Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
It's not as if Mr Salmond is trying to close down the debate - he is just wanting a fair one. DC Thomson are well known to have a unionist editorial policy and one might be forgiven for thinking it germane to the fact that even when the cartoon overtly tried to show the jury of public opinion, which should by definition be fair and balanced court, it still couldn't resist the temptation to mess it up. Even the Eye dimly realised that there was something odd about not portraying Mr Salmond as the opposing advocate.
I am all in favour of robust debate, and a single cartoon is, to put it, merely an anecdote rather than evidence, but it is a good example of a wider pattern of the general failure of the Scottish media (with a few exceptions) to make any serious attempt at balance by giving the anti-indy side and its main members as much of a scrutiny as they are doing to the pro-indy side (and it's no argument to say that this is inevitable as No is the status quo, because we all know things are going to change whatever happens). It's the media's loss as I now buy half the newspapers I used to.
What is fascinating is how some of the same issues are arising over the otherwise very different UKIP and the discussions sometimes uncannily similar to what we saw months ago about Scotland. The PBer who said that indyref woudl be a dry run for Brexit had a point.
Oh come on. As Enoch Powell said, politicians who complain about the media are like sailors complaining about the sea. Thin-skinned politicians in positions of power who seek to use that power to control inferred criticism of themselves (no matter how indirect) deserve all the abuse that they get. Throwing a tantrum because a cartoon doesn't show Alex Salmond in exactly the way that the SNP would like is not just childish, it's indicative of a fundamental intolerance of different points of view.
Powell as right, and normally I'd have ignored it. But I did think the cartoon was fundamentally intolerant of a different point of view in itself. Withdrawing the next two or three promised exsclusives is hardly a fatwa or a tantrum - it's the everyday horsetrading.
We saw it with Salmond's gauleiter attack on the BBC when they refused to employ him as a rugby union pundit. Then we had the call for Marr to suffer "consequences" for disagreeing with the FM. Now we have this cartoon fatwa. We're seeing what the future holds for a free press in an SNP controlled Scotland.
Radio 4's More or Less program's has just done an analysis of UKIPs (and to a lesser extent Clegg's) percentages of the number of UK laws originating in Brussels. It was quite interesting, and sadly Nuttall didn't really come out if it to well, to me at least.
I see Populus say that people feel they have "more to fear from the conduct of big business than the actions of trade unions", by a margin of 49-13. Those who feel strongly agree by 21 to 4. (I'm not sure I agree with either generalisation, bu it's an interesting indication of mood.)
But it's different people doing the assessment for different cities. I've worked in international companies and on firm-wide surveys the British are always more negative than most other nations. Plus London is a more transitory place, meaning there's less "city pride" identity among its residents, relative to places like Newcastle.
But it's different people doing the assessment for different cities. I've worked in international companies and on firm-wide surveys the British are always more negative than most other nations. Plus London is a more transitory place, meaning there's less "city pride" identity among its residents, relative to places like Newcastle.
I actually have a fair amount of sympathy for a working couple on low incomes who have one child knowing they'll need taxpayer support to do it. But more than that.
Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
Charming anecdote - if you ever find yourself wondering around the city this summer with a camera in your hand, take a few snaps for PBc. I'm sure I was not the only one to greatly appreciate them.
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
It's not as if Mr Salmond is trying to close down the debate - he is just wanting a fair one. DC Thomson are well known to have a unionist editorial policy and one might be forgiven for thinking it germane to the fact that even when the cartoon overtly tried to show the jury of public opinion, which should by definition be fair and balanced court, it still couldn't resist the temptation to mess it up. Even the Eye dimly realised that there was something odd about not portraying Mr Salmond as the opposing advocate.
What is fascinating is how some of the same issues are arising over the otherwise very different UKIP and the discussions sometimes uncannily similar to what we saw months ago about Scotland. The PBer who said that indyref woudl be a dry run for Brexit had a point.
Oh come on. As Enoch Powell said, politicians who complain about the media are like sailors complaining about the sea. Thin-skinned politicians in positions of power who seek to use that power to control inferred criticism of themselves (no matter how indirect) deserve all the abuse that they get. Throwing a tantrum because a cartoon doesn't show Alex Salmond in exactly the way that the SNP would like is not just childish, it's indicative of a fundamental intolerance of different points of view.
Powell as right, and normally I'd have ignored it. But I did think the cartoon was fundamentally intolerant of a different point of view in itself. Withdrawing the next two or three promised exsclusives is hardly a fatwa or a tantrum - it's the everyday horsetrading.
We'll have to disagree. The cartoon to me is anodyne to the point of being uninteresting. If the SNP thinks that is sufficient to justify a withdrawal of engagement, to me it shows a fundamental hostility to pluralism in the media.
I suspect what really narked Salmond's Press secretary was that DC Thomson got a good old fashioned scoop - Eck and the Digger's secret meeting.
But withdrawing co-operation from the Beano is a bit excessive....
Apparently Clifford would have faced a life sentence if he had committed his crimes since 2003.
Dubious. Some of the offences would have been charged as rape contrary to s. 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The maximum sentence for that offence is of course life imprisonment, but there are very strict criteria for the imposition of discretionary life sentences. It is doubtful that they were met in his case, notwithstanding the seriousness of the offending. In particular, His Honour Judge Leonard QC accepted that the defendant no longer represented a threat to women. The best place to start for the current law on non-mandatory life sentences is the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal in Saunders[2013] EWCA Crim 1027 and Burinskas[2014] EWCA Crim 334 .
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
But it's different people doing the assessment for different cities. I've worked in international companies and on firm-wide surveys the British are always more negative than most other nations. Plus London is a more transitory place, meaning there's less "city pride" identity among its residents, relative to places like Newcastle.
Oh my life
Who gave you the worm-can opener?!
I was surprised nobody discussed the political affiliation the other day of the cockney taxi driver (?) in Viz ...
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
But it's different people doing the assessment for different cities. I've worked in international companies and on firm-wide surveys the British are always more negative than most other nations. Plus London is a more transitory place, meaning there's less "city pride" identity among its residents, relative to places like Newcastle.
Oh my life
Who gave you the worm-can opener?!
I was surprised nobody discussed the political affiliation the other day of the cockney taxi driver (?) in Viz ...
Ed miliband breezed into Tart on Gloucester Road Bristol. My wife didn't notice the great man's arrival. There is a story on Guido about Ed buying a coffee and nothing for his12 minders. Enjoy your drinks tonight.
I see Populus say that people feel they have "more to fear from the conduct of big business than the actions of trade unions", by a margin of 49-13. Those who feel strongly agree by 21 to 4. (I'm not sure I agree with either generalisation, bu it's an interesting indication of mood.)
Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
Charming anecdote - if you ever find yourself wondering around the city this summer with a camera in your hand, take a few snaps for PBc. I'm sure I was not the only one to greatly appreciate them.
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
Charming anecdote - if you ever find yourself wondering around the city this summer with a camera in your hand, take a few snaps for PBc. I'm sure I was not the only one to greatly appreciate them.
Who wrote the Buildings of Liverpool, I ought to get a copy. Used to have a paperback Know your Liverpool. Was a locally produced guide by a WEA lecturer.
It would be interesting to know what efficiency they claim for sunlight to kerosene. The chemistry is well known to create methane with electricity (from solar or other renewables), H2O and CO2, but the main problem is the efficiencies currently achievable don't make it economic (though people are working on improving these efficiencies for use as grid storage).
The only city that sings to me is Bristol. Fantastic place.
There was a piece on Radio 4 the other day about the amazing Jamaican food to be had at Glen's Kitchen, which is tucked away in a corner of the car park of the Malcolm X Centre:
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
If it keeps Sir Nigel Sweeney in work... Stuart Hall is back on trial at Preston before Turner J on Tuesday as well. We may also get a costs judgment in Huhne and Pryce.
But it's different people doing the assessment for different cities. I've worked in international companies and on firm-wide surveys the British are always more negative than most other nations. Plus London is a more transitory place, meaning there's less "city pride" identity among its residents, relative to places like Newcastle.
Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
Charming anecdote - if you ever find yourself wondering around the city this summer with a camera in your hand, take a few snaps for PBc. I'm sure I was not the only one to greatly appreciate them.
Who wrote the Buildings of Liverpool, I ought to get a copy. Used to have a paperback Know your Liverpool. Was a locally produced guide by a WEA lecturer.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Thanks - that's an interesting assessment. Surprises me a bit as he doesn't come over as a fan of Mr Blair.
Not post iraq, but he just didn't have the bile for attacking a Labour govt as he did Thatcher and Major. It wasn't just him most the alternative comedians suddenly had to take stock of how vacuuous their routines were with no Tories to attack. They had become as stale as mother-in-law jokes.
I do laugh as Edmundson has evolved in to Jack Hargreaves and Jennifer Saunders is like a WI grandee.
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
Quite. It's Nick being subject to confirmation bias. He (a) remembers specific people who tell him who aren't bothered more (b) subconsciously filters those who do have concerns as not being bothered when it doesn't conform with his preset opinions.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Thanks - that's an interesting assessment. Surprises me a bit as he doesn't come over as a fan of Mr Blair.
Not post iraq, but he just didn't have the bile for attacking a Labour govt as he did Thatcher and Major. It wasn't just him most the alternative comedians suddenly had to take stock of how vacuuous their routines were with no Tories to attack. They had become as stale as mother-in-law jokes.
I do laugh as Edmundson has evolved in to Jack Hargreaves and Jennifer Saunders is like a WI grandee.
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Steve Bell New Labour? Naah.
Steve Bell still as sharp ? Naaah
Never my cup of tea. Too much vitriol for absolutely everything.
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
Quite. It's Nick being subject to confirmation bias. He (a) remembers specific people who tell him who aren't bothered more (b) subconsciously filters those who do have concerns as not being bothered when it doesn't conform with his preset opinions.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
I suppose if you listen to what people are angry about and act on it (or at least try) you get labelled some kind of "ist"
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
Quite. It's Nick being subject to confirmation bias. He (a) remembers specific people who tell him who aren't bothered more (b) subconsciously filters those who do have concerns as not being bothered when it doesn't conform with his preset opinions.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
The lack of self-knowledge in that post is wonderful!
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Steve Bell New Labour? Naah.
Steve Bell still as sharp ? Naaah
Never my cup of tea. Too much vitriol for absolutely everything.
I really enjoyed SBs early material some of it was lol stuff and even as a rightie you could get the joke and see the point.
An interesting evening to be gathering at DD's for a drink - much to discuss. Sadly I can't be there (I've a diamond heist to deliver....) but have a grand evening all.
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
What fatwa? All he did was to threaten the withdrawal of the usual horse trading of exclusive stories. Unless you think that the other leaders (none democratically elected as such, unlike Mr S, in terms of a majority party in their assemblies) don't do that?
Actually, I'm not a Nat and I'm not an uncritical supporter of Mr Salmond, and Steve Bell and Martin Rowson are my favourite political cartoonists (both did certain very good cartoons on indy last year). And my beliefs are my own, though I would also remind you that "by their fruits ye shall know them". But I did think that you were uncritical in bringing such a cartoon to our attention without suitable comment.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Steve Bell New Labour? Naah.
Steve Bell still as sharp ? Naaah
Never my cup of tea. Too much vitriol for absolutely everything.
Today's cartoon is spot on about the Miliband rent reforms in my opinion, marred only by his continuing obsession of drawing Cameron as wearing a condom - I really think that Steve Bell has found Cameron far too anodyne in comparison to previous PMs to really get his teeth into him.
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
Quite. It's Nick being subject to confirmation bias. He (a) remembers specific people who tell him who aren't bothered more (b) subconsciously filters those who do have concerns as not being bothered when it doesn't conform with his preset opinions.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
I'm not sure how you arrive at a survey of people who I talk to? Anecdotal evidence is always dodgy, but speculating on what people feel who someone else has talked to reaches a new level of dodginess.
That said, it's generally true that most people who I know, especially in London, seem difficult to get worked up - they take the rough with the smooth. I'd have said it's a fairly general British characteristic (different from, say, Greece), but perhaps that's generalising too much?
Anyway, if you're saying the only reliable data is scientific polling, you're right.
The last newspaper to be issued with a fatwa over cartoons had supposedly published offensive cartoons of Mohammed. I'm not sure that even Alex Salmond would place himself in that company, nor should you regard it as a comfortable precedent.
The relevance of all this to the thread is that the strategy of personal attack on Mr Salmond is not only puerle and undemocratic but also counterproductive because it also does down the people who think he does a better job than anyone else and so on and so forth. And who would like their concerns addressed. This is exactly what is happening with the personal attacks on Mr Farage.
Steve Bell used to be really sharp. These days he's about as "alternative" as Adrian Edmundson
As a matter of interest, when would you say the change happened?
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Steve Bell New Labour? Naah.
Steve Bell still as sharp ? Naaah
Never my cup of tea. Too much vitriol for absolutely everything.
Today's cartoon is spot on about the Miliband rent reforms in my opinion, marred only by his continuing obsession of drawing Cameron as wearing a condom - I really think that Steve Bell has found Cameron far too anodyne in comparison to previous PMs to really get his teeth into him.
I've never found Bell that funny - nowhere near as good as Scarfe. Take his latest effort on Mel Smith Salmond:
Here are six cities in the UK. Which ones are the best to live in, according to their own residents? The results may surprise you.
Belfast Cardiff Glasgow London Manchester Newcastle
Spoiler: London came in last place.
They missed out the best UK city (well certainly the best English) of course!
Most coastline and beaches, most golf courses, most and best public parks, two international airports close by, vibrant cultural scene, world-class architecture and public art, superior road and rail networks, three national parks within an hour or so's drive, and so on and so forth...
Liverpool?
Aye, the Pool of Life...
Very disappointed with you Mr Crosby - why have you not posted any more of Liverpool's architectural delights? like this one:
Oh I could fill the thread with such... The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
Charming anecdote - if you ever find yourself wondering around the city this summer with a camera in your hand, take a few snaps for PBc. I'm sure I was not the only one to greatly appreciate them.
Who wrote the Buildings of Liverpool, I ought to get a copy. Used to have a paperback Know your Liverpool. Was a locally produced guide by a WEA lecturer.
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
There was a poll on that fairly recently - can't remember the details, but it distributed the blame for the dispute between unions and management more evenly than you might expect, with loads of don't knows and "both". The people I talk to don't really bother to think about who's to blame, they just treat the dispute like bad weather, as something that happens sometimes. I complained to TfL about mixing in tiresome Why We Are Right propaganda with their useful commuter updates. (No reply.)
Everyone you listen to seems to be very unbothered by everything. Maybe you should find out what people are passionate about?
Quite. It's Nick being subject to confirmation bias. He (a) remembers specific people who tell him who aren't bothered more (b) subconsciously filters those who do have concerns as not being bothered when it doesn't conform with his preset opinions.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
The lack of self-knowledge in that post is wonderful!
Not at all. I am well aware of my propensity for confirmation bias. I just agree with Isam that we hear Nick saying the people he talks to are not very bothered a little too often about a few too many issues.
I'm suggesting he checks himself, and his analysis, a bit more. It's becoming a theme.
The only city that sings to me is Bristol. Fantastic place.
There was a piece on Radio 4 the other day about the amazing Jamaican food to be had at Glen's Kitchen, which is tucked away in a corner of the car park of the Malcolm X Centre:
AndyJS - I did post a long response to this (listing Bristol's greatness) but lost it in the ether! But I agree, the music , cultural and eateries in Bristol are fantastic. As is the Corrie Tap!
Gerry Adams will be out in less than two hours unless Her Honour Judge Philpott QC grants a custody extension to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Gerry Adams will be out in less than two hours unless Her Honour Judge Philpott QC grants a custody extension to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me the odd thing is not why Adams has been arrested now but why he was never arrested at any time in the previous 40 years.
Gerry Adams will be out in less than two hours unless Her Honour Judge Philpott QC grants a custody extension to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me the odd thing is not why Adams has been arrested now but why he was never arrested at any time in the previous 40 years.
Wasn't he interned in the 1970s? Since then I imagine a lack of evidence and/or political expediency has kept him out?
Gerry Adams will be out in less than two hours unless Her Honour Judge Philpott QC grants a custody extension to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me the odd thing is not why Adams has been arrested now but why he was never arrested at any time in the previous 40 years.
Ah, well, its all down to Freedom of Information laws, those in the USA that is. Some PIRA people gave taped interviews about their former activities to a research group at a college in Boston, Mass. They did so in the expectation that their confessions would never be released while they were still alive, nobody told them about Freedom of Information. Ooops. Following a court case a few months ago at least some of the tapes have been released and the PSNI, probably to the embarrassment of some of its senior members, now have to do something about this new information.
I doubt anything will ever come to court as a result, though.
I see Populus say that people feel they have "more to fear from the conduct of big business than the actions of trade unions", by a margin of 49-13. Those who feel strongly agree by 21 to 4. (I'm not sure I agree with either generalisation, bu it's an interesting indication of mood.)
The other night I said twice that the police hadn't arrested Gerry for fun. There was plenty to discuss, there still is. My understanding, without detail, is that the critical factor here is not just something from one of the dead, but something from one of the living that may tilt the balance for a charge. The cops know they really need to be right.
There is, however, a slight panic creeping in amongst some down at Connolly House. Downing Street is standing firm as of lunchtime today.
Late last night I posted a mocking prediction of what would happen if Adams was kept for another day. Sadly, and all too clear an indication that this city is in my blood, the prediction that a mural of a smiling Gerry would appear in Belfast...its been painted already.....
'Meanwhile the Better Together campaign has to consider how best to respond to the fact that its more negative messages do not appear to have the traction they might have anticipated. The latest poll confirms that the campaign’s claims about currency and Europe are widely disbelieved. As many as 45% think that an independent Scotland would be able to use the pound as a currency union while only 38% think it would not. Equally, 46% believe that Scotland would remain a member of the EU while just 34% do not.
Revealingly in both cases No supporters appear less likely to be convinced of their own side’s argument than Yes voters are of the Scottish Government’s counter claims. That suggests the emergence of a credibility problem – and that is something the No side cannot afford to allow to take hold.'
The other night I said twice that the police hadn't arrested Gerry for fun. There was plenty to discuss, there still is. My understanding, without detail, is that the critical factor here is not just something from one of the dead, but something from one of the living that may tilt the balance for a charge. The cops know they really need to be right.
There is, however, a slight panic creeping in amongst some down at Connolly House. Downing Street is standing firm as of lunchtime today.
Late last night I posted a mocking prediction of what would happen if Adams was kept for another day. Sadly, and all too clear an indication that this city is in my blood, the prediction that a mural of a smiling Gerry would appear in Belfast...its been painted already.....
So what's the game plan?
Adams was in the IRA? Actually so what?
He is a peacemaker at least in the eyes of the people who just want to make the violence stop (and I appreciate that violence is ongoing). At some point there has to be T&R so is the plan for him to come out with the Truth? Too late surely.
So bang him up for a murder 10, 20, 42 years ago? Is that it?
I felt revolted when I read the details of this latest murder but surely at some point it has to stop?
Up to 38 dead in Odessa as the unelected Kiev puppet regime orders attack helicopters, tanks and artillery to assault a city in their own country unoccupied but for protesters. Who would have thought overthrowing the democratically elected government would have led to this? Except for anyone with the remotest knowledge of the region. Lines have been crossed and civil war looks inevitable, thanks to Russia Crimeans will be safe.
Extraordinary events our government have conspired in occurring, disgrace abounding.
That gets to the heart of Ed's biggest problem. It's not just that he's geeky and boring, it's that on top of that he usually comes across as fake and insincere, with his attempts at "statesmanlike" poses and clinging to stupid soundbites using the same slogans over and over again. If he was just more relaxed, was himself, and gave straightforward answers to questions then he'd get further imo.
I feel like most voters think being boring is a forgiveable sin in itself, but it's when you combine that with the worst habits of more charismatic politicians (by being robotic and insincere) that it becomes very off-putting. Brown certainly found that out, lest we forget he was actually very popular when he was seen as merely boring, it was only when he got a reputation as dishonest (started by the "election that never was" fiasco) in addition to his "boring-ness" that he became toxic.
The other night I said twice that the police hadn't arrested Gerry for fun. There was plenty to discuss, there still is. My understanding, without detail, is that the critical factor here is not just something from one of the dead, but something from one of the living that may tilt the balance for a charge. The cops know they really need to be right.
There is, however, a slight panic creeping in amongst some down at Connolly House. Downing Street is standing firm as of lunchtime today.
Late last night I posted a mocking prediction of what would happen if Adams was kept for another day. Sadly, and all too clear an indication that this city is in my blood, the prediction that a mural of a smiling Gerry would appear in Belfast...its been painted already.....
So what's the game plan?
Adams was in the IRA? Actually so what?
He is a peacemaker at least in the eyes of the people who just want to make the violence stop (and I appreciate that violence is ongoing). At some point there has to be T&R so is the plan for him to come out with the Truth? Too late surely.
So bang him up for a murder 10, 20, 42 years ago? Is that it?
I felt revolted when I read the details of this latest murder but surely at some point it has to stop?
Yes, thats about it. Its not going to be easy. For the politicos who like to define things for the purpose of amnesty. Killing a squaddie or whatever, murder but a conflict killing, terrorists killing other terrorists? Murder but a 'conflict killing'. Squaddie shoots non-combatant with live ammunition, murder but maybe a 'conflict killing'. Probably all get awayable with in the world of grey areas.
Beating, torturing, killing a civilian mother of 10. Murder.
Lets put it this way if I kill someone who killed friends and associates in NI, would I get an amnesty? I mean its directly related to the conflict right? I'd do 2 years if thats all I was risking getting for taking a swathe of them out. But I wouldn't. Why should they?
Up to 38 dead in Odessa as the unelected Kiev puppet regime orders attack helicopters, tanks and artillery to assault a city in their own country unoccupied but for protesters. Who would have thought overthrowing the democratically elected government would have led to this? Except for anyone with the remotest knowledge of the region. Lines have been crossed and civil war looks inevitable, thanks to Russia Crimeans will be safe.
Extraordinary events our government have conspired in occurring, disgrace abounding.
Up to 38 dead in Odessa as the unelected Kiev puppet regime orders attack helicopters, tanks and artillery to assault a city in their own country unoccupied but for protesters. Who would have thought overthrowing the democratically elected government would have led to this? Except for anyone with the remotest knowledge of the region. Lines have been crossed and civil war looks inevitable, thanks to Russia Crimeans will be safe.
Extraordinary events our government have conspired in occurring, disgrace abounding.
Using the word "unelected" to describe the current Ukraine government is inaccurate: it was elected by the legislature. This makes it as elected as, say, the Brown, Callaghan, Cameron and first Major administrations. We don't elect governments in the UK: we elect the legislature.
Using the word "puppet" is similarly inaccurate. "Regime" is simply emotive..
Describing the city as "unoccupied but for protestors" neglects to mention that the protestors in question are armed with surface-to-air missiles. The use of SAMs implies a step change: they were not widely used in Northern Ireland nor Iraq nor Afghanistan (2002-date), but they were widely used in the Yugoslavian wars and Afghanistan (1979-1989), to great effect. SAMs are not used by amateur protestors but by (para)militaries: they are not as easy to acquire or afford as, say, Kalashnikovs.
The armament of their accompanying "little green men" is also noteworthy. M27s have been spotted, which isn't really what you'd expect from cashstrapped amateurs.
In short the protestors are not self-organising amateurs with ad-hoc weaponry, but are equipped and accompanied by advisors. The word "protestors" is not used to describe such people. You'll need a word like "insurgents"
'There are rumours of a Russian no-fly over Eastern Ukraine being on the agenda. Whether this is via Russian airpower or creating a SAM screen, the air mobility of the Ukrainian forces has posed a problem for the the insurgents on the ground.'
'There are rumours of a Russian no-fly over Eastern Ukraine being on the agenda. Whether this is via Russian airpower or creating a SAM screen, the air mobility of the Ukrainian forces has posed a problem for the the insurgents on the ground.'
The other night I said twice that the police hadn't arrested Gerry for fun. There was plenty to discuss, there still is. My understanding, without detail, is that the critical factor here is not just something from one of the dead, but something from one of the living that may tilt the balance for a charge. The cops know they really need to be right.
There is, however, a slight panic creeping in amongst some down at Connolly House. Downing Street is standing firm as of lunchtime today.
Late last night I posted a mocking prediction of what would happen if Adams was kept for another day. Sadly, and all too clear an indication that this city is in my blood, the prediction that a mural of a smiling Gerry would appear in Belfast...its been painted already.....
So what's the game plan?
Adams was in the IRA? Actually so what?
He is a peacemaker at least in the eyes of the people who just want to make the violence stop (and I appreciate that violence is ongoing). At some point there has to be T&R so is the plan for him to come out with the Truth? Too late surely.
So bang him up for a murder 10, 20, 42 years ago? Is that it?
I felt revolted when I read the details of this latest murder but surely at some point it has to stop?
Yes, thats about it. Its not going to be easy. For the politicos who like to define things for the purpose of amnesty. Killing a squaddie or whatever, murder but a conflict killing, terrorists killing other terrorists? Murder but a 'conflict killing'. Squaddie shoots non-combatant with live ammunition, murder but maybe a 'conflict killing'. Probably all get awayable with in the world of grey areas.
Beating, torturing, killing a civilian mother of 10. Murder.
Lets put it this way if I kill someone who killed friends and associates in NI, would I get an amnesty? I mean its directly related to the conflict right? I'd do 2 years if thats all I was risking getting for taking a swathe of them out. But I wouldn't. Why should they?
Let the law take its course.
There's quite a nuance about that, though. Of course I agree but we have a situation whereby we need to move on and to distinguish between any number of different "murders" surely makes the complexity formidable.
The family is suffering terribly and I have absolute sympathy but to start drawing lines between any number of "atrocities" surely gets us nowhere.
He is a peacemaker at least in the eyes of the people who just want to make the violence stop (and I appreciate that violence is ongoing). At some point there has to be T&R so is the plan for him to come out with the Truth? Too late surely.
So bang him up for a murder 10, 20, 42 years ago? Is that it?
I felt revolted when I read the details of this latest murder but surely at some point it has to stop?
Yes, thats about it. Its not going to be easy. For the politicos who like to define things for the purpose of amnesty. Killing a squaddie or whatever, murder but a conflict killing, terrorists killing other terrorists? Murder but a 'conflict killing'. Squaddie shoots non-combatant with live ammunition, murder but maybe a 'conflict killing'. Probably all get awayable with in the world of grey areas.
Beating, torturing, killing a civilian mother of 10. Murder.
Lets put it this way if I kill someone who killed friends and associates in NI, would I get an amnesty? I mean its directly related to the conflict right? I'd do 2 years if thats all I was risking getting for taking a swathe of them out. But I wouldn't. Why should they?
Let the law take its course.
There's quite a nuance about that, though. Of course I agree but we have a situation whereby we need to move on and to distinguish between any number of different "murders" surely makes the complexity formidable.
The family is suffering terribly and I have absolute sympathy but to start drawing lines between any number of "atrocities" surely gets us nowhere.
The prime architects of the hierarchy of victims concept are Sinn Fein and they are not prepared to let that one go in a hurry. It goes against their self righteous victim mentality.
Ukraine: Rumour that the insurgent Mayor of Sloviansk, one of the cockpit towns of the insurgent effort and the guy who ordered the holding of the foreign observers, is dead.
Comments
The UK's oldest arts centre and the oldest extant building in Liverpool city centre. Wren style, 1717... Bombed and rebuilt 1950.
I have fond memories, as I sat my fiddle grades there...
It'll be up on the BBC site soon to listen to.
More here:
https://fullfact.org/europe/eu_make_uk_law-29587
I would imagine if you looked at London at the moment, there would be lots of people very annoyed by the unions
Who gave you the worm-can opener?!
I actually have a fair amount of sympathy for a working couple on low incomes who have one child knowing they'll need taxpayer support to do it. But more than that.
Venice of the North.
But withdrawing co-operation from the Beano is a bit excessive....
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonstone/most-people-who-voted-lib-dem-last-time-regret-it-theyre-als
or the BNP I guess
EDIT* Prob BNP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Liverpool
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_public_art_in_Liverpool
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parks_and_open_spaces_in_Liverpool
Rolf Harris's trial is set to begin on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court:
http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Bray-Holyport-Fifield/Rolf-Harris-trial-to-start-on-Tuesday-April-6-24042014.htm
Some clever boffins claim to have made jet fuel from sunlight and air (or at least CO2 and H2O):
http://www.gizmag.com/sunlight-carbon-dioxide-jet-fuel/31872/
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/companies-and-industries/bombardier-delivers-the-worlds-largest-monorail-to-sao-paulo/
http://www.wired.com/2014/01/sao-paulo-monorail/
Unfortunately it won't be ready in time for the World Cup:
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/03/12/brazil-world-cup-anger-over-waste-chaotic-planning-critics-blast-misplaced/
Mid 90s when he got with the New Labour project.
Thanks - that's an interesting assessment. Surprises me a bit as he doesn't come over as a fan of Mr Blair.
http://www.bristol-culture.com/2013/04/30/glens-kitchen/
Maybe that wasn't what you had in mind though.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Liverpool-Pevsner-Architectural-Guides-City/dp/0300102585
Thanks - that's an interesting assessment. Surprises me a bit as he doesn't come over as a fan of Mr Blair.
Not post iraq, but he just didn't have the bile for attacking a Labour govt as he did Thatcher and Major. It wasn't just him most the alternative comedians suddenly had to take stock of how vacuuous their routines were with no Tories to attack. They had become as stale as mother-in-law jokes.
I do laugh as Edmundson has evolved in to Jack Hargreaves and Jennifer Saunders is like a WI grandee.
It's basically code for: there are people who disagree with me but they can be safely ignored because they aren't as interested in politics as I am and aren't reaching the right conclusions
Not post iraq, but he just didn't have the bile for attacking a Labour govt as he did Thatcher and Major. It wasn't just him most the alternative comedians suddenly had to take stock of how vacuuous their routines were with no Tories to attack. They had become as stale as mother-in-law jokes.
I do laugh as Edmundson has evolved in to Jack Hargreaves and Jennifer Saunders is like a WI grandee.
& were parodied themselves
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSuMSu20avs
Just watched the Clarkson video - I've never been so offended in my entire life.. Grow up people.
"Populist" probably the worst of all of them!
That said, it's generally true that most people who I know, especially in London, seem difficult to get worked up - they take the rough with the smooth. I'd have said it's a fairly general British characteristic (different from, say, Greece), but perhaps that's generalising too much?
Anyway, if you're saying the only reliable data is scientific polling, you're right.
Of Time and the City, and in fact everything by Terence Davies, is majestic.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cartoon/2014/apr/28/alex-salmond-scottish-independence-european-union-steve-bell
I'm suggesting he checks himself, and his analysis, a bit more. It's becoming a theme.
http://www.dirtydicks.co.uk/our-menus.php
http://www.allertonoak.com/merseySights/merseySightsHome.html
http://order-order.com/2014/05/02/weird-ed-loses-another-voter/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowne_Plaza_Liverpool_John_Lennon_Airport_Hotel
Straight out of Poirot...
http://www.crowne-plaza-liverpool.co.uk/gallery/
Maybe you do not want to protect our allies, or even give the impression of protecting them. I do.
The pub grub in Dirty Dick's is pretty good.
I doubt anything will ever come to court as a result, though.
The other night I said twice that the police hadn't arrested Gerry for fun. There was plenty to discuss, there still is. My understanding, without detail, is that the critical factor here is not just something from one of the dead, but something from one of the living that may tilt the balance for a charge. The cops know they really need to be right.
There is, however, a slight panic creeping in amongst some down at Connolly House. Downing Street is standing firm as of lunchtime today.
Late last night I posted a mocking prediction of what would happen if Adams was kept for another day. Sadly, and all too clear an indication that this city is in my blood, the prediction that a mural of a smiling Gerry would appear in Belfast...its been painted already.....
'Meanwhile the Better Together campaign has to consider how best to respond to the fact that its more negative messages do not appear to have the traction they might have anticipated. The latest poll confirms that the campaign’s claims about currency and Europe are widely disbelieved. As many as 45% think that an independent Scotland would be able to use the pound as a currency union while only 38% think it would not. Equally, 46% believe that Scotland would remain a member of the EU while just 34% do not.
Revealingly in both cases No supporters appear less likely to be convinced of their own side’s argument than Yes voters are of the Scottish Government’s counter claims. That suggests the emergence of a credibility problem – and that is something the No side cannot afford to allow to take hold.'
http://tinyurl.com/q4oldph
Unsurprisingly not a mention of these findings by Bettertogether and the Daily 'Support for the Union soars to 58%' Mail.
Thought not.
He's only got himself to blame.
Adams was in the IRA? Actually so what?
He is a peacemaker at least in the eyes of the people who just want to make the violence stop (and I appreciate that violence is ongoing). At some point there has to be T&R so is the plan for him to come out with the Truth? Too late surely.
So bang him up for a murder 10, 20, 42 years ago? Is that it?
I felt revolted when I read the details of this latest murder but surely at some point it has to stop?
Extraordinary events our government have conspired in occurring, disgrace abounding.
I feel like most voters think being boring is a forgiveable sin in itself, but it's when you combine that with the worst habits of more charismatic politicians (by being robotic and insincere) that it becomes very off-putting. Brown certainly found that out, lest we forget he was actually very popular when he was seen as merely boring, it was only when he got a reputation as dishonest (started by the "election that never was" fiasco) in addition to his "boring-ness" that he became toxic.
Yes, thats about it. Its not going to be easy. For the politicos who like to define things for the purpose of amnesty. Killing a squaddie or whatever, murder but a conflict killing, terrorists killing other terrorists? Murder but a 'conflict killing'. Squaddie shoots non-combatant with live ammunition, murder but maybe a 'conflict killing'. Probably all get awayable with in the world of grey areas.
Beating, torturing, killing a civilian mother of 10. Murder.
Lets put it this way if I kill someone who killed friends and associates in NI, would I get an amnesty? I mean its directly related to the conflict right? I'd do 2 years if thats all I was risking getting for taking a swathe of them out. But I wouldn't. Why should they?
Let the law take its course.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/74611000/jpg/_74611730_mural.jpg
Using the word "puppet" is similarly inaccurate. "Regime" is simply emotive..
Describing the city as "unoccupied but for protestors" neglects to mention that the protestors in question are armed with surface-to-air missiles. The use of SAMs implies a step change: they were not widely used in Northern Ireland nor Iraq nor Afghanistan (2002-date), but they were widely used in the Yugoslavian wars and Afghanistan (1979-1989), to great effect. SAMs are not used by amateur protestors but by (para)militaries: they are not as easy to acquire or afford as, say, Kalashnikovs.
The armament of their accompanying "little green men" is also noteworthy. M27s have been spotted, which isn't really what you'd expect from cashstrapped amateurs.
In short the protestors are not self-organising amateurs with ad-hoc weaponry, but are equipped and accompanied by advisors. The word "protestors" is not used to describe such people. You'll need a word like "insurgents"
'There are rumours of a Russian no-fly over Eastern Ukraine being on the agenda. Whether this is via Russian airpower or creating a SAM screen, the air mobility of the Ukrainian forces has posed a problem for the the insurgents on the ground.'
What you say strikes me as informed.
Unfortunately.
Ah, but hopefully this won't spread. After all we moderns are wiser than previous generations. Aren't we?
Of course we are. We had the war to end all wars after all?
The family is suffering terribly and I have absolute sympathy but to start drawing lines between any number of "atrocities" surely gets us nowhere.
Ukraine: Rumour that the insurgent Mayor of Sloviansk, one of the cockpit towns of the insurgent effort and the guy who ordered the holding of the foreign observers, is dead.
Definitely needs double confirming
Freudian slip? :-)