I don't think Germany is Pro-Russian, so much as deeply against war. This means that economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is uncontroversial, military aid much more so.
Germany is not the militaristic country that it was, nor does it particularly look as if that is going to change. The profound defeat in 1945 and soul-searching afterwards, particularly by the German baby boom generation transformed the country.
It would be useful for Russia to have the same cultural transformation against militarism as Germany or Japan, but rather difficult to see the route to the profound defeat required. There might have been that opportunity in the nineties, but we squandered it.
I think the problem in Germany is the SPD. The other main parties seem solidly pro-Ukraine. There's something very odd about that party's Russophilia.
It was such a sad, grim, miserable place, with people trying to live their lives with very few of the freedoms we take for granted. No food in the shops, and surrounded by patently absurd state propaganda. It’s why I get annoyed when the likes of ex-MP Nick of this parish are so blasé about their communist-supporting past.
Well, yes - as I've often said, when I supported them it was the Euro-communist version - the pro-democracy, anti-dictatorship variant championed by Berlinguer in Italy and Hermannson in Sweden. It's more than 50 years ago now, but it was a perfectly reasonable choice at the time, and it's a bit bizarre that it bothers you now. It bore as much relationship to the Romanian dictatorship as President Kennedy did to tinpot autocrats in Latin America.
It bothers me because no-one would ever post on a public forum nowadays that they used to be a fascist supporter in their youth, because they admired the way Italian trains arrived on time and didn't see any link between that regime and the one that went on to send millions of innocents to their death.
There are some mistakes of youth of about which, in maturity, it is better to be ashamed rather than proud.
I wouldn't compare eurocommunism to fascism, speaking personally. Despite the name, eurocommunism was a strongly anti-dictatorial and decentralising movement popular in France and Germany that people like Varoufakis supported. It really had a bit more in common with anarchism, I would say.
It was such a sad, grim, miserable place, with people trying to live their lives with very few of the freedoms we take for granted. No food in the shops, and surrounded by patently absurd state propaganda. It’s why I get annoyed when the likes of ex-MP Nick of this parish are so blasé about their communist-supporting past.
Well, yes - as I've often said, when I supported them it was the Euro-communist version - the pro-democracy, anti-dictatorship variant championed by Berlinguer in Italy and Hermannson in Sweden. It's more than 50 years ago now, but it was a perfectly reasonable choice at the time, and it's a bit bizarre that it bothers you now. It bore as much relationship to the Romanian dictatorship as President Kennedy did to tinpot autocrats in Latin America.
It bothers me because no-one would ever post on a public forum nowadays that they used to be a fascist supporter in their youth, because they admired the way Italian trains arrived on time and didn't see any link between that regime and the one that went on to send millions of innocents to their death.
There are some mistakes of youth of about which, in maturity, it is better to be ashamed rather than proud.
I wouldn't compare eurocommunism to fascism, speaking personally. Despite the name, eurocommunism was a strongly anti-dictatorial and decentralising movement popular in France and Germany that people like Varoufakis supported. It really had a bit more in common with anarchism, I would say.
When, a few years before the Greek crisis, a professor of economics at Athens University suggested that Greece needed to reduce the deficit, he received death threats. Including from the lefty Greek terrorists.
Varoufakis stated the prof deserved the threats on the grounds that he was “going against the will of the people”.
Perhaps, although no link provided, but we've heard that phrase to justify threats somewhere more recently nearer to home, too. Varoufakis's record of opposing the Stalinists and throughout the 70s and 80s seems to be reasonably agreed on.
Many people who supported the Eurocommunists hated the Eastern Bloc. I always think of it as a sort of trendy French Left Bank socialism of the 70s, but without the appalling Stalinist or Maoist politics of people like Sartre or Godard.
It shows the turd didn’t fall far from Stalin, in this case.
On topic (I think): As I understand it, some earlier history ofthe same area is covered in Timothy Snyder's "Bloodlands". It's received many positive reviews here in the US.
(I haven't read it, though it is on my long list of books I perhaps should read some day.)
The Reconstruction of Nations is more specifically relevant.
Bloodlands deals with the genocides before and during WWII. It's a brilliant book, but not an easy read.
During the wars between Poland, Austria, Russia the Ottomans and Tartars, in the 16th, 17th, 18th, centuries, genocide was standard operating practice. The Deluge, in particular, was a terrible forge on which Eastern Europe was built.
I don't think Germany is Pro-Russian, so much as deeply against war. This means that economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is uncontroversial, military aid much more so.
Germany is not the militaristic country that it was, nor does it particularly look as if that is going to change. The profound defeat in 1945 and soul-searching afterwards, particularly by the German baby boom generation transformed the country.
It would be useful for Russia to have the same cultural transformation against militarism as Germany or Japan, but rather difficult to see the route to the profound defeat required. There might have been that opportunity in the nineties, but we squandered it.
I think the problem in Germany is the SPD. The other main parties seem solidly pro-Ukraine. There's something very odd about that party's Russophilia.
"Ostpolitik was an effort to break with the policies of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which was the elected government of West Germany from 1949 until 1969. The Christian Democrats under Konrad Adenauer and his successors tried to combat the Communist government of East Germany, while Brandt's Social Democrats tried to achieve a certain degree of cooperation with East Germany." Probably a good idea at the time, but may have gone too far.
Though the Pfizer statement says they’re not engaging in directed evolution research. https://www.pfizer.com/news/announcements/pfizer-responds-research-claims Allegations have recently been made related to gain of function and directed evolution research at Pfizer and the company would like to set the record straight.
In the ongoing development of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer has not conducted gain of function or directed evolution research. Working with collaborators, we have conducted research where the original SARS-CoV-2 virus has been used to express the spike protein from new variants of concern. This work is undertaken once a new variant of concern has been identified by public health authorities. This research provides a way for us to rapidly assess the ability of an existing vaccine to induce antibodies that neutralize a newly identified variant of concern. We then make this data available through peer reviewed scientific journals and use it as one of the steps to determine whether a vaccine update is required.
In addition, to meet U.S. and global regulatory requirements for our oral treatment, PAXLOVID™, Pfizer undertakes in vitro work (e.g., in a laboratory culture dish) to identify potential resistance mutations to nirmatrelvir, one of PAXLOVID’s two components. With a naturally evolving virus, it is important to routinely assess the activity of an antiviral. Most of this work is conducted using computer simulations or mutations of the main protease–a non-infectious part of the virus. In a limited number of cases when a full virus does not contain any known gain of function mutations, such virus may be engineered to enable the assessment of antiviral activity in cells. In addition, in vitro resistance selection experiments are undertaken in cells incubated with SARS-CoV-2 and nirmatrelvir in our secure Biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory to assess whether the main protease can mutate to yield resistant strains of the virus. It is important to note that these studies are required by U.S. and global regulators for all antiviral products and are carried out by many companies and academic institutions in the U.S. and around the world...
Do you have some personal vested interest in this?
You are allergic to the lab leak hypothesis to the point - now - of absurdity, and you are strenuously trying to deny this intriguing video says anything interesting at all
I think he's just being sceptical, which seems fair. Your comment could be thrown back at you: why are you so vested in wanting it to be a lab leak?
My own view: it's unproved either way - though I *lean* towards a natural, non-lab origin. I wouldn't argue it either way, unless someone came on claiming it was *certainly* one thing or the other.
It seems an awfully big coincidence that the city in which bat viruses were being researched was also the city where Covid first appeared.
Not impossible, of course, for it to be entirely zoonotic. But it seems unlikely.
That said (as I have repeated ad infinitum), there are many different levels of "lab leak". And different leaks have different levels of culpability.
There is a suggestion that two separate lineages of the virus were detected early on from the market, and this indicates it may have jumped from animals to humans twice, a significant period apart. If that was the case, it is highly unlikely for it to be a single lab leak. And a double lab leak of slightly different variants of the same virus seems highly unlikely.
That’s the Worobey thesis, which has been completely debunked (and is indeed facing allegations of deliberate duplicity in its sampling of data). Next
Leon, the problem is that you are so wedded to the 'lab leak' hypothesis, that I don't see you as an unbiased actor when you say that.
Next.
I just know a billion times more about this than you. This is mainly because I have so much spare time I can arse about online researching, it’s not a boast, it’s simply a fact.
Poland will undoubtedly be the leading force in Eastern Europe against Russia as the article suggests, Germany having little interest in the role and Poland being far more supportive of Ukraine.
However the UK has never taken a leading role in Eastern Europe, it has been part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austro Hungarian Empire and fought over by them, the Ottoman Empire and Turks and Russians and part of the Prussian and then German Empires too. In WW1 it was again divided between the Russians, Germans and Austro Hungarians and in WW2 by the Nazis and Soviet Union (who then took over most of it until the end of the Cold War).
The UK's European focus has always been on containing the power of Spain and the France and ultimately Germany ie western Europe. Eastern Europe has not been a major concern for it
Disraeli would actually be horrified at this comment, given the amount of time he spent on the 'Eastern Question.'
Salisbury wouldn't be much better pleased, nor would Lloyd George. As for Neville Chamberlain...
Palmerston would also be slightly surprised given he became PM during the Crimean War.
The Eastern question was more to do with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire than Eastern Europe per se, as was the Crimean War and the UK was really supporting the Turks along with France than playing the role of lead power in Eastern Europe.
Lloyd George and Chamberlain's main focus was containing Germany not Russia.
The UK has never been the regional superpower in Eastern Europe
Are you actually unaware that much of the Ottoman Empire, including its capital, was in Eastern Europe?
Edit - I've also got to assume now that you've never heard of Chanak. Or allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. Or the Sudeten Crisis.
Not really - by the mid C19 it was really restricted to SEE (south Eastern Europe) which is generally regarded as distinct from CEE ( central *and* Eastern Europe).
On my son and daughter in laws visit at Christmas we went to the ground and souvenir shop
When the staff found out she came from Vancouver they were quizzing her about Reynolds and when she went to pay for a Wrexham scarf the woman before her bought 48 and reveled she was America
Poland will undoubtedly be the leading force in Eastern Europe against Russia as the article suggests, Germany having little interest in the role and Poland being far more supportive of Ukraine.
However the UK has never taken a leading role in Eastern Europe, it has been part of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austro Hungarian Empire and fought over by them, the Ottoman Empire and Turks and Russians and part of the Prussian and then German Empires too. In WW1 it was again divided between the Russians, Germans and Austro Hungarians and in WW2 by the Nazis and Soviet Union (who then took over most of it until the end of the Cold War).
The UK's European focus has always been on containing the power of Spain and the France and ultimately Germany ie western Europe. Eastern Europe has not been a major concern for it
Disraeli would actually be horrified at this comment, given the amount of time he spent on the 'Eastern Question.'
Salisbury wouldn't be much better pleased, nor would Lloyd George. As for Neville Chamberlain...
Palmerston would also be slightly surprised given he became PM during the Crimean War.
The Eastern question was more to do with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire than Eastern Europe per se, as was the Crimean War and the UK was really supporting the Turks along with France than playing the role of lead power in Eastern Europe.
Lloyd George and Chamberlain's main focus was containing Germany not Russia.
The UK has never been the regional superpower in Eastern Europe
Are you actually unaware that much of the Ottoman Empire, including its capital, was in Eastern Europe?
Edit - I've also got to assume now that you've never heard of Chanak. Or allied intervention in the Russian Civil War. Or the Sudeten Crisis.
Not really - by the mid C19 it was really restricted to SEE (south Eastern Europe) which is generally regarded as distinct from CEE ( central *and* Eastern Europe).
The “and” is critical
Britain, ofcourse, made an important contribution to ensuring it stayed there. Greek independence was a massive blow to Ottoman ambitions to return to central/eastern Europe, and the beginning of the end of the whole empire. This is partly the result that Britain wanted, but without the expansion of Russian influence.
If we wanna talk serious, how about this Project Veritas takedown of a major Pfizer executive, who, inter alia, says Yeah of course it came from the lab and Yeah we are still mutating the virus to develop new vaccines but DON’T TELL ANYONE
His explosive reaction at the end as he realises he has spilled the beans to the world, and by the by self destructed his own career is quite intense
“Like, it makes no sense that the virus popped out of nowhere”
NO FUCKING KIDDING, SHERLOCK
Interesting that this "major Pfizer executive" is totally unfindable on the Internet.
I suppose the brain-dead will take that as proof of a cover-up ...
Yes. Totally impossible to find on the internet
Obviously I don't mean that no one with the same first and last names exists!
Does it not cross your tiny mind that if they were telling the truth about his being a "major Pfizer executive" that would be instantly verifiable?
This is simply embarrassing. It is accepted that he works for Pfizer
He graduated Yale in 2013, he was at BCG, he more recently went to Pfizer
What he “admits” in that video is so mortifying and endangering to Pfizer’s reputation there were some half assed attempts to erase him from the Net, but that failed. Pfizer does not deny he is an executive
The fact that you would rather believe all this is some kind of massive elaborate fake is…. Quite strange
You do need to concede, though, that he is a management consultant who recently joined Pfizer, rather than someone with any specialist expertise in virology.
No, he is a qualified doctor - from Yale - with science degrees in molecular and cellular biology. He has expertise. He is not some glorified PR exec
He doesn't even have a Masters and spent a year as a urologist.
You're making my point here.
An Ology! You get an Ology and you’re a Scientist!
On my son and daughter in laws visit at Christmas we went to the ground and souvenir shop
When the staff found out she came from Vancouver they were quizzing her about Reynolds and when she went to pay for a Wrexham scarf the woman before her bought 48 and reveled she was America
Shame Sheffield have equalised
Gutted for them. On the other hand, hoping they’ll be knackered when they play Woking this month
On my son and daughter in laws visit at Christmas we went to the ground and souvenir shop
When the staff found out she came from Vancouver they were quizzing her about Reynolds and when she went to pay for a Wrexham scarf the woman before her bought 48 and reveled she was America
Shame Sheffield have equalised
Gutted for them. On the other hand, hoping they’ll be knackered when they play Woking this month
I don't think Germany is Pro-Russian, so much as deeply against war. This means that economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is uncontroversial, military aid much more so.
Germany is not the militaristic country that it was, nor does it particularly look as if that is going to change. The profound defeat in 1945 and soul-searching afterwards, particularly by the German baby boom generation transformed the country.
It would be useful for Russia to have the same cultural transformation against militarism as Germany or Japan, but rather difficult to see the route to the profound defeat required. There might have been that opportunity in the nineties, but we squandered it.
I think the problem in Germany is the SPD. The other main parties seem solidly pro-Ukraine. There's something very odd about that party's Russophilia.
If we wanna talk serious, how about this Project Veritas takedown of a major Pfizer executive, who, inter alia, says Yeah of course it came from the lab and Yeah we are still mutating the virus to develop new vaccines but DON’T TELL ANYONE
His explosive reaction at the end as he realises he has spilled the beans to the world, and by the by self destructed his own career is quite intense
“Like, it makes no sense that the virus popped out of nowhere”
NO FUCKING KIDDING, SHERLOCK
Fairly evil really. They should be banned from having their drugs prescribed by the NHS.
Because preventing access to safe and efficacious medicine would benefit the British people how, precisely?
I think there are good alternatives to Pfizer drugs that would probably cost a great deal less. I found their taking of vast profits on their covid jab distasteful already.
Less distasteful than Moderna - at least it was funded privately - but not the approach I would have taken.
There are good alternatives for many Pfizer drugs - and prices for those are amongst the lowest in the UK in any developed country. And NICE is very disciplined on prices for innovative drugs
Well, that is big pharma for you. Vast profits when a drug becomes a blockbuster, but they get no sympathy when a vast fortune is spent on a compound that never makes it to market. It is like the film industry, with a few blockbusters necessary every now and again to make up for all the money losing duds.
No, that’s Pfizer. Viewed with distaste in the industry - a law firm & lobbying machine that also makes drugs
I don't think Germany is Pro-Russian, so much as deeply against war. This means that economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is uncontroversial, military aid much more so.
Germany is not the militaristic country that it was, nor does it particularly look as if that is going to change. The profound defeat in 1945 and soul-searching afterwards, particularly by the German baby boom generation transformed the country.
It would be useful for Russia to have the same cultural transformation against militarism as Germany or Japan, but rather difficult to see the route to the profound defeat required. There might have been that opportunity in the nineties, but we squandered it.
I think the problem in Germany is the SPD. The other main parties seem solidly pro-Ukraine. There's something very odd about that party's Russophilia.
It's all a little Molotov-Ribbentrop.
The central powers - Germany, Austria and Hungary - have been rather indifferent to their eastern neighbours.
I don't think Germany is Pro-Russian, so much as deeply against war. This means that economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is uncontroversial, military aid much more so.
Germany is not the militaristic country that it was, nor does it particularly look as if that is going to change. The profound defeat in 1945 and soul-searching afterwards, particularly by the German baby boom generation transformed the country.
It would be useful for Russia to have the same cultural transformation against militarism as Germany or Japan, but rather difficult to see the route to the profound defeat required. There might have been that opportunity in the nineties, but we squandered it.
I think the problem in Germany is the SPD. The other main parties seem solidly pro-Ukraine. There's something very odd about that party's Russophilia.
It's all a little Molotov-Ribbentrop.
The central powers - Germany, Austria and Hungary - have been rather indifferent to their eastern neighbours.
Err some quite different things there. Hungary has a government that is pretty much pro-Putin. In that "He's not my friend. No Sir. And he does bad stuff. But he is kind of hot looking, riding a horse. And is a Real Leader etc..." way.
Some in the German government see Eastern Europe as getting in their way to building a solid relationship with Russia. Big Power to Big Power.
Others see the relationship with Russia in terms of Not Being Those Guys
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo would do a much better job than Sunak.
At the time he had all those telephone engineers I thought he was the man for the job. I still think he's a very good chap (I guess I should say he went to my school), but looking back I doubt he'd then have been a good PM, and I don't think he would be now.
He's a very good observer, but perhaps not great at doing things.
Netenyahu and his hideous right wing nutjob government have all this planned out .
Continue to destroy all hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This leads to attacks from that side then you make out as if you’re the only ones who can protect the Jewish population .
This horrible cycle of violence is what Netenyahu wants .
On Portillo, he must have travelled half the railways of the world in those pink trousers of his.
It's just striking how few eloquent modern Tory politicians, or Labour ones for that matter, there are. John Major sounds like Moses compared, these days. Chris Patten sounds like Dostoevsky.
On Portillo, he must have travelled half the railways of the world in those pink trousers of his.
It's just striking how few eloquent modern Tory politicians, or Labour ones for that matter, there are. John Major sounds like Moses compared, these days. Chris Patten sounds like Dostoevsky.
What's the point in learning to be eloquent?
You get cut off with a shout of "BORING!" about three sentences in.
(And that dumbing down of language leads to a dumbing down of policy. All sorts of stupid sounds clever if the rebuttal can only be ten words long.)
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Netenyahu and his hideous right wing nutjob government have all this planned out .
Continue to destroy all hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This leads to attacks from that side then you make out as if you’re the only ones who can protect the Jewish population .
This horrible cycle of violence is what Netenyahu wants .
Yes - Netenyahu is a hideous, corrupt piece of shit who has been selling Violence As Justification For Violence for decades.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Wow. There’s a name dropping anecdote.
Right back in the beginning of your 70 years Man Utd weren’t clearly English footballs biggest club were they as they later became? Times change. Will the truly good days come round so often again? The future doesn’t look so great for Man Utd. Not bad, but not obviously top 4 if they can’t compete on transfers and wages.
When money first came into Man City, it didn’t guarantee trophy’s from the start, but look at the squad depth now. So likewise, Newcastle and Chelsea will emerge as in top 3 English clubs alongside Man City.
In Liverpool and Man Utd we have clubs undergoing change of ownership. Question marks will hang there whether their new owners actually can compete in the top tier in transfer market. [Unless winning it] Three from seven top English clubs will miss out on Champions league football for as long as it remains top four to qualify - and that is bad for attracting players and bringing in revenue. Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea will be backed by their owners in top tier of transfers and comprise top four next year and for many coming seasons, Tottenham, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool likely to supply the three sides missing out every season from next season onward.
In a blow to Nicola Sturgeons govt and the SNP funded/part funded sock puppet organisations that slavishly parrot the SNP line the transfer of trans prisoners in Scotland is under review. Hopefully a way forward that is acceptable to all sides of the debate can be found.
Netenyahu and his hideous right wing nutjob government have all this planned out .
Continue to destroy all hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This leads to attacks from that side then you make out as if you’re the only ones who can protect the Jewish population .
This horrible cycle of violence is what Netenyahu wants .
Yes - Netenyahu is a hideous, corrupt piece of shit who has been selling Violence As Justification For Violence for decades.
I am a firm believer the Jewish people should have a state (in the same way I believe the Kurds should also have a state). But I also believe that the Palestinians should have a state. That basically means a two-state solution needs to be negotiated and implemented.
But I find the actions of Israel under Netenyahu to be fairly unsupportable: he bears uncanny similarities with the terrorists he claims to be fighting.
And this matters: the longer this goes on, the harder it will become for international partners to support, let alone condone, Israeli actions.
Men are the overwhelming majority of culprits in violent crimes: serious assault, rape and murder. And while men are also victims to these crimes, there is a power imbalance between men and women as men are physically stronger as a whole. This means I don't think twice about walking home late at night down a quiet alleyway, whole my wife would probably choose a well lit road and be on the phone.
In essence, a much higher proportion of men are violent arseholes. And if you take a criteria like 'being in prison', the chances of said man being a violent arsehole increases dramatically as compared to, say, being contributor to an online political betting forum.
And the obvious trouble with allowing violent arseholes to self-identity their way into an easier life at a woman's prison, is that said people are much less likely to have moral qualms with lying about their gender identity to achieve their goals.
Trans rules (self-ID etc) need to be set assuming non-trans men of the worst kind will sometimes seek to exploit them for their own benefit. That, unfortunately, means making life slightly less easy for genuine trans women. But it is ultimately to protect women as a whole, both those born female and trans, and it avoids unscrupulous men undermining public perceptions of the trans community.
Netenyahu and his hideous right wing nutjob government have all this planned out .
Continue to destroy all hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This leads to attacks from that side then you make out as if you’re the only ones who can protect the Jewish population .
This horrible cycle of violence is what Netenyahu wants .
Yes - Netenyahu is a hideous, corrupt piece of shit who has been selling Violence As Justification For Violence for decades.
I am a firm believer the Jewish people should have a state (in the same way I believe the Kurds should also have a state). But I also believe that the Palestinians should have a state. That basically means a two-state solution needs to be negotiated and implemented.
But I find the actions of Israel under Netenyahu to be fairly unsupportable: he bears uncanny similarities with the terrorists he claims to be fighting.
And this matters: the longer this goes on, the harder it will become for international partners to support, let alone condone, Israeli actions.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Wow. There’s a name dropping anecdote.
Right back in the beginning of your 70 years Man Utd weren’t clearly English footballs biggest club were they as they later became? Times change. Will the truly good days come round so often again? The future doesn’t look so great for Man Utd. Not bad, but not obviously top 4 if they can’t compete on transfers and wages.
When money first came into Man City, it didn’t guarantee trophy’s from the start, but look at the squad depth now. So likewise, Newcastle and Chelsea will emerge as in top 3 English clubs alongside Man City.
In Liverpool and Man Utd we have clubs undergoing change of ownership. Question marks will hang there whether their new owners actually can compete in the top tier in transfer market. [Unless winning it] Three from seven top English clubs will miss out on Champions league football for as long as it remains top four to qualify - and that is bad for attracting players and bringing in revenue. Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea will be backed by their owners in top tier of transfers and comprise top four next year and for many coming seasons, Tottenham, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool likely to supply the three sides missing out every season from next season onward.
I was born within 5 miles of the ground but in 1953 we moved to Berwick and I followed them from that time and of course the Busby babes were in vogue sadly being decimated in the Munich air crash in 1958. When we moved to North Wales in 1965 I was able to attend matches and also in 1966 was present at Goodison when the late great Pele played against Eusebio in the World cup tie
Lots of memories and several meetings with Alex Ferguuson and others
I would just say my late father supported both United and City as he said they are both Manchester teams but I did not inherit that attitude, bless him
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
To REALLY instill character in your offspring as indicated, perhaps you could relocate to Detroit (or at least Windsor, Ont?)
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
That was Jackie. Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating. Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said. They didn't really mention the football much. But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
That was Jackie. Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating. Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said. They didn't really mention the football much. But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
I stand corrected - thanks! Knew there were two bros, but which was which?
Will rely on true fans like you & BigG & others on here!
On topic, many thanks Viewcode for an excellent thread header. On the 'Eastern Europe' question, I have always regarded the region as far more 'Central Europe' than 'Eastern Europe' - or perhaps even the German 'Mitteleuropa' but without the German imperialist/Nazi connotations. It is the land of Stefan Zweig, the pre-WW2 cultural centre of Europe. Something largely destroyed by both the Nazis and the Communists but which is, hopefully starting to re-emerge.
I have no fear of a resurgent Poland. If they are the dominant regional political and military power in the future then that should hold no more fears for the UK than if it were any other country taking on that mantle.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
That was Jackie. Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating. Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said. They didn't really mention the football much. But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
I stand corrected - thanks! Knew there were two bros, but which was which?
Will rely on true fans like you & BigG & others on here!
Bobby was a superstar for Manchester United and England. Jack was a journeyman defender at Leeds who broke into the England team late in his career. He then had a successful management career at club level and for the Republic of Ireland, taking them to 2 World Cups.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
That was Jackie. Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating. Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said. They didn't really mention the football much. But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
I stand corrected - thanks! Knew there were two bros, but which was which?
Will rely on true fans like you & BigG & others on here!
Bobby was a superstar for Manchester United and England. Jack was a journeyman defender at Leeds who broke into the England team late in his career. He then had a successful management career at club level and for the Republic of Ireland, taking them to 2 World Cups.
Jack, like Bobby, was also a World Cup winner of course.
If we wanna talk serious, how about this Project Veritas takedown of a major Pfizer executive, who, inter alia, says Yeah of course it came from the lab and Yeah we are still mutating the virus to develop new vaccines but DON’T TELL ANYONE
His explosive reaction at the end as he realises he has spilled the beans to the world, and by the by self destructed his own career is quite intense
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
I doubt he would make much difference. I can't think of a policy difference between Portillo and Sunak and Hunt.
Sunak is basically the second Portillisto Tory leader and PM after Cameron.
However even more so as Portillo like Sunak backed Brexit while Cameron was a Remainer
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Not the least of Bobby Charlton's many achievements, was the goodwill he inspired in Irish hearts AND minds, from Belfast to the Blaskets.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
That was Jackie. Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating. Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said. They didn't really mention the football much. But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
I stand corrected - thanks! Knew there were two bros, but which was which?
Will rely on true fans like you & BigG & others on here!
Bobby was a superstar for Manchester United and England. Jack was a journeyman defender at Leeds who broke into the England team late in his career. He then had a successful management career at club level and for the Republic of Ireland, taking them to 2 World Cups.
Jackie was footballer of the year in 1967. As well as a World Cup winner. So a little better than a journeyman tbf. The footballer of the year in 1962, 1966 and 1967 were three different players from Ashington. None of whom ever played for Newcastle United. And Jackie Millburn never won it
Mr Sunak’s 100th day in office will be marked with the Tories once again swirled in a poison cloud of allegations relating to rule-breaking, conflicts of interest, bullying of officials and money, all so horribly familiar from the Johnson years. Most voters will not follow every corkscrew turn of each affair, but they will get the overall impression that the reek of Tory scandal continues to sweat from this government.
This is not how Mr Sunak hoped to be assessed on his 100th day at Number 10. He looks a terrible judge of character, incapable of mastering his government and untrue to his promise to restore “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. The scandals keep coming and he seems incapable of stemming them. Under Boris Johnson, it was “one rule for everyone else and no rules for us”. Under Rishi Sunak, it appears to be plus ça change.
On the earlier point, perhaps 19th century Britain always thought the Mediterranean was the key. There's a long thread of British involvement there, ending up with that base in Cyprus.
Except for that base, nowadays France is arguably the dominant Western power there, too.
Andrew Neil was at it again, in the Mail yesterday. Apparently, the war in the Ukraine is going to turn out well for "Brexit Britain" (not Great Britain or Britain) and of course badly for Paris and Berlin (though compared to how it will be for Ukraine and Russia all fairly relative).
Just the same as everything else - there's one thing "not talking down Britain" but the man is so obsessed with us leaving the EU he's become our version of Comical Ali. Everything that happens is now good for Brexit Britain because we've left the EU whereas of course if we were still in the EU.....
It may well prove good for our prestige but I'm not sure what we'll get out of directly. And of course our Ukraine policy was set up whilst a member of the EU. It remains David Cameron's one undeniable achievement.
I would suggest gay marriage ranks equally highly.
He was particularly proud of that, and rightly so.
It wasn't a very good piece of legislation, so I'm not sure why. Gay marriage could have been brought in with a lot less conflict.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
Being an archangel St Michael is disqualified from standing for office.
Can't help mentioning that in Randall Garrett's alternative history, the principal enemy of the Anglo-French empire is . . . Poland. The two squabble constantly over the minor German states between them.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
I doubt he would make much difference. I can't think of a policy difference between Portillo and Sunak and Hunt.
Sunak is basically the second Portillisto Tory leader and PM after Cameron.
However even more so as Portillo like Sunak backed Brexit while Cameron was a Remainer
Sunak has a major problem developing here.
Rishi Sunak forms company Theleme Theleme becomes biggest shareholder of Moderna Rishi becomes UK Chancellor. UK orders 5 million doses of Moderna jab. Rishi becomes PM UK announces 10 year deal with Moderna. Moderna stock price goes to the Moon.
On the earlier point, perhaps 19th century Britain always thought the Mediterranean was the key. There's a long thread of British involvement there, ending up with that base in Cyprus.
Except for that base, nowadays France is arguably the dominant Western power there, too.
Andrew Neil was at it again, in the Mail yesterday. Apparently, the war in the Ukraine is going to turn out well for "Brexit Britain" (not Great Britain or Britain) and of course badly for Paris and Berlin (though compared to how it will be for Ukraine and Russia all fairly relative).
Just the same as everything else - there's one thing "not talking down Britain" but the man is so obsessed with us leaving the EU he's become our version of Comical Ali. Everything that happens is now good for Brexit Britain because we've left the EU whereas of course if we were still in the EU.....
It may well prove good for our prestige but I'm not sure what we'll get out of directly. And of course our Ukraine policy was set up whilst a member of the EU. It remains David Cameron's one undeniable achievement.
I would suggest gay marriage ranks equally highly.
He was particularly proud of that, and rightly so.
It wasn't a very good piece of legislation, so I'm not sure why. Gay marriage could have been brought in with a lot less conflict.
It was also Labour and LD votes that passed it, even though Cameron and most of his coalition Cabinet backed it, most Conservative MPs voted against it
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
I started following the Baggies after they beat Everton in the 1968 FA Cup final. I was six and they were a relatively local side. My first game at the Hawthorns was a 4-3 win against United in 1971 complete with Best and Charlton. It has been a bumpy downhill ride ever since, if I needed the lows I have had 52 years of them, now can I have just one more high?
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
Being an archangel St Michael is disqualified from standing for office.
Not so much that, as nothing to be promoted to (not legally anyway).
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
I started following the Baggies after they beat Everton in the 1968 FA Cup final. I was six and they were a relatively local side. My first game at the Hawthorns was a 4-3 win against United in 1971 complete with Best and Charlton. It has been a bumpy downhill ride ever since, if I needed the lows I have had 52 years of them, now can I have just one more high?
Never mind, it's all karma. You might be reincarnated into a cushy number like being a tapeworm in a blue whale.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
I doubt he would make much difference. I can't think of a policy difference between Portillo and Sunak and Hunt.
Sunak is basically the second Portillisto Tory leader and PM after Cameron.
However even more so as Portillo like Sunak backed Brexit while Cameron was a Remainer
Sunak has a major problem developing here.
Rishi Sunak forms company Theleme Theleme becomes biggest shareholder of Moderna Rishi becomes UK Chancellor. UK orders 5 million doses of Moderna jab. Rishi becomes PM UK announces 10 year deal with Moderna. Moderna stock price goes to the Moon.
A large majority of British voters believe the Conservative party is “institutionally corrupt” with senior members of the government more interested in “personal gain” than helping the country, according to an exclusive new poll, commissioned by the Byline Supplement.
According to the poll, 65% of voters now agree with the statement that Rishi Sunak’s party is ‘institutionally corrupt’, with just 18% disagreeing.
For some reason I think Michael Portillo, at least in his new, enlightened form, would do a much better job than Sunak.
Any form of Michael Portillo would do better than Sunak. But then so would any form of Michael Parkinson, Michael Winner, and Princess Michael of Kent. And probably St Michael who used to be on the M&S labels.
I doubt he would make much difference. I can't think of a policy difference between Portillo and Sunak and Hunt.
Sunak is basically the second Portillisto Tory leader and PM after Cameron.
However even more so as Portillo like Sunak backed Brexit while Cameron was a Remainer
Sunak has a major problem developing here.
Rishi Sunak forms company Theleme Theleme becomes biggest shareholder of Moderna Rishi becomes UK Chancellor. UK orders 5 million doses of Moderna jab. Rishi becomes PM UK announces 10 year deal with Moderna. Moderna stock price goes to the Moon.
@baronantibes Englishman in France. ANTI-VAX, ALL major diseases had virtually disappeared BEFORE vaccines were introduced. VIRUSES DO NOT EXIST.
The Tweeter isn't relevant. Nor, I would say, is the 5m of Moderna jabs secured during covid - it's a relatively low number, and all the vaccine candidates received orders - most a lot more.
The subsequent partnership with Moderna under Sunak however IS significant and bears invesitgation. The failure of Sunak's Government (and to be fair Boris's and what there was of Truss's) to get any of the misspent covid millions back has been of note, and this would be a good reason for wanting to leave the past in the past.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
I started following the Baggies after they beat Everton in the 1968 FA Cup final. I was six and they were a relatively local side. My first game at the Hawthorns was a 4-3 win against United in 1971 complete with Best and Charlton. It has been a bumpy downhill ride ever since, if I needed the lows I have had 52 years of them, now can I have just one more high?
Never mind, it's all karma. You might be reincarnated into a cushy number like being a tapeworm in a blue whale.
I rather had reincarnation as an Arsenal or United fan in mind.
A large majority of British voters believe the Conservative party is “institutionally corrupt” with senior members of the government more interested in “personal gain” than helping the country, according to an exclusive new poll, commissioned by the Byline Supplement.
According to the poll, 65% of voters now agree with the statement that Rishi Sunak’s party is ‘institutionally corrupt’, with just 18% disagreeing.
Can't help mentioning that in Randall Garrett's alternative history, the principal enemy of the Anglo-French empire is . . . Poland. The two squabble constantly over the minor German states between them.
A Tory peer interviewed the wife of a close ally for a job at the education quango he chairs without listing in his written declaration of interests multiple donations he made to her husband.
Lord Wharton of Yarm interviewed Rachel Houchen, wife of the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, for the role of non-executive director of the Office for Students, the government quango that oversees universities, before she was appointed last March.
Under appointment rules, ministers appoint officials such as non-executive board members after they are interviewed and recommended by an assessment panel. These should include a central departmental official, an official from the public body itself and an independent member.
There are no explicit requirements to declare financial links. Under the rules for panels, ministers “should consider whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the panellist’s judgment”.
Mr Sunak’s 100th day in office will be marked with the Tories once again swirled in a poison cloud of allegations relating to rule-breaking, conflicts of interest, bullying of officials and money, all so horribly familiar from the Johnson years. Most voters will not follow every corkscrew turn of each affair, but they will get the overall impression that the reek of Tory scandal continues to sweat from this government.
This is not how Mr Sunak hoped to be assessed on his 100th day at Number 10. He looks a terrible judge of character, incapable of mastering his government and untrue to his promise to restore “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. The scandals keep coming and he seems incapable of stemming them. Under Boris Johnson, it was “one rule for everyone else and no rules for us”. Under Rishi Sunak, it appears to be plus ça change.
New prime minister, same old stink.
The party that Rishi Sunak leads is finished until the reinvent themselves as the Conservative Party.
The israelis go in to the occupied territories and commit an atrocity killing nine Palestinians
A 14 year old Palestinian boy whose brother has just been murdered by one of the Israelis taking part in the atrocity kills six Israelis.
Netanyahu's solution: Get Jewish settlers to carry carry guns.
Interesting that you use the words “atrocity” and “murder” to describe the actions of the Israelis (based on a quick scan of a BBC article of the 9 Palestinians 3 were armed jihadis, 1 was an old women and 5 weren’t mentioned)
But the murder of 6 Israelis worshipping in their synagogue just gets described by the less pejorative “kills” and with a phrasing that suggests the murderers actions were justified
I wonder why that is?
All innocent casualties of this terrible conflict should be mourned
A Tory peer interviewed the wife of a close ally for a job at the education quango he chairs without listing in his written declaration of interests multiple donations he made to her husband.
Lord Wharton of Yarm interviewed Rachel Houchen, wife of the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, for the role of non-executive director of the Office for Students, the government quango that oversees universities, before she was appointed last March.
Under appointment rules, ministers appoint officials such as non-executive board members after they are interviewed and recommended by an assessment panel. These should include a central departmental official, an official from the public body itself and an independent member.
There are no explicit requirements to declare financial links. Under the rules for panels, ministers “should consider whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the panellist’s judgment”.
Don't be silly. If things need fixing he's still the best person to do it.
It was tongue in cheek!!!!
From a Man Utd fan. 🤭
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
Indeed. I became a United fan in 1953 so now in my 70th year having been a season ticket holder until fairly recently and was present in Barcelona when we won the European cup
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
The 2021 season was terrible for my club - LAFC. As my daughter and I walked back to the car, desolate, after another drubbing, I said to her "you need to have the losing to make the winning mean something."
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
I started following the Baggies after they beat Everton in the 1968 FA Cup final. I was six and they were a relatively local side. My first game at the Hawthorns was a 4-3 win against United in 1971 complete with Best and Charlton. It has been a bumpy downhill ride ever since, if I needed the lows I have had 52 years of them, now can I have just one more high?
As an Aberdeen supporter, I sympathise with your downhill ride. I hope we both start the journey uphill sometime soon.
Mr Sunak’s 100th day in office will be marked with the Tories once again swirled in a poison cloud of allegations relating to rule-breaking, conflicts of interest, bullying of officials and money, all so horribly familiar from the Johnson years. Most voters will not follow every corkscrew turn of each affair, but they will get the overall impression that the reek of Tory scandal continues to sweat from this government.
This is not how Mr Sunak hoped to be assessed on his 100th day at Number 10. He looks a terrible judge of character, incapable of mastering his government and untrue to his promise to restore “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. The scandals keep coming and he seems incapable of stemming them. Under Boris Johnson, it was “one rule for everyone else and no rules for us”. Under Rishi Sunak, it appears to be plus ça change.
New prime minister, same old stink.
The party that Rishi Sunak leads is finished until the reinvent themselves as the Conservative Party.
I do feel sorry for Sunak - he’s inherited a bunch of loons
Mr Sunak’s 100th day in office will be marked with the Tories once again swirled in a poison cloud of allegations relating to rule-breaking, conflicts of interest, bullying of officials and money, all so horribly familiar from the Johnson years. Most voters will not follow every corkscrew turn of each affair, but they will get the overall impression that the reek of Tory scandal continues to sweat from this government.
This is not how Mr Sunak hoped to be assessed on his 100th day at Number 10. He looks a terrible judge of character, incapable of mastering his government and untrue to his promise to restore “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. The scandals keep coming and he seems incapable of stemming them. Under Boris Johnson, it was “one rule for everyone else and no rules for us”. Under Rishi Sunak, it appears to be plus ça change.
New prime minister, same old stink.
The party that Rishi Sunak leads is finished until the reinvent themselves as the Conservative Party.
I do feel sorry for Sunak - he’s inherited a bunch of loons
I feel sorry for the bunch of loons - they've been landed with Sunak.
Comments
18th, centuries, genocide was standard operating practice. The Deluge, in particular, was a terrible forge on which Eastern Europe was built.
Probably a good idea at the time, but may have gone too far.
Wrexham 3 Sheffield United 2 with 3 mins to go
The “and” is critical
When the staff found out she came from Vancouver they were quizzing her about Reynolds and when she went to pay for a Wrexham scarf the woman before her bought 48 and reveled she was America
Shame Sheffield have equalised
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NK5-2fPyCjA
Some in the German government see Eastern Europe as getting in their way to building a solid relationship with Russia. Big Power to Big Power.
Others see the relationship with Russia in terms of Not Being Those Guys
To be serious, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all start next season with different managers than today. Not that Klopp or Conte arn’t brilliant managers, but maybe they are no longer right fit or happy at clubs no longer backing them with transfers? Sometimes managers don’t resign or get sacked, the two parties have a frank and honest conversation and agree to move on.
Pellegrini at Chelsea already looks highly likely IMO.
https://conservativehome.com/2023/01/29/portillo-on-zahawi-i-think-the-prime-minister-will-face-criticism-for-having-taken-so-long/
The israelis go in to the occupied territories and commit an atrocity killing nine Palestinians
A 14 year old Palestinian boy whose brother has just been murdered by one of the Israelis taking part in the atrocity kills six Israelis.
Netanyahu's solution: Get Jewish settlers to carry carry guns.
He's a very good observer, but perhaps not great at doing things.
Continue to destroy all hope for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This leads to attacks from that side then you make out as if you’re the only ones who can protect the Jewish population .
This horrible cycle of violence is what Netenyahu wants .
It's just striking how few eloquent modern Tory politicians, or Labour ones for that matter, there are. John Major sounds like Moses compared, these days. Chris Patten sounds like Dostoevsky.
So I am going to experience a four day week.
Am very much looking forward to it.
You get cut off with a shout of "BORING!" about three sentences in.
(And that dumbing down of language leads to a dumbing down of policy. All sorts of stupid sounds clever if the rebuttal can only be ten words long.)
I remember years ago Bobby Charlton telling me as I went into the AGM with him to remember to enjoy the good days as they will come and go over time and such wise words from a great footballer and person
Right back in the beginning of your 70 years Man Utd weren’t clearly English footballs biggest club were they as they later became? Times change. Will the truly good days come round so often again? The future doesn’t look so great for Man Utd. Not bad, but not obviously top 4 if they can’t compete on transfers and wages.
When money first came into Man City, it didn’t guarantee trophy’s from the start, but look at the squad depth now. So likewise, Newcastle and Chelsea will emerge as in top 3 English clubs alongside Man City.
In Liverpool and Man Utd we have clubs undergoing change of ownership. Question marks will hang there whether their new owners actually can compete in the top tier in transfer market. [Unless winning it] Three from seven top English clubs will miss out on Champions league football for as long as it remains top four to qualify - and that is bad for attracting players and bringing in revenue. Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea will be backed by their owners in top tier of transfers and comprise top four next year and for many coming seasons, Tottenham, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool likely to supply the three sides missing out every season from next season onward.
Almost as big a pain in the assssssss as The Irish Question!
Edit - Almost.
https://twitter.com/ginadavidsonlbc/status/1619740399010209792?s=61&t=dv0-9jVWbmTkL_a1Ra1d8Q
But I find the actions of Israel under Netenyahu to be fairly unsupportable: he bears uncanny similarities with the terrorists he claims to be fighting.
And this matters: the longer this goes on, the harder it will become for international partners to support, let alone condone, Israeli actions.
In essence, a much higher proportion of men are violent arseholes. And if you take a criteria like 'being in prison', the chances of said man being a violent arsehole increases dramatically as compared to, say, being contributor to an online political betting forum.
And the obvious trouble with allowing violent arseholes to self-identity their way into an easier life at a woman's prison, is that said people are much less likely to have moral qualms with lying about their gender identity to achieve their goals.
Trans rules (self-ID etc) need to be set assuming non-trans men of the worst kind will sometimes seek to exploit them for their own benefit. That, unfortunately, means making life slightly less easy for genuine trans women. But it is ultimately to protect women as a whole, both those born female and trans, and it avoids unscrupulous men undermining public perceptions of the trans community.
Last year (2022) when LAFC won the MLS Cup, she got it. Sport with no possibility of defeat, no memories of dark and disappointing days is nothing. You need the lows, otherwise the highs are meaningless.
In part (the part beyond simply {!} leading Team Ireland to glory) because he was, in his personal way, so quintessentially English?
Lots of memories and several meetings with Alex Ferguuson and others
I would just say my late father supported both United and City as he said they are both Manchester teams but I did not inherit that attitude, bless him
Incidentally. Was at a social function the other night with a group of very elderly folk who grew up with the Charltons. Their memories of them as kids at school, and seeing their rise to glory was fascinating.
Equally of interest was that they talked as much of the other two brothers. One an electrician down the pit. The other about whom there wasn't a good word said.
They didn't really mention the football much.
But that Bobby was a lovely bloke was universally agreed.
Will rely on true fans like you & BigG & others on here!
I have no fear of a resurgent Poland. If they are the dominant regional political and military power in the future then that should hold no more fears for the UK than if it were any other country taking on that mantle.
Jack was a journeyman defender at Leeds who broke into the England team late in his career. He then had a successful management career at club level and for the Republic of Ireland, taking them to 2 World Cups.
Sunak is basically the second Portillisto Tory leader and PM after Cameron.
However even more so as Portillo like Sunak backed Brexit while Cameron was a Remainer
So a little better than a journeyman tbf.
The footballer of the year in 1962, 1966 and 1967 were three different players from Ashington. None of whom ever played for Newcastle United.
And Jackie Millburn never won it
Mr Sunak’s 100th day in office will be marked with the Tories once again swirled in a poison cloud of allegations relating to rule-breaking, conflicts of interest, bullying of officials and money, all so horribly familiar from the Johnson years. Most voters will not follow every corkscrew turn of each affair, but they will get the overall impression that the reek of Tory scandal continues to sweat from this government.
This is not how Mr Sunak hoped to be assessed on his 100th day at Number 10. He looks a terrible judge of character, incapable of mastering his government and untrue to his promise to restore “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. The scandals keep coming and he seems incapable of stemming them. Under Boris Johnson, it was “one rule for everyone else and no rules for us”. Under Rishi Sunak, it appears to be plus ça change.
New prime minister, same old stink.
If you can find a way to watch it in the UK, it's worth your time.
(The Anglo-French empire includes North and South America, renamed New England and New France.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randall_Garrett
Rishi Sunak forms company Theleme Theleme becomes biggest shareholder of Moderna Rishi becomes UK Chancellor. UK orders 5 million doses of Moderna jab. Rishi becomes PM UK announces 10 year deal with Moderna. Moderna stock price goes to the Moon.
https://twitter.com/baronantibes/status/1618154174918848513?s=20&t=qAPz-_3YZqWFtIz4EukAlQ
https://twitter.com/carolvorders/status/1619648474924085248?s=20&t=qAPz-_3YZqWFtIz4EukAlQ
Just noticed this, belatedly: specially for HYUFD and OKC (both of whom, but especially the latter, I hope are keeping well: @OldKingCole ).
@baronantibes
Englishman in France. ANTI-VAX, ALL major diseases had virtually disappeared BEFORE vaccines were introduced. VIRUSES DO NOT EXIST.
If the biggest critics of the COVID shots are right, it’s the end of civilization.
10:32 PM · Jan 27, 2023·
1.6M
https://twitter.com/ScottAdamsSays/status/1619101054293151746?s=20&t=qAPz-_3YZqWFtIz4EukAlQ
Monomaniac Alert.
According to the poll, 65% of voters now agree with the statement that Rishi Sunak’s party is ‘institutionally corrupt’, with just 18% disagreeing.
https://www.bylinesupplement.com/p/the-conservative-party-is-institutionally
Oh well etc...
The subsequent partnership with Moderna under Sunak however IS significant and bears invesitgation. The failure of Sunak's Government (and to be fair Boris's and what there was of Truss's) to get any of the misspent covid millions back has been of note, and this would be a good reason for wanting to leave the past in the past.
I've worked with her and she's no airhead.
Sadly I’m by no means where I’d wish to be, health-wise!
Lord Wharton of Yarm interviewed Rachel Houchen, wife of the Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, for the role of non-executive director of the Office for Students, the government quango that oversees universities, before she was appointed last March.
Under appointment rules, ministers appoint officials such as non-executive board members after they are interviewed and recommended by an assessment panel. These should include a central departmental official, an official from the public body itself and an independent member.
There are no explicit requirements to declare financial links. Under the rules for panels, ministers “should consider whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the panellist’s judgment”.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/9a0a1f46-a002-11ed-be83-0b182bac2124?shareToken=41228dc26d3860374f89fb111e74f4bb
Interesting that you use the words “atrocity” and “murder” to describe the actions of the Israelis (based on a quick scan of a BBC article of the 9 Palestinians 3 were armed jihadis, 1 was an old women and 5 weren’t mentioned)
But the murder of 6 Israelis worshipping in their synagogue just gets described by the less pejorative “kills” and with a phrasing that suggests the murderers actions were justified
I wonder why that is?
All innocent casualties of this terrible conflict should be mourned
But Carol Vorderman equally clearly doesn’t know what insider trading is
*wanders away whistling innocently*
Which platform is it on ?