The Big Dollop

Don't Try This At Home

2012-01-29T02:21:00.002Z

In all sincerity folks - for all my bluster I'd be very reticent to try any of these activities, unless you have some kind of death wish I would recommend that you do the same .

H/T Shambles Manor

Australia Day 2012

2012-01-25T20:42:00.002Z

From time to time the Big Dollop lets his curiosity get the better of him and has occasion to check out his "Stat Porn" figures - more in order to see where my visitors are from rather than the actual numbers clicking onto my homepage.

Happy Australia Day

It is unsurprising to me that the majority of those visitors are from the UK, followed by the United States, Canada and Australia, therefore I would beg your indulgence for a moment and signal out those from the land of OZ who tomorrow the 26th of January will celebrate the establishment of the first settlement at Port Jackson in 1788, (now part of Sydney) in what is now known as Australia Day.

To the dozen or so very regular readers of my humble blog who hail from down under please accept my sincere wish for you to have a happy and peaceful holiday - go on throw a few steaks on the Barbee and enjoy the delights of a few tinneys.

Happy Australia Day Folks.

Celebrating The Life & Times of Scotlands National Bard - Robert Burns

2012-01-25T19:23:00.004Z

Today being the 25th of January, Scottish people the world over will be sitting down to a traditional Burns supper of Tatties, Haggis and Neeps in order to commemorate the life and times of Scotland’s national bard – Robert Burns who was born in Alloway 253 years ago - I don't see why I should be any different - Happy Birthday Rabbie

A Man's a Man For a' That

By Brother Robert Burns

Is there for honest poverty
That hings his head, an' a' that?
The coward slave, we pass him by -
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure, an' a' that,
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The man's the gowd for a' that.

Wear hoddin grey, an' a' that?
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine -
A man's a man for a' that.
For a that, an' a' that,
Their tinsel show, an' a' that,
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that.

Ye see yon birkie ca'd 'a lord',
Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that?
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a cuif for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
His ribband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind,
He looks an' laughs at a' that.

A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that!
But an honest man's aboon his might -
Guid faith, he mauna fa' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their dignities, an' a' that,
The pith o' sense an' pride o' worth
Are higher rank than a' that.

Then let us pray that come it may
(As come it will for a' that)
That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth
Shall bear the gree an' a' that!
For a' that, an a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That man to man the world o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that.

Another Faux Pas Mr Santorum

2012-01-24T20:54:00.006Z

Now living in the United States,The Big Dollop can’t but help himself from publishing various posts on the race for the Republican Nomination for the Presidential election which is to be held in early November.

To the casual reader of my humble blog it might appear that The Big Dollop may have an axe to grind with the candidates seeking the Republican Nomination – had the shoe been on the other foot and Mr McCain had won the 2008 election there is every possibility my critique would have been focused on democratic candidates instead.

Another Faux Pas Mr Santorum

The subject of this particular post is the former Senator for Pennsylvania - Rick Santorum who at a town hall gathering in Florida failed to admonish a constituent who told him that President Obama was “an avowed Muslim” and is not a “legal” President in a manner which her denunciations of Obama’s legitimacy to the Presidency were not only in poor taste, but in actuality - totally erroneous.

In the interests of regularity I must state for the record I have no problem with anyone having fundamental differences of opinion on policy as exercised by the Obama administration, however when someone expresses an opinion that Mr. Obama has no right to call himself the President because of his supposed religion or that he is somehow constitutionally disqualified, by staying silent on the matter Senator Santorum is guilty by association, he should have stepped in and called the lady out on her jaundiced point of view.

Having criticised his fellow "contender" Mitt Romney as an individual as:

“Someone who supports lies and promotes lies and stands behind those lies in order to get elected president.”

Senator Santorum was hypocritical in standing behind the lies of this badly informed constituent.

Jon Stewart - America's Voice of Reason

2012-01-24T17:43:00.003Z

The Big Dollop had the good fortune to come across this excellent synopsis of the CNN Presidential Republican debate which was held in South Carolina over the course of the weekend - a debate where front runner Newt Gingrich turned the tables on the Moderator John King after King had the audacity to ask him about a claim by his second wife that he had asked her for an open marriage.

Its a crying shame Americans have got to depend on comedian Jon Stewart to call out former Speaker Gingrich on his hypocrisy given that he and his colleagues in the Republican party are so pan loafed when it comes to the promotion so called family values in American Society - enjoy the video - it is as amusing as it is accurate.

Local Politics In Ohio - Different Class

2012-01-24T13:25:00.000Z

The Big Dollop had the good fortune to come across this video on you tube which I just had to share with the small but loyal band of denizens who grace the pages of my humble blog on a regular basis.

It features a wannabe politician who I must concede has a passion for politics which is sadly lacking in, shall we say - more venerable Senators and Congressmen in the US or for that matter, many MP’s in the UK.

The subject of the video is a guy by the name of Phil Davison who was running for the position of Treasurer in Stark County in the Great State of Ohio.

I just get the impression he must have spent more than a few hours in front of his wardrobe mirror practicing his presentation, unfortunately he comes across as being very much akin to a raving lunatic, his rhetoric as shown in this video simply has to be the best from a politician of any hue that I have ever watched on a video published on You Tube - it is simply hilarious.

For the record - he didn’t win the nomination – more the pity.

The News Headlines (Australian Style)

2012-01-23T02:31:00.001Z

Having recently published a post featuring a rather unfortunate front page of a newspaper in N.Ireland I thought it might be a wee while before I came across something in a similar vein little did I realise that another top notch publication would come to my attention so soon afterwards - this time, courtesy of a friend in Australia.

Australian News Headlines.. LOL

An Unintended Faux Pas By The Belfast Telegraph

2012-01-20T20:34:00.001Z

Surely I am not the only one who thinks the good people at the Belfast Telegraph have made one almighty Faux Pas with their front page publication featuring an article about the cruise liner Costa Concordia which recently ran aground of the coast of Italy.

Firuta Vasile - Working The System

2012-01-17T18:27:00.007Z

Anyone who has read The Big Dollop blog with any degree of regularity will only be too well aware of my opinion on the immigration policies of successive UK Governments during the course of the last 30 years or so.

I have tried to engender my opinion on the rationale of highlighting the ineptitude of HM’s Government(s) given that they have been hogtied by legislation enacted by the European courts, therefore I would like to apologise in advance if the subject of this post comes across as being somewhat Xenophobic - I can assure my readership that is not my intention, let me explain further.

What chance do we have as a country to properly address the dire economic situation when we have people like Romanian Mother-of-four - 27 year old Firuta Vasile.

Working The System ? You Bet !

In order to better her lot, Ms. Vasile came to this country in 2007 and found herself a job selling the Big Issue – a job which according to a tribunal allows her to claim a self-employment status and as such, housing benefit which could potentially cost the UK taxpayer some £20,800 a year.

It is incredible that a foreign national can come to the UK and find herself a part time job selling the Big Issue earning at most £50 a week and then go on and fleece the taxpayer for a small fortune, if ever an individual case sums up the unbelievable scale of the problem the UK faces as a result of continued membership of the EU - it is this one.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Ms Vasile is already in receipt of £326 each week in tax credits, £60.50 in child benefits, £49.30 in disability living allowance and £55.50 a week in carers allowance, this decision now means she will have a further payment of £160 for housing benefit on a weekly basis – not too bad for standing on a street corner selling the Big Issue for 20 hours a week.

No wonder people in this country are angry when we have a situation like the one I have described above.

I am not being Xenophobic in my assertion that Ms. Vasile is fleecing the country/ UK Taxpayer for a small fortune, as I said above that was never my intention - no my ire is directed at the inflexibility of HM’s Government who like their predecessors in office are totally indifferent to public opinion in allowing this to happen.

In all sincerity this present lot of shysters need to get the collective finger out of their arse's and give the people of the UK a referendum on the merits (or otherwise) of continued membership of the EU – the sooner the better.

Polish Bus Drivers In London - Seriously !

2012-01-15T03:43:00.009Z

The Big Dollop has from time to time published his tuppence-worth of opinion (see tags) on the manner in which certain ministers serving in HM’s Coalition Government have espoused their rhetoric concerning the desire of people unlucky enough to find themselves signing on at the Labour exchange (often through no fault of their own) in their quest to find gainful employment.

A British Icon - The London Routemaster

Playing to the selfish among society, the unemployed have been labeled as nothing but a burden on that great moral guardian of UK society – the Tax Payer, someone to be pointed out as a major reason as to why the country as a whole is going down the tubes with ministers and employers alike branding any UK Citizen unlucky to find themselves out of work as being lazy and feckless.

Throughout the time I have been blogging, it has cheesed me off that the powers at be have done absolutely nothing in a practical sense to alleviate the hopes and aspirations the genuine jobseeker from attaining a position of employment often writing him off in favour of some Johnny Foreigner who is supposed to have some sort of superior work ethic.

Take the case of Abellio, a subsidiary of the Dutch state rail operator, who recently held a recruitment drive in Poland where they advertised driving positions paying £10.60 an hour for the first two years after which the hourly rate will then increase to £11.50, unsurprisingly they went on to hire 51 drivers and in order to justify their employment policy - claimed they could not find any Suitable British Candidates to work on bus routes in central and South West London

With 2.6 million people signing on in the UK, Abellio are being disingenuous IMHO, to say they can not find 51 drivers of British heritage to drive their God Damn buses – by "Suitable British Candidates" - I think they mean people accepting a wage rate way below that necessary to meet the real cost of living in in a city like London.

Back in October of 2011 The Big Dollop posted his opinion on the merits of a proposal of the Coalition Government in relation to the unemployed moving from one part of the UK to another in order to find suitable employment – what chance do they have when the company running the bus service in the UK's capital city prefer to hold a recruitment drive in Poland to look for employees, honestly folks you couldn’t make it up .

Another Brilliant TV Commercial Currently Being Broadcast on American Television

2012-01-13T14:06:00.001Z

From time to time I have published various commercial television adverts currently being broadcast on American television, adverts which have appealed to my sense of well being.

The latest of which features a menagerie of animals advertising the merits of the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid entitled unsurprisingly "Eyes" - enjoy the video, its simply superb.

Hyundai's "Eyes" Television Commercial

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2012-01-09T17:01:00.001Z

And Ain't It The Truth

Rick Santorum - Blah Blah Blah

2012-01-09T15:17:00.004Z

Now living in the United States, the Big Dollop has an opportunity to witness first - hand the wall to wall coverage of the process for the Republican Party nomination for this year’s Presidential Election which is due to be held in early November.

In the interests of regularity I have to state that of all the candidates seeking the Republican nomination only Ron Paul would be likely to attain my endorsement, however as a permanent resident I am not eligible to cast a vote in the ballot in the state where I reside.

That notwithstanding I would like to bring to the attention of my merry band of denizens a small but very significant faux pas made by one of the front runners for the nomination – Ex Senator Rick Santorum - a faux pas which you can hear for yourselves in the following video.

A Freudiant Slip of The Tongue?- You Bet !

Granted at 53 years of age, the Big Dollop’s capacity for hearing is not as good as it was in years past, but I could have sworn Senator Santorum said in the video he didn't want to make black people's lives better by giving them somebody else's money.

Way to go there Rick!

If ever a presidential hopeful shot himself in the foot in a political sense it was Senator Santorum, indeed if he was ever fortunate enough to secure the Republican Nomination he wouldn’t have *a snowballs chance in hell of attracting the vote of the average African American in November’s Presidential election.

In what can only be described as a damage limitation exercise Senator Santorum vehemently maintained that people simply misheard the word "black" when he stumbled on a word:

"I looked at that, and I didn't say that. If you look at it, what I started to say is a word and then sort of changed and it sort of — blah — came out - people said I said 'black.' I didn't," said Senator Santorum.

Sorry Senator, but that is one piss poor excuse in my humble opinion, whether or not you said the word "Black" is totally irrelevant, the perception of those in American society of African heritage is that you did!

Your inappropriate comment on “blah” people is one which will ultimately have a negative impact on your desire to serve as POTUS - like Howard (the scream) Dean you blew it sir with a Freudiant slip of the tongue at a time you were looking good in the polls.

* I think it is only fair to point out that regardless of who wins the Republican Nomination for the Presidential Election - the vast majority of African Americans will vote for the incumbent in the white house - such are the demographics of American politics nowadays.

Tayside Police - Defending The Indefensible

2012-01-09T02:52:00.010Z

Previously within the pages of my humble blog I have highlighted what I have considered to be an abuse of the law by certain individuals in relation to adhering to the national speed limits whilst acting within their remit as part of the emergency services.

Tayside Traffic Plod

Today I would like to bring to your attention another instance of the duplicity which the authorities are using to try and justify the indefensible actions of a traffic police officer who was caught by a speed camera travelling along the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen at an incredible speed of 149 mph.

In a crude attempt to sugarcoat the situation somewhat a spokesman for Tayside Police said an inquiry is being held, but that no action has been taken against the driver at this time adding:

“There can be an entire range of reasons why officers might find it necessary to exceed the speed limit - In such instances, officers are expected to exercise all necessary care and their training emphasises the importance of being able to do so safely.”

All very laudable I suppose, however in this instance the police officer caught on camera speeding at 149 mph was on his way to deal with a broken-down caravan blocking a single lane near Brae of Pert, Brechin, Angus, a situation which IMHO, fails to pass a reasonable evaluation of common sense on the part of a police officer supposedly exercising caution in the discharge of his duty.

To quote the spokesman for Tayside police again:

“There can be an entire range of reasons why officers might find it necessary to exceed the speed limit”.

Seriously Sir - are you really advocating that attending to a broken down caravan is a justifiable excuse for one of your police officers to race along the A90 at twice the speed limit

There are so many variables which a driver has no control over, all it takes is a dog, fox or deer to stray into his path, regardless of how much training he has underwent, the stopping distance remains the same.

Any motorist can be be momentarily distracted for an accident to happen - yet a spokesman for Tayside Police is trying to say that driving at 149 mph on the A90 can be done safely by trained police officers - are you having a laugh Sir?

In January of 2009 the Big Dollop had occasion to commend the then chief constable of the Tayside police force for his candour after he was caught speeding on the A9, apparently his successor in office doesn’t hold herself or her police force to the same high standards.

The Best Laugh I Have Had This Year

2012-01-03T20:48:00.003Z

Today being the first working day of 2012 for much of my readership - I would like to beg your indulgence and ask you to view the following video in the hope you will find it as amusing as I did - as idiocy goes - the individual featured in the video takes some beating.

Enjoy the video - I sure did.

Please Do Not Try This At Home

The Most Popular Christmas Present In The USA

2012-01-03T04:55:00.004Z

Mrs. Big Dollop, like tens of thousands of other women the world over was absolutely delighted to find that Santa Dollop had had the good sense to leave a Kindle lovingly wrapped up under the Christmas Tree for his good lady wife to open on Christmas morning.

In today’s electronic society it is not beyond the realms of incongruity to say millions of Kindle E Readers were probably given as presents to loved ones this Christmas, what did surprise the Big Dollop however was an article in various American Media outlets which reported that in the seven days prior to Christmas over 1,534,414 background reports were filed with the FBI in relation to the sale of firearms.

Speaking with colleagues of Mrs. BD about the merits of the second amendment I was dumbfounded to find out not only had they concealed firearm licenses - but were “carrying” and did so in a nonchalant manner akin to that I would relate to having my mobile phone on my possession.

I can readily understand the number of Kindles sold and placed under Christmas trees all over the USA – the sale of 1.5 million guns in the week before Christmas is just plain bonkers in my humble opinion, but then again what does a daft Scotsman like me know about the American psyche.

New Year Fireworks

2012-01-01T19:46:00.003Z

A pictorial view of the manner in which the New Year was celebrated can be viewed below with the cities of Sydney, Hong Kong Tokyo, Dubai, Edinburgh, London, Rio De Janiero and New York among those featured.

New Year Celebrations - Awesome

A Guid New Year Tae Yin An Aw

2011-12-31T23:11:00.003Z

The Big Dollop would just like to take a moment to express his sincere hope that the readers of my humble blog will have a happy, healthy uncomplicated and prosperous 2012 - A Guid New Year tae yin an' aw.

Michelle Bachmann Is No Margaret Thatcher !

2011-12-29T05:50:00.011Z

Previously within the pages of my humble blog I have published my opinion on the problematical virtues of one Margaret Thatcher – who served as Prime Minister of HM’s Government from May 1979 till November of 1990 when she was abruptly forced to resign from office after she lost the confidence of her own cabinet.

Although it is a matter of public record that she merited my respect as a no nonsense conviction politician, her tenure as PM was one in which she was nothing more than an anathema to my own way of thinking, therefore let me beg your indulgence if it appears that I have had a Road to Damascus experience when I move to defend her reputation as a conviction politician.

Let me Explain.

By way of relaxation I like to spend my evenings watching what passes for political discourse on television here in America – as you can only too well imagine the television networks here are in full 2012 Presidential Election mode with the emphasis for now on who is the best candidate seeking the Republican Nomination in the up and coming Iowa State caucus.

America's Iron Lady? - Not hardly

Tonight whilst watching Hannity on Fox News I was listening to an interview with Michelle Bachmann who in all sincerity compared herself to Mrs. Thatcher by stating:

“I want to be America's Margaret Thatcher,” “I want to be America's Iron Lady.”

Talk about being delusional?

It is incredible that ~~this Stepford wife~~ Mrs Bachmann actually compared herself to Lady “T” with a straight face, in all sincerity if there is a more intellectually bankrupt statement from Mrs. Bachmann before she inevitably withdraws her candidature, I will personally donate $100 to the campaign of candidate who eventually does secure the Republican Nomination.

Sorry Mrs. Bachmann but any expectation on your part of being taken seriously as a conviction politician in the mold of Mrs. Thatcher is one which will have people openly laughing at you if you continue to proclaim it in the public domain, let me be kind to you - you simply don’t have her gravitas - Put it this way Michelle - if you had said "I want to be Scandinavia's Nelson Mandela" I might have taken you more seriously, got it yet ?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's 2011 Christmas Day Speech To The People of The UK And The Commonwealth

2011-12-25T18:58:00.001Z

It has long been the tradition of The Big Dollop to publish Her Majesty - Queen Elizabeth's Christmas day speech to her subjects, not only here in the UK but to the Commonwealth as a whole - this year is no exception.

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If anyone is offended in any way by the content of the video above - like I have advocated in previous years - I would cordially invite you to take a running jump to yourself.

God Safe The Queen.

Santa Has Not Got A Leg To Stand On - Guilty As Charged.

2011-12-25T05:01:00.001Z

This cartoon is very much in the mold of the politically correct satire which appeals to my wicked sense of humour.

No Chance of Plausible Deniability Santa ?

Having heard Santa express the exact same line on many an occasion for myself - he clearly hasn't got a hope in hell of ever denying his innocence when questioned by a determined lawyer in a manner, as featured in the cartoon above.

One Amazing Touchdown

2011-12-25T04:27:00.001Z

Regular readers of my humble blog will only be too aware that for the second half of 2011 The Big Dollop has been living in the United States of America during which time I have formed an attachment for the aspirations of the Cincinnati Reds (Baseball) and the Cincinnati Bengals. (American Football)

Today (Christmas Eve) the Bengals kept their wild card hopes alive with a comprehensive 23 - 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals during which an amazing touchdown was scored by their wide receiver Jerome Simpson - a touchdown which simply has to be seen to be believed - enjoy the video.

Christmas Greetings From The Big Dollop

2011-12-25T00:18:00.002Z

The Big Dollop would like to take this opportunity to wish the readers of my humble blog a Merry (Stress Free) Christmas and express my hope that 2012 will be a year of peace and contentment for each and every one of you guys.

Merry Christmas From Mr & Mrs Big Dollop

A Google Gimmick - Let It Snow

2011-12-23T06:31:00.006Z

Now that Christmas day is almost upon us I would like to bring the attention to my small but regular band of visitors an interesting aspect of Googling the term " Let It Snow".

By doing so you will see a snow fall effect on your screen with a difference - your screen will mist up much in the manner your windscreen in the car does - you can then use your mouse to wipe the screen clean or use the blue "defrost" button to clear your screen completely - Try it yourself if you don't believe me.

When Lady Luck Shines - Thank Your Lucky Stars

2011-12-23T04:03:00.000Z

The Luckiest Driver In America

UK Law Inadvertently Sanctions Honour Killings

2011-12-22T01:31:00.012Z

The Big Dollop has from time to time published his humble opinion on the irrefutable fact that the country as a whole is slowly sinking into an indecorous malaise brought about by the impact of uncontrolled immigration policies of HM’s Government during the course of the last 30 years or so.

A situation now prevails within certain sections of UK society whereby anyone who happens to be of Anglo Saxon ancestry is looked upon with a certain degree of circumspection if he opines anything of a negative nature concerning a person from either Eastern Europe or someone who happens to follow the religion of Islam.

Source

For anyone who may hold a differing opinion from the one I espouse above, I would ask you give some consideration to my thoughts on a situation whereby a baby born (out of wedlock) to a Muslim woman has been put up for adoption as a result of a custody battle brought before the Court of Appeal because there was a chance its Maternal Grand-Father would feel duty bound to kill it and its mother in order to satisfy a warped sense of humiliation heaped upon the family in what is commonly sanitised in the media as an "Honour Killing".

If ever an example exemplified the impact uncontrolled immigration has wrought on the UK it is surely this one - it is inconceivable that a British court could come to this crazy decision based on what the indignant feelings of a Grand Father who happens to have a warped interpretation of the teachings of the Quran might be.

We are constantly told the "child’s interests" are paramount in any case involving custody battles, the child’s father was quite willing to take on the responsibility of rearing this child - yet those in authority chose to deny him and rule that the child be adopted for reasons which simply defy any degree of lucidity in what is supposed to be a country with a judicial system the envy of the world.

I really have no desire whatsoever to impugn the sacred and indissoluble attachment of anyone who is devout in the religious persuasion of their choice; however there is something fundamentally wrong with a religion which gives carte blanche to a follower to kill someone in the name of honour simply because their feelings are hurt.

Incredibly three judges have inadvertently condoned that warped logic by their inexcusable decision to rule that this child be adopted, less some radical Islamist might take matters into his own hands and there was I thinking threatening to kill someone was against the law!

Getting It off Your Chest - American Style

2011-12-21T18:14:00.003Z

Living in the USA as I now do, I have been the recipient of a few "robocalls" from the Newt Gingrich super- pac looking for an endorsement for his candidature for the Republican nomination for next years presidential election - coming as they have at around 8 am it could be said I have been less than impressed with the former speaker in his desire to be the nominee.

Getting It Off Your Chest - American Style

Being a green card holder, I now have every right to express myself in a manner which is commensurate with the millions of American citizens who inhabit this great country - it has to be said that they often do so - more often than not in terms which leave no misunderstanding to those on the receiving end of their ire.

Take the gentleman featured in the video above - he must be as pissed off with the "robocalls" as I am - on shaking hands with the man himself he was quoted as saying F**k you - you're an asshole .. God bless the 1st amendment .. lol

An Unusual Race At Kempton Park Race Course

2011-12-21T17:52:00.005Z

Whilst watching the evening news on local television here in Cincinnati I was somewhat amused to see an item broadcast which brought a smile to the face of the Big Dollop – it featured a Reindeer race which I presume was held sometime during the course of this week at Kempton Park race course.

Santa's Sweepstake

After a confused start to the race Santa’s Reindeer - Dasha, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, proceeded to run a competitive race which was subsequently won by Dasha.

Interestingly two Reindeer were missing from the line up- no prizes for noticing Rudolph was missing, however can any of my small but merry band of denizens tell the name of the tenth Reindeer - I will be very surprised if you can .

If no one can guess the name of the missing Reindeer - I will on Christmas morning.

Update Christmas Day: The name of the tenth Reindeer is Olive .. as in "all of" the other Reindeer.. lol

Lest We Forget - Lockerbie - Pan Am 103

2011-12-21T16:54:00.002Z

In Memoriam - Pan Am Flight 103

Lockerbie - 21st December 1988

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-12-19T17:23:00.005Z

This photograph exemplifies the true meaning of the Monday Morning Anecdote in a manner which would even make sense to a blind man.

A Wonderful Tribute To All Those Serving In HM's Military

2011-12-19T16:47:00.001Z

If there is any justice in the world - this beautiful song will be the Christmas No 1 in the UK.

York City Council, Female Genitalia & The Star of Bethlehem

2011-12-16T19:01:00.008Z

The Big Dollop has a question for those of you who frequent my humble blog with any degree of regularity - Why is it every year about this time we hear about some retard(s) who take it upon themselves(s) to foster a politically correct outlook on an activity which the majority of people participating in / are concerned with / or just plain watching would not have given it a second thought had it not been brought to their attention in the first place.

The Star of Bethlehem

Step forward the people running the Sure Star Centre in Acomb York - an august body who in their wisdom have banned young children from holding their hands above their heads in the shape of a diamond whilst singing twinkle twinkle little star as (they ascertain) the sign could be mistaken for a part of the female atomy - talk about political correctness gone mad.

It is inconceivable that anyone except those who have a good understanding of sign language would have any idea of the connotations associated with the sign for the female genitalia and that of young children using a similar sign to depict the Star of Bethlehem.

For some ~~hack~~ spokesman from York City Council to seriously try and justify their fucked up logic as being: “a sensible decision taken to prevent deaf children or deaf parents being offended by the use of the gesture” is one which simply defies any concept of what passes for common sense in my book.

Children using their hands to make a diamond sign whilst singing twinkle twinkle little star at a nativity play are not going to offend anyone - deaf people are deaf - not stupid!

Seriously Folks !

Yule Tide Hedge Hogs

2011-12-15T20:12:00.003Z

The Big Dollop came across this rather charming video which someone has spent a fair amount of time setting up, it features three interactive Hedgehogs in an ingenious video which is very amusing to watch.

A Great Wee Inter - Active Video

{HYST}

Click on the on screen options to fully appreciate the wonderful dexterities of three yuletide hedgehogs singing Christmas Carols (cough cough) – enjoy the video , I sure did.

Am I Mr Perfect ? Not Hardly !

2011-12-15T06:37:00.011Z

Being 52 years of age it could be said the Big Dollop is fairly set in his ways – a situation which as I have grown older I am perfectly at ease with.

Long gone are my nights out on the razzle, indeed being 52 years old, I am fairly content to spend my evenings in the company of my good lady wife doing nothing more than enjoying an odd bottle of beer whilst viewing which ever television program Mrs.BD has got her heart’s desire on watching.

I don’t profess for one moment to be the world’s greatest husband as my delightful wife will be only too willing to attest to, so you can only imagine my sense of glee to read in today’s Daily Mail an article which featured a report that in a poll conducted among 2000 women not one of them claimed to have the perfect man / husband.

Among many of the faults attributed to my fellow men were shortfalls in personal hygiene (not shaving) a propensity to watch too much sport on television – not flushing the toilet, underwear left lying on the floor, flatulence and so forth - small foibles which (cough cough) it has to be said, I have been guilty of doing so on the odd occasion.

It is something of a joke between us that she refers to me as her “crummy” husband, not because of any real ineptitude on my part – no, it’s because I have developed a wee habit of leaving bread crumbs on the kitchen worktop whilst making myself a sandwich to two – hardly a hanging offense in my book.

So whilst I have more than a few minor flaws in my character as a husband, it is heartening to know I am apparently not the only man in the world who has a good woman trying to keep him on the straight and narrow.

In spite of occasionally expressing a warped desire to strangle the living daylights out of me, I count my blessings every day that I have an appreciative woman who loves me for who I am and not who she wants me to be.

I Love You Mrs. BD

Another Wee Trick For My Humble Blog

2011-12-13T22:16:00.014Z

The Face Behind The Mask

OK folks please forgive me if I blow my own trumpet for a moment - experimenting with my HTML content I have somehow managed to place a photograph in the background of this particular post - a nice wee trick which should augment the aesthetic look of my humble blog on any such occasion I opt to use it.

The only drawback I can see is the need to possibly change the colour of the font if the photograph I use has a darkened hue - such are the imponderables associated with messing about with HTML code.

Now if only I could center the photograph.

Update 14th Dec: I had to cheat a little bit as you can now see, the photograph is now centered. (of sorts)

Who Said The BBC Don't Do Commercials?

2011-12-13T00:41:00.003Z

And there was I thinking the BBC didn't broadcast any commercials - this one is a beauty.

A Public Spirited Citizen Ejects A Juvenile Deliquent From an Edinburgh Train

2011-12-12T18:49:00.005Z

Having posted my Monday Morning Anecdote which featured a group of young teenagers who I quipped needed a good slap - imagine my surprise when I noticed this video published on my Facebook wall which shows one such delinquent receiving a no nonsense approach from a ticket inspector and a public spirited citizen who was obviously not in the mood for a Mexican stand off.

Public Spirited or Foolhardy?

I know I may not be politically correct but I earnestly hope the member of public who ejected the ~~bawbag with a serious attitude problem~~ young man from the train is not the subject of a future police investigation – it’s obvious from the spontaneous applause which broke out when he retook his seat that his actions were vindicated in the eyes of his fellow passengers.

Common Sense Advice For The Christmas Period

2011-12-12T16:08:00.004Z

Living as I now do in the USA, the Big Dollop is somewhat aggrieved to find himself in the position where I now have to pay for something which until very recently I took for granted - my healthcare.

Back in July of this year my significant other half (Mrs. BD) had the misfortune of falling down the stairs and in due process proceeded to break her arm – an accident which has cost us the best part of $1000 to fix.

It Is After All, A Public Service - WTF!

Like many of my fellow countrymen back in Scotland, I never gave my healthcare any serious consideration, if I ever had the misfortune to break my arm, I would just attend the A&E at my local hospital and in due course it would be fixed and off I would trot home with very little thought to the financial cost involved in my treatment.

Since moving to the USA I have come to truly realise that the NHS is a wonderful British institution which for all its “troubles” should serve as a blueprint for healthcare systems the world over. (Just my humble opinion)

The problem with the NHS as I see it, is the mindset of the people of the UK as to what its actual concept is – take the following video which is part of a community awareness initiative to educate the general public as to the problems affecting the staffing and budgetary concerns of many hospitals as far as it relates to treatment in accident and emergency units up and down the country – it sums up the mindset of some people in a manner which highlights one of many reasons why the NHS’s detractors are so quick to write it off as nothing more than a burden on the UK Tax Payer.

Have yourselves a safe and innocuous Christmas holiday season.

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-12-12T03:44:00.001Z

December being the month where the BBC hold their annual Children in Need appeal, I thought you guys might like my interpretation of what some children really need.

Littlewoods Christmas Video - Wrong On So Many Levels

2011-12-12T03:36:00.003Z

At the end of last month the Big Dollop published a heart warming video by John Lewis which featured a young boy who was supposedly looking forward to Christmas day in order to receive his Christmas presents – the actual message it conveyed was totally different in so far as it epitomised the true spirit of Christmas of “It is better to give than to receive”.

Today I would also like to share a video from one of their competitor’s – Littlewoods, a video which validates the rampant commercialisation of Christmas in a manner which does very little to dispel theory they are NOT trying to blackmail parents into purchasing expensive goods, thus putting themselves into serious debt.

Placing the scruples of the Littlewoods commercial aside for a moment - any young child unfortunate enough to see this advert will have their belief in Santa Claus severely diminished, for Littlewoods to highlight their Mothers as the ones buying their Christmas presents is something they deserve to be castigated for.

Although the Littlewoods Commercial does nothing to replicate the true spirit of Christmas as espoused in the John Lewis video, it does convey a message which will (for the wrong reasons) resonate with a fair percentage of the population.

Times being as hard as they are presently – there are parents out there who are teetering on the edge of a financial abyss - parents who may feel compelled to spend money they can ill afford in order to mollify their children’s feelings on Christmas morning - a position I would NOT like to find myself in any time soon.

Merry Christmas Littlewoods ? Bah Humbug..

Culture And Refinement - Canadian Style

2011-12-11T21:26:00.009Z

In the run up to Christmas (and beyond) it could be said that those of who live in the northern hemisphere are sometime sooner or later going to experience the "Winter Chills" regardless of where they actually come from.

Therefore by way of a public awareness initiative - it gives the Big Dollop great pleasure to present the following video which contains some sound advice on how to keep warm when the weather becomes rather inclement.

Recently the Calgary Philharmonic in Canada asked its fans to Tweet their tips for keeping warm in the winter weather, resulting in a fantastic performance of O Fortuna' which as well as being practical, brings a small modicum of culture and refinement to the Big Dollop blog.

Enjoy the Video – it’s pure class.

If Men Are From Mars - Women Must Come From Venus

2011-12-10T04:50:00.014Z

I have a question for my male readership – how many times have you been left shaking your head in sheer bewilderment at the outcome of a conversation with your good lady wife / partner which has veered totally off topic, more often than not, for the strangest of reasons - reasons which we men don’t have a snowballs chance in hell of ever understanding.

Although this happens regularly with my significant other half (Mrs. BD) I can honestly thank my lucky stars it never quite happened in the manner which is depicted in the video below – a video which features a television commercial currently being broadcast on American television – that notwithstanding - the look on the husband’s face at the end of it is one which my good lady wife is only too well familiar with.

Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus

Taking One For The Team

2011-12-09T22:17:00.005Z

No doubt the vast majority of my readership will have heard of the old idiom "Taking One For The Team" - playing American Football for Texas Longhorns, look at the young lineman featured in the photograph below, he takes that idiom to a whole new level ..

Taking One For The Team - Ouch!

A Rather Amusing Sense of Irony

2011-12-09T04:15:00.002Z

If anyone has the slightest doubt in the concept of serendipity, please have a look at the registration plate of the van featured in the photograph below – given the nature of the business of its owner - surely you can see the deeply ingrained sense of irony which caused me to publish it for your perusal - go on smile, it is after all rather amusing.

A New Look For The Big Dollop Blog

2011-12-09T02:38:00.009Z

My regular band of denizens will not have failed to have noticed I have changed the format and colour scheme of my humble blog - whether or not this change will have any sort of permanency is in the lap of the Gods.

If the truth be told, I only changed it in order to hopefully try and achieve an "Ascetically Pleasing Look" for my humble blog for the course of the festive season - who knows it might just grow on me - then again it may not - hence my assertion it is in the lap of the Gods - time will tell.

Hurricane Baw Bag Hits Scotland

2011-12-08T20:19:00.010Z

Due to the marvels of modern living, the Big Dollop can keep himself remarkably well informed on many aspects of Scottish society, with social networks like Facebook and Twitter I can also been kept up-to-date with the everyday worries and joys of my friends in real terms – a situation which would probably never have happened anytime in my early adulthood.

The Effects of Hurricane Baw Bag

Imagine my surprise on waking up this morning and on checking my Facebook account, finding out Scotland had been battered by gale force winds with trains, buses and so forth all being forced in to cancellation.

A post which was featured on my Facebook wall epitomises the Scottish Psyche in a manner which is typical of many of my friends back in Scotland.

GLASGOW HURRICANE "BAWBAG WARNING. ********** 1. "Ladies of the Glasgow area are warned NOT to cut aboot in jammie troosers & Ugg Boots . 2. Panic buying is being reported in shops , stock of Irn Bru , pot noodles and fag papers in severe shortage! ... 3. Edinburgh is on high alert as there will be a huge invasion of "Glasgows discarded crisp pokes" blown across by Bawbag. 4. At 7pm the storm will be downgraded to a " scrotum" 5. We can all do our bit to make it go away by sticking on our hoodies and bottle of buckie, standing on the street arms open wide , shouting "COME AHEAD YA BAM YE",

Going through the media outlets I was amused to find out the apparent hurricane conditions had been given a "pseudonym" much akin to the manner in which the USA names individual hurricanes on a regular basis - ie: Hurricane Ike and so forth.

According to reports, Scots have apparently got in on the act and have been tweeting on Hurricane Bawbag, which for my readers from out with Gods country - is a nickname relating to a part of the Male anatomy which in simple layman's terms means – Ball Bag, or to give it its proper name – Scrotum.

Given that the hash-tag # bawbag is presently trending on twitter, it amuses the Big Dollop no end that people the world over are apparently trawling the internet looking for a meaning behind the word bawbag.

Only in Scotland.

Seriously Folks - WTF !

2011-12-06T18:16:00.003Z

The Big Dollop had a “What The Fuck” (WTF) moment this morning when reading an article in today’s Daily Mail which reported four Somalian women who attacked another (white) women were handed down suspended sentences after they convinced the presiding judge that as Muslims - they were not used to the effects of alcohol - seriously folks – WTF !

Devout Muslims ? - Never In A Million Years

It is incredible that a member of the judiciary bought into this ludicrous excuse for their self evident thuggery - the fact that these individuals were apparently drunk when they carried out their vicious attack on a passerby is one which does not resonate AT ALL with the Big Dollop, this coupled with the notion their religious persuasion somehow mitigates their actions is one which just defies any reasonable concept of what should pass for justice here in the UK.

These four thugs were heard shouting “ Kill the White Slag” as she lay unconscious on the ground repeatedly kicking her in the head - yet some dickhead in a wig refuses to jail them for a religiously aggravated attack on another person going about their private avocations.

Surely I am not alone in expressing my thoughts on the piss poor sentence handed down on this particular issue – it is beyond belief to think that because they were not used to alcoholic drink and that they were Muslim they were somehow absolved from their actions.

The fact they had taken a drink before hand is irrelevant – this attack was provoked by racial hatred and as such they should have been banged up for the mandatory five year sentence which this kind of crime merits.

You can take it to the bank that if four drunk white girls had assaulted a Somalian - they would have been subject to a wee spell behind bars – guests of HM’s Prison service.

Seriously Folks .. WTF !

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-12-05T18:16:00.000Z

Seen in a bar in the Cincinnati area, this sign brought a wry smile to my face - so much so I wanted to share it with you guys as this week's Monday Morning Anecdote.

The Pot Calling The Kettle Black

2011-12-05T16:29:00.006Z

The Big Dollop had the occasion to read in the Scottish edition of the Sun an article which featured a report on a 47 year old American woman by the name of Theresa Riggi,who is presently banged up in Cornton vale woman's prison where she is currently serving a sentence of 16 years for the cold blooded murder of her three children.

Theresa Riggi - Evil Personified

Apparently the US consulate in Edinburgh have expressed reservations about Her Majesties Prison Service (HMP) commitment to her duty of care after it was reported she tried to top herself last month and have demanded that HMP service provide Riggi with extra protection after she was attacked at least twice by her fellow lags who by all accounts are desperate to enact their own concept of what passes for natural justice given the heinous nature of her crime.

The Big Dollop has no issues with the US consulate looking after the interests of one of its citizens, however two things about their request for extra protection have slightly rattled my cage.

First and foremost who is going to pay for any extra protection, the cost in purely financial terms will be astronomical to say the least and secondly - if Riggi had committed her crime in the USA it is fairly certain he would be languishing on death row awaiting a date with old sparky.

The old idiom of the pot calling the kettle black springs to mind.

Non Custodial Parents Deserve Better

2011-12-02T17:32:00.006Z

Published in this morning's Daily Mail was an article which touches on a subject previously covered within the pages of my humble blog – that being the thorny subject of child maintenance payments paid by so called "absent parents" as demanded by the Child Support Agency. (CSA)

The latest proposal to be laid on the table by the Coalition Government is one which I have to acknowledge is very much - a laudable pursuit – the mandatory deduction of regular maintenance payments from the weekly pay cheque of “genuinely” absent parents who would otherwise seek to renege on their responsibilities.

Where I have concerns with this proposal is that this Government along with previous ones have failed to make any distinction between absent and non custodial parents and are very happy to apply a policy where good and caring parents (normally fathers) are tarred with the same brush as the feckless minority, whom the powers should be chasing in order to pacify the worries of that paragon of virtue in the UK - the tax payer.

The Big Dollop is of the opinion that non custodial parents are by and large responsible, in so far as they are making regular maintenance payments to the mothers of their children and as such should be exempt from the stigma of being labeled "feckless" along with the embarrassment of having their wages garnished.

The CSA would be better respected if they were to do the job they were originally set up to do – ie: chasing dead beat dads who have numerous children by different women and don’t pay a penny in maintenance for their offspring.

Living in the USA as I now do, I have come across many men who have fathered children both within and outwith the institution of marriage, men who have been brought to task by the courts in order to address the situation of regular maintenance payments for their children – all of whom are striving to do so on a regular basis knowing full well if they decline to do so, a custodial sentence in the local jail will be a more than likely outcome for their indifference.

Perhaps the jailing of feckless fathers who refuse to do the right thing by their children might be a better policy for the UK to adopt - it works in the USA.

Non Custodial Parents (those who make regular payments) deserve better !

St Andrews Day

2011-11-30T20:54:00.004Z

The Big Dollop Wishes Yin an Aw

A Happy St Andrews Day

Odious and Reprehensible No Doubt – However She Does Have A Salient Point

2011-11-29T02:02:00.005Z

The Big Dollop came across this video which features a woman who obviously has some unresolved issues with people from out with the United Kingdom and the impact their presence within the country is affecting her outlook on British society.

The woman concerned has apparently been arrested and is presently undergoing some questioning by the police after her outrageous harangue was published on You Tube yesterday afternoon.

The reprehensible manner in which she addressed her fellow passengers will no doubt disgust a fair percentage of the Great British Public who have watched her invective outburst on the video, that notwithstanding her underlying message is one which partly resonates with the Big Dollop.

Now before anyone jumps down my throat and accuses me of xenophobia - I do not for one moment condone her disgraceful language in which she denigrated the heritage of a number of people who had the misfortune to be seated within hearing distance of her diatribe – she was bang out of order and no reasonable person could or should make allowances for her actions.

That said - it would be hypocritical of the Big Dollop if I were to try and distance myself from the underlying message she was trying to embody in her crude attempt to communicate with her fellow passengers – the simple fact being that anyone who has read my blog on a fairly consistent basis will see that I have stated on numerous occasions that uncontrolled immigration from the European Union (EU) is a major factor which is germane to the problems affecting the country as a whole.

It is undeniable that social, welfare and health services in the UK are being dragged down by the sheer number of people from the EU who have come here in search of a better life than that, they experience in their own countries.

It is also well documented that many employers in the UK are actively looking to people from the EU to take up positions on offer in the employment market - so I for one can readily understand why people like the woman featured in the video may feel vulnerable, especially if she is struggling to pay the bills on a weekly basis and sees job opportunities going amiss on a regular basis to people from out with the shores of the UK.

So whilst I am somewhat disgusted by the manner in which she chastised her fellow passengers on the train - her underlying message is one which resonates with me personally - uncontrolled mass immigration from people from within the European Union is dragging the country down, it’s just a shame she could not articulate herself in a more favorable manner.

A Thought Provoking Television Advert

2011-11-28T02:45:00.001Z

The Big Dollop is surely not alone in his thoughts that the amount of Christmas adverts being presently being broadcast on television is nothing short of the joke. (see previous post)

That notwithstanding - this television advert which is currently being broadcast in Scotland exemplifies the old idiom of "It is better to give than receive" in a manner which is somewhat thought provoking.

Enjoy the video - I did

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-11-28T02:41:00.004Z

Ok folks I cannot deny that I have been slightly negligent in the regular maintenance of my humble blog during the course of the last seven days or so, this was because I took the opportunity to to travel down to Gatlinburg in Tennessee for a winter break with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday season.

Therefore I would appeal to my small but regular band of denizens who grace my humble blog with their presence on a fairly consistent basis for understanding the reasoning behind my apparent lethargy and hope that the following Monday morning anecdote will be one which will resonate with you guys and perhaps bring a wry smile to your face.

India Has Talent - of Sorts

2011-11-21T19:17:00.001Z

From time to time the Big Dollop has featured some weird and wonderful acts which have been broadcast as part of the Britain's / America's Got Talent genre.

That said - the following video which comes from the Indian version of the same show is way out there in a league of its own - to say these performers are as weird as they come would be the understatement of the year - enjoy the video, its mind blowingly crazy.

Lauren Mellish - No Different Than Maxine Carr ?

2011-11-15T20:57:00.012Z

The Big Dollop happened to come across an article in the Daily Mail which attracted a fair amount of interest on my part, in so far as it touched upon a subject which I recently expressed my opinion on - that of a woman providing an alibi for their partner when faced with some serious investigations at the hands of the police.

Contemptible In The Extreme

Lauren Mellish Alex Dexter

A lady (I use the term lightly) by the name of Lauren Mellish was the recipient of a six month jail sentence after concocting a cover story to prevent her then boyfriend Alex Dexter from being ~~a person of interest~~ the prime suspect of a police investigation after he had ploughed in to a pedestrian whilst trying to attempt to overtake three cars whilst driving an uninsured car on a provisional license.

In spite of the fact they knocked down and tragically killed a pedestrian, Mellish and Dexter were only worried about the negative consequences they faced for not having the necessary accreditation for the car they were driving that day, their actions in the immediate aftermath of the (I loath to call it an) accident are contemptible and deserve nothing but the disparagement of Joe Public.

Indeed, Mellish can consider herself very fortunate that she is not held with the same degree of disdain as Maxine Carr who has been hounded by the UK media for doing the exact same thing with her then boyfriend - Ian Huntley.

In the interests of regularity I can assure my small but loyal band of readers that I am in not trying to conciliate the actions of Ms Carr for providing an alibi in a case which shocked the Great British Public back in August of 2002 (Read Here) - as Mellish has just proven there are gullible women (and men for that matter) who will do and say anything to get their partners out of “harms way” when faced with the prospect of incurring the attentions of the police.

For Mellish and Dexter to receive custodial sentence of six and fifteen months respectively is a sick joke in my humble opinion, surely I am not alone in that opinion.

Remembrance Day 11-11-11

2011-11-10T20:37:00.001Z

Lest We Forget

Published in honour of the Men and Women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of HM's Military forces in all conflicts during the course of the last 90 years or so - Lest We Forget.

Saying It Like It Is

2011-11-07T18:33:00.001Z

The global banking crisis explained in simple layman's terms - pure class

Trojan Pride - More Than A Motto

2011-11-07T15:06:00.011Z

During the course of the last 6 months or so the Big Dollop has been adapting himself to the American way of life – it has been an eye opener in many ways.

I now reside in the suburbs of Cincinnati in the great state of Ohio and consider myself to be very blessed indeed.

The Glen Este Trojans

As bad as the economy in the US is at present – I have been universally accepted at face value by each and every person with whom I have had pleasure of meeting and can honestly say hand on heart I have been touched by the warmth and sincerity of working class people who are facing the exact kind of difficulties my friends back in Scotland are facing on a weekly basis – that of paying the bills.

It is in that context that I wish to express my admiration for them on a collective basis, for their sense of community is one which I am sad to say was lacking in many parts of society back home.

Twice within the pages of my humble blog (Here & Here) I have posted my unbiased opinion (cough cough) on the merits of America’s finest football team – The Glen Este Trojans - in the interests of regularity I have to point out my 7 year old grandson plays for the Trojans.

This year the boys have played a wonderful brand of football in a style which has made them feared amongst their peers from other teams in their Conference.

They have improved with each game and grown in stature on a week by week basis, it has been a privilege watching them play football with a certain degree of aplomb - winning without any sign of condescension for their opponents and on the few occasions when they themselves have been beaten – their determination to excel and strive to better themselves as a team next time round.

Yesterday they got to the Conference Final but unfortunately succumbed to their opponents in an epic battle which came down to a Hail Mary pass on 4th down with seconds left on the clock – the proverbial kick in the bollocks and a horrible way for any team to lose a game.

Although it was heartbreaking to watch them lose the game in such a manner – these young boys have learned a lifelong message which will remain with them forever.

Fidelity, commitment to the cause and pride in their team have been subconsciously imparted to them, other virtues such as self respect and humility for others are laudable aptitudes which should stand them well as they become young men 10- 15 years down the line from now.

They now know that to excel in the pursuit of their goals in life they will have to work damn hard and apply themselves on a daily basis to attain them, no one is going to hand it to them on a plate.

Like the donkey in my previous post – the boys will have to shake it off and take the next step up – I have every confidence they will do so next year.

The 7 year old Glen Este Trojans have had a wonderful season which ended on a downer for everyone connected with the team.

For these young boys it is not the end of the world by any means, they may indeed be too young to fully comprehend the invaluable lessons being conferred upon them by a dedicated group of coaches who give up much of their free time to "effectively" invest in their future.

Mrs Big Dollop and I, having moved to the area fairly recently are so privileged to be part of the Glen Este Family – Trojan Pride is more than a motto – its character building.

Go Trojans.

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-11-07T13:32:00.000Z

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

When Times Are Tough - Shake it Off

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.

England & The Poppy - Wear It With Pride.

2011-11-05T13:23:00.004Z

The Big Dollop read an article in today’s English edition of The Sun which has rattled my cage - it featured an edict issued by the Governing Body in the world of football – FIFA who in a fit of pique have banned the England team from wearing the Poppy on their football shirts when they play a friendly match against the world champions - Spain at Wembley this time next week.

In my humble opinion the English FA should stand their ground on this issue and have the poppy adorn the Kit for this one game coming as it does during remembrance weekend.

For far too long the good people of the UK have had to defer to the sensitivities of others who have been offended by the right of the MAJORITY to honour those who have fought and died defending this country and its way of life during the course of the last 100 years or so.

The time has come to draw a line in the sand and say no more - FIFA and any other organisation for that matter, can go stick their heads up where the sun don’t shine - this is our country – it’s time to defend it from those who would seek to undermine its very foundations one bit at a time.

In the interests of regularity I would never criticise anyone for not wanting to wear a Poppy - that is their prerogative, after all we do after all live in a democracy – a democracy brought about by the sacrifice of millions of people who fought two world wars during the 20th century.

However don’t try and tell me I am somehow glorifying War by wearing mine - I choose to wear the poppy out of deference to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country and its way of life which (if we are all honest enough to admit) - we often take for granted.

The England Football team should wear the Poppy and if FIFA want to throw their toys out of the pram over it ? - so be it.

When Are The Tabloid Press Going To Let Holly And Jessica Rest In Peace

2011-10-31T16:23:00.018Z

Reported in various newspapers this morning was the news that Maxine Carr - the former girlfriend of Soham Murderer Ian Huntley has apparently given birth to her first child - news which comes eight years after she was convicted of perverting the course of justice for providing Huntley with a false alibi – a conviction for which she sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Her complicity in the Soham Murders certainly evoked a loathing within certain sections of UK society, so much so, the authorities in their wisdom granted her lifetime anonymity on her release from prison.

It is a matter of public record that Ms Carr played no part whatsoever in the actual discharge of the crime which shocked the UK to the core in the summer of 2002 - she was found guilty of providing a false alibi for Huntley - her then boyfriend at that time.

Ms Carr made a bad judgement call - she simply thought Huntley was incapable of perpetrating the cold blooded murder of two young girls in the Cambridgeshire town of Soham and as such has paid the price for her stupidity – Sure she was foolish to provide Huntley with a false alibi, however that does not cast her in the same mold as the Myra Hindley’s of this world.

Unfortunately for Ms Carr the tabloid press in the UK set out and continue to demonise her part in the vile murder of two little girls for no other reason than to to sell more newspapers, the downside of which is an incredible number of gullible people, who to this day believe she was somehow responsible in the commission of the Soham Murders and would personally take it upon themselves to inflict serious injury upon her person in the false notion they were somehow avenging a great injustice.

Maxine Carr to all intents and purposes is Dead - she died when she was released from prison and furnished with a new identity.

The news that she has just given birth is no ones business except that of herself and her husband - what offends me more is the fact it was reported at all, not because I care about Ms Carr’s welfare - I don’t ! - it offends me that the tabloid press are still trying to sell newspapers on the back of the sad demise of two ten year old girls killed in August of 2002 by a sadistic bastard by the name of Ian Huntley.

The only thing I ever want to read about this subject again is the news that Huntley is dead whether it be at his own hands or that some “worthy” in which ever prison he is incarcerated in has strangled the shit out of him, until then - I just wish they would let Holly and Jessica rest in peace - Bastards !

No One Is Above The Law - Even Miami Police Officers..

2011-10-31T14:40:00.001Z

The Big Dollop would like to take a moment and present something you could never imagine happening in a million years - the sight of one police officer chase down and arrest another police officer for driving offences for driving like a maniac at a speeds of up to 120 mph in his patrol car.

The female state trooper featured in the video is one mightily pissed off police officer whilst the errant Miami policeman just can't believe he is being sighted - he is just totally shocked at being pulled over ... awesome!

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-10-31T00:41:00.001Z

Preparation is a major part of any job (pardon my pun) at hand therefore we would all do well to remember that to accomplish our goals in life it might be prudent to have all the necessary resources in place before we start any project.

Halloween Glasgow Style

2011-10-29T20:35:00.009+01:00

A Typical Halloween in Glasgow!

In A Political Sense - Nothing Ever Changes

2011-10-29T20:09:00.001+01:00

On the day the clocks are turned back in the United Kingdom, I would like to present this rather amusing cartoon which was featured in today's daily Telegraph - it just oozes the political satire which appeals to my concept of the old idiom - Somethings Never Change.

God Works In Mysterious Ways

2011-10-27T15:52:00.001+01:00

The old cliché of “God Works in Mysterious Ways” is an idiom which will resonate with a goodly number of my small but loyal band of denizens who frequent my humble blog with any degree of regularity, bearing this in mind I thought I would share a story which I happened to come across when perusing some on line newspapers here in the USA which I read in the hope of gleaning some worthwhile articles of interest in which I can pass my two cents worth of opinion.

This morning I happened to come across a story featuring a 17 year old girl from the town of La Vergne in Tennessee who as part of a school project was given a Toy Baby to look after as part of a school project to give girls of her age a reality check in the "joys" of parenthood.

The toy baby was no ordinary toy as it had been programed to behave like a real newborn would, in so far as it acted in the mannerisms of a real child crying giving its "parent" an inkling of what was required when a baby wets its self or is hungry and in need of a feed.

The toy baby in question had started crying at 3:30am on the morning of the 24th of October thus waking up the 17 year old who to her horror found out the house was on fire and took the opportunity to raise the alarm and evacuate the house in a prompt manner.

It turns out the smoke alarms in the house were not working and if it had not been for the toy doll crying every one in the house would have probably succumbed to the inhalation of the dense smoke which was enveloping the house at that time – in all sincerity what were the chances of a toy doll crying and waking up its “ virtual mother” at such a crucial moment - hence my use of that old cliché - God Works In Mysterious Ways.

Another Classic Television Commercial

2011-10-24T05:44:00.001+01:00

The Big Dollop takes great pleasure in presenting another Television advertisement which will hopefully bring another wry smile to the small but loyal band of denizens who grace the pages of my humble blog with any degree of regularity.

This particular commercial is currently being broadcast on independent television in Scotland and features a wonderful dancing cow .... enjoy !

H/T to Mrs Successful

The Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-10-24T04:31:00.000+01:00

A Bullet In The Head - Gaddafi's Destiny

2011-10-21T17:15:00.000+01:00

Reported with much enthusiasm in numerous media outlets both in the UK and America has been the televised demise of Colonel Gaddafi, who was finally captured by rebels after taking refuge in a sewer drain as he tried to make his escape from his home town of Sirte after the convoy he was traveling in came under sustained firepower from Nato controlled aircraft.

According to the National Transitional Council (Libya’s new Government) Gaddafi apparently met his demise after being caught in crossfire which erupted after he was placed into an ambulance after being injured as a result of the air raid on his convoy. (aye right as we say here in Scotland)

Anyone watching the video of Gaddafi’s unedifying capture can only come to the conclusion that those who captured him sought to enact their own version of justice by beating him up and subsequently dispensing that justice by killing him by means of a bullet to the head, those assertions are beyond reasonable doubt to anyone with an open mind watching the video.

In the interests of regularity I am neither up nor down with the method in which Gaddafi met his demise, perhaps it was just his destiny that he died with the same degree of blood-lust that he himself dispensed on those who fell foul of his “will and pleasure” during his 42 year reign in power.

The demise of Colonel Gaddafi will be seen as a positive step in relation to making the “World a Safer Place” - time will tell if this synopsis is indeed correct – unfortunately from a UK point of view, the truth concerning the 1988 bombing of Pam Am flight 103 over the town of Lockerbie will probably never be known for sure - perhaps that’s why it might have been better he had not received a bullet to the head yesterday.

Margaret Curran - A Shadow Scottish Secretary With No Effective Remit !

2011-10-20T16:26:00.002+01:00

The Big Dollop read with much amusement a statement attributed to the Shadow Scottish Secretary - Margaret Curran where she stated her top priority would be addressing the scandal of youth unemployment in Scotland criticising both the SNP in Edinburgh and the Tory led Coalition Government in London for their handling of the economy.

The Shadow Scottish Secretary - Margaret Curran

Whilst I can agree that she may have some salient points on the policies being enacted by the Coalition, I cannot help but think she is somewhat delusional – being a Westminster based Member of Parliament she will just have to face up to the fact it will be a long, long time before she or her colleagues in the Labour Party will ever be in a position of power and accept the realisation (for now) her thoughts and opinions on youth unemployment in Scotland hold no more water in terms of authority than that of those espoused by humble bloggers like myself.

Unless Labour are re-elected, her position as Shadow Scottish Secretary holds no sway, she has no effective remit to legislate on the veracity of the employment matters as they relate to Scottish Society – like many politicians sitting on the opposition benches she is too busy playing politics rather than working across party lines to ensure the problem of unemployment in Scotland is addressed in a manner which could be seen at the very least as being in the best interests of those she professes to champion.

If Ms Curran is really serious in her assertion that youth unemployment is her top priority then she should be prepared to work with everyone to attain that goal – even if it means dealing with her so called political adversaries in the SNP government in Edinburgh.

However going by her critique of the SNP as reported in the news article I won’t be holding my breath on her crossing the political aisle anytime soon.

Mad or What ?

2011-10-19T21:51:00.004+01:00

Sent to me by a friend in Spain this video which was filmed in Benidorm - it features three larger than life individuals for whom it has to be said - indulge themselves in pursuit of a very interesting hobby - base jumping.

Rather them than me ..

Please Note: This video has language of a colloquial nature in parts.

Royal Wootton Bassett - Ever Faithful

2011-10-17T15:50:00.002+01:00

Frequently within the pages of my humble blog I have posted my thoughts and opinions on the unassuming dignity as exemplified by the good people of Wootton Bassett when ever any of our fallen military personnel have been repatriated to the UK.

Yesterday in recognition of that unassuming dignity, the town of Wootton Bassett was formally granted Royal assent when Princess Anne presented the town with the new Royal Seal.

Thank you to everyone connected with Royal Wootton Bassett - ever faithful.

Halloween's Downside !

2011-10-17T06:05:00.001+01:00

Placing aside the fact that Halloween is just around the corner- this photograph just goes to prove some people are unfit to own a dog - never mind become a parent .. lol

The Big Dollop's Monday Morning Anecdote

2011-10-17T03:25:00.001+01:00

This time last week I published a wee anecdote for you to reflect upon in the hope that it would some how bring a wry smile to you on what was - just another manic Monday, today I publish another pearl of wisdom in a manner which I hope you will find to be both profound and amusing.

Another Flawed Policy Proposal By HM's Government

2011-10-16T05:42:00.010+01:00

The Big Dollop makes no apology for returning to a subject previously covered within the pages of my humble blog – that of the Coalition Government's intention to introduce a policy whereby people who may because of circumstances outwith their control find themselves unemployed and as such, expected to move from one side of the country to another in order to take up an offer of gainful employment .

The Coalition’s policy of trying to facilitate conditions whereby the unemployed are to be offered social housing as part of a re - location strategy to other area’s of the country is fundamentally flawed in my humble opinion.

As part of the “spin” engendered by the Coalition in order to sell this proposal as being viable, the housing minister Grant Shapps has tried to point out that if people from the Former Eastern Bloc (FEB) countries can move across Europe in order to find a job then British people should be willing to do the same, however Mr Shapps is being slightly opaque when trying to make that particular comparison.

There is a vast difference when perhaps 10 Slovaks decide to rent a house in a particular town and that of an unemployed man with a wife and two kids in the same position, so whilst Mr Shapps is correct in his assertion that people from the (FEB) are prepared to up sticks to find a job – he does not tell the full story that these people are splitting the costs and are quite literally living in Digs – something a man with a family would not even entertain – hence my reason for pouring further scorn on this particular proposal.

No You're Not Telling Me "WHAT" At All ... LOL

2011-10-14T18:48:00.002+01:00

Back in September I published a post about Traffic Wardens in Edinburgh which didn’t seem to ring true - the outcome of which can be found in the video below.

The video is one which I am 100% sure will bring a Great Big Smile to your face once the victims come to realise they have been subject of an awe-inspiring prank – their reactions before hand are classic viewing - you won’t be able to not stop yourself from enjoying watching this - its fricking awesome!

Pure Dead Brilliant !

Danish Style Culture & Refinement

2011-10-14T16:53:00.002+01:00

From time to time within the pages of my humble blog I have tried to publish items of interest which I have hoped to have appealed to the “ well-being” of my small but loyal band of denizens.

One subject which I have great pleasure in presenting has featured the phenomenon of the flashmob, the latest of which is published below for your perusal - it just oozes a modicum of culture and refinement which is hardly ever witnessed in either of the main railway stations in Glasgow - more the pity.

The Copenhagen Phil (Sjællands Symfoniorkester) Orchestra performed an impromptu recital of Ravel's Bolero at Copenhagen Central Station on May 2nd 2011, much to the appreciation of members of the public waiting on their Trains.

It is simply Superb - enjoy the video - I sure did.

Another Classic Television Commercial From The USA

2011-10-12T21:05:00.002+01:00

As regular visitors to my humble blog will know, from time to time I have published various television commercials broadcast both here in the USA and previously when I was back home in Scotland.

The following video which is currently being aired on US television, is one which appeals to sensibilities of The Big Dollop in so far as it reminds me of the many conversations I had with my darling daughter (The Little Squirt) in her High School days at a time when I impugned her "street credibility" with her classmates.

Some of The Achievements Attained By The Obama Adminstration

2011-10-10T15:12:00.000+01:00

Another example of the political satire which appeals to the warped sense of humour of the Big Dollop.

Just Saying!

Monday Morning Anecdotes

2011-10-10T14:50:00.000+01:00

I have decided that from now on on a Monday morning I will be posting a silly little anecdote which will feature a message which will hopefully resonate with my small but loyal band of readers who grace the pages of my humble blog on a fairly consistent basis.

I trust they will bring a wry smile to your face on what many people feel, is the worst day of the week.

Trying Out The Blogger App For Android.

2011-10-07T21:14:00.013+01:00

The Big Dollop is trying out a new format (A Blogging App) for publishing “Content” within the pages of my humble blog for no other reason than to see how it works out - therefore please indulge me for publishing what is to all intents and purposes my attempt to add by virtue of the appeal of the Edinburgh skyline - an article of nominal interest to my small but loyal band of readers.

A Panoramic View of Edinburgh

Update: OK Folks, I tried out the Blogger App for android and would give it a 90% pass rating - its good for publishing text based post's although I would have to say there is room for improvement with regards to posting photographs - however that aside, when viewed at your leisure at a more convenient time - one can always edit the post to be more ascetically pleasing to the eye on one's computer.

All in all - a worthwhile format for Blogging whilst out and about.

Defending Your Home - American Style

2011-10-07T14:54:00.006+01:00

Yesterday I had occasion to publish my opinion on the decision of Oxfordshire Police to prosecute a gentleman with attempted murder after he allegedly shot a man in the leg who was in the process of breaking into his house.

Therefore it was with much amusement to the Big Dollop when I came across this news item which featured another home owner who was subject to a break in - albeit this time the home owner comes from the Manassas township in Virginia USA.

The news item reported that the home owner had exercised his right to defend his home when he fought off the individual who attacked him in the entrance to his home in a surprising manner - the video above explains it beautifully.

Malcolm White - Another Victim of Circumstances Out With His Control

2011-10-06T17:42:00.009+01:00

The Big Dollop once again returns to a subject which I have previously commented upon within the pages of my humble blog- that subject being the right of an individual to protect his family, home and property when confronted by criminals intent in gaining access to their home whilst in the process of committing a burglary.

Today I had occasion to read a story published in the Daily Mail which reported a gentleman by the name of Malcolm White is now in police custody facing a charge of attempted murder following a botched burglary on his home in a crime which police think was driven by a desire to steal the keys to Mr White’s brand new Audi in the rural village of Whitborne in Herefordshire.

After being confronted - the two scumbag’s where forced to “leg it” (forgive my pun) in their get away car, however shortly afterwards they were forced seek medical assistance because of profuse bleeding from a gun shot wound inflicted on one of the burglars – a wound which ultimately resulted in him being admitted into Worcestershire Royal Hospital suffering from (according to a spokesman) a non - life threatening injury to his right leg and yet the Oxfordshire Police in their wisdom have chosen to charge Mr White (The Victim) with attempted murder.

Why in the name of friar tuck are the Oxfordshire Police charging Mr White with attempted murder in this instance - the injury inflicted upon a worthless piece of shit in the discharge of burglary is in my opinion an Occupational Hazard which the thieving bastards who choose to indulge in such activities will just have to put down to experience.

The most serious charge possibly leveled against Mr White could be the reckless discharge of a firearm – the attempted murder charge is nothing less than a joke - the attitude of the police afterwards when they re-assured the local community there was no further danger to local residents speaks volumes as to who they thought was the guilty party.

Seriously Folks !

Update: 7th October.

Goudarz Karimi - A Lucky Young Man Indeed

2011-10-05T19:16:00.009+01:00

The Big Dollop had occasion to read an article in one of today’s newspapers which featured a critique about an Iranian Student who was mistaken for a suicide bomber after he took to wearing a 30 kg exercise vest whilst out on a jog round the streets of Oxford.

With All Due Respect Mr Karimi

Wearing A Vest Like This Is A No-Brainer

The subject of that critique - 25 year old Goudarz Karimi comes across as being slightly cheesed off by the manner in which he was confronted by an armed response team whilst jogging in the Southfield Road area of East Oxford, feabily stating:

"That had he been blond with Caucasian skin type, nobody would have noticed or said anything about it - but as I'm of dark skin complexion and from Iran I'm sure that's related to it" - No Shit Sherlock.

Being politically correct I can not really disagree with Mr Karimi’s synopsis on the stereotypical viewpoint of an individual perceived to be a suicide bomber by ordinary members of the Great British Public, so why in the name of friar tuck would he take it upon himself to dress like one.

He can count himself very lucky indeed the police officers who confronted him did so in a manner in which left him in the position whereby he could go bitching to the media about his human rights being abused, in Iran they would have shot the son of the bitch and asked questions afterwards.

Matthew Wright - Crass or Insensitive

2011-10-05T17:39:00.004+01:00

One aspect of living in the USA is the simple fact that due to the 5 hour time difference, watching what passes for morning television on UK television is often restricted to viewing on the various I – Player’s at a convenient time later on in the day.

The Wright Stuff ?

Yesterday on Channel 5, Matthew Wright featured a segment on his television show in which he asked his viewers a question about the American woman who was acquitted in an Italian court of the murder of Meridith Kercher – Amanda Knox.

Given the disdain felt by many people in the UK over Knox’s weird behavour in the immediate aftermath of Meridith’s sad demise and the media circus which has exploded on UK television screens since her acquittal, Mr Wright could have exercised a modicum of compassion for the Kercher family and abstained from questioning Knox’s so called sex appeal - sex appeal only brought about because of the Foxy Knoxy moniker placed upon her in order to sell newspapers, both here in the UK and in the USA.

The “Would Ya” question could have been extended along the lines of “Would You Like To Room With Her” - given the old idiom of there is no smoke without fire, I reckon she will not be finding many takers anytime soon.

For the record Mr Wright - I would not touch her with the proverbial barge pole - Foxy Knoxy? .. she’s more like a Plain Jane in my humble opinion.

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-03T03:20:00.006+01:00

Some of my more enlightened readers will only be too well aware that the advent of October is universally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness month - a time when various organisations take the opportunity to hold some kind of social /special event in order to raise funds to address a serious health issue which effects not only women but a significant number of men too.

America's Finest Football Team

The Glen Este Trojans

One such organization to address the issue by way of making a size-able donation locally (I now reside in the great state of Ohio) is a football team which back in February of this year I had great pleasure in bringing to the attention of my small but regular band of readers.

I refer to the Glen Este Trojans, (America’s Greatest Football Team) - the team for whom my grandson has the honour of playing for.

The Boys (all of them under the age of eight) have taken it upon themselves to wear pink arm bands as part of their apparel for all their games during October which as you can only too well surmise, could be seen as a credibility issue with their opponents, however with a 9-2 record in their favour this season thus far - we all have another reason to very proud of them.

Go Trojans.

Teaching 5 Year Olds a Foreign Language - A Good Idea - But!

2011-10-01T21:52:00.004+01:00

From time to time within the pages of my humble blog, The Big Dollop has tendered some constructive criticism of various ministers within the Coalition Government therefore it is only right and proper that I should offer some praise whenever they come out with a proposal which by normal consensus is worthy of acknowledgement even if it is only to my small band of loyal denizens.

The Coalition Education Secretary

Michael Groves

Although it sticks in my gullet to do so, I must commend the Coalition Government education secretary Michael Groves for his proposal to introduce a policy whereby young children aged five could be taught a foreign language as part of the school curriculum – albeit it with one caveat

For far too many years the teaching of a foreign language has been restricted to children attending secondary school with French being the main language taught, if we want our children to succeed in an ever increasing global community then it is imperative they are at least competent in a second if not third language.

However given the shocking number of teenagers leaving school nowadays severely lacking in the skills which were deemed as the “Three R’s” in my day - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, The Big Dollop can’t help but feel the Coalition (however well meaning) may be putting the horse before the cart in this instance.

Has George Been Drinking The Kool Aid ?

2011-10-01T20:02:00.007+01:00

Back on September 1st The Big Dollop posted his thoughts and opinions on the individual cleared with the religiously aggravated assault on the manager of Celtic Football Club - Neil Lennon, a verdict which simply defied any normal concept of justice, especially when one considers the assault was witnessed on television by thousands of viewers.

The Former MP For Glasgow Kelvin

George Galloway

On various radio phone in forums there has been much consternation expressed on how those who sat on the jury could have possibly come to their "Not Proven" verdict, with some of the more pugnacious callers expressing a point of view that some sort of conspiracy was afoot in order to engender a situation whereby Mr Lennon’s attacker would avoid a conviction – the fact that he did (of the assault) - only served to prove their skewed point of view.

Expecting the worthies from various Glasgow housing estates to espouse the opinion that the jury was somehow "tainted" is one thing, however I must confess, The Big Dollop was very surprised to hear that the former Politician for Glasgow Kelvin - Mr George Galloway had also joined the kool aid brigade by calling for future jurors to be screened in the wake of the assault perpetrated on the manager of Glasgow Celtic Football Club.

Mr Galloway was quoted as saying the following:

"There should be checks to find out whether jury members are tainted by an affiliation to certain football teams, organisations such as Freemasons or are religiously motivated in any way".

Are you serious Mr Galloway?

In all sincerity, I find it hard to believe that someone as erudite as Mr Galloway does not understand the reason Mr Lennon’s attacker got of with the religiously aggravated assault on his person was because the Crown failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt and not because the jury consisted of members who were of a different religious persuasion than that of Mr Lennon's.

For Mr Galloway to contend justice in this instance was somehow circumvented because there were too few Catholics on the jury is akin to the delusional rants of an individual who simply does not know any better – this issue aside, Mr Galloway does not strike me as such a person.

How Not To Park Your Car

2011-09-30T21:09:00.008+01:00

Previous to moving to the USA The Big Dollop was employed in the distribution industry working night shift in the newspaper industry, as you can imagine I had to have my wits about me on a daily basis when driving my 7.5 tonne truck into loading bay’s at the publishers and/or out and about on my allocated run when pulling up outside as many as 20 different retail outlets in various towns located anywhere on the West Coast of Scotland- such was my remit.

In the town of Largs in Ayrshire for instance with its narrow alleyways and so forth, when reversing between parked cars, it could be said that I often found myself in a tight fit especially around 8 am when the "School Run" would be at its zenith.

So it was with utter astonishment that I came across this wonderful example of parking by a 67 year old Polish lady who was no doubt embarrassed to find herself in the position captured in the photograph above. (She reportedly scarpered of when she realised the car was stuck)

In all sincerity how did she manage to park her car in the manner she did - she must have done a 7 point turn at least, to get the car lodged between the two walls.

Looking back to my experience of my time on the Largs run I have to say to myself - there but for the grace of God.

Another Great Commercial Broadcast on US Television

2011-09-30T19:31:00.000+01:00

The Big Dollop takes great pleasure in presenting the latest video which appeals to his warped sense of humour, this one which is currently being broadcast on US television is one which I would like to share with my readership back in the UK.

Enjoy the video - I did.

Shopping At Target - America's First Lady

2011-09-30T17:11:00.017+01:00

Reported on American television this morning was an surprise shopping trip by the First Lady Michelle Obama at a local Target store in the town of Alexandria Virginia.

Who's That Lady

Click Picture To Be Taken To Source

Although it was reported that no one except for the cashier who served her at the checkout had recognised her - America's first lady was photographed by an Associated Press (AP) photographer apparently shopping incognito at the recession friendly store which leads the Big Dollop to think there may be more to this than meets the eye.

I really have no desire to be cynical, but with the 2012 election process all but started, this shopping trip will just be seen as a "photo op" by those who hold certain attitudes to accuse the Obama administration of trying to pull the wool over the eyes of those less fortunate members of American society in an effort to be seen as being empathetic to their plight.

That said - the incognito story might have had more credence if the photographs had been produced by the cashier's mobile telephone instead of an AP photographer.

Redundancy Greeting Cards - Only In America ?

2011-09-29T19:22:00.001+01:00

The Big Dollop was somewhat surprised to read on the BBC website an article which reported the greeting card company Hallmark have brought out a range of cards which address the thorny subject of Redundancy in the workplace.

Don't Think of It As Losing Your Job

Think of It as A Time Out Between Stupid Bosses

Speaking to NPR public radio, Derek McCracken, the company’s creative director denied exploiting other people’s misery and insisted such products were a response to booming sales and thus - customer demand.

An assortment of redundancy cards were first introduced in 2009, cards which (it could be argued) Hallmark are now re-designing in response to the malaise surrounding the dire economic conditions currently prevailing in some parts of the USA.

Having been made redundant on five occasions since leaving school in 1975, I don’t think I would like to be the reciepiant of a redundancy card - no matter how well meaning its sender was.

Here We Go Again - Another Clusterf**k In The Making.

2011-09-26T22:43:00.005+01:00

As my small but regular band of denizens will only be too well aware off - The Big Dollop has previously published his tuppence worth on the merits or otherwise of the proposed *legislation* currently being debated within the Scottish Parliament regarding the scourge of sectarianism and bigotry which is prevalent within many sections of Scottish society.

Bearing in mind the judiciary in Scotland recently sought to convict an individual who attacked the Celtic Football Manager at a game at Tynecastle stadium using similar charges and failed to secure a prosecution when the “said” individual appeared before a jury of his peers, this blogger finds it incomprehensible that Fife Constabulary who arrested three individuals at the Dunfermline V Rangers football match have opted to charge them with a football related hate crime instead of a simple Breach of the Peace.

The police would be better advised to wait until the new proposals have been debated and a resolution passed on the matter before charging people accused of making sectarian remarks, by doing so they might be better placed in securing a prosecution when the perpetrators have their day in court.

Having appeared in court this morning the three individuals were unsurprisingly granted bail with one caveat - they are banned from attending any SPL, Scottish Football League, or Scottish national team games.

In addition, they will have to report to a designated police station of their choice during the first half of any Rangers game, home or away, anywhere in the UK or abroad, thus ensuring that they are not attending a game in breach of their bail conditions."

Rangers having a piss poor European campaign this season I feel there will be no need to worry about games being played abroad anytime soon.

*The Offensive Behavior at Football and Threatening Communications Bill *

One Naughty Potato

2011-09-24T19:10:00.000+01:00

Published without further comment...

The Recent Changes On Facebook

2011-09-24T05:29:00.006+01:00

The Big Dollop like many of you who frequent my humble blog has an account on Facebook which I use on a daily basis to keep in casual contact with my friends both in the United States and back home in Scotland.

In the course of the past few days or so, my “Wall” has been awash with numerous comments which have been dismissive of the changes which Facebook have recently implemented, changes which it has to be said have grown on the Big Dollop.

The small blue triangles on the upper left hand side of some of the posts are now classed as being "Top Stories" - in actuality all they do is indicate when new posts are published by friends since you last logged on, much in the same manner as you would fold down the corner of a page when returning to read a book.

Being 52 years of age my eyesight is not as good as it has been in the not so distant past, therefore the fact that photographs are displayed in a larger format on my computer screen is a positive aspect of the changes which I have come to like somewhat.

There have been more than a few complaints about the new "News Ticker" which at first glance, appears to display all sorts of information which some of my friends have taken the point of view that their privacy is some how being compromised, however if they had taken 5 minutes or so to read through the information provided by Facebook they would have realised it is very easy to opt out of the ticker by application of the following instructions.

From your profile, click the Subscribers link on the left side menu.
Click the Edit Settings button on the right.
Next to the Subscribers setting, choose to turn subscribers off.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeesy As We Say In Scotland

I find it hard to understand the mindset of the vast majority of my friends on Facebook, very few of them are what I would call as being deficient in “smarts” - it just seems like the change implemented in the manner it was (overnight) was one that rattled a few cages.

Change for change’s sake is a bad thing, however like all living things, change was a necessary action for Facebook to undertake - With the launch of Google + Facebook is in a position where it simply cannot afford to remain "As Is" if it wants to remain the number one social network service.

Embrace the change is the advice I have given to all my friends on Facebook, its advice I would give to you - my humble readers.

Here Come The Girls - Fenerbahce V Manisapor

2011-09-22T15:03:00.003+01:00

The Big Dollop had occasion to read an article in the Daily Mail which featured a Turkish football game played in Istanbul's Sukru Saracoglu stadium between Fenerbahce and Manisapor which was witnessed by a crowd of some 41,000 fans.

Games between these two teams attract such attendances on a regular basis, however in this instance the fans in the stands were almost exclusively female.

Football Supporters - Turkish Style

Apparently after crowd trouble in the club's 'friendly' against Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk, Fenerbahce were ordered to play two games behind closed doors, however not wanting to play their games in a stadium void of any fans, Fenerbahce appealed to the Turkish Football Association - who it has to be said - bent the rules somewhat by allowing women and children into the ground on the condition there was no admission charge.

The atmosphere at the game was nothing short of electric - Perhaps the Scottish Footballing authorities should take note.

The Daily Record - Neil Lennon & Rangers HMRC Problems

2011-09-19T15:33:00.004+01:00

As my small but regular band of readers will have come to realise, The Big Dollop has been more than a tad AWOL in relation to the regular publication of my opinion on “current affairs” within the pages of my humble blog.

Now living in the United States it has to be said there are certain aspects of life which are not quite the same as living in Scotland, one of which is the content and quality of television programmes, a slight irritation which until this time last week was one which irked both the Big Dollop and his significant other half Mrs BD.

Having now worked out how to change my IP address to one which gives us access to the BBC I -Player and so forth, Mrs BD has been rather busy catching up with Emmerdale, Eastenders and Coronation Street, depriving me of access to our computer and thus - my blogging activities.

So now that I have explained my reasons for a dearth of posting this month, let me get back to business at hand.

Over the course of the weekend the Old Firm had a football match to contend with- with the Rangers securing a fantastic 4-2 victory over their great rivals Celtic in a match which it has to be said was played with a great deal of passion by both sets of players.

Reported in much of the Scottish Media during the last 10 days or so has been the problems Rangers have in relation to demands by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to settle a tax bill reported to be as much as £49 million, a situation which has been subject of somber debate on various Radio Phone - in Forums, not to mention a source of much amusement to those to do not follow the aspirations of the Glasgow Rangers.

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Given the contentious nature of the manner in which the manager of Glasgow Celtic has been treated during the last 6 months or so, one would have to ask why the editors of the Daily Record would choose to pour oil on the fire by linking the recent controversy surrounding his tenure as manager with the problems Rangers Football Club have with HMRC, especially in the manner in which they did, it was totally irresponsible of them to ask if he was the most hated man at Ibrox prior to the Match given the propensity for (the ad hoc) violence this match incurs on a regular basis.

The statement issued by Glasgow Celtic in relation to an apology being issued by the Daily Record in this instance is one with which I wholeheartedly endorse.

Sinead O'Connor - A Cry For Help

2011-09-16T22:12:00.002+01:00

The Big Dollop had occasion to read in the Scottish edition of the Sun newspaper that the Irish Singer Sinead O’Connor has apparently expressed on twitter –a warped desire to kill herself by committing suicide, stating that the only thing stopping her from doing so was the ignominy of what her children would think of her if she were indeed to carry out her twisted craving.

Sinead O'Connor

44 year old O’Connor has had a well documented history of mental health issues published in the UK/Irish media since she first hit fame and fortune with her iconic number one hit “Nothing Compares To You” topped the charts in 1990 - the low point for her being a previous attempt at taking her own life on her 33rd birthday.

Perhaps Ms O’Connor would be better advised in keeping such thoughts out of the public domain, it would be so easy to write her off as an attention seeking fruitcake, however I am of the opinion Ms O’Connor is more than likely to be too proud to ask for professional assistance (which she obviously needs) in order to come to terms with her recent divorce, her anxiety for her kids so called concern should she top herself, is just a smoke screen in my humble opinion - for all her faults she is still their mother and as such would never do anything to physically or mentally harm them.

Stay Strong Sinead.

Its Time To Brand Those Who Attack 999 Responders With The Word SCUM on The Forehead

2011-09-15T22:57:00.002+01:00

Previously within the pages of my humble blog I have expressed my contempt for certain individuals within society who have took it upon themselves to impede our 999 responders in the discharge of their duties.

Today that contempt has just been exacerbated with the news that some brain dead cretin thought it would be fun to shoot a medic whilst he was trying to save a patients life on a call out - the medic was reported to be recovering at home from a shoulder injury sustained as a result of some fuckwit’s crude attempt at humour.

The ambulanceman was attending the home of a suspected heart attack victim when going to his vechicle for vital equipment when he was shot by a sorry excuse for a human being in some nearby bushes.

I have said it before and I will say it again, people who choose to indulge in these sort of activities need to be branded in the forehead with the word “ SCUM” - these fuckers need to be pointed out for what they are and for the approval of Joe Public – at the very least we can point them out as an example to our children as the low life pond life they undoubtedly are.

The underclass of this country have been allowed to walk among the law abiding community for far too long, its absolutely incredible they have been unhindered with their propensity to carry Knifes, Axes, Chibs and as I have just ranted about – Air/Guns.

Its time to take the kid gloves off regarding anyone caught attacking our 999 responders in the discharge of their duties.

If the politicians in Parliament can legislate for sentences of five years in the pokey for so called sectarianism offences then surely they could bring about a law whereby anyone who as much as farts at a first responder out of place can look at spending 10 years as a guest of HM’s prison service.