UK politics

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Quote by GnV
Greg,
One thing to consider is the number of Japanese companies with manufacturing or assembly plants in the UK, thus helping or 'trade figures', purely on the basis when they were announced of our proximity and membership of the EU

This is no reason to be in the EU. Are you saying we British can not build our own things any more? Sadly too many seem to think like you do rather than takingf the attitude of we once built the best things in the world and we can do it again given the chance.
Who is stopping Britain getting on?
Not Europe for sure.
As Too Hot says, the British are their own worst enemy.
If there are negatives in Britain's membership of the EU she should be relentlessly exploiting those negatives by turning them into positives and taking the trading world by storm with all her other opportunities from within (at least) the Commonweath and beyond.
But, does she do so? No. No. No. She listens too much to politicking fractional parties and attempts to preen her image with cosmetics to disguise her ageing ability to cut the mustard and then blames everyone but herself when she inevitably trips over a poorly repaired paving stone.
Ditching Europe will not aid her cause; it will secure yet another nail in her coffin - and there are far too many in place already.
Britain needs a strong and imaginative leadership. A renewal if you like. Cutting off her nose to spite her face is not the way forward. Sadly, in the current class of politicians, I see no one capable of leading Britain in such a revolution.
coming from someone who left britain, i am not suprised at your negative comments. from where i sit i would rather be here, than in the land of the onion.
britain has been thrown to the lions by europe at every avenue. with health and safety issues and the huge amounts of do's and dont's that europe has placed on this country, is it any wonder companies have not moved forward? banks that do not want to lend to companies, and when they do get the money they are then forced into unwrapping the red tape madness that europe has placed on us. britain has indeed put nails into it's coffin, and everyday we continue to be stiffled by europe is yet another nail.
europe is falling apart at the seams. the beloved french and germans dream of a federal europe, with one voice and one currency is down the toilet. if europe was disbanded tomorrow, france would be down the same line as italy and spain. only europes bankrolling of france make them any kind of power. the french have done nothing constructive for years, and always look over there shoulders towards britain.
the only thing france is good at is making Champagne, germany is europes super power. all well and good running britain down at every opportunity, but at least this country was once great unlike the onion country who have never been successful at anything.
nul n'est prophète en son pays lol
Quote by starlightcouple
coming from someone who left britain, i am not suprised at your negative comments. from where i sit i would rather be here, than in the land of the onion.

Oh poor old star. You might think it somewhat perverse but my post was far from negative about the UK but your response is really helpful in reinforcing what I was saying about the British. Totally blinkered and that from someone who's signature in this hallowed place can't even bring himself to openly support a British football team but a Spanish one rolleyes
But, we must agree to disagree. I'd far rather be here in glorious sunshine and unpolluted air with freedom of movement than be a prisoner in my own back yard - unable to use the roads to which I have contributed so much money only to find that there are lanes devoted to the hoypoloi, in true Soviet fashion.
Quote by star
britain has been thrown to the lions by europe at every avenue. with health and safety issues and the huge amounts of do's and dont's that europe has placed on this country, is it any wonder companies have not moved forward? banks that do not want to lend to companies, and when they do get the money they are then forced into unwrapping the red tape madness that europe has placed on us. britain has indeed put nails into it's coffin, and everyday we continue to be stiffled by europe is yet another nail.

Well, there's the rub star. It needn't be like that. Your own hero Maggie stood up to the Europeans and her downfall was her own party colleagues - the so called mandarins - NOT Europe, but Brits like you and me. We, the people of Britain, let it happen!
Much of the idiocy coming from the European Commission in Directives is ignored by the rest of Europe anyway! Only 'do-gooder' Britain seems to want to be led into the abyss; and it is paying a heavy price for ditching Baroness Thatcher. Perhaps it's because of its prurient need to self flagellate for its past sins - truly in the style of the British Comedy hero, Basil Fawlty.
Quote by star
europe is falling apart at the seams. the beloved french and germans dream of a federal europe, with one voice and one currency is down the toilet. if europe was disbanded tomorrow, france would be down the same line as italy and spain. only europes bankrolling of france make them any kind of power. the french have done nothing constructive for years, and always look over there shoulders towards britain.

Drivel! If you fall on hard times (Britain) would you not ask a dear friend to bail you out (France)?
Can I remind you that, as part of her austerity without growth measures, Britain - despite being an island totally surrounded by sea and a once great sea power herself - ditched her aircraft carrying capability?
To whom did she turn? Les français of course, in a milestone defence accord. Another benefit of being Euopean perhaps (for Greg's benefit).
France is the second most powerful democracy in the world; her President elected by a simple majority of her people unlike the USA where the President is elected by an electoral college (a corrupt one in the case of George 'dubbya') and the UK who do not vote for a Government at all but have one foisted on them by 'shady' back room deals which, in the case of the present administration, looks set not to last the course.
Quote by star
the only thing france is good at is making Champagne, germany is europes super power. all well and good running britain down at every opportunity, but at least this country was once great unlike the onion country who have never been successful at anything.

If you are suggesting that I have been running Britain down, you are quite mistaken. You seem to have a bigoted view of the French and anything European (except Barca it seems, when it suits you) and, like many others, have the blinkered approach to Europe which will be the eventual undoing of Britain.
As for the French, their cuisine is exquisite and Champagne is over rated and grossly overpriced. Of the English capability in the cuisine stakes, the French say that the only thing the English cooked well was Joan d'Arc :grin:
Quote by star
nul n'est prophète en son pays lol

dunno I don't know what translation tool you are using but perhaps you shouldn't be using Google, the Americans have even less sense of humour about the French :lol2:
Quote by GnV
France is the second most powerful democracy in the world; her President elected by a simple majority of her people unlike the USA where the President is elected by an electoral college (a corrupt one in the case of George 'dubbya') and the UK who do not vote for a Government at all but have one foisted on them by 'shady' back room deals which, in the case of the present administration, looks set not to last the course.

sorry GNV but please excuse me for not responding to the rest of your post, as frankly it is nonsense from a person who chose to move out of the UK, to France. so i would think your judgement and your facts are somewhat skewered, and most certainly filled with bias.
but the bit i have highlighted is total nonsense.

have a check at number 29. the UK is at number 18.
for a country with the second most powerful democracy, had it not been for the great UK in the years 1939-1945, France would no longer even exist. France capitulated in six weeks to the Germans so much for power. six weeks? you can wait longer for that for virgin to turn up to fix your broadband. the great Franco dead in six weeks. rolleyes

that capitulation is still in many peeples memories as millions of french peeple are still alive. they should thank the uk and america for without those two great super powers, France would be even less of a country than it is now. so that has given the freanch and also yourself once again the chance to enjoy France.
still i digress as as usual things go off topic but this country is still better by miles than many of the other european countries and that includes france. when the euro flops, and it will, we shall see how france copes and how france survives.
Mange bien rotflmao
Poor star. He uses statistics like a drunk uses lampposts; for support rather than for illumination rolleyes
You should not put your faith in what statistics say, but rather than what they don't say star. Then, and only then might it be possible for you to contribute competently to serious debate and treat us to your reasoned views and knowledgeability beyond cut and paste - not your bigoted ones.
Moreover, it will improve your credibility no end :grin:
So tell me then, for example, when did Mr Cameron not meet M. Sarkozy and sign a deal for the UK to use French warships? Was this a figment of my imagination? You seem to suggest it was and in typical fashion bluster your way out of providing a reasoned response by trying to engage in mind games and personal invective, not very successfully it has to be said. You are so transparent.
Or is it that I have used too many big words you are unable to comprehend?
Maybe you envy my expensive education? I must have had one to be an employer after all rolleyes
As someone else has already said in this thread, you constantly accuse others of not answering your demands for proof but you seem not to possess the social skills to engage in proper intelligent debate when your views are challenged, choosing insolence instead.
Such a shame, I was beginning to enjoy the banter but it looks like I'll have to go back to my original position and put you on the ignore list.
G,
:thumbup:
Think Genesis hit the nail on the head back in 1973 with an album entitled Selling England by the Pound.
It had started by then, though it certainly accelerated during the Thatcher years and has continued to do so ever since.
More than a cursory look at a lot of companies will seen reveal where their ownership is based and where, ultimately, the monies go.
For example, you cited Cameron for signing a deal with Sarkozy for use of an aircraft carrier, much closer to home for some and also getting lots of London 2012 exposure is EDF, or rather to give them their full name Électricité de France S.A. Likely to have an even bigger 'stake' in the UK via Hinkley Point C and Sizewell.
Quote by GnV
Poor star. He uses statistics like a drunk uses lampposts; for support rather than for illumination rolleyes

sorry GNV i thought i was allowed to. are you saying that i cannot dunno
Quote by GnV
You should not put your faith in what statistics say, but rather than what they don't say star. Then, and only then might it be possible for you to contribute competently to serious debate and treat us to your reasoned views and knowledgeability beyond cut and paste - not your bigoted ones.

are you now saying that the link i supplied is indeed wrong GNV? no it is not wrong, so cannot understand your response if honest. it is either a fact or it is not, and if it is then it blew your comment out of the water. if i have to prove a person wrong by producing a fact from the internet, have you such a problem with that? i would have thought GNV that a man of your standing would havebeen only to keen to learn new facts, and have your opinion put right, when it was indeed wrong.innocent
Quote by GnV
Moreover, it will improve your credibility no end :grin:

i shall take a leaf out of your recent book GNV, that you so kindly gave to me,,,
Am I bovvered?
Am I bovvered though?
Do I look bovvered?
No cos I ain’t bovvered.
I'm not bovvered.
I AIN'T BOVVERED!
I ain’t cos I ain’t bovvered.
No I ain’t.
No I ain’t though.
Yeah that's cos I'm not.
No it ain’t actually.
Are you deaf?
But do I care though?
But I don’t care though.
Are you stupid?
Why don't you shut up though?
Shut up then.
Are you telling me what to do?
Don't tell me what to do.
Yeah I will and don't tell me what to do.
Are you disrespecting me?
I don't need your opinion is it.
_________________
Quote by GnV
So tell me then, for example, when did Mr Cameron not meet M. Sarkozy and sign a deal for the UK to use French warships? Was this a figment of my imagination? You seem to suggest it was and in typical fashion bluster your way out of providing a reasoned response by trying to engage in mind games and personal invective, not very successfully it has to be said. You are so transparent.

no not a figment at all GNV as yes it did happen. you name a single thing, yet over the past france has relied a lot more heavily on us than we have on them. there you go have answered your question, as you did ask.
Quote by GnV
As someone else has already said in this thread, you constantly accuse others of not answering your demands but seem not to possess the social skills yourself to engage in proper intelligent debate when your views are challenged, choosing insolence instead.
Such a shame, I was beginning to enjoy the banter.

i was accused yes GNV but i think i answered not only there questions, but now also yours as well. if there is one that i have not answered kindly show me and i will do my best to answer it. i promise not to use google either.:doh:
Thanks H.
I'd forgotten about EDF although on the other hand, I guess in hindsight I was keen not to ram too much down star's throat about the benefits of the contribution his beloved London is making to its French neighbour or how much the UK relies on obtaining its power from such an eminent source.
@star:
Of course you can use statistics to aid your point. The point I am making is that plainly quoting statistics or pointing at websites full of funny numbers does not help your case. For as many sites support one point of view, there as many (at least) which support alternatives which is why I tend not to rely on them.
What is far more important is the way a reasoned point of view is articulated which gives the reader a chance to offer a challenge or an opposed viewpoint to test the veracity of what is being said or suggested. Your arrogant response is this: I've found a link on the World Wide Web which supports my pont of view now put that in your pipe and smoke it. No discussion, no question, nothing. It must be right 'cos I found it. End of.
Sorry star, it doesn't work like that.
Ok, so I'm going to be uncharactoristically helpful here star. Ask me by all means where I get the ludicrous notion from that France is the 2nd most democratic nation after your reading suggests otherwise and I will attempt a response which explains my logic for you to consider. Don't just point at a dubious statistic helpful to your cause from the internet but debate the issue. I won't be upset; I'd welcome the challenge. What you won't get from me is an equally dubious link to an alternate statistic.
But don't do it just now... I'm off to a (free) concert in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville, Angoulême - arias from La Bohème. Very cultured evening and looking forward to it immensely.
Quote by GnV
I'm off to a (free) concert in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville, Angoulême - arias from La Bohème. Very cultured evening and looking forward to it immensely.

As an aside
Hôtel de Ville, Angoulême is a great location, been to several great evenings out held there over the years.
(Must admit much prefer the cultural French style evenings out when compared with the usual cheap 'low-rent' ones usually found here.)
Enjoy G
Europe - the great scapegoat - when times are hard and we need to point the finger of blame let's do what every right thinking Englishman has done for hundreds of years and point across the channel at the foreigners.
Let's forget our own shortcomings.
Let's forget that it was us that effectively shut down manufacturing Britain
Let's forget that we have taken European Directives and gold plated them whilst much of Europe ignores them
Let's forget that the argument about trading with the commonwealth is a red herring because if we could that, we already would be.
Let's forget that it makes perfect sense to have cultural, trading and legislative ties with our closest neighbours
Let's forget that if we took the German model in its entirety and it was only 50% successful we would still probably be twice as well off as we are today - as long as we expect that hard work is at the root of everything (this could be a problem in Britain).
Blaming Johnny Foreigner is a cultural necessity and part of being British because as a nation we are unable to accept that we are in pretty poor shape but it is better to blame others than face the reality of the truth - especially if we can blame foreigners.
Talking of France - we too shall be in France very soon. For the second time this summer - bah - just how decadent we are.
Le Cap d'Agde - French? just plain naughty? Or both?
@ H
We did enjoy!
The cour de l'hôtel de ville was bathed in late evening sunshine just catching the battlements with a gentle breeze fluttering the drapeau français just to remind everyone that a very French événement lay ahead.
I did think of you H as I pondered the scene in front of me. A temporary stage with full lighting and soud depicting a very French scene to be played out in the stunning courtyard of a town hall in the midst of an ancient rural township. How you must miss this magical place when you are in England!
Courtesy of the Mairie, and at no cost to the audience, a most professionally conducted evening ensued in front of a seated audience captivated by the strains of La Bohème by Puccini including the haunting rendition of the Mimi/Rodolfo duet <O soave fanciulla> as they leave the stage. Memories of Maria Callas abound!
Just to tempt you H. Next week is the last of the Mardi Muzik l'été 2012 with La Famille Clément from Clement Ferrand in the Auvergne playing Mozart. This should bounce around the walls of the cour and stir the blood for sure! A coffee after in one of the many bars in the centre and then recover the car from the free underground car park should make just a fabulous end to summer. A timely reminder of why we are in France.
@TooHot
Both!! Absolutely!! Le Cap has an unsurpassable reputation throughout the world of the libertine en France. The SH equivalent here actually has a section on your profile to indicate your holiday plans 'au Cap'!
Quote by Too Hot
Are you saying we British can not build our own things any more? Sadly too many seem to think like you do rather than takingf the attitude of we once built the best things in the world and we can do it again given the chance.

The reason that we build so little has much to do with successive governments over regulating. It is not about people being given a chance but government reducing regulatory burden and encouraging initiative. An example is aviation where once Britain led the way - now only a fool would attempt to launch a new aviation initiative in this country and most manufacturers choose to by pass the UK in their approval processes such is the onerous burden invented by our very own CAA. These "safety related" regulations have little evidenciary substance but in any event have been added to layer upon layer as successive generations of bureaucrats attempt to justify their salaries.
There is no common sense at all in some of the UK's civil and criminal legislation.
Are you aware, I wonder, of the fact that much of this over regulation is imposed by the EU (typically between 75 and 80%, in some cases 100%) and is compulsory for our industry to obey? The British government can not do anything about it.
The same applies to the UK's civil and criminal legislation and much else besides.
So far as the aviation industry is concerned the regulations start with the European Aviation Safety Agency, set up in Cologne during 2002, the factories are governed by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work which was established in Bilbao during 1994 etc. I could provide a series of numbers (e.g EU Directive 97/67/EC, part of the legislation used to shut our post offices, or Directive 91/440 which went a long way towards privatisation of our rail services) but hundreds of such numbers would get dull to read and boring to write. Civil and criminal legislation is now controlled by the European Commission who alone can draft new proposals which are then voted on by the EU Parliament (and that is a highly questionable process; often MEPs say they have little idea of what they are actually voting for) then the Commission enforce the laws.
Suffice to say that the EU have set up around 40 such "Agencies" and together cover virtually everything we do, say, think (yes, even think - European Monitoring Agency Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, established in 1997 and based in Vienna).
To change these things we need to get out.
I'm not saying we don't need safety in the workplace but the EU enforce so much it is strangling our factories and businesses.
Quote by GregSH
So far as the aviation industry is concerned the regulations start with the European Aviation Safety Agency, set up in Cologne during 2002,
...
The CAA had destroyed the UK industry long before that, the car and motor vehicle industry generally was given up to foreign ownership in the 80's & 90's. The world leader in innovation in light aviation is currently the Czech Republic (European Members).
If the European model is so bad - why is Germany so successful if Germany is at the heart of Europe?
Quote by GnV
@ H
We did enjoy!
The cour de l'hôtel de ville was bathed in late evening sunshine just catching the battlements with a gentle breeze fluttering the drapeau français just to remind everyone that a very French événement lay ahead.
I did think of you H as I pondered the scene in front of me. A temporary stage with full lighting and soud depicting a very French scene to be played out in the stunning courtyard of a town hall in the midst of an ancient rural township. How you must miss this magical place when you are in England!
Courtesy of the Mairie, and at no cost to the audience, a most professionally conducted evening ensued in front of a seated audience captivated by the strains of La Bohème by Puccini including the haunting rendition of the Mimi/Rodolfo duet <O soave fanciulla> as they leave the stage. Memories of Maria Callas abound!
Just to tempt you H. Next week is the last of the Mardi Muzik l'été 2012 with La Famille Clément from Clement Ferrand in the Auvergne playing Mozart. This should bounce around the walls of the cour and stir the blood for sure! A coffee after in one of the many bars in the centre and then recover the car from the free underground car park should make just a fabulous end to summer. A timely reminder of why we are in France.

sounds utterly exhilarating GNV, in fact it reminds me of the Madonna concert we went to this year. :eeek:
Quote by GregSH
Are you aware, I wonder, of the fact that much of this over regulation is imposed by the EU (typically between 75 and 80%, in some cases 100%) and is compulsory for our industry to obey? The British government can not do anything about it.
The same applies to the UK's civil and criminal legislation and much else besides.
So far as the aviation industry is concerned the regulations start with the European Aviation Safety Agency, set up in Cologne during 2002, the factories are governed by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work which was established in Bilbao during 1994 etc. I could provide a series of numbers (e.g EU Directive 97/67/EC, part of the legislation used to shut our post offices, or Directive 91/440 which went a long way towards privatisation of our rail services) but hundreds of such numbers would get dull to read and boring to write. Civil and criminal legislation is now controlled by the European Commission who alone can draft new proposals which are then voted on by the EU Parliament (and that is a highly questionable process; often MEPs say they have little idea of what they are actually voting for) then the Commission enforce the laws.
Suffice to say that the EU have set up around 40 such "Agencies" and together cover virtually everything we do, say, think (yes, even think - European Monitoring Agency Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, established in 1997 and based in Vienna).
To change these things we need to get out.
I'm not saying we don't need safety in the workplace but the EU enforce so much it is strangling our factories and businesses.

i cannot buy an old style light bulb for love or money. all this EU rubbish about now only being allowed to buy these new, six times the price, new wave light bulbs that are course going to save the planet from extinction is a perfect example of the EU taking control and forcing us to comply. The workplace is awash with similar brain less laws, not passed by our own elected Parliament, but by an unelected bunch of peeple hell bent on making things up as they go along.
trying to run a business in these times, where a business has to comply with a rule for everything they do, must be a mine field. european legislation forced on us is everywhere.

where it clearly states " This week, the EU banned shops from stocking up on traditional 100-watt bulbs and any type of frosted bulb in a bid to slash Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions ".
and this is what the UK signed up to in the 70's is it? no we signed up to trade not to be dictated to. our laws are being eroded by unelected europeans ready to control what we eat and how we eat it, and the manner of what we eat. what we can or cannot do in the workplace. health and safety legislation gone mad by europe. companies and employees forced to comply with eu directives in the workplace, and all the time stealing more and more of our money. our politicians of all parties have sold this country down the river, for there 16 pieces of silver.
Star / Greg,
With the bulk of english law being 'case law', i.e. developed over the years in the Courts supplemented by Legislation passed by UK Government (slightly separate system in Scotland), we would contend with your views.
You quote HASAW, though much of the current legislation within this area already existed long before the European Agency was created in 1994.
One look at Shengen would show that this was an agreement between 5 of the 10 members of the old EEC and for many years was entirely separate from the EU structures until the 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, and even then the UK and Ireland 'opted out'. So it's not an 'imposed' regulation on the UK.
There are other examples, however the various elected UK Governments over the years have signed up for and agreed into UK Law many other guidelines, regulations, and suggestions that have been discussed within the EU.
As for EU enforcement on workplace safety strangling factories and businesses, you will also find plenty of examples where existing home grown UK rules and regulations have also been suggested that do this, not only in this area but planning, taxation, business, etc.
As for light bulbs rotflmao
The UK were a long way down the road to harmonise with local legislation within the markets beside the UK in which they were sold, as close friends working at our local Phillips manufacturing factories mentioned to us prior to 2009 (it simplified their production and costs).
Also the elected UK Government signed up to so as to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions and other environmental impact at Kyoto and other international Conventions & Treaties, as well as (quoting the 2009 Daily Mail Star refers to), "... typical home will save £37 a year on their electricity bill by fitting low energy ..." alternatives.
The 'EU' structure might be a mess, though knockers of any organisation can always pick fault.
The Council of the European Union, i.e. consists of a Government Minister from each member state to look at EU legislature and also exercises executive functions in relations to the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The European Commission, comprising 27 Commissioners (one from each member State), acts as the EU's executive arm and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the EU and also initiating some legislation, and is accountable to the directly elected (by the public) European Parliament, i.e. MEP's
European Parliament (MEP's), which with the Council of the European Union, are the one's responsible for passing legislation jointly.
So faceless & un-elected ?
Pah.
Not if those you've voted for as MP's and MEP's have been doing their roles correctly in then selecting their party, group leaders, ministers, commissioners, etc.
You do vote don't you ?
Quote by HnS
You do vote don't you ?

He's been wondering for years why he has to sign his name against someone else's name for years H....
Quote by GnV
You do vote don't you ?

He's been wondering for years why he has to sign his name against someone else's name for years H....
rotflmao
I haven't ever signed anything, just put a large X in pencil on the ballot paper.
Quote by GnV
He's been wondering for years why he has to sign his name against someone else's name for years H....

:wanker:
i bet you are a bundle of laughs at a party.
Quote by starlightcouple

He's been wondering for years why he has to sign his name against someone else's name for years H....

:wanker:
i bet you are a bundle of laughs at a party.
Life and soul star :grin:
:laughabove::laughabove:
Quote by starlightcouple

where it clearly states " This week, the EU banned shops from stocking up on traditional 100-watt bulbs and any type of frosted bulb in a bid to slash Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions ".

Britain signed up for the Kyoto agreement to reduce its greenhouse gasses and this is one aspect of it. Other aspects are that in Britain we are paying 20% over charges on all our energy bills to support the costlier "green" energy sources for exactly the same reason. If we as a country had wanted to keep the 100watt bulbs then we could have done by ignoring the directive. As it happens it fitted in with the kyoto plan so it was adopted.
Too Hot,
GnV and us are planning a party, intelligent conversation guaranteed, so your invited as well
lol
Quote by HnS
Too Hot,
GnV and us are planning a party, intelligent conversation guaranteed, so your invited as well
lol

well let me supply something that you can all drool over, as a way of a thank you for the intelligent conversation on here.

dont send out ant party invites though, as i feel peeple will give it a rather large berth, and i am sure that in your case three is definatly not a crowd. riveting stuff :bounce:.
Quote by starlightcouple
send out ant party invites though, as i feel peeple will give it a rather large berth, and i am sure that in your case three is definatly not a crowd. riveting stuff :bounce:.

We like big beds.. Plenty of space to roll about in....... :rascal:
Quote by GnV
send out ant party invites though, as i feel peeple will give it a rather large berth, and i am sure that in your case three is definatly not a crowd. riveting stuff :bounce:.

We like big beds.. Plenty of space to roll about in....... :rascal:
you do make me laugh rotflmao