Rubio signalling that US Int believes that Russia are going to start doing things from Transnistria?
Or Moldova see an opportunity in a moment of weakness for Russia to end the Russian occupation.
I wonder if Georgia might get the same idea over South Ossetia?
If it becomes clear that Russia is going to lose in Ukraine (and that is a very big if), then I'd expect some in Georgia and Moldova (and Chechnya and the Tartars in Crimea) to be tempted to strike when the Russian military are overstretched. But I'd doubt they'd want to poke the bear in its current mindset and before it is completely down.
The other fear is civil war within Russia. I mentioned 1917 - military defeat - as being a possible historical analogy if Russia loses.
They've committed so many forces to Ukraine they will be exhausted. Also don't forget Belarus!
Russia wasn't defeated in 1917. In fact, it had launched a successful if costly offensive under Aleksei Brusilov only eight months before.
It was problems with the transport network causing food shortages in the cities that led to the Tsar's overthrow. And that, ironically, ultimately led to Russia's defeat and humiliation at Brest Litovsk.
Good point it isn't precise but I doubt they were doing great if they ended up suing for peace. My point is that with a decimated military, no money and an autocrat in decline the country starts to look very vulnerable. It cost them a lot to deal with rebels in Chechnya. But that's one of the smallest republics.
Well, they weren't by 1918. But the situation had changed by then. Something to do with two revolutions and a civil war.
Even so, Trotsky refused to sign the peace treaty at first as the Germans wanted too much. Lenin had to order him to go back in and sign regardless of the cost.
Yes, Trotsky famously declared Bolshevik position as "No war, no peace" whereupon Germans advanced 200 miles or thereabout in . . . wait for it . . . Ukraine.
If there was another UN vote condemning Russian actions, perhaps with particular reference to civilian casualties, do we think many of the abstainers from last week could be pulled away? Is it even worth talking about starting to boycott some of these countries?
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Yes, I am sure what is on the lips of every voter in the key swing seats of the Redwall is that Lebedev got a peerage, nothing impacts on their daily lives more!
In reality of course this is mainly a North London, Islington set issue, especially given Lebedev has already denounced Putin anyway.
Note too Lebedev has given a lot of support to homeless charities, he is more worthy of a peerage than many
I agree and I doubt it will add to the narrative
Just another example of how crooked and bent he is, but as there are so many examples to choose from as you say it makes little difference, he can get no lower. A lying cheating scumbag.
On topic, Malc is spot on I think. What HY and Big G have missed here in saying this one thing doesn’t bring the statue down, is how shovel by shovel the foundations are being hollowed out, not by Boris opponents, but his own “I do what I like” behaviour.
Whilst red wall and all voters may see a controversial appointment to the lords or any political reward as no big deal, sadly, becoming numb to how corrupt and money mad our democracy has become, they will regard security advice saying no that blocks a prime minister, being changed to okay to enable a prime minister, as being up there with the very worst identical crimes of Blair Campbell era.
How exactly the security advice saying you can’t changed to you can, enabling Boris to continue, has to be properly looked into for the sake of UK democracy and UK security - anyone blocking this investigation is a traitor.
Exactly. The point in the security services is that they ask the questions that politicians don't. Boris was bezzies - literally skipped the Skipal security briefing to go see them as a friend. A proposal is made for ennoblement. "You can't do that Prime Minister" says MI6, and then they explain why.
That they were overruled and their concerns reversed is seriously concerning. What other security reports have been swept aside and reversed by Big Dog in favour of other ex KGB agents their friends and family members?
Why stop at KGB agents? There’s other belligerents out there. In fact security agencies have to be careful our money guzzling leaders aren’t too groomed by so called currently friendly agencies too.
Don't worry, not stopping there. Its just so egregiously stupid to claim that there could be no possible security concerns about the former KGB man or his son the Peer of the Realm who controls chunks of our media bought with his dad's money.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Meanwhile the UK has so far granted 50 Ukrainian visas. Part of the disparity is about geography. But in a sense you’re not comparing like with like. Because the UK is the only major country in Europe which is even requiring a visa application. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60640460
When Putin dies, I hope soon, I also hope they'll fit out his grave with trampolines.
They should make it a feature of Strictly. Dancing on Putin’s Grave week.
The videos on social media are now so horrific I fear the world will not be satisfied with Putin's death, the world will demand revenge on Russia as a whole
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
Correction - Believe the word I was seeking was not "congenial" but rather "puerile".
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
We think Russia lost 9 warplanes yesterday. They're taking a big risk committing all their forces.
At the start of the conflict, Russia had around 1,100 warplanes (plus transporters, refuellers, helicopters etc). How many of those actually exist and are serviceable, is anyone’s guess. Let’s assume 50%, which IMHO is a tad optimistic given what else we know about the Russian forces at the moment.
Now, Ukraine says they’ve shot down around 50 in the last 10 days, which represents 10% of the entire Russian Air Force downed in a week and a half. There’s plenty of evidence for most of those kills too, so it’s not a wild over-estimate.
There’s also 30 or 40 helicopters shot down, which is fair proportion of the rotary fleet as well.
Thanks to weapons and training over the past half dozen years, the Ukranians have great equipment and know how to use it. There’s no need for the antagonistic “No-Fly Zone” that Putin wants NATO to activate, the Ukranian forces, backed by NATO weapons and intelligence, are doing just fine.
Are there estimates of how severely damaged Russia’s armoured strength is? Elite divisions? I’m sure Putin would look at only 5% of his Air Force gone (on paper) and think it’s a rounding error. And of the X thousand troop losses, not care less about the deaths of press ganged convicts and rural peasants.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
The other aspect of the Ukraine war is the impact on all of the apolitical normals who don't much care for anyone or anything that isn't themselves their family and their friends: prices.
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
Ministers say the 🇺🇦 visa scheme is generous. That may be the case vis a vis previous refugee schemes. But by comparison to the policies adopted by virtually the rest of the whole continent the UK is an outlier in its response. I asked our Ambassador to 🇵🇱 about this on Thursday. https://twitter.com/bbcnewsnight/status/1499752633719996420
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Meanwhile the UK has so far granted 50 Ukrainian visas. Part of the disparity is about geography. But in a sense you’re not comparing like with like. Because the UK is the only major country in Europe which is even requiring a visa application. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60640460
If Ireland had admitted the same number as the UK, proportionate to the size of its population, they would only have let 4 Ukrainians in. If the UK had admitted the same number as Ireland, proportionate to the size of its population, we would have let about 17,500 Ukrainians into the country.
It's a difference of two-and-a-half orders of magnitude. Abject.
I'm sure the videos are horrendous but if they continue to rally global opinion it is worth it. There's still about 40 countries not condemning Russia. hat has to change.
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
Ireland isn't requiring that Ukrainian refugees obtain a visa. It's an absurd imposition in the circumstances.
The other aspect of the Ukraine war is the impact on all of the apolitical normals who don't much care for anyone or anything that isn't themselves their family and their friends: prices.
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
And that will do.... what?
I'm not being sarcastic. Genuinely curious. What effect will that have, do you reckon?
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
The other aspect of the Ukraine war is the impact on all of the apolitical normals who don't much care for anyone or anything that isn't themselves their family and their friends: prices.
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
And that will do.... what?
I'm not being sarcastic. Genuinely curious. What effect will that have, do you reckon?
I don't know, but I think it might be bad news for charities.
When Putin dies, I hope soon, I also hope they'll fit out his grave with trampolines.
They should make it a feature of Strictly. Dancing on Putin’s Grave week.
The videos on social media are now so horrific I fear the world will not be satisfied with Putin's death, the world will demand revenge on Russia as a whole
Scary
As we have a decent Russian expat community up here in the real NE I was a little worried that they might start getting it in the neck. Not seeing anything untoward on local FB groups which is good to see. Its absolutely nothing to do with folk here for fishing and oil.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
HMG didn't stick to its promises to take Syrian child refugees under the Dubs scheme. Absolute disgrace.
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Christ, I was feeling chirpy and upbeat after my fab day at Stonehenge-in-the-British Museum, and oysters with the daughter
Now back to the unavoidable and frightening misery of Ukraine. Yet it is unavoidable
You don’t have to look at all those videos and make yourself depressed Leon. 😕. You posted one, rubble, tangled metal and fire I could hear people screaming in the distance, I haven’t looked at one since, just praying for a ceasefire. Because any more of this war is pointless.
You have such an interest and comment so well on culture of foreign lands Leon,
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I suspect that after this war is over, Russia will be short of cash and supplies whereas Ukraine will be rebuilt with western money and re-equipped with western weapons.
In 5 or 10 years, Ukraine will make Russia look like a shabby dump by comparison
That's where we went wrong last time.
The Russian people were left to fend for themselves in poverty as we celebrated the decline of the USSR, rewarding the satellite states with NATO and EU membership. The beleaguered Russians then took conselation in a lying sociopath...sorry psychopath. Ironically one that the West lauded as a friend who we could do business with.
Any day now I expect to see a headline on this site reading something like "Kiev falls - will this make it harder for the Conservatives to keep control of Flittering Parish Council?"
With a response from HYUFD explaining why the Conservatives would win 63.8% of the votes if Kiev doesn’t fall, but would still win 62.7% of the votes even if Kiev fell, and that the opposition had their chance in 2014, so won’t be allowed to run the council even if they won.
There is a Parish Council by election in Buckhurst Hill on Thursday aptly enough, a Conservative candidate v a Residents' Association candidate
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Have you lost your mind? Exactly what have I said in the last three years of posting here could possibly make you think I would in any way defend the fat lying sack of j**z in Number 10? Learn to fucking read before making accusations like that you twat.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
The point is Big_G that Patel says one thing and does another, time after time after time.
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
We are explicitly turning people away. People who need sanctuary and have links to this country through relatives. The government are lying, saying its world-beating - because they think stupid people will continue to believe their lies.
Big_G is anything but stupid, but is old-school enough to believe the long-established principles that we can trust the word of government ministers. I respect that.
Not this time. Its a lie. An egregious, nasty, spiteful lie.
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Have you lost your mind? Exactly what have I said in the last three years of posting here could possibly make you think I would in any way defend the fat lying sack of j**z in Number 10? Learn to fucking read before making accusations like that you twat.
May well be losing my mind, but don't have to go that far to confuse two posters with similar names.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
Should Leon be taking notes?
And searching out a copy of Moby Dick in order to create . . . wait for it . . . the Moby Dick Dick?
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
You said last week the bad money for influence legislation goes after the Chinese too Big G, not just Russians. Do you want to change that position ahead of tomorrow’s shenanigans in Parliament?
The other aspect of the Ukraine war is the impact on all of the apolitical normals who don't much care for anyone or anything that isn't themselves their family and their friends: prices.
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
And that will do.... what?
I'm not being sarcastic. Genuinely curious. What effect will that have, do you reckon?
Politically? No idea. But there are plenty of people who don't really follow the news beyond entertainment and sport, don't really care about national affairs never mind world affairs. But they do know they are broke and the price of their stuff is shooting up.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
Never heard of the phrase "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer?"
Again, hope you are right and I am wrong on this one.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
This Washington Post article makes it clear that deliveries are ongoing, but that now it's a war situation less details will be forthcoming. Don't want to tell the Russians where to aim their missiles to destroy new deliveries.
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
I just wish it would make up its mind to be a novel or a pop sci ere's another really interesting thing about them whales treatise. One or the other
I suspect that after this war is over, Russia will be short of cash and supplies whereas Ukraine will be rebuilt with western money and re-equipped with western weapons.
In 5 or 10 years, Ukraine will make Russia look like a shabby dump by comparison
That's where we went wrong last time.
The Russian people were left to fend for themselves in poverty as we celebrated the decline of the USSR, rewarding the satellite states with NATO and EU membership. The beleaguered Russians then took conselation in a lying sociopath...sorry psychopath. Ironically one that the West lauded as a friend who we could do business with.
They weren't left on their own - they were given large loans, all kinds of help. What people are now suggesting is that the West should have colonised Russia to stop them making mistakes.
The basic problem was that, in Russia, Imperialist Nationalism was (and is) mainstream. They lost an Empire and still want it.
Go to Hungary, say, and the Greater Hungarian types are laughed at even by some pretty hard core people.
When Putin dies, I hope soon, I also hope they'll fit out his grave with trampolines.
They should make it a feature of Strictly. Dancing on Putin’s Grave week.
The videos on social media are now so horrific I fear the world will not be satisfied with Putin's death, the world will demand revenge on Russia as a whole
Scary
As we have a decent Russian expat community up here in the real NE I was a little worried that they might start getting it in the neck. Not seeing anything untoward on local FB groups which is good to see. Its absolutely nothing to do with folk here for fishing and oil.
Some of my best travel experiences have been in Russia, with Russians. Often a wonderful warm generous people, commonly blessed with a dark and filthy sense of humour. Like a drink. They're not entirely dissimilar to, say, Geordies or Glaswegians
It saddens me profoundly that their sons are dying in this stupid evil war, and that Putin has, it seems, managed to brainwash most of them into believing Russia is the Good Guy
I strive every day not to detest Russians as Russians
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
Is the UK still charging substantial amounts of cash for visas?
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
Should Leon be taking notes?
And searching out a copy of Moby Dick in order to create . . . wait for it . . . the Moby Dick Dick?
When checking back for the relevant chapter, I discovered there is available this tome:
But a look at the pukka book reminds me of this passage ...
CHAPTER XCY.
THE CASSOCK.
Had you stepped on board the Pequod at a certain juncturo of this post-mortemizing of the whale; and had you stroJled forward nigh the windiass, pretty surę am I that you would have scanned with no smali curiosity a very strange, enig- matical object, which you would have seen there, lying along lengthwise in the lee scuppers. Not the wondrous cistern in the whale’s huge head ; not the prodigy of his unhinged lower jaw ; not the miracle of his symmetrical taił; nonę of thesc would so surprise you, as half a glimpse of that unaccountable cone,—longer than a Kentuckian is tali, nigh a foot in diameter at the base, and jet-black as Yojo, the ebony idol of Queequeg. And an idol, indeed, it is ; or, rather, in old times, its likeness was. Sucli an idol as that found in the secret groves of Queen Maachah in Judea; and for worshipping which, king Asa, her son, did depose her, and destroyed the idol, and burnt it for an abomination at the brook Kedron, as darkly set forth in the 15th chapter of the first book of Kings.
Look at the sailor, called the mincer, who now comes along, and assisted by two allies, heavily backs the grandissimus, as the mariners cali it, and with bowed shoulders, staggers ofl’ with it as if he were a grenadier carrying a dead comrade from the field. Extending it upon the forecastle deck, he now pro- ceeds cylindrically to remove its dark pelt, as an African hunter the pelt of a boa. This done he turns the pelt inside out, likc a pantaloon leg; gives it a good stretching, so as almost to double its diameter; and at last liangs it, well spread, in tho rigging, to dry. Ere long, it is taken down; when removing some three feet of it, towards the pointed extremity, and then cutting two slits for arm-holes at the otber end, he lengthwise flips himself bodily into it The mincer now stands before you invested in the fuli canonicals of his calling. Immemorial to all his order, this investiture alono will adequately protect him, while etnployed in the peculiar functions of his office.
That office consists in mincing the horse-pieces of blubbcr for the pots; an operation wliich is condueted at a curious wooden horse, planted endwise against tho bulwarks, and with a capacious tub beneath it, into which the minced pieees drop, fast as the sheets from a rapt orator’s desk. Arrayed in docent black ; occupying a conspicuous pulpit; intent on bibie leaves ; what a candidate for an archbishoprick, what a lad for a Pope were this mincer !*
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Have you lost your mind? Exactly what have I said in the last three years of posting here could possibly make you think I would in any way defend the fat lying sack of j**z in Number 10? Learn to fucking read before making accusations like that you twat.
May well be losing my mind, but don't have to go that far to confuse two posters with similar names.
There aren’t any other Dougs and it was a lighthearted post about a 3rd tier football team. Chill FFS.
The other aspect of the Ukraine war is the impact on all of the apolitical normals who don't much care for anyone or anything that isn't themselves their family and their friends: prices.
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
And that will do.... what?
I'm not being sarcastic. Genuinely curious. What effect will that have, do you reckon?
Politically? No idea. But there are plenty of people who don't really follow the news beyond entertainment and sport, don't really care about national affairs never mind world affairs. But they do know they are broke and the price of their stuff is shooting up.
Christ, I was feeling chirpy and upbeat after my fab day at Stonehenge-in-the-British Museum, and oysters with the daughter
Now back to the unavoidable and frightening misery of Ukraine. Yet it is unavoidable
You don’t have to look at all those videos and make yourself depressed Leon. 😕. You posted one, rubble, tangled metal and fire I could hear people screaming in the distance, I haven’t looked at one since, just praying for a ceasefire. Because any more of this war is pointless.
You have such an interest and comment so well on culture of foreign lands Leon,
This war isn't pointless - it is yet another example of imperial ambition being fucked up by people not keen on being part of the empire. Putin's Folly will protect other people in the years to come.
Why would Lebedev be a security risk? Are peers granted automatic access to state secrets? The House of Lords is just an impotent talking shop for has-been and never-were flatterees. It wouldn't matter if Putin himself was a member.
Incidentally, I see the early reports that Visa and Mastercard are pulling out of Russia aren't quite right - they are pulling out of international transactions, but will still work for domestic ones as before. Essentially it blocks a sanctions loophole enabling oligarchs to order fur coats from Harrods using Mastercard.
Aren’t Visa and Mastercard just brands on top if existing payment systems administered by the actual banks though? In which case probably the most they can actually do to affect domestic use is withdraw the rights to use the branding and then sue any Russian banks not complying for trademark infringement in the Russian courts. Which of course would get about as far as that column north of Kyiv…
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
No need for you to up your condescension skills.
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
Ukraine Ambassador to UK was asked just now about the refugee immigration and he said the UK is doing quite well, and the numbers need to pick up and expects in a couple of days the numbers will, but he said humanitarian, political, financial and very importantly military support are needed
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
Is the UK still charging substantial amounts of cash for visas?
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
Is the UK still charging substantial amounts of cash for visas?
There is, thankfully, no financial charge for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa, but there's still a cost in time, worry, etc.
It will be interesting to see whether other oil producing countries see this as an opportunity to normalise relations with the West and take advantage of the demand for non-Russian oil at high prices. Iran and Venezuela see two obvious candidates there.
When Putin dies, I hope soon, I also hope they'll fit out his grave with trampolines.
They should make it a feature of Strictly. Dancing on Putin’s Grave week.
The videos on social media are now so horrific I fear the world will not be satisfied with Putin's death, the world will demand revenge on Russia as a whole
Scary
As we have a decent Russian expat community up here in the real NE I was a little worried that they might start getting it in the neck. Not seeing anything untoward on local FB groups which is good to see. Its absolutely nothing to do with folk here for fishing and oil.
Some of my best travel experiences have been in Russia, with Russians. Often a wonderful warm generous people, commonly blessed with a dark and filthy sense of humour. Like a drink. They're not entirely dissimilar to, say, Geordies or Glaswegians
It saddens me profoundly that their sons are dying in this stupid evil war, and that Putin has, it seems, managed to brainwash most of them into believing Russia is the Good Guy
I strive every day not to detest Russians as Russians
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
No need for you to up your condescension skills.
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
It is pretty clear, reading between the lines, that NLAWS (and much else) are being resupplied across the border, but for obvious reasons the evidence for this is now much sketchier
But you can find plentiful hints on Twitter. eg
NEXTA@nexta_tv·Mar 4A new large batch of NLAW arrived in #Kyiv💪
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Have you lost your mind? Exactly what have I said in the last three years of posting here could possibly make you think I would in any way defend the fat lying sack of j**z in Number 10? Learn to fucking read before making accusations like that you twat.
May well be losing my mind, but don't have to go that far to confuse two posters with similar names.
There aren’t any other Dougs and it was a lighthearted post about a 3rd tier football team. Chill FFS.
I don't give a fuck if your moniker is Doug or Donut. I mixed you up with someone else.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
You said last week the bad money for influence legislation goes after the Chinese too Big G, not just Russians. Do you want to change that position ahead of tomorrow’s shenanigans in Parliament?
Not sure what you mean but listening to Starmer today it does seem the legidlstion has been virtually agreed between Boris and himself for tomorrow and it must identify dirty money from anywhere
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
No need for you to up your condescension skills.
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
It is pretty clear, reading between the lines, that NLAWS (and much else) are being resupplied across the border, but for obvious reasons the evidence for this is now much sketchier
But you can find plentiful hints on Twitter. eg
NEXTA@nexta_tv·Mar 4A new large batch of NLAW arrived in #Kyiv💪
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
No need for you to up your condescension skills.
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
It is pretty clear, reading between the lines, that NLAWS (and much else) are being resupplied across the border, but for obvious reasons the evidence for this is now much sketchier
But you can find plentiful hints on Twitter. eg
NEXTA@nexta_tv·Mar 4A new large batch of NLAW arrived in #Kyiv💪
More shameful behaviour from the Home Office led by the vile Patel .
Why is what the rest of Europe doing re visas not good enough for her and no 10 .
We can't do what the Europeans do. Remember that the cosplay Thatcher was invited across to the European council along with the US and NATO. And then tweets about her meeting only with the US and NATO. Doesn't even have the good grace, basic manners and most importantly diplomatic courtesy to name drop her hosts.
I’m going to do a post on “What Putin’s invasion means for Ipswich Town’s playoff push”.
More congenial than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
The ultimate owner of Ipswich Town is the Arizona police and fire pension fund. I’m sure there are enough tales of intrigue therein to give Abramovich’s stewardship of Chelsea a run for its money.
Still more congenial raising red herrings, than pondering security & other implications of Boris-Lebedev-Putin nexis?
I was taking the piss FFS. This article, which I posted earlier, will point you in the direction of the point I was perhaps clumsily trying to make -
It may be that I'm confusing you with another Doug? If that's so, then I apologize, and am sorry for assuming you were bent on denying links between PM and Putin, regardless of evidence.
Have you lost your mind? Exactly what have I said in the last three years of posting here could possibly make you think I would in any way defend the fat lying sack of j**z in Number 10? Learn to fucking read before making accusations like that you twat.
May well be losing my mind, but don't have to go that far to confuse two posters with similar names.
There aren’t any other Dougs and it was a lighthearted post about a 3rd tier football team. Chill FFS.
I don't give a fuck if your moniker is Doug or Donut. I mixed you up with someone else.
The Tractor Boys being famed for their diversionary potential
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
Should Leon be taking notes?
And searching out a copy of Moby Dick in order to create . . . wait for it . . . the Moby Dick Dick?
When checking back for the relevant chapter, I discovered there is available this tome:
But a look at the pukka book reminds me of this passage ...
CHAPTER XCY.
THE CASSOCK.
Had you stepped on board the Pequod at a certain juncturo of this post-mortemizing of the whale; and had you stroJled forward nigh the windiass, pretty surę am I that you would have scanned with no smali curiosity a very strange, enig- matical object, which you would have seen there, lying along lengthwise in the lee scuppers. Not the wondrous cistern in the whale’s huge head ; not the prodigy of his unhinged lower jaw ; not the miracle of his symmetrical taił; nonę of thesc would so surprise you, as half a glimpse of that unaccountable cone,—longer than a Kentuckian is tali, nigh a foot in diameter at the base, and jet-black as Yojo, the ebony idol of Queequeg. And an idol, indeed, it is ; or, rather, in old times, its likeness was. Sucli an idol as that found in the secret groves of Queen Maachah in Judea; and for worshipping which, king Asa, her son, did depose her, and destroyed the idol, and burnt it for an abomination at the brook Kedron, as darkly set forth in the 15th chapter of the first book of Kings.
Look at the sailor, called the mincer, who now comes along, and assisted by two allies, heavily backs the grandissimus, as the mariners cali it, and with bowed shoulders, staggers ofl’ with it as if he were a grenadier carrying a dead comrade from the field. Extending it upon the forecastle deck, he now pro- ceeds cylindrically to remove its dark pelt, as an African hunter the pelt of a boa. This done he turns the pelt inside out, likc a pantaloon leg; gives it a good stretching, so as almost to double its diameter; and at last liangs it, well spread, in tho rigging, to dry. Ere long, it is taken down; when removing some three feet of it, towards the pointed extremity, and then cutting two slits for arm-holes at the otber end, he lengthwise flips himself bodily into it The mincer now stands before you invested in the fuli canonicals of his calling. Immemorial to all his order, this investiture alono will adequately protect him, while etnployed in the peculiar functions of his office.
That office consists in mincing the horse-pieces of blubbcr for the pots; an operation wliich is condueted at a curious wooden horse, planted endwise against tho bulwarks, and with a capacious tub beneath it, into which the minced pieees drop, fast as the sheets from a rapt orator’s desk. Arrayed in docent black ; occupying a conspicuous pulpit; intent on bibie leaves ; what a candidate for an archbishoprick, what a lad for a Pope were this mincer !*
Project Gutenberg is the place to go to for accurate texts of out-of-copyright classics
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
You said last week the bad money for influence legislation goes after the Chinese too Big G, not just Russians. Do you want to change that position ahead of tomorrow’s shenanigans in Parliament?
Not sure what you mean but listening to Starmer today it does seem the legidlstion has been virtually agreed between Boris and himself for tomorrow and it must identify dirty money from anywhere
What difference do you think this pending legislation will make? Seeing as how Boris Johnson refuses to obey laws that inconvenience him or his government, personally or politically?
When Putin dies, I hope soon, I also hope they'll fit out his grave with trampolines.
They should make it a feature of Strictly. Dancing on Putin’s Grave week.
The videos on social media are now so horrific I fear the world will not be satisfied with Putin's death, the world will demand revenge on Russia as a whole
Scary
As we have a decent Russian expat community up here in the real NE I was a little worried that they might start getting it in the neck. Not seeing anything untoward on local FB groups which is good to see. Its absolutely nothing to do with folk here for fishing and oil.
Some of my best travel experiences have been in Russia, with Russians. Often a wonderful warm generous people, commonly blessed with a dark and filthy sense of humour. Like a drink. They're not entirely dissimilar to, say, Geordies or Glaswegians
It saddens me profoundly that their sons are dying in this stupid evil war, and that Putin has, it seems, managed to brainwash most of them into believing Russia is the Good Guy
I strive every day not to detest Russians as Russians
Yes.
I sent messages enquiring after the health of some of my Russian friends last week. They are young, liberal, cosmopolitan types. Extremely generous and kind hearted. And, judging from their messages, absolutely shit scared about what's going on and very cagey about communicating about it lest they end up in the slammer, or worse.
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
Patel was interviwed today and she said that the scheme only opened yesterday and the home office had received 10,000 applications in the first few hours which were being processed
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
"We have said"
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
The scheme was announced in the HOC last week and waa approved
Truly hope I am wrong in my opinion of Boris Johnson and his government when it comes anything in general, and Russia in particular.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
To be honest I think the virtual daily conversations between the President of Ukraine and Boris speak for themselves
So why are we being so inhumane to refugees? We say "world-beating" but they are being turned away by our border force. Told to go back to Paris. To apply for a visa they won't get. Other countries are letting them in. A MILLION have crossed into Poland alone.
Konigsberg should really be given back to the Poles.
It was never really Polish though. It was Prussian (the original Prussians related to the Lithuanians and Latvians), then under the Teutonic Order. It then passed to the Hohenzollerns as part if Ducal Prussia. That was under Polish suzerainty for a century or but the population had been pretty much Germanized by then.
Also the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant who, supposedly, never left the confines of its city limits in his entire life. Yet managed to change the world
His life was also somewhat regular
"Kant was awoken each morning at five o’clock, never later. He breakfasted on a couple of bowls of tea, then smoked a pipe, the only one of the day. On teaching days, he would go out in the morning to give his lecture, then resume his dressing-gown and slippers to work and write until precisely a quarter to one. At that point he would dress again to receive, with enjoyment, a small group of friends to discuss science, philosophy and the weather.
"There were invariably three dishes and some cheese, placed on the table – sometimes with a few desserts – along with a small carafe of wine for each guest. Conversation lasted until five o’clock.
"Then it was time for his walk. Rain or shine, it had to be taken. He went alone, for he wanted to breathe through his nose all the way, with his mouth closed, which he believed to be excellent for the body. The company of friends would have obliged him to open his mouth to speak."
I'm disappointed you haven't included the quote about the townspeople noting his passing by them and setting their watches by it.
Kant lived with his mum and kept poodles.
There is no such thing as happiness, a poodle dies, you get another poodle, life goes on.
Not a whole lot different than Buddhism, if you could swap Buddhas for poodles.
My Nan had a neighbour who had a poodle that was a fat bastard.
Hope this helps.
Keep em coming
I know you see your role as making sure none of us get away with anything, but everything I posted there was honest and true. Even similarities between Kantism and Buddhism might even be true.
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Fuck me love I was agreeing with and applauding you
Ishmael: see Moby Dick chapter 1 sentence 1. Ignore the rest, it's all downhill from there
OTOH that is the only book in the world which has a chapter solely about a whale's foreskin, specialist anatomical studies apart. I read it while I was a doctoral student ...
Should Leon be taking notes?
And searching out a copy of Moby Dick in order to create . . . wait for it . . . the Moby Dick Dick?
When checking back for the relevant chapter, I discovered there is available this tome:
But a look at the pukka book reminds me of this passage ...
CHAPTER XCY.
THE CASSOCK.
Had you stepped on board the Pequod at a certain juncturo of this post-mortemizing of the whale; and had you stroJled forward nigh the windiass, pretty surę am I that you would have scanned with no smali curiosity a very strange, enig- matical object, which you would have seen there, lying along lengthwise in the lee scuppers. Not the wondrous cistern in the whale’s huge head ; not the prodigy of his unhinged lower jaw ; not the miracle of his symmetrical taił; nonę of thesc would so surprise you, as half a glimpse of that unaccountable cone,—longer than a Kentuckian is tali, nigh a foot in diameter at the base, and jet-black as Yojo, the ebony idol of Queequeg. And an idol, indeed, it is ; or, rather, in old times, its likeness was. Sucli an idol as that found in the secret groves of Queen Maachah in Judea; and for worshipping which, king Asa, her son, did depose her, and destroyed the idol, and burnt it for an abomination at the brook Kedron, as darkly set forth in the 15th chapter of the first book of Kings.
Look at the sailor, called the mincer, who now comes along, and assisted by two allies, heavily backs the grandissimus, as the mariners cali it, and with bowed shoulders, staggers ofl’ with it as if he were a grenadier carrying a dead comrade from the field. Extending it upon the forecastle deck, he now pro- ceeds cylindrically to remove its dark pelt, as an African hunter the pelt of a boa. This done he turns the pelt inside out, likc a pantaloon leg; gives it a good stretching, so as almost to double its diameter; and at last liangs it, well spread, in tho rigging, to dry. Ere long, it is taken down; when removing some three feet of it, towards the pointed extremity, and then cutting two slits for arm-holes at the otber end, he lengthwise flips himself bodily into it The mincer now stands before you invested in the fuli canonicals of his calling. Immemorial to all his order, this investiture alono will adequately protect him, while etnployed in the peculiar functions of his office.
That office consists in mincing the horse-pieces of blubbcr for the pots; an operation wliich is condueted at a curious wooden horse, planted endwise against tho bulwarks, and with a capacious tub beneath it, into which the minced pieees drop, fast as the sheets from a rapt orator’s desk. Arrayed in docent black ; occupying a conspicuous pulpit; intent on bibie leaves ; what a candidate for an archbishoprick, what a lad for a Pope were this mincer !*
Project Gutenberg is the place to go to for accurate texts of out-of-copyright classics
I think we maybe worry too much about the fighter jet issue. I see the Ukrainians have got a load more Turkish drones. I'm puzzled as to why we haven't done more for them there.
It is quite possible British and American experienced drone pilots are piloting those drones. How would Russia ever know?
I'd say that UK and US pilots don't have experience on the particular drone - and I do not know that drone flying skills are *that* much more transferrable than fighter-flying skills.
Plus Ukraine had around 60 TB2s on order, and were in mid-delivery (having had about a third), so they likely had further pilots already in training. I'd say it is more likely that these are the further pilots.
My favourite story on this is the Austro-Hungarians who got fully functioning submarines with experienced crews in WW1 by appointing one officer to be a sort of honorary captain of German submarines they borrowed complete with crew.
It’s not a drone purchased by UK or US militaries, although it’s clearly a brilliant piece of gap-finding in current airbourne capabilities that both countries should consider buying (and maybe donating or lending to Ukraine).
Getting a TB2 ‘type rating’ for an existing Western drone pilot should be pretty straightforward though, it’s a much simpler, slower and lower aircraft, which of course brings its own advantages and disadvantages in theatre.
The TB2 seems to be the drone equivalent of the NLAW (and vice versa). Much simpler and cheaper than the pricey, superior but harder-to-use alternatives. Kind of like the Kalashnikov or the T34?
Some weapons are far better for being relatively basic
On the matter of the NLAW, are there any reports of Ukraine acquiring further stocks beyond the 2,000 supplied by the UK? Given that they are single use disposable weapons, surely Ukraine are going to have quickly exhausted their stock amid intense fighting in the absence of resupply?
Yes, plentiful evidence that they are being amply resupplied. The NLAWS are, for Ukrainians, the hero weapon of the war, alongside the Turkish drones
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Anything other than on Twitter? There's no reference as yet on Wiki other than an extra 100 arriving from Luxembourg.
Up your google skills. Jeez
No need for you to up your condescension skills.
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
It is pretty clear, reading between the lines, that NLAWS (and much else) are being resupplied across the border, but for obvious reasons the evidence for this is now much sketchier
But you can find plentiful hints on Twitter. eg
NEXTA@nexta_tv·Mar 4A new large batch of NLAW arrived in #Kyiv💪
Technically, that could be from intra-Ukrainian transport, ie part of the same original batch, TBF.
Head::desk
Boris talks every day with Zelenskyy. I imagine in every chat Zelenskyy says "the NLAWs are brilliant, they are wiping out entire columns, can you send more?"
Having already sent 2,000, do you think Boris replies "Nope, that's your lot. But let's chat again tomorrow"
Of course we are sending more, and we are doing it discreetly, across the border, by land
That's my wild guess but I'm fairly sure it is accurate
FWIW, there is a story going round that the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shiogu is about to be arrested as Putin thinks he is plotting against him. I suggested last week Shiogu was the one to watch here for any coup attempt on Putin but, if this story is true, all shit is going to hit the fan in Russia.
More shameful behaviour from the Home Office led by the vile Patel .
Why is what the rest of Europe doing re visas not good enough for her and no 10 .
We can't do what the Europeans do. Remember that the cosplay Thatcher was invited across to the European council along with the US and NATO. And then tweets about her meeting only with the US and NATO. Doesn't even have the good grace, basic manners and most importantly diplomatic courtesy to name drop her hosts.
That's fake news. She went to Brussels for a NATO meeting as well as the European Council meeting and mentioned both in her twitter statement.
Ukraine Ambassador to UK was asked just now about the refugee immigration and he said the UK is doing quite well, and the numbers need to pick up and expects in a couple of days the numbers will, but he said humanitarian, political, financial and very importantly military support are needed
The reality for the Ambassador is that the people leaving Ukraine are a peripheral issue. The immediate priority is trying to prevent their country from being invaded. Once people are out of the country they are at least out of the warzone and the visa situation can be resolved when the Home Office get their act together. We are only 10 days in to the war.
One thing I have observed is that the refugee situation is being exploited by people who just want to blame the British government for something. Avoiding an open door policy is sensible given that immigration is still a major issue in elections.
Comments
Now back to the unavoidable and frightening misery of Ukraine. Yet it is unavoidable
You don’t have to, but would you like to explain why you use IshmaelZ as avatar? Was he a cantankerous advocate
Do a Twitter search on "NLAW" and you'll see
Ireland is making plans to be ready to accommodate more than 100,000. (1,349 have entered Ireland so far)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60640460
Scary
Was considering going but the last exhibition we went to at the BM (on Nero) was a bit rubbish.
Correction - Believe the word I was seeking was not "congenial" but rather "puerile".
What will it take to shame you into doing the right thing @BorisJohnson @pritipatel?
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ukraine-refugees-france-uk-b2029536.html
So how bad is it really now?
I do not like Patel but this them against us is tedious especially as we have said we will take 200,000
Various threads on Pistonheads in almost panic at the soaring cost of petrol / diesel which appears to be surging past £2 and on to who knows where, and of course we have the exploding cost of gas and now heating oil.
And other things will follow quickly enough. Yes, our pain from the price of essentials becoming brutally expensive is nothing compared to the pain in having your town blown up by Putin. But for the people who can sympathise with them but were already wondering how to pay the bills, this is big.
https://www.ft.com/content/6ea18680-0f46-4af1-a3f1-d92d2daaae15?fbclid=IwAR2PG2HRDmdx3Gz4Cn1qEzPcg-CJKtQqOmxHfZT-OpLd7cXO0ircD0pQRl8
Assuming by "you" you mean "Her Majesty's Government"?
In that case, why would ANYONE take this government's word for ANYTHING?
Here are three rave reviews, there are many more.
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/feb/15/the-world-of-stonehenge-review-british-museum
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-world-of-stonehenge-review-an-astonishing-array-of-treasures-s89bmkrvz
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/exhibitions/the-world-of-stonehenge-british-museum-review-seahenge-b982510.html
It's a difference of two-and-a-half orders of magnitude. Abject.
I'm not being sarcastic. Genuinely curious. What effect will that have, do you reckon?
You have such an interest and comment so well on culture of foreign lands Leon,
What are your comments on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCvOh-wvtCA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle
The Russian people were left to fend for themselves in poverty as we celebrated the decline of the USSR, rewarding the satellite states with NATO and EU membership. The beleaguered Russians then took conselation in a lying sociopath...sorry psychopath. Ironically one that the West lauded as a friend who we could do business with.
But for now I refuse to accept announcements and approvals for (dare I say?) facts.
Meanwhile BJ and the Pritster are on tenterhooks waiting to see how much they'll have to reverse ferret if public clamour reaches a certain pitch.
BJ and the Pritster sounds like some rubbish US tv cop show.
Big_G is anything but stupid, but is old-school enough to believe the long-established principles that we can trust the word of government ministers. I respect that.
Not this time. Its a lie. An egregious, nasty, spiteful lie.
And searching out a copy of Moby Dick in order to create . . . wait for it . . . the Moby Dick Dick?
Again, hope you are right and I am wrong on this one.
The basic problem was that, in Russia, Imperialist Nationalism was (and is) mainstream. They lost an Empire and still want it.
Go to Hungary, say, and the Greater Hungarian types are laughed at even by some pretty hard core people.
It saddens me profoundly that their sons are dying in this stupid evil war, and that Putin has, it seems, managed to brainwash most of them into believing Russia is the Good Guy
I strive every day not to detest Russians as Russians
https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Moby_Dick/hc6zugEACAAJ?hl=en
Sadly no preview available ...
But a look at the pukka book reminds me of this passage ...
CHAPTER XCY.
THE CASSOCK.
Had you stepped on board the Pequod at a certain juncturo
of this post-mortemizing of the whale; and had you stroJled
forward nigh the windiass, pretty surę am I that you would
have scanned with no smali curiosity a very strange, enig-
matical object, which you would have seen there, lying along
lengthwise in the lee scuppers. Not the wondrous cistern in
the whale’s huge head ; not the prodigy of his unhinged lower
jaw ; not the miracle of his symmetrical taił; nonę of thesc
would so surprise you, as half a glimpse of that unaccountable
cone,—longer than a Kentuckian is tali, nigh a foot in diameter
at the base, and jet-black as Yojo, the ebony idol of Queequeg.
And an idol, indeed, it is ; or, rather, in old times, its likeness
was. Sucli an idol as that found in the secret groves of Queen
Maachah in Judea; and for worshipping which, king Asa, her
son, did depose her, and destroyed the idol, and burnt it for an
abomination at the brook Kedron, as darkly set forth in the
15th chapter of the first book of Kings.
Look at the sailor, called the mincer, who now comes along,
and assisted by two allies, heavily backs the grandissimus, as
the mariners cali it, and with bowed shoulders, staggers ofl’
with it as if he were a grenadier carrying a dead comrade from
the field. Extending it upon the forecastle deck, he now pro-
ceeds cylindrically to remove its dark pelt, as an African hunter
the pelt of a boa. This done he turns the pelt inside out, likc
a pantaloon leg; gives it a good stretching, so as almost to
double its diameter; and at last liangs it, well spread, in tho
rigging, to dry. Ere long, it is taken down; when removing
some three feet of it, towards the pointed extremity, and then
cutting two slits for arm-holes at the otber end, he lengthwise
flips himself bodily into it The mincer now stands before you
invested in the fuli canonicals of his calling. Immemorial to all
his order, this investiture alono will adequately protect him,
while etnployed in the peculiar functions of his office.
That office consists in mincing the horse-pieces of blubbcr
for the pots; an operation wliich is condueted at a curious
wooden horse, planted endwise against tho bulwarks, and with
a capacious tub beneath it, into which the minced pieees drop,
fast as the sheets from a rapt orator’s desk. Arrayed in docent
black ; occupying a conspicuous pulpit; intent on bibie leaves ;
what a candidate for an archbishoprick, what a lad for a Pope
were this mincer !*
"People worry about rising prices"
Thanks for that
Imagine being 8 and hiding under the bed as your village came under attack, waiting in a tent for two days at the freezing Polish border, then finally finding your mum and travelling across Europe — only to find the place she calls home won’t let you in.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/9e567472-9cc6-11ec-84fe-a2a0efa555d1?shareToken=aabc64a8bfc1270b3de6843157985f14 https://twitter.com/emilydugan/status/1500567685658300420/photo/1
Having already searched Google and drawn a blank, I would be delighted then if you would prove me to be a complete prat by providing a link to something that reliably points to copious resupply of NLAWs to the Ukranians.
Why is what the rest of Europe doing re visas not good enough for her and no 10 .
I don't subscribe to this point of view
It'd be such an ignorant thing to do
If the Russians love their children too
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/03/04/weapons-access-ukraine/
It is pretty clear, reading between the lines, that NLAWS (and much else) are being resupplied across the border, but for obvious reasons the evidence for this is now much sketchier
But you can find plentiful hints on Twitter. eg
NEXTA@nexta_tv·Mar 4A new large batch of NLAW arrived in #Kyiv💪
https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1499827970818646020?s=20&t=Wfff52Cp7zZ2bvjUXHGNIA
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2701/2701-h/2701-h.htm
Chapter XCV (not XCY!)
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2701/2701-h/2701-h.htm#link2HCH0095
EDIT: PS, there are some great typos in your version: 'archbishoprick' made me laugh!
I sent messages enquiring after the health of some of my Russian friends last week. They are young, liberal, cosmopolitan types. Extremely generous and kind hearted. And, judging from their messages, absolutely shit scared about what's going on and very cagey about communicating about it lest they end up in the slammer, or worse.
This is Putin's war, not theirs.
Seems eminently sensible
Boris talks every day with Zelenskyy. I imagine in every chat Zelenskyy says "the NLAWs are brilliant, they are wiping out entire columns, can you send more?"
Having already sent 2,000, do you think Boris replies "Nope, that's your lot. But let's chat again tomorrow"
Of course we are sending more, and we are doing it discreetly, across the border, by land
That's my wild guess but I'm fairly sure it is accurate
One thing I have observed is that the refugee situation is being exploited by people who just want to blame the British government for something. Avoiding an open door policy is sensible given that immigration is still a major issue in elections.