The Beach
What is the Beach?
It’s a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you’re the only one around, but you can leave your ‘footprints’ for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness.
If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question.
The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Friday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
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The kettle has just boiled - tea anyone?
I have managed to get hold of some of Charlie McLeod's black pudding and there is Lorne sausage in the fridge behind the bar. Friday fry-up anybody?
Thanks for the Tea, UtT.
Busy in RL, so just toast and Marmalade for me.
Do you think Fifi is becoming PM's professional strapline writer? Two in two days and (I think) the third this week.
just coffee for me please. here's a delicious brazilian roast to take the edge off the morning work.
last night "quick drink" turned into a few to many beers. might be up for a veggie fry up a bit later though: eggs, mushrooms, veggie sausages in fridge.
Could I have a coffee instead, UTT? Ta!
I spy another Fifi strapline!
Feefs.......third strapline on the trot!
Is this a sort of 'cash for questions' scam?
Congrats anyway.
DiY:)
I'm twirling my way to the Beach this morning
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
I went to see the Nutcracker last night....
!! > !! > vv vv > !! >!!
Don't you love my tutu?!
I'm throwing myself into the air - which of you handsome frog princes will catch me?
weeee~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morning all. Could it be? Yes it could.
Awful quiet here the day. The waters are calm this morning - just lapping gently on the shore. I'm gonna chill in the shade of this palm for a while...
Not going to be around much for a few days, but I wanted to pass on my congrats to Lord Mair for his appearance last night on Andrew Neill's slot. AN clearly also appreciated the interview with Hilda Gibson - Praise richly deserved, Eddie!
I'll join you for a cup of tea if you don't mind - and Lorne sausage would go down a treat, but I have to pass on black pudding.....I'm afraid I can't stand the stuff!
looks like the moderators have eaten my first submission. makes a difference from 502 so i shouldn't complain ;o)
warm sand between my toes, coffee clutched in my hands. fabulous friday morning in store
(my head hurts less now than with my first post so perhaps my chirpyness will skip past the moderators...)
here's hoping!
How do we know whether Fifi has also been submitting straplines via other people? ;-)
Oh Gillian - am very jealous, I love the Nutcracker. I really want to take my 3 year old daughter to see as she is really good at sitting through shows and would love it. Its on at Woking but not until April!! It's a Christmas ballet!!
Gillian (6)
your temps lié and pirouettes are stunning!
~~~>~~~.....thud.
DiY:)
A hetic half hour in RL has borne fruit after weeks of effort and frustration. Old Mr Cohen's corner store have finally given a price increase.
Praise be! Pass me another roll, I think I'll have 'tattie scone AND sausage in this one.
For those who prefer coffee, I've manged to get some very smooth Colombian for you to try...
Groan
Feel as if I've been kicked by a mule
give me coffee - and stop movin' about so much
aaaaarrrghh
Morning all - can't stay long sadly. Just been given huge tin of chocs at work and trouble is if I leave the tin by my desk - they will all end up in my tum! NOT GOOD! so popping them over on bar for everyone to enjoy and feel good that you are doing me a huge favour by helping me get through them all!!
Oh could sit and relax here all day but must go ... will be with you all virtually when listening at 5 - hope tonight's offering from Eddie is good - last night was one of his best I've heard I think.
Lovely teirling Gillian :-)
I saw Eric on This Week too Big Sis -- I was sorely disappointed that he didn't do the studio bit afterwards.
Rooibos tea anyone?
Oh, a fry-up for me, please. Two eggs if you don't mind.
I also saw Eric on the telly last night. What a funny colour of eyes - hazel? mustard? We should be told.
Tea, milk, no sugar thanks.
Millie (17)
thanks I need to get into training for the Xmas bean feast so those will do for starters. totally agree about quality of PM last eve.
Appy (18)
Please......mine is the big macho builders mug, can I have it without milk but with a spoonful of honey?
thanks
DiY
I've snaffled a few mushrooms from the farm down the road so I'll get them on for you sacrebleu.
Not sure why this springs to mind:
Many moons ago, I was sent to pick up a boar from a farm in the next county. The owner's son watched carefully as we arrived, and came and stood (a little too close for comfort) near us as we tried to persuade 'Napoleon' (the boar) to walk into the trailer. Eventually, the farmer's son turned to me and said (and this is all he said, all the time that we were there) "Napoleon has hazel eyes"
Can't explain it - but I was terrified! Couldn't get out of there quickly enough.
He did have hazel eyes, by the way. (The pig, that is, not Eddie on the TV last night......)
I'll get my coat
can I have that bit of black pudding Fiona has left. Bacon crispy with some Piccalli and Poached eggs please.
I've baked my own bread. Its a nice granary loaf. Help yourselves.
For a walk that will take approximately two hours from here, take the raised walkway down on to the beach and bear to the right. Follow the sands for approximately 2 miles, whereupon you reach the lifeboat station. The view of the harbour and the salt marshes to the right from the sea wall is quite spectacular. The return leg of the walk will offer contrasting scenery by taking the marked footpath. Keep the pinewoods on the right and the boating lake and marshes to the left and continue along the path back to the Beach. :0)
UtT (21)
mmmmmm.........wild boar sausages.......heaven....
we recently went halves with our eldest son and bought a free range piggy! Had it slaughtered and butchered so have a freezer full of delicious joints, sausages and bacon. Do you know it tastes like pork used to taste when i was a boy.
There is none of this pumping it full of water etc, you just get what it says on the 'tin'....meat!
Bang! Look the lifeboat gun has gone off. Wonder why? Ah! It looks like DYI's in difficulties with his speedos again!
SM (25)
Stew, thems not Speedos, thems be Gillians tutu wot i have borrowed.
DiY......whips out water wings and waves to burly Lifeboat man....coooo eeeeee!
DIY (26)
here, grab this and feel the size of my fender
Life'man (27)
thanks but no thanks. I will hitch a ride on Flipper.'click....click....clickity..click....scritch.......scritch...click....click....clickity.....click'
Yes thats right Flipper, it is Gillians tutu, we have to get back before she notices. No, Skippy is not coming out to play today, he has Lassie round for tea.
Not so much before Gillian notices, surely, as before everyone else notices?
Sid
Phew....thanks Flipper....made it and I dont think anybody saw!
What ho Froggers!
Remember me? It's been sooooo long since I was last on The Beach even I can hardly remember who I am. ;o) Sorry to all those who have missed me (and bad luck to those who haven't), RL has gone ice cold thick banana shakes these last few months. Worst of all my employer is most unreasonably expecting me to put in a full days work. Every day. I mean, I ask you... Still, the extra money's useful.
What's this I hear about Sir Tedward on This Week - not to be confused with This Life of course. I usually watch that every week, but due to Mrs Wonko being on a course we've been getting up a stupid o'clock to ensure she's on the choo-choo in time, which has necessitated earlier nights that I usually enjoy.
Ah, warm sand, gentle sea breeze, bright sunshine... I wish I'd never left, or have to leave. But alas I do have to go again as my tube home is beconning me.
And a note for the scroat who pulled the alarm on the Victoria Line today: if I ever find out who you are and where you live (and I can), I will coem and pour a COLD rice pudding through your letter box!
And sing off-key
;o) []
Wonko (31)..
..ahh the old Victoria Line alarm puller......bit like the Phantom Krapper of Old London Town.
We seek him here, we seek him there, we seek that Phantom Krapper of Old London Town!
Actually, when I woz serving HM in the RAF, we had a whole spate of phantom krapping after the publication of Catch 22!
His visiting card would appear in the most unlikely places. The WAAF block, cockpits of Lightnings....and on one occasion on the front steps of the Officers Mess!
Happy days!
Hey Wonko Hello! yes I say young Eric on TV last night too - turned on when I got in (after a rather nice curry!) and there he was, in fact in multiple some of the time, admiring his other self as he spoke!
I've been doing a bit on our family tree this week - discovered we have a *Stilton* in our history (around 1840). How appropriate for Christmas!
click....click....clickity..click....scritch...pyaoung....scritch...click....click....clickity.....click
Flipper
Here's a question. It says just below Post a comment:
"Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them."
Well, I'm the author of this comment - and I approve it! (Even though it's not really a beach-type comment.)
Sid
Morning peeps young and old, fair and hardy, tis a grand morn here.
wots this i spy another strapline from Feefs.....four in a row........will there be questions raised in the House?
Diy:)
Flipper (34)
good grief.......you can't say that. We know Skippy is that way inclined but thats the way the world is these days!
Besides if Sid heard you he would go ballistic, there is nothing wrong with roo's wearing beards.
BTW, scrammbled eggs, bacon and toast at NC's for those up and about.
I am off to Pigneys Wood for a day of hedge / tree planting and conservation work. Just hope the weather stays fair.
DiY
Deepthought (36) don't be downhearted! Blogsy is finally licking our strapline system into shape...so please be patient! Tea and toast please. No marmalade. I come from Dundee yet can't stand the stuff...
Flipper (34)
good grief.......you can't say that. We know Skippy is that way inclined but thats the way the world is these days!
Besides if Sid heard you he would go ballistic, there is nothing wrong with roo's wearing beards.
BTW, scrammbled eggs, bacon and toast at NC's for those up and about.
I am off to Pigneys Wood for a day of hedge / tree planting and conservation work. Just hope the weather stays fair.
DiY with a hint of 502!
Deepthought (36) don't be downhearted! Blogsy is finally licking our strapline system into shape...so please be patient! Tea and toast please. No marmalade. I come from Dundee yet can't stand the stuff...
Flipper (34)
good grief.......you can't say that. We know Skippy is that way inclined but thats the way the world is these days!
Besides if Sid heard you he would go ballistic, there is nothing wrong with roo's wearing beards.
BTW, scrammbled eggs, bacon and toast at NC's for those up and about.
I am off to Pigneys Wood for a day of hedge / tree planting and conservation work. Just hope the weather stays fair.
DiY with a hint of 502!
Odd,
Eddie's replied to my comment that has been washed away!
There's always Marmite or even Honey available, Eddie.
coffee for me please. i'll try some of that columbian stuff UtT brought along yesterday. Double strength to last me the next 10min.
DIY (41) I hope you've gone suitably attired: tree planting in a tutu would be a sight for sore eyes!
now, what to do with my day...
coffee for me please. i'll try some of that columbian stuff UtT brought along yesterday. Double strength to last me the next 10min.
DIY (41) I hope you've gone suitably attired: tree planting in a tutu would be a sight for sore eyes!
now, what to do with my day...
Odd,
Eddie's replied to my comment that has been washed away!
There's always Marmite or even Honey available, Eddie.
indeed Deepthought (44) there are strange things afoot on the beach today... the technical gremlins seem to be throwing everything at us. we'll not let them win!
I'm off xmas shopping (oh the thrills!) but will be back for (late) afternoon tea should anyone manage to get here. I'll supply the scones with jam and cream :)
How lovely to be able to escape to the beach from County Leitrim where there is torrential rain, which is also coming into the house through the leaking roof but nevermind.
Tea and toast, while it might be lovely comfort food, isn't what I'd like while relaxing here in the sun - so I've decided to supply us all with a wonderful array of exotic seafood and some crisp, dry white wine.
Anyone care to throw another prawn on the Barby?
indeed Deepthought (44) there are strange things afoot on the beach today... the technical gremlins seem to be throwing everything at us. we'll not let them win!
I'm off xmas shopping (oh the thrills!) but will be back for (late) afternoon tea should anyone manage to get here. I'll supply the scones with jam and cream :)
the 502's are coming thick and fast...
indeed Deepthought (44) there are strange things afoot on the beach today... the technical gremlins seem to be throwing everything at us. we'll not let them win!
I'm off xmas shopping (oh the thrills!) but will be back for (late) afternoon tea should anyone manage to get here. I'll supply the scones with jam and cream :)
the 502's are coming thick and fast...
Check my namelink for a wild ride! With any luck, this'll appear twice or more with no further effort on my part.
Wheeeee!
ed
Eddie (38) & (40): Good to see that, despite the cut backs, there is still room for the traditional repeats from the Beeb ;-)
Hope the weather isn't being too mean to you all. And I hope the sand doesn't all wash away.
Tis a dark & wet afternoon and I am back from Pigneys Wood.
We (two of us) had a glorious morn 'raising the canopy'!
Don't ask....it involves lots and lots of pruning, clipping, trimming, sawing, etc of young trees to ensure correct growth. Something, some of the youth of today could do with!
Diy, damp but not defeated!
Tis a dark & wet afternoon and I am back from Pigneys Wood.
We (two of us) had a glorious morn 'raising the canopy'!
Don't ask....it involves lots and lots of pruning, clipping, trimming, sawing, etc of young trees to ensure correct growth. Something, some of the youth of today could do with!
Diy, damp but not defeated!
DIY,
Nothing like the feeling of glorified selfrighteous tiredness when returning to the fireside wet and exhausted from treeplanting or maintenance efforts.
Nice warm soup and a whisky (together or separate, as you like).
Slainte!!!
Another? Why not!
Traveling through hyperspace isn't like dusting crops, boy.
-- Han Solo
Phew! Kicks off sodden boots, collapses into hammock.
End of a brilliant but exhausting week.
Any hot, sweet caffeine left? I need to stay awake for a while.
Now, let's see if this gets through. 1832
Right, Ok, I'm going to give it a go...
Hello, beach friends!
I bring late night tipples, such as Liffey, brandy, port etc for those that feel in need of a night cap and warming coco for those who prefer a clear head in the morning.
I'm sure there's a couple of chocs left in the box and some brie and crackers if you're really hungry....enjoy.
If this doesn't work, I'm over at the cransley and likely to stay there until/if our lovely place is fixed.....
Ye Gods, another strapline from Feefs!
It will all end in tears I tell you!
DIY(57),
Fifi's been very quiet the last few days - has she gone into hiding, do you think?
Deepthought (58)
Mmmmmm, the quiet before the storm.
Look out shes gonna blow!
Deepthought (58) Yes! She'll be back next week with a vengeance - and more straplines, probably ;o)
sniffle.
boing! said Zebedee...
nite all!
n-n
And another from Fifi - is that five in a row? (A bonus point, methinks.)
Anyway - there is some delicious coffee brewing at the NC bar (Cafe Direct, of course), and the croissants are warming through. So, tutus on and get down here!
Sid
Ah, morning all! Coffe's a-brewing, tea's a-stewing, and the sun has just peeped over the horizon. A lovely day on the beach to start the week. Anyone fancy some of this fruit cake (liberally dosed with brandy & rum)?
On Saturday I made a comment that has since been washed away, but not before EM replied to it (twice).
Among other things (like providing toast and marmalade) I asked whether Fifi had become PM's professional strapline provider. Must say, with this fifth one in a row, does look like it!
Oh well, hie me away (as others say) back to RL and a difficult day...
Has anybody looked at the footage of the large-eared jerboa that featured on the Today prog this morning? I found some clips via the Times online. Soooo cute. Maybe we should import some for this Beach? They seem to love sand.
Will they also be the fluffy animal story on tonight's PM? ( I should think one comment like that is enough for the editor to ban all mention of them, ha ha.) They were lovely though. They look like a soft toy designed by a three-year-old.
Here I come Sid.....
22 22 22 22 22 \/ \/ @@@@@ vv vv @@@@@
Oh heck - either I've eaten too many mince pies, or this tutu's shrunk ;o(
It feels a bit damp, too - has someone put in the wash?
Hi Sid, thanks for coffee, much needed this morn after a wee too much scrumpy last night!
BTW, i have ditched the tutu in favour of leatherhosen!
I've got some more good Colombian brewing again. coffee folks. I'll froyth some milk for the cappuccino crowd.
DI, we need a photo of that.
As proof, of course.
You can't get away with such comments, you know.
Morning, all, or should that be bordig, all, got adother cold-like bug. Argh - fed up with dot beig well.
After last week - very busy - I'm hoping to have a quieter one. Some therapeutic time spent in a hammock might do the trick.
And I'll have some of that coffee, thanks! Excellent idea.
Gillian (66)
....about the tutu, I can explain, it was Flipper!
Frances (68)
OK, I will post a pic after the next flying piggy.
Oink! Oink!
Funny, didn't think pigeons made that noise...
Oooh! Afternoon all. Have just got back from Christmas lunch in RL, and am feeling very stuffed! I'll just lie in the red hammock for a bit of a snooze. Can someone give me a nudge when it's 5pm? Ta....
Fearless (73) - What's it like to be very stuffed? I'm a bit apprehensive. Gobble! gobble!
C'm 'ere IT and we'll show you.....
Ohh ad indeed Err, Izzy! I'd better head towards the naughty step! :p
I say, I say, I say....
three holes in the ground, no, hang on,
502 502 502
502 502 502oooo
502 502 502
502 502oo
Right - 3rd time lucky - if it don't work then I'm off again....
So, I'm going to say this, just in case...
Happy Christmas everybody - I really hope this gets through, 'cos I'm dead fed up with this 502 malarky. Have a good one and may the New Year bring you all you wish for.
With Love
Izz xx
Izzy
Better now better now better now. Hopefully :-)
DIY (67)
*old f*rt mode on* Lederhosen *old f*rt mode off*
Fifi's been remarkably quiet since last Friday...
Deep (81) Feef is offline 'til the weekend, as she's away. Still, at least we have her straplines to remind us of her! I make that six on the trot so far...
Annasee, can you remember where you got your walnut marzipan? I can't find any this Christmas, the almond stuff is just too.... Marzipanny!
I'd be ever so grateful
Treen
I don't believe it! (spoken in true Victor Meldrew tone) Fifi has got a seventh strapline in a row!" A week of Fifi, and she's not around to feel suitably ashamed of Hogging Eddie's affections....
Treen - what a memory you have for trivia! I'm sorry, the great marzipan incident was at least 11 years ago, when we lived in another town. I possibly bought it from Tesco (I remember they were one of the local supermarkets, along with Somerfield, but they don't exist now, do they?) I haven't seen walnut marzipan since, I'm afraid. You could try googling it - there's bound to be a mail order supplier, (probably at £10 per 100g !)
help......RL has dumped me in Reading, behind the Gillette factory. Anyone want any razor blades......
DT 81.....my suspicions now confirmed!
DIY and DT think about the different mind pictures you see when you think of...
a) Lederhosen
b) Leather Trousers
One is far more sultry than Kate O'mara. The other reeks of motorbike's ;-)
DIY and DT think about the different mind pictures you see when you think of...
a) Lederhosen
b) Leather Trousers
One is far more sultry than Kate O'mara. The other reeks of motorbike's ;-)
Stewart M (88) What about Kate O'Mara wearing leather trousers?!
DiWyman - no razor blades, thanks, but can you get any scooshy shaving stuff? We could have a foam party on the Beach!
Anyone for a mince pie? I've resolved to eat one a day from now til Christmas Eve.
Gillian (89)
Shaving Foam for Sensitive Skin, qty 1 Tanker, 4000 ltrs FAO Ms Gillian. C/O The Beach.
sign 'ere guv!
Please stop talking about leather - it's quite upsetting me!
As it looks like there are plans for a foam party on the beach later, is it okay if we talk about lather, TIH (91)?
H.
Humph( 92) Very perceptive of you – to gather that I’d rather have lather.
Gillian (89) - Kate O'Mara in leathers could probably create a bit of a lather!
Gillian 89. Ive gone weak at the knees with the thought of that!.
Suds law
I'll be washing my hair, if anyone wants me....
Kate O'Mara in Lederhosen doesn't have the same attraction...
Deepthought, but what about Allo allo.
I'm sure they dressed up Helga in Lederhosen. If so I'm also sure someone will tell us which episode and where the fallen madonna with the big b%%bies was hidden.
Ah ze Egg visk and ze Celery.
I tried at least 10 times to join the foam party last night! Who won?
How about we all wear lederhosen for this foam party then?
Thighs must be slapped at all times.
All frothing up on the beach then- can't we wear our party dresses-lederhosen do chaff so...
Another hit for fifi I see. Has she become 'one of them' do you think? I find it most perplexing to say the elast.
n-n (96)
coo-eey!
we want you!
Mollyxx
NN that's our shaving foam you're putting in your hair!!!
Are we having another foam party tonight then?
Yes please because I was clearly very late for last night's!
(Sings) Foam, foam on the beach...
afternoon peeps, back from Reading today. So sorry I missed the foam party last eve as I was 'fighting' my way home, but am certainley up for it tonight.
I have ditched the leathers due to chaffing so back into cords but will don trusty Speedos for foam fun.
Appy (100) slapping of thighs still on though?
Whey hey! I'll start climbing into mi Lederhosen then and Gluhwein seems appropriate so I'll get some on the go!
The first one to say that The Foam Party is the new name for the Conservatives - "all froth and no substance" - will be taken off David Cameron's Christmas Card List!
Mrs DiY has just mailed me......'can you get your own dinner as I am going late night shopping'......yes.....and do you think I should warn the Bank of England?
So bacon, sausage, eggs and chips it is then with a glass of chilled scrumpy to wash it down.
And then let the slapping of thighs commence.
Should I wear the lederhosen on my forelegs or hindlegs? Please don't say both as that would just make me look silly.
DIY what were you reading??? Oh I see....
And who says thighs isn't important?
Sid
We do not wish to be associated with David Cameron.
But you can slap my thighs.
TIH (109)
I would suggest Flannel on the forelegs and Leather on the hind and perhaps with silk ribbon braided into your mane and tail?
After all one wouldn't want to look totally rediculous would one?
Molly (101) Fifi sends her straplines in in batches. NBPMarc used to intersperse them with others, but Blogsy (being a Newbie) obviously finds it easier to feed the whole batch straight into the strapline machine.
Sorry I missed the foam party (I was out to dinner with the Library crew.)
I hope we can have another one tonight as tomorrow I'm off to London for the weekend - it's daughter's degree ceremony at the Barbican tomorrow afternoon, and we're hoping to go to the Frost fair on Saturday.
Mince pie, anyone?
We do not wish to be associated with David Cameron but you can slap our thighs anytime.
Ella Fitzgerald has taken up the cue....
Clap-a yo' hand! Slap-a yo' thigh!
Halleluyah! Halleluyah!
Ev'rybody come along and join the Foam Partee!Clap-a yo' hand! Slap-a yo' thigh!
Don t you lose time! Don't you lose time!
Come along-it's shake yo' shoes time
Now for you and me!
On the sands of time
You are only a pebble;
Remember, trouble must be treated
Just like a rebel;
Send him to the Debble!
Clap-a yo' hand! Slap-a yo' thigh!
Halleluyah! Halleluyah!
Everybody come along and join the Foam Partee!
yay
foam!!! And I'm going to attempt a foam snow-man....
Stand still Sid, you'll do as a template!
Right, here we go....
.... dum di dum ...
....(whistles)....
...and a bit there...
Gillian(116)
Phew! That's all sorted then-all Blogsy's doing.
Who's next I wonder??
What could be better than a foam partee on a Thursday night. Not sure about all this slapping though.
Mind you, might as well join in-looks fun.......
Oh! Mine you mean-sorry DIY !!!
Mollyxx
whoosh-----O
zoom---------------O
foam ball fight!
Splish! Splosh! Back atchya, L'il Red!!
..............# splat!
Hey Gillian! ..........Thup!!
Aaarrrggh! Oh no Molly's going to get me........
Crikey. I came down for a bit of peace and quiet (and to avoid a nasty troll) and I find myself in the middle of ... well, in the middle of what, exactly?
Whoa, easy with that foam!
Sid
For the benefit of non-Facebookers:
OK, it's that time of year again...
I've taken 100 Christmas carols, songs and traditional songs, and listed the initials of a popular lyric (usually the one including the title). All you have to do is download the spreadsheet and see how many you can identify. I don't expect (m)any will be able to get the lot - but see how many you can ID on your own first, then grab your Christmas CDs, hymn books, Google queries etc.
As there shouldn't be more than one song sharing each set of words, I won't mark your sheets - but feel free to post your scores. The only prizes on offer are that of a free brag (if you think you've done better than others), an ego trip ("Yay - I'm better than xxx!") and possibly the accolades of some members of the community ("Well done - you got x more than me!")
the Excel spreadsheet (requires Microsoft Office).
I've deliberately put it up as a spreadsheet so you can apply custom sort criteria (e.g. attempt the Ms first, or try the carols first etc.) and divide it up how you wish if you prefer to print it out and try it over a mince pie or three! The other advantage of printing it out is that you can recruit family and friends to help!
To give you an example of how it works, here are a couple that didn't make the list:
GGROBAR - Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - S
IH,IL - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - C
Bonus points are on offer for setting / answering trivia questions related to the songs - and you can answer them in-thread (whereas answers to the main quiz itself would be unfair, as you're not giving latecomers a chance).
Most of the tunes are well-known, but there are a few obscure ones. Most 'original artists' only appear once, so e.g. you'll only find one song popularised by Harry Webb. There's a bit of Handel in there - but not necessarily a carol, and amongst the entries you will find Felix (with lyrics by Charles), Neville, Roy, Reg, Harry Lillis and Georgios (bonus points for their full/professional names), plus one that can fit into both Carol and Song (well, instrumental) categories.