| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| starmekitten |
Posted - 07/15/2005 : 13:10:59
Noun 1. Brummie - a resident of Birmingham, England
I am a Brummie. I was born in Birmingham, England in this hospital here:
back in 1980.
Now Birmingham, England may not mean much to many of you overseas people. To those who are Brits, they view Birmingham as a bit of a practical joke, even though I would put money on it that 90% of them have never even visited, and of the 10% who have, Monkey doesn't count because Digbeth coach station does not constitute a trip to Brimingham.
One of the main complaints about the city is it's uglyness, and to be fair it used to look like this:
but since the refurb of the city centre we have this sexy building:
and the new shiny bull ring
The next most common complaint about Birmingham, is the accent.
If I sounded terribly Brummie, I think I'd be ashamed, luckily I have a hint, just a mere brumette of an accent.
If you're wondering what a brummie sounds like.
See for reference:
The prince of darkness.
As for famous Brummies, well I have compiled a list.
Cadbury, George (1839–1922) The father of British Chocolate.
George Cadbury was born in Edgbaston 19 September 1839. To escape the pollution of the town George rebuilt the cocoa factory on a greenfield site at Bournville 1879 where he began to develop good quality and affordable housing for the workers, Bournville Building Estate which became Bournville Village Trust in 1900.
Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) A Prime Minister no less
Arthur Neville Chamberlain was born at South Bourne Edgbaston. He became Prime Minister 1937 and negotiated the Munich Agreement, a peace settlement with Hitler. Hitler, however, invaded Poland and Chamberlain reluctantly declared war on Germany 1939.
Hancock, Tony (1924-1968) Classic Comedy!
Anthony Hancock was born 42 Southam Road Hall Green on 12 May 1924 where a Birmingham Civic Society blue plaque commemorates the fact. In 1954 his famous character was created in Hancock’s Half Hour on radio and on television 1956-1960.
Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel (1892–1973) Oh thats got your interest huh!
Author. Although Tolkien was born in South Africa in January 1892 his parents were both from Birmingham, seeing South Africa as a new life for their young family. At three years old Tolkien came to Birmingham with his mother and brother Hilary to visit his grand parents, it was at this time that Tolkiens father died and his mother saw no reason to return to South Africa. so the family settled in the area of Sarehole, Birmingham. Tolkien explored as a young boy, the most exciting thing he found was Sarehole Mill, Birmingham's only surviving watermill. Tolkien and his brother spent many hours investigating the mill and surrounding areas, when in later years the Mill fell into decay Tolkien contributed to fund its preservation. Tolkien attended King Edwards School in New Street
Wyndham, John (1906-1969) Didn't know that one either did you!
He lived in Edgbaston, Inspired by H G Wells’ science fiction novels he began writing short science fiction stories which were published first in American magazines, by the mid-1930s in British magazines and subsequently in book form by Tales of Wonder, Britain’s first science fiction magazine. He worked as a censor during World War 2 and also saw active service in France. His first major success was The Day of the Triffids 1951. His recurrent theme of human triumph in adversity can be seen in his other well-known novels which include The Kraken Wakes 1953, The Chrysalids 1955, The Midwich Cuckoos 1957, Chocky 1968
and many more besides. What else is so great about Birmingham I hear you cry?
The Balti.
Birminghams Balti triangle houses some of the best curry houses I have ever *ever* been to. They are superb and commonly credited with helping make the curry the national dish of the UK.
Birmingham is known as the Capital of the Balti, which is not surprising as this spicy dish was introduced to the city by its large Kashmiri population. The vast majority of Balti houses are situated in the Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath and Moseley (where I used to live - no coincidence I assure you) areas of South Birmingham, which essentially forms the famous "Balti Triangle". Most of the restaurants are unlicensed with diners bringing their own wine, beers, etc. with a number of off-licences conveniently situated in the area. Diners can usually be sure of a welcome as warm as their baltis!
So this is why, being a brummie, it ain't all that bad.
and you're questioning the sciences
and questioning religion
you're looking like an idiot
and you no longer care.
|
| 35 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| VoVat |
Posted - 08/19/2005 : 13:45:37
quote:
i love new jersey. its in unfairly based constantly.
My guess would be that people hate New Jersey because they listen too much to the New Yorkers. The ironic thing about that is that no one seems to like New Yorkers either, so why they're listening to their opinion of Jersey is beyond me.
I was all out of luck, like a duck that died. I was all out of juice, like a moose denied. |
| fbc |
Posted - 08/18/2005 : 13:28:18
this thread has well and truly been Carl'd! |
| Carl |
Posted - 08/18/2005 : 12:44:12
 |
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/14/2005 : 07:58:16
quote:
Originally posted by Stuart
There is that thing isn't there where if you say 'Kipper Tie' then you sound like a brummie asking someone if they want a cup of tea.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate!
I've just been saying this out loud and it's *so* right!
Kipper tie babs?
*thanks parents for trying to make me do things on weekends like the drama school elocution lessons*
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| callahan |
Posted - 08/14/2005 : 07:20:51
quote:
Originally posted by PixieSteve
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
football hooligans, isn't that what you guys call them?
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
reminds me of Bill Hicks 
"So I'm over there in England, you know, trying to get news about the riots... and all these Brit people are trying to sympathize with me... 'Oh Bill, crime is horrible. Bill, if it's any conselation crime is horrible here, too.' ...Shutup. This is Hobbitown and I am Bilbo Hicks, Okay? This is a land of fairies and elves. You do not have crime like we have crime, but I appreciate you trying to be you know, Diplomatic. You gotta see English crime. It's hilarious, you don't know if you're reading the front page or the comic section over there. I swear to God. I read an article front page of the paper one day, in England, 'Yesterday, some Hooligans knocked over a dustbin in Shafsbry.' ...Wooooo. 'The hooligans are loose! The hooligans are loose! ...What if they become roughians? I would hate to be a dustbin in Shafsbry tonight. (to the tune of "Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who) No one knows what it's like... to be a dustbin... in Shafsbry... with hooligans...' What the HELL are you talkin' about? Hooligans? Roughians? Speak English! It's Crypt, Blood. I mean, I'm sure it's a serious thing, Hooligans, but it just sounds stupid, doesn't it? I picture a bunch of pale guys with pennyloafers and no socks. (to a tune) 'We're the hooligans!' (Sound of knocking dustbin over) 'Come here, you fuckers, come here.' 'Nope! Got-to catch us! If you corner me I might become a scalliwag!' ...It doesn't sound scary at all, does it? They have proper crime there. I'd love to put the hooligans up against the Bloods in LA... that would be a short gang battle. (To a tune, again) 'We're the hooligans!' (sound of dustbin knocking over)-- (boom boom boom *gunshots*). '...huh? Hoola-somethin', I didn't catch it all. Mothafucka danced up to me and patted me on the head. Pale mothafucka, look at that thing.' It wouldn't be a long gang battle. I'm bettin' on the Bloods."
 Oh let it linger
Ha! I love Bill Hicks! I still mourn the loss. You know he's so much more popular in the UK than he is here in the states. |
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/14/2005 : 07:15:06
quote:
Originally posted by Stuart
Snobs, thats the one.... fuck, I have been in some right states in that place. They used to play Pixies there, I can remember drunkenly going crazy on the dancefloor to Debaser.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate!
I have vague memories of drunkenly dancing in circles at at chucking out time to it's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)
urgh, wednesdays would be flapper and firkin then snobs then saturdays would be flapper then the sanctuary down digbeth way.
aaah to be young again :P
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| Stuart |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 20:43:10
quote:
Originally posted by starmekitten
I think the accent is what gets most people.
How can I explain this.
ool-roit babs? h-owa yam doooin?
would be, hello how are you?
Ar, Orm ool-raigh ta babs, y-owa up to urny-thin'?
would be, I'm fine thank you, what are doing now?
Orm gow-inna get the buzz how-um n-owa
would be, I'm going to catch the bus home now
ool-roigh babs, Ar'll catch y-ow later, tar-ra
would be, Ok, I'll see you later, bye!
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics
There is that thing isn't there where if you say 'Kipper Tie' then you sound like a brummie asking someone if they want a cup of tea.
At least Brummies don't refer to people as 'duck.' I remember nearly chinning a guy in a news agency in Nottingham. When he handed me back my change he said 'Thanks Duck.' I was young, a student at the Uni and had a temper at the time. I actually asked the guy if he was taking the piss... and then felt well embarrased when he told me that it was just a term that Nottingham folk use. I felt like a right prick!
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| Stuart |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 20:39:02
quote:
Originally posted by starmekitten
quote:
There was an indie club we often used to frequent, in the city centre next to a greek restaurant, but I forget the name... that was always a good laugh.
Snobs! with the faces in the wall and on wednesday nights it was 50p a vodka!
ugh memories
Snobs, thats the one.... fuck, I have been in some right states in that place. They used to play Pixies there, I can remember drunkenly going crazy on the dancefloor to Debaser.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 19:50:20
Funniest thing I've read in forever.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| PixieSteve |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 19:42:55
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
football hooligans, isn't that what you guys call them?
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
reminds me of Bill Hicks
"So I'm over there in England, you know, trying to get news about the riots... and all these Brit people are trying to sympathize with me... 'Oh Bill, crime is horrible. Bill, if it's any conselation crime is horrible here, too.' ...Shutup. This is Hobbitown and I am Bilbo Hicks, Okay? This is a land of fairies and elves. You do not have crime like we have crime, but I appreciate you trying to be you know, Diplomatic. You gotta see English crime. It's hilarious, you don't know if you're reading the front page or the comic section over there. I swear to God. I read an article front page of the paper one day, in England, 'Yesterday, some Hooligans knocked over a dustbin in Shafsbry.' ...Wooooo. 'The hooligans are loose! The hooligans are loose! ...What if they become roughians? I would hate to be a dustbin in Shafsbry tonight. (to the tune of "Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who) No one knows what it's like... to be a dustbin... in Shafsbry... with hooligans...' What the HELL are you talkin' about? Hooligans? Roughians? Speak English! It's Crypt, Blood. I mean, I'm sure it's a serious thing, Hooligans, but it just sounds stupid, doesn't it? I picture a bunch of pale guys with pennyloafers and no socks. (to a tune) 'We're the hooligans!' (Sound of knocking dustbin over) 'Come here, you fuckers, come here.' 'Nope! Got-to catch us! If you corner me I might become a scalliwag!' ...It doesn't sound scary at all, does it? They have proper crime there. I'd love to put the hooligans up against the Bloods in LA... that would be a short gang battle. (To a tune, again) 'We're the hooligans!' (sound of dustbin knocking over)-- (boom boom boom *gunshots*). '...huh? Hoola-somethin', I didn't catch it all. Mothafucka danced up to me and patted me on the head. Pale mothafucka, look at that thing.' It wouldn't be a long gang battle. I'm bettin' on the Bloods."
Oh let it linger |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:53:46
That sounds intriguing. Would your feelings be hurt if I asked to go to a pub instead, and maybe see some skinny guys with guitars or, I dunno, football hooligans, isn't that what you guys call them? Can I have punk instead of Victoriana? I wouldn't fit in with the olde village people, what with my combat boots and too much eyeliner.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:51:36
it's an honest to goodness turn of the century living museum K! it oozes Victorion pomp and grime, you can change your money into shillings and thruppeny bits, there are olde style houses and people in costumes and a fair to go on, and the narrow boats under the tunnell where you have to push it along yourself using your legs and the tunnel walls and olde sweet shops, there's trams and big ole horses, it's ten kinds of cool.
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:46:52
Gosh that so clashes with my cliche idea of England - pubs and football and all that punk stuff.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:44:22
Kathryn, you would *love* this place: http://www.bclm.co.uk/
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:42:11
Why, Tre!
*bats eyelashes*
I just didn't understand the Led Zeppelin reference in your post.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:39:11
Howard the Halifax man is nothing to do with Birmingham, I suspect he's more of a Dudley boy.
And to answer your unasked question Kathryn:
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:34:00
quote:
Originally posted by Broken Face
i love new jersey. its in unfairly based constantly. i live in a nice neighborhood with a few nice places to eat and some nice people. we all don't live in elizabeth!
-Brian
To quote Tupac: "Oakland in the house!"
I'm not even touching Tre's post. No sirree.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| PixieSteve |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:32:21
this man is the reason why birmingham should be burnt to the ground
Oh let it linger |
| Broken Face |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:31:46
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
quote:
Originally posted by Broken Face
So basically Birmingham is the New Jersey of England
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
Now that's a low blow!
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
was not! i love new jersey. its in unfairly based constantly. i live in a nice neighborhood with a few nice places to eat and some nice people. we all don't live in elizabeth!
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:31:28
Stoke on Trent dear
tar-ra is goodbye, it just is.
It's Birmingham! who knows why we do anything, I went to a black country dinner
party when I lived back in the midlands, a delightful meal of faggots, chips and peas
were ace.
and we do the *best* Indian food
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:25:28
Bye is tar-ra?
How can that be?
My friend Paul's from something on trent? Stoke on something? Anyway, I cannot understand half of what he says.
The other day he actually had to spell the word "customer" for me.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:21:51
I think the accent is what gets most people.
How can I explain this.
ool-roit babs? h-owa yam doooin?
would be, hello how are you?
Ar, Orm ool-raigh ta babs, y-owa up to urny-thin'?
would be, I'm fine thank you, what are doing now?
Orm gow-inna get the buzz how-um n-owa
would be, I'm going to catch the bus home now
ool-roigh babs, Ar'll catch y-ow later, tar-ra
would be, Ok, I'll see you later, bye!
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| kathryn |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:15:12
quote:
Originally posted by Broken Face
So basically Birmingham is the New Jersey of England
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
Now that's a low blow!
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| Broken Face |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:07:25
quote:
Originally posted by starmekitten
Now Birmingham, England may not mean much to many of you overseas people. To those who are Brits, they view Birmingham as a bit of a practical joke, even though I would put money on it that 90% of them have never even visited, and of the 10% who have, Monkey doesn't count because Digbeth coach station does not constitute a trip to Brimingham.
So basically Birmingham is the New Jersey of England
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
|
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:02:48
quote:
There was an indie club we often used to frequent, in the city centre next to a greek restaurant, but I forget the name... that was always a good laugh.
Snobs! with the faces in the wall and on wednesday nights it was 50p a vodka!
ugh memories
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| Stuart |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 18:00:22
quote:
Originally posted by Llamadance
I think I've been through Birmingham, which some may say is the best way ;) Does Bromsgrove count? I went to a party there once and dressed up in a brown suede skirt.
________________________________________________________________________________
No power in the 'verse can stop me
Is that the fashion up in Scotland?
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| Stuart |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 17:58:23
I used to live on Hubert Road... it's a great area to live, loads of bars, loads of Indians and loads of Kebab shops. I'd kill for a kebab, tikka donner mix in Nan bread with lashings of Chilli and garlic sauce.
You never know Starmekitten, maybe we rubbed shoulders unknowingly a few times. Was never really much of a fan of the Pear, too many townies... OVT was right next to my friends house so we'd stop there often for a few hours in the evening and then head to the Gun Barrels to chat up the student totty. That was back in 1999.... my friend is now living over here with me, and before he came out he went for a piss up along Bristol road and said that the Gun is now packed with student kids. Always liked the place though.
There was an indie club we often used to frequent, in the city centre next to a greek restaurant, but I forget the name... that was always a good laugh.
I love Birmingham, except its arsehole, which is known as Digbeth bus station.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| starmekitten |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 08:47:54
I lived in Northfield for a spell just up from Selly Oak, used to frequent the Bristol Pear a lot, and the OVT for a cheap night out. Only once went to the Gun though, too many students, eurgh
You begin saving the world by saving one person at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics |
| Stuart |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 08:39:40
I lived in Birmingham for a year, and really liked the city and local people (despite its reputation for being crap and spawning a region of simpletons with crap accents). Used to live in Selly Oak, which near enough the same place where that clocktower pic was. Used to drink at the Bristol Pear, OVT, and the Gun barrels and then nip to the Chamon indian at closing time.
Birmingham was a great year to remember... fantastic place!
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| fbc |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 07:29:13
quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
I must actually bother to visit it one day. Whether or not that will actually happen is another matter.
i was there last night.
when you go, if you go, let me know and we'll hook up. you can give me that mix cd. |
| VoVat |
Posted - 08/13/2005 : 07:17:20
I thought a Brummie was when you stick your face in a chick's boobs. :P
I was all out of luck, like a duck that died. I was all out of juice, like a moose denied. |
| Homers_pet_monkey |
Posted - 07/25/2005 : 08:07:43
I must actually bother to visit it one day. Whether or not that will actually happen is another matter.
Don't believe the type!
|
| Carl |
Posted - 07/18/2005 : 07:35:39
They should spice it up and have Ozzy driving around in him! :D |
| misleadtheworld |
Posted - 07/18/2005 : 07:28:39
The only thing I've ever liked about Birmingham was the old version of the programme 'Brum' with the little car. They recently did an updated series which was, frankly, awful. The old old version was much better.
 |
| bazza |
Posted - 07/18/2005 : 06:35:28
or limerick |
|
|
