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Last night’s debate brings no happy ending for Bobby J – politicalbetting.com

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  • Unsurprising (now) news from the USA - Mr Trump has pulled out of yet another interview. That is I think four or five in a week. He also pulled out of a NRA rally. I've made a joke of this but it really is quite notable. Are they trying to cruise to victory or is he really so weak and vulnerable that his staff don't trust hium out on his own and are able to stop him over-ruling them. Just very odd. Meanwhile Harris and camp seem to be doing exactly what you would expect a campaign to do in a tight race. Even if you think you are ahead you should work and act like you are behind.
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,312

    HYUFD said:

    algarkirk said:

    I expect Mordaunt to be Tory leader within 18 months, genuinely.

    There are no other obvious candidates that spring to mind that pass the public's "could you imagine them as Prime Minister" test mentioned below.

    Nige is as likely as anyone, including the current two candidates.
    He has the advantage of currently being an MP.

    Mordaunt's difficulty is that she would have to win a by-election first. There is a window of opportunity between "Conservatives doing badly enough to want to change their leader" and "Conservatives doing well enough to hold a seat at a by-election", but it's not a massive one.

    Talking of which, Techne's out. Depending on how you want to read it, either MOE noise-Labour still ahead or a bit more drift away from the government.

    Labour: 28% (-1)
    Conservatives: 25% (+1)
    Lib Dems: 13% (+1)
    Reform UK: 19% (=)
    Greens: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)
    Others: 6% (-1)

    https://www.techneuk.com/tracker/
    SPLORG 47. Up from 41 at the 2024 GE. The current trend is disastrous for both Labour and Conservatives. Neither party ever mentions it, which is unreal.
    A swing of 3.5% from Labour to Tory since the GE is hardly disastrous
    Last night's results (as per Mark Pack) seem reasonably good for the Conservatives. Unfortunately he doesn't always show turnout.
    Average results last night:

    Lab: -10.0 defending average PNV of 34.5
    Con: +4.3 defending average PNV of 27.0

    Decent Con round.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,708

    Unsurprising (now) news from the USA - Mr Trump has pulled out of yet another interview. That is I think four or five in a week. He also pulled out of a NRA rally. I've made a joke of this but it really is quite notable. Are they trying to cruise to victory or is he really so weak and vulnerable that his staff don't trust hium out on his own and are able to stop him over-ruling them. Just very odd. Meanwhile Harris and camp seem to be doing exactly what you would expect a campaign to do in a tight race. Even if you think you are ahead you should work and act like you are behind.

    "Trump's brain is broken" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYv_pfGYIdY
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18
    And that could have been in London, but we dicked them around...

    https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/sphere-las-vegas-abu-dhabi-b2630074.html

    Bit more of a wow investment that some rip off EV charging stations at Road Chefs.
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 22,952
    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771
    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 8,806
    edited October 18
    RobD said:

    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    What are your thoughts on the BS 1363 standard? ;)
    Stifled all sorts of innovation :wink:

    On standards, an LED floor lamp we bought a few years back had insufficient (low voltage, might be 5V, I'd have to check) cable to go from the nearest power socket to its position. Luckily the power adapter end just plugged in with... DIN 41529 (of course). So I was able to run a low V extension cable by buying some suitable plugs and sockets to make my own extension lead. Took me ages to identify the connector though (this was before Google lens and the like, which I guess would probably have done it).

    WTF was wrong with one of the myriad barrel DC connectors, if they wouldn't use USB?
    (Of course, if not 5V I guess they couldn't/shouldn't use USB).

    ETA: Wikipedia does reference its use on LED lamps, so mine can't be unique.
  • glwglw Posts: 9,920
    RobD said:

    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    What are your thoughts on the BS 1363 standard? ;)
    Funnily enough I remember years and years ago, certainly pre-iPhone talking about why something like USB might eventually replace many of the sockets in the home. This has sort of happened, it's just that we have chargers all over the place bridging the socket to the device, or we have sockets with usually crappy USB-A ports at about 2A. What would be better is making something like USB Type-C PD3.1 at 240W a standard. That would power almost everything most homes need bar kitchen appliances.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,708
    Nigelb said:

    Harris's Fox interviewer effectively admits he's a liar. An honest journalist would have apologised straight afterwards; in the unlikely event it was an honest mistake, they'd have known very quickly.

    Now Bret Baier says “his mistake” he ran wrong Trump “enemy from within” clip during interview w/ Harris. ..
    https://x.com/GretchenCarlson/status/1847065930595291416

    It will have dramatically made the point to the viewers that Fox were trying to hide. Quite the disaster.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18
    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,963
    Cookie said:

    FF43 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    I think Badenoch will be a bit like Hague. Brilliant at PMQs, hammered in the GE. At least they're skipping the IDS/Jenrick stage this time.

    Wasn't IDS what happened after Hague lost? The loser's cycle in both 1997 and 2010 was "plausible but wrong junior Cabinet minister" followed by "unelectable fruitloop".
    With Badenochv looks they are going straight to unelectable fruitloop. Do not pass Go. Do not collect £200.
    IDS's big drawback wasn't fruitloopery but because he was electorally unattractive - looked odd, didn't smile much, not particularly gifted rhetorically. Politically he was little different from Hague - Hague was just more articulate (in its broadest sense).
    Unlike Hague, he was (is) pretty dim
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,900
    Leon said:

    Seriously


    Hors d'oeuvres:

    Yurine akebi, saury fish yuan yaki, eggplant

    Persimmon fu, ginkgo bulb spear, salmon sushi

    Chestnut sesame tofu, shibukawa-ni, matsuba needle

    Persimmon & daikon radish with dressing

    C’mon, PB, who doesn’t like a nice matsuba needle, especially with persimmon fu

    What is it? Pine?

    If I google it I get a load of stuff about decorative arts and crafts.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,515
    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    Can you describe why it is so good? Flavour? Texture?
  • DumbosaurusDumbosaurus Posts: 806

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,900

    Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,712
    Leon said:

    By far the poshest Japanese meal I’ve ever eaten

    One of the more famous ryokans in the country. That’s the famous snow crab steaming away there

    My room in peak season costs £2000 a night


    Bit different to borscht in Moldova. 😊
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,970

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,036

    kenObi said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    I get the impression that some people would still prefer we had a regional time difference for Bristol.

    Standardization is generally good and helped drive the industrial revelution.

    One of my heroes is Joseph Whitworth.

    Blanche would be screaming: "Why standardise screw threads!!! They're stifling innovation!"

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Whitworth
    Just been reading the latest Aeroplane Monthly. Canadians restoring a DH Mosquito with the greatest care. Having to go to an Austrian factory to get the right British Standard screws ...

    (a similar report) https://legionmagazine.com/the-calgary-mosquito-project-resurrecting-a-ww-ii-legend-in-nanton-alta/
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW

  • Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419

    This is why we needed a directly elected dictator elected on a 15 year term.

    Any government that changes council tax bands/valuations will lose the next election.

    Ditto any government that tries to merge income tax and NI.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,545

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    Back in the day I used to sell camera films. 120, 620, 127, then Kodak brought out Instamatics. The serious photographers, of course, used 35mm.
    Still available, of course except 620.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,036


    Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419

    This is why we needed a directly elected dictator elected on a 15 year term.

    Any government that changes council tax bands/valuations will lose the next election.

    Ditto any government that tries to merge income tax and NI.
    So why didn't the Tories do it once it became clear they'd never win an election again? (Yes, I know. A bunch of gerontocrats.)
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,939

    Unsurprising (now) news from the USA - Mr Trump has pulled out of yet another interview. That is I think four or five in a week. He also pulled out of a NRA rally. I've made a joke of this but it really is quite notable. Are they trying to cruise to victory or is he really so weak and vulnerable that his staff don't trust hium out on his own and are able to stop him over-ruling them. Just very odd. Meanwhile Harris and camp seem to be doing exactly what you would expect a campaign to do in a tight race. Even if you think you are ahead you should work and act like you are behind.

    The 538 figures this morning are 52:48 in favour of Harris, the lowest I have seen for some considerable time. Those numbers do ring a bell though...
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771

    Leon said:

    Seriously


    Hors d'oeuvres:

    Yurine akebi, saury fish yuan yaki, eggplant

    Persimmon fu, ginkgo bulb spear, salmon sushi

    Chestnut sesame tofu, shibukawa-ni, matsuba needle

    Persimmon & daikon radish with dressing

    C’mon, PB, who doesn’t like a nice matsuba needle, especially with persimmon fu

    What is it? Pine?

    If I google it I get a load of stuff about decorative arts and crafts.
    I’ve no idea, I just wolfed it all down like a pleb, and it was good

    I was hungry

    However my hunger slowed enough for me to acknowledge one singular truth: I will never understand the Asian culinary worship of the abalone. It’s a rubbery piece of fuck. It’s like eating an old bathtoy. Always

    Yet they pay squiillions for it
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,913
    We all got quite excited about the potential revival of HS2 yesterday - apparently 'a government source' has now denied it.
    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/no-plan-to-revive-hs2-rail-link-to-northern-england-govt-source-says/ar-AA1sqVs5?ocid=BingNewsVerp
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Yes that is the obvious downside and why politicians and technology should never mix.

    I think there could have been some smarter thinking about legalisation around right to repair, availability of choice, parts, etc. Because this is the real problem, the likes of Apple deliberately make their devices basically unrepairable by anybody but them with nonsense like if you replace a part that really is a few cents with not the official certified one it basically goes into limp mode.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,708

    Have we covered this from Musky Baby:

    "If you’re a registered Pennsylvania voter, you & whoever referred you will now get $100 for signing our petition in support of free speech & right to bear arms.

    Earn money for supporting something you already believe in!

    Offer valid until midnight on Monday."

    https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1847115389676740899

    Hope every Democrat signs up for their $100...
  • DumbosaurusDumbosaurus Posts: 806
    edited October 18
    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
    Don't know. You can read the directive here (or ask GPT to summarise of course). I don't intend to. But point is it'll be USB-C not just "a connection that is physically identical to USB C". So limited to 240 Watts. Which sounds like loads now of course, but who knows what super fast charging we could be missing out in time...

    This is more "regulation is innovation" bollocks. I do partly blame Apple for taking the piss though.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580

    kenObi said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    I get the impression that some people would still prefer we had a regional time difference for Bristol.

    Standardization is generally good and helped drive the industrial revelution.

    One of my heroes is Joseph Whitworth.

    Blanche would be screaming: "Why standardise screw threads!!! They're stifling innovation!"

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Whitworth
    Standards can be good. They can also be bad.

    Whitworth screw threads succeeded because they were well thought out and easy to produce.

    As a counter example, in the US, there was an attempt at standardising on a EV plug. The standard chosen and backed by government subsidies was terrible. As a result of that and a low build out rate, it is being ditched for J3400 NACS
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 17,308
    Cookie said:

    We all got quite excited about the potential revival of HS2 yesterday - apparently 'a government source' has now denied it.
    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/no-plan-to-revive-hs2-rail-link-to-northern-england-govt-source-says/ar-AA1sqVs5?ocid=BingNewsVerp

    Of course they won't revive HS2. There will, however, be an additional speedy railway between our second cities.

    In the same way that the next Labour leader after Starmer will negotiate a market union and single customs arrangement with the EU. Because that will definitely be totally different.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
    Don't know. You can read the directive here (or ask GPT to summarise of course). I don't intend to. But point is it'll be USB-C not just "a connection that is physically identical to USB C". So limited to 240 Watts. Which sounds like loads now of course, but who knows what super fast charging we could be missing out in time...

    This is more "regulation is innovation" bollocks. I do partly blame Apple for taking the piss though.
    To be fair to Apple, they came up with their connector back when everyone else was using Mini-USB. Which was one of the worst connectors of modern times.

    There was, IIRC, an attempt to mandate Mini-USB as a mandatory standard. Which died because of the evident insanity of the connector as a standard.

    I believe that there are executions - if your device is wireless only charging, for example, the EU regulations don't demand a physical charging port.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    Cookie said:

    We all got quite excited about the potential revival of HS2 yesterday - apparently 'a government source' has now denied it.
    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/no-plan-to-revive-hs2-rail-link-to-northern-england-govt-source-says/ar-AA1sqVs5?ocid=BingNewsVerp

    Lots of pre-budget manoeuvres.....
  • DumbosaurusDumbosaurus Posts: 806

    kenObi said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    I get the impression that some people would still prefer we had a regional time difference for Bristol.

    Standardization is generally good and helped drive the industrial revelution.

    One of my heroes is Joseph Whitworth.

    Blanche would be screaming: "Why standardise screw threads!!! They're stifling innovation!"

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Whitworth
    Standards can be good. They can also be bad.

    Whitworth screw threads succeeded because they were well thought out and easy to produce.

    As a counter example, in the US, there was an attempt at standardising on a EV plug. The standard chosen and backed by government subsidies was terrible. As a result of that and a low build out rate, it is being ditched for J3400 NACS
    Plus there is a big difference between standardisation and mandatory standards. We were already converging on "Apple" and "USB-C" without the EU fiddling. This was being driven for good technical reasons, not bureaucratic wankers. All they've achieved is an obstacle if/when there is a good technical reason to diverge to some other different standard.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,036

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
    Don't know. You can read the directive here (or ask GPT to summarise of course). I don't intend to. But point is it'll be USB-C not just "a connection that is physically identical to USB C". So limited to 240 Watts. Which sounds like loads now of course, but who knows what super fast charging we could be missing out in time...

    This is more "regulation is innovation" bollocks. I do partly blame Apple for taking the piss though.
    To be fair to Apple, they came up with their connector back when everyone else was using Mini-USB. Which was one of the worst connectors of modern times.

    There was, IIRC, an attempt to mandate Mini-USB as a mandatory standard. Which died because of the evident insanity of the connector as a standard.

    I believe that there are executions - if your device is wireless only charging, for example, the EU regulations don't demand a physical charging port.
    Executions? Does it do boiling?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
    Don't know. You can read the directive here (or ask GPT to summarise of course). I don't intend to. But point is it'll be USB-C not just "a connection that is physically identical to USB C". So limited to 240 Watts. Which sounds like loads now of course, but who knows what super fast charging we could be missing out in time...

    This is more "regulation is innovation" bollocks. I do partly blame Apple for taking the piss though.
    The EU is, to a superb extent, the proverbial “eunuch in a harem”

    It cannot actually do anything, by itself, nothing exciting. But it can run around squealing and stop others doing things, for a while
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    Carnyx said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    The issue is not now. It's in 20 years time when we have ultra fast charging, wireless charging, or ultra fast wireless charging as a defacto standard (all technically possible) but every device's design is compromised by the mandatory insertion of an unused USB C port.
    Is it mandatory in that way, or is it that if a port is used it must be USB-C. e.g, there are devices that only have wireless charging options.
    Don't know. You can read the directive here (or ask GPT to summarise of course). I don't intend to. But point is it'll be USB-C not just "a connection that is physically identical to USB C". So limited to 240 Watts. Which sounds like loads now of course, but who knows what super fast charging we could be missing out in time...

    This is more "regulation is innovation" bollocks. I do partly blame Apple for taking the piss though.
    To be fair to Apple, they came up with their connector back when everyone else was using Mini-USB. Which was one of the worst connectors of modern times.

    There was, IIRC, an attempt to mandate Mini-USB as a mandatory standard. Which died because of the evident insanity of the connector as a standard.

    I believe that there are executions - if your device is wireless only charging, for example, the EU regulations don't demand a physical charging port.
    Executions? Does it do boiling?
    Yes
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311

    Cookie said:

    We all got quite excited about the potential revival of HS2 yesterday - apparently 'a government source' has now denied it.
    https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/no-plan-to-revive-hs2-rail-link-to-northern-england-govt-source-says/ar-AA1sqVs5?ocid=BingNewsVerp

    Lots of pre-budget manoeuvres.....
    More consultants required....
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 42,053
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18
    Sounds like Leon doesn't need to be buying any cakes from scantily clad ladies of the night....
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 8,806

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    I am not convinced that it is really a problem now. Apple were playing silly buggers but with combination of EU regulation and that the fact USB-C is just better in terms of bandwidth, the whole industry is moving to that anyway.
    A lot of cheapo toys (are they covered?) still use micro-B (or even mini-B) for charging, which is a bit of a pain. Presumably those ports are cheaper (still, though?) or they're old designs that no one has bothered to update.
  • glwglw Posts: 9,920

    To be fair to Apple, they came up with their connector back when everyone else was using Mini-USB. Which was one of the worst connectors of modern times.

    There was, IIRC, an attempt to mandate Mini-USB as a mandatory standard. Which died because of the evident insanity of the connector as a standard.

    I believe that there are executions - if your device is wireless only charging, for example, the EU regulations don't demand a physical charging port.

    It was Micro-B USB that was proposed as the standard and widely adopted, Mini-B USB was rarer and even worse. But imagine devices being stuck on Micro-B because it is the law, and that introducing devices with only USB Type-C would be illegal.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    A presenter on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme has apologised for mispronouncing the surname of shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a rude word. Nick Robinson made the error while interviewing employment minister Alison McGovern on the programme on Friday morning.

    Its really odd how it is only the Jeremy version of Hunt the BBC have this mishap with....
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Yes. I was gonna put that in - “good” blow job - (looking at you, that girl in Camaguey, Cuba, after the disco) - but it would have ruined the rhythm of my prose. Sometimes, something has to give
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 15,822
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Have you and Swiss Toni ever been seen in the same room together?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524


    Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419

    This is why we needed a directly elected dictator elected on a 15 year term.

    Any government that changes council tax bands/valuations will lose the next election.

    Ditto any government that tries to merge income tax and NI.
    So why didn't the last government just do it ?

    I've never understood why dying government with a couple of years to go to what's almost certainly going to be an electoral thrashing, don't have a look at stuff like this.

    There's stuff that almost everyone agrees would be a good idea, but is just 'too unpopular in the short term'. Why don't they just do it, and get the plaudits of the historians ?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,403

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
    Trump gets similar voters as Boris did ie Leave voting white working class voters who wouldn't dream of voting Tory or GOP if not led by Boris or Trump (the type of people Nigel wouldn't be seen dead mixing socially with so it comes as a bit of a surprise to him they exist)
  • TimSTimS Posts: 13,074
    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,632
    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    The problem is that, with USB-C established as the legal standard, how do you ever change the legal standard to a better one?
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 42,053
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Yes. I was gonna put that in - “good” blow job - (looking at you, that girl in Camaguey, Cuba, after the disco) - but it would have ruined the rhythm of my prose. Sometimes, something has to give
    Always tricky when the 'blower' thinks they're doing you an almighty favour.

    'No luv, it's just TOO exciting, let's try something else.'
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,403
    theakes said:

    Another excellent set of local by election results for the Conservatives
    But probably the main feature was the power of Reform against Labour, over 20% starting from scratch, they are just a stones throw away from breaking through. Next years County Council elections could be good for them, the Greens and the Tories, bad for Labour and a holding operation for the Lib Dems.

    I think next year Reform and the Tories could gain from Labour as might the Greens, however I would expect some Tory losses to LDs and Independents given the Tories won the 2021 local elections NEV under Boris
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 8,806

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Have you and Swiss Toni ever been seen in the same room together?
    Yes, but you really don't want to know what they were doing! :blush:
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,913
    edited October 18
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Seriously


    Hors d'oeuvres:

    Yurine akebi, saury fish yuan yaki, eggplant

    Persimmon fu, ginkgo bulb spear, salmon sushi

    Chestnut sesame tofu, shibukawa-ni, matsuba needle

    Persimmon & daikon radish with dressing

    C’mon, PB, who doesn’t like a nice matsuba needle, especially with persimmon fu

    What is it? Pine?

    If I google it I get a load of stuff about decorative arts and crafts.
    I’ve no idea, I just wolfed it all down like a pleb, and it was good

    I was hungry

    However my hunger slowed enough for me to acknowledge one singular truth: I will never understand the Asian culinary worship of the abalone. It’s a rubbery piece of fuck. It’s like eating an old bathtoy. Always

    Yet they pay squiillions for it
    We in the west have happily adopted Asian flavours into our culinary palette. But we are still (and I include myself in this) wary of Asian textures, many of which remain odd and alien.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 17,308

    A presenter on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme has apologised for mispronouncing the surname of shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a rude word. Nick Robinson made the error while interviewing employment minister Alison McGovern on the programme on Friday morning.

    Its really odd how it is only the Jeremy version of Hunt the BBC have this mishap with....

    David Hunt retired from the cabinet thirty years ago. More innocent times...

    (And if you are thinking of Tristam, he left politics in 2017. Standards of language and journalism have slipped a fair bit even since then.)
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18

    A presenter on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme has apologised for mispronouncing the surname of shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a rude word. Nick Robinson made the error while interviewing employment minister Alison McGovern on the programme on Friday morning.

    Its really odd how it is only the Jeremy version of Hunt the BBC have this mishap with....

    David Hunt retired from the cabinet thirty years ago. More innocent times...

    (And if you are thinking of Tristam, he left politics in 2017. Standards of language and journalism have slipped a fair bit even since then.)
    Not the only Hunt's e.g. their own racing correspondent is John Hunt. 1000s and 1000s of on-air hand overs / references, never an issue.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Yes. I was gonna put that in - “good” blow job - (looking at you, that girl in Camaguey, Cuba, after the disco) - but it would have ruined the rhythm of my prose. Sometimes, something has to give
    Always tricky when the 'blower' thinks they're doing you an almighty favour.

    'No luv, it's just TOO exciting, let's try something else.'
    There’s a really fine line between “it’s clear you have never done this before, YOU DON’T USE TEETH” and “wow, you’ve obviously given a lot of blow jobs…?”

    *awkward pause*

    I don’t envy the blowjobber, perhaps it’s just better if everyone has excellent Kobe Wagyu steak teppanyaki
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 42,053

    A presenter on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme has apologised for mispronouncing the surname of shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a rude word. Nick Robinson made the error while interviewing employment minister Alison McGovern on the programme on Friday morning.

    Its really odd how it is only the Jeremy version of Hunt the BBC have this mishap with....

    David Hunt retired from the cabinet thirty years ago. More innocent times...

    (And if you are thinking of Tristam, he left politics in 2017. Standards of language and journalism have slipped a fair bit even since then.)
    The idea that Robinson would be preternaturally prejudiced against Tories (or favour Labour) is an entertaining one.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580

    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    The problem is that, with USB-C established as the legal standard, how do you ever change the legal standard to a better one?
    I'm trying to recall which industry guru, who pointed out that this would *guarantee* a move to wireless charging. Since if you had an exemption for wireless charge only devices, the best way to get rid of the USB-C port would be....
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Like bad steak, overly chewy ?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    TimS said:

    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.

    Yes.

    Is the Cross Over Klaxon all polished and checked out?
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,587
    HYUFD said:

    theakes said:

    Another excellent set of local by election results for the Conservatives
    But probably the main feature was the power of Reform against Labour, over 20% starting from scratch, they are just a stones throw away from breaking through. Next years County Council elections could be good for them, the Greens and the Tories, bad for Labour and a holding operation for the Lib Dems.

    I think next year Reform and the Tories could gain from Labour as might the Greens, however I would expect some Tory losses to LDs and Independents given the Tories won the 2021 local elections NEV under Boris
    I think Durham will be interesting. If Reform stand I think they will make a fair few gains but I also expect a few Green gains as well.

    I had expected, prior to the GE, Labour to romp it but I cannot see that now unless something radical changes.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524

    A presenter on BBC Radio 4's flagship Today programme has apologised for mispronouncing the surname of shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt as a rude word. Nick Robinson made the error while interviewing employment minister Alison McGovern on the programme on Friday morning.

    Its really odd how it is only the Jeremy version of Hunt the BBC have this mishap with....

    It's sort of understandable, as it became a national running joke, so the association is deeply ingrained.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 55,771
    Nigelb said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Like bad steak, overly chewy ?
    That’s what I was trying to convey in my metaphor!

    OK now I am off to look at naked Japanese men in a hot tub
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    TimS said:

    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.

    Seems all political parties are about as popular Millwall.
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,587

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Have you and Swiss Toni ever been seen in the same room together?
    Posting on Politicalbetting is very much like making love to a beautiful woman.....
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,970
    edited October 18

    TimS said:

    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.

    Yes.

    Is the Cross Over Klaxon all polished and checked out?
    It is certainly looking better than my poor Scottish Tory Surge klaxon.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,632
    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus.

    I think that an overlooked outcome is one where the Democrats take the House, hold the Senate, but Trump wins the Presidency.

    The polls seem to be pointing to Trump outperforming Republican Senate candidates in quite a large number of states. I guess the alternative outcomes are that the Senate candidates ride Trump's coattails to victory (despite the polls), or it's only the Presidential polls that are being distorted in Trump's favour, and we're about to see a Democrat landslide that might give them control of Presidency, House and Senate.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 12,692
    TimS said:

    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.

    And SPLORG is a monster that Lab/Con do not wish to discuss or draw attention to.

    While I think it is improbable that this massive downward trend for Lab+Con will continue - they are already down 6 points since the 2024 election and 29 points down from the 2017 GE, it is not at all impossible. A next thinkable phase is that just as the populist opinion has switched to declaring it will vote Reform, centrist opinion could combine around the LDs. If tnat occurred SPLORG could go over 50, and at that figure there is something like a tipping point which gets noticed more widely than the wonks and anoraks.
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 8,806

    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    The problem is that, with USB-C established as the legal standard, how do you ever change the legal standard to a better one?
    Regulations change to reflect changes in the real world. Weren't HID headlights not technically legal under UK law when developed (but covered by EU regulation, which we had to accept at the time?). Likewise flashing bike lights weren't legal when first available, were they?

    If the USB consortium come up with an improved USB-D connector (as opposed to new standards, i.e. USB-5 using USB-C connector, which is presumably covered already if it's only about the connector form) then that's likely to be made legal, probably with a changeover period where both are permitted.

    It does make it harder for $manufacturer to differentiate by a better connector unique to their products and so reduces the incentive to try (but could you have USB-C and $betterconnector - that would be permitted?).
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,311
    edited October 18
    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524
    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
    Trump gets similar voters as Boris did ie Leave voting white working class voters who wouldn't dream of voting Tory or GOP if not led by Boris or Trump (the type of people Nigel wouldn't be seen dead mixing socially with so it comes as a bit of a surprise to him they exist)
    You'd be surprised, young HY.

    It's obvious why they might vote for Trump.
    But you still don't explain why they'd vote for the Senate Democrat, not the MAGA one.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    Taz said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Have you and Swiss Toni ever been seen in the same room together?
    Posting on Politicalbetting is very much like making love to a beautiful woman.....
    How to say "I haven't done X" without saying "I haven't done X"
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 4,670
    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Seriously


    Hors d'oeuvres:

    Yurine akebi, saury fish yuan yaki, eggplant

    Persimmon fu, ginkgo bulb spear, salmon sushi

    Chestnut sesame tofu, shibukawa-ni, matsuba needle

    Persimmon & daikon radish with dressing

    C’mon, PB, who doesn’t like a nice matsuba needle, especially with persimmon fu

    What is it? Pine?

    If I google it I get a load of stuff about decorative arts and crafts.
    I’ve no idea, I just wolfed it all down like a pleb, and it was good

    I was hungry

    However my hunger slowed enough for me to acknowledge one singular truth: I will never understand the Asian culinary worship of the abalone. It’s a rubbery piece of fuck. It’s like eating an old bathtoy. Always

    Yet they pay squiillions for it
    We in the west have happily adopted Asian flavours into our culinary palette. But we are still (and I include myself in this) wary of Asian textures, many of which remain odd and alien.
    Short personal list:

    Anything chewy but savory.
    Things which claim to be sweet but are only slightly sweet.
    Glutinous sauces, especially if transparent.
    Glasses of warm water.
    Vegetable dishes served accidentally cold.
    Congee.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524
    .

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus...
    The Trump/Senate difference isn't hard to explain.

    But it's harder to account for those Trump voters who might also go to the trouble of expressing a Senate preference - and prefer the Democrat.

  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,403
    edited October 18
    Nigelb said:

    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
    Trump gets similar voters as Boris did ie Leave voting white working class voters who wouldn't dream of voting Tory or GOP if not led by Boris or Trump (the type of people Nigel wouldn't be seen dead mixing socially with so it comes as a bit of a surprise to him they exist)
    You'd be surprised, young HY.

    It's obvious why they might vote for Trump.
    But you still don't explain why they'd vote for the Senate Democrat, not the MAGA one.
    As they voted Democrat before Trump, are often Irish or Italian America from families which revered FDR and JFK and voted for Clinton, Obama, Gore and mostly even Kerry. So when Trump is not on the ballot they go back to their natural Democrat allegiance.

    There will also be a few macho black men who prefer Trump to Harris even if they still vote Democrat otherwise
  • MattWMattW Posts: 23,474
    Leon said:

    By far the poshest Japanese meal I’ve ever eaten

    One of the more famous ryokans in the country. That’s the famous snow crab steaming away there

    My room in peak season costs £2000 a night


    I love the way they measure it in "clusters" of three legs and a claw:

    One of these clusters comprises three legs and a claw plus the meaty shoulder and will provide two starters or a generous serving for one. They make an impressive sight, are fun to eat and include the star prize of sweet white meat.

    It's like my favourite joke from the Soaraway Sun's old Rotspot (now American Bully spot):

    What's got four legs and an arm?
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,632
    Nigelb said:


    Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419

    This is why we needed a directly elected dictator elected on a 15 year term.

    Any government that changes council tax bands/valuations will lose the next election.

    Ditto any government that tries to merge income tax and NI.
    So why didn't the last government just do it ?

    I've never understood why dying government with a couple of years to go to what's almost certainly going to be an electoral thrashing, don't have a look at stuff like this.

    There's stuff that almost everyone agrees would be a good idea, but is just 'too unpopular in the short term'. Why don't they just do it, and get the plaudits of the historians ?
    I guess there are two issues. In the particular of the Sunak government the evidence seems to be that he genuinely believed he could turn things around and when he realised he couldn't it was too late and he threw in the towel.

    And more generally, there's a big perceived difference between losing narrowly and losing heavily (or a heavy defeat and a wipeout). It would have been better for the country if Sunak had reformed council tax and merged NI with income tax, but pissing off his asset-owning pensioner core vote in that way would have risked sending the Tories down to low double-figure seats behind the Lib Dems and Reform. 121 MPs was a horrendous result, but they're still the official opposition.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    Selebian said:

    glw said:

    RobD said:

    Did I read the other day (on Beeb website I think) that the government is considering copying the EU in banning the sale of devices that don't have standard charging cables?

    I really don't understand why anyone would be so keen to retard technological progress

    It isn't really retarding technological progress. It is removing a perceived profit centre for the manufacturers, reducing electronic waste, and dramatically helping consumers though.
    Yeah, standards are typically good things.
    Standards are good things, but mandatory standards less so. I'm all in favour of USB Type-C replacing things like Micro-B USB on devices that have held off changing, but I do wonder how something like Lightning, which was genuinely superior and innovative when it came out, would be released in a world where USB-C is now mandatory on a whole range of devices.
    The problem is that, with USB-C established as the legal standard, how do you ever change the legal standard to a better one?
    Regulations change to reflect changes in the real world. Weren't HID headlights not technically legal under UK law when developed (but covered by EU regulation, which we had to accept at the time?). Likewise flashing bike lights weren't legal when first available, were they?

    If the USB consortium come up with an improved USB-D connector (as opposed to new standards, i.e. USB-5 using USB-C connector, which is presumably covered already if it's only about the connector form) then that's likely to be made legal, probably with a changeover period where both are permitted.

    It does make it harder for $manufacturer to differentiate by a better connector unique to their products and so reduces the incentive to try (but could you have USB-C and $betterconnector - that would be permitted?).
    Which is why mandatory standards need careful review and updating.

    See the example of US EV charging standards. Which tried to standardise on "Anything but the standard used by the market leader in fast chargers". With a plug that might be the worst standard this century.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,403
    algarkirk said:

    TimS said:

    Anyone posted today’s Techne poll yet?

    LAB: 28% (-1)
    CON: 25% (+1)
    RFM: 19% (=)
    LDM: 13% (+1)
    GRN: 7% (=)
    SNP: 2% (=)

    Via @techneUK, 16-17 Oct.
    Changes w/ 9-10 Oct.


    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1847231455258124325?s=46

    Notable largely for having the lowest LabCon score of any poll yet. 53% vs 47% for the SPLORG.

    The SPLORG is drawing closer.

    And SPLORG is a monster that Lab/Con do not wish to discuss or draw attention to.

    While I think it is improbable that this massive downward trend for Lab+Con will continue - they are already down 6 points since the 2024 election and 29 points down from the 2017 GE, it is not at all impossible. A next thinkable phase is that just as the populist opinion has switched to declaring it will vote Reform, centrist opinion could combine around the LDs. If tnat occurred SPLORG could go over 50, and at that figure there is something like a tipping point which gets noticed more widely than the wonks and anoraks.
    I doubt it, the LDs are not trusted by centre left voters after the coalition and right of centre opponents of Labour will vote Tory or Reform still.

    At general elections the LD vote remains largely upper middle class centrist Remainers, it is Reform eating into the white working class vote however
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
    Trump gets similar voters as Boris did ie Leave voting white working class voters who wouldn't dream of voting Tory or GOP if not led by Boris or Trump (the type of people Nigel wouldn't be seen dead mixing socially with so it comes as a bit of a surprise to him they exist)
    You'd be surprised, young HY.

    It's obvious why they might vote for Trump.
    But you still don't explain why they'd vote for the Senate Democrat, not the MAGA one.
    As they voted Democrat before Trump, are often Irish or Italian America from families which revered FDR and JFK and voted for Clinton, Obama, Gore and mostly even Kerry. So when Trump is not on the ballot they go back to their natural Democrat allegiance.

    There will also be a few macho black men who prefer Trump to Harris even if they still vote Democrat otherwise
    I recall the accounts of the Trump Whitehouse on election night - insiders noted the number of rap stars on the invite list for the party.

    I bet that Mr Diddy votes MAGA.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,403
    edited October 18

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus.

    I think that an overlooked outcome is one where the Democrats take the House, hold the Senate, but Trump wins the Presidency.

    The polls seem to be pointing to Trump outperforming Republican Senate candidates in quite a large number of states. I guess the alternative outcomes are that the Senate candidates ride Trump's coattails to victory (despite the polls), or it's only the Presidential polls that are being distorted in Trump's favour, and we're about to see a Democrat landslide that might give them control of Presidency, House and Senate.
    I think Haley would have outperformed Trump as she does better with Independents and white women than him but yes De Santis or Pence would probably have underperformed Trump as they have less appeal than him with Independents and the white working class and African American and Latino men
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524
    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    HYUFD said:

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    I suspect two groups that don't really exist in UK politics but do in the US

    Non partisans who admire any business leader
    Those who don't want a female leader
    Trump gets similar voters as Boris did ie Leave voting white working class voters who wouldn't dream of voting Tory or GOP if not led by Boris or Trump (the type of people Nigel wouldn't be seen dead mixing socially with so it comes as a bit of a surprise to him they exist)
    You'd be surprised, young HY.

    It's obvious why they might vote for Trump.
    But you still don't explain why they'd vote for the Senate Democrat, not the MAGA one.
    As they voted Democrat before Trump, are often Irish or Italian America from families which revered FDR and JFK and voted for Clinton, Obama, Gore and mostly even Kerry. So when Trump is not on the ballot they go back to their natural Democrat allegiance.

    There will also be a few macho black men who prefer Trump to Harris even if they still vote Democrat otherwise
    A far more parsimonious explanation is that it's a polling artefact.
    In the current hyper polarised US political environment, I don't buy yours.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 23,474

    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.

    Currently half price on Amazon.

    Who is the publisher that swallowed Johnson's shtick?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580

    Nigelb said:


    Dan Neidle
    @DanNeidle

    It is the year 3000. Council tax applies on all colonised planets based on valuations from 1991. Or we could reform property tax.

    https://x.com/DanNeidle/status/1847186366666338419

    This is why we needed a directly elected dictator elected on a 15 year term.

    Any government that changes council tax bands/valuations will lose the next election.

    Ditto any government that tries to merge income tax and NI.
    So why didn't the last government just do it ?

    I've never understood why dying government with a couple of years to go to what's almost certainly going to be an electoral thrashing, don't have a look at stuff like this.

    There's stuff that almost everyone agrees would be a good idea, but is just 'too unpopular in the short term'. Why don't they just do it, and get the plaudits of the historians ?
    I guess there are two issues. In the particular of the Sunak government the evidence seems to be that he genuinely believed he could turn things around and when he realised he couldn't it was too late and he threw in the towel.

    And more generally, there's a big perceived difference between losing narrowly and losing heavily (or a heavy defeat and a wipeout). It would have been better for the country if Sunak had reformed council tax and merged NI with income tax, but pissing off his asset-owning pensioner core vote in that way would have risked sending the Tories down to low double-figure seats behind the Lib Dems and Reform. 121 MPs was a horrendous result, but they're still the official opposition.
    It's worth considering that the final result showed that it wasn't impossible for the Conservatives to have won the election. Unlikely, given the competence of the front bench, but not physically impossible. Gaining 5% from Labour is not in Venus-de-Milo-grows-arms-and-waves territory.

    Such a turn around would have had to have happened well before the election, of course.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 22,198
    DavidL said:

    Unsurprising (now) news from the USA - Mr Trump has pulled out of yet another interview. That is I think four or five in a week. He also pulled out of a NRA rally. I've made a joke of this but it really is quite notable. Are they trying to cruise to victory or is he really so weak and vulnerable that his staff don't trust hium out on his own and are able to stop him over-ruling them. Just very odd. Meanwhile Harris and camp seem to be doing exactly what you would expect a campaign to do in a tight race. Even if you think you are ahead you should work and act like you are behind.

    The 538 figures this morning are 52:48 in favour of Harris, the lowest I have seen for some considerable time. Those numbers do ring a bell though...
    The Devil's Ratio...
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus.

    I think that an overlooked outcome is one where the Democrats take the House, hold the Senate, but Trump wins the Presidency.

    The polls seem to be pointing to Trump outperforming Republican Senate candidates in quite a large number of states. I guess the alternative outcomes are that the Senate candidates ride Trump's coattails to victory (despite the polls), or it's only the Presidential polls that are being distorted in Trump's favour, and we're about to see a Democrat landslide that might give them control of Presidency, House and Senate.
    There's also the phenomenon of people deliberately splitting their vote. And in US politics, Senators often have a personal vote that crosses party affiliation.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 23,474
    edited October 18
    OT: Has anyone had Chuckleberries?

    What are they like?

    (Background: it's time to stock up with berries for the winter/spring for things that did badly, and the Chuckleberries are £38 for 12 kg, which is inexpensive enough that I can make about a year's worth of Chuckleberry Vinegar with half of them. Blueberries are £18 for 2kg. Quite the difference.)
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,629

    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.

    Number 5 (Bunny vs Monkey: The Great Big Glitch) is a better read.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    MattW said:

    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.

    Currently half price on Amazon.

    Who is the publisher that swallowed Johnson's shtick?
    There is a long, long history of publishers paying well over the odds for political memoirs.

    It might be linked {Innocent face} to the phenomenon of people paying vast sums for ex-politicians to speak at their events.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 3,893
    MattW said:

    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.

    Currently half price on Amazon.

    Who is the publisher that swallowed Johnson's shtick?
    Ewww........
  • Leon said:

    Nigelb said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Damn these infernal Nipponese, but that really is the best beef I’ve ever had

    I’ve always been unimpressed by Wagyu until now. But never had it in Japan. I guess when you are very near Kobe…..

    That is probably because you haven't had the proper stuff....Stuff labelled as Wagyu in the West is commonly not real Wagyu. In the 80s the Japanese exported a small number of their cattle to the West, which were then interbred and allowed producers to call it Wagyu despite neither the same conditions and now being about as Wagyu as Elizabeth Warren is Native American.
    I clearly haven’t

    This is a different breed of meat, entirely, literally and metaphorically

    it’s like steak times a million, in the fever dream of a Highlands starveling. So soft and so rich, intense in the best way

    If I may elevate the tone, this steak is to normal steak what a blow job is to a wank. With this one you just lie back and sigh with pleasure….

    WOW
    Dunno, I've had a few terrible blow jobs in my time.
    Like bad steak, overly chewy ?
    That’s what I was trying to convey in my metaphor!

    OK now I am off to look at naked Japanese men in a hot tub
    My lad went off by himself to a couple of sento while we were in Japan. The first one was a small one full of locals in a quiet part of Kyoto. He said it was really peaceful and relaxing, and that he was the only Westerner there. The next evening, he went to a more upmarket one, but when he got back, he complained that there were loud tourists there who weren't behaving properly. I think he must have a Japanese soul.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,244

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus.

    I think that an overlooked outcome is one where the Democrats take the House, hold the Senate, but Trump wins the Presidency.

    The polls seem to be pointing to Trump outperforming Republican Senate candidates in quite a large number of states. I guess the alternative outcomes are that the Senate candidates ride Trump's coattails to victory (despite the polls), or it's only the Presidential polls that are being distorted in Trump's favour, and we're about to see a Democrat landslide that might give them control of Presidency, House and Senate.
    There's also the phenomenon of people deliberately splitting their vote. And in US politics, Senators often have a personal vote that crosses party affiliation.
    People are willing to head over from their "natural" party for Governor, less so for the senate and not really at all for the presidency.
  • Election Maps UK

    Aggregate Result of the 92 Council By-Elections (for 94 Seats) Since the 2024 General Election:

    LAB: 34 (-17)
    CON: 28 (+12)
    LDM: 14 (-1)
    GRN: 6 (+3)
    IND: 5 (-2)
    SNP: 4 (+3)
    PLC: 2 (+1)
    RFM: 1 (+1)
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 50,580
    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    I suppose it's possible that a whole heap of Trump voters simply won't bother with the GOP Senate candidate ?

    But who the eff are the Trump/Casey voters ?

    Pennsylvania Polling:

    Pres:
    Harris (D): 46%
    Trump (R): 45%

    Sen:
    Casey (D): 48%
    McCormick (R): 39%

    U. Mass Lowell / Oct 9, 2024 / n=800

    https://x.com/USA_Polling/status/1846940328827244744

    They are the people PB can't fathom. The people for whom Trump is a reason to vote Republican. The reason why any other Republican would quite possibly lose this Presidential election quite handily, rather than romp home as per the PB consensus.

    I think that an overlooked outcome is one where the Democrats take the House, hold the Senate, but Trump wins the Presidency.

    The polls seem to be pointing to Trump outperforming Republican Senate candidates in quite a large number of states. I guess the alternative outcomes are that the Senate candidates ride Trump's coattails to victory (despite the polls), or it's only the Presidential polls that are being distorted in Trump's favour, and we're about to see a Democrat landslide that might give them control of Presidency, House and Senate.
    There's also the phenomenon of people deliberately splitting their vote. And in US politics, Senators often have a personal vote that crosses party affiliation.
    People are willing to head over from their "natural" party for Governor, less so for the senate and not really at all for the presidency.
    Yes. For example there was some hilarious polling/focus group stuff around Bernie Sanders, back when he The Thing, from his home state. Essentially, a chunk of MAGA "Handed my soul to Trump" types had voted for Sanders in every Senatorial race....
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,524
    edited October 18
    carnforth said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    Seriously


    Hors d'oeuvres:

    Yurine akebi, saury fish yuan yaki, eggplant

    Persimmon fu, ginkgo bulb spear, salmon sushi

    Chestnut sesame tofu, shibukawa-ni, matsuba needle

    Persimmon & daikon radish with dressing

    C’mon, PB, who doesn’t like a nice matsuba needle, especially with persimmon fu

    What is it? Pine?

    If I google it I get a load of stuff about decorative arts and crafts.
    I’ve no idea, I just wolfed it all down like a pleb, and it was good

    I was hungry

    However my hunger slowed enough for me to acknowledge one singular truth: I will never understand the Asian culinary worship of the abalone. It’s a rubbery piece of fuck. It’s like eating an old bathtoy. Always

    Yet they pay squiillions for it
    We in the west have happily adopted Asian flavours into our culinary palette. But we are still (and I include myself in this) wary of Asian textures, many of which remain odd and alien.
    Short personal list:

    Anything chewy but savory.
    Things which claim to be sweet but are only slightly sweet.
    Glutinous sauces, especially if transparent.
    Glasses of warm water.
    Vegetable dishes served accidentally cold.
    Congee.
    How many of these tastes originated from foods of necessity ?
    Intestine based dishes, for example, (like the stuffed intestine Korean 'sundae'), are hugely popular in a way they just aren't (andouillette notwithstanding) in the west.

    S Korea has restaurants which specialise in beef innards.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,900

    MattW said:

    Boris Johnson’s memoir, Unleashed, sold 42,528 copies in its opening week after being published on 10 October, making it the bestselling book of last week.

    I am sure our correspondent from the Flint Knappers Weekly told us this was flying off the shelves at a rate similar to Prince Harry's Spare....which sold 10x in the first week. I think might have fallen for some spin from the insiders trying to save face.

    40k is more than Cameron and everybody since, but its not Thatcher or Blair level. They are never getting their £3 million back.

    Currently half price on Amazon.

    Who is the publisher that swallowed Johnson's shtick?
    There is a long, long history of publishers paying well over the odds for political memoirs.

    It might be linked {Innocent face} to the phenomenon of people paying vast sums for ex-politicians to speak at their events.
    Don't forget there is serialization rights.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 3,893
    Hardly surprising, Ascot is contained within Windsor constituency, the one remaining Tory seat in Berkshire. It was one of the few remaining Tory council wards which survived the libdem onslaught on W&M council election.
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