New Year's Honours 2016

[MrGongGong]

- take Lord Sugar, for example.

[alycidon]

In a democracy there's only one real 'ruling class' and that's the voters!

Our politicians are there to SERVE not to rule. In fact, Cameron keeps using the word 'serve' when he lectures the country on his virtual daily TV slot.

French Frank is correct. The honours system has long lost its intrinsic purpose. It is no longer just a 'joke' but a shabby, corrupt and sometimes even offensive charade.

Certainly, such awards should be taken out of the hands of politicians. They simply cannot be trusted.

And for a change, I totally agree with you, Scotty.

[pastoralguy]

[Beef Oven!]

Oi, stop it!

He was born in Hackney Hospital, Homerton. He must be a great man - just like Ray Winstone.

[ahinton]

Ida Haendel doesn't need so called 'honours' to be appreciated for the genius she is!

No, of course she doesn't - which again demonstrates one aspect of the sheer pointlessness of this exercise.

However, it is nice to see Alina being given one.

Indeed so, although the connection between she who has one or Ida who hasn't and the "British Empire" remains woefully unclear.

I remember when Colin Matthews was given an OBE rather than the CBE that might reasonably have been expected for one whose services to British music are well known to extend way beyond his own music, I remarked that it might be more appropriate for him to be recognised with an Alphabicycle Order of the British Empire rather than a Commandership thereof, given how difficult and pointless it would be for him (or indeed anyone else) to try to command a long-defunct empire...

[ahinton]

Alina must be patient. It always come to those who deserve it - take Lord Sugar, for example.

Do you have anywhere in particular in mind? That Desert Island, for example? Too much sugar's bad for anyone (and too much of that particular one would be a most minuscule quantity) but, whilst I've found nothing remotely saccharine in Alina's playing, I'd far rather witness her fired up than observe the Sugar firing people (which doesn't even have the benefit of caramelisation).

[french frank]

However, it is nice to see Alina being given one.

An interesting award: my guess is that it isn't unconnected with the hit she made at the Proms last year. If it were me, I'd be far more honoured to be offered two solo Proms.

(Nicola Benedetti was given the MBE in 2013)

[P. G. Tipps]

And for a change, I totally agree with you, Scotty.

You spoilt it with that first bit, Westie! ...

[Nick Armstrong]

Barbara Windsor should have had a damehood years ago for services to innuendo. Great to see someone's finally given her one.

[Tony Halstead]

finally given her one

[Beef Oven!]

Where are the moderators?
As soon as they see a naughty double entendre, they should whip it out.

[Roslynmuse]

Where are the moderators?
As soon as they see a naughty double entendre, they should whip it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj7D65SFOhM

[Nick Armstrong]

Where are the moderators?
As soon as they see a naughty double entendre, they should whip it out.

Celebrating New Year's Eve!

An Honourable New Year to all. Make it a big one!

[Beef Oven!]

Celebrating New Year's Eve!

An Honourable New Year to all. Make it a big one!

And to you too, Tempest one!

All the best to all forumistas for 2016!!

[Beef Oven!]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj7D65SFOhM

RIP Sid, never forgotten!