CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Reports are that the black hole is £10bn less than forecast so no need to raise income tax rates.
But how will today's interest rate rise affect the numbers? Surely it will widen the black hole again.
And we are still 12 days from Budget so can the numbers still move - ie has OBR done final numbers or is there a further final revision still to come?
If there is a further revision, surely there could be trouble.
All economic statistics are rubbish. It is absurd that the budget and future direction of this great nation are held hostage to forecasters who may as well be plucking numbers from thin air, so wildly do their guesses fluctuate.
(narrator: the OBR is staffed by economists, not statisticians)
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
I have been in the 'engine room' of the swing bridge in Newcastle. The bearings are from a WW1 gun turrent
This is the content I’m here for. I ruddy love that bridge. Crossed it loads of times. My mate, who’s a massive fan of Get Carter, came up from the Midlands for a weekend and his highlight was walking over that bridge (and up the stairs next to House of Tides).
When I first worked at Lucas in Brum at Gt King Street (not sure if @Mexicanpete will remember it, he’s same pedigree as me) there was a lathe from 1913.
I don't remember Great King Street. Lucas were all over Birmingham and Solihull. I do remember the plant on Dog Kennel Lane in Shirley.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
I have been in the 'engine room' of the swing bridge in Newcastle. The bearings are from a WW1 gun turrent
This is the content I’m here for. I ruddy love that bridge. Crossed it loads of times. My mate, who’s a massive fan of Get Carter, came up from the Midlands for a weekend and his highlight was walking over that bridge (and up the stairs next to House of Tides).
When I first worked at Lucas in Brum at Gt King Street (not sure if @Mexicanpete will remember it, he’s same pedigree as me) there was a lathe from 1913.
I don't remember Great King Street. Lucas were all over Birmingham and Solihull. I do remember the plant on Dog Kennel Lane in Shirley.
Yes, it’s a place I worked at, I also works at the one on Marshall Lake Road which is now full of shops.
They’re building an OAP home on Dog Kennel lane now as well as houses to go alongside the old,peoples home that is already there.
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Longtime Bellevue Councilmember and former mayor Conrad Lee has lost his re-election bid after more than three decades in office... to a candidate who wasn't even alive when he first started.
27-year-old Naren Briar also appears to have won the seat, making history as the first Kurdish-American to hold any office in American history.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
I’ve just arrived back in the country and this is what greets me. Arctic darkness and jungle-like humidity.
5 to 5 and dark already. Fuxsake.
November innit!
We're at mid November, and is has barely got cold at all in the south. All sorts of plants in my garden have decided to have another go at flowering.
The fools....
First day I've felt it noticeably cooler today further north, snow on higher ground. Been very mild and wet the past few weeks. I enjoy the cooler weather as the midges disappear
Yes, it’s still very warm, tho likely to change over the weekend into next week.
Just four weeks to go until the earliest sunset, then we’re back on the path to those sunny summer evenings.
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Equally bemused. Generic +6% overall, +13% on inflation alone?
What it says. Whole sample +6%. Subsample where top priority is inflation and economy 13%.
Approval of Trump has cratered in the last two weeks.
Midterms are less than a year away (3 Nov 2026).
"Will Trump be impeached before the 2028 election?" YES has moved from 2.9 to 2.2 in the last few days.
“It’s the economy, stupid” has long been the core truth of American national politics.
The other thing is that the AI bubble is masking (rather like the derivatives bubble of 2008) the state of the economy - markets going up etc. but for individuals….
Still migrant moths tonight - first Cosmopolitan I have had for years just came in. Rather late in the year and has travelled up from southern Europe/North Africa.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Equally bemused. Generic +6% overall, +13% on inflation alone?
What it says. Whole sample +6%. Subsample where top priority is inflation and economy 13%.
Approval of Trump has cratered in the last two weeks.
Midterms are less than a year away (3 Nov 2026).
"Will Trump be impeached before the 2028 election?" YES has moved from 2.9 to 2.2 in the last few days.
“It’s the economy, stupid” has long been the core truth of American national politics.
The other thing is that the AI bubble is masking (rather like the derivatives bubble of 2008) the state of the economy - markets going up etc. but for individuals….
“It’s the economy, stupid” is now shorthanded as "Affordability".
An AI stock correction ahead of the mid-terms could be lethal for the Republicans.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
I have been in the 'engine room' of the swing bridge in Newcastle. The bearings are from a WW1 gun turrent
This is the content I’m here for. I ruddy love that bridge. Crossed it loads of times. My mate, who’s a massive fan of Get Carter, came up from the Midlands for a weekend and his highlight was walking over that bridge (and up the stairs next to House of Tides).
When I first worked at Lucas in Brum at Gt King Street (not sure if @Mexicanpete will remember it, he’s same pedigree as me) there was a lathe from 1913.
I don't remember Great King Street. Lucas were all over Birmingham and Solihull. I do remember the plant on Dog Kennel Lane in Shirley.
Yes, it’s a place I worked at, I also works at the one on Marshall Lake Road which is now full of shops.
They’re building an OAP home on Dog Kennel lane now as well as houses to go alongside the old,peoples home that is already there.
I do hope they keep the name - lovely bit of local history.
I’ve just arrived back in the country and this is what greets me. Arctic darkness and jungle-like humidity.
5 to 5 and dark already. Fuxsake.
November innit!
We're at mid November, and is has barely got cold at all in the south. All sorts of plants in my garden have decided to have another go at flowering.
The fools....
First day I've felt it noticeably cooler today further north, snow on higher ground. Been very mild and wet the past few weeks. I enjoy the cooler weather as the midges disappear
Yes, it’s still very warm, tho likely to change over the weekend into next week.
Just four weeks to go until the earliest sunset, then we’re back on the path to those sunny summer evenings.
Still migrant moths tonight - first Cosmopolitan I have had for years just came in. Rather late in the year and has travelled up from southern Europe/North Africa.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Equally bemused. Generic +6% overall, +13% on inflation alone?
What it says. Whole sample +6%. Subsample where top priority is inflation and economy 13%.
Approval of Trump has cratered in the last two weeks.
Midterms are less than a year away (3 Nov 2026).
"Will Trump be impeached before the 2028 election?" YES has moved from 2.9 to 2.2 in the last few days.
“It’s the economy, stupid” has long been the core truth of American national politics.
The other thing is that the AI bubble is masking (rather like the derivatives bubble of 2008) the state of the economy - markets going up etc. but for individuals….
“It’s the economy, stupid” is now shorthanded as "Affordability".
An AI stock correction ahead of the mid-terms could be lethal for the Republicans.
One thing that our “more tax on vehicle fuel won’t hurt the economy” need to think about.
Even Donald Trump knows that fuel prices spike inflation and set off recessions. Hence his creed about drilling. Stupid maybe, but…
A fuel price increase would kick the legs out from under the U.K. economy.
Still migrant moths tonight - first Cosmopolitan I have had for years just came in. Rather late in the year and has travelled up from southern Europe/North Africa.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
I have been in the 'engine room' of the swing bridge in Newcastle. The bearings are from a WW1 gun turrent
This is the content I’m here for. I ruddy love that bridge. Crossed it loads of times. My mate, who’s a massive fan of Get Carter, came up from the Midlands for a weekend and his highlight was walking over that bridge (and up the stairs next to House of Tides).
When I first worked at Lucas in Brum at Gt King Street (not sure if @Mexicanpete will remember it, he’s same pedigree as me) there was a lathe from 1913.
I don't remember Great King Street. Lucas were all over Birmingham and Solihull. I do remember the plant on Dog Kennel Lane in Shirley.
Yes, it’s a place I worked at, I also works at the one on Marshall Lake Road which is now full of shops.
They’re building an OAP home on Dog Kennel lane now as well as houses to go alongside the old,peoples home that is already there.
I do hope they keep the name - lovely bit of local history.
There is a lane in South Cerney in the Cotswolds called “Bow Wow” which is fantastic.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
CJ Warnke @cjwarnke · 1h 🚨NRCC pollster show MASSIVE warning signs for Republicans🚨
For the first time in two years, voters whose top priority is inflation and the economy now prefer a generic Democrat for Congress (D+13) OVER a Republican.
Some of the 44% will see their health premiums double but seem to be happy to be screwed by the party that just did the screwing . Some GOP voters are simply total imbeciles and really need to stop breeding .
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
Looks like Sultana has effectively decided to run Your Party and hold funds. Without Corbyn's backing too the party will almost certainly be doomed, all to the benefit of Polanski and the Greens
I’ve just arrived back in the country and this is what greets me. Arctic darkness and jungle-like humidity.
5 to 5 and dark already. Fuxsake.
November innit!
We're at mid November, and is has barely got cold at all in the south. All sorts of plants in my garden have decided to have another go at flowering.
The fools....
It got a bit chilly at the end of October as I had to put my heating on. At the moment it is 14 degrees and the rain seems to have finished, and my heating is off as it is 20 degrees in the living room without it
Ok, in quite interesting* but off topic posting, I had Dzus fasteners on my 748 but just thought it was a made up brand name. Turns out there was a Mr Dzus, he was Ukrainian and he revolutionised aircraft maintenance.
*I realise quite interesting is entirely subjective.
Oh, I don't know. One of the most interesting history of tech papers I ever read was about riveting methods in the aircraft industry in IIRC the 1930s and 1940s. The introduction of new methods had an impact on weight and strength (and therefore again on weight) which was massive.
One of the first things I did as an apprentice, 43 years ago, was pop riveting.
I love engineering. I
At school we made garden trowels that were riveted together. Real rivets, with rivet sets and hammers. None of this new fangled pop river nonsense. Came in handy when restoring a Series II Landy
Was visiting Bristol c. 1990 and walking across the Floating Harbour on the swing bridge near the (future) watery grave of Mr Colston's statue. I think an Armstrong job, given the 1870s date and its hydraulic operation.
They were repairing some of the rivets. One for one, using proper rivets - heated in fire and handed over to the riveters to swage with their hydraulic hammers. Never seen it before or since. Great stuff.
Looks like Sultana has effectively decided to run Your Party and hold funds. Without Corbyn's backing too the party will almost certainly be doomed, all to the benefit of Polanski and the Greens
Half the cash is probably on its way to Gaza by now
Looks like Sultana has effectively decided to run Your Party and hold funds. Without Corbyn's backing too the party will almost certainly be doomed, all to the benefit of Polanski and the Greens
Half the cash is probably on its way to Gaza by now
He’ll spend it on KFC and Stella and take it to Raoul Moat.
Looks like Sultana has effectively decided to run Your Party and hold funds. Without Corbyn's backing too the party will almost certainly be doomed, all to the benefit of Polanski and the Greens
Well that's currant thinking anyway. Raisin' her game might bring more support.
I understand RedBird is abandoning its attempt to take control of the Telegraph. It will sell the business that it already owns but is unable to control because the government and regulators have not yet approved its ownership. This is a massive media story. It means either Paul Marshall - owner of the Spectator - or the Daily Mail will end up in control of one of the UK’s best known newspaper groups.
It has been extraordinary to watch the Telegraph’s editorial team editorial team campaign against RedBird’s ownership, and its plans to expand the business internationally.
There is a risk to the government in RedBird pulling out, in that either Mail/Rothermere ownership or Marshall ownership would entrench the Telegraph’s opposition to Labour and support for Reform and the Tories.
The markets could be very interesting on Monday depending on what we hear over the weekend. How many more budget news stories can we take?
One wonders if Reeves is basically in full student essay meltdown panic mode, needing 10,000 words by Friday and hasn't got beyond the title and two bullet points with question marks. Might be forced to go for the old "dog ate my homework" routine.
Not satisfied with pardoning his criminal mates, Trump U.S. now going to rob the taxpayer blind on their behalf.
DOJ has been in settlement talks with Michael Flynn -- Trump's first national security adviser seeking $50M for his prosecution by ex-special counsel Robert Mueller -- and Stefan Passantino, a Trump I White House lawyer who accused the House Jan. 6 committee of privacy violations, court records show https://x.com/ZoeTillman/status/1989338116453282007
The markets could be very interesting on Monday depending on what we hear over the weekend. How many more budget news stories can we take?
One wonders if Reeves is basically in full student essay meltdown panic mode, needing 10,000 words by Friday and hasn't got beyond the title and two bullet points with question marks. Might be forced to go for the old "dog ate my homework" routine.
ChatGPT....I have run up a £30bn black hole in the finances in a year, growth is poor, inflation is high, unemployment is rising, my party is polling 15%, but won't accept any cuts to spending....can you produce a budget for me that will save my job and turn around our parties fortunes in the polls...
thinking...thinking....thinking....thinking....thinking....sorry this is an impossible task. How about a nice game of Chess Global Thermonuclear War.
Not satisfied with pardoning his criminal mates, Trump U.S. now going to rob the taxpayer blind on their behalf.
DOJ has been in settlement talks with Michael Flynn -- Trump's first national security adviser seeking $50M for his prosecution by ex-special counsel Robert Mueller -- and Stefan Passantino, a Trump I White House lawyer who accused the House Jan. 6 committee of privacy violations, court records show https://x.com/ZoeTillman/status/1989338116453282007
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
I thought the same too, KC spoke sense on migration. He's 85 now, a good few Tory politicians would do well to heed his words.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
Looks like Sultana has effectively decided to run Your Party and hold funds. Without Corbyn's backing too the party will almost certainly be doomed, all to the benefit of Polanski and the Greens
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
I thought the same too, KC spoke sense on migration. He's 85 now, a good few Tory politicians would do well to heed his words.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
Any sane with more than a few braincells discover they are better off keeping as far away from politics as possible. With social media there is zilch upside but endless grief and hassle.
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
I thought the same too, KC spoke sense on migration. He's 85 now, a good few Tory politicians would do well to heed his words.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
Mostly agree, but...
if the politicians yesteryear were so good, how come the country has ended up in such a mess?
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
I thought the same too, KC spoke sense on migration. He's 85 now, a good few Tory politicians would do well to heed his words.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
Mostly agree, but...
if the politicians yesteryear were so good, how come the country has ended up in such a mess?
they can't help the current ones now because they are too old/retired/dead! It's a good job we don't have geriatric PM's given the state of USA's leadership
I think with local government it's not seen as well paying, still get some old duffers using it as a pension top up
It's been miserably wet here, too, and randomly windy.
I've been at a funeral of a friend's dad I knew since about 1970 (they used to babysit us). Went in a good way - compos mentis until last spring, and went down hill quickly from then. He married in 1962, and they lived in the same house from the mid-1960s to the end.
A very interesting conversation about offshore wind, with someone who was Project Director for the build of one of the big windfarms off the south coast, and is now high-up for one of the big companies. The biggest problem has been "feast and famine", and he thinks that the gas-based pricing model will go, but not yet.
I've also just plugged myself into the my school's network. The first e-newsletter that comes through is an invitation to a speech by Lord Frost at the school. I'd be interested to hear what he has to say, and they are able to cope with a large audience - it is in the assembly hall with a capacity of 1000+, though that sounds optimistic to me. That says something about the upsides and downsides of peer networks. I hope that there is a charge to go to endowment funds, or similar.
I note a leading Trumpist was around and about yesterday peddling the line that Epstein wsn't so bad really. We are days away from Steve Bannon claiming that all real Christians are paedophiles. Maybe that was the aim all along...
Reminds me of Chuck Prince's famous quote: "“When the music stops, in terms of liquidity, things will be complicated,” Prince said. “But as long as the music is playing, you’ve got to get up and dance.”
OT - Your Party missed its window of opportunity, Polanski and the Greens look to be taking any oxygen there is for that space. This week also so the first signs of Green 'surge' in local by-elections. A few more of them and even sceptical old me may come to believe.
It's been miserably wet here, too, and randomly windy.
I've been at a funeral of a friend's dad I knew since about 1970 (they used to babysit us). Went in a good way - compos mentis until last spring, and went down hill quickly from then. He married in 1962, and they lived in the same house from the mid-1960s to the end.
A very interesting conversation about offshore wind, with someone who was Project Director for the build of one of the big windfarms off the south coast, and is now high-up for one of the big companies. The biggest problem has been "feast and famine", and he thinks that the gas-based pricing model will go, but not yet.
I've also just plugged myself into the my school's network. The first e-newsletter that comes through is an invitation to a speech by Lord Frost at the school. I'd be interested to hear what he has to say, and they are able to cope with a large audience - it is in the assembly hall with a capacity of 1000+, though that sounds optimistic to me. That says something about the upsides and downsides of peer networks. I hope that there is a charge to go to endowment funds, or similar.
Heard Frost least year, he is clever and a good speaker even if you disagree with his views and open to questions
Do any PBers have views on the possible pending implosion of Trump, or the walking away from him of supporters?
There was an interesting commentary I listened to this morning from Heather Cox Richardson, who is an historian form the USA. She feels that the ground is shifting enough for change potentially to happen quickly.
"Things feel different. They feel like the American people have had enough."
Jonathan Carley, 64, was arrested at his home in Harlech on Friday after being accused of impersonating a rear admiral.
The retired teacher saluted the war memorial in Llandudno, North Wales, on Sunday while wearing a row of 12 medals over an ill-fitting uniform.
North Wales Police arrested him under the 1894 Uniforms Act, which bars anyone who has not served in the armed forces from wearing military uniform.
I am shocked to learn he was also educated at the University of Oxford, what an utter bounder.
He did work at Cheltenham College though whether he graduated from Oxford is debateable. 'In a newspaper article he claimed to have been captain of boats at Christ Church, Oxford, before rowing at prestigious US Ivy League university, Harvard, where he allegedly completed a business degree.' https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37309833/fake-admiral-remembrance-unmasked-retired-teacher/
What they need now is a list of all the names, with a bit of who they are - to demonstrate how widespread the potential rottenness is in the "upper strata".
I predict a number of humongous articles in the NYT. And a large amount of jumping to overblown conclusions in the media here.
It is a cringe, isn't it. Very Jenrick. And I'm afraid use of "mid" creates a similar sensation. I'm hoping this is the last time we see it on here. But I don't suppose it will be. I can’t control how people express themselves.
Against my better inclinations I watched QT for a bit last night, more in hope than expectations of Sultana putting up a decent show, unfortunately hopes and expectations were dashed. She’s not a supple or subtle thinker and reverts to slogans at the drop of a hat. Strangely there’s not much difference between what Sultana and Polanski are saying, but it shows you need something extra to front a party, or a movement as Zarah would no doubt say.
Seen some of it as well. Thought she was very ranty whenever she spoke. Looked a sympathetic audience for her views too
I've seen a few clips now from QT. Have to say Ken C may be getting on a bit but he still speaks great sense and with authority.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
I thought the same too, KC spoke sense on migration. He's 85 now, a good few Tory politicians would do well to heed his words.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
Haven't special advisers normally been relatively recently outside of uni? Say what you like about Starmer and Reeves they both had experience outside politics, Reeves isn't known as 'Rachel from Complaints' for nothing
Jonathan Carley, 64, was arrested at his home in Harlech on Friday after being accused of impersonating a rear admiral.
The retired teacher saluted the war memorial in Llandudno, North Wales, on Sunday while wearing a row of 12 medals over an ill-fitting uniform.
North Wales Police arrested him under the 1894 Uniforms Act, which bars anyone who has not served in the armed forces from wearing military uniform.
What about actors ?
'2Military uniforms not to be worn without authority. (1)It shall not be lawful for any person not serving in Her Majesty’s Military Forces to wear without Her Majesty’s permission the uniform of any of those forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of any such uniform: Provided that this enactment shall not prevent . . . . . . F1 any persons from wearing any uniform or dress in the course of a stage play performed in a place duly licensed or authorised for the public performance of stage plays, or in the course of a music hall or circus performance, or in the course of any bona fide military representation.' https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/57-58/45
It is a cringe, isn't it. Very Jenrick. And I'm afraid use of "mid" creates a similar sensation. I'm hoping this is the last time we see it on here. But I don't suppose it will be. I can’t control how people express themselves.
Terribly sorry for using a phrase that states a level of nothingness about someone who deserves it. Please feel free to list which phrases don’t give you conniptions.
Do any PBers have views on the possible pending implosion of Trump, or the walking away from him of supporters?
There was an interesting commentary I listened to this morning from Heather Cox Richardson, who is an historian form the USA. She feels that the ground is shifting enough for change potentially to happen quickly.
"Things feel different. They feel like the American people have had enough."
I've been wondering about this. Will something so palpably absurd last for another 3 years? There must be a good chance that it doesn't. I'd like to see a market on whether he serves a full term.
It's been miserably wet here, too, and randomly windy.
I've been at a funeral of a friend's dad I knew since about 1970 (they used to babysit us). Went in a good way - compos mentis until last spring, and went down hill quickly from then. He married in 1962, and they lived in the same house from the mid-1960s to the end.
A very interesting conversation about offshore wind, with someone who was Project Director for the build of one of the big windfarms off the south coast, and is now high-up for one of the big companies. The biggest problem has been "feast and famine", and he thinks that the gas-based pricing model will go, but not yet.
I've also just plugged myself into the my school's network. The first e-newsletter that comes through is an invitation to a speech by Lord Frost at the school. I'd be interested to hear what he has to say, and they are able to cope with a large audience - it is in the assembly hall with a capacity of 1000+, though that sounds optimistic to me. That says something about the upsides and downsides of peer networks. I hope that there is a charge to go to endowment funds, or similar.
Heard Frost least year, he is clever and a good speaker even if you disagree with his views and open to questions
His current view, checking, is roughly as far as I can see that the country took a wrong turn when Blair & Co moved on from following the previous Government's financial pattern after two years, Cameron and following did a similar thing, and we need a big chunk off the size of the state managed expenditure - 5 or 10 percentage points of GDP, depending on how you count the starting point.
I'd be asking him about the state of the public realm, given a question.
Do any PBers have views on the possible pending implosion of Trump, or the walking away from him of supporters?
There was an interesting commentary I listened to this morning from Heather Cox Richardson, who is an historian form the USA. She feels that the ground is shifting enough for change potentially to happen quickly.
"Things feel different. They feel like the American people have had enough."
I've been wondering about this. Will something so palpably absurd last for another 3 years? There must be a good chance that it doesn't. I'd like to see a market on whether he serves a full term.
She says (my characterisation) that USA politics is chaotic, but with long phases of metastability. And when flips happen, they are sudden and can be rapid.
One scenario could be the one I mentioned the other day, or varieties of it - eg Trump collapses and the strong reaction gives a new Government one election period (2 years) to address some of the problems that Trump has put into sharp focus.
One thing that imo needs dealing with is the Presidential Pardon, which hardwires corruption and cronyism into the system. Political funding is another one.
Harder ones perhaps include the wholesale politicisation of the former civil state.
President Donald Trump is expected to reach an agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that would allow the kingdom to purchase F-35 stealth planes, according to an administration official https://x.com/business/status/1989413058079301838
It is a cringe, isn't it. Very Jenrick. And I'm afraid use of "mid" creates a similar sensation. I'm hoping this is the last time we see it on here. But I don't suppose it will be. I can’t control how people express themselves.
Terribly sorry for using a phrase that states a level of nothingness about someone who deserves it. Please feel free to list which phrases don’t give you conniptions.
Yes ok I'll do a list of phrases I like. That's a good challenge.
Do any PBers have views on the possible pending implosion of Trump, or the walking away from him of supporters?
There was an interesting commentary I listened to this morning from Heather Cox Richardson, who is an historian form the USA. She feels that the ground is shifting enough for change potentially to happen quickly.
"Things feel different. They feel like the American people have had enough."
I've been wondering about this. Will something so palpably absurd last for another 3 years? There must be a good chance that it doesn't. I'd like to see a market on whether he serves a full term.
"We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties,” according to DOJ & FBI’s July letter.
Now AG Bondi has announced she has tapped Jay Clayton, the current U.S. attorney for SDNY, to lead the Trump-ordered investigation of Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement with high-profile Democrats & JP Morgan Chase. https://x.com/KFaulders/status/1989415603556188210
It is a cringe, isn't it. Very Jenrick. And I'm afraid use of "mid" creates a similar sensation. I'm hoping this is the last time we see it on here. But I don't suppose it will be. I can’t control how people express themselves.
Terribly sorry for using a phrase that states a level of nothingness about someone who deserves it. Please feel free to list which phrases don’t give you conniptions.
Yes ok I'll do a list of phrases I like. That's a good challenge.
Would be helpful for a list of phrases that upset you too if that is ok?
Comments
They’re building an OAP home on Dog Kennel lane now as well as houses to go alongside the old,peoples home that is already there.
(Yes, those two paragraphs could be better coordinated; if Lee lost, then Briar won. But it's TV, and I don't expect much from our TV stations.)
This may shock some of you, but she doesn't have a good opinion of the late Saddam Hussein.
Her opponent, Conrad Lee was born in 1939 in China; in 1958 he immigrated from Hong Kong to the US.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Lee
Midterms are less than a year away (3 Nov 2026).
"Will Trump be impeached before the 2028 election?" YES has moved from 2.9 to 2.2 in the last few days.
Just four weeks to go until the earliest sunset, then we’re back on the path to those sunny summer evenings.
Where are today's politicians with such talent and ability for the frontline?
Certainly not in today's Treasury.
The other thing is that the AI bubble is masking (rather like the derivatives bubble of 2008) the state of the economy - markets going up etc. but for individuals….
https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/leucania-loreyi/
An AI stock correction ahead of the mid-terms could be lethal for the Republicans.
Even Donald Trump knows that fuel prices spike inflation and set off recessions. Hence his creed about drilling. Stupid maybe, but…
A fuel price increase would kick the legs out from under the U.K. economy.
A bit of a copy of the Bow Bells Cockney thing.
Highlight for me was the bar on the boat in the river. As featured in Shoestring. We did a few Shoestring locations.
Whereas folk from Wallsend and places east thereof are not.
https://x.com/RobertJenrick/status/1989396440939131338
Would PBers object if I used this picture in headers?
But then again, it gives you an excuse to buy a whole load of new shoes.
It's like one of the shots from Hammer Horror Dracula where the vampire reveals his fangs.
It’s a trick question. We all know it’s coming
DOJ has been in settlement talks with Michael Flynn -- Trump's first national security adviser seeking $50M for his prosecution by ex-special counsel Robert Mueller -- and Stefan Passantino, a Trump I White House lawyer who accused the House Jan. 6 committee of privacy violations, court records show
https://x.com/ZoeTillman/status/1989338116453282007
thinking...thinking....thinking....thinking....thinking....sorry this is an impossible task. How about a nice game of
ChessGlobal Thermonuclear War.With apologies to T Swift.
The way the Treasury have handled this upcoming budget is astonishing, I put some of it down to a poor standard of advisors - too many fresh out of uni with PPE degrees and no experience outside politics under their belt
The dearth of talent is deep and affects all political offices from local government upwards. The ability of a lot of our local councillors is not a patch on what it was 20 years ago, that is despite less people putting themselves forward (I'm aware I sound very old saying this!)
if the politicians yesteryear were so good, how come the country has ended up in such a mess?
Very “mid”.
I think with local government it's not seen as well paying, still get some old duffers using it as a pension top up
COURIER has created a searchable database with all 20,000 of the files just released from Epstein’s estate.
Trump's name appears in them more than anyone else, in 1,628 documents.
https://x.com/jbendery/status/1989362339360215440
I've been at a funeral of a friend's dad I knew since about 1970 (they used to babysit us). Went in a good way - compos mentis until last spring, and went down hill quickly from then. He married in 1962, and they lived in the same house from the mid-1960s to the end.
A very interesting conversation about offshore wind, with someone who was Project Director for the build of one of the big windfarms off the south coast, and is now high-up for one of the big companies. The biggest problem has been "feast and famine", and he thinks that the gas-based pricing model will go, but not yet.
I've also just plugged myself into the my school's network. The first e-newsletter that comes through is an invitation to a speech by Lord Frost at the school. I'd be interested to hear what he has to say, and they are able to cope with a large audience - it is in the assembly hall with a capacity of 1000+, though that sounds optimistic to me. That says something about the upsides and downsides of peer networks. I hope that there is a charge to go to endowment funds, or similar.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ2OhUIAvTe/
Trump is ordering new investigations in an effort to BLOCK the release by making it an active case.
https://x.com/adamscochran/status/1989362574773923963
There was an interesting commentary I listened to this morning from Heather Cox Richardson, who is an historian form the USA. She feels that the ground is shifting enough for change potentially to happen quickly.
"Things feel different. They feel like the American people have had enough."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS3BnRzU03M (38 minutes)
What they need now is a list of all the names, with a bit of who they are - to demonstrate how widespread the potential rottenness is in the "upper strata".
I predict a number of humongous articles in the NYT. And a large amount of jumping to overblown conclusions in the media here.
(1)It shall not be lawful for any person not serving in Her Majesty’s Military Forces to wear without Her Majesty’s permission the uniform of any of those forces, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of any such uniform: Provided that this enactment shall not prevent . . . . . . F1 any persons from wearing any uniform or dress in the course of a stage play performed in a place duly licensed or authorised for the public performance of stage plays, or in the course of a music hall or circus performance, or in the course of any bona fide military representation.'
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/57-58/45
https://journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/document-view?collection=092314e384a58618&utm_source=collection_share_link&p=1&docid=b8c40ac7c3d3488_092314e384a58618_0&dapvm=2
Homan: "I don't think the UK is a friend to this country and friend of the president"
I'd be asking him about the state of the public realm, given a question.
Rain is hardly worthy of comment in any others...
One scenario could be the one I mentioned the other day, or varieties of it - eg Trump collapses and the strong reaction gives a new Government one election period (2 years) to address some of the problems that Trump has put into sharp focus.
One thing that imo needs dealing with is the Presidential Pardon, which hardwires corruption and cronyism into the system. Political funding is another one.
Harder ones perhaps include the wholesale politicisation of the former civil state.
President Donald Trump is expected to reach an agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that would allow the kingdom to purchase F-35 stealth planes, according to an administration official
https://x.com/business/status/1989413058079301838
Now AG Bondi has announced she has tapped Jay Clayton, the current U.S. attorney for SDNY, to lead the Trump-ordered investigation of Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement with high-profile Democrats & JP Morgan Chase.
https://x.com/KFaulders/status/1989415603556188210