Something to track over the next few weeks – politicalbetting.com
People don’t usually vote on foreign policy issues but wonder if Starmer’s sure-footed work at the centre of the international stage this week may start to shift public opinion towards him https://t.co/RczCMJMXqk
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
We had a feudal system in Scotland which involved the payment of feu duty to "superiors" by the owners of the dominium utile (it was a weird collation of medieval English and Latin). This was a fixed amount and by the 1970s inflation had turned it into more of a nuisance than anything else so the system was abolished. I think its long past time England did the same.
People will be paying their increased water bills and council tax shortly. We also have the impact of the upcoming budget at the start of April.
None of which will be positive for people.
I’d be amazed if Starmers, so far, sterling perfomance on the world stage can translate to much in moving the dial when up and down the country people face a cost of living crisis.
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
People will be paying their increased water bills and council tax shortly. We also have the impact of the upcoming budget at the start of April.
None of which will be positive for people.
I’d be amazed if Starmers, so far, sterling perfomance on the world stage can translate to much in moving the dial when up and down the country people face a cost of living crisis.
I thought it notable he didn't address concerns over WFA and Farmer's Inheritance Tax. Have you seen how the price of eggs has increased since 1/20/2025?
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
If they have an adverse effect on Putin's little helper's party both Labour and the Tories could benefit. RedWall voters are very patriotic.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
I would back Vance, but sell the Republicans. Those two numbers should be a lot closer.
Simply, if the US is doing well, the Sitting Vice President will be the next presidential candidate.
And if it is not, a change at the top is unlikely to benefit the incumbent sufficiently.
I would suggest there should be no more than 0.4-0.6 between the two prices.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
We had a feudal system in Scotland which involved the payment of feu duty to "superiors" by the owners of the dominium utile (it was a weird collation of medieval English and Latin). This was a fixed amount and by the 1970s inflation had turned it into more of a nuisance than anything else so the system was abolished. I think its long past time England did the same.
Then the peppercorn rent. Once came across a property in Tunbridge Wells where the peppercorn was replaced by a red rose on Midsummer's day.
For me what has done for Farage and Reform is they’ve had all weekend and decided that Brexit is the way they will communicate Starmer’s diplomacy skills.
This to me suggests they think Brexit is still a winning issue. I do not.
That steely, serious look from Starmer works well at times like these. I am still less convinced he’s found the ability to communicate other things yet.
For me what has done for Farage and Reform is they’ve had all weekend and decided that Brexit is the way they will communicate Starmer’s diplomacy skills.
This to me suggests they think Brexit is still a winning issue. I do not.
That and small boats is all he has left in the tank after Friday I would have thought.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
We had a feudal system in Scotland which involved the payment of feu duty to "superiors" by the owners of the dominium utile (it was a weird collation of medieval English and Latin). This was a fixed amount and by the 1970s inflation had turned it into more of a nuisance than anything else so the system was abolished. I think its long past time England did the same.
That's not say the Scottish system is perfect. Shared repairs are a nightmare, and part of the reason tenements are in such terrible condition. For newer flats, factor fees are getting out of hand and can easily cost you £1000+ a year.
(note that Scotland has about 35% of households in flats, versus 20% in England. You'd want to copy whatever they do in Spain (60%) or Germany (50%).)
Lots of talk about how the Ukraine and Trump fallout will damage the Refukkers. I'm not so sure, once people see tax rises, as we will before the next GE, there will be a decent size slice of the voter pie that will be saying we should focus domestically not on Ukraine.
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
The problem with Trumpism is it's like a mass Jedi mind trick. With a wave of his hand Trump can get people to repeat all sorts of nonsense they don't really believe, but it only works on the weak minded.
Is it time for the term ‘special relationship’ to be taken out the back and shot? Its use is definitely a signifier of low wattage sock puppets like the Lab assistant under minister on R4 just now, so I suppose it has its uses.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
The most likely leader of the US in 2029 is Trump. He may be King or Emperor by then, or perhaps still a mere President.
The problem with Trumpism is it's like a mass Jedi mind trick. With a wave of his hand Trump can get people to repeat all sorts of nonsense they don't really believe, but it only works on the weak minded.
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
Agreed and the only real loser is Farage
Let's see if it dents Reform polling
Even if it doesn't seriously dent it, it surely pushes its ceiling down a bit more. And I don't know how Farage finesses the problem that half his coalition are straightforward patriots and the other half are Putinists.
As for Starmer, Foreign Affairs don't really help him. Indeed the best thing for his government is to fold the conflict and unclog the global economy. But looking the part helps. And having an obvious question to answer (rather than having to define the question for himself) probably plays to his strengths.
Lots of talk about how the Ukraine and Trump fallout will damage the Refukkers. I'm not so sure, once people see tax rises, as we will before the next GE, there will be a decent size slice of the voter pie that will be saying we should focus domestically not on Ukraine.
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
Does Farage get a seat at cabinet during the war coalition years?
Lots of talk about how the Ukraine and Trump fallout will damage the Refukkers. I'm not so sure, once people see tax rises, as we will before the next GE, there will be a decent size slice of the voter pie that will be saying we should focus domestically not on Ukraine.
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
Fukker voters don't like Farage because of his opinions. They have opinions because they like Farage. If he tells them Trump is right on Ukraine then that's what their opinion will be.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
We had a feudal system in Scotland which involved the payment of feu duty to "superiors" by the owners of the dominium utile (it was a weird collation of medieval English and Latin). This was a fixed amount and by the 1970s inflation had turned it into more of a nuisance than anything else so the system was abolished. I think its long past time England did the same.
Then the peppercorn rent. Once came across a property in Tunbridge Wells where the peppercorn was replaced by a red rose on Midsummer's day.
I suspect it's the service charges rather than the peppercorns...
The problem with Trumpism is it's like a mass Jedi mind trick. With a wave of his hand Trump can get people to repeat all sorts of nonsense they don't really believe, but it only works on the weak minded.
Lots of talk about how the Ukraine and Trump fallout will damage the Refukkers. I'm not so sure, once people see tax rises, as we will before the next GE, there will be a decent size slice of the voter pie that will be saying we should focus domestically not on Ukraine.
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
Does Farage get a seat at cabinet during the war coalition years?
Europeans underestimated the degree to which an Ukraine surrender is central to both Trump’s economic and foreign policy. That makes their attempt to frustrate his goals with their own peace plan even higher risk.
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
Agreed and the only real loser is Farage
Let's see if it dents Reform polling
Even if it doesn't seriously dent it, it surely pushes its ceiling down a bit more. And I don't know how Farage finesses the problem that half his coalition are straightforward patriots and the other half are Putinists.
As for Starmer, Foreign Affairs don't really help him. Indeed the best thing for his government is to fold the conflict and unclog the global economy. But looking the part helps. And having an obvious question to answer (rather than having to define the question for himself) probably plays to his strengths.
A war dividend of military hardware jobs across the nation is a positive. If this had happened last year perhaps Starmer would have kept the blast furnaces at Port Talbot open.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
The most likely leader of the US in 2029 is Trump. He may be King or Emperor by then, or perhaps still a mere President.
Vance has to get past the Trump siblings, who will want to inherit their father's throne. Truly enthralling drama ahead with that lot...
The problem with Trumpism is it's like a mass Jedi mind trick. With a wave of his hand Trump can get people to repeat all sorts of nonsense they don't really believe, but it only works on the weak minded.
Not quite.
It also works on the greedy (whether that greed is for money, power or glory) and dishonest.
One of the things about doublethink is how much processing power it requires.
Lots of talk about how the Ukraine and Trump fallout will damage the Refukkers. I'm not so sure, once people see tax rises, as we will before the next GE, there will be a decent size slice of the voter pie that will be saying we should focus domestically not on Ukraine.
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
Does Farage get a seat at cabinet during the war coalition years?
Trump today announced a plan for the United States government to buy exactly the five cryptocurrencies that his crypto advisor, David Sachs, holds. naked corruption https://x.com/ArmandDoma/status/1896293021798515006
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
As a first step towards completely abolishing the freehold system.
Any of the lawyers or otherwise informed have a view on how the transition would work? Is there potential for a decent windfall for leaseholders here? Opposite for freeholders?
Trump today announced a plan for the United States government to buy exactly the five cryptocurrencies that his crypto advisor, David Sachs, holds. naked corruption https://x.com/ArmandDoma/status/1896293021798515006
The corruption is out in the open now, no-one really cares. The Trumpite viewpoint is effectively if their leaders are not getting rich, they must be muppets, and we don't want muppets in charge, do we.........yes really.
Trump today announced a plan for the United States government to buy exactly the five cryptocurrencies that his crypto advisor, David Sachs, holds. naked corruption https://x.com/ArmandDoma/status/1896293021798515006
Trump is all about the 9 figure checks and bulging bank balances.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
We had a feudal system in Scotland which involved the payment of feu duty to "superiors" by the owners of the dominium utile (it was a weird collation of medieval English and Latin). This was a fixed amount and by the 1970s inflation had turned it into more of a nuisance than anything else so the system was abolished. I think its long past time England did the same.
That's not say the Scottish system is perfect. Shared repairs are a nightmare, and part of the reason tenements are in such terrible condition. For newer flats, factor fees are getting out of hand and can easily cost you £1000+ a year.
(note that Scotland has about 35% of households in flats, versus 20% in England. You'd want to copy whatever they do in Spain (60%) or Germany (50%).)
Mmm, some of the problems with shared buildings are just inherent. If you have a building with ten flats in it, and the roof needs replacing at great expense, and one flat owner refuses to pay their share of common expenses, then the other nine owners are going to have a bad time regardless of the legal setup. (If the building has been able to build up a decent fund for emergencies then that can help with the short term roof funding problem, but it won't work forever, and one flat not paying makes it hard to build up and keep that emergency fund.)
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
TBH I think they have already done 25-50 years worth of damage (measured as time to recover materially) in abolishing USAID with no run out whatsoever, and all the rest. The USA won't be trusted internationally in my lifetime. To recover in terms of trust will take half a century or more, and will require the USA to become a robust democracy so a recurrence can be excluded as far as possible; they still will not be able to be trusted.
Their own country will suffer similar damage from the destruction of medical research, Trump's cabal's assault on the checks and balances in the democratic system, and the rest. When national Government expenditure is cut by 30% without any effort to identify what is actually worthwhile, supervised by a collection of expertise-free yes-men, then it is hell-in-a-handcart territory.
In the most recent fiscal year (from October 2023 to September 2024) the US federal government spent $6.75 trillion (£5.3 trillion) according to the US Treasury, external.
This means Musk’s proposed cuts of $2 trillion would represent around a cut of around 30% of total federal government spending — also known as national spending in other countries. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj38mekdkgo
AFAICS the only hopes of stopping the process are those Courts which are not suborned, civil society, and Trump voters when the impact hits them.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
Good morning everyone.
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities. 2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on. 3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
Trump's tariffs come in tomorrow on Canadian and Mexican and maybe EU imports as well as increased on Chinese imports.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
Meanwhile Starmer’s net approval is up from -39 to -28 this weekend. Still under water but his best score since November. Those saying he’s doing a good job are up 5 and bad job down 6.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
Trump's tariffs come in tomorrow on Canadian and Mexican and maybe EU imports as well as increased on Chinese imports.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
They're wavering as to whether they will be as high as originally announced, however
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
Trump's tariffs come in tomorrow on Canadian and Mexican and maybe EU imports as well as increased on Chinese imports.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
I've laid the GOP winning the next presidential election at 1.84. I think it is much less than a 54% chance.
I'm feeling a bit smug this morning. I switched a big chunk of my ISA into Rolls Royce and BAE just before Starmer announced the increase in UK defence spending. They are now nearly 25% up.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
Trump's tariffs come in tomorrow on Canadian and Mexican and maybe EU imports as well as increased on Chinese imports.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
I've laid the GOP winning the next presidential election at 1.84. I think it is much less than a 54% chance.
In the US, I see that Vance's odds of being next President are lengthening a bit to 4.1. As are the odds on the Republicans being the winning party. Though they are still favourites at 1.83. They were 1.75 not long ago.
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
The real and scary fear is not only 4 more years of this but just what Trump and his bullies change that will take decades to overcome
My real and scary fear is that Vance is elected in 2028 so we have 8 years of this! Currently he is the favourite to be next President, albeit a 25% probability.
Trump's tariffs come in tomorrow on Canadian and Mexican and maybe EU imports as well as increased on Chinese imports.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
I've laid the GOP winning the next presidential election at 1.84. I think it is much less than a 54% chance.
With a bit of luck they’ll lose the House in 2036 and just possibly the Senate.
I'm feeling a bit smug this morning. I switched a big chunk of my ISA into Rolls Royce and BAE just before Starmer announced the increase in UK defence spending. They are now nearly 25% up.
Yet another out of touch Oscars ceremony. Not a single winner in the main categories broke $100 million at the box office.
Have the odd independent or art house win by all means but don't ignore films viewers watch or Oscars ratings will decline yet further
I enjoy small independent films and have in recent years found more quality and originality in the Cannes winners than the vastly over CGId big budget ones usually favoured at the Oscars. 'Anora' though was not in my opinion one of the good Cannes winners. An X rated 'Carry On' film was the best I can say about it. A good performance by the leading actress but so uneven as a film I'm sure it will be quickly forgotten.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
Good morning everyone.
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities. 2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on. 3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
Making it all add up is the question.
I am a construction solicitor so I know this area reasonably well. At the end of the day, the rest of the world manages without leasehold. It seems to me that the industry is already preparing for this by building and selling BTR blocks rather than depending on revenue from ground rent and/or service charge kick backs.
Anyway, in personal news, we discovered this morning that our son got into his first-choice secondary school.
That's a relief.
What part of the world are you in JJ? One of my pet frustations is policy makers in London - where school places are plentiful - assuming that school places are plentiful everywhere. Because in Greater Manchester they are not, and getting a place at your closest school is not a given.
hush-kit is a really, really good site. A professional in the aviation industry I know is very fond of it, in the same way he is not fond of Air Forces Monthly and Aviation Week.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
Good morning everyone.
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities. 2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on. 3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
Making it all add up is the question.
Getting rid of leasehold will be good.
However, there are a large number of Magic Moneytree types who seem to think that maintenance on communal structures should be zero cost. Or not exist.
In my former block of flats they now have two such on the board that runs the flats jointly (all freehold).
They started by demanding that it be wound up and all the money in the accounts given to the home owners. They’ve retreated to allowing the roof to be inspected and repaired on a regular cycle
But the idea of building up a reserve which is then use to pay for works on a regular basis is beyond them.
“Look, when we need to fix something, we wait until it is really needed, then take out a loan….”
Anyway, in personal news, we discovered this morning that our son got into his first-choice secondary school.
That's a relief.
What part of the world are you in JJ? One of my pet frustations is policy makers in London - where school places are plentiful - assuming that school places are plentiful everywhere. Because in Greater Manchester they are not, and getting a place at your closest school is not a given.
Cambridgeshire. And for the last couple of years, a few kids have been allocated one at least half an hour's drive away in another town. A failing school...
All three of his choices were oversubscribed to some degree, one heavily. The odds were that he would get in to his first choice, but it was not guaranteed.
It'll be interesting to see how the production- and income- based measures of GDP are reconciled with the expenditure-based measure
You are thinking too rationally.
This isn't really shocking in today's US, either.
I'll start really worrying when he's seen with the Football.
This is beyond outrageous. Elon Musk, his cranky mother Maye, and one of his young kids were chauffeured in Air Force One and Marine One—straight to the White House, where they’re apparently staying.
Yet another out of touch Oscars ceremony. Not a single winner in the main categories broke $100 million at the box office.
Have the odd independent or art house win by all means but don't ignore films viewers watch or Oscars ratings will decline yet further
I enjoy small independent films and have in recent years found more quality and originality in the Cannes winners than the vastly over CGId big budget ones usually favoured at the Oscars. 'Anora' though was not in my opinion one of the good Cannes winners. An X rated 'Carry On' film was the best I can say about it. A good performance by the leading actress but so uneven as a film I'm sure it will be quickly forgotten.
Yes, saw the trailer and thought not for me, either. What was the Dylan movie like ?
Starmer has certainly looked more statesman like bringing together non US NATO leaders yesterday to reaffirm their support and funding for Zelensky.
Truman was of course re elected against the odds in 1948
But Churchill wasn't in '45. I suppose the silver lining for patriots was Moseley didn't become PM on that occasion. Maybe this time he does.
By election day in 1945 there was peace in Europe.
Voters wanted Churchill to win the war and Attlee to deliver the NHS and expanded welfare state in the peace. They never wanted to appease Hitler nor do they want to appease Putin.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
Good morning everyone.
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities. 2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on. 3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
Making it all add up is the question.
Getting rid of leasehold will be good.
However, there are a large number of Magic Moneytree types who seem to think that maintenance on communal structures should be zero cost. Or not exist.
In my former block of flats they now have two such on the board that runs the flats jointly (all freehold).
They started by demanding that it be wound up and all the money in the accounts given to the home owners. They’ve retreated to allowing the roof to be inspected and repaired on a regular cycle
But the idea of building up a reserve which is then use to pay for works on a regular basis is beyond them.
“Look, when we need to fix something, we wait until it is really needed, then take out a loan….”
It'll be interesting to see how the production- and income- based measures of GDP are reconciled with the expenditure-based measure
You are thinking too rationally.
This isn't really shocking in today's US, either.
I'll start really worrying when he's seen with the Football.
This is beyond outrageous. Elon Musk, his cranky mother Maye, and one of his young kids were chauffeured in Air Force One and Marine One—straight to the White House, where they’re apparently staying.
Yet another out of touch Oscars ceremony. Not a single winner in the main categories broke $100 million at the box office.
Have the odd independent or art house win by all means but don't ignore films viewers watch or Oscars ratings will decline yet further
I enjoy small independent films and have in recent years found more quality and originality in the Cannes winners than the vastly over CGId big budget ones usually favoured at the Oscars. 'Anora' though was not in my opinion one of the good Cannes winners. An X rated 'Carry On' film was the best I can say about it. A good performance by the leading actress but so uneven as a film I'm sure it will be quickly forgotten.
Yes, saw the trailer and thought not for me, either. What was the Dylan movie like ?
Very good, even if you don't like Dylan.
The list of best picture winners since 2000 is a very mixed bag indeed. Not the best adver for a quarter of century of cinema I'd suggest.
1970 Patton 1971 The French Connection 1972 The Godfather 1973 The Sting 1974 The Godfather II 1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 1976 Rocky 1977 Annie Hall 1978 The Deer Hunter 1979 Kramer v Kramer
On topic, Starmer has looked like a PM for the first time over the last few days and has generally done well. I am sure his personal ratings will improve as a result. I am less sure voting intentions will change all that much.
Looks like the Government is trying to ban new leasehold flats again. Good news I think.
Good morning everyone.
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities. 2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on. 3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
Making it all add up is the question.
Getting rid of leasehold will be good.
However, there are a large number of Magic Moneytree types who seem to think that maintenance on communal structures should be zero cost. Or not exist.
In my former block of flats they now have two such on the board that runs the flats jointly (all freehold).
They started by demanding that it be wound up and all the money in the accounts given to the home owners. They’ve retreated to allowing the roof to be inspected and repaired on a regular cycle
But the idea of building up a reserve which is then use to pay for works on a regular basis is beyond them.
“Look, when we need to fix something, we wait until it is really needed, then take out a loan….”
Do they work for DOGE?
I think it is a different kind of radicalisation. A portion of Generation Rent has come to believe that *everything* is a rip off.
That take away coffee should be 1p, that housing should be free etc etc.
This is from the Corbynite left. But I agree with you that there is an interesting parallel with the mentality behind DOGE.
Comments
None of which will be positive for people.
I’d be amazed if Starmers, so far, sterling perfomance on the world stage can translate to much in moving the dial when up and down the country people face a cost of living crisis.
Let's see if it dents Reform polling
I wait in anticipation for the next US opinion polls.
He’s there to follow government policy and not make up his own .
‘How to leave your abusive international warplane supplying partner and start a new life’
https://x.com/hush_kit/status/1896323281252409368?s=61&t=LYVEHh2mqFy1oUJAdCfe-Q
Ukraine does have a Prime Minister I believe. Is Rubio blaming someone not at the meeting for the way the meeting turned out?
Look I know Schumer changed the dress code but letting someone in the senate chamber dressed like this really crosses the line.
https://x.com/JDVance/status/1704905884173037620
A bit like @williamglenn without the redeeming wit.
Whatever one's view on Zelensky and his sartorial elegance or lack thereof, complaining about it is a piss poor put down.
Simply, if the US is doing well, the Sitting Vice President will be the next presidential candidate.
And if it is not, a change at the top is unlikely to benefit the incumbent sufficiently.
I would suggest there should be no more than 0.4-0.6 between the two prices.
This to me suggests they think Brexit is still a winning issue. I do not.
(note that Scotland has about 35% of households in flats, versus 20% in England. You'd want to copy whatever they do in Spain (60%) or Germany (50%).)
Apologies to any economists for the early morning shock.
The Trump administration may exclude government spending from GDP, obscuring the impact of DOGE cuts
https://apnews.com/article/trump-gdp-economy-government-spending-lutnick-7414ba1bd441bd4bf64620bfd66923b2
With a divided FPTP set up, and Reform the only one after that slice of the vote, it could be a win for them rather than a negative.
The problem with Trumpism is it's like a mass Jedi mind trick. With a wave of his hand Trump can get people to repeat all sorts of nonsense they don't really believe, but it only works on the weak minded.
Its use is definitely a signifier of low wattage sock puppets like the Lab assistant under minister on R4 just now, so I suppose it has its uses.
Uh oh, he’s just done a ‘war fighting’.
As for Starmer, Foreign Affairs don't really help him. Indeed the best thing for his government is to fold the conflict and unclog the global economy. But looking the part helps. And having an obvious question to answer (rather than having to define the question for himself) probably plays to his strengths.
@Simon_Nixon
Europeans underestimated the degree to which an Ukraine surrender is central to both Trump’s economic and foreign policy. That makes their attempt to frustrate his goals with their own peace plan even higher risk.
https://x.com/Simon_Nixon/status/1896470145293590870
It also works on the greedy (whether that greed is for money, power or glory) and dishonest.
One of the things about doublethink is how much processing power it requires.
Out in the field...
https://x.com/ArmandDoma/status/1896293021798515006
Foreigners have to pay 20 USD per Trump Dollar before the USD is discontinued.
"Behold, I have cut the price of eggs to five dollars a dozen!"
Their own country will suffer similar damage from the destruction of medical research, Trump's cabal's assault on the checks and balances in the democratic system, and the rest. When national Government expenditure is cut by 30% without any effort to identify what is actually worthwhile, supervised by a collection of expertise-free yes-men, then it is hell-in-a-handcart territory.
In the most recent fiscal year (from October 2023 to September 2024) the US federal government spent $6.75 trillion (£5.3 trillion) according to the US Treasury, external.
This means Musk’s proposed cuts of $2 trillion would represent around a cut of around 30% of total federal government spending — also known as national spending in other countries.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj38mekdkgo
AFAICS the only hopes of stopping the process are those Courts which are not suborned, civil society, and Trump voters when the impact hits them.
Think Winston Smith in 1984, substituting one made-up number for another.
Truman was of course re elected against the odds in 1948
Have the odd independent or art house win by all means but don't ignore films viewers watch or Oscars ratings will decline yet further
The problem that still exists will be how to manage such developments after occupation - expertise has to come from somewhere, and:
1 - Up front payments (ie commuted sums) are a major source of future maintenance money money for local authorities.
2 - If leasehold is abolished prices may rise because it is a source of revenue for some developer companies - either the payments, or selling the leases on.
3 - How to set up a structure that works equally well in both Cobham, Clerkenwell and Clacton.
Behind this is that the people buying the new properties are expected to pay for the cost of all the infrastructure, through increased new prices - rather than it being rolled into Council tax.
I think that developers may quite like to be out of this cycle; it would let them walk away cleanly after building and selling the properties.
Making it all add up is the question.
Whether they increase US manufacturing jobs or increase cost of living likely decide whether Vance wins or not.
The omens aren't great, last time a Republican President signed such huge tariffs was Hoover in 1930 and the Democrats won Congress and the White House in 1932. The Republicans didn't win a presidential election again until Eisenhower in 1952
@LukeTryl
Meanwhile Starmer’s net approval is up from -39 to -28 this weekend. Still under water but his best score since November. Those saying he’s doing a good job are up 5 and bad job down 6.
https://x.com/LukeTryl/status/1896470872963350871
I think it is much less than a 54% chance.
As promoted in the greatest political speech ever -
https://youtu.be/XEECxN5P1nw?si=I_z42twRz9uc_gxg
I switched a big chunk of my ISA into Rolls Royce and BAE just before Starmer announced the increase in UK defence spending.
They are now nearly 25% up.
That's a relief.
(I also like Air Forces Monthly...)
However, there are a large number of Magic Moneytree types who seem to think that maintenance on communal structures should be zero cost. Or not exist.
In my former block of flats they now have two such on the board that runs the flats jointly (all freehold).
They started by demanding that it be wound up and all the money in the accounts given to the home owners. They’ve retreated to allowing the roof to be inspected and repaired on a regular cycle
But the idea of building up a reserve which is then use to pay for works on a regular basis is beyond them.
“Look, when we need to fix something, we wait until it is really needed, then take out a loan….”
All three of his choices were oversubscribed to some degree, one heavily. The odds were that he would get in to his first choice, but it was not guaranteed.
I'll start really worrying when he's seen with the Football.
This is beyond outrageous. Elon Musk, his cranky mother Maye, and one of his young kids were chauffeured in Air Force One and Marine One—straight to the White House, where they’re apparently staying.
WTF is going on? It goes without saying, this is not normal.
https://x.com/ChrisDJackson/status/1896393185833947335
Thin skin.
What was the Dylan movie like ?
Voters wanted Churchill to win the war and Attlee to deliver the NHS and expanded welfare state in the peace. They never wanted to appease Hitler nor do they want to appease Putin.
The list of best picture winners since 2000 is a very mixed bag indeed. Not the best adver for a quarter of century of cinema I'd suggest.
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls528801948/
Compare with the 70's:
1970 Patton
1971 The French Connection
1972 The Godfather
1973 The Sting
1974 The Godfather II
1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1976 Rocky
1977 Annie Hall
1978 The Deer Hunter
1979 Kramer v Kramer
That take away coffee should be 1p, that housing should be free etc etc.
This is from the Corbynite left. But I agree with you that there is an interesting parallel with the mentality behind DOGE.
Or did he only do that for Rishi?
*I know the Harriers were old and wouldn't have worked today