Best Of

Afternoon all.

Grim stuff coming out about the 17-year old Farage. Waiting to find black and Asian pupils alone to intimidate them, regular antisemitic bullying, and Nazi salutes. Not a mild issue, whether 17 years old or not.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2025/nov/18/deeply-shocking-nigel-farage-faces-fresh-claims-of-racism-and-antisemitism-at-school

17 is legally a child and is also considered one under the UNHRC.

Unpleasant for sure. Reprehensible certainly. We do not know if it is true or not, of course, it is just an allegation.

Most of us do stupid things when young.

Many of us (most ?) acknowledge the stupid things, and change.

Clearly we can't know for sure who is telling the truth - but denial to the extent you're accusing half a dozen contemporaries of lying about their recollections of you, is rather more unusual.

If Farage was a horrible kid it would be no surprise and not especially relevant. The fact he can't own up to it, express remorse, show growth, absolutely is relevant because it tells us something about his current views and his character.
When I was at primary school racism was everywhere and there were real racial tensions. To my shame I once racially abused an Asian kid. I was about 9, the word just came out of my mouth without thinking. It's probably the thing I'm most ashamed of. Not least as I'm married to an Asian woman and have three mixed race children.
If Farage was a card carrying racist at secondary school and can't admit to it now or show any remorse it is a massive red flag.

WTF ?

Nearly half of sexually active young people in UK have experienced strangulation, study shows
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/18/sexually-active-young-people-uk-choking-strangulation-sex

Not half of young people but a very significant proportion of young women. Women - the word which no-one wants to use in case it makes men feel bad even though its use would be factually accurate.

And what's with the WTF anyway.

If men had listened to what women, including those pesky feminists, have been saying for some time they would know that -
(a) this has been going on for a while
(b) it is largely fuelled by porn
(c) some sex education in schools has emphasised the importance of getting consent before seeking to choke someone during sex, which rather misses the point I feel. There is no safe way of choking someone. It is associated with a range of health risks. A lot of women do not like it but feel they ought to go along with it.
(d) Non-fatal strangulation or choking has been a criminal offence since 2022.
(e) Strangulation is the second most common method of killing women by men.
(f) It has been announced this month that pornography showing strangulation is to become a criminal offence with tech companies placed under an obligation to prevent users accessing such material.

A story that TSE will fully understand

https://www.londoncentric.media/p/london-phone-thieves-prefer-android-iphone-l

Even muggers don’t want Samsung phones

Apple is the best.

Last week I was in London for a few days again, I had my iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB in Cosmic Orange out on public display whilst wearing an expensive watch and I wasn’t mugged, again.

Crazy day in London yesterday. I wasn't mugged. I wasn't subject to Sharia Law. I somehow avoided all the no go areas for white prople. All this despite the absence of protective flags on lampposts. Insane!

Ditto. Trip to Islington and Highgate. Meal out then went to see Dea Matrona at The Garage. I was at Activate at the O2 the previous week and walked to the Southbank for dinner and the week before that I visited my son in Tottenham. Helping him move from Cambridge. Still got my wallet and phone. Shockingly disappointing.

My wife and I celebrated our 50th birthdays on Saturday with a big party in New Cross. We walked home around 3.30am without incident, although one guy in a passing BMW did note the "50" helium balloons I was carrying back from the venue and was inspired to shout "old c*nt" at me. In SE London the c word is largely used with affection, though.

Many happy returns.

I am running in 2026 but with a delayed start to campaigning to get my head into a better place. 2025 has been horrible, hoping for more fun and less grief in 2026.

Anyway, Movember update! I'm up to £707 raised still with 40% or so of the month left. That's a real positive!

Tache is already bristly, and I have more to grow. Might need beard oil or something to try and condition it as this is getting silly already.

Whats next? I am giving myself 2 full weeks fully off over Christmas. Grow a beard maybe...

Good morning

I am so sorry you have had a horrible 2025 and with a couple of members of our family suffered mental health issues I know it is important you do not overcommit and have lots of 'me' time

Hopefully you can enjoy your Christmas holiday and look forward to a much better 2026

Good morning everyone.

Our Tesla correspondent's report rant about the 3p per mile tax for EVs.

Nice objective report on the Telegraph. Essentially "This is from the Telegraph, so half of it may be bollocks."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-Fv39zGyAc

No no, it was a rant. And a bit clickbaity. Successfully so.

Provoked the desired response from the kind of people who are reading the Telegraph/Mail and watching GBeebies/TalkTory and are OUTRAGED that Tesco have banned Christmas trees.

I am depressed at the moment. But having good fun calling out performative wazzockry.

Also check out Emergency Podcast where we tore into "British Culture" and I unveiled my war against wazzocks
https://youtu.be/VkvpriRHc8s

Sorry to hear you're feeling shitty - my commiserations.