SOB valuation please...TOG?

Because a lot of English people live in South Wales and commute to
Bristol and the like?

 

And ex-pats are always more nationalistic. (cf Gibralter, Northern
Ireland, etc).

 

interesting definition of "ex-pat" there. Make sure you use it over
the weekend...

 

I missed something. What's just happened to promote this sense of patriotism
and unity?

 

We won the cricket apparently.

 

heh. thought that might raise some comment.

Is Downpatrick and environs orange or green?

 

Downpatrick is mostly "shit". Just check the colour of the kerb, and
see what flags are flying - this will keep you right for most of N.I.

 

Dunno to be honest.

My reasoning behind a discrete George Cross[1] on the back of the car
was that I'm English and reasonably proud of it, so why not display my
national flag?


[1] With no football references on it at all[2]. Just a proper George
Cross.
[2] Was tempted to write "**** Football" across the bottom of it
though.

 

Why not indeed. I'm just wondering what there is to be proud of. Not on a
personal level, but a national one.

 

There are a number of traits that one might say are part of the
Engloish national character which one could be proud of.
Unfortunately, there's also a number to be ashamed of.

I think the same applies to most countries, hence my complete failure
to understand patriotism. I'm sure we can save a long thread by
reference to google groups.

 

Indeed. But if you give into those things to be ashamed of, you let
them win and then the only thing your country is know for is those
things rather than the good things.

 

That's probably the most wholesome attitude to have. but I can't help
thinking that

[1] if there are positive things about our country then surely it is
relation to other countries that compare badly in those respects- or at
least differently- and therefore an us-and-them scenario is instantly setup.
I'd be more proud in a world's ability to overcome their differences and
embrace its gestalt potential (rest of monologue drowned out by Elgar)

[2] I would like to present the stereotype that 99.49% of the country that
consider themselves patriotic do **** all to contribute to it in any way
other than paying taxes and buying a small flag and therefore are really
just parasitic hypocrites. (This does not refer to Ben as he is young, naive
and much bigger than me)

 

whatever - "wogs begin at Calais".

 

and continue Northwards...

 

Can you explain this? I'm not being thick deliberately.

 

in many parts of Northern Ireland (and some parts of the Republic,
near the border), the kerb stones will be painted alternating
red/white/blue or green/white/orange depending on the
politico-religious affiliation of the local residents.

Also, on the ends of terraces you'll get painted murals which will
reveal the same information.

 

For visitors though, surely not talking about politics
at all is presumably the safest way, yes? Or are you likely
to be asked who you support before being served a pint/pastie?

 

I don't really know what it's like now. But it used to be that if you
had short hair and an English accent, there were a large number of
pubs where you would be strongly advised not to even go into in the
first place, never mind try and get served.

 

The new extreme sport, changing the colours of the kerb stones.

I knew about these, didn't realise they did the pavements as well.

 

less skill required to do the pavements, y'see.