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watermanaquarius

Listed below are comments made by watermanaquarius between Friday, 31st July 2009 and Monday, 16th November 2009.

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Too many questions? 9:37pm on 16 Nov 2009 David # 64,
I was just copying the wording used by seanspa # 1 in repeating whining.
[ You are making me appear now as one of those schoolmaster / pedant characters like that Mr Cunard fellow who has posted here before]
Despite using the offending word, do remember that half a compliment is better than none.
Too many questions? 3:24pm on 16 Nov 2009 Dear Auntie Maria # 24,
I do hope you did not consider my suggestion about a dry wine not going amiss' at my posting # 7, was attempting to push Mark to imbibe in front of young impressionable children, or even outside their field of view.
Like yourself I was anxious to get Mark to participate in joining in with his children when they return from school and have always found it [the dry white], unbeatable when removing grass stains from gym-shoes. Similarly the scuffs on everyday sensible brown shoes can be dramatically improved with a quick scrub using any full bodied red.
As any father of Marks years knows having grown up with Jackanory and Blue Peter, after removing the label from the bottle which is carefully placed in the bin for glass along-side the baby jars away from little sensitive inquisitive hands, he can have hours of fun using sticky back plastic making a family album discussing the chateaux, animals and languages that appear on the label[s]. Educational, informative almost a lexicon of learning and knowledge on somethings so small.
Please forgive the ambiguity in my earlier post.

Mark. If you had any dark thoughts about using the wine in any other manner than listed above, for Blue Peter's sake please do not start dancing. You will never hear the last of it.
Too many questions? 11:10am on 16 Nov 2009 Mark,
Ignore the remarks about David .
Some of us quietly appreciate his dry humour and whining.
Completing temporary single parenting responsibilities, a little dry wine would not go amiss for you too.
And have no fears about bedtime- Children, unlike commander in chiefs always have a whole list of possible exit strategies- I am sure they will tuck you in bed safely when they see you looking tired and about to reach for your security blanket.
Tough enough? 10:17am on 26 Sep 2009 Completly in agreement with RomeStu # 73
After years of America acting as the policeman of the world, where either a hard or pathetically soft approach has been visible by each President in office in the handling of different countries 'problems', I do not consider that Obama's reserved stance should be misunderstood.
For the first time in ages we view a joint condemnation of Iran's 'secret' installation where Brown and Sarkozy have been given the chance to play the tough guys, the hard cops in this reality event, allowing the USA to take a welcomed supporting cast roll.
Allowing for the fact that Obama has a lot on his plate both at home and abroad and believing him to be no fool, I must assume that this " being all things to all men and sides" in every subject that has been placed on his desk, is just the inscrutable face of an expert card player, holding his cards close to his chest. Do not forget he managed to stitch up all his political opponents in the past, completely against the predictions that had been made about his chances, without even moving into second gear.
Watching, listening, and quietly taking in all detail, advice and information during discussions with all allies and enemies, is a totally different stance from that of his predecessor. Perhaps it is this quiet aura of indecision that he radiates, that causes the most frustration for both his supporters and adversaries.
Politics at home or on the shrinking world stage today requires a new approach, and a return to the resurrection of opposing camps will only increase tensions and possible unwanted military actions.
Dove, hawk, tough guy or wimp.?
If reading the blog here has taught me one thing, it is that every senior American politician can decide to play dirty when the need arises, and an immediate headless chickenhawk approach is the last thing that is required.
Obama usually gives everybody enough rope to hang themselves. He is one of the few world leaders who is not a puppet with others working the strings. Olive branch in one hand, but the other may contain the stick or assorted sweets. It is this doubt about his persona that makes the man.
Please tell me you do not want another Inspector Clouseau, heading the investigation and subsequent action.
Not so special? 08:42am on 25 Sep 2009 oldnat # 299
You question "would English "Brits" care whether Scotland was a separate state within the EU"
You obviously do not enjoy being a British team player.
Does the present ill feeling towards Brown [now struggling to show his importance] and the other Scottish politicians around, who decided to ply their trade south of the border awaken thoughts that the jig may be up for Scottish influence becoming a watered down affair? Though unsavoury practices by the gorbals Micks of this world did cast Scotland in a bad light, many have similar concerns for all the other regional politicians.
Always felt it was the Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland and English Union that put the great in Great Britain. IMHO, attempting to untie this, to promote a Scottish state standing alone would push yourselves and the remainder of the UK into oblivion, following the renegotiations that must take place.
Do not believe Rhode Island is considering seceding from the union in America today, any more than the County of Rutland wanted home rule from the UK in 1975, despite the hard work put in by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame.
However if maintaining the status quo is too much to bear, and complete independence is paramount, then you could not find a more suitable youthful candidate to take up the gauntlet and promote your cause than Rory Bremner. If in your thinking you need a more prominent international champion then there is always Billy Connolly or Robbie Coltrane.
Politics must always have it's home grown clowns from all countries around the world, and despite those now present on the podium guiding us through the seriousness of our situation today, any of these 3 mentioned stalwarts should fit the bill.
Is race a factor in Obama protests? 4:27pm on 18 Sep 2009 Good debate Mark.
Although not a complete racist I have been known to put my foot in it at times in making off the cuff remarks against all creeds colours and races. A human being with all the failings of ists and isms under the sun. Similarly, I have learned to accept that others make their own off the cuff negative remarks in kind.
Surely every aspect of life on this planet should all be open for both verbal praise of a group or individual, and include a temporary negative remark against their mental, physical or genetic appearance and understand there will always be spur of the moment undesirable comment [that does not have to extend to the extreme.]
May an untimely turn of phrase be regarded as a crime of passion?
We have a wonderful common language in our English here, where colourful expressions rule the day, yet there will always be some, who continue to look backwards to include them with major errors of the past. Why nuture a chip on the shoulder and refuse to move forward, but exploit the weaknesses in anothers lack of expressing themselves correctly?
Many have suggested that it stems from a lack of education, but whether 5 years or 5 and 60 years old we are never too old to meet and learn new aspects of past and present life, and yet we still continue to make unfortunate mistakes. This new improved political correctness by a few deciding what must be regarded as adverse comment by preventing it, or sweeping it under the carpet, both for the sham face of superficial perfection can be taken by all too far.
Imagine you should drive a foreign number plated car, end up going the wrong way trying to park in a lot, that provokes another's outrage. They can react with a racist, age-ist, or sexist verbal explosion with all creed colour and race remarks doing the round, or they can abuse you physically. Sticks and stones or just objectionable words. Personally I prefer the latter, a flash in the pan offhand remark that disperses the frustration that has occurred.
Regarding Joe Wilson - he just lost it momentarily in forgetting his manners. Further nothing special and am pleased that Obama has not seen fit to make excessive political capital from the remark.
Nobody approaches near perfection in my way of thinking in being able to cast the first stone at another in this debate. We are all "ists' to a greater or lesser degree.
Still enjoying your open approach to various subjects. Who can we tear to pieces tomorrow? May we discuss short people, or those who have no sense of fashion? It seems an age since Hillary's head was on the block.
Healthcare row gets physical? 6:12pm on 10 Sep 2009 Mark,
Congratulations on a fine beginning, taking the chair and holding the fort on the American front.
Normally the thought of deja vu yet again is depressing, but your re-mixed, digitally enhanced take on the subjects you are invariably required to choose, very much appreciated.I look forward to many more.
Like many other Europeans and Canadians we sit glued to our keyboards, amazed, shocked and frankly embarressed that your new director's cut of another USA "Blazing Saddles" health care discussion, has hit the big screen with all our old favourites participating on the blog.
Obama, the black sheriff in a time of trouble makes a suggestion for an eventual future health benefit for all citizens and immediatly the haves, both resident and immigrant with insurance, power and a very reasonable living standard start circling the wagons. Racially biased remarks, dim witted govenors, astroturf thugs attempting to conjole the old and unsure, leaves the usually quiet average townsfolk American, to consider taking up arms for their side of the debate as well.
Mungo, Buddy Bizarre, Le Petomane, Lamaar, Ms von Shtupp and not forgetting Jim and the more even keeled Johnsons using other sign-in names of course, are all present posting, adding to the spectacle. Only in America.
I do look forward to your eventual probable move into American and European thoughts concerning Iran, Afghanistan, Mexico etc confrontations. Other, real as life action films like Dr Strangelove and Rambo have their own characteristic bit players and it will be fascinating to see their comments appearing too. Not health care perhaps but with one's eyes half closed the thought about foreigners 'sapping and impurifying the precious fluids' required to sustain the average USA resident, resulting in further helpful intervention, must be more than enough to make further waves.
I do hope you will take the time to see a little more of America than Justin was able to visit, and give us your feelings about all, south [and north] of the 49th parallel. Disney-land parks and movies though available, do not give the full picture of how the once upon a time pioneers, having achieved America's valued status throughout the world, now show it being watered down. Both the hoped for success stories to come, and failings that have changed a once great USA, to want to discard a history of promoting excellence for all, becoming a second rate player in the game, ruled by fear and selfishness, will not fall on deaf ears.
Is it all about the money? The dollar sign and the greenbacks are now the religion of all? Whoever suggested trickle down economics to cure all ills has sure achieved a trickle, but from the smell now noticable, it isn't what was expected.
Perhaps keeping a spare set of underwear might be a good idea for you too..
Time to say goodbye 4:26pm on 20 Aug 2009 Justin,
Funny world eh? Yesterday America and tomorrow England and Today.
North American Editor:- the name and kudos must pass on to another. The King is dead- long live the King. .
Although you were forced to suffer both superficial enemy and friendly fire during the battles here, I am sure you understand true medal honours should go to those who did not make it through the years of skirmishing, and do hope you will remember them with affection. So many fell bloodied by the wayside without a purple heart to show for their heroism, while as the general, you accept the plaudits. Faceless necessary collateral damage in your eyes perhaps. I do hope not.
Thank you for the peace and relative quiet of the kitchen you let go on, and continues elsewhere.
So lock away America- the stetson, cowboy boots, firearms, spurs and jeans for other private moments in life. For useful weapons in the UK, nothing beats a brolly or shooting stick to rest ones weary limbs and fight the changeable weather..
Perhaps just the derby, now referred to as a bowler with the three piece suits monday to friday will be required, with dressing up in the "pink" as hunt follower on the weekends. Of course if you have an aversion to hands-on sports where you must view the game involved and possible prey, then your USA army dump store anorak will serve you well. - Romping with the kids in the woods and on the beach, harassing those to horse in the fields, keeping a low profile in Marks and Sparks while shopping, or taking train numbers on Swindon Station. BTW I am told they also contain many pockets to keep tissues and snacks, British rail timetables and autographed copies of books for the fans, should you so require it.
I suppose a bugler playing 'last post' would be appropriate but with your attempts at embracing an American mindset and my penchant for something more fluid, I have settled for a USA one for your blog.
TAPS [Day is done]
Welcome back to normality and the real world.
I wish you and your family well.
Too European? 1:30pm on 31 Jul 2009 Marcus, help is at hand , [with apologies to A.A Milne 1882- 1956]

What is the matter with M A twain?
He's crying with all his might and main,
And he won't eat his dinner - rice pudding again -
What is the matter with M A twain?

What is the matter with Marcus twain?
I've promised him dolls and a daisy-chain,
And a book about animals - all in vain -
What is the matter with Marcus twain?

What is the matter with Marcus twain?
He's perfectly well, and he hasn't a pain;
But look at him now, he's beginning again! -
What is the matter with Marcus twain?

What is the matter with M A twain?
I've promised him sweets and a ride in the train,
And I've begged him to stop for a bit and explain -
What is the matter with M A twain?

What is the matter with Marcus twain?
He's perfectly well and he hasn't a pain,
Looks like he needs plums, prunes, rhubarb, figs, mangos, papayas and senna again
How would you like to suffer like Marcus twain?
Too European? 09:01am on 31 Jul 2009 Interestedforeigner # 825,
Simple news is sometimes the most heartwarming. Thank you.

Kites

Time flies by for all of us.
Don't put off for tomorrow that which should and can be achieved today.
We can but just wish and hope.

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