Compare and contrast – politicalbetting.com

System · December 2

Compare and contrast – politicalbetting.com

So which of these three all less-than-optimal scenarios is going on here?1.) nobody told him what part of the body was being scanned2.) he doesn’t remember which body part was scanned3.) he’s lying about it https://t.co/tcBx8hexxo

Read the full story here

rottenborough · December 2

First?

turbotubbs · December 2

Presume they spent a long time looking for the brain?

Burgessian · December 2

I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.

Eabhal · December 2

turbotubbs said:
Presume they spent a long time looking for the brain?

RFKs brain worm tried it's luck with Trump but quickly died of starvation.

Scott_xP · December 2

He couldn't see which part of his body was being scanned. His head was inside the machine...

ydoethur · December 2

If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.

carnforth · December 2

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.

Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.

TheScreamingEagles · December 2

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.

Who wouldn’t want to talk to an astronaut?

ydoethur · December 2

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.

Yes, but that's the point. You wouldn't want to take a scan unless there *were* symptoms because of the rumours it would cause.

Unless you were an idiot.

But, of course, Trump is an idiot.

Malmesbury · December 2

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.

When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.

Nigelb · December 2

Russian oligarch found legal weapon to kill Western sanctions — and a former UK PM’s wife is on his team

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/01/fridman-isds-challenge-western-sanctions/
Mikhail Fridman, one of Russia’s wealthiest oligarchs, is using obscure investor-state arbitration mechanisms to challenge sanctions imposed after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If he wins, every sanctioned oligarch could follow, forcing Western governments to choose between billion-dollar payouts or abandoning economic pressure on Russia entirely.

In Luxembourg, where he seeks €13.8 billion, his legal team includes Omnia Strategy—the firm founded by Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The weapon of choice is ISDS—Investor-State Dispute Settlement—a mechanism embedded in over 3,300 investment treaties worldwide. The UK alone has 79 such agreements; EU member states have around 1,400.

Originally designed to protect foreign investors from expropriation in unstable countries, these tribunals let corporations sue governments before private arbitrators rather than national courts. Critics call them “corporate courts” that bypass democratic accountability. Now Fridman is testing whether they can dismantle sanctions—and if he succeeds, every sanctioned oligarch with assets in the West could follow suit...

turbotubbs · December 2

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.

I'd be amazed if there isn't something* wrong with Trump's health. He is a 78 year old man who doesn't look that well. As discussed on PB he will have some level of prostate cancer. He may have been reading PB and thought he'd better get checked out.

I'm wary with these kind of stories because I thought Putin was at deaths door a couple of years ago. Turned out he wasn't.

*Apart from the insanity, dementia, egotism, etc.

boulay · December 2

Nigelb said:
Russian oligarch found legal weapon to kill Western sanctions — and a former UK PM’s wife is on his team

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/12/01/fridman-isds-challenge-western-sanctions/
Mikhail Fridman, one of Russia’s wealthiest oligarchs, is using obscure investor-state arbitration mechanisms to challenge sanctions imposed after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If he wins, every sanctioned oligarch could follow, forcing Western governments to choose between billion-dollar payouts or abandoning economic pressure on Russia entirely.

In Luxembourg, where he seeks €13.8 billion, his legal team includes Omnia Strategy—the firm founded by Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The weapon of choice is ISDS—Investor-State Dispute Settlement—a mechanism embedded in over 3,300 investment treaties worldwide. The UK alone has 79 such agreements; EU member states have around 1,400.

Originally designed to protect foreign investors from expropriation in unstable countries, these tribunals let corporations sue governments before private arbitrators rather than national courts. Critics call them “corporate courts” that bypass democratic accountability. Now Fridman is testing whether they can dismantle sanctions—and if he succeeds, every sanctioned oligarch with assets in the West could follow suit...

Our gov has Ambramovich’s people suing them for the temerity to investigate him for money laundering. Probably wouldn’t have been a bad idea for the UK gov to have looked at it a lot earlier.

Anyway, for those of us interested in history.

https://theconversation.com/we-built-a-database-of-290-000-english-medieval-soldiers-heres-what-it-reveals-270750

Burgessian · December 2

Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.

MarqueeMark · December 2

Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.

TimS · December 2

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.

Eisenhower?

eek · December 2

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.

https://xkcd.com/1122/

Not bothering to post the image because well this is vanilla and it complains.

viewcode · December 2

Why are they harassing that elderly confused man outside his flat?

TimS · December 2

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.

Charm offensive so that she pipes down. Every little helps.

rcs1000 · December 2

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.

"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"

TheScreamingEagles · December 2

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.

You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

williamglenn · December 2

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.

He's probably telling her that Russia is to Ukraine what Britain is to Ireland.

carnforth · December 2

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"

I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."

MarqueeMark · December 2

TimS said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
Eisenhower?

Eisenhower had hair when first elected.

Martin van Buren had damn all on top, but masses down the sides!

https://www.presidentsusa.net/vanburen.html

Taz · December 2

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."

Well it was this guy

https://youtu.be/7GfWXN5Lp1s?si=-lKlrfKdl-mlyghp

MarqueeMark · December 2

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."

I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."

Malmesbury · December 2

MarqueeMark said:

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."
I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."

All joking aside - what is the possible downside to test first, then see consultant. With the NHS, it seems to be see consultant. Then some tests, then see consultant, then.... The costs of MRIs etc are pretty low vs the cost of consultants time, surely?

Malmesbury · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

Come to think of it, all the English speaking bits of Ireland belong to England, don't they? Because shared language means they must want to be ruled by the Mother Country.

At least, that's what The Realists keep saying...

Malmesbury · December 2

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"

Help, I'm being oppressed!

The_Woodpecker · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2025/1202/1546913-ukrainians-kilkee-clare/

Scott_xP · December 2

Trump already forgot

‪@atrupar.com‬

Trump: "Washington now is, uh, no murders. It's been a miracle."

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3m6zhazj3re2m

ydoethur · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

So it's stupidity and not some ulsterior motive on the part of Connolly?

ydoethur · December 2

Scott_xP said:
Trump already forgot

‪@atrupar.com‬

Trump: "Washington now is, uh, no murders. It's been a miracle."

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3m6zhazj3re2m

Perhaps the MRI scan was to try and locate his memory?

TimS · December 2

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.
Come to think of it, all the English speaking bits of Ireland belong to England, don't they? Because shared language means they must want to be ruled by the Mother Country.

At least, that's what The Realists keep saying...

The Republic / Northern Ireland dynamic is a useful analogue for a future divided Ukraine. One side rich, dynamic, magnet for multinationals and tourism; the other controlled by the old colonial power poor, backward, dependent on state subsidies.

Northern_Al · December 2

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.

Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.

Peter_the_Punter · December 2

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.

Not the Green bloke, but the others would be fine (as long as Starmer promised not to talk about Arsenal.)

DougSeal · December 2

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.

John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Garfield, and Dwight Eisenhower. All bald.

(I nearly mentioned Gerald Ford too, but swerved just in time, dodging a potentially fatal avalanche of corrections)

BlancheLivermore · December 2

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.

I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir

TimS · December 2

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.

I’d imagine both Hilary and Kamala would probably be fascinating company over a drink. I appreciate I’m not the US presidential target audience, but I think Democrats are often guilty of drinking too much of the Republican koolaid.

DougSeal · December 2

TimS said:

Malmesbury said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.
Come to think of it, all the English speaking bits of Ireland belong to England, don't they? Because shared language means they must want to be ruled by the Mother Country.

At least, that's what The Realists keep saying...
The Republic / Northern Ireland dynamic is a useful analogue for a future divided Ukraine. One side rich, dynamic, magnet for multinationals and tourism; the other controlled by the old colonial power poor, backward, dependent on state subsidies.

True enough now. Less true for the first half to three quarters of the partition period.

DecrepiterJohnL · December 2

Malmesbury said:

MarqueeMark said:

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."
I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."
All joking aside - what is the possible downside to test first, then see consultant. With the NHS, it seems to be see consultant. Then some tests, then see consultant, then.... The costs of MRIs etc are pretty low vs the cost of consultants time, surely?

MRI (and other) scanners are a scarce resource in the NHS so we can't hand out scans free in Cornflakes packets (although this is starting to change, and you can get some private scans for £100 or so). Ironic or typical as MRI scanning was invented at Nottingham University which has a paternoster lift. (Note: like radar and television and computers, there are other claims; iirc Peter Mansfield was in a race with the Americans to patent first.)

Labour was elected last year with a manifesto commitment to double the number of scanners, which would still leave Britain at the bottom of the league by a fair margin.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-data-2024/life-sciences-competitiveness-indicators-2024-summary

Carnyx · December 2

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"

Depends which cervix you mean.

Stuartinromford · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Who wouldn’t want to talk to an astronaut?

They've done cool things, but deep inner calm is also part of the job spec. So probably quite boring in a bar.

However, excellent central casting if the need is a Sam The Eagle figure to restore dignity to the White House after their Second National Nightmare.

Assuming, as always, that the 2028 vote is allowed to mean anything.

viewcode · December 2

DougSeal said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Garfield, and Dwight Eisenhower. All bald.

(I nearly mentioned Gerald Ford too, but swerved just in time, dodging a potentially fatal avalanche of corrections)

If he wasn't bald, its as near as dammit

https://www.reddit.com/r/Presidents/comments/1gtlssn/we_havent_had_a_bald_president_since_1977_because/

Peter_the_Punter · December 2

TimS said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I’d imagine both Hilary and Kamala would probably be fascinating company over a drink. I appreciate I’m not the US presidential target audience, but I think Democrats are often guilty of drinking too much of the Republican koolaid.

John McCain once referred to Hilary as '...a hell of a gal.' I think we can take it they got on well. Not sure, but I think she likes a tipple and can hold her liquor.

Andy_JS · December 2

Preview of today's local by-election in Long Eaton.

https://andrewspreviews.substack.com/p/previewing-the-long-eaton-north-council

Malmesbury · December 2

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Malmesbury said:

MarqueeMark said:

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."
I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."
All joking aside - what is the possible downside to test first, then see consultant. With the NHS, it seems to be see consultant. Then some tests, then see consultant, then.... The costs of MRIs etc are pretty low vs the cost of consultants time, surely?
MRI (and other) scanners are a scarce resource in the NHS so we can't hand out scans free in Cornflakes packets (although this is starting to change, and you can get some private scans for £100 or so). Ironic or typical as MRI scanning was invented at Nottingham University which has a paternoster lift. (Note: like radar and television and computers, there are other claims; iirc Peter Mansfield was in a race with the Americans to patent first.)

Labour was elected last year with a manifesto commitment to double the number of scanners, which would still leave Britain at the bottom of the league by a fair margin.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-data-2024/life-sciences-competitiveness-indicators-2024-summary

Has anyone done a study about the effect of ramping up testing, on outcomes and costs?

If you can get a private scan for £100 - and they are making a profit on that....

Stuartinromford · December 2

Peter_the_Punter said:

TimS said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I’d imagine both Hilary and Kamala would probably be fascinating company over a drink. I appreciate I’m not the US presidential target audience, but I think Democrats are often guilty of drinking too much of the Republican koolaid.
John McCain once referred to Hilary as '...a hell of a gal.' I think we can take it they got on well. Not sure, but I think she likes a tipple and can hold her liquor.

But they are both swifts, and girly swots at that. For a small but apparently decisive slice of the US electorate, that's enough to rule them out. It shouldn't, but it does.

Malmesbury · December 2

Stuartinromford said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Who wouldn’t want to talk to an astronaut?
They've done cool things, but deep inner calm is also part of the job spec. So probably quite boring in a bar.

However, excellent central casting if the need is a Sam The Eagle figure to restore dignity to the White House after their Second National Nightmare.

Assuming, as always, that the 2028 vote is allowed to mean anything.

Most of the original astronauts were wild characters, off duty.

ydoethur · December 2

Stuartinromford said:

Peter_the_Punter said:

TimS said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I’d imagine both Hilary and Kamala would probably be fascinating company over a drink. I appreciate I’m not the US presidential target audience, but I think Democrats are often guilty of drinking too much of the Republican koolaid.
John McCain once referred to Hilary as '...a hell of a gal.' I think we can take it they got on well. Not sure, but I think she likes a tipple and can hold her liquor.
But they are both swifts, and girly swots at that. For a small but apparently decisive slice of the US electorate, that's enough to rule them out. It shouldn't, but it does.

I thought for a moment you meant John McCain.

TimS · December 2

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir

I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club

TimS · December 2

ydoethur said:

Stuartinromford said:

Peter_the_Punter said:

TimS said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I’d imagine both Hilary and Kamala would probably be fascinating company over a drink. I appreciate I’m not the US presidential target audience, but I think Democrats are often guilty of drinking too much of the Republican koolaid.
John McCain once referred to Hilary as '...a hell of a gal.' I think we can take it they got on well. Not sure, but I think she likes a tipple and can hold her liquor.
But they are both swifts, and girly swots at that. For a small but apparently decisive slice of the US electorate, that's enough to rule them out. It shouldn't, but it does.
I thought for a moment you meant John McCain.

Same problem for him: being the inventor of the oven chip put him beyond the pale for many Americans, who call them fries.

Andy_JS · December 2

In the early 90s Robin Smith was probably England's best batsman, but he played his final test match in January 1996. How did that happen? I'm sure his form wasn't all that bad. I know there were a lot of dodgy selection decisions made around that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Smith_(cricketer)

Northern_Al · December 2

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Malmesbury said:

MarqueeMark said:

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."
I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."
All joking aside - what is the possible downside to test first, then see consultant. With the NHS, it seems to be see consultant. Then some tests, then see consultant, then.... The costs of MRIs etc are pretty low vs the cost of consultants time, surely?
MRI (and other) scanners are a scarce resource in the NHS so we can't hand out scans free in Cornflakes packets (although this is starting to change, and you can get some private scans for £100 or so). Ironic or typical as MRI scanning was invented at Nottingham University which has a paternoster lift. (Note: like radar and television and computers, there are other claims; iirc Peter Mansfield was in a race with the Americans to patent first.)

Labour was elected last year with a manifesto commitment to double the number of scanners, which would still leave Britain at the bottom of the league by a fair margin.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-data-2024/life-sciences-competitiveness-indicators-2024-summary

Round my way, there's signs of progress. Mobile scanners are permanently situated in the Asda car park, at the football ground, and probably elsewhere. These are private outfits contracted to do NHS scans, and I'm sure have increased capacity fairly significantly.

ydoethur · December 2

What was astonishing about Rishi Sunak's election announcement?

He saved it for a rainy day.

ydoethur · December 2

Andy_JS said:
In the early 90s Robin Smith was probably England's best batsman, but he played his final test match in January 1996. How did that happen? I'm sure his form wasn't all that bad. I know there were a lot of dodgy selection decisions made around that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Smith_(cricketer)

He wasn't too good against Shane Warne and he didn't get on very well with Ray Illingworth.

With hindsight it would have been better to sack Illingworth.

boulay · December 2

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club

Starmer more a bottle of Becks man (peroni if no becks) but only the one though.
Davey would depend where he is drinking, if a Red Wall Pub then a pint of the local brew, if in Cheltenham or Winchester a glass of Red, whatever everyone else is having.
Kemi - vodka and redbull.
Nat would have a special spirit brewed in a sustainable eco brewery in Madagascar, flown in daily to ensure it’s drunk fresh.

Northern_Al · December 2

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club

Starmer's a beer man. Seen frequently, before being famous, in The Pineapple, Kentish Town, a fine local boozer, downing pints.
He's probably really pissed off that he can't do that now.

Andy_JS · December 2

"More than 800,000 young children seeing social media content 'designed to hook adults', figures show

Former education secretary Lord John Nash calls for major public health campaign, and says the findings by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) should "concern us all"

https://news.sky.com/story/more-than-800-000-young-children-seeing-social-media-content-designed-to-hook-adults-figures-show-13478155

Stuartinromford · December 2

Northern_Al said:

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club
Starmer's a beer man. Seen frequently, before being famous, in The Pineapple, Kentish Town, a fine local boozer, downing pints.
He's probably really pissed off that he can't do that now.

And OK, he didn't have to go into politics, he didn't have to become PM, he's missing some key skills for the job. But just imagine that he hadn't run for Labour leader in 2020. Who would we have ended up with as PM now? It's really not obvious that the alternative would have been an upgrade.

Don't have nightmares, everyone.

Sunil_Prasannan · December 2

Carnyx said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
Depends which cervix you mean.

"People with a cervix"??

BartholomewRoberts · December 2

Might be coming up to time to cancel Netflix, its losing both Friends and Big Bang at the end of the month.

These are two background shows that we put on regularly when there's nothing on, or to fall asleep to.

Big Bang is already on Disney+ so not very surprised at that one. We probably use Disney more than Netflix now anyway. No idea where Friends is going to, don't fancy getting any more subscriptions.

Foss · December 2

boulay said:

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club
Starmer more a bottle of Becks man (peroni if no becks) but only the one though.
Davey would depend where he is drinking, if a Red Wall Pub then a pint of the local brew, if in Cheltenham or Winchester a glass of Red, whatever everyone else is having.
Kemi - vodka and redbull.
Nat would have a special spirit brewed in a sustainable eco brewery in Madagascar, flown in daily to ensure it’s drunk fresh.

Becks is very 90s, Starmer would have focus-group'd something more up to date and then wished he was having a glass of wine.

Taz · December 2

Northern_Al said:

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club
Starmer's a beer man. Seen frequently, before being famous, in The Pineapple, Kentish Town, a fine local boozer, downing pints.
He's probably really pissed off that he can't do that now.

Marc Almond has quite a thirst.

Luckyguy1983 · December 2

TimS said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
Eisenhower?

Bless you.

Carnyx · December 2

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Carnyx said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
Depends which cervix you mean.
"People with a cervix"??

No: think about it.

Scott_xP · December 2

Not a cult...

@atrupar.com‬

Kristi Noem: "Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane. You kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that."

TimS · December 2

Northern_Al said:

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club
Starmer's a beer man. Seen frequently, before being famous, in The Pineapple, Kentish Town, a fine local boozer, downing pints.
He's probably really pissed off that he can't do that now.

To be fair the only time I’ve seen him in a social situation he was holding a bottle of beer. At those social dos you generally have a choice of a bottled beer like Peroni, or a wine choice of Prosecco, some undrinkable Kiwi Sauvignon blanc or watery Pinot Grigio, and a red made out of diluted jam.

viewcode · December 2

Some of you may remember that "Legacy of Spies" is my bath book. Apparently the BBC are making a telly series of it. It'll be difficult to do, although it has a good cast

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/legacy-of-spies-le-carre-series

MattW · December 2

I've done the Paternoster thing, both top and bottom.

We used to have one at work.

Google says there is one in Malaysia, one in Sri Lanka, and one in Peru (due presumably to Paddington Bear).

viewcode · December 2

...

DecrepiterJohnL · December 2

Malmesbury said:

DecrepiterJohnL said:

Malmesbury said:

MarqueeMark said:

carnforth said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
I forget which stand up said "I'm a hypochondriac. Or, so my Gynaecologist tells me."
I do know Emo Philips said "I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. "Oh I don't know - get me something expensive I don't need." So I got her a course of chemo-therapy...."
All joking aside - what is the possible downside to test first, then see consultant. With the NHS, it seems to be see consultant. Then some tests, then see consultant, then.... The costs of MRIs etc are pretty low vs the cost of consultants time, surely?
MRI (and other) scanners are a scarce resource in the NHS so we can't hand out scans free in Cornflakes packets (although this is starting to change, and you can get some private scans for £100 or so). Ironic or typical as MRI scanning was invented at Nottingham University which has a paternoster lift. (Note: like radar and television and computers, there are other claims; iirc Peter Mansfield was in a race with the Americans to patent first.)

Labour was elected last year with a manifesto commitment to double the number of scanners, which would still leave Britain at the bottom of the league by a fair margin.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-sector-data-2024/life-sciences-competitiveness-indicators-2024-summary

Has anyone done a study about the effect of ramping up testing, on outcomes and costs?

If you can get a private scan for £100 - and they are making a profit on that....

Health warning: I'm not sure it was MRI for £100. It's a dim memory of a pricelist in a local pharmacy.

Battlebus · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

Just clearing out some books for a charity shop and came across "The Ulster Question 1603-1973". Don't know why it's there and where it came from but it must have been a part of a load of books I collected some time ago. Within the book are a couple of yellowed newspapers cuttings from the Times (I have never subscribed). One cutting is 'On this day November 25 1922' and tells the story of Erkine Childers, the author of 'Riddle of the Sands'. It's a book and film that I took to be quintessentially English but it turns out the author was very much so. But it didn't stop him from being executed for supporting the wrong cause.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erskine_Childers_(author)

Taz · December 2

ITV News - Die Hard is not a Christmas movie

DecrepiterJohnL · December 2

BartholomewRoberts said:
Might be coming up to time to cancel Netflix, its losing both Friends and Big Bang at the end of the month.

These are two background shows that we put on regularly when there's nothing on, or to fall asleep to.

Big Bang is already on Disney+ so not very surprised at that one. We probably use Disney more than Netflix now anyway. No idea where Friends is going to, don't fancy getting any more subscriptions.

The Big Bang Theory is also on Channel4.com aiui.
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-big-bang-theory

viewcode · December 2

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Carnyx said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
Depends which cervix you mean.
"People with a cervix"??

Not the one at the top of your vagina, the one at the top of your neck.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/795963

Carnyx · December 2

viewcode said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Carnyx said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
Depends which cervix you mean.
"People with a cervix"??
Not the one at the top of your vagina, the one at the top of your neck.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/795963

More precisely it *is* the neck - the neck vertebrae are the cervical vertebrae etc. Though the noun form of the Latin root seems ot be used almost wholly these days for the one downstairs.

Also the adjective applies to the paired nerves coming off the spinal cord in this region.

theProle · December 2

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.

Taking this one step further - presumably the healthcare supplied to the US President is fairly "no expense spared".

If you are entrusted with the healthcare of an aging bloke, and don't care about cost, wouldn't doing a full body MRI scan and then spending a while looking at it potentially be worthwhile? I'd imagine you've at least the potential of catching things like cancers very early.

It wouldn't make sense for the general population, because of the cost of paying medical experts to look through the results properly almost certainly dwarfs the costs of the scran itself, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make sense for a case like Trump's medical team.

This is of course one of the areas where AI may have its uses - if you can do a whole body scan, shove the results into an AI box and have it flag up anything interesting for a human's attention, then routine scans of the population might suddenly become affordable enough to make sense.

Peter_the_Punter · December 2

ydoethur said:

Andy_JS said:
In the early 90s Robin Smith was probably England's best batsman, but he played his final test match in January 1996. How did that happen? I'm sure his form wasn't all that bad. I know there were a lot of dodgy selection decisions made around that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Smith_(cricketer)
He wasn't too good against Shane Warne and he didn't get on very well with Ray Illingworth.

With hindsight it would have been better to sack Illingworth.

Was anyone good against Shane Warne?

kle4 · December 2

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

Even our Green Party, with probably reluctance, said NATO had a legitimate role to play though.

MattW · December 2

Peter_the_Punter said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
Not the Green bloke, but the others would be fine (as long as Starmer promised not to talk about Arsenal.)

The Green would be the only one with an excuse for standing next to Chump reviewing the ladies - "Professional interest; I can make Wonderbra obsolete".

ydoethur · December 2

Peter_the_Punter said:

ydoethur said:

Andy_JS said:
In the early 90s Robin Smith was probably England's best batsman, but he played his final test match in January 1996. How did that happen? I'm sure his form wasn't all that bad. I know there were a lot of dodgy selection decisions made around that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Smith_(cricketer)
He wasn't too good against Shane Warne and he didn't get on very well with Ray Illingworth.

With hindsight it would have been better to sack Illingworth.
Was anyone good against Shane Warne?

Well, no, but some excuse was needed. 'Because Illingworth is a pig-headed tosser' wouldn't have played well in the tabloids.

Devon Malcolm got the chop at the same time and for the same reason (official reason - he couldn't take nine South African wickets in five overs bowled so must have been the reason England lost a Test - and a series - in which they were bowled out for under 160 in both innings).

Ironically Illingworth himself didn't last much longer either.

Scott_xP · December 2

Taz said:
ITV News - Die Hard is not a Christmas movie

Fake News

kle4 · December 2

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.

I'm sure there's a variant of the phrase which could work across genders though, the fundamental point essentially being about being able to instinctively connect with ordinary people in a way which is itself ordinary (as contrasted with people who might be able to connect with the ordinary, but in ways which are more flashy and irregular).

williamglenn · December 2

Andy_JS said:
"More than 800,000 young children seeing social media content 'designed to hook adults', figures show

Former education secretary Lord John Nash calls for major public health campaign, and says the findings by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) should "concern us all"

https://news.sky.com/story/more-than-800-000-young-children-seeing-social-media-content-designed-to-hook-adults-figures-show-13478155

Something should be done about Zack Polanski's social media output.

carnforth · December 2

theProle said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
Taking this one step further - presumably the healthcare supplied to the US President is fairly "no expense spared".

If you are entrusted with the healthcare of an aging bloke, and don't care about cost, wouldn't doing a full body MRI scan and then spending a while looking at it potentially be worthwhile? I'd imagine you've at least the potential of catching things like cancers very early.

It wouldn't make sense for the general population, because of the cost of paying medical experts to look through the results properly almost certainly dwarfs the costs of the scran itself, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make sense for a case like Trump's medical team.

This is of course one of the areas where AI may have its uses - if you can do a whole body scan, shove the results into an AI box and have it flag up anything interesting for a human's attention, then routine scans of the population might suddenly become affordable enough to make sense.

Might cause more harm than good:

https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/whole-body-mris-arent-beneficial-they-seem

rottenborough · December 2

DougSeal said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Garfield, and Dwight Eisenhower. All bald.

(I nearly mentioned Gerald Ford too, but swerved just in time, dodging a potentially fatal avalanche of corrections)

Garfield wasn't bald if the recent tv series is to go by.

Scott_xP · December 2

rottenborough said:

DougSeal said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Garfield, and Dwight Eisenhower. All bald.

(I nearly mentioned Gerald Ford too, but swerved just in time, dodging a potentially fatal avalanche of corrections)
Garfield wasn't bald if the recent tv series is to go by.

Is he not covered in fur?

Taz · December 2

Scott_xP said:

Taz said:
ITV News - Die Hard is not a Christmas movie
Fake News

That’s ITV for you.

Omnium · December 2

williamglenn said:

Andy_JS said:
"More than 800,000 young children seeing social media content 'designed to hook adults', figures show

Former education secretary Lord John Nash calls for major public health campaign, and says the findings by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) should "concern us all"

https://news.sky.com/story/more-than-800-000-young-children-seeing-social-media-content-designed-to-hook-adults-figures-show-13478155
Something should be done about Zack Polanski's social media output.

I've donated fifty quid on the basis that he says what he thinks.

Benpointer · December 2

Scott_xP said:
Not a cult...

@atrupar.com‬

Kristi Noem: "Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane. You kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that."

Makes Trump sound like a modern-day Cnut

Ratters · December 2

kle4 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Burgessian said:
Rather curious that at a time like this Zelensky has chosen to visit Ireland.

Where he was welcomed by President Connolly.

Wiki:

"Ideologically left-wing, Connolly describes herself as a socialist and pacifist.[4] A supporter of Irish neutrality, her foreign policy views were described by Politico as "often anti-Western";[5] she is critical of NATO, the European Union's increased military and defence spending and general European militarisation.[6] Connolly has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has also described NATO's attitude toward Russia as "warmongering".

Fat lot of use she is.
You see the Irish have no experience of a neighbour invading and occupying them, if they did they would be more positive to Ukraine.

Even our Green Party, with probably reluctance, said NATO had a legitimate role to play though.

Russia is upset the mean Europeans aren't letting it gain through a 'peace deal' what it's failed to achieve through nearly four years of war and a million dead soldiers.

ydoethur · December 2

Benpointer said:

Scott_xP said:
Not a cult...

@atrupar.com‬

Kristi Noem: "Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane. You kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that."
Makes Trump sound like a modern-day Cnut

You have all the right letters. Just not necessarily in the right order.

kle4 · December 2

Benpointer said:

Scott_xP said:
Not a cult...

@atrupar.com‬

Kristi Noem: "Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane. You kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that."
Makes Trump sound like a modern-day Cnut

Cnut acknowledged there existed a power greater even than his own petty whims.

MattW · December 2

On diversity of Judges, they are diverse enough that I see some of our Tighty Righties (not on PB; more in the Rupert and Beyond type of category) ranting away about how X, Y or Z should not be a Judge from time to time.

Judges are more diverse than they were - iirc 1/3 or so are now women, and progress is being made on ethnic mix etc.

Did not Generic Bob have a rant about he would have Judges appointed by politicians to make sure they were all objective, and unbiased?

Benpointer · December 2

DougSeal said:

MarqueeMark said:
Mark Kelly is bald. It is generally stated that bald men don't get elected US President.
John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, James Garfield, and Dwight Eisenhower. All bald.

(I nearly mentioned Gerald Ford too, but swerved just in time, dodging a potentially fatal avalanche of corrections)

George W Bush didn't appear to have much up top tbf.

Benpointer · December 2

kle4 said:

Benpointer said:

Scott_xP said:
Not a cult...

@atrupar.com‬

Kristi Noem: "Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane. You kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that."
Makes Trump sound like a modern-day Cnut
Cnut acknowledged there existed a power greater even than his own petty whims.

Yes, yes... It was a typo.

kinabalu · December 2

Northern_Al said:

TimS said:

BlancheLivermore said:

Northern_Al said:

Burgessian said:
I have always felt that the crucial test for any Democratic candidate is whether you can imagine them being able to rock up to a bar and talk with ordinary working Americans.

You could imagine Joe Biden doing that before age did for him. But never, in a million years, Kamala or Hillary.

Mark Kelly? Yep.
Your crucial test is very much a bloke's test, so it's no surprise Kamala and Hillary fail. Same over here - the "who'd be good company and fun to have a pint with in a pub?" test has a male bias.
I'd definitely rather have a drink with Kemi (or Ange, even if she does think that I'm scum), than with Keir
I’d happily have a drink with any of them except Farage. Tice, possibly, if he was buying. I’d have him down as a G&T type.

Starmer probably a claret man, except when he’s having curry
Davey for a dry scrumpy or some English Sparkling / “Brit fizz”
Kemi presumably a Malbec to go with her lunchtime steak. I bet Jenrick’s one of those who orders Madri
Natural zero-sulphur pet Nat that tastes like cider with the hypnotist.
Rhun ap Iorwerth for a few pints of Brains down the rugby club
Starmer's a beer man. Seen frequently, before being famous, in The Pineapple, Kentish Town, a fine local boozer, downing pints.
He's probably really pissed off that he can't do that now.

He's a legend down there. I've been twice in the last year. You can still feel it.

(very high urinals though)

Omnium · December 2

MattW said:
On diversity of Judges, they are diverse enough that I see some of our Tighty Righties (not on PB; more in teh Rupert and Beyond category) ranting away about how X, Y or Z should not be a Judge.

Judges are more diverse than they were - iirc 1/3 or so are now women, and progress is being made on ethnic mix etc.

Did not Generic Bob have a rant about he would have Judges appointed by politicians to make sure they were all objective, and unbiased?

Shouldn't judges be immune to anything in their background?

Sunil_Prasannan · December 2

viewcode said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Carnyx said:

rcs1000 said:

Malmesbury said:

carnforth said:

ydoethur said:
If there genuinely was nothing to see, it's very odd that they would have taken a scan at all, especially in light of all the rumours it would inevitably start.

It is however possible that Trump thinks it's normal to have such scans so demanded it loudly and repeatedly until the doctor gave in.
Many countries (including America) will order scans for a given symptom much more frequently than the NHS would.
When I've gone to a private consultant (for me and my family), their attitude is X-Ray, MRI, {other test) and ALL the blood tests first. Then the consultant sees you. And points out the obvious answer from one of the tests.
"Mr Malmesbury, I'm adraid you are suffering from a complete cervical transection"
Depends which cervix you mean.
"People with a cervix"??
Not the one at the top of your vagina, the one at the top of your neck.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/795963

It was a joke, Saavik.

Compare and contrast – politicalbetting.com

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