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Kemi Badenoch is 100% right on this – politicalbetting.com

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  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415
    FF43 said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    I was out tonight then suddenly everyone's phone started sirening.
    I had my headphones on when the alarm came through - and they switched over to my phone. WHICH WAS QUITE LOUD SUDDENLY.

    Somewhat ironically, taking the audio away from the Met Office weather forecast I had been watching about the weather warnings.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 54,533

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    Its almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,210
    viewcode said:

    Good read, thank you.

    Politicians today grew up in an era where all the British wars were far away and won thru intelligence, improvisation and guts. They can't get their heads around the fact that mass and quantity are also necessary and that wars may be on home soil or near to it. So it was an easy trick to avowedly praise the soldiers whilst continually cutting numbers. To fix this will take a lot of investment over years and possibly blowing up the MoD (makes Sloan Sabbith gesture), which in turn requires a PM with the dedication to do it over several years. Who in the current scene will do that? Even the Trump idolators are focussed on refugee interception instead of getting tanks to, say, Lithuania
    Perhaps, if we needed troops to fight overseas, all the daily arrivals in small boats could be drafted straight into the army and onto troopships. Save the trouble of deportation, like.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 17,628
    ohnotnow said:

    FF43 said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    I was out tonight then suddenly everyone's phone started sirening.
    I had my headphones on when the alarm came through - and they switched over to my phone. WHICH WAS QUITE LOUD SUDDENLY.

    Somewhat ironically, taking the audio away from the Met Office weather forecast I had been watching about the weather warnings.
    Same tune all in time. There were about thirty people in the room.
  • FF43 said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    I was out tonight then suddenly everyone's phone started sirening.
    My mate was coming home from work on the tram and everyone shat it when the alarms started sounding. Makes you jump.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415

    ydoethur said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Trump says he will cooperate with the Saudis to punish Russia by bringing down the oil price.

    https://x.com/mylovanov/status/1882497033589719165

    I am intrigued by how is going to lower the oil price by working with Saudis, and simultaneously encourage more drilling in the US.
    You just do it. It's a good example of how a proper trade policy allows more flexibility.
    I'm struggling to understand what encouraging Saudi Arabia to pump more oil has to do with an independent trade policy, but I guess that just shows you're working on a different plane to the rest of us.
    If Trump doesn't want the domestic price of oil in the US to fall for whatever reason, he can use tariffs. This remedy wouldn't help Putin because he depends on selling his oil abroad.
    You do know that not oil is the same right? You can't just chuck oil from Midland, Texas in a refinery in Galveston and get petrol out, right?
    What does that have to do with the price of fish?
    I thought we were discussing the price of oil?
    Arctic and European Fish Oil Company says hello.

    Wonder how many get that dystopian reference.
    I do!

    And it's reminded me to recommend (tangentially) this early 80s drama :

    https://www.markpack.org.uk/100367/spyship-great-tv-drama-well-worth-another-watch/

    "Spyship was a gripping BBC TV drama in the early 1980s which still entertains. Loosely based on the true story of the disappearance of the trawler FV Gaul, Spyship tells the tale of a fishing boat that sinks whilst on an espionage mission for the British during the Cold War. The son of one of the sailors lost at sea tries to find out the truth behind what happened"

    Quite slow and bleak by todays Netflix standards, but ... all the better for it, I say. As an old codger.
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 9,541
    edited January 23
    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    Its almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    !RemindMe 1 day

    ;)
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,826
    The emergency weather mobile message struck whilst I was in the office. It was vaguely fascinating listening as lots of mobile phones went off at different times, like a shit mexican wave. Initially I couldn't work out it was mobile phones and thought our computer network had been hacked.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 54,533
    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    Indeed, hence the pun. Bad day when @ydoethur doesn't pick that up.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,345
    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    Its almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    We’ll know whether it’s overblown when it’s blown over.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,345

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Oh no! A thread about AV!
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 72,624
    DavidL said:

    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    Indeed, hence the pun. Bad day when @ydoethur doesn't pick that up.
    I took it as red.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,915

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Nigel Farage picture?
  • Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 29,999

    Populist Faragist campaign for referendum on death penalty incoming?

    If that sort of thing floats one's boat it would certainly be a Brexit bonus.
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,826

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Threads, naked Boris or odd pizza toppings?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 43,920

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Nigel Farage picture?
    I don't want to see that again. Ever.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 29,999

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 50,188
    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    It's a storm in a teacup. And everywhere else.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 29,999
    edited January 23

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Threads, naked Boris?
    It's not fat it's all muscle!
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 72,624
    Foxy said:

    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    It's a storm in a teacup. And everywhere else.
    Sounds more like the saucerer's apprentice.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,156

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    That would just make them another thing we can’t discuss on PB…
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415

    I apologise to you now if the morning thread gives you nightmares.

    Oh no! A thread about AV!
    Or worse. AI.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 29,999

    Foxy said:

    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    It's a storm in a teacup. And everywhere else.
    I am on a floating drilling rig - the COSL Innovator- about 100 miles east of Aberdeen. The forecasts we get have told us to expect 95 knot winds and 50 -60ft waves. We have unlatched from our well and have moved to survival draught. The expectation is for 15 - 20ft of heave for 18 - 24 hours. It will be an uncomfortable experience for everyone put here.
    Good luck Richard. Hope you have stocked up with sea sickness tablets
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 39,539
    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,404

    rcs1000 said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    Why weren't they calling for this for Lucy Letby?
    I say do all lifers. The government are looking for cuts and the prisons are full. Good for the environment too. Easy win.
    Doesn't that depend on the manner of execution?
    All executions will be fully compliant with net zero legislation. I for one would welcome government purchase of the all new Tesla Electric chair with built in power bank for windless days.
    Rather reminiscent of the electric power executive who pushed *his* system by demonstrating how excellent the *other* lot's kind of electricity was for executing people. AC vs DC, I forget which was which.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,445
    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declassification-of-records-concerning-the-assassinations-of-president-john-f-kenned/
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 17,945
    edited January 23

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    Rather than Eowyn they should have jumped straight to Nazgul. Storm Nazgul sounds proper nasty.
    One of my daughters shares her name with one of the big storms of a few years back. She absolutely loved it.

    Stay safe.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,404
    Foxy said:

    algarkirk said:

    Foxy said:

    algarkirk said:

    Sandpit said:

    Today's sentence already referred for being Unduly Lenient. Hard to see how, the judge was very clear in his remarks, he gave the maximum possible given his age and discount for a guilty plea.

    He’s clearly never getting out, what’s the point of taking it further other than enriching the lawyers involved and clogging up the courts even more than they are already?
    It's for the AG or SG to appeal sentence to the Court of Appeal as too lenient if they are so minded. If they do it will be purely performative, like their appeal over the triple Nottingham murders - so it can happen. Less likely to happen under Labour though.

    The test is 'unduly lenient'. No chance.

    On a related matter, it is obvious that in ordinary terms the defendant is as mad as a box of frogs. The defence tactic of neither running diminished responsibility as a defence or even producing a shrink's report in mitigation is interesting. They must have looked into it, and something about what they saw made it unusable. Add this to the unsolved mystery of why Miss Letby didn't call her own expert evidence.
    I don't think it at all obvious that he is "mad as a box of frogs". There's no evidence of delusions, hallucinations or similar. He had a diagnosis of autism spectrum, but limited to a degree of interference in communication. He was a member of a drama group when younger, and even featured on Children in Need, so was fairly high functioning at that time. All the evidence we heard in the summary by the judge is that he knew exactly what he was planning to do, researched it thoroughly and equipped himself.

    Unless you have a circular definition by which every murderer is mad, there is no evidence of insanity. It seems he turned out very bad, despite a stable family background and unremarkable suburban life. He doesn't seem to have had any religious motive, and his parents were active Christians. The source of information seems to have been solely from the darker parts of the internet. His is an extreme version of the damage that the Internet can do to young minds motivated to explore the darkest areas of the Web.
    Thanks. all fair points, except one. I make no suggestion that all murderers are mad; but, in ordinary people's language, you have to be mad to want to do what he did and to act it out because no ordinary person can imagine the sane desire to do so or the sane person not refraining from doing so even if they formed the thought.

    Whatever the source that degree of 'damage to young minds' as you describe it, with that result, falls way outside the bounds of sense or sanity. Does it not?
    No, there is no evidence so far of insanity in either the legal or medical sense.
    Only been arguing abiout it for what, the last 200+ years? Especially when James Cowles Pritchard invented moral insanity and threw a spanner in the medicolegal works.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    https://x.com/graduatedben/status/1882541897232846862

    Reporter: Does it bother you Elon Musk criticized a deal you made publicly he said he tweeted that.

    Trump: No it doesn't. He hates one of the people in the deal. I have certain hatreds of people too
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 44,404

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    Very glad I insisted on my workshed being strapped and screwed down to the concrete plinth when it was installed some years ago - it's raised on a terrace and will catch the prevailing wind. And I found boxes of assorted triangle and angle brackets in my dad's stuff so fixed as many as I could to the inside between wall and wall, and wall and ceiling, anywehre I could (well, they were free), and fished the two end to end units on each side with some solid timber.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 29,999

    https://x.com/graduatedben/status/1882541897232846862

    Reporter: Does it bother you Elon Musk criticized a deal you made publicly he said he tweeted that.

    Trump: No it doesn't. He hates one of the people in the deal. I have certain hatreds of people too

    Haters hate.

    (What a tw@t).
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,345

    In completely different news, yesterday I decided to do the Ashington branch, just north of Newcastle, which re-opened to passengers last month after 50 plus years of freight-only operation. Rather ambitiously, a total of 6 new or re-opened stations are planned, but only Ashington and Seaton Delaval were completed in time for re-opening of the branch in December.

    Of the remaining stations, two are still essentially building sites (Northumberland Park - extra platform next to the Metro station, as well as Bedlington, one stop shy of Ashington), Blyth Bebside taking shape but with quite a bit of work needed, leaving only Newsham as almost complete (name-boards already in place, maybe a month or two?).

    The station at Ashington was a little underwhelming, with just a single four-car platform set aside from the two-track goods route which continues north and east towards Newbiggin (not scheduled to have a passenger station at the moment). Not much shelter, let alone a station building, but a reasonably big car park. The remains of the original two-platform station which closed in 1964 are still visible. Anyway, the route has been done. Two viaducts across rivers between Blyth and Ashington are perhaps the highlights.

    An added uber-geekery bonus was, by virtue of delaying my departure from London King's Cross until 10:45, I was able to ride the Lumo (that's an "open-access" company in competition with LNER) service that by-passes York station (Holgate Junction to Skelton Junction). You know how it is :)

    However, due to a couple of signalling probs along the way, the train arrived into Newcastle nearly 20 minutes late, leaving barely 10 minutes to change for the Ashington train (14:17), but I made it! Got back to Newcastle by 4pm, and left on LNER by 5pm without any delays heading back to London.

    Here's a picture of Ashington, for what it's worth.



    Ashington, the birthplace of Jack and Bobby Charlton.
  • david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 18,049
    Carnyx said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    Why weren't they calling for this for Lucy Letby?
    I say do all lifers. The government are looking for cuts and the prisons are full. Good for the environment too. Easy win.
    Doesn't that depend on the manner of execution?
    All executions will be fully compliant with net zero legislation. I for one would welcome government purchase of the all new Tesla Electric chair with built in power bank for windless days.
    Rather reminiscent of the electric power executive who pushed *his* system by demonstrating how excellent the *other* lot's kind of electricity was for executing people. AC vs DC, I forget which was which.
    Edison, I think? He advocated DC. Unfortunately, you can't scale up DC to high-voltage in the same way you can for AC, which is a problem for distribution.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 14,474

    In completely different news, yesterday I decided to do the Ashington branch, just north of Newcastle, which re-opened to passengers last month after 50 plus years of freight-only operation. Rather ambitiously, a total of 6 new or re-opened stations are planned, but only Ashington and Seaton Delaval were completed in time for re-opening of the branch in December.

    Of the remaining stations, two are still essentially building sites (Northumberland Park - extra platform next to the Metro station, as well as Bedlington, one stop shy of Ashington), Blyth Bebside taking shape but with quite a bit of work needed, leaving only Newsham as almost complete (name-boards already in place, maybe a month or two?).

    The station at Ashington was a little underwhelming, with just a single four-car platform set aside from the two-track goods route which continues north and east towards Newbiggin (not scheduled to have a passenger station at the moment). Not much shelter, let alone a station building, but a reasonably big car park. The remains of the original two-platform station which closed in 1964 are still visible. Anyway, the route has been done. Two viaducts across rivers between Blyth and Ashington are perhaps the highlights.

    An added uber-geekery bonus was, by virtue of delaying my departure from London King's Cross until 10:45, I was able to ride the Lumo (that's an "open-access" company in competition with LNER) service that by-passes York station (Holgate Junction to Skelton Junction). You know how it is :)

    However, due to a couple of signalling probs along the way, the train arrived into Newcastle nearly 20 minutes late, leaving barely 10 minutes to change for the Ashington train (14:17), but I made it! Got back to Newcastle by 4pm, and left on LNER by 5pm without any delays heading back to London.

    Here's a picture of Ashington, for what it's worth.



    Ashington, the birthplace of Jack and Bobby Charlton.
    Also Jackie Milburn. And from cricket, Steve Harmison and Mark Wood.

    And several more besides. It really is the most remarkable place in that respect.
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 391

    In completely different news, yesterday I decided to do the Ashington branch, just north of Newcastle, which re-opened to passengers last month after 50 plus years of freight-only operation. Rather ambitiously, a total of 6 new or re-opened stations are planned, but only Ashington and Seaton Delaval were completed in time for re-opening of the branch in December.

    Of the remaining stations, two are still essentially building sites (Northumberland Park - extra platform next to the Metro station, as well as Bedlington, one stop shy of Ashington), Blyth Bebside taking shape but with quite a bit of work needed, leaving only Newsham as almost complete (name-boards already in place, maybe a month or two?).

    The station at Ashington was a little underwhelming, with just a single four-car platform set aside from the two-track goods route which continues north and east towards Newbiggin (not scheduled to have a passenger station at the moment). Not much shelter, let alone a station building, but a reasonably big car park. The remains of the original two-platform station which closed in 1964 are still visible. Anyway, the route has been done. Two viaducts across rivers between Blyth and Ashington are perhaps the highlights.

    An added uber-geekery bonus was, by virtue of delaying my departure from London King's Cross until 10:45, I was able to ride the Lumo (that's an "open-access" company in competition with LNER) service that by-passes York station (Holgate Junction to Skelton Junction). You know how it is :)

    However, due to a couple of signalling probs along the way, the train arrived into Newcastle nearly 20 minutes late, leaving barely 10 minutes to change for the Ashington train (14:17), but I made it! Got back to Newcastle by 4pm, and left on LNER by 5pm without any delays heading back to London.

    Here's a picture of Ashington, for what it's worth.



    You missed the Woodhorn Museum? You'll have to do another trip.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,445

    Carnyx said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    Why weren't they calling for this for Lucy Letby?
    I say do all lifers. The government are looking for cuts and the prisons are full. Good for the environment too. Easy win.
    Doesn't that depend on the manner of execution?
    All executions will be fully compliant with net zero legislation. I for one would welcome government purchase of the all new Tesla Electric chair with built in power bank for windless days.
    Rather reminiscent of the electric power executive who pushed *his* system by demonstrating how excellent the *other* lot's kind of electricity was for executing people. AC vs DC, I forget which was which.
    Edison, I think? He advocated DC. Unfortunately, you can't scale up DC to high-voltage in the same way you can for AC, which is a problem for distribution.
    https://www.businessinsider.com/edison-financed-the-electric-chair-2014-7
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 36,666

    Edison, I think? He advocated DC. Unfortunately, you can't scale up DC to high-voltage in the same way you can for AC, which is a problem for distribution.

    ish...

    While it is true that domestic electricity distribution uses high tension AC to reduce transmission losses, International undersea connectors use DC for the same reason.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 36,666

    https://x.com/graduatedben/status/1882541897232846862

    Reporter: Does it bother you Elon Musk criticized a deal you made publicly he said he tweeted that.

    Trump: No it doesn't. He hates one of the people in the deal. I have certain hatreds of people too

    When I was trying to work out the best way for a country to run its affairs, government driven by personal hatred was right at the top of my list. Bound to be a great success.
    Come the Revolution, first up against the wall...
  • noneoftheabovenoneoftheabove Posts: 23,708
    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    The moral of the story is clearly not to shorten your name to a TLA.
  • eekeek Posts: 29,141
    edited January 23

    Foxy said:

    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    It's a storm in a teacup. And everywhere else.
    I am on a floating drilling rig - the COSL Innovator- about 100 miles east of Aberdeen. The forecasts we get have told us to expect 95 knot winds and 50 -60ft waves. We have unlatched from our well and have moved to survival draught. The expectation is for 15 - 20ft of heave for 18 - 24 hours. It will be an uncomfortable experience for everyone put here.
    I rather like the last bit of the factsheet

    Harsh environment - Yes

    Good luck tonight I get sea sick in a port at the thought of sailing let alone actually sailing.
  • Scott_xP said:

    Edison, I think? He advocated DC. Unfortunately, you can't scale up DC to high-voltage in the same way you can for AC, which is a problem for distribution.

    ish...

    While it is true that domestic electricity distribution uses high tension AC to reduce transmission losses, International undersea connectors use DC for the same reason.
    So what you're saying is that we actually have combined AC/DC high voltage.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 52,958

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    Rather than Eowyn they should have jumped straight to Nazgul. Storm Nazgul sounds proper nasty.
    Storm Khamûl, Shirley?
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,450
    edited January 23
    eek said:

    Foxy said:

    ydoethur said:

    DavidL said:

    Good evening everyone.

    In tomorrow’s episode of Not Going Out, all our trains are cancelled, all our ferries are cancelled, all our buses are cancelled, and the clincher, the pub’s not opening.

    It's almost inevitable that this is going to be seriously overblown isn't it?
    Well, yes. That's what the Met Office are worried about.
    It's a storm in a teacup. And everywhere else.
    I am on a floating drilling rig - the COSL Innovator- about 100 miles east of Aberdeen. The forecasts we get have told us to expect 95 knot winds and 50 -60ft waves. We have unlatched from our well and have moved to survival draught. The expectation is for 15 - 20ft of heave for 18 - 24 hours. It will be an uncomfortable experience for everyone put here.
    I rather like the last bit of the factsheet

    Harsh environment - Yes

    Good luck tonight I get sea sick in a port at the thought of sailing let alone actually sailing.
    I had a relative who threw up on the Cutty Sark in its dry dock.
  • Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    The Scots did refer to one storm as Storm Bawbag.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 12,745

    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    The moral of the story is clearly not to shorten your name to a TLA.
    It’s fine as long as your TLA doesn’t end in a K: FDR, RBG… But bad news for famed Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, often known as SRK.
  • Jim_MillerJim_Miller Posts: 3,178
    edited January 23
    TSE said: "I went to school in worse weather than that." Our of modesty, he omitted this part: "up hill and into the wind, both ways."
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,643
    edited January 23

    Populist Faragist campaign for referendum on death penalty incoming?

    Farage is a longstanding opponent of the death penalty.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,701
    Best of British to @Richard_Tyndall and all others at peril.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,701
    Cookie said:

    In completely different news, yesterday I decided to do the Ashington branch, just north of Newcastle, which re-opened to passengers last month after 50 plus years of freight-only operation. Rather ambitiously, a total of 6 new or re-opened stations are planned, but only Ashington and Seaton Delaval were completed in time for re-opening of the branch in December.

    Of the remaining stations, two are still essentially building sites (Northumberland Park - extra platform next to the Metro station, as well as Bedlington, one stop shy of Ashington), Blyth Bebside taking shape but with quite a bit of work needed, leaving only Newsham as almost complete (name-boards already in place, maybe a month or two?).

    The station at Ashington was a little underwhelming, with just a single four-car platform set aside from the two-track goods route which continues north and east towards Newbiggin (not scheduled to have a passenger station at the moment). Not much shelter, let alone a station building, but a reasonably big car park. The remains of the original two-platform station which closed in 1964 are still visible. Anyway, the route has been done. Two viaducts across rivers between Blyth and Ashington are perhaps the highlights.

    An added uber-geekery bonus was, by virtue of delaying my departure from London King's Cross until 10:45, I was able to ride the Lumo (that's an "open-access" company in competition with LNER) service that by-passes York station (Holgate Junction to Skelton Junction). You know how it is :)

    However, due to a couple of signalling probs along the way, the train arrived into Newcastle nearly 20 minutes late, leaving barely 10 minutes to change for the Ashington train (14:17), but I made it! Got back to Newcastle by 4pm, and left on LNER by 5pm without any delays heading back to London.

    Here's a picture of Ashington, for what it's worth.



    Ashington, the birthplace of Jack and Bobby Charlton.
    Also Jackie Milburn. And from cricket, Steve Harmison and Mark Wood.

    And several more besides. It really is the most remarkable place in that respect.
    Jimmy Adamson. Captain of Burnley's Division One Champions and Footballer of the Year 1962.
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 39,539
    Interesting that Trump is going after Chinese support of Russia. I think Putin might end up being pushed out of a window sooner than we realise if the mythical Trump support doesn't materialise. Going after China is the right move, without Chinese support Russia's ability to wage war drops substantially.

    Let's see what the Trump team offers China to end their alliance with Russia.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415

    Has to be said that Storm Bstard sounds like it’s going to be fun. We’re not remotely on the leading edge of it yet the weather forecast tomorrow is 60-65mph winds all day long. How hard is this thing going to blow?

    It would be far more appropriate for storms to be named after profanities rather than male and female names.
    Rather than Eowyn they should have jumped straight to Nazgul. Storm Nazgul sounds proper nasty.
    Storm Khamûl, Shirley?
    I'm looking forward to the sh*t show of headlines when Storm Liz hits us later this year.

    I can almost see the Telegraph headlines now. "Ruined powerlines and the collapse of the North: Why this is for the good of the UK"
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    MaxPB said:

    Interesting that Trump is going after Chinese support of Russia. I think Putin might end up being pushed out of a window sooner than we realise if the mythical Trump support doesn't materialise. Going after China is the right move, without Chinese support Russia's ability to wage war drops substantially.

    Let's see what the Trump team offers China to end their alliance with Russia.

    The chance that Putin leaves office during Trump's presidency must be very high indeed.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,445

    Carnyx said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    Why weren't they calling for this for Lucy Letby?
    I say do all lifers. The government are looking for cuts and the prisons are full. Good for the environment too. Easy win.
    Doesn't that depend on the manner of execution?
    All executions will be fully compliant with net zero legislation. I for one would welcome government purchase of the all new Tesla Electric chair with built in power bank for windless days.
    Rather reminiscent of the electric power executive who pushed *his* system by demonstrating how excellent the *other* lot's kind of electricity was for executing people. AC vs DC, I forget which was which.
    Edison, I think? He advocated DC. Unfortunately, you can't scale up DC to high-voltage in the same way you can for AC, which is a problem for distribution.
    https://www.businessinsider.com/edison-financed-the-electric-chair-2014-7
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 9,541
    Just to add to the fun, the Telegraph have done their usual piece on turbines coming offline because it's too windy: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/23/storm-eowyn-gusts-force-thousands-turbines-switch-off/
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415
    Carnyx said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    Why weren't they calling for this for Lucy Letby?
    I say do all lifers. The government are looking for cuts and the prisons are full. Good for the environment too. Easy win.
    Doesn't that depend on the manner of execution?
    All executions will be fully compliant with net zero legislation. I for one would welcome government purchase of the all new Tesla Electric chair with built in power bank for windless days.
    Rather reminiscent of the electric power executive who pushed *his* system by demonstrating how excellent the *other* lot's kind of electricity was for executing people. AC vs DC, I forget which was which.
    The poor elephant died either way.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 4,415
    MaxPB said:

    Interesting that Trump is going after Chinese support of Russia. I think Putin might end up being pushed out of a window sooner than we realise if the mythical Trump support doesn't materialise. Going after China is the right move, without Chinese support Russia's ability to wage war drops substantially.

    Let's see what the Trump team offers China to end their alliance with Russia.

    I could see a 'if you do business with Russia via a business that does business that does business....' beginning to at least tug at China's shoulder. But would also be interested to see if that led to a quick rapprochement with India or some other parts of the world. I hear Greenland is nice.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,643
    edited January 23

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,156
    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    Curiously not the Epstein files, though.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 74,156
    The third runway at Heathrow should be self-funding. And could be quite easily if Heathrow sold the rights to take off and land on it, instead of having to give them away. Good Economist piece here on whether the govt has the stomach for a fight with BA.
    https://x.com/s8mb/status/1882339460714741897
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 97,493
    edited January 23
    Yes, I'm sure this will help and not make it even more expensive and difficult.

    Exc: MPs and peers have been told that restoring the country’s crumbling parliament will be “infinitely” more difficult than repairing Notre Dame cathedral.

    It comes after repeated warnings that the Palace of Westminster could go up in flames if repairs continue to be delayed 🔥

    The restoration and renewal board was briefed that parliament could not be compared to Notre Dame, with a decision on next steps delayed again

    https://nitter.poast.org/estwebber/status/1882479163006996707#m

    The thing I find sad is people just then talk about moving it out of London or building another parliament building 'fit' for this century, whatever that means. Which is fine, whatever, but it is an incredibly iconic building, even if we don't use it as a parliament we should try to stop the bloody thing falling to bits!

    This is the stupidest bit.

    Plans to move MPs out of the famous building while major works are carried out were first approved in the wake of Paris’s 2019 Notre Dame fire, which many in Westminster saw as a call to action.

    A call to action eh? Hence why the major decisions still haven't taken place years later.

    I guarantee they will go for rolling repairs - it's the easiest option for currently serving MPs, and probably means less cost per year (even if it goes on for a long long time).
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,964
    kle4 said:

    Yes, I'm sure this will help and not make it even more expensive and difficult.

    Exc: MPs and peers have been told that restoring the country’s crumbling parliament will be “infinitely” more difficult than repairing Notre Dame cathedral.

    It comes after repeated warnings that the Palace of Westminster could go up in flames if repairs continue to be delayed 🔥

    The restoration and renewal board was briefed that parliament could not be compared to Notre Dame, with a decision on next steps delayed again

    https://nitter.poast.org/estwebber/status/1882479163006996707#m

    The thing I find sad is people just then talk about moving it out of London or building another parliament building 'fit' for this century, whatever that means. Which is fine, whatever, but it is an incredibly iconic building, even if we don't use it as a parliament we should try to stop the bloody thing falling to bits!

    It would make a good Wetherspoons.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 97,493
    Jonathan said:

    kle4 said:

    Yes, I'm sure this will help and not make it even more expensive and difficult.

    Exc: MPs and peers have been told that restoring the country’s crumbling parliament will be “infinitely” more difficult than repairing Notre Dame cathedral.

    It comes after repeated warnings that the Palace of Westminster could go up in flames if repairs continue to be delayed 🔥

    The restoration and renewal board was briefed that parliament could not be compared to Notre Dame, with a decision on next steps delayed again

    https://nitter.poast.org/estwebber/status/1882479163006996707#m

    The thing I find sad is people just then talk about moving it out of London or building another parliament building 'fit' for this century, whatever that means. Which is fine, whatever, but it is an incredibly iconic building, even if we don't use it as a parliament we should try to stop the bloody thing falling to bits!

    It would make a good Wetherspoons.
    It would be less complicated than trying to make it a working parliamentary building.

    Though it may have had too many drunken punchups take place in its bars for the Wetherspoons brand.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 23,445
    The policeman in the head is always the worst...

    https://bsky.app/profile/bubbaprog.lol/post/3lga5ktfrx22o
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,092
    Andy_JS said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
    Old enough to vote for some.
    The descriptions of what this piece of shit did are utterly horrifying. There is no doubt that he did it. Why should he live?
  • Nunu3Nunu3 Posts: 250
    He stabbed one of the girls 122 times. Pure evil.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 18,092
    Nunu3 said:

    He stabbed one of the girls 122 times. Pure evil.

    Imagine that’s your child. Unbelievable. What they went through.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1882572399117484226

    Bannockburn (Stirling) Council By-Election Result [1st Prefs]:

    🎗️ SNP: 35.9% (+7.2)
    🌹 LAB: 23.9% (+3.1)
    ➡️ RFM: 22.7% (New)
    🌳 CON: 10.7% (-8.4)
    🔶 LDM: 3.5% (+1.4)
    🌍 GRN: 3.4% (+1.0)

    No IND (-26.0) or SFP (-1.1) as previous.

    SNP 'Gain' from Labour*
    Changes w/ 2022.

    *Independent would have been hypothetical single-seat winner in 2022.
  • DriverDriver Posts: 5,559
    Andy_JS said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
    Plenty old enough to vote, according to our parties of the left...
  • DriverDriver Posts: 5,559
    Nigelb said:

    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    Curiously not the Epstein files, though.
    From, like, 50 years later...
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    Oil refinery burning in Russia after Ukrainian strikes.

    https://x.com/jimmysecuk/status/1882554087667126339
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,252
    Driver said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
    Plenty old enough to vote, according to our parties of the left...
    I’d forgotten we’re going to get votes for children with this government. It’s going to be a long five/ten years.
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,217
    edited January 23
    Driver said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
    Plenty old enough to vote, according to our parties of the left...
    Deleted
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,643
    Reform have polled 23% in Bannockburn of all places.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,643
    Omnium said:

    Andy_JS said:

    "TikTok: weapon of mass distraction
    China knows it is digital opium
    Gurwinder Bhogal"

    https://unherd.com/2025/01/tiktok-weapon-of-mass-distraction/

    Does anyone disagree with this?

    Yes.
    How/why do you disagree with it?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 125,652
    edited January 24
    Andy_JS said:

    Reform have polled 23% in Bannockburn of all places.

    Well it has long been good for nationalists battling established elites there
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,488

    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    The moral of the story is clearly not to shorten your name to a TLA.
    It’s fine as long as your TLA doesn’t end in a K: FDR, RBG… But bad news for famed Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, often known as SRK.
    And yet both FDR and RBG are dead.
  • Jim_MillerJim_Miller Posts: 3,178
    Off topic, but perhaps of interest to many bettors in the UK: Here's a commend I just put up at Patterico's (a site run by an American lawyer: "What are the odds against the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship? I’d say at least 10-1, but would be interested in hearing guesstimates from lawyers on what would be a fair bet."
    https://patterico.com/2025/01/20/inauguration-day/#comment-2839866
  • DriverDriver Posts: 5,559

    Off topic, but perhaps of interest to many bettors in the UK: Here's a commend I just put up at Patterico's (a site run by an American lawyer: "What are the odds against the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship? I’d say at least 10-1, but would be interested in hearing guesstimates from lawyers on what would be a fair bet."
    https://patterico.com/2025/01/20/inauguration-day/#comment-2839866

    Courts do weird things, but it seems like a stretch to suggest that the meaning of" subject to the jurisdiction of"has shifted enough since 1898 to overturn.

    Though I do wonder if Trump has unofficially sounded out the SCOTUS majority to prove their thinking. If he has, he's either gone ahead because he knows he'll win in the end, or because he thinks he'll get some advantage from losing
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    rcs1000 said:

    MaxPB said:

    Trump declassifies JFK, RFK and MLK Jr files, I wonder what's going to be in them. I expect a whole load of nothing or redacted something.

    The moral of the story is clearly not to shorten your name to a TLA.
    It’s fine as long as your TLA doesn’t end in a K: FDR, RBG… But bad news for famed Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, often known as SRK.
    And yet both FDR and RBG are dead.
    We could be on to something here. LBJ is also dead.
  • MJWMJW Posts: 1,960

    Andy_JS said:

    Rupert Lowe and Richard Tice call for the death penalty for Axel Rudakubana.

    A stupid thing to say when he was under 18 at the time of the crime. Reduces my respect for the RefUK party.
    Old enough to vote for some.
    The descriptions of what this piece of shit did are utterly horrifying. There is no doubt that he did it. Why should he live?
    I think the argument is that it diminishes ourselves with nothing really gained. No one would shed a tear if Rudakubana doesn't make it to old age having done what he's done.

    The aims of criminal sanctions are either deterrence, rehabilitation, public safety, or punishment. Rehabilitation quite obviously doesn't apply in this case - he's not getting out of jail and there's no indication there was anything behind his actions other than being an evil, twisted, so-and-so - so he can't really be deradicalised or plead a mental health episode that may pass.

    Public safety is obviously satisfied whether he's in jail or executed. So there's punishment and deterrence. There's little evidence the death penalty acts as a deterrent in awful cases like this one. It certainly doesn't stop spree killers in the US. Because if someone's lost the moral plot so entirely they want to commit mass murder, then they are unlikely to have pause if it means their death over spending their life rotting in jail. It may even acts as a twisted incentive - as in murder suicide.

    So there's punishment - and is having a life ended truly worse than rotting in jail being constantly reminof the gravity of your crimes, long after whatever sick thrill they gave you, wears off? Unless you believe in hell, which most don't, death can be regarded as the easy option.

    You can't make exceptions due to public revulsion of a crime and for a relatively tiny number of people - around 100 life mean lifers are in the prison estate, you'd diminish your moral clarity in its use elsewhere in ways that are more troubling and creating big problems in how you'd carry out such sentences.

    Cost is the other argument made - quite obviously an inmate stops costing the state after death - but we really are talking about a rounding error of a saving given as stated, if limited to the very worst crimes. Plus they'd have to have an exhaustive appeals system and house in the meantime.

    So in answer, is it really worth it for the brief moral satisfaction of ssein Someone like Rudakuban hang.
  • SirNorfolkPassmoreSirNorfolkPassmore Posts: 7,219
    edited January 24
    Driver said:

    Off topic, but perhaps of interest to many bettors in the UK: Here's a commend I just put up at Patterico's (a site run by an American lawyer: "What are the odds against the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship? I’d say at least 10-1, but would be interested in hearing guesstimates from lawyers on what would be a fair bet."
    https://patterico.com/2025/01/20/inauguration-day/#comment-2839866

    Courts do weird things, but it seems like a stretch to suggest that the meaning of" subject to the jurisdiction of"has shifted enough since 1898 to overturn.

    Though I do wonder if Trump has unofficially sounded out the SCOTUS majority to prove their thinking. If he has, he's either gone ahead because he knows he'll win in the end, or because he thinks he'll get some advantage from losing
    They don't need to say the meaning has shifted, just that the Supreme Court was wrong in 1898 (noting that Justice Thomas compared Roe v Wade to Dred Scott v Sandford - simply said both were wrongly decided cases). The Supreme Court is the one place where a precedent set by the Supreme Court can be overturned.

    I don't actually think they will on this one, as I don't think the wording of the 14th amendment is all that unclear. But they may, and the odds are shorter than 10-1. It's a bit of a no lose for Trump in a way - either he wins or he adds another grievance to the big bucket of grievances his supporters carry around.

    I feel for the first instance judge on this. He is getting flak from Trumpers, but he quite clearly had no choice. It just isn't a realistic option for a lower court to overturn a very clear Supreme Court precedent - that can only happen on appeal up to that level.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    The vibe shift reaches Bank of America:

    https://x.com/bankofamerica/status/1882525013745770937
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,915
    Cookie said:

    In completely different news, yesterday I decided to do the Ashington branch, just north of Newcastle, which re-opened to passengers last month after 50 plus years of freight-only operation. Rather ambitiously, a total of 6 new or re-opened stations are planned, but only Ashington and Seaton Delaval were completed in time for re-opening of the branch in December.

    Of the remaining stations, two are still essentially building sites (Northumberland Park - extra platform next to the Metro station, as well as Bedlington, one stop shy of Ashington), Blyth Bebside taking shape but with quite a bit of work needed, leaving only Newsham as almost complete (name-boards already in place, maybe a month or two?).

    The station at Ashington was a little underwhelming, with just a single four-car platform set aside from the two-track goods route which continues north and east towards Newbiggin (not scheduled to have a passenger station at the moment). Not much shelter, let alone a station building, but a reasonably big car park. The remains of the original two-platform station which closed in 1964 are still visible. Anyway, the route has been done. Two viaducts across rivers between Blyth and Ashington are perhaps the highlights.

    An added uber-geekery bonus was, by virtue of delaying my departure from London King's Cross until 10:45, I was able to ride the Lumo (that's an "open-access" company in competition with LNER) service that by-passes York station (Holgate Junction to Skelton Junction). You know how it is :)

    However, due to a couple of signalling probs along the way, the train arrived into Newcastle nearly 20 minutes late, leaving barely 10 minutes to change for the Ashington train (14:17), but I made it! Got back to Newcastle by 4pm, and left on LNER by 5pm without any delays heading back to London.

    Here's a picture of Ashington, for what it's worth.



    Ashington, the birthplace of Jack and Bobby Charlton.
    Also Jackie Milburn. And from cricket, Steve Harmison and Mark Wood.

    And several more besides. It really is the most remarkable place in that respect.
    Complete set of pictures taken Wednesday here:

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Ashington+Sunil060902&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 53,598
    https://x.com/acyn/status/1882466185868116287

    Trump on the EU: 
    They took court cases with Apple and they supposedly won a case that most people didn't think was much of a case. They won 15 or 16 billion from Apple. They won billions from Google. I think they're after Facebook for billions and billions. These are American companies, whether you like them or not. They're American companies and they shouldn't be doing that. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a form of taxation
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,643

    The vibe shift reaches Bank of America:

    https://x.com/bankofamerica/status/1882525013745770937

    Makes them look foolish, because of what it implies may have used to be the case in terms of their attitude.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,488

    https://x.com/acyn/status/1882466185868116287

    Trump on the EU: 
    They took court cases with Apple and they supposedly won a case that most people didn't think was much of a case. They won 15 or 16 billion from Apple. They won billions from Google. I think they're after Facebook for billions and billions. These are American companies, whether you like them or not. They're American companies and they shouldn't be doing that. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a form of taxation

    Errrr, he's right, it is a form of taxation.

    And I look forward to the US not taxing British companies that make money in America.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 25,233

    viewcode said:

    This is real dialogue I just had with "CoPilot"


    • viewcode: In which episode of "The Newsroom" did Sloan Sabbith mime an explosion?
    • CoPilot: Sloan Sabbith mimed an explosion in the episode titled "The Greater Fool," which is the 10th episode and season finale of Season 1 of "The Newsroom"2. It's a memorable moment in the series! Have you watched the entire show, or are you just starting out?
    • viewcode: I have, or at least tried to. I like Aaron Sorkin's writing and value all the series that he wrote.
    • CoPilot: Aaron Sorkin's writing is indeed something special. His knack for sharp dialogue and intricate storytelling is truly remarkable. "The West Wing," "The Social Network," and "A Few Good Men" are just a few examples of his exceptional work. Do you have a favorite Sorkin series or film?
    • viewcode: It varies. I find something useful in all his series. As for his best I'd vary between "Sports Night" and "The West Wing", but I do like all of his TV series. I tend to prefer them to his films.
    • CoPilot: "Sports Night" and "The West Wing" are both fantastic choices. "Sports Night" has that unique blend of humor and drama, and it's fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes of a sports news show. "The West Wing," on the other hand, is just a masterclass in political drama with its sharp dialogue and compelling characters. It's great that you find value in all his series. Sorkin's ability to create engaging and thought-provoking content is truly remarkable. Do you have a favorite character from any of his shows?
    • viewcode: That will be possibly difficult, but I do have to go back to work now. Thank you for listening.
    • CoPilot: I understand. It was great chatting with you about Aaron Sorkin's work. If you ever want to dive back into the world of witty dialogue and compelling characters, I'll be here. Have a productive time at work!
    I’m amazed at how quickly I’ve become dependant on co-pilot for work. Reports, thematic analysis, sense checking ideas…honestly astounds me
    I ran a couple of barrier complaint letter requirements through it, and it did a pretty good job with very little help or references.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 25,233

    https://x.com/acyn/status/1882466185868116287

    Trump on the EU: 
    They took court cases with Apple and they supposedly won a case that most people didn't think was much of a case. They won 15 or 16 billion from Apple. They won billions from Google. I think they're after Facebook for billions and billions. These are American companies, whether you like them or not. They're American companies and they shouldn't be doing that. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a form of taxation

    Leaving aside that Trump is believing his own BS, as per usual - in the Apple case it was more like €1.5bn in fines and €13bn in back taxes, this I think will be an important one.

    Treating fines as a part of taxation is a fairly normal thing for the SEC, is it not?

    Like Musk, Chump needs to recognise that people and companies are subject to law in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

    I'm sure that La Reeves would find £10bn each from Facebook, Apple, Google, and Musk most useful at this time.
  • MattWMattW Posts: 25,233
    Driver said:

    Off topic, but perhaps of interest to many bettors in the UK: Here's a commend I just put up at Patterico's (a site run by an American lawyer: "What are the odds against the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship? I’d say at least 10-1, but would be interested in hearing guesstimates from lawyers on what would be a fair bet."
    https://patterico.com/2025/01/20/inauguration-day/#comment-2839866

    Courts do weird things, but it seems like a stretch to suggest that the meaning of" subject to the jurisdiction of"has shifted enough since 1898 to overturn.

    Though I do wonder if Trump has unofficially sounded out the SCOTUS majority to prove their thinking. If he has, he's either gone ahead because he knows he'll win in the end, or because he thinks he'll get some advantage from losing
    I think SCOTUS will just not list this case; they only do about 70-80 cases a year.

    I think that given the number of lawsuits which will be coming in via blue-leaning circuits, they will have a capacity problem. Which is a Dem answer to Republican legal tactics via the Texas Courts over the last X years. You get a single judge court (ie no random selection of Judge) in Hazzard County to make a national ruling, and chase it through.
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 391
    MaxPB said:

    Interesting that Trump is going after Chinese support of Russia. I think Putin might end up being pushed out of a window sooner than we realise if the mythical Trump support doesn't materialise. Going after China is the right move, without Chinese support Russia's ability to wage war drops substantially.

    Let's see what the Trump team offers China to end their alliance with Russia.

    If you assume Project2025 is the game plan, then Trump either hasn't read it or is going off-script or doesn't believe plans like laws apply to him.

    Is he certifiable yet?
This discussion has been closed.