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How’s the polling going to look in two years time – politicalbetting.com

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  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,775

    Look who has turned up in Poland.




    Too soon?
    Nope.
  • Options
    TimTTimT Posts: 6,328
    Leon said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    Alcoholic. Allegedly
    Alleged by the guy (Rep Cawthorn, NC GOP) who calls the Ukrainians evil and Zelensky a thug. I think I'd look at other sources, who more reliably report her as teetotal.
  • Options
    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,898

    BigRich said:

    Not a nice photo, so only click if what to see a dead Russian Maj General.

    https://twitter.com/GirkinGirkin/status/1503655923625123840

    But is this real? have the Russians lost another Maj General? if so how many is that now?

    No sympathy for Putin at all, and he deserves to lose, but every time we see a picture of a dead Russian soldier we should remember it is someone's son, brother, husband, father or friend. Such a terrible waste.
    More deserving of your remembrance is every dead Ukrainian citizen.
    It’s also worth remembering that, for many people, this is a civil war.

    Lots of families are in both countries, there will be cousins fighting each other.

    My wife is dealing with her Russian aunt this evening, who’s spewing Putin’s propoganda about Nazis and chemical labs.
  • Options
    Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,303
    edited March 2022
    Applicant said:

    The Athletic are reporting that Chelsea have withdrawn their request to play the Middlesbrough FA Cup game behind closed doors. Inevitable, I feel.

    (Edit: Story from Eurosport)

    Terrible look and when their manager has just been asked why are their fans still chanting Abramovich he said we need to concentrate on the more important issues

    With the EU sanctioning Abramovich this evening and a possible ban on playing in Europe, Chelsea's future is looking very vulnerable
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,775

    When Trump wins in 2024, Europe will face three authoritarian/fascist world powers alone.

    Bleak.

    The US didn't cease to be a democracy in 2016 and it wouldn't if Trump won again.
    There are sliding scales of democracies, some better than others (and that's better in terms of the openness, transparency, robustness etc of their democratic systems). Trump's acolytes have already sought to undermine those systems, which had weak elements in any case used by both sides, and if he won again he would escalate that massively, no question.
  • Options
    Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 30,951

    Always the danger...NLAWs coming right back at Ukraine.

    Russian Troops Show Off Weapons They Have Captured
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq9NRN7hdDo

    Except the NLAW is a one time weapon. And it is ideally suited to attacking armour and vehicles in a defensive capacity - ambush etc. It is a force multiplier with limited usefulness to the Russians in this situation.

    Moreover they can only get them by capturing them whilst the West continues to supply them to Ukraine.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,775
    edited March 2022

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    Blair often talks sense. If only his greatest error had not occurred he could have been a very influential elder statesman (or in american terms, a young whippersnapper).
  • Options
    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
  • Options
    ChameleonChameleon Posts: 3,886
    edited March 2022
    https://twitter.com/MotolkoHelp/status/1503785508589260805

    A large group of bombers, by this war's standard, on their way to bomb Kyiv, while there's 3 NATO heads of state in there... Wonder how many of the 11 will return.

    As for the 4th dead Major General (sidenote: 20% KIA rate for Generals on the ground is a truly impressive achievement), no sympathy. He was old and knowledgable enough to know what this war was about, and what his troops were doing. I'll reserve my sympathy for the under 23 year olds with little to no agency perishing, as well as the Ukrainians.
  • Options
    LeonLeon Posts: 47,236
    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
  • Options
    TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 40,115

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    Phew, good to hear that not ruling out actions is the way ahead.
  • Options
    LeonLeon Posts: 47,236
    TimT said:

    Leon said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    Alcoholic. Allegedly
    Alleged by the guy (Rep Cawthorn, NC GOP) who calls the Ukrainians evil and Zelensky a thug. I think I'd look at other sources, who more reliably report her as teetotal.
    Of course the Republicans will spread malicious rumours, but there is no denying, from the plain evidence of the videos, that something is badly wrong
  • Options
    TomsToms Posts: 2,478

    When Trump wins in 2024, Europe will face three authoritarian/fascist world powers alone.

    Bleak.

    The US didn't cease to be a democracy in 2016 and it wouldn't if Trump won again.
    It nearly did on January 6th 2021.
    Currently the law is grinding away prosecuting many of the Jan 6 perpetrators. But I fear that If Trump were to get reelected, however, he would pardon them. I'd like to see the law get to Trump first. NY is on the case I believe.

    Question: if Trump were re-elected while in jail, could he pardon himself?
  • Options
    Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 26,655
    Sturgeon couldn't resist extending the mask mandate could she.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    The Blair Bush era of liberal interventionism abroad is over.

    Biden is much more focused on realpolitik and European leaders are reluctant to do much different
  • Options
    philiphphiliph Posts: 4,704
    Applicant said:

    When Trump wins in 2024, Europe will face three authoritarian/fascist world powers alone.

    Bleak.

    The US didn't cease to be a democracy in 2016 and it wouldn't if Trump won again.
    It nearly did on January 6th 2021.
    If he wins, he'll make sure he gets it right by the time he seeks "re-election" four years later. Anyone who doesn't think he is stupendous risk to american democracy is not paying attention. His party is already well on the way to being a personality cult, save a few brave souls. Once back in government they will pull out all the stops.

    How does he get round the 22nd Amendment?
    Tippex
  • Options
    AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 19,999

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    Hmm.

    Did anyone do a proper survey of parents? I have never met my son's teachers as he is in Year 7. The idea that schools can just wave away parents' right to meet their teachers is rather concerning.
  • Options
    IshmaelZIshmaelZ Posts: 21,830
    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
  • Options
    kjhkjh Posts: 10,632
    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    I thought you were up to date with this stuff. You do know there has been a whole bunch of doctored videos out there for some time to make her look drunk don't you? This isn't new stuff.
  • Options
    JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 6,011

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    Phew, good to hear that not ruling out actions is the way ahead.
    Maybe we are lying. You are supposed to do that in time of war.
  • Options
    Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 30,951

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    I much prefer them. The time allotted is sufficient. You know you will get to see all the teachers you want to and it is much easier to talk with and listen to the teachers. No sitting around waiting for appointments and the teachers can pull up material to illustrate points.

    A much better system all round in my view.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,775
    Toms said:

    When Trump wins in 2024, Europe will face three authoritarian/fascist world powers alone.

    Bleak.

    The US didn't cease to be a democracy in 2016 and it wouldn't if Trump won again.
    It nearly did on January 6th 2021.
    Currently the law is grinding away prosecuting many of the Jan 6 perpetrators. But I fear that If Trump were to get reelected, however, he would pardon them. I'd like to see the law get to Trump first. NY is on the case I believe.

    Question: if Trump were re-elected while in jail, could he pardon himself?
    Pretty sure he thinks the President can pardon himself, not only for things he's done, but anything he might do in future (which if true reveals a gaping blindspot in a system which seemed to be all about checks and balances and pretty decently too). So would assume he would claim he could pardon himself effectively as soon as he was the president-elect.

    Though do you become President if you miss your inauguration? (I believe they actually swear in before the big ceremony)

    Of course, given how little progression there has been, and appeals, I assume the chances of him being actually in jail at the time of the next election are nil.
  • Options
    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

  • Options
    HYUFD said:

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    The Blair Bush era of liberal interventionism abroad is over.

    Biden is much more focused on realpolitik and European leaders are reluctant to do much different
    That worldview that you're espousing died 22/2/22.

    The West is united in having to act, whether they wanted to or not right now.
  • Options
    LeonLeon Posts: 47,236
    edited March 2022
    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    I certainly agree with you that there should be an age limit for senior politicians, 75 max? America is so badly ruled. An age limit would happily disbar Trump, as well.

    As for Pelosi, I just don't know. THIS does look like booze, the random-ness and giggliness

    https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1501664953840852999?s=20&t=UxYsaTXNtI9i0t5F_9OHuQ
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,969
    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    I thought you were up to date with this stuff. You do know there has been a whole bunch of doctored videos out there for some time to make her look drunk don't you? This isn't new stuff.
    That last video is definitely real, I remember watching it live.
  • Options
    Toms said:

    When Trump wins in 2024, Europe will face three authoritarian/fascist world powers alone.

    Bleak.

    The US didn't cease to be a democracy in 2016 and it wouldn't if Trump won again.
    It nearly did on January 6th 2021.
    Currently the law is grinding away prosecuting many of the Jan 6 perpetrators. But I fear that If Trump were to get reelected, however, he would pardon them. I'd like to see the law get to Trump first. NY is on the case I believe.

    Question: if Trump were re-elected while in jail, could he pardon himself?
    Only for Federal offences.

    The President has no power of pardon over State offences, and its the State of New York going after him.
  • Options
    MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 12,416
    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    EU finally sanction Abramovich and Sky says the question rises that will the EU allow Chelsea to play in Europe

    Thank **** Johnson didn't let the grass grow under Abramovitch's feet.
    What specifically has he done in the past that would have warranted this action earlier?
    According to the Guardian on 10th March "Roman Abramovich, one of the world’s richest men, was finally subjected to sanctions by the UK government after ministers accused him of having “clear connections” to Vladimir Putin’s regime and being among a group of businessmen who had “blood on their hands”...The move will heap further pressure on Putin two weeks after he ordered troops to invade Ukraine in a bloody war that has seen thousands killed or injured".
    Yes, after the actions in Ukraine, but you seem to be suggesting he should have sanctioned years ago.
    No I didn't. I was responding to BigG.'s "EU FINALLY sanction Abramovich" comment.
    What was your comment regarding Johnson about then? Letting the grass grow suggests someone is being slow, implying that he should have done it earlier.
    You are wrong Rob. The UK government have fooled us and let Roman Abramovich escape with his wealth 😕

    Currently only 3 of 4 really strong impenetrable walls built around Roman by UK, but they know they left the 4th just a wide open space he can pass anything out through.

    It’s a bit of a scandal bubbling under I suspect will soon erupt through the war coverage, Why has Abramovich’s “right-hand man” not yet been sanctioned? Abramovich gave him a super yacht, jolly nice gift if you expect nothing in return.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/12/why-has-abramovichs-billionaire-friend-been-left-off-the-uk-sanctions-list

    You see what I mean? Is it done proper, or are we the people being conned by claim UK has seriously sanctioned Abramovich? Unless you reckon Oligarchs are winning by being to clever with “left Russia as refugee now American” line?
  • Options
    LeonLeon Posts: 47,236

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

    Not dead, just NOT GOVERNING AMERICA
  • Options
    LeonLeon Posts: 47,236
    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    I thought you were up to date with this stuff. You do know there has been a whole bunch of doctored videos out there for some time to make her look drunk don't you? This isn't new stuff.
    I believe these are mostly real (or all real); I am happy to be corrected by better-informed PB-ers
  • Options
    anujad p
    @bopanc
    Central European leaders have reached Kyiv by train
    https://twitter.com/bopanc/status/1503792041850978314
  • Options
    Fysics_TeacherFysics_Teacher Posts: 6,060

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    Hmm.

    Did anyone do a proper survey of parents? I have never met my son's teachers as he is in Year 7. The idea that schools can just wave away parents' right to meet their teachers is rather concerning.
    TBH I'm not sure how much of a right that is: if your child's teacher is teaching two or three classes in the same year then they couldn't see all the parents in an evening no matter if it is real or virtual.
  • Options
    IshmaelZIshmaelZ Posts: 21,830

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings
    Just not Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009
    edited March 2022

    HYUFD said:

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    The Blair Bush era of liberal interventionism abroad is over.

    Biden is much more focused on realpolitik and European leaders are reluctant to do much different
    That worldview that you're espousing died 22/2/22.

    The West is united in having to act, whether they wanted to or not right now.
    No it isn't.

    Hence there is not a single NATO boot on the ground in Ukraine nor is there a single NATO jet enforcing a no fly zone over Ukraine.

    This is not the liberal interventionism of Clinton in Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq or even Obama in Libya and Syria.

    It is pure Biden led realpolitik just as he showed with the realpolitik of his withdrawal from Afghanistan
  • Options
    Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,303
    edited March 2022
    IshmaelZ said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings
    Just not Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
    I do not think she is in any danger of aspiring to that level, being with me for 60 years deserves a lifetime achievement award in itself !!!
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,970
    edited March 2022

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    And quite right too.
    It's hugely more convenient for all concerned.
    Our last one took twenty minutes.
    It was almost 3 hours before. Encompassing travel, and seemingly endless waiting around.
  • Options
    PhilPhil Posts: 1,941
    dixiedean said:

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    And quite right too.
    It's hugely more convenient for all concerned.
    Online parents evenings are great. Sit at home with a glass of wine or spend the evening trying to make yourself heard in a very noisy school hall where every appointment over-runs because no one can keep to time - it’s no contest surely?
  • Options
    PhilPhil Posts: 1,941

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    Hmm.

    Did anyone do a proper survey of parents? I have never met my son's teachers as he is in Year 7. The idea that schools can just wave away parents' right to meet their teachers is rather concerning.
    You don’t have a right to meet your kid’s teachers though, as far as I’m aware...
  • Options
    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,071
    Chameleon said:

    https://twitter.com/MotolkoHelp/status/1503785508589260805

    A large group of bombers, by this war's standard, on their way to bomb Kyiv, while there's 3 NATO heads of state in there... Wonder how many of the 11 will return.

    Or Odessa if they’re planning a major assault.
  • Options
    AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 19,999
    Phil said:

    dixiedean said:

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    And quite right too.
    It's hugely more convenient for all concerned.
    Online parents evenings are great. Sit at home with a glass of wine or spend the evening trying to make yourself heard in a very noisy school hall where every appointment over-runs because no one can keep to time - it’s no contest surely?
    I would like to meet my son's teachers at least once. I have met not a single one, bar his form tutor. You get precious little idea of personality in a five minute Zoom call.
  • Options
    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871
  • Options

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Who are IPSA
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,970

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    A similar thought occurred about social housing tenants.
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 91,775
    Phil said:

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    Hmm.

    Did anyone do a proper survey of parents? I have never met my son's teachers as he is in Year 7. The idea that schools can just wave away parents' right to meet their teachers is rather concerning.
    You don’t have a right to meet your kid’s teachers though, as far as I’m aware...
    You don't even have a right for them to go to the school you want (though you have a right to apply pretty much anywhere), pretty sure there's no right about meeting the teachers at a school. Sounds like one of those rights people just assume exists. Happy to be corrected.
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,970

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Who are IPSA
    Parliamentary watchdog.
  • Options

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Who are IPSA
    Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
  • Options
    OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 15,121
    Phil said:

    dixiedean said:

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Those you may be stuck with: it solve parking problems, if set up properly the appointments can't overrun so you don't have to sit around waiting, no heating and lighting in the school hall etc.

    My school is almost certainly not going back to live meetings.
    And quite right too.
    It's hugely more convenient for all concerned.
    Online parents evenings are great. Sit at home with a glass of wine or spend the evening trying to make yourself heard in a very noisy school hall where every appointment over-runs because no one can keep to time - it’s no contest surely?
    Online is so much better, a huge improvement.
  • Options
    FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,657
    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    America could do with a few politicians under bus pass age.
  • Options
    TimTTimT Posts: 6,328

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Who are IPSA
    Inter-Parliamentary Squatters' Association?
  • Options
    stodgestodge Posts: 12,856
    HYUFD said:


    No it isn't.

    Hence there is not a single NATO boot on the ground in Ukraine nor is there a single NATO jet enforcing a no fly zone over Ukraine.

    This is not the liberal interventionism of Clinton in Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq or even Obama in Libya and Syria.

    It is pure Biden led realpolitik just as he showed with the realpolitik of his withdrawal from Afghanistan

    None of the above involved the possibility of a direct armed confrontation with a nuclear power.

    I suspect Obama and Clinton would have followed a similar course to Biden were they President now. As for Trump, harder to say - Dominic Sandbrook argued at the weekend were Trump now POTUS, US forces would be at Defcon 2 and ready to engage Russian forces - I'm less convinced.

    I also wonder whether the sudden collapse in Afghanistan might have prompted Putin to begin planning the attack on the Ukraine in the expectation Washington and Europe would indulge in hand-wringing and nothing else?
  • Options
    Alphabet_SoupAlphabet_Soup Posts: 2,756

    IshmaelZ said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings
    Just not Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
    I do not think she is in any danger of aspiring to that level, being with me for 60 years deserves a lifetime achievement award in itself !!!
    Nancy Pelosi attended JFK's inauguration - almost certainly the last person alive who did. She may have met a few civil war windows there - they were always on the invitation list as a unifying gesture. It reminds me of how Bertrand Russell, an omnipresent figure in my youth, would recall his grandfather, Lord John Russell, architect of the 1832 Reform Act.
  • Options
    MightyAlexMightyAlex Posts: 1,446
    ”a drone filmed a few kilometers west of Kyiv how a civilian was shot dead by apparently Russian soldiers.”

    https://twitter.com/balticjam/status/1503785167042846721?t=KQTNCpWWZGUin7lnXPagZw&s=19
  • Options
    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.
  • Options
    ChameleonChameleon Posts: 3,886
    edited March 2022
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-chernobyl-200-exhausted-staff-toil-round-the-clock-at-russian-gunpoint-11647357032

    Stunning story from the WSJ. Overview/report on the nightshift who went to work at Chernobyl, who have since worked 24/7 at gunpoint without a single reprieve for 3 weeks now.
  • Options

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Whilst it isn't a sublet, it is being paid for people to stay in your house. So whilst I support it being appealed, I can understand why a strict interpretation of the rules has driven this.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283

    Reuters reports the brave young lady who protested live on Russian TV has been fined around £200

    For her online video, not for the protest
  • Options
    bigglesbiggles Posts: 4,341

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Does it make me a real cynic to assume that a great many MPs were hoping to hide behind this?
  • Options
    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,001

    Just been invited by the school to an ONLINE PARENTS' EVENING.

    WTF? When will this ever end?

    Possibly never. We've found online parents evenings to be really efficient, of all the online stuff its the one thing that has worked really smoothly I found, I think our school may be looking to keep them permanently, with face-to-face meetings for those who want/need them.
    Agree 100%. Ordering with mobile phones. Touch to pay. And on-line parents evenings.

    The hidden benefits of Covid.
  • Options
    Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,303
    edited March 2022

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    It is generally accepted cases are rising but virtually nobody is willing to continue restrictions

    Indeed for the first time in Asda today I noted fewer masks in evidence
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009
    stodge said:

    HYUFD said:


    No it isn't.

    Hence there is not a single NATO boot on the ground in Ukraine nor is there a single NATO jet enforcing a no fly zone over Ukraine.

    This is not the liberal interventionism of Clinton in Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq or even Obama in Libya and Syria.

    It is pure Biden led realpolitik just as he showed with the realpolitik of his withdrawal from Afghanistan

    None of the above involved the possibility of a direct armed confrontation with a nuclear power.

    I suspect Obama and Clinton would have followed a similar course to Biden were they President now. As for Trump, harder to say - Dominic Sandbrook argued at the weekend were Trump now POTUS, US forces would be at Defcon 2 and ready to engage Russian forces - I'm less convinced.

    I also wonder whether the sudden collapse in Afghanistan might have prompted Putin to begin planning the attack on the Ukraine in the expectation Washington and Europe would indulge in hand-wringing and nothing else?
    Well Putin was right on that in military terms even if not economic.

    Biden is the most isolationist President since Carter
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    It is generally accepted cases are rising but virtually nobody is willing to continue restrictions
    With the very high natural R number for Omicron, even the hardest lockdowns barely dent it. Hence it getting out of control in all the places that apparently suppressed the earlier variants.
  • Options
    FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,657
    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Leon said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    Alcoholic. Allegedly
    Alleged by the guy (Rep Cawthorn, NC GOP) who calls the Ukrainians evil and Zelensky a thug. I think I'd look at other sources, who more reliably report her as teetotal.
    Of course the Republicans will spread malicious rumours, but there is no denying, from the plain evidence of the videos, that something is badly wrong
    I am old enough to remember their health slurs against Hillary yet 5 years on she looks rather spritely. Whether Putin or Peloski diagnosis by video clip is extremely unreliable.
  • Options
    IanB2 said:

    Reuters reports the brave young lady who protested live on Russian TV has been fined around £200

    For her online video, not for the protest
    She seems to be free and in the media
  • Options
    Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 49,311
    Leon said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

    Not dead, just NOT GOVERNING AMERICA
    Can you just imagine @Leon being POTUS?

    Jeez! :lol:
  • Options
    malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 41,980
    dixiedean said:

    Good for him

    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    2m
    Just hearing
    @IPSAUK
    won't allow any MP to open their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine - despite there being NO extra cost to the taxpayer

    This is absurd and cruel

    I will be writing to IPSA to get this ridiculous decision overturned immediately
    Matt Hancock
    @MattHancock
    ·
    40s
    They say it’s because we can’t sublet. I won’t be subletting: I will be WELCOMING Ukrainians as guests

    https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1503796280887332871

    Who are IPSA
    Parliamentary watchdog.
    Poodles then
  • Options
    AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 19,999

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    Calling it the pox just makes you sound childish. And I'll be surprised if the mask mandate makes much/any difference. Do you think it will?
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    It is generally accepted cases are rising but virtually nobody is willing to continue restrictions
    With the very high natural R number for Omicron, even the hardest lockdowns barely dent it. Hence it getting out of control in all the places that apparently suppressed the earlier variants.
    Provided those places have a high vaccination rate, who cares?
  • Options
    I keep looking at sublet, and wondering why I've never investigated the etymology of subtle; the word with the subtlest B.

    Its etymology is nice, but not that interesting. It's from Latin - sub (under) + tela (a web)

    What was interesting was to see that it "displaced native Old English smēag (literally “creeping”)."

    Is that where Smeagol came from?
  • Options
    FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,657

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    It is generally accepted cases are rising but virtually nobody is willing to continue restrictions

    Indeed for the first time in Asda today I noted fewer masks in evidence
    Yes, we are getting quite a few staff and their families going down with it. Here we go again, though I think a smaller peak this time.
  • Options
    FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,657
    HYUFD said:

    stodge said:

    HYUFD said:


    No it isn't.

    Hence there is not a single NATO boot on the ground in Ukraine nor is there a single NATO jet enforcing a no fly zone over Ukraine.

    This is not the liberal interventionism of Clinton in Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq or even Obama in Libya and Syria.

    It is pure Biden led realpolitik just as he showed with the realpolitik of his withdrawal from Afghanistan

    None of the above involved the possibility of a direct armed confrontation with a nuclear power.

    I suspect Obama and Clinton would have followed a similar course to Biden were they President now. As for Trump, harder to say - Dominic Sandbrook argued at the weekend were Trump now POTUS, US forces would be at Defcon 2 and ready to engage Russian forces - I'm less convinced.

    I also wonder whether the sudden collapse in Afghanistan might have prompted Putin to begin planning the attack on the Ukraine in the expectation Washington and Europe would indulge in hand-wringing and nothing else?
    Well Putin was right on that in military terms even if not economic.

    Biden is the most isolationist President since Carter
    Since Trump possibly!
  • Options
    MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 12,416

    Leon said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

    Not dead, just NOT GOVERNING AMERICA
    Can you just imagine @Leon being POTUS?

    Jeez! :lol:
    Make Knapping Great Again.
  • Options
    GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 20,856
    Chris Bryant has just called for Aaron Banks to be sanctioned as a Russian “agent of influence”, and notes that Nigel Farage received over £500k from RT in 2018 alone.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283
    edited March 2022

    Leon said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

    Not dead, just NOT GOVERNING AMERICA
    Can you just imagine @Leon being POTUS?

    Jeez! :lol:
    Nevertheless we challenge his expertise on being drunk and on exhibiting cognitive weakness, at our peril.
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    UK cases by specimen date

    image
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    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    UK R

    image
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    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009
    edited March 2022
    Foxy said:

    HYUFD said:

    stodge said:

    HYUFD said:


    No it isn't.

    Hence there is not a single NATO boot on the ground in Ukraine nor is there a single NATO jet enforcing a no fly zone over Ukraine.

    This is not the liberal interventionism of Clinton in Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq or even Obama in Libya and Syria.

    It is pure Biden led realpolitik just as he showed with the realpolitik of his withdrawal from Afghanistan

    None of the above involved the possibility of a direct armed confrontation with a nuclear power.

    I suspect Obama and Clinton would have followed a similar course to Biden were they President now. As for Trump, harder to say - Dominic Sandbrook argued at the weekend were Trump now POTUS, US forces would be at Defcon 2 and ready to engage Russian forces - I'm less convinced.

    I also wonder whether the sudden collapse in Afghanistan might have prompted Putin to begin planning the attack on the Ukraine in the expectation Washington and Europe would indulge in hand-wringing and nothing else?
    Well Putin was right on that in military terms even if not economic.

    Biden is the most isolationist President since Carter
    Since Trump possibly!
    Trump did plenty of bombings in Afghanistan and ordered the head of the Iranian army's Qud force to be killed with a drone
  • Options
    GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 20,856
    I’ve read on here that Biden, Trump, Clinton, Johnson, Pelosi, Corbyn and even I think Sturgeon are suffering from dementia, strokes, or other brain-impairing illnesses.

    It’s utter bullshit.
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    Cases summary

    image
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    kinabalukinabalu Posts: 39,226
    edited March 2022

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    I disagree with Tony here. In such a fraught situation I see great value in being reductive and clear with the messaging on both sides of the line. The US will defend NATO territory. The US will not defend Ukraine. Allow no room for misunderstanding. If you start up with the 'mights' and 'it depends' you get embroiled in hypothetical convoluted decision trees and the potential for losing control of the narrative is bigger than any benefit you might hope to get from messing with Putin's head.
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    Hospitals

    image
    image
    image
    image
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    Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 26,655
    edited March 2022
    The last time a Labour leader won a working majority at a general election who wasn't called Blair?

    31st March 1966.
  • Options
    Volodymyr Zelenskyy
    @ZelenskyyUa
    1/2
    All trade with Russia must be stopped! So that it can't sponsor the killing of our children. Ukrainians all over the world! Contact politicians, talk to journalists, put pressure on business to leave the Russian market. So that their dollars & euros aren’t paid for our blood

    2/2 The price for this war against Ukraine should be extremely painful for Russia .🇺🇦

    https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1503801054143696904
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    Deaths

    image
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    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,009
    edited March 2022
    Andy_JS said:

    The last time a Labour leader won a working majority at a general election?

    31st March 1966.

    Other than Blair you mean.

    Labour won the biggest majorities for any PM's party since universal suffrage in 1918 under him in 1997 and 2001
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    Age related

    image
    image
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    Chris Bryant has just called for Aaron Banks to be sanctioned as a Russian “agent of influence”, and notes that Nigel Farage received over £500k from RT in 2018 alone.

    Alex Salmond next ?
  • Options
    kinabalukinabalu Posts: 39,226
    Andy_JS said:

    Sturgeon couldn't resist extending the mask mandate could she.

    You make it sound like it was that or a spa day.
  • Options
    MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 44,426
    COVID summary

    Cases - UP. R is about 1.3. R is actually falling a bit among the oldest groups, though.
    In hospital - UP. R is about 1.1
    MV beds - flat(ish)
    Admissions - UP, there may be some hint of a plateau.
    Deaths - DOWN. Looking to be approach flat, somewhere just under 100 per day.

    image
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    I’ve read on here that Biden, Trump, Clinton, Johnson, Pelosi, Corbyn and even I think Sturgeon are suffering from dementia, strokes, or other brain-impairing illnesses.

    It’s utter bullshit.

    I have not passed such a comment on any of them, though I did say Pelosi looked ill
  • Options
    ApplicantApplicant Posts: 3,379

    IshmaelZ said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings
    Just not Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
    I do not think she is in any danger of aspiring to that level, being with me for 60 years deserves a lifetime achievement award in itself !!!
    Nancy Pelosi attended JFK's inauguration - almost certainly the last person alive who did. She may have met a few civil war windows there - they were always on the invitation list as a unifying gesture.
    A very transparent gesture.
  • Options
    IshmaelZIshmaelZ Posts: 21,830
    kinabalu said:

    Tony Blair (I know...) on Ukraine. Actually, very good indeed. Clear-headed and clear-eyed.

    https://institute.global/tony-blair/immediate-challenge-ukraine-maximum-pressure-combined-structured-negotiation

    "I accept the reasoning behind our stance. But suppose he uses chemical weapons or a tactical nuclear weapon, or tries to destroy Kyiv as he did Aleppo in Syria, without any regard to the loss of civilian life – is it sensible to tell him in advance that whatever he does militarily, we will rule out any form of military response? Maybe that is our position and maybe that is the right position, but continually signalling it, and removing doubt in his mind, is a strange tactic."

    I disagree with Tony here. In such a fraught situation I see great value in being reductive and clear with the messaging on both sides of the line. The US will defend NATO territory. The US will not defend Ukraine. Allow no room for misunderstanding. If you start up with the 'mights' and 'it depends' you get embroiled in hypothetical convoluted decision trees and the potential for losing control of the narrative is bigger than any benefit you might hope to get from messing with Putin's head.
    Exactly. If you don't say you won't Putin will be giving it large to the Russians about how you are secretly plotting to.
  • Options

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy
    @ZelenskyyUa
    1/2
    All trade with Russia must be stopped! So that it can't sponsor the killing of our children. Ukrainians all over the world! Contact politicians, talk to journalists, put pressure on business to leave the Russian market. So that their dollars & euros aren’t paid for our blood

    2/2 The price for this war against Ukraine should be extremely painful for Russia .🇺🇦

    https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1503801054143696904

    I thought we had announced trade restrictions and tariffs today, including a 35% tariff on vodka
  • Options
    kjhkjh Posts: 10,632

    Leon said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings

    Not dead, just NOT GOVERNING AMERICA
    Can you just imagine @Leon being POTUS?

    Jeez! :lol:
    Who better to negotiate with the aliens?
  • Options
    HYUFD said:

    Andy_JS said:

    The last time a Labour leader won a working majority at a general election?

    31st March 1966.

    Other than Blair you mean.

    Labour won the biggest majorities for any PM's party since universal suffrage in 1918 under him in 1997 and 2001
    He did say Blair
  • Options
    dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,970

    IshmaelZ said:

    IshmaelZ said:

    Leon said:

    TimT said:

    Nancy Pelosi in action. Jeez. Makes Sleepy Joe look like JFK on steroids.

    https://twitter.com/jessicahodlr/status/1503556754168242186

    That is somewhat embarrassing - is she ill ?
    She is usually articulate, and an extremely wily political operative. It looks like too much botox, but perhaps she's had a (mini-)stroke? Almost looks like that.
    Check out these


    https://twitter.com/Dechko20/status/1503304816071749633?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    https://twitter.com/ReillocNaes/status/1502623154539278343?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg


    https://twitter.com/_joecephus/status/1498862864790179845?s=20&t=W7qojxry2aWB5WNgzMcZrg

    Either she drinks or she has some major cognitive problem (eg a stroke, as you say)
    Doesn't look drunk, just looks and is very old. the fact that we can prop up 81 year olds to the extent they can purport to do a serious job, doesn't mean we should. Serious anti struldbrugg legislation needed (actually even struldbruggs were declared legally dead at 80).
    So my wife at 82 should be dead in your musings
    Just not Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
    I do not think she is in any danger of aspiring to that level, being with me for 60 years deserves a lifetime achievement award in itself !!!
    Nancy Pelosi attended JFK's inauguration - almost certainly the last person alive who did. She may have met a few civil war windows there - they were always on the invitation list as a unifying gesture. It reminds me of how Bertrand Russell, an omnipresent figure in my youth, would recall his grandfather, Lord John Russell, architect of the 1832 Reform Act.
    Did his daughter Caroline not attend?
  • Options
    GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 20,856
    Levelling Up update.

    The Treasury, having disbanded the 50-strong Industrial Strategy team it inherited from BEIS a year ago, have failed to hire a single replacement.

    At the time, Rishi/Kwasi claimed “The plan for growth builds on the best of the Industrial Strategy.”
  • Options
    LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 15,271

    Pox cases on a big spike again. Nobody seems to care any more, but does show that all the BORIS ENDS COVID stuff was fanciful.

    With Covid tearing a hole through schools across Aberdeenshire I am not at all surprised that Sturgeon has decided to extend the mask mandate. It won't stop it tearing through them but will help stop spreading it further.

    Would you support mask mandates to stop norovirus, or influenza, spreading further beyond schools?

    If not, what's the difference with Covid?
  • Options
    MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 25,197
    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    EU finally sanction Abramovich and Sky says the question rises that will the EU allow Chelsea to play in Europe

    Thank **** Johnson didn't let the grass grow under Abramovitch's feet.
    What specifically has he done in the past that would have warranted this action earlier?
    According to the Guardian on 10th March "Roman Abramovich, one of the world’s richest men, was finally subjected to sanctions by the UK government after ministers accused him of having “clear connections” to Vladimir Putin’s regime and being among a group of businessmen who had “blood on their hands”...The move will heap further pressure on Putin two weeks after he ordered troops to invade Ukraine in a bloody war that has seen thousands killed or injured".
    Yes, after the actions in Ukraine, but you seem to be suggesting he should have sanctioned years ago.
    No I didn't. I was responding to BigG.'s "EU FINALLY sanction Abramovich" comment.
    What was your comment regarding Johnson about then? Letting the grass grow suggests someone is being slow, implying that he should have done it earlier.
    Abramovitch and his pals could have been sanctioned almost two weeks earlier. Two weeks gave them plenty of time to offshore and liquidate lots of assets. A few more days and Chelsea would have been in Saudi ownership.
This discussion has been closed.