sheffco

More than political overtures Tony! I'm in Saudi at the moment, BGP, (Chinese Geophysical Exploration Company) have quite a large operation here. It will probably tie in politically in a sort of "we find it, we become preferred customers" sort of thing. It will really rattle the Americans, and the Brit's for that matter, who like to think that they are the preferred clients. Oil is a finite commodity, and there will be a scramble for who gets control of the reserves.

Having served with the army, stationed in Germany during the swinging sixties - - - how many of you others of that era didn't go to Hamburg and the reeperbahn? Having spent a large part of my life travelling and staying in airport hotels and such - often in some exotic place or other. Well - - - - - I also had the privelidge to be doing all this "Pre Aids", so there was not the same risk attached as there is in these times. I was in a hard working, hard playing profession, and often in countries where there was no stigma whatsoever attached to a night in the bordello. Eat your heart out, as some have said "They would like to, but wouldn't have the confidence to" I have memories of some glorious parties, quite tasteful, and as wild as the company wanted to be. After all, a lot of the time, it was only funny money we were spending. Not exchangeable internationally. Happy days - - - long in my past.

I have been sat at a desk in Saudi Arabia for three and a half weeks, with virtually nothing to do except wait for phone calls from an "advance party" on a sat phone. I have read Sheff Forum from end to end, and occasionally joined in. Thank god for the internet. It's Ramadan, and because of the security situation we are advised to stay in the office and keep a low profile. The internet has kept me sane. And in touch with family and friends.

There we go again far east - - I remeber you once sayingg that it was strange our paths had never crossed, as much of our lives - well early - seemed parallel in a way. Well I now find myself working for a Chinese company BGP. An oil exploration outfit, as thats my thing. I wonder if you were involved in teaching them english, as they speak it so well - - like airlines, english is the standard language in the oil business in the middle east. Must admit - I don't like rice, so they are very accomodating in that respect - - the cook does potato's and bread rolls just for me. As you say, very pleasant people. It made me think of your stories about china when I was invited to be an advisor.

Some years ago - - due to a traffic accident in a foreign country, and I was living in a different foreign country at the time, I became unable to work. After a long but fruitless fight for Company insurance etc, I also became broke. I returned to Britain nigh on penniless, with a few personal possessions. My first dealings with "The Town Hall". Before any of you start yelling, I have in former years, paid more in tax and N.I. than most of you will even earn, having been often in a freelance position earning up to 80,000 per year. And spending it, as you do. Back to the "Urban Myth". I was offered temporary housing for myself and wife and stepson, while the benefits people sorted out my claim. A member of my family had a property which was rented out through an agency. Very kindly, this was offered to me, as it turned out, at a large loss. Unable to work, and being used to my previous "High on the Hog" life-style, I descended into depression of the worst kind. I set out with all intentions of "Making It", but was driven further and further down, by the frustration of many visits to the benefits office, who twice managed to lose my "Claim". I was a year and a half, and the family member had recieved no payment from the housing benefit office. I was sent to Queen St, for a medical, as someone on this thread mentioned is liable to happen. Despite being on the waiting list at the Northern General, for an operation to restore my poor broken body, this poor specimen of the Hippocrytical Oath, without even examining me, though I had with me X-Rays (Private) and a doctors diagnosis of my injuries (Never looked at) declared I was fit for work. The income support people told me that I could appeal, and during that time, my 75 pounds per week income support would be reduced by 25%. This was for Three of us. I went on "Job Seekers" where I was promptly told that - "I was overqualified" "Too old" and that they had never heard of my profession. Did I want to be a security guard? After three weeks, on the advice of my doctor I went on the sick again, and re-started the whole process. Far more ills befell me during this time, which I won't go into. The family member (My Landlord) who was also battling to get housing benefit for the property I was occupying, was told - - The best thing to do, is issue an eviction notice! Good advice, 75% of the back benefit was paid, and I was put on the emergency housing list, where within the notice period of the eviction letter, I was offered "Furnished Accomodation". A one bedroom flat, formerly occupied by drug addicts, who had knocked it about a bit. Hastily wall-washed and carpet laid (Complete with screws left underneath it which promptly wore through) windows painted shut, and central heating that didn't work (January). The furnishing? Bedroom - - a double bed and a wardrobe. Lounge - A small dining table and two chairs, a couch and an armchair. Kitchen, a cooker, and a fridge (small). That's it folks, without the help of my family - - not a pot to Hiss in. The whole lot could have been bought on e-bay for 100 squid. A grant to help provide essentials like bedding or plates and eating/cooking utensils. Turned down with no explanation why. A loan - to be deducted from my meagre income support, certainly, but no chance of defaulting, it's stopped at source. Now, if there is any truth in the myth about TV's and washing machines, and Giro's to buy cars, I would have cause to be a very bitter man. Cheers

Phew! 24 pages - - Has helped me pass a very boring afternoon, sat at a desk in Saudi Arabia. I used to live in a very old cottage in Hastings "Old Town" nice place, if a bit small, with low ceilings (Beams) and panelled walls which were supposedly made from the old ships fittings from the days when the wreckers would plave lights on the nearby reefs to lure ships to their doom. Bit of Atmosphere. There was a resident Ghost, I called her "Vera". I lived alone, but I frequently had lady guests, and that was when Vera would perform. Sitting in the lounge, downstairs, we would hear footsteps across the bedroom directly above. Strange , because the bedroom was small, just enough room for a double bed, but the footsteps were continuous from wall to wall. The ladyfriend was convinced there was someone up there, and I would take her up to show her that the cottage was empty apart from ourselves. (Good introduction to the bedroom). Later, I had a lady move in and stay for six months or so. She was an enlightened sort, so was not put off by Veras antics. Found it amusing in fact. Being the sort of person who likes everything in it's place. A lighter in the loo, another on each coffee table etc. Vera would gather them up and place them together on the window sill. If after a night celebrating in theold town pubs, I drifted off to sleep on the couch, on waking at some early hour of the morning, Vera would be standing by the lounge door leading upstairs. She never appeared to the ladies, and I used to think that she was jealous. And yes les - - we were on the Hastings Ghost walk - and the Ghost was well documented locally.

Hi Viking I was alerted to your post by Hazel, then had a long period of being unable to log on to SF, as sometimes happens in these out of the way places. I read the whole thread, with increasing sadness. In a way, a tribute. One that anyone would be proud to recieve, if it were not for the sad circumstances that prompted it. The thread brought tears to my eyes,and it takes a lot to do that. Best wishes and hopes go with you, and I hope you do gain some support by reading all the sincere messages from your obvious friends Good luck mate From a doodlebugger.

What? Oil Run out? Not now that Sheff is back in the exploration game. Saudi Arabia with the largest oil reserves in the ground, also has the largest sand desert in the world. The Rub Al Khali - - largely un-explored (Oil Wise) - I've crossed it a couple of times. Now I'm heading back there with an exploration crew. One of the advantages of the rise in Oil price, is that folks like me get paid to go out and look for more. Cheers from Saudi

The only brit with a Chinese company based in Saudi Arabia. In Al Khobar at the time being, but heading for the Rub Al Khali desert. I'm on a different email address, so I will have to watch out for replies.

Pit Hill - - - where the fire station is now. Spend a lot of effort dragging a piece of Anderson shelter up it in a damp day, (about six of you) then sit on and fly down to the bottom. The idea was to skim across the Pit Pond. Never made it - - got many a hiding for the state of my clothes.

Well my nights on the amber nectar (Scotch) have been curtailled for a while, but I had a smile at Phan's comments. At my age, and with my history, I would probably been more brilliant than Einstein. Best wishes from Saudi (Rub Al Khali). - - - Sheff

Hi from Sheff - - - some of the ridiculous postings on this thread point toward the reason that some of the more serious minded members just keep a watch on the site. Personally it depends on my scotch in-take, and how incenced I am with events at the time. PS I think I was quite early in the list though.

I may be wrong, but I think it was a way of saying "Look after your virtue" - - sort of "Dont let men lead you astray". In our area, the expression "Your Tuppence" is used to describe the area that needs to be dried and creamed etc. after bathtime. (Little Girls). Could that be "Inflation" or the fact that the "Aipenny" doesn't exist any more?

A very unfortunate comment - - - in the circumstances. Regarding one of the attrocities commited by these raving fanatics.

The "peaceful" campaigner I heard commenting on the "Hate Campaigne" said he didn't condone it, but he could Empathise with them. How about Naming them?? Like other terrorist organisations, Someone knows who they are! Knowing and not giving information is a criminal offence. I hope the authorities "Roll the lot of them up" in the investigation. The village concerned was virtually under siege, with threats to the livelyhood of many of the local businesses. I wonder if the businesses have a right to compensation for their long period of mindless thuggery and threats over several years.

It is indeed a tough one to call. With strong evidence that the reseach provides definite benefits to medicine and surgical procedures, and helps to forward the protection against disease I would say - go ahead under strict controls. Research into cosmetics and domestic products - well? That's another thing. The sort of activities that caused the farmer to stop his breeding of Guinee Pigs - - well it was outright terrorism, and I suspect the worse incidents were more of a personal vendetta by a minority. Pretty much the same statements were made about this minority (I don't condem it) (I Empathise with them) as were made about the suicide bombers in London. I should think that the new powers against preaching hatred and agitating for violent acts, will apply in cases like this. What gives anyone the right to try and change a persons way of life, or indeed his livelyhood, by intimidation or violence?

When I was working, I was often referred to as a dinosaur, by some of the younger staff. I like to think it was the "T Rex" type. I could still beat most of them to the top of a sand dune. Now, I still get calls for help from all over the world, via my website. Phone calls in the early morning hours, enquiring about places that I had experience of. The net is wonderful, I can keep in touch with most of my old mates, who are now retired, some of them in exotic placesDinosaur I may be, but I can still contribute, from the comfort of my little Garret flat. I take it as a compliment when I am asked to produce my bus pass. I know it is obligatory, but I like to think I don't look old enoughto have one!

A slightly risqe one from the late fifties - - sung to the tune of "Ghost riders in the sky" And all at once a mighty herd Of red eyed cows I saw -w - w! Coming out the Barleycorn - n - n! And trotting down the moor. Yippee i o-o-o-o-o Yippee i o -o-o-o-o-! Night riders in the Sky! Apologies.

My Mother used to chant a little rhyme when sharing things out among the kids. One for me - and one for thee - and one for copper sheeny 'at Have no real idea what it meant, but suspect either the local policeman, or the local big cheese was the "Sheeny 'at.

Having been taught by Jesuits and Christian Brothers, who failed to beat their views into me, I don't have much time for religeon myself. This morning, on BBC 24Hr News, I was watching/listening to a "Hardtalk" discussion between the interviewer and interviewee, about the terrorist attacks. And the ex leader of a particular sect/group of muslims in the UK, was the interviewee. The interviewee was British born, and was spouting cant about how the victims of the tube bombings were not innocent victims, because they had committed crimes against god by not accepting muslim or sharia way of life. He was saying that any country that did not accept this rule was leaving itself open to attack by extremists. In fact the whole world was liable to these attacks because no-where in his view had accepted the rule of islam (As he saw it). What do you do with these people? In Britain, it is fair to demonstrate against an unpopular government or legislation, and is permitted, but to openly state on national TV that you condone the bombings as a legitimate attack on the enemies of islam?

Sadly, these days, I'm one of the reasons for the decline in the nightlife of the city centre. - - - I prefer to have a few drinks at home, where I can smoke, and choose my companions. The more vibrant parts of Sheffield are given over to theme pubs and clubs, and some of the older areas of the centre are not exactly safe at night. The suberbs are not exactly well policed, and in my area, one would be lucky to see a policeman on foot patrol for months on end. The police presence is usually patrol cars, chasing someone or other, and often accompanied by a helicopter "Eye in the sky". This area being set out with narrow walkways, ideal for dumping the car and escaping on foot. Some nights, being in a top floor flat with an excellent view, the excitement is better than the offerings on TV. We do have excellent access to the centre (supertram), but there is little there to entice me away from a few friends and a bottle of scotch, in comfort and safety of my own place. I am also guilty of shopping at the nearby mini-mall - - a covered market - a couple of supermarket outlets - free parking. We do go into town to use the discount stores that are appearing on the High Street, mainly for clothes and accessories. Buck said it all, and UK is bound to follow suit. What he didn't mention was the entry of Internet shopping, which is steadily growing, and provides ease of shopping from home combined with the hunt for bargains. Another factor is, Budget. Some of the livelier places require big pockets to have more than the occassional couple of halves. I still have the standards of when I was earning a multi "K" salary, but I don't have the income any more, apart from the odd celebration.

Well Tulip - As you have said that your husband worked in the oil bidiness, I suggest you ask him what it was like at the sharp end. On an exploration crew! The oil company was "Aramco" - the exploration company was French - - most of the labour came from the northern part of the Indian continent, some from the Philipines, and just a few from the host country. I would say 98% were muslim, though they had different ways of expressing their religeon. Many of them held "fundamentalist" beliefs, and went about their duties quietly, and could usually be trusted to do a good job. A few were of the demonstrative pursuasion, and were the loudest exponents of dissent with authority. They would use their beliefs, to browbeat the quieter majority of the labour force. There would be some kind of crisis almost every day. Where this fits into this thread about politics and conspiricy, is that there was definitely an "Us and Them" attitude. The "Them" being the management part of the crew. In any investigation into accidents/disruptions/ sometimes downright sabotage to the operation, the first job was to determine if the person blamed was really invoved. Often a scapegoat would be produced, and it would become obvious that the person was being browbeaten into admitting his guilt. Threats to their family, back home in their village. Threats of actual violence back in the labour camp. There was actual fear. Behind all this, was the fact, that lie-ing to the "Them" faction didn't appear to carry any stigma. It was regarded as par for the course. There was not much we could do about this, but it was obvious that because we were tied by labour laws and sharia style rules, we sometimes had to accept that we couldn't get at the truth of the matter. During a four year project, it was very obvious who were behind many of the incidents, and who held the main power in the ethnic groups. Very frustrating, and not unlike the problems being encountered by the government and security services here in the UK. If only I could have had the means to terminate the work contract of the troublemakers, I would have had a well run and disciplined work force in no time. As it was, I had to quietly bide my time, and stamp their renewal papers DNR (Do Not Return). Over that period of time, these people were placing others in danger due to their scheming and plotting within a Mafia style rule which stretched back to remote villages in their home countries. Nuf Said.

How does a mass murderer enter heaven? If any one is crazy enough to believe the "Bull" about paradise and virgins - - they deserve life in a nut-house - deprogramming program. If they are so easily lead - - convert them to Christians.

I thought a lot of the posts were put up by Kids - - - seems like it sometimes.

I've been banned before - - for ranting "off thread" no reference given to the actual comments though.