"Funnies" 

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Flounder Tramping

Where does t take place? Dalbeatie, Dunfries.

What is it? Competitors wander across the estuary of the River Urr and attempt to catch Flounders - small edible flatfish - by trapping them with their bare feet

When does this happen? July every year

What's the history? Tramping is an ancient form of fishing, practised for centuries by the Dalbeattie community.  The current competition arises from a wager between two local residents.

How dangerous is this?  Experts have been known to stab themselves in the foot with a traditional spear,  known as leisters, which they use to retrieve their trapped prey.

Radio conversation

     This is the transcript of an actual radio conversation
     of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of
     Newfoundland in Oct. 95. 

*********************************************************
Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations,
10-10-95. Transcript declassified 21-05-96. Frequency classified.
*********************************************************

 ship 1:  Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a
       collision.

 ship 2:  Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid
       a collision.

 ship 1:  This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR
       course.

 ship 2:  No. I say again, suggest you divert YOUR course.

 ship 1.  THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS MISSOURI, WE ARE A LARGE WARSHIP
       OF THE US NAVY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW!

 ship 2.  This is a Canadian lighthouse. Your call.