# Brit Dope Winter 2003 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 1, 2003, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981 "2003-10-01T21:07:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/421 "2003-10-29T02:32:10Z")
OK, I’ve just had a flash of something, whether inspiration or insaity I will let you be the judge… What about Christmas caroling? It appears from the SDMB Choir thread that we will have some musically inclined folks, and the rest of you will probably think you are after a couple of pints. Or would that scare away the other pub-goers? (Or would that be a good thing?) I’ve got some lyric sheets I typed up last year, with all the classics on them…yes, the Jewish agnostic goes caroling every year! On the other hand, maybe it’s too much, what with cookies, quiz, and other unstructured general merriment. What do you think? ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/422 "2003-10-29T09:27:24Z")
Its insanity. Complete and utter insanity. However, if you get enough people drunk, then it may be considered, mooted, and probably accepted as a fun way to pass the time. Only, however, if it doesn’t involve leaving the pub. I think the general (well the pisshead contingent’s) consensus on leaving the pub whilst the bar is still open was summed up rather well by a comment at the mini-LonDope, when someone suggested that maybe we sojourn for food, by the following: > [@](#): > > Leave the pub for food? But the bar’s still open. You can’t leave the pub whilst the bar’s still open, you’re wasting valuable drinking time! Darned if I can remember who said it though! 😃 Total hijack now, my computer desktop background is a very sexy picture of Aragorn from the Return of the King. Yum. Its a wonder I’m getting anything done. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/423 "2003-10-29T10:18:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Eva Luna \* > \*\*OK, I’ve just had a flash of something, whether inspiration or insaity I will let you be the judge… > > What about Christmas caroling? It appears from the SDMB Choir thread that we will have some musically inclined folks, and the rest of you will probably think you are after a couple of pints. Or would that scare away the other pub-goers? (Or would that be a good thing?) I’ve got some lyric sheets I typed up last year, with all the classics on them…yes, the Jewish agnostic goes caroling every year! > > On the other hand, maybe it’s too much, what with cookies, quiz, and other unstructured general merriment. What do you think? \*\* no offence **Eva** , but his is a baaaad idea. Carol singing in a pub? no way, no how. we’d be asking to get shot, or glassed or at the very least booted out. there will be booze, a quiz and the general good company of the UK doper powerboozers. you can do too much in one day. the balance as i see it is correct. and remember, like schwarzenegger said, ‘eating is not cheating’. its perfectly acceptable to nip out of the pub for food. or even better, get food in the pub. depending on. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/424 "2003-10-29T11:33:09Z")
Hi **Eva**. It’s not a good idea or a bad one, it’s just another option to bear in mind. On the day, we’ll have the mid-afternoon hiatus when those who wish to can pursue some sort of ‘culcha’ or do other things (Doper Gals have been known to go and do something called ‘shopping’, whatever that is) before we re-convene for the grand evening session with optional curry and mandatory quiz. During this mid-afternoon sesh, if you and anyone else want to go carol singing, you are free and able to do so. Points to ponder: you can’t do this _in_ the pub, because you’ll get asked to leave or be shunted out. You can do it in the street but most Londoners will simply ignore you or try to pick your pockets or steal your cell phone. It will be Nov 29th - probably quite cold, damp and windy. There will be millions of people on the over-crowded pavements, most of them wearing the traditional British expression (oppressed-miserable, fraught and cold) while trying to do bits of their xmas shopping in the capital city whch excels all others when it comes to combining high prices with low quality and appallingly bad service. All in all, it _could_ be fun, but you’ll find most Dopers (especially Brit Dopers) at least a little sceptical, and inclined to stay indoors drinking. But see how it goes on the day, and thanks for coming up with a positive idea. ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/425 "2003-10-29T11:39:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ianzin \* > \*\* (Doper Gals have been known to go and do something called ‘shopping’, whatever that is) . \*\* _Ponders the idea of shopping, in London, on a Saturday, less then a month before Christmas_ :eek: :eek: :eek: sums it up best I think. This Doper Gal, for one, will be happiest in the nice warm pub, with beer, and AnguaCookies, and mince pies. 😃 Just so long as I don’t have to sit near an external door. People seem to have forgotten how to close doors in this country. I went out for a meal last night, after having been to the theatre, and we got the table nearest the door. Not really wanting to battle with the wall, a table and the chair, I took the seat nearest the “aisle”. Which also happened to be the seat which got blasted by cold wintery air whenever anyone opened the door. And then left it open. Grr… ☹ ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/426 "2003-10-29T11:40:50Z")
yeah, what ian said. but in better words than i could put it. heads upto all those who stay in the pub all day. mid afternoon hiatus? ha! ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/427 "2003-10-29T12:14:13Z")
I might give a whispering rendition of your favourite carol, for the price of a pint. ---
**Author:** ![Tir\_Tinuviel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/428 "2003-10-29T15:16:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ianzin \* > \*\*If you’re wondering what else you’ve missed over the past 8 pages, here ya go: … \*\* You forgot the bit about you being ordained and turning up wearing a nice purple soutane and a mitre… 😉 Right ok… this really mini CamDope thing… whose coming? I got **Paulberserker, Herge, ConfessorKnight and Crusoe**? Anyone else? When do we want to do it? this Saturday, next Saturday? I’m sending out an email now, anyone else want to join in, mail the address in my profile. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/429 "2003-10-29T15:27:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Angua \* > > Total hijack now, my computer desktop background is a very sexy picture of Aragorn from the Return of the King. Yum. Its a wonder I’m getting anything done. 😃 \*\* Great minds think alike. Our office is about 90% female, and my former team was no exception. My boss had Aragorn on her desktop. The one guy on our team protested that it was creating a “hostile work environment” (U.S. legal-speak for sexual harrassment), only half-jokingly, until we pointed out that it was a head shot only, and that what you could see of him was quite fully clothed with a three-day beard. Nevermind; he’s yummy anyway! ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/430 "2003-10-29T15:29:19Z")
Quite. I think I’m justified in having such a background - I’m the only woman in an office of 9 people. I want to find the life-size cardboard cutout again. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/431 "2003-10-29T23:04:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > \*\*no offence **Eva** , but [t]his is a baaaad idea. Carol singing in a pub? no way, no how. we’d be asking to get shot, or glassed or at the very least booted out. \*\* Maybe we could do karaoke instead. Ya think we can find a pub that has “Verdi Requiem minus one” on the machine? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/432 "2003-10-30T09:08:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gyrate \* > \*\*Maybe we could do karaoke instead. Ya think we can find a pub that has “Verdi Requiem minus one” on the machine? 😉 \*\* Anyone, and I mean _anyone_ who even suggests karaoke at the DopeFest will have to deal with me, my long nails, and my sharp pointy hair spike. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/433 "2003-10-30T11:19:20Z")
karaoke’s a better idea than carol singing. I see your spike and raise you a samurai sword. ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/434 "2003-10-30T11:28:42Z")
Arse. Yeah, but who’s going to let you carry a samurai sword around London? A hair spike at least is inoccuous. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Chimpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@Chimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimpy)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/435 "2003-10-30T13:04:53Z")
as we’re in teh random threats hijack mode… i see you samurai sword and raise you HMS belfast ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/436 "2003-10-30T13:08:34Z")
i’m very surreptitious wi ma sword. i blend into the shadows. only devil know ma name. or perhaps i’ll just get bollocksed big time and have a laugh, and leave the weapons to **Tir** 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Chimpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@Chimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimpy)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/437 "2003-10-30T13:11:10Z")
do you do kendo or just have a sword? ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/438 "2003-10-30T13:44:35Z")
i’m about to take up fencing. i’m also the reason people aren’t allowed to bring offensive weapons into work anymore also. pauly t, setting legal precedents all over the show! ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/439 "2003-10-30T14:36:52Z")
_gets very very scared_ I think I’m going to hide in a corner at the DopeFest and be very very quiet. ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981/440 "2003-10-30T15:32:39Z")
😃 don’t worry. the paul is friendly. its just the people at work that upset me. and it’s on a saturday, so i’ll be good. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dope-winter-2003/204981.md?page=23)