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The Sunday open thread. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb  – politicalbetting.com

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  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    AnneJGP said:

    ydoethur said:

    How many runs does Jamie Smith have to score before he makes up for his missed stumping?

    I'm going with 250, which is about 225 more than he will get.
    I have nothing against him, and he is unquestionably a very good batsman, but I regret the long term trend towards picking a batsman who can keep wicket a bit, rather than a good keeper who can bat a bit. Bairstow and Buttler were fairly extreme examples of the trend. Smith extends it to the point of becoming ridiculous.
    I am more concerned about this trend of picking bowlers that can't bowl very well with the red ball just because they can lump it down at 90mph.

    They worked this out with Rashid. Amazing white ball bowler, but a number of high quality test match batsman have said due to his grip and action, he is dead easy to pick with the red ball. I feel its a bit like that with some of the other bowlers England are picking. Huge difference in white ball vs red ball where the white ball doesn't do much after 4-5 overs, where as the skills with the red ball is keeping it moving even when it is old and knackered.
    May I ask? I assumed the only difference was the colour. Why is the performance so different, please?
    Not all reasons are full known. But, a couple of things are, the processing of colouring it white / lackering process makes a big difference to how long the ball stays hard, the white ball softens much more quickly (in a 50 over ball they have to use 2, one either end, as they found it never lasted and they were changing it mid innings, where as the red ball can go 80 overs). Also, it is very difficult to get and keep the shine in the way the red ball can be.
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763

    Part of Britaun's failure on crime is an incoherent half-way house between authoritarian and European approaches.

    I would opt for more fully embracing the European approach - keeping jail for violent offenders, but a much heavier emphasis on education and rehabilitation. Half the problem on this is the lack of money at the moment, and the other half is the New Labour instinct to defer to the tabloid press.

    Damn it. Said what I said far more succinctly.
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 4,680
    HYUFD said:

    kinabalu said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?
    Singapore is quite a stultifying place. Ok for a short holiday but not to live.
    Unless you are a socially conservative multi millionaire who likes the low tax, limited regulation and strict law and order regime of course and can easily afford a pool and air conditioning
    Does Leon know about it?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 45,773
    HYUFD said:

    kinabalu said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    If Starmer were to join military action presumably he would want to follow precedent and get Commons approval. That might be very problematic, hence might inform some of his thinking. We all remember Cameron and Syria.

    He doesn't, hence there was no UK involvement in the strikes last night even in terms of bases. He knows at least half the Parliamentary Labour Party would vote against any UK involvement in such action with Israel and the US against Iran as would the LDs and SNP, Greens, SDLP, Independents and Plaid and he likely wouldn't get it through even with Tory and Reform and DUP support
    The point you miss and has been discussed in the media if the US is attacked article 5 of NATo means that UK has a responsibility to assist the US
    If the mainland US is attacked yes and if a Baltic state is attacked by Putin the US also obliged to assist though at present that more theory than certainty
    Nonsense - if a US base is attacked anywhere and just look at how many they have in the middle east, or US military personnel come under fire Article 5 apply

    Look up the Article - it doesn't specify geography or restrictions
    In which case the European NATO treaties would also want it reaffirmed in writing by Trump that the US would intervene to protect any European NATO nation if invaded by Putin before taking action to help if a US military base was attacked by Iran
    You do talk utter nonsense at times
    No, just reality. Labour backbenchers and the LDs for starters would certainly vote down any UK intervention in the Middle East even if a US military base attacked without a cast iron commitment from Trump to protect all European NATO nations
    It won't even come to a vote
    Starmer could lose the Labour leadership if he committed British troops to the Middle East in support of Israel and the US against Iran, which is why he won't unless no alternative
    There's almost zero chance of him doing this imo.
    There are certainly enough Israel and Trump sceptic Labour MPs to get a challenger like Rayner or even Lewis nominated if Starmer sent British forces into action against Iran. Then under Labour leadership rules a leadership contest would go straight to Labour members who would almost certainly vote to replace Starmer as Labour leader and therefore PM in such circumstances
    I'd probably vote to replace him in those (unlikely) circumstances.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 24,884
    biggles said:

    Sky

    125 US aircraft used and largest B2 mission ever undertaken

    Sounds like this is something they have been planning for a substantial amount of time.
    They have.

    If Bush II had been able to get away with it, he would have done. As it was he became mired in Iraq and Afghanistan, but I think it is fairly clear that plans for striking Iran have been in play since at least the time of the War on Terror.
    Its a shame it never happened then. Or any time since.

    Better late than never though.
    Could I ask you just to reflect slightly on such a blase attitude to military action?

    I am no pacifist, and could even be persuaded that now was the right time to attack these facilities, but people will have died. They aren’t cartoon baddies, they are conscripts, scientists, and technicians doing the best for their families.

    Killing must always be a last resort.
    OK, reflected on it, still think it was the right thing to do.

    Prevention is better than cure and better to attack such facilities before the enemy has nukes than after it.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990
    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 78,460
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Looks like they did it

    “From an impeccable Israeli contact:

    The strike appears to have ended the Iranian nuclear program. Confirmation to come in the next 24 hours. The last step is to remove the nuclear material from the nuclear sites.”

    https://x.com/jschanzer/status/1936589901316677784?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I imagine they have successfully destroyed the centrifuges. The question is whether they got the enriched uranium.
    Can't imagine it was there, certainly not all of it. If the gold is in a biscuit tin under the bed it's getting nicked
    Yes, I do wonder if the whole palava about getting the US on board gave Iran time to move their enriched uranium.
    Given Israel has got total air superiority, won't they have been watching for this?
    Moving a couple of hundred kilograms of uranium isn't that hard - you could fit it three or four suitcases.
    HEU ?
    I think you'd want rather more, rather smaller suitcases for that.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990
    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Smith falls for a man in a horse outfit tactic
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Looks like they did it

    “From an impeccable Israeli contact:

    The strike appears to have ended the Iranian nuclear program. Confirmation to come in the next 24 hours. The last step is to remove the nuclear material from the nuclear sites.”

    https://x.com/jschanzer/status/1936589901316677784?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I imagine they have successfully destroyed the centrifuges. The question is whether they got the enriched uranium.
    Can't imagine it was there, certainly not all of it. If the gold is in a biscuit tin under the bed it's getting nicked
    Yes, I do wonder if the whole palava about getting the US on board gave Iran time to move their enriched uranium.
    Given Israel has got total air superiority, won't they have been watching for this?
    Moving a couple of hundred kilograms of uranium isn't that hard - you could fit it three or four suitcases.
    HEU ?
    I think you'd want rather more, rather smaller suitcases for that.
    One of the classic Manhattan project tales. Richard Feynman was sent to inspect the enrichment plant, who weren't told what they were doing or why, to find they were stacking the finished product together in a big pile...
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    Israel and the USA are slowly but ruthlessly dismantling Iran

    #BREAKING Iran media reports 'massive explosion' in Bushehr province, home to nuclear reactor
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763
    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Completely different environment. Cause and effect failure. Failure of applying logic. Why don't you try reading the research rather than going for a gut reaction. Look at the UK and see the impact of the birch on criminals or fear of the birch. Also worth pointing out we had capital punishment at that same time also, yet we had plenty of murders. Comparing to Singapore now is just bonkers. Too many other variables.

    You just have a gut reaction that thinking applying pain will deter people. History tells us this is nonsense. Research tells us it is nonsense.

    Low IQ individuals think their gut reaction are superior to proper research.

    As I said centrist grandads who thinks the 1940/50s were better than now.
    Yes Mrs @kjh. Whatever you say, dear. Maybe have a nap
    Dah da. Another win. You always know when you win a discussion with @leon dont' you.
    You’re the effete dork that was whining that I use my “superior vocabulary to bully people like you”

    You should be grateful I’m in a benign mood and I’ve let you off with a gentle flick of the metaphorical ear
    Er. No I didn't. You are not very good at this are you? Even though you try and protect your errors by hiding behind making your profile private, it isn't that private I am afraid (see quotes below)

    So try getting your facts correct (you never ever do). It was you that was whining that I had hurt your diddums feeling not the other way around and me ticking you off that you might want to think of that when using your vocabulary against others. At no point did I complain about you bullying me, because you haven't

    Here are the quotes from me at the time:

    "The fact that you are taking that so seriously really does make my point in my last post more valid which is you should think a bit more when you make fun of or abuse others. If those trivial joking posts upset you, you might want to think of what effect you have on some others with your constant abrasive posts."

    "It was a joke as was TSE's comment. Being a little sensitive there aren't we?. You might want to bear that in mind when you use your extensive vocabulary to abuse others which you vdo regularly.. If you can't take a little ribbing you shouldn't give it out."
  • Stark_DawningStark_Dawning Posts: 10,145
    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Hmm. I wonder if Team Trump are getting nervous about the MAGA backlash. I thought they'd just swat it aside, but maybe not.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 3,648

    AnneJGP said:

    ydoethur said:

    How many runs does Jamie Smith have to score before he makes up for his missed stumping?

    I'm going with 250, which is about 225 more than he will get.
    I have nothing against him, and he is unquestionably a very good batsman, but I regret the long term trend towards picking a batsman who can keep wicket a bit, rather than a good keeper who can bat a bit. Bairstow and Buttler were fairly extreme examples of the trend. Smith extends it to the point of becoming ridiculous.
    I am more concerned about this trend of picking bowlers that can't bowl very well with the red ball just because they can lump it down at 90mph.

    They worked this out with Rashid. Amazing white ball bowler, but a number of high quality test match batsman have said due to his grip and action, he is dead easy to pick with the red ball. I feel its a bit like that with some of the other bowlers England are picking. Huge difference in white ball vs red ball where the white ball doesn't do much after 4-5 overs, where as the skills with the red ball is keeping it moving even when it is old and knackered.
    May I ask? I assumed the only difference was the colour. Why is the performance so different, please?
    Not all reasons are full known. But, a couple of things are, the processing of colouring it white / lackering process makes a big difference to how long the ball stays hard, the white ball softens much more quickly (in a 50 over ball they have to use 2, one either end, as they found it never lasted and they were changing it mid innings, where as the red ball can go 80 overs). Also, it is very difficult to get and keep the shine in the way the red ball can be.
    Very interesting, thank you.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Until iran tries to sink the Nimitz and missile the bases in Iraq etc tgen theyre at war eith Iran
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 128,228
    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    True, though Singapore does top the PISA reading, Maths and science rankings of nations
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311
    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    I've been to Singapore many times, and I find it incredibly amusing that - corporal punishment aside - it's the very epitomy of things @Leon hates - i.e. it's a highly cosmopolitan city that's full to the brim of immigrants doing minimum wage jobs.

    Of course, I would also note that @Leon has chosen to live in Camden.

    Which is what economists call a revealed preference.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 32,498
    Scott_xP said:

    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.

    Being as Starmer has got this horribly wrong by being too Israel-USA centric and at the same time too pro-Iranian perhaps we need Liz back after all.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    On Singapore and beer if people are visiting...Brewerkz....homegrown brewery now with a number of bars in the city, where the beers are as good as anything I have had in the UK. £10-15 a pint mind you, so London prices ;-)
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763
    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Looks like they did it

    “From an impeccable Israeli contact:

    The strike appears to have ended the Iranian nuclear program. Confirmation to come in the next 24 hours. The last step is to remove the nuclear material from the nuclear sites.”

    https://x.com/jschanzer/status/1936589901316677784?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I imagine they have successfully destroyed the centrifuges. The question is whether they got the enriched uranium.
    Can't imagine it was there, certainly not all of it. If the gold is in a biscuit tin under the bed it's getting nicked
    Yes, I do wonder if the whole palava about getting the US on board gave Iran time to move their enriched uranium.
    Given Israel has got total air superiority, won't they have been watching for this?
    Moving a couple of hundred kilograms of uranium isn't that hard - you could fit it three or four suitcases.
    I suspect the bottoms might fall out.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,387
    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Leon said:

    Israel and the USA are slowly but ruthlessly dismantling Iran

    #BREAKING Iran media reports 'massive explosion' in Bushehr province, home to nuclear reactor

    I can smell the radiation leak from here
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,553
    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    The UK was never at war with Argentina, and that involved an invasion of British territory.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311

    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Until iran tries to sink the Nimitz and missile the bases in Iraq etc tgen theyre at war eith Iran
    My loony conspiracy nut friends (think @Leon but without the gaiety) think the US will deliberately sink the Nimitz in a false flag operation.
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 6,367
    Screw the war, the tennis final is on. BBC One.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,732
    On red ball v white ball, the white ball used to hoop around (think 1999 World Cup where South Africa were opening with Jacques Kallis). The cynic in me thinks the white ball was deliberately made to be rubbish because people like to watch slogging.

    If they want to reinvigorate the 50 over game, take it back to being a red ball affair.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Looks like they did it

    “From an impeccable Israeli contact:

    The strike appears to have ended the Iranian nuclear program. Confirmation to come in the next 24 hours. The last step is to remove the nuclear material from the nuclear sites.”

    https://x.com/jschanzer/status/1936589901316677784?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I imagine they have successfully destroyed the centrifuges. The question is whether they got the enriched uranium.
    Can't imagine it was there, certainly not all of it. If the gold is in a biscuit tin under the bed it's getting nicked
    Yes, I do wonder if the whole palava about getting the US on board gave Iran time to move their enriched uranium.
    Given Israel has got total air superiority, won't they have been watching for this?
    Moving a couple of hundred kilograms of uranium isn't that hard - you could fit it three or four suitcases.
    HEU ?
    I think you'd want rather more, rather smaller suitcases for that.
    It's also rather heavy.

    My point is that it's really easy to move. And it's also not emiting much radiation, so it's not like it's easy to sense.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 128,228
    Scott_xP said:

    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.

    'The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.

    He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations.

    It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.'
    https://x.com/AOC/status/1936600627221565468
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Completely different environment. Cause and effect failure. Failure of applying logic. Why don't you try reading the research rather than going for a gut reaction. Look at the UK and see the impact of the birch on criminals or fear of the birch. Also worth pointing out we had capital punishment at that same time also, yet we had plenty of murders. Comparing to Singapore now is just bonkers. Too many other variables.

    You just have a gut reaction that thinking applying pain will deter people. History tells us this is nonsense. Research tells us it is nonsense.

    Low IQ individuals think their gut reaction are superior to proper research.

    As I said centrist grandads who thinks the 1940/50s were better than now.
    Yes Mrs @kjh. Whatever you say, dear. Maybe have a nap
    Dah da. Another win. You always know when you win a discussion with @leon dont' you.
    You’re the effete dork that was whining that I use my “superior vocabulary to bully people like you”

    You should be grateful I’m in a benign mood and I’ve let you off with a gentle flick of the metaphorical ear
    Er. No I didn't. You are not very good at this are you? Even though you try and protect your errors by hiding behind making your profile private, it isn't that private I am afraid (see quotes below)

    So try getting your facts correct (you never ever do). It was you that was whining that I had hurt your diddums feeling not the other way around and me ticking you off that you might want to think of that when using your vocabulary against others. At no point did I complain about you bullying me, because you haven't

    Here are the quotes from me at the time:

    "The fact that you are taking that so seriously really does make my point in my last post more valid which is you should think a bit more when you make fun of or abuse others. If those trivial joking posts upset you, you might want to think of what effect you have on some others with your constant abrasive posts."

    "It was a joke as was TSE's comment. Being a little sensitive there aren't we?. You might want to bear that in mind when you use your extensive vocabulary to abuse others which you vdo regularly.. If you can't take a little ribbing you shouldn't give it out."
    Oh god. Stop

    You’re up to 9.24 on the Cringe-o-meter. Danger zone. Think of your family
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    tlg86 said:

    On red ball v white ball, the white ball used to hoop around (think 1999 World Cup where South Africa were opening with Jacques Kallis). The cynic in me thinks the white ball was deliberately made to be rubbish because people like to watch slogging.

    If they want to reinvigorate the 50 over game, take it back to being a red ball affair.

    Could that be more to do with the blind eye turned to ball "enhancement" techniques that were widespread at the time. I mean everybody needs a bottle cap in their pocket when playing cricket.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,732

    tlg86 said:

    On red ball v white ball, the white ball used to hoop around (think 1999 World Cup where South Africa were opening with Jacques Kallis). The cynic in me thinks the white ball was deliberately made to be rubbish because people like to watch slogging.

    If they want to reinvigorate the 50 over game, take it back to being a red ball affair.

    Could that be more to do with the blind eye turned to ball "enhancement" techniques?
    Maybe. Just to add, I think the 1999 World Cup ball was a Duke. Nowadays, I think they only use the dreaded Kookaburra.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 5,600

    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Hmm. I wonder if Team Trump are getting nervous about the MAGA backlash. I thought they'd just swat it aside, but maybe not.
    Maga will always find a way to justify their continued support for Trump .
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990

    Scott_xP said:

    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.

    Being as Starmer has got this horribly wrong by being too Israel-USA centric and at the same time too pro-Iranian perhaps we need Liz back after all.
    Starmer has got this horribly wrong by being Starmer, apparently...
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,387
    HYUFD said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    True, though Singapore does top the PISA reading, Maths and science rankings of nations
    But where would you rather go to school? Where would you rather your kids went to school?
    There is much about British schools I find frustrating. But I think I'd prefer my daughters to attend the schools they are at than their Singaporean counterparts. There's more to education than education.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 24,884
    HYUFD said:

    Scott_xP said:

    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.

    'The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers.

    He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations.

    It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.'
    https://x.com/AOC/status/1936600627221565468
    MTG and AOC oppose.

    Is any more proof needed that it was the right thing to do?
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763
    rcs1000 said:

    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Until iran tries to sink the Nimitz and missile the bases in Iraq etc tgen theyre at war eith Iran
    My loony conspiracy nut friends (think @Leon but without the gaiety) think the US will deliberately sink the Nimitz in a false flag operation.
    There are just so many questions you want to ask him, but you know it won't go anywhere sane.

    I once had a conversation with a flat earther. You think you have them on the ropes but the responses just get madder and madder.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    tlg86 said:

    tlg86 said:

    On red ball v white ball, the white ball used to hoop around (think 1999 World Cup where South Africa were opening with Jacques Kallis). The cynic in me thinks the white ball was deliberately made to be rubbish because people like to watch slogging.

    If they want to reinvigorate the 50 over game, take it back to being a red ball affair.

    Could that be more to do with the blind eye turned to ball "enhancement" techniques?
    Maybe. Just to add, I think the 1999 World Cup ball was a Duke. Nowadays, I think they only use the dreaded Kookaburra.
    The difference between how the Duke and Kookaburra perform is also significant. The Australians love to moan about the Duke when they play in England.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Irans parliament authorises closure of straits of Hormuz, final decision with the 'Tollah
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,387
    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 32,498
    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Completely different environment. Cause and effect failure. Failure of applying logic. Why don't you try reading the research rather than going for a gut reaction. Look at the UK and see the impact of the birch on criminals or fear of the birch. Also worth pointing out we had capital punishment at that same time also, yet we had plenty of murders. Comparing to Singapore now is just bonkers. Too many other variables.

    You just have a gut reaction that thinking applying pain will deter people. History tells us this is nonsense. Research tells us it is nonsense.

    Low IQ individuals think their gut reaction are superior to proper research.

    As I said centrist grandads who thinks the 1940/50s were better than now.
    Yes Mrs @kjh. Whatever you say, dear. Maybe have a nap
    Dah da. Another win. You always know when you win a discussion with @leon dont' you.
    You’re the effete dork that was whining that I use my “superior vocabulary to bully people like you”

    You should be grateful I’m in a benign mood and I’ve let you off with a gentle flick of the metaphorical ear
    Er. No I didn't. You are not very good at this are you? Even though you try and protect your errors by hiding behind making your profile private, it isn't that private I am afraid (see quotes below)

    So try getting your facts correct (you never ever do). It was you that was whining that I had hurt your diddums feeling not the other way around and me ticking you off that you might want to think of that when using your vocabulary against others. At no point did I complain about you bullying me, because you haven't

    Here are the quotes from me at the time:

    "The fact that you are taking that so seriously really does make my point in my last post more valid which is you should think a bit more when you make fun of or abuse others. If those trivial joking posts upset you, you might want to think of what effect you have on some others with your constant abrasive posts."

    "It was a joke as was TSE's comment. Being a little sensitive there aren't we?. You might want to bear that in mind when you use your extensive vocabulary to abuse others which you vdo regularly.. If you can't take a little ribbing you shouldn't give it out."
    Oh god. Stop

    You’re up to 9.24 on the Cringe-o-meter. Danger zone. Think of your family
    It's lucky you still have your Cringeometer, ours all failed last Wednesday when you were in all your pomp and circumstance all evening.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,829
    Nigelb said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Looks like they did it

    “From an impeccable Israeli contact:

    The strike appears to have ended the Iranian nuclear program. Confirmation to come in the next 24 hours. The last step is to remove the nuclear material from the nuclear sites.”

    https://x.com/jschanzer/status/1936589901316677784?s=46&t=bulOICNH15U6kB0MwE6Lfw

    I imagine they have successfully destroyed the centrifuges. The question is whether they got the enriched uranium.
    Can't imagine it was there, certainly not all of it. If the gold is in a biscuit tin under the bed it's getting nicked
    Yes, I do wonder if the whole palava about getting the US on board gave Iran time to move their enriched uranium.
    Given Israel has got total air superiority, won't they have been watching for this?
    Moving a couple of hundred kilograms of uranium isn't that hard - you could fit it three or four suitcases.
    HEU ?
    I think you'd want rather more, rather smaller suitcases for that.
    *Start sexism alert* And husbands used to carrying their wives suitcases through airports. *End sexism alert*
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,829
    HYUFD said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    True, though Singapore does top the PISA reading, Maths and science rankings of nations
    It depends on what you consider the full purpose of education.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 35,797
    Important advice for cricketers: don't bowl no-balls.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
    Very cheap, reliable, clean and safe public transport. High standard of living with excellent schools and hospitals. People are extremely polite*, they queue without fuss and very quiet. Its a very high trust society e.g. you can leave your bags on tables, the zoo they let you wander into the animal enclosures to see them close up (because people aren't going to try and prod them), the airport has open fish tanks for the same reason, etc...the "don't be a dickhead" is taken very seriously, but makes for a very pleasant experience.

    If you are a skilled worker, wages are high. Also its very close and easy to get to loads of up and coming countries that have very varied cultures.

    But...you have to adhere to the rules and there are many. No drinking or eating within any train or train station (despite it being 37o and 90% humidity). No being drunk in public. No carrying smelly food on public transport. No crossing the road at the wrong points. Must ensure nobody ever sees you naked, even if you are in your own home.....and this is enforced with cameras everywhere and undercover police.

    * other than if you try and take 5 minutes to decide what you want to eat at a Hacker centre stall, if its a Chinese lady who runs the stall, she will shout at you.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,829
    Scott_xP said:

    @chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    JD VANCE: “We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.”

    Yes, that’s exactly how it works.

    Also JD Vance: We’re not at war with Gaza. We’re at war with Gaza’s women and children.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    edited June 22
    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
    1. Amazing food
    2. Fabulous modern architecture
    3. Everything WORKS
    4. The shopping!
    5. Zero crime
    6. Zero litter
    7. Zero shoplifting
    8. Great bars
    9. Good nightlife
    10. Balmy tropical evenings
    11. Beautiful women
    12. Fabulous airport
    13. Great infrastructure
    14. No traffic jams
    15. Top notch career prospects in the right industries
    16. No annoying people on trains
    17. Access to all of Asia
    18. Beaches, jungles, tropical islands - all accessible by boat and plane, some just half an hour away
    19. Superb schools
    20. Super high quality of life overall
    21. World class healthcare
    22. Chicken laksa
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,239
    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 35,797

    On the shoplifting debate:


    London is over —it’s so over

    https://x.com/GoodwinMJ/status/1936548371423961173

    Matt Goodwin's critical faculties are so "over".
    I had a small rucksack stolen in London a few months ago. It's a real problem.
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763
    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Completely different environment. Cause and effect failure. Failure of applying logic. Why don't you try reading the research rather than going for a gut reaction. Look at the UK and see the impact of the birch on criminals or fear of the birch. Also worth pointing out we had capital punishment at that same time also, yet we had plenty of murders. Comparing to Singapore now is just bonkers. Too many other variables.

    You just have a gut reaction that thinking applying pain will deter people. History tells us this is nonsense. Research tells us it is nonsense.

    Low IQ individuals think their gut reaction are superior to proper research.

    As I said centrist grandads who thinks the 1940/50s were better than now.
    Yes Mrs @kjh. Whatever you say, dear. Maybe have a nap
    Dah da. Another win. You always know when you win a discussion with @leon dont' you.
    You’re the effete dork that was whining that I use my “superior vocabulary to bully people like you”

    You should be grateful I’m in a benign mood and I’ve let you off with a gentle flick of the metaphorical ear
    Er. No I didn't. You are not very good at this are you? Even though you try and protect your errors by hiding behind making your profile private, it isn't that private I am afraid (see quotes below)

    So try getting your facts correct (you never ever do). It was you that was whining that I had hurt your diddums feeling not the other way around and me ticking you off that you might want to think of that when using your vocabulary against others. At no point did I complain about you bullying me, because you haven't

    Here are the quotes from me at the time:

    "The fact that you are taking that so seriously really does make my point in my last post more valid which is you should think a bit more when you make fun of or abuse others. If those trivial joking posts upset you, you might want to think of what effect you have on some others with your constant abrasive posts."

    "It was a joke as was TSE's comment. Being a little sensitive there aren't we?. You might want to bear that in mind when you use your extensive vocabulary to abuse others which you vdo regularly.. If you can't take a little ribbing you shouldn't give it out."
    Oh god. Stop

    You’re up to 9.24 on the Cringe-o-meter. Danger zone. Think of your family
    Oh dear oh dear oh dear. We don't like it do we when you have the proof of your errors presented to you?

    A bit tricky to deny when it is there in black and white isn't it.

    So let's get this clear again shall we:

    You were the one getting all upset and tearful about the post by @TheScreamingEagles and my post and not the other way around and me saying you should bear that in mind when you post about other people. Funny how you turned that about 180 degrees isn't it not thinking that I might look up the posts.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 5,829
    tlg86 said:

    On red ball v white ball, the white ball used to hoop around (think 1999 World Cup where South Africa were opening with Jacques Kallis). The cynic in me thinks the white ball was deliberately made to be rubbish because people like to watch slogging.

    If they want to reinvigorate the 50 over game, take it back to being a red ball affair.

    Use the red ball for the 20 over “game”. It will be even more rubbish, and hopefully encourage proper cricket and cricketers.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
    Very cheap, reliable, clean public transport. High standard of living with excellent schools and hospitals. People are extremely polite*, they queue without fuss and very quiet. Its a very high trust society e.g. you can leave your bags on tables, the zoo they let you wander into the animal enclosures to see them close up (because people aren't going to try and prod them), the airport has open fish tanks for the same reason, etc...the "don't be a dickhead" is taken very seriously, but makes for a very pleasant experience.

    If you are a skilled worker, wages are high. Also its very close and easy to get to loads of up and coming countries that have very varied cultures.

    * other than if you try and take 5 minutes to decide what you want to eat at a Hacker centre stall, if its a Chinese lady who runs the stall, she will shout at you.
    The street food is the very best part of Singapore.

    I think if I lived there for a year I'd love it, but I think I'd get bored after a while.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 35,797
    edited June 22
    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
    Been there once in September 2009 and liked it a lot. It didn't feel authoritarian at all, it felt quite relaxed.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 45,773
    edited June 22
    carnforth said:

    Screw the war, the tennis final is on. BBC One.

    It's times like this I get punished for being into too many sports. Really want to watch the Queens final. Really want to settle into the pm session of the test. You can't go back and forth because that spoils both.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Deficit under 100
    Cruising
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763
    rcs1000 said:

    On the subject of crime, the problem is not the lack of harshness of punishment, it is that criminals don't think they're going to get caught, prosecuted, tried and convicted.

    You can literally torture convicted shoplifters to death, but if said shoplifter reckons there is basically zero chance that they will ever end up actually facing punishment, then it's irrelevant.

    The criminal justice system under the Conservative and coalition govnerments completely fell apart. Police stations were closed. Legal aid was cut to a level such that many trials simply don't happen, because there's noone there to represent the accused, meaning that the the court has wasted their time. And even when trials do actually happen, they are years and years after the alleged offence making witnesses memories unreliable, if they can even be found.

    Justice perpetually delayed, is justice denied.

    There is literally nothing that would have greater payback for the UK than properly funding all parts of the criminal justice system: police, courts and prisons. Yet, in our dumb ass desire to keep pensioners happy, we fuck up the country.

    Excellent post and annoyingly something I generally forgot to mention (other than talking about properly funding non custodial sentences) in my posts.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 18,961

    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
    In the short term, brilliant. Cutting the first rung on the ladder saves money and means that people on rings 2 - n don't have to worry so much about youngsters taking their jobs.

    In the longer term, it's a disaster, but who cares about the longer term?

    (Alternatively, it's the "it might be fine for you to do X, but what if everyone else did as well?" question. See those who joyfully spent their youth indulging in sex, drugs and rock'n'roll who now prefer to deny today's youth their pleasures.)
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311
    Singapore also demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to provide decent (relatively) affordable housing to millions of people on a small island that is growing rapidly.

    Population density is 8,207 people per square kilometer, against 280 in the UK. So it's 30x as dense as here.

    And they have proper jungle and cool night safaris.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126
    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311
    Leon said:

    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad

    If only we had the same proportion of Muslims in the UK they have in Singapore.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    rcs1000 said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    Leon said:

    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    This is delusional but touching
    Well as I say, much of this is based on a very distant impression of what Singapore is like. And I'm sure it's a smart amd impressive city. But I'd be interested to know which bits you disagree with.

    I'm only giving one side of the ledger, of course - these are only reasons why a Singaporean might prefer Manchester, and I quite concede there is a lot which might be preferable about Singapore too.
    I wouldn't, however, swap my Mancunian life for a Singaporean one, no matter how delightfully clean the streets.
    This is a pretty pointless discussion if you haven’t been to Singapore
    The fact that I haven't been to Singapore is exactly why I am having the conversation! I am curious to know what about life there is better. Because apart from the (admittedly substantial) cleanliness-and-order aspect, the attractions of Singapore aren't obvious.
    Very cheap, reliable, clean public transport. High standard of living with excellent schools and hospitals. People are extremely polite*, they queue without fuss and very quiet. Its a very high trust society e.g. you can leave your bags on tables, the zoo they let you wander into the animal enclosures to see them close up (because people aren't going to try and prod them), the airport has open fish tanks for the same reason, etc...the "don't be a dickhead" is taken very seriously, but makes for a very pleasant experience.

    If you are a skilled worker, wages are high. Also its very close and easy to get to loads of up and coming countries that have very varied cultures.

    * other than if you try and take 5 minutes to decide what you want to eat at a Hacker centre stall, if its a Chinese lady who runs the stall, she will shout at you.
    The street food is the very best part of Singapore.

    I think if I lived there for a year I'd love it, but I think I'd get bored after a while.
    I think if you go to live there longer term, it is with the mindset that you will travel a lot to places in the region in order to get the variety. There is opportunity to visit some incredible countries with incredible landscapes all within a couple of hours flight.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 62,126

    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
    In the short term, brilliant. Cutting the first rung on the ladder saves money and means that people on rings 2 - n don't have to worry so much about youngsters taking their jobs.

    In the longer term, it's a disaster, but who cares about the longer term?

    (Alternatively, it's the "it might be fine for you to do X, but what if everyone else did as well?" question. See those who joyfully spent their youth indulging in sex, drugs and rock'n'roll who now prefer to deny today's youth their pleasures.)
    The obvious answer is: there is no “longer term” for these careers. They are finished
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 980
    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    They seem to have a lot of gods there. Tamil Muslim shrine in Singapore. They also do firewalking if your toes are chilly.




  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 30,209
    Having been a regular visitor to Singapore, and lived in Manchester there's simply no contest.

    Meanwhile. On cricket.

    https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/22/cricket-county-championship-twenty20-blast-schedule-workload
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad

    If only we had the same proportion of Muslims in the UK they have in Singapore.
    I had to chuckle when I was there...its was coming to end of Ramadan. One of the bars near my hotel was advertising, come celebrate end of Ramadan with some all you can eat $40 deal, also 2 beers for $12....
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990
    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    rcs1000 said:

    Singapore also demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to provide decent (relatively) affordable housing to millions of people on a small island that is growing rapidly.

    Population density is 8,207 people per square kilometer, against 280 in the UK. So it's 30x as dense as here.

    And they have proper jungle and cool night safaris.

    Not sure their housing policy would fly in the UK...Too many insert certain race in this building you can't live there you can only live in that one over there.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 31,239
    edited June 22
    Tres said:

    MattW said:

    Tice:

    https://x.com/TiceRichard/status/1936403403116077166

    My concern here is the rush to a precooked judgement, rather than a desire to know what happened and why.

    reform going strong for the women know your place vote
    Tice is a blithering idiot if he did not realise the RAF has HR managers. Chefs too, and nurses. Even at the height of the second world war, well over half the allied armies reinvading Europe after D-Day were service corp, making sure uniforms got washed and soldiers paid and fed.

    Similarly, most employees of Liverpool Football Club are not footballers.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 55,812
    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad

    If only we had the same proportion of Muslims in the UK they have in Singapore.
    And they don’t have juries to avoid ethnic loyalties swaying trials.

    Singapore is a living rebuke to woke ideology.
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 11,693
    Leon said:

    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad

    I think you have a point.

    To my mind there are two great themes that have rather undermined us;

    1. Socialism - it's not big and it's not clever
    2. Immigration - from the Empire, yes. But not all the worlds loose cannons.

    The solution that we seem to be reaching for (Reform) will be much worse, but perhaps we need that. (And it has to be said that Reform are simply ploughing ahead in a near vacuum of political talent elsewhere)
  • kjhkjh Posts: 12,763

    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
    That is a tricky one. You make a good point, but they do need to start somewhere when dealing with the real world. My wife has stated that when she qualified she actually knew damn all about actually doing the real job. They need the hands on experience and that starts with just what a pot plant can do I am afraid.

    Here is a useful anecdote: In my wife's day Doctors were not taught first aid (I don't know if they are now). It is assumed they have at their disposal the tools of the trade. I am a first aider.

    Many many decades ago we were one of the first on the scene of a multiple pile up on the A12. I was hopeless. My wife was magnificent.
  • Penddu2Penddu2 Posts: 776
    ..
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    Britain could have aspired to be a European Singapore, on a larger scale. Instead we are going to be a European Pakistan, mixed with Argentina pre-Milei

    It is very very sad

    If only we had the same proportion of Muslims in the UK they have in Singapore.
    And they don’t have juries to avoid ethnic loyalties swaying trials.

    Singapore is a living rebuke to woke ideology.
    If you ask me, it's a demonstration that if you deliver clean, safe streets, good education, and economic growth, then you will get reelected.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Lol Brook you utter goober
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 55,613
    edited June 22
    Arrrgh.

    Think England will have a deficit here. Still need to learn to play within themselves a bit. Too many caught in the deep.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,387
    Why, Harry Brook? Why?
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 35,797
    edited June 22
    Brook you idiot. 99.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311

    rcs1000 said:

    Singapore also demonstrates that it is perfectly possible to provide decent (relatively) affordable housing to millions of people on a small island that is growing rapidly.

    Population density is 8,207 people per square kilometer, against 280 in the UK. So it's 30x as dense as here.

    And they have proper jungle and cool night safaris.

    Not sure their housing policy would fly in the UK...Too many insert certain race in this building you can't live there you can only live in that one over there.
    Like Norway, they're big on avoiding ghettoization - although it certainly exists to a certain extent. There are blocks in Singapore that are almost entirely Indian or Bangaldeshi for example.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 35,797
    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 32,498
    Scott_xP said:

    Scott_xP said:

    You win some, you lose some...

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 @RepMTG

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

    There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

    Israel is a nuclear armed nation.

    This is not our fight.

    Peace is the answer. 🙏

    Liz Truss @trussliz

    It's great to have US leadership again.

    Together with Israel, it is saving the West.

    Being as Starmer has got this horribly wrong by being too Israel-USA centric and at the same time too pro-Iranian perhaps we need Liz back after all.
    Starmer has got this horribly wrong by being Starmer, apparently...
    We need St. Boris back. A man who got all the big calls right and who won us the Second World War due to Churchill channelling Johnson through the mists of time and a magnificent Allied victory
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Obama got it for bombing Libyans, why not? It has zero meaning anymore
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 60,311
    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Because India announced that Trump had nothing to do with peace breaking out between them and Pakistan. So Pakistan decided to troll them (and also reckoned it would maximize their chance of being allowed to buy US military kit).
  • CookieCookie Posts: 15,387
    DavidL said:

    Arrrgh.

    Think England will have a deficit here. Still need to learn to play within themselves a bit. Too many caught in the deep.

    Tbh, I don't mind a caught in the deep if it's a byproduct of a style which scores well and quickly. I'm happy to support Bazball, and we need to accept some cheap wickets as a byproduct.
    But I think if I were on 99 I might have dialled it in a tad, just temporarily.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 43,970
    Classic PB.

    Page 1: discussing relative merits of the US strike on Iran.

    Page 5: discussing the aerodynamics of a billiard ball.
  • TazTaz Posts: 19,144
    Cookie said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    kjh said:

    Leon said:

    algarkirk said:

    I ddon't know why Tesco's are wasting their money on "security"...they might as well ordered the thieves an Uber while they were there.

    Happened in Kilburn tescos yesterday.
    https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/1936680557062001151

    Even my local tesco express was apparently doing an all items free offer this week, the cashier serving me was unimpressed (and ill put her down as 'Reform')
    The ne'er-do-wells know that no one will stop them, the police won't show up, there's very little chance they'll get caught and if they're unlucky enough to actually get caught, they'll get told not to be naughty again and be on their merry way.
    Forget Iran getting nukes, if Starmer could stop this sort of thing, I'd vote Labour in the next election.
    I have never experienced or seen this, fortunate to live in a part of the country where at the moment it is not accepted by anyone as a way of acting. But what would be, beyond hand waving and unicorns, Reform's way of tackling it which seriously distinguishes them from the status quo and is affordable?
    TASER THEM
    I bought a rib eye steak last night in the local Sainsbury's and paid at the self checkout. It was security tagged. There was a label saying so, which I missed. I have no idea how they do that. Anyway on leaving I set off the alarm. I returned. Deserving of a taser blast do you think? Admittedly it is not like I was clearing the shelves, but I suspect they would be in big trouble if they inadvertently taser innocent shoppers.

    How do you think you should have been treated for all your illegal activities over the years? It is doubtful you would have ever been out of prison if you were treated like you want to treat others.

    Having said all of that I do have sympathy for your reaction. I feel the same sometimes, then sense prevails.
    No, you catch them, prosecute them, convict them - THEN taser them. Every day for a week. Don’t bother with prisons - they’re horribly expensive, cruel, and actively harmful

    New methods of brisk painful corporal punishment
    You call people Centrist Dad often, but really you are a Centrist Grandad. You want to go back to the 1950s all the time. Latest being corporal punishment? Really? What with your other views you really are like the 90+ year old one meets who talk about the good old days.
    The thing about my suggestion is: it will work. It’s cheap, powerful, effective. And anyway, why is inflicting mental and social pain - prison - deemed acceptable, but inflicting physical pain is not?

    It’s ludicrous. Prison is also expensive and breeds even harder criminals. So taser them. We’d sort this out in a weak

    While bleating midwits like you just sigh and wring your hands about this, offer no solution, and nothing happens
    It will work? Ever heard of the birch? Did that work?
    Probably
    Then I suggest you read the research.
    Singapore has capital and corporal punishment and zero crime
    Never been there but it sounds a super place. Yet it doesn't please everyone.

    Number One Son has a beautiful Singaporean partner. She prefers to live in Manchester.

    How do you figure that?

    Fewer immigrants in Manchester. Singapore is absolutely full of them.
    Manchester has rather a lot of immigrants too.

    But, OTTOMH, ten reasons why Manchester is better than Singapore:

    1) The weather. Singapore is hot and humid. It doesn't ALWAYS drizzle in Manchester.
    2) The beer is better.
    3) Manchester is a better night out than Singapore.
    4) Our surrounding countryside is better, even taking into account Singapore's beach options.
    5) British suburbia, while unfashionable, is an agreeable and convenient way to live.
    6) While I only have the haziest idea of Asianwork culture, it sounds a tad demanding. By comparison, your work/life balance in Manchester is almost Scandinavian.
    7) All of the hundreds of little things which make life in Britain so appealing: pubs, strawberry jam, good quality crisps, 6 music, the font on our road signs, garden centres, etc.
    8) Living in Lancashire is like living in a Peter Kay sketch. Always funny, sometimes deliberately.
    9) Cricket
    10) I reckon British schools offer a more enjoyable and well-rounded experience than Singaporean ones.

    There is much about Britain which is frustrating - 75% of which I would characterise as *grot*. But there's a lot about living in Britain which is agreeable.

    (Cookie has never been to Asia)
    Ah, Manchester. Cotton and Guns,
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 24,884

    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Obama got it for bombing Libyans, why not? It has zero meaning anymore
    Netanyahu should get it for preventing proliferation to Iran.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749

    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Obama got it for bombing Libyans, why not? It has zero meaning anymore
    Netanyahu should get it for preventing proliferation to Iran.
    Give it to the Scousers on Harry Enfield
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 84,803
    edited June 22
    The satellite images of the aftermath of the bombing are rather underwealming...6 small holes that could be Meerkat burrows...

    Yes I know that is how they are supposed to work.
  • TazTaz Posts: 19,144
    Leon said:

    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
    In the short term, brilliant. Cutting the first rung on the ladder saves money and means that people on rings 2 - n don't have to worry so much about youngsters taking their jobs.

    In the longer term, it's a disaster, but who cares about the longer term?

    (Alternatively, it's the "it might be fine for you to do X, but what if everyone else did as well?" question. See those who joyfully spent their youth indulging in sex, drugs and rock'n'roll who now prefer to deny today's youth their pleasures.)
    The obvious answer is: there is no “longer term” for these careers. They are finished
    Graphic design, advertising. The creatives in these industries are screwed now.

    The skill is going to be in how to use AI.

    Already seeing AI ads and last week a Graphic Designer, freelance, was on my Linked with a ‘Desperate’ banner.

    Utterly screwed.

    Get a trade. Provide a service.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 32,498

    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Obama got it for bombing Libyans, why not? It has zero meaning anymore
    Netanyahu should get it for preventing proliferation to Iran.
    This place gets madder by the minute.

    A beyond parody post.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990

    Oh dear, if this is correct.

    Medvedev : "There are a number of countries ready to supply nuclear warheads to Tehran."

    I know we have collectively on PB the greatest concentration of GeoPolitical analysts in history, so tell me why, PB Brain trust, is he wrong...

    Why wouldn't North Korea sell them a nuke?
  • maxhmaxh Posts: 1,673
    edited June 22
    Taz said:

    Leon said:

    eek said:

    HYUFD said:

    The “Big Four” accountants are cutting jobs and scaling back graduate recruitment programmes as they turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to do entry-level work.

    The professional services giants Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC have cut hundreds of roles over the past two years as they seek to keep up £1m payouts to partners in the face of a downturn in the consulting market.

    The cutbacks mean they will take on hundreds fewer school leavers and university graduates compared with in 2023, with AI able to do some of the administrative tasks they would have been given.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/22/city-giants-replace-graduate-jobs-with-ai/

    Perhaps they could cut profits from partners rather than just new starters seeking entry level accountancy jobs? If big firms continue like this is it much surprise populist parties of left and right continue to get traction?
    Cutting entry level jobs opens the question of where accountants learn their skills. If they've stopped teaching the basics, where will the next mid-level come from?
    We aren't talking auditors here we are talking business consultants where in the first couple of years they don't do very much as they don't know that much but cost the clients a fortune.
    Same question.

    Look at medicine. Young medics start by doing tasks that could be done by a pot plant or a reasonably bright St John Ambulance cadet – stand there, hold that and if you must faint, try to fall backwards.

    Any industry could doubtless increase efficiency by axing the first rung of the ladder. The question is, who will stand on the second step next year?
    In the short term, brilliant. Cutting the first rung on the ladder saves money and means that people on rings 2 - n don't have to worry so much about youngsters taking their jobs.

    In the longer term, it's a disaster, but who cares about the longer term?

    (Alternatively, it's the "it might be fine for you to do X, but what if everyone else did as well?" question. See those who joyfully spent their youth indulging in sex, drugs and rock'n'roll who now prefer to deny today's youth their pleasures.)
    The obvious answer is: there is no “longer term” for these careers. They are finished
    Graphic design, advertising. The creatives in these industries are screwed now.

    The skill is going to be in how to use AI.

    Already seeing AI ads and last week a Graphic Designer, freelance, was on my Linked with a ‘Desperate’ banner.

    Utterly screwed.

    Get a trade. Provide a service.
    I'm in the middle of marking exam papers (or, rather, cajoling a bunch of markers to mark properly). I would dearly love to substitute my markers for AI.
  • TazTaz Posts: 19,144

    Andy_JS said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Oops

    @christinalamb

    From foreign minister of Pakistan which had just recommended Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

    https://x.com/christinalamb/status/1936779186980446588

    Why on earth was he/they recommending Trump for the Peace Prize?
    Obama got it for bombing Libyans, why not? It has zero meaning anymore
    Netanyahu should get it for preventing proliferation to Iran.
    This place gets madder by the minute.

    A beyond parody post.
    I can say when I think of mean of peace Bibi leaps to mind. But it’s a view.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Scott_xP said:

    Oh dear, if this is correct.

    Medvedev : "There are a number of countries ready to supply nuclear warheads to Tehran."

    I know we have collectively on PB the greatest concentration of GeoPolitical analysts in history, so tell me why, PB Brain trust, is he wrong...

    Why wouldn't North Korea sell them a nuke?
    Why would they? They could have done that at any time since getting them
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 38,990
    @SkyNewsBreak

    United Nations Security Council is set to meet later today – at the request of Tehran – after U.S. hit three nuclear sites in Iran
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 44,058

    Leon said:

    Israel and the USA are slowly but ruthlessly dismantling Iran

    #BREAKING Iran media reports 'massive explosion' in Bushehr province, home to nuclear reactor

    I can smell the radiation leak from here
    I’m old enough to remember when attacking (even accidentally on purpose) nuclear plants was a WAR CRIME!
    As you were, that was 1500 miles north of Tehran so an entirely different thing.
  • wooliedyedwooliedyed Posts: 11,749
    Scott_xP said:

    @SkyNewsBreak

    United Nations Security Council is set to meet later today – at the request of Tehran – after U.S. hit three nuclear sites in Iran

    I suspect agreement from the council may not be forthcoming lol
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