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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The 2019 St John PB Christmas Crossword

SystemSystem Posts: 12,170
edited December 2019 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The 2019 St John PB Christmas Crossword

1 Retired politician’s live argument over Conservative leader (6)

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  • philiphphiliph Posts: 4,704
    edited December 2019
    Morning and happy Christmas day to all.

    Woken up to a lovely sunny day in Kerela. Was treated to an impressive Christmas eve meal last night in my hotel. A buffet with some stunning Indian dishes and also roast turkey for those that wished to partake.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,052
    It's still Christmas Eve here in Nicaragua. The weather is 85F, warm and sunny though.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,052
    edited December 2019
    Incidentally, the country I'm currently in, the socialist paradise of Nicaragua, is probably the best place in the world, except maybe Venezuela, to realise the bullet we dodged on 12th December. GDP fell by 4% last year, will shrink by between 5% and 8% this year, and probably continue shrinking for a couple more years. This follows years of repression of peaceful protests, with hundreds killed and 200 people per day seeking asylum in Costa Rica, swamping their immigration authorities. The protesters are described by the First Lady as "criminals", "vampires in search of blood" and "minuscule and toxic groups."

    Corbyn, despite his obsession with Latin America, has been as deafeningly silent on the disaster unfolding in this country as he has been on Venezuela since the extent of that country's catastrophe became so obvious that not even he could deny it.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,218
    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,211
    Lol Prison Labour Boomer berg
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    Merry Christmas everyone.
    22 Across Ashley
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    edited December 2019
    Happy Chrismas to all, even to Corbyn. May he reflect on being soundly thrashed.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    1 Across Bercow
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,605
    2 down eleven
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    edited December 2019
    21 down = niece
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,806
    Good morning and merry Christmas, everyone.

    Mr. 1000, I hope your pestilence abates promptly (some of my family are coughing and sputtering a lot so I imagine that'll be how I spend Boxing Day).
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    squareroot2 said:

    Happy Chrismas to all, even to Corbyn. May he reflect on being soundly thrashed.

    I hadn’t realised he and Laura were into that.
  • FregglesFreggles Posts: 3,486
    Happy Christmas!
    If you are reading this, my new phone works properly on PB! A key test passed.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    23 across = Winnie (probably)
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    Morning. All solutions correct so far.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    22 across anagram if He lays. Anagram indicated by the word “out”. Lord Ashley, Labour disability campaigner.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609
    edited December 2019
    Merry Christmas all. Awoke to a Mark Rothko-styled sunrise....
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    1 across. Live = be. Argument = row. Conservative leader = C. Be + r(C)ow = Bercow.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    2 down. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has the key to Number 11 Downing Street.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    Is 4 down Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington and PM) Actor = (Orson) Welles and Ley =lines?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,936
    Merry Christmas one and all from 39,000 feet above the Atlantic.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    21 down. Eden’s trouble (and strife) = wife, was Clarissa Spencer Churchill. In relation to Winston Churchill, she was his niece. And remarkably she is still alive.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,868
    MarqueeMark said:

    Merry Christmas all. Awoke to a Mark Rothko-styled sunrise....

    MarqueeMark said:

    Merry Christmas all. Awoke to a Mark Rothko-styled sunrise....

    England awaits
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    It is very quiet in here this morning.

    Channel 5 is showing Scrooge, with Alistair Sim. BBC2 has Scrooge with Albert Finney. ITV has A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey. BBC1 is missing a trick here!
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    23 across. Winnie was Victory’s signaller, as in Winston Churchill with his V for Victory. Also Winnie Mandela, who kissed Nelson Mandela.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,806
    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,468
    Compliments of the Season to all from thankfully dry Essex. Not as exotic as some places, I know!,
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    edited December 2019
    Freggles said:

    Happy Christmas!
    If you are reading this, my new phone works properly on PB! A key test passed.

    Second test: download crossword solver app.
  • peter_from_putneypeter_from_putney Posts: 6,956
    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    Yes, 4 down is Wellesley, as explained.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,936
    edited December 2019
    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.

    Luckily I'm not flying this thing! I do have news for @TheScreamingEagles - BA categorises Die Hard under "Festive Cheer". If the flag carrier thinks it is a Christmas movie, that settles it. :D:p
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,609
    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.

    NORAD tells us he is about to reach Flagstaff Arizona.....

    https://www.noradsanta.org/
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,868
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.

    Luckily I'm not flying this thing! I do have news for @TheScreamingEagles - BA categorises Die Hard under "Festive Cheer". If the flag carrier thinks it is a Christmas movie, that settles it. :D:p
    :)

    I was sad when Great Escape got demoted to Easter.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,936
    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Hope you and the family feel better soon!
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,218
    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,298
    24 down is non ?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 59,936
    edited December 2019
    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

    :o you were injected by the flu, and then got the flu?

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    Yes, 24 down is Non. What Pm is after is noon, (afternoon). Nothing = 0. Noon, less 0 = Non. To veto, or say no to, in Brussels, is “Non”. As in De Gaulle’s famous “Non” to Macmillan. “Ne pleurez pas, milord”.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,218
    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

    :o you were injected by the flu, and then got the flu?

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
    We had flu jabs about six weeks ago. But this year's flu is (unusually) mostly Influenza B which was not what the makers of the vaccine expected. The result is that we have little (or no) immunity to it via the flu jab.

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,468
    rcs1000 said:

    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

    :o you were injected by the flu, and then got the flu?

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
    We had flu jabs about six weeks ago. But this year's flu is (unusually) mostly Influenza B which was not what the makers of the vaccine expected. The result is that we have little (or no) immunity to it via the flu jab.

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
    It’s a worldwide problem
  • northern_monkeynorthern_monkey Posts: 1,639
    Merry Christmas everyone, Have a great day 😄
  • Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 14,354
    Happy Christmas and a Brexity New Year to one and all!
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720
    Wot no polls? I want a judge led enquiry...

    Happy Christmas, and good health!
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 28,386
    OldKingCole said:

    rcs1000 said:

    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

    :o you were injected by the flu, and then got the flu?

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
    We had flu jabs about six weeks ago. But this year's flu is (unusually) mostly Influenza B which was not what the makers of the vaccine expected. The result is that we have little (or no) immunity to it via the flu jab.

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
    It’s a worldwide problem
    Don't worry. Boris will sort it out! Merry Christmas.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    Foxy said:

    Wot no polls? I want a judge led enquiry...

    Happy Christmas, and good health!

    You are Ed Miliband and I claim my bottle of festive punch.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 42,231
    Happy Christmas to all - and good luck with the crossword.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    He’s with Carrie,* and they’re both overseas...so not today.

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,298
    5 down... records?
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 28,386
    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    He’s with Carrie,* and they’re both overseas...so not today.

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
  • andypetukandypetuk Posts: 69
    9 Across Republic
    11 Across. Negate
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    Yes, 5 down is Records. Touching = re, on the subject of. Trousers = cords, (corduroys). What Hansard does - it records parliament.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    9 across. Yes, Republic. Soldiers = RE, Royal Engineers. Left = L. In charge = IC. Local = pub. RE + PUB + L I C = Republic. A government, for instance.
  • peter_from_putneypeter_from_putney Posts: 6,956
    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    Thanks for asking. In fact last Christmas' joke was so good that it rather left the legendary Kipper Tie rendition in the shade and I decided therefore that it definitely deserved another outing as follows:

    A man joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence: he's allowed to say two words every seven years.
    After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. "Cold floors," he says. They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "Bad food." They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "I quit."
    They nod and say: "Understood, you've been doing nothing but complain ever since you got here!"

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    11 across. Yes, Negate. Officer = Gen(eral). Returning officer = Neg. had = ate, as in consumed. Neg + ate = Negate = cancel.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    Thanks for asking. In fact last Christmas' joke was so good that it rather left the legendary Kipper Tie rendition in the shade and I decided therefore that it definitely deserved another outing as follows:

    A man joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence: he's allowed to say two words every seven years.
    After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. "Cold floors," he says. They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "Bad food." They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "I quit."
    They nod and say: "Understood, you've been doing nothing but complain ever since you got here!"

    Merry Xmas Peter! We are a tag team. 😀
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    edited December 2019
    deleted
  • paulyork64paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    Merry christmas all. Cant see this done already but 15 down archangel?
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,941
    Mexicanpete said:

    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    He’s with Carrie,* and they’re both overseas...so not today.

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
    Wasn't it Christmas in Downing Street and New Year in Mustique? No Chequers if so -- is his resignation over Theresa May's Chequers deal too recent?
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,720
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    Thanks for asking. In fact last Christmas' joke was so good that it rather left the legendary Kipper Tie rendition in the shade and I decided therefore that it definitely deserved another outing as follows:

    A man joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence: he's allowed to say two words every seven years.
    After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. "Cold floors," he says. They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "Bad food." They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "I quit."
    They nod and say: "Understood, you've been doing nothing but complain ever since you got here!"

    Reminds me of a Russian joke:

    Ivan and Vladimir leave for their Dacha, with a crate of vodka.

    On the third day Ivan asks Vladimir "Do you think we should get something to eat?" Vladimir replies "Did we come here to drink or to talk?
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    edited December 2019
    15 down. Yes, Archangel. Sly = arch. Investor = angel. Arch+angel = archangel. Michael is one of the archangels. I couldn’t come up with a way of making that one a political clue.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,605
    A Jewish joke for Christmas:

    Three Jewish gentlemen were complaining about their sons.
    1st Jewish gentleman: "I sent my son to Israel on holiday and he came back a Christian"
    2nd Jewish gentleman: "I sent my son to Israel to a kibbutz and HE came back a Christian".
    3rd Jewish gentlemen: "I sent my son to Israel to university and HE came back a Christian too".
    All three gentlemen fall on their knees, clasp their hands and pray to God.
    God says "You think you have problems. I sent my son to Israel ...."
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 63,106
    Merry Christmas to one and all
  • nunu2nunu2 Posts: 1,453
    edited December 2019
    You know what I liked about BoJo's Christmas message? It wasn't just some generic message about good will to all men, it was a message to persecuted Christian's around the world. Saying his government will help them and will be engaged with their plight.

    I hope he follows through. But I hope he also criticizes the likes of China as well for their genocidal treatment of their Muslim minority soon.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,164
    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    We had flu jabs :smile:

    :o you were injected by the flu, and then got the flu?

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
    Hello Dr. Wakefield!
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,164

    RAF_Luton
    ‏ @RAF_Luton

    BREAKING: Statement from Station CO Gp Capt Harry Stashe "Moments ago #RAFLuton scambled our Quick Reaction Airplanes after an unidentified aircraft entered our air space, Pilot Flt Lt Dave "Blitzy" Blitzen shot the aircraft down. A search is now on for the crew #Christmas
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    3 Down Chuka Umunna would fit but other than returned miners = MUN (NUM backwards) I can't see how the rest of the clue applies.
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,359
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    Thanks for asking. In fact last Christmas' joke was so good that it rather left the legendary Kipper Tie rendition in the shade and I decided therefore that it definitely deserved another outing as follows:

    A man joins a monastery and takes a vow of silence: he's allowed to say two words every seven years.
    After the first seven years, the elders bring him in and ask for his two words. "Cold floors," he says. They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "Bad food." They nod and send him away.
    Seven more years pass. They bring him back in and ask for his two words. He clears his throat and says, "I quit."
    They nod and say: "Understood, you've been doing nothing but complain ever since you got here!"

    That is a cracker for sure
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,359
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Merry Christmas to one and all

    Merry Christmas G
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,359
    nunu2 said:

    You know what I liked about BoJo's Christmas message? It wasn't just some generic message about good will to all men, it was a message to persecuted Christian's around the world. Saying his government will help them and will be engaged with their plight.

    I hope he follows through. But I hope he also criticizes the likes of China as well for their genocidal treatment of their Muslim minority soon.

    Will be usual empty rhetoric and soon forgotten when on to next soundbite.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,605
    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    Merry xmas and wish you all the best for 2020
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,211
    stjohn said:

    15 down. Yes, Archangel. Sly = arch. Investor = angel. Arch+angel = archangel. Michael is one of the archangels. I couldn’t come up with a way of making that one a political clue.

    Lol I have no chance on this. First time I've ever come across that particular synonym for sly
  • MattWMattW Posts: 23,253
    Happy Christmas all.

    I will listen to the Boris Christmas Message later.

    His message for Eid will be interesting, as one of the projects that needs serious application is supporting the development of a version of Islam that can be indigenous to a pluralist society - and in this country we have prominent lobby groups beholden to all the versions that still hold sway in the ME.

    To my eye that is partly due to a failure on the part of the UK to get to grips with fairly poisonous educational materials dripping in from eg Saudi and Iran during the 70s / 80s / 90s.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,678
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.

    Luckily I'm not flying this thing! I do have news for @TheScreamingEagles - BA categorises Die Hard under "Festive Cheer". If the flag carrier thinks it is a Christmas movie, that settles it. :D:p
    No wonder BA are so poorly regarded.

    British Airways has taken a nosedive in UK passengers’ opinions and is now rated just above Ryanair at the bottom end of the airline rankings.

    The flag carrier was among the worst rated for food, seat comfort and value for money on both short and long-haul services in the annual Which? poll.

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/dec/19/british-airways-slumps-near-bottom-passenger-survey-airlines?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,678
    Happy Christmas everybody.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    3 down. Yes, Chuka Umunna. A period (of play) in polo is a chukka. Talking or saying out loud “chukka” gives “chuka”. Female is Una and NUM returned is MUN. MUN blocked by UNA =
    U(MUN)NA. Politician = Chuka Umunna. I couldn’t in all honesty ascribe him to a particular political party with any confidence, as that could well have changed by the time the crossword was published!
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,806
    I have discovered that gingerbread fudge is very tasty.

    The experiment continues.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,675
    Happy Christmas

    Right now in Islington the Corbyn household is settling down to watch the Queens speech.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    Barnesian said:

    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.

    has it been in your inbox for a few days or is it a new one?
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    I think 13 Across is Johnny Mercer.

    BTW I have only just discovered that Johnny Mercer's middle name is Luther.

  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,424
    Mexicanpete said:

    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
    He’s with Carrie,* and they’re both overseas...so not today.

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
    Never heard it called that before...
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    Yes, 17 across is Johnny Mercer. Can = johnny, as in toilet. Just = mere, as in “mere minutes away“. Cope at first = c. Right = R. Jonny + Mer(c)e + r = Tory.
  • sladeslade Posts: 2,043
    Merry Christmas everyone. There are no local by-elections tomorrow.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 694
    Sorry. I got 13 across confused with 17 across. I must now stop trying to multi task and give the Christmas meal my full attention. Bye for now.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,148
    https://twitter.com/YouGov/status/1209760063109378048?s=20
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,148
    Happy Christmas to all PBers
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 62,769
    HYUFD said:

    Happy Christmas to all PBers

    Thanks. Merry Xmas to one and all, and peace on earth.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,605
    squareroot2 said:

    Barnesian said:

    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.

    has it been in your inbox for a few days or is it a new one?
    A new one. Just now.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    edited December 2019
    HYUFD said:

    https://twitter.com/YouGov/status/1209760063109378048?s=20

    My late wife and I used to open our presents on Xmas eve (I think the Germans do that) second time round I have to wait till after Breakfast on Xmas Day!
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 6,729
    Jonathan said:

    Happy Christmas

    Right now in Islington the Corbyn household is settling down to watch the Queens speech.

    Brilliant!
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,623
    Merry Christmas everyone!

    One day off from news and politics, best wishes to all PBers and their families - and especially to those for whom it’s going to be difficult to celebrate this year.
  • Ave_itAve_it Posts: 2,411
    Happy Christmas all 😊
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,880
    Merry Christmas to all PBers!
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,880
    Still no "easy" PB crossword? I'll have to rustle one up next year! (though I probably said that last year!)
  • andypetukandypetuk Posts: 69
    14 Across. Milk Snatcher
    19 Down. Mervyn
  • twistedfirestopper3twistedfirestopper3 Posts: 2,434
    Merry Christmas PB. Hope you all have a good one. I'm at work for the 3rd Christmas Day in a row, but by choice this time, so don't feel too sorry for me. :D
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    edited December 2019
    14 across. Yes, Milk Snatcher. American activist = (Harvey) Milk. Bit = snatch, as in a snatch of music. Monarch = ER, (Elizabeth Regina). Altogether = Maggie Thatcher, so called.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,861
    edited December 2019
    19 down. Yes. Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England. Start to monarchy = M. Nervy M disturbed = anagrammed = Mervyn.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 51,880
    edited December 2019
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.

    Luckily I'm not flying this thing! I do have news for @TheScreamingEagles - BA categorises Die Hard under "Festive Cheer". If the flag carrier thinks it is a Christmas movie, that settles it. :D:p
    No wonder BA are so poorly regarded.

    British Airways has taken a nosedive in UK passengers’ opinions and is now rated just above Ryanair at the bottom end of the airline rankings.

    The flag carrier was among the worst rated for food, seat comfort and value for money on both short and long-haul services in the annual Which? poll.

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/dec/19/british-airways-slumps-near-bottom-passenger-survey-airlines?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
    Argyle, the driver in Bruce Willis's limo, was listening to "Christmas in Hollis":

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

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