You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
Most importantly, it's global, not just European. I always thought the Erasmus scheme, confined to just Europe, was very narrow-minded. And the EU tripled the price for it. I'm glad we told them where to stick it.
I see Germany recorded 554 deaths yesterday, which is down from the 724 recorded last Thursday. Perhaps they've turned the corner (or rather, turned the corner three weeks ago), but I suspect it's the start of Christmas reporting. We (i.e. everyone in the Western World) could be about to get some lower numbers, followed by some hideously high numbers.
Scotland is koncokong off reporting until the 29th, Sweden stopped reporting 2 days ago and won't report again until the 29th.
Replicared across the world. Just what you need when a mutant highly infectious strain is about.
I expect to see Covid Deniers posting 7 day moving average charts and "Trending strongly downwards" over the next few days.
I think 22 should be Backstopagoppotus, but it's too many letters.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS PB! Wishing you all every success and happiness in 2021.
Have you seen this version of Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' but with all the lyrics changed to 'Are you hanging up your stocking on your wall'? It's oddly hilarious:
Just flicking through the reporting of Brexit deal, seems nobody can write an article without using phrase "thin deal"...I have no idea what that actually means. I suspect it is like hard Brexit, a vacuous term with an ever changing meaning.
No one who writes it knows either
But they think their peers do
So they need to include the phrase so that they are perceived as being “in the know”
I see Germany recorded 554 deaths yesterday, which is down from the 724 recorded last Thursday. Perhaps they've turned the corner (or rather, turned the corner three weeks ago), but I suspect it's the start of Christmas reporting. We (i.e. everyone in the Western World) could be about to get some lower numbers, followed by some hideously high numbers.
Scotland is koncokong off reporting until the 29th, Sweden stopped reporting 2 days ago and won't report again until the 29th.
Replicared across the world. Just what you need when a mutant highly infectious strain is about.
I expect to see Covid Deniers posting 7 day moving average charts and "Trending strongly downwards" over the next few days.
England is still updating data normally, so will stick out like a sore thumb.
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Great plan. Let’s expand it to non whites then. Like Chevening or Fulbright or Marshall were from the beginning. It’s on Erasmus that favours white people.
I nearly got that but could not see how GEL related to stick. So today I have learned gel sticks are a thing, for which education, many thanks.
I thought gel was a synonym for stick but now I don't think it is. Gel = set, or thicken. Gel is a type of stick but does not mean stick. I think I need a crossword editor!
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
Just flicking through the reporting of Brexit deal, seems nobody can write an article without using phrase "thin deal"...I have no idea what that actually means. I suspect it is like hard Brexit, a vacuous term with an ever changing meaning.
Is 8 down Trotskyism? Trotsky= red sky = broadcaster trot = run?
Hmm. I got that far but how do you tell the ending? Trotsky-ist or -ism or -ite would all seem to fit. It is like there is a part of the clue missing (or I am just very dim, which is probably more likely).
Edit: Ah, after seeing @stjohn's answer, ist = 1st = initial.
Is 8 down Trotskyism? Trotsky= red sky = broadcaster trot = run?
Hmm. I got that far but how do you tell the ending? Trotsky-ist or -ism or -ite would all seem to fit. It is like there is a part of the clue missing (or I am just very dim, which is probably more likely).
Edit: Ah, after seeing @stjohn's answer, ist = 1st = initial.
It's Top=1st=Ist. Initial is to indicate that Trot precedes Sky + Ist.
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
International schemes have long existed by exchange. I had a neice on exchange in University of BC until she returned early due to lockdowns.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
I wish Johnson wouldn’t make the assumption that he has done all this for me, he can get on with it but he’s not doing it on my behalf. He can stick his Christmas present up his .....
Which raises the interesting political question, since the (generally) younger, more educated, more middle class folk are going to remain pissed off by Brexit for longer than the older, less educated, more working class folk stay grateful. Gratitude never gets you far in politics, and whilst holding onto older voters doesn’t appear a particular problem for Conservatives, working age leave voters will surely soon have new grievances and desires.
I'd say that in the medium term (4-5 years) it will depend quite heavily on what happens for the rest of this Parliament and what results will have been seen to keep the new tactical Tory voters in place. 10 years of one party in Govt, plus 5 before with the same party dominating, is a lot.
Will SKS have cleaned house by then? Does that matter?
Is 8 down Trotskyism? Trotsky= red sky = broadcaster trot = run?
Hmm. I got that far but how do you tell the ending? Trotsky-ist or -ism or -ite would all seem to fit. It is like there is a part of the clue missing (or I am just very dim, which is probably more likely).
Edit: Ah, after seeing @stjohn's answer, ist = 1st = initial.
It's Top=1st=Ist. Initial is to indicate that Trot preceded Sky + Ist.
Ha! I can't even getting it right after seeing the answer and the explanation.
Just flicking through the reporting of Brexit deal, seems nobody can write an article without using phrase "thin deal"...I have no idea what that actually means. I suspect it is like hard Brexit, a vacuous term with an ever changing meaning.
No one who writes it knows either
But they think their peers do
So they need to include the phrase so that they are perceived as being “in the know”
It came from Starmer I think so vacuous is fitting. Empty words from an empty suit. PS: He could not say crap deal so invented "thin"
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
International schemes have long existed by exchange. I had a neice on exchange in University of BC until she returned early due to lockdowns.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
Way I see it they have swapped £20 for £15 and are trying to make out they made a great deal. When does the NHS start getting that £350 million a week extra?
Is 1 Across Monicagate? Former Labour Minister =Mo caught eating a roll = roll is anagram of c eating a.
Anway, must go and prepare Champers and nibbles now before we open the presents. I hope you all have the best Christmas possible in present circumstances.
Former Labour minister = Mo (Mowlam). Caught = c (cricket). Roll is an anagram indicator. Roll over the letters. Mo + anagram of c eating a = Monicagate. Scandal = Monicagate.
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
International schemes have long existed by exchange. I had a neice on exchange in University of BC until she returned early due to lockdowns.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
Leaving a club means that you don’t have access to the arrangements. In this case the associate member fee was ridiculous and the decision was taken that we could replicate the benefits, gain more from a new scheme and at a lower cost.
More generally you don’t value the gains from leaving the EU so just highlight the negatives. A more balanced view says it has pros and cons
Just flicking through the reporting of Brexit deal, seems nobody can write an article without using phrase "thin deal"...I have no idea what that actually means. I suspect it is like hard Brexit, a vacuous term with an ever changing meaning.
No one who writes it knows either
But they think their peers do
So they need to include the phrase so that they are perceived as being “in the know”
It came from Starmer I think so vacuous is fitting. Empty words from an empty suit. PS: He could not say crap deal so invented "thin"
Makes a change from Brexit being a “thick” decision
I didn’t know you were such a fan of the BBC, but I agree it is a gift to the nation.
State Propaganda unit and we have to pay for the privilege of the indoctrination
Happy Christmas, Malcy, and everyone else!
Same to you Carnyx, one can only hope the SNP pull their finger out in 2021.
It'll be an interesting year, because one huge uncertainty affecting Scottish politics has been resolved and the implications will soon start shaking themselves out.
Anyway, that's enough politics for today. I've been ordered off the screen and not to work today by Mrs C, so it's hobby time. Have a good meal today. We had a tasty Tweeddale pheasant in red wine with carrots, shallots and celeriac last night - half kept for a curry tonight.
Merry Christmas. After a year unlike any other in recent times, I hope we can all enjoy at least a day of peace.
Spoke last evening to Mrs Stodge's family in New Zealand. For all the praise heaped on Jacinda Ardern, the truth is sealing the borders may have reduced Covid but the economic price for them has bene heavy. Many rely on the income generated by global tourism and there aren't enough staycationing Kiwis to make up for the absence of international travel.
This is another dimension to health vs wealth. Attempts to set up travel corridors to Australia have been stopped by renewed Covid outbreaks in Sydney and elsewhere.
NZ has only now obtained the freezers needed to store the vaccine so they won't be starting their vaccination yet. With about 1.5 million over the age of 55, it's nowhere near the numbers of the UK but of course population density is very different.
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
International schemes have long existed by exchange. I had a neice on exchange in University of BC until she returned early due to lockdowns.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
Leaving a club means that you don’t have access to the arrangements. In this case the associate member fee was ridiculous and the decision was taken that we could replicate the benefits, gain more from a new scheme and at a lower cost.
More generally you don’t value the gains from leaving the EU so just highlight the negatives. A more balanced view says it has pros and cons
Zero benefit to me or my family, just losses.
Nice Christmas bonus from my hospital though as a surprise. They distributed the CEA monies equally this year.
You'd need to look at the details of the Turing scheme but if it is a more-or-less like-for-like replacement then Boris has lured his opponents down a rabbit hole despite the apparent contradiction of his earlier assurances.
'You'd need to look at the details' will be the epitaph of the BJ premiership. Along with 'you two faced son of a bitch' of course.
Listening to him last night it isn't equivalent. Our students go, but no-one comes. As someone whose family benefited, and who acted as a host, I think UK's withdrawal is dreadful.
That is a stupid mistake. We benefit from the brightest foreigners coming here in a sort-of reverse brain drain.
It isn't just the brightest we want; it's the 'ordinary' getting experience of similar but different cultures and ways of life, and enjoying the experience. Making us realise that whatever language we speak, whatever our skin colour, we're all humans.
Then having a scheme open to the world may represent an improvement. It was the EU who chose to triple the price of Erasmus.
I refer to my earlier comment. According to Johnson last night the Turing scheme is one way only.
That’s because these deals are usually bilateral (Chevening is an exception). Each country pays for their own students
International schemes have long existed by exchange. I had a neice on exchange in University of BC until she returned early due to lockdowns.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
Leaving a club means that you don’t have access to the arrangements. In this case the associate member fee was ridiculous and the decision was taken that we could replicate the benefits, gain more from a new scheme and at a lower cost.
More generally you don’t value the gains from leaving the EU so just highlight the negatives. A more balanced view says it has pros and cons
All the money we save in not paying membership fees will probably be lost by businesses with customs declarations (and lost GDP)
I'll leave the crossword to those whose brains work in the right way.
I was treated to the sight of a sparrowhawk perched on the fence at the back of our garden when I got up this morning. I think it was planning for something slightly smaller than turkey for Christmas dinner.
I was reflecting earlier that many more families than normal have lost a loved one in the past year. The first Christmas after a loss can be difficult so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in that situation.
As it is the season of good will, I'll say something nice about the Prime Minister. Whether by good luck or good judgement he's got a deal over the line. Well done Mr Johnson.
I didn’t know you were such a fan of the BBC, but I agree it is a gift to the nation.
State Propaganda unit and we have to pay for the privilege of the indoctrination
Happy Christmas, Malcy, and everyone else!
Same to you Carnyx, one can only hope the SNP pull their finger out in 2021.
It'll be an interesting year, because one huge uncertainty affecting Scottish politics has been resolved and the implications will soon start shaking themselves out.
Anyway, that's enough politics for today. I've been ordered off the screen and not to work today by Mrs C, so it's hobby time. Have a good meal today. We had a tasty Tweeddale pheasant in red wine with carrots, shallots and celeriac last night - half kept for a curry tonight.
"it is the biggest imposition of red tape in 50 years".
Yes but it's UK made red tape, so it's ok, or something
Former Labour minister = Mo (Mowlam). Caught = c (cricket). Roll is an anagram indicator. Roll over the letters. Mo + anagram of c eating a = Monicagate. Scandal = Monicagate.
I'll leave the crossword to those whose brains work in the right way.
I was treated to the sight of a sparrowhawk perched on the fence at the back of our garden when I got up this morning. I think it was planning for something slightly smaller than turkey for Christmas dinner.
I was reflecting earlier that many more families than normal have lost a loved one in the past year. The first Christmas after a loss can be difficult so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in that situation.
As it is the season of good will, I'll say something nice about the Prime Minister. Whether by good luck or good judgement he's got a deal over the line. Well done Mr Johnson.
Normal service will be resumed tomorrow.
Today is the first anniversary of losing my Mum (comedy timing was her thing....) so thanks for the kind thought.
In the same spirit, well done to SKS for rowing in behind the deal, so that the nation can collectively say "thank fuck that is over....." May the word "Brexit" now wither on the vine.
Am I being too simplistic in my reading, or is the US COVID rescue package that Trump blocked for not being generous enough to ‘ordinary, hard working Americans’ now being blocked in Congress by the GOP after the Dems attempted to amend the bill to increase payments to ‘ordinary, hard working Americans’?
Anyhoo, the new age of bipartisan cooperation seems to be going well.
I didn’t know you were such a fan of the BBC, but I agree it is a gift to the nation.
State Propaganda unit and we have to pay for the privilege of the indoctrination
Happy Christmas, Malcy, and everyone else!
Same to you Carnyx, one can only hope the SNP pull their finger out in 2021.
It'll be an interesting year, because one huge uncertainty affecting Scottish politics has been resolved and the implications will soon start shaking themselves out.
Anyway, that's enough politics for today. I've been ordered off the screen and not to work today by Mrs C, so it's hobby time. Have a good meal today. We had a tasty Tweeddale pheasant in red wine with carrots, shallots and celeriac last night - half kept for a curry tonight.
"it is the biggest imposition of red tape in 50 years".
Yes but it's UK made red tape, so it's ok, or something
Given the Q is just a hard K that probably makes more sense, really...
The trouble with Iraq and Iraqis in general is that another thing I learned at school is now false. The letter Q being always followed by a U has gone the way of Queen Victoria being our longest-reigning monarch. Gavin Williamson might as well close them all down.
Given the Q is just a hard K that probably makes more sense, really...
The trouble with Iraq and Iraqis in general is that another thing I learned at school is now false. The letter Q being always followed by a U has gone the way of Queen Victoria being our longest-reigning monarch. Gavin Williamson might as well close them all down.
If you were a regular player of Words With Friends (scrabble by any other name) you’d have a few non u Q words in your locker though almost all foreigners admittedly; tranq is the only anglo one I can think of off the top of my head. On the bright side, perhaps Qanon will join the lexicon next year though as a proper noun I guess.
Former Labour minister = Mo (Mowlam). Caught = c (cricket). Roll is an anagram indicator. Roll over the letters. Mo + anagram of c eating a = Monicagate. Scandal = Monicagate.
Left = L. Confused = anagram indicator. “And Trace L bars” anagrammed = Barnard Castle. End of (or final destination point of) controversial (driving/vision) Test = Barnard Castle.
It's a nice day outside and altogether the least fed up I've been for a while. Christmas is unusual this year - besides anything else, it'll be the first time I've ever had to attempt Christmas dinner, so fingers crossed for no burnt offerings - but it's good. This being the first of ten full days off work is helpful for one's morale too.
Though it can't last, of course. Next on the seemingly endless conveyor belt of catastrophe: Storm Bella. Arrives tomorrow.
I'll leave the crossword to those whose brains work in the right way.
I was treated to the sight of a sparrowhawk perched on the fence at the back of our garden when I got up this morning. I think it was planning for something slightly smaller than turkey for Christmas dinner.
I was reflecting earlier that many more families than normal have lost a loved one in the past year. The first Christmas after a loss can be difficult so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in that situation.
As it is the season of good will, I'll say something nice about the Prime Minister. Whether by good luck or good judgement he's got a deal over the line. Well done Mr Johnson.
Given the Q is just a hard K that probably makes more sense, really...
The trouble with Iraq and Iraqis in general is that another thing I learned at school is now false. The letter Q being always followed by a U has gone the way of Queen Victoria being our longest-reigning monarch. Gavin Williamson might as well close them all down.
Arabic translations don’t count, they frequently screw up rules of English. The main road near me is called “Umm Suqeim St” on the English signs.
Happy Christmas Peter. If you recall, you were the one who first suggested I did a PB Christmas crossword. All those years ago!
I also remember that at a PB meeting in London you once gave me the invaluable advice not to get mad at anything anyone posted on the Site. I've been trying to follow it ever since, not always successfully. It remains very good advice though.
Seasons greetings to you and all yours. Please keep going with the crossword. It's a great tradition.
If I read the deal notes so far, it reads that the UK can get 100% of its fisheries back in 6.5 years, with no tariff consequences. That can't be right can it? Seems crazy favourable to the UK position.
If I read the deal notes so far, it reads that the UK can get 100% of its fisheries back in 6.5 years, with no tariff consequences. That can't be right can it? Seems crazy favourable to the UK position.
The EU can apply arbitration approved tariffs to British caught fish if the UK decides to reduce EU quotas. Retaliation seems to be limited to fish which is a great result for the UK.
Edit: it's also why the UK agreed to the 25% return rather than holing the deal trying to get 35%. As soon as the EU dropped cross sector retaliation fishing stopped being an issue for the UK and the deal was clearly going to happen. In every contentious area the UK has always agreed with arbitration led solutions. It's how pretty much all major trade deals operate so I'm glad to see we've got there in the end.
Double definition. An adonis is a beautiful man or a vision. Lord Adonis is a Labour grandee.
27 across. Anthony. Yes.
MP’s title = “Hon” as in “the honourable member”. The case of T(on)y is its outside letters = Ty. An + Hon in Ty = An T(hon)y. Blair for instance = Anthony.
Contested election = ran. Yankee = Y, (phonetic alphabet). Ran crushing or overwhelming Y = R(Y)an. Paul Ryan was Mitt Romney’s Veep (Vice President) nominee in the 2012 US Presidential election.
"My aunt is coming to stay with us this Christmas. She lives in Indonesia."
"Juwana?"
"No but no one else will have her".
“She had to get a connecting flight.”
“Dubai?”
“No, she paid for her own tickets.”
I’m dying to get back to Orkney after lockdown.
Twatt?
What the fuck’s your problem pal etc.
What's amazing is that the village name [Scandinavian, same root as Thwaite etc in N. Eng. etc.] was used for the nearby Fleet Air Arm airfield in WW2, RNAS Twatt aka HMS Tern (in its 'stone frigate' incarnation). It's not as if they had to use the name of the railway station (there being no railways in Orkney, the odd specialist quarry or naval base equipment-shifting aside). Perhaps there was an innocent Wren delegated with the job of picking the name down in the Admiralty.
On Beijing/Peking. The name has not changed. They are the same two characters as they always were. Literally North Capital. (Nanjing is South Capital). However, as in all Chinese, these are pronounced differently in the different languages of China (which are all written the same, but otherwise, effectively unintelligible). Therefore the Cantonese, which is where the most early contact with Europe came from, it was Pucking. Equally, much of this contact was with Romance language speakers. Hence they transliterated it differently from native English speakers. In formal Mandarin it is pronounced closer to Bay Zhing than Jing.
Can = nick (as in prison). Deposit = lees (as in wine). Nothing = O. Noon = n. Nick + Lees + o +n = Nick Leeson. Nick Leeson was the (in)famous trader at Barings Bank.
If I read the deal notes so far, it reads that the UK can get 100% of its fisheries back in 6.5 years, with no tariff consequences. That can't be right can it? Seems crazy favourable to the UK position.
The EU can apply arbitration approved tariffs to British caught fish if the UK decides to reduce EU quotas. Retaliation seems to be limited to fish which is a great result for the UK.
Edit: it's also why the UK agreed to the 25% return rather than holing the deal trying to get 35%. As soon as the EU dropped cross sector retaliation fishing stopped being an issue for the UK and the deal was clearly going to happen. In every contentious area the UK has always agreed with arbitration led solutions. It's how pretty much all major trade deals operate so I'm glad to see we've got there in the end.
"My aunt is coming to stay with us this Christmas. She lives in Indonesia."
"Juwana?"
"No but no one else will have her".
“She had to get a connecting flight.”
“Dubai?”
“No, she paid for her own tickets.”
I’m dying to get back to Orkney after lockdown.
Twatt?
What the fuck’s your problem pal etc.
What's amazing is that the village name [Scandinavian, same root as Thwaite etc in N. Eng. etc.] was used for the nearby Fleet Air Arm airfield in WW2, RNAS Twatt aka HMS Tern (in its 'stone frigate' incarnation). It's not as if they had to use the name of the railway station (there being no railways in Orkney, the odd specialist quarry or naval base equipment-shifting aside). Perhaps there was an innocent Wren delegated with the job of picking the name down in the Admiralty.
Comments
Awfully is the anagram indicator.
Turkey is defrosted nicely, presents shortly being opened, ovens being preheated for a long day of use.
It feels like Christmas!
Replicared across the world. Just what you need when a mutant highly infectious strain is about.
I expect to see Covid Deniers posting 7 day moving average charts and "Trending strongly downwards" over the next few days.
Party = Dem(ocrat). Excited = agog. End of rally = Y. Dem + agog before y = Demagogy. Rabble-rousing = Demagogy.
Revolted is the anagram indicator.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886010/DRAFT_UK-EU_Comprehensive_Free_Trade_Agreement.pdf
As must be off for now.
Happy Christmas all !
HAPPY CHRISTMAS PB! Wishing you all every success and happiness in 2021.
Have you seen this version of Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' but with all the lyrics changed to 'Are you hanging up your stocking on your wall'? It's oddly hilarious:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-k4yjCo8JWs
To telephone is to call up. Call up with a new leading letter is Gall up. Gallup is a poll by the polling company Gallup.
But they think their peers do
So they need to include the phrase so that they are perceived as being “in the know”
A Merry Christmas to one and all.
ruin or destroy in a heartless and unfair way; f**k over (named after Jeff Kennett, premier of Victoria 1992-99)
https://australian_slang.enacademic.com/4634/Kennett
Happy Christmas All.
Top = 1st or “Ist”. Broadcaster = Sky. Run = trot. “Ist” supporting Sky after initial,(placed first), “Trot” = Trot+Sky+Ist.
Red=Trotskyist.
Edit: Ah, after seeing @stjohn's answer, ist = 1st = initial.
The best bits of the Deal are merely fragments of what we used to have. It is a strange thing to celebrate, the loss of freedoms.
Something to build on, I suppose and better than a hostile No Deal. I am sure that the EU is glad to be rid of us whingers.
Nice frosty walk with the hound, so let the feasting begin.
Will SKS have cleaned house by then? Does that matter?
PS: He could not say crap deal so invented "thin"
https://twitter.com/DrEricDing/status/1341992652179447808
Anway, must go and prepare Champers and nibbles now before we open the presents. I hope you all have the best Christmas possible in present circumstances.
Former Labour minister = Mo (Mowlam). Caught = c (cricket). Roll is an anagram indicator. Roll over the letters. Mo + anagram of c eating a = Monicagate. Scandal = Monicagate.
More generally you don’t value the gains from leaving the EU so just highlight the negatives. A more balanced view says it has pros and cons
And I noticed this on the SP Unit -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55442982
Anyway, that's enough politics for today. I've been ordered off the screen and not to work today by Mrs C, so it's hobby time. Have a good meal today. We had a tasty Tweeddale pheasant in red wine with carrots, shallots and celeriac last night - half kept for a curry tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66M8NwkRmew
Merry Christmas. After a year unlike any other in recent times, I hope we can all enjoy at least a day of peace.
Spoke last evening to Mrs Stodge's family in New Zealand. For all the praise heaped on Jacinda Ardern, the truth is sealing the borders may have reduced Covid but the economic price for them has bene heavy. Many rely on the income generated by global tourism and there aren't enough staycationing Kiwis to make up for the absence of international travel.
This is another dimension to health vs wealth. Attempts to set up travel corridors to Australia have been stopped by renewed Covid outbreaks in Sydney and elsewhere.
NZ has only now obtained the freezers needed to store the vaccine so they won't be starting their vaccination yet. With about 1.5 million over the age of 55, it's nowhere near the numbers of the UK but of course population density is very different.
But sticks of gelignite don't stick together
Nice Christmas bonus from my hospital though as a surprise. They distributed the CEA monies equally this year.
https://twitter.com/afneil/status/1342233377454305287?s=20
"Djakarta?"
"No, she went on an airplane."
Iraq used to be written as Irak.
Given the Q is just a hard K that probably makes more sense, really...
"Juwana?"
"No but no one else will have her".
'Jamaica?'
'No, she went of her own accord.'
Happy Christmas Everyone!
I'll leave the crossword to those whose brains work in the right way.
I was treated to the sight of a sparrowhawk perched on the fence at the back of our garden when I got up this morning. I think it was planning for something slightly smaller than turkey for Christmas dinner.
I was reflecting earlier that many more families than normal have lost a loved one in the past year. The first Christmas after a loss can be difficult so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in that situation.
As it is the season of good will, I'll say something nice about the Prime Minister. Whether by good luck or good judgement he's got a deal over the line. Well done Mr Johnson.
Normal service will be resumed tomorrow.
“Dubai?”
“No, she paid for her own tickets.”
"it is the biggest imposition of red tape in 50 years".
Yes but it's UK made red tape, so it's ok, or something
In the same spirit, well done to SKS for rowing in behind the deal, so that the nation can collectively say "thank fuck that is over....." May the word "Brexit" now wither on the vine.
Anyhoo, the new age of bipartisan cooperation seems to be going well.
ETA I can when they are pronounced completely differently here, but not in Chinese.
thanks @stjohn, loving this on a very quiet Xmas morning.
Left = L. Confused = anagram indicator. “And Trace L bars” anagrammed = Barnard Castle. End of (or final destination point of) controversial (driving/vision) Test = Barnard Castle.
It's a nice day outside and altogether the least fed up I've been for a while. Christmas is unusual this year - besides anything else, it'll be the first time I've ever had to attempt Christmas dinner, so fingers crossed for no burnt offerings - but it's good. This being the first of ten full days off work is helpful for one's morale too.
Though it can't last, of course. Next on the seemingly endless conveyor belt of catastrophe: Storm Bella. Arrives tomorrow.
But not today
https://twitter.com/kreuzberged/status/1342135998759788547?s=21
Twatt?
What the fuck’s your problem pal etc.
Seasons greetings to you and all yours. Please keep going with the crossword. It's a great tradition.
Edit: it's also why the UK agreed to the 25% return rather than holing the deal trying to get 35%. As soon as the EU dropped cross sector retaliation fishing stopped being an issue for the UK and the deal was clearly going to happen. In every contentious area the UK has always agreed with arbitration led solutions. It's how pretty much all major trade deals operate so I'm glad to see we've got there in the end.
Clues remaining are
Across 6,13,20,24,27,29
Down 7,17,22,25
27 Across Anthony?
I'll contribute the easy classical one: 20A Adonis
Double definition. An adonis is a beautiful man or a vision. Lord Adonis is a Labour grandee.
27 across. Anthony. Yes.
MP’s title = “Hon” as in “the honourable member”. The case of T(on)y is its outside letters = Ty. An + Hon in Ty = An T(hon)y. Blair for instance = Anthony.
Contested election = ran. Yankee = Y, (phonetic alphabet). Ran crushing or overwhelming Y = R(Y)an. Paul Ryan was Mitt Romney’s Veep (Vice President) nominee in the 2012 US Presidential election.
Edit: Or a slyly not-so-innocent Wren.
https://www.forgottenairfields.com/airfield-twatt-884.html
https://www.mesolithic.co.uk/blog/2019/11/06/3813/
...to the sheep in the field behind our garden.
Apples and hay.
My turn later.
However, as in all Chinese, these are pronounced differently in the different languages of China (which are all written the same, but otherwise, effectively unintelligible). Therefore the Cantonese, which is where the most early contact with Europe came from, it was Pucking.
Equally, much of this contact was with Romance language speakers. Hence they transliterated it differently from native English speakers.
In formal Mandarin it is pronounced closer to Bay Zhing than Jing.
More here if anyone really has nowt better to do.
https://www.linguism.co.uk/language/beijing-vs-peking
Merry Xmas!
Can = nick (as in prison). Deposit = lees (as in wine). Nothing = O. Noon = n. Nick + Lees + o +n = Nick Leeson. Nick Leeson was the (in)famous trader at Barings Bank.
https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/aging-john-edrich-and-brian-close-show-exemplary-courage-against-frightening-west-indies-attack-28791