Discussion:
[prow] Is a prow merely a pointed bow?
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Ken Blake
2024-12-16 05:19:53 UTC
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Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577

"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."


Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow

The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
LionelEdwards
2024-12-16 14:16:01 UTC
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Permalink
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
The "prow" is prouder than the "bow" because it encompasses
the figurehead. One means "the front", the other means
"sticking out at the front".
Ken Blake
2024-12-17 03:46:11 UTC
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Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Ken Blake
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
The "prow" is prouder than the "bow" because it encompasses
the figurehead. One means "the front", the other means
"sticking out at the front".
That makes a lot of good sense. Thanks! It solves the question.
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-16 21:47:15 UTC
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Permalink
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".

However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.

These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
--
Sam Plusnet
Tony Cooper
2024-12-16 21:56:29 UTC
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Permalink
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
J. J. Lodder
2024-12-17 21:07:29 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tony Cooper
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
Practice your imagination, and your prowess will increase,

Jan
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-18 23:09:44 UTC
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Permalink
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by Tony Cooper
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
Practice your imagination, and your prowess will increase,
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
--
Sam Plusnet
LionelEdwards
2024-12-18 23:23:13 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by Tony Cooper
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
Practice your imagination, and your prowess will increase,
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
lar3ryca
2024-12-19 05:11:51 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by Tony Cooper
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
Practice your imagination, and your prowess will increase,
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
--
Which odd number becomes even if you take away a letter?
(S)even.
Peter Moylan
2024-12-19 07:13:12 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.

In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.

[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Chris Elvidge
2024-12-19 11:40:14 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
Post by Peter Moylan
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
--
Chris Elvidge, England
I CANNOT ABSOLVE SINS
LionelEdwards
2024-12-19 23:15:39 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
Mabel warn't 'arf able:
"She gave the crew their daily due
Under the kitchen table".

A physics question I would ask (no doubt Arindam has a view),
is this scientifically possible?

"The first mate's name was Carter.
By God he was a farter!
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go,
Carter the farter would start her."
J. J. Lodder
2024-12-20 11:56:49 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
"She gave the crew their daily due
Under the kitchen table".
A physics question I would ask (no doubt Arindam has a view),
is this scientifically possible?
"The first mate's name was Carter.
By God he was a farter!
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go,
Carter the farter would start her."
Was a serious science quizz question in these parts, long ago:
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?

Jan
--
"I don't want explanations, I want the answer!"
(one of my failures at help with high school math)
Kerr-Mudd, John
2024-12-20 13:26:43 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:56:49 +0100
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
"She gave the crew their daily due
Under the kitchen table".
A physics question I would ask (no doubt Arindam has a view),
is this scientifically possible?
"The first mate's name was Carter.
By God he was a farter!
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go,
Carter the farter would start her."
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Ye canna beat the laws of physics! </Scotty>

But you can run a boat into the wind by using a (big) fan to drive an
underwater propellor (sp?).
--
Bah, and indeed, Humbug
LionelEdwards
2024-12-20 14:35:20 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
"She gave the crew their daily due
Under the kitchen table".
A physics question I would ask (no doubt Arindam has a view),
is this scientifically possible?
"The first mate's name was Carter.
By God he was a farter!
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go,
Carter the farter would start her."
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
Phil
2024-12-20 16:14:24 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
Post by LionelEdwards
After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
--
Phil B
LionelEdwards
2024-12-20 17:11:34 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Phil
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
I don't think it is potential energy. If you blow wind
into a sail, that is a different matter to storing it up
in a balloon.
Phil
2024-12-21 11:31:16 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Phil
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
I don't think it is potential energy. If you blow wind
into a sail, that is a different matter to storing it up
in a balloon.
Nah, they're exactly the same. Your lungs _are_ a balloon.

Granted there is a difference in that blowing will be complemented by
inhalation in the short term, and that will have an opposing effect.
That's easily eliminated by making sure you turn 180 degrees between
inhalation and exhalation (although you'll cause the boat to yaw just
very slightly).
--
Phil B
Peter Moylan
2024-12-21 22:56:05 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Phil
Post by Phil
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential energy
has already been created chemically, so Newton's law doesn't
apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
I don't think it is potential energy. If you blow wind into a sail,
that is a different matter to storing it up in a balloon.
Nah, they're exactly the same. Your lungs _are_ a balloon.
Granted there is a difference in that blowing will be complemented by
inhalation in the short term, and that will have an opposing effect.
That's easily eliminated by making sure you turn 180 degrees between
inhalation and exhalation (although you'll cause the boat to yaw
just very slightly).
You should inhale while facing forward and exhale while facing backward.
This is best done with no sails up. The sails only introduce the
action=reaction balance, which wastes your effort by the addition of
pointless fatigue.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
LionelEdwards
2024-12-21 23:19:03 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Phil
Post by Phil
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential energy
has already been created chemically, so Newton's law doesn't
apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
I don't think it is potential energy. If you blow wind into a sail,
that is a different matter to storing it up in a balloon.
Nah, they're exactly the same. Your lungs _are_ a balloon.
Granted there is a difference in that blowing will be complemented by
inhalation in the short term, and that will have an opposing effect.
That's easily eliminated by making sure you turn 180 degrees between
inhalation and exhalation (although you'll cause the boat to yaw
just very slightly).
You should inhale while facing forward and exhale while facing backward.
This is best done with no sails up. The sails only introduce the
action=reaction balance, which wastes your effort by the addition of
pointless fatigue.
I think Janet should get the bag-pipe players on Edinburgh
Castle to face the other way. It will get the Earth spinning
faster and Summer will come sooner for us - at the risk of being
a bit boreal.
Peter Moylan
2024-12-22 01:29:01 UTC
Reply
Permalink
I think Janet should get the bag-pipe players on Edinburgh Castle to
face the other way. It will get the Earth spinning faster and Summer
will come sooner for us - at the risk of being a bit boreal.
I imagine they'd still be audible from the nearby cemeteries, so you'd
also continue to have the spinning of any musicians who are buried there.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Snidely
2024-12-22 00:36:25 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Peter Moylan pounded on thar keyboard to tell us
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Phil
Post by Phil
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential energy
has already been created chemically, so Newton's law doesn't
apply.
You think the energy for blowing is not created chemically?
I don't think it is potential energy. If you blow wind into a sail,
that is a different matter to storing it up in a balloon.
Nah, they're exactly the same. Your lungs _are_ a balloon.
Granted there is a difference in that blowing will be complemented by
inhalation in the short term, and that will have an opposing effect.
That's easily eliminated by making sure you turn 180 degrees between
inhalation and exhalation (although you'll cause the boat to yaw
just very slightly).
You should inhale while facing forward and exhale while facing backward.
This is best done with no sails up. The sails only introduce the
action=reaction balance, which wastes your effort by the addition of
pointless fatigue.
As someone else pointed out, the sails should be up, and the fan or
exhaler should be forward of the mast and on the rails. You may need
to have stiff sails, because soft sails may sag too much for the
surface effect to bend the airflow.

/dps
--
"I am not given to exaggeration, and when I say a thing I mean it"
_Roughing It_, Mark Twain
Rich Ulrich
2024-12-20 17:31:10 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by J. J. Lodder
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
When the person blowing is in the boat, I think he
is pushed back by his blowing. To propel the boat,
it should be more efficient if he blows to the rear,
to directly propel the boat. A fan mounted in the
boat has the same problem.
--
Rich Ulrich
LionelEdwards
2024-12-20 17:57:35 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Rich Ulrich
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by J. J. Lodder
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
When the person blowing is in the boat, I think he
is pushed back by his blowing. To propel the boat,
it should be more efficient if he blows to the rear,
to directly propel the boat. A fan mounted in the
boat has the same problem.
I totally agree. Watching a hovercraft depart from
Southsea would convince anybody doubtful about the
power of rear-mounted fans:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LgNQJAKklVE

..and 60's technology for that matter (Concorde, men
landing on the moon etc).

Rear-mounted fans in Louisiana and/or the Everglades?
Tony Cooper
2024-12-20 18:27:24 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:31:10 -0500, Rich Ulrich
Post by Rich Ulrich
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by J. J. Lodder
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
When the person blowing is in the boat, I think he
is pushed back by his blowing. To propel the boat,
it should be more efficient if he blows to the rear,
to directly propel the boat. A fan mounted in the
boat has the same problem.
There are, of course, Air Boats that use huge fans to propel them. Air
Boating is popular in Florida in waterways that are too shallow to be
navigated with propeller system. The fans are powered by gasoline
engines. They are terribly noisy, and the riders have to wear
noise-cancelling earphones.
J. J. Lodder
2024-12-20 22:36:45 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tony Cooper
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:31:10 -0500, Rich Ulrich
Post by Rich Ulrich
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by J. J. Lodder
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
When the person blowing is in the boat, I think he
is pushed back by his blowing. To propel the boat,
it should be more efficient if he blows to the rear,
to directly propel the boat. A fan mounted in the
boat has the same problem.
There are, of course, Air Boats that use huge fans to propel them. Air
Boating is popular in Florida in waterways that are too shallow to be
navigated with propeller system. The fans are powered by gasoline
engines. They are terribly noisy, and the riders have to wear
noise-cancelling earphones.
Yes, of course, and hovercraft are an even better example.
But it is not the answer to the quizz puzzle,

Jan
J. J. Lodder
2024-12-20 21:31:22 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
"She gave the crew their daily due
Under the kitchen table".
A physics question I would ask (no doubt Arindam has a view),
is this scientifically possible?
"The first mate's name was Carter.
By God he was a farter!
When the wind wouldn't blow and the ship wouldn't go,
Carter the farter would start her."
Is it possible to drive a sailing ship forward by blowing into the sail?
The Duck nephews are known to have done so,
perhaps even on several occasions.
Do you want to think for yourself,
or do you want to have the answer told?
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply.
Of course it does, Newton's laws always apply,
Post by LionelEdwards
After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
Always a bad idea,

Jan
Steve Hayes
2024-12-21 04:41:55 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
But if you blew into a sail, you would have to be doing so from
somewhere outside the boat. If you were standing in the boat the
energy received by the sail would be counteracted by the energy
transmitted to the boat by your feet.
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk
lar3ryca
2024-12-21 04:58:04 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
But if you blew into a sail, you would have to be doing so from
somewhere outside the boat. If you were standing in the boat the
energy received by the sail would be counteracted by the energy
transmitted to the boat by your feet.
I think the answer is that yes, you could make the sailboat move forward
by blowing air onto the sail. Here's my reasoning:

A sailboat does not need to be travelling downwind in order to have the
sails propel it. Assume we are sitting on the gunnel, pointing a big fan
directly toward the other side of the boat. If the mainsail is sheeted
in at, say a 45 degree angle to the fore/aft axis of the boat, there
will be a deflection of the air toward the stern, in exactly the same
manner as if the prevailing wind were blowing in the same direction.

This would cause the boat to move forward, just as the wind would.

Any energy transmitted to your feet/bum will indeed be applied to the
boat, but at an angle that will only apply in a direction toward the
windward side of the boat. That energy will have a very small effect of
the boat's direction, for two reasons:

1. The mass of the air being pushed is very small compared to the weight
of the boat and the fan holder.

2. The keel of the boat will further decrease any windward movement,
just as the keel prevents the boat from moving straight downwind with
the geometry specified. The hull will also have the same effect as the keel.

The net result is that, IMO, the overall effect will not be much
different than if a wind was being provided externally to the boat.
--
Which odd number becomes even if you take away a letter?
(S)even.
Steve Hayes
2024-12-21 10:06:00 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
But if you blew into a sail, you would have to be doing so from
somewhere outside the boat. If you were standing in the boat the
energy received by the sail would be counteracted by the energy
transmitted to the boat by your feet.
I think the answer is that yes, you could make the sailboat move forward
A sailboat does not need to be travelling downwind in order to have the
sails propel it. Assume we are sitting on the gunnel, pointing a big fan
directly toward the other side of the boat. If the mainsail is sheeted
in at, say a 45 degree angle to the fore/aft axis of the boat, there
will be a deflection of the air toward the stern, in exactly the same
manner as if the prevailing wind were blowing in the same direction.
This would cause the boat to move forward, just as the wind would.
Any energy transmitted to your feet/bum will indeed be applied to the
boat, but at an angle that will only apply in a direction toward the
windward side of the boat. That energy will have a very small effect of
1. The mass of the air being pushed is very small compared to the weight
of the boat and the fan holder.
2. The keel of the boat will further decrease any windward movement,
just as the keel prevents the boat from moving straight downwind with
the geometry specified. The hull will also have the same effect as the keel.
The net result is that, IMO, the overall effect will not be much
different than if a wind was being provided externally to the boat.
You could the probably calculate the optimum angle for the wind to
strike the sail, but you might also need to calculate the energy used
to make up the leeway.
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk
Phil
2024-12-21 11:34:42 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by LionelEdwards
Farting is different to blowing, in that the potential
energy has already been created chemically, so Newton's
law doesn't apply. After discussing it with the
duck nephews, I think we agree that any moving air can
power a sailboat, so blowing into a sail might have some
merit. Probably slightly more use than pissing into
the wind?
But if you blew into a sail, you would have to be doing so from
somewhere outside the boat. If you were standing in  the boat the
energy received by the sail would be counteracted by the energy
transmitted to the boat by your feet.
I think the answer is that yes, you could make the sailboat move forward
A sailboat does not need to be travelling downwind in order to have the
sails propel it. Assume we are sitting on the gunnel, pointing a big fan
directly toward the other side of the boat. If the mainsail is sheeted
in at, say a 45 degree angle to the fore/aft axis of the boat, there
will be a deflection of the air toward the stern, in exactly the same
manner as if the prevailing wind were blowing in the same direction.
This would cause the boat to move forward, just as the wind would.
Any energy transmitted to your feet/bum will indeed be applied to the
boat, but at an angle that will only apply in a direction toward the
windward side of the boat. That energy will have a very small effect of
1. The mass of the air being pushed is very small compared to the weight
of the boat and the fan holder.
2. The keel of the boat will further decrease any windward movement,
just as the keel prevents the boat from moving straight downwind with
the geometry specified. The hull will also have the same effect as the keel.
The net result is that, IMO, the overall effect will not be much
different than if a wind was being provided externally to the boat.
Good point. Also applies for farting, of course.
--
Phil B
lar3ryca
2024-12-19 23:21:17 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
Never heard any verses using Rodger as the name of the cabin boy. The
ones I heard were at least two along the lines of:

The cabin boy, the cabin boy,
The dirty little nipper!
He stuffed his ass with broken glass,
And circumcised the skipper.

the other ended with:

He shoved some rubber up his ass,
And vulcanised the skipper.

My absolute favourite verse, though, is:

The captain of our lugger,
Was known as a filthy bugger,
Declared unfit to shovel shit
From one ship to another.
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
--
The world has become so serious that humor is a risky profes­sion.
~ Bernardo Erlich
Steve Hayes
2024-12-20 08:52:50 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
The captain of our lugger,
Was known as a filthy bugger,
Declared unfit to shovel shit
From one ship to another.
The version I heard was:

The captain of the lugger
By God! He was a bugger
He wasn't fit to shovel shit
From one port to another.

I think it scans better.
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk
Chris Elvidge
2024-12-20 13:31:38 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by lar3ryca
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Sam Plusnet
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
"T'was on the Good Ship Venus,
By God! You should have seen us!
The figurehead was a maid in bed..."
"The second mate was Andy,
A Portsm'th man and randy.
He used to cool his favourite tool
In a glass of the skipper's brandy."
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any other
poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and discover that the
person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
Never heard any verses using Rodger as the name of the cabin boy. The
rodger as a verb not a name, similar to muffin the mule?
Post by lar3ryca
The cabin boy, the cabin boy,
The dirty little nipper!
He stuffed his ass with broken glass,
And circumcised the skipper.
He shoved some rubber up his ass,
And vulcanised the skipper.
The captain of our lugger,
Was known as a filthy bugger,
Declared unfit to shovel shit
From one ship to another.
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
--
Chris Elvidge, England
I WILL NOT CREATE ART FROM DUNG
Peter Moylan
2024-12-20 00:47:51 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".

Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Bob Martin
2024-12-20 06:28:17 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
Or Roger the Dodger in the Beano.
Janet
2024-12-20 13:26:47 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Bob Martin
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
Or Roger the Dodger in the Beano.
Roger (verb) is Br E slang for male sexual intercourse.


Janet
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-20 19:39:10 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Janet
Post by Bob Martin
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
Or Roger the Dodger in the Beano.
Roger (verb) is Br E slang for male sexual intercourse.
Isn't there is a thesarus for that sort of thing?
--
Sam Plusnet
lar3ryca
2024-12-20 21:20:26 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Bob Martin
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
Or Roger the Dodger in the Beano.
    Roger (verb) is Br E slang for male sexual intercourse.
Isn't there is a thesarus for that sort of thing?
I was told that the book didn't get slippery enough.
--
My penis was in the Guiness Book of World Records,
but the librarian made me take it out.
Chris Elvidge
2024-12-20 13:33:55 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Post by Peter Moylan
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
--
Chris Elvidge, England
I WILL NOT CREATE ART FROM DUNG
Peter Moylan
2024-12-20 23:01:39 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus
wasn't called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy
in the children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Little Willy, and there was one other with a suggestive name.

Captain Pugwash was aimed at children so young that adults rarely looked
at the show. There was a time, though, when I had a son who was passing
through that age range, so I got to see a number of episodes. I was
interested to see the word play that went right over the children's
heads. I think Seaman Staines was the first I encountered.

But it was all put together with plausible deniability, so later the
people who produced the show were able to convince everyone that they
had false memories.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
LionelEdwards
2024-12-20 23:39:48 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus
wasn't called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy
in the children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Little Willy, and there was one other with a suggestive name.
I hope you are not impugning Master Bates?
Post by Peter Moylan
Captain Pugwash was aimed at children so young that adults rarely looked
at the show. There was a time, though, when I had a son who was passing
through that age range, so I got to see a number of episodes. I was
interested to see the word play that went right over the children's
heads. I think Seaman Staines was the first I encountered.
But it was all put together with plausible deniability, so later the
people who produced the show were able to convince everyone that they
had false memories.
Peter Moylan
2024-12-21 00:21:03 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by LionelEdwards
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus
wasn't called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy
in the children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Little Willy, and there was one other with a suggestive name.
I hope you are not impugning Master Bates?
That's the one. Thanks for jogging my memory.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Bertel Lund Hansen
2024-12-21 07:36:50 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Little Willy, and there was one other with a suggestive name.
Captain Pugwash was aimed at children so young that adults rarely looked
at the show. There was a time, though, when I had a son who was passing
through that age range, so I got to see a number of episodes. I was
interested to see the word play that went right over the children's
heads. I think Seaman Staines was the first I encountered.
A few years back we had a very popular Christmas calender series with
similar wordplays. There were two parallel stories - one with gnomes who
spoke Danglish, and one with an ordinary family. The children (and
grown-ups) loved the Danglish, and the grown-ups loved the wordplays.
One of the persons worked for a company owned by Kock. They produced
socks, so it was called "Kock sokker" in Danish.
--
Bertel
Kolt, Denmark
Peter Moylan
2024-12-21 08:36:52 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Urban myth, along with Seaman Staines (probably others, too).
Little Willy, and there was one other with a suggestive name.
Captain Pugwash was aimed at children so young that adults rarely looked
at the show. There was a time, though, when I had a son who was passing
through that age range, so I got to see a number of episodes. I was
interested to see the word play that went right over the children's
heads. I think Seaman Staines was the first I encountered.
A few years back we had a very popular Christmas calender series with
similar wordplays. There were two parallel stories - one with gnomes who
spoke Danglish, and one with an ordinary family. The children (and
grown-ups) loved the Danglish, and the grown-ups loved the wordplays.
One of the persons worked for a company owned by Kock. They produced
socks, so it was called "Kock sokker" in Danish.
Was his name McCoy?
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Bertel Lund Hansen
2024-12-21 08:56:09 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
A few years back we had a very popular Christmas calender series with
similar wordplays. There were two parallel stories - one with gnomes who
spoke Danglish, and one with an ordinary family. The children (and
grown-ups) loved the Danglish, and the grown-ups loved the wordplays.
One of the persons worked for a company owned by Kock. They produced
socks, so it was called "Kock sokker" in Danish.
Was his name McCoy?
No. All the names were Danish.

And if it's a joke, I don't get it.
--
Bertel
Kolt, Denmark
Peter Moylan
2024-12-21 10:24:31 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
A few years back we had a very popular Christmas calender series with
similar wordplays. There were two parallel stories - one with gnomes who
spoke Danglish, and one with an ordinary family. The children (and
grown-ups) loved the Danglish, and the grown-ups loved the wordplays.
One of the persons worked for a company owned by Kock. They produced
socks, so it was called "Kock sokker" in Danish.
Was his name McCoy?
No. All the names were Danish.
And if it's a joke, I don't get it.
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.

An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.

Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.

The next fellow comes along.

Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.

Then the next one.

Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.

And then the next.

Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.

(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Silvano
2024-12-21 11:11:56 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.
An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.
Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.
The next fellow comes along.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.
Then the next one.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
Bertel Lund Hansen
2024-12-21 12:47:21 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
Aren't they just non-existant jobs made up for the joke?

And I could look up "McCoy" in Oxford Learner's. It's actually an
authorized concept. It has no ethymology. Dictionary com is better in
thet respect, but "origin uncertain" is the short explanation.
--
Bertel
Kolt, Denmark
lar3ryca
2024-12-21 17:26:31 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.
An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.
Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.
The next fellow comes along.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.
Then the next one.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
I don't think 'cork socker' is anything but a word thinly relevant to
socking (AmE and CaE, and perhaps others, meaning 'hit' or 'hitting') a
cork into a wine bottle.

No idea if it's ever done, but presumable there may be a reason for
soaking coke (a fuel derived from coal), in a power station that burns
fuel to generate electricity.
--
Anusthetic: n. A Tylenol suppository.
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2024-12-21 17:34:57 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by lar3ryca
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.
An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.
Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.
The next fellow comes along.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.
Then the next one.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
I don't think 'cork socker' is anything but a word thinly relevant to
socking (AmE and CaE, and perhaps others, meaning 'hit' or 'hitting') a
cork into a wine bottle.
No idea if it's ever done, but presumable there may be a reason for
soaking coke (a fuel derived from coal), in a power station that burns
fuel to generate electricity.
Maybe it causes an economically useful proportion of water gas in the
producer gas from burning coke. I used to know about such things (65
years ago).
--
Athel -- French and British, living in Marseilles for 37 years; mainly
in England until 1987.
Peter Moylan
2024-12-21 23:02:24 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Silvano
Name? McCoy. Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker,
or a sock tucker? No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country
to understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
As Bertel said, they're imaginary occupations made up for the sake of
the joke. The important point is that they all (supposedly) sound like
cock sucker.

"The real McCoy" can be googled. It means "the genuine article".

And jokes always stop being funny if they have to be explained.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Snidely
2024-12-22 00:38:22 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.
An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.
Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.
The next fellow comes along.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.
Then the next one.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
It's explained in the joke. Of course, you have to know that socking
something means to strike or hit, and that coke is a treated form of
coal. But of course the joke is really about near-homophones.

/dps
--
"This is all very fine, but let us not be carried away be excitement,
but ask calmly, how does this person feel about in in his cooler
moments next day, with six or seven thousand feet of snow and stuff on
top of him?"
_Roughing It_, Mark Twain.
Snidely
2024-12-22 02:02:15 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Snidely
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
Hmm. Let's see if I can remember the joke.
An army sergeant was interviewing potential new recruits.
Name?
McCoy
Occupation?
Cork socker. I sock the corks into wine bottles.
The next fellow comes along.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Coke soaker. I moisten the coke in a power station.
Then the next one.
Name?
McCoy.
Occupation?
Sock tucker. I fold the socks in a sock factory.
And then the next.
Name?
McCoy.
Another McCoy! Are you a cork socker, a coke soaker, or a sock tucker?
No, sarge, I'm the real McCoy.
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
It's explained in the joke. Of course, you have to know that socking
something means to strike or hit, and that coke is a treated form of coal.
But of course the joke is really about near-homophones.
/dps
Shudda red a head ... and I missed the explanation of McCoy, which
others handled well.

-d
--
"Maintaining a really good conspiracy requires far more intelligent
application, by a large number of people, than the world can readily
supply."

Sam Plusnet
Peter Moylan
2024-12-22 02:17:08 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Snidely
Post by Silvano
Post by Peter Moylan
(And maybe you still have to be from an English-speaking country to
understand the joke.)
That, and you should also have an idea of what cork socker and coke
soaker mean. I don't.
It's explained in the joke. Of course, you have to know that socking
something means to strike or hit, and that coke is a treated form of
coal. But of course the joke is really about near-homophones.
And sometimes told by near-homophobes.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Kerr-Mudd, John
2024-12-20 13:34:36 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.

It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
Post by Peter Moylan
Or possibly Roger the Lodger in the limerick about the lady from Hod.
--
Bah, and indeed, Humbug
Paul Wolff
2024-12-20 16:59:46 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
Pub quizzes can be very annoying, especially in matters of English.

Two evenings ago this question in my pub: What machine was Johannes
Vermeer alleged to have used to assist his painting?

Machine? What /is/ a machine, in English usage?
--
Paul W
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-20 19:42:56 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Paul Wolff
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom.  Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
Pub quizzes can be very annoying, especially in matters of English.
Two evenings ago this question in my pub: What machine was Johannes
Vermeer alleged to have used to assist his painting?
Machine? What /is/ a machine, in English usage?
It all depends on your perspective.😊

(Some say a lever is a machine.)
--
Sam Plusnet
Paul Wolff
2024-12-21 19:05:16 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Paul Wolff
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom.  Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
Pub quizzes can be very annoying, especially in matters of English.
Two evenings ago this question in my pub: What machine was Johannes
Vermeer alleged to have used to assist his painting?
Machine? What /is/ a machine, in English usage?
It all depends on your perspective.0 >
(Some say a lever is a machine.)
I'm one of them. The lever does work. A hole in a wall doesn't.
--
Paul W
Bertel Lund Hansen
2024-12-21 19:35:55 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Paul Wolff
It all depends on your perspective.0 >
(Some say a lever is a machine.)
I'm one of them. The lever does work. A hole in a wall doesn't.
Is an electric switch a machine?
--
Bertel
Kolt, Denmark
Paul Wolff
2024-12-21 19:49:09 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
Post by Paul Wolff
It all depends on your perspective.0 >
(Some say a lever is a machine.)
I'm one of them. The lever does work. A hole in a wall doesn't.
Is an electric switch a machine?
That's not for me to say. But I think I could argue that it is. If it
has moving parts, it's a contrivance for changing the state of the world
by mechanical means. If it's a purely solid state electric switch, I
don't know how it works, which excuses me.
--
Paul W
Kerr-Mudd, John
2024-12-21 20:25:45 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:49:09 +0000
Post by Paul Wolff
Post by Bertel Lund Hansen
Post by Paul Wolff
It all depends on your perspective.0 >
(Some say a lever is a machine.)
I'm one of them. The lever does work. A hole in a wall doesn't.
Is an electric switch a machine?
That's not for me to say. But I think I could argue that it is. If it
has moving parts, it's a contrivance for changing the state of the world
by mechanical means. If it's a purely solid state electric switch, I
don't know how it works, which excuses me.
I'd say ask a strict follower of Judaism, who can do no work on a
Sabbath. But sensor controls are OK.
--
Bah, and indeed Humbug.
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-20 19:40:22 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
OK. What was the prowess called?
--
Sam Plusnet
Kerr-Mudd, John
2024-12-20 20:57:05 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:40:22 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
OK. What was the prowess called?
a) I dunno; I'll bow to your superior knowledge of things naughtycal.
or
b) Mrs Prow, off course.
--
Bah, and indeed Humbug.
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-21 20:01:04 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:40:22 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
OK. What was the prowess called?
a) I dunno; I'll bow to your superior knowledge of things naughtycal.
or
b) Mrs Prow, off course.
Prowed Mary perhaps?
--
Sam Plusnet
Kerr-Mudd, John
2024-12-21 20:31:38 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Sat, 21 Dec 2024 20:01:04 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:40:22 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
OK. What was the prowess called?
a) I dunno; I'll bow to your superior knowledge of things naughtycal.
or
b) Mrs Prow, off course.
Prowed Mary perhaps?
I wish I could give a response that would have some credence. But
I'm dehydrated ATM; maybe later after I've revived with some clear water.
--
Bah, and indeed Humbug.
Bertel Lund Hansen
2024-12-21 21:58:00 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Sat, 21 Dec 2024 20:01:04 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:40:22 +0000
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:47:51 +1100
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Chris Elvidge
Post by Peter Moylan
The Good Ship Venus has more variability in the verses than any
other poem I know [1]. You can pick any verse at random, and
discover that the person next to you knows a different version.
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I
know two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's
dog.
What about rodger the cabin boy?
As someone else pointed out, the cabin boy on the Good Ship Venus wasn't
called Roger. You might be thinking of Roger the Cabin Boy in the
children's TV series "Captain Pugwash".
No, it's a meme thingy; Pugwash's cabin boy wasn't named Roger. or
Dick.
It was Tom. Sorry to disappoint, but these facts are important if one
wishes to show prowess at the pub quiz.
OK. What was the prowess called?
a) I dunno; I'll bow to your superior knowledge of things naughtycal.
or
b) Mrs Prow, off course.
Prowed Mary perhaps?
I wish I could give a response that would have some credence. But
I'm dehydrated ATM; maybe later after I've revived with some clear water.
I'll bayou a bottle.
--
Bertel
Kolt, Denmark
Steve Hayes
2024-12-20 08:59:56 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?

<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>

The village barber he was there
Razor in his hand
And every time he turned around
He circumcised the band.
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk
Peter Moylan
2024-12-20 10:17:12 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>
Four and twenty virgins
Came down from Inverness
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty less.
Post by Steve Hayes
The village barber he was there
Razor in his hand
And every time he turned around
He circumcised the band.
--
Peter Moylan ***@pmoylan.org http://www.pmoylan.org
Newcastle, NSW
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2024-12-20 10:58:18 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.

Do the youf of today know what a 78 was? Talking of numbers, does
anyone outside France know the importance of the number 49.3? (In
France you'd have to have been totally asleep, especially during the
last few months, not to know what 49.3 meant.)
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>
Four and twenty virgins
Came down from Inverness
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty less.
Pedants amongst us would prefer "fewer" as the last word. It wouldn't
rhyme, but what's more important in this group: rhyme or Engish usage?
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
The village barber he was there
Razor in his hand
And every time he turned around
He circumcised the band.
--
Athel -- French and British, living in Marseilles for 37 years; mainly
in England until 1987.
musika
2024-12-20 11:55:20 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.
Ivan Skavinksky skavar was Abdul's opponent. So, although he was on the
other side, how could he be on the other side of the record.
--
Ray
UK
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2024-12-20 12:56:06 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by musika
Post by Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.
Ivan Skavinksky skavar was Abdul's opponent. So, although he was on the
other side, how could he be on the other side of the record.
Yes, after posting, I checked Wikipedia and saw that they were the same
song, so, not on the other side. I don't necessarily remember things
from more than 60 years ago perfectly.
--
Athel -- French and British, living in Marseilles for 37 years; mainly
in England until 1987.
Janet
2024-12-20 13:30:08 UTC
Reply
Permalink
In article <vk3ikc$3dfun$***@dont-email.me>, ***@yahoo.com
says...
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:58:18 +0100
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.
Snap :-)

Janet
Paul Wolff
2024-12-20 17:03:43 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.
Do the youf of today know what a 78 was? Talking of numbers, does
anyone outside France know the importance of the number 49.3? (In
France you'd have to have been totally asleep, especially during the
last few months, not to know what 49.3 meant.)
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>
Four and twenty virgins
Came down from Inverness
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty less.
Pedants amongst us would prefer "fewer" as the last word. It wouldn't
rhyme, but what's more important in this group: rhyme or Engish usage?
Allow me.

Four and twenty virgins
Came down to Kirriemuir;
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty fewer.
--
Paul W
Athel Cornish-Bowden
2024-12-20 18:04:14 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Paul Wolff
Post by Athel Cornish-Bowden
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
In the 1950s we had an old wind-up gramophone, and one 78: Ivan
Skvinskiy Skvar, with Abdul Abulbul Amir on the other side. We played
them endlessly.
Do the youf of today know what a 78 was? Talking of numbers, does
anyone outside France know the importance of the number 49.3? (In
France you'd have to have been totally asleep, especially during the
last few months, not to know what 49.3 meant.)
Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>
Four and twenty virgins
Came down from Inverness
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty less.
Pedants amongst us would prefer "fewer" as the last word. It wouldn't
rhyme, but what's more important in this group: rhyme or Engish usage?
Allow me.
Four and twenty virgins
Came down to Kirriemuir;
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty fewer.
Thanks. Good example.
--
Athel -- French and British, living in Marseilles for 37 years; mainly
in England until 1987.
lar3ryca
2024-12-20 21:11:23 UTC
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Post by Peter Moylan
Post by Steve Hayes
Post by Peter Moylan
In the version I know, Andy was caught pissing in the brandy. And I know
two different versions of the verse about Rover, the ship's dog.
[1] With possible exceptions of Eskimo Nell and Ivan Skvinskiy Skvar --
neither of which I can recite from start to finish.
What about The Ball of Kirriemuir?
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ball_of_Kirriemuir>
From an Oscar Brand rendition:

The Queen was in the parlour
Eatin' bread 'n honey.
The King was in the Chambermaid
And she was in the money.
Post by Peter Moylan
Four and twenty virgins
Came down from Inverness
And when the ball was over
There were four and twenty less.
Post by Steve Hayes
The village barber he was there
Razor in his hand
And every time he turned around
He circumcised the band.
--
I can resist every­thing except temp­tation.
~ Oscar Wilde
Steve Hayes
2024-12-21 04:56:40 UTC
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Post by lar3ryca
The Queen was in the parlour
Eatin' bread 'n honey.
The King was in the Chambermaid
And she was in the money.
Philip was in the counting house
Counting out the money
When a bomb came in the window
And made them all go funny.

<https://natspurplefish.blogspot.com/2007/09/icarus-allsorts-roger-mcgough.html>
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web: http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://khanya.wordpress.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk
Paul Wolff
2024-12-19 22:49:31 UTC
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Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by J. J. Lodder
Post by Tony Cooper
Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
All boats have a bow, but I can't imagine referring to the "prow" on a
small boat.
Practice your imagination, and your prowess will increase,
Surely you find a prowess on a vessel with a female figurehead?
Older man (roué perhaps, if not boulevardier) offering a tempting drink
to a young innocent:
Now if it were gin, you'd be wrong to say yes;
The evil gin does would be hard to assess.
Besides, it's inclined to affect me prowess:
So have some Madeira, m'dear.
[Flanders and Swann, At the Drop of a Hat)
--
Paul W
lar3ryca
2024-12-17 03:38:46 UTC
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Post by Sam Plusnet
Post by Ken Blake
Was reading the financial times on a privacy browser (which gets past the
firewall, if any, so it might be firewalled for you) when I ran across
https://www.ft.com/content/93865998-e04a-468e-9adc-101674448577
"Volgodonsk 212 carrier came apart about 8km from the shore and its prow
sank during bad weather in the Kerch Strait, which separates the east coast
of the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia."
Looking up "prow" it's apparently just a bow. Maybe also a pointed bow?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prow
The etymology gives me no real clue
Middle English, from Anglo-French pru, prou - more at PROUD
It isn't an elegant way of referring to "the front portion of the ship".
However I have found the same term used in a couple of other reports on
the same event.
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
When they fail, is it because the front falls off?
--
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
Larry Wolff
2024-12-17 03:45:12 UTC
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Post by lar3ryca
Post by Sam Plusnet
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
When they fail, is it because the front falls off?
I read in the news that these are very old ships whose middle sections were
removed. The bow + stern were welded together. Which is why they split up.
Sam Plusnet
2024-12-17 21:09:00 UTC
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Post by Larry Wolff
Post by lar3ryca
Post by Sam Plusnet
These "Volgodonsk" series of small tankers seem to have a habit of
falling apart in rough weather.
When they fail, is it because the front falls off?
I read in the news that these are very old ships whose middle sections were
removed. The bow + stern were welded together. Which is why they split up.
As a class, they seem to be around 50 years old and were intended for
use mostly on rivers and coastal waters, Lack of maintenance and use
outside their intended environment may be factors.
--
Sam Plusnet
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