Completely O/T, but if you set aside Trump's disastrous Middle Eastern policy hobbling her, one potential Republican candidate for 2020 who has had a truly excellent year is Nikki Haley. Her performance over North Korea has so far been remarkably sure-footed and to take China along with the latest round of sanctions is a stunning achievement in any context.
As somebody who removed the Confederate flag from South Carolina's capitol before the big movement against such things became fashionable, she might also be attractive to swing voters. Moreover, she has a pedigree as a governor and as a non-white female many Democratic attack lines against the Republicans would become instantly obsolete.
She's at 33/1 for Paddy Power, but if Trump is a one hit wonder the only serious rival to her I can see at a lower price is Ryan at 7/2, and he will probably have fun and games in Congress leading up to the primaries. DYOR but she is starting to look serious value.
I think she's a better shot for 2024. I agree about her abilities and CV - indeed, I tipped her as Trump's running mate on that basis. However, I don't see the path to the nomination for 2020 unless Trump doesn't run, which isn't likely. Even then, I don't see how she can run in her current position, so she'd need to leave it, not under a cloud and without the appearance of a revenge-run. I'd want at least double her current odds for 2020.
I agree with ydoethur on this (and incidentally, ydo, I've actually forgotten what we used to squabble about - apologies for whatever my part was, let's be seasonal and move on?). There may well be a gap in the market for a serious GOP alternative to Trump, given his persistently lousy ratings, and as ydo notes she's one member of the Administraion who is performing well over par, especially to Trumpian audiences (the "taking names" stuff was repellent to European ears, but I bet Trump's fans liked it). 33-1 seems worth a flutter.
Completely O/T, but if you set aside Trump's disastrous Middle Eastern policy hobbling her, one potential Republican candidate for 2020 who has had a truly excellent year is Nikki Haley. Her performance over North Korea has so far been remarkably sure-footed and to take China along with the latest round of sanctions is a stunning achievement in any context.
As somebody who removed the Confederate flag from South Carolina's capitol before the big movement against such things became fashionable, she might also be attractive to swing voters. Moreover, she has a pedigree as a governor and as a non-white female many Democratic attack lines against the Republicans would become instantly obsolete.
She's at 33/1 for Paddy Power, but if Trump is a one hit wonder the only serious rival to her I can see at a lower price is Ryan at 7/2, and he will probably have fun and games in Congress leading up to the primaries. DYOR but she is starting to look serious value.
I think she's a better shot for 2024. I agree about her abilities and CV - indeed, I tipped her as Trump's running mate on that basis. However, I don't see the path to the nomination for 2020 unless Trump doesn't run, which isn't likely. Even then, I don't see how she can run in her current position, so she'd need to leave it, not under a cloud and without the appearance of a revenge-run. I'd want at least double her current odds for 2020.
I agree with ydoethur on this (and incidentally, ydo, I've actually forgotten what we used to squabble about - apologies for whatever my part was, let's be seasonal and move on?). There may well be a gap in the market for a serious GOP alternative to Trump, given his persistently lousy ratings, and as ydo notes she's one member of the Administraion who is performing well over par, especially to Trumpian audiences (the "taking names" stuff was repellent to European ears, but I bet Trump's fans liked it). 33-1 seems worth a flutter.
I would be glad to. It was in fact over Corbyn, but let's not rake that up again. You may have noticed I have been more recently been replying to you again.
The other thoughts that occur to me are (1) that if Haley wants the presidency 2020 is a much better chance for her than 2024 when pendulum swing alone gives a big advantage to the Democrats (2) while Trump may stand again, his age and erratic behaviour don't make that the same sort of certainty as Obama, the Bushes and Clinton (3) her role far from being a hindrance is by accident both high profile and non-partisan in a way the Cabinet or even Congress cannot be. So I think actually I'm going to disagree with David and say 33/1 is value.
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I didn't get married till I was 36
Does 34 and still single count?
Got married 2 days before my 40th birthday. I was given an ultimatum and my 40th was when the time limit on it was up.
'Failed your exams? No chance of a job? Join the Army!'
I like ham and pineapple pizza. In fact I like most pizza toppings. But I only like thin based pizza - none of this deep pan nonsense. It's the equivalent of making a sandwich by cutting a loaf in half.
After left v right, Leave v Remain and theist v atheist it is nice to find something else that PBers can disagree over.
Strangely, it is the lack of opportunity to go into combat that is affecting recruitment. Not being able to kill people for the last couple of years has been a bit of a downer.
Wartime is when you have no difficulty in getting recruits.
Renting out the military could be a nice source of income.
Funnily enough, governments have frequently done that in the past.
Including European countries up to the 18th century.
It seems a natural thing for an EU army to be used for - I doubt many in Brussels would be concerned about casualties in an army recruited from the Eastern European poor.
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I think it usually had a small alcohol content, presumably the fermentation that made it safe to drink produced some alcohol. Russian kvass is not dissimilar, ironcially still very popular for a country with its relationship to alcohol.
Russian friends of my dad's once gave us some home-made kvass. We looked at it dubiously and put it on a hall cupboard to try sometime. One day it exploded. Just fermented its way out of the bottle. We picked up the glass splinters and reflected that this wasn'tstuff we wanted inside us...
I don't think it would stay inside you for as long as that?
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I didn't get married till I was 36
42 and still PB's most eligibubble bachelor
Interested in railways and still single - I'm totally shocked!
Still some 9.2 for Red Bull on the Constructors' on Betfair. And it's still too long.
Verstappen/Ricciardo are about 7 each. But describe to me the circumstance in which one takes the title whilst the other cannot match the second driver of any other top team. It seems unfeasible.
Red Bull has the best pairing at the sharp end. If the Renault engine's good enough they have a strong chance at the Constructors'. If it isn't, Mercedes will get it.
I am being nagged by a very grumpy rellie to get in the car to visit other rellies, so comms will be pretty much out for Xmas/Boxing Day. So please have a very happy Xmas, get all the presents you need, have fun, stay safe, and I'll see you midweek.
I am being nagged by a very grumpy rellie to get in the car to visit other rellies, so comms will be pretty much out for Xmas/Boxing Day. So please have a very happy Xmas, get all the presents you need, have fun, stay safe, and I'll see you midweek.
Completely O/T, but if you set aside Trump's disastrous Middle Eastern policy hobbling her, one potential Republican candidate for 2020 who has had a truly excellent year is Nikki Haley. Her performance over North Korea has so far been remarkably sure-footed and to take China along with the latest round of sanctions is a stunning achievement in any context.
As somebody who removed the Confederate flag from South Carolina's capitol before the big movement against such things became fashionable, she might also be attractive to swing voters. Moreover, she has a pedigree as a governor and as a non-white female many Democratic attack lines against the Republicans would become instantly obsolete.
She's at 33/1 for Paddy Power, but if Trump is a one hit wonder the only serious rival to her I can see at a lower price is Ryan at 7/2, and he will probably have fun and games in Congress leading up to the primaries. DYOR but she is starting to look serious value.
I think she's a better shot for 2024. I agree about her abilities and CV - indeed, I tipped her as Trump's running mate on that basis. However, I don't see the path to the nomination for 2020 unless Trump doesn't run, which isn't likely. Even then, I don't see how she can run in her current position, so she'd need to leave it, not under a cloud and without the appearance of a revenge-run. I'd want at least double her current odds for 2020.
I agree with ydoethur on this (and incidentally, ydo, I've actually forgotten what we used to squabble about - apologies for whatever my part was, let's be seasonal and move on?). There may well be a gap in the market for a serious GOP alternative to Trump, given his persistently lousy ratings, and as ydo notes she's one member of the Administraion who is performing well over par, especially to Trumpian audiences (the "taking names" stuff was repellent to European ears, but I bet Trump's fans liked it). 33-1 seems worth a flutter.
I agree that Trump might well face a challenge in the primaries and that there's a gap in the market for a sensible Republican. I don't, however, see how it can easily be filled by one of his own administration. Sure, she might resign but it's not like she hasn't known what he's like this last year. Besides, if she does resign then an immediate candidacy will put question marks against the principles behind the resignation
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I didn't get married till I was 36
I was 40. First (and almost certainly only) kid at 42.
At home for Christmas - more politics chat than I can ever remember. Brexit a big one but also plenty of criticism for May and confusion about where Corbyn stands on Brexit and other issues.
Mr. rkrkrk, remember, the Morris Dancer Party is the only one with sensible policies of a trebuchet-based justice system, more funding for the genetic engineering of land-walking superfish, and a space cannon.
Mr. rkrkrk, remember, the Morris Dancer Party is the only one with sensible policies of a trebuchet-based justice system, more funding for the genetic engineering of land-walking superfish, and a space cannon.
I am reasonably confident there are guests present I could convince that the Tories are plotting to trebuchet immigrants into the sea.
Seems I'm going to be pretty much tied up for the next 48 hours so better say Merry Christmas to everyone and thanks for your company, the fun and occasional enlightenment. It's been a pleasure exchanging views with you all, even the few who do not always wholeheartedly agree with me.
Thank you all for the great discussions on here this year. Merry Christmas - hope you are all enjoying Christmas Eve, and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Day. Best wishes to you and your families.
I think I have finally managed to put my wallet away until 27th December. It has taken an absolute pounding. Advice from someone who knows: do not have grown-up children who live at home; love and treasure them from afar - it is much, much cheaper.
Good news, though, is that beer o’clock is only four hours away and I have a stunning bottle of red lined up for dinner tonight (assuming the kids do not down it all first).
If grown up children move away they tend to come back with other halves and children. Which is far more money and time consuming, although of course it’s a while before grandchildren drink your wine.
Presumably they can go to the other in-laws some Chistmases, though? In any case, I fear my lot are not to be married off. I am living a dystopian, 21st century Jane Austen novel.
I didn't get married till I was 36
I was 40. First (and almost certainly only) kid at 42.
I just had my second son. My father fought in the disastrous Norwegian campaign in april-may 1940
Been to see Paddington 2: lovely stuff. May go to a music gig later, if I can stay awake......
Merry Xmas to one and all.
Thanks for the chat this year.
Don't you think a movie that lionises economic migrants with few skills from developing countries is sending the wrong message?
No. It's a film, for God's sake! It's fun. Hugh Grant is superb.
I managed to imitate Paddington's backhandedness (I watched it at the Everyman Hampstead) by spilling popcorn down my front and boiling water on my leg. Still, despite the 1st degree burn I laughed myself silly.
Christmas quiz question. Name an authentic Canadian dish (the only one?), invented in 1962, that pretends to be from somewhere else.
It must be pineapple pizza.
You have won - have a pineapple pizza ... More precisely Pizza Hawaii, invented by a Greek in Canada and the source of a diplomatic spat between the President of Iceland and the PM of Canada when the former indicated, somewhat undemocratically that he wanted to ban pineapple pizza from the shores of his island.
Christmas quiz question. Name an authentic Canadian dish (the only one?), invented in 1962, that pretends to be from somewhere else.
It must be pineapple pizza.
You have won - have a pineapple pizza ... More precisely Pizza Hawaii, invented by a Greek in Canada and the source of a diplomatic spat between the President of Iceland and the PM of Canada when the former indicated, somewhat undemocratically that he wanted to ban pineapple pizza from the shores of his island.
Merry Christmas from the sandpit, where thanks to time zones it’s now actually Christmas! Have a great day PB, maybe I’ll take a look at StJohn’s crossword later.
Merry Christmas folks. Best wishes for a happy and profitable New Year!
For your collective information, this is my penultimate Christmas greeting. It has been foretold that I will die in 2019, fighting over Somerset's last turnip in the post-Brexit apocalypse. I shall make hay etc
Merry Christmas folks. Best wishes for a happy and profitable New Year!
For your collective information, this is my penultimate Christmas greeting. It has been foretold that I will die in 2019, fighting over Somerset's last turnip in the post-Brexit apocalypse. I shall make hay etc
That turnip is mine, John - Wiltshire is predicted to run out of all such goods by the end of 2018, we shall need to disperse into the surroundings.
I rather like quinoa. I suppose that makes me an effete metropolitan elitist.
I draw the line at polenta though.
I'm from Yorkshire and I like quinoa too, and I'm not an effete metropolitan elitist.
Last year I actually went to the HOME of quinoa: the shores of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. In a vegetable soup with a spicy salsa it makes a surprisingly delicious supper. Eat with high-altitude Bolivian red wine (also surprisingly good)
As below - double metropolitan elite points for You.
Merry Christmas to one and all. Just relaxing after cooking a select meal of lemon sole meuniere with new potatoes and asparagus followed by apple, cranberry and orange tart, washed down with a bottle of Cloudy Bay.
A very Merry Christmas to everyone on pb. And thanks as ever to OGH/TSE/rcs for keeping it running. Chez Price, we will of course be having our turkey with a pineapple stuffing.
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
Merry Christmas to one and all. Just relaxing after cooking a select meal of lemon sole meuniere with new potatoes and asparagus followed by apple, cranberry and orange tart, washed down with a bottle of Cloudy Bay.
Very similar here. Except it is cold smoked mackerel with pickled onions washed down with a Guinness and Pernod spritzer.
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
everything post return of the jedi was about making money rather than stopping when enough was enough..
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
I felt exactly as you. We’re not alone in the universe
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
I felt exactly as you. We’re not alone in the universe
I fear we might get the ban hammer for spouting such thought crimes out loud, while eating Hawaiian pizza in front of a proper Christmas movie like Die Hard and having imposed a Radiohead ban throughout the household.
Die Hard evidently is about Christmas - estranged father coming to see his wife and children with surprise arranged by wife's boss.... then the touching family reunion has to overcome one or two hurdles. Play out to Christmas song at end as Xmas is safely 'sorted'.
Incidentally there's more snow in Die Hard 2, so is that a Xmas movie too if we're going by flake-count?
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
Now that is testing the spirit of the season to its limits. I have it down as the second best Star Wars movie (and I say that as someone who doesn't hate any of them).
Add my good wishes to all on PB. Been infuriated, educated, intrigued, puzzled, informed, insulted, joshed and challenged. Rarely bored, even by Brexit! Thanks to all. Have a happy Christmas and a fulfilling and profitable New Year! Whether Remainer or Leaver, Tory or Labour, let us come together at this special time and beat the bookie in 2018. EDIT: LD, UKIP and Greens included.
Add my good wishes to all on PB. Been infuriated, educated, intrigued, puzzled, informed, insulted, joshed and challenged. Rarely bored, even by Brexit! Thanks to all. Have a happy Christmas and a fulfilling and profitable New Year! Whether Remainer or Leaver, Tory or Labour, let us come together at this special time and beat the bookie in 2018.
Can I just say...and it is perhaps the most controversial thing I have posted on PB....I thought the Star Wars movie was utter utter tripe.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
Add my good wishes to all on PB. Been infuriated, educated, intrigued, puzzled, informed, insulted, joshed and challenged. Rarely bored, even by Brexit! Thanks to all. Have a happy Christmas and a fulfilling and profitable New Year! Whether Remainer or Leaver, Tory or Labour, let us come together at this special time and beat the bookie in 2018. EDIT: LD, UKIP and Greens included.
Comments
The other thoughts that occur to me are (1) that if Haley wants the presidency 2020 is a much better chance for her than 2024 when pendulum swing alone gives a big advantage to the Democrats (2) while Trump may stand again, his age and erratic behaviour don't make that the same sort of certainty as Obama, the Bushes and Clinton (3) her role far from being a hindrance is by accident both high profile and non-partisan in a way the Cabinet or even Congress cannot be. So I think actually I'm going to disagree with David and say 33/1 is value.
Have a great Christmas.
https://twitter.com/hopisen/status/944913167532032002
Meanwhile, Happy Christmas all
Defense.
And my spellcheck changed it. Honest
Still some 9.2 for Red Bull on the Constructors' on Betfair. And it's still too long.
Verstappen/Ricciardo are about 7 each. But describe to me the circumstance in which one takes the title whilst the other cannot match the second driver of any other top team. It seems unfeasible.
Red Bull has the best pairing at the sharp end. If the Renault engine's good enough they have a strong chance at the Constructors'. If it isn't, Mercedes will get it.
Merry Xmas, Everyone
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/24/damian-green-faces-calls-stand-mp-accusation-dirty-tricks-against/
I draw the line at polenta though.
Brexit a big one but also plenty of criticism for May and confusion about where Corbyn stands on Brexit and other issues.
EDIT Poe-len-tah.
The temptation to play devils advocate is strong after a few glasses of wine but I am resisting.
All the best and see you all anon.
Merry Xmas to one and all.
Thanks for the chat this year.
Falafel on pizzas whatever next?
I managed to imitate Paddington's backhandedness (I watched it at the Everyman Hampstead) by spilling popcorn down my front and boiling water on my leg. Still, despite the 1st degree burn I laughed myself silly.
Have a great day PB, maybe I’ll take a look at StJohn’s crossword later.
For your collective information, this is my penultimate Christmas greeting. It has been foretold that I will die in 2019, fighting over Somerset's last turnip in the post-Brexit apocalypse. I shall make hay etc
;-)
A very Happy Christmas to all.
(saw it for the second time today - Leicester Square)
Merry Christmas to one and all.
If you don't celebrate Christmas, then I hope you're enjoying the break nevertheless.
PS The Last Jedi can suck the warm sweat off my humid bollocks. Mwah, darling.
Wasn't terrible, though.
I loved Rogue One, and flew back into the UK this morning especially to catch it prior to Christmas. I would rather have watched 2hrs of Jeremy Corbyn speeches and everybody knows how much I love those!
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2017/12/trump-praises-himself-in-call-to-troops-we-say-christmas-again-very-proudly.html
Incidentally there's more snow in Die Hard 2, so is that a Xmas movie too if we're going by flake-count?
Thanks to all. Have a happy Christmas and a fulfilling and profitable New Year!
Whether Remainer or Leaver, Tory or Labour, let us come together at this special time and beat the bookie in 2018.
EDIT: LD, UKIP and Greens included.
You are spot on with this post.
Nobody? thank God for that! Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas folks!