getaba1110

What’s he done, it can’t be that bad to warrant this ban. This ‘no comment’ nonsense is just silly...it’s a bad example. This all has the sniff of bullying i.e. what’s written isn’t always forgotten.

WESTERN ISLES APPLING REAL PRESSURE Iain Maciver blog; Fuel rip-off resumes as Scottish Fuels and Highland Fuels sneakily conspire to push up prices again See link http://maciverblog.co.uk/2013/02/19/fuel-rip-off-resumes-as-scottish-fuels-and-highland-fuels-sneakily-conspire-to-push-up-prices-again/ SHETLAND & ORKNEY need to do the same. We could start by posting prices; 20/02/13 Sutherlands Unleaded £1.459 / L

What goes on in the heads of our councillors there all gassing on about how we have to make these drastic cuts to keep going...Keep what going Mareel..??? Its pathetic they can hand out money to a white elephant like mareel that's always going to be looking for handouts all the time how can they possibly have face to keep throwing public money at mareel when people are being threatened with losing there jobs and care homes / schools being closed Jonathan Wills said on the radio they have to look after there investment its funny he never mentioned that when Smyril line pulled out off Shetland or does that not count in his eyes..?? Why don’t you stand and stop moaning.

No...I’m realist i.e. I try to be optimist, even when difficult to be so. Re Mareel we’ve spent the money, so in my opinion it must work. Also, Mareel has a ‘Bar,’ but it isn’t a ‘Bar’, thank heavens!, we’ve plenty of them...and they are all rubbish!

Completely disagree with the last few comments. Mareel is fantastic - it is what Lerwick has been waiting for for years. I was never on the official list of supporters however I have joined now. Cafe bar is excellent.

Anyone know what’s the latest re the inter-connector cable...I’ve always had an opinion that this would prove to be the undoing of the project.

This will explain why our fuel prices fell a few weeks ago. There seems to be a bit of a pattern here in my opinion .. High prices .. Bit of investigation prices drop... Dust settles.. Prices rise quickly.. More investigation on the cards.. Prices drop. Etc. We have been paying over the odds for years so hopefully this time they will investigate fully and get answers to all the questions. Takes two to tango...? So far the OFT have bungled around i.e. not really getting to grips! See link... http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/competition-act-and-cartels/cartels/what-cartel What is a cartel? In its simplest terms, a cartel is an agreement between businesses not to compete with each other. The agreement is usually secret, verbal and often informal. Typically, cartel members may agree on: • prices • output levels • discounts • credit terms • which customers they will supply • which areas they will supply • who should win a contract (bid rigging). These agreements are prohibited by the Competition Act and Article 101 TFEU of the EC Treaty. In addition, the Enterprise Act makes it a criminal offence for individuals to dishonestly take part in certain specified cartels, essentially those that involve price fixing, market sharing, limitation of production or supply or bid rigging. Cartels can occur in almost any industry and can involve goods or services at the manufacturing, distribution or retail level.

Yes no doubt they have considered the profits, publicity etc, but they have also considered the customer and gone that bit further to try and get the perishables on the shelfs. More than most will do. I agree that we don't need to have the trollies buckling under the strain, but I for one will be glad that they may have some of the stuff I would like to make my Christmas dinner special. Now that's after checking my local shop, which I use at least three times a week. God, I bet it's all smiles in your house at Christmas What a silly retort...I did wonder what you buy from your local shop; milk, Shetland Times, fuel, fags etc. If so, it’s hardly shopping. Fuel...mmm...there is conundrum, “why dosen’t your TESCO provide their customers with cheaper Fuel ?â€...I’ll answer for you, “Because it wouldn’t be profitable for them!â€. However, perhaps they could fly it in also. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...to you and TESCO PS...Shopped local this morning, no trolley dodging and all bagged with smile...however, picking-up few items in town later...perhaps calling at TESCO. Now your just surmising to make your reply fit your need. I do most of my shopping at two local shops and occasionally have a shop in Tescos or the Coop to find something for a change. You may think it was a silly retort, but at least it wasn't fuelled by bitterness as your post came across. If you don't like Tescos fine but the rest of us will make up our own minds as to where we shop. Hope you haven’t bought any of those ‘Value Burgers’ (not). Could I assist you future and recommend you try trotting over to J & K Anderson...our local excellent butcher.

Hi, thanks for the reminder...and I did respond. Plus, as soon as I mentioned sensible drinking forum contributors appeared to wish discussion on this subject more...which has been enlightening, disappointing...and hopeful.

Hi again LauraJane90, I’m thinking I’m nearly getting through to you (no sarcasm intended). We have a long established culture of drinking to excess in Shetland (granted it isn’t everyone)...break that cycle...and the Posers issue will deal with its self. Most are p***ed long before reaching Posers i.e. topped-up fully at home before going out. I’m afraid to tell you that our Pub’s & Club’s isn’t the root of the problem. PS...my old squad tried to encourage me to put myself forward several years ago, but I declined... “it’s no fir meâ€.

And according to a meaningless straw poll conducted with myself, I couldn't care less what the Lancet or any other publication sponsored by vested interests has to say. And all I'm saying is that they do not need (or possibly want) to be forced to adopt your agenda. They already have a lot of 'rules' to follow and I would think that they are adult enough to police themselves in that respect. ? I never called you a do-gooder or anything else for that matter. Any inferred reference was made in a generic sense.... Colin, I’m sorry you don’t care All Up Helly Aa’s promoting sensible drinking would be an excellent message for our bairns to hear from a committee and/or a Jarl. “Change doesn't come on it's ownâ€... “it needs someone to make the moveâ€. PS ...I’m not a ‘Troll’...however, I may have been one...in squad many years ago.

LauraJane90, Thank you for your advice, “Another grand idea for you Getaba is to maybe consider channelling your enthusiasm for 'sensible drinking' in all aspects including schools, pubs etc. Sure SYIS would be more than happy to have a volunteer. Even CADSS would be over-joyed too. Supporting the fact you are able to get a disclosure or even have one alreadyâ€. For your information, I do have a disclosure and I do already volunteer.

Believing statements like this is a reason many use to justify trying illegal/unlegislated drugs. E is in a different league from Alcohol. Know the effects and risks. I agree with Sicar, alcohol is much less now than it was. Guizers know to pace themselves, and it's an incredibly social, feel good, and unique event in world terms. I enjoy speaking to tourists that read or have heard about UHA and travel here because they've heard of nothing quite like it anywhere else, and enjoy it thoroughly. Several SMs in our squad too - I would encourage everyone to get involved. Regarding drinking my main constructive critism here would be the Jarl Squad (or several members of) being intoxicated in the daytime i.e. walking down Union St in Aberdeen. It maybe doesn't happen every year, but folk pick up on it, and IMO it undermines the hard work/professionalism involved. Tooney1, You said, “E is in a different league from Alcohol. Know the effects and risksâ€. Yes, Alcohol is ranked at number 5 and it’s responsible for 40,000 (UK) deaths each year. Also, ask the GBH A&E if every young person they fix-up knows all the effects and risks. Please see link... http://metro.co.uk/2008/02/06/top-10-most-dangerous-drugs-625317/

From Shetland News...see link... http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/6142-watchdog-praises-improving-sic SHETLAND Islands Council has been given the seal of approval from The Accounts Commission two years after a damning report following an embarrassing public hearing into its affairs. However the public finance watchdog warns that Scotland’s wealthiest local authority faces a tough future as it tries to cut spending by around 20 per cent over two years. Is this really going to be achieved...if so, it’s going to get very though!

OK, so now we know what a do-gooder is... Does the definition fit you? The point is that most UHA squads/committees are self regulating and the last thing they need or want is someone else setting their agenda any more than happens at present. If you want to 'crusade' against the evils of drink etc. you're starting with the wrong people. According to a study published this month in The Lancet, alcohol and tobacco rank among the ten most dangerous substances used by humans. Both alcohol and tobacco have been assessed to be more dangerous than illegal drugs like marijuana or ecstasy. Colin, all I’m asking is for Up Helly Aa(s) to promote sensible drinking. Best regards A do-gooder PS...being told I’m a ‘do-gooder’ could actually be compliment...so thanks!

any publicity is good publicity

LauraJane90, I did think that Colin is quite able to speak for himself Plus...I am interesred in UHA(s)...so I’m an insider then...? PS...and I also support sensible drinking

None of your business really but, for what it's worth, I am NOT in the drinks trade, I am NOT is a squad and, I am NOT on any UHA committee but, I AM totally opposed to any of these events being hijacked by 'outsiders'. Thanks for the link but, I HAVE had Servwise training and I HAVE worked in bars. Satisfied? Colin, Colin, Colin... What do you mean by ‘outsiders’?...careful...others have gone down this track before and have fallen foul of inappropriate language! PS...link for you http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcohol-young-people

And there's your problem. I'm not burying my head anywhere because I don't see it as a threat in the way that you do. I just don't see why UHA Squads/Committees should be 'forced' to adhere to your agenda. As for not approaching your perceived 'issue' in a grown up manner, that is exactly what I am doing. If I don't see it as an 'issue', why should I subscribe to your point of view? Bottom line is that if you are not in a squad or on a committee, keep your nose out of things or, if you feel that strongly about it, get involved but, don't sit back sniping at what the majority of others see as a good night out. Colin, are you by any chance in the drinks trade? I thought the drinks trade promoted sensible drinking...don’t they? Link for you... http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ PS thanks for your advice re sticking my nose in...but I think I’ll make up my own mind...thanks again

OK, so now we know what a do-gooder is... Does the definition fit you? The point is that most UHA squads/committees are self regulating and the last thing they need or want is someone else setting their agenda any more than happens at present. If you want to 'crusade' against the evils of drink etc. you're starting with the wrong people. Colin, please don’t disappear into the sand...try to avoid the threats...let’s approach this issue in a grown-up manor. Part of our culture is Up Helly Aa; Part of our culture is Heavy Drinking; Part of Up Helly Aa is Heavy Drinking...Up Helly Aa playing its part to prompt sensible drinking surely can’t be wrong? I try never to forget those affected by alcohol abuse. PS I’m far from good enough to be considered a ‘do-gooder’...perhaps a little naive when to comes to hoping that all attitudes will change. I can see it now..... The new Guizer Jarl this year would be Harald Shandypants... ...possibly Thorkel Softdrinkswigger next year? Scorrie, could I please clarify for you...sensible drinking doesn’t mean drinking soft drinks. But, if you wish to that’s also fine...I’ve known guizers to have a very good night drinking soft drinks

OK, so now we know what a do-gooder is... Does the definition fit you? The point is that most UHA squads/committees are self regulating and the last thing they need or want is someone else setting their agenda any more than happens at present. If you want to 'crusade' against the evils of drink etc. you're starting with the wrong people. Colin, please don’t disappear into the sand...try to avoid the threats...let’s approach this issue in a grown-up manor. Part of our culture is Up Helly Aa; Part of our culture is Heavy Drinking; Part of Up Helly Aa is Heavy Drinking...Up Helly Aa playing its part to prompt sensible drinking surely can’t be wrong? I try never to forget those affected by alcohol abuse. PS I’m far from good enough to be considered a ‘do-gooder’...perhaps a little naive when to comes to hoping that all attitudes will change.

No they shouldn't because, that is NOT what AA's are about. What business is it of any squad/AA committee that has not been elected by the majority of the population to stick it's nose into areas that are nothing to do with it? It might be politically 'fashionable' to to join in with the latest 'don't do that, it's bad for you' type of crap that comes to us from all angles these days but, imho, squads etc. should resist the temptation to 'spread the word' and not allow themselves to be hijacked by the latest batch of 'do-gooders'. Colin, ‘A do-gooder’...a definition...a naive idealist who supports philanthropic or humanitarian causes or reforms. I’m guessing you don’t like them?...however, you can’t accuse them of being ostriches.

I'm glad that it's only just your 'opinion'. Why not leave the running of the various UHA's to the people who know what they are doing. Never ever said they didn’t know what they are doing. However, attitudes towards drinking needs to change and like it or lump it Up Helly Aa has influence and therefore responsibility

Competely agree there Scorrie! I always believe that everyone is responsible for what they say or do. End of the day no one can really force you to take that drink, it's your own actions, no matter how old you are. I grew up in a strong druggie atmosphere at school, almost everyone did drugs, but not once did it cross my mind to 'try' it. Same with kids today whether its drink or drugs, if they want to do it they will. And getaba, I think UHA is important. I know at least once a year I'll have a good fun with my friends and have a good burl with Strip the Willow! Can't get that in Posers;). Dear LauraJane90 I’m very glad to hear that you weren’t influenced and had the strength and maturity not to get involved with drugs at school. You’re not incorrect regarding that we are all responsible for what we say or do. However, people are vulnerable, they can make wrong choices and they make take a wrong path, influenced by peers, it is simply much more complex than ‘if they want to do it they will’. Many factors could affect a person’s choice; bullying, problems at home etc. People can also turn to drinking and drugs in later life for support. If sounding like I’m picking on ‘Up Helly Aa’...I’m not, but festivals have become known, in part, possibly wrongly as ‘massive drinking festivals’...which I’m sure you will agree is the wrong image and message. Furthermore, ‘Up Helly Aa’, has interwoven itself firmly into our island’s culture and by doing so it is not without influence. In my opinion it would be a great message to hear that Up Helly Aa endorses sensible drinking...now that really is a challenge to a brave Viking and any ‘Guizer Jarl’.

...did I say that?