! The Sanctuary !'s topics - tribe.net

The things kids say ...

2008-05-17T15:07:07Z

I simply had to post this here for Sarah's friends to see!

As you all know Sarah recently adopted her godson Alex (aged 7) and they have been trying to adjust to normal life after being thrown together, not an easy task but they are handling it beautifully.

Well Sarah asked me to babysit Alex this weekend as she is going to a wedding down south so I happily agreed. So this morning I asked what he wanted to do and we decided to go to the cinema, I told him to have a look online and let me know what he wanted to see. He came back within an eight of a second saying he really wants to see Iron Man. Well it's a 12A certificate which means children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult so I thought best that he ask Sarah if she is all right with him seeing it.

After under a year of being together you can really see Sarah in Alex and the things he says and does and it was so heartening and so damn funny to hear the conversation he had with her on the telephone.

"Hi, Carrie says I have to ask you if it's OK if I go to see Iron Man?
...
It's a 12A.
...
I'll be all right.
...
...
...
Yeah, well I wear the trousers in in our house.
...
<sound of Sarah laughing>
...
...
...
Sorry, just some underling humour, thanks bye!"

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

Drench Spring Water Advert

2008-05-16T21:45:54Z

Currently showing on a (UK) television near you.

I may even pop out and buy some Drench Spring Water tomorrow just as a kudos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ4RflLjjKw

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 1 reply

Meet Achmed <g>

2008-05-16T21:11:48Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

is the world any worse?

2008-05-16T19:53:08Z

Do you think the world is getting worse than past times? Or is it perhaps just that we are now bombarded with 24-hour news channels and access to online news and information constantly? Also, it does seem that we are more open about to talk about formerly taboo subjects.

I was watching the news today and seeing all the stories about tornadoes and storms throughout the US, the cyclones in Myanmar, then thinking about the devastation from Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami in Asia. At first, I found myself thinking, "Mother Nature is really pissed off." But then I realize this is the first time in history that we've had the ability to learn all of this news so immediately.

The same goes with the stories about child abuse and sex crimes. I still cannot comprehend the monster that was just caught in New Jersey after openly showing his face in video having sex with very young boys. And the man in Austria who kept his daughter, and the children he fathered with her, locked in a basement dungeon for what, twenty-some years? Back in the day, no one ever talked about these things. I remember telling my mother when the perverted old neighbor slipped his hand in my shirt and her response was, "He's a war veteran, he would never do such a thing." She just couldn't accept the idea.

Heck, back in the day, people never even got divorced. I recently worked as a home health aide and my client was 100 years old. Her daughter told me that the mom had been fooling around with another man. She wasn't sure, but she thought the man was probably her own father. She told me that back then, they didn't get remarried. The first husband actually adopted the second man, so everyone could have the same last name. Can you even imagine?

Not long ago, I saw a historical story about George Washington and his supposed extra-marital affairs. The report said that it was unheard of for the news at the time to ever mention such a thing publicly. I believe the same was true even in the time of John F. Kennedy and all of his supposed affairs were kept private. Of course, they probably weren't hounded by paparazzi as we see today, but I still think they had, if not any sense of ethical responsibility, at least they kept thing secret and weren't publicly flaunting their activities.

All of America, perhaps the world, is shocked by the news of the offshoot sect in Texas where Child Services took away all the children in the face of charges that they were forcing teenagers to marry older men. Yes, it is hard to believe in this day and age. But it wasn't that long ago that people were commonly married at 14 or so. Of course, back then, life expectancy was much shorter and people had vastly different expectation of self-determination and romantic love and so many ideas that seemed crazy at the time. Even now, some cultures practice arranged marriages where the parents make the plans and the bride and groom do not have the expectation to meet that special someone, fall in love and then get married.

Okay, so I'm really ranting here. But back to the original question, is the world any worse or are we just more aware of everything? What's your opinion?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 15 replies

Smartarse Awards

2008-05-12T03:04:35Z

SMART ARSE ANSWER 6th Place
It was mealtime during a flight on a British Airways plane:
'Would you like dinner?' the flight attendant asked the man seated in the front row.
'What are my choices?' the man asked.
'Yes or no,' she replied.

SMART ARSE ANSWER 5th Place
A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets.
As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without blinking an eyelid she said,
'Sir, I need to see your ticket not your stub.'

SMART ARSE ANSWER 4th Place
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at a branch of Sainsbury's
store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family.
She asked a passing assistant, 'Do these turkeys get any bigger?'
The assistant replied, 'I'm afraid not, they're dead.'

SMART ARSE ANSWER 3rd Place
The policeman got out of his car and the boy racer he stopped for speeding, rolled down his window.
'I've been waiting for you all day,' the bobby said. The kid replied,
'Yes, well I got here as fast as I could.'
When the policeman finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

SMART ARSE ANSWER 2nd Place
A lorry driver was driving along on a country road. A sign came up that read ' Low Bridge Ahead.'
Before he realized it, the bridge was directly ahead and he got stuck under it.
Cars are backed up for miles. Finally, a police car comes up. The policeman got out of his car and walked to the lorry's cab and said to the driver, 'Got stuck, eh?'
The lorry driver said, 'No, I was delivering this bridge and ran out of petrol!'

SMART ARSE ANSWER OF THE YEAR
A teacher at a polytechnic college reminded her pupils of tomorrow's final exam. 'Now listen to me, I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!'
A smart-arsed chappie at the back of the room raised his hand and asked, 'What would happen if I came in tomorrow suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?' The entire class was reduced to laughter and sniggering.
When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said,
'Well, I suppose you'd have to write the exam with your other hand'.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 4 replies

did you ever?

2008-05-11T19:28:46Z

Did you ever wander in and out of the kitchen, open the refrigerator and cabinets a dozen times and still can't find anything you want to eat?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

More YouTube goodness

2008-05-09T20:04:21Z

A clip from Victoria Wood from a few years ago when the EEC was trying to tell us what we could and couldn't say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhX7qEgjbgk

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 4 replies

u.s. congress hard at work

2008-04-29T21:10:35Z

I was flipping through the channels today and caught a fascinating debate on c-span about the creation of National Watermelon Week. Yep, that's our tax dollars hard at work. Ugh! Is it just me or does it seem to be a good idea to focus on solving real problems and eliminating wasteful and unnecessary laws. For example, why exactly is it illegal to commit suicide? I suppose it's not really good for the individual who chooses it and that perhaps they could benefit from some psychiatric help, but really, is this a social problem? In fact, if you want to be coldly logical about it, wouldn't society be better off without those individuals continuing to live and reproduce?

Years ago, a state representative sent a mailing to ask for suggestions for new laws he should propose, with return postage paid by the government, of course. So, I wrote in that he should work to repeal as many laws as possible and only keep those that make sense and do good.

Yep, I'm the crazy one!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 1 reply

Happy Birthday Sarah & Mandy!

2008-04-25T04:15:38Z

As Sarah reaches the last of the thirty-mumbles, oops did I give it away? Oh well! And Mandy who is still just a baby in my eyes, she hasn't been in school for ten years and that makes ME feel old! Well I just wanted to say happy birthday girls!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 13 replies

UNFAIR CHALLENGE!!!

2008-04-23T00:54:24Z

First one to post a picture of yourself with a computer keyboard touching your head wins the internet!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 10 replies

Stupid website names

2008-04-22T07:51:37Z

I just saw a link to www.plentyoffish.com but I read it as plenty offish rather than plenty of fish, bad name if I ever saw one!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 13 replies

darn brits!

2008-04-22T07:49:39Z

What is up with British actors taking over US television and film?

Last year, I was surprised to learn the Hugh Laurie is in fact British. Although I must give credit where it is due since his "American" accent is just flawless. Amusingly, I was hosting a Russian exchange student who enlightened me to that fact.

Well, today, I happened to catch a stand-up comic on BBC America. (Yes, I have a weakness for BBC, what can I say?) So, anyway, there is a man, well, sort of, make-up and women's clothes and all that. I always assumed he was a bit of a flamer. I've seen him before and always enjoyed his performances. He even did a guest spot on All My Children, one of our soap operas.

Imagine my shock to learn he is in fact Eddie Izzard - as in the leading man in the FX show The Riches. I love that show and from the very first time that I saw it, I couldn't help but think I recognized him without knowing just who he is. Now I know. It's amazing to see the versatility. I would never have connected the stand-up routine with the character in the show.

Not that I have anything against British entertainment. I think my fascination began with Monty Python among others, and later I fell in love with Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Disasters, which, in turn, led me to discover Top Gear or whatever the car show is called. Honestly, I do love the sarcastic, witty sense of humor, but come on!

Maybe I'm just embarrassed that I didn't catch them right away. Usually it is so obvious. For example, Emma Thompson is wonderful, but I could always catch her accent.

Okay, so this isn't really a topic that will inspire debate, but I find it quite fascinating and just had to share!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

chuckle

2008-04-18T22:31:09Z

Not sure how well this will translate or if our American friends have even heard of the TV program from the 80s called Spitting Image, thinking about it I think it's better if I don't explain what it is so you can just enjoy the madness of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKczUEbgRxE

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 8 replies

to boycott or not?

2008-04-15T18:03:50Z

I just read Sarah's blog about the Olympics and found some resonance with my own thoughts lately.

My issue is this, should we boycott visits and events in places with unpopular politics?

To me, it seems that more visitors and global public scrutiny would highlight the good and bad of any particular place, promote understanding of other ways of living, other ways of running a government, maybe even create a positive change.

Am I crazy?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

Some nice pictures ...

2008-04-15T14:36:02Z

Of the recent snowfall here in the UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7333310.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

Time for a quickie;-)

2008-04-04T06:14:22Z

Apparently, 3-13 minutes is the optimum time for sex (not including foreplay)

http://au.news.yahoo.com/080402/2/16ci1.html?f=mv

So - how do you compare?

My man & I usually last about 30 mins ;-) times three at least :-)

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

This reminds me...

2008-04-03T05:52:45Z

...I did this on LJ a while back, and someone just posted it elsewhere. It seems appropriate here, considering the new Tribe moniker:

http://hellarity.us/in-bed/

Apparently, I'm worth $1132 hourly. Now, who do I go to to collect?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 23 replies

Forgive Me.........

2008-04-02T06:56:58Z

if we've covered this before, but I'm in love with Gordon Ramsay. I have fantasy of Gordon Ramsay ripping GW Bush and Dick Cheney a new one. Oh, beautiful bliss! He puts Simon Cowell to utter shame. But I like Simon too. Spank me, I have a shameless weakness for bitchy Brits.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 19 replies

Cross Post - Frozen

2008-04-02T06:54:35Z

http://www.maniacworld.com/frozen-in-grand-central-station.html

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 2 replies

I have a problem with the swimming trunks....

2008-03-29T21:47:38Z

First off they cost $800, and aren't wearing them considered cheating, much like taking steroids? 13 world records were smashed recently by those wearing the swimsuits http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/03/25/1206207106395.html

I say bring back nude sports, all athletes must compete wearing nothing. We'll be able to compare the quality, swing and length of Langer's and Ortiz's bats ;)

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 15 replies

TribeChat?

2008-03-26T15:06:23Z

Has anyone actually used TribeChat at all? It seems to work for me in as much as I get my friends list but then no one is ever on for me to chat with!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 72 replies

Music Vid

2008-03-24T22:16:47Z

Not sure if we generally post music videos in here but I'm loving this song at the moment and yesterday plugged it into YouTube to have a look at the video and I really think it's funny, you guys might enjoy it too :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv2_LSIujHk

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

Been meaning to post this for a while

2008-03-24T16:47:36Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN2VukonuWM

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 4 replies

New Tribe check it out

2008-03-20T03:28:05Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/ufodebate

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 0 replies

Is Queen still Queen without Freddie?

2008-03-20T01:43:27Z

New album and European tour later this year.
Paul Rodgers can never replace Freddie !

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

let's vent... about bad drivers!

2008-03-18T21:35:58Z

A few days ago, I was driving to work, minding my own business, being the conscientious and safe driver that I always am. As a I approach an intersection, I have the green so I'm cruising along, within the posted speed limit, of course. As an attentive driver, I noticed a flashy, sporty Audi approaching from the right. I'm starting to get concerned as she doesn't seem to be slowing down. (Now, this is an intersection that I know quite well. I often come from her direction, so I KNOW there is no green arrow and plenty of signs saying that taking a right on red is prohibited. (I guess all our British friends can just reverse the lefts and rights :-) and, sorry if our driving rules are a bit different, but I hope you can figure it out.

So, anyway, luckily I started to slow down. I didn't want to slam on the brakes with all of the cars behind me, but I did want to approach with caution. Sure enough, the woman blows right through the light. She either ignores or doesn't even notice me slamming on the horn, as I'm desperately hitting the brakes and praying I can stop in time. We finally both stop moving. Our cars were literally inches apart.

The first thing I notice is the cell phone that she's still holding to her ear. Then, the b*tch starts gesturing, trying to say she had the right-of-way, I assume. I made a few choice gestures of my own, but, not wanting to tie up traffic anymore, I simply drove on.

For the next few hours, I was just shaking. There was the adrenaline rush from a near death experience. And also a lovely sense of pain from the way I locked up my body and forced my hand to hit the horn, simultaneously hitting the clutch and getting out of gear, the quasi-impact of the sudden stop and all that.

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

WTF became of driving? I swear that 80-90% of people on the road have no concept or concern for everyone else around them. I have a dozen theories, and a dozen more stories. Maybe I'll share them later.

But first, what does everyone else think about this? Do you notice it as well? Does it annoy you? Cause anxiety and fear? How do you cope with it?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 10 replies

::Cleans tumbleweed away::

2008-03-15T19:34:27Z

Quiet on Tribe lately isn't it? Have we all found Real Life™?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

dental anxiety and jesus

2008-03-14T21:07:52Z

Okay, I'll admit it. I have a problem. I have a major phobia with dentists - sweating, shaking, crying, all the way up to full-blown anxiety attacks and storming out of the office on a few occasions. Finally, after many years, I found a dentist that I can trust. I still get anxious, but I can control it fairly well. Today, I was in the waiting room, working on controlled breathing, tears running down my face. A new patient was at the receptionist desk settling her bill and came to talk to me. At first, I was so worried. I heard her mention that this is the first dentist she'd been to since her father retired his practice. So, I tried to assure her that this is my normal and this guy is an excellent dentist and I seriously don't trust just anyone else. She seemed to ignore most of what I said and proceeded to preach to me that she used to have anxiety attacks before she found Jesus. Now, she knows that prayer is the answer, and would I like to pray with her?

I was torn between laughter and tears and I really wanted to make an awful joke because my dentist's partner is named Jesus, as in a Spanish man's name.

But, I must say, it at least gave me some source of distraction while I was getting the work done. Now I'm wondering, after my previous post about my magic hand, is there some cosmic sign that I'm supposed to be noticing? Why do all of the religious people come talk to me???

And, before anyone else chooses to preach about dental anxiety, my main problem is severe tmj disorder and stems from back in the old days when dentists could never understand why I was crying during a routine exam and cleaning. I just can't open my mouth that far. It hurts! My new dentist and all of his staff are incredible. They even use the child-size x-rays for me and rubber bite blocks so I can rest my jaw to keep it open for work. Honestly, I'm not as weird as I probably sound.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 22 replies

let's have a joke thread!!

2008-03-07T15:16:19Z

anyone keeen?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 33 replies

Take a look at this ...

2008-03-04T20:41:46Z

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ddb_1204404185

I'm never flying again!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

I got a magic hand!

2008-03-02T19:38:59Z

Hee, hee! I just had a visit from my friendly, neighborhood Jehovah's Witnesses. I live on the back end of a rather prominent street and we seem to get these visits quite frequently, more than anywhere else that I've ever lived. So, this morning, I hear my doorbell, I peep through the window and see the ever-popular "Watchtower" pamphlet. I opened the inner door, shook my head and waved my hand.... and, presto, they left! It's magic. They never even tried to argue with me.

Usually, it's so much harder because I fall into the trap of actually speaking to them. I have a great story from years ago when I worked 3rd shift and they work me up at 10 am, which was like 2 am for most people, ya know? So I was living in this 3rd story walk-up and they kept ringing and ringing and I finally couldn't ignore it anymore. I stomped down three flights of stairs and open the door to find the smiling young men in nice suits. I growled at them and one said, "Gee, I guess we caught you at a bad time. I'm sure you're a good Christian, so I'll leave this pamphlet with you." I said, "No," and refused to take it. The other pipes in with, "Oh, you must be Jewish then, well..." Before he could say another word, I grumbled, "No, I'm not Jewish, not Christian. I'm a pagan and dance naked in the woods and eat babies!" Well, they never bothered me at that apartment ever again.

No offense to anyone who actually is a Jehovah's Witness. I have had good friends and neighbors who were a part of that particular religion. Just please, don't come knocking on my door. I can't help myself. I have to be mean to anyone who comes to my home uninvited.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

a place to whine

2008-02-29T01:28:09Z

So, yesterday, I was eating a bagel and lost a filling in my tooth - the same one that I had to get replaced just a few months ago. Then today, I had to have a new one done. Sure enough, I get home and have dinner - pasta, nothing hard or chewy, and, lo and behold, the filling came out again. I have rather serious issues with tmj problems, so I'm always careful about what I eat and look what happens. Aaaarrgggh!

Am I the only one to have such bad luck? It really sucks!

Please share your stories so I don't feel like such a schmuck!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 0 replies

Okay, way too much time on his hands...

2008-02-27T14:58:28Z

...but sooooo cuuuute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfsEisuPN4A

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

Cake or Death?

2008-02-27T07:02:31Z

A little poor taste ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7261888.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

Men's brains vs. Women's brains

2008-02-20T15:53:31Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxtUH_bHBxs

Best darn explaination I've heard in a while.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 48 replies

Someone needs a girlfriend ..

2008-02-18T18:45:55Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmtzQCSh6xk

Because Carrie tells you I'll admit that I actually liked these song when it came out which is probably all the more reason why this makes me laugh, sound is a must for this clip.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 14 replies

No wonder they are dying out

2008-02-18T03:10:52Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzRH3iTQPrk

With nerves like this...

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 7 replies

You old fart!!

2008-02-12T21:55:16Z

Looks like Anglo- French relations may be a bit on the nose!!

http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/a-bit-close-to-the-wind-mister/2008/02/12/1202760299933.html

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 1 reply

UK Folks ...

2008-02-12T20:07:31Z

May I suggest a viewing of Cutting Edge on Channel 4 this week, looks very interesting.

Non UK folks ... er ... look over there ... a pretty bird ... oooo!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

the little things

2008-02-12T18:30:36Z

Did you ever take a moment to notice the little things in life? Good and bad?

For instance, yesterday, I stood at my front door, key in hand about to enter, when I noticed two squirrels chasing each other around a tree across the street. Squirrels are typically annoying, but the image was so enjoyable. One would circle around and go high, the other would circle and go low. I stood there for about ten minutes enjoying the show, ignoring the cold, rainy weather.

Similarly, I will stop in the middle of anything just to gaze at my cats snuggled up together in impossible positions. I have one of those little fleece cat beds, but the two cats are around 20 pounds each, so they barely fit and overflow the sides. It just gives me a warm, fuzzy and makes me smile. I guess it's true what they say about having pets results in lower blood pressure.

Then, for the negatives. Why, oh why, can't they make laundry soap and softener in containers that will run out at the same time? I just opened a new bottle of laundry soap and now the softener is almost empty. Is it a sinister marketing plot or what?

Just thought I'd share my observations. So what things do you notice like this? Things that make you smile or get a little annoyed, that you really can't change?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 15 replies

Meet Sam

2008-02-10T18:01:56Z

A seagull names Sam in Scotland has developed the habit of stealing crisps from a neighbourhood shop.

The seagull waits until the shopkeeper isn't looking, and then walks into the store and grabs a snack-size bag of cheese Doritos.

Once outside, the bag gets ripped open and shared by other birds.

The seagull's shoplifting started early this month when he first swooped into the store in Aberdeen, Scotland , and helped himself to a bag of crisps. Since then, he's become a regular. He always takes the same type of crisps.

Customers have begun paying for the seagull's stolen bags of crisps because they think it's so funny.

Note - I love how he walks in casually, then, speeds up on his 'getaway '.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqy9hxhUxK0

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 23 replies

OMG - sad, but a little funny

2008-02-08T23:10:51Z

I just saw this picture on the local newspaper website:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1-5murerer.6246342jan27,0,5347493.story

A young man kills two people and is taken to jail in fuzzy, lion slippers. I'm laughing and crying all at the same time.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 15 replies

We're Public!

2008-02-07T22:58:30Z

Well everyone I've made us public, I don't see any need to be Moderated now certain key elements have gone away so I just wanted to let you all know!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 19 replies

compulsive buying?

2008-02-05T23:03:03Z

Do you have a problem picking up things that you don't really need?

I just got home from Lowe's, the home improvement store, which is always a dangerous place for me. I like power tools, heehee! So, they sent me a coupon for $10 off when you spend $25. Okay, I make a list - light bulbs, drain cleaner, etc. I was up to $20 when I saw the beautiful, shiny chrome waffle/grill. It has the plates that flip so you can make steaks or sandwiches or use the other side for the waffle form. I just spend freakin' $40 on it! Do I need it? Of course not. Now, I just have to cook breakfast. My friends already call me Betty Crocker, it's not like I need to give them any extra motivation to come to my house looking for food!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 11 replies

ever heard of petrolatum?

2008-02-05T05:08:54Z

Sorry, this is a cross-post from my word freaks tribe, too.

I came across the word "petrolatum" in my nursing text. Is this common usage in the UK or Canada? Around here, most folks will say petroleum jelly or Vaseline, but I had never heard petrolatum before now. I'm still stumbling over the pronunciation even. Why, oh, why, would it have a long A in the middle? Very confusing!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 19 replies

Something to look forward to ......

2008-02-03T19:48:24Z

NOT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7213387.stm

How depressing is that? As if midlife wasn't depressing enough!!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

Advertising

2008-02-03T18:57:39Z

I just saw an advertisement for a Stargate magazine and it said "with a special DVD with everything there is to know about Stargate AND MORE!"

I'm sorry but there can be no more. If you're telling me EVERYTHING there is to know about Stargate then there cannot possibly be any and more about it!

And don't get me started on "New AND Improved" Grrrrrrr!!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 14 replies

Is this a problem…

2008-02-03T16:28:26Z

(as we have a couple of Doctors in the house)

Quote from a urologist on men… “They've got no erection problems and they can masturbate perfectly normally, but there has been a massive increase, particularly among those in their 20s and 30s, who are suffering from vaginal ejaculation disorder, or an inability to ejaculate inside the vagina”

True, false, why?

Ladies quit pressuring us poor blokes...

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 22 replies

Moi!

2008-02-03T13:18:11Z

Well all, Sarah has decided to hand the reins over to me for a while. She's so very trusting and innocent so we need to cause as much trouble as possible until she comes back! Who's going to start?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 28 replies

Autum's Question Time 29/01

2008-02-03T03:17:07Z

If there is indeed an afterlife, what do you suppose it is like?

For those of you who do not prescribe to an actual after life , why do you suppose so much of humanity devotes so much of its time to believing that there is?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 41 replies

Can you speak up?

2008-02-01T19:48:00Z

A boy who has been partially deaf for nine years was suddenly cured - when a cotton wool bud popped out of his ear. Jerome Bartens was diagnosed as deaf in his right ear when he was just two and has struggled at school ever since. But Jerome, now 11, was suddenly able to hear clearly again as he played with friends in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

He said he heard a popping sound, then found the tip of a cotton wool bud in his ear. His family believe Jerome must have put the bud in his ear as a toddler and the centimetre-long cotton tip came off the plastic stem. Jerome's father Carsten, 45, said: "It was just incredible - his hearing returned to normal in an instant. He was cured as suddenly as he became deaf. I had always suspected Jerome had stuck something in his ear when he was little and that was causing the problem. But the doctors and hearing specialists said it was wax and he would probably grow out of it. I am amazed they didn't spot something as obvious as a cotton wool bud."

Jerome has kept the waxy bud as a souvenir of his nine years of silence on his right. His family believe that as he grew the bud has been forced out - and finally came out nine years later. He is due to be examined by hearing experts later this week - and his father is taking along the cotton wool bud as proof of his "miracle cure".

Single father Mr Bartens has now complained to his GP and hearing specialists who examined Jerome over the years. He said: "It has held Jerome back in school and caused him problems in communicating with his friends." Lorry driver Mr Bartens - who has two older daughters Takita, 16, and Tiffany, 14, - says he's "thrilled" that Jerome's hearing has come back.

He said: "If he was playing down the garden I would have to shout for him eight or nine times before he would respond. But now he has 100% hearing and he's just a normal boy again."

Jerome said: "I can hear much better now and I think I'll be much happier at school now my ear does not ache all the time. I was just playing pool in the church hall when my ear made a popping noise. It was very strange at first to be able to hear everything. But now I'm getting used to it - it's great that people don't have to shout to me or that I don't have to turn my head all the time."

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 17 replies

Those Damn Scales of Fate ...

2008-01-30T04:48:58Z

You'll realise very quickly that I'm an avid reader of news sites and love to post links, this one is one of those stories that's just beyond words. When someone has such bad luck and such good luck all at once, you don't know whether to feel happy or sad for them!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20080129/tuk-19m-lotto-winner-wishes-for-health-6323e80_1.html

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

Automatic Organ Donation?

2008-01-30T01:47:18Z

BBC news top story is "Gordon Brown says he believes everyone should be automatically placed on the organ donor register."

Personally I think this is a great idea and should help save many many lives but a lot of people seem to be against it, what do you all think?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 14 replies

Sir Edmund Hillary dies

2008-01-30T01:37:25Z

Wowza! I hope it wasn't all that talk about funerals...............He sounds like he was amazing and very sweet guy.
http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/general/2008/01/10/Obit.Edmund.Hillary/

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

need advice from the moms

2008-01-28T07:51:38Z

Hey, everyone, I just survived my first clinical day in the maternity unit. Phew! I was sooo nervous. I haven't handled babies since my niece and nephew were little and that was over 25 yrs ago.

So, I want to ask everyone who has been in one of those beds, what does it feel like? What can I do as a nurse to make you more comfortable, more at ease, make it better for you?

This is totally new territory, so I'd appreciate any insights!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 7 replies

remember that "tribe" i was gonna set up ...?

2008-01-23T08:30:23Z

weeeellll, you get it as a bog (ha ha .. freudian slip!!!) BLOG instead!

it's mainly the eros/lovey one ..

Thanking you in hopeful advance, but puhleeeeeeeease be KIND AND GENTLE with any responses !!!

Me scared struggling grad student who has been going thru an enormously crapola time recently .. hell, for the last 6 years ... but that's cool ... itssaaaalllll goood!

Cheers,
Lauren
:}

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 0 replies

Great Uncle Bulgaria!

2008-01-21T09:41:50Z

Sarah LOVE the new picture!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 27 replies

Anyone seen or heard from Michael?

2008-01-18T07:50:09Z

Has anyone seen or heard from Michael of the Norwegian variety? I've been trying to get in touch with him for going on three weeks, if anyone has heard from him please drop me a PM.

Thanks.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 8 replies

She's everywhere!

2008-01-17T21:53:53Z

Just signed in on the Tribe homepage and there was an album recommendation from Sarah staring back at me!! She's here even when she's not!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

More Top Gear Clips (X Post)

2008-01-17T20:55:31Z

Just watched the Best of Top Gear episode from tonight and it jogged my memory about when Jeremy Clarkson test drove a small car. It's 10 minutes long but very very funny, hope you all enjoy it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=patvUFyIa1I

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

Art that's good enough to eat

2008-01-16T21:55:51Z

from news.bbc.co.uk

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7186989.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

New Policy

2008-01-13T21:40:50Z

Me again!

For those who don't know we in Britain have three major polictical parties, Labour (currently in), Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. I'm amazed that I just read a new proposed policy by Conservative and I love the idea, I must be getting old!!

The idea is, if you are out of work for more than two years you have to do community service in order to retain your unemployment benefits. What a fabulous idea and a good way to end the benefit dependency problems we have. I'm waiting for the outroar in the tabloids tomorrow!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 17 replies

How classy are you?

2008-01-13T14:31:47Z

Post your results here, I got a terrible 5 out of 10!

I expect some classy gals in here will be getting full marks!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7180661.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 26 replies

What happened to Caz?

2008-01-13T14:31:08Z

Anyone know? She seems to have unsubscribed. *sniff*

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 24 replies

Ding Ding Moron Alert!

2008-01-13T05:20:14Z

I was in the supermarket this afternoon and these two girls ages around 16-17 were chatting to each other and I had to share!

Sprog 1: I had some ice cream last night, it has little dinosaurs in it.
Sprog 2: What? Real ones?
Sprog 1: No you idiot of course it doesn't they all died like a hundred years ago or something.
Sprog 2: Oh right. I had some Ben and Jerry's ice cream called "pish food".
Sprog 1: You mean phish food.
Sprog 2: No, the h is silent.

It was all I could do not to beat them to death in the name of evolution.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

Twins get married?

2008-01-12T21:14:00Z

Now this could be pretty sad.
http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/world/europe/2008/01/11/Britain.Married.Twins/

they were separated at birth and then met later in life and got married. I'm still deciding how news worthy this is. I sort of put it into the category of "Woman gives birth to alien" headline.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 18 replies

Morning!

2008-01-10T23:15:29Z

Well I may not be in Kansas, I mean Scotland, much longer at this rate. I've just been woken up by wind, not my own I hasten to add or I'd be down the hospital. I'm actually watching trees and the like fly down the road and the house is creaking and whistling and has been for some hours. I finally decided to get up at 5 and do something productive but once I did I just went online :o)

I just wanted to admit to everyone I'm a bit of a coward and the wind is actually scaring me, especially when something I consider to be a large and immovable object goes wizzing past my window. And it's too dark to see the extent of the damage but I'm pretty sure the garden and garage aren't there anymore ..

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 26 replies

Not happy news article

2008-01-08T23:06:24Z

This actually really really effected me http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7176369.stm

Basically a nine year old girl was walking to school with her mum this morning when the house they were walking past blew up. Her mum and the two elderly people in the house all survived with minor injuries but the little girl died. I just cannot imagine that happening to someone, just walking along and a house BLOWS UP as you walk past. So sad :(

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 3 replies

My new Philosophomy-esque Tribe ...

2008-01-08T23:01:56Z

Haven't started it yet, but my latest blog, "New Tribe," will tell you a bit about it if you're interested!

Please don't judge me too harshly (especially comment 6) where I rant juuust a little about a bad dinner I had ... I am nice, I am!!!

Here's the link:

http://people.tribe.net/03e4a78e-eeb4-4502-953e-e21cc10920ef/blog/b09d524a-8db1-4b5c-861e-fd2e7791c0a3#comments

Thanks again guys! Loads of kudossiness and appreciation comin' atcha!

xox

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 2 replies

A Question ...

2008-01-07T12:27:03Z

I'm going to post this in a couple of tribes, and probably as a blog as well, so sorry if you're re-reading this.

As some of you know, I'm doing a PhD in Australia. One of the things I miss most about being in grad school in the States is the almost daily interaction I had with other profs and students who were interested in similar topics as I am (the Poli Sci dpt at Boston College was very heavily centred on political philosophy). In Aust, it's a much more solitary experience, and there are very few people here who are focusing upon poli philosophy. I'm in a real funk with my topic, and since it's something that I think might be of interest to the fine minds in these tribes (love and sex people, love n SEX!!), I wondered if at some point I could post a bit of a topiccy/questiony thing about my topic (again, SEX, LOVE hee hee!), and see if it raises some discussions, thoughts, even some good ol fashioned debate and vitriol! I'm hoping it could give me a bit of a kickstart to my brain, and to my passion for this PhD.

I don't know if it's an appropriate 'use' (for want of a better word) of these tribes, but in the short time I've been in them, I've really come to admire all of you, your humour, your quick wit, and your minds.

If you think it's inappropriate, that's totally cool, but anyone who is interested, I would *sooooooo* dig a Pm, or somn!

Thanks again,
E.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 4 replies

For those inquiring minds ...

2008-01-06T12:21:36Z

I watched Hot Fuzz last night and if anyone wants to know what Carrie sounds like when she gets really animated about something and the old homestead accent starts escaping then you have got to watch this clip. Nick Frost, the fat cop, and the one bit of the woman cop have her accent PERFECTLY nailed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7J_vYN5ZkY

Sorry Caz!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 17 replies

Joke, stolen from another Tribe <g>

2008-01-06T02:42:40Z

Three Blondes were all applying for the last available position on the Texas Highway Patrol. The detective conducting the interview looked at the three of them and said, "So y'all want to be cops, huh?"

The blondes all nodded.

The detective got up, opened a file drawer and pulled out a folder. Sitting back down, he opened it and pulled out a picture, and said, "To be a detective, you have to be able to detect. You must be able to notice things such as distinguishing features and oddities, such as scars and so forth."

So saying, he stuck the photo in the face of the first blonde and withdrew it after about two seconds. "Now," he said, "did you notice any distinguishing features about this man?"

The blonde immediately said, "Yes, I did. He has only one eye!"

The detective shook his head and said, "Of course he has only one eye in this picture! It's a profile of his face! You're dismissed!" The first blonde hung her head and walked out of the office.

The detective then turned to the second blonde, stuck the photo in her face for two seconds, pulled it back and said, "What about you? Notice anything unusual or outstanding about this man?"

"Yes! He only has one ear!"

The detective put his head in his hands and exclaimed, "Didn't you hear what I just told the other lady? This is a profile of the man's face! Of course you can only see one ear!! You're excused too!" The second blonde sheepishly walked out of the office.

The detective turned his attention to the third and last blonde and said, "This is probably a waste of time, but..." He flashed the photo in her face for a couple of seconds and withdrew it, saying, "All right, did you notice anything distinguishing or unusual about this man?"

The blonde said, "I sure did. This man wears contact lenses."

The detective frowned, took another look at the picture and began looking at some of the papers in the folder. He looked up at the blonde with a puzzled expression and said, "You're absolutely right! His bio says he wears contacts! How in the world could you tell that by looking at his picture?"

The blonde rolled her eyes and said, "Well, Helloooo! With only one eye and one ear, he certainly can't wear glasses."

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

Something for your pussy ....

2008-01-05T23:47:12Z

http://www.kittywigs.com/wigindex.html

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 14 replies

Happy Hogmanay

2008-01-03T18:09:28Z

to one and all!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 11 replies

MP3 Shuffle!

2008-01-02T19:47:34Z

I'm sure we've all done one of these recently but hey I'm new so you'll have to put up with me!!

Grab your MP3 or look at your Windows Media Player (or whatever you Mac folks use) and stick it to random and name the first five songs that come up!!

For me
1) Take That ...... Never Forget
2) Kanye West ..... Stronger
3) Stereophonics ...... It Means Nothing
4) East 17 ...... Stay Another Day
5) Hoobstank ...... The Reason

I'm mortified!!! I have good taste in music! Honest!!!!!

Everyone play along so I don't feel so bad!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 13 replies

Caption Contest

2007-12-31T16:28:24Z

Ok I'm looking for a good caption for this picture http://people.tribe.net/8bc75d8c-9e74-46aa-86c6-5681ef87bb54/photos/2667858b-2e24-4ae5-afa4-075f69eab31c

This was washed up on a beach in Scotland, it's a 27m high tank and has no markings. So they have no idea where it came from or what it is. Come on, I know there are some great minds in here to comment on this one!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 1 reply

Fondue Terrorists Strike at British Navy

2007-12-30T13:11:03Z

<{[ Credit to Sarah for posting another article in her photo ablum]}>

Admiral of the fleet is scuttled by an exploding cheese fondue
Last updated at 21:22pm on 28.12.07

After a naval career spanning nearly 50 years, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Julian Oswald has encountered a good many perils.

But there was little he could do to defend his dinner party guests when a fondue set burst into flames, scattering molten cheese and hot oil.

Sir Julian, a veteran of the Cold War and a former First Sea Lord, and his wife Veronica, escaped injury.

But three of his guests - a teenage girl and a man and a woman both in their 40s - received serious burns on their face, hands and arms.

Three other guests at his £1million home sustained minor burns.

Firemen were called to the detached, five-bedroom house in the village of Shedfield in Hampshire, after the explosion at around 8.20pm on Thursday night.

The fire - thought to have been started when a small gas cylinder in the fondue set exploded - was quickly extinguished by a crew of retained firemen from nearby Wickham Fire Station.

A rapid response unit and three ambulance crews from Hampshire Ambulance Service also attended.

The six injured were treated at the scene and then taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

It was unclear last night whether the injured, who have not been named, were hit by molten cheese or burnt by the gas explosion.

The girl, understood to be a 15-year old-relative of Sir Julian, was transferred to the burns unit at Salisbury District Hospital.

Fondue is a traditional communal Swiss dish. Cheese is melted in a pan and food, usually bread, is dipped into it.

Yesterday father of five Sir Julian refused to comment when approached by reporters at his luxury home set in an acre of woodland.

A neighbour said: "This was not a pleasant incident and you have to feel sorry for those who suffered burns.

"Sir Julian and his wife are a lovely couple and have lived around here for years. We cannot believe it has happened.

"We always see them out in the village and he always stops and says hello and has a chat.

"They are just really down-tofriendly people." Sir Julian, who was born in Selkirk, Scotland, served in the Navy for 46 years before retiring in 1993.

He entered Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in 1947 and was later commanding officer on the frigate HMS Bacchante and the destroyer HMS Newcastle.

He served during the Cold War before becoming Assistant Chief of Defence Staff in 1982.

Sir Julian spent four years as First Sea Lord, the highest job in the Navy, between 1989 and 1993.

He lists his hobbies in Who's Who as "walking, stamp collecting, family and fishing."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is nothing sacred people? Next thing you know, they will be attacking us with Nacho Cheese!!!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 6 replies

The Royal Channel

2007-12-29T01:50:17Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7157947.stm

The Queen now has her own channel on YouTube, cool or what?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 9 replies

Innocent Eyes

2007-12-28T21:29:51Z

Carrie, Mandy, Pierre, James and I are all at my house and we just turned on the television to see that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was on, conversation ground to a standstill as we all just stared at the screen. It was Carrie who eventually burst out laughing and said, "you know, when I was a kid I saw NOTHING wrong with this but NOW!!"

We were watching this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa66d2ctAH8 we're still laughing about it an hour on ..

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 7 replies

Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-28T19:15:25Z

Not sure how many of you follow the news but Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated in an apparent suicide attack. Benazir Bhutto's father led Pakistan before being executed in the laste 1970s and she was also elected prime minister of Pakistan from 1988-1990 and 1993-1996. She was out campaigning today and after a rally she was shot and then a suicide bomber caused carnage as you can see in these pictures here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7161751.stm

I find it upsetting that a high profile woman can be murdered in cold blood like this when she is standing up for her country's rights and is putting herself forward in an election campaign. I find it more upsetting that these people will kill innocent civilians, countless in numbers, just to achieve their goals. Bhutto only recently ended her self-imposed exhile from Pakistan, she was facing corruption charges although with Musharraf in charge these charges were highly spectulative. She came to a power-sharing agreement with him and returned, on the day of her return a double suicide bomb killed 130 people. Today another 15 people were murdered in the name of politics. I really hate news like this.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 16 replies

80's toys

2007-12-28T18:38:44Z

There were some crazy-ass toys when I was a kid! Check out the commercial...
for MAD BALLS!!!

Just the name alone makes me giggle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSyQOQpyhyU

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

roommate from hell

2007-12-27T20:43:00Z

Okay, so I'm a sucker. I'll admit it. But I didn't think I was too bad. Quick story - I met a guy who is a friend of some friends. We hit it off and were barely dating when he wound up unemployed and homeless after a nasty divorce and a roommate that was loving the cocaine a little too much. I have a whole house to myself and always busy with school and work, so I said, what the heck. I offered to let him stay here until got himself together. We were sort-of-kind-of dating, but that didn't last long, but we decided he could stay here as a friend in my guest room until he could get out. Now, he has had a job for several weeks and making decent money. We had agreed that even though we were not really in a relationship, we would not date other people while he's living here. Now, the schmuck says that met a woman online who invited him to Atlantic City for Christmas, ugh. He couldn't understand why I was so upset. He wasn't really going to go, but he thought he should be honest with me if he ever considered something like that. WTF???? The conversation turns to him whining that he'll never find another place to live if he doesn't make female friends, even after he told me he never wants to live with a woman again because it's so complicated.

He has been mostly pretty helpful around the house, doing dishes and cleaning and stuff like that. So, I haven't really complained. Goodness knows, I've got nothing better going on in my life at the moment anyway and initially, at least, it was kind of nice to have company. But he's turned into such a pain in the behind. With the talk about meeting women online, then twice he's been out all night without even a text or phone call to tell me, leaving me worried if he's stranded. I have told him repeatedly that I don't need a minute-by-minute accounting of his day, but I would appreciate knowing if he's planning to be away overnight. There have been plenty of little things bugging me and adding up.

Then, yesterday was a huge explosion. We had a bad ice storm and Monday I couldn't get my car out of my parking place. I called him at work twice and talked to him before bed Monday night asking if he could help me get it free. Each time, he said, "Sure, no problem." Tuesday morning, I woke up to hear my front door closing. I looked at the clock and flew downstairs to the door in a rage. He was standing there waiting for his ride to work. When I said, "Gee, thanks for helping me get my car out." He just shrugged and said it looks fine and shouldn't be a problem. This after I spent over an hour Monday trying to get it out to get to my job, which is grocery shopping for homebound seniors, imagine that.

I was so angry that I went to bed before he came home last night. This morning, my house is perfectly clean - dishes done, annoying lightbulb that I can't reach is changed, floors are cleaned, etc. He should be getting up for work any minute now and I'm dreading the idea of even seeing him. Worse yet, I have a final exam in a few hours and I can't even concentrate on that. If I blow my nursing grades over him, he's in major trouble.

This is crazy! I'm normally the strong woman who never puts up with any nonsense and here I am letting this leech live in my house and take advantage of me for all this time. He's a nice guy on the surface, but I'm realizing why he's divorced. If something isn't important to him, then it just doesn't matter. He's so helpful to appearances, but the more I think about it, he only helps when it suits him.

So, why am I writing all of this here? I guess, first, to just vent. Second, to ask advice.

I feel kinda bad kicking him out just before Christmas. I had decided yesterday, but didn't tell him yet, that I want him out on Monday, so I can have Christmas Eve peacefully in my own house without someone who doesn't care. But it is cold and nasty and I have no idea where he'll go. I even called the Y and they don't have any rooms. Then again, I gave him a nice, warm, safe place to be for all this time and he's taken advantage of it. If I don't stand firm now, how long will it take to get him out. Oh, and also, I told him about a month ago that it wasn't working and he should start looking for somewhere else to live.

Am I being a bitch? Am I justified? Should I let him stay another week, at least until his next paycheck? Or should I be firm and get his ass out of here this weekend and let him spend Christmas with anyone that will take him in? Can I revoke my responsibility for this guy after having accepted it?

Help!!!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 23 replies

How to receive a goat (and other unglamorous gifts)

2007-12-24T16:49:16Z

By Tom Geoghegan
BBC News Magazine

You wanted a Nintendo Wii, you got a goat. Charity presents aren't top of everyone's Christmas list, but it would be churlish to show disappointment. So what's the best way to receive one? Getting a knitted jumper every year from Aunt Agatha on Christmas Day ought to warrant an Oscar category of its own: Best Display of Fawning Gratitude in Adverse Circumstances.

Charity gifts, however, are a more complex proposition. For a start, they can come from unexpected quarters. And while all you get is a card to verify the purchase of said gift, someone several thousand miles away should see their life immeasurably improved by this act of generosity.

Yet sometimes those selfish feelings are hard to supress and there will be the nagging sense that giving a goat to a nomadic Sudanese tribe feels better for the giver than you, the nominal receiver. But with the eyes of the family bearing down on Christmas morning, the last thing you will want to do is betray this sense of disillusion.

"I don't think you should ever show disappointment," says Jo Bryant, editor of the Debrett's books Etiquette for Girls and Manners for Men. "Someone has put time, effort and expense into buying it."

Say how much you like it and be gracious, she says, and consider how you would like others to react getting your presents. "This is especially true if you're given something that's doing good for someone else."

Etiquette expert Mary Killen agrees. "It's better than not being given anything and very few people would insult you with a present. Even mean people," she says. But a goat is quite a pompous thing to give, she says, because it's moralising passively and by proxy.

Liz Brewer of ITV's Ladette to Lady takes up the theme. Charity should not be imposed on others, says Ms Brewer. The trick, she says, is to dress up your disappointment with humour.

"Say 'This is a wonderful thought and I really appreciate you thinking of me' but make a joke of it - 'I've got enough to worry about without having to look after this whatever it is.'"

It's not just charity gifts that can be underwhelming - every family has at least one aunt Agatha. And in a society where presents are often bought by a few casual clicks of a mouse, expectations are increasingly likely to be dashed.

So if you are going to feign delight, you need to know how to do it properly. And that means identifying tell-tale signs, says body language expert Robert Phipps.

"There's a general rule that most people are brought up polite and dress up their language so not to upset people.

"When this happens, you have a rise in body temperature because it's a moment of tension and if wired up to a polygraph, it would look for things like raised blood pressure and skin temperature."

A faker may raise their ankles (if seated) or raise their toes in their shoes (standing), which is a way they "ground" or "unground" themselves unconsciously when lying.

This is because, says Mr Phipps, the feet are the part of the body furthest from the brain and the hardest to control consciously.

Someone genuinely thrilled with a present would have dilated pupils for about half a second, but constricted ones if unhappy.

It's very hard to fake a real smile under these circumstances, says social behaviour expert Judi James.

The very first facial response is the truthful one and this is quickly replaced with a different, faked expression, she says.

A good idea is to present the first reaction as a joke by saying "It's horrible" but then add "Only kidding".

Other options are to hide your face by bending over and pretending to fiddle with the Sellotape, or imagine a beautiful gift instead. But you have to be quite a thespian to pull it off, she warns.

One thing to watch out for is becoming "over-congruent" with the body language and over-displaying pleasure due to embarrassment.

"You go over the top and make out it's the best present you've ever had in your life. It's horrible to watch. And if you're unlucky they buy you the same thing the next year."

So what to do with unwanted presents?

Don't follow the extreme approach adopted by writer Nancy Mitford, says Ms Killen. Mitford threw her sister Deborah's Christmas present on to the log fire, she was so disgusted with it, but her honesty won the admiration of her sibling.

It's far better to find a happy recipient, she says. Teachers can get as many as 35 presents from pupils and many of them end up on eBay or in charity shops.

Or "re-gift" presents by wrapping them up and giving them to someone else.

When people are very busy socially, or in cultures like Japan, a gift is purely a gesture and so it's the act rather than the content that matters.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 0 replies

Brits abroad at Christmas

2007-12-23T20:09:49Z

An interesting read ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/7139254.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 5 replies

Our Photo Album ...

2007-12-23T17:14:16Z

I'm sick of looking at Mr Frostie every time I log in so has anyone got any pictures, of anything, that they would like to post? Lets fill up the album!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 10 replies

And in religious news ..

2007-12-22T22:26:00Z

I just read two religion based news stories that really made me smile:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7151585.stm

Relates to mystery shoppers posing as mystery worshippers to see how the church responds to the needs of newcomers. I think this is fantastic because when I was young the church was all about scaring the crap out of people and this proves that they are really coming around to the softly softly approach.

And secondly, the new Liberal Democrat leader admitted on a news program that he doesn't believe in God. And the Archbishop of Canterbury basically said "meh, as long as he is a nice bloke," obviously I'm ad-libbing here but you get the drift. It's so nice to see religion being turned around in the UK. Oh, news story here, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7151346.stm

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 7 replies

Bizarre holiday traditions, anyone?

2007-12-20T07:05:43Z

Anyone have any memories of unconventional modes of holiday celebration? Here are a few of mine:

My parents went waaay over the top in the whole Santa charade...we of course wrote to Santa, had photos taken with him (my brother was scared witless of Santa, much to my amusement), and left cookies and milk for Santa to enjoy. My parents had us take it a step further...neighbours had to think we were stark raving mad...but on Christmas Eve, we threw carrots on the roof for the reindeer. I also recall one Christmas when my brother and I knew we'd be too excited to sleep, so we simply ran up and down the stairs most of the day, hoping to tire ourselves out. It was fun, to be honest.

Then, on Christmas morning, we'd wake up at approximately 4am, only to have our parents tell us we had to wait until they got up to open the gifts, and until then, we could look ONLY at what was in our stockings (the torture!). We'd eventually harrass them out of bed, and sometime in the night my Dad would've donned his traditional (here's the really bizarre part) SANTA BOXER SHORTS (Dad never has been one for something so civilized as pajamas or a robe, oh no, it's always just him in his underwear). My brother and I would squeal with delight, while he'd scratch his head and say, "Gee, how did I get these on? SANTA must've changed them while I slept!!"

Why this didn't strike me as strange in the least at the time, I do not know. But the thought of Santa messing with his undies while he slept is pretty damn strange to me now, and I wonder what my Dad was thinking?! Gross.

So these memories are what I have...that, and recollections of countless other alcohol-soaked family gatherings, where my uncles would end up fighting out in the yard, and my aunts were always smoking weed in the bedroom, and it was always a big, cheerful mess. Also, one year we found out why to never let my brother have free reign of the karaoke machine, unless you have a penchant for hours and hours of completely mediochre singing, that is. I heard him sing Madonna's "Immaculate Collection" like 3 times. It was like being in a bar in Hell.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 11 replies

<heave>

2007-12-19T22:47:03Z

I was just scanning through the entertainment news pages as I'm known to do when I can't sleep and I came across the below article that almost made me throw up a little;

"Singer Victoria Beckham has slammed claims husband David manhood has been digitally enhanced in his provocative new advertisement for Giorgio Armani.

The new promotional campaign, which was unveiled on Monday after the soccer star was named as the new face of Emporio Armani underwear, features the L.A. Galaxy player lying seductively across a bed, proudly showing off a bulging groin - which fans speculated was computer-altered.

But the Spice Girl insists what's pictured in the pair of white briefs is all his.

She says, "I'm proud I still have a really good sex life with David. He is very much in proportion. He does have a huge one, though. He does. You can see it in the advert. It is all his. It is like a tractor exhaust pipe!""

_______

Is it me? Am I the only one who doesn't actually find a tractor exhaust that arousing?

Anyway, that’s definitely stopped me from sleeping tonight!!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 53 replies

Kids!

2007-12-19T18:09:59Z

I'm sitting here playing Tetris that someone kindly sent me and I said to Alex, "they don't make games like they used to..."

"What are you playing?"

"Tetris..."

"What's Tetris?"

___

I'm speechless. What do they teach them in school these days?!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 13 replies

New Member, Please Welcome ...

2007-12-18T19:55:24Z

Penny, a very good friend of mine who has decided to join the technical revolution, please make her feel welcome!

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 16 replies

Christmas Cocktails

2007-12-15T23:02:03Z

Peppermint Patty

To add a fun detail, crush a candy cane (or other peppermint candies) in a coffee grinder. Dip the rim of the cocktail glasses in water or liquor and then dip the rim in the ground candy mixture.

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka
1 ounces peppermint schnapps
1/2 ounces white creme de cacao

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 15 replies

Chrimble!

2007-12-15T17:49:53Z

Christmas party tonight! Who's coming?

posted in *! The Sanctuary !* - 27 replies

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