Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
I did just read this review of it so it might appear worse than it actually is:
“ I would like to take this opportunity to formally apologise to M&S Food for a post I published yesterday mocking their new Strawberries and Cream sandwich. I have just purchased one from their branch in Rayleigh in Essex and it was the last one on the shelf hours before lunchtime - that was the first sign that I may have been a little harsh without at least trying it first.
It is strawberries and ‘creme’ to be precise and legal. The filling is a mixture of soft cheese and crème fraiche, and the bread is actually a sweet brioche. You get one half of a sandwich for £2.80, and I had to apologise to the elderly couple on the bench next to me after I bit into it because I said a rude word and had the sort of expression on my face that you would expect from someone getting their weasel greased. It’s good. It’s very, very good. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. It just works.
So once again, I am very, very sorry for giving the impression that it was a disastrous idea for a sandwich. This experience was definitely up there with my wedding day, the births of my kids, and Arsenal Women winning the Champions League last season. Please, for the love of god, just try one of these if you can and tell me I’m wrong.”
First, it is not that big a stretch from strawberry jam to strawberries.
Second, the larger problem is following the American route of turning bread into cake, as it says, “the bread is actually a sweet brioche”.
On the www site this is currently 4 from the top, on the vanilla one it is 4 from the bottom.
Yes, that is because Vanilla sorts one way and www the other. This is also why PBers referring to comments "above" or "below" deserve to be force-fed strawberry sandwiches.
On the www site this is currently 4 from the top, on the vanilla one it is 4 from the bottom.
Yes, that is because Vanilla sorts one way and www the other. This is also why PBers referring to comments "above" or "below" deserve to be force-fed strawberry sandwiches.
Plus just when the Lab marketing team were pondering what they should call their new defence initiative which shows them to be tough on aggressors and staunch in their defence of our realm, they find that the term "Red Diamond" has already been trademarked.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
The only thing I can think of as a use for cucumbers is for Peking Duck, where it works quite well.
Plus Pimms perhaps if you are feeling inclusive.
And yes with cream cheese in a sandwich.
So actually a vital foodstuff.
And in baby form as cornichons with cold meats and cheeses.
I promise this is true. A few weeks ago, I was in the Crown Inn in Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire, where in a spirit of adventureosness I ordered a portion of deep fried battered gherkins. Served with chili sauce, although the waiter (obviously a connoiseur) reckoned they were better with a barbecue sauce. Gastronomically, the experience was "interesting", but not nearly as bad as you might think. Certainly the apogee of the cooked cucumber experience.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
What happened with Sunak's daft idea to ban cigarettes but only for those born after a certain date?
Opponents of the Welfare bill would probably be best employed focusing on the Two Teir aspect applying worst to disabled children who cannot apply until age 16 and this flying in the face of Starmers obvious glaring contradictions about lifting Children out of poverty being what he is all about etc
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
What happened with Sunak's daft idea to ban cigarettes but only for those born after a certain date?
Labour a going ahead with that (New Zealand ditched it):
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
What happened with Sunak's daft idea to ban cigarettes but only for those born after a certain date?
Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
Looks nice to be fair
Who has the banhammer ?
That's not ban hammer material.
{puts on black cap}
"You are found guilty.
You are to be taken from this place to one of punishment. There to be immured in a cell with Piers Morgan, Piers Corbyn and Julian Assange. The only food will be pineapple pizza. The only entertainment is the worst songs of Radiohead on constant loop. With no volume control. You will be given a computer that only allows you to read the comments on ConHome.
On thread, i think the Tories would do a very happy dance if Braverman defected. She'd fall out with Nigel in record time and there arent 120 other faces to hide amongst in Reform.
The calculation for Suella (as well as for other top-name Tories) is whether their electoral and even prime ministerial ambitions are improved, or should they stay where they are and hope for a Conservative recovery – or more bluntly, when will Nigel Farage retire (again)?
On thread, i think the Tories would do a very happy dance if Braverman defected. She'd fall out with Nigel in record time and there arent 120 other faces to hide amongst in Reform.
The calculation for Suella (as well as for other top-name Tories) is whether their electoral and even prime ministerial ambitions are improved, or should they stay where they are and hope for a Conservative recovery – or more bluntly, when will Nigel Farage retire (again)?
Yep. If she jumped its because she sees herself as his successor. Suellas Reform army
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
The red rose in my bio army are out this morning on socials hailing their 'listening' great leader. Its not a u turn, its beautiful collaboration to protect the disabled!
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
When you say "the left" do you mean the Cons wets, for want of a better word, or the actual left.
It was put to me by an old, and senior Cameroon Cons, that Kemi was not long for this world (of LotO) and it was they who correctly forecast the demise of Truss on appointment.
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
It happens all the time when there is a large change. It happened with the introduction of Universal Credit. It's happened with various pension changes. There is even some tax allowance that is different if you were born before 1935, I think.
It's bizarre that people are making a fuss about this, as though it's never been done before. (The main problem is that it massively reduces the savings achieved, rather like with the WFA concession).
Well, so far, Reform has turned into a party leading the polls in the UK. As the two of former main parties have turned into separate sacks of incompetent ferrets.
Yes, they will be a disaster in government.
This is the fault of the major parties. They have tried selling "gradual decline plus judicial control of increasing areas of policy" for quite a while. What they have achieved is a contempt for the politicians and an increasing contempt for the legal system.
In America this led to Trump - if the politicians are claiming* that they can do nothing because the courts won't let them, then the response of many is to say "F^&k the Courts", not "The wonderful lawyers have spoken, we must do proskýnēsis"
*A lie that is similar to using the EU as the "can't" for many things.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
Looks nice to be fair
Who has the banhammer ?
That's not ban hammer material.
{puts on black cap}
"You are found guilty.
You are to be taken from this place to one of punishment. There to be immured in a cell with Piers Morgan, Piers Corbyn and Julian Assange. The only food will be pineapple pizza. The only entertainment is the worst songs of Radiohead on constant loop. With no volume control. You will be given a computer that only allows you to read the comments on ConHome.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
Plenty of benefits, tax concessions etc have been sunset. So people after date X get less than those before.
The Supreme Court rejected specific arguments on this under the coalition - which was a deliberate attempt to take control of benefits from parliament and give it to the courts. Which was a major part of why the Supreme Court said no - parliament is sovereign.
Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
What's your stance on cucumber sandwiches?
I absolutely despise cucumbers in any setting.
That's not what I heard.
This is true but she would be furious if I divulged.
I was of course referring to a predeliction for Vadasz sliced pickled cucumbers available in all good supermarkets. No fridge should be without a tub.
How long do they keep? I like Mrs Elwood's Haimisha, but they go mouldy if kept too long in the fridge and my consumption rate has gone down now I no longer need to make a packed lunch
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
Hello
If a plane crashes on the Ukraine/Republic of China border, which side should we bury the survivors?
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
It happens all the time when there is a large change. It happened with the introduction of Universal Credit. It's happened with various pension changes. There is even some tax allowance that is different if you were born before 1935, I think.
It's bizarre that people are making a fuss about this, as though it's never been done before. (The main problem is that it massively reduces the savings achieved, rather like with the WFA concession).
re born before 1935 - Married Couples Allowance, IIRC.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
That is not true. It applies to anyone who does not score 4 in any section of the daily living categories - this will include people unable to wash themselves below the waist, people needing assistance to dress, assistance to go to the toilet (to name just 3 examples). There is then the knock on effect of losing carers allowance where this is also paid meaning they no longer get either the financial or personal support.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
Plenty of benefits, tax concessions etc have been sunset. So people after date X get less than those before.
The Supreme Court rejected specific arguments on this under the coalition - which was a deliberate attempt to take control of benefits from parliament and give it to the courts. Which was a major part of why the Supreme Court said no - parliament is sovereign.
They will be looking at it again to see if the bill meets the provisions of the Equality Act which sovereign parliament enshrined
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
I think that's entirely the wrong way to look at it. PIP is there to provide disabled people with just enough to live their daily lives and work without being a further cost to the state. If you take it away most won't suddenly take up their mat and walk straight back to full time employment, they'll become more economically inactive and a further cost to the state. The problem in my view is that it is inadequate to provide support with mental health issues because it's very inflexible. It takes a long time to get and there's no mechanism for coming off of it if things improve and going back on again during any relapse. Once you have PIP and think you might need it in the future then you're almost obliged to stay on it. I would separate out the mental health component and make it so that a diagnosis means you're automatically eligible. Then issue a grant for a limited time based on a doctor's report. I know that would be administratively difficult but it would be a much fairer and more helpful system.
Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
What's your stance on cucumber sandwiches?
I absolutely despise cucumbers in any setting.
That's not what I heard.
This is true but she would be furious if I divulged.
I was of course referring to a predeliction for Vadasz sliced pickled cucumbers available in all good supermarkets. No fridge should be without a tub.
How long do they keep? I like Mrs Elwood's Haimisha, but they go mouldy if kept too long in the fridge and my consumption rate has gone down now I no longer need to make a packed lunch
Don't tend to hang around long in my fridge! The label says use within 2 weeks once opened which seems longer than the usual instruction, probably helped by a good screw top that seals them really well.
How was the trip? On my Scandinavian ferry crossing (Stockholm-Helsinki) with a bunch of Scandinavians, I was told the only purpose was to get drunk. A reaction to the high taxes on alcohol there. The Finns were finished by the end of the trip.
Still an hour to go; this last bit up the fjord is very scenic, and this large ferry is extraordinarily near to the coast and the rocky islands; the fjord must go straight down deep.
For the number of cabins, the ship has a myriad of restaurants and bars; plenty of ways to get drunk. You have probably explained why, although alcohol prices on the ship aren’t particularly cheap. They’ve just done the tannoy announcement for those going straight back on the ship, which would be two nights on board with basically lunchtime ashore. So perhaps Scandi booze cruising is a thing, indeed.
I did the Helsinki to Stockholm ferry trip about 10 years ago after someone on PB recommended it to me, but I can't remember who it was. I don't think they're on here now. If they are I'd love to hear from them again.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
Plenty of benefits, tax concessions etc have been sunset. So people after date X get less than those before.
The Supreme Court rejected specific arguments on this under the coalition - which was a deliberate attempt to take control of benefits from parliament and give it to the courts. Which was a major part of why the Supreme Court said no - parliament is sovereign.
They will be looking at it again to see if the bill meets the provisions of the Equality Act which sovereign parliament enshrined
Oh sure. Bad Law will be raising money as we type. The Supreme Court won't want to over rule government policy, if they can help it, though.
They have conspicuously refused the Fox Killer's demands to interpret the law expansively and "progressively".
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
Plenty of benefits, tax concessions etc have been sunset. So people after date X get less than those before.
The Supreme Court rejected specific arguments on this under the coalition - which was a deliberate attempt to take control of benefits from parliament and give it to the courts. Which was a major part of why the Supreme Court said no - parliament is sovereign.
They will be looking at it again to see if the bill meets the provisions of the Equality Act which sovereign parliament enshrined
Oh sure. Bad Law will be raising money as we type. The Supreme Court won't want to over rule government policy, if they can help it, though.
They have conspicuously refused the Fox Killer's demands to interpret the law expansively and "progressively".
It will be led by someone better than Foxy McKimono
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
I think that's entirely the wrong way to look at it. PIP is there to provide disabled people with just enough to live their daily lives and work without being a further cost to the state. If you take it away most won't suddenly take up their mat and walk straight back to full time employment, they'll become more economically inactive and a further cost to the state. The problem in my view is that it is inadequate to provide support with mental health issues because it's very inflexible. It takes a long time to get and there's no mechanism for coming off of it if things improve and going back on again during any relapse. Once you have PIP and think you might need it in the future then you're almost obliged to stay on it. I would separate out the mental health component and make it so that a diagnosis means you're automatically eligible. Then issue a grant for a limited time based on a doctor's report. I know that would be administratively difficult but it would be a much fairer and more helpful system.
It is certainly the case that PIP is independent of a diagnosis. Sometimes that is helpful, as you have a clear disability and no firm diagnosis.
One problem is that the lower level of daily living allowance is as much as £79 per week, ie almost as much as the standard UC allowance, for a level of disability that in many cases really won't prevent you working. The mobility allowance is, in contrast, much less.
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
Nine years and counting.
Briefings from allies of Starmer this morning via Peston very much 'Liz Kendall tried her best for reforms but the Chancellor is shit' Not sure i agree Kendall tried her best, she just seems to hate the disabled
Reform UK have had two big fiscal policy announcements in recent weeks: on how they would pay for lots of things by cancelling net zero, and the golden visa idea. Both have been ridiculed by analysts for sums that don't remotely add up. Does this matter? Has it dented Reform UK at all? There is material here for Badenoch to go on the offensive, if she wanted to.
Conservative voteshare in polls is certainly as low as it was under Truss now. If Badenoch was PM she would already have been removed. As Leader of the Opposition though she will probably be given two years as IDS was and to see if her policy reforms etc make a difference.
If she was removed I still think Cleverly would be her likely replacement. Jenrick may then be better off hoping the Conservatives and Reform lose the next general election and becoming leader of the opposition to a likely Labour minority government if Farage and the Conservative leader steps down
Getting bombarded on FB for introductory offers for Klassiki, a subscription platform of films from Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia. Anyone tried it? Easy to use etc? Some tasty films on offer but I fear I might let it slide after initial enthusiasm.
This anti kemi campaign is really orchestrated by the left she is doing nothing wrong at the moment the anti left are currently supporting reform there vote will count for little in 4 years the centre right and right have to get there act together which at some time they will
I really don't understand the faux outrage about pineapple on pizza. It's even made it to a terrible Tesco ad now.
Personally I don't like pineapple at all, so I wouldn't have it anywhere, but pineapple has been put on pizza for generations by this point. Some people like it, some people don't. So what?
I often made pineapple and olive pizza for my daughter. It is possible to let people enjoy something you don't like without acting insulted by their choice.
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
Nine years and counting.
Briefings from allies of Starmer this morning via Peston very much 'Liz Kendall tried her best for reforms but the Chancellor is shit' Not sure i agree Kendall tried her best, she just seems to hate the disabled
I’m minded to agree with the briefings. On the other hand, I think Peston simply makes up a lot of his so-called news.
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
Nine years and counting.
Briefings from allies of Starmer this morning via Peston very much 'Liz Kendall tried her best for reforms but the Chancellor is shit' Not sure i agree Kendall tried her best, she just seems to hate the disabled
I doubt any politicians actually hate the disabled.
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
I think that's entirely the wrong way to look at it. PIP is there to provide disabled people with just enough to live their daily lives and work without being a further cost to the state. If you take it away most won't suddenly take up their mat and walk straight back to full time employment, they'll become more economically inactive and a further cost to the state. The problem in my view is that it is inadequate to provide support with mental health issues because it's very inflexible. It takes a long time to get and there's no mechanism for coming off of it if things improve and going back on again during any relapse. Once you have PIP and think you might need it in the future then you're almost obliged to stay on it. I would separate out the mental health component and make it so that a diagnosis means you're automatically eligible. Then issue a grant for a limited time based on a doctor's report. I know that would be administratively difficult but it would be a much fairer and more helpful system.
PIP is supposed the defray the additional expenses of being disabled. This is easy to understand with mobility where you may need to get taxis rather than drive, or catch the bus, or even walk. Less so with daily living. Some people may use it to pay for a home help, or a cleaner, or a laundry service, but I am not sure how many.
"Beaver activists claim they are 'doing God's work'"
There is, apparently, an underground network where members risk arrest, jail and hefty fines by carrying out covert and unlicensed releases of beavers.
Anyhoo, the Russian and/or Iranian nukes cannot come soon enough, we are a nation that deserves to be nuked.
This is worse than pineapple on pizza, strawberries in bread!!!!
Sounds good to me, and reviews suggest it is good.
My wife tells me that the first time she had pineapple on pizza was in a restaurant in Italy whilst there on business.
Where in Italy? The worse restaurant pizza I ever had was in Ravenna. Which makes sense, as Italian food is regional and pizza is as foreign in Ravenna as it is in London
When I was about 9 I did the Melbourne to Tasmania ferry and had a hot chocolate from a vending machine.
Disgusting.
I’ve not had a hot chocolate since.
Company X's vending machines were fun. For tea you pressed 10, for tea with sugar, 11; for tea with milk 12, for tea with milk and sugar, 13. Each option for an addition to the base drink had another number. Coffee started at 20, with the same system for 21,22,23 etc. Then you had things like hot chocolate, which had sprinkles as an additive.
We soon realised that the vending machine did exactly what it was told; so you could ask for something like 72, and get iced water with milk. Or lime water with sprinkles. Or tea with sprinkles. Or hot chocolate with ice.
Some of these unexpected options actually improved the drinks...
I have to say that two tier benefits is really shit. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
I don't see it lasting. The press are bound to find some examples where people with identical issues get radically different benefits.
It will be challenged under the Equality act in court immediately. They cant Primary legislation their way out of its provisions and we will see what they make of it. If it survives this weekend/Tuesday. Not all rebels are convinced, and not all of them are Socialist Campaign Group types.
They could, of course, go back to cutting PIP for everyone.
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
That is not true. It applies to anyone who does not score 4 in any section of the daily living categories - this will include people unable to wash themselves below the waist, people needing assistance to dress, assistance to go to the toilet (to name just 3 examples). There is then the knock on effect of losing carers allowance where this is also paid meaning they no longer get either the financial or personal support.
That's not the case, if you need assistance you should get 4 points. 2 points is:
2 points: You need a special aid or appliance, or you need prompting or supervision to complete the activity.
If you need an appliance, you need an appliance, not £79 a week.
I really don't understand the faux outrage about pineapple on pizza. It's even made it to a terrible Tesco ad now.
Personally I don't like pineapple at all, so I wouldn't have it anywhere, but pineapple has been put on pizza for generations by this point. Some people like it, some people don't. So what?
I often made pineapple and olive pizza for my daughter. It is possible to let people enjoy something you don't like without acting insulted by their choice.
Completely agreed.
It is absurd to object to fruit on a pizza when tomatoes are a fruit.
Pineapple works well on pizza, but it works even better on burgers. When I lived downunder, pineapple was a topping most places put on burgers but it is surprisingly rare to find a 'hawaiian' burger in the UK.
And one my wife had when she was growing up in South Africa is bacon and banana on pizzas. That works incredibly well too. Anyone who has not tried that is missing out.
I really don't understand the faux outrage about pineapple on pizza. It's even made it to a terrible Tesco ad now.
Personally I don't like pineapple at all, so I wouldn't have it anywhere, but pineapple has been put on pizza for generations by this point. Some people like it, some people don't. So what?
I often made pineapple and olive pizza for my daughter. It is possible to let people enjoy something you don't like without acting insulted by their choice.
Completely agreed.
It is absurd to object to fruit on a pizza when tomatoes are a fruit.
Pineapple works well on pizza, but it works even better on burgers. When I lived downunder, pineapple was a topping most places put on burgers but it is surprisingly rare to find a 'hawaiian' burger in the UK.
And one my wife had when she was growing up in South Africa is bacon and banana on pizzas. That works incredibly well too. Anyone who has not tried that is missing out.
That makes sense. There is a bonfire food - wrap a banana in burger cheese and bacon, wrap with foil and back it in the embers. Very nice.
Reform UK have had two big fiscal policy announcements in recent weeks: on how they would pay for lots of things by cancelling net zero, and the golden visa idea. Both have been ridiculed by analysts for sums that don't remotely add up. Does this matter? Has it dented Reform UK at all? There is material here for Badenoch to go on the offensive, if she wanted to.
Yes, I've seen very little evidence of Badenoch, or the Tories generally, attacking Reform. Is it down to fear of Farage, fear of Jenrick, or is it that Badenoch agrees with Reform? Whichever it is, it's a losing strategy, because if the Tories don't differentiate themselves from Reform then voters to the right of centre may as well vote Reform.
I really don't understand the faux outrage about pineapple on pizza. It's even made it to a terrible Tesco ad now.
Personally I don't like pineapple at all, so I wouldn't have it anywhere, but pineapple has been put on pizza for generations by this point. Some people like it, some people don't. So what?
I often made pineapple and olive pizza for my daughter. It is possible to let people enjoy something you don't like without acting insulted by their choice.
Completely agreed.
It is absurd to object to fruit on a pizza when tomatoes are a fruit.
Pineapple works well on pizza, but it works even better on burgers. When I lived downunder, pineapple was a topping most places put on burgers but it is surprisingly rare to find a 'hawaiian' burger in the UK.
And one my wife had when she was growing up in South Africa is bacon and banana on pizzas. That works incredibly well too. Anyone who has not tried that is missing out.
I find raw pineapple lethal.
Ham and pineapple, whether eaten separately or as a pizza topping is fine.
I don't have figures to hand, but anecdotally it seems that the number of engineering courses being offered by unis has decreased markedly over the years. Perhaps because they need more equipment and lab space, and cost more to run, than a more arts-based course?
I went to QM(W at the time...), and their civil engineering department shut in 1999.
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
I presume there is some deep Labour party factional Gnosticism at work and that is unapparent to non-members.
Being CotE is essentially a sales and presentation job since the Treasury is rammed full of nerds who can do all the spreadsheet wanker stuff. Whatever RR is, she is not a selling machine. Mitch and Murray would not send her from downtown to inspire and motivate other sales professionals.
Trump doesn't seem to be planning on fighting any wars. Or defending any allies.
DoD: AMRAAM inventories are critically low.
USAF & USN: Cuts FY25 AMRAAM procurement.
The FY25 USN buy went from 261 to 154 & the USAF buy went from 462 to 290. With expected FMS orders this year still just 350, this lot will be a measly 782.
Even more shocking, they expect to put just 300 FMS missiles on contract next production lot. That's compared to at least 2900 AMRAAMs which have been approved for Foreign Military Sale this calendar year so far. https://x.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1938228253166043162
Plenty of Friday morning froth and fruit it seems....
One group we don't talk about much is those who didn't vote last July. With turnout sub 60%, that's a considerable number of voters who didn't vote.
The Techne data this morning shows 71% of those surveyed rated between 5 and 10 on likelihood to vote so that's probably the top end of our turnout and with 10% rated 5 or 6, the current likely turnout at an election would be perhaps just over 60% so in truth not much different and a big issue (no, not that one) for all parties.
If you have a so-called democracy where 40% of those who can vote don't, I'd argue that's a problem.
A bigger problem for Labour looking at the Techne data is only two thirds of their vote is likely to turn out again with 31% in the 7-8 likelihood so irrespective of votes lost to Reform, Greens and the LDs, the biggest issue for Labour might be getting their vote out.
OTOH, and picking up on a point from @wooliedyed, if one of the issues for the Conservatives in the 2024 GE was the share of their vote which, rather than moving to Reform, LDs and Greens simply stayed at home it's possible the polls are understating those ex-Conservatives who abstained in 2024 but who might in 2028-9 be willing to come out and vote for the party. At this stage, of course, it's all conjecture.
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
Nine years and counting.
Briefings from allies of Starmer this morning via Peston very much 'Liz Kendall tried her best for reforms but the Chancellor is shit' Not sure i agree Kendall tried her best, she just seems to hate the disabled
I doubt any politicians actually hate the disabled.
Thars why i said 'seems' - shes been trying to cut welfare and talking down disability since her failed leadership attempt. She does not come across as an ally and looks angry and dismissive when she talks about the disabled. Im sure she doesnt 'actually' hate us, she just comes across that way
Reeves should be fired. She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
I presume there is some deep Labour party factional Gnosticism at work and that is unapparent to non-members.
Being CotE is essentially a sales and presentation job since the Treasury is rammed full of nerds who can do all the spreadsheet wanker stuff. Whatever RR is, she is not a selling machine. Mitch and Murray would not send her from downtown to inspire and motivate other sales professionals.
The mentality that the "spreadsheet wanker stuff" should be left to the cogs in the machine, is precisely the problem. A CoE who doesn't know the terrain, gets told what to do by the system.
Fuck me, even Woman's Hour is coming live from Glasto! What next, Yesterday in Parliament and The Archers? The shameless jollying really is, well, shameless.
Not to sound like a complete right wing loon, but one problem for Labour is that the MP intake is overwhelmingly now just public sector and activist hacks.
Finding a single person there with an inkling of how wealth is created or enabled may no longer be possible.
Trump doesn't seem to be planning on fighting any wars. Or defending any allies.
DoD: AMRAAM inventories are critically low.
USAF & USN: Cuts FY25 AMRAAM procurement.
The FY25 USN buy went from 261 to 154 & the USAF buy went from 462 to 290. With expected FMS orders this year still just 350, this lot will be a measly 782.
Even more shocking, they expect to put just 300 FMS missiles on contract next production lot. That's compared to at least 2900 AMRAAMs which have been approved for Foreign Military Sale this calendar year so far. https://x.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1938228253166043162
What's the inventory?
I recall an 80s discussion on anti-submarine torpedoes. The manufacturers wanted the US Navy to buy X amount. The *USN* pointed out that this would be enough to sink every submarine, friendly or hostile) on the planet, several times over.
"Beaver activists claim they are 'doing God's work'"
There is, apparently, an underground network where members risk arrest, jail and hefty fines by carrying out covert and unlicensed releases of beavers.
Shakes head sadly.
Agree. I bet you they are furious when someone shoots a Hen Harrier too.
I'm 100% in favour of covering the country in beavers to prevent flooding and improve the environment - wetlands being the greatest loss to the British countryside - but it's got to be done on a legal basis.
I don't have figures to hand, but anecdotally it seems that the number of engineering courses being offered by unis has decreased markedly over the years. Perhaps because they need more equipment and lab space, and cost more to run, than a more arts-based course?
I went to QM(W at the time...), and their civil engineering department shut in 1999.
If we as a country want more engineering* graduates ... all we need to do is put x amount of money towards it and say that there will be y scholarships available to study engineering.
We persist in a belief that all subjects are of equal value when clearly (as implied by this conversation) they are not.
Difficult to do, because politicians tend not to have graduated in the sorts of subjects we need more of.
*you could apply this logic to whichever subject you feel we don't have enough graduates of.
Trump doesn't seem to be planning on fighting any wars.
What an absolute c-nt.
Can't argue with that.
It does rather enable anyone who might be tempted to do so. And the logic of spending many tens of billions on fighters, and a relative pittance on arming them, escapes me.
OTOH, and picking up on a point from @wooliedyed, if one of the issues for the Conservatives in the 2024 GE was the share of their vote which, rather than moving to Reform, LDs and Greens simply stayed at home it's possible the polls are understating those ex-Conservatives who abstained in 2024 but who might in 2028-9 be willing to come out and vote for the party. At this stage, of course, it's all conjecture.
Thats part of the reason (the others being 4th party squeeze and potential tactical unwind if it occurs) i expect the blue wall (broadly speaking) to be a bit unprecictable and competitive twixt LD and Con. However i would not suggest Con Central put all their hopes in it!
Fuck me, even Woman's Hour is coming live from Glasto! What next, Yesterday in Parliament and The Archers? The shameless jollying really is, well, shameless.
I must say that I've always found The Archers fairly irritating.
The whole cast having to spend the weekend at Glastonbury would at least cheer things up. All in a tent, though, not one of those post huts.
I don't have figures to hand, but anecdotally it seems that the number of engineering courses being offered by unis has decreased markedly over the years. Perhaps because they need more equipment and lab space, and cost more to run, than a more arts-based course?
I went to QM(W at the time...), and their civil engineering department shut in 1999.
If we as a country want more engineering* graduates ... all we need to do is put x amount of money towards it and say that there will be y scholarships available to study engineering.
We persist in a belief that all subjects are of equal value when clearly (as implied by this conversation) they are not.
Difficult to do, because politicians tend not to have graduated in the sorts of subjects we need more of.
*you could apply this logic to whichever subject you feel we don't have enough graduates of.
It is the deification of cod economics – The market knows best and if the market needs more engineering graduates it would pay more but it doesn't so it doesn't and vice versa. QED.
"Should we stop the UK’s best talent moving to London? The capital has been skewing Britain’s economic geography for more than a century Chris Giles" (£)
Comments
Second, the larger problem is following the American route of turning bread into cake, as it says, “the bread is actually a sweet brioche”.
Here is 20 seconds of US podcaster Joe Rogan talking about burgers being cakes (language nsfw):-
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v5_a1RRvMKQ
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68825322
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3879
{puts on black cap}
"You are found guilty.
You are to be taken from this place to one of punishment. There to be immured in a cell with Piers Morgan, Piers Corbyn and Julian Assange. The only food will be pineapple pizza. The only entertainment is the worst songs of Radiohead on constant loop. With no volume control. You will be given a computer that only allows you to read the comments on ConHome.
May God have no Mercy upon your Soul."
It was put to me by an old, and senior Cameroon Cons, that Kemi was not long for this world (of LotO) and it was they who correctly forecast the demise of Truss on appointment.
It's bizarre that people are making a fuss about this, as though it's never been done before. (The main problem is that it massively reduces the savings achieved, rather like with the WFA concession).
Yes, they will be a disaster in government.
This is the fault of the major parties. They have tried selling "gradual decline plus judicial control of increasing areas of policy" for quite a while. What they have achieved is a contempt for the politicians and an increasing contempt for the legal system.
In America this led to Trump - if the politicians are claiming* that they can do nothing because the courts won't let them, then the response of many is to say "F^&k the Courts", not "The wonderful lawyers have spoken, we must do proskýnēsis"
*A lie that is similar to using the EU as the "can't" for many things.
And of course feature in The Importance of being Ernest, presumably as a satire on pointless decadence.
Other than that, they're nutritionally empty, and essentially worthless.
(I forgot, of course Hendrick's Gin, which almost justifies their existence.)
No-one seems to be making the obvious point that the PIP provisions only apply to people with the very lowest level of disability who maybe don't need additional support at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us5dHnonZ1U
The Supreme Court rejected specific arguments on this under the coalition - which was a deliberate attempt to take control of benefits from parliament and give it to the courts. Which was a major part of why the Supreme Court said no - parliament is sovereign.
Taxpayer-funded expedition branded a 'jolly in the jungle'
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/35588091/ed-miliband-sent-aide-brazil-trip-hotels/
If a plane crashes on the Ukraine/Republic of China border, which side should we bury the survivors?
My wife tells me that the first time she had pineapple on pizza was in a restaurant in Italy whilst there on business.
Perhaps TSE would prefer pineapple in his.
They have conspicuously refused the Fox Killer's demands to interpret the law expansively and "progressively".
She’s not bright enough, clumsy, imprisoned by Treasury orthodoxy, has a bad attitude, and will secure a Reform victory unless she goes.
Britain continues to look like an absolute shit-show.
Nine years and counting.
You mean she's tried it again.
Shudders ..... and have you?
Disgusting.
I’ve not had a hot chocolate since.
One problem is that the lower level of daily living allowance is as much as £79 per week, ie almost as much as the standard UC allowance, for a level of disability that in many cases really won't prevent you working. The mobility allowance is, in contrast, much less.
Not sure i agree Kendall tried her best, she just seems to hate the disabled
If she was removed I still think Cleverly would be her likely replacement. Jenrick may then be better off hoping the Conservatives and Reform lose the next general election and becoming leader of the opposition to a likely Labour minority government if Farage and the Conservative leader steps down
Shirley?
Simply not up to it. Never was.
Personally I don't like pineapple at all, so I wouldn't have it anywhere, but pineapple has been put on pizza for generations by this point. Some people like it, some people don't. So what?
I often made pineapple and olive pizza for my daughter. It is possible to let people enjoy something you don't like without acting insulted by their choice.
On the other hand, I think Peston simply makes up a lot of his so-called news.
"Beaver activists claim they are 'doing God's work'"
There is, apparently, an underground network where members risk arrest, jail and hefty fines by carrying out covert and unlicensed releases of beavers.
Shakes head sadly.
"36% of all Chinese undergraduate entrants picked an engineering degree. In Britain and America the proportion hovers around 5%."
https://x.com/StefanFSchubert/status/1938250939812745405
Coffee started at 20, with the same system for 21,22,23 etc.
Then you had things like hot chocolate, which had sprinkles as an additive.
We soon realised that the vending machine did exactly what it was told; so you could ask for something like 72, and get iced water with milk. Or lime water with sprinkles. Or tea with sprinkles. Or hot chocolate with ice.
Some of these unexpected options actually improved the drinks...
2 points: You need a special aid or appliance, or you need prompting or supervision to complete the activity.
If you need an appliance, you need an appliance, not £79 a week.
It is absurd to object to fruit on a pizza when tomatoes are a fruit.
Pineapple works well on pizza, but it works even better on burgers. When I lived downunder, pineapple was a topping most places put on burgers but it is surprisingly rare to find a 'hawaiian' burger in the UK.
And one my wife had when she was growing up in South Africa is bacon and banana on pizzas. That works incredibly well too. Anyone who has not tried that is missing out.
Except in Naples.
Pineapple on pizza is great, though.
It’s a kind of snobbish retardation to profess horror at it.
Ham and pineapple, whether eaten separately or as a pizza topping is fine.
I went to QM(W at the time...), and their civil engineering department shut in 1999.
Being CotE is essentially a sales and presentation job since the Treasury is rammed full of nerds who can do all the spreadsheet wanker stuff. Whatever RR is, she is not a selling machine. Mitch and Murray would not send her from downtown to inspire and motivate other sales professionals.
Funiculi funicula!
Or defending any allies.
DoD: AMRAAM inventories are critically low.
USAF & USN: Cuts FY25 AMRAAM procurement.
The FY25 USN buy went from 261 to 154 & the USAF buy went from 462 to 290. With expected FMS orders this year still just 350, this lot will be a measly 782.
Even more shocking, they expect to put just 300 FMS missiles on contract next production lot. That's compared to at least 2900 AMRAAMs which have been approved for Foreign Military Sale this calendar year so far.
https://x.com/ColbyBadhwar/status/1938228253166043162
Plenty of Friday morning froth and fruit it seems....
One group we don't talk about much is those who didn't vote last July. With turnout sub 60%, that's a considerable number of voters who didn't vote.
The Techne data this morning shows 71% of those surveyed rated between 5 and 10 on likelihood to vote so that's probably the top end of our turnout and with 10% rated 5 or 6, the current likely turnout at an election would be perhaps just over 60% so in truth not much different and a big issue (no, not that one) for all parties.
If you have a so-called democracy where 40% of those who can vote don't, I'd argue that's a problem.
A bigger problem for Labour looking at the Techne data is only two thirds of their vote is likely to turn out again with 31% in the 7-8 likelihood so irrespective of votes lost to Reform, Greens and the LDs, the biggest issue for Labour might be getting their vote out.
OTOH, and picking up on a point from @wooliedyed, if one of the issues for the Conservatives in the 2024 GE was the share of their vote which, rather than moving to Reform, LDs and Greens simply stayed at home it's possible the polls are understating those ex-Conservatives who abstained in 2024 but who might in 2028-9 be willing to come out and vote for the party. At this stage, of course, it's all conjecture.
Im sure she doesnt 'actually' hate us, she just comes across that way
A passenger, not a leader.
The cult of the generalist.
The shameless jollying really is, well, shameless.
Finding a single person there with an inkling of how wealth is created or enabled may no longer be possible.
I recall an 80s discussion on anti-submarine torpedoes. The manufacturers wanted the US Navy to buy X amount. The *USN* pointed out that this would be enough to sink every submarine, friendly or hostile) on the planet, several times over.
I'm 100% in favour of covering the country in beavers to prevent flooding and improve the environment - wetlands being the greatest loss to the British countryside - but it's got to be done on a legal basis.
We persist in a belief that all subjects are of equal value when clearly (as implied by this conversation) they are not.
Difficult to do, because politicians tend not to have graduated in the sorts of subjects we need more of.
*you could apply this logic to whichever subject you feel we don't have enough graduates of.
It does rather enable anyone who might be tempted to do so.
And the logic of spending many tens of billions on fighters, and a relative pittance on arming them, escapes me.
However i would not suggest Con Central put all their hopes in it!
The whole cast having to spend the weekend at Glastonbury would at least cheer things up. All in a tent, though, not one of those post huts.
The capital has been skewing Britain’s economic geography for more than a century
Chris Giles" (£)
https://www.ft.com/content/dcb69ebe-23f1-4153-b85c-6380d6d924bb