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edited December 2019 in General

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

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  • philiph
    philiph Posts: 4,705
    edited December 2019
    Morning and happy Christmas day to all.

    Woken up to a lovely sunny day in Kerela. Was treated to an impressive Christmas eve meal last night in my hotel. A buffet with some stunning Indian dishes and also roast turkey for those that wished to partake.
  • Fishing
    Fishing Posts: 5,710
    It's still Christmas Eve here in Nicaragua. The weather is 85F, warm and sunny though.
  • Fishing
    Fishing Posts: 5,710
    edited December 2019
    Incidentally, the country I'm currently in, the socialist paradise of Nicaragua, is probably the best place in the world, except maybe Venezuela, to realise the bullet we dodged on 12th December. GDP fell by 4% last year, will shrink by between 5% and 8% this year, and probably continue shrinking for a couple more years. This follows years of repression of peaceful protests, with hundreds killed and 200 people per day seeking asylum in Costa Rica, swamping their immigration authorities. The protesters are described by the First Lady as "criminals", "vampires in search of blood" and "minuscule and toxic groups."

    Corbyn, despite his obsession with Latin America, has been as deafeningly silent on the disaster unfolding in this country as he has been on Venezuela since the extent of that country's catastrophe became so obvious that not even he could deny it.
  • rcs1000
    rcs1000 Posts: 60,714
    It's almost 8pm in Los Angeles, and family rcs1000 is struck low by the Influenza B virus. We're popping Tamiflu like they're smarties, and are grumpy as hell.
  • Pulpstar
    Pulpstar Posts: 79,813
    Lol Prison Labour Boomer berg
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    Merry Christmas everyone.
    22 Across Ashley
  • squareroot2
    squareroot2 Posts: 7,097
    edited December 2019
    Happy Chrismas to all, even to Corbyn. May he reflect on being soundly thrashed.
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    1 Across Bercow
  • Barnesian
    Barnesian Posts: 9,220
    2 down eleven
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    edited December 2019
    21 down = niece
  • Morris_Dancer
    Morris_Dancer Posts: 62,742
    Good morning and merry Christmas, everyone.

    Mr. 1000, I hope your pestilence abates promptly (some of my family are coughing and sputtering a lot so I imagine that'll be how I spend Boxing Day).
  • ydoethur
    ydoethur Posts: 74,256
    squareroot2 said:

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

    I hadn’t realised he and Laura were into that.
  • Freggles
    Freggles Posts: 3,487
    Happy Christmas!
    If you are reading this, my new phone works properly on PB! A key test passed.
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    23 across = Winnie (probably)
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    Morning. All solutions correct so far.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    22 across anagram if He lays. Anagram indicated by the word “out”. Lord Ashley, Labour disability campaigner.
  • MarqueeMark
    MarqueeMark Posts: 55,457
    edited December 2019
    Merry Christmas all. Awoke to a Mark Rothko-styled sunrise....
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    1 across. Live = be. Argument = row. Conservative leader = C. Be + r(C)ow = Bercow.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    2 down. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has the key to Number 11 Downing Street.
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    Is 4 down Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington and PM) Actor = (Orson) Welles and Ley =lines?
  • RobD
    RobD Posts: 60,608
    Merry Christmas one and all from 39,000 feet above the Atlantic.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    21 down. Eden’s trouble (and strife) = wife, was Clarissa Spencer Churchill. In relation to Winston Churchill, she was his niece. And remarkably she is still alive.
  • IanB2
    IanB2 Posts: 52,308
    MarqueeMark said:

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

    MarqueeMark said:

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

    England awaits
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    It is very quiet in here this morning.

    Channel 5 is showing Scrooge, with Alistair Sim. BBC2 has Scrooge with Albert Finney. ITV has A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey. BBC1 is missing a trick here!
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    23 across. Winnie was Victory’s signaller, as in Winston Churchill with his V for Victory. Also Winnie Mandela, who kissed Nelson Mandela.
  • Morris_Dancer
    Morris_Dancer Posts: 62,742
    Mr. D, try not to fly into any reindeer.
  • OldKingCole
    OldKingCole Posts: 35,268
    Compliments of the Season to all from thankfully dry Essex. Not as exotic as some places, I know!,
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    edited December 2019
    Freggles said:

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

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

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

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    Yes, 4 down is Wellesley, as explained.
  • RobD
    RobD Posts: 60,608
    edited December 2019
    Morris_Dancer said:

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

    Luckily I'm not flying this thing! I do have news for @TheScreamingEagles - BA categorises Die Hard under "Festive Cheer". If the flag carrier thinks it is a Christmas movie, that settles it. :D:p
  • MarqueeMark
    MarqueeMark Posts: 55,457
    Morris_Dancer said:

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

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

    https://www.noradsanta.org/
  • IanB2
    IanB2 Posts: 52,308
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

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

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

    I was sad when Great Escape got demoted to Easter.
  • RobD
    RobD Posts: 60,608
    rcs1000 said:

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

    Hope you and the family feel better soon!
  • rcs1000
    rcs1000 Posts: 60,714
    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

  • rkrkrk
    rkrkrk Posts: 8,746
    24 down is non ?
  • RobD
    RobD Posts: 60,608
    edited December 2019
    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    Yes, 24 down is Non. What Pm is after is noon, (afternoon). Nothing = 0. Noon, less 0 = Non. To veto, or say no to, in Brussels, is “Non”. As in De Gaulle’s famous “Non” to Macmillan. “Ne pleurez pas, milord”.
  • rcs1000
    rcs1000 Posts: 60,714
    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

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

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
  • OldKingCole
    OldKingCole Posts: 35,268
    rcs1000 said:

    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

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

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
    It’s a worldwide problem
  • northern_monkey
    northern_monkey Posts: 1,640
    Merry Christmas everyone, Have a great day 😄
  • Peter_the_Punter
    Peter_the_Punter Posts: 14,779
    Happy Christmas and a Brexity New Year to one and all!
  • Foxy
    Foxy Posts: 52,169
    Wot no polls? I want a judge led enquiry...

    Happy Christmas, and good health!
  • Mexicanpete
    Mexicanpete Posts: 33,110
    OldKingCole said:

    rcs1000 said:

    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

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

    The real culprit is my daughter's school, as (a) it's had a big problem with flu cases, and (b) she (Julia) was patient zero in our family.
    It’s a worldwide problem
    Don't worry. Boris will sort it out! Merry Christmas.
  • squareroot2
    squareroot2 Posts: 7,097
    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

    Oh dear ... doesn't your all-singing, all-dancing fully inclusive American medical insurance policy include provision for annual flu jabs? Folk like your Mum & Dad and including yours truly get ours for free over here doncha know. Small wonder you're feeling grumpy ... Happy Christmas.
    what time is the joke scheduled for?
  • ydoethur
    ydoethur Posts: 74,256
    Foxy said:

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

    Happy Christmas, and good health!

    You are Ed Miliband and I claim my bottle of festive punch.
  • kinabalu
    kinabalu Posts: 46,265
    Happy Christmas to all - and good luck with the crossword.
  • ydoethur
    ydoethur Posts: 74,256
    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
  • rkrkrk
    rkrkrk Posts: 8,746
    5 down... records?
  • Mexicanpete
    Mexicanpete Posts: 33,110
    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
  • andypetuk
    andypetuk Posts: 69
    9 Across Republic
    11 Across. Negate
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    Yes, 5 down is Records. Touching = re, on the subject of. Trousers = cords, (corduroys). What Hansard does - it records parliament.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    9 across. Yes, Republic. Soldiers = RE, Royal Engineers. Left = L. In charge = IC. Local = pub. RE + PUB + L I C = Republic. A government, for instance.
  • peter_from_putney
    peter_from_putney Posts: 6,956
    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    11 across. Yes, Negate. Officer = Gen(eral). Returning officer = Neg. had = ate, as in consumed. Neg + ate = Negate = cancel.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

    Merry Xmas Peter! We are a tag team. 😀
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    edited December 2019
    deleted
  • paulyork64
    paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    Merry christmas all. Cant see this done already but 15 down archangel?
  • DecrepiterJohnL
    DecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,764
    Mexicanpete said:

    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
    Wasn't it Christmas in Downing Street and New Year in Mustique? No Chequers if so -- is his resignation over Theresa May's Chequers deal too recent?
  • Foxy
    Foxy Posts: 52,169
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

    Reminds me of a Russian joke:

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

    On the third day Ivan asks Vladimir "Do you think we should get something to eat?" Vladimir replies "Did we come here to drink or to talk?
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    edited December 2019
    15 down. Yes, Archangel. Sly = arch. Investor = angel. Arch+angel = archangel. Michael is one of the archangels. I couldn’t come up with a way of making that one a political clue.
  • Barnesian
    Barnesian Posts: 9,220
    A Jewish joke for Christmas:

    Three Jewish gentlemen were complaining about their sons.
    1st Jewish gentleman: "I sent my son to Israel on holiday and he came back a Christian"
    2nd Jewish gentleman: "I sent my son to Israel to a kibbutz and HE came back a Christian".
    3rd Jewish gentlemen: "I sent my son to Israel to university and HE came back a Christian too".
    All three gentlemen fall on their knees, clasp their hands and pray to God.
    God says "You think you have problems. I sent my son to Israel ...."
  • Big_G_NorthWales
    Big_G_NorthWales Posts: 66,238
    Merry Christmas to one and all
  • nunu2
    nunu2 Posts: 1,463
    edited December 2019
    You know what I liked about BoJo's Christmas message? It wasn't just some generic message about good will to all men, it was a message to persecuted Christian's around the world. Saying his government will help them and will be engaged with their plight.

    I hope he follows through. But I hope he also criticizes the likes of China as well for their genocidal treatment of their Muslim minority soon.
  • felix
    felix Posts: 15,180
    RobD said:

    rcs1000 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

    Hmmmmmmm.... :D
    Hello Dr. Wakefield!
  • felix
    felix Posts: 15,180

    RAF_Luton
    ‏ @RAF_Luton

    BREAKING: Statement from Station CO Gp Capt Harry Stashe "Moments ago #RAFLuton scambled our Quick Reaction Airplanes after an unidentified aircraft entered our air space, Pilot Flt Lt Dave "Blitzy" Blitzen shot the aircraft down. A search is now on for the crew #Christmas
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    3 Down Chuka Umunna would fit but other than returned miners = MUN (NUM backwards) I can't see how the rest of the clue applies.
  • malcolmg
    malcolmg Posts: 44,523
    peter_from_putney said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

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

    That is a cracker for sure
  • malcolmg
    malcolmg Posts: 44,523
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Merry Christmas to one and all

    Merry Christmas G
  • malcolmg
    malcolmg Posts: 44,523
    nunu2 said:

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

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

    Will be usual empty rhetoric and soon forgotten when on to next soundbite.
  • Barnesian
    Barnesian Posts: 9,220
    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.
  • Floater
    Floater Posts: 14,207
    Merry xmas and wish you all the best for 2020
  • Pulpstar
    Pulpstar Posts: 79,813
    stjohn said:

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

    Lol I have no chance on this. First time I've ever come across that particular synonym for sly
  • MattW
    MattW Posts: 28,302
    Happy Christmas all.

    I will listen to the Boris Christmas Message later.

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

    To my eye that is partly due to a failure on the part of the UK to get to grips with fairly poisonous educational materials dripping in from eg Saudi and Iran during the 70s / 80s / 90s.
  • TheScreamingEagles
    TheScreamingEagles Posts: 122,802
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

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

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

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

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

    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/dec/19/british-airways-slumps-near-bottom-passenger-survey-airlines?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
  • TheScreamingEagles
    TheScreamingEagles Posts: 122,802
    Happy Christmas everybody.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    3 down. Yes, Chuka Umunna. A period (of play) in polo is a chukka. Talking or saying out loud “chukka” gives “chuka”. Female is Una and NUM returned is MUN. MUN blocked by UNA =
    U(MUN)NA. Politician = Chuka Umunna. I couldn’t in all honesty ascribe him to a particular political party with any confidence, as that could well have changed by the time the crossword was published!
  • Morris_Dancer
    Morris_Dancer Posts: 62,742
    I have discovered that gingerbread fudge is very tasty.

    The experiment continues.
  • Jonathan
    Jonathan Posts: 22,107
    Happy Christmas

    Right now in Islington the Corbyn household is settling down to watch the Queens speech.
  • squareroot2
    squareroot2 Posts: 7,097
    Barnesian said:

    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.

    has it been in your inbox for a few days or is it a new one?
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    I think 13 Across is Johnny Mercer.

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

  • ydoethur
    ydoethur Posts: 74,256
    Mexicanpete said:

    ydoethur said:

    squareroot2 said:

    peter_from_putney said:

    rcs1000 said:

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

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

    *As it is the season of goodwill, I will not make jokes about broads...
    Hard at work touring the colonies I believe.
    Never heard it called that before...
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    Yes, 17 across is Johnny Mercer. Can = johnny, as in toilet. Just = mere, as in “mere minutes away“. Cope at first = c. Right = R. Jonny + Mer(c)e + r = Tory.
  • slade
    slade Posts: 2,200
    Merry Christmas everyone. There are no local by-elections tomorrow.
  • SandraMc
    SandraMc Posts: 763
    Sorry. I got 13 across confused with 17 across. I must now stop trying to multi task and give the Christmas meal my full attention. Bye for now.
  • HYUFD
    HYUFD Posts: 128,924
    https://twitter.com/YouGov/status/1209760063109378048?s=20
  • HYUFD
    HYUFD Posts: 128,924
    Happy Christmas to all PBers
  • rottenborough
    rottenborough Posts: 66,859
    HYUFD said:

    Happy Christmas to all PBers

    Thanks. Merry Xmas to one and all, and peace on earth.
  • Barnesian
    Barnesian Posts: 9,220
    squareroot2 said:

    Barnesian said:

    Just filled in a detailed political survey from YouGov.

    has it been in your inbox for a few days or is it a new one?
    A new one. Just now.
  • squareroot2
    squareroot2 Posts: 7,097
    edited December 2019
    HYUFD said:

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

    My late wife and I used to open our presents on Xmas eve (I think the Germans do that) second time round I have to wait till after Breakfast on Xmas Day!
  • squareroot2
    squareroot2 Posts: 7,097
    Jonathan said:

    Happy Christmas

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

    Brilliant!
  • Sandpit
    Sandpit Posts: 56,045
    Merry Christmas everyone!

    One day off from news and politics, best wishes to all PBers and their families - and especially to those for whom it’s going to be difficult to celebrate this year.
  • Ave_it
    Ave_it Posts: 2,411
    Happy Christmas all 😊
  • Sunil_Prasannan
    Sunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,074
    Merry Christmas to all PBers!
  • Sunil_Prasannan
    Sunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,074
    Still no "easy" PB crossword? I'll have to rustle one up next year! (though I probably said that last year!)
  • andypetuk
    andypetuk Posts: 69
    14 Across. Milk Snatcher
    19 Down. Mervyn
  • twistedfirestopper3
    twistedfirestopper3 Posts: 2,641
    Merry Christmas PB. Hope you all have a good one. I'm at work for the 3rd Christmas Day in a row, but by choice this time, so don't feel too sorry for me. :D
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    edited December 2019
    14 across. Yes, Milk Snatcher. American activist = (Harvey) Milk. Bit = snatch, as in a snatch of music. Monarch = ER, (Elizabeth Regina). Altogether = Maggie Thatcher, so called.
  • stjohn
    stjohn Posts: 1,910
    edited December 2019
    19 down. Yes. Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England. Start to monarchy = M. Nervy M disturbed = anagrammed = Mervyn.
  • Sunil_Prasannan
    Sunil_Prasannan Posts: 55,074
    edited December 2019
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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