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Reform are the favourites to win the most seats at the next general election – politicalbetting.com

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  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 132,501

    HYUFD said:

    FF43 said:

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Should have told them to mind their manners as you're trying to bring up your son properly.
    Experiences like this almost make me want to cheer on a radical ephebocracy that strips them of their pensions, bus passes, bed-blocking homes, tax breaks, and whacks full NI on them.

    They really are the most self-centered and entitled generation ever.
    Well they are entitled to eat the meal they have paid for without being disturbed, even if I have some sympathy in the sense you cannot keep an eye on your children every second.

    The boomers are also handing on bigger inheritances to the next generation than ever before and paid in all their working lives for their state pension and also do much of the voluntary work that keeps community activities going, so I dispute the idea they are so self centred.
    Take their inheritances off them and tell them they can get them back when they have learned some manners. There is no excuse for rudeness.
    That would be the boomers taking the inheritances off their children you mean, the boomers inherited far less from their parents than their children will from them
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    If BBC News coverage of things correlated with their importance, I'd have to conclude that Claudia Winkelman's career choices were things of global moment
  • Northern_AlNorthern_Al Posts: 9,282
    edited 7:17PM
    Following extensive research, I can report that rudeness, bad manners and general obnoxiousness (including intolerance of children) are fairly evenly distributed among the age groups of the adult population, and are not confined to the elderly.
  • FrankBoothFrankBooth Posts: 10,302
    edited 7:15PM

    Roger said:

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Instead of littering the site with articles by the hopelessly bigoted Stephen Pollard watch this rather beautiful animation 'The Boy the Mole The Fox and the Horse'. It won't make the Pollards of this world disappear but it might point you in a less bitter direction.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gn7t/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse
    What is so bigoted about Pollard?

    I speak for many, many educated people in this country who are sick and tired of the pandering to third-worldism that now seems to be the stock in trade of the Guardian, Channel 4 News, Sky and increasingly the BBC. You've done well financially by playing the global game. Some of us care about other things.
    Are you really accusing a Jewish man of making money out of globalism?
    Yes. But it's nothing to do with his ethnicity. He likes to make money from clients all over the world. You don't want politics getting in the way. Gerhard Schroder decided to be a Russian patron. God knows how many pies Trump has his fingers in. Our society is now full of elites who won't defend western civilisation because it doesn't pay to do so.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,163
    Just watching the last episode of Stranger Things, very Lord of the Ringsy. Our valiant little heroes in a quest to Mordor, a dark Lord, even a big fecking spider.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 84,861
    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    isam said:

    I laid Reform to win most seats at 2.06 a month or so ago, and would have thought I was in good shape considering the stories about Farage’s schooldays, but they’re 2.02 to lay now

    The Farage schoolboy stories is interesting. The same people mortally offended by it go out of their way to defend the Anti British anti Semite our govt, the previous govt, the Lib Dem’s and greens went to bat for. He said sorry and he was 32 at the time. Makes it okay.

    As for the Reform are Russian assets smear it looks like the Tories are on the receiving end now over Lord Wolfson defending Roman Abramovich.

    Still we have the impartial review into foreign influence in UK politics the govt is carrying out. A thorough and forensic analysis which will take a couple of months and conveniently timed to come out before the locals in May,

    I wonder what it will find and if it will be to labours advantage 🤔
    Nobody as far as I know is asking that Farage be stripped of his British citizenship and deported, they're simply asking Farage to offer some credible response to the allegations. As far as I am aware the other chap has already apologized unreservedly for his comments, which is certainly a step in the right direction. My personal view is everyone should be accountable for what they say but nobody should be cancelled for it.
    Unreservedly’, no, it was couched with caveats and he even used the Alf Garnett defence.

    He was also an adult when he made the comments, some very inflammatory to a large online audience.

    An apology make it all okay ?

    Farage was a child.
    For some of the time when the quotes originated, he was 17, older than Shamima Begum was when she 'went' to Syria.
    And ?

    I’ve never said I support her being stripped of citizenship

    Farage never sewed people into suicide vests either or indulged in the support of a terrorist body.
    Farage never indulged in the support of a terrorist body… except for https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/up-the-ra-nigel-farage-duped-into-using-republican-slogan-in-birthday-video-message-1.4698180
    Even the title of that article says ‘duped’.

    Or are you seriously saying he has supported the IRA here ?
    No, I am calling back to a humorous episode where he was duped into saying “up the RA”.
    Just as well then. It was just when you wrote this one I did wonder.

    “Farage never indulged in the support of a terrorist body… except for“

    Being a grifter, as many politicians have been, does not make one a terrorism supporter.
    True.

    He's just a terrorist's useful idiot.

    Rivals attack Farage for saying West provoked Ukraine war
    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cldd44zv3kpo.amp
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 57,019

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Some people are entitled twats.

    Good manners cost nothing.

    A few years ago a toddler wouldn't let me and my partner have our dinner in peace because she loved my partner's bright pink hair, she said she was beautiful and looked like a princess.

    The parents kept on apologising and I cheered them up by telling them they've got nothing to apologise for and said the only thing that would upset me was if they chastised their daughter now or later.

    The worst people are your type of couple who seem to be upset children are eating at restaurants near cinemas etc, I mean what do you expect.

    This is why speaking multiple languages is useful, you can swear at them and they don't have a fucking clue.
    "my partner's bright pink hair" my arse.

    Your bright pink trainers more like....
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801

    Roger said:

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Instead of littering the site with articles by the hopelessly bigoted Stephen Pollard watch this rather beautiful animation 'The Boy the Mole The Fox and the Horse'. It won't make the Pollards of this world disappear but it might point you in a less bitter direction.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gn7t/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse
    What is so bigoted about Pollard?

    I speak for many, many educated people in this country who are sick and tired of the pandering to third-worldism that now seems to be the stock in trade of the Guardian, Channel 4 News, Sky and increasingly the BBC. You've done well financially by playing the global game. Some of us care about other things.
    Are you really accusing a Jewish man of making money out of globalism?
    Yes. But it's nothing to do with his ethnicity. He likes to make money from clients all over the world. You don't want politics getting in the way. Gerhard Schroder decided to be a Russian patron. God knows how many pies Trump has his fingers in. Our society is now full of elites who won't defend western civilisation because it doesn't pay to do so.
    Indeed. They spend their money instead on social media platforms that spew out hatred for our modern society. At least, that’s what Elon Musk does.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Some people are entitled twats.

    Good manners cost nothing.

    A few years ago a toddler wouldn't let me and my partner have our dinner in peace because she loved my partner's bright pink hair, she said she was beautiful and looked like a princess.

    The parents kept on apologising and I cheered them up by telling them they've got nothing to apologise for and said the only thing that would upset me was if they chastised their daughter now or later.

    The worst people are your type of couple who seem to be upset children are eating at restaurants near cinemas etc, I mean what do you expect.

    This is why speaking multiple languages is useful, you can swear at them and they don't have a fucking clue.
    "my partner's bright pink hair" my arse.

    Your bright pink trainers more like....
    Would he look like a princess, even in them?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 84,861

    Just watching the last episode of Stranger Things, very Lord of the Ringsy. Our valiant little heroes in a quest to Mordor, a dark Lord, even a big fecking spider.

    Sadly, the last series was just a bit shit.

    Not terrible, but not very good either.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,163
    Roger said:


    A very good article in the Guardian about Mamdami who becomes New York Mayor today.

    There is some hope beyond Trump and Farage.....

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/01/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayor-antisemitism

    For all the PB bad losers whining about the winner of an election in a city far away, the actual Republican candidate shows how its’s done. In a forced choice I’d definitely take him over Cuomo.

    https://x.com/thecalvincooli1/status/2006858773156213212?s=61&t=LYVEHh2mqFy1oUJAdCfe-Q
  • FrankBoothFrankBooth Posts: 10,302

    Roger said:

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Instead of littering the site with articles by the hopelessly bigoted Stephen Pollard watch this rather beautiful animation 'The Boy the Mole The Fox and the Horse'. It won't make the Pollards of this world disappear but it might point you in a less bitter direction.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gn7t/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse
    What is so bigoted about Pollard?

    I speak for many, many educated people in this country who are sick and tired of the pandering to third-worldism that now seems to be the stock in trade of the Guardian, Channel 4 News, Sky and increasingly the BBC. You've done well financially by playing the global game. Some of us care about other things.
    I don’t know if he’s bigoted, but he was demonstrably wrong in his claim and clearly didn’t do even the simplest fact-checking, which rather suggests he’s not a good journalist.
    I'll grant you Amnesty at the very least do pay lip service to Iranian dissidents.

    However there is a much broader point articulated by the likes of Nick Cohen over many years about how left wing internationalism has lost its moral compass.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 7,234
    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    dixiedean said:

    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:

    HYUFD said:

    FF43 said:

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Should have told them to mind their manners as you're trying to bring up your son properly.
    Experiences like this almost make me want to cheer on a radical ephebocracy that strips them of their pensions, bus passes, bed-blocking homes, tax breaks, and whacks full NI on them.

    They really are the most self-centered and entitled generation ever.
    Well they are entitled to eat the meal they have paid for without being disturbed, even if I have some sympathy in the sense you cannot keep an eye on your children every second.

    The boomers are also handing on bigger inheritances to the next generation than ever before and paid in all their working lives for their state pension and also do much of the voluntary work that keeps community activities going, so I dispute the idea they are so self centred.
    Ah, the boomer defence force is activated.

    Yes, people can get annoyed at being disturbed, no one has said otherwise so a classic swerve there, the issue was how they chose to react to that annoyance.

    And I'd say forever parroting how people should be grateful and how they worked so hard is a classic sign of self centredness.

    I'm sure I shall be similar when I reach that age as well, it is a generational thing, but having worked and lived for years entitles people to respect, sure, but not to justify being a rude arse. And a majority do not think it does, but some definitely do.

    Also, since I'm not being handed down any inheritance from my forebears, by your logic do they deserve respect?

    Well if you don't say your annoyed how are you supposed to express it? In an ideal world parents would keep their children under control so they didn't go wandering off to the other side of the restaurant and disturbing other paying diners. However as I said in this circumstance Casino also had his wife with their daughter in the loo and in the real world it is difficult to keep an eye on children all the time.

    I also highly doubt you are not getting any inheritance, even if your parents didn't leave you any share of their house, which would be unusal in itself, I am sure they will leave you a piece of jewellery, a watch, a painting etc
    Children learn by exploring.
    Not by being kept "under control".
    They aren't animals.
    Yes, they explore in the garden, in woods, in parks, not in the middle of restaurants full of other paying diners
    And yet restaurant diners in other countries manage that fine.

    One of the main ways we learn, and not just as children, is by making mistakes. The art of living is to give just enough feedback that "no Casino Jr, it's polite to play quietly here". But that takes time.

    It also depends on all of us, especially those of us with the advantages of maturity and no children, not acting like children themselves. Which an awful lot of generation boomer, smarting at not getting their way for about the first time ever, are failing at.
    Do they? I don't remember lots of children crawling all over ours or neighbouring tables when dining out in France or Spain or Italy. Those nations like children but also expect parents to try and control and bring up well mannered children
    Hopefully you will get another chance soon to have personal experience of bringing up children. I hope Mrs. HYUFD is doing well.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455

    Just watching the last episode of Stranger Things, very Lord of the Ringsy. Our valiant little heroes in a quest to Mordor, a dark Lord, even a big fecking spider.

    I loved it.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455
    edited 7:30PM

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Some people are entitled twats.

    Good manners cost nothing.

    A few years ago a toddler wouldn't let me and my partner have our dinner in peace because she loved my partner's bright pink hair, she said she was beautiful and looked like a princess.

    The parents kept on apologising and I cheered them up by telling them they've got nothing to apologise for and said the only thing that would upset me was if they chastised their daughter now or later.

    The worst people are your type of couple who seem to be upset children are eating at restaurants near cinemas etc, I mean what do you expect.

    This is why speaking multiple languages is useful, you can swear at them and they don't have a fucking clue.
    "my partner's bright pink hair" my arse.

    Your bright pink trainers more like....
    Would he look like a princess, even in them?
    Well I have been mistaken for/called a queen a few times.
  • FrankBoothFrankBooth Posts: 10,302

    Roger said:

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Instead of littering the site with articles by the hopelessly bigoted Stephen Pollard watch this rather beautiful animation 'The Boy the Mole The Fox and the Horse'. It won't make the Pollards of this world disappear but it might point you in a less bitter direction.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gn7t/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse
    What is so bigoted about Pollard?

    I speak for many, many educated people in this country who are sick and tired of the pandering to third-worldism that now seems to be the stock in trade of the Guardian, Channel 4 News, Sky and increasingly the BBC. You've done well financially by playing the global game. Some of us care about other things.
    Are you really accusing a Jewish man of making money out of globalism?
    Yes. But it's nothing to do with his ethnicity. He likes to make money from clients all over the world. You don't want politics getting in the way. Gerhard Schroder decided to be a Russian patron. God knows how many pies Trump has his fingers in. Our society is now full of elites who won't defend western civilisation because it doesn't pay to do so.
    Indeed. They spend their money instead on social media platforms that spew out hatred for our modern society. At least, that’s what Elon Musk does.
    The trouble is you only see it when it is people like Musk.

    Anyway I'm sure your continued promotion of the 'wet market' hypothesis had nothing to do with having to keep on the right side of Chinese scientific research funders.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    I just got a lovely message back from the daughter of my recently deceased friend Weston Gavin, who I mentioned yesterday

    I forgot to mention, for our Star Wars geeks fans; he was also an engineer, Vlex Onopin, in Rogue One
  • PJHPJH Posts: 1,002

    Sean_F said:

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    You should have bought a pint of beer, and then tipped it over their heads.
    I fantasised about it.

    In reality, I was quietly British and did absolutely nothing, other than say to them they should consider being more tolerant.

    My wife gave them a death stare on the way out.
    If your wife is anything like mine was, that will have been ample retribution!
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,163

    Just watching the last episode of Stranger Things, very Lord of the Ringsy. Our valiant little heroes in a quest to Mordor, a dark Lord, even a big fecking spider.

    I loved it.
    It was good even if I found all the relentless teenageness a bit wearing.

    Just to bring the tone down, I see individuals have been asking Grok to provide porn using one of the poppets from the show.
    It’s a wonderful world.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,206
    edited 7:37PM
    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801
    edited 7:40PM

    Roger said:

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Instead of littering the site with articles by the hopelessly bigoted Stephen Pollard watch this rather beautiful animation 'The Boy the Mole The Fox and the Horse'. It won't make the Pollards of this world disappear but it might point you in a less bitter direction.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001gn7t/the-boy-the-mole-the-fox-and-the-horse
    What is so bigoted about Pollard?

    I speak for many, many educated people in this country who are sick and tired of the pandering to third-worldism that now seems to be the stock in trade of the Guardian, Channel 4 News, Sky and increasingly the BBC. You've done well financially by playing the global game. Some of us care about other things.
    Are you really accusing a Jewish man of making money out of globalism?
    Yes. But it's nothing to do with his ethnicity. He likes to make money from clients all over the world. You don't want politics getting in the way. Gerhard Schroder decided to be a Russian patron. God knows how many pies Trump has his fingers in. Our society is now full of elites who won't defend western civilisation because it doesn't pay to do so.
    Indeed. They spend their money instead on social media platforms that spew out hatred for our modern society. At least, that’s what Elon Musk does.
    The trouble is you only see it when it is people like Musk.

    Anyway I'm sure your continued promotion of the 'wet market' hypothesis had nothing to do with having to keep on the right side of Chinese scientific research funders.
    I've never been funded by Chinese scientific research funders. (I can probably give you a full list of everyone who's funded my research if you want that.) I don't even know how I'd go about getting such funding. The wet market is clearly proven by the evidence, particularly of high genetic variance in early human COVID-19 cases.

    Musk seems the egregious case at the moment, but feel free to offer some other names. Jeff Bezos is up there too.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031
    Nigelb said:

    Just watching the last episode of Stranger Things, very Lord of the Ringsy. Our valiant little heroes in a quest to Mordor, a dark Lord, even a big fecking spider.

    Sadly, the last series was just a bit shit.

    Not terrible, but not very good either.
    We enjoyed it.

    Final episodes/seasons can be awful sometimes, looking at you Game of Thrones/Lost, but I thought they did a good job.

    Especially in explaining some of the lore, which can always be risky in any sci fi or fantasy setting.
  • RattersRatters Posts: 1,688
    edited 7:46PM

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Some people are entitled twats.

    Good manners cost nothing.

    A few years ago a toddler wouldn't let me and my partner have our dinner in peace because she loved my partner's bright pink hair, she said she was beautiful and looked like a princess.

    The parents kept on apologising and I cheered them up by telling them they've got nothing to apologise for and said the only thing that would upset me was if they chastised their daughter now or later.

    The worst people are your type of couple who seem to be upset children are eating at restaurants near cinemas etc, I mean what do you expect.

    This is why speaking multiple languages is useful, you can swear at them and they don't have a fucking clue.
    Thanks Eagles, that helps.

    This restaurant was opposite the cinema, as it happens, as well as being in mid-afternoon during the school holidays.
    It's like going out to eat in Twickenham an hour after an England match has finished and complaining that some of the other patrons seen to have had a few too many beers.

    Restaurants generally cater for all of society. If you want to avoid small children then an up market restaurant at 8pm on a Saturday should be a fairly safe bet.

    If you want to avoid drunks then a family friendly restaurant at 12pm is also a safe bet, but there will be plenty of children about.

    If you want to be safe from all of that, you have your own home to eat in.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 21,723
    OT. Some beautiful shots of Rama Duwaji. A classical face

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DSocL5Wjf_I/

  • isamisam Posts: 43,290
    edited 7:45PM
    There are some interesting amounts of money on Betfair lined up to back a few of the runners to replace Sir Keir

    £946 at 6 Streeting
    £360 at 7.8 Farage
    £203 at 20 Kemi
    £359 at 36 Lucy Powell
    £86 at 90 Carns

    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/politics/market/1.230434795
  • OnlyLivingBoyOnlyLivingBoy Posts: 17,540

    kle4 said:

    FF43 said:

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    Should have told them to mind their manners as you're trying to bring up your son properly.
    "My son is three, what's your excuse for acting like a bratty child as well?"

    What many a parent will wish they could have said.
    Brilliant. The thing is, you think of these things hours later. What you could have said.

    When someone is rude to you in real life you don't expect it, because it's quite rare, so your first reaction is one of shock and surprise.
    What a horrible experience. Hard to get inside the mind of someone who is offended by a three year old coming to say hello. Some people are just vile misanthropes. Just be grateful not to be them I suppose, they must lead a very sad life.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031
    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 36,119

    Stephen Pollard putting it much better than me in The Jewish Chronicle. Probably goes further than I would but I understand the sentiment

    https://www.thejc.com/opinion/the-bbcs-silence-on-irans-protests-is-a-scandal-gpj1jurr

    My favourite bit:

    'There has been some anger on social media about the silence of NGOs, most obviously Amnesty International. But Amnesty long ago stopped being an organisation focused on freedom and liberty and became instead one of the world’s most lavishly funded hard left campaigning groups. There are few clearer examples of the red-green alliance between the left and Islamists than Amnesty. The global left abandoned Iranians decades ago because challenging the regime meant challenging the alliance. Amnesty would no more stand with the Iranian protestors than it would stand with the victims of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023.'

    Lordy! Isn't the Jewish Chronicle owned by BBC Bigwig and Conservative Party Grandee Robbie Gibb?
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 84,861
    According to @TousiTVOfficial, Arab proxies have arrived in Iran to help the Mullahs regime with suppressing the protests of the Iranian people

    I can confirm that all the men in the video below are speaking Arabic

    https://x.com/Nervana_1/status/2007124749986726168
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
    For most of the last few days the story has been buried very low down on it as far as I have seen, certainly I knew about things due to posts here well, well before it was prominent on the BBC.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801
    Nigelb said:

    According to @TousiTVOfficial, Arab proxies have arrived in Iran to help the Mullahs regime with suppressing the protests of the Iranian people

    I can confirm that all the men in the video below are speaking Arabic

    https://x.com/Nervana_1/status/2007124749986726168

    I don't know who those people are, but I would note that about 3.5% of the Iranian population natively speak Arabic, concentrated in Khuzestan province.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,163

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    The BBC used Palestinian reporters on the ground for reports, unfortunately there are 200+ fewer of them than there were 2 years ago. If the BBC used Iranian stringers for similar, they would end up in jail pdq.
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 48,652
    isam said:

    There are some interesting amounts of money on Betfair lined up to back a few of the runners to replace Sir Keir

    £946 at 6 Streeting
    £360 at 7.8 Farage
    £203 at 20 Kemi
    £359 at 36 Lucy Powell
    £86 at 90 Carns

    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/politics/market/1.230434795

    I'm on Mr Streeting to replace Sir Keir at much better than 6 🕺
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
    For most of the last few days the story has been buried very low down on it as far as I have seen, certainly I knew about things due to posts here well, well before it was prominent on the BBC.
    PB is a wonderful site and I often hear about a news story here first. I don't think that proves anything. Iran stories have been on the front page of the BBC news website all today. At best, you're saying the BBC was a bit slow to cover events, but your claim that "The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison" looks like hyperbole. It's rather like the claim earlier that Amnesty aren't standing with Iranian protestors.
    Today, yes.

    The BBC has been embarrassed into reporting the story more prominently today.

    PBers were reporting this days ago.

    News often breaks here first yes, and the BBC reporting an hour after PB is quite common. Days later is not.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 21,638

    Took my wife out to lunch today for her birthday with the family. Unfortunately, there was a moment my 3 year old son bolted off down the restaurant, whilst she was in the loo with my daughter, and I had to run after him to rescue him, but not before he'd climbed onto the bench on the table next to a couple eating. Never had this before but they were very rude about it, "Do you mind? We're trying to eat here." and then commented on my inability to keep my child under control. I must admit I was fuming for most of the rest of the meal, until my wife calmed me down.

    Yes, they were triple-lockers. Charming.

    I find that attitude towards other people's children quite maddening. They clearly have no idea what children are like, no interest in children, and no compassion at all.

    And really if they'd just been friendly to the child, your son, it would have brightened up everyone's day, including their own miserable existence.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,113
    Roger said:

    OT. Some beautiful shots of Rama Duwaji. A classical face

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DSocL5Wjf_I/

    Should've gone to Specsavers.
  • isamisam Posts: 43,290
    kinabalu said:

    isam said:

    There are some interesting amounts of money on Betfair lined up to back a few of the runners to replace Sir Keir

    £946 at 6 Streeting
    £360 at 7.8 Farage
    £203 at 20 Kemi
    £359 at 36 Lucy Powell
    £86 at 90 Carns

    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/politics/market/1.230434795

    I'm on Mr Streeting to replace Sir Keir at much better than 6 🕺
    I've laid him at 5.95 - we've got this game by the bollocks!
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,113

    GB News was set up to create right wing content for further propagation on social media. OFCOM are totally supine; they should not be able to use the “News” title.

    I only watch GB News for "research" purposes. :innocent:
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 22,898
    The “BBC isn’t reporting Iran” story is right up there with the “Sadiq mutilated the Israeli flag” one.

    Get a life!
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,983

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
    For most of the last few days the story has been buried very low down on it as far as I have seen, certainly I knew about things due to posts here well, well before it was prominent on the BBC.
    PB is a wonderful site and I often hear about a news story here first. I don't think that proves anything. Iran stories have been on the front page of the BBC news website all today. At best, you're saying the BBC was a bit slow to cover events, but your claim that "The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison" looks like hyperbole. It's rather like the claim earlier that Amnesty aren't standing with Iranian protestors.
    Today, yes.

    The BBC has been embarrassed into reporting the story more prominently today.

    PBers were reporting this days ago.

    News often breaks here first yes, and the BBC reporting an hour after PB is quite common. Days later is not.
    The first mention of the current protests on PB was 31st December (as far as I can tell) - the first article on the BBC was 30th December.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,113

    Nigelb said:

    According to @TousiTVOfficial, Arab proxies have arrived in Iran to help the Mullahs regime with suppressing the protests of the Iranian people

    I can confirm that all the men in the video below are speaking Arabic

    https://x.com/Nervana_1/status/2007124749986726168

    I don't know who those people are, but I would note that about 3.5% of the Iranian population natively speak Arabic, concentrated in Khuzestan province.
    Saddam Hussein called it "Arabistan".
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 48,652

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 31,083
    edited 8:13PM
    I'm a bit confused about Iran.
    Even Al Jazeera doesn't really have much detail.
    7 dead and 44 arrested.
    That doesn't sound like an imminent regime change.
    Are the complaints that it is bigger than that and therefore should be reported?
    Or that that in itself should be given more prominence?
    Or is someone in possession of more significant information which is being silenced?
    Or what?
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 48,652
    isam said:

    kinabalu said:

    isam said:

    There are some interesting amounts of money on Betfair lined up to back a few of the runners to replace Sir Keir

    £946 at 6 Streeting
    £360 at 7.8 Farage
    £203 at 20 Kemi
    £359 at 36 Lucy Powell
    £86 at 90 Carns

    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/politics/market/1.230434795

    I'm on Mr Streeting to replace Sir Keir at much better than 6 🕺
    I've laid him at 5.95 - we've got this game by the bollocks!
    Ooo, bad call, I think. But let's see.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 7,312
    Whatever the case may be.... Trust in the BBC is a thing of the past.
    Do they need BBC verify to check their own output or is that suspect too?
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031
    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 21,638
    dixiedean said:

    I'm a bit confused about Iran.
    Even Al Jazeera doesn't really have much detail.
    7 dead and 44 arrested.
    That doesn't sound like an imminent regime change.
    Are the complaints that it is bigger than that and therefore should be reported?
    Or that that in itself should be given more prominence?
    Or is someone in possession of more significant information which is being silenced?
    Or what?

    It's quite hard to get reliable numbers, but if those are accurate it's significant in that major priests have happened in more than 70 cities, and so the regime is not trying to disperse priests in most areas, despite there being attacks on police stations and the like.

    I think the most significant factor about the protests is that they are calling for the return of the Shah. Not fresh elections, not reform, but a complete end to the regime.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 84,861
    dixiedean said:

    I'm a bit confused about Iran.
    Even Al Jazeera doesn't really have much detail.
    7 dead and 44 arrested.
    That doesn't sound like an imminent regime change.
    Are the complaints that it is bigger than that and therefore should be reported?
    Or that that in itself should be given more prominence?
    Or is someone in possession of more significant information which is being silenced?
    Or what?

    It's extremely hard to make sense of such reports as there are.
    There are clearly widespread protests, but how much more can you glean from stuff like this ?

    NOW in the city of Shahriar, Iran.

    Amazing scenes coming out from all corners of Iran. Shahriar has also taken to the streets! "Don't be afraid, we're all together" is being shouted. ..

    https://x.com/Savakzadeh/status/2007130111603249656
  • TazTaz Posts: 23,564
    Saw a video on YouTube inside the bar in Switzerland just as the fire starts and people are just standing around filming it on their phones.

    Crazy. Fire spreads so quickly just look at Bradford.

    Just get out ASAP.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,163
    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    I think we’re getting somewhere though.
    Iran is preventing external media from reporting on what they’re doing and Israel is preventing external media from reporting on what they’re doing, ergo…?
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,983
    edited 8:25PM

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455
    edited 8:28PM

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    I think we’re getting somewhere though.
    Iran is preventing external media from reporting on what they’re doing and Israel is preventing external media from reporting on what they’re doing, ergo…?
    They've been ignoring the new Israel funded Hamas a month before the attack story.
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031
    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    3 days into the unrest and how prominently were they reporting it? Headline on the front of their website, or buried deep?
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 64,973
    Taz said:

    Saw a video on YouTube inside the bar in Switzerland just as the fire starts and people are just standing around filming it on their phones.

    Crazy. Fire spreads so quickly just look at Bradford.

    Just get out ASAP.

    I would make a comment about that being modern society in a nutshell, but 40 people dying in a fire is a tragedy - and a horrific one at that.

    A fire starts - you get out immediately.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107
    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
  • Jim_MillerJim_Miller Posts: 3,665
    When little kids are acting up, for example crying, I sometimes intervene by telling them they might be right, but I would need to hear more details. Saying that almost always stops the crying. Other times, I try to cheer the parent or parents by telling the kid that they are right, life is unfair -- and they probably hasn't even heard of income tax.

    A thought for Casino: Married women of a certain age often really, really want grandchildren, so there may have been jealousy behind that rudeness.

  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 12,407

    Well that went well.

    Uber has swerved paying millions of pounds to the UK exchequer under Rachel Reeves’s new “taxi tax” after the ride-hailing app rewrote contracts with its drivers.

    https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/02/uber-avoids-new-uk-taxi-tax-rewriting-driver-contracts

    It creates an incentive for our Rach to cut the VAT threshold…
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 8,126
    edited 8:30PM

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,206

    I just got a lovely message back from the daughter of my recently deceased friend Weston Gavin, who I mentioned yesterday

    I forgot to mention, for our Star Wars geeks fans; he was also an engineer, Vlex Onopin, in Rogue One

    https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Weston_Gavin
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0310545
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DRjuE9XjHD8/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DRjWqbwjXL9/
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455

    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
    Don't worry, Bibi will fund them again.

    Report: Israel Asked Qatar to Increase Funds Transferred to Hamas in Gaza a Month Before Oct. 7

    The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials


    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-02/ty-article/report-israel-asked-qatar-to-increase-funds-for-hamas-in-gaza-a-month-before-oct-7/0000019b-7db7-dd73-abff-7fff6f510000
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,983
    edited 8:34PM
    The Guardian actually published a detailed, data-based article on it here on the 31st: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/we-want-the-mullahs-gone-economic-crisis-sparks-biggest-protests-in-iran-since-2022

    A shorter one here on the 30th: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/iran-protesters-demands-widespread-dissent-currency-living-standards

    Not sure why BartholomewRoberts didn't bring it to our attention at the time.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    edited 8:34PM
    carnforth said:

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
    Broadcast is a common anagrind. It can mean scatter, like with seeds
  • MustaphaMondeoMustaphaMondeo Posts: 429
    I’m wishing the Iranian regime no good.

    Here’s hoping the best of the young don’t get murdered in their thousands.

    I can’t see how to help
    :(
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
    Don't worry, Bibi will fund them again.

    Report: Israel Asked Qatar to Increase Funds Transferred to Hamas in Gaza a Month Before Oct. 7

    The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials


    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-02/ty-article/report-israel-asked-qatar-to-increase-funds-for-hamas-in-gaza-a-month-before-oct-7/0000019b-7db7-dd73-abff-7fff6f510000
    Bibi paid Danegeld and it went tits up.

    But now the recipients might need a bit more.

    Blackmail worked for neither side.
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 8,126



    carnforth said:

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
    Broadcast is a common anagrind. It can mean scatter, like with seeds
    Odd. Broadcasting is about fidelity in parallel not confusion and disordering. But crossword setters stretch meanings I suppose.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 15,800
    Evening all :)

    Back to my experience in the deepest recesses of the Process State (apparently).

    We were running a lot of projects of various shapes, sizes and costs and employed a number of qualified Project Managers (PMs) whose role was surprisingly to manage the projects.

    As far as I could see, they spent less time managing the projects and more time managing the administration including a horrendously over-complicated tracker which was set up by the Senior PM and allowed him to report to the Head of Service who in turn could report to the Cabinet member on project progress, over or under spend and contractor performance.

    Now, all this monitoring (especially the financial side) was, I'm sure, justified (we were talking about "public money") but I was always wondering where the trust had gone and why the tracking spreadsheet had evolved the way it had and why everyone believed it as though it were Holy Writ.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107
    Eabhal said:

    The Guardian actually published a detailed, data-based article on it here on the 31st: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/we-want-the-mullahs-gone-economic-crisis-sparks-biggest-protests-in-iran-since-2022

    A shorter one here on the 30th: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/iran-protesters-demands-widespread-dissent-currency-living-standards

    Not sure why BartholomewRoberts didn't bring it to our attention at the time.

    So thats two days behind the Telegraph.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455
    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    viewcode said:

    I just got a lovely message back from the daughter of my recently deceased friend Weston Gavin, who I mentioned yesterday

    I forgot to mention, for our Star Wars geeks fans; he was also an engineer, Vlex Onopin, in Rogue One

    https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Weston_Gavin
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0310545
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DRjuE9XjHD8/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DRjWqbwjXL9/
    This is Weston making music in 1956, at age 21 as Jimmy Gavin

    https://youtu.be/vBwyf6hcQnQ
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
  • BartholomewRobertsBartholomewRoberts Posts: 27,031
    viewcode said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    I think I shall refuse to give over, thank you.The stories were there and the coverage existed. You didn't notice because you didn't care. But GBNews appeals to your intellectual priors by saying "BBC Bias!" and suddenly it's today's panic and Twitter people scream online. There'll be another one tomorrow or the day after and then Twitter people will scream online about something else.
    I don't watch GB News and never have done.

    I haven't posted much online here in recent days as I've been busy IRL with family and Christmas and New Years, but the Iran story is one I did comment on (in reply to Scott, not GB News or the BBC).

    The BBC is biased, and more importantly its shit. Its not very good at educating, informing or entertaining anymore. The sooner the licence fee is axed, the better.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
    For most of the last few days the story has been buried very low down on it as far as I have seen, certainly I knew about things due to posts here well, well before it was prominent on the BBC.
    PB is a wonderful site and I often hear about a news story here first. I don't think that proves anything. Iran stories have been on the front page of the BBC news website all today. At best, you're saying the BBC was a bit slow to cover events, but your claim that "The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison" looks like hyperbole. It's rather like the claim earlier that Amnesty aren't standing with Iranian protestors.
    Today, yes.

    The BBC has been embarrassed into reporting the story more prominently today.

    PBers were reporting this days ago.

    News often breaks here first yes, and the BBC reporting an hour after PB is quite common. Days later is not.
    There's no evidence that the BBC have been "embarrassed" into reporting this story. They've taken some time to check facts (and presumably staffing is lower over the bank holiday).
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    carnforth said:



    carnforth said:

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
    Broadcast is a common anagrind. It can mean scatter, like with seeds
    Odd. Broadcasting is about fidelity in parallel not confusion and disordering. But crossword setters stretch meanings I suppose.
    It means throw (cast) wide (broad) in both senses
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    There have been multiple stories about the situation on Iran on the BBC news website, so I am confused... what "silence"?
    For most of the last few days the story has been buried very low down on it as far as I have seen, certainly I knew about things due to posts here well, well before it was prominent on the BBC.
    PB is a wonderful site and I often hear about a news story here first. I don't think that proves anything. Iran stories have been on the front page of the BBC news website all today. At best, you're saying the BBC was a bit slow to cover events, but your claim that "The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison" looks like hyperbole. It's rather like the claim earlier that Amnesty aren't standing with Iranian protestors.
    Today, yes.

    The BBC has been embarrassed into reporting the story more prominently today.

    PBers were reporting this days ago.

    News often breaks here first yes, and the BBC reporting an hour after PB is quite common. Days later is not.
    There's no evidence that the BBC have been "embarrassed" into reporting this story. They've taken some time to check facts (and presumably staffing is lower over the bank holiday).
    There's also no evidence theyve been checking facts.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
    Paris and Edinburgh.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 84,861
    ..A confidential and classified directive issued by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic has been leaked.

    The document orders all major Iranian banks, payment networks, card systems and financial institutions to immediately enter emergency operational mode in anticipation of nationwide unrest, sabotage, shutdown scenarios and regime-level crisis.

    The directive explicitly instructs banks to:

    • Prepare for blackouts and infrastructure collapse
    • Secure and relocate critical financial data
    • Activate crisis-mode parallel payment systems
    • Prepare for system shutdowns, mass disruption, and nationwide instability
    • Create alternative financial survival mechanisms in case the regime loses control..

    https://x.com/GhorbaniiNiyak/status/2007072128076550568
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,983

    Eabhal said:

    The Guardian actually published a detailed, data-based article on it here on the 31st: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/we-want-the-mullahs-gone-economic-crisis-sparks-biggest-protests-in-iran-since-2022

    A shorter one here on the 30th: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/iran-protesters-demands-widespread-dissent-currency-living-standards

    Not sure why BartholomewRoberts didn't bring it to our attention at the time.

    So thats two days behind the Telegraph.
    The Telegraph got in a day earlier: 23:44 on the 29th: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/29/protests-call-death-to-dictator-iran/
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 9,612
    edited 8:43PM

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    I've booked a 7 day skiing holiday in Italy in February.
    I'm wondering if my legs are up to it.
    Some time it will be my last skiing holiday. :(
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
    Paris and Edinburgh.
    What have you done to deserve that ?
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227
    carnforth said:

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
    I used "moment" to mean importance in a post just a few moments before posting. I thought that that would be less obvious than the "broadcast" anagrind!
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    You're not exactly an unbiased point of view on Gaza, and you've been caught red-handed exaggerating here.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 64,973

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    I've gone Jet2.

    Wish me luck.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107
    Eabhal said:

    Eabhal said:

    The Guardian actually published a detailed, data-based article on it here on the 31st: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/we-want-the-mullahs-gone-economic-crisis-sparks-biggest-protests-in-iran-since-2022

    A shorter one here on the 30th: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/iran-protesters-demands-widespread-dissent-currency-living-standards

    Not sure why BartholomewRoberts didn't bring it to our attention at the time.

    So thats two days behind the Telegraph.
    The Telegraph got in a day earlier: 23:44 on the 29th: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/29/protests-call-death-to-dictator-iran/
    Yes its earlier..

    And earliest of all were on line news outlets.

  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
    Paris and Edinburgh.
    What have you done to deserve that ?
    My eldest is interested in geology, so we're off to visit Arthur's Seat.
  • BlancheLivermoreBlancheLivermore Posts: 7,227

    carnforth said:

    Still cryptically minded..

    Moment in camper, to broadcast (10)

    Importance. Well, that's the anagram and the straight clue is Moment. Not sure how broadcast is an anagram siginfier though.
    I used "moment" to mean importance in a post just a few moments before posting. I thought that that would be less obvious than the "broadcast" anagrind!
    I liked how the surface meaning seemed to indicate a person popping in to a campervan to send a quick, maybe secret, message
  • MustaphaMondeoMustaphaMondeo Posts: 429

    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
    Don't worry, Bibi will fund them again.

    Report: Israel Asked Qatar to Increase Funds Transferred to Hamas in Gaza a Month Before Oct. 7

    The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials


    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-02/ty-article/report-israel-asked-qatar-to-increase-funds-for-hamas-in-gaza-a-month-before-oct-7/0000019b-7db7-dd73-abff-7fff6f510000
    Bibi paid Danegeld and it went tits up.

    But now the recipients might need a bit more.

    Blackmail worked for neither side.
    Hmm

    Hamas was Israeli funded to keep Gaza disparate from the West Bank?

    I’ve heard it said before and it sounded Machiavellian and stupidly risky enough to gain some credence in my cynical worldview.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    I've gone Jet2.

    Wish me luck.
    Thoughts and prayers.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,113

    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
    Don't worry, Bibi will fund them again.

    Report: Israel Asked Qatar to Increase Funds Transferred to Hamas in Gaza a Month Before Oct. 7

    The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials


    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-02/ty-article/report-israel-asked-qatar-to-increase-funds-for-hamas-in-gaza-a-month-before-oct-7/0000019b-7db7-dd73-abff-7fff6f510000
    Bibi paid Danegeld and it went tits up.

    But now the recipients might need a bit more.

    Blackmail worked for neither side.
    Hmm

    Hamas was Israeli funded to keep Gaza disparate from the West Bank?

    I’ve heard it said before and it sounded Machiavellian and stupidly risky enough to gain some credence in my cynical worldview.
    https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years-netanyahu-propped-up-hamas-now-its-blown-up-in-our-faces/
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 12,983

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
    Paris and Edinburgh.
    What have you done to deserve that ?
    My eldest is interested in geology, so we're off to visit Arthur's Seat.
    Hire some Voi bikes to get a look at Samson's ribs from Duddingston Low Road. Then spook them out with the coffins at the National Museum.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 125,455
    Google thinks I should buy these.


  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,927

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    Skegness ?
    Paris and Edinburgh.
    Squinting, the average location of your holiday is around about Skegness.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 17,801

    Google thinks I should buy these.


    I would respect and admire a man in such shoes.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,107

    Eabhal said:

    kinabalu said:

    viewcode said:

    Nigelb said:

    Ah, so that's what prompted the whole BBC doesn't report on Iran schtick.

    'Obsessed' BBC in fresh bias row as broadcaster's 'near-total silence on Iran' is torn apart.
    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726

    Analysis of unimpeachable objectivity,

    There are reasons why the BBC aren't responding quickly...

    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007069082252951922#m
    https://x.com/DAaronovitch/status/2007077357018882165#m

    ...but they are reporting it...

    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007048343793570289#m
    https://x.com/BBCNewsPR/status/2007049567997661286#m

    In short, the BBC don't have a network on the ground in Iran (they are banned), but are reporting what they can.

    The GBNews interpretation - that the BBC is refusing to report due to bias or a desire to censor - is, if you'll forgive me, simply bullshit.

    https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2007000727961612726#m

    Oh give over.

    The BBC do not have reporters in Gaza, does not stop them headlining news from there when things kick off.

    The silence on Iran is deafening in comparison.
    Translation: this is just another gateway into saying there's too much talk about Gaza atrocities for 'Israel, right or wrong, are right' merchants.
    Not remotely.

    This story is far more serious than many of the trivialities they've had on their "news" website in recent days, even setting aside any New Years related stuff which is quite understandable.

    The contrast with Gaza is just enlightening about priorities.
    Count yourself lucky

    The BBC normally take their steer from the Guardian.

    On 30 December the Guardian were running with a puff piece from the Iranian foreign minister saying how peoaceful Iran's mullahs are.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/30/trump-should-defy-netanyahu-over-nuclear-talks-with-iran-says-its-foreign-minister

    Meanwhile the BBC were reporting on the protests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2llkjv8vo

    The 30th was the earliest any news agency/media reported it. This agenda is so transparent it's ridiculous.
    Certainly not.

    Im hugely concerned about who's going to fund those poor guys in Hamas. How will the Palestinians fair when there is no-one to beat them to death with iron bars or perform public executions ?
    Don't worry, Bibi will fund them again.

    Report: Israel Asked Qatar to Increase Funds Transferred to Hamas in Gaza a Month Before Oct. 7

    The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials


    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-02/ty-article/report-israel-asked-qatar-to-increase-funds-for-hamas-in-gaza-a-month-before-oct-7/0000019b-7db7-dd73-abff-7fff6f510000
    Bibi paid Danegeld and it went tits up.

    But now the recipients might need a bit more.

    Blackmail worked for neither side.
    Hmm

    Hamas was Israeli funded to keep Gaza disparate from the West Bank?

    I’ve heard it said before and it sounded Machiavellian and stupidly risky enough to gain some credence in my cynical worldview.
    Hamas got off the ground via Israel. It was a divide and rule play when the PLA was seen as the bigger threat, It went horribly wrong much like Bin Laden and the USA. Funding nutters is always a risky business.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,113

    Anyhoo.

    I've booked a 10 day holiday in February.

    I've gone Jet2.

    Wish me luck.
    Shirley better than Ryanair or Wizz?
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