Room 101

[John Arton]

This is not strictly a Maritime issue but after watching the program on BBC2 last night and reading a number of threads I thought it might be a good idea to start this thread where we can all post our pet hates (no bad language or name calling please) and also give your reason for your dislike.
If it proves popular perhaps we could have Room 102 where we put our pet loves into.
So off we go with my pet hates, listed in not necessary order of hatred.
1.Politicians of all parties from local Councillors to M.P.'s
reason; they all promise the earth yet never deliver whilst making sure that they are all fed and watered to excess.
2. The European Union
Reason. I voted for the European Economic Community not the European Union. No one asked me if I wanted my life ruled by a bunch of self serving bureaucrates in a foreign country dominated by johnny foreigner who has tried to wipe us out over the past 500 yrs and who are more snout in the trough than even our own politivcos.
3.Rap Music
Reason, its not music, just idiots who cannot hold a tune or write lyrics mouthing off and swearing a lot (bit like no.5 hatch yet with more dosh)
4. Low slung and baggy kecks.
Reason. Why would anyone want to show everybody else their underwear (except for their loved ones) and their bum crack whilst wearing trousers so wide as to create a hazard to mobility.
5. Gas Cookers
Reason. At home we cook on electric but at present due to an incident in our home on Xmas Eve we are presently staying with our daughter who cooks with gas. Although I am a very amatuer cook I can knock up a decent 2 course roast meal but just cannot get the hang of cooking with gas.
6. Weekend Sailors
Reason. Just try going up Southampton Waters anytime but particularly on Cowes Week and you will understand.
7. Single Handed Round the World Yatchmen and Atlantic Rowers.
Reason. I admire their courage but do 99% of them actually realise the power of the Oceans and the stress that they put on Rescue Services when it all goes tits up in the Southern Ocean.
8. Public Swearing and Spitting.
Reason. Enough said, whenever did we get to the point where it is becoming acceptable to spit and swear in public.
9. Mobile Phones.
Reason. Invaluble tool but do we need to listen to weird ring tones and other persons conversations. When I did a stint as Superintendent it never ceased to amaze me how so called respectacle business me just had to yell on their phones with the most inane conversations like telling someone that their plane had just landed. Wonder what they would have done back in to 50/60/70's when you relied on sparks for any sort of communications, or the Port Agent for that written correspondance that meant so much.
10.Angry Drunks.
Reason. We all drank and most of us to excess but how many fights or really nasty arguements did you ever have amongst your shipmates, very few in my experience. Arguements yes but more like good natured heated debate.
11. Shore leave ending at midnight.
Reason. Shore leave anywhere is agreat treat and by midnight you've done the sightseeing/shopping/eating bit and just getting stuck into the drinkies/ladies bit when you have to pack up and get back on board for sailing/watch etc. Bah humbug.
12. The 8 to 12 watch.
Reason. The one watch where in the AM you had everyone (Capt. Mate etc.) wandering round, after midday you were expected to turn too every day on maintenance of gear and pm watch everyone would be having fun in the bar, so it was unlike any other watch where on at least one of your watche's you had the bridge to yourself and fellow watchkeepers only. What better ways to spend tropical nights at sea.

I guess I could go on but then I run the risk of being called an old fart, maybe I am!

rgds
Capt. John Arton (ret'd)

[Tony Wilding]

agree with every word of what you say, except cooking by gas, i cant get used to electric cookers,

[Tony Morcom]

Excellent thread subject John.

13. Chewing gum. I can't stand seeing people with half open mouths chewing it, hate seeing pavements covered in it and above all finding it stuck to the bottom of a table or your chair in a restaurant. Yuk!!

[Lou Barron]

Yes John agree with all of them maybe i might be an old fart

[happy daze john in oz]

Yes John agree with all of them maybe i might be an old fart

No mate, not an old fart but someone like a ;ot of us who still have some values left.

[Pete Leonard (Bruno)]

Room 101
I agree with all the dislikes so far and would like to add my own. That is women with prominent tattoos. I don't mind the odd discreet little image that can easily be hidden up when neccessary. But I have seen some with tattoos that a 3 badge stoker would be proud of. Ugh!

[Albert Bishop]

Background music on telly that drowns out the speech.

[Tony Morcom]

My bl00dy dog that barks to come in and then wants to go out again 2 minutes later!!!

[John Albert Evans]

As I agree with all the earlier statements it would appear I too am a member of the Old Farts Club, Ah Well I'm glad membership is free.

John

[John Arton]

New gripe that I had forgotten about until watching another of our stupid politicians
All these politicians, people fronting stupid adverts for these no claim no fee outfits, news readers etc.
They all stand there spouting their drivel whilst all the time gesturing with their hands held out palm upwards at hip level with them in constant motion.
What the heck is this for, has some idiot in the P.R. dept. told them that by making these gestures they would appear to be speaking more honestly or make us believe in what they are spouting.
To me it just makes them look stupid and you tend to watch the hands rather than listen to the message they are trying to get across.
The French and Italians along with the Greeks and Spanish have always used their hands whilst talking and their hand gestures actually reflect what they are saying. You may not know exactly what they are saying but the hand gestures give you the gist of what they are talking about.
Us Brits along with most inhabitants of English speaking nations, just look plain stupid when trying to use our hands to illustrate what we are talking about. Far rather we just let our language do the talking and keep your hands either behind your back or at least keep them still and by your side.

brgds
Capt. John Arton (ret'd)