWg9jJ0rUA/fit=1000x750/20120415-MG-9433.jpg)

(http://www.richardstjohn.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Base-Camp-tents.jpg)

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-04-12/contained-robot-dies-3-hours-after-entering-fukushima-reactor


(http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2015/04/20150412_fuku.jpg)


(http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2015/04/20150412_fuku1_0.jpg)

Fun story, that chess one. I'm sure it's becoming more prevalent. Why wouldn't it?

I should just say that the Tigran Petrosian who played against the Georgian is not the 1963-69 World Champion. I don't think they're even related. This is a 30 year old chap, Tigran L. Petrosian.

I would imagine that, as it would in poker, the chess world & forums are getting rather excited about this story. 

I also read that Kasparov & Short plan to hold a World Championship of some sort in St Louis, which I saw described as the "chess capital of the USA". What is the significance of that match, & why St Louis?

I did post about it on Chess Thread last week.

St Louis has a reasonably rich chess history, but it also currently has a few rich people who like chess...

I enjoy this thread, but I don't always know which news items some of the pictures refer too.

I'm never quite sure whether to put a link to every photo, Tom, or let people try & work it out.

Which of today's ones are not obvious to you? - I'll add a link.

It has been a rich day for interesting news items, yesterday nothing particularly caught my eye, today, loads of stuff.

Let me guess - the photo of all those tents?

Well as I understand it, there is a designated "season" for climbing Mt Everest, & the new season has just begun.

So all those tents are at Base Camp, in readiness for various assaults on Mt Everest.

In my mind it used to be that 1 or 2 chaps attempted it each year, just arrived with their sticks, warm jumpers & things, but apparently, it is a whole cottage industry now, & the locals sell souvenirs & all sorts.

These are mountain guides, hoping to get some business.


(http://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/980w/public/2014/04/25/nepal_sherpas.jpg?itok=JPJ1MoNI)

Here's a sign, in case they don't know the way, or can't see a 7 mile high mountain.


(http://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/images/10476.jpg)

Souvenir, Sir? Fridge magnets, mouse mats, car stickers.


(http://snowliontours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Mt.Everest-Base-Camp-and-Nomad-yak-hair-tents-Tibet.jpg)

The chap on the left was a photographer at Andy Murray's wedding. Unfortunately, he became ill on Friday whilst taking photos of the wedding party, fell & hit his head on a gravestone, & died of a heart attack over the weekend.

It just struck me as extremes of happiness & sadness, all at once.

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/82063000/jpg/_82063355_1d1cc706-a06b-4f30-8c21-09f5c2345ddd.jpg)

"cheap and indestructible oversized mug"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32144206

One of the fellas I was working with was at Everest base camp just last week.  Wasn't climbing up it, just collecting the fridge magnet I guess.  

Some of the stories I'm familiar with, and most of the others I can usually work out, but why would I bother if I don't know if I'm interested yet?

Anyway, I'm a busy man, I just don't have the time.

I found it intriguing before climbing kilimanjaro how the guides all gather and fight to be chosen to get a few days work up the mountain, I presumed there would be a set number of guides hired in advance but it's all sorted on the day. It got quite violent between them when I was there, but I suppose it could be the difference between them and their families getting fed or going hungry.

Good luck to those who attempt the summit, it's something I'd love to try but when you read that around 1 in 10 who attempt/ reach the summit die it kind of puts you off!

The "refugee season" in the Med has commenced. Many of them were drowned yesterday, many more are missing, presumed drowned.


(http://america.aljazeera.com/content/dam/ajam/images/articles_2014/20140206-italy-migrants.jpg)

(http://www.dw.de/image/0,,18246729_303,00.jpg)

Kate Winslet, at last night's premiere of "A Little Chaos".


It's a drama, depicting landscape gardeners vying to design a fountain for Louis XIV. A must watch.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/13/19/27891BB700000578-0-image-a-54_1428949400271.jpg)

A dog stunned judges in Britain's Got Talent, but it was later revealed that it had a fake muzzle, operated by remote control.


http://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/britains-got-talent/217540-heres-just-how-britains-got-talents-talking-dog-act-is-done.html





(http://static.tellymix.co.uk/ts/610/350/www.tellymix.co.uk/files/2015/04/britains-got-talent-2015-spoilers-13.jpg)




(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2993555.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Cowell.jpg)

This picture is not what it seems at all.


(http://www.consciouslyenlightened.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/chameleon-body-painting-optical-illusion-johannes-stotter-970x450.jpg)

A spokesperson for the RCSPA said: “It is not clear if Miss Wendy was wearing any sort of muzzle or mask during the performance on Britain’s Got Talent, however the RSPCA would be very concerned if it became clear that she was caused distress at any point.

“We will be contacting the show to ascertain what methods were used and how they impacted on the dog.”


Jesus Christ! Any fool can see that the dog wasn't in the slightest distress. That RSPCA tosser wants sacking and his job giving to someone who understands animals.

For goodness' sake!

::)

Amazing that we care about the dogs more than the poor saps who've been rounded up by the producers to be ridiculed on national TV.

Perhaps that's the British way.

Jesus Christ! Any fool can see that the dog wasn't in the slightest distress


Best not use blasphemy Tom, but it was a sombre link into the next Post.

This was reported in today's papers, the chap had apparently been found guilty of blasphemy.


(http://www.khaama.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/man-beheaded-in-Syria.jpg)

Sorry.

FMP.

That's pretty awesome.

Her Majesty hosted a lunch for members of The Order of Merit, which is, perhaps, one of the most distinguished group of individuals known, & limited to just 24.

Without googling, which ones can you name?

We owe a great deal to some of those chaps.



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/15/22/279C1D4B00000578-0-image-a-2_1429134856959.jpg)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-32320595




(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10178399.ece/alternates/w620/hon2.jpg)


(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00856/172837982_856941c.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/31/article-2593647-1CB9A66400000578-14_634x610.jpg)


(http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2186287!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_635/20150415-zaa-p134-143-jpg.jpg)

(http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/1.4036117!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/image.jpg)


(http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2119508!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_970/honeytrap18n-3-web.jpg)

Is number 15 David Nixon?

This Ferrari is to be auctioned shortly.

A bid of £9 million should do the job.


(http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276272/Gallery/images/26336525/9858201.jpg)



(http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276272/Gallery/images/26336525/9858205.jpg)

Magic.

Ones I know (rather than cause offence or confusion, I'll use their birth names, in case I call a Lord a knight or anything equally improper):

David Attenborough, Norman Foster, Tim Berners-Lee, Simon Rattle, Betty Boothroyd, Martin Rees, John Howard, John Crètien, (James?) Rothschild, Tom Stoppard, HM & Prince Phillip.

Can't say I recognise the others.

^^^

You did a lot better than I ever could.

Excluding Royalty, I think I got 3 of them.

YELLOW CARD for Tal Bloke.


He failed to note that the photo includes the brother of a gentleman who, in a very important game of chess, beat none other than Tal, & is one of the most successful British chess players ever.

Jonathan Penrose? Where?

The photo includes Sir Roger Penrose (# 13), who is the brother of Jonathan Penrose.

Apparently Jonathan suffered from nerves, & so retired from "live" Chess, & became a postal player.

Sir Roger seems quite bright.

Some clever family, that, hard to think of any family so distinguished in their achievements - look at this little lot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Penrose


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Penrose


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Penrose

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Beresford_Leathes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Penrose


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antony_Penrose


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Penrose

Just imangine if you add all those ages together how many life years experience they have, they would be almost up with you Tony.

Folly of me not to spot the brother of someone never likely to be in the line-up!

Roger Penrose popularised the Penrose Triangle, said to be "impossibility in it's purest form". (Thank you, google).



(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Penrose-dreieck.svg/2000px-Penrose-dreieck.svg.png)


Look at these 3 photos for too long, & you'll go nutso.


(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/LargeTribarGotschuchenAustria.JPG)


(http://im-possible.info/images/art/sculpture/gotschuchen/tribar.jpg)


(http://www.roz.at/rozweb/fni/PenroseOtroci.jpg)

Behave Mo.

The eldest is 98, but remarkably, 3 of them are younger than me.

The youngest of them all is a man who changed our lives more than anyone I can think of, for over half the world already, & eventually almost every living person - Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited with the invention (creation?) of the World Wide Web. His work has, literally, changed the world, but oddly, I don't think he made much money out of it.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Berners-Lee

The annual schools chess match in Hamburg took place this week. It sees teams from schools play against each other, where the schools are divided by whether they fall to the east or west of the river Alster, which flows through the middle of the city.

It's been going since 1958 and the overall board score is currently 23,806.5 v 21,439.5 in favour of "Rechtes Alsterufer", the schools to the East.

http://en.chessbase.com/post/joys-of-chess-rechtes-gegen-linkes-alsterufer

(http://en.chessbase.com/portals/4/files/news/2015/events/alsterufer/bericht/saal3.JPG)

Looks like absolute chaos!

(http://en.chessbase.com/portals/4/files/news/2015/events/alsterufer/bericht/i7.JPG)

The best performing school on the winning team gets to keep the trophy on behalf of their side of the river.

(http://en.chessbase.com/portals/4/files/news/2015/events/alsterufer/bericht/DSC02226.JPG)

In a world where so much is made of wasted childhood and lost innocence, what a wonderful reminder this is that children can have fun together.

Thats great Tal, love the delight in their faces. I wonder how many kids in UK schools play chess?

(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00889/VIDEO_ELECTION_DEBA_889966a.jpg)

Agree, a truly lovely scene.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greville_Janner,_Baron_Janner_of_Braunstone


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/06/22/1403438822066_Image_galleryImage__L_THE_LORD_CAREY_OF_CLIF.JPG)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7uKBaYIUAE9ymT.jpg)

(http://www.scotsman.com/webimage/1.3745292.1429117371!/image/3562169831.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/3562169831.jpg)

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03264/botham_3264101b.jpg)


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/82400000/jpg/_82400743_james_anderson_getty7.jpg)


(http://images.enca.com/encadrupal/styles/600_383/s3/2015-04-17T214414Z_72308654_MT1ACI13679103_RTRMADP_3_CRICKET.JPG)

Life is short. Have an affair.





http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-15/adultery-website-ashleymadison-seeks-ipo-as-demand-booms


(http://www.inc.com/uploaded_files/image/575x270/ashleymadison-pano_19605.jpg)


(http://www.thelostogle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Ashley-Madison.jpg)

Her Majesty was at Newbury races to cheer her horse, "Ring of Truth" home. It finished 2nd.

In a few days time, she enters her 90th year.


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03271/queen_fingers_3271415b.jpg)

Boeing have patented an "upright sleep support system", quickly dubbed "cuddle chair".



(http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/images/stories//2015April/boeing-story-650_040915015903.jpg)


(http://img.publishthis.com/images/3_0/2015/04/f/d/2/fd246237b219cdd840790ed62a0aec30_ogimg_636x382_xlarge_thumbnail_3.jpg?W=700&H=350)

"Face relief aperture"?

Think I'll keep one of these, thanks:

(http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_Upper-Class-Suite-by-Simon-Pengelly-for-Virgin-Atlantic-1.jpg)

London fashion night in Los Angeles. You had to be there.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A8B39C00000578-3043144-Well_behaved_Victoria_and_David_were_also_joined_by_their_sons_B-a-217_1429263422243.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A92EB600000578-3043144-With_her_boys_Victoria_showed_off_some_leg_as_she_perched_next_t-a-172_1429263421203.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A8FC9000000578-3043144-image-m-229_1429263832472.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A8A14A00000578-3043144-image-a-180_1429263421227.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A8CB0600000578-3043144-image-a-182_1429263421230.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/17/10/27A7CF8500000578-3043144-Handsome_couple_Rosie_Huntington_Whiteley_displayed_her_phenomen-a-186_1429263421239.jpg)

http://www.wsj.com/articles/rolls-royce-wins-9-2-billion-order-from-emirates-airline-1429266131



(http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-HD960_0227ai_J_20150227121319.jpg)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CCygwNnWIAAQvHK.jpg:large)

More migrants, desperate for a better life, drown whilst trying to reach Europe.

This was Zefyros, Rhodes.


(http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/multimedia/archive/00892/03063c9c-e791-11e4-_892014b.jpg)


(http://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.2182347.1429529617!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620_330/image.jpg)


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03273/migrants-rescue_3273774b.jpg)


 

Iglo Group, who owned Birds Eye Foods, have sold the business for £1.9 billion.

The name "Birds Eye" refers to the man who pioneered fast frozen food, Clarence Birdseye, who generated a whole new industry.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/20/21/27CBB23F00000578-3047721-image-m-2_1429561551933.jpg)


(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8506534.ece/alternates/w620/BIRDSEYE.jpg)


(http://media.npr.org/assets/bakertaylor/covers/b/birdseye/9780385527057_custom-38705eebd772600988b766614a9153b4ab878c1d-s6-c30.jpg)

No way do they know exactly how many peas were sold. There's never an exact number of peas per packet, surely?!

I would guess they measure total sales by weight. They know how much an average pea weighs, & extrapolate it from there.

I get that, but it's still a guess. A pea doesn't weigh the same as the next pea. They're not making widgets.

Aldwych, London, yesterday.


http://www.london24.com/news/ambulances_rush_to_serious_building_collapse_1_4041603


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03274/holborn_fire-briga_3274147b.jpg)


(http://www.cityam.com/sites/default/files/main/blogposts/buidling-collapse-pic-twitter.jpg)

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/goodge-street-crash-mercedes-left-wedged-between-two-boris-buses-in-four-vehicle-pileup-10187635.html


(http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article10187654.ece/alternates/w620/Goodge.jpg)

This poor lady, who suffers from agoraphobia, ventured outside for just the 3rd time in 10 years. And fell down a manhole.


http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5555791.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Agoraphobic-woman-braves-outdoors.jpg




(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5555791.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Agoraphobic-woman-braves-outdoors.jpg)



(http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5555786.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Agoraphobic-woman-braves-outdoors.jpg)


(http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5555787.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/Agoraphobic-woman-braves-outdoors.jpg)

http://www.derehamtimes.co.uk/news/norfolk_firefighters_put_out_plant_pot_fire_in_dereham_1_4039753

That's incred, David.




"The plant pot was said to be “smouldering”... Just like the good folk of Dereham. Or am I thinking of "dense and acrid smelling?"...

Just knew you would pick that quote out.

I told them not to plant pyracantha.

Hatton Garden heist: police release dramatic images from inside vault

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/11555128/Hatton-Garden-heist-police-release-dramatic-images-from-inside-vault.html

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDNFaXeWIAAC_go.jpg)

That hole looks small.  Maybe it was Bob Cratchit and his gang.

The Calbuco volcano in Chile has erupted for 1st time in more than 5 decades

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDQkwhLWgAAGWOE.jpg:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDQc6QvWIAAc18k.png:large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDQU1EgWMAAbkfn.jpg:large)

(http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276464/Article/images/25824855/9295036-large.jpg)




(http://c0248141.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/SAAS_15104_34447256A.JPG)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-32427432




(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/20/27E05A9B00000578-3050805-image-a-9_1429731567653.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/18/27DE225F00000578-3050805-Response_Police_and_rescue_services_attended_the_scene_in_Old_Bu-m-6_1429722309910.jpg)

(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article5565886.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/front-page-MAIN.jpg)

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/media/images/82487000/jpg/_82487198_dog3.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/13/27DC451D00000578-3050390-image-a-3_1429706386810.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS93yPbYKL8H2JdlqHTEcrH4mHktwm6gEKoQnIWIILGJFSQdHvM6A)

Am I the only one who has never heard of this DJ chap? What happened to Pete Murray?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11558256/BBC-Proms-its-all-gone-Pete-Tong-at-the-Albert-Hall.html


(http://images1.laweekly.com/imager/pete-tong-on-why-los-angeles-is-the-edm-ca/u/original/4167192/pete_tong_facebook.jpg)

High tech repairs are carried out to the bowlers run up in the West Indies Test match.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/24/18/1429896892332_lc_galleryImage_Cricket_West_Indies_v_Eng.JPG)


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03280/pitch_3280398b.jpg)

Today will be our last chance to see in action the greatest jump jockey who ever lived.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03191/mccoy_3191495b.jpg)

The Nations awaits, with baited breath. Camel is just out of picture.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/01/27D1C5CD00000578-0-image-a-59_1429661175293.jpg)


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/01/27D16E3700000578-0-image-a-63_1429661474639.jpg)

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/22/01/27D153DF00000578-0-image-a-69_1429661519240.jpg)

This beach hut, with views of the Solent, but no running water, electricity, gas, or toilet, is up for sale. 

It's all yours for £230,000.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/24/12/27EF027E00000578-0-image-m-3_1429874781219.jpg)

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/51/590x/beach-572783.jpg)


(http://msbha.org.uk/images/39%20DSC01417-.jpg)

Man is lucky to be rescued as massive earthquake hits Nepal http://goo.gl/oM18Ds 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDbT1WpWIAEciM4.jpg)

an even better one

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDboUJwW0AEqVPO.jpg)

The word legend gets used much to,easily imo but AP is a TRUE LEGEND in the sporting World

a streaker at a Premiership rugby match gets more than he bargained for

"Go on it'll be a laugh, what's the worse that can happen?"

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDdsfCAWoAAjRYa.jpg)

sent to casualty, broken bones!

Nepal earthquake: in pictures  Devastation at Everest's base camp   http://goo.gl/HGJsP8 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDdDh-BWAAAk3zI.jpg)

Garry Kasparov plays an exhibition match against England's Nigel Short in St Louis, despite having retired ten years ago.

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/events/kasparovshort/kasparov04.jpg)

Short still plays chess actively and is in the world's top 100. It's wonderful to see the great man, Kasparov, playing. There's an incredible aura about him that only a few sportsmen have. He exhudes intensity.

Meanwhile, in Shamkir, Azerbaijan, the current world number one dominated a tournament featuring many of the best players around.

(http://en.chessbase.com/Portals/4/files/news/2015/events/shamkir/carlsen09.jpg)

Oh and this man is an absolute musical legend.

Spoke with one of the Docs that was involved with this the other week as part of my job, interesting, innovative stuff with happiness and sadness involved in the process.

We can't even begin to imagine the tragedy in Nepal. Over 3,000 killed.


(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/82587000/jpg/_82587717_82586737.jpg)

The London Marathon took place yesterday.



(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhHt9pBrJKE/U0rbg9RLv9I/AAAAAAAAURw/hvMyva6viK0/s1600/P1030503.JPG)

(http://www.cityam.com/assets/uploads/content/2015/04/471220742-553d14782ce27.jpg)

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03281/Marathon_2015_beck_3281369k.jpg)


(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/79/590x/secondary/romeo-beckham-280929.jpg)

The Annual Mud Race, Maldon, Essex.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/12/27/article-0-07B55C74000005DC-283_634x423.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRI6EjxtU2qFJNE6n3iwVBHz8LDXpXyJ8n2vY_da5O2CitygkYT)

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/media/images/82504000/jpg/_82504937_82504936.jpg)


(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/82504000/jpg/_82504935_82504934.jpg)


(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSlPpnJSsFYk6KE0QKx7JvK7lTu2fnvg_UZ4fE-2sGH9oo5iMTw)

Might be just a bird to you or me, but it's a Hudsonian Godwit to this lot.


(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/26/17/280455F500000578-0-image-m-2_1430066714217.jpg)



(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/26/17/2804579700000578-0-image-a-3_1430066801377.jpg)

(http://cf.c.ooyala.com/ZiY3JxdDqkf27wcqPobrtDIx5th9BIVV/Ut_HKthATH4eww8X4xMDoxOjBzMTt2bJ)


(http://cf.c.ooyala.com/xjOXJxdDp1TVGwJVb2nK42KAAbg0dbqp/Ut_HKthATH4eww8X4xMDoxOjBzMTt2bJ)

Japan gets bigger as appearance of new coastline baffles locals http://trib.al/cMO06WV 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDngQvYXIAI_pWO.jpg)

Good or bad thing to be one of Beckhams kids?

Life of Riley but hassled to death no doubt....  ;goodvevil;

I think they love the hassle one of them has one million Twitter followers already. If you don't like the hassle stay off Twitter. Looks like mum and dad have taught them well how to maximise their brand with limited talent but huge work ethic. Fair play to them they look an awesome family.  I find it hard to believe I am the same age as beck ham now, fifteen years ago he still felt like one of the lads!

Best thing ever to be a Beckham kid.

They are probs gonna be Tories though lol

It appears that Beckham tries to keep them as grounded as possible, too.

He made Brooklyn get himself a job in LA, working at a coffee shop.

When he got himself a bird, David plotted himself up in the corner of the place they met, so he could keep an eye on him, and embarrass him, by making his presence known :D