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Trump now an evens chance of winning the GOP WH2024 nomination – politicalbetting.com

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  • bigglesbiggles Posts: 4,339
    edited March 2023
    “Dear Rishi”? We can’t have the French be nice to us. Quick Rishi, call him a twat.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,630
    edited March 2023

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 14,884
    Selebian said:

    IanB2 said:

    Ashley (of Ashley & Pudsey fame) takes the lead with Sullivan and a clear run of under thirty seconds. Just two competitors remaining in the small class.

    Ashleigh is it not?

    (From a quick google after wondering who on earth 'Ashley (of Ashley & Pudsey fame)' were).

    You watching and liveblogging the 'dogging' again, Ian? :wink:
    I'm wondering of there is a Bazball approach to Crufts? Could be fun!
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    Be much more useful to have questions on how to get your identity pass to vote. Or how to avoid being arrested by the police for waving an ice cream in a threatening manner.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157

    Selebian said:

    IanB2 said:

    Ashley (of Ashley & Pudsey fame) takes the lead with Sullivan and a clear run of under thirty seconds. Just two competitors remaining in the small class.

    Ashleigh is it not?

    (From a quick google after wondering who on earth 'Ashley (of Ashley & Pudsey fame)' were).

    You watching and liveblogging the 'dogging' again, Ian? :wink:
    I'm wondering of there is a Bazball approach to Crufts? Could be fun!
    https://crufts.org.uk/dog-exhibitors/flyball/
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Rather glad the heating's working again, as it's due to be -10C and feeling like -15C overnight...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 26,286
    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).



    Asking people what year the Turner Prize was established is a ridiculous question for a citizenship test. I wonder who decided that was a good idea.
  • WillGWillG Posts: 2,003
    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    Which is exact what most of the German citizenship questions are about. Though not exactly grilling, just multiple choice where the answers are obvious with a bit of common sense
    You could put scenarios in.

    "Naila is a 20-year old woman who wishes to marry her boyfriend, Angelo. However, Naila's father, Sharif, opposes this relationship as Angelo is from a different religious background. He insists Angelo should have to convert to Naila's childhood religion before the marriage should be allowed to go ahead.

    Given UK culture and law, which of the following are protected in the UK?

    - Naila's right to marry who she wishes.
    - Angelo's right to maintain his religion in an interfaith marriage.
    - Sharif's right to protect the continuation of his family's religion.
    - Sharif's right to determine the best match for his children.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Carnyx said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    Be much more useful to have questions on how to get your identity pass to vote. Or how to avoid being arrested by the police for waving an ice cream in a threatening manner.
    They should probably have things which are different tailored to which country/culture you're coming from. Like tipping for service. Ordering drinks in pubs. Crossing the road.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    Which is exact what most of the German citizenship questions are about. Though not exactly grilling, just multiple choice where the answers are obvious with a bit of common sense
    You could put scenarios in.

    "Naila is a 20-year old woman who wishes to marry her boyfriend, Angelo. However, Naila's father, Sharif, opposes this relationship as Angelo is from a different religious background. He insists Angelo should have to convert to Naila's childhood religion before the marriage should be allowed to go ahead.

    Given UK culture and law, which of the following are protected in the UK?

    - Naila's right to marry who she wishes.
    - Angelo's right to maintain his religion in an interfaith marriage.
    - Sharif's right to protect the continuation of his family's religion.
    - Sharif's right to determine the best match for his children.
    I like it, though might need to adjust the names to avoid accusations of bias!. As I remember one of the German questions is something like:
    Which of the following is allowed in Germany:

    - Otto and Peter are 2 men who want to get married to each other.
    - Fritz and Sabine are brother and sister who want to get married to each other.
    - Ben is married to Silke and wants to marry Claudia as well.
    Can't remember the 4th option
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257

    DavidL said:

    kinabalu said:

    DavidL said:

    kinabalu said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Not quite sure what the medium term economic consequences will be, but Biden’s green industrial incentives have rocket propelled EV building in the US.

    VW Pauses Plans For Cell Plant In Europe, Prioritizes North America
    Volkswagen Group estimates it could get up to $10.6 billion in US incentives for a cell factory in North America.
    https://insideevs.com/news/656460/vw-group-pauses-plans-for-cell-plant-europe-prioritizes-north-america/

    Current energy prices also come into it.

    Korea will be a winner, though, as half the new factories are being built in collaboration with LG and Samsung’s energy subsidiaries.

    Report: GM To Partner With Samsung SDI On Cylindrical Batteries
    https://insideevs.com/news/656051/gm-samsung-sdi-cylindrical-batteries/
    … The reports build on the previous news that GM-LG Energy Solution (LGES)'s talks about the fourth battery plant in the United States stalled. GM and LGES have so far launched three Ultium Cells battery projects (the first plant is already producing battery cells, since 2022)...
    The Global ICE Industry Cliff Is Here
    https://cleantechnica.com/2023/03/09/the-global-ice-industry-cliff-is-here/
    Yes, I was arguing that a decade ago.
    Instead, we chose to do Brexit.
    Actually one of the very biggest debenefits of Brexit imo. How it's been a glutton for time and energy, crowding out so much else. Or when not crowding things out, warping how they are viewed.
    The flaw in that reasoning is pretty obvious. As @Richard_Tyndall points out we weren't exactly focused on the problems in the previous 50 years when Brexit was not an issue. The hypothesis that there are a limited number of trivial and irrelevant things for politicians to obsess on rather than do the hard work is also false. Just look at Scotland where we spent months on a GRR bill. Politicians need displacement activity and have no trouble in finding or creating it.

    As usual Brexit is not the problem here. An incompetent and inept political class is the problem.
    It's probably true we didn't have our eyes on the ball before Brexit. But I'm not sure we're even on the pitch now.
    And yet the trends remain the same. Do we want to start addressing the real issues now?
    So much easier and more satisfying to blame it on Brexit and those who advocated Brexit and spend another couple of decades avoiding the real issues.

    Maddening isn't it?
    I think it's written into the UK's unwritten constitution that all problems are blamed on the EU or on Brexit or both. Saves a lot of effort for politicians in actually trying to fix issues.
  • StockyStocky Posts: 9,653
    edited March 2023
    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    Another site:

    "It is illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters on pavements, footpaths, cycle tracks and cycle lanes on roads.

    To be used on public roads they must conform to requirements, including being insured, taxed, and used with relevant safety equipment."

    Another site:

    "About 1,300 e-scooters have been made available for hire in Nottingham where a government-approved trial is taking place.

    These are legal on public roads in some areas of the city."

    So, in summary, if the above quotes are all true (for on road):

    1) E bikes = no tax or insurance
    2) E scooters (private) = yes tax and insurance
    3) E scooter (council) = no tax or insurance

    Is this right?
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    edited March 2023

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    The (multiple choice) answer is William the Conqueror. I guessed Elizabeth I, which shows how little I know. If I'd though about the princes in the tower I might have got it right!
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257
    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    Which is exact what most of the German citizenship questions are about. Though not exactly grilling, just multiple choice where the answers are obvious with a bit of common sense
    You could put scenarios in.

    "Naila is a 20-year old woman who wishes to marry her boyfriend, Angelo. However, Naila's father, Sharif, opposes this relationship as Angelo is from a different religious background. He insists Angelo should have to convert to Naila's childhood religion before the marriage should be allowed to go ahead.

    Given UK culture and law, which of the following are protected in the UK?

    - Naila's right to marry who she wishes.
    - Angelo's right to maintain his religion in an interfaith marriage.
    - Sharif's right to protect the continuation of his family's religion.
    - Sharif's right to determine the best match for his children.
    I like it, though might need to adjust the names to avoid accusations of bias!. As I remember one of the German questions is something like:
    Which of the following is allowed in Germany:

    - Otto and Peter are 2 men who want to get married to each other.
    - Fritz and Sabine are brother and sister who want to get married to each other.
    - Ben is married to Silke and wants to marry Claudia as well.
    Can't remember the 4th option
    Pedantically, they're all prsumably allowed to want to get married to each other? As long as Fritz, Sabine, Ben and Claudia don't actually go through with it?
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Selebian said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    Which is exact what most of the German citizenship questions are about. Though not exactly grilling, just multiple choice where the answers are obvious with a bit of common sense
    You could put scenarios in.

    "Naila is a 20-year old woman who wishes to marry her boyfriend, Angelo. However, Naila's father, Sharif, opposes this relationship as Angelo is from a different religious background. He insists Angelo should have to convert to Naila's childhood religion before the marriage should be allowed to go ahead.

    Given UK culture and law, which of the following are protected in the UK?

    - Naila's right to marry who she wishes.
    - Angelo's right to maintain his religion in an interfaith marriage.
    - Sharif's right to protect the continuation of his family's religion.
    - Sharif's right to determine the best match for his children.
    I like it, though might need to adjust the names to avoid accusations of bias!. As I remember one of the German questions is something like:
    Which of the following is allowed in Germany:

    - Otto and Peter are 2 men who want to get married to each other.
    - Fritz and Sabine are brother and sister who want to get married to each other.
    - Ben is married to Silke and wants to marry Claudia as well.
    Can't remember the 4th option
    Pedantically, they're all prsumably allowed to want to get married to each other? As long as Fritz, Sabine, Ben and Claudia don't actually go through with it?
    Yes, I might have got the phrasing wrong
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 14,884
    kamski said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    The (multiple choice) answer is William the Conqueror. I guessed Elizabeth I, which shows how little I know. If I'd though about the princes in the tower I might have got it right!
    For the reasons I gave above, the MCQ answer is only one of a myriad of answers.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,780
    Did anyone watch the latest, Ch 4 debate on the Scottish leadership? I have watched a highlights package put on by Ch 4 and from that it seems that Forbes really dominated the debate and Regan seemed even more out her depth than ever.

    Is that a fair reflection or did Yousaf do better?
  • WillGWillG Posts: 2,003
    kamski said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    The (multiple choice) answer is William the Conqueror. I guessed Elizabeth I, which shows how little I know. If I'd though about the princes in the tower I might have got it right!
    Only about a half millenia off!

    I do think there is some value of testing immigrants on history, even to a higher standard than that of natives. Knowing the "national story" of a country, even simplified, does give you a greater sense of what you are joining. I also think physical and cultural geography is valuable. Knowing the difference between what Yorkshire and Cornwall are like would be helpful for people who have never left London.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    kamski said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    The (multiple choice) answer is William the Conqueror. I guessed Elizabeth I, which shows how little I know. If I'd though about the princes in the tower I might have got it right!
    Just tried a sample. It asked me if the BBC was controlled by the government, I said yes, apparently that is wrong ...
    and apparently Admiral Nelson was i/c at Trfalgar. When he never attained that rank. And asks where the Tate Art Gallery is ...
  • DriverDriver Posts: 4,522
    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    You also have to sign a declaration that you won't seek to undermine the part of the German constitution that guarantees that Germany is a democracy. I might have said this before, but at the ceremony the local mayor gave a little speech saying as new German citizens our one duty was to resist those who seek to undermine democracy, he even named the AfD as an example. Which was more party political than I expected.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,630
    edited March 2023
    Talking of insane mega projects

    https://twitter.com/free_space/status/1633502198570143744?s=46&t=BXfRXqZ4RcCOdvlSgUjZSg

    Yes, Boeing are talking about bidding the Senate Launch System to the US military as low cost, responsive launch system.

    Who said Big Aerospace can’t make a good joke?

    Edit: Stephan Israel of Arianespace is talking of launching Ariane 6 once a month in 2025. Given a first launch NET 2024, this is, indeed, magical thinking.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,780
    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    WillG said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    Also, people aren't exactly sent in cold. You get a small booklet with what you need to know and you can cover it in a couple of weekends. Especially as there aren't many hard questions and the pass mark is only 25%.
    Sure, just find it interesting that knowing when the Turner prize started is considered important to being a good citizen.
    It would be much more valuable to be grilling people on what freedom of speech, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes means. Then ensure they swear an oath to them once through the test.
    Which is exact what most of the German citizenship questions are about. Though not exactly grilling, just multiple choice where the answers are obvious with a bit of common sense
    You could put scenarios in.

    "Naila is a 20-year old woman who wishes to marry her boyfriend, Angelo. However, Naila's father, Sharif, opposes this relationship as Angelo is from a different religious background. He insists Angelo should have to convert to Naila's childhood religion before the marriage should be allowed to go ahead.

    Given UK culture and law, which of the following are protected in the UK?

    - Naila's right to marry who she wishes.
    - Angelo's right to maintain his religion in an interfaith marriage.
    - Sharif's right to protect the continuation of his family's religion.
    - Sharif's right to determine the best match for his children.
    I like it, though might need to adjust the names to avoid accusations of bias!. As I remember one of the German questions is something like:
    Which of the following is allowed in Germany:

    - Otto and Peter are 2 men who want to get married to each other.
    - Fritz and Sabine are brother and sister who want to get married to each other.
    - Ben is married to Silke and wants to marry Claudia as well.
    Can't remember the 4th option
    Is the answer not Soap?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    Driver said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
    OTH it's only becayse William was even more of a Bastard that the architect wasn't allowed to have the thing practically named after him. Not like the wimpish types we have today.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,072
    Stocky said:

    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    Another site:

    "It is illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters on pavements, footpaths, cycle tracks and cycle lanes on roads.

    To be used on public roads they must conform to requirements, including being insured, taxed, and used with relevant safety equipment."

    Another site:

    "About 1,300 e-scooters have been made available for hire in Nottingham where a government-approved trial is taking place.

    These are legal on public roads in some areas of the city."

    So, in summary, if the above quotes are all true (for on road):

    1) E bikes = no tax or insurance
    2) E scooters (private) = yes tax and insurance
    3) E scooter (council) = no tax or insurance

    Is this right?

    No, because you cannot tax and insure an e-scooter. That's why private e-scooters are de-facto banned from anywhere but private land.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 38,860
    DavidL said:

    kinabalu said:

    DavidL said:

    kinabalu said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Not quite sure what the medium term economic consequences will be, but Biden’s green industrial incentives have rocket propelled EV building in the US.

    VW Pauses Plans For Cell Plant In Europe, Prioritizes North America
    Volkswagen Group estimates it could get up to $10.6 billion in US incentives for a cell factory in North America.
    https://insideevs.com/news/656460/vw-group-pauses-plans-for-cell-plant-europe-prioritizes-north-america/

    Current energy prices also come into it.

    Korea will be a winner, though, as half the new factories are being built in collaboration with LG and Samsung’s energy subsidiaries.

    Report: GM To Partner With Samsung SDI On Cylindrical Batteries
    https://insideevs.com/news/656051/gm-samsung-sdi-cylindrical-batteries/
    … The reports build on the previous news that GM-LG Energy Solution (LGES)'s talks about the fourth battery plant in the United States stalled. GM and LGES have so far launched three Ultium Cells battery projects (the first plant is already producing battery cells, since 2022)...
    The Global ICE Industry Cliff Is Here
    https://cleantechnica.com/2023/03/09/the-global-ice-industry-cliff-is-here/
    Yes, I was arguing that a decade ago.
    Instead, we chose to do Brexit.
    Actually one of the very biggest debenefits of Brexit imo. How it's been a glutton for time and energy, crowding out so much else. Or when not crowding things out, warping how they are viewed.
    The flaw in that reasoning is pretty obvious. As @Richard_Tyndall points out we weren't exactly focused on the problems in the previous 50 years when Brexit was not an issue. The hypothesis that there are a limited number of trivial and irrelevant things for politicians to obsess on rather than do the hard work is also false. Just look at Scotland where we spent months on a GRR bill. Politicians need displacement activity and have no trouble in finding or creating it.

    As usual Brexit is not the problem here. An incompetent and inept political class is the problem.
    It's probably true we didn't have our eyes on the ball before Brexit. But I'm not sure we're even on the pitch now.
    And yet the trends remain the same. Do we want to start addressing the real issues now?
    I hope so. The exit of Johnson does at least create chances. Nobody'll be happier than me if politics can wriggle out of the clutches of populism.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,072
    Driver said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
    I reckon most people wouldn't know the answer to that.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    WillG said:

    kamski said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    I also think you are given material to learn - its not just random.

    I love the question - Who built the Tower of London? Its so ambiguous. I assume the implication is William the 1st (the Bastard, the Conquerer, the Usurper etc), but he almost certainly didn't do any of the work himself, and the initial tower was wooden, not the stone we see now, and its been added to over the centuries and on and on.
    Yes, my first response is "Which version of the Tower of London?"

    And yes, they probably mean the majority of the Keep which is the main feature today.
    The (multiple choice) answer is William the Conqueror. I guessed Elizabeth I, which shows how little I know. If I'd though about the princes in the tower I might have got it right!
    Only about a half millenia off!

    I do think there is some value of testing immigrants on history, even to a higher standard than that of natives. Knowing the "national story" of a country, even simplified, does give you a greater sense of what you are joining. I also think physical and cultural geography is valuable. Knowing the difference between what Yorkshire and Cornwall are like would be helpful for people who have never left London.
    Yes I agree. I think it's interesting what history is chosen. eg for German citizenship there is not a single question about anything before Hitler came to power.
  • Stark_DawningStark_Dawning Posts: 9,235
    edited March 2023

    Driver said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
    I reckon most people wouldn't know the answer to that.
    That very question actually appeared in my work's 'pub quiz' a few weeks back. I think I was the only native Brit (on my team) who knew it.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 31,724
    As a watcher of quiz shows on daytime television, I’m constantly amazed at the wrong answers or don’t knows to what I consider relatively simple historical questions.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,739
    Stocky said:

    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    According to James May the pedal is the important bit there.

    If the electric motor only runs when you pedal, it's a bike.

    If it runs without you pedaling, it's a motorbike, and not only needs tax and insurance, it needs a license plate as well
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 31,724
    Scott_xP said:

    Stocky said:

    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    According to James May the pedal is the important bit there.

    If the electric motor only runs when you pedal, it's a bike.

    If it runs without you pedaling, it's a motorbike, and not only needs tax and insurance, it needs a license plate as well
    Most electric bicycles are power assisted; another word you have to pedal, but the electric motor makes it a lot easier
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 38,860
    Fishing said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    It's not as much tough as random, like a pub quiz, full of things that nobody cares about and you might happen to know. Essentially it tests if you've memorised the book, and it's a seriously daft way to test if you're ready to be British.
    True. I'd replace it with a queuing test:

    - If you can stand in a line of strangers for twenty minutes without complaining, you pass.
    - Bonus if you go "tut tut" or shoot death stares but remain silent when someone cuts in front of you.
    - If you take out a gun and shoot them, you don't only fail, but you're directed to the American citizenship test down the hall.
    Yes. Queuing is part of our national character - perhaps the biggest part - and it has to feature.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 10,351

    Driver said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
    I reckon most people wouldn't know the answer to that.
    It's a staggeringly careless and lazy question unless the answer is a designer or a builder. Anthony Salvin would be as good an answer as any.

  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,739
    Britain will give almost half a billion pounds to France to set up a migrant detention centre and a dedicated small boats police force (Chris Smyth writes).

    Rishi Sunak said the money was needed to “break” people smuggling gangs as he struck a new deal with President Macron in Paris that will cost far more than expected.

    Under the deal Britain will send €541m to Paris over the next three years to allow French officials to step up their efforts to stop small boats carrying migrants across the Channel.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Scott_xP said:

    Stocky said:

    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    According to James May the pedal is the important bit there.

    If the electric motor only runs when you pedal, it's a bike.

    If it runs without you pedaling, it's a motorbike, and not only needs tax and insurance, it needs a license plate as well
    Those e-scooters are everywhere here. I have mixed feelings about them. They are superconvenient for people who just want to make a short journey without having to deal with public transport or driving a car. On the other hand, people often leave them in the middle of pavements and cycle lanes which is a real pain in the arse - they are quite heavy too. Plus they aren't as green as you might think, due to the extra pollution caused by the vans (usually not electric) that go round picking them up to be recharged, and the fact that they don't necessarily last long because they are mistreated etc.

    Also a good proportion of the people riding them aren't super-considerate road users.

    Just get a bicycle!
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 61,590
    Russia is offering Georgians advice it seems to think they can't refuse.

    Protests against “foreign agents" bill, erupted in #Tbilisi🇬🇪, result in demands for the resignation of the government. We recommend to the georgian people to recall a similar situation in Ukraine🇺🇦 in 2014 and what it finally led to!#ThinkTwice
    https://mobile.twitter.com/PMSimferopol/status/1634111915596173312
  • Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well
  • At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 3,056
    Commercial bank run in the US:

    https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-financial-in-talks-to-sell-itself-after-attempts-to-raise-capital-have-failed-sources-say.html

    "Silicon Valley Bank Financial in talks to sell itself after attempts to raise capital have failed, sources say"

    Isolated, or the beginning of something?
  • RazedabodeRazedabode Posts: 2,973

    At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    Poor Rishi. Tory brand is now so shot there’s no recovery
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 14,916
    kinabalu said:

    Fishing said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    It's not as much tough as random, like a pub quiz, full of things that nobody cares about and you might happen to know. Essentially it tests if you've memorised the book, and it's a seriously daft way to test if you're ready to be British.
    True. I'd replace it with a queuing test:

    - If you can stand in a line of strangers for twenty minutes without complaining, you pass.
    - Bonus if you go "tut tut" or shoot death stares but remain silent when someone cuts in front of you.
    - If you take out a gun and shoot them, you don't only fail, but you're directed to the American citizenship test down the hall.
    Yes. Queuing is part of our national character - perhaps the biggest part - and it has to feature.
    Passive aggression is the dominant feature of the British character. The test should focus on a range of situations where the correct response is "say nothing but feel really cross about it".
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 38,879

    At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    Looks a bit of an outlier, but there have been four polls since the small boats announcement and none have shown any Tory bounce.

  • MangoMango Posts: 1,013



    She was a lot better than the useless article we have now.

    You and your butthurt are pretty funny. As execrable as Rishi is (and he is an utterly worthless turd), Lizzy was much worse, hilariously so.

    She tanked as FS too, in case you didn't notice. Lavrov is still laughing, and he has to take his giggles when he can these days.
  • At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    Looks a bit of an outlier, but there have been four polls since the small boats announcement and none have shown any Tory bounce.

    As I said before this was all announced, the Tories have failed on this for 13 years. All this is highlight how useless they have been on this and other issues.

    They are as of the moment, finished.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,719
    edited March 2023

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France with Macron to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
  • HYUFD said:

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France with Macron to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
    Labour is up 5 points. You are done
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 14,916
    HYUFD said:

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
    I think the news that Sunak is giving more of our money to the French may not go down as well as you expect.
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257
    HYUFD said:

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France with Macron to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
    Um... Con also down 2%? :lol:

    All within statistical uncertainty anyway.
  • Let us be clear.

    Rishi has bunged our money to the French because he's incapable of admitting his party has failed for 13 years.

    The Tories must go.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    edited March 2023
    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,302
    Man, Anthony Bourdain was good

    THIS episode on Hue (about 40km from where I am now) is just superb TV. One of the greatest presenters ever. Able to tell entire histories through food. And he loved Indochina and he loved Vietnam as any wise traveler does, and likewise he loved Vietnamese noodle soups

    https://youtu.be/_aBkKdekMD8

    Why the F did he top himself? All that wisdom. Sad
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257

    HYUFD said:

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
    I think the news that Sunak is giving more of our money to the French may not go down as well as you expect.
    We send the French £541m a year.
    Let's fund our asylum system instead? :wink:
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 26,286
    "Opinion Data Points
    Smartphones and social media are destroying children’s mental health
    Evidence of the catastrophic effects of increased screen-time is now overwhelming
    JOHN BURN-MURDOCH" (via G search)

    https://www.ft.com/content/0e2f6f8e-bb03-4fa7-8864-f48f576167d2
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,004
    edited March 2023
    Scott_xP said:

    Britain will give almost half a billion pounds to France to set up a migrant detention centre and a dedicated small boats police force (Chris Smyth writes).

    Rishi Sunak said the money was needed to “break” people smuggling gangs as he struck a new deal with President Macron in Paris that will cost far more than expected.

    Under the deal Britain will send €541m to Paris over the next three years to allow French officials to step up their efforts to stop small boats carrying migrants across the Channel.

    This deal includes a new detention centre and is a shared cost with France

    Sunak is taking us much closer to Europe and you should be pleased about that

    Additionally both Countries support the EPC which will see cooperation with the EU and external countries under a new framework

    At last after all these years we have a PM who wants friendship and partnership with Europe

    The press conference Macron announced the huge number of smugglers that have already been arrested through cooperation and many boat crossing have been intercepted despite the number coming now
  • TazTaz Posts: 10,704
    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Must be true if unattributed sources have told The Guardian
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,302

    HYUFD said:

    Westminster Voting Intention:

    LAB: 45% (-2)
    CON: 23% (-2)
    LDM: 10% (=)
    GRN: 7% (+1)
    RFM: 7% (+2)
    SNP: 4% (=)

    Via
    @YouGov
    , 7-8 Mar.
    Changes w/ 28 Feb - 1 Mar.

    Rishi bounce going well

    Labour down 2% and now this afternoon we find Rishi has successfully agreed a deal to fund a migrant detention centre in France to reduce Channel crossings
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-64914564
    I think the news that Sunak is giving more of our money to the French may not go down as well as you expect.
    Indeed. He’s just given the French half a billion to do fuck all. Stupid micro-twat
  • Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.
  • DriverDriver Posts: 4,522
    Ah, the spamming starts up again...
  • kyf_100kyf_100 Posts: 3,911
    carnforth said:

    Commercial bank run in the US:

    https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-financial-in-talks-to-sell-itself-after-attempts-to-raise-capital-have-failed-sources-say.html

    "Silicon Valley Bank Financial in talks to sell itself after attempts to raise capital have failed, sources say"

    Isolated, or the beginning of something?

    This is a good thread on the subject:

    https://twitter.com/MacroAlf/status/1633944102826909703
  • DriverDriver Posts: 4,522
    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Has been told by whom, I wonder?
  • AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 19,620

    At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    LIN-E-KEEEEER!
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257
    edited March 2023
    Andy_JS said:

    "Opinion Data Points
    Smartphones and social media are destroying children’s mental health
    Evidence of the catastrophic effects of increased screen-time is now overwhelming
    JOHN BURN-MURDOCH" (via G search)

    https://www.ft.com/content/0e2f6f8e-bb03-4fa7-8864-f48f576167d2

    2010 is also the time of a change in government in UK and austerity with reductions in children's services

    Edit: Ah, as I should have expected from J B-M, it's not that simplistic an analysis - it also includes another country, the US. So the above is likely irrelevant. There would also likely be a significant lag between policy change and any effects anyway.
  • jamesdoylejamesdoyle Posts: 633

    Stocky said:

    E-things:

    one website:

    "... electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured."

    Another site:

    "It is illegal to use privately-owned e-scooters on pavements, footpaths, cycle tracks and cycle lanes on roads.

    To be used on public roads they must conform to requirements, including being insured, taxed, and used with relevant safety equipment."

    Another site:

    "About 1,300 e-scooters have been made available for hire in Nottingham where a government-approved trial is taking place.

    These are legal on public roads in some areas of the city."

    So, in summary, if the above quotes are all true (for on road):

    1) E bikes = no tax or insurance
    2) E scooters (private) = yes tax and insurance
    3) E scooter (council) = no tax or insurance

    Is this right?

    No, because you cannot tax and insure an e-scooter. That's why private e-scooters are de-facto banned from anywhere but private land.
    Actually I'd say that private e-scooters are de jure banned, but de facto permitted. Judging by the number of them I see around...
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Driver said:

    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Has been told by whom, I wonder?
    Probably a bit misleading as both the RSPB and WWF describe it as a 5-part series on their own websites.
  • French journalist saying this is a success for Sunak
  • AnabobazinaAnabobazina Posts: 19,620

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    They don’t half pick ‘em.

    One of England’s all time greatest centre forwards and a cherished broadcaster.
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257

    At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    LIN-E-KEEEEER!
    Lin-e-Keir? :wink:
  • Rishi's fanclub has a membership of 1 and they are trying their best
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 7,257

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    Snowflakes.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 39,756
    Leon said:

    Man, Anthony Bourdain was good

    THIS episode on Hue (about 40km from where I am now) is just superb TV. One of the greatest presenters ever. Able to tell entire histories through food. And he loved Indochina and he loved Vietnam as any wise traveler does, and likewise he loved Vietnamese noodle soups

    https://youtu.be/_aBkKdekMD8

    Why the F did he top himself? All that wisdom. Sad

    Loved Glasgow too, so top man obviously.
    In the sadly departed Rogano’s in which my newly married folks dined on their way to their honeymoon.
    The honeymoon was in Belfast, the marriage was doomed from the start.

    https://youtu.be/_FMhZ_N7TZo
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,630
    kyf_100 said:

    carnforth said:

    Commercial bank run in the US:

    https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/10/silicon-valley-bank-financial-in-talks-to-sell-itself-after-attempts-to-raise-capital-have-failed-sources-say.html

    "Silicon Valley Bank Financial in talks to sell itself after attempts to raise capital have failed, sources say"

    Isolated, or the beginning of something?

    This is a good thread on the subject:

    https://twitter.com/MacroAlf/status/1633944102826909703
    A friend who works at JPM has an interesting perspective.

    In the Goode Olde Days, While people could build companies and become "Billionaires" they were really, always, in hoc to the banks. This is why generally the founders of companies passed little to their children - they would be pushed out quite rapidly of their own companies. Ford was an obvious exception.

    In the tech revolution, something changed. People got wise to the game and kept control. The billion are now owned by people and companies. Apple, for example has a giant river of cash to invest.

    By comparison, the banks are increasingly deal organisers - not having real control of the money or the IP.
  • JohnOJohnO Posts: 4,211

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    They don’t half pick ‘em.

    One of England’s all time greatest centre forwards and a cherished broadcaster.
    You should have seen Sir David's spectacular goal against Stoke in 1958.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    Like the RNLI last year.

    The DT was ferociously attacking Sir D. A. a couple of days back.
  • Rishi's fanclub has a membership of 1 and they are trying their best

    You are so predictable

    Maybe you should respond to to todays press conference and the new entente cordial with France and the EU as Starmer continues his pro Brexit stance
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 61,590
    edited March 2023

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,630
    Mango said:



    She was a lot better than the useless article we have now.

    You and your butthurt are pretty funny. As execrable as Rishi is (and he is an utterly worthless turd), Lizzy was much worse, hilariously so.

    She tanked as FS too, in case you didn't notice. Lavrov is still laughing, and he has to take his giggles when he can these days.
    "tanked" - but what kind of tank?
  • Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    Rishi's fanclub is here to distract.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 31,724

    At the end of the Government's 'Stop the Boats' week
    @omnisis
    finds Labour's lead is up five points.

    Lab: 50% (+5)
    Con: 26% (NC)
    LD: 7% (-4)
    SNP: 4% (NC)
    Ref: 6% (NC)
    Green: 5% (-1)

    Bye Rishi

    https://twitter.com/AdamBienkov/status/1634208844858441728

    LIN-E-KEEEEER!
    Looks as though it’s come from the Lib Dems and the Greens. Tories, unchanged.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,004
    edited March 2023

    Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    Rishi's fanclub is here to distract.
    Why don't you just grow up
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,630
    Carnyx said:

    Driver said:

    kle4 said:

    kamski said:

    Completely off-topic:

    Has anyone had a go at the British Citizenship test? There are some quite difficult questions like "who built the Tower of London?" or "what year was the Turner Prize established?"

    And you need to get 75% to pass.

    The German test is way easier eg "what was the Stasi?"
    And you only need to get 50%.

    Also interesting: none of the German questions about history go back further than the 1930s, whereas UK ones go back to at least Julius Caesar. Lots of questions about the Nazis and about the DDR and the Cold War.
    History questions are numbers 151-211 here:
    https://oet.bamf.de/ords/oetut/f?p=514:30:0::NO:::

    You also find the answer to the question: What was the hallmark of National Socialism?
    A policy of state racism (Question 161).

    There's always examples someone born to it likely wouldn't get. But then it is probably meant to be tougher, and if everyone had to be tested they'd pay better attention in school.
    "Who built the Tower of London" shouldn't a difficult question to a native Brit, unless they stopped mentioning that in schools in the last 30 years. That said, I believe the citizenship test is multiple choice and therefore the difficulty of the questions is determined in large part by which wrong answers are used as options.
    OTH it's only becayse William was even more of a Bastard that the architect wasn't allowed to have the thing practically named after him. Not like the wimpish types we have today.
    Anyone who has built anything will tell you - keep the architect on a tight leash.

    Bet William was going spare over spiral staircases with no actual support (apart from some relatives), windows bigger than any glass supplier could cover....
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    kamski said:

    Driver said:

    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Has been told by whom, I wonder?
    Probably a bit misleading as both the RSPB and WWF describe it as a 5-part series on their own websites.
    Normal structure IIC - the main series and an x+1th which is about consertvation issues.

    Plus that has a new meaning, I think. Remember it's illegal for charities to fund political stuff thanks to the Tories. So this way the RSPB and the WWF stick to the fluffies and scalies and leave the politics to the BBC.

    DT has been screaming itself demented about the series. So they will want to protect themselves - remember how the RNLI was slagged off for rescuing boat people and threatened with being made illegal if they persisted?
  • Nothing to worry about.

    About $40 billion was wiped off the value of British and European lenders after a chaotic sell-off in the US banking sector spread to Europe.

    Investors have taken fright after Silicon Valley Bank, a little-known American lender focused on the technology sector, warned yesterday that it had suffered a $1.8 billion loss following a firesale of its bond portfolio.

    This has raised investor concerns that there might be similar problems hiding in the debt portfolios of other lenders, causing a sharp fall in shares across the American banking sector. It comes as central bankers in the US, UK and Europe have raced to raise interest rates over the past year in a rush to tighten monetary policy that has hit bond markets.

    After the US rout, investors in Europe have now also been spooked and have dumped banking shares.

    HSBC slumped by 5.8 per cent, Standard Chartered lost 4.9 per cent and Barclays slid by 4.9 per cent. The domestic-focused lenders Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were also caught in the rout and fell by 4 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively


    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-banks-slide-after-silicon-valley-bank-triggers-sell-off-in-financial-stocks-m2m8z7gj8
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157

    Mango said:



    She was a lot better than the useless article we have now.

    You and your butthurt are pretty funny. As execrable as Rishi is (and he is an utterly worthless turd), Lizzy was much worse, hilariously so.

    She tanked as FS too, in case you didn't notice. Lavrov is still laughing, and he has to take his giggles when he can these days.
    "tanked" - but what kind of tank?
    CR2.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/liz-truss-takes-after-margaret-thatcher-in-a-tank-as-she-criticises-russia-mlbdbvhzt
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    I suspect the Guardian are being a bit mischievous here, unless someone can find some evidence that the "sixth" episode originally was intended for terrestrial broadcast and actually got "cancelled".
  • Nothing to worry about.

    About $40 billion was wiped off the value of British and European lenders after a chaotic sell-off in the US banking sector spread to Europe.

    Investors have taken fright after Silicon Valley Bank, a little-known American lender focused on the technology sector, warned yesterday that it had suffered a $1.8 billion loss following a firesale of its bond portfolio.

    This has raised investor concerns that there might be similar problems hiding in the debt portfolios of other lenders, causing a sharp fall in shares across the American banking sector. It comes as central bankers in the US, UK and Europe have raced to raise interest rates over the past year in a rush to tighten monetary policy that has hit bond markets.

    After the US rout, investors in Europe have now also been spooked and have dumped banking shares.

    HSBC slumped by 5.8 per cent, Standard Chartered lost 4.9 per cent and Barclays slid by 4.9 per cent. The domestic-focused lenders Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were also caught in the rout and fell by 4 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively


    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-banks-slide-after-silicon-valley-bank-triggers-sell-off-in-financial-stocks-m2m8z7gj8

    That sounds very worrying
  • Actually I'd say that private e-scooters are de jure banned, but de facto permitted. Judging by the number of them I see around...

    The law was never written with stand-on electric scooters in mind and they fall into a gap in categorisation, so there seems to be a deep reluctance to prosecute anyone for riding one.

    E-scooters should strictly be classified as Light Motorcycles given the current regulations. That would put them in the same bracket as sit-on scooters, so a rider would need a registration plate, insurance, tax, MOT, an approved helmet, a provisional license and a Compulsory Basic Training certificate to ride legally. And the rider would be expected to obey the Highway Code, so no riding on pavements, etc.

    Which clearly isn't feasible, so people ignore the questionable legality and just use them anyway,
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    kamski said:

    Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    I suspect the Guardian are being a bit mischievous here, unless someone can find some evidence that the "sixth" episode originally was intended for terrestrial broadcast and actually got "cancelled".
    No, it's normal to have a supplementary film on conservation issues in those series.

    And making and then not broadcasting a DA nature film? Come off it, it's like not broadcasting a Cup Final. Pure ratings gold for the BBC.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Carnyx said:

    kamski said:

    Driver said:

    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Has been told by whom, I wonder?
    Probably a bit misleading as both the RSPB and WWF describe it as a 5-part series on their own websites.
    Normal structure IIC - the main series and an x+1th which is about consertvation issues.

    Plus that has a new meaning, I think. Remember it's illegal for charities to fund political stuff thanks to the Tories. So this way the RSPB and the WWF stick to the fluffies and scalies and leave the politics to the BBC.

    DT has been screaming itself demented about the series. So they will want to protect themselves - remember how the RNLI was slagged off for rescuing boat people and threatened with being made illegal if they persisted?
    Is the x+1th usually broadcast like the others?
  • Nothing to worry about.

    About $40 billion was wiped off the value of British and European lenders after a chaotic sell-off in the US banking sector spread to Europe.

    Investors have taken fright after Silicon Valley Bank, a little-known American lender focused on the technology sector, warned yesterday that it had suffered a $1.8 billion loss following a firesale of its bond portfolio.

    This has raised investor concerns that there might be similar problems hiding in the debt portfolios of other lenders, causing a sharp fall in shares across the American banking sector. It comes as central bankers in the US, UK and Europe have raced to raise interest rates over the past year in a rush to tighten monetary policy that has hit bond markets.

    After the US rout, investors in Europe have now also been spooked and have dumped banking shares.

    HSBC slumped by 5.8 per cent, Standard Chartered lost 4.9 per cent and Barclays slid by 4.9 per cent. The domestic-focused lenders Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were also caught in the rout and fell by 4 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively


    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-banks-slide-after-silicon-valley-bank-triggers-sell-off-in-financial-stocks-m2m8z7gj8

    That sounds very worrying
    Don't panic, I'm working on it.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 116,719
    edited March 2023

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    That was the BBC's decision not the Government's and the backlash more likely to be from RefUK, Farage, GB News and the populist right press than the Sunak and Hunt Government which is pro action to protect the environment and natural world like Attenborough
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    kamski said:

    Carnyx said:

    kamski said:

    Driver said:

    Carnyx said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1678460674

    Cancel culture. (When I saw the Twitter, I thought it was an early April 1 spoof; but no.)

    "The BBC has decided not to broadcast an episode of David Attenborough’s flagship new series on British wildlife because of fears its themes of the destruction of nature would risk a backlash from Tory politicians and the rightwing press, the Guardian has been told."

    Has been told by whom, I wonder?
    Probably a bit misleading as both the RSPB and WWF describe it as a 5-part series on their own websites.
    Normal structure IIC - the main series and an x+1th which is about consertvation issues.

    Plus that has a new meaning, I think. Remember it's illegal for charities to fund political stuff thanks to the Tories. So this way the RSPB and the WWF stick to the fluffies and scalies and leave the politics to the BBC.

    DT has been screaming itself demented about the series. So they will want to protect themselves - remember how the RNLI was slagged off for rescuing boat people and threatened with being made illegal if they persisted?
    Is the x+1th usually broadcast like the others?
    From memory, yes.
  • kamskikamski Posts: 4,199
    Carnyx said:

    kamski said:

    Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    I suspect the Guardian are being a bit mischievous here, unless someone can find some evidence that the "sixth" episode originally was intended for terrestrial broadcast and actually got "cancelled".
    No, it's normal to have a supplementary film on conservation issues in those series.

    And making and then not broadcasting a DA nature film? Come off it, it's like not broadcasting a Cup Final. Pure ratings gold for the BBC.
    OK I'm probably wrong, haven't watched broadcast TV for so long!
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    edited March 2023
    HYUFD said:

    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    That was the BBC's decision not the Government's and the backlash more likely to be from RefUK, Farage, GB News and the populist right press than the Sunak and Hunt Government which is pro action to protect the environment and natural world like Attenborough
    Come off it. When the RNLI was attacked, the most vicious attack was by the Tory Government putting laws in place in the relevant Parliamentary Bill to make its rescuing the Wrong People seriously illegal. Edit: wothdrawn, but not till after a very long time. The threat was very clear.
  • LennonLennon Posts: 1,721

    Nothing to worry about.

    About $40 billion was wiped off the value of British and European lenders after a chaotic sell-off in the US banking sector spread to Europe.

    Investors have taken fright after Silicon Valley Bank, a little-known American lender focused on the technology sector, warned yesterday that it had suffered a $1.8 billion loss following a firesale of its bond portfolio.

    This has raised investor concerns that there might be similar problems hiding in the debt portfolios of other lenders, causing a sharp fall in shares across the American banking sector. It comes as central bankers in the US, UK and Europe have raced to raise interest rates over the past year in a rush to tighten monetary policy that has hit bond markets.

    After the US rout, investors in Europe have now also been spooked and have dumped banking shares.

    HSBC slumped by 5.8 per cent, Standard Chartered lost 4.9 per cent and Barclays slid by 4.9 per cent. The domestic-focused lenders Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were also caught in the rout and fell by 4 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively


    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-banks-slide-after-silicon-valley-bank-triggers-sell-off-in-financial-stocks-m2m8z7gj8

    That sounds very worrying
    Don't panic, I'm working on it.
    Well if I wasn't worried before... ;)
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,157
    kamski said:

    Carnyx said:

    kamski said:

    Nigelb said:



    Shameful

    BBC will not broadcast Attenborough episode over fear of rightwing backlash

    Exclusive: Decision to make episode about natural destruction only available on iPlayer angers programme-makers


    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/10/david-attenborough-bbc-wild-isles-episode-rightwing-backlash-fears

    Honestly, slagging off the national treasure Sir David Attenborough is going to be a huge vote loser for the Tories.

    WTFAF ?
    I suspect the Guardian are being a bit mischievous here, unless someone can find some evidence that the "sixth" episode originally was intended for terrestrial broadcast and actually got "cancelled".
    No, it's normal to have a supplementary film on conservation issues in those series.

    And making and then not broadcasting a DA nature film? Come off it, it's like not broadcasting a Cup Final. Pure ratings gold for the BBC.
    OK I'm probably wrong, haven't watched broadcast TV for so long!
    I now worry that my memory is weong too ... TV has changed so much lately. So let's see what comes out, so to speak. But I really can't see why they wouldn't broadcast his last (I believe) series in full.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 18,891
    .

    Paul Dacre unavailable for comment. Last seen disappearing up Boris Johnson's backside......

    https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/mar/09/boris-johnson-again-nominates-daily-mail-chief-paul-dacre-for-peerage
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 113,981
    edited March 2023
    Lennon said:

    Nothing to worry about.

    About $40 billion was wiped off the value of British and European lenders after a chaotic sell-off in the US banking sector spread to Europe.

    Investors have taken fright after Silicon Valley Bank, a little-known American lender focused on the technology sector, warned yesterday that it had suffered a $1.8 billion loss following a firesale of its bond portfolio.

    This has raised investor concerns that there might be similar problems hiding in the debt portfolios of other lenders, causing a sharp fall in shares across the American banking sector. It comes as central bankers in the US, UK and Europe have raced to raise interest rates over the past year in a rush to tighten monetary policy that has hit bond markets.

    After the US rout, investors in Europe have now also been spooked and have dumped banking shares.

    HSBC slumped by 5.8 per cent, Standard Chartered lost 4.9 per cent and Barclays slid by 4.9 per cent. The domestic-focused lenders Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were also caught in the rout and fell by 4 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively


    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-banks-slide-after-silicon-valley-bank-triggers-sell-off-in-financial-stocks-m2m8z7gj8

    That sounds very worrying
    Don't panic, I'm working on it.
    Well if I wasn't worried before... ;)
    Honestly if it wasn't for insider trading rules the fact Caesar's wife must be above suspicion I'd be buying lots of bank shares right now.
This discussion has been closed.