Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Corbyn slumps to new YouGov leader ratings low while latest

24567

Comments

  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331
    edited 2015 18
    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions, designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Another operation under way in Bobigny (sp).
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331
    I should add a possible (most likely?) scenario would be a major rebellion against the whip on the Syria vote, followed by his resignation.
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Those YouGov numbers have shifted A LOT - 22pt rise [to 49%] in those who want fewer or no refugees here, 16pt fall [to 20%] in those who think we should take more refugees.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,281
    Even the Grauniad is giving up on Corbyn:

    http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/17/labour-mps-back-their-leader-david-cameron

    Rafael Behr shoots to kill:

    If Corbyn was spouting incoherent gibberish, the episode would be unremarkable except as a sign of Labour’s hastening march into irrelevance. What makes it insidious is the semi-coherence, the fluency of his ellipses and the cold diffidence, mingled with didactic vanity, that seemed to urge his audience to get beyond the banal horror of the headlines, to reach the deeper insight available to those, like himself, who have been warning about interventionist folly (he reminded us) since 2001.

    http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/17/jihadism-western-policy-jeremy-corbyn-isis

    Michael White:

    http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/17/jeremy-corbyn-on-syria-wrong-man-saying-wrong-things-at-the-right-time

    And a Leader:

    A first instinct to talk about national security not as an aspiring prime minister but as a campaigner at a rally against police brutality is plainly bad news for Labour prospects. More than that, however, it retards efforts to persuade anybody not already converted to Mr Corbyn’s cause of the important argument about the need to build security upon something more than bullets and bombs. It is his duty to raise his game.

    http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/nov/17/the-guardian-view-on-labour-and-terrorism-jeremy-corbyn-deserves-a-hearing-but-refuses-to-help-britain-listen
  • david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 18,013

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    Without an effective Navy what could he do? We haven’t got the ships we had in 1982, and it’s a long way from any substantial air-bases.
    Unless I’m much mistaken.
    Neither has Argentina.

    The 2013 Argentine defence budget allowed for their 15 operational vessels to each spend less than 11 days at sea, while their submarines averaged just over 6 hours submerged in the whole of 2012.
  • chestnutchestnut Posts: 7,341
    edited 2015 18
    11% of Labour voters agree with Corbyn on Jihadi John?

    That means over eight million Labour voters don't.

    Has any leader of any party ever been so out of tune with the people who actually vote for them in general elections?
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    edited 2015 18

    I think it's 3 minus the dead woman bomber, plus another woman elsewhere plus the guy who said on the radio that he'd rented out the flat they are in - but had no idea who they were.

    EDIT What time is it where you are?!?!

    Tim_B said:

    This a bit odd - French prosecutors say 5 suspected terrorists have been arrested.

    We'll just have to let this work itself out.

    3.28am Eastern. I was just going to bed when this started about 11pm my time.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    Mr. Nashe, interesting prediction. I wonder if he would resign. Perhaps we'll see.

    Should be a sombre PMQs.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,062
    Alastaire

    "This short YouTube clip is very moving. No political point as such, other than a small example of the human impact of last Friday:"

    The hippies are making a comeback....


    https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/63/5b/db/635bdbe602135166d0e52068928f0bc5.jpg
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Is it possible for the PLP to hold a No Confidence vote in Corbyn and elect their own for Parly purposes?

    A nuclear option but hey... it'd be entertaining precedent.

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 34,016

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    Well said. Our forces are from memory the fourth largest in the world by funding and unlike three decades ago there is a permanent base in and around the Falklands that a tinpot nation will need to get past.
    Looked it up. Current defence forces should be enough to deter the Argies, should they be thinking of trying again.
  • TomsToms Posts: 2,478

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Quentin is having fun
    Labour backbenchers gave Jeremy Corbyn a frightful kicking in the Commons Chamber.

    Their lusty disrespect electrified the House, setting off whispering, cluckings and low-key laughter. Loyalty to party leader was thrown aside.

    Labour rebels did not even try to look doleful as they set about him. Piranhas razoring into an angler’s shin might have shown daintier manners – a greater sense of ‘no, Clarence, after you’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3322985/Contempt-scented-air-deadly-poison-QUENTIN-LETTS-sees-leader-humbled.html#ixzz3rpX7MTy9
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,233

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    Well said. Our forces are from memory the fourth largest in the world by funding and unlike three decades ago there is a permanent base in and around the Falklands that a tinpot nation will need to get past.
    Looked it up. Current defence forces should be enough to deter the Argies, should they be thinking of trying again.
    Also we have been making continued investments in our armed forces, while the Argentinians are still using similar tech as 30 years ago. Just one of our type 45 destroyers could take down the combined air force of all the countries in South America.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I think his resignation is the most likely and quickest way. If that doesn't happen it is going to have to come down to evidence from the ballot box. So, the loss of Oldham, or into next year the mayorality, Scotland and so on, will start to undermine his support. The signs that nothing but catastrophic defeat lies ahead will bring many to their senses.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    Mr. Toms, precisely.

    If people want to spend their own money on such things, fine. But taxpayers' money is another matter.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGIbOGu8q0
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I think his resignation is the most likely and quickest way. If that doesn't happen it is going to have to come down to evidence from the ballot box. So, the loss of Oldham, or into next year the mayorality, Scotland and so on, will start to undermine his support. The signs that nothing but catastrophic defeat lies ahead will bring many to their senses.
    Why should he resign?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,233
    edited 2015 18
    Toms said:

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
    Why? It's much cheaper than normal drugs :D
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Sign of the times - Saint-Denis residents have never seen anything like this, it's a huge operation. But they're not calling the police, they're calling local TV stations to say they are terrified and ask what's happening.

    Schools closed today and public transport cancelled.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 44,241

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Goldacre is excellent on medical stuff - I'd recommend his book 'Bad Pharma' as well.

    However sometimes he can sometimes have a bit of the Dawkins about him, especially when he strays off medical matters. I went to see him at Bath book festival a few years ago and he was slightly obnoxious at times in responding to questions.
  • chestnutchestnut Posts: 7,341
    edited 2015 18

    Those YouGov numbers have shifted A LOT - 22pt rise [to 49%] in those who want fewer or no refugees here, 16pt fall [to 20%] in those who think we should take more refugees.

    I can see people, hardened Labour voters, in my social media timelines elsewhere who have switched from being vehemently non-interventionist in Syria in 2013 to feeling that there is no choice but to intervene with the same objectives as Afghanistan - denying safe space, supporting the best of all the bad government options in Syria, tearing down ISIS infrastructure and power base.

    The mood is moving with all these things.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    RobD said:

    Toms said:

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
    Why? It's much cheaper than normal drugs :D
    Isn't Elton John one of England's stately homeopaths?
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions, designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    "It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions"

    lol - no shit Sherlock - they did everything but point and name him!
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180

    Those YouGov numbers have shifted A LOT - 22pt rise [to 49%] in those who want fewer or no refugees here, 16pt fall [to 20%] in those who think we should take more refugees.

    Of course the Liberal Left are ignoring the fact that most polls on the 'refugee' issue have shown very clear support for the Cameron approach.
  • GeoffMGeoffM Posts: 6,071

    Front page of the Guardian agrees with the Home Secretary, Paris is nothing to do with religion. The only difference between Clegg and Cameron is one of them is PM.

    What an ineffective, insipid bunch of liberals we have running the country. Russia has allied with France and launched attacks, Cameron has pledged to look at strategy. Still, at least he looked concerned at the football last night.

    Of course it's not simply due to religion. I'm an atheist who dislikes religion and even I'd accept that

    A quarter of the world's population is Muslim but these atrocities are not routine and not normal. This is medieval barbarism and not what a quarter of the globe believes in.
    It doesn't need to be. Let's say the world population is 7.2 billion - that's 1.8 billion Muslims. Let's estimate the attraction of medievalism at 1 in 500 - that provides 3.5 million potential terrorists. Quite enough to destroy Western civilization with.

    No not enough to destroy western civilization with. Because our police and security forces are very good at what they do so it is only when they fail to prevent a disaster that it occurs. Just because someone wishes to do us harm does not mean it will succeed.

    Since this barbarism first really struck the west in 2001 our civilization hasn't failed and life by and large goes on. More people will die this year in traffic accidents than terrorist atrocities. We will not surrender to this barbarism.
    You are right in a way. The insidious fifth-column warped ideology of the Left is more of a danger to society and our general well-being than terrorism. It certainly kills more people. See the NHS as an example of how the dogmatic Left and the blind fervour of another quasi-religion will kill more people this year than traffic accidents and terrorist atrocities combined.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Police still saying 1 suspect remains holed up in the apartment, identity unknown.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I think his resignation is the most likely and quickest way. If that doesn't happen it is going to have to come down to evidence from the ballot box. So, the loss of Oldham, or into next year the mayorality, Scotland and so on, will start to undermine his support. The signs that nothing but catastrophic defeat lies ahead will bring many to their senses.
    Why should he resign?
    As I said, a big rebellion against the whip on the Syria vote.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 44,241

    ICYMI last night the Corbyn comedy circus continues

    @georgeeaton: Ken Livingstone revealed tonight that he will be co-chair of Labour's defence review with Maria Eagle - pair opposed on Trident.

    @tnewtondunn: Senior Labour MP texts with news about Ken Livingstone co-chairing Labour defence review... "You couldn't make this shit up".

    To be fair to Corbyn, it's probably a really clever move. Livingstone will have some intimate knowledge of the sort of people we might have to be fighting in a few years. Knowledge of the wrong sort perhaps, but knowledge is knowledge. ;)
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    I'm with you there - he's got a lot of the Dawkins about him off medical matters - I find him quite obnoxious here.

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Goldacre is excellent on medical stuff - I'd recommend his book 'Bad Pharma' as well.

    However sometimes he can sometimes have a bit of the Dawkins about him, especially when he strays off medical matters. I went to see him at Bath book festival a few years ago and he was slightly obnoxious at times in responding to questions.
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I think his resignation is the most likely and quickest way. If that doesn't happen it is going to have to come down to evidence from the ballot box. So, the loss of Oldham, or into next year the mayorality, Scotland and so on, will start to undermine his support. The signs that nothing but catastrophic defeat lies ahead will bring many to their senses.
    Why should he resign?
    As I said, a big rebellion against the whip on the Syria vote.
    He will merely see that as confirmation that he needs to tighten his grip on the party machine. He already knows the MPs don't have confidence in him.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,482

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
  • TomsToms Posts: 2,478
    @ MD @ 8:34:
    That's a brilliant clip. But sometimes/often a mind can stay closed to logic. Let such pay for it themselves.
    I think most of the Republican candidates may believe in or tend towards H"""""""pathy. Egads. I'm trying not to panic.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,233

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    General consensus?
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 61,451

    @JananGanesh: How many events have ever made anyone change their mind about anything? My timeline has been a waterfall of confirmation bias since Friday.

    I think it has in France but we are not going to learn from their experiences.

    Tragically, I think it might take a string of attacks in places like Shoreditch, Camden, Hackney, Islington, Bristol and Manchester to shift opinion here.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180
    Tim_B said:

    RobD said:

    Toms said:

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
    Why? It's much cheaper than normal drugs :D
    Isn't Elton John one of England's stately homeopaths?
    :)
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I think his resignation is the most likely and quickest way. If that doesn't happen it is going to have to come down to evidence from the ballot box. So, the loss of Oldham, or into next year the mayorality, Scotland and so on, will start to undermine his support. The signs that nothing but catastrophic defeat lies ahead will bring many to their senses.
    Why should he resign?
    As I said, a big rebellion against the whip on the Syria vote.
    He will merely see that as confirmation that he needs to tighten his grip on the party machine. He already knows the MPs don't have confidence in him.
    Fair enough, and we shall see. But I rather think there's a part of Corbyn that's looking for a way out, and that would provide an opportunity.
  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    RobD said:

    Toms said:

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
    Why? It's much cheaper than normal drugs :D
    By diluting its budget NHS homeopathy becomes more powerful!

    Newsnight lastnight on iplayer interview with French police is worth watching. The bullet proof shield from Bataclan with 27 bullet dents is just part of the story. Very brave men.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    4 cops injured, 1 police dog killed. Don't know name or breed.

    Police in balaclavas (and presumably uniforms) have entered the Town Hall.

    Ben Brown looks like he hasn't slept or shaved for a week, poor bugger.
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Breakfast over and France is still France; Paris still Paris. Thank the gods for that.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,233
    MikeK said:

    Breakfast over and France is still France; Paris still Paris. Thank the gods for that.

    And a couple fewer terrorist nut jobs in the world. Good start to the day.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,062
    Reading this there doesn't seem a usable mechanism to get rid of Corbyn unless he resigns.

    http://labour-uncut.co.uk/2015/09/12/what-the-labour-leadership-election-rules-say-about-removing-a-leader/
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Tim_B said:

    4 cops injured, 1 police dog killed. Don't know name or breed.

    Police in balaclavas (and presumably uniforms) have entered the Town Hall.

    Ben Brown looks like he hasn't slept or shaved for a week, poor bugger.

    Parachute him a shaving set. That wicked BBC, turning him into a target.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    MikeK said:

    Breakfast over and France is still France; Paris still Paris. Thank the gods for that.

    and the horse?
  • Innocent_AbroadInnocent_Abroad Posts: 3,294
    RobD said:

    Toms said:

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Yes. I've read it. I didn't need convincing. Homoeopathy should be shed by the struggling NHS, spidery handwritten letters from Charles notwithstanding.
    Why? It's much cheaper than normal drugs :D
    We could cut taxes further by scrapping the NHS altogether, come to that.

  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 61,451

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    Without an effective Navy what could he do? We haven’t got the ships we had in 1982, and it’s a long way from any substantial air-bases.
    Unless I’m much mistaken.
    Unlike 30 years ago, the Falklands are defended now.
    There are 3-4 advanced fighter jets, a destroyer, a company of infantry and decent logistics and signals support.

    It'd be enough to severely disrupt or stall anything but a truly serious landing. The thinking is that there'd be sufficient warning at 72+ hours to reinforce Mount Pleasant if needed.

    The true vulnerability would be a surprise attack to take out the airbase and, in particular, cripple its runway.

    Once the aircraft carriers come online with planes (hopefully) in 2019/2020 that should be slightly less of a concern.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    As if we needed any further evidence as to what Labour is turning into under the "guidance" of Corbyn and co

    http://order-order.com/2015/11/18/ken-blamed-paris-and-boston-attacks-on-the-west-defended-putin-and-hamas/

    Livingston is and has always has been a piece of work.



  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    edited 2015 18
    Mr. B, a week?

    I haven't shaved for a couple of days and have ten times the facial hair.

    Edited extra bit: as someone who doesn't want a beard, I'm somewhat jealous of those who started shaving late and don't need to shave much.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 125,135
    edited 2015 18

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    The Argentines no longer want the Falklands anyway it seems or at least not as a priority, polls show Mauricio Macri will defeat Kirchner's candidate on Sunday and become Argentina's new president on a platform of resetting the relationship with the UK on a more positive footing and focusing on the economy, Las Malvinas are not a priority for him
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Tim_B said:

    MikeK said:

    Breakfast over and France is still France; Paris still Paris. Thank the gods for that.

    and the horse?
    Steaks for the poor. ;)
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    JackW said:

    Go Jezza !!

    Yes please - Jezza feck off!!

    oh, was that not what you meant?
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Mr. B, a week?

    I haven't shaved for a couple of days and have ten times the facial hair.

    I won't ask ten times the facial hair of what....

    Tykes are naturally hirsute ;)
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,788

    DavidL said:

    What on earth is wrong with 30% of our population?

    That was my immediate reaction as well. What on earth does it take to get a significant part of our population to pay any attention at all?
    Good question. A not insignificant part of the population are just totally uninterested in politics I guess.
    bear in mind its these people which labour are putting their 'hopes' on for 2020.

    As said so many times, people which don't vote....don't vote.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    MikeK said:

    Tim_B said:

    MikeK said:

    Breakfast over and France is still France; Paris still Paris. Thank the gods for that.

    and the horse?
    Steaks for the poor. ;)
    Nay nay lad ;)
  • blackburn63blackburn63 Posts: 4,492

    @JananGanesh: How many events have ever made anyone change their mind about anything? My timeline has been a waterfall of confirmation bias since Friday.

    I think it has in France but we are not going to learn from their experiences.

    Tragically, I think it might take a string of attacks in places like Shoreditch, Camden, Hackney, Islington, Bristol and Manchester to shift opinion here.
    I'm with Mr Ganesh, I sense that the mood has changed. I was always against military operations but I've changed my mind. A lot of the people I talk to are far more vociferous.

  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    edited 2015 18
    Either Mr Cameron has perfected the close shave, or he barely needs any at all - I've never seen such a peachy complexion on a chappy of his age.

    EDIT Have you considered the ZZ Top look? Or perhaps someone could mistake you for a jihadist?

    Mr. B, a week?

    I haven't shaved for a couple of days and have ten times the facial hair.

    Edited extra bit: as someone who doesn't want a beard, I'm somewhat jealous of those who started shaving late and don't need to shave much.

  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 44,241

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    Do you care to point out the basis of this 'general consensus' ?
  • not_on_firenot_on_fire Posts: 4,449
    felix said:

    Those YouGov numbers have shifted A LOT - 22pt rise [to 49%] in those who want fewer or no refugees here, 16pt fall [to 20%] in those who think we should take more refugees.

    Of course the Liberal Left are ignoring the fact that most polls on the 'refugee' issue have shown very clear support for the Cameron approach.
    It's depressing to see use of idiotic Fox News terms like "liberal left" spreading here.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Mr. B, a week?

    I haven't shaved for a couple of days and have ten times the facial hair.

    Edited extra bit: as someone who doesn't want a beard, I'm somewhat jealous of those who started shaving late and don't need to shave much.

    I decided to try growing a beard to see if it made me look sophisticated. Turned out after 2 weeks I looked like I should be an organ grinder with a monkey on my shoulder.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    felix said:

    Those YouGov numbers have shifted A LOT - 22pt rise [to 49%] in those who want fewer or no refugees here, 16pt fall [to 20%] in those who think we should take more refugees.

    Of course the Liberal Left are ignoring the fact that most polls on the 'refugee' issue have shown very clear support for the Cameron approach.
    It's depressing to see use of idiotic Fox News terms like "liberal left" spreading here.
    what's depressing about 'liberal left'?
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    edited 2015 18
    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced* bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    Edited extra bit: *for context, at university three separate people said I looked like a psychopath/serial killer within my first few weeks there,
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 61,451

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I'm not sure the parliamentary party care too much if the Labour membership see such a move as contempt for democracy. They mass nominated Gordon Brown to the exclusion of all others, and imposed him as PM on the rest of us without any vote whatsoever.

    The key thing is excluding him from the ballot paper.

    Could Corbyn find 35 MPs to nominate him again, or just be stuck at his fan club of 20-25?
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    What on earth is wrong with 30% of our population?

    Labour core vote and Tactical Tory voters for Corbyn
    In all honesty, I don't think Corbyn is good either for the Tories or Labour or for the country.

    I want him out asap.
    Seconded

  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced* bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    Edited extra bit: *for context, at university three separate people said I looked like a psychopath/serial killer within my first few weeks there,

    I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
  • dyingswandyingswan Posts: 189
    I am pleased to announce a new twitter campaign. It will be called Don't Unseat Corbyn Early, hashtag DUCE. The hashtag will,of course,be pronounced in the Italian way.Subscriptions will be £3. Our purpose is to celebrate and support our beloved leader to whom we cry : Duce,sei tutti noi. Leader you are all of us.
  • chestnutchestnut Posts: 7,341
    Tim_B said:

    what's depressing about 'liberal left'?

    Presumably the fact that a badge of honour has become a term of derision.

  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    At least you'll never get mugged with a look like that. :worried:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced* bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    Edited extra bit: *for context, at university three separate people said I looked like a psychopath/serial killer within my first few weeks there,

  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 63,830
    Roger said:

    Reading this there doesn't seem a usable mechanism to get rid of Corbyn unless he resigns.

    http://labour-uncut.co.uk/2015/09/12/what-the-labour-leadership-election-rules-say-about-removing-a-leader/

    Labour MPs should take the Syria vote opportunity, when it comes, to attempt to force an early resignation by voting on mass with the government.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    chestnut said:

    Tim_B said:

    what's depressing about 'liberal left'?

    Presumably the fact that a badge of honour has become a term of derision.

    It's in the eye of the beholder.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,281
    edited 2015 18
    Shadow Defence Minister Kevan Jones said the surprise move [appointment of Livingstone to co-chair Labour's Trident review] would damage Labour's "credibility" on defence.
    Mr Jones has held the defence brief for seven years, and served as a minister under Gordon Brown.

    He said: "I'm not sure Ken knows anything about defence.

    "It will only damage our credibility amongst those that do and who care about defence."
    Another Labour MP said of Mr Livingstone's appointment: "I assumed it was a joke when I first heard about it."


    https://www.politicshome.com/party-politics/articles/story/shadow-minister-blasts-ken-livingstone-defence-appointment#sthash.MrsKIIWx.dpuf
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 61,451
    HYUFD said:

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    The Argentines no longer want the Falklands anyway it seems or at least not as a priority, polls show Mauricio Macri will defeat Kirchner's candidate on Sunday and become Argentina's new president on a platform of resetting the relationship with the UK on a more positive footing and focusing on the economy, Las Malvinas are not a priority for him
    The Argentines want the Falkland Islands very much and are effectively taught as much at school, and reminded not to forget it through government sponsored public advertising.

    What they are sick of is being an economic and international pariah.
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Very good, I was just thinking of DUEMA yesterday.
    dyingswan said:

    I am pleased to announce a new twitter campaign. It will be called Don't Unseat Corbyn Early, hashtag DUCE. The hashtag will,of course,be pronounced in the Italian way.Subscriptions will be £3. Our purpose is to celebrate and support our beloved leader to whom we cry : Duce,sei tutti noi. Leader you are all of us.

  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Particularly if like most morris dancers, he never leaves home without an inflated pig's bladder ;)

    At least you'll never get mugged with a look like that. :worried:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced* bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    Edited extra bit: *for context, at university three separate people said I looked like a psychopath/serial killer within my first few weeks there,

  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    Front page of the Guardian agrees with the Home Secretary, Paris is nothing to do with religion. The only difference between Clegg and Cameron is one of them is PM.

    What an ineffective, insipid bunch of liberals we have running the country. Russia has allied with France and launched attacks, Cameron has pledged to look at strategy. Still, at least he looked concerned at the football last night.

    I think it will be hard for them to admit it has something to do with religion - but they will have to sooner or later.

    No doubt later and after a lot more dead.

  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.
    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    The two people arrested on the street in Saint-Denis were the apartment owner and his companion. He'll have to talk fast.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    Mr. B, I never understood why the film had that line and the book 'big Amarone[sp]' (it's practically the only thing I remember about the book).

    Look, if using human skin to make my own furniture and the intestines of my enemies to string my tennis racket makes me a psychopath, then fine.

    Mr. Swan, you weren't involved in DUEMA, were you?

    Miss Plato, every cloud has a silver lining :)
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)

    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Police have put up a gazebo in the middle of the street. Looks like they'll be there for a while.
  • dugarbandierdugarbandier Posts: 2,596
    Tim_B said:

    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)


    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
    ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer is shaving his shoulders? (I think he's even singing a little song about shaving his shoulders)
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    CNN's counter terrorism correspondent is called Phil Mudd. Great name.
  • dugarbandierdugarbandier Posts: 2,596

    Tim_B said:

    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)


    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
    ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer is shaving his shoulders? (I think he's even singing a little song about shaving his shoulders)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB2svzX7bwg
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,062
    Rottenborough

    "Labour MPs should take the Syria vote opportunity, when it comes, to attempt to force an early resignation by voting on mass with the government."

    I don't think Corbyn will be unfamiliar with being in a small minority within the parliamentary party. I'd be surprised if he'd take the hint and resign
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Tim_B said:

    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)


    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
    ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer is shaving his shoulders? (I think he's even singing a little song about shaving his shoulders)
    I am probably the only person outside North Korea who has never seen the Simpsons. I just don't watch network TV.
  • dugarbandierdugarbandier Posts: 2,596
    Tim_B said:

    Tim_B said:

    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)


    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
    ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer is shaving his shoulders? (I think he's even singing a little song about shaving his shoulders)
    I am probably the only person outside North Korea who has never seen the Simpsons. I just don't watch network TV.
    Well, me either these days. I guess that was from > 10 yrs ago
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 125,135

    HYUFD said:

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    The Argentines no longer want the Falklands anyway it seems or at least not as a priority, polls show Mauricio Macri will defeat Kirchner's candidate on Sunday and become Argentina's new president on a platform of resetting the relationship with the UK on a more positive footing and focusing on the economy, Las Malvinas are not a priority for him
    The Argentines want the Falkland Islands very much and are effectively taught as much at school, and reminded not to forget it through government sponsored public advertising.

    What they are sick of is being an economic and international pariah.
    Once they have a president and government less concerned with it that will filter through
  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    edited 2015 18
    I had a BF who had his back waxed. It looked bizarre as it stopped at the top of his shoulders and the fur carried on down the front/sides. When it went stubbly - it poked through his shirt - urgh urgh urgh.

    Tim_B said:

    I have hair on my backside. Ah just re-read your post. Not quite the same thing ;)


    In my dotage, I've decided to go for the witch look and let my hair grow - it's down to my backside now. I have the broomstick and cats - not keen on growing a wart though.

    Tim_B said:

    Miss Plato, not sure an angry-faced bald [well, shaved head] chap with a massive beard is a good look.

    I'm mildly curious about how far it'd grow (never let it be more than a few days), but I really don't want a beard. Only Alan Rickman, Brian Blessed, and pirates can make beards work.

    I'm the same -shaved on top to avoid a comb over. With a beard it looks like my hair fell through my skull. If I let my hair grow long it looks like it has slipped backwards.
    ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer is shaving his shoulders? (I think he's even singing a little song about shaving his shoulders)
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669

    Mr. B, I never understood why the film had that line and the book 'big Amarone[sp]' (it's practically the only thing I remember about the book).

    read and learn....

    http://mentalfloss.com/uk/movies/27139/the-hidden-meaning-of-the-silence-of-the-lambs-iconic-line
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 125,135

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I'm not sure the parliamentary party care too much if the Labour membership see such a move as contempt for democracy. They mass nominated Gordon Brown to the exclusion of all others, and imposed him as PM on the rest of us without any vote whatsoever.

    The key thing is excluding him from the ballot paper.

    Could Corbyn find 35 MPs to nominate him again, or just be stuck at his fan club of 20-25?
    Michael Howard was imposed on Tory members without a vote by MPs after IDS
  • flightpath01flightpath01 Posts: 4,903
    edited 2015 18

    CD13 said:

    An interesting dilemma for Labour ... do they oppose Jezza when he talks about security and tried to lose even the most committed supporter, or do they shout him down and look like a divided party? I suspect the latter is less damaging.

    The best option may be a shoot to kill policy on Jezza.

    It seems to me that there was a certain degree of coordination in yesterday's questions designed to undermine Jezza. I think they're probably waiting for a trigger event to attempt a coup. Could be the Syria vote, or losing Oldham, but after yesterday I do think the end is likely to come quite soon. Certainly hope so.
    What route do you see to the end? If Jeremy Corbyn doesn't want to go, how are his opponents going to make him? If he's directly challenged by the Parliamentary Labour Party, he'd explicitly run against them and in all probability win. If they try to exclude him from the ballot paper 1) they may not be able to 2) even if they're able to he may in practice get the necessary number of nominations 3) if they succeed in excluding him, the membership will correctly see this as a contempt for democracy.
    I'm not sure the parliamentary party care too much if the Labour membership see such a move as contempt for democracy. They mass nominated Gordon Brown to the exclusion of all others, and imposed him as PM on the rest of us without any vote whatsoever.

    The key thing is excluding him from the ballot paper.

    Could Corbyn find 35 MPs to nominate him again, or just be stuck at his fan club of 20-25?
    Dear oh dear. He will not need nominating. He is the incumbent.
    But let us suppose the parliamentary party did find some subterfuge to remove him, what effect will that have on the membership? They will go ape. Labour are split. Who would replace Corbyn? The normal factionalism within Labour would only return. Labour dug themselves a big hole and then fell in it.

    Corbyn needs to stay until 2020 because the Stop the War Coalition' need him there so they can deselect their opponents in the PLP and get their own people in. Corbyn was not elected by the PLP. Him being leader is none of their business. If the PLP is down to 200 the STWC do not care. They have a golden opportunity to control the labour party.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 58,161

    Toms said:


    Good journalist, Ben Goldacre, especially regarding research in things medical He's numerate and understands how science works. We need more such. I miss his regular Guardian articles.
    I've got his book 'Bad Science', scathing about homeopathy. David Tredinnick MP should read it.
    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mp-who-believes-astrology-homeopathy-5852936
    Goldacre is excellent on medical stuff - I'd recommend his book 'Bad Pharma' as well.

    However sometimes he can sometimes have a bit of the Dawkins about him, especially when he strays off medical matters. I went to see him at Bath book festival a few years ago and he was slightly obnoxious at times in responding to questions.
    A friend of mine saw him give a TED talk and he also said that Goldacre was a bit rude and arrogant when responding to questions.

    But I agree Bad Science is a truly excellent book,
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207

    I did speculate that the Paris attacks would make people aware of the need for more european solidarity.

    More gunfire in Paris St Denis. Relates to a police raid it seems.

    You think Frau Merkel will stop inviting the Middle East to come and stay ?
    Right now it looks like none of the Paris attackers were Syrian refugees as those passports have turned out to be fakes. All seem to have been living in Europe as citizens of their country.
    Did they not use those passports to gain access to Europe?



  • Plato_SaysPlato_Says Posts: 11,822
    Two of them did.
    Floater said:

    I did speculate that the Paris attacks would make people aware of the need for more european solidarity.

    More gunfire in Paris St Denis. Relates to a police raid it seems.

    You think Frau Merkel will stop inviting the Middle East to come and stay ?
    Right now it looks like none of the Paris attackers were Syrian refugees as those passports have turned out to be fakes. All seem to have been living in Europe as citizens of their country.
    Did they not use those passports to gain access to Europe?



  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,137
    Mr. B, hmm, interesting.

    But then, I didn't think there was a treatment for being a psychopath. And that MAOIs were used for depression (since superceded by SSRIs).
  • watford30watford30 Posts: 3,474

    If the Argies had any sense they'd invade Los Malvinas again now, Cameron would huff and puff and do nothing.

    They could try. They'd probably fail.

    I love the way so many people on the left and right of politics are so keen to dismiss our military capabilities: the left because they don't want them, and the right because they don't think they're good enough.
    I think the general consensus is that we cannot defend them, but thankfully the Argentinians cannot mount an invasion, their Navy having declined even more than ours.
    Do you care to point out the basis of this 'general consensus' ?
    The general consensus must be amongst the various chattering voices in Lovely Boys head.

    Unlike 1982, the Falklands has a large, modern airfield and a much larger defending force. Could the Argentinians raise an attacking from their heavily depleted military they'd have a difficult fight on their hands, assuming there was no advance warning from intelligence sources, and reinforcement of the islands.

    There's the added bonus of the prospect of a salvo or two of TLAMs slamming into Buenos Aires to focus minds too.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 20,062
    Interesting that they think the ring leader was from a relatively privileged background who went to private schools. Not uncommon among revolutionary leaders including Che. Probably no better explanation than private schools pride themselves on teaching leadership
  • Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Speaking of network TV, the Democrat debate last Saturday on CBS had just over 8 million people watching, less than half the last one. Saturday is a low viewership night.

    Looking at the schedule, it looks like they have deliberately scheduled the debates on saturdays or sundays which is against either college or NFL football.

    They have a thursday debate on PBS -again competing with the NFL.

    The last one is on a wednesday - on Univision.
This discussion has been closed.