I don't understand all this "crisis in the markets" talk especially about gilts.
The market thinks there's more a little risk in lending to UK than there was a few days/weeks ago and is responding. is that a crisis?
The crisis would be in the government finances if they couldn't sell debt - but it was 3x subscribed on this week's auction apparently.
Isn't it mostly that we are adjusting to the norm of real positive gilt and interest rates? As indeed are other countries, hence the cost of debt goes up and up?
These have effectively been negative since the GFC, with a sea of cheap money washing around keeping zombie debtors afloat.
Yes we're coming off a strong drug (QE and low interest rates) we were on for well over a decade after the GFC. It was an 'upper' and we took it for a long time so there's no avoiding some pain now. This has sweet FA to do with who's in government.
With the greatest of respect you would not be saying that if the 'tories' were in government, but it is fair to say the BOE have been a disaster in this respect
However, when you are in office you own the problem as did the 'tories' with covid
Ah but I would (and indeed did when they were). It's a point I've made a few times. The economy's performance over a parliament is mainly down to global factors. The government can impact it but only on the margins - this is true for all polices within our Overton window.
It's one of the main quirks of democracy. Elections are settled on something governments don't control. So you win or lose them based on luck (how the political cycle gels with the economic one), and whether there's a 'time for a change' feeling afoot, ie how long you've been in.
Deluded guff.
The government is in charge and if it has implemented bad policy and left no headroom it has no one else to blame but itself.
You're misreading me in a rather noddy and partisan manner.
Governments do impact the economy and they are answerable for it. But politics being what it is they are also held responsible (or seek to take the credit) for what is due to global factors and this is most of it. I'm not complaining about this, just pointing it out.
I mean, if growth and prosperity are mainly down to what the government does rather than the macro environment how come we aren't always booming?
I'll think you'll find Labour Government economic woes are of their own making. Conservative ones are down to "circumstances". Gordon Brown and Rachel Reeves crashed the economy, the Conservatives were handicapped by COVID and Ukraine (we don't talk about Brexit).
Those are the rules.
I know. Don't know why I bother. Easier to just accept it.
Brexit will pay off eventually btw. Just need to take a very long view on that one.
See, I can do it. It's bliss to give up. I love Big Brother.
I don't understand all this "crisis in the markets" talk especially about gilts.
The market thinks there's more a little risk in lending to UK than there was a few days/weeks ago and is responding. is that a crisis?
The crisis would be in the government finances if they couldn't sell debt - but it was 3x subscribed on this week's auction apparently.
Isn't it mostly that we are adjusting to the norm of real positive gilt and interest rates? As indeed are other countries, hence the cost of debt goes up and up?
These have effectively been negative since the GFC, with a sea of cheap money washing around keeping zombie debtors afloat.
Yes we're coming off a strong drug (QE and low interest rates) we were on for well over a decade after the GFC. It was an 'upper' and we took it for a long time so there's no avoiding some pain now. This has sweet FA to do with who's in government.
With the greatest of respect you would not be saying that if the 'tories' were in government, but it is fair to say the BOE have been a disaster in this respect
However, when you are in office you own the problem as did the 'tories' with covid
Ah but I would (and indeed did when they were). It's a point I've made a few times. The economy's performance over a parliament is mainly down to global factors. The government can impact it but only on the margins - this is true for all polices within our Overton window.
It's one of the main quirks of democracy. Elections are settled on something governments don't control. So you win or lose them based on luck (how the political cycle gels with the economic one), and whether there's a 'time for a change' feeling afoot, ie how long you've been in.
Deluded guff.
The government is in charge and if it has implemented bad policy and left no headroom it has no one else to blame but itself.
You're misreading me in a rather noddy and partisan manner.
Governments do impact the economy and they are answerable for it. But politics being what it is they are also held responsible (or seek to take the credit) for what is due to global factors and this is most of it. I'm not complaining about this, just pointing it out.
I mean, if growth and prosperity are mainly down to what the government does rather than the macro environment how come we aren't always booming?
I'll think you'll find Labour Government economic woes are of their own making. Conservative ones are down to "circumstances". Gordon Brown and Rachel Reeves crashed the economy, the Conservatives were handicapped by COVID and Ukraine (we don't talk about Brexit).
Those are the rules.
Both parties do it, let’s not pretend this is unique to either of them. Let’s not forget “this recession, which started in America”…
The media and PB at the time didn't pick up Freddie Mack and Fanny Mae it was Government incompetence.
Except for the Truss debacle, the various Tory Governments were excused on the grounds of Liam Byrne's (foolish) note, COVID and Ukraine. But not Brexit -we'll pretend that never happened.
Essex county councillors voted at an extraordinary meeting this morning to scrap May's county council elections in the county and delay local elections until the new unitaries are formed. The proposal will now be put to the government to confirm
I'm confident that if Reeves had cancelled her trip to China yesterday in response to the hullabaloo, the relevant markets would have found that terribly reassuring and more confident about the future.
Ed Davey seems to be increasingly jumping on any bandwagon going, however nonsensical it is.
He's allowed to to an extent, because he leads a minor party that doesn't expect to be in government. The application of this principle to other parties.. (shut up. Ed.)
Allegedly, Mel Gibson’s house burnt down while he was on the Joe Rogan show.
His name is Joe "Fuck Ukraine" Rogan.
Except of course that he never said that.
He said F Joe Biden for announcing more Ukraine aid on the day that the hurricane blew through Florida, while failing to mention the disaster in his own country.
On Biden letting Ukraine use long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, Rogan responded, "Zelenskyy says Putin is terrified. Fuck you, man. You fucking people are about to start World War III."
Richard J Murphy blames the Bank's quantitative tightening for our current woes.
This is the same genius who reckoned that the bond markets and others were picking on Rachel Reeves the other day.
Full batshit, that guy. Even John McDonnell cautioned Corbyn against listening to him. "Good on tax policy, but no understanding of economics" was IIRC his assessment.
Good on Tax Policy?
He spent ages selling The Tax Gap - which is the conspiracy theory that zillions is owed in taxes. You take the theoretical tax take and compare it to the actual tax take.
Except he left out all the allowances - including the personal allowance for income tax. And ISAs and Pensions.
When people pointed this out, he banned them from his blog and deleted their posts.
He is doubtless a very bright man, but he has the confidence and assurance that is a telling symptom of Dunning Kruger. A bit like a Piers Corbyn of tax policy.
There is no beginning to his knowledge.
I have seen no evidence of him being “very bright”
Allegedly, Mel Gibson’s house burnt down while he was on the Joe Rogan show.
His name is Joe "Fuck Ukraine" Rogan.
Except of course that he never said that.
He said F Joe Biden for announcing more Ukraine aid on the day that the hurricane blew through Florida, while failing to mention the disaster in his own country.
For someone who claims to want Ukraine to win, you spend an awful lot of time and effort defending the very people who give every appearance of wanting it to lose. Rogan. Trump. The GOP.
Richard J Murphy blames the Bank's quantitative tightening for our current woes.
This is the same genius who reckoned that the bond markets and others were picking on Rachel Reeves the other day.
Full batshit, that guy. Even John McDonnell cautioned Corbyn against listening to him. "Good on tax policy, but no understanding of economics" was IIRC his assessment.
If John McDonnell thinks you have no understanding of economics, I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
If he thinks you're good on tax policy, on the other hand, you're undoubtedly a menace to the country.
Essex county councillors voted at an extraordinary meeting this morning to scrap May's county council elections in the county and delay local elections until the new unitaries are formed. The proposal will now be put to the government to confirm
At least one councillor is, I understand, considering resigning in protest.
ICC rules require member nations to have a women’s team, but ICC members are reported to believe that allowing the men’s team to compete will help them influence the Taliban for good.
Oh for God's sake! Why can't they just be honest and say they don't give a stuff about women or their own rules and a man's right to watch a game is more important than anything else. Instead of all this phoniness about influencing the Taliban.
I suppose they could wear pink ribbons on their caps?
I don't understand all this "crisis in the markets" talk especially about gilts.
The market thinks there's more a little risk in lending to UK than there was a few days/weeks ago and is responding. is that a crisis?
The crisis would be in the government finances if they couldn't sell debt - but it was 3x subscribed on this week's auction apparently.
Isn't it mostly that we are adjusting to the norm of real positive gilt and interest rates? As indeed are other countries, hence the cost of debt goes up and up?
These have effectively been negative since the GFC, with a sea of cheap money washing around keeping zombie debtors afloat.
Yes we're coming off a strong drug (QE and low interest rates) we were on for well over a decade after the GFC. It was an 'upper' and we took it for a long time so there's no avoiding some pain now. This has sweet FA to do with who's in government.
With the greatest of respect you would not be saying that if the 'tories' were in government, but it is fair to say the BOE have been a disaster in this respect
However, when you are in office you own the problem as did the 'tories' with covid
Ah but I would (and indeed did when they were). It's a point I've made a few times. The economy's performance over a parliament is mainly down to global factors. The government can impact it but only on the margins - this is true for all polices within our Overton window.
It's one of the main quirks of democracy. Elections are settled on something governments don't control. So you win or lose them based on luck (how the political cycle gels with the economic one), and whether there's a 'time for a change' feeling afoot, ie how long you've been in.
Deluded guff.
The government is in charge and if it has implemented bad policy and left no headroom it has no one else to blame but itself.
You're misreading me in a rather noddy and partisan manner.
Governments do impact the economy and they are answerable for it. But politics being what it is they are also held responsible (or seek to take the credit) for what is due to global factors and this is most of it. I'm not complaining about this, just pointing it out.
I mean, if growth and prosperity are mainly down to what the government does rather than the macro environment how come we aren't always booming?
I'll think you'll find Labour Government economic woes are of their own making. Conservative ones are down to "circumstances". Gordon Brown and Rachel Reeves crashed the economy, the Conservatives were handicapped by COVID and Ukraine (we don't talk about Brexit).
Those are the rules.
I know. Don't know why I bother. Easier to just accept it.
Brexit will pay off eventually btw. Just need to take a very long view on that one.
See, I can do it. It's bliss to give up. I love Big Brother.
I don't understand all this "crisis in the markets" talk especially about gilts.
The market thinks there's more a little risk in lending to UK than there was a few days/weeks ago and is responding. is that a crisis?
The crisis would be in the government finances if they couldn't sell debt - but it was 3x subscribed on this week's auction apparently.
Isn't it mostly that we are adjusting to the norm of real positive gilt and interest rates? As indeed are other countries, hence the cost of debt goes up and up?
These have effectively been negative since the GFC, with a sea of cheap money washing around keeping zombie debtors afloat.
Yes we're coming off a strong drug (QE and low interest rates) we were on for well over a decade after the GFC. It was an 'upper' and we took it for a long time so there's no avoiding some pain now. This has sweet FA to do with who's in government.
With the greatest of respect you would not be saying that if the 'tories' were in government, but it is fair to say the BOE have been a disaster in this respect
However, when you are in office you own the problem as did the 'tories' with covid
Ah but I would (and indeed did when they were). It's a point I've made a few times. The economy's performance over a parliament is mainly down to global factors. The government can impact it but only on the margins - this is true for all polices within our Overton window.
It's one of the main quirks of democracy. Elections are settled on something governments don't control. So you win or lose them based on luck (how the political cycle gels with the economic one), and whether there's a 'time for a change' feeling afoot, ie how long you've been in.
Deluded guff.
The government is in charge and if it has implemented bad policy and left no headroom it has no one else to blame but itself.
You're misreading me in a rather noddy and partisan manner.
Governments do impact the economy and they are answerable for it. But politics being what it is they are also held responsible (or seek to take the credit) for what is due to global factors and this is most of it. I'm not complaining about this, just pointing it out.
I mean, if growth and prosperity are mainly down to what the government does rather than the macro environment how come we aren't always booming?
I'll think you'll find Labour Government economic woes are of their own making. Conservative ones are down to "circumstances". Gordon Brown and Rachel Reeves crashed the economy, the Conservatives were handicapped by COVID and Ukraine (we don't talk about Brexit).
Those are the rules.
Both parties do it, let’s not pretend this is unique to either of them. Let’s not forget “this recession, which started in America”…
The media and PB at the time didn't pick up Freddie Mack and Fanny Mae it was Government incompetence.
Except for the Truss debacle, the various Tory Governments were excused on the grounds of Liam Byrne's (foolish) note, COVID and Ukraine. But not Brexit -we'll pretend that never happened.
Excused by whom?
I think the Tories were absolutely pilloried in the last few years, from pretty much all quarters. And justifiably so. Of course there were factors outside of their control, just as there were for any government.
Essex county councillors voted at an extraordinary meeting this morning to scrap May's county council elections in the county and delay local elections until the new unitaries are formed. The proposal will now be put to the government to confirm
At least one councillor is, I understand, considering resigning in protest.
This is another example of the government’s seemingly ongoing campaign of ineptitude.
Allegedly, Mel Gibson’s house burnt down while he was on the Joe Rogan show.
His name is Joe "Fuck Ukraine" Rogan.
Except of course that he never said that.
He said F Joe Biden for announcing more Ukraine aid on the day that the hurricane blew through Florida, while failing to mention the disaster in his own country.
The "charity begins at home" sentiment, when expressed aggressively, invariably means you want to see an end to the charity in question.
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
Ah, ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like the worst Where there aren’t no Ten Commandments, and a man can raise a thirst!
Genius
You probably post this once every two years on PB. I do love Kipling, though.
Yes, he does make exceedingly good cakes.
It's one of the best closing ad lines in history alongside "that'll be the Daewoo" and "they're waffling versatile".
And a contender for best opening line in an ad of all time, for miniature apple pies:
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, said Mr Kipling".
Battenburg and Treacle Tart aside, the cakes are all shite though.
We can only assume the exceedingly good cakes he makes are for his private consumption. Suprisingly progressive of them to choose a male figurehead for cake making, though.
Ah, ship me somewheres east of Suez, where the best is like the worst Where there aren’t no Ten Commandments, and a man can raise a thirst!
Genius
You probably post this once every two years on PB. I do love Kipling, though.
Yes, he does make exceedingly good cakes.
It's one of the best closing ad lines in history alongside "that'll be the Daewoo" and "they're waffling versatile".
And a contender for best opening line in an ad of all time, for miniature apple pies:
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, said Mr Kipling".
Yes they were such powerful adverts that I would occasionally buy their products, even though each time I did I would remember that they are, objectively speaking, disgusting over-processed sugary crap.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I've read quite a bit recently about the EU gearing up to possibly block X altogether. Is this likely, I wonder ?
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I think they generally do the "Hitler was a socialist" thing just to blunt attacks from the left rather than because they believe it.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I've read quite a bit recently about the EU gearing up to possibly block X altogether. Is this likely, I wonder ?
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I've read quite a bit recently about the EU gearing up to possibly block X altogether. Is this likely, I wonder ?
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I think they generally do the "Hitler was a socialist" thing just to blunt attacks from the left rather than because they believe it.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I think they generally do the "Hitler was a socialist" thing just to blunt attacks from the left rather than because they believe it.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
Because Stalin did such wonderful things for the Ukraniian people.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I think they generally do the "Hitler was a socialist" thing just to blunt attacks from the left rather than because they believe it.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
The comments show just how deluded so many American commentators are. Some are doubtless tankies, but there's a worrying number whose attitude seems to be "NATO is fighting Russians to the last Ukrainian, we should stop this mindless war and let Ukraine and Russia live in peace".
Meanwhile "The USA" continues to do things like this, tightening sanctions.
I wonder whether that's something that changes rapidly after the 20th, or continues under Trump. My one hope with Trump is that while he may sell Ukraine down the river, he and his people may not be too keen on lifting economic sanctions if that disadvantages some US energy companies. A sharp drop in the oil and gas price following the end of war combined with continuing sanctions could really screw up the Russian economy.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I think they generally do the "Hitler was a socialist" thing just to blunt attacks from the left rather than because they believe it.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
Because Stalin did such wonderful things for the Ukraniian people.
Precisely. It would be a bad guy the Joe Rogans of this world could get behind hating. They might learn something about Russian genocidal history.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I've read quite a bit recently about the EU gearing up to possibly block X altogether. Is this likely, I wonder ?
They could replace the x with swear words?
X-rated.
You can see the broad world blocs by which social media they're considering or have banned.
EU: X, maybe Telegram USA: Tiktok China: Own ecosystem.
Essex county councillors voted at an extraordinary meeting this morning to scrap May's county council elections in the county and delay local elections until the new unitaries are formed. The proposal will now be put to the government to confirm
At least one councillor is, I understand, considering resigning in protest.
This is another example of the government’s seemingly ongoing campaign of ineptitude.
No elections need be cancelled.
It seems odd to me. Maybe I have this analysis wrong but most of these county seats being cancelled are tory as they had a high water mark last time contested? They could fall to a Reform surge - making Kemi's problems even greater and providing balm for Starmer.
Just to correct some misinformation being promoted here on previous threads by people who seem to get their info on German politics from know-nothing nutty American far-right twitterers:
No, Weidel won't be the next Chancellor of Germany (she is easily the most unpopular of the well-known politicians in Germany).
Yes, CDU/CSU plus SPD will (almost certainly) between them have a majority of seats after the next election, so another Grand Coalition will be possible - indeed it is easily the most likely outcome.
No, none of the AfD, the BSW or die Linke will form part of the next federal government.
Right, I'm off, busy day. Seeya.
But you didn't tell us whether or not Hitler was a communist...
Waiting for Musk to tell whether Hitler was really the good guy, just sadly misunderstood (like Putin! ) or wherher he was a communist (and therefore a bad guy, I think?)
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
I've read quite a bit recently about the EU gearing up to possibly block X altogether. Is this likely, I wonder ?
They could replace the x with swear words?
X-rated.
You can see the broad world blocs by which social media they're considering or have banned.
EU: X, maybe Telegram USA: Tiktok China: Own ecosystem.
I think regulation of TikTok (or more specifically the way the TikTok algorithm operates, which is not unique to them) may eventually be on the way in Europe too.
Why are Portugal and *checks* Switzerland in there ?
I think it's Austria! Links to Russia, I suppose. Portugal? No idea.
Though given Austria and Portugal are both in the Customs union, I'm not sure such a ban could have much effect. Unless Nvidia are inspecting for re-sales.
Why are Portugal and *checks* Switzerland in there ?
And Greenland... (but not Denmark).
My guess is the criteria here are a mixture of "bad guys we don't like", lack of transparency, closeness to Russia, or Chinese influence and involvement in the economy. That last might explain Greenland.
Odd that the Wagnerised Sahelian states like Niger and Mali aren't red.
Off-topic, a quick reminder about the 2025 PB Prediction Competition:
The competition questions are:
1. Highest share of the vote in 2025 with a BPC registered pollster in a GB wide poll for each of Lab, Con, LD, Reform. 2. Lowest share of the vote in 2025 with a BPC registered pollster in a GB wide poll for each of Lab, Con, LD, Reform. 3. Number of Reform MPs on 31/12/2025. 4. Number of Tory MP defectors to Reform in 2025. 5. Number of Westminster by-elections held in 2025. 6. Number of ministers to leave the Westminster cabinet during 2025. 7. Number of seats won by the AfD in the May 2025 German Federal Election. 8. UK CPI figure for November 2025 (Nov 2024 = 2.6%). 9. UK borrowing in the financial year-to-November 2025 (Year to Nov 2024 = £113.2bn). 10. UK GDP growth in the 12 months to October 2025 (Oct 23 to Oct 24 = 1.3%). 11. US growth annualised rate in Q3 2025 (Q3 2024 = 3.1%). 12. EU growth Q3 2024 to Q3 2025 (2024 = 1.0%). 13. USD/Ruble exchange rate at London FOREX close on 31/12/2025 (31/12/2024 = 114 USD/RUB). 14. The result of the 2025-2026 Ashes series (2023 series: Drawn 2–2).
Entries must be posted on PB or PM'ed to me by the end of January. Please put the word 'competition' in your post to help me find your entry.
I have entries so far from the following, if your name's not in the list below but you think you have posted an entry, please let me know. Thanks!
Why are Portugal and *checks* Switzerland in there ?
And Greenland... (but not Denmark).
My guess is the criteria here are a mixture of "bad guys we don't like", lack of transparency, closeness to Russia, or Chinese influence and involvement in the economy. That last might explain Greenland.
Odd that the Wagnerised Sahelian states like Niger and Mali aren't red.
In the next hour or so I shall be putting up a thread that will cause apoplexy for some PBers.
Please take appropriate steps before you see the thread.
Given Leon's comments about going full-facist more right wing after exercise, it might be better for him to take no steps and remain entirely sedentary?
ETA: A more triggering thread than suggesting adding more lawyers to something?
I love being reminded not to judge books by covers. There’s a chap sitting outside same bar I am at and he looks like a young Vince Neil from Motley Crü, long blond hair with fringe, one of those 80s open sided wife beater tops, black ripped jeans. I thought “cool and strong look but probably a bit of a yob.” Then he started talking to the waiter and sounded more plummy than King Charles. Good man.
Myanmar, it turns out, is one of those countries that is HALF AN HOUR behind on the clock
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
Myanmar, it turns out, is one of those countries that is HALF AN HOUR behind on the clock
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
A UK Atomic Energy Authority (@UKAEAofficial) working group has successfully demonstrated the industrial scale production of fusion-grade steel.
This achievement has the potential to reduce production costs by an order of magnitude and improve the efficiency of future fusion powerplants.
In just its first year, the NEURONE (Neutron Irradiation of Advanced Steels) consortium has achieved a UK-first breakthrough. The group successfully produced fusion-grade reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel on an industrial scale, using a seven-tonne Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Materials Processing Institute (@MPI_UK) in Middlesborough... https://x.com/UKAEAofficial/status/1877404930497196329
While the reactors that require this stuff are many years (if ever) away from production, it could be useful for things like SMRs too.
Myanmar, it turns out, is one of those countries that is HALF AN HOUR behind on the clock
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
Myanmar, it turns out, is one of those countries that is HALF AN HOUR behind on the clock
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
Errr
I don't believe anywhere in the US is offset by 30 minutes.
I did too, thanks for putting up the link. Very well written. And almost all nonsense. It's a tad frustrating that those two things can go together but they quite often do.
Myanmar, it turns out, is one of those countries that is HALF AN HOUR behind on the clock
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
Errr
I don't believe anywhere in the US is offset by 30 minutes.
Alaska has two time zones, so if you split the difference ?
Ah, like with the hookers in the Moscow hotel room.
(Or so it has been alleged. Not that I believe a word of it.)
The late comedian Patrice O'Neal learned he had diabetes when a hooker told him his "tasted of birthday cake".
That worked well. Now he's a convicted criminal with a record locked in, and an overturn Appeal will be more difficult because it has no practical impact on his actions as President.
Except that this may mean he's banned from Canada, since they don't let felons enter. *
He has been desperately trying to avoid this.
The interesting part of this should be Judge Merchan's sentencing address. Trump will be going "Poop Poop" like Mr Toad.
A UK Atomic Energy Authority (@UKAEAofficial) working group has successfully demonstrated the industrial scale production of fusion-grade steel.
This achievement has the potential to reduce production costs by an order of magnitude and improve the efficiency of future fusion powerplants.
In just its first year, the NEURONE (Neutron Irradiation of Advanced Steels) consortium has achieved a UK-first breakthrough. The group successfully produced fusion-grade reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel on an industrial scale, using a seven-tonne Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Materials Processing Institute (@MPI_UK) in Middlesborough... https://x.com/UKAEAofficial/status/1877404930497196329
While the reactors that require this stuff are many years (if ever) away from production, it could be useful for things like SMRs too.
Comments
Try to set the night on fire.
I’ve heard the suez line before, of course, but I had no concept of the whole poem or how good it is
Or indeed how specific it is to a little town in Burma which is said to be “deliciously melancholic”. Irresistible!
Brexit will pay off eventually btw. Just need to take a very long view on that one.
See, I can do it. It's bliss to give up. I love Big Brother.
Except for the Truss debacle, the various Tory Governments were excused on the grounds of Liam Byrne's (foolish) note, COVID and Ukraine. But not Brexit -we'll pretend that never happened.
I have seen no evidence of him being “very bright”
Lab 27%
Con 23%
Ref 23%
LD 12%
Grn 9%
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_United_Kingdom_general_election
https://on.ft.com/407WVSF
Why?
If he thinks you're good on tax policy, on the other hand, you're undoubtedly a menace to the country.
I think the Tories were absolutely pilloried in the last few years, from pretty much all quarters. And justifiably so. Of course there were factors outside of their control, just as there were for any government.
No elections need be cancelled.
Q. "Do you like Kipling?"
A, " I can't say I've ever Kipled"
At least 14 out of 21 county councils due to hold elections in May are poised to ask ministers to delay the ballots to explore options set out in a major redesign of local government announced in December."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgrg989j9jo
No heat and no food. So no need to choose.
Reform there has always been delayed by confusion and disagreement over what the ideal state is.
Greater Portsmouth, Greater Soton, and a rump County?
Merge Portsmouth and Soton into “Solent City”?
Or one big county to rule them all?
2021 ± vs 2017:
Blyth & Harworth (1 seat)
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Sheila Janice Place (inc) 1,333 47.1 −14.4
Conservative Ben Storey 1,094 38.7 +20.8
Independent Drew Smith 349 12.3 N/A
Liberal Democrats Dan Bassford 53 1.9 −7.1
Turnout 2,847 28.6 Increase+2.0
Registered electors 9,943
Looks like she's been the councillor since 1997 !
And a contender for best opening line in an ad of all time, for miniature apple pies:
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, said Mr Kipling".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVtVbB5nmUY
Not great, but certainly better than Sinatra's awful effort.
Weidel looks weak sucking up to Musk. Especially when up to about a week ago she was arguing the US are colonialists in Germany and treat Germans as slaves. I mean she IS weak, she can't even throw Hitler-fan Höcke out of her own party.
(Ought, of course, to be "on't round".
And it was filmed in the decidedly un-northern Dorset.)
We can only assume the exceedingly good cakes he makes are for his private consumption. Suprisingly progressive of them to choose a male figurehead for cake making, though.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6049038/2025/01/10/liverpool-accrington-stanley-milk-advert-kevin-spaine/
Is this likely, I wonder ?
Gtr Portsmouth?
Gtr Southampton?
Blackwater and Basingstoke?
The rest?
The other thing which always causes trouble is the Isle of Wight. Far too small, but also far too different. Probably best left as it is.
I do wonder if Western commentators have misjudged in telling the truth about Putin (that he's a fascist) given how that probably goes down with the US right, and instead majored more on him being the heir to Stalin.
- I've never even kissed a girl, sir!
https://x.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1877674742292902228
I don’t agree with the abolition of districts.
But putting that aside, I would personally go for a Gtr Portsmouth, Gtr Southampton, and a Hampshire County that “took back” the Isle of Wight.
Edit: All inside a broader Wessex region (with Dorset and Salisbury) for transport planning and tourism promotion purposes.
Meanwhile "The USA" continues to do things like this, tightening sanctions.
https://x.com/NOELreports/status/1877729290772480182
I wonder whether that's something that changes rapidly after the 20th, or continues under Trump. My one hope with Trump is that while he may sell Ukraine down the river, he and his people may not be too keen on lifting economic sanctions if that disadvantages some US energy companies. A sharp drop in the oil and gas price following the end of war combined with continuing sanctions could really screw up the Russian economy.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/biden-further-limit-nvidia-ai-214945108.html
Poor Portugal!
EU: X, maybe Telegram
USA: Tiktok
China: Own ecosystem.
Please take appropriate steps before you see the thread.
My guess is the criteria here are a mixture of "bad guys we don't like", lack of transparency, closeness to Russia, or Chinese influence and involvement in the economy. That last might explain Greenland.
Odd that the Wagnerised Sahelian states like Niger and Mali aren't red.
The competition questions are:
1. Highest share of the vote in 2025 with a BPC registered pollster in a GB wide poll for each of Lab, Con, LD, Reform.
2. Lowest share of the vote in 2025 with a BPC registered pollster in a GB wide poll for each of Lab, Con, LD, Reform.
3. Number of Reform MPs on 31/12/2025.
4. Number of Tory MP defectors to Reform in 2025.
5. Number of Westminster by-elections held in 2025.
6. Number of ministers to leave the Westminster cabinet during 2025.
7. Number of seats won by the AfD in the May 2025 German Federal Election.
8. UK CPI figure for November 2025 (Nov 2024 = 2.6%).
9. UK borrowing in the financial year-to-November 2025 (Year to Nov 2024 = £113.2bn).
10. UK GDP growth in the 12 months to October 2025 (Oct 23 to Oct 24 = 1.3%).
11. US growth annualised rate in Q3 2025 (Q3 2024 = 3.1%).
12. EU growth Q3 2024 to Q3 2025 (2024 = 1.0%).
13. USD/Ruble exchange rate at London FOREX close on 31/12/2025 (31/12/2024 = 114 USD/RUB).
14. The result of the 2025-2026 Ashes series (2023 series: Drawn 2–2).
Entries must be posted on PB or PM'ed to me by the end of January. Please put the word 'competition' in your post to help me find your entry.
I have entries so far from the following, if your name's not in the list below but you think you have posted an entry, please let me know. Thanks!
malcolmg
Barnesian
Omnium
NickPalmer
madmacs
Sean_F
Essexit
Taz
Benpointer
Sunil_Prasannan
HYUFD
Cookie
Malmesbury
Shecorns88
MarqueeMark
MattW
BartholomewRoberts
BatteryCorrectHorse
Big_G_NorthWales
SandyRentool
Selebian
Maxh
Morris_Dancer
OnlyLivingBoy
IanB2
kinabalu
rkrkrk
1. Lab (34%), Con (30%), LD (17%), Reform (32%)
2. Lab (20%), Con (18%), LD (9%), Reform (18%)
3. Ref 7
4. Defectors 0
5. 3
6. 3
7. 104
8. 2.9%
9. £144bn
10. UK 0.5%
11. US 3.3%
12. EU 0.8%
13 . 152
14. Aus 3, Eng 1
https://news.sky.com/story/trump-sentenced-over-hush-money-conviction-13286541
People who buy pineapple pizzas with cash are the worst people.
I've been reading up a touch on Jesse Owens' experience after the 1936 Olympics.
I had not picked up (which encouraged me to follow the rabbit hole) that he had been snubbed by Franklin D Roosevelt.
Young man: "Do you like Joplin?" (Scot Joplin)
Sweet young thing: "I don't know, you naughty boy. I've never joppled."
Put Radiohead LP onto record player - check
Put on scruffy shoes - check
Insult a lawyer - check
Have I missed anything?
ETA: A more triggering thread than suggesting adding more lawyers to something?
Like some of those madly weird states in America where you have to set your watch back 30 minutes but if you drive fast enough you go forward in time or something
Why do some places do this? Feel deliberately perverse
(Or so it has been alleged. Not that I believe a word of it.)
This achievement has the potential to reduce production costs by an order of magnitude and improve the efficiency of future fusion powerplants.
In just its first year, the NEURONE (Neutron Irradiation of Advanced Steels) consortium has achieved a UK-first breakthrough. The group successfully produced fusion-grade reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel on an industrial scale, using a seven-tonne Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Materials Processing Institute (@MPI_UK) in Middlesborough...
https://x.com/UKAEAofficial/status/1877404930497196329
While the reactors that require this stuff are many years (if ever) away from production, it could be useful for things like SMRs too.
https://www.timeanddate.com/time/time-zones-interesting.html
I don't believe anywhere in the US is offset by 30 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgeEQ1dDtRQ (in character in "The Crown")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mRt50wyaLg (as part of 70th VJ Day commemoration in London)
Arizona fits 'weird'.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_in_Arizona
Except that this may mean he's banned from Canada, since they don't let felons enter. *
He has been desperately trying to avoid this.
The interesting part of this should be Judge Merchan's sentencing address. Trump will be going "Poop Poop" like Mr Toad.
* Happened to Dubya for his DUI, but they found a way around it or granted special entry as he did visit later. So it may have been speculation by ABC.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=82199&page=1