"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
Yes. I believe Robert did some digging and confirmed it. I don't really know the details, but I don't believe she was that old. It wasn't that long after Trump got elected.
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
She became rather obsessed with Trump if I recall.
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
She became rather obsessed with Trump if I recall.
She became a QAnon follower before QAnon became a thing.
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
I think he is very lonely, week and unfit for office
He's always been lonely.
That's part of the tragedy of it all.
And needs to be liked
Someone who never shows loyalty to anyone or any principle, is not likely to find it returned.
Johnson is an expert seducer, of women and of the electorate, but his shine never lasts long. He is getting a bit too long in the tooth and too well known to get away with it again. He is doomed to lonely hotel rooms now on the rubber chicken circuit.
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
"@SebastianEPayne NEW: PM's loyalists have "safety mechanism" on no confidence letters:
"5 or 10 of the letters are submitted by loyalists. When Brady hits the magic number, he calls around everyone to ask if they wish to withdraw. At that point, we know we’re in trouble""
Does he have to call round? A signed letter seems as good a signal of intent as any.....
Yeah, I've seen this mentioned before. Letters stand until they are rescinded, so it makes sense to check.
Glad Brady is taking it seriously. If the Johnsonian's are playing with the process its a slimy way to treat the rules of their party.
There was a poster, I think called New Town Boy, who obviously knows me because he subtly outed me by replying to one of my posts using my first name. Although I had some ideas I never found out who he was. At the time I was much more reserved in giving away anything about myself so I was very impressed he identified me. Would still love to know who he is.
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
I think he is very lonely, week and unfit for office
He's always been lonely.
That's part of the tragedy of it all.
And needs to be liked
Someone who never shows loyalty to anyone or any principle, is not likely to find it returned.
Johnson is an expert seducer, of women and of the electorate, but his shine never lasts long. He is getting a bit too long in the tooth and too well known to get away with it again. He is doomed to lonely hotel rooms now on the rubber chicken circuit.
Indeed. Very very well paid rubber chicken dinners, but ultimately sad and empty life.
We are near the end of the pier show part of this tale.
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
One of the weirdest PB threads was the one where @bigjohnowls was posting, and getting advice while hiding out in his hotel room in Tunisia in an active shooter terrorist incident.
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
She became rather obsessed with Trump if I recall.
She became a QAnon follower before QAnon became a thing.
LATEST Tory source (not on 1922): "Range 40/44 after today." Getting near to the 54 MPs needed to trigger the no confidence ballot in the Prime Minister.
I don't have a strong view on how many letters have gone in, but I am rather dubious that anybody except Brady can be confident of how many to within a range of 5...
Knowing how to count is THE secret of success in high-stakes gambling AND legislative politicking.
One of the weirdest PB threads was the one where @bigjohnowls was posting, and getting advice while hiding out in his hotel room in Tunisia in an active shooter terrorist incident.
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
She became rather obsessed with Trump if I recall.
She was absolutely lovely if you totally avoided politics. We originally started corresponding because we discovered we were actually born in the very same week. So I can confirm she died very young
There was a poster, I think called New Town Boy, who obviously knows me because he subtly outed me by replying to one of my posts using my first name. Although I had some ideas I never found out who he was. At the time I was much more reserved in giving away anything about myself so I was very impressed he identified me. Would still love to know who he is.
I was bemused to find a poster on here who was very obviously a friend/acquaintance - he lives ten doors down the road and is the husband of our county council leader. I’m pretty sure he didn’t notice I was on here. I’ve wondered about mentioning it to him but it seems like breaking the essential anonymity of it all…
I think I’ve met another old-time poster a couple of times but not entirely sure. He hasn’t posted here for a while in any case.
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
I think he is very lonely, week and unfit for office
He's always been lonely.
That's part of the tragedy of it all.
And needs to be liked
Someone who never shows loyalty to anyone or any principle, is not likely to find it returned.
Johnson is an expert seducer, of women and of the electorate, but his shine never lasts long. He is getting a bit too long in the tooth and too well known to get away with it again. He is doomed to lonely hotel rooms now on the rubber chicken circuit.
Boris is close to ready for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios circuit.
So @vino , if you're still around - what was the story about the private airline at EMA? It's nagging at the back of my mind. Also starting to remember you were a fellow East Midlander back then...
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Congratulations to PB on reaching adulthood. I’ve largely lurked on here over the years but retain considerable affection for the site. Not least because, back in the sites early days it helped me make a nice profit on my first venture into political gambling. In the 2008 Presidential Election, someone on here (are they still around?) noticed that no-one (in the UK at least) had clocked that Nebraskan electoral college votes are split and as a consequence the electoral college votes markets were awash with free money just waiting to be collected. Of course I have more than made up for it with losses since…
I can't exactly remember when I first visited PB. I think it was probably at the beginning of 2010 but not sure. Rod Crosby was one of the big cheeses at that time, with his "PR^2" headers.
I have been on and off pb since 2005. I was just plain Alan then, then Alan J when another Alan appeared.
"Bombshell biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events' - but Team Carrie slams claims as 'tissue of lies'"
This put in letters business is bonkers. Waverer: As you know I've been considering a letter. Letter Writer: Well. I was called to ask if I still wanted to go through with it. W: So. They've got the 54 I don't have to bother? LW: Well. It's rumoured half a dozen loyalists will withdraw... W: So. We are within a handful then? LW: You know what to do then...
One of the weirdest PB threads was the one where @bigjohnowls was posting, and getting advice while hiding out in his hotel room in Tunisia in an active shooter terrorist incident.
There was a poster, I think called New Town Boy, who obviously knows me because he subtly outed me by replying to one of my posts using my first name. Although I had some ideas I never found out who he was. At the time I was much more reserved in giving away anything about myself so I was very impressed he identified me. Would still love to know who he is.
I was bemused to find a poster on here who was very obviously a friend/acquaintance - he lives ten doors down the road and is the husband of our county council leader. I’m pretty sure he didn’t notice I was on here. I’ve wondered about mentioning it to him but it seems like breaking the essential anonymity of it all…
I think I’ve met another old-time poster a couple of times but not entirely sure. He hasn’t posted here for a while in any case.
In my small office of around ten people it turned out there was another poster on here. Slightly surprising reminder that we exist in real life too.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Flounceback!
Indeed!
If you are going to flounceback, do it quickly or not at all
My favourite/worst PB memory is furiously hitting F5 the night of GE 2015 - just before a 9am Labour Economics exam.
I didn't do so well in that one.
GE 2019 was also good. I hosted a party in my flat and kept stealing good insights from everyone on here to share.
Earliest memory might have been 2010, but I can't really remember. I've been posting on the Guardian comments section and on Reddit for ages, but only de-lurked on PB recently.
There was a poster, I think called New Town Boy, who obviously knows me because he subtly outed me by replying to one of my posts using my first name. Although I had some ideas I never found out who he was. At the time I was much more reserved in giving away anything about myself so I was very impressed he identified me. Would still love to know who he is.
I was bemused to find a poster on here who was very obviously a friend/acquaintance - he lives ten doors down the road and is the husband of our county council leader. I’m pretty sure he didn’t notice I was on here. I’ve wondered about mentioning it to him but it seems like breaking the essential anonymity of it all…
I think I’ve met another old-time poster a couple of times but not entirely sure. He hasn’t posted here for a while in any case.
In my small office of around ten people it turned out there was another poster on here. Slightly surprising reminder that we exist in real life too.
Speak for yourself, some of us merely sophisticated bots.
One of the weirdest PB threads was the one where @bigjohnowls was posting, and getting advice while hiding out in his hotel room in Tunisia in an active shooter terrorist incident.
Yes I remember that
Only marginally less dramatic was the 'is DavidL having a heart attack' thread.
One of the weirdest PB threads was the one where @bigjohnowls was posting, and getting advice while hiding out in his hotel room in Tunisia in an active shooter terrorist incident.
Yes I remember that
Only marginally less dramatic was the 'is DavidL having a heart attack' thread.
We did have a chemistry professor at one time who posted a very worrying message about ending it all. I remember the hunt to track him down.
I'd forgotten about Tapestry. Whatever happened to Will L?
Sean Fear's Friday slot, Roger's immortal one word answer 'no', Tyson, SBS (sadly no more), Sean Thomas, Andrea, Edmund In Tokyo and many others I've simply forgotten because there have been so many of them. Even the old warning not to libel George Galloway.
Is there a way to access some of the old threads?
It woould be nice to know some of the other names posters have used or their usernames at the beginning. I've always been 'Roger' which is of course my real name. Who would choose a username that is currently 678th most popular boys name in the country behind 'Jersey'!. There was briefly a Lib Dem 'Roger' who had a very distinctive style. Antifrank later Alastair Meeks was also one of the early ones and of course the late Plato
Plato decent into madness was very sad. I believe a number of PB regulars met IRL and was a perfectly nice lady, but her last few years went down a dark rabbit hole and died a lonely death.
She's dead? Again, I don't think I knew.
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
It happened a few years back. Her brother came across a link to PB whilst sorting out her stuff and sent us a message via OGH.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Is there a procedure for un-flouncing?
Not sure to be honest. I did regret flouncing off but thought ‘stick with it’. However, I’ve just been waiting to hear if my Mum is ok as she has been in A&E for eight hours so I found myself back on here. Remarkable when you have a family crisis what you end up doing..:.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Is there a procedure for un-flouncing?
Not sure to be honest. I did regret flouncing off but thought ‘stick with it’. However, I’ve just been waiting to hear if my Mum is ok as she has been in A&E for eight hours so I found myself back on here. Remarkable when you have a family crisis what you end up doing..:.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Flounceback!
Indeed!
If you are going to flounceback, do it quickly or not at all
Sarah Palin currently attempting delayed flounceback re: NYT; may help confirm your point, have to wait & see.
Wow. Lurking since the last few months of 2004. Can’t believe it’s been that long. Glad that Morus’ name has already been mentioned. First time I had come across a Lib Dem who had conviction . Thanks for the shared memories. Can’t remember which GE Ave it first made an appearance but that was a fun night on the backup PB server as the main site got overwhelmed. Thanks to you all.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Is there a procedure for un-flouncing?
Not sure to be honest. I did regret flouncing off but thought ‘stick with it’. However, I’ve just been waiting to hear if my Mum is ok as she has been in A&E for eight hours so I found myself back on here. Remarkable when you have a family crisis what you end up doing..:.
Argh. Sorry to hear.
Thanks @Gardenwalker much appreciated. She’s alright now but I’d been waiting up to hear if everything is ok.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Flounceback!
Indeed!
If you are going to flounceback, do it quickly or not at all
Sarah Palin currently attempting delayed flounceback re: NYT; may help confirm your point, have to wait & see.
I'd like to come, though it's a trek from Godalming after work - errrr...put me down as a "Don't know"...
I think I came on here about 16 years ago - overlapped a few years with my time in Parliament. Never did persuade Cookie to vote for me, but was fun trying!
Just won $160 in stud hi/lo on Pokerstars, good way to start a birthday. That variant actually dates one, like being keen on Suzi Quatro or the Beatles - all the other players that I know are 60+. Still the best variant IMO - every hand is interesting, but it's not as wild as Omega.
Wow. Lurking since the last few months of 2004. Can’t believe it’s been that long. Glad that Morus’ name has already been mentioned. First time I had come across a Lib Dem who had conviction . Thanks for the shared memories. Can’t remember which GE Ave it first made an appearance but that was a fun night on the backup PB server as the main site got overwhelmed. Thanks to you all.
Didn't he (Morus, that is, not Ave it) start a short-lived political party of some sort? Or am I confusing him with someone else?
Just won $160 in stud hi/lo on Pokerstars, good way to start a birthday. That variant actually dates one, like being keen on Suzi Quatro or the Beatles - all the other players that I know are 60+. Still the best variant IMO - every hand is interesting, but it's not as wild as Omega.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Flounceback!
Indeed!
If you are going to flounceback, do it quickly or not at all
Sarah Palin currently attempting delayed flounceback re: NYT; may help confirm your point, have to wait & see.
She has no chance of coming back (unlike myself 😀
Palin does have chance of scoring at least partial victory vs NYT and revision of half-century of US libel law.
I'd like to come, though it's a trek from Godalming after work - errrr...put me down as a "Don't know"...
I think I came on here about 16 years ago - overlapped a few years with my time in Parliament. Never did persuade Cookie to vote for me, but was fun trying!
I think you are the only regular PBer I've met in real life Nick - at a very enjoyable event you put on at the Victoria in Beeston. Was always tempted to vote for the person not the label, but never did. I reassure myself that you always won anyway. And my girlfriend at the time went out canvassing for you while I made her dinner. So you did get some support, indirectly.
I remember Ave it, and also when Newbies were alerted not to confuse Peter from Putney with Peter the Punter. When was this? Thank you OGH for this great site.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
I'd like to come, though it's a trek from Godalming after work - errrr...put me down as a "Don't know"...
I think I came on here about 16 years ago - overlapped a few years with my time in Parliament. Never did persuade Cookie to vote for me, but was fun trying!
Surely you can find a few City rats to save, or at least sucor, as part of your animal protection duties? Thus justifying at least one night in luxury suite . . . or maybe Quincel's locker?
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Is there a procedure for un-flouncing?
It would appear to be 'early and boldly'.
Indeed, the best way.
Btw, thanks for your kind words when I flounced (and to others)
Just won $160 in stud hi/lo on Pokerstars, good way to start a birthday. That variant actually dates one, like being keen on Suzi Quatro or the Beatles - all the other players that I know are 60+. Still the best variant IMO - every hand is interesting, but it's not as wild as Omega.
Yesterday's touching moment of amity and understanding between Leon and Heathener, and now tonight this barrage of images from the two decades. Truly pb.com is hitting us with the emotional power chords at the moment. Right, off to be tooth fairy (youngest daughter now has a gap three teeth wide in her lovely top gum) then off to bed. A pleasant reminiscence tonight.
Thanks, Cookie - and glad to see MrEd giving a like - perhaps we can welcome you and BigG back after all?
I’m back Nick. PB.com is like a drug but fortunately not like fentanyl …
I was in hospital for a minor procedure earlier this week, nurse said they'd give me a sedative. Only found out when I was discharged it was fentanyl. Can definitely see it's addictive qualities....
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
As far as I can tell from the archives, I started posting on PB in 2013, but I'm sure I'd been reading for at least a few months before. I've waxed and waned a lot over the years though, going from mass posts to lurker and back again a couple of times.
If you try to read the comments on PB, it doesn't work if you go back more than a certain number of years. Maybe something to do with the different comment systems that have been used. But you can often read them on the Wayback Machine.
There was a discussion on previous thread about imperial architectures. A great place to see this is in Shanghai, which was carved up after the Opium wars - into 4 quarters - French, British, American and Chinese. Today the French Quarter is full of cafe lined streets with shady trees - the British Quarter has grand buildings with columns fronting the river at The Bund - the Chinese Quarter has palaces over ponds that look just like a movie set - while the American quarter has nothing excpt souless warehouse. All a huge contrast with Modern Shanghai built opposite the Bund with its massive skyscrapers....
There are also German, Italian, Russian and Serbian quarters in other cities -
I first discovered this site in the run up to the 2005 general election. You've all been the background soundtrack to my life ever since. Muzak for political nerds.
A shout out to Martin Day and his yellow taxi. Very prescient....
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
Mr Ed this morning just the latest to follow the great PB flouncing tradition.
Actually, Stuart DickHead, I decided to come back, if only to wonder out loud why the Swedish are so desperate to boost their population that they’d accept a miserable, self-satisfied like yourself.
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Is there a procedure for un-flouncing?
Not sure to be honest. I did regret flouncing off but thought ‘stick with it’. However, I’ve just been waiting to hear if my Mum is ok as she has been in A&E for eight hours so I found myself back on here. Remarkable when you have a family crisis what you end up doing..:.
I'd like to come, though it's a trek from Godalming after work - errrr...put me down as a "Don't know"...
I think I came on here about 16 years ago - overlapped a few years with my time in Parliament. Never did persuade Cookie to vote for me, but was fun trying!
Surely you can find a few City rats to save, or at least sucor, as part of your animal protection duties? Thus justifying at least one night in luxury suite . . . or maybe Quincel's locker?
@Cyclefree is doing her best to eliminate the City rats
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
You are a legend in all ways sir, and following your career from not too far away has been interesting.
Good morning everyone. 18th Anniversary; a tribute to the Smithson family is in order. Not sure how long I've been posting; certainly not for the whole time. Whatever happened to HurstLama; he and I used to cross swords now and again. And, on knowing who people are, there are a couple of people I've come across on other sites who've realised who I was own real life. Lurk here, but appear elsewhere.
I started posting in 2005. I still read the site almost every day, though recently haven't been able to post as often as I used to - but hope I will be able to post more again in the future.
I know most posters know far more than me but I think I have three proud moments posting on PB:
- Spotting and posting about Brown's abolition of the 10p tax band in running during that budget, approx an hour before the BBC spotted it.
- Suggesting the idea of a benefits cap. It was claimed that David Cameron was a regular reader of the site and Cameron then came up with the idea several months later.
- Winning the PB annual forecasting competition.
I also remember many overnight exchanges with fitalass.
Many thanks to Mike for running the site and maintaining its outstanding quality and reputation. And thanks to everyone who posts.
JOB VACANCIES: Several exciting opportunities have arisen for talented individuals interested in working at the heart of government for anything up to a week.
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
Comments
I've been here for 16 years. I think the age range here is pretty broad. I suppose it's not unexpected some have passed on.
Still, a shame. Particularly if the last few years were as you hint.
Johnson is an expert seducer, of women and of the electorate, but his shine never lasts long. He is getting a bit too long in the tooth and too well known to get away with it again. He is doomed to lonely hotel rooms now on the rubber chicken circuit.
We are near the end of the pier show part of this tale.
We originally started corresponding because we discovered we were actually born in the very same week.
So I can confirm she died very young
I think I’ve met another old-time poster a couple of times but not entirely sure. He hasn’t posted here for a while in any case.
Also starting to remember you were a fellow East Midlander back then...
Looking forwards to March 2nd. Hopefully @Farooq wont be there
Waverer: As you know I've been considering a letter.
Letter Writer: Well. I was called to ask if I still wanted to go through with it.
W: So. They've got the 54 I don't have to bother?
LW: Well. It's rumoured half a dozen loyalists will withdraw...
W: So. We are within a handful then?
LW: You know what to do then...
If you are going to flounceback, do it quickly or not at all
I didn't do so well in that one.
GE 2019 was also good. I hosted a party in my flat and kept stealing good insights from everyone on here to share.
Earliest memory might have been 2010, but I can't really remember. I've been posting on the Guardian comments section and on Reddit for ages, but only de-lurked on PB recently.
(We're still working out the kinks)
Seriously. And also posthumously.
And what the overall readership is estimated to be?
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
Thanks to you all.
I think I came on here about 16 years ago - overlapped a few years with my time in Parliament. Never did persuade Cookie to vote for me, but was fun trying!
Was always tempted to vote for the person not the label, but never did. I reassure myself that you always won anyway. And my girlfriend at the time went out canvassing for you while I made her dinner. So you did get some support, indirectly.
Thank you OGH for this great site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjQUIzo2Ze4
Btw, thanks for your kind words when I flounced (and to others)
Great anniversaries are also great opportunities for welcoming back prodigals and similar back into the fold.
Just saying.
Right, off to be tooth fairy (youngest daughter now has a gap three teeth wide in her lovely top gum) then off to bed. A pleasant reminiscence tonight.
I am not sure if anyone else has posted this but Labour leading on the economy is very significant indeed.
But they don’t have much a lead on managing the pandemic, which surprises me.
There are also German, Italian, Russian and Serbian quarters in other cities -
I first discovered this site in the run up to the 2005 general election. You've all been the background soundtrack to my life ever since. Muzak for political nerds.
A shout out to Martin Day and his yellow taxi. Very prescient....
Ahhh nostalgia, a drug for the elderly.
Glad that the site's been going this long.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
Not sure how long I've been posting; certainly not for the whole time. Whatever happened to HurstLama; he and I used to cross swords now and again.
And, on knowing who people are, there are a couple of people I've come across on other sites who've realised who I was own real life. Lurk here, but appear elsewhere.
I know most posters know far more than me but I think I have three proud moments posting on PB:
- Spotting and posting about Brown's abolition of the 10p tax band in running during that budget, approx an hour before the BBC spotted it.
- Suggesting the idea of a benefits cap. It was claimed that David Cameron was a regular reader of the site and Cameron then came up with the idea several months later.
- Winning the PB annual forecasting competition.
I also remember many overnight exchanges with fitalass.
Many thanks to Mike for running the site and maintaining its outstanding quality and reputation. And thanks to everyone who posts.
Several exciting opportunities have arisen for talented individuals interested in working at the heart of government for anything up to a week.
https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson_MP/status/1489733922141388805
An absolutely devastating interview. I recommend every single contributor to this site, your family and friends, watch it.