Pacific Quay Musings?

[26th of foot 6,084]

"Gerry Braiden is a very good friend of the show"

 

On BBC Radio Scotland's Sunday edition of, 'Off the Ball' Cosgrove announced, "Gerry Braiden is a very good friend of the show". I have related this before, when DrStu' becomes excited, he becomes garrulous. He cannot help himself, he has to name check, feed the listeners bon mots of reflected importance and, tell of his adherence to the crucial pulse. Success has many fathers but letting the listeners know you are the BIG DADDY articulating a meme is an invitation to triumphalism for Cosgrove. Did you know Scots are the only nation expected to view football on TV whilst listening to commentary provided by commentators from a competing nation?

 

The next emotion expressed was banality, "I'm bored rigid with English commentators attempting to squeeze the Euros into a constitutional debate". Swing along the spectrum, resentment bubbled, "it's ridiculous that programmes conceived, edited and, produced outside Scotland are forced upon us". The froth evaporated with, "ah don't care how they do"?

 

Apparently, no other nation would put up with these trying circumstances. Michael Stewart, Chico Young and, Tam Cowan all agreed. Gerry Braiden contributed with an agreeable suggestion, thus DrStu' was acknowledging he was not alone in thinking the above. Despite his Maw being English, all his tertiary education taking place in England and most of his professional life happening in England; Stuart really hates the English. Gerry Braiden is a born and bred Falls Road former Journo. After a dozen years at the Herald, Gerry has been Glasgow City Council's SNP Convenor, Susan Aitken's Policy Advisor these last three years. Gerry will be delighted, the last time Cosgrove lionised him he was, "a good friend of the show". It's the additional "very" that underpins genuine empathy.

 

It's the irony or the lack of that grates. Rangers supporters have endured three years of paying our BBC License Fees and receiving no live commentary whatsoever from Ibrox. To hear Cosgrove and Co' bemoan having to listen to Sam Matterface and Guy Mowbray on several occasions over a four week period without reference to the service they provide to Rangers supporters! Further, Cosgrove and Cowan will be rewarded with a considerable wedge for the extra couple of dozen shows they hosted over the four weeks, the gravy train keeps on running. In part, we pay their remuneration; occasional shouts of, "we want to hear from Rangers supporters" does not cut it.

 

Talking of four weeks, that's the time period Professor Jason Leitch has been off the show. Fifteen months unstinting, then take a month and forget football Jason. Of course, Wembley, Leicester Square, Hyde Park, .... etc twenty thousand Scots, thirty-odd arrests, a massive spike in Covid infection, Scotland being named as having six out of ten Euro hotspots for Covid infection, ........ etc. Jason was withdrawn to save the awkward questions. This is new, modern Scotland and the First Minister was determined we were open for the Euros, whatever the consequences. Oh, and Cowan revealed Prof' Leitch will be back this coming Saturday. Convenient?

 

What is inconvenient is the FM announcement of 2,000 capacity crowds irrespective of the size of a club's stadium. In the last four weeks in Scotland, we have had 12,000 for three matches at Hampden, several three thousand capacity FanZones and 17,000 at Murrayfield for the rugby. Ra Sellik have applied to Glasgow City Council for a 18,000 capacity for next week's Champions League qualifier. Of course, this should be applauded, ensuring everyone of their season ticket holders receive a ticket. How will Susan Aitken reply, what will Gerry Braiden advise, how does Jason Leitch see it and, will Gerry remain a very good friend of the show?

 

 

 

Trolling?

 

BBC Scotland have had an ongoing conversation on the best player ever to have graced the Euros. Of course parameters were quickly ignored and Pele, Messi and, Maradona became involved. Cosgrove is forthright, Diego is the man, "he took the Italian equivalent of Kilmarnock and made them champions single handedly". Excited, he told us to forget the morality of Maradona snorting cocaine, "it's what he produced on the pitch that counts". Hhmm, remember this is new, modern Scotland. Go to page 99 of this thread, sixth posting; over two years ago, Cosgrove offered mindfulness of Gazza. The Scots people had proposed Gazza for the Football Hall of Fame, presumedly because they believed what he produced on the pitch should count? Cosgrove objected on lifestyle and domestic violence, he was supported by the usual suspects and Gazza's name was withdrawn.

 

 

Meaningful or Meaningless?

 

Another garrulous contribution from Cosgrove. He posed the question, "Meaningful or meaningless, pre-season friendlies"? Now, as Rangers supporters we have had an amazing three year ride in Europe. Gerrard has lead the team through 45 games, losing only seven of them. The club has achieved spectacularly from the disaster of losing to Luxembourg's fourth best side just four years past. We have carried the Scottish standard and improved the national co-efficient markedly. Scotland have an extra club in European competition this season.

 

We know, do not expect BBC Scotland ever to acknowledge this feat. This is why the majority of the pundits on the national broadcaster chose to ignore Steven Gerrard, in favour of St Johnstone's Callum Davidson as Manager of the Year. Cosgrove in particular has gone out of his way to ignore Rangers continuing Euro success; often affecting comment of not knowing who we were playing, or the result. Still, maybe just acceptable if you are reliant on BBC Scotland for an Ibrox score?

 

On Sunday, Cosgrove read out, "Tranmere Rovers one Rangers nil".

 

 

Let's hope Gerry Braiden remains a very good friend of the show and he appears as a guest. If they still want to hear from Rangers supporters, I would like to ask : 

 

The Cessnock Residents Association, where did you get the idea and how long did it take to brief thick as sh1t pouring from the neck of a bottle, Councillor David McDonald(SNP) on the health benefits of an active lifestyle as opposed to FanZone burgers and booze?

 

Convenor Susan Aitken - After GCC refurbishing the shops on Saltmarket at Community Charge payers expense. Then deciding to ballot the units for the peppercorn rent of £1 per annum; how fortunate was Susan's Hibs supporting husband, Gordon Archer in emerging first from said ballot? 

[26th of foot 6,084]

All Dressed and Ready to Blow.

 

 

I have just heard BBC Scotland's lunchtime News bulletin. As usual, it ended with a weather update and a Sports Desk. We were told all sporting focus is upon the Olympic Games. Further, BBC Scotland's Sports Correspondence, Chris McLaughlin is in Tokyo, having endured yesterday's 12 hour flight. We would have heard an in depth appreciation of factors facing Team GB in the land of the rising sun; however, Chris has been put into isolation after being in close contact with someone who alighted from the plane with Covid. 

 

I note Chris has taken to Twitter to vent frustration at being told to endure 14 days quarantine in his Hotel room. Even more frustration is visited upon the Chair of Pacific Quay CSC, when he was also told the close contact Athlete does NOT have to isolate. We must pray for Chris, left alone to finger his Bento Box. This set of circumstances must stick in his throat.

 

Of course, it's Anxious Ange' that is really suffering frustration. Chris has always been there to provide a calming hand to all his predecessors on the cusp of a hugely important Euro fixture. Brendan, Neil, Martin, Peter, ................. and, Dermot have had the experience of Chris before them, on his knees. Still, those warm memories of full throated consummation will provide much needed comfort to lonely Chris.

[compo 7,055]

54 minutes ago, 26th of foot said:

All Dressed and Ready to Blow.

 

 

I have just heard BBC Scotland's lunchtime News bulletin. As usual, it ended with a weather update and a Sports Desk. We were told all sporting focus is upon the Olympic Games. Further, BBC Scotland's Sports Correspondence, Chris McLaughlin is in Tokyo, having endured yesterday's 12 hour flight. We would have heard an in depth appreciation of factors facing Team GB in the land of the rising sun; however, Chris has been put into isolation after being in close contact with someone who alighted from the plane with Covid. 

 

I note Chris has taken to Twitter to vent frustration at being told to endure 14 days quarantine in his Hotel room. Even more frustration is visited upon the Chair of Pacific Quay CSC, when he was also told the close contact Athlete does NOT have to isolate. We must pray for Chris, left alone to finger his Bento Box. This set of circumstances must stick in his throat.

 

Of course, it's Anxious Ange' that is really suffering frustration. Chris has always been there to provide a calming hand to all his predecessors on the cusp of a hugely important Euro fixture. Brendan, Neil, Martin, Peter, ................. and, Dermot have had the experience of Chris before them, on his knees. Still, those warm memories of full throated consummation will provide much needed comfort to lonely Chris.

Stuff them all I hope they all get a four X dose of covid .

[26th of foot 6,084]

It's Monday afternoon and quarantining Chris has just done his first report on the Tokyo Olympics. He has revealed that both his Producer and Cameraman are in the same bind. Chris sits at one end of his long narrow room(effectively a Pod), face to camera. We can see a wooden floor, a Futon mattress on the floor and, a large flat screen TV attached to the wall above the Futon. Apparently, the Japanese are being most strict in ensuring those in quarantine, adhere fully to set isolation conditions. Shame, I was hoping Chris and his two BBC Scotland colleagues, would be building a bamboo railway bridge?

 

Further, Chris took to Twitter lamenting the Hotel food for those isolating. It is Bento Box scoff. The Tweet has been removed because so many were deliriously happy at the plight of Chris. Chris on his tod, in his pod and, fingering his Bento Box has brought joy. Bento is Japanese patois for, 'convenience'. I would urge Chris to carry on at his convenience. Further, I would urge the Tokyo authorities to construct a roundabout outside the Stadium; just to allow Chris more comfort in these harrowing times.

 

At the culmination of 14 days quarantine, Chris will only have two days of Olympic action to feast upon. Then, with Japan on the red list, he will have to endure further lonely times on return to Blighty. Still, his sister, creepy Connie will be there for him, keeping him mentally tough. He will need it. I am reliably informed that when the quarantining Pacific Quay Three were informed of the respective Old Firm results at the weekend, they were six-two their stomachs. 

 

We should chip in to allow Chris an evening of distraction. I am positive eight hours of Kendo Nagasaki cheek-to-cheek comfort would suffice? It will take his mind off his Bento Box.

 

  

[Scott7 6,018]

Delighted with the poltroon’s predicament but on a serious note, what is bbc scotland doing there as well as    all the regular  bbc performers? Is there a notable Wullie or Wulma McWallace participating?

 

Because Mrs 7 likes to watch the horses and the gymnasts, the telly’s been on a couple of times so I’ve heard some of the tedious witterings. Coleman, Carpenter, Bough and Pickering, I didn’t realise how good they were until now.

[Bill 13,717]

1 hour ago, Scott7 said:

Because Mrs 7 likes to watch the horses and the gymnasts, the telly’s been on a couple of times so I’ve heard some of the tedious witterings. Coleman, Carpenter, Bough and Pickering, I didn’t realise how good they were until now.

From what I've seen the BBC is plumbing new depths with its Olympics coverage. Even for them, this is grindingly awful. 

[the gunslinger 3,366]

is connie still wreaking havoc on the celtc players mental strength?

[compo 7,055]

It's a wonder they didn't have the full outside broadcast unit out yesterday at saint Mary's in glesgas eastend for the unveiling of a statue to commemorate the tottie famine. 

[26th of foot 6,084]

The Full Anguish.

 

 

It's been a thing these last 30 years, you get down the local Bistro, Brasserie, Cafe, ... salivating at the thought of the full Scottish. South of the border, it becomes the full English and, in the Province it is presented as the Ulster Fry. Pretty much, it's the same thing. A mixture of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, ...... etc; accompanied by buttered bread rolls and strong tea. There are variations and options, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, hash browns, haggis, fruit pudding and, kidneys. I am tolerant of all bar the parboiled white beans. I believe a Gentleman should reserve baked beans for supper, preferably at the Ritz Grill.

 

If we accept a Gentleman does not eat baked beans for breakfast/brunch, I feel it's a short stretch to examine the part played by soda bread in an Ulster Fry. I was Battalion Adjutant some 35 years past and we had just completed one of those monotonous mobilisation exercises, ending up in Fallingbostel for four/five days post exercise reorganisation. Being a Cavalry Depot, the host Regiment was the Inniskillen Dragoon Guards. They made us most welcome, extending an invitation to attend their Mess Sunday brunch for an Ulster Fry.

 

Waiters placed plates, each containing a tower of thick sliced soda bread, an equal sized slice of pigs liver and, topped with two poached eggs. Putting one's knife through the construction ensured yolk and blood flowed, absorbed by the soda bread. An accompanying goblet of chilled sherry was served thankfully, most necessary in pushing 'the Skins' take on their local cuisine, over the thorax. When my opposite number informed me they had slaughtered the pig and as tradition dictates, served the liver to special guests(us), it became a race as to which would burst forth first, my conscience or bile.

 

On Wednesday evening, something was rotten in the state of Denmark. The national broadcaster was bilious, Tom English articulated the bile. Liam McLeod has just finished over two hours of commentary, finally opining, "It's finished three-two on aggregate in favour of the Danes, Celtic supporters are more used to glorious European nights". One Dandy handed back to another Don, Big Dick sighed heavily before allowing Tom to take centre stage in the Gang Hut. He began with a blustered volley, "If Bomber Brown had been placed in charge of Celtic as an undercover agent, he couldn't have made it worse than Celtic have themselves". 

 

Clearly, the thought of Rangers had began Tom's unsettled state. Earlier that day, BBC Scotland's website had put up a multi-paragraphed piece by the Limerick lad, stating anything less than a Treble and Champions League group stage football, was a Rangers failure in the coming season. Setting the bar so high that standing on one's tippy toes, stretching to touch with your finger tips, is not good for the abdominal muscles. The cramps must have been severe because Tom announced, "Rangers have two teams, their reserve team could win the league comfortably". Tom owned the pain with, "Rangers are ready for a gunfight, Celtic are armed with a pea-shooter". 

 

Tom's bile bubbled for several minutes, realising he had over used Rangers as leverage he became more soothing. He likes Big Ange', he's a straight talker. Celtic played well, "they were the better side in both games". Ange' is not to blame and Dermot must have loomed large because his next statement was, "Desmond is a very successful business man". Obviously perspiring and experiencing light headedness he recovered, "there's lots of money swishing around the club". Seriously, I don't know what's worse, Tom deliberately setting Rangers a high bar or utilising us to increase leverage on his beloved Bhoys?

 

The Bomber Brown reference is particularly strange, maybe his playing for Rangers in an effective Champions League semi-final against Marseille gives Tom further dyspepsia? This time last year Tom wrote, "Celtic are overwhelming favourites to clinch a tenth straight Scottish title at the end of Neil Lennon's long journey. There will be no hiding place for Rangers fans". I suggest Tom leaves off the fried soda bread and baked beans, all those hardened sharp edges and fibrous pulses are hard to handle on the way back up. 

 

 

Edited July 31, 2021 by 26th of foot

[Uilleam 5,948]

I thought that BBC Scotland's Irishman, English, was a Cabbage and Ribs man.