*Bob*

What figure are we up to now as regards percentage of marriages which fail? Is it 40% or 45%? What's the projected figure for the for the next few decades? 50%? 60%? How high will the figure need to get before 'marriage doesn't work'?

Well I've lived for getting-on for 40 years - and I've never had diabetes (or other health complications). So when I see all these people with diabetes (and other health complications) filing into the hospital, placing a terrible strain on the NHS - well, it does make me wonder. I'm sure they all brought it upon themselves. Because all people with diabetes are the same, aren't they? ;-)

Marmora Man Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Those that disagree remain free to ignore the > small applauding signal ( or bribe - depending > upon stance) and do their own thing. It's not the small applauding bribe that grates, really.. it's more the fact that the government will kick the remaining bereaved partner fiscally senseless should their other half/life partner snuff it - unless they've 'made things right'. Hello 40% IHT, goodbye house. So essentially a shotgun wedding - with HMRC holding the sawn-off. Romantic.

I assume it would be a term they'd picked-up from their unenlightened, outdated parents.

It's not the 'getting married' that gives you a better chance of not splitting-up.. it's just that people who are less likely to split-up anyway are more likely to get married. How you square being a 'libertarian' whilst at the same time giving the thumbs-up to nanny-state 'encouragement' regarding the single most personal life decision that most people will ever make (or not).. well.. I don't think you can!

Jeremy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Cringe comedy started with The Office? How about > Fawlty Towers or Alan Partridge? Steptoe and Son?

right-clicking Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > This subject will inevitably bring out two types > of response, those who think it's fun to mock the > unfortunate and those whom will feel sympathy, As > I am one of those affected by unemployment I find > it hard to appreciate crass statements as the one > above clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding > or humanity, I have applied for over 300 jobs, > rarely get a reply let alone an interview I am > desperate, downtrodden and depressed, my kids are > wearing clothes from the charity shops and we eat > very basic food. I cannot afford to buy them any > presents at this festive time of year. You go > ahead and laugh and have a happy Xmas and try not > to choke on your self satisfied overstuffed turkey Yes, I'm on your side. Try and grasp the whole thread, not the last post you read. The suggestion, by Mr Fox is that those on benefits shouldn't be allowed access to their cash in pubs because - ho ho! They'll only go and spend it! My point was that most people who are or have been on benefits (including myself - for a couple of years) - are largely aware of their financial limitations and therefore won't rush to the bar like a flock of demented seagulls - and then - doh! - have to sit in a cold room without food for two weeks. Sorry about your predicament.

To be honest I don't think the unemployed should be allowed to handle money at all. They should just be rationed with a bottle of Special Red, an Iceland voucher and a kick up the arse - once a fortnight.

Fox is right - people on benefits must be thick as two short planks and therefore incapable of collecting their ?50 (for the whole week) without the temptation of spending it on tempting ?5 pints becoming too great. Couldn't claimants also be fitted with a giant cotton wool ball - for their own protection? These people are clearly a danger to themselves as well as to us normal godfearing, taxpaying real people.

Obviously not.

Since when could you say shit? Is cunt allowed not too?

In that case I think I shall plump for a shoulder from hamlovers.. I thank you. Though I don't know why I'm bothering. I'll only get something sh1t in return. But then you don't give to receive.. so they say.

I suppose what I meant was: is the shoulder considered a lesser morsel..? Not as good? Or just different..? merci!

They do some bellota / iberico shoulders for ?90 - ?150 as well. Or is a true lover of ham liable to cock a snook at shoulder?

I was just perusing hamlovers. All their Serrano is less than a hundred quid. No good, you say?

Of all the places I never considered.. hAmazon. I was hoping some ham specialist would pop-up to tell me about a little place they know..

Is anyone in the know - about ham? Where does one go for a whole Spanish ham (a meat ham, not the vegetarian ham) these days? Somewhere that doesn't involve importing direct from Spain, paying honking delivery charges or getting fleeced at 'gourmet market' prices? I'm just after a shoulder, not the full back leg affair. Please help. I ham getting desperate.

I do something very similar. Fry cubes of pancetta in butter, add onions and caramelise Add garlic and finely chopped mushrooms Add lots of balsamic vinegar Add a little tomato paste Add some rosemary Add some vegetable stock Carefully pick through and remove pancetta cubes Thicken with flour Visiting veggies can't get enough of it.

Those bbqs do feel a bit like that sometimes, Brendan. Actually it's the funerals which are the worst. Especially when you live away and meet-up with those old faces - and they can't wait to tell you about all the changes etc. I'm afraid to say that our groovy metropolitan melting pot is some way in advance of many other areas of the UK.

Parkdrive Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I'd be interested to know how you arrive at this > figure. Have you spent much time in, say, The Midlands?

There are probably only about four or five million people who mostly agree with her sentiments - but tend to keep it to themselves on buses. Eight million, tops. So come on, people - keep your ears open and your cameras at the ready.

It's tiring being enlightened all the time though. Sometimes you just need to let off steam and call a munter a munter.

If you can hang on until January, you'll probably get one free.

Ah yes, Moos - that old chestnut. Well, my dear old Mother taught me a rather sweet rhyme about that: When a man on the tram drops his guts near your Mam I breathe through my mouth for as long as I can Though whilst I can mostly avoid the cruel whiff I take a strange pleasure in taking a sniff

She's the one with the generic voice who the pubic never warmed to.