I've just been invited to speak at IndyRef meeting the Scottish Parliament in April - a follow-up to one I did in Feb last year. Looking forward to it.
Take your passport !!
What exchange rate will I get for my hard-earned £s?
Ensure you take plenty of hessian bags for the neeps and tatties.
One for (anyone but) the Nats: why are BetterTogether struggling for cash?
Surely they've got a pool of all Tory/Labour/LibDem donors to draw upon, plus big UK business, CBI affiliates and not to mention David Bowie.
They should be rolling in it. Yet they've (apparently) failed to raise even half their £7m target.
Meanwhile, 'Yes' is seemingly lapping it up from a couple of euromillions winners.
It's a bit odd, to say the least.
Probably because most people believe Better Together don't really need the money. The unionists have the entire British government, all four UK-wide parties, most of the UK media, and most of Scottish big business, overtly or covertly working for the cause. How much is that worth? £50m?
The perception may be unfair on BT, but it is there.
Yes, it is a perception I shared, until now. Perhaps the fact this information is now out there will neuter this complacency.
Oh FFS. I give up. You honestly don't believe that Russian speakers in Ukraine (of which there are 8.3m - almost 20% of the population) might actually and simply just want to be citizens of a country three times richer
The GDP per capita is an average figure, and we should all know how misleading averages can be.
How do the median Ukrainian and Russian incomes compare, adjusted for purchasing power parity? What about the 20th percentile and the 80th? Such comparisons will tell us whether the Russian people are really more prosperous, or whether the figures you cite are distorted by a small number of Russians with extremely high incomes, pulling their national average up.
Yes, of course, Ukraine is a famously equal country, I believe it ranks alongside Sweden. That's why the deposed president had his own zoo, an underground shooting range, and a mock Spanish galleon moored on his private lake.
Certainly, Ukraine doesn't have Swedish levels of equality, but neither does Russia. It's entirely probable that the mean GDP per capita for both countries is inflated, to differing degrees, by a small proportion of the population with extremely high incomes, which is why it would be more informative to compare medians, and the various percentiles.
One for (anyone but) the Nats: why are BetterTogether struggling for cash?
Surely they've got a pool of all Tory/Labour/LibDem donors to draw upon, plus big UK business, CBI affiliates and not to mention David Bowie.
They should be rolling in it. Yet they've (apparently) failed to raise even half their £7m target.
Meanwhile, 'Yes' is seemingly lapping it up from a couple of euromillions winners.
It's a bit odd, to say the least.
I did a piece on that two years ago
Lib Dems don't have any money, there's no marginals for the Tories to win in Scotland, pragmatism will rule the day.
If the other two unionist parties are unwilling and unable to contribute much, then it may fall to Labour to make up the shortfall, but with a General Election on the horizon, they may be forced to choose between two unappealing choices, spend money trying to keep one of their traditional heartlands in the Union, from their general election funds, or try and win a general election without one of their traditional heartlands.
Sorry, TSE, I missed that post of yours. Your points make sense. I'm still not sure why more companies and private individuals aren't digging a little deeper though.
I've donated £100 myself, and, I must admit, I feel a bit lonely. There must be a few thousand patriotric unionists, like me, in England/Wales (yet alone Scotland) willing to do their bit, surely?
As someone outside Scotland, I don't think that it's right that I contribute to Better Together whatever my personal views - it is and should be a decision for Scotland and the Scottish people. In the same way I wouldn't donate to a US Presidential campaign (and arguably that has greater global impact)
According to Interfax-Ukraine, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has given Ukrainian forces in the Crimea until 03:00 GMT Tuesday to surrender or face an all out assault .
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
I see the Russian Black Sea Fleet has given Ukrainian forces in the Crimea until 03:00 GMT Tuesday to surrender or face an all out assault (Interfax-Ukraine).
Ah more completely reasonable and understandable actions from the peace loving Russians.
Anyone who still supports them at this point really is a prize berk.
I think Western Ukranians look at Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and see countries that had GDP's per capita of less than $5,000 a decade ago, and now have incomes three times that level. They think: "we threw our lot in with the Russians for more than a decade and a fat lot of good it's done us, let's see if we can do what Latvia did".
Western Ukrainians, yes. Russophones, no.
Wasn’t Western Ukraine part of Poland until the “settlement” after WWII?
The former Polish Oblasts (or provinces) were Lviv, Ivano Frankivsk, Ternopil, Volhynia and Rivne.
Transcarpathia was actually Czechoslovak till 1938 then Hungarian during the War.
Cernivtsi and the southern part of Odessa Oblast were Romanian 1919-1940 and again 1941-44.
@afneil 38s Russian Defence Ministry says Russian fleet given Ukrainian forces in Crimea until 0300 GMT on Tuesday to surrender or “face storm”.
There clearly is a stand-off going on and tension is building. Earlier ITAR-TASS reports that the Ukrainian Navy had either changed sides or scarpered appear not to be the full story.
A more up-to-date and nervous story has just appeared. It reports the Ukrainian Navy Base surrounded by the 'people of Crimea' etc. with a "choice" given to the Ukrainian sailors and their officers to join the 'Crimean' Navy or [unspecified].
Here is a flavour of what Moscow wants us to hear:
Admiral Sergei Gaiduk, the Ukrainian Navy commander, told journalists on Monday that the Ukrainian military would not allow weapons to be used and blood spilled in the Navy-controlled territories.
“I am going to be absolutely open and sincere. We will do everything possible and the impossible to avert the bloodshed. I am appealing to journalists and the population and everybody who hears me. All of you should understand that the Ukrainian Navy is posing no threat to the people of Sevastopol or Crimea,” Gaiduk went on to say.
He said that people serving in the Ukrainian Navy have parents, wives and children in Crimea. “As for the use of weapons, I have given a clear order to all naval commanders to do everything possible and even the impossible to prevent the use of weapons,” Admiral Gaiduk stressed.
The bet on no shots remains but the odds are narrowing.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Lennon - obviously, I disagree. As a unionist, I believe the UK is shared by us all (Scots/Welsh,N.Irish and English alike) and I would hate to see it broken up, which would affect all of us.
I do not see Scotland as a foreign nation - and nor does the electoral commission - and I see the UK as our shared nation, so I am happy and pleased to donate to support the campaign for its continuance.
I accept that, sadly IMHO, not all my fellow English will agree with me.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
Incidentally, what are the persecutions of the Russian-speakers? Were they shot down on the streets like Ukrainian-speakers were under Yanukovych? Were they beaten up by angry mobs, as Ukrainian-speakers have been in recent days in Donetsk and Sevastapol? Or was it something worse?
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
Unless you speak Chinese. My Chinese is fluent (honours degree, years of working there, Chinese wife - with relatives in Beijing) and experience it differently. Once they realise you are not some foreign untermensch but can actually talk properly and can engage sensibly then they suddenly open up. Not great - but there it is.
What REALLY upsets the more educated Chinese middle class is the glaring collapse in morals. The corruption, disdain for human life, and commie shittiness of public life pains them to a degree rarely commented on in the west. It is a world away from their cultural Confucian tradition of honour, service and respect. The people who most hate the spitting, loudmouthed, nouveau-loadsamoney, badly dressed, rich corrupt, XO swilling peasants who run the place are the educated Chinese themselves. Our class war is as nothing in comparison.
Liam Fox: Immigration policy a 'nonsense' gift to Ukip
Former defence secretary Liam Fox labels David Cameron's pledge to cut net migration to tens of thousands as "statistical nonsense" and says the prime minister is underestimating the threat of Ukip.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
Unless you speak Chinese. My Chinese is fluent (honours degree, years of working there, Chinese wife - with relatives in Beijing) and experience it differently. Once they realise you are not some foreign untermensch but can actually talk properly and can engage sensibly then they suddenly open up. Not great - but there it is.
What REALLY upsets the more educated Chinese middle class is the glaring collapse in morals. The corruption, disdain for human life, and commie shittiness of public life pains them to a degree rarely commented on in the west. It is a world away from their cultural Confucian tradition of honour, service and respect. The people who most hate the spitting, loudmouthed, nouveau-loadsamoney, badly dressed, rich corrupt, XO swilling peasants who run the place are the educated Chinese themselves. Our class war is as nothing in comparison.
Yes.
China especially the cities is so populous (and this applies to Hong Kong) that there Chinese people build a protective bubble which means they ignore everything and everyone outside. This can mean they appear rude.
Once that protective bubble has been burst then Chinese people, like people from nations across the world on an individual level, are extremely friendly, generous and welcoming.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Liam Fox: Immigration policy a 'nonsense' gift to Ukip
Former defence secretary Liam Fox labels David Cameron's pledge to cut net migration to tens of thousands as "statistical nonsense" and says the prime minister is underestimating the threat of Ukip.
Thanks Mick because it's the story of the day. Appreciate you keeping us up to date with developments.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
Unless you speak Chinese. My Chinese is fluent (honours degree, years of working there, Chinese wife - with relatives in Beijing) and experience it differently. Once they realise you are not some foreign untermensch but can actually talk properly and can engage sensibly then they suddenly open up. Not great - but there it is.
What REALLY upsets the more educated Chinese middle class is the glaring collapse in morals. The corruption, disdain for human life, and commie shittiness of public life pains them to a degree rarely commented on in the west. It is a world away from their cultural Confucian tradition of honour, service and respect. The people who most hate the spitting, loudmouthed, nouveau-loadsamoney, badly dressed, rich corrupt, XO swilling peasants who run the place are the educated Chinese themselves. Our class war is as nothing in comparison.
That's very impressive Patrick. I doubt I could ever master a language as complicated as Chinese. Hell, I struggle with French.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
All in all, six published polls of referendum voting intention were conducted in February. On average they put Yes on 42% once the Don’t Knows are excluded. Between them they represent the best run of poll results for the Yes side since the final version of the referendum question was unveiled just over a year ago. But the Yes side still have a lot more ground to make up before the race will begin to look like a truly close contest. Plenty to play for in the next 200 days!
An irrelevancy. We have lots of LNG import capacity, some existing North Sea production, very high gas stocks, and pipelines across the channel and to Norway.
In addition, we could delay the planned closure of old coal and nuclear plants if we chose.
That's 64% No v 36% Yes when undecideds are excluded. A seriously bad poll for the nationalists.
Nothing is bad news for the nationalists, as we will no doubt hear soon. All part of a cunning plan to lull the Unionists into complacency, at which stage, BAM! Salmond rides forth in a flaming chariot pulled by 100 scottish wildcats and the referendum is all but won.
Only a Westminster Unionist could possibly fail to see that.
lol, chortle, tears of laughter, etc
It appears I misread matters. Tartan-clad squirrels appear to be the order of the day.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
I've met loads of friendly and hospitable people in China. Mind you I've only been to the south - Yunnan, Guangzhou etc.
Perhaps the warmer climate makes them nicer?
Jeez another day with no work done. I am strrrrrrrruggling with this next thriller. GAH.
Maybe you should consider Crimea as a possible setting?
That's 64% No v 36% Yes when undecideds are excluded. A seriously bad poll for the nationalists.
Nothing is bad news for the nationalists, as we will no doubt hear soon. All part of a cunning plan to lull the Unionists into complacency, at which stage, BAM! Salmond rides forth in a flaming chariot pulled by 100 scottish wildcats and the referendum is all but won.
Only a Westminster Unionist could possibly fail to see that.
lol, chortle, tears of laughter, etc
It appears I misread matters. Tartan-clad squirrels appear to be the order of the day.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
The English-language BKK Press is of the opinion that the Chinese simply aren't coming, due to the political situation. Why beats me. Stay away from the few "lively" areas and everything's normal.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
That's 64% No v 36% Yes when undecideds are excluded. A seriously bad poll for the nationalists.
Nothing is bad news for the nationalists, as we will no doubt hear soon. All part of a cunning plan to lull the Unionists into complacency, at which stage, BAM! Salmond rides forth in a flaming chariot pulled by 100 scottish wildcats and the referendum is all but won.
Only a Westminster Unionist could possibly fail to see that.
lol, chortle, tears of laughter, etc
It appears I misread matters. Tartan-clad squirrels appear to be the order of the day.
In Venezuela, everyone is a mini George Soros. The official exchange rate is 6.3 Bolivars to the US Dollar. But you can happily get 87 in the fairly liquid black market.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Ha! I take it you gave him five stars on tripadvisor?
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Sean
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Crap tip?
Perhaps he told him the chicken wasn't rubbery...
Are you auditioning for the stand up gig at UKIPs bash to celebrate winning the Euros?
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Sean
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
2. Worst and rudest service in same territory.
They are deliberately rude. It's part of the 'charm'.
I'd also, at the risk of provoking a storm, point out there is a gulf between the northern and southern Chinese (and I definitely include the HongKies in 'southern'). The northern chinese are taller, calmer, quieter, politer, and just alot more civilised and alot nicer than their southern compatriots. Most Chinese in the UK are southerners, with alot from HongKong originally. I'd bet my last penny that a waiter who told you 'now fu<K off' was a short frognosed southern git. And obviously I'm hugely biased, but the northern chinese ladies are just delightful compared to their loud cantonese sisters.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Sean
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
2. Worst and rudest service in same territory.
They are deliberately rude. It's part of the 'charm'.
Gentlemen, I'm afraid it's all change at your favourite Asian gourmet dining establishment.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Sean
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Crap tip?
Perhaps he told him the chicken wasn't rubbery...
Are you auditioning for the stand up gig at UKIPs bash to celebrate winning the Euros?
".. then he asked if "you for coffee" ? . My mother in-law is so black .... "
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
*like*
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
I do remember being told "You finished, now f*ck off" by a Chinese waiter.
Sean
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
2. Worst and rudest service in same territory.
That's the one.
They've been known to move people mid-meal fairly regularly.
However Russians are on average notably richer. I meet average Russians (not oligarchs) all the time when I am travelling - go to any Greek island, or Turkey, or Sharm el Sheikh, and there are millions of 'em in their shell suits. They can afford foreign holidays.
While I know several very nice Russians in London, my experience of Russian tourists is that they are probably the most obnoxious I've ever witnessed.
You haven't encountered the mainland Chinese then.
Hint: take a spittoon.
And a raincoat!
Mainland Chinese tourists are very unpopular in some other parts of Asia. On my recent jaunt to Bangkok I met high class hoteliers who just won't take Chinese bookings (not that they'd ever admit this openly).
The money they make from the Chinese is outweighed by the losses they incur as other nationalities move elsewhere.
It's because the Chinese have no manners, of course - because they were all peasants 20 years ago. I'm sure they will get nicer as they get richer. I've heard that they've already stopped mixing Coke in their claret.
It's also because the Chinese just don't like other people very much. Their thing is the family: everyone else is not to be trusted and to be treated with total contempt. It is the only place I have been to where you get that so uniformly. They make no effort at all to hide their disdain - even in Hong Kong. Obviously, I am exaggerating, but not by much.
Unless you speak Chinese. My Chinese is fluent (honours degree, years of working there, Chinese wife - with relatives in Beijing) and experience it differently. Once they realise you are not some foreign untermensch but can actually talk properly and can engage sensibly then they suddenly open up. Not great - but there it is.
What REALLY upsets the more educated Chinese middle class is the glaring collapse in morals. The corruption, disdain for human life, and commie shittiness of public life pains them to a degree rarely commented on in the west. It is a world away from their cultural Confucian tradition of honour, service and respect. The people who most hate the spitting, loudmouthed, nouveau-loadsamoney, badly dressed, rich corrupt, XO swilling peasants who run the place are the educated Chinese themselves. Our class war is as nothing in comparison.
My Mandarin is non-existent, but I can do a good Beijing Rrr. If I want to cheer up the people in our HK office I try to say something in Cantonese. It cracks them up every time.
The food at Wong Kei sucks too. Diagonally opposite is Gerard's Corner. Much better. But then all the food in London's Chinatown is Cantonese. The food n Beijing is about 1,000 times nicer. I think the most amazing thing I've ever eaten was a bowl of bird's nest soup on the DongSanHuanLu in the embassy district. Sublime.
An irrelevancy. We have lots of LNG import capacity, some existing North Sea production, very high gas stocks, and pipelines across the channel and to Norway.
In addition, we could delay the planned closure of old coal and nuclear plants if we chose.
I'm not sure that's the case. It's engineering, not finance, and whilst 'delaying closure' sounds fine, in practice it would be much more difficult.
If you are shutting down a plant such as Kingsnorth, it makes sense to either life-expire all your plant, reduce maintenance to allow it to work for only the hours allowed by the LCPD, or sell off the plant afterwards as happened with some of Didcot.
I'm not nearly as well-travelled as most here, but it does amuse me slightly that the only time I've ever had Peking duck was in Peking [well, Beijing, but still]. It was rather delicious.
The food at Wong Kei sucks too. Diagonally opposite is Gerard's Corner. Much better. But then all the food in London's Chinatown is Cantonese. The food n Beijing is about 1,000 times nicer. I think the most amazing thing I've ever eaten was a bowl of bird's nest soup on the DongSanHuanLu in the embassy district. Sublime.
There's a very good Taiwanese place in Chinatown called something like Leung's legend. That is top class. Not in Chinatown there's a brilliant Sechuan place in King's Cross that is well worth a visit. Last week in San Francisco I went to this place:
I'm not nearly as well-travelled as most here, but it does amuse me slightly that the only time I've ever had Peking duck was in Peking [well, Beijing, but still]. It was rather delicious.
Broke my (greedy) heart when they actually threw the duck bit away and left the skin (delicious as it was).
Mr. Topping, not quite the same but I do enjoy the skin of chicken.
I'm not especially into food (beyond it's immense use at staving off starvation, of course), but the meatballs and goose were also really rather good. I couldn't manage much Chinese, though using chopsticks reasonably appeared to go down well.
An irrelevancy. We have lots of LNG import capacity, some existing North Sea production, very high gas stocks, and pipelines across the channel and to Norway.
In addition, we could delay the planned closure of old coal and nuclear plants if we chose.
I'm not sure that's the case. It's engineering, not finance, and whilst 'delaying closure' sounds fine, in practice it would be much more difficult.
If you are shutting down a plant such as Kingsnorth, it makes sense to either life-expire all your plant, reduce maintenance to allow it to work for only the hours allowed by the LCPD, or sell off the plant afterwards as happened with some of Didcot.
An irrelevancy. We have lots of LNG import capacity, some existing North Sea production, very high gas stocks, and pipelines across the channel and to Norway.
In addition, we could delay the planned closure of old coal and nuclear plants if we chose.
I'm not sure that's the case. It's engineering, not finance, and whilst 'delaying closure' sounds fine, in practice it would be much more difficult.
If you are shutting down a plant such as Kingsnorth, it makes sense to either life-expire all your plant, reduce maintenance to allow it to work for only the hours allowed by the LCPD, or sell off the plant afterwards as happened with some of Didcot.
Possibly, but I wouldn't say that a) it will be easy, or b) it will be cheap.
If a piece of plant is life-expired, it is very difficult to get permission to continue using it.
Yes but don't forget that some of the coal stuff has simply been EOLed due to emissions standards. In the event of a geopolitical event which led to Europe not getting Russian gas, I find it hard to believe that continuing legislation could not be passed.
I was in Alishan, Taiwan a couple of years ago and it was obvious the local Taiwanese were getting a bit annoyed by the behaviour of the mainland Chinese tourists.
3am deadline, eh? I wonder if they'll stick to it.
3am GMT - 5am EET. Presumably just before dawn
It's a really dangerous game of bluff, isn't it?
(Edit: if true, I've just seen Avery's comment below)
I am just quoting Russia sources, JJ.
I am not endorsing them as being true.
But the logic suggests that an ultimatum with the threat of military action is unlikely to be true at top strategic level. A threat may have been issued in the field but it is not being backed up in Moscow.
Russia is the exact opposite of a 'lawless' country. Everything they do will be justified by reference to law and treaty. At present there is no need for Russia to issue ultimatums. They are not even officially present in the Crimea except within the terms of the Black Sea Port and Fleet Agreement. What is going on is officially and legally the actions of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Now we in the West will say that's all very well but what about the spirit of the law and possibly conflicting international treaties etc? To the Russian that is irrelevant: what is lawful is what is permitted by the latest written order with its official stamp. If you can comply with such legal constraints you are free to operate entirely contrary to the original intent and spirit of the law.
Totally unconnected with geo-politics, the Ukraine and military manoeuvres read this story to see what I mean at micro level:
I'd also, at the risk of provoking a storm, point out there is a gulf between the northern and southern Chinese (and I definitely include the HongKies in 'southern').
They have also as a result perfected quite different styles of kung fu involving balletic high kicks.
What would be the Chinese for Bwuce Lee's immortal line "My style? You can call it de ard a fighding widda ow fighding"?
F1: Backed (tiny stakes) Massa and Bottas at 40 and 65 respectively for the title.
The Williams has seemed to be quite fast. More importantly, it's been the most reliable car. It's not inconceivable one or both will get on the podium in Australia (Mercedes chewed up a few gearboxes in Bahrain).
Not sure if anyone follows the Wiki list of opinion polls but a shame that whoever compiles it has managed to make a complete mess of it in the last week.
YouGov Sunday Times 21 Feb - missing Populus 23 Feb - missing Populus 28 Feb - data all wrong YouGov Sunday Times 28 Feb - data all wrong
Don't know if anyone can fix this but if we are trying to follow trends it really would help if the data was compiled correctly.
Not sure if anyone follows the Wiki list of opinion polls but a shame that whoever compiles it has managed to make a complete mess of it in the last week.
YouGov Sunday Times 21 Feb - missing Populus 23 Feb - missing Populus 28 Feb - data all wrong YouGov Sunday Times 28 Feb - data all wrong
Don't know if anyone can fix this but if we are trying to follow trends it really would help if the data was compiled correctly.
Interesting data that Labour has the highest proportion of supporters who are in work, reflecting its name - and that it is the party of the working man. Ukip has the least.
Maybe this is being too optimistic, but I wonder if we're seeing the peak of the crisis, at least for now. The West's comments seem focused on "not another inch beyond Crimea", while Medvedev is talking about building a bridge across the Straits of Kerch, which they wouldn't need if they were moving on to the rest of the eastern Ukraine. If nobody starts shooting, things may rest there for the forseeable future with much grumbling but no actual fighting. If.
Comments
After writing the manifesto, why not sing the song?
Certainly, Ukraine doesn't have Swedish levels of equality, but neither does Russia. It's entirely probable that the mean GDP per capita for both countries is inflated, to differing degrees, by a small proportion of the population with extremely high incomes, which is why it would be more informative to compare medians, and the various percentiles.
But there may be other reasons to justify the virgin pressings.
Business = Spiv Class
Economy/Standard = Steerage
Anyone who still supports them at this point really is a prize berk.
Transcarpathia was actually Czechoslovak till 1938 then Hungarian during the War.
Cernivtsi and the southern part of Odessa Oblast were Romanian 1919-1940 and again 1941-44.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Ukraine
A more up-to-date and nervous story has just appeared. It reports the Ukrainian Navy Base surrounded by the 'people of Crimea' etc. with a "choice" given to the Ukrainian sailors and their officers to join the 'Crimean' Navy or [unspecified].
Here is a flavour of what Moscow wants us to hear:
Admiral Sergei Gaiduk, the Ukrainian Navy commander, told journalists on Monday that the Ukrainian military would not allow weapons to be used and blood spilled in the Navy-controlled territories.
“I am going to be absolutely open and sincere. We will do everything possible and the impossible to avert the bloodshed. I am appealing to journalists and the population and everybody who hears me. All of you should understand that the Ukrainian Navy is posing no threat to the people of Sevastopol or Crimea,” Gaiduk went on to say.
He said that people serving in the Ukrainian Navy have parents, wives and children in Crimea.
“As for the use of weapons, I have given a clear order to all naval commanders to do everything possible and even the impossible to prevent the use of weapons,” Admiral Gaiduk stressed.
The bet on no shots remains but the odds are narrowing.
Eastern Ukraine is richer than the western parts?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ukrainian_salary_map.png
I do not see Scotland as a foreign nation - and nor does the electoral commission - and I see the UK as our shared nation, so I am happy and pleased to donate to support the campaign for its continuance.
I accept that, sadly IMHO, not all my fellow English will agree with me.
Hear that William Hague’s people are angrily ticking off Tory MPs who’ve suggested that the Commons’ vote on Syria emboldened Putin
3am deadline, eh? I wonder if they'll stick to it.
EPIC is UKRO....
NEO NAZI'S POUR INTO KIEV UKRAINE http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/28/the-swedish-neo-nazis-of-kiev.html … So the USA is going to fund the NEO NAZI'S? Right #UnitedBlue? #P2?
On SeanTs point, some of the rich mainland Chinese visitors to the UK can be incredibly rude too. I've witnessed a few in some expensive London restaurants masticating with their jaws wide open, making a lot of noise, belching and shouting into cellphones - in the middle of the meal - whilst other horrified diners look on.
Needless to say, the staff do nothing about it. They must tip well.
Channel 4 News @Channel4News Feb 27
Government's migration pledge "in tatters", as figures reveal net immigration of 200,000 - @C4Ciaran reports http://bit.ly/1cbHBty #c4news
What REALLY upsets the more educated Chinese middle class is the glaring collapse in morals. The corruption, disdain for human life, and commie shittiness of public life pains them to a degree rarely commented on in the west. It is a world away from their cultural Confucian tradition of honour, service and respect. The people who most hate the spitting, loudmouthed, nouveau-loadsamoney, badly dressed, rich corrupt, XO swilling peasants who run the place are the educated Chinese themselves. Our class war is as nothing in comparison.
Cameron has allowed Russia to take over 20% of the UK's gas supplies. Good idea? http://tompride.wordpress.com/2014/03/01/ukraine-shows-folly-of-cameron-handing-over-20-of-uk-gas-supply-to-russia/ …
"Take your time, Pork. We don't want you to get indigestion."
Channel 4 News @Channel4News Mar 2
Former Tory defence secretary Liam Fox says @David_Cameron underestimates the threat from @UKIP - http://bit.ly/NJ4h8Y #c4news
Liam Fox: Immigration policy a 'nonsense' gift to Ukip
Former defence secretary Liam Fox labels David Cameron's pledge to cut net migration to tens of thousands as "statistical nonsense" and says the prime minister is underestimating the threat of Ukip.
I hope Ladbrokes put up a top scoring team market. I'd like to see the odds on Williams for that.
China especially the cities is so populous (and this applies to Hong Kong) that there Chinese people build a protective bubble which means they ignore everything and everyone outside. This can mean they appear rude.
Once that protective bubble has been burst then Chinese people, like people from nations across the world on an individual level, are extremely friendly, generous and welcoming.
http://blog.whatscotlandthinks.org/2014/03/200-days-to-go/
Zed @Colkitto 38m
6 months before the 2011 election Ipsos Mori poll had the SNP at 31%. Actual result was 45.39% #justsayin #indyref
Wings Over Scotland @WingsScotland 4h
The Ian Crombie several papers are mentioning over Better Together's "cash crisis" is the name we redacted here: http://wingsoverscotland.com/feeling-the-fear/ …
In addition, we could delay the planned closure of old coal and nuclear plants if we chose.
Western media slowly realizing what's happening in Kiev: BBC: Ukraine: Far-right armed with bats patrol Kiev http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26394980 … #Ukraine
Nothing to see here. Move along...
David Owen has been wrong about everything in politics since the merger. In that time he backed Major, Blair, and Iraq. #albatross
*chortle*
I seem to recall quite a few of the PB tories back Blair on Iraq too.
Oops.
Good chart from Electoral Calculus http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/polls.html showing polling trends since GE2010
It's pretty good but you simply can't see the detail like you can here.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/UK_opinion_polling_2010-2015.png
There you can clearly see last May's local election movement for the kippers, the tories and labour before and after polling day.
Was it at the Wong Kei in Wardour Street?
Famous for two things:
1. Best wind dried duck soup in the whole wide world;
2. Worst and rudest service in same territory.
Have you noticed?
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/feb/24/rudest-restaurant-london-wong-kei
Still not as bad as the Weiner Circle in Chicago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33zPlnhymCU
If you are shutting down a plant such as Kingsnorth, it makes sense to either life-expire all your plant, reduce maintenance to allow it to work for only the hours allowed by the LCPD, or sell off the plant afterwards as happened with some of Didcot.
Nuclear plants are a whole different story, and require a whole host of safety cases and regulatory approval. Whilst those sorts of things can be short-circuited in a crisis, there may be increased risk and it certainly plays into hands of the anti-nuke peeps.
http://www.imeche.org/knowledge/themes/energy/nuclear-power/about-nuclear-power/the-future-of-nuclear/plant-life-extension
However fortunately EDF / Babcock are already on the case. But if that is the case, these plants may already be factored in:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/10637592/EDF-to-extend-nuclear-plants-life-by-10-years.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/10637592/EDF-to-extend-nuclear-plants-life-by-10-years.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g60713-d360106-Reviews-Yank_Sing_Stevenson_St-San_Francisco_California.html
I go every time I am there. It is fantastic.
I'm not especially into food (beyond it's immense use at staving off starvation, of course), but the meatballs and goose were also really rather good. I couldn't manage much Chinese, though using chopsticks reasonably appeared to go down well.
If a piece of plant is life-expired, it is very difficult to get permission to continue using it.
3am GMT - 5am EET. Presumably just before dawn
Russia claims sole source for the story was within Ukrainian Defence Ministry and that it was simply misinformation.
(Edit: if true, I've just seen Avery's comment below)
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2014/03/ukip-named-major-party-ofcom-european-elections
(that was a joke by the way!)
I am not endorsing them as being true.
But the logic suggests that an ultimatum with the threat of military action is unlikely to be true at top strategic level. A threat may have been issued in the field but it is not being backed up in Moscow.
Russia is the exact opposite of a 'lawless' country. Everything they do will be justified by reference to law and treaty. At present there is no need for Russia to issue ultimatums. They are not even officially present in the Crimea except within the terms of the Black Sea Port and Fleet Agreement. What is going on is officially and legally the actions of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Now we in the West will say that's all very well but what about the spirit of the law and possibly conflicting international treaties etc? To the Russian that is irrelevant: what is lawful is what is permitted by the latest written order with its official stamp. If you can comply with such legal constraints you are free to operate entirely contrary to the original intent and spirit of the law.
Totally unconnected with geo-politics, the Ukraine and military manoeuvres read this story to see what I mean at micro level:
http://en.itar-tass.com/non-political/717364
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jennyjones/100261920/carbon-fast-the-anglican-churchs-mission-from-god-to-slow-climate-change/
Ukraine had some serious hardware ...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2572149/Stunning-images-huge-abandoned-tank-graveyard-Ukraine-machines-come-retirement-tensions-Russia-continue-escalate.html
There are more tanks in that repair (or ore accurately disposal) yard than the UK has Challenger 2 tanks. Fortunately, most of our tanks work ...
What would be the Chinese for Bwuce Lee's immortal line "My style? You can call it de ard a fighding widda ow fighding"?
The Williams has seemed to be quite fast. More importantly, it's been the most reliable car. It's not inconceivable one or both will get on the podium in Australia (Mercedes chewed up a few gearboxes in Bahrain).
http://www.leftfootforward.org/2014/02/why-are-the-snp-so-relaxed-about-dancing-to-the-kremlins-tune/comment-page-1/
These are the seats available at the moment:
Cannock Chase
Erewash
South Ribble
Thanet S
Hampshire NW
Suffolk S
Thirsk & Malton
The only two that look suitable for him are Hampshire NW and Suffolk S.
YouGov Sunday Times 21 Feb - missing
Populus 23 Feb - missing
Populus 28 Feb - data all wrong
YouGov Sunday Times 28 Feb - data all wrong
Don't know if anyone can fix this but if we are trying to follow trends it really would help if the data was compiled correctly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_United_Kingdom_general_election
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bh0YnxPCAAAJdJh.jpg:large