A very fine tribute from @Morus on the last thread on PB's 10th anniversary, to which I'll only add that, god willing, should the site still be running when I finally peg out then you'll all be in for a mighty big surprise !!
Chortle ....
Free drinks, or the revelation that you were born a lady?
As a Scot one of those two options is decidedly unlikely says JackW in a gruff deep voice.
Free drinks it is then
As I'm banned from PB libatory events it may be that it is unlikely I'll avail PBers of drinkies in this world from the next !!
cheque or cash will do nicely, you could deposit it with Mike in anticipation.
As a tribute to you I'll action that request in the new post independence Scottish currency ....
A very fine tribute from @Morus on the last thread on PB's 10th anniversary, to which I'll only add that, god willing, should the site still be running when I finally peg out then you'll all be in for a mighty big surprise !!
Chortle ....
Free drinks, or the revelation that you were born a lady?
As a Scot one of those two options is decidedly unlikely says JackW in a gruff deep voice.
Free drinks it is then
As I'm banned from PB libatory events it may be that it is unlikely I'll avail PBers of drinkies in this world from the next !!
cheque or cash will do nicely, you could deposit it with Mike in anticipation.
As a tribute to you I'll action that request in the new post independence Scottish currency ....
"I've been panicking because I'm pessimistic. As much as I support the union I felt the Better Together side were too negative and not taking into account that the Yes side have the most passionate supporters, relentless drive, and the most effective leaders, so it always felt to me that as things approached the decision we would see crossover in their favour as a more positive message, even if absurd, would be more attractive."
Perhaps if more Unionists were pessimists like yourself then you might be doing better in the polls.
The almost total complacency of the anti-independence campaign has lead to you lot focussing far too much on core supporters, instead of reaching out to the persuadable waverers in the middle, ie. the people who will decide the actual outcome.
Yes Scotland speaks to these people constantly. In fact, we almost totally ignore our core supporters, as they will vote Yes anyway, come hell or high water.
I'm astonished that BT have been allowed to be so blatantly incompetent. Have none of the bright sparks in the Unionist camp noticed how useless they are? Nobody ever wins an election by appealing to their core vote.
Bright sparks and unionists are mutually exclusive. It is arrogance and stupidity that will be their downfall.
Well thank you for that insult. As a unionist who thinks the SNP will win, apparently I must be wrong because as a unionist I am so stupid? Perhaps you meant bright sparks and those who think No will win?
kle4, don't be so sensitivie I was talking about the unionist campaigns and the donkeys that are running them. However it does amaze me that intelligent people are happy to put these people into positions of power.
I'm not sensitive - I just think the remark needed clarifying due to its unintended implications, and I did think it unintended. You would surely not deny the Yes side would not get their backs up in the face of such a generalization, given they are the subject of them all the time.
kle4, it was very sloppy posting on my part, I apologise unreservedly
Happy birthday PB. These polls are manna from heaven for the Yes campaign.They simply have to paint the picture of a nightmare 5 years of Tory government to come in 2015 when they have the alternative of entering the sunlight of a country free for ever from the threat of the evil Tories.
A very fine tribute from @Morus on the last thread on PB's 10th anniversary, to which I'll only add that, god willing, should the site still be running when I finally peg out then you'll all be in for a mighty big surprise !!
Chortle ....
Free drinks, or the revelation that you were born a lady?
As a Scot one of those two options is decidedly unlikely says JackW in a gruff deep voice.
Free drinks it is then
As I'm banned from PB libatory events it may be that it is unlikely I'll avail PBers of drinkies in this world from the next !!
cheque or cash will do nicely, you could deposit it with Mike in anticipation.
As a tribute to you I'll action that request in the new post independence Scottish currency ....
Oooppps ....
The Magic Bean, exchange rate pegged to The Cow?
You will be looking for some of them post 19th September if you want to be part of teh celebrations.
"I've been panicking because I'm pessimistic. As much as I support the union I felt the Better Together side were too negative and not taking into account that the Yes side have the most passionate supporters, relentless drive, and the most effective leaders, so it always felt to me that as things approached the decision we would see crossover in their favour as a more positive message, even if absurd, would be more attractive."
Perhaps if more Unionists were pessimists like yourself then you might be doing better in the polls.
The almost total complacency of the anti-independence campaign has lead to you lot focussing far too much on core supporters, instead of reaching out to the persuadable waverers in the middle, ie. the people who will decide the actual outcome.
Yes Scotland speaks to these people constantly. In fact, we almost totally ignore our core supporters, as they will vote Yes anyway, come hell or high water.
I'm astonished that BT have been allowed to be so blatantly incompetent. Have none of the bright sparks in the Unionist camp noticed how useless they are? Nobody ever wins an election by appealing to their core vote.
Bright sparks and unionists are mutually exclusive. It is arrogance and stupidity that will be their downfall.
Well thank you for that insult. As a unionist who thinks the SNP will win, apparently I must be wrong because as a unionist I am so stupid? Perhaps you meant bright sparks and those who think No will win?
kle4, don't be so sensitivie I was talking about the unionist campaigns and the donkeys that are running them. However it does amaze me that intelligent people are happy to put these people into positions of power.
I'm not sensitive - I just think the remark needed clarifying due to its unintended implications, and I did think it unintended. You would surely not deny the Yes side would not get their backs up in the face of such a generalization, given they are the subject of them all the time.
kle4, it was very sloppy posting on my part, I apologise unreservedly If apologies were needed every time someone expressed themselves inelegantly, none of us would ever be able to write anything I assure you. I was being catty more than anything else.
And in fairness, I usually don't call out the anti-SNP side for making gross insulting generalizations, because it is so much more frequent, so I apologise for some hypocrisy.
A very fine tribute from @Morus on the last thread on PB's 10th anniversary, to which I'll only add that, god willing, should the site still be running when I finally peg out then you'll all be in for a mighty big surprise !!
Chortle ....
Free drinks, or the revelation that you were born a lady?
As a Scot one of those two options is decidedly unlikely says JackW in a gruff deep voice.
Free drinks it is then
As I'm banned from PB libatory events it may be that it is unlikely I'll avail PBers of drinkies in this world from the next !!
cheque or cash will do nicely, you could deposit it with Mike in anticipation.
As a tribute to you I'll action that request in the new post independence Scottish currency ....
Oooppps ....
The Magic Bean, exchange rate pegged to The Cow?
You will be looking for some of them post 19th September if you want to be part of teh celebrations.
Bucky and Bru? No thanks. I've already got the vintage champers laid down.
Happy birthday PB. These polls are manna from heaven for the Yes campaign.They simply have to paint the picture of a nightmare 5 years of Tory government to come in 2015 when they have the alternative of entering the sunlight of a country free for ever from the threat of the evil Tories.
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
I can't argue with the nationalists' call on the Scottish voting intentions, and I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset, but I don;t see how it really affects the life of your ordinary Scot whether the london government is red or blue.
Was 1997-2010 really a golden age for Scotland, and is 2010-2014 really so different?
I don't know as they don't do many party voting intentions in France...they are so presidential afterall Anyway, a drop for the left and gains for the right were expected. Now it should be seen how the national figures translates in terms of controls of municipalities. And we should wait for second round next week for many final outcomes
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
First leaked national estimations for French local elections (first round) from Switzerland and Belgium
UMP & co 46% Socialists/Greens/Commies 41% Front Marine 7%
turnout around 60%
Andrea, are those numbers in line with expectations ?
FN are not contesting all districts, so the national voting figures mean little. At around 54% turnout is down in 2008, itself the lowest since 1959...
I don't know as they don't do many party voting intentions in France...they are so presidential afterall Anyway, a drop for the left and gains for the right were expected. Now it should be seen how the national figures translates in terms of controls of municipalities. And we should wait for second round next week for many final outcomes
Cheers for that.
And whilst we congratulate PB on its tenth I think it would be remiss not to afford you a hearty shout out for your excellent contribution to the site over the years.
To think you were a mere exuberant youth at the start and now you are an aged grandee and doctor too !!
Tribune de Geneve (not bound by French rules on exit polls) expects a UMP (centre-right) lead over the socialists and communists in the local elections of 46-41, with the Front National on 7%. The socialists should still hold Paris, I suspect. The TdG describes it as meeting the worst fears of the left, but after all we've heard about popular views of Hollande, a 5-point deficit at this juncture doesn't sound that terrible.
First leaked national estimations for French local elections (first round) from Switzerland and Belgium
UMP & co 46% Socialists/Greens/Commies 41% Front Marine 7%
turnout around 60%
Andrea, are those numbers in line with expectations ?
FN are not contesting all districts, so the national voting figures mean little. At around 56% turnout is down in 2008, itself the lowest since 1959...
I don't know as they don't do many party voting intentions in France...they are so presidential afterall Anyway, a drop for the left and gains for the right were expected. Now it should be seen how the national figures translates in terms of controls of municipalities. And we should wait for second round next week for many final outcomes
Cheers for that.
And whilst we congratulate PB on its tenth I think it would be remiss not to afford you a hearty shout out for your excellent contribution to the site over the years.
To think you were a mere exuberant youth at the start and now you are an aged grandee and doctor too !!
Thank you Andrea.
My Lord, I am pleased to second that motion.
And a fine co-campaign manager (with your illustrious self and the jolly green Neil) for the duly annointed Head Chef of the Hersham Burgers.
DA is clearly the right choice if the LD objective at the next GE is another coalition with the Conservatives, VC is right if the objective is either a coalition with Labour or opposition. I am surprised this strategic choice has not entered into MS' analysis, or perhaps it has?
Small wonder that English Premier League football is so popular the world over with 42 goals having been scored in this weekend's 10 games ..... is this a record? A remarkable shift from the time-honoured average of 2.5 goals per game.
I don't know as they don't do many party voting intentions in France...they are so presidential afterall Anyway, a drop for the left and gains for the right were expected. Now it should be seen how the national figures translates in terms of controls of municipalities. And we should wait for second round next week for many final outcomes
Cheers for that.
And whilst we congratulate PB on its tenth I think it would be remiss not to afford you a hearty shout out for your excellent contribution to the site over the years.
To think you were a mere exuberant youth at the start and now you are an aged grandee and doctor too !!
Thank you Andrea.
My Lord, I am pleased to second that motion.
And a fine co-campaign manager (with your illustrious self and the jolly green Neil) for the duly annointed Head Chef of the Hersham Burgers.
Quite so.
There's more than one Coalition of note in the nation.
DA is clearly the right choice if the LD objective at the next GE is another coalition with the Conservatives, VC is right if the objective is either a coalition with Labour or opposition. I am surprised this strategic choice has not entered into MS' analysis, or perhaps it has?
My impression - which could easily be wrong - is that the Lib Dems probably won't have the choice of who they go into coalition with, just as they did not at the last election. Of course there is a chance it will be finely balance and they will have a genuine choice but it seems to me that the most likely outcome is that the electoral maths will probably make the choice for them.
Also if they are in the a position where they are once again in coalition with the Tories is there any reason why Clegg would not be leader?
Richard_Tyndall You may be right, but the LDs should surely have an idea of what they would like the outcome to be, as it will colour their entire platform and campaign? In my view going into the election with NC as leader is essentially asking for the current coalition to continue, so DA should be the man against Osbourne. But attempting to fudge this point will only store up the sort of trouble that was so damaging post the formation of the current coalition. The LDs must take a clear position this time, or risk ridicule or worse.
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
Tempted. But what happens if there's a stalemate?
A genuine two person stalemate? Well if one does occur, and they are extremely rare, it will be down to a decision of the referee (i.e. me) to name joint winners. However, I think that situation is most unlikely.
Andy Cooke has already agreed to play. Can you really resist the opportunity of facing off against the most technically accurate as well as the most devious, back-stabbing git ever to disgrace these boards?
Would Alexander really be prepared to go for the jugular against Osborne? It's hard to see how he can trash Osborne without damaging himself given how much he wants to talk up the coalition's performance. If the Lib Dems are committed to equidistance then surely he either gives Osborne both barrels or he goes easy on Ed Balls.
Clegg and Alexander should have been much more qualified in their praise of the coalition. It's obvious that if you talk up the record of the government as a whole people will think most of the credit should go to the dominant party.
Richard_Tyndall You may be right, but the LDs should surely have an idea of what they would like the outcome to be, as it will colour their entire platform and campaign? In my view going into the election with NC as leader is essentially asking for the current coalition to continue, so DA should be the man against Osbourne. But attempting to fudge this point will only store up the sort of trouble that was so damaging post the formation of the current coalition. The LDs must take a clear position this time, or risk ridicule or worse.
Yep I see that. I also of course made an error in my reply to you as, even though I had read the header and the discussion, I somehow got it into my head we were talking about A Lib Dem leader rather than a Shadow Chancellor. I should engage brain a bit sooner in future :-)
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
Tempted. But what happens if there's a stalemate?
Are you on then, Doc? You seem a capable chap, two builds in 1902 as Turkey indicates nifty footwork.
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
Tempted. But what happens if there's a stalemate?
Are you on then, Doc? You seem a capable chap, two builds in 1902 as Turkey indicates nifty footwork.
First leaked national estimations for French local elections (first round) from Switzerland and Belgium
UMP & co 46% Socialists/Greens/Commies 41% Front Marine 7%
turnout around 60%
Andrea, are those numbers in line with expectations ?
FN are not contesting all districts, so the national voting figures mean little. At around 56% turnout is down in 2008, itself the lowest since 1959...
Thanks Rod.
That's right. The FN have done very well in some places where they're contesting, even if the overall picture is patchy.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
Are yoi trying to conserve / grow your capital or to make an extra income? I suspect that the former is more important in your case.
I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset
The polling suggests otherwise......I do not share the common Nat view that my countrymen are so shallow as to decide the fate of their country for generations on the basis of the next 5 year parliament.....
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
Tempted. But what happens if there's a stalemate?
Are you on then, Doc? You seem a capable chap, two builds in 1902 as Turkey indicates nifty footwork.
All mere shadow play before an inevitable french victory.
A genuine two person stalemate? Well if one does occur, and they are extremely rare, it will be down to a decision of the referee (i.e. me) to name joint winners. However, I think that situation is most unlikely.
Andy Cooke has already agreed to play. Can you really resist the opportunity of facing off against the most technically accurate as well as the most devious, back-stabbing git ever to disgrace these boards?
-Looks pained- I'm sitting right here, you know ...
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
Good farmland with its own water supply somewhere easily defendable - holiday home for now, bolthole for when the banksters crash the world economy.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
Good farmland with its own water supply somewhere easily defendable - holiday home for now, bolthole for when the banksters crash the world economy.
I think far southern Portugal is a good place to be if IT ALL KICKS OFF. You can live off the sea and the fruit trees and the feral pigs of the Alentejo, as most of the civilised world collapses.
I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset
The polling suggests otherwise......I do not share the common Nat view that my countrymen are so shallow as to decide the fate of their country for generations on the basis of the next 5 year parliament.....
Quite right too. Please send George n Dave over the border more often. Lots more often. We really love those chaps.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
Yeah,agree Tavira is very good on the Algarve,personally I prefer the Carvoeira and Lagos end,I spend 3-4 weeks in the Algarve every winter. Financially,I cannot advise,but my last trip to the Algarve,there were still numerous unfinished/abandoned developments,the minute there is an upturn,all this development will recommence,and subdue prices. A Holiday home is for fun and enjoyment,not aninvestment.
I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset
The polling suggests otherwise......I do not share the common Nat view that my countrymen are so shallow as to decide the fate of their country for generations on the basis of the next 5 year parliament.....
Quite right too. Please send George n Dave over the border more often. Lots more often. We really love those chaps.
I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset
The polling suggests otherwise......I do not share the common Nat view that my countrymen are so shallow as to decide the fate of their country for generations on the basis of the next 5 year parliament.....
Quite right too. Please send George n Dave over the border more often. Lots more often. We really love those chaps.
Morris Dancer in the previous thread asked if draws were available in Diplomacy and of course they are, normally. Not in a Death Match though. The PB Diplomacy Death Match is now open for contestants (go to PlayDiplomacy.com and under "join Game" search for "Death Match" an you will find it - the password is "cats&kittens").
Be warned though this is intended to be a no holds barred, knock em down and drag em out, no quarter asked or given fight to the death - or victory. There can only be one victor, alliance victories and draws are not permitted . Do you have the mix of cunning, skill and the ability to suck up to people you intend to destroy? Well now is your chance to prove it and win the PB Knife in the Back Trophy.
Tempted. But what happens if there's a stalemate?
Are you on then, Doc? You seem a capable chap, two builds in 1902 as Turkey indicates nifty footwork.
All mere shadow play before an inevitable french victory.
A genuine two person stalemate? Well if one does occur, and they are extremely rare, it will be down to a decision of the referee (i.e. me) to name joint winners. However, I think that situation is most unlikely.
Andy Cooke has already agreed to play. Can you really resist the opportunity of facing off against the most technically accurate as well as the most devious, back-stabbing git ever to disgrace these boards?
-Looks pained- I'm sitting right here, you know ...
That's OK, Andy, I would never say anything behind your back that I wouldn't say to your face. Besides what did I say that was untrue? Maybe the "git" was a little over the top but there is nothing in the rules to say when a game starts.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
Good farmland with its own water supply somewhere easily defendable - holiday home for now, bolthole for when the banksters crash the world economy.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
My boring advice is if you want a holiday home, buy a holiday home. And if you want an investment make an investment. If you try to both simultaneously you are likely to end up with something that satisfies neither requirement.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
If you haven't already done so, invest heavily in the current tax year (ending on 5 April) and the next tax year in a personal pension plan to obtain in your case 40%+ tax relief.
If Labour wins the GE next year, tax relief after 2014-2015 may well be limited to the 20% standard rate, so this generous tax break may close sooner rather than later. You'd have to invest very well in Portugese property to produce a better post-tax return. Also make full use of your annual ISA allowance for both this year and next (approx £11300 for 2013-14, increasing to £15000 for 2014-2015 from July - but you need to hurry for the current tax year. Full details from Hargreaves Lansdown and others.
MikeK It seems FN has benefited from a low turnout in the first round of the French municipal elections particularly in Henin-Beaumont, Avignon and Frejus. Also some gains from the UMP from the Socialists, most surprisingly in Marseilles. http://lci.tf1.fr/
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
If you haven't already done so, invest heavily in the current tax year (ending on 5 April) and the next tax year in a personal pension plan to obtain in your case 40%+ tax relief.
If Labour wins the GE next year, tax relief after 2014-2015 may well be limited to the 20% standard rate, so this generous tax break may close sooner rather than later. You'd have to invest very well in Portugese property to produce a better post-tax return. Also make full use of your annual ISA allowance for both this year and next (approx £11300 for 2013-14, increasing to £15000 for 2014-2015 from July - but you need to hurry for the current tax year. Full details from Hargreaves Lansdown and others.
Excuse me PfP - are you after my job? Agree entirely apart from using HL natch and also this year's ISA is 11,520 max for 2013/14.
Rising to £11,880 from 6th April 2014 before stepping up to £15,000 from 1/7/14.
Depending on Sean's taxable income bracket the pension relief may by 60% or 45% as well plus there is the ability to use carry back for the last 3 years if paying in more than £50k gross in 13/14 tax year if making a seriously chunky pension contribution ... BUT you are limited to 100% of your earned income so depends how Sean earns his income is paid...
If via a limited company, then might look at employer contributions from his business as only salary not dividends from your limited business count as earned income. Rather different if a sole trader - ask your accountant asap on this!
'I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London,'
Think again about buy to let as with a good agent it's no hassle.
Take a look at Brighton & Hove,one of the few areas outside London where prices have remained strong during the recession,permanent shortage of rental properties with good rental income.The downside is you will need a mortgage as £100k no longer buys a Studio flat,it did two years ago! I have had excellent returns over many years. .
The problem with BTL is that EVERYONE is doing that I meet, chasing the yield and/or hoped for capital growth - as part of a household's overall portfolio of investments then that's fine but if their main home / equity is say 50% +of their wealth (at least) thenI just think it's very risky to add yet more exposure to residential property as an asset class. Too many eggs in the one basket.
If you have a spread of asset classes in your portfolio then fine, have a BTL too but I'm a contrarian and when every baby boomer I meet tells me they are thinking of buying a flat near xxx train station to suppliment their retirement income then I worry as we know joe public tend to be very good at buying at market tops....
That's before the pension income revolution as well... if that actually happens...
As a self confessed Guido linker, this amused me. Apologies if others have seen it before me etc. etc.
Guido Fawkes ✔ @GuidoFawkes Congratulations to Mike Smithson on the tenth anniversary of Political Betting. The site I wish I had thought of first. Ten More Years!
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
If you haven't already done so, invest heavily in the current tax year (ending on 5 April) and the next tax year in a personal pension plan to obtain in your case 40%+ tax relief.
If Labour wins the GE next year, tax relief after 2014-2015 may well be limited to the 20% standard rate, so this generous tax break may close sooner rather than later. You'd have to invest very well in Portugese property to produce a better post-tax return. Also make full use of your annual ISA allowance for both this year and next (approx £11300 for 2013-14, increasing to £15000 for 2014-2015 from July - but you need to hurry for the current tax year. Full details from Hargreaves Lansdown and others.
Excuse me PfP - are you after my job? Agree entirely apart from using HL natch and also this year's ISA is 11,520 max for 2013/14.
Rising to £11,880 from 6th April 2014 before stepping up to £15,000 from 1/7/14.
Depending on Sean's taxable income bracket the pension relief may by 60% or 45% as well plus there is the ability to use carry back for the last 3 years if paying in more than £50k gross in 13/14 tax year if making a seriously chunky pension contribution ... BUT you are limited to 100% of your earned income so depends how Sean earns his income is paid...
If via a limited company, then might look at employer contributions from his business as only salary not dividends from your limited business count as earned income. Rather different if a sole trader - ask your accountant asap on this!
I suggested HL because time is of the essence for 2013 - 2014 and they can move very quickly with the paperwork for SIPPS, ISAs as well as setting up the necessary banking arrangements, etc. They also offer great discounts in terms of investing in funds and very cheap dealing costs in terms of share dealing. Of course there are others, but HL have a good reputation for someone starting from scratch.
The problem with BTL is that EVERYONE is doing that I meet, chasing the yield and/or hoped for capital growth - as part of a household's overall portfolio of investments then that's fine but if their main home / equity is say 50% +of their wealth (at least) thenI just think it's very risky to add yet more exposure to residential property as an asset class. Too many eggs in the one basket.
If you have a spread of asset classes in your portfolio then fine, have a BTL too but I'm a contrarian and when every baby boomer I meet tells me they are thinking of buying a flat near xxx train station to suppliment their retirement income then I worry as we know joe public tend to be very good at buying at market tops....
That's before the pension income revolution as well... if that actually happens...
I know I am being dense (having just worked through a variety of source material to prove for a colleague that an army officer in WW1 was the same chap of that name in WW2) but what is the pension income revolution please? I do know about the annuities and the budget! But best keep the answer short in case it is something as well publicised.
volcanopete Polls still show most Scots would still vote No even if the Tories win outright, albeit more narrowly. In any case as I said yesterday, a Yes vote could shore up the right in Scotland between the right of the SNP and the remaining Scots' Tories and give a centre-right majority in Scotland for the first time since 1955
"The SMS Grosser Kurfurst survived the bombardments of the east coast in 1914 and went on to fight in the Battle of Jutland off Denmark in 1916 before heading to the Baltic in 1917.
When the Germans surrendered in 1918, the German fleet sailed to Scapa Flow in the Outer Hebrides. In June 1919 the Germans scuttled the majority of the ships in the fleet."
Follows the references to Hitler's war in The Radio Times.
volcanopete Polls still show most Scots would still vote No even if the Tories win outright, albeit more narrowly. In any case as I said yesterday, a Yes vote could shore up the right in Scotland between the right of the SNP and the remaining Scots' Tories and give a centre-right majority in Scotland for the first time since 1955
Given that Labour is already on the right, next to the Tories, you perhaps don't need to wait till then! It does depend what side Ms Lamont gets out of bed that morning, and, after indy, whether the suddenly Scottish Labour Party (as opposed to the members of the Labour Party in Scotland) decides to continue in that vein, or suddenly remember who Keir Hardie was. But the SNP and the SSP have already grabbed that ground and are pretty well entrenched there.
If you haven't already done so, invest heavily in the current tax year (ending on 5 April) and the next tax year in a personal pension plan to obtain in your case 40%+ tax relief.
If Labour wins the GE next year, tax relief after 2014-2015 may well be limited to the 20% standard rate, so this generous tax break may close sooner rather than later. You'd have to invest very well in Portugese property to produce a better post-tax return. Also make full use of your annual ISA allowance for both this year and next (approx £11300 for 2013-14, increasing to £15000 for 2014-2015 from July - but you need to hurry for the current tax year. Full details from Hargreaves Lansdown and others.
Excuse me PfP - are you after my job? Agree entirely apart from using HL natch and also this year's ISA is 11,520 max for 2013/14.
Rising to £11,880 from 6th April 2014 before stepping up to £15,000 from 1/7/14.
Depending on Sean's taxable income bracket the pension relief may by 60% or 45% as well plus there is the ability to use carry back for the last 3 years if paying in more than £50k gross in 13/14 tax year if making a seriously chunky pension contribution ... BUT you are limited to 100% of your earned income so depends how Sean earns his income is paid...
If via a limited company, then might look at employer contributions from his business as only salary not dividends from your limited business count as earned income. Rather different if a sole trader - ask your accountant asap on this!
I suggested HL because time is of the essence for 2013 - 2014 and they can move very quickly with the paperwork for SIPPS, ISAs as well as setting up the necessary banking arrangements, etc. They also offer great discounts in terms of investing in funds and very cheap dealing costs in terms of share dealing. Of course there are others, but HL have a good reputation for someone starting from scratch.
Why a SIPP though? These days you can get a PPP with charges of circa 0.5%pa and set them up in a few days - as I will be doing for one client this week who is making a large single premium payment for 2013/14.
As for ISAs, HL can be one of the most expensive platforms for 'direct to consumer' platforms (ie not using a poor old IFA) see this as an eg but all depends on how much invested.
I have a bunch of spare money to invest, not millions but a sizable chunk, just edging into six figure territory.
I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London, and the capital gains less impressive), or the usual mix of stocks, bonds, etc, in yer Hargreaves and yer Lansdowne.
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
My boring advice is if you want a holiday home, buy a holiday home. And if you want an investment make an investment. If you try to both simultaneously you are likely to end up with something that satisfies neither requirement.
My inclination is towards a holiday home, but of course I'd rather it didn't halve in value in the next five years. So location is important. I think Spain still has some way to fall. But Portugal might be at the nadir.
And I am surely right about all the British pensioners cashing in their annuities. Quite a few will buy homes in the sun = the Algarve.
Or I could invest for a couple of years and have fun with my Hargreaves Lansdowne iPhone app. It's very slick.
Then choose the area you want to live in, and buy the best house you can afford in the best district. It's unlikely to lose value in the long term. That's what I find with Laguna & it's now about 30% above what I paid
The problem with BTL is that EVERYONE is doing that I meet, chasing the yield and/or hoped for capital growth - as part of a household's overall portfolio of investments then that's fine but if their main home / equity is say 50% +of their wealth (at least) thenI just think it's very risky to add yet more exposure to residential property as an asset class. Too many eggs in the one basket.
If you have a spread of asset classes in your portfolio then fine, have a BTL too but I'm a contrarian and when every baby boomer I meet tells me they are thinking of buying a flat near xxx train station to suppliment their retirement income then I worry as we know joe public tend to be very good at buying at market tops....
That's before the pension income revolution as well... if that actually happens...
I know I am being dense (having just worked through a variety of source material to prove for a colleague that an army officer in WW1 was the same chap of that name in WW2) but what is the pension income revolution please? I do know about the annuities and the budget! But best keep the answer short in case it is something as well publicised.
From April 2015, it's been announced in the Budget (although has now gone out to consultation...) that no matter what your income is, from the age of 55 onwards you are allowed to take as much as you like out of your pension pot (for those in defined contribution schemes such as Group Personal Pensions, Stakeholders etc) BUT will be urged to take advice on doing so first...
Carnyx Ed Miliband certainly is not on the centre-right, Blair maybe in the centre but he is yesterday's news. Further to the left of Labour there is the SSP and the Greens and TUSC/Respect etc. The Liberals are in the middle. However, with UKIP never having really taken off in Scotland, a realignment of the right in Scotland will have to involve the economically free market elements of the SNP (and remember Salmond has refused to match Miliband's pledge to raise the top rate of tax to 50%) and the Scottish Tories
"The SMS Grosser Kurfurst survived the bombardments of the east coast in 1914 and went on to fight in the Battle of Jutland off Denmark in 1916 before heading to the Baltic in 1917.
When the Germans surrendered in 1918, the German fleet sailed to Scapa Flow in the Outer Hebrides. In June 1919 the Germans scuttled the majority of the ships in the fleet."
Follows the references to Hitler's war in The Radio Times.
History or Geography fail?
Many thanks for that - I had missed it and all of that is of great interest to me, right down to the Scapa episode! Scapa is a great place and there is a nice little museum in the Lyness terminal, as well as more stuff in the local museum (Stromness I think mainly for ships but it may have changed and Kirkwall could have some too now). The graveyard at Lyness is fascinating.
As for the BBC's understanding of our Union's history, the less said the better. But I'd mark it down on geography, and fail on history. Mind you, the way the BBC distort the UK on the weather maps to minimise the size of Scotland, NI and the North, there's hardly any distance between Orkney and the Butt of Lewis in BBCland ...
On history, IIRC and confirmed on checking, the Grosser Kurfuerst (NB en passant the transcription error) only acted as part of a backstop fleet to ambush any RN ships that came out to deal with the intruders which actually did the shelling of the East Coast towns such as Hartlepool, so of course it survived these bombardments ...! The author has obviously stripped bits out of the Wikipedia entry without realising this. And to call the 1918 armistice, certainly in the context of the internment of the Hochseeflotte at Scapa, a 'surrender' is arguably an oversimplification, or am I being too fussy?
My tuppence about capital & what 2 do with it, brutally: . Pay off some or all of the mortgage.Then if one wants conservation and growth get a good financial adviser and ask them to consider ordering things to your probable advantage. Unfortunately "good" really is the problem word here.
Cover your back (e.g. with savings & pensions). Then, don't worry about your investments, but treat them cerebrally.One can indulge a gambling urge by going for higher risk stocks.
Do you think I am right to avoid the hassle and stress of an extra mortgage? Of course I could buy something amazing if I borrowed, but I like the idea of a cash purchase. Then it is mine. Period.
But maybe I should be bolder. Dunno.
Don't be afraid of borrowing if it enables you to get what you want. But there is no point in borrowing for the sake of it. If what you need is a three bedroom apartment in a block with a pool then get it, even if you need to borrow (within reason). There's not much point in owning 100% of a 2 bed place if you end up on the balcony because you daughters and their boyfriends have each taken a room. Equally, a 10 bed place would just be a headache even if you didn't need to borrow to buy it.
My place in SoCal is a 3 bed place - it's all we need and we liked the location.
Well I lost my Real Madrid bet but what a game, ended up a diving contest and as you would expect Barcelona won out, Neymar will definitely win the next series of Splash!
Though I lost I would love to see Atletico break up the duopoly and it was the best result for them.
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
My boring advice is if you want a holiday home, buy a holiday home. And if you want an investment make an investment. If you try to both simultaneously you are likely to end up with something that satisfies neither requirement.
My inclination is towards a holiday home, but of course I'd rather it didn't halve in value in the next five years. So location is important. I think Spain still has some way to fall. But Portugal might be at the nadir.
And I am surely right about all the British pensioners cashing in their annuities. Quite a few will buy homes in the sun = the Algarve.
Or I could invest for a couple of years and have fun with my Hargreaves Lansdowne iPhone app. It's very slick.
Then choose the area you want to live in, and buy the best house you can afford in the best district. It's unlikely to lose value in the long term. That's what I find with Laguna & it's now about 30% above what I paid
Do you think I am right to avoid the hassle and stress of an extra mortgage? Of course I could buy something amazing if I borrowed, but I like the idea of a cash purchase. Then it is mine. Period.
But maybe I should be bolder. Dunno.
Depends if you think the market has bottomed out, you don't want negative equity.
My brother worked in the Spanish property market for eight years, he is back here now but still has contacts over there and general consensus is that it has levelled out.
"The SMS Grosser Kurfurst survived the bombardments of the east coast in 1914 and went on to fight in the Battle of Jutland off Denmark in 1916 before heading to the Baltic in 1917.
When the Germans surrendered in 1918, the German fleet sailed to Scapa Flow in the Outer Hebrides. In June 1919 the Germans scuttled the majority of the ships in the fleet."
Follows the references to Hitler's war in The Radio Times.
History or Geography fail?
Even supposedly 'real' historians can be weak on their geography.
'In retrospect, the moment in June 2015 when the Orkney and Shetland Islands declared their own independence from Scotland, and their intention to become part of Norway, taking with them 23 per cent of Scotland’s North Sea Oil revenues, was the turning point. The Edinburgh parliament, having done the same thing to Westminster the previous year, could not stop the referendum taking place, in which the Hebrideans voted by 71 per cent to leave Scotland the following March.'
Carnyx Ed Miliband certainly is not on the centre-right, Blair maybe in the centre but he is yesterday's news. Further to the left of Labour there is the SSP and the Greens and TUSC/Respect etc. The Liberals are in the middle. However, with UKIP never having really taken off in Scotland, a realignment of the right in Scotland will have to involve the economically free market elements of the SNP (and remember Salmond has refused to match Miliband's pledge to raise the top rate of tax to 50%) and the Scottish Tories
Thanks. Maybe I need to think some more about this. I have certainly been influenced by Political Compass and by Ms Lamont's recent speeches over the last year. But the PC analysis does match the perception in Scotland which is that the SNP is a centrist - if broad - party at least in some areas and to the left of Ms Lamont's Labour. Perhaps it depends on the policy area, as well as an element of realism in certain quarters ...
She has for some time now been making critical attacks on SNP social policy (e.g. prescriptions, student fees) which are pretty rightist in a Scottish context, as is London Labour generally, and it is not surprising that a fair bit of comment and not just from the indy minded on the late Labour party conference's sudden claim to regain the left ground has been along the lines of "d'ye think oor heids zip up the back?"
Also, given Ms Lamont's performance in explaining devo-a-wee-bittie-extra in recent TV interviews, and the shambles over the tax bands proposals at the conference itself, I'm not sure Labour themselves know what they are talking about when it comes to tax rates.
This is by one of the better (and neutral) commentators which gives some idea of the contradictions more generally.
Syria: Something very unusual is happening in the city of Latakia today. This city is in what is is considered Assad's Alawite heartland though the city itself is not so Alawite dominated. Apart from rebel shelling there seems to be a bit of slugging match between Assad's own forces going on.
The Russians may well need to consider their own facilities in the city and the fact its an output port for the shipping out of Assad's special weapons due to be destroyed under the face saving deal done a number of months back.
Ukraine. We are hearing the same statements of concerns expressed by the US & NATO over the build up of Russian forces on the border of Eastern Ukraine as we did over the disposition of Russian forces in the run up to the Crimea take over. Certainly the feeling is that the Russians are considering a move.
Certainly there have been incursions by what the old fashioned might call provocateurs have been going into a number of parts of Ukraine. This is something the GRU, the Russian military intelligence arm and a grouping that dwarfs the KGB and its successors, was made for decades ago, and still trains for.
Carnyx The SNP is a broad church, some like Nicola Sturgeon are generally left-wing, while others like Angus Robertson and sometimes John Swinney more right-wing, without nationalism uniting them the splits would become more pronounced.
Carnyx Ed Miliband certainly is not on the centre-right, Blair maybe in the centre but he is yesterday's news. Further to the left of Labour there is the SSP and the Greens and TUSC/Respect etc. The Liberals are in the middle. However, with UKIP never having really taken off in Scotland, a realignment of the right in Scotland will have to involve the economically free market elements of the SNP (and remember Salmond has refused to match Miliband's pledge to raise the top rate of tax to 50%) and the Scottish Tories
Thanks. Maybe I need to think some more about this. I have certainly been influenced by Political Compass and by Ms Lamont's recent speeches over the last year. But the PC analysis does match the perception in Scotland which is that the SNP is a centrist - if broad - party at least in some areas and to the left of Ms Lamont's Labour. Perhaps it depends on the policy area, as well as an element of realism in certain quarters ...
She has for some time now been making critical attacks on SNP social policy (e.g. prescriptions, student fees) which are pretty rightist in a Scottish context, as is London Labour generally, and it is not surprising that a fair bit of comment and not just from the indy minded on the late Labour party conference's sudden claim to regain the left ground has been along the lines of "d'ye think oor heids zip up the back?"
Also, given Ms Lamont's performance in explaining devo-a-wee-bittie-extra in recent TV interviews, and the shambles over the tax bands proposals at the conference itself, I'm not sure Labour themselves know what they are talking about when it comes to tax rates.
This is by one of the better (and neutral) commentators which gives some idea of the contradictions more generally.
Scottish Labour has previous for getting confused over income tax rates. Not that long ago, when the SNP were considering a Local Income Tax to replace Council Tax, SLAB complained that the resulting higher rate of income tax would drive high earners (including Fred Goodwin!) to England. Now they are supporting a higher rate of income tax. They also objected to the fact that working students would have to pay the extra 3 or 4% in LIT, where they were exempt from Council Tax. Labour's timing was impeccable - this was about the time they had removed the 10% tax rate - obviously the extra 10% would hurt students harder than 3%.
Comments
kle4, it was very sloppy posting on my part, I apologise unreservedly
These polls are manna from heaven for the Yes campaign.They simply have to paint the picture of a nightmare 5 years of Tory government to come in 2015 when they have the alternative of entering the sunlight of a country free for ever from the threat of the evil Tories.
If apologies were needed every time someone expressed themselves inelegantly, none of us would ever be able to write anything I assure you. I was being catty more than anything else.
And in fairness, I usually don't call out the anti-SNP side for making gross insulting generalizations, because it is so much more frequent, so I apologise for some hypocrisy.
UMP & co 46%
Socialists/Greens/Commies 41%
Front Marine 7%
turnout around 60%
I can't argue with the nationalists' call on the Scottish voting intentions, and I'm sure the prospect of a tory government is indeed a big asset, but I don;t see how it really affects the life of your ordinary Scot whether the london government is red or blue.
Was 1997-2010 really a golden age for Scotland, and is 2010-2014 really so different?
I don't know as they don't do many party voting intentions in France...they are so presidential afterall
Anyway, a drop for the left and gains for the right were expected. Now it should be seen how the national figures translates in terms of controls of municipalities. And we should wait for second round next week for many final outcomes
And whilst we congratulate PB on its tenth I think it would be remiss not to afford you a hearty shout out for your excellent contribution to the site over the years.
To think you were a mere exuberant youth at the start and now you are an aged grandee and doctor too !!
Thank you Andrea.
And a fine co-campaign manager (with your illustrious self and the jolly green Neil) for the duly annointed Head Chef of the Hersham Burgers.
A remarkable shift from the time-honoured average of 2.5 goals per game.
John, 2014 campaign will be even better
There's more than one Coalition of note in the nation.
Also if they are in the a position where they are once again in coalition with the Tories is there any reason why Clegg would not be leader?
Whilst you're hereabouts I've taped the first part of four episodes of BBC4 "Inspector De Luca". What's your verdict ?
You may be right, but the LDs should surely have an idea of what they would like the outcome to be, as it will colour their entire platform and campaign? In my view going into the election with NC as leader is essentially asking for the current coalition to continue, so DA should be the man against Osbourne. But attempting to fudge this point will only store up the sort of trouble that was so damaging post the formation of the current coalition. The LDs must take a clear position this time, or risk ridicule or worse.
Andy Cooke has already agreed to play. Can you really resist the opportunity of facing off against the most technically accurate as well as the most devious, back-stabbing git ever to disgrace these boards?
Clegg and Alexander should have been much more qualified in their praise of the coalition. It's obvious that if you talk up the record of the government as a whole people will think most of the credit should go to the dominant party.
They are ahead also in Beziers, Perpignan and Avignon
UMP leading in Reims; Amiens and Nancy
Looking good for Bayrou in Pau
France24 (English Language Version) showing the election results live - Available on Sky and Virgin.
Turkey is usually a good draw.
It has whetted my appetite ;-)
Le Pen hails 'exceptional' results...
http://www.france24.com/en/livefeed/
I'm sitting right here, you know ...
edit: more accurately slowly worse for 30, rapidly for 10
Financially,I cannot advise,but my last trip to the Algarve,there were still numerous unfinished/abandoned developments,the minute there is an upturn,all this development will recommence,and subdue prices.
A Holiday home is for fun and enjoyment,not aninvestment.
National Front wins outright in Henin Beaumont, Northern France.
Anyone on PB clued in to results from todays elections in France?
http://www.bullsandbeavers.com/2011/09/06/survival-properties-living-off-the-grid/
If you are serious about Portugal then I suggest you look at the area between Lisbon and Oporto. Much cheaper, virtually no tourists, lovely people.
If Labour wins the GE next year, tax relief after 2014-2015 may well be limited to the 20% standard rate, so this generous tax break may close sooner rather than later. You'd have to invest very well in Portugese property to produce a better post-tax return.
Also make full use of your annual ISA allowance for both this year and next (approx £11300 for 2013-14, increasing to £15000 for 2014-2015 from July - but you need to hurry for the current tax year. Full details from Hargreaves Lansdown and others.
I like the reinforced shed.
http://lci.tf1.fr/
Rising to £11,880 from 6th April 2014 before stepping up to £15,000 from 1/7/14.
Depending on Sean's taxable income bracket the pension relief may by 60% or 45% as well plus there is the ability to use carry back for the last 3 years if paying in more than £50k gross in 13/14 tax year if making a seriously chunky pension contribution ... BUT you are limited to 100% of your earned income so depends how Sean earns his income is paid...
If via a limited company, then might look at employer contributions from his business as only salary not dividends from your limited business count as earned income. Rather different if a sole trader - ask your accountant asap on this!
'I've been looking at various options - buy to let in London (but I can't afford anything decent without taking another mortgage, which I don't wanna do), buy to let elsewhere in the UK (but the hassle will be as bad as buying in London,'
Think again about buy to let as with a good agent it's no hassle.
Take a look at Brighton & Hove,one of the few areas outside London where prices have remained strong during the recession,permanent shortage of rental properties with good rental income.The downside is you will need a mortgage as £100k no longer buys a Studio flat,it did two years ago!
I have had excellent returns over many years.
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Looks like National Front also came first in Avignon. There goes the bridge
Andrew Neil ✔ @afneil
National Front comes first in Perpignan. But will be second round.
FN also ahead in Frejus
Andrew Neil ✔ @afneil
National Front winning socialist votes with more leftist economic programme.
Harry Phibbs @harryph
In Socialist-run France tax hikes destroy jobs - causing resentment and allowing the racist Front National to flourish. A warning.
If you have a spread of asset classes in your portfolio then fine, have a BTL too but I'm a contrarian and when every baby boomer I meet tells me they are thinking of buying a flat near xxx train station to suppliment their retirement income then I worry as we know joe public tend to be very good at buying at market tops....
That's before the pension income revolution as well... if that actually happens...
Guido Fawkes ✔ @GuidoFawkes
Congratulations to Mike Smithson on the tenth anniversary of Political Betting. The site I wish I had thought of first. Ten More Years!
Just click the 'watch live' link.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-26699179
"The SMS Grosser Kurfurst survived the bombardments of the east coast in 1914 and went on to fight in the Battle of Jutland off Denmark in 1916 before heading to the Baltic in 1917.
When the Germans surrendered in 1918, the German fleet sailed to Scapa Flow in the Outer Hebrides. In June 1919 the Germans scuttled the majority of the ships in the fleet."
Follows the references to Hitler's war in The Radio Times.
History or Geography fail?
Andrew Neil ✔ @afneil
Looks like socialists have come 3rd in Marseilles. Remarkable.
As for ISAs, HL can be one of the most expensive platforms for 'direct to consumer' platforms (ie not using a poor old IFA) see this as an eg but all depends on how much invested.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/10567911/How-Hargreaves-Lansdowns-new-prices-stack-up-against-other-fund-supermarkets.html
http://www.conservativehome.com/video/2014/03/watch-danny-alexander-the-lib-dems-wouldnt-cut-the-top-rate-below-45p.html
As for the BBC's understanding of our Union's history, the less said the better. But I'd mark it down on geography, and fail on history. Mind you, the way the BBC distort the UK on the weather maps to minimise the size of Scotland, NI and the North, there's hardly any distance between Orkney and the Butt of Lewis in BBCland ...
On history, IIRC and confirmed on checking, the Grosser Kurfuerst (NB en passant the transcription error) only acted as part of a backstop fleet to ambush any RN ships that came out to deal with the intruders which actually did the shelling of the East Coast towns such as Hartlepool, so of course it survived these bombardments ...! The author has obviously stripped bits out of the Wikipedia entry without realising this. And to call the 1918 armistice, certainly in the context of the internment of the Hochseeflotte at Scapa, a 'surrender' is arguably an oversimplification, or am I being too fussy?
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Pay off some or all of the mortgage.Then if one wants conservation and growth get a good financial adviser and ask them to consider ordering things to your probable advantage. Unfortunately "good" really is the problem word here.
Cover your back (e.g. with savings & pensions). Then, don't worry about your investments, but treat them cerebrally.One can indulge a gambling urge by going for higher risk stocks.
Mainly, get on with life.
My place in SoCal is a 3 bed place - it's all we need and we liked the location.
Though I lost I would love to see Atletico break up the duopoly and it was the best result for them.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/fianna-fáil-leader-confirms-party-will-run-candidates-in-the-north-in-2019-1.1734326
But then I started looking at European property, specifically Portuguese property. And I think there may be bargains here. e.g. look at this:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/property-31590403.html
5 miles from Tavira (the nicest town on the Algarve). 1 minute from the coast. A brand new 2 bed apartment for less that £100k, reduced from £150k recently.
So for money I might invest in stocks and bonds I could buy, outright, in cash, a nice holiday home for me - and a place where my daughters could go whenever they like: safe and pretty, with great seafood, and sunny for 8 months of the year.
Of course Portuguese property has tanked in value in the last 5 years, but it is now showing the first signs of perking up, and - by my way of thinking - all those British pensioners will soon be cashing in their annuities. What do British pensioners like to spend money on? Homes in the Algarve.
So now could be THE time to invest, plus me and the kids get a nice play to stay.
Am I contemplating an insane error?
My boring advice is if you want a holiday home, buy a holiday home. And if you want an investment make an investment. If you try to both simultaneously you are likely to end up with something that satisfies neither requirement.
My inclination is towards a holiday home, but of course I'd rather it didn't halve in value in the next five years. So location is important. I think Spain still has some way to fall. But Portugal might be at the nadir.
And I am surely right about all the British pensioners cashing in their annuities. Quite a few will buy homes in the sun = the Algarve.
Or I could invest for a couple of years and have fun with my Hargreaves Lansdowne iPhone app. It's very slick.
Then choose the area you want to live in, and buy the best house you can afford in the best district. It's unlikely to lose value in the long term. That's what I find with Laguna & it's now about 30% above what I paid
Do you think I am right to avoid the hassle and stress of an extra mortgage? Of course I could buy something amazing if I borrowed, but I like the idea of a cash purchase. Then it is mine. Period.
But maybe I should be bolder. Dunno.
Depends if you think the market has bottomed out, you don't want negative equity.
My brother worked in the Spanish property market for eight years, he is back here now but still has contacts over there and general consensus is that it has levelled out.
Exclusive: Alliance of thinktanks, including Fabian Society and Progress, urges party to be bold as poll lead narrows
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/23/ed-miliband-labour-manifesto-thinktanks
'In retrospect, the moment in June 2015 when the Orkney and Shetland Islands declared their own independence from Scotland, and their intention to become part of Norway, taking with them 23 per cent of Scotland’s North Sea Oil revenues, was the turning point.
The Edinburgh parliament, having done the same thing to Westminster the previous year, could not stop the referendum taking place, in which the Hebrideans voted by 71 per cent to leave Scotland the following March.'
http://tinyurl.com/7rjtz9n
New UKPR polling average:
Lab 37%
Con 34%
LD 10%
Lab maj: 32
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk
She has for some time now been making critical attacks on SNP social policy (e.g. prescriptions, student fees) which are pretty rightist in a Scottish context, as is London Labour generally, and it is not surprising that a fair bit of comment and not just from the indy minded on the late Labour party conference's sudden claim to regain the left ground has been along the lines of "d'ye think oor heids zip up the back?"
Also, given Ms Lamont's performance in explaining devo-a-wee-bittie-extra in recent TV interviews, and the shambles over the tax bands proposals at the conference itself, I'm not sure Labour themselves know what they are talking about when it comes to tax rates.
This is by one of the better (and neutral) commentators which gives some idea of the contradictions more generally.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/a-tax-avoidance-scheme-for-top-earners.23759145
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d2510128-Reviews-47_King_Street_West_Restaurant_Bar_Tea_Rooms-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_Englan.html
The Russians may well need to consider their own facilities in the city and the fact its an output port for the shipping out of Assad's special weapons due to be destroyed under the face saving deal done a number of months back.
Ukraine. We are hearing the same statements of concerns expressed by the US & NATO over the build up of Russian forces on the border of Eastern Ukraine as we did over the disposition of Russian forces in the run up to the Crimea take over. Certainly the feeling is that the Russians are considering a move.
Certainly there have been incursions by what the old fashioned might call provocateurs have been going into a number of parts of Ukraine. This is something the GRU, the Russian military intelligence arm and a grouping that dwarfs the KGB and its successors, was made for decades ago, and still trains for.
Not that long ago, when the SNP were considering a Local Income Tax to replace Council Tax, SLAB complained that the resulting higher rate of income tax would drive high earners (including Fred Goodwin!) to England.
Now they are supporting a higher rate of income tax.
They also objected to the fact that working students would have to pay the extra 3 or 4% in LIT, where they were exempt from Council Tax.
Labour's timing was impeccable - this was about the time they had removed the 10% tax rate - obviously the extra 10% would hurt students harder than 3%.