A parcel of pellets - (aka the rabbit's tale)

On this day

2009-05-26T19:34:29Z

1) The last public execution in the UK

Michael Barrett hanged outside Newgate Prison, London on 26th May 1868 for his part in the Fenian's attempt to free their imprisoned comrades. The bomb, on December 13, 1867, did not bring down the prison wall butdid kill twelve people outside Clerkenwell Prison.

http://www.truecrimelibrary.com/crime_series_show.php?series_number=3&id=321
"May 26th 1868

Michael Barrett – Clerkenwell, London

A dozen people were killed and many more severely injured when a bomb left in a wheelbarrow outside a prison wall in Clerkenwell, London, in December 1867 exploded. The terrorists responsible believed it would bring down the wall and allow Irish Republican prisoners to escape.

The man alleged to have laid the charge in the wheelbarrow was Michael Barrett, 27, an Irish Republican born in County Fermanagh. Months earlier he had been arrested in Glasgow, then freed, for discharging a firearm. But at the Old Bailey in April 1868 he called witnesses who testified that he was in Scotland on the day of the Clerkenwell explosion.

The prosecution’s case against him rested on evidence of a Dubliner, Patrick Mullany, who had given false testimony before and whose reward was a free passage to Australia. He told the court that Barrett had informed him that he triggered the explosion with an accomplice named Murphy. Despite lack of corroboration, the jury found Barrett guilty of murder. He was hanged on Tuesday, May 26th, 1868, outside Newgate Prison before a “vast concourse of a crowd.” The hanging made history, being Britain’s last public execution.

The Clerkenwell bombing was the most serious terrorist action by Irish Republicans in Britain in the 19th century. It arose from the arrest in November 1867 of Richard O’Sullivan-Burke, a senior Republican arms agent. He was incarcerated in Clerkenwell Prison and the explosion was intended to blow a hole in the wall and rescue him. It was seriously misjudged; it demolished not only a large section of the wall, but also a row of tenement houses opposite.

Queen Victoria was outraged that only one man went to the gallows. She urged that in future, instead of being brought to trial, Irish Republican suspects should be lynched on the spot.

However, a socialist Sunday newspaper summed up much of the popular feeling: “Millions will continue to doubt that a guilty man has been hanged, and the future historian of the Fenian panic may declare that Michael Barrett was sacrificed to the exigencies of the police, and the vindication of the good Tory principle, that there is nothing like blood.”

And the (possibly partial {laugh}) report from, that old CPI front, "The Connelly Association" http://www.irishdemocrat.co.uk/features/michael-barrett/

2) The launch of Operation Dynamo in 1940
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/uk/2000/dunkirk_remembered/default.stm. and

Oh ...and the 28th is the anniversary of the massacre at Wormhoudt and, on a personal note - many years ago I actually met Bert Allen, of the Warwicks who survived the massacre by the SS and yes he still hated the bastards in the SS who killed his mates

http://coalhousefort-gallery.com/Wormhoudt-Massacre-Site

and if any comedian thinks that was just a "once off" on the day before another bunch of the scum slaughtered a bunch of the Norfolks at La Paradis.

http://www.norfolkbc.fsnet.co.uk/archive_collection/strips_farrow/le_paradis.htm

http://www.roll-of-honour.org/Regiments/RoyalNorfolkMassacreWordlWar2.html

History, in truth, isn't that far away.

Lest we forget

One last piece for this day

2008-11-11T17:20:38Z

As it wasn't, after all, the "War to end all wars" I wonder if some of the leaders of the world might like to muse on this piece by Kipling before they decide to send others to war for a cause that THEY personally will never have to pay for.

A Dead Statesman

"I could not dig: I dared not rob:
Therefore I lied to please the mob.
Now all my lies are proved untrue
And I must face the men I slew.
What tale shall serve me here among
Mine angry and defrauded young?"

*************************************

Gawd I'm a melancholy old cove at times eh ?

One for the "never darken these doors again" list

2008-07-12T19:51:12Z

The Royal Oak, 44 Tabard Street SE1 4JU

Went there last night to meet with the Snoozing One & Bro Angel.

Pleasant company as ever but what can I say but "Very unimpressed INDEED" with this pub. Starts with two pints of flat Carling at £6.20 - And I mean this is not in Central London but in a pokey little side road leading off from opposite the Borough Tube. But ho hum.

Now I remember this pub from years back (we had the launch of the Hunters game there as I remember) and it was always a "real ale" pub (but okay despite that) and I do try to differentiate between pubs that sell real ale (more joy to them / to each whatever they prefer) and cliquey little "CAMRA" holes where it seems that the more obscure & seriously demented you can get then the more points you seem to score. This now seems to be catering to the latter sort of punter

Finally while trying to put the world to rights I discovered a hitherto unknown brand of gobshites. Cos if the world has "Lager Louts" then these must be "Ale Arseholes" or something. Imagine some stereotype rugger buggers who have had a half pint too much old "Dickrot" or whatever and you get the idea of the tone deaf wailings. Don't know if they were regulars or if the landlady just didn't fancy asking them to belt up / sod off but .... definite obnoxious w*nkers.

All in all (leaving aside the company of both the Angel & the kipping one) a definite 2 out of 10 night. Must do a whole lot better.

PS - could also do with a spot of strong bleach in the Gents as that was (shall we say) “notably fragrant”.

Come & join us, Come & join us, Come & join us on the Central Line!

2008-05-31T18:03:04Z

This evening - let's laugh in the face of Blo Jo

Yep - I thought it out and the more I thought about it, the more the knee jerk action of the walking joke that calls itself the "Mayor" of London, has peeved this particular bunny off.

So tonight I will be drinking at a different venue than usual - tonight my bar is the 2nd carriage on the Circle Line from around 9pm. If anyone else turns up then great ... if not then .... I will indeed survive cos I will have cans.

And from now on I see myself drinking lemonade out of Carling cans, or drinking booze out of soft drink cans & generally ripping the piss out of TFL,it's nonfunctional service and the tinpot little hitlers that it employs.
Because I have had more than enough shite from petty minded bureaucrats and jumped up failed politicians. Enough is quite enough.

So seeya in the 2nd carriage on the Circle Line from around 9pm (I'll be the one with the lager)

"Lets all laugh at Blo Jo,
Lets all laugh at Blo Jo,
La, La, La, La
La, La, La, La"

For those interested

2008-02-01T13:50:07Z

"Does the war on poverty = war on terror"

Monday 4th Feb - St Albans Centre, Baldwin's Gdns, EC1N 7AB

7pm -8.30pm

http://www.cuts-london.org/events/soho_to_soweto.html

Can't make it myself (prior appointment) but sounds interesting

This Sunday !!! - LARP opportunities at the Star Wars Game

2008-01-11T15:44:06Z

"It is a time of rebuilding and progress. With the end of the Second Sith War and the fall of Darth Revan and Darth Malak the Republic can now start to rebuild. All efforts are being concentrated on the Core Worlds as the centre of trades and commerce. In the outer Rim, life continues to be difficult and there is no aid forthcoming.

In this political climate the floor of The Senate is regularly filled with the loud and angry voices of The Outer Rim representatives.

In a message of peace, the planet of Alderaan under Emperor Michael Organa has declared itself unilaterally disarmed. Initial fears that this would prompt an invasion by Correlia were proved groundless when the Diktat issued a formal announcement that Alderaan's space and territories were to be respected, and any action made againt the new Planet of Peace, would be responded to in full measure by The Corellian Navy.

Two years after the Sith War, The Jedi have finally returned to Coruscant, and have been granted their own temple near Monument Square. Jedi Grand Master Jaygo Starsept is more hardline than previous Masters, but this has been welcomed by the public.

"A place of learning and defence" is how the new Sith Information University has been titled. Dr. Martin Forsyfian has been given the job of Chancellor of the University and has been tasked with preparing the tactical and analytical defenses of the Republic in readiness for the day, centuries down the line, when The Sith will try their hand again.

And finally, The Supreme Chancellor has recently passed away, peacefully, in his sleep. In accordance with his race's tradition, his name will be placed in honour and is never to be used aloud in public. He is recognised for his great works in a time of massive upheaval and will be remembered for his kind heart and generosity. The Interim Chancellor, M'Aalesh Bu'Krann, is a very tight stickler for the rules and has been called "A Politician's Accountant." He is not very popular due to having almost no holocam presence and is very likely unable to survive the elections.

Meanwhile, a planetary bombardment force is on it's way to Korriban...

Anything people want to add? Tell us about your characters..."

The new season of the Star Wars Game is at The College Arms (near Tottenham Court Road Tube Station) on Sunday 13th Jan, from 5pm.

Come one ....you wanna join in .....admit it {laugh}

Oblivion ?

2007-12-10T20:19:51Z

Does anyone have / can anyone lend me a copy of WW's Oblivion LARP book / and any of the books on the Legions ?

Pretty please

"I hereby pledge to lovingly care for them & return them to the tender bosum of their owner asap"

A request !!!! (repeated)

2007-11-20T19:44:59Z

Does anyone have a position for a decent young creature ?

A friend of mine / ours (this is starting to read like the script for a Mafia flick) is currently "between jobs" and, in the run up to the Christmas / Yule / (Insert appropriate term HERE) I was wondering if anyone out there in LJ land might have a need for a well spoken / presentable / young chap with good office / admin skills.

You know the situation "Money's tight / Times are hard ......" so please, if you can .... I'd appreciate it

He is based in Central London but willing to travel *(reasonable distances).

Thanks for your consideration {smile}

An appeal .......

2007-11-20T19:39:08Z

The Daily Telegraph recently ran a token collect offer for a set of DVDs entitled "World War 1 in Colour".

I don't know if there are any Telegraph readers out there but if anyone could spare any of the tokens from the paper I'd really appreciate it.

The promotion ran from Saturday 10 Nov to Friday 15 Nov.

Pretty, pretty, pretty please

Vinfest 1 - Tonight - Be there or be a bear !

2007-09-27T14:47:53Z

Vinny's pre-leaving do (stage 1) is tonight from 7.30 at the The Penderel’s Oak (283–288 High Holborn)

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubfinder/details.php?OutletNumber=333

Anyone need a flatmate ???

2007-09-25T20:31:08Z

A mate of mine (who, I am informed, is fully housebroken & potty trained) is looking to for a room in London (zones 1-3, I think) as he (due to property changing hands) is going to have to move out in October and I was wondering if anyone in LJland knows of such a thing ?

Any suggestions appreciated

lapinenoireuk @ 2007-09-25T19:00:00

2007-09-25T18:02:08Z

lapinenoireuk - a pinch of kindness - 2 teaspoons of crazy - a pinch of sensitivity Mix together and serve hot.
'What is your personality recipe?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Methinks they skimp on the insanity

Give a Dog a chance ?

2007-08-02T05:26:09Z

Yuppies who’ve moved into Birmingham in pursuit of “city living” are now complaining about the noise from a local traditional "live music" pub.

The pub, the Spotted Dog, has been operating as a live music venue for over 20 years and is an established part of the community but a property development company recently built a set of flats that back onto / look over the rear of the pub. Of these new residents three DON'T like the "noise" that the venue produces. So why did they buy a flat that is literally next door to a pub ? Or has the word "insulation" not reached that part of the world ?

Surely when you choose to move into a central location, you accept that there will be more noise and bustle than if you relocated to, say, the Quaker Village of Bournville. Isn’t that part of the experience you are buying into?
Didn’t the twits who’ve bought those flats do ANY research into the area?

Now the pub has been operating (in this style) for years is being expected to change to suit the new neighbours so please can someone explain why THEY have to change their practices.

This is insane - like the prats that moved to a country village, next to a Norman Church, then complained about the bells ringing ! Or the couple of chinless wonders that set up home next to a gun club and ..... well ..... you guess ?

IMHO if you move to an area then, I'd suggest, you fit in with the established community or, alternatively, don't go there at all.

Seems a pretty simple idea to me but, hey what do I know ?

http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=496&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=0491850182811b4b22b6fc2e34277876

http://www.createdinbirmingham.com/?p=416

Baa, baa, baa - baa baa brainsssssss

2007-06-06T17:16:14Z

So, lapinenoireuk, your LiveJournal reveals...

You are... 0% unique and 17% herdlike
(partly because you, like everyone else, enjoy women).
When it comes to friends you are popular. In terms of the way you relate to people, you are keen to please.

Your writing style (based on a recent public entry) is overcomplicated.

Your overall weirdness is: 51

(The average level of weirdness is: 27.
You are weirder than 90% of other LJers.)

Find out what your weirdness level is!

When there's no more room in hell, the lapinenoireuk will walk the earth.

Which movie was this quote from?

And for those that need to ask ...... the world doth indeed suck rancid dog genitalia.

Hmmmh ........ I reckon it was the "hair" question which swung it

2007-06-05T15:46:43Z

Your results:
You are Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor		72%
Dr. Doom		72%
Mr. Freeze		71%
Venom		69%
Juggernaut		67%
The Joker		66%
Magneto		66%
Apocalypse		65%
Dark Phoenix		57%
Mystique		55%
Two-Face		51%
Poison Ivy		50%
Kingpin		47%
Riddler		41%
Catwoman		40%
Green Goblin		35%

A brilliant businessman on a quest for world domination and the self-proclaimed greatest criminal mind of our time!

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

Automata

2007-06-04T09:05:37Z

On the Saturday myself & the adorable Ms B were down in Croydonia where we (after wandering around the centre) stumbled across a display of modern automata that were built by Glasgow based Eduard Bersudsky & Tatyana Jakovskaya. About 9 or 10 different machines (Is "machine" the correct term ?) in the display and (IMHO), in the main, very impressive.

Anyhow, if this sort of thing is of any interest to you - the details are at http://www.museumofcroydon.com/ixbin/indexplus?record=ART5663

Vote Blue & save Bigfoot ?

2007-05-17T14:27:52Z

Bigfoot 'endangered'

Last Modified: 05 May 2007 - Source: PA News

The reason Bigfoot is not often seen is not just because he is shy, but also because he is an endangered species, according to a Canadian MP.

Mike Lake has called for the Sasquatch to be protected under Canada's species at risk act, alongside Blue Whales, Whooping Cranes and Red Mulberry trees.

His petition, which has been signed by more than 500 of his constituents and will be presented to parliament this week, reads: "The debate over their (Bigfoot's) existence is moot in the circumstance of their tenuous hold on merely existing. Therefore, the petitioners request the House of Commons to establish immediate, comprehensive legislation to affect immediate protection of Bigfoot."

I eagerly expect the Cameroon to join his fellow Conservative in this new Blue/Green venture

Almost worth upgrading the "Brick" {laugh}

2007-04-24T18:06:40Z

http://www.stonehill.org/casenotnamed/index.htm

The phones are right !!!!

Nothing suprising here

2007-04-13T16:03:22Z

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

Nothing too suprising here

2007-04-02T08:33:51Z

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Literature Nerd Does sitting by a nice cozy fire, with a cup of hot tea/chocolate, and a book you can read for hours even when your eyes grow red and dry and you look sort of scary sitting there with your insomniac appearance? Then you fit this category perfectly! You love the power of the written word and it's eloquence; and you may like to read/write poetry or novels. You contribute to the smart people of today's society, however you can probably be overly-critical of works. It's okay. I understand.
Social Nerd
Gamer/Computer Nerd
Drama Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Anime Nerd
Science/Math Nerd
Musician
What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace

But me write poetry !!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BURN, BURN, 451, IGNITE THE POETRY!!

I'll give you a hint .... if I EVER write poetry - check the night sky because the stars might well be right !

Amber - "the blood of kings"

2007-03-26T12:48:18Z

Well Mr C (aka Gently Snoozing) has drawn this episode of Amberdom to an end.

As expected (at least by me) the plan (TM) did NOT survive it's first encounter with the enemy (the players {laugh}). Anyhow the end is as such ... after I was obliged to stab up Oberon (or at least one version of him) followed by Oberon then deciding split in two and "fall over", Scene - assorted Amber cousins standing around watching as Soulcatcher (lackey to the "nameless one") is attempting to "stop the whole fabric of reality collapsing".

By this time myself (Edmund) sea_of_flame (Miranda, my IC sister) davedevil (Alexander) & cleosilver (Sorry Liz but whilst your character was impressive - my memory for names isn't {sigh}) were about to act. This happy crew (united by the urge for revenge, blood ties, cackling insanity (Hi Dave) and power lust decide that we're going to stick by what said we were going to do (unlike some others {grin}) so we bundle in grab said Soulcatcher and drag her kicking & screaming to "a safe place" where she faced "justice" ..... of a sort. Okay she claimed that only she could stop the nasty but we didn't trust the murderous bitch and well .... what goes around comes around {grin}

General Game impressions

PLOT - good (if convoluted) but a lot of that I suspect was the result of player "efforts" .... Yes - systematically killing off the elemental forces that stop Amber going POP is a REALLY good idea (NOT!!!).

PLAYERS - Generally good opinions of the quality of players (not sure if my regular spats with some characters was down to their good roleplaying or my poor roleplaying) and the special "Blood of Kings" T Shirt is a definitely a positive advert for a good game.

Now ... the next instalment is likely to be a voyage into the world of Serenity / Firefly .... which could be very interesting / deadly {grin}

It rises ! Rebirth of the UKM in London - Tuesday 27th

2007-03-26T11:05:53Z

For those interested in getting involved in the relaunch of the UK Masquerade in London - the details are as follows

Venue - The Castle, (34-35 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6DB -Near Farringdon Tube)

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/14/14118/Castle/Farringdon

In the function room upstairs from 7pm.

More details from stuart .laws@dsl .pipex .com (to spite the bots)

This Pub doesn't want your money !!! Call for a boycott !

2007-03-26T09:52:31Z

The Clarence, (53, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HP) has offered it's upstairs room for meetings / games for a few years now. And I was expecting to be going down there TWICE this week so imagine my suprise when I get two unrelated mailings from two very diverse groups explaining that they were both having to change venues at short notice due to the behaviour of the new Manager.

It seems that the new Manager has transformed his upstairs room into a restaurant and now doesn't want the riff raff coming in and would prefer nice docile tourists (mugs) who don't appreciate that they could get better meals at cheaper prices nearby. As a result he is now refusing to honour all existing bookings!

And any future bookings will need to guarantee bar takings of £1,000

*!@$ me ! I think I drink a bit but "£1,000" is steep ... even if I rope Col Maxim & Gently Snoozing in on this !!

So a word to the wise - avoid this rathole. If he treats us as mugs then don't force him to take our nasty grubby beer vouchers. Boycott the Clarence (you're not missing much) and maybe take your hard earned cash to other more "appreciative" hostelries -

eg Old Shades http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/21/2100/Old_Shades/Whitehall

or JDW's http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/92/927/Lord_Moon_Of_The_Mall/Whitehall

But, please please please DON'T SUPPORT THE CLARENCE !!

PS .... if you could pass the word I'd appreciate it {Cheers !!}

DRINK !!!

2007-02-13T17:30:25Z

On the basis that, so far (and I know it's ONLY Tuesday) this week / life in general should cut out it's sexual organs with a blunt & rusty razor blade - I propose DRINK - as a result of this proposition I will be in the College Arms. Join me if you can do / want to.

{Eyeing up the World's jugular and sharpening my claws}

lapinenoireuk @ 2007-02-09T19:58:00

2007-02-09T19:49:39Z

What John Patrick Means

J is for Joyous

O is for Outgoing

H is for Happy

N is for Normal

P is for Proud

A is for Altruistic

T is for Twisted

R is for Revolutionary

I is for Ideal

C is for Colourful

K is for Kinky

What Does Your Name Mean?