Staying power – politicalbetting.com

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Staying power – politicalbetting.com

NEW from @IpsosUK: How likely are Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch to lead their parties into the next election?StarmerLikely 52%Unlikely 29%BadenochLikely 36%Unlikely 38%https://t.co/EKi7YYc6fD pic.twitter.com/xitAdDNoNC

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RochdalePioneers

First (to leave)

bondegezou

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Fishing

It's only really difficult for Labour to replace leaders if they are election losers.

They kept Corbyn after he'd lost an election but replaced Blair who hadn't.

If they want to get rid of somebody, they can, but the Party generally prioritises ideological purity over winning.

Sandpit

If a bookie is only offering one side of a bet, then that bet is likely to be massively in their favour.

Sandpit

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

bondegezou

Fishing said:

It's only really difficult for Labour to replace leaders if they are election losers.

They kept Corbyn after he'd lost an election but replaced Blair who hadn't.

If they want to get rid of somebody, they can, but the Party generally prioritises ideological purity over winning.

Blair was leader of the Labour Party for 13 years. It’s not like they got rid of him prematurely. Your conclusion is bizarre.

ydoethur

Why oh why do these idiots keep talking blandly about ‘the average bill?’

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz6jvl9w7p6o

I don’t want to know what the ‘average bill’ is. I want to know the standing charge and the unit rate so I can work out what my bill will be.

But it’s very difficult to find it, rendering the whole exercise useless.

StillWaters

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

Is she the one what was completely outmanoeuvred by Disney?

DecrepiterJohnL

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

With regard to prosecuting Trump, the new AG's priority will be determining that nothing gets done.

TheScreamingEagles

Sandpit said:

If a bookie is only offering one side of a bet, then that bet is likely to be massively in their favour.

Well somebody has been in touch and turns out Ladbrokes do offer both sides of the bets, see my edit to the thread header.

Nigelb

Trump picks Pam Bondi for next attorney general

https://thehill.com/homenews/5003675-trump-pam-bondi-attorney-general/
President-elect Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his next nominee to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bondi was a swift pick just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew himself from consideration for the role.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose ..

On her past form, that will be acting as Trump's personal lawyer.
Any weaponisation is likely to be in the opposite direction.

Nigelb

Casey has conceded in the PA Senate race.
53/47 Senate.

noneoftheabove

Nigelb said:

Trump picks Pam Bondi for next attorney general

https://thehill.com/homenews/5003675-trump-pam-bondi-attorney-general/
President-elect Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his next nominee to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bondi was a swift pick just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew himself from consideration for the role.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose ..

On her past form, that will be acting as Trump's personal lawyer.
Any weaponisation is likely to be in the opposite direction.

Will her opponents be able to successfully surf the maga waves?

DecrepiterJohnL

Starmer will retire around the time of the next general election, 2028 or 2029. Trouble for betting purposes is that I cannot predict which is more likely.

But he is not a natural politician and does not seem to be enjoying it. In addition, he will be 66 at the election which is older than any Prime Minister when they retired, going back as far as Jim Callaghan.

ydoethur

noneoftheabove said:

Nigelb said:

Trump picks Pam Bondi for next attorney general

https://thehill.com/homenews/5003675-trump-pam-bondi-attorney-general/
President-elect Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his next nominee to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bondi was a swift pick just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew himself from consideration for the role.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose ..

On her past form, that will be acting as Trump's personal lawyer.
Any weaponisation is likely to be in the opposite direction.

Will her opponents be able to successfully surf the maga waves?

More likely they’ll be reduced to serfdom.

Dopermean

Given the conservatives' track record, the odds for Badenoch look more attractive than the odds on Starmer.
Betfair has a year replaced market which offers better odds for Badenoch fans.

Nigelb

noneoftheabove said:

Nigelb said:

Trump picks Pam Bondi for next attorney general

https://thehill.com/homenews/5003675-trump-pam-bondi-attorney-general/
President-elect Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his next nominee to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Bondi was a swift pick just hours after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew himself from consideration for the role.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose ..

On her past form, that will be acting as Trump's personal lawyer.
Any weaponisation is likely to be in the opposite direction.

Will her opponents be able to successfully surf the maga waves?

The only confident predictions I have are that she'll be far more effective than Merrick Garland - and far less principled.

Foxy

I think Starmer will stand down in 2028 if the polling is still poor, but voluntarily. My money is on Phillipson, though Rayner is a possibility. She has become increasingly good at PMQs, and has what Starmer lacks: charisma and personality.

The Tories are so short of talent that they might have to stick to Badenoch. The alternatives are all worse.

Theuniondivvie

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

How to get things done appears to be by polishing Trump’s balls. Shows a certain realism if nothing else.

bondegezou

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

With regard to prosecuting Trump, the new AG's priority will be determining that nothing gets done.

While Florida AG, she received a $25,000 donation from Trump and then, 4 days later, announced that Florida would not be pursuing a case against the fraudulent Trump University.

noneoftheabove

bondegezou said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

With regard to prosecuting Trump, the new AG's priority will be determining that nothing gets done.

While Florida AG, she received a $25,000 donation from Trump and then, 4 days later, announced that Florida would not be pursuing a case against the fraudulent Trump University.

6 days later she probably found out the cheque had bounced.

DecrepiterJohnL

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

DecrepiterJohnL

Foxy said:

I think Starmer will stand down in 2028 if the polling is still poor, but voluntarily. My money is on Phillipson, though Rayner is a possibility. She has become increasingly good at PMQs, and has what Starmer lacks: charisma and personality.

The Tories are so short of talent that they might have to stick to Badenoch. The alternatives are all worse.

It might pay to keep an eye on former Conservative ministers standing in by-elections.

DavidL

Really smart single from Head. Get off strike until Bumrah is finished.

Nigelb

noneoftheabove said:

bondegezou said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

With regard to prosecuting Trump, the new AG's priority will be determining that nothing gets done.

While Florida AG, she received a $25,000 donation from Trump and then, 4 days later, announced that Florida would not be pursuing a case against the fraudulent Trump University.

6 days later she probably found out the cheque had bounced.

The donation was from his non profit foundation, and therefore illegal.
She probably claimed ignorance of the law.

Foxy

Dopermean said:

Given the conservatives' track record, the odds for Badenoch look more attractive than the odds on Starmer.
Betfair has a year replaced market which offers better odds for Badenoch fans.

There doesn't look much value in the Badenoch market, but I think 8 for Starmer going in 2028 is reasonable value.

Foxy

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Foxy said:

I think Starmer will stand down in 2028 if the polling is still poor, but voluntarily. My money is on Phillipson, though Rayner is a possibility. She has become increasingly good at PMQs, and has what Starmer lacks: charisma and personality.

The Tories are so short of talent that they might have to stick to Badenoch. The alternatives are all worse.

It might pay to keep an eye on former Conservative ministers standing in by-elections.

Mordant or Johnson are possibilities I suppose, but both had their shot and blew it, several times.

Taz

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

How many of us have money invested in Blackrock and/or Vanguard funds.

I certainly have.

Morris_Dancer

Dr. Foxy, I'd be reluctant to lock cash up for four years for a bet at 8, to be honest. That said, it might be, as you say, value.

Taz

Good Morning all from Sunny Cape Verde. A whiskey and a cuppa on the balcony and this mornings Sweeney episode is ‘Trap’.

ydoethur

Doesn't make any difference where Smith bats, he still gets out fast.

Taz

noneoftheabove said:

bondegezou said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

With regard to prosecuting Trump, the new AG's priority will be determining that nothing gets done.

While Florida AG, she received a $25,000 donation from Trump and then, 4 days later, announced that Florida would not be pursuing a case against the fraudulent Trump University.

6 days later she probably found out the cheque had bounced.

A Gregory ?

Should have been cash.

DecrepiterJohnL

Taz said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

How many of us have money invested in Blackrock and/or Vanguard funds.

I certainly have.

I've heard they are looking for a new economist!

Scott_xP

Taz said:

A Gregory ?

Should have been cash.

Allegedly Gaetz was paying for his hookers and blow with Venmo

Cash would have been much safer...

Theuniondivvie

On Trump’s cult, I had lunch with a few pals yesterday, two of whom taught at Glasgow School of Art. Turns out Trump’s vp of his Aberdeen operation is a graduate of said school. In those days she was a dungaree wearing lefty feminist and an interesting painter by all accounts, now it’s ‘He’s a visionary, I love the man.’

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/donald-trump-faithful-scottish-agent-golf-sarah-malone-l33wlngz3

It’s striking from the point of view of life’s weird trajectories, but also the semi religious aspect to many of his followers.

Taz

I really hope Linda McMahon gets a real grilling over what she knew about the allegations against her husband and John Laurinaitas which caused VKM to exit the WWE, as well as the alleged numerous compromise agreements/pay offs to previous complainants.

https://x.com/stephmcmahon/status/1859730259245138028?s=61

Nigelb

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

Taz

Scott_xP said:

Taz said:

A Gregory ?

Should have been cash.

Allegedly Gaetz was paying for his hookers and blow with Venmo

Cash would have been much safer...

What a mug.

You see @Anabobazina cash is useful.

Taz

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Taz said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

How many of us have money invested in Blackrock and/or Vanguard funds.

I certainly have.

I've heard they are looking for a new economist!

Plenty of them in the govt.

rkrkrk

Since we only ever hear from one side of this 'debate' - here's a paper published in cell showing genetic evidence indicating wet market spillover: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00901-2

https://www.yahoo.com/news/where-did-covid-19-originate-090000593.html

"The scientists say the new evidence makes the laboratory leak hypothesis incredibly difficult to support.

All of the data analyzed in the recent study — the early cases and proximity to the market, the location of animals, and the two independent spillovers into the human population, occurring weeks apart in late 2019 — points to COVID-19 originating at the market."

HYUFD

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

ydoethur

Nigelb said:

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

Well, she spent much of her time in the House displaying cocks.

Foxy

Nigelb said:

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

If anyone can sort our the Jewish Space Laser problem, then surely it is the combination of MTG and Musk.

It wouldn't surprise me if they no longer exist by the end of 2025.

HYUFD

Kemi will last until the general election. First she is only the third Tory leader this century to win both the Tory MP and Tory members vote so has the party behind her. Second she is already ahead in some polls of Labour, a spectacular turnaround from July. Whether she is Maggie Thatcher 2 or Ed Miliband 2 remains to be seen but both lasted a full parliament as Opposition Leader even if only Thatcher won the general election.

Starmer will also survive. He is now very unpopular but Labour are less ruthless than the Tories and even the LDs in replacing their leaders midterm

Taz

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Taz

Foxy said:

Nigelb said:

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

If anyone can sort our the Jewish Space Laser problem, then surely it is the combination of MTG and Musk.

It wouldn't surprise me if they no longer exist by the end of 2025.

Given she told that moron Maitlis to ‘fuck off’ she’s not all bad.

LostPassword

Well. That's a problem I never expected to have to deal with.

The damn coal was frozen!

Christ my fingers hurt now.

HYUFD

Foxy said:

I think Starmer will stand down in 2028 if the polling is still poor, but voluntarily. My money is on Phillipson, though Rayner is a possibility. She has become increasingly good at PMQs, and has what Starmer lacks: charisma and personality.

The Tories are so short of talent that they might have to stick to Badenoch. The alternatives are all worse.

If Starmer resigned the Blairites and Mandelson would try and ensure Streeting replaced him.

Though many Labour members would want Rayner

Theuniondivvie

Why are they sitting on adult baby chairs?

‘Bobby not like nutritionists, they smelly doody pies, waah, waah!l’

https://x.com/accountablegop/status/1859706872720199998?s=61&t=LYVEHh2mqFy1oUJAdCfe-Q

Morris_Dancer

Mr. rkrkrk, I do wonder with things like that how much primary evidence comes through the sieve of Chinese official filtration.

Scott_xP

Foxy said:

Nigelb said:

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

If anyone can sort our the Jewish Space Laser problem, then surely it is the combination of MTG and Musk.

It wouldn't surprise me if they no longer exist by the end of 2025.

No more hurricanes directed at Republican states...

Leon

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

HYUFD

Fishing said:

It's only really difficult for Labour to replace leaders if they are election losers.

They kept Corbyn after he'd lost an election but replaced Blair who hadn't.

If they want to get rid of somebody, they can, but the Party generally prioritises ideological purity over winning.

To be fair to Corbyn he had made big gains in 2017 and got a hung parliament.

Blair resigned he was not defeated for the leadership and only after ten years as PM and three general election victories for Gordon Brown by coronation

Malmesbury

Foxy said:

Nigelb said:

Should go well.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tapped to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as new DOGE subcommittee chair
https://x.com/CNBC/status/1859618882069180790

If anyone can sort our the Jewish Space Laser problem, then surely it is the combination of MTG and Musk.

It wouldn't surprise me if they no longer exist by the end of 2025.

Alternatively, Trump decides that Israel needs orbital laser weapons.

HYUFD

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Taz

Bud light ad just dropped

Mocking woke stuff after that terrible ad with that cross dressing bloke in a Bath

https://x.com/ianonpatriot/status/1859590446218899896?s=61

ydoethur

HYUFD said:

Fishing said:

It's only really difficult for Labour to replace leaders if they are election losers.

They kept Corbyn after he'd lost an election but replaced Blair who hadn't.

If they want to get rid of somebody, they can, but the Party generally prioritises ideological purity over winning.

To be fair to Corbyn he had made big gains in 2017 and got a hung parliament.

Blair resigned he was not defeated for the leadership and only after ten years as PM and three general election victories for Gordon Brown by coronation

They also didn't dump Wilson or Callaghan after 1970 and 1979,* or Attlee after 1951, or Kinnock after 1987.

The challenge to Corbyn is I think the closest any sitting Labour leader who had not made the prior decision to leave has come to being actually unseated by the party since Lansbury in 1935, and it failed.

*Callaghan did resign, rather more than a year later.

Taz

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Labour wants to access our pensions pots to drive growth. Returns for pensioners see, a secondary consideration. Makes sense to court these guys.

Malmesbury

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Traditionally, Labour has a strong dislike for small business. And a surprisingly good relationship with really big companies.

Then again, this government appears to be cosplaying New Labour.

HYUFD

Taz said:

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Yes, I expect many crossings to North London and the Cotswolds and Starmer's UK from blue states in the US before Trump's inauguration in January.

Though by first class plane cabin over the Atlantic rather than boat across the Med and Channel

Peter_the_Punter

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Pensioners did ok in the last budget, H. Suppose I shouldn't complain, but it wasn't what I expected, or would have done myself.

ydoethur

Marsh sucked in.

A lot riding on Labuschagne here.

Malmesbury

HYUFD said:

Taz said:

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Yes, I expect many crossings to North London and the Cotswolds and Starmer's UK from blue states in the US before Trump's inauguration in January.

Though by first class plane cabin over the Atlantic rather than boat across the Med and Channel

So we could divert the flights to Rwanda?

ydoethur

HYUFD said:

Taz said:

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Yes, I expect many crossings to North London and the Cotswolds and Starmer's UK from blue states in the US before Trump's inauguration in January.

Though by first class plane cabin over the Atlantic rather than boat across the Med and Channel

Does that mean we can arrest Trump and Richard Branson for people smuggling?

FeersumEnjineeya

Theuniondivvie said:

On Trump’s cult, I had lunch with a few pals yesterday, two of whom taught at Glasgow School of Art. Turns out Trump’s vp of his Aberdeen operation is a graduate of said school. In those days she was a dungaree wearing lefty feminist and an interesting painter by all accounts, now it’s ‘He’s a visionary, I love the man.’

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/donald-trump-faithful-scottish-agent-golf-sarah-malone-l33wlngz3

It’s striking from the point of view of life’s weird trajectories, but also the semi religious aspect to many of his followers.

Sadly, the human psyche seems to be hardwired to want to believe in a messiah. Hence religion, cults, etc. I guess it must have once served some evolutionary purpose, like racism, but it's really holding us back as a species now.

HYUFD

Malmesbury said:

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Traditionally, Labour has a strong dislike for small business. And a surprisingly good relationship with really big companies.

Then again, this government appears to be cosplaying New Labour.

Blair Labour before that the unions were put ahead of business large or small.

Though New Labour never hit pensioners and farmers like Starmer Labour has.

Malmesbury

ydoethur said:

HYUFD said:

Taz said:

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Yes, I expect many crossings to North London and the Cotswolds and Starmer's UK from blue states in the US before Trump's inauguration in January.

Though by first class plane cabin over the Atlantic rather than boat across the Med and Channel

Does that mean we can arrest Trump and Richard Branson for people smuggling?

Ah yes. Richard Branson.

Has anyone else being remembering the Private Eye stories about him? In light of the similarity of some of the stories relating to other famous people, recently.

HYUFD

Peter_the_Punter said:

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Pensioners did ok in the last budget, H. Suppose I shouldn't complain, but it wasn't what I expected, or would have done myself.

The winter fuel allowance cut still has not been forgiven

Pulpstar

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

rottenborough

HYUFD said:

Kemi will last until the general election. First she is only the third Tory leader this century to win both the Tory MP and Tory members vote so has the party behind her. Second she is already ahead in some polls of Labour, a spectacular turnaround from July. Whether she is Maggie Thatcher 2 or Ed Miliband 2 remains to be seen but both lasted a full parliament as Opposition Leader even if only Thatcher won the general election.

Starmer will also survive. He is now very unpopular but Labour are less ruthless than the Tories and even the LDs in replacing their leaders midterm

Haven't the tories quietly changed the rules so that 30% of MPs need to be sending letters to whoever has replaced Brady?

Dopermean

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

If their aim is for Siri to be as useful as ChatGPT then they're definitely fucked!
"I don't know how to do that yet."
"say an address starting with the city first. Navigating to Nottingham, distance is 17 miles"

Malmesbury

ydoethur said:

HYUFD said:

Taz said:

HYUFD said:

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her partner have fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump's win
"Ellen Degeneres ‘has fled LA for the Cotswolds following Trump’s win and criticism’ | The Standard" https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/ellen-degeneres-us-cotswolds-england-donald-trump-election-b1195352.html

I guess this refugee from a govt she didn’t like didn’t have to come over from France on a boat.

Yes, I expect many crossings to North London and the Cotswolds and Starmer's UK from blue states in the US before Trump's inauguration in January.

Though by first class plane cabin over the Atlantic rather than boat across the Med and Channel

Does that mean we can arrest Trump and Richard Branson for people smuggling?

Do you think that Ellen Degeneres would tolerate the kind of 3 star hotel where "The Gym" is next to the 10m (but indoor) swimming pool? And then there is the menu - apparently the government has a default of feeding asylum seekers Dominos pizza.

Peter_the_Punter

HYUFD said:

Peter_the_Punter said:

HYUFD said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

I'm determined to deliver growth, create wealth and put more money in people’s pockets.

This can only be achieved by working in partnership with leading businesses, like BlackRock, to capitalise on the UK’s position as a world leading hub for investment.
https://x.com/keir_starmer/status/1859682871876911310?s=46

We'll keep the Blackrock flag flying here.

So Blackrock in but pensioners, miners and farmers out.

This certainly isn't your father's or grandad's Labour party

Pensioners did ok in the last budget, H. Suppose I shouldn't complain, but it wasn't what I expected, or would have done myself.

The winter fuel allowance cut still has not been forgiven

By whom?

Pulpstar

rottenborough said:

HYUFD said:

Kemi will last until the general election. First she is only the third Tory leader this century to win both the Tory MP and Tory members vote so has the party behind her. Second she is already ahead in some polls of Labour, a spectacular turnaround from July. Whether she is Maggie Thatcher 2 or Ed Miliband 2 remains to be seen but both lasted a full parliament as Opposition Leader even if only Thatcher won the general election.

Starmer will also survive. He is now very unpopular but Labour are less ruthless than the Tories and even the LDs in replacing their leaders midterm

Haven't the tories quietly changed the rules so that 30% of MPs need to be sending letters to whoever has replaced Brady?

Brady's replacement -

Baker Blackman

JosiasJessop

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

It isn't much of an opportunity for them, really. All smartphones have been fairly convergent, since the first iPhone was released. One of the companies has an idea, and it is rapidly stolen by the others if it is seen as being good. Even Apple's advantage with their own ARM chip designs is slowly being whittled away by Qualcomm and others AIUI. Ideas that are less good - such as folding screens - either become a niche or die off.

Also, a great deal of effort is going into things under the hood you don't see: a classic example is trying to reduce power requirements to improve battery life. The user doesn't automatically see that as a new feature, but it can make much more of a difference to users than any headline feature.

Therefore much of the advantage comes down to marketing of your best products. And Apple wins that hands-down, if only because of their rabid fanbois.

Pulpstar

Does the Perth pitch have more landmines than the Ukranian front line or has everyone just forgotten how to bat ?

Leon

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

Malmesbury

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

It isn't much of an opportunity for them, really. All smartphones have been fairly convergent, since the first iPhone was released. One of the companies has an idea, and it is rapidly stolen by the others if it is seen as being good. Even Apple's advantage with their own ARM chip designs is slowly being whittled away by Qualcomm and others AIUI. Ideas that are less good - such as folding screens - either become a niche or die off.

Also, a great deal of effort is going into things under the hood you don't see: a classic example is trying to reduce power requirements to improve battery life. The user doesn't automatically see that as a new feature, but it can make much more of a difference to users than any headline feature.

Therefore much of the advantage comes down to marketing of your best products. And Apple wins that hands-down, if only because of their rabid fanbois.

One big advantage you haven't mentioned, is the integration between their products.

TheScreamingEagles

Leon said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

You’ve not experienced their M3/M4 MacBooks have you?

TheScreamingEagles

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

It isn't much of an opportunity for them, really. All smartphones have been fairly convergent, since the first iPhone was released. One of the companies has an idea, and it is rapidly stolen by the others if it is seen as being good. Even Apple's advantage with their own ARM chip designs is slowly being whittled away by Qualcomm and others AIUI. Ideas that are less good - such as folding screens - either become a niche or die off.

Also, a great deal of effort is going into things under the hood you don't see: a classic example is trying to reduce power requirements to improve battery life. The user doesn't automatically see that as a new feature, but it can make much more of a difference to users than any headline feature.

Therefore much of the advantage comes down to marketing of your best products. And Apple wins that hands-down, if only because of their rabid fanbois.

It’s their seamless switching, I can start something on my MacBook, then pick up very easily on the iPad and the my mobile.

No bloody blue screen of death.

Leon

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

It isn't much of an opportunity for them, really. All smartphones have been fairly convergent, since the first iPhone was released. One of the companies has an idea, and it is rapidly stolen by the others if it is seen as being good. Even Apple's advantage with their own ARM chip designs is slowly being whittled away by Qualcomm and others AIUI. Ideas that are less good - such as folding screens - either become a niche or die off.

Also, a great deal of effort is going into things under the hood you don't see: a classic example is trying to reduce power requirements to improve battery life. The user doesn't automatically see that as a new feature, but it can make much more of a difference to users than any headline feature.

Therefore much of the advantage comes down to marketing of your best products. And Apple wins that hands-down, if only because of their rabid fanbois.

If I may be allowed to briefly discuss AI without being banned - AI is the big difference waiting to happen to smartphones. A phone that will talk to you like a friend - like Claude with ChatGPT’s advanced voice mode - that would be sensational - a friend who knows 50 languages and has read every book in history and can teach you cooking and give you good therapy and watch you draw and give advice - why aren’t Apple at the forefront of introducing this to phones?! The tech is ready

Yet they are saying “maybe in 2026”

MattW

Good morning everyone, and thank-you for the header.

I think (on topic) that it's a Gamalian one: time will tell, and I have no way of knowing.

Except that Sir Starmer needs to get his )((*&^% communications working.

Pulpstar

Bush lasagne falls.

MattW

Pulpstar said:

Bush lasagne falls.

That's .. er .. nebulous.

You found a lasagne in a bush?

Leon

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

You’ve not experienced their M3/M4 MacBooks have you?

I just don’t get on with Apple laptops. I’ve tried


And this is not some anti-Apple agenda. I love my iPad (still amazes me - and it’s still the best tablet). And until now I’ve loved the iPhone

But this is the first time in a long time I’ve looked at Apple and felt “they’re falling behind”

Btw you were right about them junking the old 3.5mm headphone jack. I dissed them for that and you said “wait, it’s clever, everyone will go Bluetooth”

And that’s what happened. So fair dos. You were right on that and I was wrong

But this feels like a major misstep far beyond that

Morris_Dancer

Mr. Leon, if you've got the cash and pair that up with a robot dog, we're not far off (if not there already) from people literally being able to have a walking robotic 'friend' who can chat about the weather and also knows a staggering amount of knowledge.

Even if AI is close to hitting a wall in development, the potential use is something that will have dramatic economic consequences and could have substantial social results too.

Malmesbury

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

You’ve not experienced their M3/M4 MacBooks have you?

I just don’t get on with Apple laptops. I’ve tried


And this is not some anti-Apple agenda. I love my iPad (still amazes me - and it’s still the best tablet). And until now I’ve loved the iPhone

But this is the first time in a long time I’ve looked at Apple and felt “they’re falling behind”

Btw you were right about them junking the old 3.5mm headphone jack. I dissed them for that and you said “wait, it’s clever, everyone will go Bluetooth”

And that’s what happened. So fair dos. You were right on that and I was wrong

But this feels like a major misstep far beyond that

The high end Apple laptops are some of the best personal computers for running LLMs locally.

{Giggles and runs away}

Leon

Morris_Dancer said:

Mr. Leon, if you've got the cash and pair that up with a robot dog, we're not far off (if not there already) from people literally being able to have a walking robotic 'friend' who can chat about the weather and also knows a staggering amount of knowledge.

Even if AI is close to hitting a wall in development, the potential use is something that will have dramatic economic consequences and could have substantial social results too.

There is no wall

another_richard

Remember when we told that Labour would boost wealth creation and used expanding economic growth to fund public services ?

The first survey on the health of the economy after the Budget makes for gloomy reading. Businesses have
reported falling output for the first time in just over a year while employment has now been cut for two
consecutive months. Although only marginal, the downturns in output and hiring represent marked
contrasts to the robust growth rates seen back in the summer and are accompanied by deepening concern
about prospects for the year ahead.

Business optimism has slumped sharply since the General Election, dropping further in November to hit the
lowest since late 2022. Companies are giving a clear 'thumbs down' to the policies announced in the Budget,
especially the planned increase in employers' National Insurance contributions.

The November PMI is indicative of the economy slipping into a modest decline, with GDP dropping at a 0.1%
quarterly rate, but the loss of confidence hints at worse to come – including further job losses – unless sentiment revives.

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f9e85f41afe446ac96c48202368ca978

MattW

Sandpit said:

bondegezou said:

First in, unlike Matt Gaetz

EDIT: Second in, unlike Matt Gaetz

Replaced by Pam Bondi, who’s a State AG who knows how to get stuff done.

Do you have a list of things she's actually got done?

Wikipedia doesn't seem to know about many (though a Wiki page could be slanted or incomplete), and she was on the Trump "voter fraud" bandwagon in 2020, and refused to provide evidence of it when asked to do so.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Bondi

Leon

another_richard said:

Remember when we told that Labour would boost wealth creation and used expanding economic growth to fund public services ?

The first survey on the health of the economy after the Budget makes for gloomy reading. Businesses have
reported falling output for the first time in just over a year while employment has now been cut for two
consecutive months. Although only marginal, the downturns in output and hiring represent marked
contrasts to the robust growth rates seen back in the summer and are accompanied by deepening concern
about prospects for the year ahead.

Business optimism has slumped sharply since the General Election, dropping further in November to hit the
lowest since late 2022. Companies are giving a clear 'thumbs down' to the policies announced in the Budget,
especially the planned increase in employers' National Insurance contributions.

The November PMI is indicative of the economy slipping into a modest decline, with GDP dropping at a 0.1%
quarterly rate, but the loss of confidence hints at worse to come – including further job losses – unless sentiment revives.

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f9e85f41afe446ac96c48202368ca978

Welcome to the endless Labour recession

Thank god the “adults are in the room”

StillWaters

Taz said:

Bud light ad just dropped

Mocking woke stuff after that terrible ad with that cross dressing bloke in a Bath

https://x.com/ianonpatriot/status/1859590446218899896?s=61

That’s actually quite funny

TheScreamingEagles

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

You’ve not experienced their M3/M4 MacBooks have you?

I just don’t get on with Apple laptops. I’ve tried


And this is not some anti-Apple agenda. I love my iPad (still amazes me - and it’s still the best tablet). And until now I’ve loved the iPhone

But this is the first time in a long time I’ve looked at Apple and felt “they’re falling behind”

Btw you were right about them junking the old 3.5mm headphone jack. I dissed them for that and you said “wait, it’s clever, everyone will go Bluetooth”

And that’s what happened. So fair dos. You were right on that and I was wrong

But this feels like a major misstep far beyond that

One thing I like about Apple is that they don’t launch something until they are satisfied it works properly, it is why they haven’t had the problems Samsung have had with the exploding phones or the foldable handsets that broke very easily.

I suspect this is another example of that.

If you are going to switch to Android then wait until February/March when the new flagship Samsung phones launch.

kinabalu

another_richard said:

Remember when we told that Labour would boost wealth creation and used expanding economic growth to fund public services ?

The first survey on the health of the economy after the Budget makes for gloomy reading. Businesses have
reported falling output for the first time in just over a year while employment has now been cut for two
consecutive months. Although only marginal, the downturns in output and hiring represent marked
contrasts to the robust growth rates seen back in the summer and are accompanied by deepening concern
about prospects for the year ahead.

Business optimism has slumped sharply since the General Election, dropping further in November to hit the
lowest since late 2022. Companies are giving a clear 'thumbs down' to the policies announced in the Budget,
especially the planned increase in employers' National Insurance contributions.

The November PMI is indicative of the economy slipping into a modest decline, with GDP dropping at a 0.1%
quarterly rate, but the loss of confidence hints at worse to come – including further job losses – unless sentiment revives.

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f9e85f41afe446ac96c48202368ca978

The notion that tax rises, spending cuts or more borrowing can realistically be avoided by us suddenly discovering how to grow faster is a delusion across the whole of politics.

kinabalu

Leon said:

another_richard said:

Remember when we told that Labour would boost wealth creation and used expanding economic growth to fund public services ?

The first survey on the health of the economy after the Budget makes for gloomy reading. Businesses have
reported falling output for the first time in just over a year while employment has now been cut for two
consecutive months. Although only marginal, the downturns in output and hiring represent marked
contrasts to the robust growth rates seen back in the summer and are accompanied by deepening concern
about prospects for the year ahead.

Business optimism has slumped sharply since the General Election, dropping further in November to hit the
lowest since late 2022. Companies are giving a clear 'thumbs down' to the policies announced in the Budget,
especially the planned increase in employers' National Insurance contributions.

The November PMI is indicative of the economy slipping into a modest decline, with GDP dropping at a 0.1%
quarterly rate, but the loss of confidence hints at worse to come – including further job losses – unless sentiment revives.

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/f9e85f41afe446ac96c48202368ca978

Welcome to the endless Labour recession

Thank god the “adults are in the room”

As if you have a clue about any of it.

another_richard

I suppose Starmer and Reeves can take some comfort that they've not yet damaged the economy to French and German levels.

PMIs:

UK 49.9
Germany 47.3
France 44.8

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Release/PressReleases

kinabalu

another_richard said:

I suppose Starmer and Reeves can take some comfort that they've not yet damaged the economy to French and German levels.

PMIs:

UK 49.9
Germany 47.3
France 44.8

https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Release/PressReleases

There you go. Low growth. It's just how it is.

Fishing

bondegezou said:

Fishing said:

It's only really difficult for Labour to replace leaders if they are election losers.

They kept Corbyn after he'd lost an election but replaced Blair who hadn't.

If they want to get rid of somebody, they can, but the Party generally prioritises ideological purity over winning.

Blair was leader of the Labour Party for 13 years. It’s not like they got rid of him prematurely. Your conclusion is bizarre.

Rubbish. They didn't get rid of him because he'd been there for 13 years. They got rid of him because of his stance on Palestine and Sleazy Levy, not because he was an election loser. They replaced him with the dud Brown, who, unsurprisingly, went on to lose the next election. That's prioritising ideology over winning - I think after three elections and an electoral system in their favour they'd come to take winning for granted.

JosiasJessop

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Leon said:

Pulpstar said:

Leon said:

Can we talk about the absolute mediocrity of the Apple 16 pro max. It’s basically identical to my 13 pro max. Nothing has changed in 3 years. And the big new innovation - “smart Siri, like ChatGPT” - has now apparently been delayed until… 2026

Apple have totally fucked this up. Go short Apple, they’re heading for trouble

I've never bought an Apple product, but they've got almost monopolistic dominance in the US
market I think. Still perhaps opportunity for Google and Samsung if it is as you say.

I genuinely think Apple is in trouble. Siri is SO bad compared to the competition, now. Apple should simply admit defeat and buy better tech off the shelf. They surely have the cash

They’re not the only massive tech company to drop a bollock. How bad is Alexa, still?

NB I have two phone contracts and two devices. For my upgrade on my other phone, for the first time I’m gonna try android, Samsung, Google, SOMETHING ELSE - not Apple

You’ve not experienced their M3/M4 MacBooks have you?

I just don’t get on with Apple laptops. I’ve tried


And this is not some anti-Apple agenda. I love my iPad (still amazes me - and it’s still the best tablet). And until now I’ve loved the iPhone

But this is the first time in a long time I’ve looked at Apple and felt “they’re falling behind”

Btw you were right about them junking the old 3.5mm headphone jack. I dissed them for that and you said “wait, it’s clever, everyone will go Bluetooth”

And that’s what happened. So fair dos. You were right on that and I was wrong

But this feels like a major misstep far beyond that

One thing I like about Apple is that they don’t launch something until they are satisfied it works properly, it is why they haven’t had the problems Samsung have had with the exploding phones or the foldable handsets that broke very easily.

(Snip)

Ahem.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10490572 is a very famous one. (note Apple's response: "the user is holding it wrong." )

Also: https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/11/apple-recalls-and-service-programs/

kinabalu

StillWaters said:

Taz said:

Bud light ad just dropped

Mocking woke stuff after that terrible ad with that cross dressing bloke in a Bath

https://x.com/ianonpatriot/status/1859590446218899896?s=61

That’s actually quite funny

It's a good ad. So was the one that caused the fuss. You have to try different things or everything gets stale.