Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
He is now suggesting that Putin might be in possession of some sort of 'material', re; 'footage of Donald Trump in Russian hotel rooms', something of an 'underage' nature
OB shouldn't be allowed to say this ^ on National radio
Definitely offbeam, Trump was an associate of Epstein, has boasted about wandering through the changing room of teen beauty contests and tried to appoint someone accused of trafficking a minor for sex. Neither he nor the people who vote for him would care if Putin had footage of him sexually assaulting children. If Putin has something on him it's financial.
I know that’s tough on Spain - Manchego - and Holland - Gouda - and also Germany - that weird smoked shit - but them’s the breaks in Top Cheese Global Lists
In idle moments I sometimes wonder what Dutch cheese is for. I don't suppose they eat it do they?
it was invented as a replacement for car parts when there’s a rubber shortage, but I think during the war they started to eat it out of necessity, and therefore developed like a liking, as with Cambodians eating spiders under the Khmer Rouge
American cheese isn’t meant to do anything but provide amusement for Europeans in Wal Mart
American cheese is either glue (squirty cheese) or plastic (singles).
i once went into a Wal Mart in Natchez Mississippi and they had a mile long aisle devoted to cheese
Excitedly I perused it, only to discover that on the mile they had four kinds of cheese: cheddar, “Jack cheddar”, Philadelphia, and cheddar shaped like characters out of Finding Nemo
Europeans can't do crisps though.
They do paprika, salted, and that sour cream/bad breath one.
That's it.
America spanks us Europeans like a sub in subspace when it comes to snacks, nuts and the like (as indeed does Japan, Korea, etc)
Eg Beef jerky barely exists in Europe and is horribly overpriced. Walk into any decent American gas station and they will have a trillion different kinds of jerky - ideal for chewing on long road trips
Beef jerky..food of the gods I'm sure..🤔 File under "best left in America" along with Twinkie bars..🥴💩
At the hall I was in, for second year at university, the hall warden was South African. He rigged up some grow lamps in a cupboard and used them to dry biltong to his mother’s recipe.
One day, the police raided the place and carted him and his biltong off. Someone had seen it and assumed drugs. It took a while for them to release him. Not sure if he got the beef back…
I make my own biltong, a far better form of dried meat than beef jerky.
Airdrying is difficult in the British climate, as rather too humid. A cool place is required, and well ventilated, but with a low heat, such as from an incandescent light bulb. The other key is the marinade and spices, ideally with sodium nitrate. An Afrikaans friend has trained me when I was in Malawi, with airdrying there only working in their winter.
I had a similar discussion on the subject of that unique speciality of air dried fermented lamb when in the Faeroes. The chap I had some from tried the same when living in Greenland and again in Denmark, but he couldn't get it to work outside the Faeroese climate.
Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
He is now suggesting that Putin might be in possession of some sort of 'material', re; 'footage of Donald Trump in Russian hotel rooms', something of an 'underage' nature
OB shouldn't be allowed to say this ^ on National radio
Definitely offbeam, Trump was an associate of Epstein, has boasted about wandering through the changing room of teen beauty contests and tried to appoint someone accused of trafficking a minor for sex. Neither he nor the people who vote for him would care if Putin had footage of him sexually assaulting children. If Putin has something on him it's financial.
Agreed the voters wouldn't care, but enough of the Senate might if there was an impeachment trial about it.
Just to note that the Guardian now have an editorial on the SCUK EA 2010 decision. Interestingly they do not say whether they agree with the decision, nor do they indicate where the law should stand. I should think this pretty much illustrates the dilemma the Guardian have in trying to work out what its readers would like it to think.
Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
Try it... it really is sensational
Oh, I'm not claiming it's some white-stilton-with-cranberries bollocks. It may be lovely. But it's a different category and can't go in Leon's top ten list.
Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
Try it... it really is sensational
Oh, I'm not claiming it's some white-stilton-with-cranberries bollocks. It may be lovely. But it's a different category and can't go in Leon's top ten list.
Incidentally, proper white Stilton goes far better with port than blue….
Just to note that the Guardian now have an editorial on the SCUK EA 2010 decision. Interestingly they do not say whether they agree with the decision, nor do they indicate where the law should stand. I should think this pretty much illustrates the dilemma the Guardian have in trying to work out what its readers would like it to think.
Has anyone mentioned German Harzer cheese? It's weird stuff, cooked, heavily salted and very high in protein and low in fat. It has a jelly-like consistency and stinks to high heaven, but I absolutely love the stuff and always bring some back with me when I return from Germany. It's nowhere to be found in the UK, and searches on the internet only return bodybuilding forums featuring discussions on how to make it palatable.
Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
Try it... it really is sensational
Oh, I'm not claiming it's some white-stilton-with-cranberries bollocks. It may be lovely. But it's a different category and can't go in Leon's top ten list.
Incidentally, proper white Stilton goes far better with port than blue….
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
I accidentally made one of those back in summer 2020 during the lockdown artisan madness (I was also churning out sourdoughs daily back then). I attempted a “mountain style cheese” amongst others
Trouble was I had no reliable cool place to age them, so they sat in the side return in plastic boxes. All were rank and vomity tasting, despite looking satisfyingly authentic with their mouldy rinds and creamy textures. But the mountain cheese box had a gap in the lid that let a fly in. By the time I came to retrieve it, it was truly Sardinian.
Nonetheless mountain cheese - Gruyère, Beaufort, Comte, the humble Tomme - is the pinnacle of cheeses when not maggotty.
If we can get back ON TOPIC, it still amazes me that only western Europe makes great cheese
Yes, this is true. I was having a chat tonight with a cheese-expert friend and we decided on THE TOP TEN world cheeses, and they are all European. Cheeses that are iconic, unique and at their best delicious
Here is our top 10 list (the order is random but by nation:
Those are the ten great cheeses of the world, all western (or southern) Europe. We did have a heated debate about replacing Gruyère with Comte but we decided it was too annoying to give France FOUR cheeses and therefore let them win the world cheese cup, also Gruyère is yummy
I would rate Appenzeller ahead of Gruyère and Beaufort ahead of Comté while being similar cheeses. Less well known and available of course.
I would like to nominate Norwegian Brunost as the worst.
Norwegian cheese is in a category of its own. Most of it is indescribably bland and then you get stuff like Gamelost and you think, what on earth is that?
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
I’ll be honest, that’s not the advert I’d write for it…
Thanks to the person who shared the link about getting Google Gemini to explain nonsense phrases. I've had great fun with it.
The saying "you can't find a kiwi with a bazooka" is a Kiwi (New Zealander) slang phrase that is used to describe something that is impossible or extremely unlikely. It's a humorous way of expressing disbelief or exaggeration. The phrase combines the idea of a kiwi bird (a native New Zealand bird) with a bazooka (a large, high-powered weapon), which is not a typical pairing, making the statement humorous and unrealistic.
Here's why it's funny and what it means: Absurdity: The combination of a harmless, flightless bird (kiwi) and a weapon (bazooka) is inherently nonsensical and therefore funny. Exaggeration: It's not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a way of emphasizing that something is impossible or exceedingly improbable. New Zealand Identity: The use of "kiwi" connects the phrase to New Zealand culture and slang, making it more relatable to those familiar with it.
The saying "you can't eat a pizza with a chisel" is a metaphorical way of saying you can't tackle a big task or problem by trying to do everything at once. It's about the importance of breaking down a large challenge into smaller, more manageable steps.
Here's a more detailed explanation: The analogy: Imagine trying to cut and eat a whole pizza with a chisel. The chisel is not designed for this task, and it's impractical. Similarly, trying to tackle a large project or problem without breaking it down into smaller parts will be difficult and likely lead to failure. The point: The saying emphasizes the importance of procedural thinking. It suggests that complex tasks are best approached by first identifying the components and then breaking down each component into smaller, manageable steps. Overwhelm: The phrase often appears in situations where someone is feeling overwhelmed by a task or project. It's a way of reminding them to take things one step at a time. Perfectionism: It can also be used when someone is being overly perfectionistic or has a "all or nothing" mindset. The saying encourages them to focus on making progress, even if it's not perfect.
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
I think a sensible government would switch to giving its citizens synthetic, vaguely accurate H5N1 jabs.
Kaltbach Creamy (Creamy, dense, bouncy Swiss hard cheese)
Shropshire Blue (Joyously dyed yellow cousin of Stilton, smoother and less crumbly, oddly invented by an Aberdonian)
Ossau Iraty (Basque sheep's milk hard cheese. Lovely flavour, great for dairy lactose avoiders who miss real cheese)
Applewood smoked cheddar (Most will have had this in some form. It's not really smoked - some are but it results in uneven smokiness. Smoke flavour is added. But it is rich and delicious - better than that sausagy German child's smoked cheese)
Strathdon Blue (Scottish Highlands soft blue - a real full flavoured richly blue cheese, salty maritime flavours, yum)
I agree re Shropshire Blue: it can be very nice. I'm not quite as convinced by the inclusion of Applewood Smoked on your list.
Strathdon Blue is very good.
The crack cocaine of cheeses is Brillat-Saverin au truffes....
Flavoured cheeses don't count. Exception for blue cheeses since it's just a different mold.
Try it... it really is sensational
Oh, I'm not claiming it's some white-stilton-with-cranberries bollocks. It may be lovely. But it's a different category and can't go in Leon's top ten list.
Incidentally, proper white Stilton goes far better with port than blue….
Interesting. But what does White Port go with?
Chilled white port is an awesome drink. A great aperitif. Makes me think of a beach restaurant, in Spain, where they grilled fresh sardines on skewers set vertically into the ash of a barbecue.....
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
I was fortunate not to have the Boris Johnson invented Oxford vaccine. If clinicians advise me I'll take whatever they recommend.
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
I’ve had an annual booster the last two years and it gives me no problem whatsoever. Neither does the flu booster.
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
Let me just make a note: don't try Casu Martzu.
"On the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, the larvae are intentionally introduced into pecorino sardo cheese to produce the characteristic casu martzu. If consumed by humans, the larvae have a chance to survive in the intestine, causing enteric myiasis,[1] though no such cases have been linked to casu martzu dishes.[2] The larvae may also carry harmful microorganisms that, when consumed, could cause infections.[3]"
Maggot infestation of the intestine leading to bacterial infection and sepsis... that has put me right off cheese!
New: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is moving to have his state boycott El Salvador in response to Bukele's assistance of Trump, ordering a review of pension investments and procurement contracts.
It's an occasional theme. The site was discussing cheese when I first turned up here in May 2005. Vino, Tabman and Nick Palmer, if memory serves (it probably doesn't).
New: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is moving to have his state boycott El Salvador in response to Bukele's assistance of Trump, ordering a review of pension investments and procurement contracts.
Ukrainian and European rejection of this deal causes immediate headaches for Trump. He might still pursue rapprochement with Moscow and try to lift sanctions on Russia, but he'll have nothing to show for either except his pure thralldom to Putin.
Not all Republicans in Congress, which must vote on important sanctions relief on Russia, will go along with an about-face in U.S.-Russian relations absent a halt to Europe's largest land war since 1945. A party forged in the postwar era largely in ideological opposition to Moscow would otherwise have to campaign not as America Firsters, but as cowed lickspittles of Moscow. This is a contingency no credible poll suggests is beneficial to one's political health.
You're not going down the road of that Sardinian cheese made out of maggot shit are you?
Eech. I've just read the article. It's more horrible than I remembered. It's generally eaten with the maggots still in it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
I’ve had an annual booster the last two years and it gives me no problem whatsoever. Neither does the flu booster.
FFS 8 nights at Brixton and only balcony tickets available... I detest Ticketmaster
Here in LA, we're getting a Pulp/LCD Soundsystem double concert!
Condolences
Reminds me of the evening I heard Bruce Springsteen live in Stoke Newington. He was actually performing a mile away in Finsbury Park but was perfectly audible in our back garden. He was, almost certainly, imperfectly audible to the poor saps who'd paid to be closer.
It's an occasional theme. The site was discussing cheese when I first turned up here in May 2005. Vino, Tabman and Nick Palmer, if memory serves (it probably doesn't).
Ah ok. It's my first exposure to it. Sorts the men from the boys, I guess.
This is being discussed over at Vote 2012 which seems more interested in politics these days than this site. The truth is for either the Conservatives or Labour to lose 50% of the seats they are defending is rare.
Last year, the Conservatives lost 474 but won 515 and in 1995 they lost 2,018 and won 2,169. The 2023 results which looked bad at the time (over a thousand losses) weren't historically that bad and might cause a problem for whoever is the Conservative leader in May 2027.
For now, the Tory problem is they are defending a lot of seats won on a high tide and as I indicated earlier, they are polling less than half the vote they had at this time four years ago so losses and probably big losses are inevitable. Labour are defending, I think, 300 or so seats so if they make losses it won't be on the same scale.
The other losers might be Independent candidates give more seats will have party candidates - the LDs are fighting 85% of seats and Greens 73% both well up on last year quite apart from Reform who have candidates in nearly every seat. This might accentuate Conservative losses or mitigate them if the anti-Tory vote is fragmented - we'll know much more at the end of next week.
North America - Wisconsin makes OK Brie, otherwise no cheese, lol
Australasia - no cheese except some nice goat stuff in Victoria, but really - no cheese, lol
Africa - no cheese, lol
Eastern Europe - no cheese, lol
Western Europe - OMFG THE CHEESE!
Asia - no cheese, lol
As a non traveller I am genuinely surprised. I had a sense cheese would not be a big thing in tropical regions, but assumed it would be excellent in pretty much every region.
Great cheese basically doesn’t exist outside Western Europe, it is genuinely odd the more you think about it, given that humans love cheese (see the global popularity of cheesy pizzas, cheeseburgers etc)
Europe did and does have a unique combo of culture, settlement, affluence, climate, cow pastures and even caves but still - only Western Europe??
I am fairly sure I can spin my cheese epiphany into am entire Gazette article on the Greatness of Western Europe
Why not relate the sapiens trait for not letting go of mummy's nipple until they were teenagers, aka their fetishism for the milk products that e.g. many Chinese people today think are disgusting...
...to neoteny
...to getting bigger brains (thanks to longer childhoods) and out-thinking the Neanderthals and Denisovans who thought they were so clever for growing up faster, but boy did they get a surprise...
One thing that is noticeable with Trump so far is he goes from one topic to another with insufficient attention span to achieve anything.
So one moment we have DOGE. And then a trade war with Canada and Mexico. Then Russia Ukraine peace talks. Then deporting people to El Salvador without due process. Then a global trade war. Then a China specific trade war. And now back to Russia and Ukraine.
It's like a whirlwind of incompetence spreading far and wide.
Mark Selby really struggling at the moment. Wollaston all over him like a cheap suit.
Edit - damn, I'm good.
Hazel Irvine appears to be blaming Ben Wollaston's chronic fatigue on the covid vaccine.
Apparently he was ill immediately after a vaccine shot. Occasionally it happened. I don't think Hazel has gone all RFK on us.
I get a reaction to the covid shots every time now. Comes on after 12-18 hours, lasts about a day. I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
I’ve had an annual booster the last two years and it gives me no problem whatsoever. Neither does the flu booster.
Just keep shooting me up.
Same here. I actually quite enjoy a jab.
I had covid/flu shots for a year or two based on my GP surgery recommending me (I'm not sure why - maybe high blood pressure). Then I started getting emails from them the entirety of which was "This message is private and only intended for the recipient.". No other text in the email.
So no boosters for me the past two years. No idea if that's a good or bad sign.
One thing that is noticeable with Trump so far is he goes from one topic to another with insufficient attention span to achieve anything.
So one moment we have DOGE. And then a trade war with Canada and Mexico. Then Russia Ukraine peace talks. Then deporting people to El Salvador without due process. Then a global trade war. Then a China specific trade war. And now back to Russia and Ukraine.
It's like a whirlwind of incompetence spreading far and wide.
"Brian Stelter posted a December 9, 2017, quote from the New York Times:
"Before taking office, Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals."
Stelter wrote: “I think about this quote a lot.” "
I think @Luckyguy1983 said it in response to the Kemi/Farage one, plenty of people wouldn’t mind if Reform & the Tories did team up. I can imagine if a similar ad were made by the Tories last year, ft Labour & the LDs, plenty of people would have thought ‘Great, as long as it’s not you’. This one seems to be saying it’s safe to vote either Reform or Conservative because either way you don’t get Labour.
Vote Tory, get Reform.
Vote Reform, get the Tories.
That's what's on the table according to Robert Jenrick ➡️
"we're involved in is understanding what is the Russian position - we have a better understanding of that now because we've actually spoken to them after three years of not speaking to them - what is the Ukrainian position, and figure out are these guys even in the same neighborhood. Because if they're in completely different zip codes, then we may have to conclude that they're so far apart that peace isn't possible at this time."
Well, Marco, it is like this: Russians are trying to murder us, and we are hellbent on surviving. So, yes, you can say we are 'completely different zip codes,' if that wasn't clear.. https://x.com/BohuslavskaKate/status/1915101287672172622
It seems the truth is more complicated. Mack trucks have been building a massive plant in Mexico. The unions have been up in arms about it for over a year saying Volvo / Mack aren't being truthful about the situation and that it will lead to job losses in the US.
Of course what it does show is factories take years to plan / build and so even if Trump had a well thought out tariff plan to change behaviour, he will be long gone before any impact will actually be seen.
Lib Dems back ban on playing music and videos on public transport in England
Under the plan, those who blast out songs and TV shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.
Lib Dems back ban on playing music and videos on public transport in England
Under the plan, those who blast out songs and TV shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.
Lib Dems back ban on playing music and videos on public transport in England
Under the plan, those who blast out songs and TV shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.
One thing that is noticeable with Trump so far is he goes from one topic to another with insufficient attention span to achieve anything.
So one moment we have DOGE. And then a trade war with Canada and Mexico. Then Russia Ukraine peace talks. Then deporting people to El Salvador without due process. Then a global trade war. Then a China specific trade war. And now back to Russia and Ukraine.
It's like a whirlwind of incompetence spreading far and wide.
"Brian Stelter posted a December 9, 2017, quote from the New York Times:
"Before taking office, Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals."
Stelter wrote: “I think about this quote a lot.” "
Especially the vanquishing. So much vanquishing...
According to that link, Labour and the SNP do when the %age of female MP/MSPs is less than 50%. The Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform UK do not use them.
This is being discussed over at Vote 2012 which seems more interested in politics these days than this site. The truth is for either the Conservatives or Labour to lose 50% of the seats they are defending is rare.
Last year, the Conservatives lost 474 but won 515 and in 1995 they lost 2,018 and won 2,169. The 2023 results which looked bad at the time (over a thousand losses) weren't historically that bad and might cause a problem for whoever is the Conservative leader in May 2027.
For now, the Tory problem is they are defending a lot of seats won on a high tide and as I indicated earlier, they are polling less than half the vote they had at this time four years ago so losses and probably big losses are inevitable. Labour are defending, I think, 300 or so seats so if they make losses it won't be on the same scale.
The other losers might be Independent candidates give more seats will have party candidates - the LDs are fighting 85% of seats and Greens 73% both well up on last year quite apart from Reform who have candidates in nearly every seat. This might accentuate Conservative losses or mitigate them if the anti-Tory vote is fragmented - we'll know much more at the end of next week.
What....a site that talks about polititcs rather than trans and travel and more trans?
This is being discussed over at Vote 2012 which seems more interested in politics these days than this site. The truth is for either the Conservatives or Labour to lose 50% of the seats they are defending is rare.
Last year, the Conservatives lost 474 but won 515 and in 1995 they lost 2,018 and won 2,169. The 2023 results which looked bad at the time (over a thousand losses) weren't historically that bad and might cause a problem for whoever is the Conservative leader in May 2027.
For now, the Tory problem is they are defending a lot of seats won on a high tide and as I indicated earlier, they are polling less than half the vote they had at this time four years ago so losses and probably big losses are inevitable. Labour are defending, I think, 300 or so seats so if they make losses it won't be on the same scale.
The other losers might be Independent candidates give more seats will have party candidates - the LDs are fighting 85% of seats and Greens 73% both well up on last year quite apart from Reform who have candidates in nearly every seat. This might accentuate Conservative losses or mitigate them if the anti-Tory vote is fragmented - we'll know much more at the end of next week.
Lord Hayward still predicts Labour will come third on seats in May behind Reform and the Tories.
Lib Dems back ban on playing music and videos on public transport in England
Under the plan, those who blast out songs and TV shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.
This kind of thing could be true, but feels a lot like what you have to say when you are not actually expecting to win and are doing your best to motivate dispirited supporters.
We don't know what Monday holds because no poll can predict the future. But it is clear the CPC are narrowing the gap. They have the momentum going into E day. Carney support is soft . CPC voters are fired up. These are all very good things heading into E day for CPC. https://nitter.poast.org/Lawsome_/status/1915178689785897107#m
This kind of thing could be true, but feels a lot like what you have to say when you are not actually expecting to win and are doing your best to motivate dispirited supporters.
We don't know what Monday holds because no poll can predict the future. But it is clear the CPC are narrowing the gap. They have the momentum going into E day. Carney support is soft . CPC voters are fired up. These are all very good things heading into E day for CPC. https://nitter.poast.org/Lawsome_/status/1915178689785897107#m
On current polls the Canadian Conservatives are still polling at their highest levels since they last won a Federal election in 2011. The Liberals are just up even more but both are squeezing the minor parties the NDP and BQ rather than each other
Comments
Airdrying is difficult in the British climate, as rather too humid. A cool place is required, and well ventilated, but with a low heat, such as from an incandescent light bulb. The other key is the marinade and spices, ideally with sodium nitrate. An Afrikaans friend has trained me when I was in Malawi, with airdrying there only working in their winter.
I had a similar discussion on the subject of that unique speciality of air dried fermented lamb when in the Faeroes. The chap I had some from tried the same when living in Greenland and again in Denmark, but he couldn't get it to work outside the Faeroese climate.
For as long as Putin remains, the bloodbath will continue.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/23/the-guardian-view-on-the-uk-supreme-courts-equality-ruling-a-clear-legal-line-a-blurred-social-one
"I am in blood,
Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er"
Trouble was I had no reliable cool place to age them, so they sat in the side return in plastic boxes. All were rank and vomity tasting, despite looking satisfyingly authentic with their mouldy rinds and creamy textures. But the mountain cheese box had a gap in the lid that let a fly in. By the time I came to retrieve it, it was truly Sardinian.
Nonetheless mountain cheese - Gruyère, Beaufort, Comte, the humble Tomme - is the pinnacle of cheeses when not maggotty.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casu_martzu
Although apparently "Those who do not wish to eat them place the cheese in a sealed paper bag. The maggots, starved for oxygen, writhe and jump in the bag, creating a "pitter-patter" sound. When the sounds subside, the maggots are dead and the cheese can be eaten."
"The flavor is described as "intense", with Mediterranean, pastoral, and spicy notes. The aftertaste is strong enough to remain for hours after a single serving. Because the larvae in the cheese can launch themselves distances up to 15 centimetres (6 in) when disturbed, diners hold their hands above the sandwich to prevent the maggots from leaping."
I’m not sure of the need for repeated vaccination for most people and am currently not bothered about getting my next shot.
NEW 🚨
Significant development.
Our partner CBS reports Walmart & Target CEOs privately warning President of “empty shelves in the coming weeks” as a result of his tariff moves….
Might help explain the conciliatory tone I am hearing here in DC…
https://x.com/faisalislam/status/1915138753930162284
Deeper explanation here
Ryan Petersen
@typesfast
In the 3 weeks since the tariffs took effect, ocean container bookings from China to the United States are down over 60% industry wide
https://x.com/typesfast/status/1915040394171334859
The saying "you can't find a kiwi with a bazooka" is a Kiwi (New Zealander) slang phrase that is used to describe something that is impossible or extremely unlikely. It's a humorous way of expressing disbelief or exaggeration. The phrase combines the idea of a kiwi bird (a native New Zealand bird) with a bazooka (a large, high-powered weapon), which is not a typical pairing, making the statement humorous and unrealistic.
Here's why it's funny and what it means:
Absurdity:
The combination of a harmless, flightless bird (kiwi) and a weapon (bazooka) is inherently nonsensical and therefore funny.
Exaggeration:
It's not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a way of emphasizing that something is impossible or exceedingly improbable.
New Zealand Identity:
The use of "kiwi" connects the phrase to New Zealand culture and slang, making it more relatable to those familiar with it.
The saying "you can't eat a pizza with a chisel" is a metaphorical way of saying you can't tackle a big task or problem by trying to do everything at once. It's about the importance of breaking down a large challenge into smaller, more manageable steps.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
The analogy:
Imagine trying to cut and eat a whole pizza with a chisel. The chisel is not designed for this task, and it's impractical. Similarly, trying to tackle a large project or problem without breaking it down into smaller parts will be difficult and likely lead to failure.
The point:
The saying emphasizes the importance of procedural thinking. It suggests that complex tasks are best approached by first identifying the components and then breaking down each component into smaller, manageable steps.
Overwhelm:
The phrase often appears in situations where someone is feeling overwhelmed by a task or project. It's a way of reminding them to take things one step at a time.
Perfectionism:
It can also be used when someone is being overly perfectionistic or has a "all or nothing" mindset. The saying encourages them to focus on making progress, even if it's not perfect.
@davidfrum
·
23m
A record 7.3 million Canadians voted in advance polls before next week federal election
Just keep shooting me up.
Ben McAdams Memorial Act. but on BlueSky
@purrtah.bsky.social
Follow
New Pew Poll from USA today showing massive movement against Trump.
His approval is now 40/59, declining 7pts since February. He has lost support among squishy Trump voters.
https://bsky.app/profile/purrtah.bsky.social/post/3lnilgczqac2q
Maggot infestation of the intestine leading to bacterial infection and sepsis... that has put me right off cheese!
New: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is moving to have his state boycott El Salvador in response to Bukele's assistance of Trump, ordering a review of pension investments and procurement contracts.
Allies hope other Dem states will follow suit.
https://bsky.app/profile/robillard.bsky.social/post/3lniq5wn2a225
NEW: Tories On Course To Lose 500 Seats In Local Election Humiliation
https://x.com/KevinASchofield/status/1915149770307608706
If you are not doing best for your people, your constituents, instead playing politics, then Trump is winning.
Michael Weiss
@michaeldweiss
Ukrainian and European rejection of this deal causes immediate headaches for Trump. He might still pursue rapprochement with Moscow and try to lift sanctions on Russia, but he'll have nothing to show for either except his pure thralldom to Putin.
Not all Republicans in Congress, which must vote on important sanctions relief on Russia, will go along with an about-face in U.S.-Russian relations absent a halt to Europe's largest land war since 1945. A party forged in the postwar era largely in ideological opposition to Moscow would otherwise have to campaign not as America Firsters, but as cowed lickspittles of Moscow. This is a contingency no credible poll suggests is beneficial to one's political health.
https://x.com/michaeldweiss/status/1915148821157511220
https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lnj42wdgq324
https://x.com/snb19692/status/1914971040809132327
Last year, the Conservatives lost 474 but won 515 and in 1995 they lost 2,018 and won 2,169. The 2023 results which looked bad at the time (over a thousand losses) weren't historically that bad and might cause a problem for whoever is the Conservative leader in May 2027.
For now, the Tory problem is they are defending a lot of seats won on a high tide and as I indicated earlier, they are polling less than half the vote they had at this time four years ago so losses and probably big losses are inevitable. Labour are defending, I think, 300 or so seats so if they make losses it won't be on the same scale.
The other losers might be Independent candidates give more seats will have party candidates - the LDs are fighting 85% of seats and Greens 73% both well up on last year quite apart from Reform who have candidates in nearly every seat. This might accentuate Conservative losses or mitigate them if the anti-Tory vote is fragmented - we'll know much more at the end of next week.
https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2025/04/is-globalisation-over-and-who-will-gain-in-the-local-elections/
...to neoteny
...to getting bigger brains (thanks to longer childhoods) and out-thinking the Neanderthals and Denisovans who thought they were so clever for growing up faster, but boy did they get a surprise...
Twelve states have sued the Trump administration for “illegally imposing” tax hikes on Americans through tariffs.
https://bsky.app/profile/cnn.com/post/3lnj5euouas2h
"French PM stunned as daughter reveals she was abused at scandal-hit school"
So one moment we have DOGE. And then a trade war with Canada and Mexico. Then Russia Ukraine peace talks. Then deporting people to El Salvador without due process. Then a global trade war. Then a China specific trade war. And now back to Russia and Ukraine.
It's like a whirlwind of incompetence spreading far and wide.
So no boosters for me the past two years. No idea if that's a good or bad sign.
"Before taking office, Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals."
Stelter wrote: “I think about this quote a lot.” "
https://x.com/jonlajoiecomedy/status/1914680083815784522?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62g7007kxko
Still not sure exactly what they said on the conference call, but trucking company Old Dominion just plunged 9% $ODFL
https://x.com/TheStalwart/status/1915049535065518427
@FreightAlley
Many truckers I've spoken with don't realize how quickly container volumes have collapsed.
Starting in May, port freight out of California will be almost eliminated.
Its going to be a bloodbath in dray, followed by intermodal, and then a collapse in I-20 & I-40 trucking.
https://x.com/FreightAlley/status/1913035787634901263
(You're allowed to answer 'both'.)
I think @Luckyguy1983 said it in response to the Kemi/Farage one, plenty of people wouldn’t mind if Reform & the Tories did team up. I can imagine if a similar ad were made by the Tories last year, ft Labour & the LDs, plenty of people would have thought ‘Great, as long as it’s not you’. This one seems to be saying it’s safe to vote either Reform or Conservative because either way you don’t get Labour.
Vote Tory, get Reform.
Vote Reform, get the Tories.
That's what's on the table according to Robert Jenrick ➡️
https://x.com/uklabour/status/1915099667114639460?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
"Mack Trucks announces layoffs at Lehigh Valley plant, blames tariffs"
https://x.com/scottlincicome/status/1913058424503366120
Well, Marco, it is like this: Russians are trying to murder us, and we are hellbent on surviving. So, yes, you can say we are 'completely different zip codes,' if that wasn't clear..
https://x.com/BohuslavskaKate/status/1915101287672172622
Of course what it does show is factories take years to plan / build and so even if Trump had a well thought out tariff plan to change behaviour, he will be long gone before any impact will actually be seen.
Lib Dems back ban on playing music and videos on public transport in England
Under the plan, those who blast out songs and TV shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/23/lib-dems-back-ban-on-playing-music-and-videos-on-public-transport-in-england
I am all onboard this as long as it also extends to the likes of Steve Bray being a twat.
https://x.com/JDVance/status/1915127234941345986
Where do I find this place?
https://samf.substack.com/p/local-elections-2025-the-preview
Electoral Calculus predicts Labour will come fourth on seats even behind the LDs with the Tories just ahead of Reform in councils holding elections
https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/blogs/ec_lepoll_20250314.html
We don't know what Monday holds because no poll can predict the future. But it is clear the CPC are narrowing the gap. They have the momentum going into E day. Carney support is soft . CPC voters are fired up. These are all very good things heading into E day for CPC.
https://nitter.poast.org/Lawsome_/status/1915178689785897107#m