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The Paxo beard. I think it puts 10 years on him. See screen shot pic.twitter.com/DMmfgcBWhH

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Blue_rog

FPT cf jet lag.

Some studies suggest that melanin tablets can help reset the body clock. Never tried it myself though.

Plato

I'd add twenty years - he looks like a geography teacher or a Hay Festival groupie with elbow patches.

Terrible look.

OblitusSumMe

In that screenshot the shadow on his right cheek, together with the beard, give him the air of being a hostage survivor who has spent years in the Colombian jungle. I don't think the red tie helps either - it shows up the relative lack of of colour in his face.

Still, Paxman may not care, or may have intentionally been going for the aged venerable look.

MBoy

One can look older and better, at the same time. Well, men can ;-)

MikeSmithson

MBoy said:

One can look older and better, at the same time. Well, men can ;-)

I think women can too.

david_herdson

Every man should try to grow a beard once just so they know for later how silly it looks. Doing it while a student or on a long holiday are best. Paxo's being in an interim down-and-out stage where it's longer than stubble but not yet sufficiently bulked out to have acquired folk singer status doesn't help either.

SimonStClare

Labour’s shadow Immigration Minister goes into melt down and is plastered across every news-paper – And we get a thread on Paxo’s beard…!

Really?

Alanbrooke

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

AveryLP

FPT

SouthamObserver said:

@Avery

I expect continued low interest rates and the expectation that they will not rise until 16/17 to help fuel a boomlet in consumer spending and to solidify - until after the next GE, at least - a rise in property values. And in the normal course of events I'd expect that to translate into the Tories winning the most seats in 2015. If that does not happen it will be for the reasons I detail below.

You are back-tracking.

I even think it unlikely that consumers will alter their spending patterns on the basis of central bank monetary policy pronouncements.

Even the more cynical market analysts are unconvinced. Here is a response to speculation that the unemployment threshold may be reached in 2015, one to two years before the BoE's expectations:

“Even if there is a trigger, they would probably not hike rates,” said Nick Kounis, head of macro research at ABN Amro Bank NV in Amsterdam. “The circumstances would need to be pretty severe to trigger a relatively early rate hike. They might amend the guidance.”

“There are so many variables now that they can just make up their own story any which way they like,” he said.

Consumers will of course respond to the instruments and impact of monetary policy, such as interest rate levels and credit availability, but most will do so without relating cause to effect.

Job security, new employment, increased pay (even if only through overtime), stable prices, house prices, investment asset values etc., all inputting to a more positive media narrative will have a more direct effect on confidence, spending, perceptions of government competence and voting intention.

We are already beginning to see steady improvements in the subsidiary polling questions related to confidence in the economy and the government's competence in managing it. Even though every so often, a rogue sample in a poll seems to contradict the trend. The key here is the very low starting points of confidence: there is plenty of scope for large shifts of opinion over the next two years.

dr_spyn

Paxman sponsored by Gillette.

Plato

MikeSmithson said:

MBoy said:

One can look older and better, at the same time. Well, men can ;-)

I think women can too.

With a beard?

david_herdson

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

Plato

SimonStClare said:

Labour’s shadow Immigration Minister goes into melt down and is plastered across every news-paper – And we get a thread on Paxo’s beard…!

Really?

I feared another one about Scottish Indy - small mercies.

Alanbrooke

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

Southam has a fair point on FPTP and it's impact on tory government prospects, but the toxic theme is just being overdone. Cameron got most votes in 2010 and it's arguable whether we would have had Blair 3 under a different electoral system.

JosiasJessop

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Pulpstar

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Weeks ? Months more likely..

A few days not shaving - that lot would take me a month or so. Probably more.

boulay

Hmmmm. Makes him look like a very boring university don. Probably sociology and maybe geography.

Plato

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Great beards require great bone structure - hard to beat looking like a Tzar, instead of say Bill Oddie. Or trying to hide your chin like Jimmy Hill.

OblitusSumMe

david_herdson said:

Every man should try to grow a beard once just so they know for later how silly it looks. Doing it while a student or on a long holiday are best. Paxo's being in an interim down-and-out stage where it's longer than stubble but not yet sufficiently bulked out to have acquired folk singer status doesn't help either.

This is a good point. A few years back I had a bout of 'flu, followed by a severe throat infection, that had me too sick to care about shaving for about a month. At that point I decided that if I was ever going to grow a beard that was the time, so I kept it going for another four months or so.

AveryLP

FPT @DavidL

Completely off topic but this piece about the return of Fergie (no not that one unfortunately) to the Royal Household:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10238819/Her-Majesty-requests...-the-presence-of-Fergie.html

The Queen is really a phenomeon. Our politcal classes could learn so much from her pragmatism.

The Royal news is not universally good though David.

Here is an Express article on how the arriviste Mountbatten-Windors are indulging the social mountaineering of the Middletons:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/419749/Palace-inquest-after-Prince-William-names-Kate-as-his-Princess

Plato

RT @doktorb: "Kal-El" chosen as a boy's name by eight parents #babynames #superboy < WTF?

AveryLP

Perhaps Paxo is angling for Clegg's nomination as a Lib Dem working peer?

Has anyone seen whether he is also wearing sandals?

SouthamObserver

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

Plato

ONS @statisticsONS
#CPI grew 2.8% in the year to July, down from 2.9% in June bit.ly/1bfjaqk #inflation

AveryLP

ONS House Price Index.

Good news in Wales and England (though mainly London). Not so much for the Scots and Northern Irish.

Key findings:

• In the 12 months to June 2013 UK house prices increased by 3.1%, up from a 2.9% increase in the 12 months to May 2013.

• House price growth remains stable across most of the UK, although prices in London are increasing faster than the UK average.

• The year-on-year increase reflected growth of 3.3% in England and 4.3% in Wales, offset by falls of 0.9% in Scotland and 0.4% in Northern Ireland.

• Annual house price increases in England were driven by London (8.1%), the West Midlands (3.1%) and the South East (2.9%).

• Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 1.0% in the 12 months to June 2013.

• On a seasonally adjusted basis, UK house prices increased by 0.4% between May and June 2013.

• In June 2013, prices paid by first-time buyers were 3.9% higher on average than in June 2012. For owner-occupiers (existing owners) prices increased by 2.7% for the same period.

JohnO

Might it be helpful to Southam Observer if we reveal the news that David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party, is Prime Minister. And has been since May 2010.

Anorak

Re: Beard.

That's a poor picture on the article. Check out the one on Guido - I think Paxo looks rather good in that one.

MikeK

One can tell that this is the SILLY season. Paxos beard? Really!

Jonathan

It's an awesome beard. If it softens his image, let's hope it lulls some pols into a false sense of security.

AveryLP

ONS Inflation

All down by a shade.

• The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 2.8% in the year to July 2013, down from 2.9% in June.

• The largest contributions to the fall in the rate came from air fares, plus price movements in the recreation & culture, and clothing & footwear sectors. A rise in petrol and diesel prices partially offset the fall.

• The other main inflation measures moved in a similar fashion to the CPI. CPIH grew by 2.5% down from 2.7%, RPIJ grew by 2.6% down from 2.7%, and RPI (not a National Statistic) grew by 3.1% down from 3.3%.

• These latest numbers continue the trend of broadly steady inflation seen since spring 2012.

Quiet steady hand on the tiller by Capn. Carney. Adm. Osborne will be pleased with his new officer.

Plato

Jonathan said:

It's an awesome beard. If it softens his image, let's hope it lulls some pols into a false sense of security.

Wot? Like Santa?

SimonStClare

Plato said:

SimonStClare said:

Labour’s shadow Immigration Minister goes into melt down and is plastered across every news-paper – And we get a thread on Paxo’s beard…!

Really?

I feared another one about Scottish Indy - small mercies.

DM - “Labour FINALLY admits it let in too many immigrants: Speech-bungling Bryant confesses ditching controls on workers caused influx”

Small mercies indeed - however, the monthly survey lists Immigration as a leading concern amongst voters – I would suggest yesterday’s revelation has more impact on the next election than Paxo’s beard.

The comments make ‘interesting’ reading too.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2390992/Chris-Bryant-MP-admits-Labour-Party-let-immigrants-ditching-worker-controls.html#ixzz2bpo4k0XX

Jonathan

Plato said:

Jonathan said:

It's an awesome beard. If it softens his image, let's hope it lulls some pols into a false sense of security.

Wot? Like Santa?

Indeed. That said, blood and politician's tears can be hell to shift from a beard.

Alanbrooke

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

a totally ridiculous statement, in case you haven't noticed NONE of the major parties have changed the electoral system in the last 20 years. Worse they hold up the necessary constituency reviews which allow FPTP to function.

david_herdson

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

Jonathan

Alanbrooke said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

a totally ridiculous statement, in case you haven't noticed NONE of the major parties have changed the electoral system in the last 20 years. Worse they hold up the necessary constituency reviews which allow FPTP to function.

Technically, the electoral system for the House of Commons has remained static whilst other systems have been tested across the piece. For example the Euros were FPTP before 1999. And of course PR was introduced in the nations and London.

Quite a lot of reform really when you think about it. The HoC is the anomaly.

SouthamObserver

Alanbrooke said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

And as I have pointed out the issue isn't "toxicity", since New Labour meant voters had the choice of a mild centre right party or a right wing party. The only area that supports your argument is Scotland where the Blues have done bugger all and lost 20 seats as a result. It's really only now that politics is returning to a left\right split instead of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

a totally ridiculous statement, in case you haven't noticed NONE of the major parties have changed the electoral system in the last 20 years. Worse they hold up the necessary constituency reviews which allow FPTP to function.

The Tories are the only ones that now actively advocate FPTP. If you want to talk about ridiculous, there's a prime example for you. But it is up to them if they want to make it harder for the UK to be governed from the right than the left. Their euivalents in the rest of Europe have no such problems.

Toms

Nice one Jonathan.

Who is this Paxman? A TV personality perhaps? A news interviewer? I seem to recognize his face behind the beard. If memory serves it does make him look steady.

Alanbrooke

SouthamObserver said:

Alanbrooke said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

t\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

a totally ridiculous statement, in case you haven't noticed NONE of the major parties have changed the electoral system in the last 20 years. Worse they hold up the necessary constituency reviews which allow FPTP to function.

The Tories are the only ones that now actively advocate FPTP. If you want to talk about ridiculous, there's a prime example for you. But it is up to them if they want to make it harder for the UK to be governed from the right than the left. Their euivalents in the rest of Europe have no such problems.

Yes, because labour just brought in STV and swung behind the LDs on AV - my elbow. Even the LDs are getting cooler as they realise PR will lose them tactical votes and see the likes of UKIP overtake them. However you look at it both large parties quite like FPTP and all they ever fall out over is how to rig the votes best in their favour.

Carola

Interesting on the US considering we seem to be going in the same direction overall (despite the cherry-picked soundbites about elsewheres...):

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/08/09/why-the-world-is-smarter-than-us.html

Alanbrooke

Jonathan said:

Alanbrooke said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right t have to.

david_herdson said:

Alanbrooke said:

@Southam FPT

"All parties have issues, but the Tories are almost unique among centre right parties in western Europe in not having won an election since 1992. Most have won several since then and have generally been up against New Labour style centre left opponents (except in Italy)."

of the right\centre split on offer in the last 15 years.

And according to Southern's logic, whereas in Europe finishing in government leading a coalition counts as a 'win', in the UK, it doesn't.

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

a totally ridiculous statement, in case you haven't noticed NONE of the major parties have changed the electoral system in the last 20 years. Worse they hold up the necessary constituency reviews which allow FPTP to function.

Technically, the electoral system for the House of Commons has remained static whilst other systems have been tested across the piece. For example the Euros were FPTP before 1999. And of course PR was introduced in the nations and London.

Quite a lot of reform really when you think about it. The HoC is the anomaly.

Hoho Jonathan, it's just odd that all the reforms never got round to HoC and that bar the Euros ( Brussels mandate ) PR was meant to favour the governing party.

Scott_P

@GoodwinMJ
Not convinced by "Miliband needs big story" thesis. Voters tired of big visions. They want competence on two issues: economy & immigration.

Miliband has Ed "triple dip" Balls and Chris "1 person pile up" Bryant

Sorted...

Sunil_Prasannan

"Did you threaten to shave your beard off?"

(repeat 11 times!)

peter_from_putney

It will be interesting to see whether the 75% vote on PB which says his beard makes him look older, persuades Paxo to shave it off .... the power of PB and all that.

Adding a more sombre note, were he to don gold-framed spectacles, he would look very like the late lamented David Kelly.

Financier

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

JosiasJessop

Pulpstar said:

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Weeks ? Months more likely..

A few days not shaving - that lot would take me a month or so. Probably more.

Aye, fair enough, months.

I often grow pseudo-beards during winter as they help keep the wind off my face when I'm on the hills. The alternative is to wear a balaclava (*), which just makes me look dangerous.

(*) And not Baklava, which I originally typed. I'd look pretty silly wearing a sugary pastry. Silly but tasty.

Plato

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

Plato

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Weeks ? Months more likely..

A few days not shaving - that lot would take me a month or so. Probably more.

Aye, fair enough, months.

I often grow pseudo-beards during winter as they help keep the wind off my face when I'm on the hills. The alternative is to wear a balaclava (*), which just makes me look dangerous.

(*) And not Baklava, which I originally typed. I'd look pretty silly wearing a sugary pastry. Silly but tasty.

LOL - did you Google that?

Pulpstar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23677173 - How would the people protesting react if - British Rail was brought back anyway, and fares could be set at the true market value ?

As much as people whinge about train fares they'll pay through the nose for em. Particularly commuters.

As for Royal Mail - lets see how the figures go with differential pricing, stick the price of a stamp up to a quid. Lots of moolah for the Gov't.

Plato

For those who rubbish Twitter - its all about what you follow. This is super stuff

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BRiYdC1CUAAkQrj.jpg:large

Historical Pictures @HistoricalPics
On August 13, 1961, East Germany sealed off East Berlin. 2 days later, border guard Conrad Schumann leapt to freedom.

TOPPING

He looks less aggressive. Perhaps it was a BBC memo.

Then again Brian Redhead had a magnificent specimen.

SouthamObserver

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Sunil_Prasannan

SouthamObserver said:

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Brand toxicity? So Labour were even more toxic in 2010?

Carola

Beards can look good on older guys but I prefer them when with bald heads, weirdly. And on broader faces. Like John Malkovich. Outdoorsy beards are okay, ideally with toolbelts and toned forearms.

Whether it would shift my vote or not I don't know.

Sunil_Prasannan

On the Wright Stuff at the mo, Mark Little (he of Neighbours fame) also has a beard!

Financier

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

TOPPING

SouthamObserver said:

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Who else would they have to blame? Who else would any party have to blame but themselves for an election defeat?

Not sure the point you are making here. You say only the Tories are against FPTP but there was no change during Labour's time in power or did they suddenly realise how awful it was when they lost the election?

SouthamObserver

Sunil_Prasannan said:

SouthamObserver said:

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Brand toxicity? So Labour were even more toxic in 2010?

They were indeed. Even people like me could no longer stomach them. But they seem to have recovered much of the ground lost, if polls on perceptions of party branding are anything to go by.

MikeSmithson

UKIP now out to 11/10 with Ladbrokes bit.ly/c5gpH6 to win most votes @ EURO2014
CON has moved from 10/1>6/1>5/1 now 9/2

Plato

Financier said:

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

*puts cheque in the post*

SouthamObserver

TOPPING said:

SouthamObserver said:

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Who else would they have to blame? Who else would any party have to blame but themselves for an election defeat?

Not sure the point you are making here. You say only the Tories are against FPTP but there was no change during Labour's time in power or did they suddenly realise how awful it was when they lost the election?

Labour was committed to an AV referendum at the time of the last election. But favouring FPTP makes sense for Labour as it so favours them. I disagree profoundly with those in Labour that see things like that, but I understand their logic. I just do not get the Tory attachment. They seem to believe a majority Labour government elected on 35% of the popular vote is preferable to a Tory/UKIP coalition elected on 40% plus of the vote. Strange.

In terms of losing in 2015, the Tories could blame being in a colaition, a faltering economy, high unemployment, a popular oppositon, a charismatic LOTO etc. But none of those excuses look liek they will be available. So if there is no victory, they will have to look elsewhere and probably a lot closer - and more uncomfortably - to home.

Sunil_Prasannan

Financier said:

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

She looks OK

DecrepitJohnL

Carola said:

Interesting on the US considering we seem to be going in the same direction overall (despite the cherry-picked soundbites about elsewheres...):

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/08/09/why-the-world-is-smarter-than-us.html

One untold story is the Americanisation of our education system under Labour.

The tragedy of education is everyone who has ever been to school regards themselves as an expert, so we move from one set of prejudices to the next, untroubled by research.

Toms

Plato said:

Financier said:

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

*puts cheque in the post*

When I was young I particularly often then fancied older women. Now that I am old I still do, but now they are younger than I am.

Sunil_Prasannan

DecrepitJohnL said:

FPT @DecrepitJohnL:

I was wondering if you found a reliable source for Mac's alleged "Events, dear boy. Events." quote.

TOPPING

@SouthamObserver

I think the Conservatives' conservativeness comes out in voting systems. They don't really understand it, add one carry one (although I appreciate they will have used it for other elections) and so prefer to stick with what they know. Same for Labour voters, judging by the AV referendum. Illogical, but people were asked so responded.

re. blame, yes I see that. But a more mature response (or story as the election approaches) would be to say: "we are offering the people of britain a particular socio-economic view. We believe in it. If you dismiss it you are of course dismissing us and so it is our "fault"" . Same, again, for other parties.

The toxicity comes from a perception (usually by people who would never in a million years vote Tory) about the Cons view on the welfare state, benefits, nationality, etc that, in non-extreme terms are perfectly legitimate concerns and policies. Again, so it would indeed be the Tories' own views which were to blame.

Plato

Toms said:

Plato said:

Financier said:

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

*puts cheque in the post*

When I was young I particularly often then fancied older women. Now that I am old I still do, but now they are younger than I am.

LOL, now I'm older - I've just become invisible. Harry Potter should ask me for tips.

AlastairMeeks

@Plato Kal-El is the real name of Superman. Nicolas Cage named his son Kal-El.

Blue_rog

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Financier said:

You're still a fine looking filly!

Plato said:

I wish all the time I spent trying to look older as a teenager/20 something could be subtracted now...

Financier said:

RE: Beard

When I was about 27, my MD advised me to grow a beard as I looked too young to be promoted to Board level.

However, about 6 months later, I was down with malaria and did not shave - not sure what was worse the malaria or this itching growth of beard. So as soon as I was better, shaved off the beard and never grew one again. Still made Board level before I was 30 though.

Somehow I no longer get complaints that I look too young - cannot think why!

Paxman's beard makes him look a bit doddery and uncertain - absolutely right for a post with the LDs.

She looks OK

And where can we see a picture of this wonderful piece of horseflesh :-)

Plato

Paxo Beard photoshopping is exploding

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BRiaky8CIAASHd_.jpg:large

Brandy Snap @Brandy_Snap
Leaked B&W still from new ad shoot shows Paxo may have been moonlighting... #Paxman Beard #NewsNight @HuffPostUKCom

Morris_Dancer

Good morning, everyone.

The beard does not work well. Most men look bad with a beard, though (excepting Brian Blessed and Alan Rickman).

Plato

antifrank said:

Nicolas Cage named his son Kal-El.

Dear god.

AlastairMeeks

Is Jeremy Paxman going for the Fagin look?

http://www.alturasepesos.de/foto/Ron-Moody/Ron-Moody-05.jpg

DecrepitJohnL

Sunil_Prasannan said:

DecrepitJohnL said:

FPT @DecrepitJohnL:

I was wondering if you found a reliable source for Mac's alleged "Events, dear boy. Events." quote.

No, I do not. But then I've never looked. Clearly someone coined the phrase and Occam's Razor supports its attribution to SuperMac.

AlastairMeeks

@Plato It's no worse than Apple or Nevaeh. And how many four year olds get google to auto-complete their full name from their first name alone?

Pulpstar

71 year old with a beard !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ChuckNorris200611292256.jpg

Plato

DecrepitJohnL said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

DecrepitJohnL said:

FPT @DecrepitJohnL:

I was wondering if you found a reliable source for Mac's alleged "Events, dear boy. Events." quote.

No, I do not. But then I've never looked. Clearly someone coined the phrase and Occam's Razor supports its attribution to SuperMac.

Surely Occam's Razor is something Mr Paxman is desperately short of?

Morris_Dancer

Miss Plato, to be fair, Superman's a pretty good role model. That said, the name is a bit, er, out there.

Could be worse, though. He could've been called Optimus Prime.

TOPPING

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, to be fair, Superman's a pretty good role model. That said, the name is a bit, er, out there.

Could be worse, though. He could've been called Optimus Prime.

Or Messiah. Or not.

stodge

Morning all

A few family dramas ches Stodge so my first chance to comment on the ICM poll which is extremely interesting and I'm sure has been analysed to extinction on the previous thread.

My observation about ICM polls, which I've followed for years, is that there is a fairly regular outlier number shown up for a particular party (either high otr low). If you look back over ICM polls you see these occasional individual outlier numbers for one of the parties. All of them have suffered from it at one time or another and I can only presume it's down to the sampling or some other aspect of the methodology.

ICM is by far the best over a period of time in my view but it's no more to be trusted or over-analysed on a single poll than any other data from any other pollster

TGOHF

SouthamObserver said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

SouthamObserver said:

david_herdson said:

SouthamObserver said:

It's FPTP, isn't it? The main centre right party in almost every other western European country has either governed alone or with another party on the right since 1992. It could be the same here, but the Tories are opposed. Thus, they have to live with their toxicity in a way that similar parties elsewhere do not have to.

You don't think Britain has a broadly centre-right government at the moment? The Lib Dems cover a range either side of the centre but Clegg is clearly of the centre-right and with his leadership, reinforced with the Conservatives being in government, it's that wing of the party which is in the political ascendency (even if it doesn't represent the bulk of their members).

In any case, if the economic indicators continue to move as they are, there's a good chance the Tories will win outright next time.

I agree. My original point (made in the previous thread) was that as things stand the two big obstacles to a Tory victory in 2015 are brand toxicity and and FPTP. If they do not win in 2015, they will only have themselves to blame.

Brand toxicity? So Labour were even more toxic in 2010?

They were indeed. Even people like me could no longer stomach them. But they seem to have recovered much of the ground lost, if polls on perceptions of party branding are anything to go by.

Not in Scotland - he may be our mad goblin - but he's our mad goblin.

Susan Boyle syndrome I believe it's called.

Plato

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, to be fair, Superman's a pretty good role model. That said, the name is a bit, er, out there.

Could be worse, though. He could've been called Optimus Prime.

LOL

There are some great names in the ONS data

3 boys called "Calixte" 4 called "Anekin"

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm:77-318071

Rexel56

To be fair, Paxman was clean shaven when he asked Milliband the question about policy...

Morris_Dancer

Miss Plato, I think Superman's one of the most common passwords (in The Big Bang Theory Leonard uses Kal-El for everything).

I don't get why people go for weird names or give their kids a stupid spelling of a normal name (such as Ritchard).

JosiasJessop

Plato said:

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Weeks ? Months more likely..

A few days not shaving - that lot would take me a month or so. Probably more.

Aye, fair enough, months.

I often grow pseudo-beards during winter as they help keep the wind off my face when I'm on the hills. The alternative is to wear a balaclava (*), which just makes me look dangerous.

(*) And not Baklava, which I originally typed. I'd look pretty silly wearing a sugary pastry. Silly but tasty.

LOL - did you Google that?

I regularly bake baklava for Mrs J, and her father's an aficionado of the dish. Turkey takes baklava rather seriously, and each region - or even town - has its own recipe. He regularly travels across Ankara to a shop that sells the right sort.

Sadly it's difficult to make in the UK, as our shop-bought filo pastry isn't thin enough. Good filo (yufka) should be almost transparent. And I can't be bothered making fresh filo pastry.

On the topic of beards: my granddad died a couple of years ago, and a series of photos were displayed at his funeral. One showed him on an Atlantic convoy during WW2. Ice was on the decks, and he was wearing a woolly hat and a beard.

His face, even his smile, looked identical to those in a photo taken of me a few years before whilst I was on a walk.

It was freaky. Still, he lived to the binary age of 101 and 1 day, so hopefully I've inherited more than good looks from him. ;-)

TheScreamingEagles

Kal-El means Starchild.

Honestly choosing baby names is a nightmare when you have to satisfy two differing worlds.

TheScreamingEagles

On topic at least Paxman didn't go for a goatee or silly side boards.

He'd look good with a porn 'tasche though.

Plato

LOL http://conservativehome.blogs.com/leftwatch/2013/08/the-battle-of-hastings-as-told-by-chris-bryant.html

"...Sunday, 11.15pm I'm told some Norman immigrants have landed near Hastings, probably with the intention of taking my job. I try to ensure my trumpeter will wake us all up early for a battle in the morning.

5.55am Parp (that was the trumpeter, don't be cheeky). My housecarls and I have an early start, and kick off the day with a mug of ale and some mutton - we're on the Atkins.

5.56am Is Hastings in Kent?

6.20am We had a long march from Stamford Bridge, but I needn't have worried - we've got to Hastings in plenty of time. The Normans are saying my troops look a bit tired, but that's just typical of them - talking down the Anglo-Saxons again.

6.28am Armour. What a drag. My helmet is really bulky and I can't see out properly.

7.05am Battle formation. Even the Normans have told me beforehand they think I'm going to win, but as soon as we line up they start shouting about how they've got more archers than me. I say I didn't want loads of archers anyway, so whatever.

7.15am The early skirmishing is over. I'm getting fed up with the tiny eye holes in this helmet, and I'm worried the crown on top makes me look elitist. I borrow my squire's helmet instead - much better, I can see out no problem.

8.05am Now I'm right across from William of Normandy (with whom I used to hang out at court), the smarmy git. I want the battle to be about strategy, but he insists we get bogged down in detail, how many of our men get killed, all those boring process points. He's asking why we don't have a battleplan. I say "We're the Anglo-Saxons, and we're the goodies, so we don't need one - that's why you'll always be remembered as William the Loser." Definitely came out on top.

8.40am God, shield walls get boring after a while. Crash, wallop, scream, crash, wallop, scream. Who are these Normans trying to impress?

9.00am Back to my tent to finish the battle strategy. Some Normans are saying I'm panicking, but that's rubbish - I always intended to add some little extras in about now

9.30am Arrive at the shieldwall to deliver what I hope is a cogent, reflective battle strategy about how we can deal firmly and fairly with these bothersome foreigners... > read the rest

Pulpstar

Plato said:

LOL http://conservativehome.blogs.com/leftwatch/2013/08/the-battle-of-hastings-as-told-by-chris-bryant.html

"...Sunday, 11.15pm I'm told some Norman immigrants have landed near Hastings, probably with the intention of taking my job. I try to ensure my trumpeter will wake us all up early for a battle in the morning.

5.55am Parp (that was the trumpeter, don't be cheeky). My housecarls and I have an early start, and kick off the day with a mug of ale and some mutton - we're on the Atkins.

5.56am Is Hastings in Kent?

6.20am We had a long march from Stamford Bridge, but I needn't have worried - we've got to Hastings in plenty of time. The Normans are saying my troops look a bit tired, but that's just typical of them - talking down the Anglo-Saxons again.

6.28am Armour. What a drag. My helmet is really bulky and I can't see out properly.

7.05am Battle formation. Even the Normans have told me beforehand they think I'm going to win, but as soon as we line up they start shouting about how they've got more archers than me. I say I didn't want loads of archers anyway, so whatever.

7.15am The early skirmishing is over. I'm getting fed up with the tiny eye holes in this helmet, and I'm worried the crown on top makes me look elitist. I borrow my squire's helmet instead - much better, I can see out no problem.

8.05am Now I'm right across from William of Normandy (with whom I used to hang out at court), the smarmy git. I want the battle to be about strategy, but he insists we get bogged down in detail, how many of our men get killed, all those boring process points. He's asking why we don't have a battleplan. I say "We're the Anglo-Saxons, and we're the goodies, so we don't need one - that's why you'll always be remembered as William the Loser." Definitely came out on top.

8.40am God, shield walls get boring after a while. Crash, wallop, scream, crash, wallop, scream. Who are these Normans trying to impress?

9.00am Back to my tent to finish the battle strategy. Some Normans are saying I'm panicking, but that's rubbish - I always intended to add some little extras in about now

9.30am Arrive at the shieldwall to deliver what I hope is a cogent, reflective battle strategy about how we can deal firmly and fairly with these bothersome foreigners... > read the rest

Armour ? Who needs armour when you can head out onto the battlefield in your Y-fronts ?!

RichardNabavi

JosiasJessop said:

Still, he lived to the binary age of 101

Your grandfather died at 5 years old?

TOPPING

SeanT said:

Women ALSO believe men with beards look even MORE masculine than men with stubble, however men with beards are deemed threatening (TOO masculine and aggressive), so they score lower than the clean shaven on sexiness.

you mean like these two?

i1.cdnds.net/13/19/618x387/uktv-jamie-dornan-the-fall-1.jpg

i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02634/southcliffe-sean-h_2634528b.jpg

Rexel56

Plato said:

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, to be fair, Superman's a pretty good role model. That said, the name is a bit, er, out there.

Could be worse, though. He could've been called Optimus Prime.

LOL

There are some great names in the ONS data

3 boys called "Calixte" 4 called "Anekin"

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm:77-318071

16 boys registered without a name! How does that work then...?

Blofelds_Cat

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, I think Superman's one of the most common passwords (in The Big Bang Theory Leonard uses Kal-El for everything).

I don't get why people go for weird names or give their kids a stupid spelling of a normal name (such as Ritchard).

I had a child in surgery the other day with the name Keiane. Apparently pronounced like Cian. I said that was an interesting spelling and the mother said "yeah we made it up 'cos we wanted more letters". I don't think people that stupid should be allowed to have children.

taffys

Totally off topic, I am shamelessly using this site to vent my utter fury at the latest (widely trailed) blog from Bill Gross, manager of the world's biggest bond fund PIMCO.

Gross has said that bond investors have suffered a defeat comparable 'to the losses of the British army at the battle of the Somme.'

Personally I find this comparison most inappropriate, insensitive and offensive in the extreme.

There can be no comparison between losing a few quid and losing your life in the defence of your country.

Sorry everybody. I feel better now.

Plato

And do women actually like kissing or having sex with men with stubble and beards?

I hate stubble - having a red rubbed face following an encounter is really unattractive. Give me a man with a close shave anytime. I associate beards with being unclean unless they're very clipped and artistic looking.

SeanT said:

Studies show that women prefer men with about 3mm of stubble (that's about five day's growth, or a month for tim), as against clean shaven men. Women believe men with stubble look much more masculine and sexy. Check all the Hollywood actors who now wear stubble: it's practically universal. This is why.

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTg4NzM5NDk0MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzAzMTUxNw@@._V1._SY314_CR2,0,214,314_.jpg

Women ALSO believe men with beards look even MORE masculine than men with stubble, however men with beards are deemed threatening (TOO masculine and aggressive), so they score lower than the clean shaven on sexiness.

Here is Paxman's problem. He hasn't got the right length. He's got about two weeks of stubble which is almost a proper beard, plus he's very grey now and the mini-beard emphasises this greyness, thereby ageing him. Stubble would be less obviously grey.

He needs to get a proper beard-trimmer and reduce the bristles to 3mm.

Not that I've researched this or anything.

TGOHF

Rexel56 said:

Plato said:

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, to be fair, Superman's a pretty good role model. That said, the name is a bit, er, out there.

Could be worse, though. He could've been called Optimus Prime.

LOL

There are some great names in the ONS data

3 boys called "Calixte" 4 called "Anekin"

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm:77-318071

16 boys registered without a name! How does that work then...?

Seem to be a lot of hyphenated boy names - like "HARVEY-JAMES" - how frikking chavvy is that ?

All pregnant women should be made to read the Freakonomics chapter on baby names...

JosiasJessop

RichardNabavi said:

JosiasJessop said:

Still, he lived to the binary age of 101

Your grandfather died at 5 years old?

101 and 1 day.

He loved maths, so it would have pleased him.

(I was just wondering what the odds of a grandfather dying at an age in years and days which only has ones and noughts. He would have to be either 100 or 101 (110 being a bit much), and at 1, 10, 11, 100, 110 or 111 days. That's twelve opportunities in the many decades of being a grandfather. Indeed, it doesn't get much better for an entire life, with the years 0, 1, 10 and 11 adding another 24 opportunities).

Plato

IIRC from my Navy friends - you could only have a *proper beard grown within the month*

If you CO thought yours was bum fluff - off it came.

JosiasJessop said:

Plato said:

JosiasJessop said:

Pulpstar said:

JosiasJessop said:

The momentary expression in that screen capture makes him look fairly awful, and I guess is not necessarily representative.

But it is awful. The problem is that it is a half-beard: he has simply not shaved for a few days. A real beard takes weeks to prepare, and can look much better.

Weeks ? Months more likely..

A few days not shaving - that lot would take me a month or so. Probably more.

Aye, fair enough, months.

I often grow pseudo-beards during winter as they help keep the wind off my face when I'm on the hills. The alternative is to wear a balaclava (*), which just makes me look dangerous.

(*) And not Baklava, which I originally typed. I'd look pretty silly wearing a sugary pastry. Silly but tasty.

LOL - did you Google that?

I regularly bake baklava for Mrs J, and her father's an aficionado of the dish. Turkey takes baklava rather seriously, and each region - or even town - has its own recipe. He regularly travels across Ankara to a shop that sells the right sort.

Sadly it's difficult to make in the UK, as our shop-bought filo pastry isn't thin enough. Good filo (yufka) should be almost transparent. And I can't be bothered making fresh filo pastry.

On the topic of beards: my granddad died a couple of years ago, and a series of photos were displayed at his funeral. One showed him on an Atlantic convoy during WW2. Ice was on the decks, and he was wearing a woolly hat and a beard.

His face, even his smile, looked identical to those in a photo taken of me a few years before whilst I was on a walk.

It was freaky. Still, he lived to the binary age of 101 and 1 day, so hopefully I've inherited more than good looks from him. ;-)

JosiasJessop

Blofelds_Cat said:

Morris_Dancer said:

Miss Plato, I think Superman's one of the most common passwords (in The Big Bang Theory Leonard uses Kal-El for everything).

I don't get why people go for weird names or give their kids a stupid spelling of a normal name (such as Ritchard).

I had a child in surgery the other day with the name Keiane. Apparently pronounced like Cian. I said that was an interesting spelling and the mother said "yeah we made it up 'cos we wanted more letters". I don't think people that stupid should be allowed to have children.

A friend of mine named his son Dexter. After the TV show. And yes, he does know what the show's about.

Computer programmers are weird.

Plato

TheScreamingEagles said:

On topic at least Paxman didn't go for a goatee or silly side boards.

He'd look good with a porn 'tasche though.

I call them side boards but that's also a large piece of unfashionable furniture from the 50s. Aren't they known as sideburns nowadays?