If the people of Hamtranck don’t want a Pride parade, great. That’s democracy.
There’s no inalienable right to have the local council fly Pride flags.
I'd agree with you on that. I suspect a more popular position is that a failure to do so is to be criticised, and that the right to not do so was not the right many had in mind when they were able to fly one.
"In 2015, many liberal residents in Hamtramck, Michigan, celebrated as their city attracted international attention for becoming the first in the United States to elect a Muslim-majority city council.
"They viewed the power shift and diversity as a symbolic-but-meaningful rebuke of the Islamophobic rhetoric that was a central theme of then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign.
"This week many of those same residents watched in dismay as a now fully Muslim and socially conservative city council passed legislation banning Pride flags from being flown on city property that had – like many others being flown around the country – been intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
"Muslim residents packing city hall erupted in cheers after the council’s unanimous vote, and on Hamtramck’s social media pages, the taunting has been relentless: “Fagless City”, read one post, emphasized with emojis of a bicep flexing."
What can one say?
GUYS, WE TRIED TO WARN YOU
Wow
"“There’s a sense of betrayal,” said the former Hamtramck mayor Karen Majewski, who is Polish American. “We supported you when you were threatened, and now our rights are threatened, and you’re the one doing the threatening.... After several years of diversity on the council, some see irony in an all-male, Muslim elected government that doesn’t reflect the city’s makeup."
I’ve got intelligent gay left wing friends with whom I’ve had this exact debate. They are pro immigration of course. Very pro. I’ve told them: eventually if you import enough Muslims - with socially conservative Muslim views - you will get Muslim homophobia as a policy. Muslims generally do not adapt to the host society’s beliefs, they keep their beliefs
They airily dismissed me as a right wng Islamophobe etc etc
At the time it was all theoretical. Well here it is in reality. Happening
It will eventually happen in the UK as well
It’s a funny story.
Why on earth does Karen Majewski expect Muslims to share her values?
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Not too far away, I think if it's still open. It was damaged in a flood...
How do they know its a life-size model?
Dimensions given in the Bible. Not sure how they know the *shape* is right. One wonders about the block coefficient, the lines at the cutwater and deadwood, etc. etc.
Steve Smith* has explained why the story of Noah's Ark doesn't make sense.
Though as I understand it, the non-birdy dinosaurs can be scratched from the equation, which is very helpful. Well, when did you last see one down the garden?
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Not too far away, I think if it's still open. It was damaged in a flood...
How do they know its a life-size model?
Dimensions given in the Bible. Not sure how they know the *shape* is right. One wonders about the block coefficient, the lines at the cutwater and deadwood, etc. etc.
Steve Smith* has explained why the story of Noah's Ark doesn't make sense.
Though as I understand it, the non-birdy dinosaurs can be scratched from the equation, which is very helpful. Well, when did you last see one down the garden?
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Do I get the feeling Khawaja was quite pleased about something?
So he should be. Excellent innings. The rest of them have rather given it away, but not him.
The great thing about Test Cricket is the length allows everyone the opportunity for personal heroics which can swing a match. You can have most of your top players fail, but still come through.
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
One of the many advantages of Uber is that this doesn’t happen - unless you want it. They can’t risk annoying passengers with their political opinions
But, but, but Covid! Ukraine! Germany’s in recession!
Wibble wibble wibble.
It’s pretty obvious to me that Brexit accounts for some of the UK’s inflation persistence. Screwing up your supply chains is going to do that.
By extension then, it’s also to blame, partly, for higher interest rates.
Not massively, but it’s in the mix, and it’s all part of the story as to why global investment has soured on the UK.
Intel has just announced a massive investment in Ireland and other EU countries, in support of a European semiconductor supply chain.
UK is sitting on the sidelines, going nowhere fast. There’s a shift of employment being picked up from higher value, exportable services into lower value ones. A kind of deindustrialisation.
I’m still hopeful that a change in government will change the overall narrative.
I do hope so.
Just for example: did you notice that the £43 per consignment is a flat rate fee? Anything from a small parcel of dried mushrooms to a lorryload.
Very nice for the big supermarkets, of course. I couldn't possibly suggest why that is.
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Not too far away, I think if it's still open. It was damaged in a flood...
How do they know its a life-size model?
Dimensions given in the Bible. Not sure how they know the *shape* is right. One wonders about the block coefficient, the lines at the cutwater and deadwood, etc. etc.
Steve Smith* has explained why the story of Noah's Ark doesn't make sense.
Though as I understand it, the non-birdy dinosaurs can be scratched from the equation, which is very helpful. Well, when did you last see one down the garden?
Very minor, but good decision on bogof to delay but implement when the economy and prices more stable. Little things, like getting these right first time rather than u-turning after sending Shapps out to pledge absolutely no u-turns, are probably going to be one of the main differences between Sunak and Johnson.
The real point of The Tebbit Test was not about cricket. It was which side people will cheer for when buses explode….
Pretty predictably dumb of him to choose the England cricket team a symbol of national unity in that case.
‘You Jocks not happy to be bored shitless by an endless Boycott innings? Traitors, you might as well join the IRA!’
I know quite a few Scots who support England for cricket. I guess they are not true Scots in your ideal of racial purity and obsession with the Saltire. Nothing that a good bit of ethnic cleansing wouldn't sort out eh?
You're completely insane
Could there be bigger racist arsehole than that idiot, someone Scottish must have pulled his pigtails at some time.
Hey Mr Thicky! I wondered when you would start your infantile abuse. Independence is dooooomed. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. Anglophobe racist Scottish nationalists have only ever had two FMs. Both have been the subject of criminal investigations.
Get back on your meds pyscho
Projecting again are you Malc? Here is the odd thing about Scottish Nationalism. There definitely are shades. It is a bit like Brexit followers. In fact, very like Brexit followers. You are the equivalent of an extreme Faragist. Based on your posts, and using a little deduction, I'd guess you are fairly short (often accounts for anger), bald and very overweight. You are over retirement age but still having to work, somewhere like Halfords or Tesco - nothing wrong with that but it makes you very bitter.
You are an extremist: a misogynist homophobe with a racist hatred toward the English, probably because you once had a teacher who was English, maybe female, that you didn't like. Now here is a thing Mr. Thicky: I am not racially pure English! maybe that is even more things for you to hate about me?
I genuinely feel sorry for anyone like you that has so much hate and anger. I also feel sorry for the other nationalists on here that don't disassociate themselves from you. You are the very very ugly face of nationalism. The stereotype.
Rishi Sunak is the Mark Ramprakash of politics. Should be a good performer on paper, but struggles to get out of the 20s.
But who also enjoyed an exceptionally long first class career?
Not the only player to be exposed at the highest level. Many, many England players over the years have been tried and not quite been good enough. In recent times Rory Burns would be a good example. Back further Graham Hick.
Its also notable to see who Ramps played - mostly Australia and the WI, when both have excellent attacks.
Ramprakash and Hick both had their test debuts in the same game, although I think you could argue that Hick's test performance improved more than Ramprakash's.
There was a lot of nonsense around Graeme Hick's eligibility status, so whilst he was at the top of his game at New Road he was ineligible for England and for years. I believe there was more to it than that, I don't think Hick fitted into the England set up and Ray Illingwirth didn't rate him or like him.
I recall the Test where Devon Malcolm got more runs than Hick against the West Indies
"In 2015, many liberal residents in Hamtramck, Michigan, celebrated as their city attracted international attention for becoming the first in the United States to elect a Muslim-majority city council.
"They viewed the power shift and diversity as a symbolic-but-meaningful rebuke of the Islamophobic rhetoric that was a central theme of then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign.
"This week many of those same residents watched in dismay as a now fully Muslim and socially conservative city council passed legislation banning Pride flags from being flown on city property that had – like many others being flown around the country – been intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
"Muslim residents packing city hall erupted in cheers after the council’s unanimous vote, and on Hamtramck’s social media pages, the taunting has been relentless: “Fagless City”, read one post, emphasized with emojis of a bicep flexing."
What can one say?
GUYS, WE TRIED TO WARN YOU
This morning on R4 Today they covered, without the smallest attempt at balance or unbiased reporting, the current abortion law as it is in Texas (incidentally my biases are not much different from the BBC but that's not relevant). Texas came out quite badly all round, and I don't disagree.
As with this Hantramck thing, this is about what elected politicians do with matters within their powers…
No, it’s not. It’s about a constitutionally protected right, settled for fifty years, being removed by five unelected judges.
And it very likely will change a lot of votes.
This misses the point with great aplomb. The SCOTUS (Roe v Wade) removed the voters and legislators powers to legislate in certain ways about abortion. The recent decision returns the USA' states to the same situation as the UK: it is the legislators to decide, and the voters to put them there.
The issue is inherently unresolvable in the sense that there is a compelling case for differing positions. Those who think there is only one possible answer (whether they are the Pope or the Guardian) are delusional.
And yes, it should change lots of votes, (chucking out all manner of extreme Republicans I hope).
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
Not too far away, I think if it's still open. It was damaged in a flood...
How do they know its a life-size model?
Dimensions given in the Bible. Not sure how they know the *shape* is right. One wonders about the block coefficient, the lines at the cutwater and deadwood, etc. etc.
Steve Smith* has explained why the story of Noah's Ark doesn't make sense.
Though as I understand it, the non-birdy dinosaurs can be scratched from the equation, which is very helpful. Well, when did you last see one down the garden?
I support TeamGB (though should be TeamUK) in the Olympics, and New Zealand of course.
Otherwise I support any team, bar South Africa, playing England in rugby or cricket.
If we're doing "Who do we support" posts, then I support England (or UK), France (unless they're playing England, which in Cricket doesn't happen very often!), and have a soft spot for Wales since I have two Welsh step kids.
I'm also a super duper Euro Federalist, so if I fit the stereotype I suppose should hate supporting England! If there's a European team I guess I'd support them, but the only European Team I know of is in Golf, which I don't watch.
Scotland in football, or England if they're not playing Scotland. England in the cricket although I don't mind if they lose to the Windies or Sri Lanka. Andy Murray in the tennis. I don't really care about any other sport, team GB in the Olympics I suppose.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
You don't consider the case for English moving to, say, Wales.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
You don't consider the case for English moving to, say, Wales.
What about the English born Welsh who have moved back to England? Asking for a friend...
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
You don't consider the case for English moving to, say, Wales.
What about the English born Welsh who have moved back to England? Asking for a friend...
Dunno. I bow to CR's expertise, and yours too obvs.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
Also see this. "the largest Rangers Supporters Club outside of Glasgow" yet with no new immigration for decades as far as I know. Maybe 50 years?
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
One of the many advantages of Uber is that this doesn’t happen - unless you want it. They can’t risk annoying passengers with their political opinions
On the "cab-rank" principle you have to take the first in the queue, but I've still rejected that option
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
You don't consider the case for English moving to, say, Wales.
‘A sense of betrayal’: liberal dismay as Muslim-led US city bans Pride flags
Many liberals celebrated when Hamtramck, Michigan, elected a Muslim-majority council in 2015 but a vote to exclude LGBTQ+ flags from city property has soured relations
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
One of the many advantages of Uber is that this doesn’t happen - unless you want it. They can’t risk annoying passengers with their political opinions
I do wonder how some cabbies manage to stay in business.
I've had cabbies refuse to take me to where I wanted to go, because they didn't fancy it, or did so sullenly and with bad grace; I've had others who've managed to put me off - such that I waited for another, or took a bus/train home - because they were broadcasting loud and obnoxious music. And, that's all outside London.
I only use them if I have no real alternative now.
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
One of the many advantages of Uber is that this doesn’t happen - unless you want it. They can’t risk annoying passengers with their political opinions
I do wonder how some cabbies manage to stay in business.
I've had cabbies refuse to take me to where I wanted to go, because they didn't fancy it, or did so sullenly and with bad grace; I've had others who've managed to put me off - such that I waited for another, or took a bus/train home - because they were broadcasting loud and obnoxious music. And, that's all outside London.
I only use them if I have no real alternative now.
“Sorry the card machine isn’t working.”
The worst is when they deliberately take a longer route. This happens often, even with Uber. I usually can’t be arsed to argue because I want to just get home.
‘A sense of betrayal’: liberal dismay as Muslim-led US city bans Pride flags
Many liberals celebrated when Hamtramck, Michigan, elected a Muslim-majority council in 2015 but a vote to exclude LGBTQ+ flags from city property has soured relations
‘A sense of betrayal’: liberal dismay as Muslim-led US city bans Pride flags
Many liberals celebrated when Hamtramck, Michigan, elected a Muslim-majority council in 2015 but a vote to exclude LGBTQ+ flags from city property has soured relations
I think England would have had 30 fewer runs but two more dismissals from Foakes
Aren't their averages about the same? 37 against 32.
I would have said Foakes would have scored more slowly but also wouldn't have thrown away his wicket in a rush of blood. So he might even have scored more.
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
I always thought the stereotype of chatty cab drivers, usually with very reactionary opinions, was complete nonsense, until I found myself with one who unprompted felt like going off on one about the non-English people taking jobs in the local area and not understanding people at the shops and the like.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
One of the many advantages of Uber is that this doesn’t happen - unless you want it. They can’t risk annoying passengers with their political opinions
I do wonder how some cabbies manage to stay in business.
I've had cabbies refuse to take me to where I wanted to go, because they didn't fancy it, or did so sullenly and with bad grace; I've had others who've managed to put me off - such that I waited for another, or took a bus/train home - because they were broadcasting loud and obnoxious music. And, that's all outside London.
I only use them if I have no real alternative now.
“Sorry the card machine isn’t working.”
The worst is when they deliberately take a longer route. This happens often, even with Uber. I usually can’t be arsed to argue because I want to just get home.
Blueline out of Newcastle when heading south always used to go via Gateshead and the A167. Now, unless you ask specifically, they always see to go out via the A1. Adds a fair few quid and it’s not cheap now.
First new Invymark poll for month with the centre right lead undented. The new far left Sumar polling down from the old Podemos/Sumar total. No discernible sign yet of the polls changing significantly. About 5 weeks to go.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
I know people born in England to an unimpeachably English line going back "forever" who nevertheless really like England to lose in the football. For those people, the salient issue seems to be England fans being wankers and causing bother. Not sure what this does to your idea of integration when even English people can be Anyone But England-ers. Perhaps your idea of integration is that people need to agree with you personally?
You have to remember also Murdo Fraser and his idea that one can only be a loyal patriot if one supports one specific team in Glasgow. Or so his famous tweet seems to read. I don't know if our royalists on PB would agree.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
I know people born in England to an unimpeachably English line going back "forever" who nevertheless really like England to lose in the football. For those people, the salient issue seems to be England fans being wankers and causing bother. Not sure what this does to your idea of integration when even English people can be Anyone But England-ers. Perhaps your idea of integration is that people need to agree with you personally?
You have to remember also Murdo Fraser and his idea that one can only be a loyal patriot if one supports one specific team in Glasgow. Or so his famous tweet seems to read. I don't know if our royalists on PB would agree.
Does seem pointless given the closeness to the holidays.
I would have thought personally that it would likely actually not cause that much disruption. Given the numbers who are mysteriously ill for five days just as their Facebook profiles show them on cheap holidays in Ibiza, or pointless rubbish like sports days and whole school team building days, and 11 and 13 having left.
The big unknown I would have said in terms of impact is the coursework sessions in practical subjects which tend to get crammed into July.
Edit - I imagine there will be a hit to the economy as many parents take days off, but that might be balanced by days out at nice places if the weather's good.
I never understood why it should be a problem that people of Indian or Pakistani heritage should support those countries’ cricket teams against England, or that people of Caribbean heritage should support the West Indies. I mean, what is the problem with that? It’s sport not anything important. The Tebbit test was always entirely unreasonable and illogical - a dogwhistle, nothing more.
It's just sport, but it's not an unreasonable yardstick for full integration.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
I know people born in England to an unimpeachably English line going back "forever" who nevertheless really like England to lose in the football. For those people, the salient issue seems to be England fans being wankers and causing bother. Not sure what this does to your idea of integration when even English people can be Anyone But England-ers. Perhaps your idea of integration is that people need to agree with you personally?
You have to remember also Murdo Fraser and his idea that one can only be a loyal patriot if one supports one specific team in Glasgow. Or so his famous tweet seems to read. I don't know if our royalists on PB would agree.
Aye but it's not just him. Sillars in his SNP days had his "90 minute patriots" rubbish too.
I don't like this nationalism infecting sport.
I hate international sport, with the possible exception of cricket, because of the nationalistic baggage attached to it. People take the piss out of American sports being insular but for me that’s part of the attraction. The leagues I most enjoy watching are the NFL and the NRL. World Cups and the 6N are just overhyped tension these days, not enough fun.
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Nearly 100 km cycled today in 35-40 degree heat. Knackered.
Still can't believe I was at the epicentre of one of the biggest earthquakes France has ever experienced yesterday. Still need to put it into perspective; the casualty count appears to stand at approximately one grazed knee.
But, but, but Covid! Ukraine! Germany’s in recession!
Wibble wibble wibble.
It’s pretty obvious to me that Brexit accounts for some of the UK’s inflation persistence. Screwing up your supply chains is going to do that.
By extension then, it’s also to blame, partly, for higher interest rates.
Not massively, but it’s in the mix, and it’s all part of the story as to why global investment has soured on the UK.
Intel has just announced a massive investment in Ireland and other EU countries, in support of a European semiconductor supply chain.
UK is sitting on the sidelines, going nowhere fast. There’s a shift of employment being picked up from higher value, exportable services into lower value ones. A kind of deindustrialisation.
I’m still hopeful that a change in government will change the overall narrative.
I do hope so.
Just for example: did you notice that the £43 per consignment is a flat rate fee? Anything from a small parcel of dried mushrooms to a lorryload.
Very nice for the big supermarkets, of course. I couldn't possibly suggest why that is.
Yes, another Brexit benefit.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/17/uk-delis-could-be-forced-to-put-up-prices-after-new-brexit-tax ...“The decision to impose a flat-rate fee means that a small business importing a few boxes of ham will pay the same amount as a multinational business importing a 40-tonne lorryload of chicken. This policy will contribute to the collapse of the multi-customer, multi-load haulage operations that small businesses rely on to service UK customers.”..
Nearly 100 km cycled today in 35-40 degree heat. Knackered.
Still can't believe I was at the epicentre of one of the biggest earthquakes France has ever experienced yesterday. Still need to put it into perspective; the casualty count appears to stand at approximately one grazed knee.
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Most of our neighbours support anyone but England.
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Most of our neighbours support anyone but England.
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
If you're talking about Scotland, it's interesting how most English people support Scotland if they're the only UK team in a tournament, but the same isn't true in reverse, as you point out.
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Most of our neighbours support anyone but England.
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
If you're talking about Scotland, it's interesting how most English people support Scotland if they're the only UK team in a tournament, but the same isn't true in reverse, as you point out.
For someone who has been watching the cricket today, but doesn't know much about cricket, have England's bowlers been poor or have Australia's batters been good?
For someone who has been watching the cricket today, but doesn't know much about cricket, have England's bowlers been poor or have Australia's batters been good?
A bit of both, but especially Khawaja has been very good.
Also, the pitch is rather slow which favours the batting side.
For someone who has been watching the cricket today, but doesn't know much about cricket, have England's bowlers been poor or have Australia's batters been good?
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Most of our neighbours support anyone but England.
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
If you're talking about Scotland, it's interesting how most English people support Scotland if they're the only UK team in a tournament, but the same isn't true in reverse, as you point out.
I think that used to the case a lot more, but in recent decades the Celtic nations have revelled in cheering anyone on who is playing England, and that’s worn down the fraternal feeling that might be there. I thoroughly enjoyed Scotlands last World Cup exit as I am sure many Scots enjoyed England quarter final exit against France…
100 run first innings lead for Aus looks to be on the cards.
Optimist, I foresee an Aussie lead of 250 runs.
True, I was being optimistic. The new ball could have delivered a breakthrough, but it's been squandered. The game is drifting away.
I had thought we might not have much chance of draws in this series, but with a bit of weather about, and the more traditional Aussie approach, that might not be the case.
For some years, I have been amused by what you might call "negative tribalism" among sports fans. For example, a friend, who graduated from Washington State University, once told me that he cheered for two teams, Washington State -- and whoever was playing their hated cross-state rival, the University of Washington.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Most of our neighbours support anyone but England.
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
If you're talking about Scotland, it's interesting how most English people support Scotland if they're the only UK team in a tournament, but the same isn't true in reverse, as you point out.
I think that used to the case a lot more, but in recent decades the Celtic nations have revelled in cheering anyone on who is playing England, and that’s worn down the fraternal feeling that might be there. I thoroughly enjoyed Scotlands last World Cup exit as I am sure many Scots enjoyed England quarter final exit against France…
I understand that, but it wouldn't stop me supporting Scotland. I don't let other people make up my mind for me.
For someone who has been watching the cricket today, but doesn't know much about cricket, have England's bowlers been poor or have Australia's batters been good?
It’s a flat pitch, so hard for bowlers to make chances. Kwajalein has batted very well, and England have let themselves down a bit (missed stumping, wicket on a no-ball). Right now it’s delicately balanced but PB experts are trying to buy wickets with predictions of Aussie success…
I'd say that'sAustralia's day, certainly since lunch. Some poor fielding, especially, and untidy bowling and Khawaja has batted beautifully to take advantage.
If the rain holds off tomorrow you'd make them favourites.
Poll: SNP face defeat by Labour in dramatic boost for Starmer new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
Poll: SNP face defeat by Labour in dramatic boost for Starmer new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
Many a foreign correspondent, sent to an obscure country of which he knows nothing but which has suddenly drawn the world’s attention to itself by a terrible but soon-to-be-forgotten crisis, has based his report from the country on what the taxi driver told him on the way from the airport to the country’s one five-star hotel, at whose bar he will soon be sitting.
This is lazy, but not necessarily stupid, for taxi drivers are often well-informed, having overheard a great deal; and they are besides blessed with that knowledge of human nature that derives from experience rather than from reading or theorizing. They are often derided as being prejudiced, but there is no one more prejudiced than he who has a theory to preserve against all evidence.
I have had many delightful and illuminating discussions with taxi drivers. In Paris, an African driver told me that he was returning to Senegal in order to be freer than he was in France. I knew what he meant: In many respects, life is freer in Africa than it is in Europe, provided only (and it is an important proviso) that you have a little money. Regulation in Africa is much less oppressive and restrictive than in Europe, and such regulations as there are can easily be got round by a little bribery. Bribery is much more efficient than bureaucracy, especially when the latter is large and honest (there is nothing like size and honesty to render a bureaucracy stupid)."
Having done business in Europe and Africa, this is completely wrong.
I mean, not just a little wrong, but wildly inaccurate.
It's taken me over a year to get companies registered in Africa. In no country in Europe will it take more than an hour.
Oil companies will choose to import even the most basic of components from the developed world, rather that getting them made locally in Africa, because (once you account for the time and the bribes), it's cheaper. And I mean dramatically cheaper.
Yes it’s utter nonsense from beginning to end
Any country that relies on bribery is going to be a nightmare to do business in, and probably to live in
Poll: SNP face defeat by Labour in dramatic boost for Starmer new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
Poll: SNP face defeat by Labour in dramatic boost for Starmer new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
Another KY site/sight for Leon to consider, is a flying visit to the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite American destination - Lexington.
The historical, cultural and economic hub of famed Bluegrass region, where geology (lots of limestone), climate and other factors combine to create perhaps the best natural horse raising, rearing and racing complex this side of the Curragh of Kildare.
Museum of the Horse is worth a visit; while downtown see the girlhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and campuses of Transylvania University (famed not for Dracula studies but rather as the first college west of the Allegheny mountains) and the University of Kentucky (famed as a major NCAA Div 1 men's basketball powerhouse.
My guess is that, if Leon swings though Lexington, he will find bit less of the US urban blight than he's so keen on.
You are superlatively well-travelled.
Naw, certainly nothing compared to you and MANY other peripatetic PBs.
Just have been where I've been - and that happens to include where Leon happens to be now.
I confess I am un-enthused by “the museum of the horse”
However I might check out Lexington. I have two full days left - with not much left to see
I'm currently road tripping in New England, right now in St Johnstown Vermont
In case you are wondering, don't go out of your way to visit
Poll: SNP face defeat by Labour in dramatic boost for Starmer new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
“Panelbase found that Sturgeon’s popularity has fallen by 38 points since February”
From +20 to -18 in 3 and a half months
That is OUTSTANDING
Genuinely. Has any politician ever fallen so fast, so hard, and so dramatically? Quite astonishing
Can anyone on PB think of a similar tumble?
Do we have the ratings for Major before and after Black Wednesday?
(I would also wonder about Thorpe, but I don't think we have polling for him.)
I’d be amazed if Major, personally, fell that hard and bad. Also Sturgeon has gone from being really popular to really unpopular. Not “unpopular to even more unpopular”
Comments
It’s a spin on the face-eating-leopard party meme.
Your reminder that if England had played a proper keeper Green would have been out for 0...
Edit - I would be the finest commentator in England...
Why on earth does Karen Majewski expect Muslims to share her values?
Famed himself as a fighter (to put it mildly) a hot-blooded, anti-slavery Kentucky blue-blood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Hall_State_Historic_Site
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassius_Marcellus_Clay_(politician)
Addendum: proto-Woke warrior albeit with a Me-Too problem.
So he should be. Excellent innings. The rest of them have rather given it away, but not him.
Coward that I am I just hmm'ed throughout.
Just for example: did you notice that the £43 per consignment is a flat rate fee? Anything from a small parcel of dried mushrooms to a lorryload.
Very nice for the big supermarkets, of course. I couldn't possibly suggest why that is.
The issue is inherently unresolvable in the sense that there is a compelling case for differing positions. Those who think there is only one possible answer (whether they are the Pope or the Guardian) are delusional.
And yes, it should change lots of votes, (chucking out all manner of extreme Republicans I hope).
I don't allow OFSTED inspectors round my place.
Once someone has fully integrated, their primary emotional loyalty will be to the country they live in and identify with, and the real litmus test for that is when it plays the country that, perhaps several generations back, several of their ancestors originally immigrated from. And I think that applies just as much for those who have Irish, Welsh or Scottish ancestry who've moved to England.
In fact, generally speaking you do see this with the England football team - which is usually supported without equivocation by minorities, strangely except those with heritage from non-English home nations - but it's perhaps a bit more complex for cricket.
1/ I watched Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Joe Rogan yesterday and it gave me an opportunity to look into some of the "old-school" antivax claims.
First Joe Rogan let's us know that he used to think RFK Jr. was "kinda loony", but now he's a true believer in RFK's antivax claims...
https://twitter.com/thebadstats/status/1669867825807384578
If he’d sought the Republican nomination, instead of the Democratic one, he might have had a chance.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/90036922487/?locale=en_GB
I've had cabbies refuse to take me to where I wanted to go, because they didn't fancy it, or did so sullenly and with bad grace; I've had others who've managed to put me off - such that I waited for another, or took a bus/train home - because they were broadcasting loud and obnoxious music. And, that's all outside London.
I only use them if I have no real alternative now.
The worst is when they deliberately take a longer route. This happens often, even with Uber. I usually can’t be arsed to argue because I want to just get home.
Has a certain ring to it.
But it's a no-ball...
I pretty much abandoned Uber in London in about 2019.
The quality of driving and the state of the cars was often diabolical.
Teachers in England to strike for two days in July, NEU announces
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-65634825
Had an arsehole of a black cab driver in London.
Picked me up at Euston, asked him to take me to a central London hotel.
Dropped me off on the other side of the road and expected me to cross a busy London road with luggage.
We got into a stand off.
I would have said Foakes would have scored more slowly but also wouldn't have thrown away his wicket in a rush of blood. So he might even have scored more.
First new Invymark poll for month with the centre right lead undented. The new far left Sumar polling down from the old Podemos/Sumar total. No discernible sign yet of the polls changing significantly. About 5 weeks to go.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/top-tory-faces-backlash-over-7777780
Another useful (albeit clueless) tool.
The big unknown I would have said in terms of impact is the coursework sessions in practical subjects which tend to get crammed into July.
Edit - I imagine there will be a hit to the economy as many parents take days off, but that might be balanced by days out at nice places if the weather's good.
I would not be surprised to learn that there are similar examples in the UK.
And yes, I must admit that occasionally I have sucumbed to negative tribalism, myself. As a kid, for example, I really wanted the New York Yankees baseball team to lose.
Still can't believe I was at the epicentre of one of the biggest earthquakes France has ever experienced yesterday. Still need to put it into perspective; the casualty count appears to stand at approximately one grazed knee.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/17/uk-delis-could-be-forced-to-put-up-prices-after-new-brexit-tax
...“The decision to impose a flat-rate fee means that a small business importing a few boxes of ham will pay the same amount as a multinational business importing a 40-tonne lorryload of chicken. This policy will contribute to the collapse of the multi-customer, multi-load haulage operations that small businesses rely on to service UK customers.”..
In Connecticut there’s “baseball line” that bisects the state roughly north/south, entering Long Island Sound just east of New Haven . It moves a bit depending on the relative success of the teams but people to the east of the line support the Red Socks and those to the West the Yankees. When my wife taught English composition at the University of New Haven she allowed any topic to be written about with the exceptions of abortion and baseball as they invariably caused tempers to flair unacceptably in class discussion.
https://nesn.com/2014/04/interactive-map-shows-border-between-red-sox-and-yankees-fans-photo/
The new ball could have delivered a breakthrough, but it's been squandered. The game is drifting away.
Also, the pitch is rather slow which favours the batting side.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/06/16/james-talarico-texas-democrats-00101231
If the rain holds off tomorrow you'd make them favourites.
new
Labour is poised to win more seats than Nationalists at the next general election as financial scandals turn voters off Nicola Sturgeon’s party
Labour will defeat SNP at the next election for the first time since 2010 to become Scotland’s largest party at Westminster, according to a landmark new poll.
In a seismic reversal of fortunes, the Labour party would end a decade of electoral mediocrity north of the border to win a majority of seats by returning 26 MPs — an astonishing surge from their current bedrock of one.
Such a scenario will dramatically boost Sir Keir Starmer’s chances of entering Downing Street next year. The SNP would likely be cast into turmoil with Labour cannibalising most of their new votes from the Nationalists, who would lose more than half of their 45 seats.
The Panelbase Poll for The Sunday Times — the first to be wholly conducted since Nicola Sturgeon was arrested last Sunday — signals a significant downturn for the SNP. The party would hold just 21 seats and the next general election, their poorest result for 13 years.
Sir John Curtice, the Strathclyde University professor and polling expert, said that Sturgeon’s arrest last weekend amid a police investigation into SNP finances “has undermined the confidence of Yes supporters in her and her party in a way the arrest two months ago of her husband, Peter Murrell, did not”.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/snp-labour-poll-next-general-election-nicola-sturgeon-07vxfqq9s
From +20 to -18 in 3 and a half months
That is OUTSTANDING
Genuinely. Has any politician ever fallen so fast, so hard, and so dramatically? Quite astonishing
Can anyone on PB think of a similar tumble?
Panelbase interviewed 1,007 people aged 16 and over in Scotland between June 12 and 15.
Northern Italy is great.
Guess which one you pay bribes in?
It’s off the menu for a generation*
*yes, I know
(I would also wonder about Thorpe, but I don't think we have polling for him.)
I'd still back them to get a first innings lead.
In case you are wondering, don't go out of your way to visit
Her descent is quite unique