You idiot, as of 13 minutes ago it’s ‘over Kiev a new dawn is breaking.’
Honestly, can’t you read plain Russian?
Balls. Sorry tovarish.
You have given it all away. Activate escape plan.
We shall reconvene in 24 hours at the coal mine we discussed in Keighley. If anyone asks, you are there as part of a Ukrainian delegation to get ideas from the expert deep Yorkshire miners on how to restart mining in the Donbass.
You idiot, as of 13 minutes ago it’s ‘over Kiev a new dawn is breaking.’
Honestly, can’t you read plain Russian?
Balls. Sorry tovarish.
You have given it all away. Activate escape plan.
We shall reconvene in 24 hours at the coal mine we discussed in Keighley. If anyone asks, you are there as part of a Ukrainian delegation to get ideas from the expert deep Yorkshire miners on how to restart mining in the Donbass.
My heart is drowned / In the slow sound / Languorous and long.
Good figures. Useless fact: I'm going on a train tomorrow for the first time in many months because I have a blood donating appointment, so it'll be interesting to see just how busy it is on public transport on the first day of non-essential shops and pub gardens being open in England.
You idiot, as of 13 minutes ago it’s ‘over Kiev a new dawn is breaking.’
Honestly, can’t you read plain Russian?
Balls. Sorry tovarish.
You have given it all away. Activate escape plan.
We shall reconvene in 24 hours at the coal mine we discussed in Keighley. If anyone asks, you are there as part of a Ukrainian delegation to get ideas from the expert deep Yorkshire miners on how to restart mining in the Donbass.
I thought we were viewing the cathedrals?
That is what we want them to think!
Just 80 days into the Biden administration and this thread has been annexed by the Russians, and without retaliatory action. Not a good start!
You idiot, as of 13 minutes ago it’s ‘over Kiev a new dawn is breaking.’
Honestly, can’t you read plain Russian?
Balls. Sorry tovarish.
You have given it all away. Activate escape plan.
We shall reconvene in 24 hours at the coal mine we discussed in Keighley. If anyone asks, you are there as part of a Ukrainian delegation to get ideas from the expert deep Yorkshire miners on how to restart mining in the Donbass.
My heart is drowned / In the slow sound / Languorous and long.
Pull yourself together!
I was trying to start the extensive sabotage operation for the Britisher Railways, Komrade.
If we make all their trains 10 minutes late and over crowded, their country will collapse!
It’s early days. There will come a time when not being Trump and having his limitations isn’t enough.
In politics, one has to look ahead. For example, if one's child is ever to become President of the USA, it needs to be born there, AIUI. In these uncertain days of pandemic, a pregnant woman would need to think carefully about leaving the US in case she couldn't get back in time for the birth.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be born there, it just has to be a ‘natural born citizen.’ McCain wasn’t born in America, for example.
What might have complicated matters in this case is of course if born in Britain the child would automatically be entitled to British citizenship through Harry.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Americans voting in the *nephew* of the King of England (as he will be once William is King) as their President.
True, and bluntly if s/he turns out like their parents I’m not sure they would make a good Head of State, but I was only considering the exact constitutional point as a theoretical exercise.
I believe a requirement of naturalising as a US citizen is to renounce any foreign titles and peerages. For this is reason I think it unlikely Harry will ever become a US citizen.
A relative was an American tax lawyer. He always advised his clients against becoming American citizens unless they were usre they wanted to live there forever, because the US taxes your worldwide income if you're a citizen unles you renounce your citizenship. And if you do that, it's pretty painful to visit or do business in the US again.
So I suppose we'll soon see how motivated Harry is.
When I hear that, I always wonder why we don’t do the same? Free money.
a) it's extremely cumbersome and bureaucratic b) because they allow citizens to deduct foreign taxes from their US tax bill it doesn't raise that much money c) it gives expats a big incentive to renounce their citizenship.
They seem to think it's worth it.
You fail to understand the US system of government.
It actually costs money for them to collect overseas taxes.
However, it provides a nice set of permanent civil service jobs in various US states - which helps get certain people re-elected. In addition, they can sell it at as "cracking down on those Evul Offshoring bar stewards".
In many ways a classic American government policy - expensive, useless and carefully defended by special interests.
Biden does well because he's a kind of an old-fashioned American ("call me, Joe" etc.) that reminds them of their best years and can thus reach across party lines and touch parts other Democrats would struggle to do. He even takes classic American trains, for Christ's sake.
He's also doing well with his massive blue-collar jack up of the minimum wage, and workers rights, which will be very popular in the rust belt. Delivering milk and honey whereas Trump was just talk.
Why does his brand work? Why does *he* work?
Because he's being himself, and thus it's sincere.
It’s early days. There will come a time when not being Trump and having his limitations isn’t enough.
In politics, one has to look ahead. For example, if one's child is ever to become President of the USA, it needs to be born there, AIUI. In these uncertain days of pandemic, a pregnant woman would need to think carefully about leaving the US in case she couldn't get back in time for the birth.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be born there, it just has to be a ‘natural born citizen.’ McCain wasn’t born in America, for example.
What might have complicated matters in this case is of course if born in Britain the child would automatically be entitled to British citizenship through Harry.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Americans voting in the *nephew* of the King of England (as he will be once William is King) as their President.
True, and bluntly if s/he turns out like their parents I’m not sure they would make a good Head of State, but I was only considering the exact constitutional point as a theoretical exercise.
I believe a requirement of naturalising as a US citizen is to renounce any foreign titles and peerages. For this is reason I think it unlikely Harry will ever become a US citizen.
A relative was an American tax lawyer. He always advised his clients against becoming American citizens unless they were usre they wanted to live there forever, because the US taxes your worldwide income if you're a citizen unles you renounce your citizenship. And if you do that, it's pretty painful to visit or do business in the US again.
So I suppose we'll soon see how motivated Harry is.
When I hear that, I always wonder why we don’t do the same? Free money.
a) it's extremely cumbersome and bureaucratic b) because they allow citizens to deduct foreign taxes from their US tax bill it doesn't raise that much money c) it gives expats a big incentive to renounce their citizenship.
The French did talk about doing something similar, and IIRC they weren't going to allow a foreign tax deduction!
What about all the tax treaties they signed that are supposed to eliminate double taxation?
God rest her soul, my late wife was a Doctor and her GP badge. DOCTOR ON CALL . proved very useful on more than one occasion during the fuel crisis. I could occasionally use her car to get to work.... and fully fuelled.
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
You idiot, as of 13 minutes ago it’s ‘over Kiev a new dawn is breaking.’
Honestly, can’t you read plain Russian?
Balls. Sorry tovarish.
You have given it all away. Activate escape plan.
We shall reconvene in 24 hours at the coal mine we discussed in Keighley. If anyone asks, you are there as part of a Ukrainian delegation to get ideas from the expert deep Yorkshire miners on how to restart mining in the Donbass.
My heart is drowned / In the slow sound / Languorous and long.
Pull yourself together!
I was trying to start the extensive sabotage operation for the Britisher Railways, Komrade.
If we make all their trains 10 minutes late and over crowded, their country will collapse!
I think when you arrive on location you'll find yourself fixing bolts and the like in sympathy.
It’s early days. There will come a time when not being Trump and having his limitations isn’t enough.
In politics, one has to look ahead. For example, if one's child is ever to become President of the USA, it needs to be born there, AIUI. In these uncertain days of pandemic, a pregnant woman would need to think carefully about leaving the US in case she couldn't get back in time for the birth.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be born there, it just has to be a ‘natural born citizen.’ McCain wasn’t born in America, for example.
What might have complicated matters in this case is of course if born in Britain the child would automatically be entitled to British citizenship through Harry.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Americans voting in the *nephew* of the King of England (as he will be once William is King) as their President.
True, and bluntly if s/he turns out like their parents I’m not sure they would make a good Head of State, but I was only considering the exact constitutional point as a theoretical exercise.
I believe a requirement of naturalising as a US citizen is to renounce any foreign titles and peerages. For this is reason I think it unlikely Harry will ever become a US citizen.
A relative was an American tax lawyer. He always advised his clients against becoming American citizens unless they were usre they wanted to live there forever, because the US taxes your worldwide income if you're a citizen unles you renounce your citizenship. And if you do that, it's pretty painful to visit or do business in the US again.
So I suppose we'll soon see how motivated Harry is.
When I hear that, I always wonder why we don’t do the same? Free money.
a) it's extremely cumbersome and bureaucratic b) because they allow citizens to deduct foreign taxes from their US tax bill it doesn't raise that much money c) it gives expats a big incentive to renounce their citizenship.
They seem to think it's worth it.
You fail to understand the US system of government.
It actually costs money for them to collect overseas taxes.
However, it provides a nice set of permanent civil service jobs in various US states - which helps get certain people re-elected. In addition, they can sell it at as "cracking down on those Evul Offshoring bar stewards".
In many ways a classic American government policy - expensive, useless and carefully defended by special interests.
I think it's also the accountants who have to do lots of pointless expat tax returns.
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
The biggest changes in East Ham High Street will be the re-opening of the betting shops - each one is either a social club for Romanians, Bulgarians, Albanians and the like - and of course Primark where there will be a huge queue.
The other shop likely to see brisk business is the school outfitters. I suspect our Spoons won't be opening while my local cafe is talking about putting a couple of outdoor tables - the problem is one tends to be occupied by a smoker who takes three hours over a cup of tea and the ambience of the Barking Road, while unique and not without a certain charm - isn't really the pub garden by the river.
I fear the full return of cafe culture East Ham style is still five weeks away.
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
I sold my place, so I have an alarming amount of cash. This therefore isn't so great.
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
I sold my place, so I have an alarming amount of cash. This therefore isn't so great.
I'm increasingly convinced that London is going to boom, at least for a while. Predix of its death (some by me) were badly premature
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Sunny weather all week, it's almost as if mother nature knows that thos shit is finally over.
Neither as some of us have to work for a living and I'm far from convinced for all the bravura a hot toddy rather than a beer will be the drink required for al fresco socialising tomorrow.
The de-thatching is booked for the 20th as there's no rush and as there's no hostelry near me with anything approaching an attractive outdoor space, I suspect it will be some while before I set foot in a pub.
May 17th is of course much more significant as I will be able to return to my table at the cafe in the Barking Road and it'll be full social distancing of course - as it always was - the Racing Post and a snarl if anyone comes too close (unless they are bringing food or drink in which case they will be greeted with a sullen "thank you" before returning to the important issues of the day such as the first at Windsor).
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
Time to stick a 100% stamp duty rate for foreign owners. Might as well pay for this COVID shite by taxing foreigners from Russia, China and the Middle East.
I'll be going out for dinner for my birthday on Tuesday. The wine list will be perused.
Hair is no longer relevant for me because I have discovered I can do my own perfectly well. Follically challenged husband, who does not simply want the whole lot cut off, needs professional attention and will be off to the barbers later in the month.
I would be back to the gym as well this week, but now I've had my jab appointment through I shall be avoiding doing any new indoor activities until it's been given and had time to work.
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
Time to stick a 100% stamp duty rate for foreign owners. Might as well pay for this COVID shite by taxing foreigners from Russia, China and the Middle East.
Tiny bit early for that. Let's get them back first, get London motoring, the world's pre-emiment city, then we can think about some major taxes. Confidence will be fragile for a while
The influx from Hong Kong alone could be phenomenal. Bringing in all their enterprise and cash. Sad for HK but great for London and UK PLC
All this talk of spending a work day in the barbers, long lunches in restaurants and afternoon drinking sessions in bars....we aren't the French you know.
Neither as some of us have to work for a living and I'm far from convinced for all the bravura a hot toddy rather than a beer will be the drink required for al fresco socialising tomorrow.
The de-thatching is booked for the 20th as there's no rush and as there's no hostelry near me with anything approaching an attractive outdoor space, I suspect it will be some while before I set foot in a pub.
May 17th is of course much more significant as I will be able to return to my table at the cafe in the Barking Road and it'll be full social distancing of course - as it always was - the Racing Post and a snarl if anyone comes too close (unless they are bringing food or drink in which case they will be greeted with a sullen "thank you" before returning to the important issues of the day such as the first at Windsor).
Forecast is chilly but sunny. But a lot of pubs have got windbreaks and patio heaters. The April sun is now WARM if you can avoid the breeze. The week after it gets properly warm, supposedly....
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Sunny weather all week, it's almost as if mother nature knows that thos shit is finally over.
Where are you? It was very grey yesterday and while today was nice until mid afternoon it then snowed (in London).
All this talk of spending a work day in the barbers, long lunches in restaurants and afternoon drinking sessions in bars....we aren't the French you know.
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Sunny weather all week, it's almost as if mother nature knows that thos shit is finally over.
Where are you? It was very grey yesterday and while today was nice until mid afternoon it then snowed (in London).
North London, it's been sunny all day. Clear skies now too.
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Sunny weather all week, it's almost as if mother nature knows that thos shit is finally over.
Where are you? It was very grey yesterday and while today was nice until mid afternoon it then snowed (in London).
North London, it's been sunny all day. Clear skies now too.
Forecast is chilly but sunny. But a lot of pubs have got windbreaks and patio heaters. The April sun is now WARM if you can avoid the breeze. The week after it gets properly warm, supposedly....
That may be the case in your part of North London, Martin, which seems increasingly to resemble a cheesy Dickensian parody with happy chimney sweeps and shopkeepers counting the hours until life returns to normal.
Perhaps the park will be full of children flying kites and enjoying the new "toot sweets".
It’s early days. There will come a time when not being Trump and having his limitations isn’t enough.
In politics, one has to look ahead. For example, if one's child is ever to become President of the USA, it needs to be born there, AIUI. In these uncertain days of pandemic, a pregnant woman would need to think carefully about leaving the US in case she couldn't get back in time for the birth.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be born there, it just has to be a ‘natural born citizen.’ McCain wasn’t born in America, for example.
What might have complicated matters in this case is of course if born in Britain the child would automatically be entitled to British citizenship through Harry.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Americans voting in the *nephew* of the King of England (as he will be once William is King) as their President.
True, and bluntly if s/he turns out like their parents I’m not sure they would make a good Head of State, but I was only considering the exact constitutional point as a theoretical exercise.
I believe a requirement of naturalising as a US citizen is to renounce any foreign titles and peerages. For this is reason I think it unlikely Harry will ever become a US citizen.
A relative was an American tax lawyer. He always advised his clients against becoming American citizens unless they were usre they wanted to live there forever, because the US taxes your worldwide income if you're a citizen unles you renounce your citizenship. And if you do that, it's pretty painful to visit or do business in the US again.
So I suppose we'll soon see how motivated Harry is.
When I hear that, I always wonder why we don’t do the same? Free money.
a) it's extremely cumbersome and bureaucratic b) because they allow citizens to deduct foreign taxes from their US tax bill it doesn't raise that much money c) it gives expats a big incentive to renounce their citizenship.
They seem to think it's worth it.
You fail to understand the US system of government.
It actually costs money for them to collect overseas taxes.
However, it provides a nice set of permanent civil service jobs in various US states - which helps get certain people re-elected. In addition, they can sell it at as "cracking down on those Evul Offshoring bar stewards".
In many ways a classic American government policy - expensive, useless and carefully defended by special interests.
I think it's also the accountants who have to do lots of pointless expat tax returns.
Yes, that to....
I have a piece half written in my head on the SLS project, and why AOC will fight for it. The tragedy of American government.
Forecast is chilly but sunny. But a lot of pubs have got windbreaks and patio heaters. The April sun is now WARM if you can avoid the breeze. The week after it gets properly warm, supposedly....
That may be the case in your part of North London, Martin, which seems increasingly to resemble a cheesy Dickensian parody with happy chimney sweeps and shopkeepers counting the hours until life returns to normal.
Perhaps the park will be full of children flying kites and enjoying the new "toot sweets".
No such romanticised idyll here in East London.
So move! Come and join us in chirpy cockney Camden with our snooty Primrose Hill neighbs!
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
They seem to have a new variant of some sort. Saw an Indian doctor on the BBC saying it spreads faster, affects younger people and may even escape immunity from previous infection.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
They seem to have a new variant of some sort. Saw an Indian doctor on the BBC saying it spreads faster, affects younger people and may even escape immunity from previous infection.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
India have just completed 100m first doses of vaccine and are planning to do the next 100m in half the time. I'm hoping that India can vaccinate its way out of this because lockdown isn't going to work there as it impoverished the nation last time.
Forecast is chilly but sunny. But a lot of pubs have got windbreaks and patio heaters. The April sun is now WARM if you can avoid the breeze. The week after it gets properly warm, supposedly....
That may be the case in your part of North London, Martin, which seems increasingly to resemble a cheesy Dickensian parody with happy chimney sweeps and shopkeepers counting the hours until life returns to normal.
Perhaps the park will be full of children flying kites and enjoying the new "toot sweets".
No such romanticised idyll here in East London.
So move! Come and join us in chirpy cockney Camden with our snooty Primrose Hill neighbs!
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
I haven't booked anywhere for tomorrow. Maybe if the weather is terrible you might be able to just walk in a have a drink in a pub garden.
My local pub does have rather a lot of tables out, there must be 20. South East facing garden, overlooking ridged field with newborn lambs. Sunny but 8° seems rather optimistic to me. I have late finishes for a couple of days so might try for Wednesday. I have a Greek friend who likes to discuss Philosophy over a pint, and I need to dispute his interpretation of Foucalt.
Our local boozer has a beer garden, so I expect them to be opening up tomorrow. The cafe up the road has a few outside tables so they'll be able to add to their takeaway trade. That's if you fancy sitting next to a roundabout.
A more attractive option is the cafe next to the canal. Up until now you have had the farce of their outside tables being out of bounds, but people taking their 'takeaway' and sitting on the public benches about 10 yards away. The proprietor also happens to be our candidate in the council elections.
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Sunny weather all week, it's almost as if mother nature knows that thos shit is finally over.
Where are you? It was very grey yesterday and while today was nice until mid afternoon it then snowed (in London).
North London, it's been sunny all day. Clear skies now too.
I haven't booked anywhere for tomorrow. Maybe if the weather is terrible you might be able to just walk in a have a drink in a pub garden.
My local pub does have rather a lot of tables out, there must be 20. South East facing garden, overlooking ridged field with newborn lambs. Sunny but 8° seems rather optimistic to me. I have late finishes for a couple of days so might try for Wednesday. I have a Greek friend who likes to discuss Philosophy over a pint, and I need to dispute his interpretation of Foucalt.
So they came from Greece with a thirst for knowledge. And a thirst, full stop.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Enjoy!
Indeed, may all PBers enjoy our hardwon and still-partial freedoms from tomorrow. Good God, we've earned them
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
I haven't booked anywhere for tomorrow. Maybe if the weather is terrible you might be able to just walk in a have a drink in a pub garden.
My local pub does have rather a lot of tables out, there must be 20. South East facing garden, overlooking ridged field with newborn lambs. Sunny but 8° seems rather optimistic to me. I have late finishes for a couple of days so might try for Wednesday. I have a Greek friend who likes to discuss Philosophy over a pint, and I need to dispute his interpretation of Foucalt.
So they came from Greece with a thirst for knowledge. And a thirst, full stop.
I am very fond of the Greeks that I work with. They are good doctors, but also well educated in other ways. Greece has excellent Universities and intelligent peoples, but there simply are far too few jobs there for numbers of graduates. There is farming, shipping, tourism and the military, and the professions, but too little white collar private work.
Unfortunately Greece has too many doctors so many move abroad for work, not just for the money, but to use their knowledge rather than to scrape a living in a backstreet office. They live like students in term time, as their partners are back home, and like a beer of an evening.
So we shall have a symposium on Wednesday evening, where we discuss intellectual things, and drink, for that is the meaning of symposium.
Signs of progress reported in UK-EU dialogue over Northern Ireland trade rules.
I was going to make a joke about this, but I had second thoughts: it's far too serious to do so.
I just hope that behind the bluster everything possible is done to facilitate GB-NI intra-UK trade in the interests of peace, not one upmanship.
Border pedantry is the main EU win from the deal. It's going to be very difficult to get them to compromise on it. I'm not hopeful.
I think the EU know full well that they either agree to modify the NI protocol or the UK will do so unilaterally. It is politically unsustainable at present and their fantasy that it will crowbar the UK back into a soft Brexit is both reckless and delusional.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
You looking in town?
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
You looking in town?
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
My wardrobe has barely been opened. The drawer full of T-shirts has seen plenty of use, however.
Signs of progress reported in UK-EU dialogue over Northern Ireland trade rules.
I was going to make a joke about this, but I had second thoughts: it's far too serious to do so.
I just hope that behind the bluster everything possible is done to facilitate GB-NI intra-UK trade in the interests of peace, not one upmanship.
Border pedantry is the main EU win from the deal. It's going to be very difficult to get them to compromise on it. I'm not hopeful.
I think the EU know full well that they either agree to modify the NI protocol or the UK will do so unilaterally. It is politically unsustainable at present and their fantasy that it will crowbar the UK back into a soft Brexit is both reckless and delusional.
True but with the EU legalistic pedantry usually wins over pragmatism, especially where one of their fetishistic competences is concerned. Otherwise, they'd have given Cameron more of what he wanted and we might still be members.
And, like the Bourbons, they remember everything and learn nothing.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
You looking in town?
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
My wardrobe has barely been opened. The drawer full of T-shirts has seen plenty of use, however.
I had to wear a suit and tie for a virtual court hearing the other day. It felt...weird.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
You looking in town?
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
My wardrobe has barely been opened. The drawer full of T-shirts has seen plenty of use, however.
Signs of progress reported in UK-EU dialogue over Northern Ireland trade rules.
I was going to make a joke about this, but I had second thoughts: it's far too serious to do so.
I just hope that behind the bluster everything possible is done to facilitate GB-NI intra-UK trade in the interests of peace, not one upmanship.
Border pedantry is the main EU win from the deal. It's going to be very difficult to get them to compromise on it. I'm not hopeful.
I think the EU know full well that they either agree to modify the NI protocol or the UK will do so unilaterally. It is politically unsustainable at present and their fantasy that it will crowbar the UK back into a soft Brexit is both reckless and delusional.
True but with the EU legalistic pedantry usually wins over pragmatism, especially where one of their fetishistic competences is concerned. Otherwise, they'd have given Cameron more of what he wanted and we might still be members.
And, like the Bourbons, they remember everything and learn nothing.
The last is one of my favourite lines about the EU.
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
The chart in the article puts their rate higher than ours, but slightly lower at 38% on worldometers. Not a trivial rate, and a younger population, but not a great vaccine it seems.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
Nice week planned! I've got Saturday at the pub with my mates and then Sunday with my parents for outdoor lunch. Trying to get Thursday after work with a couple of work colleagues plus WAGs who live locally sorted but we're struggling to find a beer garden who will have us as they're all booked up.
You looking in town?
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
My wardrobe has barely been opened. The drawer full of T-shirts has seen plenty of use, however.
You don't have kids, do you?
Just a rabbit. Several garments have been 'customised' by his teeth.
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
I think the Chinese vaccines are much less efficacious than advertised, especially wrt preventing infection and spread than a single dose of Pfizer and AZ which sit at about 80% and 70% respectively after one dose and 90% and 80% after both.
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
The chart in the article puts their rate higher than ours, but slightly lower at 38% on worldometers. Not a trivial rate, and a younger population, but not a great vaccine it seems.
It's the difference between total number of doses, and total number of people. We've got the biggest immunological bang for our buck with the single dose strategy.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
Our local boozer has a beer garden, so I expect them to be opening up tomorrow. The cafe up the road has a few outside tables so they'll be able to add to their takeaway trade. That's if you fancy sitting next to a roundabout.
A more attractive option is the cafe next to the canal. Up until now you have had the farce of their outside tables being out of bounds, but people taking their 'takeaway' and sitting on the public benches about 10 yards away. The proprietor also happens to be our candidate in the council elections.
Quite a few of the pubs round here are not going to open until 17th May. Rationale is: they are doing quite nicely out of the takeaway meal trade, they don't have huge beer gardens, and the turnover would be very weather dependent. Can't blame them really.
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
The chart in the article puts their rate higher than ours, but slightly lower at 38% on worldometers. Not a trivial rate, and a younger population, but not a great vaccine it seems.
It's the difference between total number of doses, and total number of people. We've got the biggest immunological bang for our buck with the single dose strategy.
The worldometer rate is 38% having at least one dose. I think the graph disparity is that they have done a lot of second doses. It seems to match Sinovac not being great, which is ominous considering how reliant some countries are on it.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
They've vaccinated a significantly lower percentage of people than we have and have done it later, so while it's certainly a warning against complacency, we are much closer to herd immunity.
The chart in the article puts their rate higher than ours, but slightly lower at 38% on worldometers. Not a trivial rate, and a younger population, but not a great vaccine it seems.
It's the difference between total number of doses, and total number of people. We've got the biggest immunological bang for our buck with the single dose strategy.
The worldometer rate is 38% having at least one dose. I think the graph disparity is that they have done a lot of second doses. It seems to match Sinovac not being great, which is ominous considering how reliant some countries are on it.
I think william's point is that the two doses are really needed for sinovac, whereas with AZN and Pfizer you get a good degree of protection with even one. In any case, the increase is driven by the unvaccinated. Cases are decreasing amongst the older cohorts.
Without putting a downer on our unlockdowning joy, India looks like the final but evil denouement of Covid, the Drama
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Although it is second on total global Covid cases, India is only fourth on total global Covid deaths and actually has a death rate per million of only 122, below the global average of 377.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
Brazilian average life expectancy is over 70 at 75, Indian average life expectancy is under 70 at 69
There are still plenty of Indians old enough to be very vulnerable to COVID.
Yes but percentage of population wise fewer than the global average
But high vulnerability in other ways, including diabetes and vascular disease
Not showing through at present, Indian Covid death rate per million is only 122, below the global Covid death rate per million of 378.
Covid remains a disease which has most affected more developed European and American nations on the whole, the highest death rates have come in western countries like France, Slovenia, Spain and Italy, Belgium, the UK and USA plus Brazil, which is more developed and with a higher life expectancy than India
Neither as some of us have to work for a living and I'm far from convinced for all the bravura a hot toddy rather than a beer will be the drink required for al fresco socialising tomorrow.
The de-thatching is booked for the 20th as there's no rush and as there's no hostelry near me with anything approaching an attractive outdoor space, I suspect it will be some while before I set foot in a pub.
May 17th is of course much more significant as I will be able to return to my table at the cafe in the Barking Road and it'll be full social distancing of course - as it always was - the Racing Post and a snarl if anyone comes too close (unless they are bringing food or drink in which case they will be greeted with a sullen "thank you" before returning to the important issues of the day such as the first at Windsor).
Forecast is chilly but sunny. But a lot of pubs have got windbreaks and patio heaters. The April sun is now WARM if you can avoid the breeze. The week after it gets properly warm, supposedly....
I got really, a bit scarily, cold today. I cycled an out and back, 20km in each direction, uphill on the way out, mostly freewheeling on the way back, and christ it was cold on the way back, when I didn't have any physical exertion to keep me warm, even with a jumper and mittens. Took me ages to warm up at home, wrapped in a blanket with a hot water bottle and some tea, followed by a hot bath.
The world still needs "to get to the bottom of" the origins of Covid-19, and that means China still owes the world some answers, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday
Good news for Keir. Biden shows what is possible with a bit of optimism.
You cannot be serious. KS can't do optimism. He is just plain dull. He knows his limits.
Agreed. Starmer is counting on competence being the key battle ground (not necessarily a bad tactic). I do think part of Corbyn's "success" in 2017 was that they were quite positive and set the running in terms of what they'd do. Sure, the Tory manifesto helped them, but the Labour campaign was very positive.
And May's was the worst ever, promising to screw every Tory the Country.. and anyone who had a bit of dosh saved up.
Her mistake was failing to appreciate the lack of knowledge of the current system unless you directly encounter it. By drawing up a new system and making people aware that under the new system their glorious inheritance was not going to the children, people were appalled. Whether it was better or worse than the existing system wasnt important because by the time you find out about the new system granny is half way to the home and there's little else you can do about it.
May's issue was (as you say) that she announced it without spending a year before hand emphasising how unfair the current system is.
Care does need to be sorted out but there are zero votes to be gained from doing so (and a lot to be lost) so until someone finds a means of removing the politics from it nothing is going to be done.
I think this is a genuine case for a Royal Commission with clout. It would be amusing if both trading arrangements with EU and social care ended up along the lines pushed by Theresa May, the world's worst sales person...
I think there's a case for incentivising care by families.
At the moment there is. The potential inheritance pays for the nursing home until £26 000 is left.
My MiL is in a nice nursing home on the Isle of Wight, paid for by the sale of her bungalow. Her money runs out in about 9 months. She is well looked after, and personally, I do not have a problem with how it works. In effect it is paid for via her lifetime of savings.
In most cases the LA won’t move someone who is settled in a care home but will just pay the going rate
It’s early days. There will come a time when not being Trump and having his limitations isn’t enough.
In politics, one has to look ahead. For example, if one's child is ever to become President of the USA, it needs to be born there, AIUI. In these uncertain days of pandemic, a pregnant woman would need to think carefully about leaving the US in case she couldn't get back in time for the birth.
Good afternoon, everyone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be born there, it just has to be a ‘natural born citizen.’ McCain wasn’t born in America, for example.
What might have complicated matters in this case is of course if born in Britain the child would automatically be entitled to British citizenship through Harry.
It’s pretty hard to imagine Americans voting in the *nephew* of the King of England (as he will be once William is King) as their President.
True, and bluntly if s/he turns out like their parents I’m not sure they would make a good Head of State, but I was only considering the exact constitutional point as a theoretical exercise.
I believe a requirement of naturalising as a US citizen is to renounce any foreign titles and peerages. For this is reason I think it unlikely Harry will ever become a US citizen.
A relative was an American tax lawyer. He always advised his clients against becoming American citizens unless they were usre they wanted to live there forever, because the US taxes your worldwide income if you're a citizen unles you renounce your citizenship. And if you do that, it's pretty painful to visit or do business in the US again.
So I suppose we'll soon see how motivated Harry is.
When I told my tax adviser I was getting married he congratulated me. When I told him my wife was foreign he was excited about the possibilities... until I told him she was American...
Comments
https://twitter.com/CaminoMortera/status/1380963904038260746
Bloody queue jumping doctors!
If we make all their trains 10 minutes late and over crowded, their country will collapse!
It actually costs money for them to collect overseas taxes.
However, it provides a nice set of permanent civil service jobs in various US states - which helps get certain people re-elected. In addition, they can sell it at as "cracking down on those Evul Offshoring bar stewards".
In many ways a classic American government policy - expensive, useless and carefully defended by special interests.
He's also doing well with his massive blue-collar jack up of the minimum wage, and workers rights, which will be very popular in the rust belt. Delivering milk and honey whereas Trump was just talk.
Why does his brand work? Why does *he* work?
Because he's being himself, and thus it's sincere.
Tremendous sense of sudden renewal here in north London. Shops furiously cleaning. Workmen whistling in the chilly sun, barbers sweeping floors cheerily,. Pubs unshuttering all along Primrose Hill.
A couple of guys on Parkway with guitars are singing a medley of Beatles songs for no reason but fun. Joie de vivre. Not begging. Just singing
My God. We made it. We made it
*allows one manly tear*
Happy Unlockdown Eve, everybody
Anyway - trains - don't blow up trains.
Lash or trim?
Am therefore getting blotto in a Highgate pub garden. Oysters and Galician fish stew, perhaps
London has regained its spot as THE target for the ultra-rich buying property, leapfrogging NYC and Hong Kong
https://www.ft.com/content/350d24f7-5aab-4e80-9ecb-4760b6bc69fe
The FT thinks the reasons are the end of Brexit instability, a lower £ (tho that is changing), the weakening of NYC and Hong Kong, the continued pull of London law and the rest, plus maybe a vaccine boost.
Main buyers came from Russia, China (wonder if that includes HK) - plus France, unexpectedly.
The other shop likely to see brisk business is the school outfitters. I suspect our Spoons won't be opening while my local cafe is talking about putting a couple of outdoor tables - the problem is one tends to be occupied by a smoker who takes three hours over a cup of tea and the ambience of the Barking Road, while unique and not without a certain charm - isn't really the pub garden by the river.
I fear the full return of cafe culture East Ham style is still five weeks away.
We booked the Zoo - but can't get in until 1st May - great news for the zoo though
"gym before quim, except after gin"
A good motto to go by
https://twitter.com/BNODesk/status/1381307082566156288?s=20
The de-thatching is booked for the 20th as there's no rush and as there's no hostelry near me with anything approaching an attractive outdoor space, I suspect it will be some while before I set foot in a pub.
May 17th is of course much more significant as I will be able to return to my table at the cafe in the Barking Road and it'll be full social distancing of course - as it always was - the Racing Post and a snarl if anyone comes too close (unless they are bringing food or drink in which case they will be greeted with a sullen "thank you" before returning to the important issues of the day such as the first at Windsor).
Hair is no longer relevant for me because I have discovered I can do my own perfectly well. Follically challenged husband, who does not simply want the whole lot cut off, needs professional attention and will be off to the barbers later in the month.
I would be back to the gym as well this week, but now I've had my jab appointment through I shall be avoiding doing any new indoor activities until it's been given and had time to work.
The influx from Hong Kong alone could be phenomenal. Bringing in all their enterprise and cash. Sad for HK but great for London and UK PLC
It could be the worst yet. Huge surge in cases, already, if their healthcare collapses millions could die
The moment we have vaxed our adults they should be our focus. India. A great and strategic ally in Asia.
Perhaps the park will be full of children flying kites and enjoying the new "toot sweets".
No such romanticised idyll here in East London.
I have a piece half written in my head on the SLS project, and why AOC will fight for it. The tragedy of American government.
Sadly, I will be as busy as a bee next week. But, I am planning a haircut on Wednesday, inbetween meetings, and a pub lunch on Friday if I can get away.
At the weekend? I have a trip booked on a steam railway for me, my wife and daughter. Can't wait.
India's younger than average population still keeps its death rate down despite its high case rate
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
A more attractive option is the cafe next to the canal. Up until now you have had the farce of their outside tables being out of bounds, but people taking their 'takeaway' and sitting on the public benches about 10 yards away. The proprietor also happens to be our candidate in the council elections.
Signs of progress reported in UK-EU dialogue over Northern Ireland trade rules.
I just hope that behind the bluster everything possible is done to facilitate GB-NI intra-UK trade in the interests of peace, not one upmanship.
Indeed, may all PBers enjoy our hardwon and still-partial freedoms from tomorrow. Good God, we've earned them
Have a great Unlockdown Day 1
Good grief - the BBC can do better.
Unfortunately Greece has too many doctors so many move abroad for work, not just for the money, but to use their knowledge rather than to scrape a living in a backstreet office. They live like students in term time, as their partners are back home, and like a beer of an evening.
So we shall have a symposium on Wednesday evening, where we discuss intellectual things, and drink, for that is the meaning of symposium.
Out in the Shires it's a bit better.
If I'm feeling energetic, I might take the family shopping in Winchester on Sunday. My wardrobe has also suffered during lockdown.
Their efficacy does not look very good.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-vaccine-efficacy-not-high-gao/2021/04/11/dafe3ab6-9a8f-11eb-8f0a-3384cf4fb399_story.html
Do you think they'll do the gentlemanly thing about chairs?
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/11/is-vaccinating-against-covid-enough-what-we-can-learn-from-other-countries
And, like the Bourbons, they remember everything and learn nothing.
I should patent it.
https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/coronavirus-data-explorer?zoomToSelection=true&pickerSort=desc&pickerMetric=population&Metric=People+vaccinated&Interval=Cumulative&Relative+to+Population=true&Align+outbreaks=false&country=CHL~GBR~CHN
https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1380475905655603202
Covid remains a disease which has most affected more developed European and American nations on the whole, the highest death rates have come in western countries like France, Slovenia, Spain and Italy, Belgium, the UK and USA plus Brazil, which is more developed and with a higher life expectancy than India
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
https://twitter.com/politico/status/1381336379293118473
"The Bureaucracy of Grief".