Mr. Bond, think I saw that reviewed online. An old-school version of XCOM, yes?
XCOM: Enemy Unknown was originally going to be another bloody FPS type game, but after a fan outcry they made it into [planning to then make the Bureau game more FPS-like] a turn-based strategy game, which sold bucketloads.
Oh, and there's said to be a Fallout 4 announcement tomorrow at 3pm [uncertain if that's UK time].
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
Whatever else he may be, Hannan isn't thick. This is a childish post.
Miss Plato, there's at least one book called iZombie, by Jo Michaels, which I think is entirely unrelated to the series. Not my usual cup of tea (YA + zombies) but it's pretty good.
I'm going against the grain here, and I expect the usual odium will be drenched on me. However here goes.
I never liked Charles Kennedy when he was alive and I refuse too heap eulogies of saintly-hood on him now he's dead. Alive, he was a so, so, moderate leader, a lefty who would have done better in the Labour Party. He had an engaging smile? Well many people have and they are bastards underneath.
As they say in Braavos "valar morghulis - all men must die". That he died young for these days is a shame, but thats life.
It's perfectly possible, if one has to say anything at all, to express condolences for his family and friends (as some of us have done) - and it is worth remembering that a young boy has lost his father - without heaping "eulogies of sainthood" on a person.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
Whatever else he may be, Hannan isn't thick. This is a childish post.
I agree Hannan is not thick. The article however is fanciful, and, if I might say, a tad self-indulgent, neither of which Hannan is prone to. He knows the hard work that'll be required to get the UK out of Europe and find its place in the world.
According to another NS article you can add to the Eagle column: Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) Bill Esterson (Sefton Central)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the deputy leadership campaign. Is it really asking too much to hope...? Am I stumbling into a pit of hubris? As for the other job, who cares?
Pretty daft of Winston to be using that particular analogy as well given that Moses led his people to the gates of the promised land but was not allowed to enter. Maybe he is being clever and actually wants Farage to step down :-)
Strange as it may seem, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that the Tories would send an 'infiltrator' to destroy UKIP - indeed I think it's already been done on a smaller scale several times. Hannan and Carswell (along with Reckless) proposed the winding up of Better Off Out in favour of a cross-party referendum campaign some years ago: https://autonomousmind.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/camerons-useful-idiots-hannan-and-carswell/ - a proposal that thankfully failed. But it's interesting that they should have been the ones to defect.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
Whatever else he may be, Hannan isn't thick. This is a childish post.
I agree Hannan is not thick. The article however is fanciful, and, if I might say, a tad self-indulgent, neither of which Hannan is prone to. He knows the hard work that'll be required to get the UK out of Europe and find its place in the world.
I don't see that it will be particularly hard to get the UK out of Europe - it will be a lot harder to get Europe (the EU) out of the UK. Its tentacles stretch deep into our civil service, judiciary etc. It will take years to weed it all out.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that.
*Tongue-in-cheek mode on* I'm not so bothered about the actual question, but we do need to be aware that if Scotland votes differently to the rest of the UK, then Scotland may well feel that they have no alternative but to call another referendum on independence (which I am pretty sure the YES-side will win this time)
Therefore, I think that Scotland should vote separately first, Then the rest of the UK can vote taking the Scotland vote into account. *Tongue-in-cheek mode off*
Irrelevant surely.
If the UK votes to leave, Scotland's out of the EU.
If Scotland then votes to stay in the UK, Scotland's out of the EU.
If Scotland then votes to leave the UK, Scotland's out of the EU.
All courses conjecturally open to Scotland lead to EU exit, apart from a victory for In and another No vote.
Mr Bond. I think that you missed the humorous tone of my post. The clue was in "*Tongue-in-cheek mode on*". :-)
Had I been serious then your analysis would of course be correct.
While on the subject of Mr Kennedy, I didn't see any comments on PB about what actually happened in the infamous QT affair, and this is perhaps worth mentioning in justice to him. As I recall, it was firmly denied by at least one journo at the time that drink had anything to do with it - strikingly so, because they wouldn't give a reason. It now emerges that it was because Mr Kennedy's father had broken his hip and gone into hospital for surgery that day and Mr K had nonetheless insisted on proceeding with the event despite being deeply upset, but then refused to use this as an excuse for his performance.
@paulwaugh: Asked re Salmond's remarks on Charles Kennedy, No.10: the PM believes 'our focus' tday shd be on his family + contribution to political life
Salmond made enough of an arse of himself that political journalists are asking the Prime Minister to comment, which to his credit he declined to do
Can you get any lower than you have stooped, a despicable creature indeed, get a grip.
While on the subject of Mr Kennedy, I didn't see any comments on PB about what actually happened in the infamous QT affair, and this is perhaps worth mentioning in justice to him. As I recall, it was firmly denied by at least one journo at the time that drink had anything to do with it - strikingly so, because they wouldn't give a reason. It now emerges that it was because Mr Kennedy's father had broken his hip and gone into hospital for surgery that day and Mr K had nonetheless insisted on proceeding with the event despite being deeply upset, but then refused to use this as an excuse for his performance.
@paulwaugh: Asked re Salmond's remarks on Charles Kennedy, No.10: the PM believes 'our focus' tday shd be on his family + contribution to political life
Salmond made enough of an arse of himself that political journalists are asking the Prime Minister to comment, which to his credit he declined to do
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that. I am not a eurofanatic. That is your pretence. As someone said below, his article is fanciful. I am happy to take that critique. I am sanguine, repeat sanguine, about the referendum result. We will have negotiated ourself a way of avoiding the eurozones ever closer union and can stay in, or if not we will be in the EEA and be in the same place, outside ever closer union. In either event there will be little difference to now, ie before the eurozone closer union. We will be in the single market the free movement of labour and enacting EU regulations. Those who tried to split the Tory party on this in 2015 failed. If Hannan is a genius politician he will have to make a better fist of it than this last effort.
On the question actually asked No is on 41%, only 4% behind the 45% Yes got in indyref. On the 2nd potential question the Yes-No split is 55-45, exactly the same as indyref and the campaign has not even started yet
On the question actually asked No is on 41%, only 4% behind the 45% Yes got in indyref. On the 2nd potential question the Yes-No split is 55-45, exactly the same as indyref and the campaign has not even started yet
The campaign's been going on for a couple of decades now, albeit at a low level. There is a great deal to play for, but perhaps events, rather than campaigning, will most shape the result.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that.
I welcome this Referendum, but from the point of view of the Conservative Party, it seems like running on to a motorway to pick up pennies. Had Cameron known, back in 2013, that UKIP would do more damage to Labour than the Conservatives, I'm sure he would have held firm against referendum demands.
I'll add my condolences to Charles Kennedy's family. 55 is no age.
MD In AV ref Yes was often ahead but ran a terrible elitist campaign focused on appealing to metropolitan liberals in Islington and Oxford with 'right on' celebrity backing while losing everywhere else. No to EU, like Yes to indy, will be populist campaigns starting from behind and driven by voters from the lower middle and working classes
Seems like only last week Sepp Blatter was voted Fifa President – I wonder what’s changed since then for him to stand down? - whose turned state's evidence for a plea bargain?
Seems like only last week Sepp Blatter was voted Fifa President – I wonder what’s changed since then for him to stand down? - whose turned state's evidence for a plea bargain?
Maybe he's realised he will not be able to set foot in half the world's countries anymore.
Sepp Blatter says: "I have thoroughly considered my presidency and thought about my presidency and the last 40 years in my life.
"These years were closely related to Fifa and this wonderful sport of football, I appreciate and love Fifa more than anything else and only want to do the best for football and Fifa and our institution.
"I decided to stand again to be elected because I convinced it was the best option for football. The challenges that Fifa are facing have not come to an end."
RIP Charles Kennedy. Poor man. The first UK pol I paid attention to, around 2003, he deserved a second act before retirement age. It makes me reflect on the personal strain and abuse that politicians suffer, probably everywhere, though it is rarely of such intensity as his was. Though some say they invite it on themselves, we all have a duty to speak and write in a manner that does not harm them unduly.
Now, to change to the spirit of political levity of which I am sure he would have approved, I note below that there is discussion of a more "favourable" referendum question (to Out). Perhaps they would instead settle for: "Do you agree with Ukip that the UK should quit the European Union?"
Seems like only last week Sepp Blatter was voted Fifa President – I wonder what’s changed since then for him to stand down? - whose turned state's evidence for a plea bargain?
I'm frankly shocked he would be close enough to anything to make him stand down, no matter who took a plea, if that is what happened. Perhaps it was always his intention to stand down at some point, but he wanted to ensure the one person willing to stand against him for President was seen to lose, so that person doesn't fill the void after he steps down, leaving the way for someone who will see the bodies stay buried.
When an organisation seems entirely focused on preventing bad stories coming out, you know things are rough though, and at present it seems like Fifa exists solely for that purpose.
Seems like only last week Sepp Blatter was voted Fifa President – I wonder what’s changed since then for him to stand down? - whose turned state's evidence for a plea bargain?
Warner would be my guess, but no way would he have gone of his own free will. Loads to come out, we have to get rid of Platini now.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that.
I welcome this Referendum, but from the point of view of the Conservative Party, it seems like running on to a motorway to pick up pennies. Had Cameron known, back in 2013, that UKIP would do more damage to Labour than the Conservatives, I'm sure he would have held firm against referendum demands.
I'll add my condolences to Charles Kennedy's family. 55 is no age.
Ever closer union of the euro zone is not going to go away and thus we need a referendum. The Tories will have to handle it. Some might suggest that the 2017 referendum is what pushed ukip down its crass nativism route. Ukip have moved far away from its original intent and been branded nasty in the process.
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
I am not a eurofanatic. That is your pretence. As someone said below, his article is fanciful. I am happy to take that critique. I am sanguine, repeat sanguine, about the referendum result. We will have negotiated ourself a way of avoiding the eurozones ever closer union and can stay in, or if not we will be in the EEA and be in the same place, outside ever closer union. In either event there will be little difference to now, ie before the eurozone closer union. We will be in the single market the free movement of labour and enacting EU regulations. Those who tried to split the Tory party on this in 2015 failed. If Hannan is a genius politician he will have to make a better fist of it than this last effort.
As I have said before I judge you by your comments not your denials. You have consistently derided anyone advocating leaving whilst spreading disinformation and outright lies about both the implications of leaving and the differences between the EU and EEA membership. I know you are not all the bright and have a shocking lack of understanding about the European institutions but in that case the best answer would be to just shut up rather than advertise your ignorance. Of course Europhiles like yourself were never noted for their intelligence.
I reckon Blatter stood down as he didn't have the confidence of most of Europe, USA, and probably the straw that broke the camel's back - South America.
Europe & South America produce the world cup winners by and large, and money flows from the USA and Europe.
Aruba may be equal to Germany's in the FIFA vote but clearly it is less important to the game.
On the question actually asked No is on 41%, only 4% behind the 45% Yes got in indyref. On the 2nd potential question the Yes-No split is 55-45, exactly the same as indyref and the campaign has not even started yet
The campaign's been going on for a couple of decades now, albeit at a low level. There is a great deal to play for, but perhaps events, rather than campaigning, will most shape the result.
Agree entirely. What happens in Europe between now and the referendum will shape the result. Let's call them the known unknowns.
I reckon Blatter stood down as he didn't have the confidence of most of Europe, USA, and probably the straw that broke the camel's back - South America.
Europe & South America produce the world cup winners by and large, and money flows from the USA and Europe.
Aruba may be equal to Germany's in the FIFA vote but clearly it is less important to the game.
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
Perhaps. He will have had a bit more time to find a successor sympathetic to him is my first thought.
I reckon Blatter stood down as he didn't have the confidence of most of Europe, USA, and probably the straw that broke the camel's back - South America.
Europe & South America produce the world cup winners by and large, and money flows from the USA and Europe.
Aruba may be equal to Germany's in the FIFA vote but clearly it is less important to the game.
Aruba is in CONCACAF, surely?
Just been looking at it on tripadvisor - looks pretty nice
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
The story was picked up in a big way by the US media, and there were starting to be calls for public boycotts of the sponsors in the USA. "Big Mac, Coke and a dead Qatari migrant worker, anyone..?" was one line in their media the other day. I guess reality just hit Blatter hard in the head, and he finally realised his position was untenable.
The other option is that a couple of the arestees have agreed to drop him in it for leniency in the US courts, which is well known for taking a hard line on this sort of corruption running money through their banks.
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
His lawyer has probably received some interesting calls.
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
The story was picked up in a big way by the US media, and there were starting to be calls for public boycotts of the sponsors in the USA. "Big Mac, Coke and a dead Qatari migrant worker, anyone..?" was one line in their media the other day. I guess reality just hit Blatter hard in the head, and he finally realised his position was untenable.
The other option is that a couple of the arestees have agreed to drop him in it for leniency in the US courts, which is well known for taking a hard line on this sort of corruption running money through their banks.
I wish the big sponsors had really go to town on FIFA years ago. If the likes of Coke, Pepsi, McD, Visa, etc all had got to together years ago and said we can no more sponsor events, until FIFA opens its books and it transparent, as it is damaging our brand, we wouldn't have had to rely on FBI to push the frighteners on.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
On the basis that it was said only the sponsors, those providing the money for everything, could bring down Blatter and co if they began to pull away, could they have had something to do with it?
The story was picked up in a big way by the US media, and there were starting to be calls for public boycotts of the sponsors in the USA. "Big Mac, Coke and a dead Qatari migrant worker, anyone..?" was one line in their media the other day. I guess reality just hit Blatter hard in the head, and he finally realised his position was untenable.
The other option is that a couple of the arestees have agreed to drop him in it for leniency in the US courts, which is well known for taking a hard line on this sort of corruption running money through their banks.
I wish the big sponsors had really go to town on FIFA years ago. If the likes of Coke, Pepsi, McD, Visa, etc all had got to together years ago and said we can no more sponsor events, until FIFA opens its books and it transparent, as it is damaging our brand, we wouldn't have had to rely on FBI to push the frighteners on.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
That is the basis on which the US has gone after other foreign nationals and it allows them to seek extradition. So even if the individuals are released from custody in Switzerland they may find that they are severely restricted in the countries to which they can travel. And that will also apply to others who don't know if they too might find themselves under investigation and facing indictments.
At this point, anyone who is sensibly advised and who has relevant information or who may be in the prosecutors' sights will be wondering hard whether they should be seeking first mover advantage.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
The same torturous justifications that have been used to extend US jurisdiction far beyond US shores. The lesson for the rest of the world is to avoid the US at all costs.
O/T - I found this maiden speech by Johnny Mercer very moving. Particularly on a day like this, when a man's demons may have tragically consumed one of our most pre-eminent national politicians.
If I were a resident of Plymouth Moorview, I would be extraordinarily proud to have Johnny as my MP:
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
The same torturous justifications that have been used to extend US jurisdiction far beyond US shores. The lesson for the rest of the world is to avoid the US at all costs.
The lesson is surely that you shouldn't take bribes from Russia or Qatar to hold the World Cup in their countries.
I am sure he has plenty to offer the authorities should they wish to "ask his opinion on matters". Remember this man will have met and dealt with anybody who is anybody over the past 20+ years, not just in football, but worlds of business, politics, etc.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
Lol. This hasn't unfolded necessarily to Putin's advantage, has it?
You use the US financial system or the greenback for fraud and you are in the Feds' net. The hegemon is still the hegemon and sometimes that's a good thing.
While you are on it would delight me and no doubt others if you could elaborate about "macro evolution" and "micro evolution".
Seems like only last week Sepp Blatter was voted Fifa President – I wonder what’s changed since then for him to stand down? - whose turned state's evidence for a plea bargain?
Maybe he's realised he will not be able to set foot in half the world's countries anymore.
It’s 2020, and the UK is flourishing outside of the EU. The rump Union, now a united bloc, continues its genteel decline, but Britain has become the most successful and competitive knowledge-based economy in the region. Our universities attract the world’s brightest students. We lead the way in software, biotech, law, finance and the audio-visual sector. We have forged a distinctive foreign policy, allied to Europe, but giving due weight to the US, India and other common-law, Anglophone democracies.
More intangibly but no less significantly, we have recovered our self-belief. As Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the European Federation, crossly put it: “Britain has become Hong Kong to Europe’s China.”
Hilarious rubbish. Did being in the EU affect our decision to ally with the USA and invade Iraq? Hannan only shows himself to be thick. If our universities are attracting the brightest students BTW, then immigration will still be soaring. Along with inflation.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that.
I welcome this Referendum, but from the point of view of the Conservative Party, it seems like running on to a motorway to pick up pennies. Had Cameron known, back in 2013, that UKIP would do more damage to Labour than the Conservatives, I'm sure he would have held firm against referendum demands.
That's a fantastic analogy! One to keep.
FWIW, I'm not sure about that. The position in the Conservative party post-Lisbon was "we will not let matters rest here".
But that line would only have held for so long. Sooner or later, flesh on the bones would have been expected. And, with a majority Conservative government, meaningful action demanded by the parliamentary party.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
The same torturous justifications that have been used to extend US jurisdiction far beyond US shores. The lesson for the rest of the world is to avoid the US at all costs.
The lesson is surely that you shouldn't take bribes from Russia or Qatar to hold the World Cup in their countries.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
Wire fraud if the money passed through a US linked bank (many payments are cleared in NY)
Don't forget the "NatWest 3" allegedly defrauded a UK bank from their office in London but were still extradited to the US on the basis that one meeting had occurred there.
Those saying the US can't get non-Americans.....Just go and read about how the US have managed to get a lot of people who have run gambling sites that have taken US punters money or used US bank processing in anyway.
If you just ignore them, then you better never set foot in any US territory or never have a flight redirected that ends up landing in one, as you will get dragged off the plane and in the slammer.
If you are happy living in Panama or Cost Rica for the rest of your life, great, but don't think of taking any flight that goes near US airspace, as you never know what mechanical difficult your plane might develop.
Those that have managed to avoid this treatment are the ones who have been pro-active and said "how much is it going to cost us".
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
Wire fraud if the money passed through a US linked bank (many payments are cleared in NY)
Don't forget the "NatWest 3" allegedly defrauded a UK bank from their office in London but were still extradited to the US on the basis that one meeting had occurred there.
Standard Chartered and Iran etc. Minimise your risk.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
Wire fraud if the money passed through a US linked bank (many payments are cleared in NY)
Don't forget the "NatWest 3" allegedly defrauded a UK bank from their office in London but were still extradited to the US on the basis that one meeting had occurred there.
Standard Chartered and Iran etc. Minimise your risk.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
The same torturous justifications that have been used to extend US jurisdiction far beyond US shores. The lesson for the rest of the world is to avoid the US at all costs.
Nothing tortuous about it. If you used the UK banking system to perpetrate a fraud the UK courts would have jurisdiction over you.
Most civilized countries (and quite a few uncivilized ones) take the same approach to acts of wrongdoing happening on their territory.
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
If you want to remain out of the clutches of the US Justice system, don't use US banks to launder money.
If Blatter has any sense, he'll book a one-way flight to Moscow.
"The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has taken note of the announced resignation of Joseph S. Blatter as President of the Fifa.
"The OAG has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering. Therefore, Joseph S. Blatter is not under investigation by the OAG. His announced resignation will have no influence on the ongoing criminal proceedings."
Only two of the fourteen indicted persons are American citizens, one native born and the other a dual national. The American Attorney General will have to tie herself in knots to claim jurisdiction over foreign national FIFA functionaries who presumably committed their alleged crimes overseas. I don't see how the US will have much impact beyond CONCACAF.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
It's not nationality which is key here. It's whether any of the individuals used the US banking system. If they did then the actions they took happened on US soil and that is enough for US jurisdiction.
That is the basis on which the US has gone after other foreign nationals and it allows them to seek extradition. So even if the individuals are released from custody in Switzerland they may find that they are severely restricted in the countries to which they can travel. And that will also apply to others who don't know if they too might find themselves under investigation and facing indictments.
At this point, anyone who is sensibly advised and who has relevant information or who may be in the prosecutors' sights will be wondering hard whether they should be seeking first mover advantage.
Do you want to co-operate swiftly, and spend a few years in Club Fed, or run the risk of spending the rest of your life in some hideous Federal penitentiary, sharing a cell with Bubba.
What's most interesting to me about the FIFA case is how closely the US and Swiss authorities now appear to be co-operating which, frankly, is a change from the past. There may be other institutions or individuals based in Switzerland who might be feeling a bit more nervous than in the past.
"If you want to remain out of the clutches of the US Justice system, don't use US banks to launder money."
Anybody who has is a total and utter moron. If you are going to take dodgy money, the last place you go anywhere near is a US bank on US soil. You can find all worlds major banking groups in Panama, and they won't ask you any questions (you don't even have to provide your name) if you wish to open an account.
What's most interesting to me about the FIFA case is how closely the US and Swiss authorities now appear to be co-operating which, frankly, is a change from the past. There may be other institutions or individuals based in Switzerland who might be feeling a bit more nervous than in the past.
The Swiss have already undermined their banking system, not even when Germans hid their money there from the Nazis did they give up their secrecy.
Shame the US did not show the same cooperation with us when the IRA were busy at work in this country.
What's most interesting to me about the FIFA case is how closely the US and Swiss authorities now appear to be co-operating which, frankly, is a change from the past. There may be other institutions or individuals based in Switzerland who might be feeling a bit more nervous than in the past.
That is interesting isn't it? I'd like to be a fly on the wall in some of the salons of Zurich and Basel tonight. Or Cairo. Or Harare. All good I say. Way to go yanks. Is it pay-back for the disrespect shown to Obama about the US WC bid?
Not an Obama fan but cleaning out these Augean stables is a bit of a legacy. Quelle fun!
What's most interesting to me about the FIFA case is how closely the US and Swiss authorities now appear to be co-operating which, frankly, is a change from the past. There may be other institutions or individuals based in Switzerland who might be feeling a bit more nervous than in the past.
The Swiss have already undermined their banking system, not even when Germans hid their money there from the Nazis did they give up their secrecy.
Shame the US did not show the same cooperation with us when the IRA were busy at work in this country.
What's most interesting to me about the FIFA case is how closely the US and Swiss authorities now appear to be co-operating which, frankly, is a change from the past. There may be other institutions or individuals based in Switzerland who might be feeling a bit more nervous than in the past.
The Swiss have already undermined their banking system, not even when Germans hid their money there from the Nazis did they give up their secrecy.
Shame the US did not show the same cooperation with us when the IRA were busy at work in this country.
Great news all round then that the yanks have cracked this nut. I'm sure the Kremlin will be opening its books soon.
Something on the radio this evening, only partially listening until I heard Blatter resignation. Seems journalists in Switzerland were asking questions all day about one particular "problem" which was too close for Sepp's comfort.
Something on the radio this evening, only partially listening until I heard Blatter resignation. Seems journalists in Switzerland were asking questions all day about one particular "problem" which was too close for Sepp's comfort.
I am reading between the lines but it seems that that letter to Blatter's deputy from the South Africans containing detailed payment instructions which was publicised yesterday takes the paper trail right to Blatter's door. There is probably more as his lieutenants give it up as well. I think he is looking at a long hard stretch in a US nick. Somehow the tears just won't come.
Comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown was originally going to be another bloody FPS type game, but after a fan outcry they made it into [planning to then make the Bureau game more FPS-like] a turn-based strategy game, which sold bucketloads.
Oh, and there's said to be a Fallout 4 announcement tomorrow at 3pm [uncertain if that's UK time].
Whatever else he may be, Hannan isn't thick. This is a childish post.
Politeness costs nothing, really.
I agree Hannan is not thick. The article however is fanciful, and, if I might say, a tad self-indulgent, neither of which Hannan is prone to. He knows the hard work that'll be required to get the UK out of Europe and find its place in the world.
I don't see that it will be particularly hard to get the UK out of Europe - it will be a lot harder to get Europe (the EU) out of the UK. Its tentacles stretch deep into our civil service, judiciary etc. It will take years to weed it all out.
LOL. Hardly old chap. I am afraid that your moronic eurofanaticism blinds you to the fact that Hannan is one of the brightest and sharpest politicians around and it is only thick europhiles who try to scorn that.
Had I been serious then your analysis would of course be correct.
Useful links and documentation for you. And I note you deleted the bits you didn't want to answer in my original posting.
Feeding the trolls is usually a mistake - so I've done enough for today and I'm off to feed myself.
I am not a eurofanatic. That is your pretence. As someone said below, his article is fanciful. I am happy to take that critique.
I am sanguine, repeat sanguine, about the referendum result. We will have negotiated ourself a way of avoiding the eurozones ever closer union and can stay in, or if not we will be in the EEA and be in the same place, outside ever closer union. In either event there will be little difference to now, ie before the eurozone closer union. We will be in the single market the free movement of labour and enacting EU regulations. Those who tried to split the Tory party on this in 2015 failed. If Hannan is a genius politician he will have to make a better fist of it than this last effort.
I welcome this Referendum, but from the point of view of the Conservative Party, it seems like running on to a motorway to pick up pennies. Had Cameron known, back in 2013, that UKIP would do more damage to Labour than the Conservatives, I'm sure he would have held firm against referendum demands.
I'll add my condolences to Charles Kennedy's family. 55 is no age.
Sepp Blatter to resign as #Fifa president http://bbc.in/1I9wGwp
EDIT: Oops, not as quick as I thought
Single To Win
No @ 7/4Will Sepp Blatter see out his full 4 year term as FIFA President?Open
Will Sepp Blatter see out his full 4 year term as FIFA President?
Stake: £14.29Potential Returns: £39.30
Bet Stake Who will win the FIFA Presidential Election 2015 - Sepp Blatter @ 1/8 -£213.72
"These years were closely related to Fifa and this wonderful sport of football, I appreciate and love Fifa more than anything else and only want to do the best for football and Fifa and our institution.
"I decided to stand again to be elected because I convinced it was the best option for football. The challenges that Fifa are facing have not come to an end."
Interesting line.
RIP Charles Kennedy. Poor man. The first UK pol I paid attention to, around 2003, he deserved a second act before retirement age. It makes me reflect on the personal strain and abuse that politicians suffer, probably everywhere, though it is rarely of such intensity as his was. Though some say they invite it on themselves, we all have a duty to speak and write in a manner that does not harm them unduly.
Now, to change to the spirit of political levity of which I am sure he would have approved, I note below that there is discussion of a more "favourable" referendum question (to Out). Perhaps they would instead settle for: "Do you agree with Ukip that the UK should quit the European Union?"
Oh, wait...
When an organisation seems entirely focused on preventing bad stories coming out, you know things are rough though, and at present it seems like Fifa exists solely for that purpose.
I'll add my condolences to Charles Kennedy's family. 55 is no age.
Ever closer union of the euro zone is not going to go away and thus we need a referendum. The Tories will have to handle it. Some might suggest that the 2017 referendum is what pushed ukip down its crass nativism route. Ukip have moved far away from its original intent and been branded nasty in the process.
Europe & South America produce the world cup winners by and large, and money flows from the USA and Europe.
Aruba may be equal to Germany's in the FIFA vote but clearly it is less important to the game.
The other option is that a couple of the arestees have agreed to drop him in it for leniency in the US courts, which is well known for taking a hard line on this sort of corruption running money through their banks.
I expect Blatter is quitting while he is ahead.
That is the basis on which the US has gone after other foreign nationals and it allows them to seek extradition. So even if the individuals are released from custody in Switzerland they may find that they are severely restricted in the countries to which they can travel. And that will also apply to others who don't know if they too might find themselves under investigation and facing indictments.
At this point, anyone who is sensibly advised and who has relevant information or who may be in the prosecutors' sights will be wondering hard whether they should be seeking first mover advantage.
If I were a resident of Plymouth Moorview, I would be extraordinarily proud to have Johnny as my MP:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11646320/Cynical-about-politicians-This-speech-by-Johnny-Mercer-MP-should-make-you-think-again.html
You use the US financial system or the greenback for fraud and you are in the Feds' net. The hegemon is still the hegemon and sometimes that's a good thing.
While you are on it would delight me and no doubt others if you could elaborate about "macro evolution" and "micro evolution".
That's a fantastic analogy! One to keep.
FWIW, I'm not sure about that. The position in the Conservative party post-Lisbon was "we will not let matters rest here".
But that line would only have held for so long. Sooner or later, flesh on the bones would have been expected. And, with a majority Conservative government, meaningful action demanded by the parliamentary party.
Don't forget the "NatWest 3" allegedly defrauded a UK bank from their office in London but were still extradited to the US on the basis that one meeting had occurred there.
If you just ignore them, then you better never set foot in any US territory or never have a flight redirected that ends up landing in one, as you will get dragged off the plane and in the slammer.
If you are happy living in Panama or Cost Rica for the rest of your life, great, but don't think of taking any flight that goes near US airspace, as you never know what mechanical difficult your plane might develop.
Those that have managed to avoid this treatment are the ones who have been pro-active and said "how much is it going to cost us".
Most civilized countries (and quite a few uncivilized ones) take the same approach to acts of wrongdoing happening on their territory.
If Blatter has any sense, he'll book a one-way flight to Moscow.
I looked up your name on Wiki.
You were not as bad as Dietrich,
But much worse than Herberger, Holzer and Maier.
"The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has taken note of the announced resignation of Joseph S. Blatter as President of the Fifa.
"The OAG has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering. Therefore, Joseph S. Blatter is not under investigation by the OAG. His announced resignation will have no influence on the ongoing criminal proceedings."
I see SkyBet have finally ended their free money offer on Labour candidate!
That being said soon it may be value overall between them and Ladbrokes.
Anybody who has is a total and utter moron. If you are going to take dodgy money, the last place you go anywhere near is a US bank on US soil. You can find all worlds major banking groups in Panama, and they won't ask you any questions (you don't even have to provide your name) if you wish to open an account.
Shame the US did not show the same cooperation with us when the IRA were busy at work in this country.
Not an Obama fan but cleaning out these Augean stables is a bit of a legacy. Quelle fun!
Would you like to tell us how this story is a complete fabrication?