King Ian

I suspect you have a few years on me Jedi (no offence! ) but I too remember a different SNP even just ten years or so ago. I've not always cared about politics as I do now, but I remember a party that was simply more normal and nowhere near as authoritarian. I've got friends who are party members, and you can get a decent chat with them, although one left due to the hate speech and gender stuff. I have two theories: 1- SNP supporters and members act completely different online than offline. 2- The people who dish out constant abuse, sarcasm and general nastiness on here are not typical of SNP supporters, and perhaps even drown out normal SNP supporters on here, who stay away because of how the forum has become. I largely agree with your assessment though, especially with regards to conformity. Wouldn't it be great if people could exchange views like normal human beings?

Peep Show was genius.

1. Go to Easter Island - it's always fascinated me 2. See my lodge continue to grow, 50 members would be nice and we should get there soon 3. See my children married, happy and have their own children 4. Do Route 66 5. Go to Disneyland

Tate needs to learn that pride comes before a fall. It'll be interesting to see how this one pans out.

Have seen this type of thing before. If a poster disagrees with the prevailing narrative on here, he is then rounded on by lots of people. Answer each point individually? Then you're accused of spamming. Ignore some of the points for the reason above? Expect to be accused of acting in bad faith with the likes of Welshbairn or BFTD speculating what other posters you may be. Disagree often, because you actually think people are wrong? You must be trolling! #Contrarian Admit to being wrong on a point? Don't expect respect in return, but more abuse. Respond to abuse? Your abuse will be clamped down on, but not that of the mob, who are free to completely ignore the sticky, or in Day Of The Lord's case.. just told to change their username (Benjamin Nevis). Good luck, Jedi. You're doing well so far.

I served Rhona Martin in the Co-op once not long after leaving school. The exchange was brief and one-way. "Not often I get to serve someone famous" "Hehe"

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any lower..

Poor show from Hartley-Brewer using her autism as an insult. Not the first time she's said something ridiculous. Sometimes she gets it spot on, but she's constantly angry, and is one of these uber-atheist types who bases their identity on going on about religion all the time. The new atheist movement ran out of steam a while ago, Julia.

My apologies. You’re right and I got it wrong with regards to surgery.

I think it does have relevance. This bill makes the road to Elaine Miller’s concerns far quicker and easier. Restricting the rights on people based on their trans status alone? That’s not how I’d frame it at all. Many see such surgery as harmful, for all sorts of reasons, some of which I’ve outlined. Then there’s the whole issue of women’s spaces.

Is this an annual thing? Not that I dislike my wife’s company, she’s a wee cracker, but I still crave time on my own. Think i’d plan 5 days of hiking and dust down the retro Nintendo games for the evenings. Enjoy!

I largely agree with your points. People go through the motions with some being in their element but some the opposite. Personally, I like Christmas, but couldn’t imagine the stress if we were skint and was struggling to get anything for the kids. Now it’s not just that, but everyone showing off Christmas pyjamas and all the rest. Does anyone on social media have an imperfect life? I suspect so.. How do we make it easier for the rest? It’d involve a complete culture change, which would be very hard to achieve.

Those figures seem dodgy as hell. Will have a better look tomorrow.

Correct. 'trans' people not being aware of the dangers beforehand is a huge part of the problem, from what I gather. Sex-change specialist warns of surgery regrets as two Irish people reverse procedure - Extra.ie

Depression, the regret of irreversible surgery and the constant tiredness having used medication that puts them in a post-menopausal state. I'm sure there were plenty others. Might watch the videos again to jog my memory. I'd ask others to do the same, but the thought of many on here challenging their view on this issue seems fanciful. I disagree with your view on Miller etc just being petulant having lost. She is genuinely making detailed, sensible points. I genuinely think we'll look back on this one day and wonder what the hell we were thinking. Time'll tell, I suppose.

It's like Elizabeth Warren all over again

Congratulations! To say you've been through the ringer would be an understatement. All the very best with your special new arrival.

I've met both Gazza and McCoist and had decent conversations with both. Craig Brown too. Can't think of any non-fitba celebs.

And the ill-fated 'mini discs'

I certainly don't see autistic people as clueless or wallopers. Going by interactions I've had, you guys can often be the most intelligent people around. For me, Miller's opinions are driven not by hate, but by the long term welfare of people. She sees what's happening and the resulting problems.

She doesn't sound bigoted to me, and I suspect most would agree. Not on here though.. shockingly enough I agree with your point about letting trans people be happy. Miller isn't trying to make them unhappy though, and believes that the road we're now going down leads to not just unhappiness, but trauma , depression and irreversible harm in the long run.

When you hear her speak, it becomes apparent that Elaine Miller isn't actually as mad as the twitter clip would have you believe. She's an intelligent, articulate lady. Her interview by Graham Linehan is particularly insightful.

Not the worst in the world Welshbairn. Sometimes a decent blend can hit the spot.

Even back then, the term 'troll' was being flung about willy nilly

The phasing out of physical music and video is absolutely something that gets on my nerves.