Somehow the public has been conned into the idea that Boris Johnson, of Eton is somehow more working class than the son of a toolmaker and a nurse, who worked off his own back to become one of the most powerful and successful lawyers in the UK
Own bat, not back. DPP doesn't mean you are any good as a lawyer. I have despised him ever since he used his position to "raise his profile" by giving a press conference saying he was going to prosecute Trousers Huhne - something which clearly had the potential to prejudice potential jurors. Not as much as I despise Johnson for dropping NZ-R in it, but almost as much
Apologies for the slip and thank you for your correction.
It seems like Starmer is using a position of relative strength (ahead in most polls) to make the Shadow Cabinet more recognisable and more serious.
I think that is very astute: he has quite probably had these changes in mind for months, but thought if he made them while well behind in the polls they'd look like a sign of weakness
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
"Everyone being scared" must be a London thing I think.
It seems like Starmer is using a position of relative strength (ahead in most polls) to make the Shadow Cabinet more recognisable and more serious.
I think that is very astute: he has quite probably had these changes in mind for months, but thought if he made them while well behind in the polls they'd look like a sign of weakness
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
The venue numbers for jabs keeps expanding. At Bedford. I had my 1st jab---one of all three---when there were only two local sites. I had my booster---it was a walk-in job---just around the corner at my local (splendid) pharmacy.
What I am saying is to have a look around. Check out your pharmacies (Boots would have done ours, for instance) Of course maybe you have done. If so then forget I've said anything.
FFS the Christmas Party I got all excited about..... has just been cancelled.
OMICRON
I wonder how much this is happening across the country, and the world. Sad sad sad
Why has it been cancelled due to omnicron? Under what piece of policy or guidance has it been cancelled?
Generalised fear, nothing specific
To quote:
"I am so sorry to say that with news around the new covid variant we have decided not to go ahead with the festivities at the Ivy.
"As much as we would love to, whilst the effects of the new variant are still unclear, we thought it unwise to go ahead."
I guess I can understand their caution. If it turns out Omicron the Wild has a 90% CFR and they kill all their invitees..... but still.
Depressing and bleak
I don't understand their caution at all, unless whoever's organising it is harbouring genuine concerns about being sued if something goes wrong.
I mean honestly - if the world wets itself every time this virus mutates then we might just as well lock ourselves up in our homes, drink ourselves to death and be done with it.
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely. They're not that scared of this thing if their principal response to it consists of useless pieces of floral print cotton or blue paper strapped across people's faces.
Yes, that’s my position, too. And they could at least have asked the invitees our opinion, as happened to TimS
At this rate there won’t be any Xmas parties for the next 30 years, as Covid variants inevitably spring up every November
There'll be christmas parties next year as new variants become "one of those things". Probably an annual profits for big pharma booster campaign too
People genuinely confuse what is fearful at a population level and individual level.
If you're vaccinated, remotely halfway fit and below about 90, there's no need to restrict yourself for anything. The rules like mask wearing are for the population level effect; honestly I think it's a big overreaction for people to cancel heading to christmas parties were they going to do so otherwise. But the Gov't can't mandate them !
Seems a better gig for Nandy. Her northern credentials were wasted on Foreign Affairs.
I cannot see what anyone finds impressive about her. Seems a complete lightweight to me.
She's not a North London hand wringer. So that's a good start.
Is there something in particular that you don't like about north Londoners, or is it just old-fashioned northern prejudice?
I want Labour to be fronted by politicians who can connect with working people up and down the country. Attending dinner parties in Islington where you can demonstrate your wokeness is not the way to achieve this.
Have you ever been to Islington?
Look, I'm using shorthand. This type of wank can occur in other parts of London. And even in other parts of the country.
As King's Cross station is in Islington then yes, I've been there.
You're not really getting the proper Islo vibe at Kings Cross station.
Yes, you even have to pop across to St.Pancras if you want a decent glass of champagne.
JohnO and myself have had several PB Tory lunches at the champagne bar in St Pancras.
Nothing is too good for the working man and their elected representatives.
Is that the one in the south-western corner, which was formerly the ticket offices, with the little carvings of railway locomotives around the top of the wall? Is it recommended?
Searcys, it is on the upper level opposite the Eurostar platforms.
Price wise it is very good and food is enjoyable, it's a great place to while away an afternoon with friends when you don't want the hassle of going to an expensive/busy part of London for food and drinks.
(Although JohnO and myself would recommend the Plum and Spilt Milk restaurant in the Great Northern Hotel.)
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
Undoubtedly you are referring to me there. And you are right - up to a point. I am deeply fearful of restrictions returning, and people cancelling Christmas parties unilaterally doesn’t help. And nor does a normally rational and interesting guy endlessly posting doom porn on the internet.
Yes, you’re one of the people i am referring to, but there are many others. FWIW I do not endlessly post doom porn. I sometimes make dark jokes but you’ll just have to cope with those, because they are the way I cope with my own fears (which certainly exist)
I actually try to be honest and truthful on here, when it comes to serious shit like Covid, and I post good news when I see it (not least, because it cheers me up too).
Trouble is, as soon as Omicron emerged I got a bad feeling, and the news has not really improved much since. It was and is a deeply ominous development. I am praying that the first real hard data dispels the gloom
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
"Everyone being scared" must be a London thing I think.
I’m in London and I haven’t encountered this omnipresent fear yet - although if people start cancelling parties despite there being no guidance to do so, fear will rapidly spread.
Seems a better gig for Nandy. Her northern credentials were wasted on Foreign Affairs.
I cannot see what anyone finds impressive about her. Seems a complete lightweight to me.
She's not a North London hand wringer. So that's a good start.
Is there something in particular that you don't like about north Londoners, or is it just old-fashioned northern prejudice?
I want Labour to be fronted by politicians who can connect with working people up and down the country. Attending dinner parties in Islington where you can demonstrate your wokeness is not the way to achieve this.
Have you ever been to Islington?
Look, I'm using shorthand. This type of wank can occur in other parts of London. And even in other parts of the country.
As King's Cross station is in Islington then yes, I've been there.
You're not really getting the proper Islo vibe at Kings Cross station.
Yes, you even have to pop across to St.Pancras if you want a decent glass of champagne.
JohnO and myself have had several PB Tory lunches at the champagne bar in St Pancras.
Nothing is too good for the working man and their elected representatives.
Is that the one in the south-western corner, which was formerly the ticket offices, with the little carvings of railway locomotives around the top of the wall? Is it recommended?
Searcys, it is on the upper level opposite the Eurostar platforms.
Price wise it is very good and food is enjoyable, it's a great place to while away an afternoon with friends when you don't want the hassle of going to an expensive/busy part of London for food and drinks.
(Although JohnO and myself would recommend the Plum and Spilt Milk restaurant in the Great Northern Hotel.)
Off to London this weekend and staying in Southend. Can anyone recommend any art galleries or arty things that are off the tourist route/obvious? I would like to surprise my artist girlfriend.
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
You should definitely try calling if you want it and can't book it.
Like I said, I haven't got time to be sitting on hold for hours.
Ouch, is it that bad? I'd not feel bad about doing it while at work, and just having the phone on speaker until I hear someone talking.
It seems like Starmer is using a position of relative strength (ahead in most polls) to make the Shadow Cabinet more recognisable and more serious.
He has been rather ruthless over the months, lulling the swivel-eyed into a false sense of security. Of course he may pay for that later.
A chastened Rayner cut a solitary figure today, and didn't she sound like a refugee from the Hacienda club.
She did want to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, which has "non-job" written all over it. Was Roy Hattersley the last one who was really a senior member of the Shadow Cabinet?
Much the same is true for the Conservatives, of course.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
You should definitely try calling if you want it and can't book it.
Like I said, I haven't got time to be sitting on hold for hours.
Ouch, is it that bad? I'd not feel bad about doing it while at work, and just having the phone on speaker until I hear someone talking.
Tricky to do while teaching.
Yeah, but I was under the impression he had an office job.
I've just been accused of making up my mental health problems, quite honestly I was having a very good start to the week after seeing the counsellor and now this has happened
You have our sincere sympathies, but if you abuse and antagonise other commenters, you will eventually get the same back. It’s human nature. Consider refraining from provocative comments and all will be well
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
You should definitely try calling if you want it and can't book it.
Like I said, I haven't got time to be sitting on hold for hours.
Ouch, is it that bad? I'd not feel bad about doing it while at work, and just having the phone on speaker until I hear someone talking.
Tricky to do while teaching.
Yeah, but I was under the impression he had an office job.
He has a very busy and important role, he's a solicitor, there is no spare time when you have to bill clients in six minute intervals.
Off to London this weekend and staying in Southend. Can anyone recommend any art galleries or arty things that are off the tourist route/obvious? I would like to surprise my artist girlfriend.
The John Soane Museum Dulwich Gallery The rehung Courtauld The Saatchi in Chelsea Kenwood House and the art inside - 2 or 3 masterpieces in a tiny collection, in an exquisite house Wander down Dover St and check the private galleries
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
You should definitely try calling if you want it and can't book it.
Like I said, I haven't got time to be sitting on hold for hours.
Ouch, is it that bad? I'd not feel bad about doing it while at work, and just having the phone on speaker until I hear someone talking.
Tricky to do while teaching.
Yeah, but I was under the impression he had an office job.
He has a very busy and important role, he's a solicitor, there is no spare time when you have to bill clients in six minute intervals.
I still can't book a booster jab through the website and I haven't got time to be ringing my GP FFS. I'm 6+ months from my 2nd jab now. What a shambles.
You should definitely try calling if you want it and can't book it.
Like I said, I haven't got time to be sitting on hold for hours.
Ouch, is it that bad? I'd not feel bad about doing it while at work, and just having the phone on speaker until I hear someone talking.
Tricky to do while teaching.
Yeah, but I was under the impression he had an office job.
I too need to contact my doctor, and I keep missing the five second gap between the phones opening at 8:30 and the queue filling up to the point where it will take half an hour to get though, by which time I am taking a register and giving out form notices.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
People genuinely confuse what is fearful at a population level and individual level.
If you're vaccinated, remotely halfway fit and below about 90, there's no need to restrict yourself for anything. The rules like mask wearing are for the population level effect; honestly I think it's a big overreaction for people to cancel heading to christmas parties were they going to do so otherwise. But the Gov't can't mandate them !
It seems highly irrational to me for healthy vaccinated people to send their children to school every day, but not attend a Christmas party.
Off to London this weekend and staying in Southend. Can anyone recommend any art galleries or arty things that are off the tourist route/obvious? I would like to surprise my artist girlfriend.
Leigh on Sea is probably as arty as it gets near there. Nice stroll from Southend. I think there is a little art gallery opposite the Peterboat pub.
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
I cannot think of a sadder social engagement than “a Christmas office works do on Zoom”. I picture a solitary David Brent in a paper hat, his sad eyes staring into space, as he nibbles a walnut
This is not aimed at you NPXMP, this is just a wider observation. We are losing the knack of human society. We are letting our natural urge to socialise be crushed by vague fears. Bad
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I'm not scared of Omicron. But I am scared of what the government will do in response to fears of Omicron.
We were discussing the work Christmas Party this morning. General surprise and disapproval in the team that it had been cancelled yet. Hilarity when I pointed out that hospitality was not yet facing restrictions. Someone grudgingly pointed out that we were at tables of six and it was table service; "maybe if we don't mingle and stick to our bubble" it'll be ok. Not impressed with the attitude there to be honest.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I'm not scared of Omicron. But I am scared of what the government will do in response to fears of Omicron.
We were discussing the work Christmas Party this morning. General surprise and disapproval in the team that it had been cancelled yet. Hilarity when I pointed out that hospitality was not yet facing restrictions. Someone grudgingly pointed out that we were at tables of six and it was table service; "maybe if we don't mingle and stick to our bubble" it'll be ok. Not impressed with the attitude there to be honest.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmoared. Everyone
Well, speaking personally, I am not that scared. But then I have double AZ and a Pfizer booster and I live in a country which has a functioniung healthcare system.
Omicron, and doubtless other variants besides are just a fact of life, unless we can vaccinate Africa as well as any other continent. Having met the Head of the Oxford vaccination team, Sir Andrew Pollard, recently, I learned that ultimately its a numbers game. In a way we were very lucky that Coronaviruses in general had been the focus of such research and that so much was alredy known about the structure of the virus, which is why it took such an incredibly short time to develop vaccines, (by the way a truly incredible acheivment). The point is that a great deal is known about what the virus can do, in particular there seems to be a trade off between virulence and contagion, which seems to be what we see with Omicron. However, in any event the combination of the different types of vaccine should still give high response, no matter what the variant. Boosters, like flu shots may become the norm, but the exposure of so many to previous variants is most lilkely going to make this a whole lot less dangerous. Just be thankful that the lethality of this was so low, and not like -say- Ebola that would have been more like a 30% death rate. We have, in fact, been very lucky and we should remember that.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
We need lots more data, but from my lay perspective what seems to be emerging is that it's extremely transmissible but relatively mild in impact. There just don't seem to be the stories of hospitals filling up, mad scrambles for oxygen etc. that characterised the early days of delta. At the same time, I think there must be thousands of undiagnosed cases - mild or asymptomatic - that we just don't know about. The fact that one Portuguese football team accounts for all 13 known cases in the country suggests as much.
In the end, it could be good news - if this variant knocks out more malignant versions. But yes, I could be wrong - and we need more data before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
I cannot think of a sadder social engagement than “a Christmas office works do on Zoom”. I picture a solitary David Brent in a paper hat, his sad eyes staring into space, as he nibbles a walnut
This is not aimed at you NPXMP, this is just a wider observation. We are losing the knack of human society. We are letting our natural urge to socialise be crushed by vague fears. Bad
I don't think it's irrational, unfortunately. Speaking as someone who recently had Covid and spent over a week feeling like shit, missed a week of work, couldn't hug my kids for ten days, couldn't leave the house for ten days, there really aren't many nights out that are worth risking a high probability of that. Of course now I've had it and am bursting with antibodies I'm probably one of the least worried by Omicron people out there. But the rest of you should steer clear of it.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
It’s a fair point you make about the masks. The effect of non-FF3 mask wearing in shops is only going to be marginal, the act of their reimposing it had an effect on mental health in terms of reopening again the drumbeat of restrictions returning at any minute.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
Well that’s where we a very similar - I am as terrified as you of restrictions. Like you, the last winter restrictions nearly broke me - and I am someone who is normally mentally healthy.
On the issue of how the OB&S by election, where Richard Tice will not be much of a factor, I wonder if general sentiment has stabilised a bit in the last day or two, to increase the chance of a Tory win (already probable), decrease Labour's chance and ensure a low turnout.
Recent GE polling shows over the last couple of weeks, as close to a tie between Lab and Con as you can get, and the 6 point Lab lead of 11-12 Nov looks very much like steady as she goes within the three point each way margin of error.
It's 37% for both Lab and Con. I would not be unhappy if Labour squeak home at OB&S but don't think they will.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
I'm as confident as I can be (not quite certain - I have a scientific background, so certainty is a big thing for me - but very confident nonetheless) that there won't be another lockdown. The country can't afford it, it would wreck what's left of the Government's reputation, a large chunk of the Tory Party (and possibly the Cabinet itself) would go into open revolt, and above all the protection against serious illness offered by inoculation and past infection amongst the population at large is too high.
The numbers of Covid patients in hospital are fluctuating around in the high thousands and there are no signs now, and not much likelihood in the future, of a serious illness spike as seen last January repeating itself. Without a tsunami wave of Covid patients, the justification for Draconian measures to Protect The NHS™ doesn't exist.
There was every reason to suppose before Omicronpanic commenced that we were through the worst of this - and there's still every reason to suppose that now.
Aaron Bastani @AaronBastani · 1h Starmer really is a dud. Tories felt massively exposed over HS2 and Labour had open door to directly talk to seats they lost in 2019.
The party had a great 48 hours on it and then…stopped saying anything. Now Labour starts the week with a re-shuffle. Looking out not in?
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
Zoom parties are the nadir of lockdown hell. I’m amazed anyone can face one ever again!
I remember when people like Leon were accused of bedwetting over the original COVID.
Stopped clocks come to mind. Caution and or fear is not an irrational response to a situation like this, and it will be the right call at times. Doesn't mean caution or fear will always be the right call.
Very scary. I was in a pub somewhere in London Bridge earlier. I was the only one in.
No one is safe until everyone is safe. Let's go global with the vaccines 👍
You were in a pub on a freezing cold Monday night and that was evidence of widespread fear? I will be at a party this week. I wonder whether my experiences will meet yours. We’ll see.
Aaron Bastani @AaronBastani · 1h Starmer really is a dud. Tories felt massively exposed over HS2 and Labour had open door to directly talk to seats they lost in 2019.
The party had a great 48 hours on it and then…stopped saying anything. Now Labour starts the week with a re-shuffle. Looking out not in?
I saw very little mask wearing today; either in shops or the various public transport I was on. i conclude from this that people aren't bothered about the threat from the new variant; and will only follow the rules on mask wearing being bought in tomorrow because they have to.
London doesn't have any real problems evidently, we all drink champagne and earn £4 million a year, no working class people here, no poverty or problems.
The hypocrisy is genuinely astounding
Who are you addressing this to? I've no sense of the context.
I was in London at the weekend. It may have its problems but it also drips with wealth in a way you rarely encounter anywhere else.
Los Angeles says 'hi!"
Laguna doesn’t drip wealth… but might quietly show an ankle if you ask nicely
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
Well that’s where we a very similar - I am as terrified as you of restrictions. Like you, the last winter restrictions nearly broke me - and I am someone who is normally mentally healthy.
I aint doing it!! No lockdown for me. Mates will be around my house if pubs shut. Unless the omni turns out to massively avoid the vax (as in huge spike in hospitalisations) then we should collectively say no.
I'm done.
We have to start getting some fecking perspective: mental health, jobs, education, treatment for every other illness etc etc etc.
I am confident, so far, that Javid will not buckle to the zero-omni brigade.
Very scary. I was in a pub somewhere in London Bridge earlier. I was the only one in.
No one is safe until everyone is safe. Let's go global with the vaccines 👍
You were in a pub on a freezing cold Monday night and that was evidence of widespread fear? I will be at a party this week. I wonder whether my experiences will meet yours. We’ll see.
Good luck with it. Warmer weather soon. Old people don't like cold weather 🌨️
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
I somehow doubt that our convivial evening in a local restaurant is likely to degenerate into an orgy. The last Christmas party we had was in 2019 and that was notably unlike a romp from the reign of Caligula.
The notion of trying to replicate the event with a takeaway eaten in front of a laptop sounds hugely depressing, but each to their own I suppose.
This is beginning to look like a serious Shadow Cabinet.
Yep.
Sir K has just made himself look a very serious player.
None of them are stand out though. Cooper overrated IMHO. Lammey’s a fool. Reeves is solid although dull. I like Ashworth, and Nandy should do a good job (she was overpromoted before).
But the actual Cabinet isn’t much better - Sunak, Wallace, Saj are all decent. Truss is ok although I don’t see why people get excited about her. Most of the rest I don’t know who they are or wish I didn’t…
It's not a Shadow Cabinet to give one nightmares, is it? You don't look at the big hitters and think "they're not remotely up to it, don't insult me by putting them forward to run the country". Decent turnaround in less than two years.
And doing it while Labour are nosing ahead in the polls is a smart move by Starmer.
The politics is great.
But I’m looking at both sides and thing: f*** me, my granny could do a better job and she’s been dead since ‘78
Aaron Bastani @AaronBastani · 1h Starmer really is a dud. Tories felt massively exposed over HS2 and Labour had open door to directly talk to seats they lost in 2019.
The party had a great 48 hours on it and then…stopped saying anything. Now Labour starts the week with a re-shuffle. Looking out not in?
I'm not quite sure if he means that looking out not in is a bad thing, which would be silly, or if he is being sarcastic by implying Starmer is looking in rather than out, which would be a very weird criticism from a Corbynite.
The government’s has decided to power up the booster programme, so I should be able to get a shot in the next week or two.
The extra NPIs are annoying, but reasonably trifling.
A lot of the noise about Omicron has died down. Maybe it’s not as bad as people feared.
Everyday that passes without South Africa showing any real sign of distress makes the worst fears less likely. Certainly some of the early fag packet estimates on growth advantage over Delta look like mince, and there's no signal it's causing worse symptoms yet.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
It’s a fair point you make about the masks. The effect of non-FF3 mask wearing in shops is only going to be marginal, the act of their reimposing it had an effect on mental health in terms of reopening again the drumbeat of restrictions returning at any minute.
I've been meaning to ask, is there any evidence for detrimental mental health effects of people wearing masks in shops? We know that masks save people from infecting others and that the effect is far from "marginal", but I'm intrigued as to whether your other claim is similarly anti-science, a guess, or well-grounded.
Sorry my post was mangled, I tried to edit it but too late.
I’ll try again: the overall effect of mandating masks in shops is only ever going to be marginal, but the fact they did it affects mental health severely due to the revived spectre of lockdown restrictions being reimposed at any moment.
Shaun Bailey was so useless he lost against a useless non-entity, that is a ringing endorsement of the Tories eh @Charles
Shaun Bailey is a bit shit. But was put up as a sacrificial candidate in what was seen as a no hope contest. And still managed to give Khan a bit of a scare
A couple of weeks ago we were walking at dusk just near the river. At such times in Winter one often sees a fine sunset for 10 minutes or so. Then we were treated to a truly spectacular display. A scattering of clouds all across the sky reflected rosy-fingered light from the retreating Sun. A colossal waxing crescent moon shone, and, slightly higher, Jupiter lurked. That park is a Victorian bequest and the waning light played through the trees denuded branches. God's own movie set.
Anyway, the only downside was the cars scuttling along the embankment like cockroaches heading home to their tea.
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
I somehow doubt that our convivial evening in a local restaurant is likely to degenerate into an orgy. The last Christmas party we had was in 2019 and that was notably unlike a romp from the reign of Caligula.
The notion of trying to replicate the event with a takeaway eaten in front of a laptop sounds hugely depressing, but each to their own I suppose.
Although not quite as depressing as an orgy via zoom, which I heard a number of French swingers’ clubs tried with very limited success during the last lockdown.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
Well that’s where we a very similar - I am as terrified as you of restrictions. Like you, the last winter restrictions nearly broke me - and I am someone who is normally mentally healthy.
I aint doing it!! No lockdown for me. Mates will be around my house if pubs shut. Unless the omni turns out to massively avoid the vax (as in huge spike in hospitalisations) then we should collectively say no.
I'm done.
We have to start getting some fecking perspective: mental health, jobs, education, treatment for every other illness etc etc etc.
I am confident, so far, that Javid will not buckle to the zero-omni brigade.
I am concerned that we will end up with these stupid masks absolutely everywhere before very long - and that we'll be stuck with them for months - but that's as far as the Government can go without causing serious ructions. I, like you, don't think that Javid (or Sunak) will put up with a return to social distancing unless the new variant really does turn out to be a horror show, which I'm not expecting.
Once you start enforcing limitations on social contact then that hits the entire hospitality, entertainment and cultural sector twice over, through the abolition of large parties of guests and the imposition of capacity limits. It'll render many businesses unviable again, and we'll be back to demands for massive cash support for businesses and the reinstatement of the furlough scheme. Nobody wants to be scrambling to find another £100bn or £200bn down the back of the Treasury sofa.
The government’s has decided to power up the booster programme, so I should be able to get a shot in the next week or two.
The extra NPIs are annoying, but reasonably trifling.
A lot of the noise about Omicron has died down. Maybe it’s not as bad as people feared.
Sssshhhh, they aren't reasonably trifling, they are the worst thing that ever happened, destroying your mental health the moment the cloth touches your nose. I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by maskness
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
You often wear your heart on your sleeve and document your demons on this board, cheerleading Isam on this one is somewhat ironic and it really isn't a good look.
It is not like the original comment that triggered both Isam and yourself was more than mild banter. The responses on the other hand would have been best left unwritten.
A couple of weeks ago we were walking at dusk just near the river. At such times in Winter one often sees a fine sunset for 10 minutes or so. Then we were treated to a truly spectacular display. A scattering of clouds all across the sky reflected rosy-fingered light from the retreating Sun. A colossal waxing crescent moon shone, and, slightly higher, Jupiter lurked. That park is a Victorian bequest and the waning light played through the trees denuded branches. God's own movie set.
Anyway, the only downside was the cars scuttling along the embankment like cockroaches heading home to their tea.
Very nice prose. Brings me in mind of Powell for some reason.
This is beginning to look like a serious Shadow Cabinet.
Yep.
Sir K has just made himself look a very serious player.
None of them are stand out though. Cooper overrated IMHO. Lammey’s a fool. Reeves is solid although dull. I like Ashworth, and Nandy should do a good job (she was overpromoted before).
But the actual Cabinet isn’t much better - Sunak, Wallace, Saj are all decent. Truss is ok although I don’t see why people get excited about her. Most of the rest I don’t know who they are or wish I didn’t…
It's not a Shadow Cabinet to give one nightmares, is it? You don't look at the big hitters and think "they're not remotely up to it, don't insult me by putting them forward to run the country". Decent turnaround in less than two years.
And doing it while Labour are nosing ahead in the polls is a smart move by Starmer.
The politics is great.
But I’m looking at both sides and thing: f*** me, my granny could do a better job and she’s been dead since ‘78
Fully agree- but if 2019 was a choice between two frankly terrible options, one of them moving to uninspiring is progress. And it does give me a bit of hope that, when the time comes, the Conservatives can de-Johnson themselves more quickly than I thought.
Cancelling our Valneva order is looking potentially really stupid now there's a new variant threat. I thought it was a bad idea anyway, but if it turns out to be really good vs omicron, as I gather it is against all the previous variants, Kate Bingham will be seriously pissed off.
I thought it was a bad idea to cancel as even if we didn't need it we want a big surplus to help vaccinate the world.
I hope we didn't cancel it because they're French.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
I’m not scared of the Plague per se. It is what it is. Nothing I can do about it, so I don’t fret, even tho it is disquieting
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
Well that’s where we a very similar - I am as terrified as you of restrictions. Like you, the last winter restrictions nearly broke me - and I am someone who is normally mentally healthy.
I aint doing it!! No lockdown for me. Mates will be around my house if pubs shut. Unless the omni turns out to massively avoid the vax (as in huge spike in hospitalisations) then we should collectively say no.
I'm done.
We have to start getting some fecking perspective: mental health, jobs, education, treatment for every other illness etc etc etc.
I am confident, so far, that Javid will not buckle to the zero-omni brigade.
He inspired confidence, but stories tonight of people unilaterally cancelling parties makes me wonder whether Christmas is going to be wrecked by fear rather than restrictions.
Well he’s losing on the measure to a PM that’s in a hole. I had a billion pounds at 8/1 with a mate that Sir Keir would win Best PM this week w R&W too, bah
You're a troll. And not a very good one!
All the best with your illness
Not clever Sam. Whatever the disagreements we all have amongst ourselves on here there are certain things that just aren't acceptable. Not many perhaps but that is definitely one of them.
I’ve had close friends die from mental illness, and had my moments myself, but why should I be dug out by someone who makes stuff up, claims to be depressed, then gets a free hit when he starts ripping into me? For all I know he’s making it all up or is another poster pretending
Honest, mate, I can see all that, but just leaaave it aaaaht. not wurf it. Ignore.
I can see iSam's point as well. We all feel sorry for Correct Horse Wotsit, and hope he gets well, but that doesn't give him free rein to dish out abuse and yet whine when he gets it back. Doesn't work like that
Otherwise we could all pretend to be bipolar alcoholics and demand protection from the tiniest scintilla of criticism
You of all people should know there are degrees of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour on here. Attacking people for their views or what they say is one thing. Picking on their personal mental or health issues is quite another. CHB called Sam a troll. To reply by referencing personal issues is way over the top. And for the record people have done it to you in the past and I and others have said exactly the same thing then.
Whatever, yawn
As a more general observation - rereading the thread - there seems an unusual amount of petty bickering and offence-taking by many, even those who are generally more robust. I suspect we are all fucking rattled by Omicron, and truly fearful - if we are honest. This prickly PB atmosphere is a by product
Everyone I have spoken to in the last couple of days is scared. Everyone
I for one am not scared. Thoroughly fed up of the whole thing, yes, but not scared. I'm not going to start being scared either, unless and until there is a good reason to be scared.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
It’s a fair point you make about the masks. The effect of non-FF3 mask wearing in shops is only going to be marginal, the act of their reimposing it had an effect on mental health in terms of reopening again the drumbeat of restrictions returning at any minute.
I've been meaning to ask, is there any evidence for detrimental mental health effects of people wearing masks in shops? We know that masks save people from infecting others and that the effect is far from "marginal", but I'm intrigued as to whether your other claim is similarly anti-science, a guess, or well-grounded.
Sorry my post was mangled, I tried to edit it but too late.
I’ll try again: the overall effect of mandating masks in shops is only ever going to be marginal, but the fact they did it affects mental health severely due to the revived spectre of lockdown restrictions being reimposed at any moment.
On mask efficacy, you're wrong. That's just the science. On mental health, I suspect you're wrong, but I asking. I don't think wearing a mask in a supermarket causes any harm, let along severe harm. But I stress that here, I have no science to back me up. It's just an extraordinary claim and I find it a little silly. But I'm prepared to hear evidence to the contrary. That was my question.
You are entirely - entirely! - missing my point.
I couldn’t care less about wearing a mask in a supermarket. Who cares? It had no effect on my mental health. What I am saying is that the fact that mandates were brought back were in and of themselves damaging to mental health because they again raised the spectre of restrictions being reintroduced at any moment. They revived my fear (and that of others) of severe lockdowns returning even though the new measures themselves were minor.
(And yes, mask mandates in shops is only going to have a marginal effect on R. It will have some effect, but as part of the overall budget it’s pretty minor)
A couple of weeks ago we were walking at dusk just near the river. At such times in Winter one often sees a fine sunset for 10 minutes or so. Then we were treated to a truly spectacular display. A scattering of clouds all across the sky reflected rosy-fingered light from the retreating Sun. A colossal waxing crescent moon shone, and, slightly higher, Jupiter lurked. That park is a Victorian bequest and the waning light played through the trees denuded branches. God's own movie set.
Anyway, the only downside was the cars scuttling along the embankment like cockroaches heading home to their tea.
Didn’t realise that cars drunk tea. That should help climate change!
If Boris had cancelled New Year the Tories would be telling us what a good idea it was.
Just like the Garden Bridge and the money he wasted
Not everyone's as hyperpartisan as you are.
Cancelling New Year is not a good idea. Its pathetic in fact.
It's looking like a masterstroke to me, with Omicron on the loose.
Has Leon hacked your account FFS? 🤦♂️
If you're terrified of the big bad Omicron then go hide behind the sofa. Don't cancel everyone else's fun.
You aren't there yet, but you're on a journey from mask denial to Covid denial, and it's fascinating to watch.
Covid is real I don't deny it.
What I do deny is that we have to change the way we live our lives to handle Covid. Get your vaccine, get your booster if needed, and live your life.
I will put all my faith in the vaccines and that's that. If the vaccine fails and I get sick and die then so be it. Just as if a tyre bursts on the motorway* and I spin and crash and die then that will be sad but it happens.
* Actually my tyre did fail on the motorway a couple of weeks ago coincidentally, but I didn't spin or lose control. I changed lanes and as I drove over the cats eyes as I changed lanes it just suddenly felt strange so I pulled off at the next junction that was just ahead and could see my tyre was dead. I had a spare in my boot and once the spare was on could resume my journey. Never had such a problem in 21 years of driving and that experience won't stop me from driving on the motorway again.
I had a slight reaction to the pfizer booster yesterday - nothing a couple of paracetamol couldn't put right.
I suppose there are two schools of thought - one, Omicron is nothing to worry about for the triple vaccinated and little to worry about for the double vaccinated who will presumably be triple vaccinated before too long.
As for those who have eschewed any vaccine so far and especially older persons in that group, then it may well be a concern.
The other possibility is it may be far worse than is commonly believed, the booster vaccinations are effectively a PR placebo and the corpses will be piling up by Christmas.
No, I don't think so either but I'll leave that for the conspiracy theorists.
The changes to the Labour frontbench - it's always possible to find someone who doesn't rate the new appointee or who claims they are rubbish (usually from the other side) so objective assessment, rather like me making a profit from a day's racing, doesn't happen as often as you'd like or hope.
David Lammy and Yvette Cooper may be "blasts from the past" but both bring experience to the table and that's what you need in an aspiring Government frontbench - a mix of experience and ambition. Whether that experience derives from a history in Government or from a long and successful period in opposition matters little. It's the knowledge (rather like the taxi drivers) of how Government works or doesn't.
Plenty of criticism of Sadiq Khan about today from the usual suspects - the London Mayoralty is not a substantial political post with any significant power. It's a symbolic position well suited to a politician interested in profile rather than substance. Khan doesn't fit the role as well as Johnson but it doesn't much matter. Had Covid occurred on Johnson's watch, he'd have faced the same TfL financial crisis as Khan and the same limited options.
"Closing" the Bakerloo sounds drastic - it's the ninth most used of the eleven lines - but it's more like mothballing as the infrastructure would need to be maintained and that requires money so I suspect it'll be kept albeit with a reduced service.
The government’s has decided to power up the booster programme, so I should be able to get a shot in the next week or two.
The extra NPIs are annoying, but reasonably trifling.
A lot of the noise about Omicron has died down. Maybe it’s not as bad as people feared.
Sssshhhh, they aren't reasonably trifling, they are the worst thing that ever happened, destroying your mental health the moment the cloth touches your nose. I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by maskness
I wonder how many young children you have asked the opinion of before making such a trite comment
Certainly our works do isn't getting scrubbed unless the wretched Government actually forces restaurants to close at some point in the next two-and-a-half weeks. And that, mercifully, appears highly unlikely.
My office offered a works do, but almost nobody wanted to come in for it (and this was in discussion pre-Omicron). We're having a Zoom works do instead, with people toasting each other and munching mince pies in front of the screen. Possibly a quiz.
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
I somehow doubt that our convivial evening in a local restaurant is likely to degenerate into an orgy. The last Christmas party we had was in 2019 and that was notably unlike a romp from the reign of Caligula.
The notion of trying to replicate the event with a takeaway eaten in front of a laptop sounds hugely depressing, but each to their own I suppose.
I don’t get the idea of trying to replicate. You just write it off
Comments
What I am saying is to have a look around. Check out your pharmacies (Boots would have done ours, for instance) Of course maybe you have done. If so then forget I've said anything.
I love Eastnor Castle. Amazing place.
If you're vaccinated, remotely halfway fit and below about 90, there's no need to restrict yourself for anything. The rules like mask wearing are for the population level effect; honestly I think it's a big overreaction for people to cancel heading to christmas parties were they going to do so otherwise. But the Gov't can't mandate them !
Price wise it is very good and food is enjoyable, it's a great place to while away an afternoon with friends when you don't want the hassle of going to an expensive/busy part of London for food and drinks.
(Although JohnO and myself would recommend the Plum and Spilt Milk restaurant in the Great Northern Hotel.)
I actually try to be honest and truthful on here, when it comes to serious shit like Covid, and I post good news when I see it (not least, because it cheers me up too).
Trouble is, as soon as Omicron emerged I got a bad feeling, and the news has not really improved much since. It was and is a deeply ominous development. I am praying that the first real hard data dispels the gloom
Much the same is true for the Conservatives, of course.
Nor do I think that any of us can afford to be scared every time there's a piece of bad news about the virus. Because there will be a regular stream of bad news about the virus - people mithering about variants, panicking whenever this statistic or that one heads in the wrong direction, poring and clucking over some new piece of research or another - for years. If you get into an endless cycle of pointless panicking it'll drive you round the bend. Totally loopy.
It'll take the boffins some weeks to begin to get to grips with what serious implications - IF ANY - arise from this new variant. In the meantime, the fact that the Zombie Apocalypse hasn't started in Johannesburg, along with the majority of learned opinion, suggests that this is not an unmitigated disaster. And, therefore, the process for dealing with the pandemic in Britain has not fundamentally changed. Keep calm, carry on, and book your next jab as soon as you become eligible.
And I wish they'd not elected to reimpose mask mandates. They're practically worthless, as the evidence of the giant comparative experiment we've been doing since July between England, Wales and Scotland suggests, and the decision has only served to piss off the less nervous part of the population and make the more nervous part of it wet themselves again, to absolutely no useful effect.
Dulwich Gallery
The rehung Courtauld
The Saatchi in Chelsea
Kenwood House and the art inside - 2 or 3 masterpieces in a tiny collection, in an exquisite house
Wander down Dover St and check the private galleries
What I am scared of is another potential lockdown. Because the last 2 - especially the winter one - sent my almost into mental breakdown. Can I hack another one? I genuinely don’t know. It was horrific
And here I CAN do something. I can escape. I could plan an exit route. But where? And when? And how? And what about those I leave behind?
Somehow, having actual options makes it properly scary. The clock ticks. The stone door slides down and Indiana Jones wonders when to roll under or get crushed. But then he has to go back to get the cat, as Alien prowls the spaceship
SCARY
Nina a fellow Osti of course.
Prittlewell Sq is pretty
I've heard of the drunken orgies that works dos in Britain are supposed to feature (Swiss ones were more sedate, sadly). Not sure that quite works by Zoom?
This is not aimed at you NPXMP, this is just a wider observation. We are losing the knack of human society. We are letting our natural urge to socialise be crushed by vague fears. Bad
No one is safe until everyone is safe. Let's go global with the vaccines 👍
We were discussing the work Christmas Party this morning. General surprise and disapproval in the team that it had been cancelled yet. Hilarity when I pointed out that hospitality was not yet facing restrictions. Someone grudgingly pointed out that we were at tables of six and it was table service; "maybe if we don't mingle and stick to our bubble" it'll be ok.
Not impressed with the attitude there to be honest.
Omicron, and doubtless other variants besides are just a fact of life, unless we can vaccinate Africa as well as any other continent. Having met the Head of the Oxford vaccination team, Sir Andrew Pollard, recently, I learned that ultimately its a numbers game. In a way we were very lucky that Coronaviruses in general had been the focus of such research and that so much was alredy known about the structure of the virus, which is why it took such an incredibly short time to develop vaccines, (by the way a truly incredible acheivment). The point is that a great deal is known about what the virus can do, in particular there seems to be a trade off between virulence and contagion, which seems to be what we see with Omicron. However, in any event the combination of the different types of vaccine should still give high response, no matter what the variant. Boosters, like flu shots may become the norm, but the exposure of so many to previous variants is most lilkely going to make this a whole lot less dangerous. Just be thankful that the lethality of this was so low, and not like -say- Ebola that would have been more like a 30% death rate. We have, in fact, been very lucky and we should remember that.
In the end, it could be good news - if this variant knocks out more malignant versions. But yes, I could be wrong - and we need more data before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
https://twitter.com/REWearmouth/status/1465408585752530963
Recent GE polling shows over the last couple of weeks, as close to a tie between Lab and Con as you can get, and the 6 point Lab lead of 11-12 Nov looks very much like steady as she goes within the three point each way margin of error.
It's 37% for both Lab and Con. I would not be unhappy if Labour squeak home at OB&S but don't think they will.
The numbers of Covid patients in hospital are fluctuating around in the high thousands and there are no signs now, and not much likelihood in the future, of a serious illness spike as seen last January repeating itself. Without a tsunami wave of Covid patients, the justification for Draconian measures to Protect The NHS™ doesn't exist.
There was every reason to suppose before Omicronpanic commenced that we were through the worst of this - and there's still every reason to suppose that now.
Aaron Bastani
@AaronBastani
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1h
Starmer really is a dud. Tories felt massively exposed over HS2 and Labour had open door to directly talk to seats they lost in 2019.
The party had a great 48 hours on it and then…stopped saying anything. Now Labour starts the week with a re-shuffle. Looking out not in?
I'm done.
We have to start getting some fecking perspective: mental health, jobs, education, treatment for every other illness etc etc etc.
I am confident, so far, that Javid will not buckle to the zero-omni brigade.
The government’s has decided to power up the booster programme, so I should be able to get a shot in the next week or two.
The extra NPIs are annoying, but reasonably trifling.
A lot of the noise about Omicron has died down. Maybe it’s not as bad as people feared.
https://twitter.com/gabyhinsliff/status/1465432390898171912
The notion of trying to replicate the event with a takeaway eaten in front of a laptop sounds hugely depressing, but each to their own I suppose.
But I’m looking at both sides and thing: f*** me, my granny could do a better job and she’s been dead since ‘78
I’ll try again: the overall effect of mandating masks in shops is only ever going to be marginal, but the fact they did it affects mental health severely due to the revived spectre of lockdown restrictions being reimposed at any moment.
Coincidentally, it is 10 days after my booster jab, so I'll be sorted.
Anyway, the only downside was the cars scuttling along the embankment like cockroaches heading home to their tea.
Once you start enforcing limitations on social contact then that hits the entire hospitality, entertainment and cultural sector twice over, through the abolition of large parties of guests and the imposition of capacity limits. It'll render many businesses unviable again, and we'll be back to demands for massive cash support for businesses and the reinstatement of the furlough scheme. Nobody wants to be scrambling to find another £100bn or £200bn down the back of the Treasury sofa.
cheerleading Isam on this one is somewhat ironic and it really isn't a good look.
It is not like the original comment that triggered both Isam and yourself was more than mild banter. The responses on the other hand would have been best left unwritten. You didn't have to do cross country runs to the obelisk and back then?
Brings me in mind of Powell for some reason.
been reshuffled to Shadow Levelling Up Minister
But mostly- baby steps.
I thought it was a bad idea to cancel as even if we didn't need it we want a big surplus to help vaccinate the world.
I hope we didn't cancel it because they're French.
I couldn’t care less about wearing a mask in a supermarket. Who cares? It had no effect on my mental health. What I am saying is that the fact that mandates were brought back were in and of themselves damaging to mental health because they again raised the spectre of restrictions being reintroduced at any moment. They revived my fear (and that of others) of severe lockdowns returning even though the new measures themselves were minor.
(And yes, mask mandates in shops is only going to have a marginal effect on R. It will have some effect, but as part of the overall budget it’s pretty minor)
What I do deny is that we have to change the way we live our lives to handle Covid. Get your vaccine, get your booster if needed, and live your life.
I will put all my faith in the vaccines and that's that. If the vaccine fails and I get sick and die then so be it. Just as if a tyre bursts on the motorway* and I spin and crash and die then that will be sad but it happens.
* Actually my tyre did fail on the motorway a couple of weeks ago coincidentally, but I didn't spin or lose control. I changed lanes and as I drove over the cats eyes as I changed lanes it just suddenly felt strange so I pulled off at the next junction that was just ahead and could see my tyre was dead. I had a spare in my boot and once the spare was on could resume my journey. Never had such a problem in 21 years of driving and that experience won't stop me from driving on the motorway again.
I had a slight reaction to the pfizer booster yesterday - nothing a couple of paracetamol couldn't put right.
I suppose there are two schools of thought - one, Omicron is nothing to worry about for the triple vaccinated and little to worry about for the double vaccinated who will presumably be triple vaccinated before too long.
As for those who have eschewed any vaccine so far and especially older persons in that group, then it may well be a concern.
The other possibility is it may be far worse than is commonly believed, the booster vaccinations are effectively a PR placebo and the corpses will be piling up by Christmas.
No, I don't think so either but I'll leave that for the conspiracy theorists.
The changes to the Labour frontbench - it's always possible to find someone who doesn't rate the new appointee or who claims they are rubbish (usually from the other side) so objective assessment, rather like me making a profit from a day's racing, doesn't happen as often as you'd like or hope.
David Lammy and Yvette Cooper may be "blasts from the past" but both bring experience to the table and that's what you need in an aspiring Government frontbench - a mix of experience and ambition. Whether that experience derives from a history in Government or from a long and successful period in opposition matters little. It's the knowledge (rather like the taxi drivers) of how Government works or doesn't.
Plenty of criticism of Sadiq Khan about today from the usual suspects - the London Mayoralty is not a substantial political post with any significant power. It's a symbolic position well suited to a politician interested in profile rather than substance. Khan doesn't fit the role as well as Johnson but it doesn't much matter. Had Covid occurred on Johnson's watch, he'd have faced the same TfL financial crisis as Khan and the same limited options.
"Closing" the Bakerloo sounds drastic - it's the ninth most used of the eleven lines - but it's more like mothballing as the infrastructure would need to be maintained and that requires money so I suspect it'll be kept albeit with a reduced service.