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After what’s being seen as a good interview with Piers Morgan Starmer recovers a touch in the “Next

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  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 21,298

    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    You’ll be fine. I think a lot (but not all) of the people who claim to have been super ill are the same people who take to their bed for a sniffle and call everything “the flu”.
    I experienced no symptoms from the vax (Moderna) but had Covid over Xmas.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,821

    stodge said:

    Just a final thought for this evening.

    I noted the disproportionately high house price rises in the north of England and the Midlands and wondered, of we are seeing a phenomenon similar to that in the USA where conservative-minded people are leaving liberal states such as New York and California for the likes of Texas and Florida.

    Is there any evidence we could be seeing Conservative-minded voters leaving the south and trying to settle in the new heartlands of the north and midlands with the advantages remote working provides?

    It is important that there is a Waitrose which does not seem to be much represented in the red wall seats.
    I am rather pleased there isn’t one in Liverpool. The ones I went to when I lived in London and the south were overpriced and the punters were ignorant tools. The only saving grace was it was the only place I could get Jamaican blue mountain coffee.
    When we want a posh supermarket in the North West, we go for Booths.

    (Actually not 100% true - there really aren't all that many Boothses; even in the NW, Waitrose outnumber them. But all us middle class North Westerners would rather like a Booths at the end of the road.)
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118

    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    You’ll be fine. I think a lot (but not all) of the people who claim to have been super ill are the same people who take to their bed for a sniffle and call everything “the flu”.
    I think my main concern is that I’ve never really been ill. I don’t think I’ve ever had flu, never been to hospital, and the only time I’ve taken medicine in the last 15 years was to get on planes. So having a vaccine just seems weird
  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    Cookie said:

    stodge said:

    Just a final thought for this evening.

    I noted the disproportionately high house price rises in the north of England and the Midlands and wondered, of we are seeing a phenomenon similar to that in the USA where conservative-minded people are leaving liberal states such as New York and California for the likes of Texas and Florida.

    Is there any evidence we could be seeing Conservative-minded voters leaving the south and trying to settle in the new heartlands of the north and midlands with the advantages remote working provides?

    It is important that there is a Waitrose which does not seem to be much represented in the red wall seats.
    I am rather pleased there isn’t one in Liverpool. The ones I went to when I lived in London and the south were overpriced and the punters were ignorant tools. The only saving grace was it was the only place I could get Jamaican blue mountain coffee.
    When we want a posh supermarket in the North West, we go for Booths.

    (Actually not 100% true - there really aren't all that many Boothses; even in the NW, Waitrose outnumber them. But all us middle class North Westerners would rather like a Booths at the end of the road.)
    The logo is so good it’s almost worth going in for a bag for life.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,410
    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    More like a really bad but one day cold for me. Then fatigued for a week. Could do everything. Just twice as tiring.
  • justin124justin124 Posts: 11,527
    isam said:

    It seems “If you’re not a socialist when you’re 18 you’ve got no heart - if you’re still a socialist when you’re 40 you’ve got no brains” has been written tonight right here before our eyes.

    What an original concept, who knew?

    It might explain why Tory voters encounter so few cardiac problems - they have no hearts!
  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    isam said:

    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    You’ll be fine. I think a lot (but not all) of the people who claim to have been super ill are the same people who take to their bed for a sniffle and call everything “the flu”.
    I think my main concern is that I’ve never really been ill. I don’t think I’ve ever had flu, never been to hospital, and the only time I’ve taken medicine in the last 15 years was to get on planes. So having a vaccine just seems weird
    If you’re at all nervous when you get there, tell a steward when you get inside. My wife’s a volunteer at a centre and they are really good at helping people and making it work for you. It is natural for it to feel a bit weird to be having something in a clinical setting when there’s nothing wrong with you and you don’t go to them much.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202

    stodge said:

    Just a final thought for this evening.

    I noted the disproportionately high house price rises in the north of England and the Midlands and wondered, of we are seeing a phenomenon similar to that in the USA where conservative-minded people are leaving liberal states such as New York and California for the likes of Texas and Florida.

    Is there any evidence we could be seeing Conservative-minded voters leaving the south and trying to settle in the new heartlands of the north and midlands with the advantages remote working provides?

    It is important that there is a Waitrose which does not seem to be much represented in the red wall seats.
    I am rather pleased there isn’t one in Liverpool. The ones I went to when I lived in London and the south were overpriced and the punters were ignorant tools. The only saving grace was it was the only place I could get Jamaican blue mountain coffee.
    May I save this comment?
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118

    isam said:

    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    You’ll be fine. I think a lot (but not all) of the people who claim to have been super ill are the same people who take to their bed for a sniffle and call everything “the flu”.
    I think my main concern is that I’ve never really been ill. I don’t think I’ve ever had flu, never been to hospital, and the only time I’ve taken medicine in the last 15 years was to get on planes. So having a vaccine just seems weird
    If you’re at all nervous when you get there, tell a steward when you get inside. My wife’s a volunteer at a centre and they are really good at helping people and making it work for you. It is natural for it to feel a bit weird to be having something in a clinical setting when there’s nothing wrong with you and you don’t go to them much.
    Thanks, I will probably do that 👍🏻
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    New York City Mayoral Democratic Primary debate begins, you may be able to watch it here:

    https://abc7ny.com/mayoral-debate-nyc-2021-mayor-race/10664770/
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    edited June 2021

    HYUFD said:

    I think the reason @isam, @Casino_Royale and @Philip_Thompson are all frothing is that they are invested in the idea that the Tories are supported by the “mean”, “everyday” British voter.

    Among whom they naturally include their fine selves.

    Data that shows that the Tories win largely because they have the elderly retiree vote sewn up discomforts them because they have to confront the fact that they hold essentially geriatric views.

    The data shows crossover at 39. Which if your working age is 22 to 64 means for 17 years (22 to 38) a plurality vote Labour, while for 25 years (39 to 64) a plurality vote Tory. Even taking a working age from 18, which isn't true for half the country nowadays, its still a majority of working years voting Tory.

    Excluding retirees but not excluding students is just plain bullshit and doesn't demonstrate anything other than how slanted students are. Great going, you proved nothing except you have no integrity and do not understand data. Well done.
    The article is about the retiree vote.
    Not any other vote.

    I’m very sorry you don’t seem to understand this.
    Like I speculate earlier; it seems to stem from psychological anxieties.
    Right, so its not about workers then. Glad we can agree.

    You lied and said it was about workers. It wasn't. If your claim was that the Retired are heavily Tory voting, everyone knows that. Students are heavily Labour voting. Workers are the swing group in the middle that becomes plurality Tory at 39 at the last election.

    Workers are in the middle, actually working and neither students nor retired. You have NOT presented that data so do NOT claim this is about workers. Stop trying to backtrack now, at least have the decency to admit you were wrong.
    I have nothing to backtrack over.
    You are incredibly boring.

    Working-age low income earners don’t appear to prefer Tories. It’s really that simple.

    If you think excluding students from the data fundamentally changes this, I can’t say for sure, but given their numbers I doubt it.
    IPSOS Mori has the Tories winning all classes amongst over 65s in 2019 and the Tories won ABs, C1s and C2s amongst 35-54s with Labour winning DEs amongst that age group.

    Labour won all classes amongst 18 to 34s though so it is really only students and under 35s not yet on the property ladder Labour won, once workers neared 40 and got on the property ladder they voted Tory (with only those low paid workers or the unemployed still in social housing or renting over 40 in social class DE sticking with Labour).

    https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/how-britain-voted-2019-election
    So even in this analysis, Labour won all DEs under 65 and all groups under 34.

    There has definitely a been a shift toward the Tories among the working class (and the New Statesman article does not try to hide this) but...age trumps class.
    Now you've been forced to backtrack to "all groups under 34" when the point always made was that crossover age was 39. Hmm funny that.

    So yes, Labour don't win "workers" they win students and the young in general.

    The Tories currently win from when people become settled down with kids and a mortgage etc decades before they retire.

    Funny that! Any data that includes students but excludes the retired is absolutely meaningless, but you've realised that so won't be repeating your "workers" claims any more hopefully. Glad that we could educate you on the difference tonight.
    I was responding to @HYUFD’s post using his breakdowns.

    You haven’t educated me, and as far as I can recall you never have. I tend to skip your diatribes unless they are directed at me.
    Bullshit.

    image

    You've backtracked from "workers" to "working age" which was the point in dispute. Anyone with an iota of self-respect would admit they said workers and admit they made a mistake.

    I guess you just don't have any self-respect so fair enough. Its difficult to own up to being wrong even when its their in black and white.
    As I suggested to @isam upthread, “workers” and “working age” is a natural conflation and probably holds, statistically.

    You are getting your knickers in a knot over trivia.

    The essential point is age trumps class as an explanatory factor.

    It seems to be a very sensitive point because it threatens this idea that the “working class” have gone wholesale off Labour which is a comforting narrative for Tory stooges like yourself but doesn’t appear to be totally true.
    "Trivia" is another word for "facts". 🤷‍♂️

    Its not sensitive, the distinction matters. When you're talking about workers I suspect a 40 year old full time employee in the middle of their career (who is more likely to be Tory than Labour the data shows) is more what is meant than a full time student who is mammothly more likely to be Labour than Tory skewing the data.

    Everyone knows age matters and the crossover age is 39 not 65. Even if the Labour Party have a humongous advantage with the youngest like students as the mirror image to the Tories advantage with retirees.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,201
    isam said:

    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    I found it an incredible moment of relief....that even if you were fairly low risk before, you chances of serious illness in 3 weeks time is really down to hit by a bus type thing.

    I just crappy for 3 days, but it was more meh, I don't feel up to doing much work, I will just watch the telly, man-flu type feeling.
    Yeah most people say that. I just have this feat of being ridiculously ill, but like you say, most people say it’s more like a bit of a hangover
    Arm carriage was a bit off on the (Steady) 10k run the day after my first jab.
    I noted a definite headache whilst mucking out the horse when I had my second; neither required me to stay in the house I think I might have had two paracetomol after the second but side effects both times were very light indeed.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Most Canadians (even the ones in Saskatchewen) are within a couple of hours drive of a town.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202
    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    If you haven't had Covid, then you'll have a sore arm and that'll be it.

    On the second jab, you'll probably feel a little groggy the next day.

  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202
    dixiedean said:

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Driving North really gives an idea of size. Psychologically you are aware East West is a bloody long way. It takes 6 days by train FFS.
    But Calgary to Edmonton takes forever. Then keep going North. The settlements get smaller, the Lakes bigger. And imperceptibly it is further and further to the next hamlet.
    And yet. You aren't even close to the Arctic yet.
    It's about 200 miles and takes about three hours.

    Sure, it's bloody empty most of the way. But so's LA to Phoenix or LA to Vegas. Or indeed most trips in Texas.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,098
    edited June 2021
    isam said:

    Andy_JS said:

    From Ipsos Mori's post-GE2019 data.

    No qualifications:

    Con 59%
    Lab 23%
    LD 7%
    Oth 11%

    Other qualifications:

    Con 47%
    Lab 33%
    LD 10%
    Oth 10%

    Degree or higher:

    Lab 39%
    Con 34%
    LD 17%
    Oth 10%

    https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/how-britain-voted-2019-election

    Degree/no degree could well be the new middle or upper/working class divide. The difference in attitudes is stark, in my experience, and I divided my time between both groups for the last twenty odd years
    Yes but degree/no degree is largely a proxy for age eg before 1980 less than 10% of 18 year olds in the UK went to university, now almost 40% of 18 year olds go to university.

    That change also has meant that while 50 years ago graduates were almost all higher income earners and more likely to be Tory, now plenty of graduates are only on average incomes and as more of them tend to be younger they will not have saved enough to get on the property ladder either
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,410
    rcs1000 said:

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Most Canadians (even the ones in Saskatchewen) are within a couple of hours drive of a town.
    Most Canadians live in a city.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,126

    The FT story doesn’t even say that the government is planning to delay two weeks, in fact it suggests they are very keen to go with 21 June. It is based on a single briefing from a single source who is speculating that 5 July could be a fallback option. It’s all a lot of nothing much.

    You are like a calm rock buffeted by stormy seas sometimes.
  • isamisam Posts: 41,118
    HYUFD said:

    isam said:

    Andy_JS said:

    From Ipsos Mori's post-GE2019 data.

    No qualifications:

    Con 59%
    Lab 23%
    LD 7%
    Oth 11%

    Other qualifications:

    Con 47%
    Lab 33%
    LD 10%
    Oth 10%

    Degree or higher:

    Lab 39%
    Con 34%
    LD 17%
    Oth 10%

    https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/how-britain-voted-2019-election

    Degree/no degree could well be the new middle or upper/working class divide. The difference in attitudes is stark, in my experience, and I divided my time between both groups for the last twenty odd years
    Yes but degree/no degree is largely a proxy for age eg before 1980 less than 10% of 18 year olds in the UK went to university, now almost 40% of 18 year olds go to university.

    That change also has meant that while 50 years ago graduates were almost all higher income earners and more likely to be Tory, now plenty of graduates are only on average incomes and as more of them tend to be younger they will not have saved enough to get on the property ladder either
    Attitude is what’s different I guess
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202
    dixiedean said:

    rcs1000 said:

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Most Canadians (even the ones in Saskatchewen) are within a couple of hours drive of a town.
    Most Canadians live in a city.
    Yes, and most cities are within a couple of hours drive of a town...
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,410
    rcs1000 said:

    dixiedean said:

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Driving North really gives an idea of size. Psychologically you are aware East West is a bloody long way. It takes 6 days by train FFS.
    But Calgary to Edmonton takes forever. Then keep going North. The settlements get smaller, the Lakes bigger. And imperceptibly it is further and further to the next hamlet.
    And yet. You aren't even close to the Arctic yet.
    It's about 200 miles and takes about three hours.

    Sure, it's bloody empty most of the way. But so's LA to Phoenix or LA to Vegas. Or indeed most trips in Texas.
    Precisely. Like London to Manchester. An age and a distance.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,126
    edited June 2021
    Andy_JS said:

    Unpopular said:

    Watched the interview. My feeling was that it humanised him quite a bit and, speaking personally, made me think he is an impressive man to go from his background to where he is, via the career he's had.
    My fear is, his achievements won't necessarily be properly understood by the general viewing public and that it probably didn't change any minds. Still, he should keep going with this kind of thing and the attempt to reach people where they are is admirable. I keep seeing stuff online from the Labour left annoyed that he agreed to be interviewed by Morgan (Saint Jeremy would never stoop to this kind of thing) and that he would listen to Blair. The interview certainly annoyed some of the right people!
    That said, I am predisposed to him and think I'll probably vote Labour at the next general, so I am not neutral on this.

    Why is necessary for someone to try to humanise themselves when they're quite clearly already a human being? Something I don't understand.
    You are, perhaps, being a bit literal. No one believes automatons walk among us.

    Many politicians are intelligent, personable, hard working and relatable. But it does them no good if the public cannot see or does not believe that.
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    When I moved to Seattle from Louisiana back in 1990, drove non-stop (except for gas and breakfast at Denny's next to the Alamo) from Sabine River to El Paso, distance of just over 900 miles.

    Asleep At The Wheel Live- Miles and Miles of Texas & Get Your Kicks on Route 66
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh-4Ss07AE
  • Time_to_LeaveTime_to_Leave Posts: 2,547
    kle4 said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Unpopular said:

    Watched the interview. My feeling was that it humanised him quite a bit and, speaking personally, made me think he is an impressive man to go from his background to where he is, via the career he's had.
    My fear is, his achievements won't necessarily be properly understood by the general viewing public and that it probably didn't change any minds. Still, he should keep going with this kind of thing and the attempt to reach people where they are is admirable. I keep seeing stuff online from the Labour left annoyed that he agreed to be interviewed by Morgan (Saint Jeremy would never stoop to this kind of thing) and that he would listen to Blair. The interview certainly annoyed some of the right people!
    That said, I am predisposed to him and think I'll probably vote Labour at the next general, so I am not neutral on this.

    Why is necessary for someone to try to humanise themselves when they're quite clearly already a human being? Something I don't understand.
    You are, perhaps, being a bit literal. No one believes automatons walk among us.

    Many politicians are intelligent, personable, hard working and relatable. But it does them no good if the public cannot see or does not believe that.
    “No one believe automatons walk among us”.

    How do you explain 50% of the Cabinet then?
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,585
    edited June 2021

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    I don't get why people mock Blackpool so much.

    Not exactly Blackpool but not far off, the beach at Lytham St Anne's is lovely. Especially in this weather.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 27,919
    edited June 2021
    It should be mentioned that Betfair has a (fairly thin) market on the Democrat nominee as well as the eventual Mayor (which from the betting is expected to be the same person).

    ETA by a quirk of the market, Adams is shorter to be Mayor than he is to be nominee.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,098
    Donald Trump said he would pay £100,000 to avoid hearing Theresa May speak after learning she was charging that much to give a speech.

    According to this week's Spectator, Piers Morgan said he informed Donald Trump just before the last US election that former prime minister Theresa May "gets paid more than £100,000 a pop for speeches".

    Mr Morgan writes that the former president "exploded into mocking laughter and spluttered: 'Are you kidding me? I'd pay £100,000 not to hear her talk!'"

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/06/02/donald-trump-said-hedgive-100k-notto-hear-theresa-may-talk/?utm_content=telegraph&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1622676815-1
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080
    Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    Stories are everything is booked up domestically and what is left is very expensive.
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 4,671
    dixiedean said:

    rcs1000 said:

    dixiedean said:

    dixiedean said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Where in the UK is not close to the sea?

    I went to the beach over the weekend. We rented a hut by the beach, invited my parents and had a fantastic time.

    No airplanes necessary. Almost as if anyone in this country could travel to a coastal town in England, Scotland or Wales or many other holiday destinations without flying and with nothing other than a car. Or trains if you're that way inclined.
    Well in the UK a lot of people have a weird perception of close i.e. what it takes more than an hour...too much hassle...or well we need to plan that, whole weekend trip jobbie.

    I remember taking an American friend striaght from Heathrow to Northumberland coast when they arrived for a day trip...and everybody I knew thought I was crazy... my American friend said oh we are going to do a short road trip, cool.
    Had a school friend in Canada took a 14 hour round trip to judo class every Saturday.
    No one else was surprised in the slightest.
    I will be interested to know how Canada are managing their vaccine roll out outside the few big cities. Such a vast country and lots and lots of rural towns / communities miles from anywhere.

    I have driven it coast to coast twice, just enormous...but not even really gone that far North where there still people.
    Driving North really gives an idea of size. Psychologically you are aware East West is a bloody long way. It takes 6 days by train FFS.
    But Calgary to Edmonton takes forever. Then keep going North. The settlements get smaller, the Lakes bigger. And imperceptibly it is further and further to the next hamlet.
    And yet. You aren't even close to the Arctic yet.
    It's about 200 miles and takes about three hours.

    Sure, it's bloody empty most of the way. But so's LA to Phoenix or LA to Vegas. Or indeed most trips in Texas.
    Precisely. Like London to Manchester. An age and a distance.
    I've done Oxford to Skye non-stop except for fuel. It was before the M74 upgrades and with a ferry crossing, so quite some time ago. 600 miles? 4-up in an old Escort too. Could probably have made it to Vancouver in the length of time it took. The UK is not _that_ small.

  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080
    HYUFD said:

    Donald Trump said he would pay £100,000 to avoid hearing Theresa May speak after learning she was charging that much to give a speech.

    According to this week's Spectator, Piers Morgan said he informed Donald Trump just before the last US election that former prime minister Theresa May "gets paid more than £100,000 a pop for speeches".

    Mr Morgan writes that the former president "exploded into mocking laughter and spluttered: 'Are you kidding me? I'd pay £100,000 not to hear her talk!'"

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/06/02/donald-trump-said-hedgive-100k-notto-hear-theresa-may-talk/?utm_content=telegraph&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1622676815-1

    I wonder what Trump says about Moron behind his back?
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080
    Gareth Southgate says "some people aren't understanding the message" after fans at the Riverside Stadium jeered when players took a knee before England's friendly win over Austria.

    I think there is going to be a big bust up at some point when stadiums are full again.
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    NYC Mayoral Democratic Primary Debate now on

    https://abc7ny.com/
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559

    HYUFD said:

    Donald Trump said he would pay £100,000 to avoid hearing Theresa May speak after learning she was charging that much to give a speech.

    According to this week's Spectator, Piers Morgan said he informed Donald Trump just before the last US election that former prime minister Theresa May "gets paid more than £100,000 a pop for speeches".

    Mr Morgan writes that the former president "exploded into mocking laughter and spluttered: 'Are you kidding me? I'd pay £100,000 not to hear her talk!'"

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2021/06/02/donald-trump-said-hedgive-100k-notto-hear-theresa-may-talk/?utm_content=telegraph&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1622676815-1

    I wonder what Trump says about Moron behind his back?
    Trumpsky likes suck-ups, kick-downs like yer man Piers. Though probably did ask, do you have a sister named Docks?
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559
    edited June 2021
    NYC Debate - NYT live blog

    "The moderator asks which candidates want Mayor Bill de Blasio’s endorsement. Only Yang raises his hand. Moderator asks which candidates want Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s endorsement. Only Yang raises his hand."

    EDIT - Candidates now being asked to grade Mayor de Blasio's performance. Context is, BdB would have difficulty getting elected dogcatcher in NYT let alone win re-election as Mayor (he's term-limited).

    2nd EDIT - Candidates mostly gave De Blasio poor-to-middling grades, saying that actuality did NOT live up to potential.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,202

    Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    I don't get why people mock Blackpool so much.

    Not exactly Blackpool but not far off, the beach at Lytham St Anne's is lovely. Especially in this weather.
    It is worth noting that (a) British school holidays are rather short (compared to either European or US ones) and (b) there's not that much domestic tourism capacity.

    It is important to remember that there is next to no chance of a virus escaping vaccines and that we're within about six weeks of all adults (who want to be) being double jabbed, and after that we'll start on the teenager, and after that the children,

    Israel has eliminated Covid. They are getting perhaps a dozen - largely asymptomatic - cases a day. They are even encouraging tourism again (so long as the tourists are vaccinated).

    We're on the same curve they are. Soon there will be no-one left for the virus to infect.

    And whether you are a fan or foreign holidays or not, the reality is that there will soon be no health reason not to allow travel.

    It's time to - in the words of Elisa from Frozen - Let It Go... Let It Go...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,585
    "Conservative rebels to force vote on reversing aid cuts"

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57338465
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,585

    Andy_JS said:
    That looks like a hostage video.
    It does a bit.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 52,595

    When I moved to Seattle from Louisiana back in 1990, drove non-stop (except for gas and breakfast at Denny's next to the Alamo) from Sabine River to El Paso, distance of just over 900 miles.

    Asleep At The Wheel Live- Miles and Miles of Texas & Get Your Kicks on Route 66
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh-4Ss07AE

    I did 1,150 miles in 1995 - Pangbourne --> Inverness --> Pangbourne, with just a break to see an Ivory Gull....
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080

    When I moved to Seattle from Louisiana back in 1990, drove non-stop (except for gas and breakfast at Denny's next to the Alamo) from Sabine River to El Paso, distance of just over 900 miles.

    Asleep At The Wheel Live- Miles and Miles of Texas & Get Your Kicks on Route 66
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh-4Ss07AE

    I did 1,150 miles in 1995 - Pangbourne --> Inverness --> Pangbourne, with just a break to see an Ivory Gull....
    I have travelled that far to see a bird before, but a slightly different type of one.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080
    Kicking off in Brixton....police responded to a man been shot and stabbed, while trying to deal with him, came up attack with bricks / bottles. And so have now sent in riot police units.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 82,080
    Looks like Trump has got some of his social media accounts reactivated.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,585

    Kicking off in Brixton....police responded to a man been shot and stabbed, while trying to deal with him, came up attack with bricks / bottles. And so have now sent in riot police units.

    Isn't it almost exactly the 40th anniversary of the famous Brixton riots?
  • Pagan2Pagan2 Posts: 9,876
    On the subject of age being a factor for tory voters, also neatly divides that those that have experienced a left wing labour government wont actually vote for one and those that haven't and have been persuaded it will be all roses because they haven't experienced it will willing put their head in the noose and shout "A little tighter please"
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559

    When I moved to Seattle from Louisiana back in 1990, drove non-stop (except for gas and breakfast at Denny's next to the Alamo) from Sabine River to El Paso, distance of just over 900 miles.

    Asleep At The Wheel Live- Miles and Miles of Texas & Get Your Kicks on Route 66
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh-4Ss07AE

    I did 1,150 miles in 1995 - Pangbourne --> Inverness --> Pangbourne, with just a break to see an Ivory Gull....
    Well, I only gave mileage from Louisiana border to El Paso, but I actually drove straight from New Orleans (with a stop for dinner in Lafayette LA) so my total non-stop was comparable to your round-trip. Though almost all of my travel was via interstate highways.
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 17,559

    Looks like Trump has got some of his social media accounts reactivated.

    NYT ($) - Trump shuts down his blog, frustrated by its low readership.

    Former President Donald J. Trump has removed himself entirely from the internet.

    Still banned from Twitter and Facebook, and struggling to find a way to influence news coverage since leaving office, Mr. Trump decided on Wednesday to shutter his do-it-yourself alternative, a blog he had started just a month ago called “From the Desk of Donald J. Trump.”

    Mr. Trump had become frustrated after hearing from friends that the site was getting little traffic and making him look small and irrelevant, according to a person familiar with his thinking.

    The site, which cost a few thousand dollars to make and was put together for Mr. Trump by a company run by his former campaign manager Brad Parscale, was intended to be an online hub for supporters to see statements issued by the former president and communicate with him.

    “In a time of silence and lies, a beacon of freedom arises,” a video introducing the platform last month advertised. “A place to speak freely and safely. Straight from the desk of Donald J. Trump.”

    Last month, after The Washington Post reported that the blog was attracting virtually no readership, Mr. Trump played down its purpose, calling it a stopgap measure until he figured out what came next.

    “This is meant to be a temporary way of getting my thoughts and ideas out to the public without the Fake News spin, but the website is not a ‘platform,’” he said in a statement. “It is merely a way of communicating until I decide on what the future will be for the choice or establishment of a platform.”

    Some people in his small circle of advisers said on Wednesday that they were frustrated by his decision to shut it down. Others tried to put a more positive spin on it.

    Jason Miller, an adviser, said on Twitter that the decision to suspend the blog was a precursor to Mr. Trump’s joining another social media platform.

    “Yes, actually, it is,” he wrote when asked if the move meant that Mr. Trump would be returning to social media in another form. “Stay tuned!”
  • rcs1000 said:

    stodge said:

    Just a final thought for this evening.

    I noted the disproportionately high house price rises in the north of England and the Midlands and wondered, of we are seeing a phenomenon similar to that in the USA where conservative-minded people are leaving liberal states such as New York and California for the likes of Texas and Florida.

    Is there any evidence we could be seeing Conservative-minded voters leaving the south and trying to settle in the new heartlands of the north and midlands with the advantages remote working provides?

    It is important that there is a Waitrose which does not seem to be much represented in the red wall seats.
    I am rather pleased there isn’t one in Liverpool. The ones I went to when I lived in London and the south were overpriced and the punters were ignorant tools. The only saving grace was it was the only place I could get Jamaican blue mountain coffee.
    May I save this comment?
    Fill your boots. May I ask why?
  • Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    I don't get why people mock Blackpool so much.

    Not exactly Blackpool but not far off, the beach at Lytham St Anne's is lovely. Especially in this weather.
    I love Blackpool as a resort. Of course the place has massive problems, partially due to being used as a dumping ground by other towns and cities but the people are kind, the ale is cheap, they have fun shows, and the promenade is a lovely walk.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,707
    edited June 2021

    Gareth Southgate says "some people aren't understanding the message" after fans at the Riverside Stadium jeered when players took a knee before England's friendly win over Austria.

    I think there is going to be a big bust up at some point when stadiums are full again.

    There were a few boos, but not many, when I was at Leicester vs Spurs. Very disrespectful to the players. I think the new season requires a different approach, because racist abuse of players is clearly still a problem.

    If the knee continues, I shall be applauding so as to demonstrate not all fans are morons.
  • oggologioggologi Posts: 29
    Pagan2 said:

    On the subject of age being a factor for tory voters, also neatly divides that those that have experienced a left wing labour government wont actually vote for one and those that haven't and have been persuaded it will be all roses because they haven't experienced it will willing put their head in the noose and shout "A little tighter please"

    Are there that many who remember Attlee's Government?
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    alex_ said:

    The government is facing a surprise rebellion next week that could force it to reverse its cuts to the foreign aid budget, the BBC has learned.

    I read a couple of weeks ago that opponents of the cuts thought that they had the numbers to defeat the Government - and were waiting for a suitable bill to which they could attach an amendment, rather than challenging in the courts (the latter being why the Govt were trying to portray as a "temporary" move not breaching the law)
    Assuming the change was included in whatever Act puts the budget into force wouldn’t they have already passed legislation to override the rules on the 0.7%?
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,707

    When I moved to Seattle from Louisiana back in 1990, drove non-stop (except for gas and breakfast at Denny's next to the Alamo) from Sabine River to El Paso, distance of just over 900 miles.

    Asleep At The Wheel Live- Miles and Miles of Texas & Get Your Kicks on Route 66
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTh-4Ss07AE

    I did 1,150 miles in 1995 - Pangbourne --> Inverness --> Pangbourne, with just a break to see an Ivory Gull....
    Well, I only gave mileage from Louisiana border to El Paso, but I actually drove straight from New Orleans (with a stop for dinner in Lafayette LA) so my total non-stop was comparable to your round-trip. Though almost all of my travel was via interstate highways.
    I drove from Port Douglas to Sydney with a mate in two days, swapping drivers every 2 hours. 2500 kilometers, having driven to Port Douglas inland from Melbourne, taking 3 weeks, a great road trip and really got the scale of Australia.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,707
    Pagan2 said:

    On the subject of age being a factor for tory voters, also neatly divides that those that have experienced a left wing labour government wont actually vote for one and those that haven't and have been persuaded it will be all roses because they haven't experienced it will willing put their head in the noose and shout "A little tighter please"

    Well, all those people who voted for Wilson in 75 will certainly be in their seventies now. They were quite willing to vote for Blair though, so I think you are suffering from false memory syndrome.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    On the BBC this morning they were talking about the “Kent” strain and the “Delta” strain. So I guess that the WHO rulings aren’t applied when you can self flagellate
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    isam said:

    I booked my jab for tomorrow and I have to admit I am not looking forward to it one bit. Most of my friend felt rough for a day or two afterwards, although mainly those who have had Covid - my parents and in laws, none of whom had Covid, had no side effects.

    Thinking about the pandemic, it dawned on me I don’t know anyone who died, or even went to hospital, through having it. I can’t help feeling I’m being forced into something don’t really want to do

    Good luck!

    Being jabbed meant I worried less about passing the bug on to my Mum
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    rcs1000 said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    I don't get why people mock Blackpool so much.

    Not exactly Blackpool but not far off, the beach at Lytham St Anne's is lovely. Especially in this weather.
    It is worth noting that (a) British school holidays are rather short (compared to either European or US ones) and (b) there's not that much domestic tourism capacity.

    It is important to remember that there is next to no chance of a virus escaping vaccines and that we're within about six weeks of all adults (who want to be) being double jabbed, and after that we'll start on the teenager, and after that the children,

    Israel has eliminated Covid. They are getting perhaps a dozen - largely asymptomatic - cases a day. They are even encouraging tourism again (so long as the tourists are vaccinated).

    We're on the same curve they are. Soon there will be no-one left for the virus to infect.

    And whether you are a fan or foreign holidays or not, the reality is that there will soon be no health reason not to allow travel.

    It's time to - in the words of Elisa from Frozen - Let It Go... Let It Go...
    Elisa is a immunodiagnostic testing device… I think you mean Elsa…
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    rcs1000 said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Here we go again....

    Foreign holidays are under threat because ministers are worried about a new Covid variant, the Mail can reveal. Scientists have alerted ministers to the mutant strain – thought to have originated in Nepal – which has apparently spread to Europe. They fear the strain is resistant to vaccines.

    I’m amazed how focused everyone else on here seems to be on foreign holidays. It’s also a big thing for the press, whereas amongst my friends and family we’ve all written off foreign holidays this year and we’re pretty comfortable with that. I haven’t seen the polling to tell me if I’m in an odd minority but my instinct is that most people are in my camp.
    It isn't to me either. However, i think if you live in an urban environment, litte to no garden and not close to the sea, probably is a bit higher on your wish list
    Yes but there's always domestic holidays. I get the impression there's a type of person for whom holidays mean foreign holidays and they think everywhere one could visit in the UK is like Skegness or Blackpool.
    I don't get why people mock Blackpool so much.

    Not exactly Blackpool but not far off, the beach at Lytham St Anne's is lovely. Especially in this weather.
    It is worth noting that (a) British school holidays are rather short (compared to either European or US ones) and (b) there's not that much domestic tourism capacity.

    It is important to remember that there is next to no chance of a virus escaping vaccines and that we're within about six weeks of all adults (who want to be) being double jabbed, and after that we'll start on the teenager, and after that the children,

    Israel has eliminated Covid. They are getting perhaps a dozen - largely asymptomatic - cases a day. They are even encouraging tourism again (so long as the tourists are vaccinated).

    We're on the same curve they are. Soon there will be no-one left for the virus to infect.

    And whether you are a fan or foreign holidays or not, the reality is that there will soon be no health reason not to allow travel.

    It's time to - in the words of Elisa from Frozen - Let It Go... Let It Go...
    Although I can’t take Let It Go seriously anymore after watching this parody about a Norwegian explorer who used a frozen poo to chisel his way out of an ice cave…

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XxeCcUgWDuw&list=PLk2uTpq_0-GXRDKCWiUAK6yM3A08yi8_R&index=10
  • alex_alex_ Posts: 7,518
    Charles said:

    alex_ said:

    The government is facing a surprise rebellion next week that could force it to reverse its cuts to the foreign aid budget, the BBC has learned.

    I read a couple of weeks ago that opponents of the cuts thought that they had the numbers to defeat the Government - and were waiting for a suitable bill to which they could attach an amendment, rather than challenging in the courts (the latter being why the Govt were trying to portray as a "temporary" move not breaching the law)
    Assuming the change was included in whatever Act puts the budget into force wouldn’t they have already passed legislation to override the rules on the 0.7%?
    Don’t think so. The budget approves taxation, not expenditure (or to the extent parliament approves expenditure it approves maximum limits, which this wouldn’t fall under). I think.
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