Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Twat.
No, really. If something evokes something poisonous in your own head, just keep quiet about it.
Above, all, don't attribute the poison to other people and start abusing them.
We'd all be living on thin gruel if this maxim were universally observed on here. More poison. More abuse. Lest we all die of ennui.
That twitter clip reminded me of the type of stupid shit the Queen had to sit through while grinning inanely. Before Truss killed her.
We don't know that she was grinning inanely as Johnson tried to formulate a coherent sentence along the lines of 'I resign, send for Truss' without the words actually joking Choking him.
Although TBF who would blame her?
Edit - that was an autocorrect fail, although I doubt anyone will believe me!
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
Tories only need to increase an average of a point a month and Labour slip a point a month this year for Rishi to be back in the game for the election next year.
Quite doable against Starmer.
For Rishi to be back in the game the Tories need a lead of 4-5%. Worse than that then Starmer would likely become PM
Tories gaining 1% a month this year and Labour losing 1% a month would see the Tories going into 2024 leading 37% - 34%.
Like I said, back in the game...
Has our friend HYUFD been coaching you?
1% a month each way is a modest and quite possible reaction to the crazy ups and downs of May-Johnson-Truss era of politics.
Squeaky bum time for Labour once both main parties are in the 30s.
I can understand Mike Smithson’s sudden alarm. Can this site handle two HY’s talking gibberish? 😆
The truth is, having failed on tax, failed on growth, failed on borrowing, failed on immigration, failed on asylum invasion and processing claims, failed to deliver the promise of Brexit and levelling up, utterly failed on NHS and failed on education, why shouldn’t there be a sizeable rebellion leakage to Reform next time from what had been so used to voting Farage up to 2019?
The reality current polling shows Tories going backwards away from thirties, and Labour advancing again to 50s, and the liturgy of Tory failure suggest hard work for Tories to get vote out next time or prevent lots of leakage to Reform, not just leakage to the other parties.
And whether Starmer government with bonus of incumbency can quickly be ousted depends on the Tory offering. Trussism under Badenoch, Sunakism (whatever that is if it’s not high tax) under one of current cabinet, Johnsonism under Boris etc etc. How can you expect to win elections when you havn’t a clear position on anything anymore?
I would love to see two HYUFDs having an argument with one another.
Do you suffer from insomnia ?
No, but the convoluted logic, the links to dubious facts from the internet, the misinterpretation of stuff and the tangents! Oh in particular the tangents that will go off into who knows where and forever so that the original point will be lost a 1000 times over. It will be like witnessing chaos theory evolve in front of your eyes and eventually entirely fill up the internet.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
Just for quorum purposes - why do you think the clip might have been "the most joyous thing" someone has seen in weeks.
Leon has been mostly doomcasting and chatting with AI, afaics, so I can believe it's the most joyous thing he's seen in weeks. Quite possibly the only thing he's watched that isn't predicting millions of deaths...
For me, probably the most jouyous thing I've seen today, but then I've been mostly working on a systematic review The weather forecast was the most jouyous thing before that.
In future, anyone on PB caught smiling at nice things must report to the DEPARTMENT OF INCORRECT JOY for re-educational purposes
You need to be a bit more inquisitive, both about things you see and your reactions. I forced you to conduct a self-examination and, you being a smart guy, it didn't take you long to realise that I was right.
That I was right aside, such examinations are certainly joyous so we are all happy.
Always happy to be of service to you and the broader PB community.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
Haven't you just dropped 150 notes to watch a couple of Agnetha and Benny robots miming to overrated sexless 70s pop?
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
It's the insidious prejudice of lowered expectations.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
In future, anyone on PB caught smiling at nice things must report to the DEPARTMENT OF INCORRECT JOY for re-educational purposes
You need to be a bit more inquisitive, both about things you see and your reactions. I forced you to conduct a self-examination and, you being a smart guy, it didn't take you long to realise that I was right.
That I was right aside, such examinations are certainly joyous so we are all happy.
Always happy to be of service to you and the broader PB community.
I can sense your exquisite embarrassment from all the way over here by The Regent’s Park
EXC: A major reduction in the energy bills support package for businesses is due next week
Current package is £18bn for six months
New package to be c. £5bn for a year, so £2.5bn per six months
That’s a big drop. Plus prices will no longer be capped.
30 point Labour lead. Incoming.
Wholesale prices for gas have tumbled and although its not simple to see how this affects the prices, its looking like the worst is over. Government cannot provide support forever.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
Haven't you just dropped 150 notes to watch a couple of Agnetha and Benny robots miming to overrated sexless 70s pop?
Just to calibrate your musical joyousness scale.
I examined and checked my prejudices when they played Waterloo while showing pictures of Agnetha and the other female one prancing around in very short skirts.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
In future, anyone on PB caught smiling at nice things must report to the DEPARTMENT OF INCORRECT JOY for re-educational purposes
You need to be a bit more inquisitive, both about things you see and your reactions. I forced you to conduct a self-examination and, you being a smart guy, it didn't take you long to realise that I was right.
That I was right aside, such examinations are certainly joyous so we are all happy.
Always happy to be of service to you and the broader PB community.
I can sense your exquisite embarrassment from all the way over here by The Regent’s Park
100% not embarrassed and your usual ploy of counter claiming about someone which in this instance is clumsy and, as usual, ineffective.
But I do of course take it as a compliment.
Next stop take down all those photos from above the mantelpiece, I'm guessing.
In future, anyone on PB caught smiling at nice things must report to the DEPARTMENT OF INCORRECT JOY for re-educational purposes
I love that somebody reported it as off topic.
Wonder who?
I def didn't report Leon's comment as off topic. I have never reported any post on here as off topic first, because I know that sends a klaxon to the mods; secondly because I had no idea that anything was off-topic on PB; and thirdly because it is a pretty lame way of responding to someone.
I'm guessing it was a fat-fingered like. How fat are your fingers, come to think of it?
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Your comment was the purest example of projection that I have ever seen on PB. I’ll leave it there
No it wasn't. What if it was the Royal Academy of Music Xylophone Troop playing the same piece.
What exactly do you find so joyous about it?
Because the music is beautiful Because the girls clearly love playing it Because they play it so well Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
For someone who wanted to leave it there that is a long-winded way of saying you agree with me.
In future, anyone on PB caught smiling at nice things must report to the DEPARTMENT OF INCORRECT JOY for re-educational purposes
You need to be a bit more inquisitive, both about things you see and your reactions. I forced you to conduct a self-examination and, you being a smart guy, it didn't take you long to realise that I was right.
That I was right aside, such examinations are certainly joyous so we are all happy.
Always happy to be of service to you and the broader PB community.
I can sense your exquisite embarrassment from all the way over here by The Regent’s Park
100% not embarrassed and your usual ploy of counter claiming about someone which in this instance is clumsy and, as usual, ineffective.
But I do of course take it as a compliment.
Next stop take down all those photos from above the mantelpiece, I'm guessing.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
Just for quorum purposes - why do you think the clip might have been "the most joyous thing" someone has seen in weeks.
Leon has been mostly doomcasting and chatting with AI, afaics, so I can believe it's the most joyous thing he's seen in weeks. Quite possibly the only thing he's watched that isn't predicting millions of deaths...
For me, probably the most jouyous thing I've seen today, but then I've been mostly working on a systematic review The weather forecast was the most joyous thing before that.
It was OK, but mainly for the plain enjoyment of the kids playing it. Otherwise didn't quite work for me, in the way that (eg) Paint it Black on the accordion and bandura did.
Unlike Topping, though, I don't think you need to share Leon's épater les réveillés mindset to like it.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
Just for quorum purposes - why do you think the clip might have been "the most joyous thing" someone has seen in weeks.
Leon has been mostly doomcasting and chatting with AI, afaics, so I can believe it's the most joyous thing he's seen in weeks. Quite possibly the only thing he's watched that isn't predicting millions of deaths...
For me, probably the most jouyous thing I've seen today, but then I've been mostly working on a systematic review The weather forecast was the most joyous thing before that.
It was OK, but mainly for the plain enjoyment of the kids playing it. Otherwise didn't quite work for me, in the way that (eg) Paint it Black on the accordion and bandura did.
Unlike Topping, though, I don't think you need to share Leon's épater les réveillés mindset to like it.
That (Paint it Black) cover is genius.
Second most joyful thing I've seen today, due to the performers not being black
(Bits of the earlier video were sublime; other parts didn't quite work, whether due to limitations of instrument or not quite getting it right - but still, primary school kids doing it a hell of a lot better than I could - I couldn't really tell)
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
Are we sure they're really playing it? The different children don't really seem to be in time either with each other, or with the music.
At some points definitely yes. At other points I wondered myself for the same reason but given there are several rows of them it's difficult to be sure.
But ultimately even if it has been sweetened in places (and done rather better than with autotune) you've got a bunch of children playing music really well and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
Off topic, but important for anyone who wants to understand US politics: "The U.S. economy added 223,000 jobs in December, even as some industries are experiencing a slowdown, reflecting the unusual forces at work in the post-pandemic labor market that is both resilient and cooling.
The unemployment rate inched down to 3.5 percent, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hovering near longtime lows." source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/06/december-jobs-report/ (You can find all this data at the BLS, for those who really want to dig into the numbers.)
Large employers are laying off workers, but this is more than balanced by small employers hiring.
(Some of you will find these two details of interest: "Health care gained 55,000 jobs, with a boost in ambulatory health care services, hospitals and nursing homes. Construction grew by 28,000 jobs, even as higher interest rates have hurt the real estate sector.")
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
I defy anyone to watch it without being at least a tiny bit uplifted
Much underrated instrument, the xylophone. I defy anyone to watch a xylophone played well and not feel a tiny bit uplifted.
Pop songs which include xylophones: Mama Mia by Abba Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes.
I can't think of any others. Missed opportunity, rock n roll.
Under My Thumb by the Stones. Technically a Marimba.
I always thought that Under My Thumb sans vocals would make a fantastic edgy soundtrack to a 60s Bullitt-ish type thriller..
Started watching Slow Horses which I don’t think is quite the cat’s pyjamas it thinks it is, but I really like the Mick Jagger theme song, best thing he’s done for decades.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
So PB's reaction to a lovely heartwarming video of kids playing Vivaldi with total happiness is 1. liking this video is "patronising or racist" and 2. the kids probably aren't playing it anyway, it's fake, and 3. even if it is real, it's only OK and the accordion thing is better
And we wonder why lurkers accuse us of being a bunch of cantankerous old gits
For the record, I've done some research now. The kids are real, they are really playing it, they are actually well known (if not to me) and there is a uplifting story behind it, too
“The marimba hubs is a concept that we have started in South Africa to take children off the streets,” explains Lithgow. “What we do is we train teachers from scratch who have never ever played the instrument before, and we get them to teach their pupils.
What’s wonderful about marimbas is it keeps children off the street,” says James Urdang from Educate Africa. “You’ve got children coming out… and instead of going home and getting up to mischief in the streets, they want to get in the marimba team.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
No, he has a point. It's a nice clip but the "most joyous thing ever" tag is open to exploration and challenge.
Oh don’t talk drivel. The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
It's not at all weird. If you thought about it for a moment. I forced Leon to do this and he accepted my point, albeit kicking and screaming as he did so, as is his way; perhaps you would like to also.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
Tories only need to increase an average of a point a month and Labour slip a point a month this year for Rishi to be back in the game for the election next year.
Quite doable against Starmer.
For Rishi to be back in the game the Tories need a lead of 4-5%. Worse than that then Starmer would likely become PM
Tories gaining 1% a month this year and Labour losing 1% a month would see the Tories going into 2024 leading 37% - 34%.
Like I said, back in the game...
Has our friend HYUFD been coaching you?
1% a month each way is a modest and quite possible reaction to the crazy ups and downs of May-Johnson-Truss era of politics.
Squeaky bum time for Labour once both main parties are in the 30s.
I can understand Mike Smithson’s sudden alarm. Can this site handle two HY’s talking gibberish? 😆
The truth is, having failed on tax, failed on growth, failed on borrowing, failed on immigration, failed on asylum invasion and processing claims, failed to deliver the promise of Brexit and levelling up, utterly failed on NHS and failed on education, why shouldn’t there be a sizeable rebellion leakage to Reform next time from what had been so used to voting Farage up to 2019?
The reality current polling shows Tories going backwards away from thirties, and Labour advancing again to 50s, and the liturgy of Tory failure suggest hard work for Tories to get vote out next time or prevent lots of leakage to Reform, not just leakage to the other parties.
And whether Starmer government with bonus of incumbency can quickly be ousted depends on the Tory offering. Trussism under Badenoch, Sunakism (whatever that is if it’s not high tax) under one of current cabinet, Johnsonism under Boris etc etc. How can you expect to win elections when you havn’t a clear position on anything anymore?
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
Are we sure they're really playing it? The different children don't really seem to be in time either with each other, or with the music.
At some points definitely yes. At other points I wondered myself for the same reason but given there are several rows of them it's difficult to be sure.
But ultimately even if it has been sweetened in places (and done rather better than with autotune) you've got a bunch of children playing music really well and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
I mean, what's not to like?
I deleted my comment (after about 30 seconds), because a quick Google discovered these guys are talented musicians.
It's an enjoyable video.
Not the best thing I'll see today. But enjoyable nonetheless.
So PB's reaction to a lovely heartwarming video of kids playing Vivaldi with total happiness is 1. liking this video is "patronising or racist" and 2. the kids probably aren't playing it anyway, it's fake, and 3. even if it is real, it's only OK and the accordion thing is better
And we wonder why lurkers accuse us of being a bunch of cantankerous old gits
For the record, I've done some research now. The kids are real, they are really playing it, they are actually well known (if not to me) and there is a uplifting story behind it, too
“The marimba hubs is a concept that we have started in South Africa to take children off the streets,” explains Lithgow. “What we do is we train teachers from scratch who have never ever played the instrument before, and we get them to teach their pupils.
What’s wonderful about marimbas is it keeps children off the street,” says James Urdang from Educate Africa. “You’ve got children coming out… and instead of going home and getting up to mischief in the streets, they want to get in the marimba team.
Tories only need to increase an average of a point a month and Labour slip a point a month this year for Rishi to be back in the game for the election next year.
Quite doable against Starmer.
For Rishi to be back in the game the Tories need a lead of 4-5%. Worse than that then Starmer would likely become PM
Tories gaining 1% a month this year and Labour losing 1% a month would see the Tories going into 2024 leading 37% - 34%.
Like I said, back in the game...
Has our friend HYUFD been coaching you?
1% a month each way is a modest and quite possible reaction to the crazy ups and downs of May-Johnson-Truss era of politics.
Squeaky bum time for Labour once both main parties are in the 30s.
I can understand Mike Smithson’s sudden alarm. Can this site handle two HY’s talking gibberish? 😆
The truth is, having failed on tax, failed on growth, failed on borrowing, failed on immigration, failed on asylum invasion and processing claims, failed to deliver the promise of Brexit and levelling up, utterly failed on NHS and failed on education, why shouldn’t there be a sizeable rebellion leakage to Reform next time from what had been so used to voting Farage up to 2019?
The reality current polling shows Tories going backwards away from thirties, and Labour advancing again to 50s, and the liturgy of Tory failure suggest hard work for Tories to get vote out next time or prevent lots of leakage to Reform, not just leakage to the other parties.
And whether Starmer government with bonus of incumbency can quickly be ousted depends on the Tory offering. Trussism under Badenoch, Sunakism (whatever that is if it’s not high tax) under one of current cabinet, Johnsonism under Boris etc etc. How can you expect to win elections when you havn’t a clear position on anything anymore?
A win with wokery?
Anyway my car is ready now. I'm off.
Bye then 🙋♀️
19k posts waiting for a car to be fixed
I'm not that surprised TBF. It's taken me over two months to get my dad's car repaired.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
No, he has a point. It's a nice clip but the "most joyous thing ever" tag is open to exploration and challenge.
Oh don’t talk drivel. The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
It's not at all weird. If you thought about it for a moment. I forced Leon to do this and he accepted my point, albeit kicking and screaming as he did so, as is his way; perhaps you would like to also.
I don’t accept your point at all. Are you suggesting it is somehow racist to enjoy kids playing music? Or that they shouldn’t be allowed to play Vivaldi?
The more I think about it, the more disturbing your comments seem.
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
I defy anyone to watch it without being at least a tiny bit uplifted
Much underrated instrument, the xylophone. I defy anyone to watch a xylophone played well and not feel a tiny bit uplifted.
Pop songs which include xylophones: Mama Mia by Abba Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes.
I can't think of any others. Missed opportunity, rock n roll.
Under My Thumb by the Stones. Technically a Marimba.
I always thought that Under My Thumb sans vocals would make a fantastic edgy soundtrack to a 60s Bullitt-ish type thriller..
Started watching Slow Horses which I don’t think is quite the cat’s pyjamas it thinks it is, but I really like the Mick Jagger theme song, best thing he’s done for decades.
I think Slow Horses is pretty good. Let down a little as per by the British tendency to ham everything up.
Yes, that theme tune is excellent and it’s a great way to practice your Mick Jagger impression as my wife will attest.
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
I defy anyone to watch it without being at least a tiny bit uplifted
Much underrated instrument, the xylophone. I defy anyone to watch a xylophone played well and not feel a tiny bit uplifted.
Pop songs which include xylophones: Mama Mia by Abba Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes.
I can't think of any others. Missed opportunity, rock n roll.
Under My Thumb by the Stones. Technically a Marimba.
I always thought that Under My Thumb sans vocals would make a fantastic edgy soundtrack to a 60s Bullitt-ish type thriller..
Started watching Slow Horses which I don’t think is quite the cat’s pyjamas it thinks it is, but I really like the Mick Jagger theme song, best thing he’s done for decades.
I think Slow Horses is pretty good. Let down a little as per by the British tendency to ham everything up.
Yes, that theme tune is excellent and it’s a great way to practice your Mick Jagger impression as my wife will attest.
It’s good, just not Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy great. Gary Oldman should dial down the farting boor stuff which I guess comes under your ham everything up thing.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
Yes. It was a pain to find material for a while. Then the under butler suggested that one of the tradesmen knew an a chap. Estranged son of a rather odd immigrant family. Anyway, apparently he is rather into terrorist hunting and has piles of them - no idea what to do with them. Bit like the grouse, I suppose.
On topic: "But in a sign of progress, some Republicans are approaching a deal that could help Republican leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) get closer to clinching the necessary 218 votes to take the gavel.
I am mildly skeptical, because there are so many holdouts. On the other hand, most of the holdouts may recognize this isn't helping them with the voters.
Too much power has been concentrated in the Speaker's office. That can work when the Speaker is a Democrat, since so many Democrats come out of the same machine politics that Pelosi did. Her father, as I assume many of you know, was a Baltmore boss.
But it will always cause disatisfaction among Republicans.)
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
No, he has a point. It's a nice clip but the "most joyous thing ever" tag is open to exploration and challenge.
Oh don’t talk drivel. The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
It's not at all weird. If you thought about it for a moment. I forced Leon to do this and he accepted my point, albeit kicking and screaming as he did so, as is his way; perhaps you would like to also.
I don’t accept your point at all. Are you suggesting it is somehow racist to enjoy kids playing music? Or that they shouldn’t be allowed to play Vivaldi?
The more I think about it, the more disturbing your comments seem.
Probably thinks that they should only be allowed to play Dubul' ibhunu
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
Just for quorum purposes - why do you think the clip might have been "the most joyous thing" someone has seen in weeks.
Leon has been mostly doomcasting and chatting with AI, afaics, so I can believe it's the most joyous thing he's seen in weeks. Quite possibly the only thing he's watched that isn't predicting millions of deaths...
For me, probably the most jouyous thing I've seen today, but then I've been mostly working on a systematic review The weather forecast was the most jouyous thing before that.
On reflection, the World Cup Final was even more joyous than this, and the 9 dart shoot out leg at the Darts was even more joyous than THAT, so this video is now relegated to "THIRD most joyous thing I've seen in weeks"
The darts leg might be the greatest thing ever in any genre of human behaviour, or indeed anything else
On topic: "But in a sign of progress, some Republicans are approaching a deal that could help Republican leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) get closer to clinching the necessary 218 votes to take the gavel.
I am mildly skeptical, because there are so many holdouts. On the other hand, most of the holdouts may recognize this isn't helping them with the voters.
Too much power has been concentrated in the Speaker's office. That can work when the Speaker is a Democrat, since so many Democrats come out of the same machine politics that Pelosi did. Her father, as I assume many of you know, was a Baltmore boss.
But it will always cause disatisfaction among Republicans.)
The last Republican speaker of any note turned out to be a real, actual and convicted paedophile.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
No, he has a point. It's a nice clip but the "most joyous thing ever" tag is open to exploration and challenge.
Oh don’t talk drivel. The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
The point (I think) @TOPPING makes - in his usual overly combative way (he's ex army) - is that some of the professed 'bursting with joy' at the clip will probably be driven by condescension and virtue-signalling.
Is this right, Captain? I don't want to speak for you. As if.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Twat.
No, really. If something evokes something poisonous in your own head, just keep quiet about it.
Above, all, don't attribute the poison to other people and start abusing them.
Twat x2.
Same question to you - what exactly is so joyous about the clip?
Isn’t young people playing music together joyous, as a general principle?
The last time I heard Four Seasons on an unusual instrument wasn’t quite so joyous. In the late 80s I shared an office with a rather dour and sad Scottish guy, whose wife had run off with another man and taken him for all his savings in late middle age, and he had been reduced to renting a bedsit in North London. Pretty much his only hobby was playing guitar, and since he couldn’t play at home without disturbing the other bedsitters, he kept his guitar at work and used to practice for an hour at lunchtimes.
(which incidentally got me trained into the habit of taking a full lunch break every day, out of politeness since he wouldn’t practice with company. This served me well through the years as lunch gradually mutated from a good long booze-up with your workmates in the ‘80s to a Pret hummus sandwich eaten at the desk in-between replying to emails by 2000).
Anyhow this guy had a big concert coming up - clearly the highlight of his year - where he was going to perform in a four-guitar ensemble doing the Four Seasons, and he was clearly eager to get in as much practice as possible. Whenever I came back to the office after lunch, none of the bits I heard him rehearsing, before he hurriedly put away his guitar, sounded at all like the Four Seasons I knew, so one day I waited a while outside and all I could hear were a long series of repeated notes, occasionally varying up and down but pretty monotonous with no recognisable fragments from the Four Seasons.
When I mentioned this to him, he confessed that he was doing the base line, with the tunes to be played by the others. Which seemed sadder than ever.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
A bit like having large glossy photos of African tribesmen up on your walls at home.
Soz.
Lol. There’s always one
Yep very sadly always on duty. But you know I'm right.
Okish comment from you actually. A bit tart but also a bit correct - and rather brave since it makes you look like a heartless sourpuss.
It’s not a “bit correct”. It’s full-on, balls-out, batshit.
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
No, he has a point. It's a nice clip but the "most joyous thing ever" tag is open to exploration and challenge.
Oh don’t talk drivel. The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
The point (I think) @TOPPING makes - in his usual overly combative way (he's ex army) - is that some of the professed 'bursting with joy' at the clip will probably be driven by condescension and virtue-signalling.
Is this right, Captain? I don't want to speak for you. As if.
Yeah hate to be a spoilsport but there's a touch of wow look how clever the natives are at playing sophisticated western music.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Marvellous example of a comment that says everything about the commenter and nothing about what he is trying to comment on.
Twat.
No, really. If something evokes something poisonous in your own head, just keep quiet about it.
Above, all, don't attribute the poison to other people and start abusing them.
Twat x2.
Same question to you - what exactly is so joyous about the clip?
The people in it seem to be having a lot of fun?
England players' reaction on winning the Euros is a similarly joyous clip (or indeed Messi's on winning the world cup) and, I guess, less open to your interpretation.*
*unless they have a touch of 'wow look how clever the women are at playing manly games' etc
ETA: Be careful, btw. Don't too many twats make a Twitter? We don't want that!
The more pertinent question: Leon and his various incarnations prior have spent years trying to alarm us all, usually to almost zero effect, about the imminence of various imagined catastrophes that will supposedly wipe out our species from the planet, or similar.
Yet he’s trying to uplift us now? Should he check his meds?
Permission to be surprised how small that shift is, Sir?
OK, it's one data point, and People Polling has never been tested in battle. But if rejoin is ahead (albeit within MoE and with a lot of don't knows) on "rejoin even after all the downsides are listed", that feels significant.
Except they don't list all the downsides. A commitment to join the Euro should be added to that list because even though it is something we might try to delay indefinitely, it would still be a legal commitment.
I can see this issue is going to be a major battlefield once the rejoin campaign starts. As I've said previously, as someone who doesn't want us to join the euro in the foreseeable future, the legal commitment to join at some point - with the option to defer indefinitely - doesn't keep me awake at night.
You're very optimistic if you think we'll be offered that. The EU will not take any risks on us leaving for a second time, and the best way for them to ensure that is for us to join the euro on day one of membership.
That is impossible under the rules governing euro membership. These rules are designed to ensure that the euro isn't compromised by economies joining before they are ready. I actually think the EU will be quite wary of us joining the Euro given how we crashed out of the ERM. Protecting the Euro is much more important to the EU than stopping us leaving, they're not going to endanger the former in pursuit of the latter.
An interesting interpretation of the EU's historical actions. In particular "it's the rules" has never stopped them doing what they want to do.
Exactly - if they want us and we don't want the €, they will find a way for us to stick with our own currency for yonks, like the Swedes have done. The question is whether they would want us, not what are the rules.
A minor derogation from FoM would have allowed 'Remain' to win in 2016. The EU would not do it. Yes, rules don't matter when the EU wants to do something, but when they don't they are a bunch of fundamentalists.
One problem is not seeing things from the other guys point of view.
In the case of the EU, the leading counties - France, Germany etc - saw FOM as a difficult thing. For them. The issues about wages for the low/no skilled apply there, as well as to the U.K.. Hence the riots in France on a regular basis.
What politicians, in those countries, saw was that if they compromised on FOM, everyone would want an “adjustment”.
The pro EU politicians involved saw FOM as something that they had jointly sacrificed for - a lynch pin of their wider vision for the EU.
So it was an unshakeable redline.
FOM is one of the greatest things about the EU and the right to live and work in 27 other countries is why I voted to Remain.
Thankfully I managed to protect that because of my family but am really sad that many younger people can no longer enjoy that.
Shame on all those so called loving grandparents who robbed their grandchildren of that freedom !
Indeed surveys in EU countries including France and Germany show people are overwhelmingly in favour of EU freedom of movement, and for most people it's the most valuable thing about being in the EU.
But - genuine question - why? How many genuinely move? And how do they do it? Is language just not an issue for our continental counterparts? .
I commend you to the French film L'Auberge Espagnole for an insight into the dynamics of this.
Lots do move around - particularly the younger generation. Hyper-particularly anybody who did Erasmus.
Are there any stats on who moves where? There could be some interesting analysis in this. My guess is that the highest movements are between countries which share a language (UK/Ireland, France/Belgium, Germany/Austria) and from other countries to the UK (since the European youth appears to speak English with ease). But there may well be much more at play here.
In general Western Europeans do not share the stark British terror of learning a foreign language so I don't think that is too much of a factor. The younger ones follow employment, educational and cultural opportunities so they end up in cities like Bruxelles, Barcelona and Amsterdam. The older ones follow the sun south.
British people aren't afraid to learn a foreign language. They just generally don't need to, and if they try to speak a foreign language in that language's country they usually find people speaking english back at them.
Quite. Eventually you stop trying, because everyone you want to practise on, wants to practise on you.
I live in a part of Spain with significant numbers of non Spanish including many English. The problem you identify is there but there are great benefits to persevering. The locals really appreciate it, accessing all public services is much easier and you acquire a new skill. For me it's is a great boon especially as I'm not a 'natural' linguist.
So PB's reaction to a lovely heartwarming video of kids playing Vivaldi with total happiness is 1. liking this video is "patronising or racist" and 2. the kids probably aren't playing it anyway, it's fake, and 3. even if it is real, it's only OK and the accordion thing is better
And we wonder why lurkers accuse us of being a bunch of cantankerous old gits
For the record, I've done some research now. The kids are real, they are really playing it, they are actually well known (if not to me) and there is a uplifting story behind it, too
“The marimba hubs is a concept that we have started in South Africa to take children off the streets,” explains Lithgow. “What we do is we train teachers from scratch who have never ever played the instrument before, and we get them to teach their pupils.
What’s wonderful about marimbas is it keeps children off the street,” says James Urdang from Educate Africa. “You’ve got children coming out… and instead of going home and getting up to mischief in the streets, they want to get in the marimba team.
If you haven't watched it, you are genuinely missing a treat. Not only brilliantly played but all those happy smiling faces.
I defy anyone to watch it without being at least a tiny bit uplifted
Much underrated instrument, the xylophone. I defy anyone to watch a xylophone played well and not feel a tiny bit uplifted.
Pop songs which include xylophones: Mama Mia by Abba Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes.
I can't think of any others. Missed opportunity, rock n roll.
Under My Thumb by the Stones. Technically a Marimba.
I always thought that Under My Thumb sans vocals would make a fantastic edgy soundtrack to a 60s Bullitt-ish type thriller..
Started watching Slow Horses which I don’t think is quite the cat’s pyjamas it thinks it is, but I really like the Mick Jagger theme song, best thing he’s done for decades.
I think Slow Horses is pretty good. Let down a little as per by the British tendency to ham everything up.
Yes, that theme tune is excellent and it’s a great way to practice your Mick Jagger impression as my wife will attest.
It’s good, just not Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy great. Gary Oldman should dial down the farting boor stuff which I guess comes under your ham everything up thing.
Oldman is playing Lamb more subtly than he’s written!
The age-fraud crisis to engulf Cameroon’s Under-17 team has intensified after more players failed medical tests ordered by Samuel Eto’o, the president of the country’s football association.
Another 11 players are said to have been caught by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening that initially saw 21 of the country’s original 30-strong squad for this month’s regional African Cup of Nations qualifiers sent home.
Those MRIs took place late last month at the insistence of former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Eto’o as part of a pledge to stamp out age fraud within Cameroon’s youth teams.
Governing body Fecafoot announced the results in a statement in which it said steps had been immediately taken to replace those caught by the testing.
But 11 new players failed tests carried out on Tuesday, giving manager Jean Pierre Fiala barely a week to bring in further reinforcements.
Cameroon host Congo, Chad, DR Congo and Central African Republic for the Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC) qualifiers between January 12 and 24, with two teams progressing to April’s Under-17 Nations Cup in Algeria.
Comments
That twitter clip reminded me of the type of stupid shit the Queen had to sit through while grinning inanely. Before Truss killed her.
Especially when you order an inspection of all their pizza deliveries...
https://pollingreport.uk/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Reconnecting&cmid=d36dd8bb-279e-43f3-976f-b150dfb4037d
As bad as Mystic Marquee’s prognostications.
jokingChoking him.Although TBF who would blame her?
Edit - that was an autocorrect fail, although I doubt anyone will believe me!
(Not the day she died of despair over Truss, obviously)
Because the girls clearly love playing it
Because they play it so well
Because the crowd response is so exuberantly positive
And yes, because of the identity of the kids. But it is not their race. It is because they seem to be from a not rich, not sophisticated school in Africa, where perhaps such brilliant accomplishment is less expected
I know it’s not their race, because this video would make me smile if it was in a rural school in Mongolia, Peru, Mexico. It would make me smile in a poor school in Greenland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Pakistan
If it was a broadcast from Eton or a wealthy suburb of Paris it would still be fun, but less uplifting
I would wear morning suits as Speaker.
To reflect the death of democracy.
People in the House who put pineapple on pizzas are part of a satanic child abuse cult.
For me, probably the most jouyous thing I've seen today, but then I've been mostly working on a systematic review
They also think Die Hard is a Christmas film.
That I was right aside, such examinations are certainly joyous so we are all happy.
Always happy to be of service to you and the broader PB community.
Just to calibrate your musical joyousness scale.
Wonder who?
But I do of course take it as a compliment.
Next stop take down all those photos from above the mantelpiece, I'm guessing.
I always write my season greetings on terrorists with small feet.
I'm guessing it was a fat-fingered like. How fat are your fingers, come to think of it?
Unlike Topping, though, I don't think you need to share Leon's épater les réveillés mindset to like it.
Second most joyful thing I've seen today, due to the performers not being black
(Bits of the earlier video were sublime; other parts didn't quite work, whether due to limitations of instrument or not quite getting it right - but still, primary school kids doing it a hell of a lot better than I could - I couldn't really tell)
ETA: Just remembered this too - Seven Nation Army on, among other things, floppy drives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9yt8qTACw
The issue is the attempt to find some weird political point in some kids playing the marimba.
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/social-mobility-tsar-birbalsingh-quits-im-doing-more-harm-than-good/
But ultimately even if it has been sweetened in places (and done rather better than with autotune) you've got a bunch of children playing music really well and thoroughly enjoying themselves.
I mean, what's not to like?
Yay for Hackney. Southwark, Camden and Haringey. But also for Brighton, Lewes, Falmouth, Totnes and Painswick.
The unemployment rate inched down to 3.5 percent, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hovering near longtime lows."
source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/06/december-jobs-report/ (You can find all this data at the BLS, for those who really want to dig into the numbers.)
Large employers are laying off workers, but this is more than balanced by small employers hiring.
(Some of you will find these two details of interest: "Health care gained 55,000 jobs, with a boost in ambulatory health care services, hospitals and nursing homes. Construction grew by 28,000 jobs, even as higher interest rates have hurt the real estate sector.")
Started watching Slow Horses which I don’t think is quite the cat’s pyjamas it thinks it is, but I really like the Mick Jagger theme song, best thing he’s done for decades.
That's not bad in terms of going through all levels of society.
*well, apart from all the jewels his wife had hidden in her clothes, obviously.
And we wonder why lurkers accuse us of being a bunch of cantankerous old gits
For the record, I've done some research now. The kids are real, they are really playing it, they are actually well known (if not to me) and there is a uplifting story behind it, too
“The marimba hubs is a concept that we have started in South Africa to take children off the streets,” explains Lithgow. “What we do is we train teachers from scratch who have never ever played the instrument before, and we get them to teach their pupils.
What’s wonderful about marimbas is it keeps children off the street,” says James Urdang from Educate Africa. “You’ve got children coming out… and instead of going home and getting up to mischief in the streets, they want to get in the marimba team.
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/21/africa/marimba-goede-hoop-school-south-africa/index.html
19k posts waiting for a car to be fixed
It's an enjoyable video.
Not the best thing I'll see today. But enjoyable nonetheless.
Parts of Bradford are just over 1% LGB, but very high levels of "Not Answered". Sounds like a lot of people in the closet.
Likely a staggering amount.
Are you suggesting it is somehow racist to enjoy kids playing music? Or that they shouldn’t be allowed to play Vivaldi?
The more I think about it, the more disturbing your comments seem.
Let down a little as per by the British tendency to ham everything up.
Yes, that theme tune is excellent and it’s a great way to practice your Mick Jagger impression as my wife will attest.
At 2:34 in the song, Aja (and elsewhere)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG2seugAgnU
Apparently they also used the "flapamba" in the famously quirky intro to Rikki Don't Lose That Number
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/whats-that-sound-steely-dan-rikki-dont-lose-that-number/
Gary Oldman should dial down the farting boor stuff which I guess comes under your ham everything up thing.
Holdouts appeared to be swayed by the latest offer McCarthy had made to them roughly 24 hours earlier."
source$: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/01/05/house-speaker-vote-deal-mccarthy/
I am mildly skeptical, because there are so many holdouts. On the other hand, most of the holdouts may recognize this isn't helping them with the voters.
(And it shouldn't be forgotten that some of the holdouts have legitimate grievances: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-right-wing-nuts-upending-the-house-are-right-about-one-thing/ar-AA162aam?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=a31e05ba852441bb9fef74c020a502d6
Too much power has been concentrated in the Speaker's office. That can work when the Speaker is a Democrat, since so many Democrats come out of the same machine politics that Pelosi did. Her father, as I assume many of you know, was a Baltmore boss.
But it will always cause disatisfaction among Republicans.)
Rishi is still shit, though.
The darts leg might be the greatest thing ever in any genre of human behaviour, or indeed anything else
Here's Die Hard writer Stephen E De Souza:
https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/die-hard-christmas-movie-screenwriter-steven-e-de-souza-1201911181/
"‘Die Hard’ Screenwriter Confirms the Film is a Christmas Movie, So Everyone Can Stop Debating Now"
https://www.nme.com/news/film/die-hard-writer-explains-christmas-film-white-christmas-2844452
"‘Die Hard’ writer says the film is more of a Christmas film than ‘White Christmas’
"He's made a checklist, you can check it twice"
I didn’t recognise the music, and don’t like xylophones.
I learned today.
Is this right, Captain? I don't want to speak for you. As if.
The last time I heard Four Seasons on an unusual instrument wasn’t quite so joyous. In the late 80s I shared an office with a rather dour and sad Scottish guy, whose wife had run off with another man and taken him for all his savings in late middle age, and he had been reduced to renting a bedsit in North London. Pretty much his only hobby was playing guitar, and since he couldn’t play at home without disturbing the other bedsitters, he kept his guitar at work and used to practice for an hour at lunchtimes.
(which incidentally got me trained into the habit of taking a full lunch break every day, out of politeness since he wouldn’t practice with company. This served me well through the years as lunch gradually mutated from a good long booze-up with your workmates in the ‘80s to a Pret hummus sandwich eaten at the desk in-between replying to emails by 2000).
Anyhow this guy had a big concert coming up - clearly the highlight of his year - where he was going to perform in a four-guitar ensemble doing the Four Seasons, and he was clearly eager to get in as much practice as possible. Whenever I came back to the office after lunch, none of the bits I heard him rehearsing, before he hurriedly put away his guitar, sounded at all like the Four Seasons I knew, so one day I waited a while outside and all I could hear were a long series of repeated notes, occasionally varying up and down but pretty monotonous with no recognisable fragments from the Four Seasons.
When I mentioned this to him, he confessed that he was doing the base line, with the tunes to be played by the others. Which seemed sadder than ever.
Yet he’s trying to uplift us now? Should he check his meds?
Think so anyway. My memory could be playing up. I'm 62.
The age-fraud crisis to engulf Cameroon’s Under-17 team has intensified after more players failed medical tests ordered by Samuel Eto’o, the president of the country’s football association.
Another 11 players are said to have been caught by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening that initially saw 21 of the country’s original 30-strong squad for this month’s regional African Cup of Nations qualifiers sent home.
Those MRIs took place late last month at the insistence of former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Eto’o as part of a pledge to stamp out age fraud within Cameroon’s youth teams.
Governing body Fecafoot announced the results in a statement in which it said steps had been immediately taken to replace those caught by the testing.
But 11 new players failed tests carried out on Tuesday, giving manager Jean Pierre Fiala barely a week to bring in further reinforcements.
Cameroon host Congo, Chad, DR Congo and Central African Republic for the Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC) qualifiers between January 12 and 24, with two teams progressing to April’s Under-17 Nations Cup in Algeria.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/01/05/cameroon-age-fraud-fears-grow-checks-send-32-youth-players-home/