Captain Kernow

Arrogance.

It means that they don't realise that "fiercely" is an inappropriate adjective for intelligence. As you say, intellectual pretensions.

I can only guess that it might be a reference to some people being "sharp" - and quick to spot / point out things - especially perceived flaws in somebody else's reasoning.

I could imagine some journalists (especially the political type), politicians and lawyers viewing something like this as a useful attribute.

Of course, certain others might regard this as a threat.

Some TV advertisers might also regard this as a threat - especially if certain viewers might be able to quickly "unpick" some of their carefully crafted adverts, then come up with subversive adaptations.

I happen to know that some engineers are very skilled in this regard - and generally being quiet, easy going and mild mannered isn't a block to this. In all honesty, this might not come as too much of a surprise to some people - as, in a number of college engineering courses, people are taught to pick apart manufacturers' data sheets etc and design projects based on worst case assumptions.

In other words, some people might regard "worst case design" as a form of calculated cynicism. "You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment."

But they're right! Feedback improves their ability to irritate us more easily and more often.

Providing feedback to the likes of Google merely demonstrates your level of gullibility...

In Adblock Plus I Trust!

(Other adblock software is available...)

On my personal PC I use Firefox with Adblock and NoScript.

Firefox can also support containers where you can separate out Google activity from your usual browsing so they cannot put in tracking cookies.  It also has a useful Facebook blocking script that stops those little F symbols tracking your activity as well.

On my work computer, they can follow me all they want; youtube (signed in as well for extra tracking!!), google signed in but all they will get is software dev, trains, my eclectic music video taste, trains, slightly to left of right hovering over the centre politics, trains, Ebay.

Facebook is on my phone only, they know I like trains and history, that I don't post anything anymore and I like to volunteer at Parkrun.

My phone is scary, it knows what I am about to do, that sh*t is worry-some.

Butterscotch Instant Whip.

A lemon yellow jelly.

You see now this is what status updates are for!

Oooh ! I'm all a quiver

Thank you very much, Mr. Captain Sir.  My compliments in return.  My regards too to Algernon, if he is still around. 

Steve.

"Christmas; the one time of the year when it's polite to say, 'And the same to you'.  Ken Dodd (many years ago).

A reciprocal sentiment is articulated to The Captain and CTMK on this special season.

Salutations from one of the almost completely dismantled districts of the 'Red Wall'. may you gauges always be full.

His Duckness of the North.

What time's slack water? 

Run  out the long nines.

I agree and put this down to the veggie pizza. 

Glad you got back in Tim! 

Better than being stuck in Horrocksford...

Unfortunately I wasn't allowed any cordial, Nil By Mouth for 5 hours in the R D & E at 05.20 Sunday ! 

Dear Captain Kernow. I have some 3rd floor guttering which could really do with cleaning. As you seem to enjoy this task so much. May I now offer you a cordial invitation, to clean the guttering at my house? You will be offered the beverage of choice, in lieu of payment for your work, of course
But no ladders provided - please bring your own!

Dear Marc,

You are most cordially invited to pick your most kind invitation up and run with it anywhere you like, provided it's not in my direction! I finished my guttering today and am already dreading the same task next year. Perhaps next time I might use the jet wash again, even though it isn't always as effective and I get soaked each time I do so.

However, I remain most touched by your kind thoughts and feel sure that you will be able to find some dark location where the sun doesn't shine, in which to safely guard your invitation.

Yours most sincerely,

Kernow, Guttering Captain

I see that ASDA have upped the deadline for signing, allowing the workers another week to sign what few rights they have away. Mainly due, I suspect, to the "unfortunate" national publicity their new contract has received.  One might almost think that the authors of the reportedly draconian contract they are imposing have never worked on the shopfloor in their lives.

They say that the new contract is similar to those common in other retail groups, but that's no reason to implement something that will be misused by petty local management.

To be honest, even if we DO have a change of government by the 13th December, workers rights will be low down on the list of priorities, compared with the ongoing Euro-Omnishambles...

Race to the bottom, it's sickening and it's a symptom of the ever widening gulf between rich and poor in our society. There's a nasty strand of thought that promotes the idea that there shouldn't be a right to fair shares of societies goods that somehow we have to show that we deserve it by earning it. It sets ordinary citizen against ordinary citizen and serves as a smokescreen to those whose vast wealth is generated by the work of  others. B*st*rds.

Fair comment, unfortunately.

This is who says that!

An artists impression of a prime minister?  Benjamin Disrael perchance, comrade Duck?

Whatever that picture's supposed to be of, it looks scary ... .

Anyway, returning to the original question, I don't think I've seen too many bookazines about railway stations.

Of course, that's not to say that some periodicals with history and "modeller friendly" scale drawings of railway buildings might not become popular with a certain clientele - I really have no way of knowing ... .

Whatever the score, I'm sure I must have read some bookazines whilst waiting at railway stations (most likely Birmingham New Street, or Birmingham International) - most likely Modern Locomotives Illustrated, or a layout design spin-off from one of the mainstream model railway mags.

Yes, I agree, Hroth.

I was being slightly ironic (I think).

That works.... 

That works.... 

Hiccup......

Filter or Espresso?

Are you now going to lubricate the coffee machine lubricator?

Don't go over-complicating matters now.

Poster Art classes in my yoof dharling 

I have now been told that I am having some unspeakably healthy sounding soup for my tea. I shall add some bread and margarine to that.

Soup has been known to gurgle, however, speaking soup sounds rather far fetched, maybe marge could verify that ?

Dipping Bread Society 

Exeter Branch

Unintended consequence of the 'B' word? The UK will have to train its own 'economically inactive' in the art of garlic mincing.

We don't really 'do' convenience foods in our house (unless we're feeling lazy), but we do 'do' convenience garlic.

If you’re worried about Black Shuck coming down off the Moor, a shotgun will keep him away better than garlic.

"It's Prairie country"

Devon and Cornwall?

Didn't Billy Connolly say that the definition of an academic was someone who could listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger!!

Someone did, I've no idea if it was BC.

You'd also have to be of a certain age to be trying to avoid singing Flanders and Swanns words to the finale of Mozart's Horn Concerto in E flat major.

I once had a whim and I had to obey it
To buy a French Horn in a second-hand shop;
I polished it up and I started to play it
In spite of the neighbours who begged me to stop...

Mange tout, Von Duck. Je suis positive one means salmon paté. Preferred with a squeeze of lemon. 

As an alternative, salmon and scrambled eggs hits the same spot but would still drop through the holes. 

Tout Le monde. 

Ah, Salmon Moose thee naws? Lemon...…. and some Parsley? That there smoky salmon, with a good amalgam of scrambled, could be used as a bung for said artisan cavities.  

More room to fill with butter mmmm.......

Tempting!

It’s good stuff 

'tis the beginning of the slippery slope, youi mark my words.

Brunch?

I'm sure you could slot one in somewhere ?

Careful you don't rear end it. 

Even our own enjoyment getting replaced with AI

Or half a pound of sausages gently sizzling

No doubt a recording of the Horrocksford male voice choir's version of the Rolling Stone's classic 'Paint it black' which includes the infamous line, 

 'I see a Pannier and I want it painted black' 

Fenton!

Well if you must use XC’s mobile passenger obstruction aka trolley service....think on the uncivilised perils of a journey from Penzance to Aberdeen on a 220/221. 

Time we perhaps considered creature comfort on our railway and declined to follow the herding instinct.RyanTrain anyone?

Some people are never satisfied.

Wot, worse than MaxPax?

In the Name of Artf?

I Flinck so ?

I'm reporting you lot for being insane.

Sounds as though someone is stirring up a storm again.

I will ensure my well being by remaining hidden in the wardrobe until such times as further information is released.

Worplesdon.

Bless ewe!

Blissful ignorance is often the best way......

That's a very positive statement from a guy who can usually neither confirm nor deny anything!

Free feel to send one over with an Owl to Brinkly towers! 

You are just a little tease, CK!

Is that the same as defrocking a scoundrel?

Diesel of the month? I'm not sure about that one.

"Overhead electrics (sparks will fly - guaranteed)"? OK - perhaps not.

Otherwise, I suspect that something hot and steamy might appeal more to a certain clientele ... .

What have I started? (head in hands).

Sorry about that, Tim.

That "dirty diesels" malarkey sounds seriously dodgy.

I happily admit to liking Diesels and electrics - but I've always preferred them clean (and models in factory finish). Somehow, though, I suspect that a handful of models might be about to end up getting "chopped" ... .