Doesn't Johnson look young for a man in his mid eighties!
That's what comes of never having to do a day's work in a lifetime.
And he still achieved nothing in all those years
I disagree. Rejoining the EU was a master stroke after the economic after shock of the 10 year Covid-19 pandemic. And I find it so much easier abroad since we joined the Euro. I also believe the NHS is vastly improved now it is run by the Federal Government in Berlin. Perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise was when in 2024 he crossed the floor of the house to lead the Labour Party.
To be fair, the Alien invasion of Earth made people rethink their priorities.
I was just happy for 25 years of non-Tory Government.
It was after they asked to be taken to our leader that the aliens died of laughter.
America -- Dem Veep -- in the last few minutes, Kamala Harris has gone for a walk on Betfair, and Susan Rice has come in a point. No idea why. Earlier today the Duckworth fans were nibbling away.
Personally think Susan Rice would be a BAD choice. Why? Because her extensive experience at NSA and UN would NOT be pluses, but the opposite - Americans are NOT focused on foreign affairs right now (even the trade war) and why would Dems want to make Libya & Syria campaign fodder for the GOP?
Methinks there may be a large degree of misdirection by the Biden campaign re: VP pick - because there ALWAYS is at this stage of the selection process.
Is there not the possibility that they could have a President concentrating on domestic affairs but a VP who has lots of international experience so can keep a weather eye on foreign affairs to make sure nothing catches them by surprise politically?
You mean like the Cheney-Bush administration? Let's hope not!
VPs should NOT have an independent role. At most should be high-level executive assistants. Like Biden was to Obama. IF that's not in the cards, then best they can do is to keep themselves in readiness to break ties in the Senate.
Note that Calvin's Coolidge's VP, Charles G. Dawes, failed at this simple test. First he tried to lecture the senators and get them to shape up - they told him to put a sock in it. Then he failed to turn up to break a tie on confirmation of a key presidential nomination - and Silent Cal scratched CGD off his dance card, permanently.
I seem to remember that the VP was originally the runner up in the Presidential elections, which rather implies the Framers intended the role to have independent executive authority
Mr. kinabalu, the time of Johnson is blissfully transient. England has a much higher level of inward migration than Scotland which naturally helps explain the difference in attitude.
The EU point also relates to cities in England and its towns and cities. And it's worth remembering a great many Scots did vote to leave (although a minority, of course).
One can bat things around but it feels increasingly like another country. And I think the vote will be settled on that level. Forget spreadsheets.
As to your points. (1) Johnson is not forever but the fact we voted for a person like this as PM is forever, i.e. it shows a chasm in culture and attitudes. (2) That probably does partly explain it but the "it" very much remains. (3) England ex London (which is not really England) was as clear for Leave as Scotland was for Remain. Again, a chasm between the 2 nations on a massive issue of identity.
They're gone, I think. 10 years max.
I think there's a view that the English and Welsh were insubordinate towards the Scots, by supporting Leave, and by electing Conservative governments.
Who among we English wouldn’t rather have Nicola managing us through the virus crisis rather than Boris?
Dunno. I’m rather fed up with her now. I think she’s a grievance monger, a control freak, and rather petty in the way she has tried to communicate a “better, Scottish” covid policy.
Scots deserve fun too.
I’m not sure they get it from Sturgeon.
Have to agree with this, she's done as badly as the government but given it better branding and her sycophants in Scotland paint any criticism as being anti-Scotland.
I'm very worried that she's completely screwing up the opening of the economy on purpose so that when the government refuse to bail her out with additional employment and business support measures she can claim that it's an English plot and the value of the Union is zero. She seems to be content with smashing the Scottish economy and that's very worrying.
Every time Sunak or Boris speak it's very clear they see the economy as the major priority in this, whenever I see Nicola on TV she seems not to give a fuck about the economy and seems more interested in showing her "different" strategy to England despite the conditions being basically the same and no evidence that the government opening up the economy has really been all that bad anyway. Now this new threat of keeping English tourists out and the ridiculous people at the border is just another example of how Nicola is happy to screw the Scottish economy just to be different to England.
At the moment, perceptions are entirely dominated by the virus. Stats on deaths, infections, and so on.
In six months' time we will have a better idea of the economic carnage. I am already hearing wails of pain from people getting sacked
A very different context.
But the stats in Scotland are just as bad as England once population density is taken into account.
Yes and Scotland has around 30% of the population density. However you want to cut it Scotland has done very poorly at this.
So that's the reason Spain has done so much better that Germany? Oh hang on a minute.....
And the reason England has done so much better than the Netherlands. #Covidnationalism
But who is saying that? You're the ones saying Scotland has done better than England and that Nicola has had a better crisis than the reality. She's crap, admit it.
Max you were the one that said Scotland was worse, we showed you the reality and now you are whining like a spoilt brat. Stop digging and go lick your wounds and stop making a richard head of yourself.
Your figures did not contradict what he said.
Rob, I do not know what numbers you read but for me 455 is less than 708. That tells me Scotland had 64% of the death rate of England. Can you dispute that fact or have I gone as doolally as a Tory.
Max was talking about correcting for population density. Population is not the same as population density.
For god's sake, all of Scotland's population is crowded into the central belt
But add the urban areas of the Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen conurbations and now Inverness and you'll get well over that percentage.
Dundee and Perth are included in that Wiki estimate.....
Around 70% of the country's population (3.5 million) live in the Central Belt —a region stretching in a northeast-southwest orientation between the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and including the major settlements of Paisley, Stirling, Falkirk, Perth and Dundee
So they are indeed. I just didn't think of them as in the central belt. Perth is certainly not in the Midland Valley (which is what I was taught about at school).
What one really needs is an analysis which slices the distribution of population in Scotland vs England into slices and compares the result. An average density doesn't work for this sort of discussion.
I always thought of it as between the Highland Boundary fault and the Southern Upload Fault.
Perth is definitely in that zone (Dunkeld is on the fault line).
It wouldn't be too hard to compare constituency size / population. Is there any data available at a smaller scale?
Doesn't Johnson look young for a man in his mid eighties!
That's what comes of never having to do a day's work in a lifetime.
And he still achieved nothing in all those years
I disagree. Rejoining the EU was a master stroke after the economic after shock of the 10 year Covid-19 pandemic. And I find it so much easier abroad since we joined the Euro. I also believe the NHS is vastly improved now it is run by the Federal Government in Berlin. Perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise was when in 2024 he crossed the floor of the house to lead the Labour Party.
To be fair, the Alien invasion of Earth made people rethink their priorities.
I was just happy for 25 years of non-Tory Government.
There was no way back for the Tories after the revelation that the aliens had secretly been backing them for years and that Cummings had been one of them all along....
Based on that response it looks like the Sunday Times has been making stuff up again.
"General Sir Patrick Sanders, who as Commander of Strategic Command is in charge of all the MoD’s special forces and intelligence units, “boasted” about his work on cyber-warfare but a source present said Cummings “shot him down in flames” leaving Sanders “humiliated”."
This seems very specific to be made up.
The government said Cummings didn’t meet with service chiefs last month. They could be playing with the date or with the definition of “service chiefs” but that would be an extreme hostage to fortune in an easily proveable point of fact
Mr. kinabalu, the time of Johnson is blissfully transient. England has a much higher level of inward migration than Scotland which naturally helps explain the difference in attitude.
The EU point also relates to cities in England and its towns and cities. And it's worth remembering a great many Scots did vote to leave (although a minority, of course).
One can bat things around but it feels increasingly like another country. And I think the vote will be settled on that level. Forget spreadsheets.
As to your points. (1) Johnson is not forever but the fact we voted for a person like this as PM is forever, i.e. it shows a chasm in culture and attitudes. (2) That probably does partly explain it but the "it" very much remains. (3) England ex London (which is not really England) was as clear for Leave as Scotland was for Remain. Again, a chasm between the 2 nations on a massive issue of identity.
They're gone, I think. 10 years max.
I think there's a view that the English and Welsh were insubordinate towards the Scots, by supporting Leave, and by electing Conservative governments.
Funny kind of insubordination that results in the insubordinates imposing their view of the rest. Is that how it works in armies?
Doesn't Johnson look young for a man in his mid eighties!
That's what comes of never having to do a day's work in a lifetime.
And he still achieved nothing in all those years
I disagree. Rejoining the EU was a master stroke after the economic after shock of the 10 year Covid-19 pandemic. And I find it so much easier abroad since we joined the Euro. I also believe the NHS is vastly improved now it is run by the Federal Government in Berlin. Perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise was when in 2024 he crossed the floor of the house to lead the Labour Party.
To be fair, the Alien invasion of Earth made people rethink their priorities.
I was just happy for 25 years of non-Tory Government.
There was no way back for the Tories after the revelation that the aliens had secretly been backing them for years and that Cummings had been one of them all along....
Yes, I'll never forget the PM's grovelling apology to David Icke.
re: US presidential candidate vice presidential running mates, just did quickie analysis of 15 elections from 1960 through 2016.
>> of 15 Democratic VP picks, two were of significant help in close elections, (Lyndon Johnson 1960 & Walter Mondale1976), while one was VERY unhelpful (Thomas Eagleton 1972) and one who made history proved a mixed bag (Geraldine Ferarro 1984) electorally, while another was a retrospective mistake (John Edwards 2004). Rest were a wash, though one (Tim Kaine 2016) was worthless in a close race.
>> of 15 Republican VP picks, in close races one was electorally helpful in close race (Mike Pence 2016), while one was not (Bob Dole 1976); one was a drag on the ticket but not fatally (Dan Quayle 1988 & 1992) and another was a retrospective downer (Spiro Agnew 1968 & 1972). Rest were a wash, though two were pretty lame/lackluster (Henry Cabot Lodge 1960 & Jack Kemp 1996).
America -- Dem Veep -- in the last few minutes, Kamala Harris has gone for a walk on Betfair, and Susan Rice has come in a point. No idea why. Earlier today the Duckworth fans were nibbling away.
Personally think Susan Rice would be a BAD choice. Why? Because her extensive experience at NSA and UN would NOT be pluses, but the opposite - Americans are NOT focused on foreign affairs right now (even the trade war) and why would Dems want to make Libya & Syria campaign fodder for the GOP?
Methinks there may be a large degree of misdirection by the Biden campaign re: VP pick - because there ALWAYS is at this stage of the selection process.
Is there not the possibility that they could have a President concentrating on domestic affairs but a VP who has lots of international experience so can keep a weather eye on foreign affairs to make sure nothing catches them by surprise politically?
You mean like the Cheney-Bush administration? Let's hope not!
VPs should NOT have an independent role. At most should be high-level executive assistants. Like Biden was to Obama. IF that's not in the cards, then best they can do is to keep themselves in readiness to break ties in the Senate.
Note that Calvin's Coolidge's VP, Charles G. Dawes, failed at this simple test. First he tried to lecture the senators and get them to shape up - they told him to put a sock in it. Then he failed to turn up to break a tie on confirmation of a key presidential nomination - and Silent Cal scratched CGD off his dance card, permanently.
I seem to remember that the VP was originally the runner up in the Presidential elections, which rather implies the Framers intended the role to have independent executive authority
Only two jobs for VP in US Constitution as written by Founding Fathers, and never amended:
1) succeed the President of US in case of vacancy; and
2) preside as President of US Senate without a vote except to break ties.
ZERO executive authority as VP contemplated or desired. A fact that presidents, senators and everyone else made clear right from the start.
Note that when first VP, John Adams, tried to act like active presiding officer in the Senate, the real senators shot him down right from the start.
Guy who ensured VPs would NOT get real job was Aaron Burr, who tried to connive his way into the White House in 1800, but came in 2nd and (under constitution at that time) was thus elected VP but was persona non grata.
The rise of VP as a top executive assistant - nothing more - came about for purely political, electoral reasons, starting with Ike using Tricky Dick in that role - sort of. Of course, most notable example is Dickhead Cheney. NOT a great precedent!!!!
Mr. kinabalu, Corbyn was absolutely toxic for Labour in 2019. That's not some minor factor.
Nor was Brexit. Nor was "Boris".
Back to the point -
Scotland and England rejected Corbyn. But Scotland rejected Brexit and "Boris" whereas England embraced both.
This is a chasm.
An elderly and UNionist relative of mine, whose politis were set before the Suez Crisis and could not cope with even trying to discuss the SNP rational;ly even when their policies were very much those which he favoured, could only shake his head at the sight of the southrons (mostly) electing a "clown" (his word, not mine).
It should be remembered that even the Scottish Tory MPs rejected Mr Johnson, till they realised which side they thought their bread was buttered. Not to much avail, in terms of Cabinet positions and the like.
Based on that response it looks like the Sunday Times has been making stuff up again.
"General Sir Patrick Sanders, who as Commander of Strategic Command is in charge of all the MoD’s special forces and intelligence units, “boasted” about his work on cyber-warfare but a source present said Cummings “shot him down in flames” leaving Sanders “humiliated”."
This seems very specific to be made up.
The government said Cummings didn’t meet with service chiefs last month. They could be playing with the date or with the definition of “service chiefs” but that would be an extreme hostage to fortune in an easily proveable point of fact
Denial who met who when & what precisely was said could be technically accurate. By same token, the substance as alleged by ST could also be fundamentally correct even if details are not quite.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
Its not just theatres, though those desperately need help, but everything from independent music venues to music festivals.
Absolutely. We’ve suspended commercial activities in our home to give the space over to the performing arts (including poetry and literature) plus building capability for digital streaming of performance.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
I wonder how many resources will be wasted on unseating him?
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
The rumour is he will stand down before. Plus Chingford is more football than opera and ballet and does not have a big theatre
And when a good fraction of them get back to work it'll be his jobs miracle?
Not for the ones that don't. If it's like here, there may be entire industries that just die out.
I am amazed that this notion passes the PB Tories by. They fall over themselves with excitement at the prospect that current opinion polls have the Conservatives polling at GE 2019 levels. The GE is 4 years out, with so much likely to go wrong.
PBTories shitpost klaxon
I mean, in the 10th year of Ed Miliband's premiership, you've got to let us have our dreams.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
The speed at which Chingford has shifted Left is a real surprise to me. There must be nowhere else that has seen the right wing vote fall by 12% since 2015.
Are these the same guys who sold me a phone card (via Boots or suchlike) in London many moons ago? Only tried to use the thing once, to book a hostel in Bolongna - could never get a call to go through, which meant I fly to Italy on afternoon flight with no place certain to lay my weary head that night.
Turned out their entire system was down ("technical difficulties") the very day I needed to use it. Things worked out fine on the Italian end (thanks to the kindness of a nice British Italian couple) but still want my 5 quid refunded - with interest!
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
If he loses, he'll just be given a seat in the Lords and it will be like it never happened. God bless British Democracy.
Are these the same guys who sold me a phone card (via Boots or suchlike) in London many moons ago? Only tried to use the thing once, to book a hostel in Bolongna - could never get a call to go through, which meant I fly to Italy on afternoon flight with no place certain to lay my weary head that night.
Turned out their entire system was down ("technical difficulties") the very day I needed to use it. Things worked out fine on the Italian end (thanks to the kindness of a nice British Italian couple) but still want my 5 quid refunded - with interest!
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
The speed at which Chingford has shifted Left is a real surprise to me. There must be nowhere else that has seen the right wing vote fall by 12% since 2015.
Demographic creep? Which is big boost for Democrats in many US suburbs, including in metro Seattle, as older residents relocate due to retirement (including permanent) and are replaced by newcomers who are younger, less conservative politically/socially & more diverse.
My own hood in north Seattle was GOP turf until late '60s. Areas in city further north voted Republican until 1980s. Inner suburbs started turning blue around turn of century, and twenty years later GOP elected officials in King County confined to peripheral, exurban redoubts.
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Are these the same guys who sold me a phone card (via Boots or suchlike) in London many moons ago? Only tried to use the thing once, to book a hostel in Bolongna - could never get a call to go through, which meant I fly to Italy on afternoon flight with no place certain to lay my weary head that night.
Turned out their entire system was down ("technical difficulties") the very day I needed to use it. Things worked out fine on the Italian end (thanks to the kindness of a nice British Italian couple) but still want my 5 quid refunded - with interest!
So that will be £4.95 sir, will it?
Heck, by the time I fill out the paperwork, yours truly would be the one owing these bums money. Tell you what - YOU collect my rightful compensation, and treat yourself to some mushy peas or other UKer treat!
Anyway, must confess that I got more than even with the British Establishment. How? Well, flew on BA from Heathrow to Warsaw - they lost my checked luggage. Got it three days later. When I pointed this out to BA desk on Warsaw when checking in for return flight, they said yours truly was entitled to $50 per day for my troubles = 150 bucks; But they could NOT pay it out right there; check back in London, they said.
OK. When I got to London, I did just that, was told they would need to contact Warsaw to confirm my claim; No sweat, me says, am heading to Dublin & will check back here in a week. Fine, the man tells me: and what happened again, and what did they tell you? Replied that BA had lost my luggage for 3 days (I washed my one shirt nightly in a sink) and that I was to be compensated at rate of 50 pounds per day = 150 quid.
When I returned for Dublin, en route back home, stopped at BA office and collected my 150 pounds cash. Paid for my week in Dublin. So hey, I'm OK.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
Its not just theatres, though those desperately need help, but everything from independent music venues to music festivals.
I look forward to the cash injection into the Wheeltappers & Shunters Social Club.
Not my cup of tea, but I agree. Life without clubs, comedy and music post covid is rather too grim.
Have a song in your heart, a laugh on your lips and a party in your head!
Here in Seattle the last is especially easy, as closest pot store is five blocks away, next to big grocery store with huge booze & beer selection; both are "essential businesses" with good masking regimes compliant with public heath dictates.
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
America -- Dem Veep -- in the last few minutes, Kamala Harris has gone for a walk on Betfair, and Susan Rice has come in a point. No idea why. Earlier today the Duckworth fans were nibbling away.
It is clear that Susan Rice's name is in the frame but so are half a dozen others. I claim no special insight and cannot explain price movements, though I suspect they are one or two punters (the markets are quite thin) overreacting to press articles in America.
Since I started typing, Rice has moved out slightly, probably because she was bigger with bookmakers than on Betfair. I'd also note, though it has been true for some time, that there is not much to lay on Michelle Lujan Grisham; again, I'm not sure it means very much.
For the moment I'm green on all the likely contenders and while the smart thing is probably to cash out, it's more fun staying in. Maybe we shall wake up tomorrow to an announcement from the Biden camp and be left ruing not backing Rice, or Harris, or whoever. One day that will happen -- one day between now and the convention in August.
Upcoming July 14 Alabama US Senate Republican runoff primary
Story in NYT re: Donald Trumps pick for nomination versus former US AG Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, namely former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville was a BIG success as head coach in state where college football American style is unchallenged King of Sports. Where annual Iron Bowl in Birmingham between Auburn U and University of Alabama is a BIG deal.
However, as a hedge-fund owner, not so much. His business partner was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and unhappy investors accused Coach Tommy of fraud and sued him for violating his fiduciary duty.
Tuberville has Trump's blessing going for him, which is clearly helpful in Alabama but as Roy Moore showed NOT a sure thing.
Methinks that Coach's hedge-fund fumble is LESS helpful to Jeff that fact that there are somewhat more fans among likely voters for 'Bama Big Red Wave than for Auburn Tigers.
Sort of like Rangers v Celtic with Scots kick-ball devotees.
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
Obama did NOT cover himself with glory dealing with immigration & border issues. As for Trump, his record also stands for itself.
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I suspect very little.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
America -- Dem Veep -- in the last few minutes, Kamala Harris has gone for a walk on Betfair, and Susan Rice has come in a point. No idea why. Earlier today the Duckworth fans were nibbling away.
It is clear that Susan Rice's name is in the frame but so are half a dozen others. I claim no special insight and cannot explain price movements, though I suspect they are one or two punters (the markets are quite thin) overreacting to press articles in America.
Since I started typing, Rice has moved out slightly, probably because she was bigger with bookmakers than on Betfair. I'd also note, though it has been true for some time, that there is not much to lay on Michelle Lujan Grisham; again, I'm not sure it means very much.
For the moment I'm green on all the likely contenders and while the smart thing is probably to cash out, it's more fun staying in. Maybe we shall wake up tomorrow to an announcement from the Biden camp and be left ruing not backing Rice, or Harris, or whoever. One day that will happen -- one day between now and the convention in August.
Re: timing for announcing Biden's VP pick is most likely eve of Democratic National Convention. Is traditional for a reason - it gives presidential nominee something truly newsworthy guaranteed to grab headlines (hopefully in a good way) to kickoff a (again hopefully) a positive, persuasive convention.
Last time IIRC that candidate waited until AFTER the convention convened was Adlai Stevenson in 1956, when he threw the choice open to the delegates; Sen. Estes Kefauver of TN beat out JFK. Cannot recall last time a nominee was announced much earlier.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I suspect very little.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
There have been suspensions at the banks in question, presumably of those who answered the auditors' letters.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
There have been suspensions at the banks in question, presumably of those who answered the auditors' letters.
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
Teddy & Tom should exchange hats - TJ is considered Father of Democratic Party (sort of) while TR was a Republican (most of the time) and also a soldier (for short time in Spanish-American War).
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
GT used to do that when I was chairman of audit ctte at a plc
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
Doesn't sound like a focus on the Red Wall / Blue Wall.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
The Tories need to defend Esher and Walton and Kensington too
I notice you didn't mention Chingford. A defence resource too far? Even if Johnson gets another landslide I am expecting and looking forward to IDS's Portillo moment in 2024 with some relish.
I wonder how many resources will be wasted on unseating him?
I wonder how many resources will be wasted on failing to unseat him?
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I suspect very little.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.
Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
American presidents are (in)famous for having embarrassing relatives, IIRC starting with Mary Todd Lincoln. Other examples: Grant's son, FDR's sons, Kennedy's father, Nixon's brother, Carter's brother, Clinton's brother.
In this as with other aspects of his presidency, Trump has achieved (if that's the word) a whole new level.
Why change the habits of the entire unlocking process? Every time there is a change Johnson has blustered on about it for days before hand, whilst the sector in questions has no details.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.
Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.
Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.
To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
Charles, want to thank you for pointing out (in previous posting) that former US DA involved with Epstein / Maxwell matter is NOT the really BIG fish investigators have the net out for. Though do think they regard a potentially corrupt prosecutor as a Class A Crumbum.
Where we seem to differ, is exactly who is Mr. Big.
They need to be careful with the targeting, to avoid lnext years headlines of “millionaire actors and comedians troughing public money intended for the grass roots”?
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I suspect very little.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.
Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle
Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.
However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.
Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.
Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.
To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.
I wonder how wide-spread faked letters from banks are now days? So easy to play around on a computer and come up with something quite convincing. The Good Lady Wifi was provided with one purporting to be from Coutts. The person providing the letter was a genuine Coutts account holder; the letter was most definitley not genuine.
Fwiw I tend to think that in the end all my political judgments are aesthetic. Trump and all his supporters (actual and defacto) have never once surprised on the upside in that area.
On the contrary, I think that's a piece of Pop Art worthy of Warhol. It is so grotesquely kitsch it's extremely compelling.
It's not going on my wall. I'd definitely prefer the Elvis or the Marilyn.
As a young boy, one of the most starling things I ever beheld, was the Marilyn Monroe you reference hung up on the wall of my grandfather's den. Still haven't forgotten OR got over it.
How many times is that they’ve been caught trying to falsely put Dominic Cummings into a story?
None so far
The Number 10 blog starts by talking of a whole series of errors but then refutes just two, and even then there is the suspicion that the military story might depend on a close reading of "last month" when we've just started a new one. Otoh, I've not read the ST.
The bigger story might just be the Wirecard scandal on the front page.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
I have 2 cards from UK, World leading Fintech, next-gen providers.
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Which makes it very important that such firms are not in Germany, or even the EU, given the nature of its regulators.
It definitely raises questions over the quality of regulatory oversight in Germany, the EU has opened an investigation into the whole situation. Honestly, I can't see this happening here. The FCA has its own set of flaws and auditors I've come across always strike me as dull rather than criminally incompetent.
Auditors are internationally incompetent.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
The "faked bank accounts" issue is (sadly) a common one.
Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.
Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.
To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.
They need to be careful with the targeting, to avoid lnext years headlines of “millionaire actors and comedians troughing public money intended for the grass roots”?
"We send £350 million each week to the EU. Let's give it to a bunch of luvvies instead."
Charles, want to thank you for pointing out (in previous posting) that former US DA involved with Epstein / Maxwell matter is NOT the really BIG fish investigators have the net out for. Though do think they regard a potentially corrupt prosecutor as a Class A Crumbum.
Where we seem to differ, is exactly who is Mr. Big.
I’ve no idea who “mr big” is. There’s a certain senior individual Who is occasionally mentioned, but I’d be very surprised. He doesn’t seem to have much trouble getting that sort of thing through his own efforts, even if he is overly insistent at times.
(I was intrigued by Acosta’s comments to the Trump inauguration team which I saw today - that he was told in 2008 that Epstein was “above his pay grade” and that “he belong to intelligence”. I fear he’s being set up as a fall guy.)
I think it’s shocking that a Democrat President could allow such cruel behaviour on his watch
He didn't know about it until it had happened. Problem was & is inbred racism of forces of order, esp. border guards. Which Trump has tried to exacerbate for political and personal reasons (God help him on both counts). NOT the case with his predecessor.
Of course. With the democrats it’s the fault of the border guards. With the Republicans it’s the fault of the political leadership
How much do you think the current Republican President is doing to improve the situation?
I suspect very little.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
That's harsh, dude - yours truly is a hack NOT an activist.
Sorry - I’m sure I remember an article by you a few years ago that described you as a Democratic activist in Seattle
Well, it's really matter of definition - no worries. As for double-standards & hypocrisy, am trying (continuously) to correct my sins & curb my enthusiasm.
However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.
I grew up around politicians. I have a healthy contempt for the whole damn lot.
Comments
I haven’t read the article so I can’t comment on whether the points are tangential or central to the Sunday Times’ case.
Perth is definitely in that zone (Dunkeld is on the fault line).
It wouldn't be too hard to compare constituency size / population. Is there any data available at a smaller scale?
>> of 15 Democratic VP picks, two were of significant help in close elections, (Lyndon Johnson 1960 & Walter Mondale1976), while one was VERY unhelpful (Thomas Eagleton 1972) and one who made history proved a mixed bag (Geraldine Ferarro 1984) electorally, while another was a retrospective mistake (John Edwards 2004). Rest were a wash, though one (Tim Kaine 2016) was worthless in a close race.
>> of 15 Republican VP picks, in close races one was electorally helpful in close race (Mike Pence 2016), while one was not (Bob Dole 1976); one was a drag on the ticket but not fatally (Dan Quayle 1988 & 1992) and another was a retrospective downer (Spiro Agnew 1968 & 1972). Rest were a wash, though two were pretty lame/lackluster (Henry Cabot Lodge 1960 & Jack Kemp 1996).
Back to the point -
Scotland and England rejected Corbyn. But Scotland rejected Brexit and "Boris" whereas England embraced both.
This is a chasm.
I guess we'll discover whether Rishi Rich prefers opera or ballet.
1) succeed the President of US in case of vacancy; and
2) preside as President of US Senate without a vote except to break ties.
ZERO executive authority as VP contemplated or desired. A fact that presidents, senators and everyone else made clear right from the start.
Note that when first VP, John Adams, tried to act like active presiding officer in the Senate, the real senators shot him down right from the start.
Guy who ensured VPs would NOT get real job was Aaron Burr, who tried to connive his way into the White House in 1800, but came in 2nd and (under constitution at that time) was thus elected VP but was persona non grata.
The rise of VP as a top executive assistant - nothing more - came about for purely political, electoral reasons, starting with Ike using Tricky Dick in that role - sort of. Of course, most notable example is Dickhead Cheney. NOT a great precedent!!!!
It should be remembered that even the Scottish Tory MPs rejected Mr Johnson, till they realised which side they thought their bread was buttered. Not to much avail, in terms of Cabinet positions and the like.
Plus Chingford is more football than opera and ballet and does not have a big theatre
Turned out he was the former Governor of Arizona.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/us/arizona-immigration-new-nativists.html?searchResultPosition=6
I mean, in the 10th year of Ed Miliband's premiership, you've got to let us have our dreams.
Remind me about the financial sector decamping to Frankfurt again?
Couldn’t you leave £500 million for Landywood Snooker Club?
Both used Wirecard as the back-end.
Turned out their entire system was down ("technical difficulties") the very day I needed to use it. Things worked out fine on the Italian end (thanks to the kindness of a nice British Italian couple) but still want my 5 quid refunded - with interest!
My own hood in north Seattle was GOP turf until late '60s. Areas in city further north voted Republican until 1980s. Inner suburbs started turning blue around turn of century, and twenty years later GOP elected officials in King County confined to peripheral, exurban redoubts.
Anyway, must confess that I got more than even with the British Establishment. How? Well, flew on BA from Heathrow to Warsaw - they lost my checked luggage. Got it three days later. When I pointed this out to BA desk on Warsaw when checking in for return flight, they said yours truly was entitled to $50 per day for my troubles = 150 bucks; But they could NOT pay it out right there; check back in London, they said.
OK. When I got to London, I did just that, was told they would need to contact Warsaw to confirm my claim; No sweat, me says, am heading to Dublin & will check back here in a week. Fine, the man tells me: and what happened again, and what did they tell you? Replied that BA had lost my luggage for 3 days (I washed my one shirt nightly in a sink) and that I was to be compensated at rate of 50 pounds per day = 150 quid.
When I returned for Dublin, en route back home, stopped at BA office and collected my 150 pounds cash. Paid for my week in Dublin. So hey, I'm OK.
Here in Seattle the last is especially easy, as closest pot store is five blocks away, next to big grocery store with huge booze & beer selection; both are "essential businesses" with good masking regimes compliant with public heath dictates.
Since I started typing, Rice has moved out slightly, probably because she was bigger with bookmakers than on Betfair. I'd also note, though it has been true for some time, that there is not much to lay on Michelle Lujan Grisham; again, I'm not sure it means very much.
For the moment I'm green on all the likely contenders and while the smart thing is probably to cash out, it's more fun staying in. Maybe we shall wake up tomorrow to an announcement from the Biden camp and be left ruing not backing Rice, or Harris, or whoever. One day that will happen -- one day between now and the convention in August.
Story in NYT re: Donald Trumps pick for nomination versus former US AG Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, namely former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville was a BIG success as head coach in state where college football American style is unchallenged King of Sports. Where annual Iron Bowl in Birmingham between Auburn U and University of Alabama is a BIG deal.
However, as a hedge-fund owner, not so much. His business partner was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and unhappy investors accused Coach Tommy of fraud and sued him for violating his fiduciary duty.
Tuberville has Trump's blessing going for him, which is clearly helpful in Alabama but as Roy Moore showed NOT a sure thing.
Methinks that Coach's hedge-fund fumble is LESS helpful to Jeff that fact that there are somewhat more fans among likely voters for 'Bama Big Red Wave than for Auburn Tigers.
Sort of like Rangers v Celtic with Scots kick-ball devotees.
But my point is I dislike double standards and hypocrisy by political activists like @SeaShantyIrish2
Last time IIRC that candidate waited until AFTER the convention convened was Adlai Stevenson in 1956, when he threw the choice open to the delegates; Sen. Estes Kefauver of TN beat out JFK. Cannot recall last time a nominee was announced much earlier.
How on earth can anyone do an audit, and miss €1.7bn of fake bank deposits? It absolutely beggars belief. I'm sure in the old days it was standard practice for auditors to write to banks, and to major creditors and debtors, to ask for confirmation of the account balances. What on earth do auditors do if they don't do that?
Maybe Rishi isn't so bad after all...
https://twitter.com/brianklaas/status/1279745359678488576?s=20
https://twitter.com/SamCoatesSky/status/1279882316978978817
https://twitter.com/RevRichardColes/status/1059836625491058690
In this as with other aspects of his presidency, Trump has achieved (if that's the word) a whole new level.
Parmalat did it in 2003, hiding something like EUR13bn of losses. Polly Peck, IIRC correctly, did the same. And I was involved in uncovering a similar scandal at Lernout & Hauspie about twenty years ago.
Most recently, in the UK, the management at Patisserie Valerie had faked letters from banks confirming there was no outstanding debt.
To my mind, the real offence that has been committed here is by BaFin, which took the word of the Wirecard CEO and went after short-sellers. Heads should roll at the German financial regulator, because it's one thing to miss an insolvent firm, it's another thing to be an effective accessory in a cover up.
Where we seem to differ, is exactly who is Mr. Big.
However, got to cut me a bit of slack - it IS an election year. Of course, over here they ALL are - but 2020 is the Big Kahuna.
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/transport/coronavirus-six-passengers-test-positive-after-taking-emirates-flight-to-australia-1.1044487
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8491801/Chinese-state-media-says-aircraft-carrier-deployment-South-China-Sea-pleasure.html
They are now an ex-Coutts account holder.
Don Trump jrs is a pile of cut and paste wank in comparison.
I have (virtually) attended two seminars on air travel and CVD and this might make a good case study.......
He was not happy when a member of his team hugged a customer
He was pretty pissed off when a customer / friend jumped on him to hug him
Wonder how long bars will remain open
Let's give it to a bunch of luvvies instead."
(I was intrigued by Acosta’s comments to the Trump inauguration team which I saw today - that he was told in 2008 that Epstein was “above his pay grade” and that “he belong to intelligence”. I fear he’s being set up as a fall guy.)