#1 C: 'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker!
'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies!
'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig!
'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!!
THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!
(pause)
O: Well, I'd better replace it, then.
(he takes a quick peek behind the counter)
O: Sorry squire, I've had a look 'round the back of the shop, and uh, we're right out of parrots.
C: I see. I see, I get the picture. |
Downing Street has confirmed the UK has put on ice plans for a referendum next spring on the European constitution. It comes after "No" votes in France and the Netherlands which analysts said had effectively killed the treaty. Tony Blair's spokesman said: "We are in uncertain times and we do not proceed until we have got certainty." French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are urging other members, including the UK, to continue the ratification process. EU leaders are preparing for a summit next week to discuss how to proceed.