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Blacksword 
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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 Posted: January 28 2008 at 13:21 |
 fandango wrote:
^^thank you for enlightening me as to who Alex James is...I had no idea....
all I will say is that I am lead to believe that the BBC approached quite a number of 'celebrities' to make this programme...and he was the only one who agreed...for that alone, we must give him some modicum of credit.... |
The purpose of the programme is to show where all the dirty drug money goes, amid these cartels. Yes, it's a worthwhile programme indeed, and I hope it raises the awareness it needs to. James is focussed on this issue. He was on the today prog on Radion 4 this morning, and spoke with some reasonable authority on the subject..
But with regard to QT, his appearence done HIS crediblity no good at all, and could detract from the seriousness of his campagin. They'd be better off with Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers. He's educated and well informed, but I guess too much of a firebrand for the beeb, too inflammatory and frankly a bit of psycho, but it would have made better TV. 
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19766
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:13 |
Ok people, I have a rant..... 
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid..... 
..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap....  |
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:31 |
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^ Thats pretty sh!t, Jared. It's the age old reality that what's given to you with one hand is promptly taken back with the other.
Nulab has been quite prolific in introducing things that look great on paper, tax credits being a good example. They will be aware that a number of peoples circumstances are such that they can claim the benefit, but then lose part of theitr wage, or part of another benefit. However, the fact that they are elligable to cliam in the first place is whats recorded on the government stats. They can claim 'X million people have benefitted from tax credits' When in fact probably only half that figure actually 'benefitted'
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:35 |
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Look out also for the cut in the basic rate of tax this April, as promised by Brown as Chancellor last April.
We will now only have to pay 20p in the pound, instead of 22p. Sound good? It is. Unless you earn under 18,000 PA, then you're f***ed! As he has simultaneously abolished the bottom 10% rate. It's a tax cut aimed exclusively at a specific demographic, whose votes Brown wishes to secure; the lower middle class; first time buyers, students with loans to pay back etc..
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A B Negative
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 02 2006
Location: Methil Republic
Status: Offline
Points: 1594
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 10:25 |
fandango wrote:
Ok people, I have a rant.....
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid..... ..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap.... |
I know many people who have received Tax Credits. How many have been overpaid? ALL OF THEM.
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"The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time."
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Padraic
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: February 16 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Status: Offline
Points: 31169
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 10:29 |
Dear Mr. President: Nuclear. Nuclear. Nuclear. "NU-KLEE-AR" It's pronounced "NUCLEAR" for f**s sake!!  You're the f*ckin President of the United States and you haven't pronounced it right in seven bloody years!! A word that little school children can say correctly!! I really can't wait for 2009 when you sod off you stupid bugger! * * It appears I've been hanging around British people online for some time now.
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:06 |
A B Negative wrote:
fandango wrote:
Ok people, I have a rant.....
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid.....
..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap.... |
I know many people who have received Tax Credits. How many have been overpaid? ALL OF THEM. |
I've known people who have been overpaid too. It seems being honest and telling them about it, doesn't make the process of giving the money back any easier either.
As a rule of thumb, when the government roles out some new initiative, based around benefits, just assume they will f**k it up. It's what their best at. Generally any idea that involves the financial assessment of an individual will be a disaster. Look at the CSA!!
I once filled out an online assment test for working Tax credit, knowing full well I didn't qualify. According to their assessment tool, however, I did. How can anyone have confidence in a system as crap as that? My circumstances were not complicated.
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VanderGraafKommandöh
Prog Reviewer
Joined: July 04 2005
Location: Malaria
Status: Offline
Points: 89372
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:15 |
NS, you obviously haven't watched "Mock the Week" over here in the UK, where they (Rory Bremner I believe) made fun of the fact Bush couldn't pronounce Nuclear and some other words too. 
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19766
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:32 |
Blacksword wrote:
Look out also for the cut in the basic rate of tax this April, as promised by Brown as Chancellor last April.
We will now only have to pay 20p in the pound, instead of 22p. Sound good? It is. Unless you earn under 18,000 PA, then you're f***ed! As he has simultaneously abolished the bottom 10% rate. It's a tax cut aimed exclusively at a specific demographic, whose votes Brown wishes to secure; the lower middle class; first time buyers, students with loans to pay back etc.. |
oh, I spotted that one the very moment it was announced in the last budget.... and you are quite right about the cynical exploitation of the demographic....
however, this one can be perversely countered...
...I am on the bottom Grade at work. even though I am paid just above the minimum wage, every time this goes up, the whole of our Grade get the appropriate % rise.
the problem is, since the minimum wage of £3.60 per hour was introduced in 1999, it has gone up annually...the consequence in my place of work is that Grades 4,5,6 & 7 are now effectively all earning the same salary...ie staff and supervisors now 'take home' practically the same... 
now Andy...tell me exactly where the incentive for promotion and self betterment is??
even when using a very powerful microscope, I have been completely unable to locate it.... 
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Jim Garten
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin & Razor Guru
Joined: February 02 2004
Location: South England
Status: Offline
Points: 14693
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 12:28 |
Blacksword wrote:
Ok, I had to say something about this guy. Alex James, former bass player with shoe gazing Essex boyz Blur.
I've nothing against him as a musician/rock star (or rather former rock star) It bothers me not one wit, that he has become both an arable and sheep farmer; strutting around his estate like an Indie Mike Oldfield, acting out his fantasy of being a rich landowner, sh!tting on the little man. I couldn't care a jot about that..
No, I'm concerned that his status as a former coke snorting, p!ss head has somehow led him into political commentary. Anyone who saw BBC's Question Time last week will recall the monumental embarassment that washed over the panel and the sudience whenever James was asked a question. He really is the most inarticulate, dim witted and uninspiring panel guest that show has ever lowered itself to include.
Now I dont hate the guy, but has our dumb culture really brought us to this point? Who next for the QT panel Ozzy? Jordan? OB from Hollyoaks?
Alex James has made a Panorama program about the drugs trade in Columbia. It will be shown tonight. The point he is aking is an important one, so I wont knock his intent. But once again, I find myself struggling to take seriously rock stars who try to 'make a difference' Especially one who struggles to construct a sentence. That said, I hope his anti Cocaine campaign has a posiitve effect. |
Whilst I agree with your closing comment, Andy, I'll tell you what really hacks me off with people like Alex James, Any Winehouse, Pete Docherty et al:
Why do they seem to be immune from the law?
Alex James admits to have spent X number of tens of thousands of pounds on cocaine, Any Winehouse has been arrested on x number of occasions for possession of various substances & Pete Docherty gets a press reception every time he goes to court & says "sorry" for yet another bust.
OK - Alex James is evidently 'reformed' (you could tell that on Panorama last night because he wore his "serious" face throughout), but the other two above seem to thrive perfectly well (when their respective record companies aren't putting them through pointless 'rehab' again), yet are never (let me repeat that: never) actually sentenced to anything in court; the added publicity no doubt makes them even cooler to their respective fans, resulting in added record sales...
This is supposed to punish them how exactly?
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Jon Lord 1941 - 2012
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 12:44 |
Jim Garten wrote:
Blacksword wrote:
Ok, I had to say something about this guy. Alex James, former bass player with shoe gazing Essex boyz Blur.
I've nothing against him as a musician/rock star (or rather former rock star) It bothers me not one wit, that he has become both an arable and sheep farmer; strutting around his estate like an Indie Mike Oldfield, acting out his fantasy of being a rich landowner, sh!tting on the little man. I couldn't care a jot about that..
No, I'm concerned that his status as a former coke snorting, p!ss head has somehow led him into political commentary. Anyone who saw BBC's Question Time last week will recall the monumental embarassment that washed over the panel and the sudience whenever James was asked a question. He really is the most inarticulate, dim witted and uninspiring panel guest that show has ever lowered itself to include.
Now I dont hate the guy, but has our dumb culture really brought us to this point? Who next for the QT panel Ozzy? Jordan? OB from Hollyoaks?
Alex James has made a Panorama program about the drugs trade in Columbia. It will be shown tonight. The point he is aking is an important one, so I wont knock his intent. But once again, I find myself struggling to take seriously rock stars who try to 'make a difference' Especially one who struggles to construct a sentence. That said, I hope his anti Cocaine campaign has a posiitve effect. |
Whilst I agree with your closing comment, Andy, I'll tell you what really hacks me off with people like Alex James, Any Winehouse, Pete Docherty et al:
Why do they seem to be immune from the law?
Alex James admits to have spent X number of tens of thousands of pounds on cocaine, Any Winehouse has been arrested on x number of occasions for possession of various substances & Pete Docherty gets a press reception every time he goes to court & says "sorry" for yet another bust.
OK - Alex James is evidently 'reformed' (you could tell that on Panorama last night because he wore his "serious" face throughout), but the other two above seem to thrive perfectly well (when their respective record companies aren't putting them through pointless 'rehab' again), yet are never (let me repeat that: never) actually sentenced to anything in court; the added publicity no doubt makes them even cooler to their respective fans, resulting in added record sales...
This is supposed to punish them how exactly? |
They are a lawyers dream Jim. In and out of court month after month. They will never be locked up, they are to valuable to the media and legal profession. They are 'cash cows' and it's a three way milking process. As you rightly say, the noteriety they gain boosts their sales and their profiles, their lawyers feather their own nests, and newspapers sell like hot cakes. When Doherty or Winehouse eventually drink or snort themselves to death, their ugly images will be emblazoned on tee shirts and sold to kids 20 years from now as cultural icons, like a whole host of other young people who lost it all in their prime. We love a loser..
It's all a game.
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 12:56 |
fandango wrote:
Blacksword wrote:
Look out also for the cut in the basic rate of tax this April, as promised by Brown as Chancellor last April. We will now only have to pay 20p in the pound, instead of 22p. Sound good? It is. Unless you earn under 18,000 PA, then you're f***ed! As he has simultaneously abolished the bottom 10% rate. It's a tax cut aimed exclusively at a specific demographic, whose votes Brown wishes to secure; the lower middle class; first time buyers, students with loans to pay back etc.. |
oh, I spotted that one the very moment it was announced in the last budget.... and you are quite right about the cynical exploitation of the demographic....
however, this one can be perversely countered...
...I am on the bottom Grade at work. even though I am paid just above the minimum wage, every time this goes up, the whole of our Grade get the appropriate % rise.
the problem is, since the minimum wage of £3.60 per hour was introduced in 1999, it has gone up annually...the consequence in my place of work is that Grades 4,5,6 & 7 are now effectively all earning the same salary...ie staff and supervisors now 'take home' practically the same...
now Andy...tell me exactly where the incentive for promotion and self betterment is??
even when using a very powerful microscope, I have been completely unable to locate it.... |
This is now the trend in any workplace, I think. Money is no longer supposed to be your motivation. You are supposed to want to go the extra mile, out of loyalty, love and enthusiasm for your employer. Your employer, and mine are trying to forge a culture where we are just grateful to have a job, and it's working. Look in the window of any employment agency and the wages offered for most jobs are not really any higher than they were in the mid 90's.
Unlike living costs which have gone up at inflation busting rates...
I count myself lucky that I earn just above average wage, without a degree. That is becoming unusual. Most people will leave college, these days without a pot to p!ss in, and up to their eyeballs in debt. We are now officially living Thatchers dream; a low wage, service economy, where the crappest of jobs are undertaken by foreigners who'll work for virtually nothing, the lower middle class work their arses off for an average wage, and the upper middle class just sit about all day boasting about how much their  ing house is worth. All the while we indulge in celbrity hero worship, makeovers and numerous other avoidance strategies which allow us to cultivate our profound ignorance of the world around us.
Oh dear, I'm off on one...sorry to digress..
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VanderGraafKommandöh
Prog Reviewer
Joined: July 04 2005
Location: Malaria
Status: Offline
Points: 89372
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 13:06 |
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Andy, do please continue, I wholeheartedly agree!
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Padraic
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: February 16 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Status: Offline
Points: 31169
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 13:08 |
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 13:45 |
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stonebeard
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 27 2005
Location: NE Indiana
Status: Offline
Points: 28057
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 13:48 |
Jim Garten wrote:
Blacksword wrote:
Ok, I had to say something about this guy. Alex James, former bass player with shoe gazing Essex boyz Blur.
I've nothing against him as a musician/rock star (or rather former rock star) It bothers me not one wit, that he has become both an arable and sheep farmer; strutting around his estate like an Indie Mike Oldfield, acting out his fantasy of being a rich landowner, sh!tting on the little man. I couldn't care a jot about that..
No, I'm concerned that his status as a former coke snorting, p!ss head has somehow led him into political commentary. Anyone who saw BBC's Question Time last week will recall the monumental embarassment that washed over the panel and the sudience whenever James was asked a question. He really is the most inarticulate, dim witted and uninspiring panel guest that show has ever lowered itself to include.
Now I dont hate the guy, but has our dumb culture really brought us to this point? Who next for the QT panel Ozzy? Jordan? OB from Hollyoaks?
Alex James has made a Panorama program about the drugs trade in Columbia. It will be shown tonight. The point he is aking is an important one, so I wont knock his intent. But once again, I find myself struggling to take seriously rock stars who try to 'make a difference' Especially one who struggles to construct a sentence. That said, I hope his anti Cocaine campaign has a posiitve effect. |
Whilst I agree with your closing comment, Andy, I'll tell you what really hacks me off with people like Alex James, Any Winehouse, Pete Docherty et al:
Why do they seem to be immune from the law?
Alex James admits to have spent X number of tens of thousands of pounds on cocaine, Any Winehouse has been arrested on x number of occasions for possession of various substances & Pete Docherty gets a press reception every time he goes to court & says "sorry" for yet another bust.
OK - Alex James is evidently 'reformed' (you could tell that on Panorama last night because he wore his "serious" face throughout), but the other two above seem to thrive perfectly well (when their respective record companies aren't putting them through pointless 'rehab' again), yet are never (let me repeat that: never) actually sentenced to anything in court; the added publicity no doubt makes them even cooler to their respective fans, resulting in added record sales...
This is supposed to punish them how exactly? |
Answer: The Boondock Saints.
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Man Erg
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: August 26 2004
Location: Isle of Lucy
Status: Offline
Points: 7456
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Posted: January 30 2008 at 06:07 |
Lately, I have been having a problem reading people's posts which include the mis-use of the word 'to' when 'too' should be used.
Too - Also / As Well As
e.g. - I'm going to be at the pub tonight,will you be there too?
Rant over. 
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Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb.
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19766
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Posted: January 30 2008 at 06:17 |
Man Erg wrote:
Lately, I have been having a problem reading people's posts which include the mis-use of the word 'to' when 'too' should be used. |
gosh, there really are some delicate, sensitive flowers out there, aren't there?...
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Petrovsk Mizinski
Prog Reviewer
Joined: December 24 2007
Location: Ukraine
Status: Offline
Points: 25210
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Posted: January 30 2008 at 06:18 |
How about those people that type too fast and type 'taht' instead of that, and 'teh' instead of the, and do not bother to go back and check their spelling or edit their post? 
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A B Negative
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 02 2006
Location: Methil Republic
Status: Offline
Points: 1594
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Posted: January 30 2008 at 06:37 |
Geck0 wrote:
NS, you obviously haven't watched "Mock the Week" over here in the UK, where they (Rory Bremner I believe) made fun of the fact Bush couldn't pronounce Nuclear and some other words too. |
I think he said he's proud to be "a merkin" and fully supports the "war on tourism".
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"The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time."
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