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The annual St John PB Christmas crossword – politicalbetting.com

13

Comments

  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Nothing will dissuade me from the view the poor quality of new builds in the uk is deliberate to keep the natives depressed and in low vibrational states.

    Low vibrational states? Is that some new(ent) age bullshit?
    I wouldnt expect a philistine like yourself to understand. A low vibrational state is someone acting out of anxiety and fear just the ways the elites like the populace acting.
    On the the other hand, “a high vibrational state” puts me in mind of Hanna from Heat

    https://youtu.be/tqJTeKa6V8A?si=8sjrSFNCe2OCEkzA
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,700
    ohnotnow said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Except for the servants.
    Well if you fancy waking before dawn and being at the beck and call of your social ‘betters’ then by all means become a drudge.
    I think you'll find "valued member of our team" is the HR-friendly version of "drudge". I'd hate to have to send you on those courses. Again.
    No need, my stats at work say I’ve completed all the required courses, including the quizzes at the end. Only had to do most of em three times to find the correct (current accepted) answers too.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,988
    edited December 25

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    I prefer the Barebone's Parliament.

    There is no MP with a better name than Unless-Jesus-Christ-Had-Died-For-Thee-Thou-Hadst-Been-Damned Barbone other than Seymour Cocks.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    CHart said:

    Nothing will dissuade me from the view the poor quality of new builds in the uk is deliberate to keep the natives depressed and in low vibrational states.

    The reason -surely- is simply that developers are profit maximizers.

    How do you maximize the value of a home? You stick as many rooms in as possible, because people pay up for an extra bedroom. And you spend as little money as you can get away with, because ooohhh look, shiny and new means people are unlikely to check the quality of construction.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,481

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Everything set in Wigan is captivating.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Mews houses in london going for millions used to be servant quarters.
    Errr: I think they were stables.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,481

    ohnotnow said:

    So, duck went in the oven...

    I then read cooking instructions...

    "Remove bag of giblets from cavity"

    Duck hastily removed from oven and extraction performed.

    Disaster averted!

    In all my years watching Masterchef (phwoar missus) I've never seen a duck roasted whole. Chefs always chop it up and cook bits separately.
    I recently came across this Michelin Starred chef on YouTube :

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNvua9HJJt8

    Seemed like a pretty decent roast duck recipe.
    The true wonder of our age is not AI but that instructions for everything are on YouTube.
    Yep.
    Got a red string bracelet as a present today.
    Used Google Lens to identify what it was, and a YouTube video of how to put it on.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    rcs1000 said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Mews houses in london going for millions used to be servant quarters.
    Errr: I think they were stables.
    Often carriage storage, as well, I believe. Hence the large (for the time) doors.
  • Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,443

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    *I* did. Pride's Purge created it. But unlike Ydeothur et al, I'm not a professional historian.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,443

    rcs1000 said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Mews houses in london going for millions used to be servant quarters.
    Errr: I think they were stables.
    Often carriage storage, as well, I believe. Hence the large (for the time) doors.
    And fodder storage in the lofts above?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,443

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,700
    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Hang on - I thought it was only venison that was vegan? Is ALL game now vegan?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    Carnyx said:

    rcs1000 said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Mews houses in london going for millions used to be servant quarters.
    Errr: I think they were stables.
    Often carriage storage, as well, I believe. Hence the large (for the time) doors.
    And fodder storage in the lofts above?
    That and stable staff, I think.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,825
    Carnyx said:

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    *I* did. Pride's Purge created it. But unlike Ydeothur et al, I'm not a professional historian.
    Professional historians, outside their own often very specialised field, generally know little more than any other person about history and sometimes rather less.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    Mice. Really big, flying mice.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “Because you are a policeman. There are rules for policemen.”

  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,700
    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    *I* did. Pride's Purge created it. But unlike Ydeothur et al, I'm not a professional historian.
    Professional historians, outside their own often very specialised field, generally know little more than any other person about history and sometimes rather less.
    This is largely true for most professions. Uni academics tend to be very good in their fields, but outside it very much not so good. It takes a genius to be across multiple fields, say LLMs, virology, novel geolocation methods and UAPs all at the same time.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,825

    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    *I* did. Pride's Purge created it. But unlike Ydeothur et al, I'm not a professional historian.
    Professional historians, outside their own often very specialised field, generally know little more than any other person about history and sometimes rather less.
    This is largely true for most professions. Uni academics tend to be very good in their fields, but outside it very much not so good. It takes a genius to be across multiple fields, say LLMs, virology, novel geolocation methods and UAPs all at the same time.
    Or, indeed, AI, travel writing, dildo knapping and virology.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “This is something else”
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051

    ohnotnow said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Except for the servants.
    Well if you fancy waking before dawn and being at the beck and call of your social ‘betters’ then by all means become a drudge.
    I think you'll find "valued member of our team" is the HR-friendly version of "drudge". I'd hate to have to send you on those courses. Again.
    No need, my stats at work say I’ve completed all the required courses, including the quizzes at the end. Only had to do most of em three times to find the correct (current accepted) answers too.
    To save time just ask your self what would I answer if i right on student union person....gives you time to do proper work than answering arsehole quizzes
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “What if he alters the plan?”
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,700
    Pagan2 said:

    ohnotnow said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Except for the servants.
    Well if you fancy waking before dawn and being at the beck and call of your social ‘betters’ then by all means become a drudge.
    I think you'll find "valued member of our team" is the HR-friendly version of "drudge". I'd hate to have to send you on those courses. Again.
    No need, my stats at work say I’ve completed all the required courses, including the quizzes at the end. Only had to do most of em three times to find the correct (current accepted) answers too.
    To save time just ask your self what would I answer if i right on student union person....gives you time to do proper work than answering arsehole quizzes
    The issue is having to click through endless pages to reach said quiz. Once there you can do as you suggest.
    I find it disturbing that there is a ‘correct’ answer and no room for debate in much of the stuff we are required to do.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,825
    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Unusual to find a pheasant that principled.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,700
    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Unusual to find a pheasant that principled.
    Do insects and worms etc count as non- vegan? A pheasant’s diet is mostly grain and insects/worms.
  • Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    The holes in the tail are absolutely caused shrapnel from an explosion external to the aircraft. There is also footage from inside the aircraft also showing shrapnel damage prior to the crash. 100% that plane was shot down.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    Pagan2 said:

    ohnotnow said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Except for the servants.
    Well if you fancy waking before dawn and being at the beck and call of your social ‘betters’ then by all means become a drudge.
    I think you'll find "valued member of our team" is the HR-friendly version of "drudge". I'd hate to have to send you on those courses. Again.
    No need, my stats at work say I’ve completed all the required courses, including the quizzes at the end. Only had to do most of em three times to find the correct (current accepted) answers too.
    To save time just ask your self what would I answer if i right on student union person....gives you time to do proper work than answering arsehole quizzes
    The mindset is a bit more complex, but yes.

    A Russian colleague, who had experienced late stage USSR military, said that I had genuine skill in parroting back what the zampolit was instructing us with.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
    There seemed to be quite a few small holes in various surfaces. Bad mouse infestation?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 28,903

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
    There seemed to be quite a few small holes in various surfaces. Bad mouse infestation?
    Boeing?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    The holes in the tail are absolutely caused shrapnel from an explosion external to the aircraft. There is also footage from inside the aircraft also showing shrapnel damage prior to the crash. 100% that plane was shot down.
    Mice, definitely.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    edited December 25
    “I’ve got 50 bucks on them assholes”
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051

    Pagan2 said:

    ohnotnow said:

    CHart said:

    CHart said:

    Wrt uk housing. These are the types of houses our elites live in. Well built and airy. Then for us plebs we have new builds in newent with tiny rooms in which you can barely swing a cat. We really peaked in georgian times.

    https://x.com/theoldbuilding/status/1871571419391484080

    Are Georgian townhouses all they are cracked up to be? Tiny rooms spread over five floors with no lift. And these days, how will you charge your electric car?
    The nicest flat i ever lived in was in a georgian townhouse. Bright and airy and healthy.
    And who do you think lived in it in a Georgian times? Clue - it wasn’t the working classes.
    Except for the servants.
    Well if you fancy waking before dawn and being at the beck and call of your social ‘betters’ then by all means become a drudge.
    I think you'll find "valued member of our team" is the HR-friendly version of "drudge". I'd hate to have to send you on those courses. Again.
    No need, my stats at work say I’ve completed all the required courses, including the quizzes at the end. Only had to do most of em three times to find the correct (current accepted) answers too.
    To save time just ask your self what would I answer if i right on student union person....gives you time to do proper work than answering arsehole quizzes
    The issue is having to click through endless pages to reach said quiz. Once there you can do as you suggest.
    I find it disturbing that there is a ‘correct’ answer and no room for debate in much of the stuff we are required to do.
    Well that attitude mostly comes from having a university education in my experience....perhaps you should have taught them to be more open minded...oh yes you cant as the student union will organise a sit in till you are censured or some such
  • Nigelb said:

    stjohn said:

    Morning all. Please feel free to solve any of the clues in the comments.

    There are clues in the comments ?!
    One's left (hard) clues in the comments. Confused? Hence let's get left over (10)
    Oh.. one last thing

    This was

    COMMUNIST

    One's left (hard) = communist

    "clues in the comments" is an anagram of "communist hence lets"

    Hence let's gets left over
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “Oh the weather outside is frightful…”
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,753
    Evening all. Hope everyone had/having a great day. Personally, might not need to eat again until Friday or Saturday.
  • maxhmaxh Posts: 1,334
    edited December 25

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Hang on - I thought it was only venison that was vegan? Is ALL game now vegan?
    Best ask @Casino_Royale, our resident expert on what passes muster in the vegan world these days. Doesn't his local specialise in this stuff?

    Merry Christmas everyone, including those on the naughty step.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
    What are all the holes in the fuselage ?
    (Read all the replies.)
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051
    maxh said:

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Hang on - I thought it was only venison that was vegan? Is ALL game now vegan?
    Best ask @Casino_Royale, our resident expert on what passes muster in the vegan world these days. Doesn't his local specialise in this stuff?

    Merry Christmas everyone, including those on the naughty step.
    vegans are vegan they are corn fed. Maybe a more humane substitute for foie gras as they eat it voluntarily
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
    There seemed to be quite a few small holes in various surfaces. Bad mouse infestation?
    Boeing?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    Looks as though Russian air defence might have shot down the airliner in error.

    https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1871972117291667674

    There's no evidence for that in the Tweet, and in the discussion on Reddit, it seems like blame is being laid on the #3 Hydraulic Door being open: https://www.reddit.com/r/aviationmaintenance/comments/1hm12yb/3_hydraulic_bay_hatch_open_on_the_e190_that_went/
    What are all the holes in the fuselage ?
    (Read all the replies.)
    Just saw a video from inside the cabin of the plane. I think you're right.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,443
    edited December 25

    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Unusual to find a pheasant that principled.
    Do insects and worms etc count as non- vegan? A pheasant’s diet is mostly grain and insects/worms.
    OKay, pescetarian. Prawns, insects, what's the difference?
  • “Oh the weather outside is frightful…”

    "If this is their idea of Christmas, I gotta be here for New Year's!"
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
    We can all hope syria becomes a more enlightened place. I will however wait to celebrate when it actually happens and sticks. My fear is currently there is a certain pretence for recognition and state aid....five years time things havent changed then maybe we dare to believe
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,170
    edited December 25
    Carnyx said:

    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Unusual to find a pheasant that principled.
    Do insects and worms etc count as non- vegan? A pheasant’s diet is mostly grain and insects/worms.
    OKay, pescetarian. Prawns, insects, what's the difference?
    Insecta and Crustacea nowadays seem to be both part of a new-fangled "Pancrustacea".

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancrustacea
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051

    Carnyx said:

    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    Vengeance Most Fowl was awesome.

    Anybody who says otherwise is utterly wrong.

    Is it vegan?
    We had vegan pheasant for dinner.
    Unusual to find a pheasant that principled.
    Do insects and worms etc count as non- vegan? A pheasant’s diet is mostly grain and insects/worms.
    OKay, pescetarian. Prawns, insects, what's the difference?
    Insecta and Crustacea nowadays seem to be both part of a new-fangled "Pancrustacea".
    I have a tasty recipe for lime and chilli cricket tacos
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,685
    Pagan2 said:

    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
    We can all hope syria becomes a more enlightened place. I will however wait to celebrate when it actually happens and sticks. My fear is currently there is a certain pretence for recognition and state aid....five years time things havent changed then maybe we dare to believe
    It's also possible that Syria remains a shit hole, just a slightly less shitty shit hole than it was under Assad.
  • spudgfshspudgfsh Posts: 1,527
    rcs1000 said:

    Pagan2 said:

    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
    We can all hope syria becomes a more enlightened place. I will however wait to celebrate when it actually happens and sticks. My fear is currently there is a certain pretence for recognition and state aid....five years time things havent changed then maybe we dare to believe
    It's also possible that Syria remains a shit hole, just a slightly less shitty shit hole than it was under Assad.
    hopefully one with less Iranian influence, enabling it to become a better place in time.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,443
    ydoethur said:

    Carnyx said:

    The only one of the rest that I've got is 23d

    I've given a MASSIVE clue: 1648

    Come on historians..

    FFS, have none of you heard of the Rump Parliament?

    Have a guess which President that completes the wordplay for..
    *I* did. Pride's Purge created it. But unlike Ydeothur et al, I'm not a professional historian.
    Professional historians, outside their own often very specialised field, generally know little more than any other person about history and sometimes rather less.
    TBF they'll be more aware than most of the nature of historical truth and how oversimplified school lessons and popularizations can give a very dodgy impression. Not to mention what one learnt at uni up to 50 years before.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    edited December 25
    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.

    Edit: I blame Steely Dan
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 10,051
    rcs1000 said:

    Pagan2 said:

    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
    We can all hope syria becomes a more enlightened place. I will however wait to celebrate when it actually happens and sticks. My fear is currently there is a certain pretence for recognition and state aid....five years time things havent changed then maybe we dare to believe
    It's also possible that Syria remains a shit hole, just a slightly less shitty shit hole than it was under Assad.
    I was trying to look on the bright side
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    rcs1000 said:

    Pagan2 said:

    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Nigelb said:

    For the first time in Syria's history, a woman is being nominated as governor. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, head of Sweida's Druze spiritual authority, endorsed Ms. Mohsina Al-Muhaythawi for the role during a meeting with the Syrian government envoy on Dec 25, 2024.
    https://x.com/MazenEzzi/status/1871882460944113890

    If she’s actually confirmed, it would be quite a big deal.

    Given her role in the previous administration (which she quit over rampant corruption), it also suggests the new guys are willing to build bridges.

    Fingers crossed.
    There’s a definite pragmatic vibe.
    If they’re faking it, they’re doing a pretty good job.
    We can all hope syria becomes a more enlightened place. I will however wait to celebrate when it actually happens and sticks. My fear is currently there is a certain pretence for recognition and state aid....five years time things havent changed then maybe we dare to believe
    It's also possible that Syria remains a shit hole, just a slightly less shitty shit hole than it was under Assad.
    Not being in a state of ongoing civil war across most of the country, as has been the case for the last decade, would be a massive improvement for its populace, shithole or not.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.
    The recent air launched version is boss.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    edited December 25
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.
    The recent air launched version is boss.
    Given that SM-6 had an AMRAAM seeker duct taped to the front, an aircraft carried version wasn’t exactly difficult.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 52,327
    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “Merry X Off”
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.
    The recent air launched version is boss.
    Given that SM-6 had an AMRAAM seeker duct taped to the front, an aircraft carried version wasn’t exactly difficult.
    It’s the fact that they did the obvious that’s impressive.
    A 200m plus range restores (and improves on) a capability the Navy hasn’t had since they scrapped the Phoenix a couple of decades ago.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    edited December 25
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.
    The recent air launched version is boss.
    Given that SM-6 had an AMRAAM seeker duct taped to the front, an aircraft carried version wasn’t exactly difficult.
    It’s the fact that they did the obvious that’s impressive.
    A 200m plus range restores (and improves on) a capability the Navy hasn’t had since they scrapped the Phoenix a couple of decades ago.
    The Phoenix was always a bit suspect in terms of reliability - as a carrier crew chief once put it, the chances that an F14A and 4 Phoenix missiles were all operational, at the same time, was pretty low.

    The capability was only against large targets flying in very straight lines.

    The reason they got to do the obvious, was that all the big programs had taken all the money - see AIM-260 and LREW
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    “Arrest them for not paying their electric bill?”
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 60,728
    Excellent Roger Moore documentary.

    Great way to round off Christmas Day.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,198

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 18,954
    From telegram.

    Russian soldiers complain about unknown individuals posing as volunteers. These "volunteers" arrange meetings at specific times and locations, only for missile strikes to hit the area soon after.

    Ahahahaha-hahahaha.
  • spudgfshspudgfsh Posts: 1,527
    Foxy said:

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
    it's going to be a looooong 4 years...
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    Always get the metal strap on a Rolex. Easier to release with one hand.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    22 down. TRUMP Donald
    - T (Leader of the) + RUMP (Parliament 1684)
  • “Arrest them for not paying their electric bill?”

    " We've shut them down. We let 'em sweat for a while, then... we give 'em helicopters."
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,753
    edited December 25
    Foxy said:

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
    It's like a silly Western version of Putin explaining why Russia should be in Ukraine because it's really Russia's in the first place.
  • Foxy said:

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
    Bonkers indeed! Given that Canada comprises 13 Provinces and Territories, it would provide states 51 "through" 63!
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,259

    Excellent Roger Moore documentary.

    Great way to round off Christmas Day.

    I like Moore's line to his co-star ahead of shooting a bedroom scene:

    "I apologise if I get aroused. I apologise if I don't get aroused."

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    4 left.

    6 down. A cryptic definition. No wordplay.

    L-N- M- - - -

    16 across. Another cryptic definition x 2. Not political.

    - - R -

    19 across. The wordplay is the beginning of the clue and the definition and answer is the end of the clue. The answer is not political.

    A - E - - - S -

    28 across. The definition is the first word of the clue and the answer is not political.

    R - P - T -
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    stjohn said:

    4 left.

    6 down. A cryptic definition. No wordplay.

    L-N- M- - - -

    -

    Long March ?
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 4,874
    edited December 25
    stjohn said:

    4 left.

    6 down. A cryptic definition. No wordplay.

    L-N- M- - - -

    16 across. Another cryptic definition x 2. Not political.

    - - R -

    19 across. The wordplay is the beginning of the clue and the definition and answer is the end of the clue. The answer is not political.

    A - E - - - S -

    28 across. The definition is the first word of the clue and the answer is not political.

    R - P - T -

    REPUTE? Did straight part only.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    stjohn said:

    4 left.

    6 down. A cryptic definition. No wordplay.

    L-N- M- - - -

    16 across. Another cryptic definition x 2. Not political.

    - - R -

    19 across. The wordplay is the beginning of the clue and the definition and answer is the end of the clue. The answer is not political.

    A - E - - - S -

    -

    Amethyst.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,057

    Excellent Roger Moore documentary.

    Great way to round off Christmas Day.

    I like Moore's line to his co-star ahead of shooting a bedroom scene:

    "I apologise if I get aroused. I apologise if I don't get aroused."

    Thank goodness we do not talk of the Una Stubbs / Roger Moore story.
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 4,874
    edited December 25
    RARE (meat)
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,057

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.

    Edit: I blame Steely Dan
    Between Steely Dan and The Beaker People - I find a lot of blame to go round.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 49,198
    spudgfsh said:

    Foxy said:

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
    it's going to be a looooong 4 years...
    I like your optimism that we will still be around in 4 years!
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    Foxy said:

    spudgfsh said:

    Foxy said:

    https://x.com/trumpdailyposts/status/1872016098285240600

    Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!

    It's a bit hard to find anything in this statement that isn't completely bonkers.

    Brace!
    it's going to be a looooong 4 years...
    I like your optimism that we will still be around in 4 years!
    Yes, my though too.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    Huge thanks to stjohn for his puzzle, and apols for not being able to devote much time to it today.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,977
    I'd also like to thank stjohn for the crossword puzzle, even though I'm useless at crosswords and always have been.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    16 across.

    RARE
    - Cryptic definition - referring to how steak that is rare looks Red, which is
    near to being hardly cooked at all or Blue

    Which makes 6 down

    L - N - M - R - -
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 22,391
    Good evening PB .

    Merry Christmas.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 22,429
    What did you get stuck in your rectum in 2024? Here's what others did. Enjoy.

    https://defector.com/what-did-we-get-stuck-in-our-rectums-last-year-5
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    stjohn said:

    16 across.

    RARE
    - Cryptic definition - referring to how steak that is rare looks Red, which is
    near to being hardly cooked at all or Blue

    Which makes 6 down

    L - N - M - R - -

    Didn’t I get that ?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    The crew of Azerbaijan Airways 8243 appear to have put a heroic, nearly 1.5 hour effort to save their plane after reportedly taking a Russian SAM hit over Grozny.

    The pilots managed to nurse their limping plane to Aqtau, crashing while trying to land, but saving 29 passengers.

    https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1872022536969503159

    No tail controls, reportedly.
    The pilots weren’t among the survivors.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 22,429
    ohnotnow said:

    Excellent Roger Moore documentary.

    Great way to round off Christmas Day.

    I like Moore's line to his co-star ahead of shooting a bedroom scene:

    "I apologise if I get aroused. I apologise if I don't get aroused."

    Thank goodness we do not talk of the Una Stubbs / Roger Moore story.
    Perhaps more detail can be found here: https://www.cookdandbombd.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=56866.0
  • Andy_JS said:

    I'd also like to thank stjohn for the crossword puzzle, even though I'm useless at crosswords and always have been.

    "Easy" version for next year?
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    Sorry. I missed some of the replies.

    19 across. AMETHYST
    - Anagram (indicated by sensationally) of The TS (Times eviscerated, losing
    its contents ) + May

    28 across. REPUTE
    - DISPUTE (argument) with RE (about) replacing DIS (Detective Inspectors)

    6 down. LONG MARCH

    - cryptic definition. Refers to Mao’s revolutionary army and supporters
    moving across China in the Long March 1934-1935.

  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,321
    The S Korean President Yoon story gets weirder.

    https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/356_389129.html
    The revelations surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol's close inner circle and their alleged connections to shamanistic practices are both unsettling and deeply troubling.

    As more behind-the-scenes details emerge about Yoon and his confidants' secret efforts to push for a martial law declaration, it has been revealed that several key figures involved in the planning are connected to practices rooted in fortunetelling, superstition, and mysticism — shocking many people...

    … In mid-December, during a police search of the fortunetelling business operated by Noh in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, they also discovered a handwritten notebook containing about 60 pages of materials related to the failed martial law plans. The notebook included phrases such as "National Assembly blockade" and listed names of many individuals — politicians, journalists, religious leaders, labor union members and even judges.

    Despite Noh already running his own divination business, he frequently traveled some 170 kilometers to visit another shaman to seek guidance about his own fate and whether "the plan" he was preparing with others would succeed…
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 4,874
    edited December 25
    viewcode said:

    ohnotnow said:

    Excellent Roger Moore documentary.

    Great way to round off Christmas Day.

    I like Moore's line to his co-star ahead of shooting a bedroom scene:

    "I apologise if I get aroused. I apologise if I don't get aroused."

    Thank goodness we do not talk of the Una Stubbs / Roger Moore story.
    Perhaps more detail can be found here: https://www.cookdandbombd.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=56866.0
    It was about Danny Thomas to begin with, I think.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Thomas

    But has been repurposed many times.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 13,650
    Are you there Stodge? Hill behind Lossie in betting. What do you make of it?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 51,211
    ohnotnow said:

    Nigelb said:

    Something else the Biden admin delivered.

    Shyu: DOD developed, deployed classified counter-hypersonic capabilities
    https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/shyu-dod-developed-deployed-classified-counter-hypersonic-capabilities
    The U.S. military rapidly developed and deployed still-classified means to defeat hypersonic missiles, the fruit of a focused effort the Pentagon's top technology official spearheaded to find ways to defeat a new class of ultra-fast maneuvering weapons deemed a "huge success." Heydi Shyu, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, cited this previously unreported development as a chief achievement during her tenure..

    The SM-6 family of missiles seems to have been a consistently successful program.

    The poster child for incremental development.

    Steadily evolved from the 1960s onwards.

    Edit: I blame Steely Dan
    Between Steely Dan and The Beaker People - I find a lot of blame to go round.
    £1 to charity of choice for working out the connection between Steely Dan and SM-6
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