It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
Ok sorry going to be mr angry here. Yes a the majority of child sexual abuse happens in the family and friends arena. The minority in the grooming gang arena
However the difference is the problem in the family arena is getting it reported and when it is the authorities deal with it.
In the grooming gang area it is reported and the authorities tend to ignore it because of cultural issues
Ok Mr Angry, I am looking forward to your evidence to support that assertion.
Seeing as we are talking about our favourite drinks, can I just recommend the Marks and Spencer own brand (but actually Lustau: a great sherrymaker) Palo Cortado sherry
£8 a half bottle. It is totally superb. Rich yet dry, aromatic and intense, delicate and succulent
For comparison the only-slightly-better Lustau 30 year old VROS Palo Cortado costs £50 for a pint-bottle
Sherry has been the biggest bargain in the Wine world since it became unfashionable in the US and UK in about 1990. It is also largely unfashionable in Spain, drunk little outside its area of production.
A white burgundy or claret of the same general quality as a £30 sherry would be £150.
Of course, none of this is any use unless you happen to like the stuff.
Jerez is pleasant, if rather obviously run down these days. Worth a stop on the way from Seville to Cadiz.
You're right of course. There's become almost no choice or variation. I think the same is true of port, and Madeira has been astonishingly out of fashion for decades.
It's a dark thing though. If you want to buy good Port or Madeira it'll cost you as many arms and legs as you have. I don't know who's buying it.
I am quite a fan of Madeira, polished by visiting the Island a number of times. It keeps very well when opened and is delicious alongside rich puddings such as at Christmas. Great value too.
Well I am too, but just the very very old stuff. It used to be much dryer, and it had the quality of being quite sweet initially, but almost vanishing and refreshing as an after-taste.
Obviously the Isle of Wight, rather than Scotland, because there’s a ferry working.
I recall a trip to Morocco. We were on a ferry from Algeciras to Tangier. My friend, who knew little of ships, commented on the rust. I told him to go below, and get 4 double gin and tonics. He asked where I would be.
“Right here, sitting on the locker marker “lifebelts”, right next to the lifeboat, on the open deck….”
It would be fascinating to examine the global spread of languages in, say, the year 2500 (assuming the human race survives).
If there's an apocalyptic breakdown of technological civilisation there will be an ever-increasing myriad of languages, but if civilisation continues there will be just one global language - a variant of English.
I'm not sure I would bet on that. Technology has made it possible for every language to be a global language.
By 2050, rather than 2500, it will either be:
English, Mandarin, and Spanish, mean you can talk to anyone in the world
Or
The computers are so good, that even sensitive diplomatic meetings no longer require human translators, even for obscure tribal languages.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
Seeing as we are talking about our favourite drinks, can I just recommend the Marks and Spencer own brand (but actually Lustau: a great sherrymaker) Palo Cortado sherry
£8 a half bottle. It is totally superb. Rich yet dry, aromatic and intense, delicate and succulent
For comparison the only-slightly-better Lustau 30 year old VROS Palo Cortado costs £50 for a pint-bottle
Sherry has been the biggest bargain in the Wine world since it became unfashionable in the US and UK in about 1990. It is also largely unfashionable in Spain, drunk little outside its area of production.
A white burgundy or claret of the same general quality as a £30 sherry would be £150.
Of course, none of this is any use unless you happen to like the stuff.
Jerez is pleasant, if rather obviously run down these days. Worth a stop on the way from Seville to Cadiz.
You're right of course. There's become almost no choice or variation. I think the same is true of port, and Madeira has been astonishingly out of fashion for decades.
It's a dark thing though. If you want to buy good Port or Madeira it'll cost you as many arms and legs as you have. I don't know who's buying it.
Several Cambridge colleges sold off large amounts of Vintage Port in the early 90s when it fell out of fashion, and had to buy back in at higher prices ten years later.
There are some delightful LBVs at £15-£20 though. Niepoort for one.
Having recommended Jerez earlier, I must speak up for Porto. Delightful place to go, sensible climate, good hotels and restaurants these days too. Good for all budgets. Drink Vintage Port by the glass in the Taylor's English Rose Garden overlooking the river. Then take the train along the valley inland to the vineyards.
I heard tell of a college where fellows are required to reimburse the cost of any vintage port they consume. It recently went up from 6/- to 7/6 a bottle.
What is Suella actually planning to do about “British Pakistani” grooming gangs?
We need a word for a dog whistle that everyone can totally hear.
Braverman is a Trump understudy, alright.
What exactly is Trumpian about it?
Bad Facts
Ok, I'm going to have to ask: by 'Bad Facts' do you mean 'facts we don't want to hear' or 'falsehoods'. If the latter, Bad Facts is poor description - they are not facts at all but lies.
When I did a course on modern sensitivities there was a whole section on Facts that are true, but mustn’t be used because they are Bad.
Ethnic patterns in crime was one of them.
1. What course was that?
2. I presume to are positing that Trump is willing to state 'Bad Facts'; unfortunately, he's more likely to spout non-facts.
Ok sorry going to be mr angry here. Yes a the majority of child sexual abuse happens in the family and friends arena. The minority in the grooming gang arena
However the difference is the problem in the family arena is getting it reported and when it is the authorities deal with it.
In the grooming gang area it is reported and the authorities tend to ignore it because of cultural issues
Ok Mr Angry, I am looking forward to your evidence to support that assertion.
All the reports on rotherham support that view
They support the view that 'problems in the family arena get reported'?
Seeing as we are talking about our favourite drinks, can I just recommend the Marks and Spencer own brand (but actually Lustau: a great sherrymaker) Palo Cortado sherry
£8 a half bottle. It is totally superb. Rich yet dry, aromatic and intense, delicate and succulent
For comparison the only-slightly-better Lustau 30 year old VROS Palo Cortado costs £50 for a pint-bottle
Sherry has been the biggest bargain in the Wine world since it became unfashionable in the US and UK in about 1990. It is also largely unfashionable in Spain, drunk little outside its area of production.
A white burgundy or claret of the same general quality as a £30 sherry would be £150.
Of course, none of this is any use unless you happen to like the stuff.
Jerez is pleasant, if rather obviously run down these days. Worth a stop on the way from Seville to Cadiz.
You're right of course. There's become almost no choice or variation. I think the same is true of port, and Madeira has been astonishingly out of fashion for decades.
It's a dark thing though. If you want to buy good Port or Madeira it'll cost you as many arms and legs as you have. I don't know who's buying it.
Several Cambridge colleges sold off large amounts of Vintage Port in the early 90s when it fell out of fashion, and had to buy back in at higher prices ten years later.
There are some delightful LBVs at £15-£20 though. Niepoort for one.
Having recommended Jerez earlier, I must speak up for Porto. Delightful place to go, sensible climate, good hotels and restaurants these days too. Good for all budgets. Drink Vintage Port by the glass in the Taylor's English Rose Garden overlooking the river. Then take the train along the valley inland to the vineyards.
I heard tell of a college where fellows are required to reimburse the cost of any vintage port they consume. It recently went up from 6/- to 7/6 a bottle.
Some colleges used to sell wine to fellows and students at cost plus inflation plus VAT (i.e ignoring the value of having cellared it). Charity commission put paid to that in the mid 2000s. Market value or else.
Ok sorry going to be mr angry here. Yes a the majority of child sexual abuse happens in the family and friends arena. The minority in the grooming gang arena
However the difference is the problem in the family arena is getting it reported and when it is the authorities deal with it.
In the grooming gang area it is reported and the authorities tend to ignore it because of cultural issues
Ok Mr Angry, I am looking forward to your evidence to support that assertion.
All the reports on rotherham support that view
The support the view that 'problems in the family arena get reported'?
I didnt say they get reported are you deficient reading. I said the problem in the family arena is it is hard to get them reported but at least when they are the authorities take them seriously.
In the grooming gang arena the authorities seem more keen to cover them up as highlighted in the rotherham reports.
Two absolutely different problems the first the authorities often don't know but when they do they take action
the second the authorities absolutely do know but turn a blind eye
Ok sorry going to be mr angry here. Yes a the majority of child sexual abuse happens in the family and friends arena. The minority in the grooming gang arena
However the difference is the problem in the family arena is getting it reported and when it is the authorities deal with it.
In the grooming gang area it is reported and the authorities tend to ignore it because of cultural issues
Ok Mr Angry, I am looking forward to your evidence to support that assertion.
All the reports on rotherham support that view
The support the view that 'problems in the family arena get reported'?
The difference being in the way authorities have dealt with the two cases.
Many family cases from decades ago have been prosecuted, with no physical evidence other than the statements of the children involved.
Contrast with the attitude of authorities noted in the Rotherham report, who appeared to be much more worried about commmunity relations and potential civil disorder, than seeing rapists bought to justice.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
They’re definitely more Liverpool than Manchester. As you say, more melodic. Lancashire plain.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Obviously the Isle of Wight, rather than Scotland, because there’s a ferry working.
I recall a trip to Morocco. We were on a ferry from Algeciras to Tangier. My friend, who knew little of ships, commented on the rust. I told him to go below, and get 4 double gin and tonics. He asked where I would be.
“Right here, sitting on the locker marker “lifebelts”, right next to the lifeboat, on the open deck….”
I always notice when I get on a plane, that I’m the only person consciously counting seat backs in front and behind between me and the exit, looking at the card during the briefing, and actually checking under my seat for the life vest! I know I’ll be at the exit correctly dressed, carrying nothing but my wallet and passport.
In the last election Finns Party rose two points when the election day votes were counted, this could be very close.
For those not familiar. NCP = Mainstream Conservatives. SDP = Social Democrats of PM Marin. Finns = Populist Right. Centre = As it says on the tin. Rural. Left = You can guess. Green = Ditto. CD = Christian Democrats. SPP = Swedish speakers. Move = Economic liberals.
SDP, Green, Left, Centre and Swedes are the incumbent government coalition. It looks like they'll get a majority of votes. However. Largest Party gets first dibs. Complicated by the fact that this is D'Hondt across 13 constituencies. So most votes doesn't necessarily equal most seats. Especially when this close.
Presumably the likely alternative grouping is National Coalition, Finns and Centre which governed from 2015-19 despite the 2017 crisis.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
I was getting strong lockdown 1 vibes earlier. The good bits of lockdown 1. Not the 90% that was shitty.
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
They were typically children (boys and girls) living in care homes.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
But for now, on this spring evening, as lengthening shadows cross the newly mowed back garden, enjoy a bit of The Lathums’ second album “From Nothing to a Little Bit More” on Spotify or Apple Music and reconnect with the joy of jingling guitars and soulful young Lancastrian voices with just a hint of yodel.
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
Mostly yes. A lot of the girls were in what’s euphemistically called “care” (of the state).
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
Mostly yes. A lot of the girls were in what’s euphemistically called “care” (of the state).
And police ignoring it because a 13 year old claimed to have consented etc
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparents were arseholes
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
Mostly yes. A lot of the girls were in what’s euphemistically called “care” (of the state).
And police ignoring it because a 13 year old claimed to have consented etc
Yes, but not because it had not been reported to them.
Is it only 80 miles from Glasgow to Dundee? If asked I'd have guessed much further.
Why isn’t Glasgow closer to Dundee after 16 years of SNP misrule? Humza must explain.
In some respects they are close:
Dundee City had the highest age-standardised drug misuse death rate of all local authority areas (45.2 per 100,000 population for the 5-year period 2017-2021), followed by Glasgow City (44.4)
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparen
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
Mostly yes. A lot of the girls were in what’s euphemistically called “care” (of the state).
And police ignoring it because a 13 year old claimed to have consented etc
Yes, but not because it had not been reported to them.
The one I am thinking of that was mentioned in the reports was the police turning up and finding a 13 year old in the prescence of several men in their 20's and 30's and leaving her there because she had consented. They were aware they just didn't care because she was a care home girl, my suspicion also is there were kickbacks happening at some level to ignore it
BlancheLivermore - If you are looking for another walk to do, you might consider following in Seraphine Warren's footsteps. (She deserves support.)
That does sound amazing; "across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and, finally, to Washington"
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
On topic - In USA, where being a locally registered voter is almost always a legal requirement to run for AND serve in elected office (US Representative being exception, only required to be a resident of the state NOT district) challenging candidates based on non-residency is MUCH more common than in UK.
Including both legal challenges AND campaign attacks.
Generally speaking, the former are more politically & electorally successful than the latter.
> > For example, when Mitt Romney ran as Republican for governor of Massachusetts (forget the year) his residency was challenged by Mass state Democratic Party, on grounds that he'd applied for a tax break on his Utah ski chalet as a resident of THAT great state (Beehive versus Bay). Local courts ruled this was a technicality, give that MR had been a Mass resident, voter, taxpayer for many years.
And what about the voters? Well, in general (and in the general) they believed that Mitt was a bona fide Mass resident. Also, the citizens of "Taxachusetts" did NOT hold it against him that he (or his accountant) asked for a break on his (Utah) property taxes.
Instead, most voters thought the REAL culprit, was the Mass Democratic Party, or rather the hacks and wise-guys running the bowels of the party machinery.
> > On other hand, last year in Oregon a NYT columnist (whose name escapes me) born and raised in the state, with current, long-standing ties including owning property, filed for governor for 2022 Democratic Primary, but was ruled ineligible by OR Secretary of State (also a Democrat) on grounds that he was registered to vote, and had voted, in 2020 in New York State. He appealed, but state supreme court upheld SOS ruling, and he was NOT on the primary ballot.
Which is also interesting in light of fact that, thanks to a Democratic legislator running as an independent, the Democrat who ended up with nomination, won a pretty narrow victory in the 2022 general election. My own guess is that the NYT guy may have done a bit LESS well, based on his evident lack of political horse sense. Seeing as how he'd evidently been thinking of running for office back in Oregon for some time. So registering and voting in New York Freaking State was totally unforced - and fatal - own goal.
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
What you need to know is the SCALE
There were certainly TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS. Tens of thousands of poor white girls (and boys) raped, abused, tortured and even sometimes killed by (mainly) British Pakistani Muslim gangs
Some estimates go over 100,000
At least one person has estimated there might be a MILLION victims, if you add it all together, over the years. Who is that person? The Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion, who was shunned by her own party for making this claim, even though she is the MP for one of the cities worst afflicted, and should know more than most
"Child sex abuse gangs could have assaulted ONE MILLION youngsters in the UK
Rotherham’s Labour MP Sarah Champion describes it as a “national disaster” and is demanding a taskforce to fight the “horror""
Imagine that happening in any other country on earth. A million girls raped and abused by racist grooming gangs, mainly Muslim
There would be civil strife
This, I believe, is why the UK Establishment desperately tries to keep it all quiet. They fear that if Britons ever actually addressed the scale of what happened, and is STILL HAPPENING, there would be blood in the streets
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
Sunak comes across as thinking that discussion of the issue, and passing laws about the issue, are all that are required. He appears not to understand, that the voters expect him to have actually stopped the crossings before the election.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
I was getting strong lockdown 1 vibes earlier. The good bits of lockdown 1. Not the 90% that was shitty.
Probably feels like that because March was so unrelentingly miserable. Well below average sunshine hours for most of the UK and the wettest March in England since 1981 according to the Met Office. I think we have a short run of bright cloudless days and cold nights coming, at least in my corner of the land, but beyond that it looks more changeable.
I'd love a re-run of the kind of Spring weather we had in 2020 but you should be careful what you wish for. The bigger picture demands more rain, I'm afraid. The last thing we want is to end up with a dry Spring, followed inevitably by a dry Summer dotted about with stupidly, brutally hot days and, therefore, an even worse drought.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparents were arseholes
I’m actually with you on this. The sins of the fathers etc. Those born since it happened shouldn’t be held responsible.
However, the corollary is that Brits should not feel any pride in things our ancestors did that we weren’t involved in. Can’t have it both ways. Pride in the good bits but disowning the bad bits is inconsistent.
BlancheLivermore - If you are looking for another walk to do, you might consider following in Seraphine Warren's footsteps. (She deserves support.)
That does sound amazing; "across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and, finally, to Washington"
But I can only afford local trips
Years ago, walked from Russell Square to Victoria Park.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparen
There wasn't much coverage of the Rotherham scandal here in the US, so I hope you will excuse me for asking two possibly naive questions:
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
What you need to know is the SCALE
There were certainly TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS. Tens of thousands of poor white girls (and boys) raped, abused, tortured and even sometimes killed by (mainly) British Pakistani Muslim gangs
Some estimates go over 100,000
At least one person has estimated there might be a MILLION victims, if you add it all together, over the years. Who is that person? The Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion, who was shunned by her own party for making this claim, even though she is the MP for one of the cities worst afflicted, and should know more than most
"Child sex abuse gangs could have assaulted ONE MILLION youngsters in the UK
Rotherham’s Labour MP Sarah Champion describes it as a “national disaster” and is demanding a taskforce to fight the “horror""
Imagine that happening in any other country on earth. A million girls raped and abused by racist grooming gangs, mainly Muslim
There would be civil strife
This, I believe, is why the UK Establishment desperately tries to keep it all quiet. They fear that if Britons ever actually addressed the scale of what happened, and is STILL HAPPENING, there would be blood in the streets
It should be noted though that it was still a small minority of pakistani males doing this. The vast majority would see it as just as abhorrent as you or I. Sadly the coverup and face turning actually makes it seem worse now it has been discovered
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
Looks as though Revival are the main winners from the Bulgarian election - not surprising given they have elections about as often as the Conservative Party changes leaders.
I’m sure we’re all following the Andorran election and are ready to discuss the exit poll so off you go….
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
I was getting strong lockdown 1 vibes earlier. The good bits of lockdown 1. Not the 90% that was shitty.
Probably feels like that because March was so unrelentingly miserable. Well below average sunshine hours for most of the UK and the wettest March in England since 1981 according to the Met Office. I think we have a short run of bright cloudless days and cold nights coming, at least in my corner of the land, but beyond that it looks more changeable.
I'd love a re-run of the kind of Spring weather we had in 2020 but you should be careful what you wish for. The bigger picture demands more rain, I'm afraid. The last thing we want is to end up with a dry Spring, followed inevitably by a dry Summer dotted about with stupidly, brutally hot days and, therefore, an even worse drought.
A sunny April will be disastrous for my vineyard, so I know what you mean. Not drought in my case but frost. April sunshine means night radiation frosts, and the buds on some of my early vines - the melon de Bourgogne - are already woolly and close to bursting. Only second year so no crop to worry about but second year foliage growth is important and late frosts knock it back.
On a related topic given the discussion about favourite drinks I posted my latest blog entry from the vineyard earlier, on Pinot Meunier.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
You mean like the guys who wrote this? 15 of the top AI experts in America?
“Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence: Early experiments with GPT-4”
By Sébastien Bubeck, Varun Chandrasekaran, Ronen Eldan, Johannes Gehrke, Eric Horvitz, Ece Kamar, Peter Lee, Yin Tat Lee, Yuanzhi Li, Scott Lundberg, Harsha Nori, Hamid Palangi, Marco Tulio Ribeiro, Yi Zhang
Who is naked Tory MP referred to in @mailonsunday who was stuck in a brothel at 4am with no clothes. There is lurid speculation and its def’ not Boris. .
Massage parlours, aye. Houses divided into apartments for, ahem, single ladies in Warren Street or Bayswater or maybe even Shepherd's Market
Flat sharing Romanian girls in Wood Green. Yup. Saunas? Yup
But proper rococo-and-champagne, dungeon chamber and pretend railway carriage, chaise-longue, caviar, asparagus-soup and Edwardian kingly three way fellatio love seat brothels??
None, that I know of
Railway carriage?
Railway carriage?!
I'll accept "sheltered life" and "embittered commuter" as answers, but...
Railway? Carriage?
Yes
"Catering to all fetishes, each of the 22 rooms were inspired by a different time and place. A pirate room featured a mechanical boat swing and water jets that sprayed clients and courtesans as they did the dirty. An Orient Express room allowed patrons to live out their fantasies of sex on a train inside a replica of a bouncing carriage with a railway soundtrack."
I once wrote a Gazette article about the great Paris brothels of the Belle Epoque and spent a week doing research in the City of Love. I even tracked down King Edwards's Notorious Three Way love seat - I found the last auctioneer to sell it in the 1990s, to a "private buyer", and he was tempted to introduce me to the owner so I could see it.... but in the end he said No. However when I asked if "the seat is still being used" he smiled and said "Oui, naturellement"
What is Suella actually planning to do about “British Pakistani” grooming gangs?
We need a word for a dog whistle that everyone can totally hear.
It will be interesting to see what Labour does on the proposed Bill.
There is, as you say, the dog whistle about British-Pakistani gangs. How does Labour react to that? Factually - when it comes to grooming gangs as opposed to child abuse in general - the evidence is there. Does Labour accuse the Government of racism? Probably not going to well received in the towns involved. I suspect Labour will make muted criticism but make clear to the British-Pakistani communities (which are key to its vote in many seats eg Batley and Spen) that it will be amended if they win power.
However, there is another angle here. Where this Bill is really targeted at is Labour's middle class public sector block - the social workers, teachers and those who deal with children in related areas. What it's threatening to do is target directly this very influential part of Labour's voting bloc by threatening them with the sack or prison.
From a policy standpoint, it's actually good that people who kept silent because they were more concerned about being accused of racism and / or their political views now run personal risk. From a political viewpoint, it could be quite successful.
Threatening social workers and teachers with the sack or prison? Is that the free market response to desperately short staffed professions? Still. Anything to get the Tories re-elected is far more important than the welfare of children after all.
If you deliberately turn your eyes away from a child being abused for whatever reason, then you shouldn't be in the job. I would have thought that would be quite easy to understand.
It is. And it doesn't happen. What happens is stuff is reported endlessly and then there isn't the staffing, funding or will to prioritise anything. Nor even for anyone to read the entirety of CPOMS and join the dots. Because everyone's caseloads are way too high. I am on CPOMS reporting concerns every single day. Does anyone read them? Not until after a catastrophic event. Because the government isn't prepared to pay for it.
It is not a resource issue, it's the fact that managers in Rotherham deliberately ignored, and actually destroyed, evidence so they wouldn't have to deal with the issue. They had the information there, they could have acted on it and they chose not to.
Did you not read the conclusions of the Rotherham report or have you just chosen to ignore them because it doesn't fit in with your views.
However, your answer gives a clue as to how Labour (depressingly) will deal with this. There will be some vague generic comments about it being terrible girls being abused before going onto a far more detailed commentary as to how this is a resource issue and it is cruel to target overworked public workers who are just trying to do their best.
Sorry. But your patronising "did you not read the Rotherham report?" has closed down this conversation. Yes I have, I've read all of them and far more than just the conclusions. I've been on endless very distressing training days too, and worked with some of the girls and boys involved too. They're all grown adults now because it was quite some time ago. Sorry I don't agree with you. If you think it's not a resource issue, well you're welcome to donate your expertise at the going rate to sort it all out.
It is not "quite some time ago"
It is still happening. There are multiple reports of it
"Grooming gangs still abusing girls a decade after Rochdale scandal, says whistleblower A former detective says the police and authorities are still failing to take the matter seriously and are continuing to let victims down"
"Children are still being sexually exploited by grooming gangs in all parts of England and Wales in the “most degrading and destructive ways”, a report has found."
But you want to wish it all away. As ever. "It's all in the past, let's move on"
Interesting juxtaposition of enthusing over brothels, which we all know are full of trafficked young girls often of different cultures, whilst condemning Grooming gangs.
I expect that there was not much trafficking in the high class places. These were well-paid courtesans.
In general, I think the medieval Church was right to treat prostitution as a necessary evil, and to regulate it.
Yes, posh people's brothels are obviously fine and dandy places staffed after adverts on LinkedIn and rigorous background checks. Completely different to downmarket ones.
I think it would be fair to say that cruel exploitation is likely to be at the rougher end of the market.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparents were arseholes
I’m actually with you on this. The sins of the fathers etc. Those born since it happened shouldn’t be held responsible.
However, the corollary is that Brits should not feel any pride in things our ancestors did that we weren’t involved in. Can’t have it both ways. Pride in the good bits but disowning the bad bits is inconsistent.
More weight should be given, particularly in the education system, to social history alongside the traditional structure of kings and battles. Slavery is a big part of the picture within that: most medieval people were exploited as slaves or something very close to it in this country; conditions for the poor remained pretty wretched even after feudal serfdom had become a thing of the distant part; and then, of course, there was exploitation of bonded labour (primarily Africans, but also of Europeans as transported prisoners or through the Barbary slave trade,) for several hundred years during the colonial period. Most people are largely clueless about most of this stuff and it would do no harm at all for them to learn a bit more.
The real difficulties arise when someone decides to raise the subject of reparations. Telling, say, a single Mum in Carlisle, who's trying to raise a couple of kiddies on a minimum wage job and desultory top-up benefits, that some of her taxes now have to go on paying compensation to people in Dominica - because their ancestors were slaves two centuries ago and that's why she is now "rich" - is unlikely to go down well.
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
Sunak comes across, as thinking that talking about the issue, and passing laws about the issue, are all that are required. He appears not to understand, that the voters expect him to have actually stopped the crossings before the election.
110 arrivals last week via small boats. Been a bit rough most days.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
The notion that somehow the UK’s involvement in the slave trade is a terrible secret, that has only recently come to light, thanks to fearless woke journalists, is an absurdity. I think I was 9 when I learned of the Triangular trade.
As to the existence of whites-only clubs, well, no shit Sherlock. Finchley Golf Club excluded Jews in the 1950’s. That’s not the same as Jim Crow, legislative racial oppression organised from the top down.
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
Sunak comes across, as thinking that talking about the issue, and passing laws about the issue, are all that are required. He appears not to understand, that the voters expect him to have actually stopped the crossings before the election.
110 arrivals last week via small boats. Been a bit rough most days.
So what the PM needs, is a rough sea generator to put off the gangs.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparents were arseholes
I’m actually with you on this. The sins of the fathers etc. Those born since it happened shouldn’t be held responsible.
However, the corollary is that Brits should not feel any pride in things our ancestors did that we weren’t involved in. Can’t have it both ways. Pride in the good bits but disowning the bad bits is inconsistent.
More weight should be given, particularly in the education system, to social history alongside the traditional structure of kings and battles. Slavery is a big part of the picture within that: most medieval people were exploited as slaves or something very close to it in this country; conditions for the poor remained pretty wretched even after feudal serfdom had become a thing of the distant part; and then, of course, there was exploitation of bonded labour (primarily Africans, but also of Europeans as transported prisoners or through the Barbary slave trade,) for several hundred years during the colonial period. Most people are largely clueless about most of this stuff and it would do no harm at all for them to learn a bit more.
The real difficulties arise when someone decides to raise the subject of reparations. Telling, say, a single Mum in Carlisle, who's trying to raise a couple of kiddies on a minimum wage job and desultory top-up benefits, that some of her taxes now have to go on paying compensation to people in Dominica - because their ancestors were slaves two centuries ago and that's why she is now "rich" - is unlikely to go down well.
Look we were not unique....the conditions for the poor was much the same in all countries whether european, asian, african whatever. All european countries had slavery in the past, likewise african, likewise asian and american. Barbary pirates preyed for example on the south west of england....do they owe the cornish and devonian reparations....never see people arguing that...its always the uk and usa that owe reparations, not belgium, not spain, not portugal, not germany.....just the usa and uk. Those people arguing we are uniquely responsible somehow for practises that just about everyone had in their past can shove their heads up their asses and drown on their own diahorhea
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
Sunak comes across, as thinking that talking about the issue, and passing laws about the issue, are all that are required. He appears not to understand, that the voters expect him to have actually stopped the crossings before the election.
110 arrivals last week via small boats. Been a bit rough most days.
So what the PM needs, is a rough sea generator to put off the gangs.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
Replace Chat GPT-4 with What.Three.Words and you spammed PB with this last year.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
Replace Chat GPT-4 with What.Three.Words and you spammed PB with this last year.
Replace Chat Gpt-4 and what three words with you, Oxford, France and pineapple pizza and we'd still be on PB
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
Really don't give a fuck if its within living memory. Auschwitz is within living memory I do not hold germans born after the war accountable because their grandparents were arseholes
I’m actually with you on this. The sins of the fathers etc. Those born since it happened shouldn’t be held responsible.
However, the corollary is that Brits should not feel any pride in things our ancestors did that we weren’t involved in. Can’t have it both ways. Pride in the good bits but disowning the bad bits is inconsistent.
More weight should be given, particularly in the education system, to social history alongside the traditional structure of kings and battles. Slavery is a big part of the picture within that: most medieval people were exploited as slaves or something very close to it in this country; conditions for the poor remained pretty wretched even after feudal serfdom had become a thing of the distant part; and then, of course, there was exploitation of bonded labour (primarily Africans, but also of Europeans as transported prisoners or through the Barbary slave trade,) for several hundred years during the colonial period. Most people are largely clueless about most of this stuff and it would do no harm at all for them to learn a bit more.
The real difficulties arise when someone decides to raise the subject of reparations. Telling, say, a single Mum in Carlisle, who's trying to raise a couple of kiddies on a minimum wage job and desultory top-up benefits, that some of her taxes now have to go on paying compensation to people in Dominica - because their ancestors were slaves two centuries ago and that's why she is now "rich" - is unlikely to go down well.
Most people lived (by our standards) pretty grim lives in the past. Our standard of living is 40 times subsistence. For people alive in the UK in 1800, the standard of living was similar to modern Zimbabwe. So, yes, the world was a dog eat dog place.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
So could be a Finns led govt with NCP and Purra becomes the EU's 2nd populist right leader after Meloni.
Orban? Polish government?
Well I was thinking most rightwing mainstream party in a country with a reasonable basis of support - which wasn't the case in Hungary (ie Jobbik).
So the YLE forecast is NCP 48 Finns 46 SDP 43, so NCP could go either way for coalition partner but will obviously need smaller parties to clear the majority line.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
I was getting strong lockdown 1 vibes earlier. The good bits of lockdown 1. Not the 90% that was shitty.
Probably feels like that because March was so unrelentingly miserable. Well below average sunshine hours for most of the UK and the wettest March in England since 1981 according to the Met Office. I think we have a short run of bright cloudless days and cold nights coming, at least in my corner of the land, but beyond that it looks more changeable.
I'd love a re-run of the kind of Spring weather we had in 2020 but you should be careful what you wish for. The bigger picture demands more rain, I'm afraid. The last thing we want is to end up with a dry Spring, followed inevitably by a dry Summer dotted about with stupidly, brutally hot days and, therefore, an even worse drought.
A sunny April will be disastrous for my vineyard, so I know what you mean. Not drought in my case but frost. April sunshine means night radiation frosts, and the buds on some of my early vines - the melon de Bourgogne - are already woolly and close to bursting. Only second year so no crop to worry about but second year foliage growth is important and late frosts knock it back.
On a related topic given the discussion about favourite drinks I posted my latest blog entry from the vineyard earlier, on Pinot Meunier.
It is utterly, heartbreakingly beautiful in the South Lakes today. I'm on my second annual night-away-with-the-wife-and-no-kids. A massive lunch, an easy walk up Gummers How, and an afternoon of lolling about at tge Swan at Newby Bridge, where I am about to head down for my secind massive meal of the day. But Spring is definitely here. Lambs and daffodils aplenty.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
Replace Chat GPT-4 with What.Three.Words and you spammed PB with this last year.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
Yes. I’m on top of Primrose Hill and it’s definitely spring. The sun has suddenly emerged. And the people. The soft wind is cold yet somehow unthreatening. It speaks in kindly words of warmth ahead
It was about this time in Covid Year One that we started a wonderful run of weather.
I was getting strong lockdown 1 vibes earlier. The good bits of lockdown 1. Not the 90% that was shitty.
Probably feels like that because March was so unrelentingly miserable. Well below average sunshine hours for most of the UK and the wettest March in England since 1981 according to the Met Office. I think we have a short run of bright cloudless days and cold nights coming, at least in my corner of the land, but beyond that it looks more changeable.
I'd love a re-run of the kind of Spring weather we had in 2020 but you should be careful what you wish for. The bigger picture demands more rain, I'm afraid. The last thing we want is to end up with a dry Spring, followed inevitably by a dry Summer dotted about with stupidly, brutally hot days and, therefore, an even worse drought.
A sunny April will be disastrous for my vineyard, so I know what you mean. Not drought in my case but frost. April sunshine means night radiation frosts, and the buds on some of my early vines - the melon de Bourgogne - are already woolly and close to bursting. Only second year so no crop to worry about but second year foliage growth is important and late frosts knock it back.
On a related topic given the discussion about favourite drinks I posted my latest blog entry from the vineyard earlier, on Pinot Meunier.
It is utterly, heartbreakingly beautiful in the South Lakes today. I'm on my second annual night-away-with-the-wife-and-no-kids. A massive lunch, an easy walk up Gummers How, and an afternoon of lolling about at tge Swan at Newby Bridge, where I am about to head down for my secind massive meal of the day. But Spring is definitely here. Lambs and daffodils aplenty.
That’s lovely. Sunshine after a month of grey makes it all worthwhile.
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
Yes, but it's like with all our other problems. To govern is to choose, and the Government chooses austerity because the alternative is grabbing all its well-to-do supporters by the ankles and shaking them until some of their asset wealth falls out of their pockets. Pensioners get to keep their triple lock every year but it's rolling cuts for just about everyone else.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
Replace Chat GPT-4 with What.Three.Words and you spammed PB with this last year.
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
Is that not quite deliberate in many cases, to remove vulnerable kids from their local gangs or abusive relatives?
“never hate your enemies, it affects your judgment.”
Nicola’s obituary?
Nicola's, or those who hated her?
Whatever she got wrong, she got the SNP closer to power and to their underlying ambition than her predecessors... and by the look of it, her successor.
how did you imagine that one then. Salmond almost won the referendum , since she took over she achieved nothing , backwards on independence and wrecked the party.
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
Is that not quite deliberate in many cases, to remove vulnerable kids from their local gangs or abusive relatives?
Sometimes yes. More often it's because there are no places whatsoever locally.
If ChatGPT is a "meaningless bullshitter" and only "suckers the gullible" according to Sir Professor Nigel "Nigel" Formain of the University of Tescos CarPark, Newent, then we have to explain why 1000 people, from Elon Musk and the co-founder of Apple, signed this letter
"Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak and 1,121 tech experts just signed an open letter to pause the training of AI models more powerful than GPT-4.
They warn this could "represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth.""
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
Is that not quite deliberate in many cases, to remove vulnerable kids from their local gangs or abusive relatives?
No, mostly that there are no local places. So they get shipped off to seaside resorts and northern towns.
In a way if a nascent AI does a Skynet and nukes us all back to the Stone Age and then hunts the remainder down with endoskeleton infiltrators, at the very least we will comprehensively put an end to answer to PB threads arguing whether AI is shit or not.
“never hate your enemies, it affects your judgment.”
Nicola’s obituary?
Nicola's, or those who hated her?
Whatever she got wrong, she got the SNP closer to power and to their underlying ambition than her predecessors... and by the look of it, her successor.
how did you imagine that one then. Salmond almost won the referendum , since she took over she achieved nothing , backwards on independence and wrecked the party.
That's a bit BJO and his interpretation of Corbyn's election victory (almost) in 2017. Salmond was also divisive. Nippy was a chip off the old block, she achieved peak SNP, but blew the doors off in her final year.
Completely O/T but started watching a murder mystery series called “The Magpie Murders” on iPlayer. Absolutely great. Fun, beautiful to watch and Lesley Manville being her usual excellent self along with other lesser lights.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
The Mau Mau were so loathed in Kenya that the organisation was banned for 40 years after independence.
Ah well, that makes castrating suspected Mau Mau members ok then.
Sometimes it was hard to convince our colonial subjects of the benefits of British rule.
Sometimes there are quite a few people on the left who are quite happy to condemn every action of their own Government but become quite mute when it comes to the atrocities committed by those who they view as heroes.
"Anne Longfield, the former children’s commissioner for England, said the large distances involved were a symptom of a broken system. “I have heard so many horrific stories of teenagers who are moved far from home to places where they know nobody,” she said. “They then become easy pickings for those who want to exploit and abuse children.
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
Yes, but it's like with all our other problems. To govern is to choose, and the Government chooses austerity because the alternative is grabbing all its well-to-do supporters by the ankles and shaking them until some of their asset wealth falls out of their pockets. Pensioners get to keep their triple lock every year but it's rolling cuts for just about everyone else.
Indeed, we might even want to look upstream and consider why so many families break down to the point that their children wind up in residential care. That though might be rather uncomfortable for us as a society.
“never hate your enemies, it affects your judgment.”
Nicola’s obituary?
Nicola's, or those who hated her?
Whatever she got wrong, she got the SNP closer to power and to their underlying ambition than her predecessors... and by the look of it, her successor.
how did you imagine that one then. Salmond almost won the referendum , since she took over she achieved nothing , backwards on independence and wrecked the party.
She took the SNP from 6 MPs on Salmond's watch to 48* MPs when she left.
*Including the rats who subsequently defected to Alba and those who had the whip removed for being bad uns.
Completely O/T but started watching a murder mystery series called “The Magpie Murders” on iPlayer. Absolutely great. Fun, beautiful to watch and Lesley Manville being her usual excellent self along with other lesser lights.
The Magpie Murders is Saturday night on BBC1 for ordinary viewers.
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
The Mau Mau were so loathed in Kenya that the organisation was banned for 40 years after independence.
Ah well, that makes castrating suspected Mau Mau members ok then.
Sometimes it was hard to convince our colonial subjects of the benefits of British rule.
Sometimes there are quite a few people on the left who are quite happy to condemn every action of their own Government but become quite mute when it comes to the atrocities committed by those who they view as heroes.
The compensation was paid in 2013 by a Conservative led government.
It didn't make the claim that all is fair in war, or indeed claim that its victims were Mau Mau.
I love listicles so I just asked ChatGPT to give me the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
The response is quite eccentric. Includes Sting, Greta Thunberg, and Isaac Bashevis Singer.
Great is a bit of an odd one, as she was born in the 21st Century.
That’s what I told ChatGPT, to which it conceded it was an error.
But how precisely do you make such a dumb error?
My faith is flagging.
ChatGPT is a bullshitter. The Boris Johnson of the IT world that suckered the gullible.
A really silly remark. You just don't understand
I think he probably does. Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training. ChatGPT is an interesting concept, and will get better, but it is massively overhyped.
From that paper, the most authoritative yet on the abilities of GPT4:
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
Replace Chat GPT-4 with What.Three.Words and you spammed PB with this last year.
Replace Chat Gpt-4 and what three words with you, Oxford, France and pineapple pizza and we'd still be on PB
It’s definitely spring today. Chilly, but still and sunny with stirrings of growth in the garden and a warmth in the sun. First mow of the season.
I remember commenting about the late autumn pub Sunday sentiments in songs such as Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street or David Gray’s Babylon. Very different on a spring Sunday before Easter. It’s time for jingly British indie music.
This weekend I’ve latched on to a quaint little group from Wigan called The Lathums. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in their music but it’s nice, very springlike, and obviously from the North West (if you liked the Las you’ll like them). The most fun track on their latest album is called turmoil and it’s an absolute textbook pop ballad structure-wise. The sort of thing you’d study in GCSE music.
What do you mean obviously from the North West, like the Las.
I would argue there was is audible difference between Liverpool and Manchester bands, the former being more melodic.
Which is why Wigan is the perfect synthesis. 17 miles from each. Big soul and house tradition.
I tried to explain Northern Soul to some new friends from Maine last weekend.
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
There was an interesting piece in the Guardian this week, talking about the "Colour Bar", or its absence, in Britain, causing some problems with US forces in WW2 etc. It makes the point though that we had off shored our "Colour Bar" with plenty of "Whites Only" clubs and facilities across our Empire.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
Wow their were colour bars in the mid nineteenth century so we can celebrate the lack of colour bars in the 20th during world war 2. Really get a grip. One of your ancestors probably murdered one of mine...how dare you claim to be anti murder
British Imperial atrocities are well within living memory. Hence our government recently, and belatedly paying compensation to victims of British torture in Kenya.
The Mau Mau were so loathed in Kenya that the organisation was banned for 40 years after independence.
Ah well, that makes castrating suspected Mau Mau members ok then.
Sometimes it was hard to convince our colonial subjects of the benefits of British rule.
Sometimes there are quite a few people on the left who are quite happy to condemn every action of their own Government but become quite mute when it comes to the atrocities committed by those who they view as heroes.
Indeed, @foxy is an exact example of this. It is a kind of mental deformity
Comments
“Right here, sitting on the locker marker “lifebelts”, right next to the lifeboat, on the open deck….”
English, Mandarin, and Spanish, mean you can talk to anyone in the world
Or
The computers are so good, that even sensitive diplomatic meetings no longer require human translators, even for obscure tribal languages.
I've been wearing it at work to "wear it in", and have had a few compliments, but got my favourite yesterday
A young chap (I think 25-30) answered the door for a parcel. He didn't look at his parcel and said, "Your hat is so cool"
We then had a two or three minute hat chat
Another reminder of how race-obsessed Americans are, they struggled with the concept of a white soul sub-culture.
2. I presume to are positing that Trump is willing to state 'Bad Facts'; unfortunately, he's more likely to spout non-facts.
In the grooming gang arena the authorities seem more keen to cover them up as highlighted in the rotherham reports.
Two absolutely different problems the first the authorities often don't know but when they do they take action
the second the authorities absolutely do know but turn a blind eye
Many family cases from decades ago have been prosecuted, with no physical evidence other than the statements of the children involved.
Contrast with the attitude of authorities noted in the Rotherham report, who appeared to be much more worried about commmunity relations and potential civil disorder, than seeing rapists bought to justice.
"It was easier to deny the brutality, and even existence, of European colour bars, lynchings and exploitation because the physical distance between the metropole and the colonies meant most did not personally witness the atrocities and rules."
https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2023/mar/29/lest-we-remember-how-britain-buried-its-history-of-slavery?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Were most of the victimized girls from classes below C2? (I hope I phrased that right; your alphabetical class descriptions aren't used here.)
Were most of the victimized girls from fatherless families? (I suspect that would be true of Epstein's victims, but have seen no evidence on the question.)
But for now, on this spring evening, as lengthening shadows cross the newly mowed back garden, enjoy a bit of The Lathums’ second album “From Nothing to a Little Bit More” on Spotify or Apple Music and reconnect with the joy of jingling guitars and soulful young Lancastrian voices with just a hint of yodel.
https://www.leighday.co.uk/news/cases-and-testimonials/cases/the-mau-mau-claims/
https://www.cmfa.co.uk/simonevansway
16 miles in the footsteps of a Welsh postie.
But I can only afford local trips
Wait, plenty of us did.
Voters losing confidence in Rishi Sunak’s ability to stop small boats
Britons have less confidence in Rishi Sunak stopping small boats than they did a month ago, despite a blizzard of government announcements about the issue.
In March the government unveiled a five-point plan to tackle illegal immigration across the Channel, as well as proposals to move migrants out of hotels and into military bases and barges. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, visited Rwanda to close loopholes in the deportation deal.
The flurry of activity has buoyed Conservative MPs, some of whom believe the focus on the issue will help Sunak to close the gap with Labour.
But new polling by YouGov for The Times suggests that the public’s confidence in Sunak’s ability to deliver on the issue has waned rather than strengthened in recent weeks.
On March 8, the day after Sunak announced a host of legislative measures to stop boat crossings, 26 per cent of the public thought it was likely he would be able to deliver. In contrast, 59 per cent thought it was unlikely.
In a new poll conducted last Wednesday and Thursday, only 21 per cent thought Sunak was likely to be able to stop the boats. Some 63 per cent thought he was unlikely to be able to do so. Among those who voted Conservative at the last election, 32 per cent thought the prime minister was likely to be able to achieve his goal and 60 per cent thought it was unlikely.
There is also scepticism that some of the measures announced by the government will ever happen. Thirty per cent thought that an end to the practice of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels probably would happen, while 52 per cent thought it probably would not. Only 24 per cent believed that moving asylum seekers into barges or disused cruise ships probably would happen, while 54 per cent thought it probably would not.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/voters-losing-confidence-in-rishi-sunaks-ability-to-stop-small-boats-8nmv7whnh
Including both legal challenges AND campaign attacks.
Generally speaking, the former are more politically & electorally successful than the latter.
> > For example, when Mitt Romney ran as Republican for governor of Massachusetts (forget the year) his residency was challenged by Mass state Democratic Party, on grounds that he'd applied for a tax break on his Utah ski chalet as a resident of THAT great state (Beehive versus Bay). Local courts ruled this was a technicality, give that MR had been a Mass resident, voter, taxpayer for many years.
And what about the voters? Well, in general (and in the general) they believed that Mitt was a bona fide Mass resident. Also, the citizens of "Taxachusetts" did NOT hold it against him that he (or his accountant) asked for a break on his (Utah) property taxes.
Instead, most voters thought the REAL culprit, was the Mass Democratic Party, or rather the hacks and wise-guys running the bowels of the party machinery.
> > On other hand, last year in Oregon a NYT columnist (whose name escapes me) born and raised in the state, with current, long-standing ties including owning property, filed for governor for 2022 Democratic Primary, but was ruled ineligible by OR Secretary of State (also a Democrat) on grounds that he was registered to vote, and had voted, in 2020 in New York State. He appealed, but state supreme court upheld SOS ruling, and he was NOT on the primary ballot.
Which is also interesting in light of fact that, thanks to a Democratic legislator running as an independent, the Democrat who ended up with nomination, won a pretty narrow victory in the 2022 general election. My own guess is that the NYT guy may have done a bit LESS well, based on his evident lack of political horse sense. Seeing as how he'd evidently been thinking of running for office back in Oregon for some time. So registering and voting in New York Freaking State was totally unforced - and fatal - own goal.
There were certainly TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS. Tens of thousands of poor white girls (and boys) raped, abused, tortured and even sometimes killed by (mainly) British Pakistani Muslim gangs
Some estimates go over 100,000
At least one person has estimated there might be a MILLION victims, if you add it all together, over the years. Who is that person? The Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion, who was shunned by her own party for making this claim, even though she is the MP for one of the cities worst afflicted, and should know more than most
"Child sex abuse gangs could have assaulted ONE MILLION youngsters in the UK
Rotherham’s Labour MP Sarah Champion describes it as a “national disaster” and is demanding a taskforce to fight the “horror""
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/child-sex-abuse-gangs-could-5114029
Imagine that happening in any other country on earth. A million girls raped and abused by racist grooming gangs, mainly Muslim
There would be civil strife
This, I believe, is why the UK Establishment desperately tries to keep it all quiet. They fear that if Britons ever actually addressed the scale of what happened, and is STILL HAPPENING, there would be blood in the streets
Australian aborigines only got the right to vote in 1962, and were only counted in the census etc in 1967.
I'd love a re-run of the kind of Spring weather we had in 2020 but you should be careful what you wish for. The bigger picture demands more rain, I'm afraid. The last thing we want is to end up with a dry Spring, followed inevitably by a dry Summer dotted about with stupidly, brutally hot days and, therefore, an even worse drought.
However, the corollary is that Brits should not feel any pride in things our ancestors did that we weren’t involved in. Can’t have it both ways. Pride in the good bits but disowning the bad bits is inconsistent.
Saw plenty of local wildlife along the way!
Sunak fails, Sunak is ejected. Suella then promises a policy to strafe the inflatable boats mid Channel. Landslide.
I’m sure we’re all following the Andorran election and are ready to discuss the exit poll so off you go….
https://twitter.com/aakashg0/status/1641976925064245249
On a related topic given the discussion about favourite drinks I posted my latest blog entry from the vineyard earlier, on Pinot Meunier.
https://www.littlebursted.com/post/on-pinot-meunier
“Sparks of Artificial General Intelligence: Early experiments with GPT-4”
By Sébastien Bubeck, Varun Chandrasekaran, Ronen Eldan, Johannes Gehrke, Eric Horvitz, Ece Kamar, Peter Lee, Yin Tat Lee, Yuanzhi Li, Scott Lundberg, Harsha Nori, Hamid Palangi, Marco Tulio Ribeiro, Yi Zhang
https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.12712
But yes, a semi retired provincial GP from Leicester knows better
The real difficulties arise when someone decides to raise the subject of reparations. Telling, say, a single Mum in Carlisle, who's trying to raise a couple of kiddies on a minimum wage job and desultory top-up benefits, that some of her taxes now have to go on paying compensation to people in Dominica - because their ancestors were slaves two centuries ago and that's why she is now "rich" - is unlikely to go down well.
As to the existence of whites-only clubs, well, no shit Sherlock. Finchley Golf Club excluded Jews in the 1950’s. That’s not the same as Jim Crow, legislative racial oppression organised from the top down.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/english-channel-crossings-wave-machine-island-b1765077.html
So could be a Finns led govt with NCP and Purra becomes the EU's 2nd populist right leader after Meloni.
NCP Finns on 44. SDP on 43.
https://tulospalvelu.vaalit.fi/EKV-2023/en/lasktila.html
"We demonstrate that, beyond its mastery of language, GPT-4 can solve novel and difficult tasks that span mathematics, coding, vision, medicine, law, psychology and more, without needing any special prompting. Moreover, in all of these tasks, GPT-4's performance is strikingly close to human-level performance, and often vastly surpasses prior models such as ChatGPT. Given the breadth and depth of GPT-4's capabilities, we believe that it could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system."
An epochal moment in the history of humanity, if it is true. And even if it is not true, the fact that 15 of the best experts in the field - globally - can reach this conclusion is itself startling and remarkable. It means we are close
But no, @Nigel_Foremain an anonymous man from Fucknows and his idiot retired friend @foxy who lives in Leicester and knows about lawnmowers says "Most of the people I hear getting very excited about ChatGPT are generally those with no science or IT training"
So the YLE forecast is NCP 48 Finns 46 SDP 43, so NCP could go either way for coalition partner but will obviously need smaller parties to clear the majority line.
On another attacking a farming family and feeding the pregnant wife her unborn child before killing her too.
It is not that surprising the British response was also hardline, even if sometimes excessive
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375967/Kenya-Mau-Mau-atrocities-1950s-dossier.html
“The independent review of children’s social care published a year ago provided a roadmap to fixing this crisis. However, the government’s half-hearted response and its failure to provide the levels of investment required means hundreds of vulnerable children will continue to be put at risk in places they can’t even place on a map.”"
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/01/care-homes-crisis-children-sent-to-live-hundreds-of-miles-away
Dare we think that one way to stop the abuse of children in care might be to not place them hundreds of miles away from any social network that they have?
But Spring is definitely here. Lambs and daffodils aplenty.
THE PLAGUE
THE LAB LEAK
ALIENS
THREADS
More often it's because there are no places whatsoever locally.
"Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak and 1,121 tech experts just signed an open letter to pause the training of AI models more powerful than GPT-4.
They warn this could "represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth.""
https://twitter.com/thealexbanks/status/1641413715307429889?s=20
https://twitter.com/GaryMarcus/status/1640884040835428357?s=20
But no, wait, let's go over to a retired optometrist in Leicester, who says it's all "a fuss about nothing"
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire/status/1642605689628504066
*Including the rats who subsequently defected to Alba and those who had the whip removed for being bad uns.
It didn't make the claim that all is fair in war, or indeed claim that its victims were Mau Mau.