politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Compulsory face mask wearing – the Brexit divide

Possibly interesting paper.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Depends on Cellular Heparan Sulfate and ACE2
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.14.201616v1
We show that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with cell surface heparan sulfate and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its Receptor Binding Domain. Docking studies suggest a putative heparin/heparan sulfate-binding site adjacent to the domain that binds to ACE2. In vitro, binding of ACE2 and heparin to spike protein ectodomains occurs independently and a ternary complex can be generated using heparin as a template. Contrary to studies with purified components, spike protein binding to heparan sulfate and ACE2 on cells occurs codependently. Unfractionated heparin, non-anticoagulant heparin, treatment with heparin lyases, and purified lung heparan sulfate potently block spike protein binding and infection by spike protein-pseudotyped virus and SARS-CoV-2 virus. These findings support a model for SARS-CoV-2 infection in which viral attachment and infection involves formation of a complex between heparan sulfate and ACE2. Manipulation of heparan sulfate or inhibition of viral adhesion by exogenous heparin may represent new therapeutic opportunities...

Scott_xP said:

LadyG said:

Wow. Uber got hacked as well

That's some seriously weapons-grade hacking

Biden got hacked. If they get Trump too

No one would notice...

kle4 said:

Scott_xP said:

https://twitter.com/matt_dathan/status/1283501612007411712

Looks like classic 'we don't London like politically, and much of the country doesn't, so let's say we will move out of it', who knows if it is serious. I will never understand the antipathy toward retaining parliament in the capital of the country, not least since much of the time people pretend it is about saving money even though a world heritage site would need fixing up regardless, so that excuse is bollocks.

Hope parliament stays put for personal reasons. Some of my best times in recent years have been spent on College Green. Love going down there, milling around in the centre of things. You can get quite close to household names who otherwise you only see on TV. If you're into politics it's a genuine thrill.

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

The previous two posts capture my mood swings very well!

"Parliament in York" has a certain quarter-baked idea flavour, rather appealing yet clearly not going to happen, like an island airport in the Thames or a bridge to Northern Ireland. I wish I could think what the common factor is.

Nigelb said:

https://twitter.com/xkcdComic/status/1283437923421937666

Singing in church is high risk, that will upset a few who were getting snippy about some other things being opened while churches could not.

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

Andy_JS said:

"Backlash after BBC posts 'sneering' tweet about Birmingham's Olympics bid"

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/backlash-after-bbc-posts-sneering-18601001

A curious choice to choose to mock, even though I'm sure plenty would find humour in recalling the bid.

Personally I'm against any place where the train stations charge you to take a piss, which includes Birmingham. Which means I'm against most big places.

RobD said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

I have everything crossed!

You should see a doctor about that, but they're still desperate to stop being seeing them about anything I'm afraid.

Sandpit said:

Alistair said:

LadyG said:

Foxy said:

algarkirk said:

Just a comment on the Smithsonian fracas. Try reading Kate Fox 'Watching the English'. In this book she treats English culture to a bit of simple anthropology, as if they are an exotic tribe being observed. It's very popular, and funny too. The Smithsonian is doing a similar thing, though it is much more stereotyped and sharp, so uncomfortable. It reads more like a critical outsider might see a white culture.

The PB critics have included these broad criticisms:

The picture is white supremacist by attributing a range of self evident good qualities to a white culture only.

The picture is racist and anti-white by attributing a rage of doubtful qualities to a white culture.

The picture is racist and anti non-white because it implies every non white lacks a range of self evident good qualities.

It's woke nonsense gone mad.

I doubt if all these can be true. Personally I feel stereotyped by it, which is exactly I think what happens more to other groups than to whites. So I think it is of value.

I think the meaning of the graphic is that those traits are generally perceived to be associated with whiteness. So despite Nigerians being the most highly qualified of US immigrants, science is associated with whiteness.

It says white people "avoid conflict".

So white people are peaceful. "Whiteness is peace".

.

Yes, it is literally describing the social construct of whiteness.

Race is a social construct. This mind-blowingly woke idea was arrived at in the mid 1940s.

So now race and gender are both social constructs, if I decide to identify myself as a black woman, anyone who dares say a bad word about anything I do is sexist and racist.

That’s how it works, right?

Well, that's the interesting bit isn't it. I am supposed to be able to identify as a woman, but I can't self identify by race.

That's a bit, odd no. Especially as it's a whole bunch easier to use DNA to determine someone's sex than their race.

Charles said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Charles said:

LadyG said:

Charles said:

LadyG said:

Ominous. But important

https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1283434043867049985?s=20

My Israeli contacts tell me it was opening the schools

Really? Shit.

Also, I like the way you have "Israeli contacts". It makes me think you are probably linked to Mossad, which is cool

I make a living trading information and solving problems for my friends

That could cover anything from lobbying the House of Lords to managing an escort service. OR perhaps both at same time?

There’s a remarkable synergy when you think about those suggestions for a moment

Lord Sewell, is that you?

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

rcs1000 said:

Sandpit said:

Alistair said:

LadyG said:

Foxy said:

algarkirk said:

Just a comment on the Smithsonian fracas. Try reading Kate Fox 'Watching the English'. In this book she treats English culture to a bit of simple anthropology, as if they are an exotic tribe being observed. It's very popular, and funny too. The Smithsonian is doing a similar thing, though it is much more stereotyped and sharp, so uncomfortable. It reads more like a critical outsider might see a white culture.

The PB critics have included these broad criticisms:

The picture is white supremacist by attributing a range of self evident good qualities to a white culture only.

The picture is racist and anti-white by attributing a rage of doubtful qualities to a white culture.

The picture is racist and anti non-white because it implies every non white lacks a range of self evident good qualities.

It's woke nonsense gone mad.

I doubt if all these can be true. Personally I feel stereotyped by it, which is exactly I think what happens more to other groups than to whites. So I think it is of value.

I think the meaning of the graphic is that those traits are generally perceived to be associated with whiteness. So despite Nigerians being the most highly qualified of US immigrants, science is associated with whiteness.

It says white people "avoid conflict".

So white people are peaceful. "Whiteness is peace".

.

Yes, it is literally describing the social construct of whiteness.

Race is a social construct. This mind-blowingly woke idea was arrived at in the mid 1940s.

So now race and gender are both social constructs, if I decide to identify myself as a black woman, anyone who dares say a bad word about anything I do is sexist and racist.

That’s how it works, right?

Well, that's the interesting bit isn't it. I am supposed to be able to identify as a woman, but I can't self identify by race.

That's a bit, odd no. Especially as it's a whole bunch easier to use DNA to determine someone's sex than their race.

Transracialism is coming, I am sure. At present I'd guess most arguing for it will more likely be seen as racist for doing so.

Given racism is pretty darn stupid, getting to a point of identifying as whatever race you want would either be oddly comforting - as no one gave a damn who was what race - or awful, as people felt the need to 'change' race to get ahead, or because they felt attached to stereotypes of particular races.

Nigelb said:

Grieve (on Newsnight) has some interesting comments on the intelligence select committee fracas.

He's an intelligent man, though I'd think 'It's a cockup' would be simpler than whatever he did say.

rottenborough said:

I wonder how many letters Graham Brady has now in his safe?

What is Gove?
Oh, Brady don't hurt me
Don't hurt me
No more

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

I wonder how many people they are training to administer it?

rcs1000 said:

Sandpit said:

Alistair said:

LadyG said:

Foxy said:

algarkirk said:

Just a comment on the Smithsonian fracas. Try reading Kate Fox 'Watching the English'. In this book she treats English culture to a bit of simple anthropology, as if they are an exotic tribe being observed. It's very popular, and funny too. The Smithsonian is doing a similar thing, though it is much more stereotyped and sharp, so uncomfortable. It reads more like a critical outsider might see a white culture.

The PB critics have included these broad criticisms:

The picture is white supremacist by attributing a range of self evident good qualities to a white culture only.

The picture is racist and anti-white by attributing a rage of doubtful qualities to a white culture.

The picture is racist and anti non-white because it implies every non white lacks a range of self evident good qualities.

It's woke nonsense gone mad.

I doubt if all these can be true. Personally I feel stereotyped by it, which is exactly I think what happens more to other groups than to whites. So I think it is of value.

I think the meaning of the graphic is that those traits are generally perceived to be associated with whiteness. So despite Nigerians being the most highly qualified of US immigrants, science is associated with whiteness.

It says white people "avoid conflict".

So white people are peaceful. "Whiteness is peace".

.

Yes, it is literally describing the social construct of whiteness.

Race is a social construct. This mind-blowingly woke idea was arrived at in the mid 1940s.

So now race and gender are both social constructs, if I decide to identify myself as a black woman, anyone who dares say a bad word about anything I do is sexist and racist.

That’s how it works, right?

Well, that's the interesting bit isn't it. I am supposed to be able to identify as a woman, but I can't self identify by race.

That's a bit, odd no. Especially as it's a whole bunch easier to use DNA to determine someone's sex than their race.

We should all identify as Africans since that's where the human race originated.

RobD said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

I wonder how many people they are training to administer it?

1,000 Royal Marines with blow darts.

Loving the Grayling bantz.

MaxPB said:

Nigelb said:

Grieve (on Newsnight) has some interesting comments on the intelligence select committee fracas.

And you believe any of it?!

In this case, yes. Not sure quite what you doubt about it ?

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

rcs1000 said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

The Modena vaccine has just entered Phase 3 trials too. I may be that this is actually a really simple virus to vaccinate against, which would be awesome.

Also - Moderna won't deliver before the end of the year though. We're in a fairly unique position with the Oxford vaccine because it's being developed in the UK, under UK regulations and mass produced by a UK company. It means that the government is in a position to order a gigantic number of doses and have it ready to go for the UK before it gets approval by the FDA or EMA, even emergency approval by the FDA is going to take time and during that time the UK may be able to vaccinate millions of people.

The Imperial lecture touched on how it might work but they seemed to think with good organisation the government/NHS could have every single person vaccinated by the end of this year if there is enough supply from Astra.

Benpointer said:

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

I assume Prof Gilbert will be getting her own Dukedom suo jure if this all pans out.

Richard_Nabavi said:

On the latest parliamentary development, I must say it takes a remarkably broad-minded definition of the mathematical set of non-Tories to include in it Dominic Grieve, Phil Hammond, Amber Rudd, David Gauke, and Julian Lewis.

How long before Jacob Rees-Mogg, Matt Hancock and Rishi Sunak are similarly airbrushed out of the party?

But it is only partly about ideology, and more about loyalty, so air brushing is not a risk for the ambitious. Rees-Mogg theoretically, but the awkward squads of the Tories and Labour usually seem to know when not to push it, at least where Brexit is not concerned.

Nigelb said:

Philip_Thompson said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

Haven't AstraZenica already starting production of it?

On the basis that if it gets approved then it will be ready to use immediately.

Similarly, in the US, several other programs will be producing 100m plus doses before the year end. And some (like Pfizer’s effort) look pretty promising, too.

That's very good news, we need the US economy to get back on its feet ASAP, Trump or not.

Benpointer said:

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

I love a good staged photo. I wonder what direction they gave her.

RobD said:

Benpointer said:

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

I assume Prof Gilbert will be getting her own Dukedom suo jure if this all pans out.

There is a Covid-19 honours nomination process, though a dukedom may be pushing it unless she marries a prince or destroys some french armies.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-honours-nomination-form

Nigelb said:

Philip_Thompson said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

Haven't AstraZenica already starting production of it?

On the basis that if it gets approved then it will be ready to use immediately.

Similarly, in the US, several other programs will be producing 100m plus doses before the year end. And some (like Pfizer’s effort) look pretty promising, too.

Christ. Which is cheapest?

MaxPB said:

Nigelb said:

Philip_Thompson said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

Haven't AstraZenica already starting production of it?

On the basis that if it gets approved then it will be ready to use immediately.

Similarly, in the US, several other programs will be producing 100m plus doses before the year end. And some (like Pfizer’s effort) look pretty promising, too.

That's very good news, we need the US economy to get back on its feet ASAP, Trump or not.

Yes but please God don't let him get any credit for it.

I also remember way back the Koreans basically said there was a fair element of luck to their initial virus response because they had recently done a practice run based on SARS instead of the Flu as they normally would have done. The Oxford vaccine will be the same bit of luck because they basically just adapted their MERS research to COVID which gave them a gigantic headstart. What has followed has not been luck, but having a lot of the heavy lifting done by trying to create a vaccine for MERS means we might see the back of this by the end of the year instead of the 2-3 year timeframe that is usually required.

kle4 said:

Benpointer said:

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

I love a good staged photo. I wonder what direction they gave her.

RobD said:

Benpointer said:

Philip_Thompson said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

Any non-paywall stories?

Good news indeed though.

You can read most of the article on the front page image here:

https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/1283507416768884740?s=20

I assume Prof Gilbert will be getting her own Dukedom suo jure if this all pans out.

There is a Covid-19 honours nomination process, though a dukedom may be pushing it unless she marries a prince or destroys some french armies.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-honours-nomination-form

I vote for the latter.

Nigelb said:

MaxPB said:

Nigelb said:

MaxPB said:

Nigelb said:

Grieve (on Newsnight) has some interesting comments on the intelligence select committee fracas.

And you believe any of it?!

In this case, yes. Not sure quite what you doubt about it ?

Not watching, but when Gove speaks I usually assume he's lying about something, his mouth being open is what gives it away.

A felicitous typo.

I read Grieve as Gove in your initial post!

Benpointer said:

MaxPB said:

Nigelb said:

Philip_Thompson said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

Haven't AstraZenica already starting production of it?

On the basis that if it gets approved then it will be ready to use immediately.

Similarly, in the US, several other programs will be producing 100m plus doses before the year end. And some (like Pfizer’s effort) look pretty promising, too.

That's very good news, we need the US economy to get back on its feet ASAP, Trump or not.

Yes but please God don't let him get any credit for it.

He's already taken it.

Grayling.

LOL.


LOL.

kle4 said:

Andy_JS said:

"Backlash after BBC posts 'sneering' tweet about Birmingham's Olympics bid"

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/backlash-after-bbc-posts-sneering-18601001

A curious choice to choose to mock, even though I'm sure plenty would find humour in recalling the bid.

Personally I'm against any place where the train stations charge you to take a piss, which includes Birmingham. Which means I'm against most big places.

I lived in the Black Country in 1991, and Brum was a post industrial sithole then. By the millennium it was a pretty decent place again. I quite like Brum, its reinventing itself every generation and sometimes getting it right makes it more like America than any British city, but when it was making the bid it was in a pretty bad way.

alterego said:

Nigelb said:

Philip_Thompson said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

Haven't AstraZenica already starting production of it?

On the basis that if it gets approved then it will be ready to use immediately.

Similarly, in the US, several other programs will be producing 100m plus doses before the year end. And some (like Pfizer’s effort) look pretty promising, too.

Christ. Which is cheapest?

I don’t know (though Pfizer claim they’ll provide theirs at cost... though that’s a flexible term in the pharmacy industry). For a large pharma, that might be worthwhile just for the PR.
Whereas a young scrappy and hungry biotech like Moderna has a very different set of incentives.

In the interests of its long-term survival, the Tory party needs more intellects like Grieve's and fewer like Mark Francois's.

Never been much of a fan of Birmingham - it’s like a big Leicester, just inherently dull. The exception was in the late 1990s when some of its clubs absolutely kicked.

Awesome array of polls, all but Rasmussen good for Biden and intyernally pretty consistent - Biden apparently ahead by 8-10 overall, with the 3 and 15 as outliers.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/latest_polls/

A uniform swing of 4-5 points - more familiar in British politics but not unknown in the US could yet change things, but those numbers have been stable for a while.

RobD said:

rcs1000 said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

LadyG said:

MaxPB said:

Wow the news about the Oxford vaccine looks incredibly positive:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-vaccine-breakthrough-oxford-scientists-discover/

If this works it could actually be the silver bullet we need.

That is fantastic. Please God it works, and my pessimism is wrong.

They also talk about "September" for the first delivery. Amazing if true.

The government has ordered 100m doses, the first 30m of which are to be delivered by the end of September, so we could have half (or more) of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. Again, AIUI this is the reason the UK declined the EU vaccine scheme as the 100m UK destined vaccine doses become 100m EU destined vaccine doses which they then dole out as they see fit.

I was very skeptical. If it turns out you were right, I shall eat an entire bowl of sriracha by way of joyful penance

I would happily bet they won't manage 30m by the end of September (10 weeks, and we still have phase 3 test to get through)... but by the end of the year? That's certainly possible.

I wonder how many people they are training to administer it?

Infrastructure already exists in GP Surgeries...

NickPalmer said:

"Parliament in York" has a certain quarter-baked idea flavour, rather appealing yet clearly not going to happen, like an island airport in the Thames or a bridge to Northern Ireland. I wish I could think what the common factor is.

I quite like the idea of Parliament only meeting during University summer holidays. And I think York University would be geared up for a quick start for the Commons as they already handle General Synod in their existing facilities.

Given the number of crooks involved, the Lords could consider Wormwood Scrubs.

alex_ said:

Charles said:

Philip_Thompson said:

Charles said:

NickPalmer said:

bigjohnowls said:

Scott_xP said:

https://twitter.com/JasonGroves1/status/1283475000176017408

Cummings is a complete fascist

Interesting. When I was put on the Treasury Select Committee, a rival to the favoured Labour chair asked for my support, and I said I'd consider it. The Chief Whip, Nick Brown, asked me in and pleaded with me to support the favoured candidate (which I eventually did). It wasn't strictly proper for him to have a view at all, but he certainly didn't threaten expulsion if I didn't do what he said. In fact I don't remember any examples of that threat being made to anyone.

Lewis is a cold warrior of the old school - I'd expect him to be stern on China. But he's also an independent mind, and the Government seems unkeen on those. Ironically, this restores the tradition (hitherto respected by both parties) that no one party has a majority on that committee.

Lewis didn’t just vote for another candidate. He conspired with the opposition and broke ranks

On an unwhipped vote surely?

Not every MP who breaks the whip loses the whip normally, let alone one who breaks an unwhipped vote.

He embarrassed the government

Johnson does that most days of the week.

Turns out he lied to the Chief Whip

Mexicanpete said:

Charles said:

Mexicanpete said:

Charles said:

LadyG said:

Charles said:

LadyG said:

Ominous. But important

https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1283434043867049985?s=20

My Israeli contacts tell me it was opening the schools

Really? Shit.

Also, I like the way you have "Israeli contacts". It makes me think you are probably linked to Mossad, which is cool

I make a living trading information and solving problems for my friends

Sort of like The A Team, but a lone wolf figure without the van, a fear of flying and the welding equipment?

Definitely not a lone wolf.

Classic example at the moment... solving a problem for a friend and getting paid by someone else for doing so

"Solving a problem for a friend and getting paid by someone else for doing so". Wasn't that the job title on Martin McGuinness' passport? I'M JOKING!

More importantly, does that mean you do have the van!

I’m the guy with the cigar

Sunil_Prasannan said:

kle4 said:

Andy_JS said:

"Backlash after BBC posts 'sneering' tweet about Birmingham's Olympics bid"

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/backlash-after-bbc-posts-sneering-18601001

A curious choice to choose to mock, even though I'm sure plenty would find humour in recalling the bid.

Personally I'm against any place where the train stations charge you to take a piss, which includes Birmingham. Which means I'm against most big places.

Toilets at New Street are free, or at least they were back in December.

It's been a while since I was there. They didnt use to be thats good news.

Charles said:

Richard_Tyndall said:

Charles said:

NickPalmer said:

bigjohnowls said:

Scott_xP said:

https://twitter.com/JasonGroves1/status/1283475000176017408

Cummings is a complete fascist

Interesting. When I was put on the Treasury Select Committee, a rival to the favoured Labour chair asked for my support, and I said I'd consider it. The Chief Whip, Nick Brown, asked me in and pleaded with me to support the favoured candidate (which I eventually did). It wasn't strictly proper for him to have a view at all, but he certainly didn't threaten expulsion if I didn't do what he said. In fact I don't remember any examples of that threat being made to anyone.

Lewis is a cold warrior of the old school - I'd expect him to be stern on China. But he's also an independent mind, and the Government seems unkeen on those. Ironically, this restores the tradition (hitherto respected by both parties) that no one party has a majority on that committee.

Lewis didn’t just vote for another candidate. He conspired with the opposition and broke ranks

I think you mean he followed the rules and allowed the committee to choose its own chairman rather than being dictated to by the Government.

In an ideal world the Speaker would be calling Johnson to parliament and asking him to explain his unparliamentary behaviour.

According to the BBC he lied to the Chief Whip. A parliamentary party only works as a collaboration. If someone doesn’t play by the rules they can’t be in the party

The government should not have tried to stitch it up in the first place. This is a reasonable reaction and the government has taken leave of its senses by throwing Julian Lewis out of the party. It's these kinds of decisions that don't make me regret resigning my membership. Petty, childish rubbish from Boris, Grayling was completely unsuitable to hold a position of relative importance, especially at a time when the committee will need to grill the PM and ministers on Huawei, China, our intelligence and defence relationship with European countries after leaving the EU. Trying to force Grayling as the chairman once again showed just how little judgement Boris has.

Pulpstar said:

Why the hell did the Gov't want failing Grayling as boss of an important committee ?

Does long-waited report on Russian meddling have something to do with it?

According to BBC (same story cited by Charles):

The delay in publication has led to speculation the report contains details embarrassing for the Conservatives, however leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg said the hold up was due to a number of committee members leaving Parliament and the need "to make sure that the right people with the right level of experience and responsibility could be appointed".

Yes, the right people. Right like Grayling? And right FOR who?

Pulpstar said:

Why the hell did the Gov't want failing Grayling as boss of an important committee ?

So he could control the agenda and allow them to get away with lesser scrutiny on the poor decision making process behind some of the decisions on Huawei, Chinese investment in key UK infrastructure and what kind of intelligence and defence relationship we want with European countries after leaving the EU. All of those issues are hugely complex and important, Grayling would inevitably give them a free pass.