Re: London meet-up!

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Friday evening possibly; Saturday and Sunday not so much


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-17-15 3:17 PM
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Ditto. Saturday is a definite no. Sunday is a probable no. But I might be able to make Friday evening, if I route back from work via central London.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 3:20 AM
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I am in the same position as ttaM except that I will already be in central London.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 3:36 AM
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I can come into London on Friday evening.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 4:32 AM
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Friday I can do. Saturday I might be able to, depending on timing and location. Sunday I can't.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 5:01 AM
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I can do Friday evening, if that is what works best for most people (seems that way).


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 5:58 AM
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Looks like Friday, then. Ajay ttAm and I will all be getting off work in places accessible to central London. I'm not sure when I will be free but can meet Ume at Kings Cross and continue in from there. Where are you staying, Airedale?

Suggestions for quiet pubs welcome



Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 6:36 AM
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Seems like a good thread for: I'm planning a big long vacation to Britain for August, at least a week of which will include Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Anyone on that side going? My understanding is so much gets so expensive and booked early that it might be advantageous to share lodging, and so far I haven't found a traveling companion on this side able to make plans so far in advance.

I'll try for a meetup at minimum.


Posted by: Minivet | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 6:42 AM
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Not sure anywhere's going to be quiet in central London on a Friday, but if Airedale suggests a preferred location I can come up with some ideas.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 7:19 AM
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Doing night shifts Friday and Saturday. But have fun!


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 7:46 AM
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What's the biggish place at the back of King's Cross? The Parcel Yard.

I've been there with some people from a work conference, on a Friday, and it wasn't insanely busy. There was some seating. But I expect ajay or Ginger Yellow may have better suggestions.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 7:50 AM
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No, to be honest, if King's Cross is the preferred location, the Parcel Yard is probably your best bet for a Friday. It's Fullers too, so not terrible beer-wise.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 8:22 AM
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Sounds good.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 10:16 AM
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I should be there about 7. If I can't work out who you are, I'll start kicking people in the head until one of them blocks me.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 10:16 AM
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I am staying in South Kensington, but Friday I have tickets for the afternoon tennis matches at the O2, and, depending on how long the matches go, may well be coming from there. So really anywhere is fine.


Posted by: Airedale | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 10:17 AM
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Somewhere round London Bridge maybe (on the Jubilee from North Greenwich, good access to most parts of London)?

No self interest at all in the suggestion, I swear. Only problem is most of the pubs round there are heaving on a Friday.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 10:34 AM
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I mean, I could suggest something actually in Greenwich, but I doubt that would work for anyone else.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 10:35 AM
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I didn't necessarily mean to meet in Kings Cross; just that this is where I would be starting from. I can't say I know the parcel yard: everything around has been tremendously hipstered up. Where I normally go round there will unfortunately be heaving on a Friday night.

There is an amusingly hipsterish pub which actually does good food and beer a little up the road. But I'm sure that ajay will know better places.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-18-15 11:21 AM
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No consensus on venue? I'll be arriving at Paddington, from Oxford, and then tubing it to wherever. King's Cross is reasonably convenient, and OK to get home to Hanwell later.

London Bridge is also do-able, but if the pubs are going to be heaving, maybe not a great choice.

Parcel Yard sounds a better bet, maybe?


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 6:02 AM
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I'd say the Parcel Yard too - at least it's big enough that there's a chance of finding space.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 6:09 AM
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Parcel Yard it is, then. I just found it, while looking for the lost luggage office. Here's a pro tip: when you leave the train, even if you're in a hurry, remember your laptop, kids. Fuck fuck fuck fuckety fuck.

I will be a bit late from the office, though, tomorrow, since I'll be alone on the desk. Not there before 7:30.

Airedale -- the Parcel Yard is the pub upstairs on the station concourse itself, just beyond the Harry Potter platform, which is 9 3/4 (though that's actually between platforms 9 and 8). It is not on the balcony where all the other foodcourt type things are.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 8:41 AM
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Platform 8 3/4?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 8:42 AM
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Parcel Yard it is, then. I just found it, while looking for the lost luggage office. Here's a pro tip: when you leave the train, even if you're in a hurry, remember your laptop, kids. Fuck fuck fuck fuckety fuck.

Ouch. I take it no luck at the LLO?


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 9:13 AM
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No. No luck there and all of the anti-tehft devices report it has not been logged on anywhere so I assume stolen and wiped immediately


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 9:43 AM
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Argh. Hope it turns up Nworb.

I expect I'll catch the 6 train from Oxford, which would get me -- assuming no usual Friday 'signal failures' -- to Parcel Yard around 7:45.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 9:46 AM
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the pubs are going to be heaving

How many pints does each customer have to drink to get the whole pub heaving?


Posted by: Stanley | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 10:33 AM
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Or, using the idiom of my people, the pubs are going to be hoaching.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/hoach


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-19-15 10:36 AM
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What is the earliest anyone will get there?


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:04 AM
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7 or so?


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:07 AM
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I'd think about seven. I may be earlier than I had feared but even so wouldn't be there much before. I would like also to invite a couple of friends who would enjoy the company (and, if they knew about it, the blog), and contribute enjoyment to others, if that's all right. Ume may be delayed by developments in Cambridge until at least 7:30.


Posted by: | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:29 AM
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I'll be catching the train that's due into Kings Cross at 7:39, probably pulling into one of the platforms right below the Parcel Yard. So should be there by 7:45.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:49 AM
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Probably around 7 for me. Wearing this shirt, for those of you I haven't met.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 6:48 AM
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Don't forget to live blog the knife fight meet-up!


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 6:56 AM
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@tybalt @romeo tis not so deep as well or wide as church door #verona #plagueonbothyrhouses


Posted by: Twittering Mercutio | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:04 AM
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The last was me. My name appears to have vanished along with my laptop. sod sod sod

The Parcel Yard has at least three rooms that I can remember. I suggest the first person to arrive posts here a description of where they are and possibly even who they are. I have grown a rather melancholy beard since last meeting anyone. there are depictions available in a once great liberal newspaper


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:06 AM
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The last wasn't me. I mean,. the anonymous one was me. Twittering mercutio was someone else showing off


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:07 AM
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Airedale we will recognise by her wiry coat, long squarish ears, and the unusual number of legs. Or by looking in another place.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:08 AM
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"Can I just feel how wet your nose is? And do you want to sex Mutombo?"

What could possibly go wrong?


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:11 AM
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Much simpler and safer to bring a cat to the pub and see who tries to chase it.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 7:48 AM
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I had to drive into work for an early meeting, so I'll be dropping the car before I head into King's Cross. I'd guess still around 7:30-7:45 ish.

I've met Ginger Y, and nworB before, so we'll recognise each other. I'll have a grey tweedy jacket, well-padded (ahem) body frame, and beard.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 8:01 AM
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Realistically, 8pm before I'll make it. See you later.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 9:55 AM
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Tennis just got out a little bit ago, so I am going to look at the merchandise here and then head over. I am wearing a grey sweatshirt with a BNP Paribas Open/tennis ball logo (although logo is also grey, so not that easy to see), and my hair is in a pony tail. My rain coat has a brown and black animal print.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 10:18 AM
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I have about an hour's work left, at least. It might not be more, depending on my beloved comrades in the struggle


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 10:21 AM
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I arrived, but it is early and pretty crowded, so I am going to step into the Harry Potter store for a few minutes.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 11:48 AM
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Crowded already? I have been released by a passing deadline -- what is written is written, and all that. So I'll be there in ten minutes if that


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:04 PM
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Oh, and I will be clutching a blue folding bicycle


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:04 PM
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Right now I am sitting by a bench outside the room called "the waiting room" looking to see if a table opens up in there.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:14 PM
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Or maybe this is the waiting room


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:17 PM
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I got away early and am in the pub now. Have snagged a table in a quiet side room with a sofa. I'm the short-haired woman in s turquoise fleece peering at her phone.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:18 PM
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Someone hurry up and find me so I can get a drink. If I get up the vultures will swoop.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:19 PM
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be there in 20 minutes...


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:23 PM
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Sorry for the delay but it turns out two of my colleagues are having babies


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:24 PM
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52 Which ajay had to be there to personally deliver as no one else was about.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:28 PM
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Airedale, Ginger Yellow and Nworb have arrived.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:30 PM
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On way but I will be 45 minutes


Posted by: nattarGcm ttaM | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 12:30 PM
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Getting ready for the knife-fights. Waiting on ttaM to show us how it's done.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:12 PM
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Yay yay yay! Have fun and keep us updated!


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:21 PM
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yes, liveblog. yesssss.


Posted by: Beefo Meaty | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:22 PM
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Airedale has combusted spontaneously
This is dad. She ended such a nice person.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:43 PM
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all is well! ttaM has arrived and the tenets of halfordismo are being explained to the novices. Has anyone got a spare recoilless rifle or some elastic?


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:46 PM
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Airedale is NOT DEAD! Hurrah!


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:47 PM
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She is just refusing to sell a lurker cocaine over the internet. I admire her moral fibre.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:47 PM
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Ajay has explained to our guests some of the shibboleths of the blog. It took a very long time, because helpless laughter, to explain about why we occasionally desist from self abuse. Matt has turned up.

No one will tell the strangers the URL of the blog


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:48 PM
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Maybe I have spontaneously combusted, maybe not, who can say.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 1:51 PM
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It's the spontaneity that is crucial, not the combustion.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:05 PM
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For some reason, the people who have drunk most seen to be funniest.


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:08 PM
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Of Mice and Me
A Brief History of Tim
Fiddler on the Roo
The Adventures of Peter Rabbi


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:13 PM
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"There's a sort of post coital hush after a really good round of puns"


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:15 PM
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She is just refusing to sell a lurker cocaine over the internet.

Is she refusing to make this sale over the internet because she's conducting the transaction right now, in person?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:30 PM
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Airedale vs. the Black Pudding Scotch Egg


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:42 PM
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Airedale looks aghast.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:42 PM
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"It was actually very good", she avers, tears in her eyes. Haggis nachos are also under discussion but sadly not available.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:45 PM
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Airedale's identity discovered.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:48 PM
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68 is great and true.


Posted by: JRoth | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:51 PM
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Neb appears to have all of Twitter in his back pocket.


Posted by: JRoth | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 2:51 PM
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There are more Scottish people here than I expected.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:00 PM
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Someone (Barry?) had a good summary for others of the blog & its customs the other day. Of course I can't find it now.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:27 PM
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The Scotch egg was good! Just not convinced it was finger food.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:28 PM
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What was the dipping sauce? I'm partial to a hot, creamy horseradish myself.


Posted by: JRoth | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:42 PM
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Brown sauce! an unorthodox choice.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:48 PM
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Nothing like a hot, creamy horse radish to warm you up right.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 3:51 PM
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I was a little disappointed that ajay ignored the low-hanging fruit, but I'm relieved that you came through, neb.


Posted by: JRoth | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:04 PM
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I think it was actually that apple sauce/applesauce with the scotch egg. (The brown sauce was with the sausage thingies.)

ajay - e-mail me if you see this! Thanks.


Posted by: Airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:08 PM
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I was a little disappointed that ajay ignored the low-hanging fruit

Are you saying that in your practice "brown sauce" is considered a normal choice?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:24 PM
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"Sausage-thingies" may also be considered low-hanging fruit by you reprobates, but I believe that is actually a term of art for a certain type of English food.


Posted by: airedale | Link to this comment | 11-20-15 5:32 PM
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77 Someone (Barry?) had a good summary for others of the blog & its customs the other day. Of course I can't find it now.

Was it this?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 2:44 AM
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86. YES ! On reading it afghan, yup still a good description. The hoohole wouldn't give it up when I searched. Btw, I hope your weekend in Berlin went well.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 5:11 AM
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Phones think they are so amusing. afghan should be again.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 5:12 AM
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Last night was really fun. Thanks for rounding us all up, Airedale


Posted by: Nworb Werdna | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 5:18 AM
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87 On reading it afghan,

Dari or Pashto?

The long weekend/short week in Berlin was fantastic. 2 weeks until the next rendezvous (this one will be for 2 weeks in a nearby Sietch during a major film festival, can't wait).


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 8:22 AM
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Woo-hoo Barry! (Do we have a name yet for the rendezvous lady?)


Posted by: Witt | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:03 AM
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Judy.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:19 AM
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Doc McStuffins the Second.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:27 AM
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Hooray, Barry ! A powermower perhaps.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:31 AM
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Thanks all.

I don't even want to remember what happened with Doc McStuffins the First so let's go with Chani.

Don't powermowers have to be illicit? Neither of us is married or otherwise taken.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:46 AM
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Don't powermowers have to be illicit?

Sometimes you can get a license from the relevant authority.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 9:57 AM
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Well, are we talking about a 2 stroke or 4 stroke powermower ?


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 10:06 AM
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Both of those are probably really illegal in Arrakis.


Posted by: Turgid Jacobian | Link to this comment | 11-21-15 10:56 AM
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