politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » How are the Dominoes going to fall?

Yorkcity said:

Had to renew my passport.
Went into main post office on Monday afternoon.
They took the digital photo, e mail address and mobile number.
It was tracked all the way and I was informed at each stage.
TNT delivered it today.
Good service, I would recommend it.

Also for those who care , it was a dark blue Brirish one.

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

squareroot2 said:

FeersumEnjineeya said:

Mysticrose said:

Charles said:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/10-days-that-changed-britains-coronavirus-approach?ref=hpsplash

Whoever the fuck that Cabinet Minister is they should be sacked

No idea why you should attack a Cabinet Minister for getting it right and helping to propel the Govt to act.

I think we all know by now that the Govt acted way too slowly and believed one subset of scientists instead of having the humility to listen to others including from overseas. The net result of that will probably be a massive surge in cases and deaths in the short term. But at least they are gradually improving.

I also don't know why anyone is very surprised. Johnson won a great victory against the most unelectable leader in Labour's history - a man so toxic that even his own MPs deserted him.

As I've mentioned before, it's not that Boris believed one subset of scientists, it's that he made the wrong choice of the scientifically-based options placed before him. He gambled on the high-risk, low-cost option, and lost. He screwed up the single most important decision, and then he compounded his mistake by dithering afterwards. Other than Trump, the Ayatollahs and possibly the Dutch prime minister Rutte, it's hard to think of a leader who has dealt more ineptly with the pandemic.

Corbyn would have been much worse.

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

IanB2 said:

another_richard said:

Given the circumstances we find ourselves in I am going to take a slightly different approach to the review this week. As opposed to selecting a single subject to critique, I thought it would be more helpful to pick out five 5-star (IMO) hidden gems freely accessible online, which can be enjoyed at home.

I've tried to mix it up a bit, taking in a classic kids TV series, an amazing speech, a great documentary, magnificent opera, and tip top pod.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51968653

I'm sure some PBers can themselves suggest other things of interest.

I am quite enjoying Monk on Amazon Prime at the moment. Think autistic Colombo with OCD, in San Fran. Each episode is stand alone and contains a crime mystery, so it’s an engaging way to spend chunks of 45 minutes.

Daveyboy1961 said:

Charles said:

williamglenn said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

The story doesn't make sense in its own terms because it says that "selective tax advantages" will be allowed.

Selective tax advantages up to Eur 800K per company.

But Rishi's proposal is > Eur 800K for the biggest companies. (It is defined as selective because it only applies to some sectors)

So it is therefore outwith the rules, unless you limit the benefit to the big hotels and airlines.

It would be nice to see a link to this story, as I said before, I have the times hard copy and it isn't there.

ydoethur said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

I disagree. First, because nobody has ever attacked Hyufd for no discernible reason - why bother when there are lots of discernible ones we can use? - but second because there’s just no fuchsia in talking about plants.

Nigelb said:

ydoethur said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

I disagree. First, because nobody has ever attacked Hyufd for no discernible reason - why bother when there are lots of discernible ones we can use? - but second because there’s just no fuchsia in talking about plants.

Now that’s just hollyhocks.

ydoethur said:

Nigelb said:

ydoethur said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

I disagree. First, because nobody has ever attacked Hyufd for no discernible reason - why bother when there are lots of discernible ones we can use? - but second because there’s just no fuchsia in talking about plants.

Now that’s just hollyhocks.

You creeper.

ydoethur said:

Stocky said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

I`ve been off line for a bit. Did we find out who JM1 is?

And when was the last time we heard from our resident doomsday merchant. I presume he hasn't got an internet access in his nuclear bomb shelter.

Oh, you suspect JM1 is SeanT?

Jm1 said s/he was a teacher. I don’t think, after some of the things he said about fifteen year old girls in public including on this board, that Mr Thomas would be allowed to be a teacher.

DougSeal said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

RobD said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

I'll let you in on a little secret, Big_G.... I don't think there is one. That's why he's just mouthing off about Brexiteers instead.

And this is the problem with the EU

It is so easy to believe the story and in the absence of a denial it must be assumed this is their position, and devastating for their remaining support in the UK

If the EU had to deny every dubious claim about them promulgated by the British media they'd need a press department the size of the Chinese army.

But this is important.

Any idea the EU would block any part of the chancellor's proposals is outrageous and it does need confirmation that it will not interfere in UK policy re covid 19.

Surely all the EU supporters on here can see how toxic for the EU this could become

The issue is not breach but enforcement. Is the EU going to take enforcement proceedings? I don't see that from the article or from anywhere else. A man who breaks the speed limit taking someone to A&E breaks the law. The issue arises when he is punished for it. We are breaking the law but no one is, so far as I can see, minding.

malcolmg said:

Charles said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

I think it's true, but irrelevant

Essentially some bureaucrat upped the limits on state aid to Eur 800K

But there is the exemption process to approve anything outside the rules (it took Denmark 24 hours). Now I don't see why you should need to get approval, but hey, we're leaving.

But the journo is shit stirring

Thought we had left and Brexit was done, were the thousands of posts on here praising nay revering Boris for getting Brexit done a pack of lies.

Nigelb said:

I came across a celebrity who has not been tested (!)

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/21/lewis-hamilton-self-isolating-but-showing-no-coronavirus-symptoms
I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test but the truth is, there is a limited amount of tests available and there are people who need it more than I do, especially when I wasn’t showing any symptoms at all. So what I’ve done is keep myself isolated this past week...

nichomar said:

rottenborough said:

NYT

Coronavirus in N.Y.: ‘Deluge’ of Cases Begins Hitting Hospitals
There are already critical shortages: A Bronx hospital is running out of ventilators. In Brooklyn, doctors are reusing masks.

There is a massive effort across Spain to produce masks, from volunteer Civil Protection members through to asking anyone with a sowing machine volunteer, materials to be provided, anything similar happening in the uk?

Charles said:

nichomar said:

rottenborough said:

NYT

Coronavirus in N.Y.: ‘Deluge’ of Cases Begins Hitting Hospitals
There are already critical shortages: A Bronx hospital is running out of ventilators. In Brooklyn, doctors are reusing masks.

There is a massive effort across Spain to produce masks, from volunteer Civil Protection members through to asking anyone with a sowing machine volunteer, materials to be provided, anything similar happening in the uk?

Turns out that a big chunk of the world's ventilators are made in Luton

https://www.smiths.com/news-and-media/2020/03/smiths-group-significantly-ramping-up-weekly-production-of-ventilators

felix said:

Mysticrose said:

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet but, erm, millenials being asked to behave in order to save boomers and gammons might stick in the throat somewhat.

They might reasonably point out that the oldies screwed this country over with Brexit.

So the fact that most of them are so gracious is testament to what a fabulous generation they are. I mean it. The shits are the likes of Peter Hitchens and Piers Morgan.

What an idiot you are. Milleniums screwed themselves over Brexit by not bothering to vote. Stop trying to sow discord with your miserable dreary efforts to politicise everything.

IanB2 said:

Charles said:

Daveyboy1961 said:

Charles said:

williamglenn said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

The story doesn't make sense in its own terms because it says that "selective tax advantages" will be allowed.

Selective tax advantages up to Eur 800K per company.

But Rishi's proposal is > Eur 800K for the biggest companies. (It is defined as selective because it only applies to some sectors)

So it is therefore outwith the rules, unless you limit the benefit to the big hotels and airlines.

It would be nice to see a link to this story, as I said before, I have the times hard copy and it isn't there.

https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-international/eu-eases-rules-more-on-government-handouts-for-virus-tax-relief

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford/status/1241300115094147072?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed&ref_url=https://politicalbetting.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8546/politicalbetting-com-blog-archive-looking-on-the-bright-side-another-decade-of-austerity-at-be/p7

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford

Have we stopped to ask why we would want to give big companies and chains more than that in the first place? The crisis is for the little guy, right now.

Companies like BA and the railways can be nationalised, as an alternative.

IanB2 said:

Charles said:

Daveyboy1961 said:

Charles said:

williamglenn said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

The story doesn't make sense in its own terms because it says that "selective tax advantages" will be allowed.

Selective tax advantages up to Eur 800K per company.

But Rishi's proposal is > Eur 800K for the biggest companies. (It is defined as selective because it only applies to some sectors)

So it is therefore outwith the rules, unless you limit the benefit to the big hotels and airlines.

It would be nice to see a link to this story, as I said before, I have the times hard copy and it isn't there.

https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-international/eu-eases-rules-more-on-government-handouts-for-virus-tax-relief

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford/status/1241300115094147072?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed&ref_url=https://politicalbetting.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8546/politicalbetting-com-blog-archive-looking-on-the-bright-side-another-decade-of-austerity-at-be/p7

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford

Have we stopped to ask why we would want to give big companies and chains more than that in the first place? The crisis is for the little guy, right now.

Companies like BA and the railways can be nationalised, as an alternative.

FrancisUrquhart said:

another_richard said:

Given the circumstances we find ourselves in I am going to take a slightly different approach to the review this week. As opposed to selecting a single subject to critique, I thought it would be more helpful to pick out five 5-star (IMO) hidden gems freely accessible online, which can be enjoyed at home.

I've tried to mix it up a bit, taking in a classic kids TV series, an amazing speech, a great documentary, magnificent opera, and tip top pod.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51968653

I'm sure some PBers can themselves suggest other things of interest.

A 1960s low budget French hand puppet show...yeah ok Will, I think I will give it a miss thanks. And I can't imagine the generation of tik tok will be entertained by it.

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

DougSeal said:

MaxPB said:

DougSeal said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

RobD said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

I'll let you in on a little secret, Big_G.... I don't think there is one. That's why he's just mouthing off about Brexiteers instead.

And this is the problem with the EU

It is so easy to believe the story and in the absence of a denial it must be assumed this is their position, and devastating for their remaining support in the UK

If the EU had to deny every dubious claim about them promulgated by the British media they'd need a press department the size of the Chinese army.

But this is important.

Any idea the EU would block any part of the chancellor's proposals is outrageous and it does need confirmation that it will not interfere in UK policy re covid 19.

Surely all the EU supporters on here can see how toxic for the EU this could become

The issue is not breach but enforcement. Is the EU going to take enforcement proceedings? I don't see that from the article or from anywhere else. A man who breaks the speed limit taking someone to A&E breaks the law. The issue arises when he is punished for it. We are breaking the law but no one is, so far as I can see, minding.

They did during the financial crisis and forced the government to sell Worldpay for a pittance. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that the EU would try and enforce the rules once all of this is over. It's one of the reasons leaving is the right decision.

Something not being beyond the realms of possibility is not the same thing as it happening now. What The Times has done is written an undergraduate legal essay, pointing out to its readers the law, with no context as to the likelihood of enforcement.

felix said:

Gallowgate said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Yorkcity said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

logical_song said:

Is a National Government really a possibility - and would it be a good thing?

I am sure we all want the likes Richard Burgon and Dawn Butler having influence over the government strategy....

Sir Kier Starmer and Lisa Nandy would be an asset to a national unity government imo.
Even BJ hero Churchil had a better government with prominent Labour cabinet members.

Nandy has gone right down in my estimate during the leadership race.

In all honesty, we don't really have the lots of the likes of say a Steve Webb sitting on the opposition benches, somebody with really expert knowledge.

I went to see Nandy speak about a month ago in a small intimate venue and she was very impressive. She really got why Labour lost, and she was not willing to “play to the room” just to get cheap applause. I haven’t seen much of the TV content, but she was honestly very impressive.

I'd have agreed but she was very poor on the gender issue - not a problem unique to any party - the LDs are worse but in Labour it's causing ridiculous rifts and of course will leave the bulk of the population wondering WTF!

malcolmg said:

felix said:

Mysticrose said:

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet but, erm, millenials being asked to behave in order to save boomers and gammons might stick in the throat somewhat.

They might reasonably point out that the oldies screwed this country over with Brexit.

So the fact that most of them are so gracious is testament to what a fabulous generation they are. I mean it. The shits are the likes of Peter Hitchens and Piers Morgan.

What an idiot you are. Milleniums screwed themselves over Brexit by not bothering to vote. Stop trying to sow discord with your miserable dreary efforts to politicise everything.

Milleniums are a bunch of whining lazy no mark woke losers, wanting everything for nothing.

DougSeal said:

malcolmg said:

felix said:

Mysticrose said:

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet but, erm, millenials being asked to behave in order to save boomers and gammons might stick in the throat somewhat.

They might reasonably point out that the oldies screwed this country over with Brexit.

So the fact that most of them are so gracious is testament to what a fabulous generation they are. I mean it. The shits are the likes of Peter Hitchens and Piers Morgan.

What an idiot you are. Milleniums screwed themselves over Brexit by not bothering to vote. Stop trying to sow discord with your miserable dreary efforts to politicise everything.

Milleniums are a bunch of whining lazy no mark woke losers, wanting everything for nothing.

Do you like anyone?

MaxPB said:

DougSeal said:

MaxPB said:

DougSeal said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

RobD said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

I'll let you in on a little secret, Big_G.... I don't think there is one. That's why he's just mouthing off about Brexiteers instead.

And this is the problem with the EU

It is so easy to believe the story and in the absence of a denial it must be assumed this is their position, and devastating for their remaining support in the UK

If the EU had to deny every dubious claim about them promulgated by the British media they'd need a press department the size of the Chinese army.

But this is important.

Any idea the EU would block any part of the chancellor's proposals is outrageous and it does need confirmation that it will not interfere in UK policy re covid 19.

Surely all the EU supporters on here can see how toxic for the EU this could become

The issue is not breach but enforcement. Is the EU going to take enforcement proceedings? I don't see that from the article or from anywhere else. A man who breaks the speed limit taking someone to A&E breaks the law. The issue arises when he is punished for it. We are breaking the law but no one is, so far as I can see, minding.

They did during the financial crisis and forced the government to sell Worldpay for a pittance. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that the EU would try and enforce the rules once all of this is over. It's one of the reasons leaving is the right decision.

Something not being beyond the realms of possibility is not the same thing as it happening now. What The Times has done is written an undergraduate legal essay, pointing out to its readers the law, with no context as to the likelihood of enforcement.

True, but it would be good to get the EU to commit not to chase countries who have taken extraordinary measures to save the economy. We didn't get that last time before nationalising the banks and it backfired as the government were forced to sell off valuable assets for no money. Once bitten and all that...

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

I`ve been off line for a bit. Did we find out who JM1 is?

And when was the last time we heard from our resident doomsday merchant. I presume he hasn't got an internet access in his nuclear bomb shelter.

Oh, you suspect JM1 is SeanT?

No, just saying, we haven't heard from Mr Doomsday.

Presumably because, despite having spun us all the yarn of having had the virus, he is now holed up in some Cornish shack with his family petrified of still getting it.

I don`t understand being petrified of getting the virus, assuming you are under 70 and in good health. I`m not worried. Not even slightly.

(If I suddenly stop posting please disregard the above post.)

I don't know how old you are, but unless you are under 20 you should be very concerned. The rates of hospitalization of people even in their 40s is significant, the difference with them compared to the oldies is that with the correct treatment most will to make it through.

Cyclefree said:

Sean_F said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

How is your daughter coping?

Yesterday was, understandably, quite an emotional day for her. For her team. For us all. It’s a family business now.

The pub/restaurant is right in the centre of the village - everyone goes there to meet, chat, share gossip,information, look out for each other. A lot of business gets done there - it’s not just a drinking and eating venue. So it will be missed and my daughter will find the social isolation by contrast with her normal every day busyness very hard - harder than for me, I suspect.

She has a good business brain though and a toughness which will help. I am so proud of her.

She has already started a takeaway / delivery service - including for some essential goods - targeted on the isolated so as a social service as much as anything. She has volunteers to help. She will look to see how the latest proposals will help and she will need to have a conversation with her landlord about the rent.

The biggest difficulty is not knowing the timescale. If this goes on for a year, the decision is a very different one to a 3-month shutdown. And no-one knows.

What breaks my heart is that a few weeks ago she was talking excitedly about various plans she had to expand business / had prepared lots of varied menus - they were changed every week - and had plans to go into the holiday rental / B&B market. All on hold and very possibly ended now. All that hope crushed - or so it feels like. So I am going to do whatever I can to support her.

I have also urged my 2 sons, who were job-hunting to look at those supermarket jobs. Any work is better than none. This is no time for snobbery about graduate jobs, frankly.

Best wishes to @Charles for his Dad, @MaxPB and @GideonWise.

Stocky said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

FrancisUrquhart said:

Stocky said:

I`ve been off line for a bit. Did we find out who JM1 is?

And when was the last time we heard from our resident doomsday merchant. I presume he hasn't got an internet access in his nuclear bomb shelter.

Oh, you suspect JM1 is SeanT?

No, just saying, we haven't heard from Mr Doomsday.

Presumably because, despite having spun us all the yarn of having had the virus, he is now holed up in some Cornish shack with his family petrified of still getting it.

I don`t understand being petrified of getting the virus, assuming you are under 70 and in good health. I`m not worried. Not even slightly.

(If I suddenly stop posting please disregard the above post.)

I don't know how old you are, but unless you are under 20 you should be very concerned. The rates of hospitalization of people even in their 40s is significant, the difference with them compared to the oldies is that with the correct treatment most will to make it through.

I`m 55 and fit as fuck

williamglenn said:

Stocky said:

Charles said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

Stocky said:

IanB2 said:

MarqueeMark said:

Cyclefree said:

CYCLEFREE’s GARDENING CORNER

In response to @MattW’s question re pruning of forsythia.

1. Get some sharp clean secateurs so the cut is a clean one. You don’t want to be tearing at the twigs or branches.

2. No problem with pruning now - or you could wait until it’s finished flowering. The advantage of pruning now is that the stems with flowers you cut off can be put in the house to brighten it. The forsythia will still flower next year. It’s a tough old plant.

3. Lop off all the long extra stems that are sticking out. Then gradually cut down to the height and width you want. Aim to make it a rounded shape - a bit like a rounded arch - so that it looks pleasing to you and so as you pass it there aren’t bits sticking into you or catching. There is no magic to this - just step back every few minutes just to look at it form different angles.

4. The key to this is to remember that all plants will grow up to the light so if you leave the they will just reach for the sky. If untouched this ends up leaving you with lots of flowers at the top and bare branches at the bottom. So by cutting at the top and cutting the shoots heading skywards you force the plant to send out side shoots which will flower and it will look rounder and squatter and fatter so you get a burst of really bright yellow sunshine just where you want it.

5. Cut just above a flower or bud - a nice neat cut and sloping downwards. This minimises the possibility of any infection. Cut right down to the base any stems which look empty or straggly.

Plants are fine with pruning. It generally makes them stronger. Forsythia is as tough as old boots.

Next week: wisteria?

Wisteria is easy... In August cut the stems back to five buds each, leaving any you intend to form new branches. Train as required. In January trim the same stems back to three buds. Otherwise leave well alone.

"7 and 2" is the rule for wisteria.

In the 7th month (July) cut stems down to the 7th bud. Then in the 2nd month (Feb) cut stems down to the 2nd bud.

Three buds is better, more flowers, which a mature bush ought to be able to support.

I think we should get into a heated nasty debate about this in PB style. Maybe criticise HYUFD for no discernible reason?

What's the polling evidence?

What, on pruning wisteria? 52% For and 48% Against.

We should pull it out by the roots. It's the will of the people. We should never have planted it in the first place.

CarlottaVance said:

Yep:

https://twitter.com/gsoh31/status/1241351701271056385?s=20

IanB2 said:

Charles said:

Daveyboy1961 said:

Charles said:

williamglenn said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

Big_G_NorthWales said:

Stark_Dawning said:

williamglenn said:

felix said:

RobD said:

Are the EU really banning part of the Chancellors rescue package?

Interesting move.

What is this?

It seems to be a nonsense story briefed to the Times in order to stir up some anti-EU feeling.

Entirely predictable I'm afraid. The Brexit evangelists are nothing if not exhibitionists. They'll feel that the virus crisis has stolen their limelight and are desperate to be centre of attention again.

Then provide a link to denial of the story

If true it a devastating own goal and will see any support for the EU collapse

Dear oh dear.

Please provide the denial then the issue is dealt with

The story doesn't make sense in its own terms because it says that "selective tax advantages" will be allowed.

Selective tax advantages up to Eur 800K per company.

But Rishi's proposal is > Eur 800K for the biggest companies. (It is defined as selective because it only applies to some sectors)

So it is therefore outwith the rules, unless you limit the benefit to the big hotels and airlines.

It would be nice to see a link to this story, as I said before, I have the times hard copy and it isn't there.

https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-international/eu-eases-rules-more-on-government-handouts-for-virus-tax-relief

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford/status/1241300115094147072?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed&ref_url=https://politicalbetting.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8546/politicalbetting-com-blog-archive-looking-on-the-bright-side-another-decade-of-austerity-at-be/p7

https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford

Have we stopped to ask why we would want to give big companies and chains more than that in the first place? The crisis is for the little guy, right now.

Companies like BA and the railways can be nationalised, as an alternative.

ydoethur said:

Must be spring. Solar energy has topped 20% of supply for the first time in a while. Indeed, coupled with the strong winds, low demand and high water flows, nearly 60% of electricity is being generated from non-carbon or nuclear sources, helped somewhat by lowered demand.

MaxPB said:

I'd honestly love for the EU to start proceedings against the government for breaching state aid rules. I very much doubt they will though.

FrancisUrquhart said:

CarlottaVance said:

Yep:

https://twitter.com/gsoh31/status/1241351701271056385?s=20

Some people are even bigger partisan bell-ends than you could ever imagine. Some clearly would literally be cheering on Hitler in the WWII, given some of his socialist policies.

And you compare that to the real grown-ups like Dougie Alexander who used to run the Labour Party.

FrancisUrquhart said:

CarlottaVance said:

Yep:

https://twitter.com/gsoh31/status/1241351701271056385?s=20

Some people are even bigger partisan bell-ends than you could ever imagine. Some clearly would literally be cheering on Hitler in the WWII, given some of his socialist policies.

And you compare that to the real grown-ups like Dougie Alexander who used to run the Labour Party.

DougSeal said:

Yorkcity said:

Had to renew my passport.
Went into main post office on Monday afternoon.
They took the digital photo, e mail address and mobile number.
It was tracked all the way and I was informed at each stage.
TNT delivered it today.
Good service, I would recommend it.

Also for those who care , it was a dark blue Brirish one.

Lovely. What are you going to use it for?

DougSeal said:

malcolmg said:

felix said:

Mysticrose said:

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet but, erm, millenials being asked to behave in order to save boomers and gammons might stick in the throat somewhat.

They might reasonably point out that the oldies screwed this country over with Brexit.

So the fact that most of them are so gracious is testament to what a fabulous generation they are. I mean it. The shits are the likes of Peter Hitchens and Piers Morgan.

What an idiot you are. Milleniums screwed themselves over Brexit by not bothering to vote. Stop trying to sow discord with your miserable dreary efforts to politicise everything.

Milleniums are a bunch of whining lazy no mark woke losers, wanting everything for nothing.

Do you like anyone?

FrancisUrquhart said:

Nearly time for the daily government update. Why are we still doing these in person? Surely that isn't a good idea.

FrancisUrquhart said:

CarlottaVance said:

Yep:

https://twitter.com/gsoh31/status/1241351701271056385?s=20

Some people are even bigger partisan bell-ends than you could ever imagine. Some clearly would literally be cheering on Hitler in the WWII, given some of his socialist policies.

And you compare that to the real grown-ups like Dougie Alexander who used to run the Labour Party.

https://twitter.com/D_G_Alexander/status/1239491903386763264?s=20

Monkeys said:

williamglenn said:

Monkeys said:

williamglenn said:

Monkeys said:

This whole thing could have second waves, and other countries getting their peaks later, and countries will want to limit movement for long after until it becomes part of the psyche. This morning I'm wondering which will be the first party to come up with a "progressive" low-immigration policy. People won't be moving about for a long time after this. You could come up with a Greta Thunberg argument or something that a smaller, more local world is more environmentally friendly.

If restricting the movement of people is the aim, focusing on reducing tourism and business travel would have more relevance.

And travel to visit family. But also, this is what pandemics do - they make people more anti-immigration. People are going to get used to controlling borders. One thing that's amusing me about all this is that people that were previously remainers have often been very vocal about shutting the country down and restricting movement, and going WHY haven't we closed all the schools and shut down all the flights YESTERDAY? This will impact our minds long-term I think. It's not about aims, it's about outcomes.

Restricting the kind of movement that spreads pandemics also means things like reducing commuting. Political borders and migration are a very minor aspect of it.

Do you think the long-term response in the USA will be restrictions on movement between states?

I'm not talking about the general public surviving a pandemic with long periods of lockdown and many deaths, getting their calculators out and working out their new moral aesthetics through accountancy. We're controlling our borders now, some of the demands for the most strict measures are coming from people who were most ardently Remain to the point of wanting a People's Vote, and psychologically fears of infection are linked to desire for lower immigration.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170501094306.htm


I'm not making a moral claim there as to whether it's a bad thing to want lower immigration because there's some psychological reasons behind it btw. I also think that after this, everyone will want a smaller simpler world. Which is maybe what people wanted when they voted for Brexit.

QUICK EDIT: For clarity, "No" to the thing about the states.