Andy Mcnab
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So are you gonna post what we miss here or are you just
throwing in other "clues" I'm lousy (or lazy) with puzzles..
>>By Lynn (Saturday, 19 Jul 2003 21:53)
Buddy, though I always wanted to be like Krystle I do believe there’s more Alexis in me…
Well, so be it. Who has ever heard of Krystle these days.. while Joan….
Re: AIB- Had not seen those websites before! How'd you find them?
You know I can’t tell you AIB, you are much more worth alive :o)
Lethe:
Re: I'm neglecting my other groups for this one
You have good taste – must be to do with the country haha..
Re: I am not too fond of our Big Brother in the west.
As long as you like our Fellow Posters from the west… ;-)
>>By Lynn (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 02:05)
Ook zo laat nog op?
Of course, all Dutch peopel have good taste, just as much as all Americans are sentimental ;)
No, I've got some American chat-friends, and I like them and my fellow-posters.
>>By Lethe (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 02:09)
If we all gather at MG's house we could invite our guest speaker:
Motivational Speakers UK- the leading UK Speaker Agency...
You can choose from the finest Motivational Speakers, After Dinner Speakers, Celebrity Guest Speakers and inspirational Keynote Business Speakers - as well as comedians, hosts and presenters guaranteed to make your conference, awards ceremony, lunch or dinner a success.
ANDY MCNAB ... SAS HERO AND AUTHOR. COMMANDER OF BRAVO TWO ZERO IN THE GULF WAR.
>>By Lynn (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 12:29)
Well, that scared 'em all off, Lynn...
To be fair though, for a lot of people, fallout and fallguys from spies to moles and government intrigue, is to say we're all a bit preoccupied at the moment in the UK!! Not to mention the ongoing NI inquiry - a lot of intelligence officers holding their breath and praying for sudden death of certain persons likely to give evidence...
Did anyone see "Spooks" the other night, or "Ultimate Force"...Both dramas were so close to present/past issues - history repeating faster than Alka Seltzer!!!
>>By buddy (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 19:01)
Oh no, no, Buddy -- not scared off at all! Just very busy concentrating on composing the perfect letter of invitation! LOL!!! ;o)
>>By am-i-binned (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 19:09)
If it was down to me I'd just state a time, date, and how to dress, and to RSVP immediately...
SAS trained men respond better (eager beavers) as though it's a special op, though I don't doubt all the girls here would make it a day/night to remember!!
SPEECHLESS/gob-smacked - ha, ha...
>>By buddy (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 20:11)
Ooooh, Buddy, you have to know you've got me and my risqué imagination grinning like crazy right now!
>>By am-i-binned (Sunday, 20 Jul 2003 20:35)
i've read all of andy mcnab's books except "liberation day" at least three times a piece, and have looked in vain for mcnab discussion until now. while i went back and read some of the old posts here, 60 pages was a bit much so if i'm asking a question that's been asked forgive me. What is the best picture of mcnab you've been able to find (i.e., with more of his features revealed), and, does he still live in Hereford?
>>By fart_critic (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 00:23)
You know me, Am-I-Binned: Do it, you only live one lifetime. "I do if you do, strategy."
Hey, fart_critic: (60 pages of our vital info is too much to handle) How do you manage to get through an AM book? Don't you like real-life cyber action/literary battles/rows/punch ups, etc.?
What's with pic query and locale ID - Does it matter?
>>By buddy (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 10:25)
Here are the W's for you Fart_critic
Which unrevealed pictures have you seen ?
Why haven't you read Liberation Day yet?
What's your favorite book?
>>By Lynn (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 12:22)
Well Lynn I've got my Gucci dress on, so when is it going to be? I'll bring the booze and some food aswell, ok?
>>By borisette (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 13:03)
Sorry to dampen your party spirit, borisette, but I don't think, in all honesty, that a Gucci frock "alone" would impress AM as much as what was standing inside it...
Anyhow, to more serious things: The subject of ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) "electric shock" came up off board, but I think it relevant to SAS related PTSD/PTSS (Post Traumatic Stress Syndome) - suffered by many SAS men post severe battle/torture situations:
This particular method of easing distress of PTSS, is in my mind (and that of many NHS Neuro Rehab personnel) barbaric in the 21st century.
To carry out ECT a patient is anaethetized and electrodes are placed on each temple. An electric shock is then passed through these electrodes for about half a second, causing a brief convulsion. The convulsion is considered essential for treatment to be effective. (effective in patients who suffer from Epilepsy, but PTSS, psychiatric problems?). Typically, the procedure for ETC, is to repeat 1-3 times a week for up to a month.
The Poet Sylvia Plath, who eventually "committed suicide" (?), described the effect of ETC as being like having a bell jar lifted from her head. Indeed, the effect must have been completely transforming because her tortured quasi-autobiography was titled "The Bell Jar", this remark from a person who suffered mental problems all her life.
Now, let's take a look at ourselves from Susan Greenfield's (emminent scientist - Neuro/Brain research) perspective: The Feinnes family had lived in the same stately home for almost 700 yrs. AS Susan Greenfield walked along the portrait gallery, the similiarity between each generation immortalised on canvas, was striking. But she could tell very little about what kind of people they were, about how the "unique experiences" of "each individual", and the "pressures and prejudices" of their particular era, had shaped their minds. The lords and ladies of that ancient family, like all of us, were a product of the "genes" they were born with and the "environment" in which they lived.
Initially, a gene was a hypothetical entity that seemed to be required in order to explain how simple traits, such as colour could be passed from one generation of sweet peas to the next, in humans we see variations/distinctive eye colour/hair/skin tones. By the end of the 19th century these hypothetical instructions were suspected of lurking in the nucleus - the central part of the cell - and perhaps within chromosomes. In humans there are 46 long strands (23 from each parent), but this figure is neither uniform across different life forms nor indicative of the prowess that might eventually be passed to the next generation.
I could go into a whole load of medical and scientific jargon about genes/DNA, but suffice to say, the human brain is a complex structure evolved through "man" (seed subject to hereditary factors) to fertilise a female egg and to be nurtured in the womb of recipient, (her mental/physical DNA/experiences/temperament/senses, all influential on the foetus ie; smoker/drinker/drug taker etc., during gestation can be detrimental health wise) and we all know certain aspects of genes can skip one or two generations (throwbacks to unusual eye/hair/skin colour.
But, and here's the fun bit: "animal" brains - it is a known that fragments of "memory genes" are also passed on ie; instinctive (sensory perception) animal fear of predators, even before a parent indicates "danger" by immediately taking flight or adopting defensive stance of protecting the newly born who will naturally follow or hide behind its parent.
Now for another intriguing look at genes/DNA, and for those who will pooh pooh anything they don't understand/comprehend, the next item will be disregarded as rubbish despite emminent scientists thinking otherwise though unable/unwilling (at present) to prove evidence that if instinct is passed on through genes, then it is likely that fragments of "memory" could pass from one generation to another through neuro gene patterns...Hence bizarre instances of deja vu, plus recognising someone never met before, something never seen before but familiar, and places never been to before yet knowing it to the extent you know your way around it without a guide/map...
Back to ECT: There is proof that it helps prevent/control Epilepsy!
But, is ECT a solution to depression/madness bearing in mind Sylvia Plath and instances of other celebrity suicides, despite many saying it did wonders for them (short-term)?
Can ECT be justified as a solution for battle stressed/military brainwashed/traumatised soldiers? After all, wouldn't we be horrified to hear that a traumatised rape victim had been given ECT to assist in mental rehabilitation (return to normality)?
If brain and body can be "trained" the brain constantly on a natural learning curve (adapting/collating information/memories) then it can't be untrained by ECT (which causes instantaneous short-term memory loss per session, like the journey time to hospital/clinic) because the longer-term memories are still there and can/will be switched on by keyed in data, even for some people who have suffered serious/minor head injuries (brain injured/uncsious/coma patients)
There is a practical therapy whereby a patient/client is taught/trained to respond to pleasure/pleasurable pursuits for utilising as therapy in times of distress = sensory memories...Too complicated to explain, because of individual requirements but is has proven to be very successful because the client/patient inputs at their own pace "no questions asked" and "no words put into their mouths".
What do you think about ECT?
AM says he escaped mentally unscarred from his experiences in Iraq/other SAS duties - he's not lying as such, he's just avoiding discussion on the subject. He may have come to terms with his experiences, may be able to cope with nightmares in his own way, bearing in mind there will always be aspects of his life that he may never feel able to tell another soul about, least of all a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
>>By buddy (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 15:24)
What's that in English Buddy?
>>By Lynn (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 15:32)
Sorry Buddy, I'll print it out and and read, but it might take a couple of days before my mind comprehends it all.
Borisette looks absolutely stunning in her Gucci by the way..
that won't be the problem. Only problem I can see with this invite Andy not being able to handle the stunningness of these lovely board ladies all together. It might take ECT to bring him back on this planet.
>>By Lynn (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 15:43)
Buddy
Without wanting to sound creepy, I like your postings you make me think. Since you brought up ECT and (tenuous link here!) genes here's my two pence worth. I think the SAS is one of the best examples of biology and particularly genetics there is. That might sound weird, but humour me! Our basic instincts are survival and reproduction, without any exceptions. The SAS selection process is a man-made example of natural selection - weeding out the weakest soldiers. By the end of selection you should have gained men who are not just physically superior (stamina, not just brute force), but mentally tougher than your average man. Hope you're still agreeing with me. Their instincts for self-preservation and survival would far outweigh us humble civilians. But, they are still human and humans are emotional (although some far less than others!), everyone of them will be affected by death but to varying degrees. That again, is probably an instinct acquired from our genes, it is proven that several people in a traumatic situation will all react differently and be able to cope with what happened differently. And this is probably where my point is leading. The regiment seem to hope they have selected men that will be able to handle anything or any situation, the thought of anyone of them being led by their emotions seems to go against the regiment's thinking. Of course I'm an outsider I may be wrong - am I?
My second and last point (I promise). Why are we so fascinated with them? Well for women anyway it brings our instinct of reproduction into play. Unconsciously every woman (straight anyway) selects a man that will have the greatest chance of providing healthy children and protecting them. Every SAS soldier is our ideal (physically) mate, strong, tough, a good protector and since the best indicator to our health is shown in our body shape, their physical appearance says it all.
Interested to know if any of you agree, at least this post will keep my boss happy - it contains some science ha ha. Apologies I won't mention science again. Enjoy!!!
>>By Bethan (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 17:08)
Absolutely correct, Bethan: last 5 lines 1st Paragraph...
Problem with post PTSD/PTSS, it can interfere with sexual performance (not that unusual in any occurrance of severe stress), and although women see the natural selection process (sexual/reproduction attraction) as is, sometimes (quite often), those from elite forces need an extra buzz factor way beyond the norm!!!
Desensitised (all aspects) is how several SAS men have described themselves:
"vanilla sex" = a cup of tea...
"fetish/kinky" = " chocolate bar...
"airing on the edge sex" = adrenaline shot!
Many agreed:
"freefall parachuting was better than a one-night-stand...
It can take time and patience for men like that to regain a sense of emotional well-being - love with sex, love with friendship, their mind-set brainwashed to be as indifferent as possible toward any emotion that might imply weakness of character: killing machines...
>>By buddy (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 19:10)
I do sincerely apologise for spelling mistakes & typos in previous piece, but everything written todayhas been done in a hurry whilst connected to board...
>>By buddy (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 19:12)
OOh thanks lynn for the compliment, but then I always look great now don't I. (vbg)!
Now to serious business : as Buddy brought up the subject about ECT. Not only is it used for epilepsy therapy but also in schizofrenia, paranoia and depression cases. Usually these cases respond very difficult to normal pharmacological treatment, and are accompanied by other therapies wich one can be the ETC. I personally don't think it should be used with patients who have suffered the PTSD. But then each and one of us are not the same and we don't respond in the same way to whatever trauma we have gone through. PTSD falls into 3 cattegories :
intrusion = memoires of the trauma occur unexpectadly (flashbacks) they can be accompanied by painfull emotions that can take ocer the victim's attention.
avoidance = these simptoms affect relationships with others, the person often avoids close emotional ties with the family, colleagues and friends. This can lead to depression wich is a result of a of the inability to resolve painfull feelings. People feel guilty because they survived a disaster while others did not ( friends or relatives)
hyperarousal =patients get explosive and suddenly irritable even when they are not provoked, they can have trouble concentrating and remembering current info, they can have terrifying nightmares and have insomnia.
These people are all at risk for suicide acts.
Therapy : behavior therapy,psychodinamic psychotherapy, family therapy, discussion gruops and medication.
-so before trying the ETC I should try one of these before. The most important thing is I think to find someone that listens too you, not only the psicholigist or psichiatrist, just anyone even an old friend. These trauma's if these men don't let their feelings out, in time being can lead to psichosomatic pains. Cysts of energy are created into our body wich have to be liberated. But I won't go into that for now.
>>By borisette (Monday, 21 Jul 2003 21:46)
I can see why you mentioned Schizophrenia etc, , and we could explore the deepest annals of the brains' structure and discuss "neurons" (100 billion per brain) even the function and how some apparently grow more than others, then there's the "cortex", the growth of "new dendrites", we could progress to talk about neuron "transmitters", genes for coding or ones that affect the cell's shape and connections, how "calcium" can trigger changes, and how LTP (long-term potentiates) function, then there's LGN (lateral geniculate nucleous) and the functionality of A (large cell) and B ( small cell) on visual capacity/malfunction, and how a damaged V4 area causes colour-blindness, and more so much more, including phrenology!
But, and it's a big but, none of that helps to explain (for the unenlightened) why PTSD/PTSS can range across the board: from shock-horror for a child witnessing a blood-curdling or hard-core porno movie scene (yes it happens, and forever haunts them) plus inevitable withdrawal symptoms same as that of child molested by adult or that of child witness to brutal/accidental death of loved one, and as for severe trauma in adults, well, society in general expects adults to cope/pick themselves up, and get on with life, same as MoD docs, and if a soldier doesn't do just that after assessment/time out for "kick start" on ECT, he's binned.
--------
Now to hilarious research on Orion publishers, re Dean Francis and others trying to get published:
I sent 2 sets of chapters from 2 SAS books "previously published a few years ago", (changed Titles, lead character gender/names/places etc., in standard recognised format of double spaced lines/wide margins for publisher submission) and dispatched as potential books each with synopsis to Orion.
The reply from Kelly Falconer, ROFL:
Thank you for submitting Grey Lady and Grey Waters. Unfortunately, however, we do not think these would be suitable for the Orion List. Sorry that we cannot be more positive and good luck with the placement of your work elsewhere.
I would suggest that you obtain a copy of the WRITERS' AND ARTISTS' YEARBOOK, which lists other publishers and agents who might be better placed to give you advice and to help you understand the publishing industry. The manual is filled with information for both new and experienced authors and we use it here quite often ourselves (our many dog-eared copies will attest to the truth of this).
signed Kelly Falconer.
-------
If you knew how much her comment... "The manual is filled with information for both new and experienced authors and "we" use it here quite often ourselves (our many dog-eared copies will attest to the truth of this)."... had us laughing at this end... oh God, hey, the editorial staff don't understand the publishing industry themselves so what in the hell is a new or published writer (or reader for that matter) supposed to make of a comment like that? Bloody fool comes readily to mind for stating the obvious - as we at Gnod musingly know from watching and exchanging views on Transworld doings (past posts) ...
As I didn't even send return postage for sample chaps, (told them to shred) but included small SAE for reply...Lo and behold the lot was returned as pristine as sent including wrap-around paper sheaths. I doubt if other material was successful but one can live in hope of success for any of the great unpublished, but what is more likely is that somebody else' sample stuff didn't make it back to source: yet another indication of publishing house incompetance...
Did anyone here, know that the new CEO of W.H.Smith (a few years back ) merged WHS with Hodder Headline (publisher)? The fact that he was - prior to his term at WHS - an incompetant CEO of several failed companies and about to take a golden-handshake on quitting WHS to go wreck another company, he leaves WHS & HH floundering in debt for millions, the publishing enterprise having dragged WHS almost to the floor. I would imagine, his time at WHS saw HH books on high profile status compared to other publisher names, yes/no? So what does that say about high street bookstores vs Internet bookstores, and old style publisher advertising methodology?
>>By buddy (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 11:17)
Question...
Why does Andy McNab and Chris Ryan (and other SAS operatives) always refer that 'South East Asia' country as Malaya?
In 1960's Malaya had been renamed as Malaysia (ever heard of it?) when Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah (both in the Borneo) and Singapore (Yes... Singapore!) joint in to form a federation named... Malaysia...
>>By Marc (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 11:28)
Have you guys (and gals) read an autobiography by an
ex-Special Boat Service bloke by the name Duncan Falconer?
It's... First Into Action...
I love to read stuff about Brits Special Forces... There's 1001 books regarding the famed Special Air Service... But almost none for their 'rival' , the SBS.
It's a great book... hope there's more to come!
>>By . (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 11:50)
Here's two other sites I had not seen before. Second has a nice gallery with pictures that were new to me too.
http://home.arcor-online.de/minicocker/SASMAIN.htm
http://sasrogues.bravepages.com/home.html
Wished I could answer you Marc and .
Bet there are others who can though..
>>By Lynn (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 12:05)
I like reading this site but I'm confused about one thing - and it seems that buddy maybe the best person to answer?
Many years ago, the government etc etc used to deny any correspondance regarding members of the reg (ex or serving) and therefore it was impossible to authenticate any 'SAS mans' story.
How do we know that McNab and Ryan were actually serving at the time and do the government now confirm ex-members of the reg? A simple psydeum isn't exactly a national security measure?
>>By Confused (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 12:22)
Working 24/7 is no fun.............anyway
buddy........Spooks/Ultimate Force
Wouldn't you just love the two to combine in a TV movie? The Spooks doing the intelligence shit for an hour and then the boys going in for the last hour? I'm sure between us, me and you could come up with a decent script!
>>By Sheba (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 12:32)
Sorry, meant first (not second) site has pictures I had not seen before.
>>By Lynn (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 12:46)
We have talked about the non-disclosure contract SAS men have to sign to prevend them from writing their stories but I didn't realise it goes beyond writing stories as I read in an article in the Observer (Aug.'02)
It says the SAS "is preparing to wage a guerrilla war against Whitehall civil servants who want to control where veterans of the regiment work when they leave the Army "
and the MoD wants to "effectively end their chance of cashing in when they leave the Army ".
It seems to me these are two different things. The way I read it
they say that it's a policy to stop ex-SAS men disclosing techniques too widely and thus compromising the unit's fighting capacity. Ok, that may sound fair but imagine they also
" cash in " Villainous !!! I suppose the MoD work for minimum wages????
What would they suggest these men do after serving in the SAS?? Teach at kindergarten? Well, if you think training can't start soon enough... ;-)
>>By Lynn (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 13:26)
Marc, are you, by any chance, from Malaysia? (stupid question) If so do you refer to yourself as a Malaysian, or do the Malaysian peoples still stick to their indigenous roots, (?) ie; Burmese, Malay, Plilippino as do those in the British Isles when they refer to "being" Welsh, Scottish, English.
McNab and others mean no disrespect in refs to Malaya and jungle activities, (Malaysia Peninsular) and you are right to point out that they should be less discriminating, but maybe it's because they see Sarawak/Sabah as still part and parcel of the larger island of Borneo, it being some 500 miles or so distant across the straits between Singapore and Kuching. Whereas, Brits can look across the English channel and see France...Plus, maybe McNab and others' geographical cognisance is less than average, that when they step out of an aircraft they don't know the difference between the islands of the South China Sea and or that of the islands bordering the Java Sea, nor the lesser named seas of South East Asia!!
Er uhmm, BY.... shhhhh, the SBS prides itself on not telling tales out of school, their being more secretive (less gobby) than their "so-called" big brothers in the SAS!!!! But, LOL, remember there are books out there published as SAS novels written by an SBS man, ha ha...Neat that, don't you think?
Ah, Confused, so be I...No, no, seriously, there are ex members of the Special Forces (Para/SAS/Marine Commandos and their activities - particularly in Malaya/Borneo ((as known post WWII/ fifties era)) whose records have been scrubbed, some military records showing no covert ops...Maybe that has something to do with things (?) that happened out their at the behest of senior officers/civil servants.
Ah, Sheba, that you and I could complete/compliment our hearts desire!! Ooooh, yeah, and wouldn't we have fun with Spooks and Ultimate Force each giving the other the run-around, to such an extent they wouldn't know whose cling film wrap they've picked up (in the dark), and the Yank (in it to tempt US viewers) gets pinned down by hardman Henno while her Stiff-upper lip MI5 jerk of a boyfriend screams:
"You can't do that"...
Henno: "Oh Yes I Can"...(smirks)
MI5 jerk: "Oh no you can't" (frowns)
Yank: "Do something." (wriggles a bit)
MI5 jerk: "Like what?"
Henno: "Shut up. I know what I'm doing. Look the other way if you can't bear to watch."
MI5 jerk: " I might learn something."
Yank screams: "You don't care what happens to me?" (frantic expression reminiscent silent movie drama queens)
MI5 jerk: "Not really."
Yank: "Why?"
Henno: "I'm bigger than him, in every way."
Yank: "Oh really?"
MI5 jerk: "Yes, that's why I'm watching. I don't fancy being beneath him, not with his weaponry primed, aimed, and on target."
Henno: "Wise man."
MI5 jerk: "I could try the He's behind you, but I don't think you'd fall for that line."
Henno: "This is no bleeding pantomime, pin-head."
Yank: "Waht does pin-head mean."
Henno: "Opposite to Dick-head."
MI5 jerk: "Say no more."
After all, both series have their pantomime giggle factor!!!!
Whoopy: Last Light & Liberation Day on my desk, plus Robert Ludlums last Solo novel "The Jansen Directive", plus Gerald Seymours's "Traitors Kiss" & Chris Ryan's "Land of Fire".
Oh gee, which one, which one to read first?????
>>By buddy (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 14:22)
Ah Lynn, it's all to do with independent security firms providing speciality courses for celebs/bodyguards, foreign royals & dignatories, plus foreign embassy staff (etc) who are not likely (innocent) victims of abduction = more inclined to murderous intent etc...
Courses provided by security agencies and run by ex special forces are inevitably going to provide vital info on "How to SAS style."
What the MoD want is for ex special forces men to go away and get a "proper job" = white van drivers who drive like there's no tomorrow and spend their time intimindating other drivers, then of course there's the police force/fire service, and any other job so long as they keep their mouths shut...Meantime, officers & gentlemen slip into nice cosy city jobs with nice big cars and vast golden handshakes, or they retire to vast tracks of land and play at being farmers, those who weren't born with silver spoons in their mouths.
>>By buddy (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 14:38)
It's a pity that Ross Kemps very realistic facial expressions can't be posted here. All those who don't watch Ultimate Force you miss one of the best comedies on tv. And also one of the most gorgeous people in Jamie Draven (pity about the accent!). Maybe a little ETC therapy would make Ross a little less Grant Mitchell in combats (many apologies to those who don't watch or have never watched EastEnders, although it does seem to be everywhere). Wonder what McNab makes of it...
>>By Bethan (Tuesday, 22 Jul 2003 17:03)
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