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The self confidence of a lawyer – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 13,174
edited April 19 in General
The self confidence of a lawyer – politicalbetting.com

I think people misunderestimate JD Vance, he’s a lawyer and very few Catholics/people would have the self confidence to publicly lecture the Pope about theology, I am impressed at his self confidence.

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  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 9,246
    First among equals.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,918
    Contrary to popular belief not all lawyers are complete prats. Vance is not an exception to the general rule though.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    Must be very hard being JD Vance at the moment.

    He knows that every day this 'forever' war madness goes on is another nail in his 2028 ambitions.

    And he is obviously completely against the idea.

    And Trump is setting him up to be the fall guy when negotiations fail.

    What to do?
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    Synchronise your watches kids because it is time for the now traditional sunday evening call to Axios to manipulate the markets.

    Tell me market makers aren't going to buy this shit for yet another Monday?


    Barak Ravid
    @BarakRavid

    🚨In a brief call on Sunday, Trump told me he "feels fine" about the negotiations with Iran
    🚨"The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed," he said

    https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2045923289306935481
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 5,446
    An interesting thing to consider but the actual likely numbers will be fascinating.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,960
    edited April 19
    It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for 'em
  • Leon_VotedForStarmerLeon_VotedForStarmer Posts: 69,000
    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 5,446
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 19,661
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    If I was up in front of the judge and told him it's very very important you know something about the law, would you have to admire that - as a lawyer? Because that's what Vance is saying to the Pope on doctrine.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    Benpointer said:

    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    There you have it PB - Vance is toast.
    I dunno. I think he may have a point about Harris.

    Never underestimate the ability of the Dem party to fuck up.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 47,918
    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    The Harris you thought would edge it in 2024?
  • FishingFishing Posts: 6,356
    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    I agree with your second point but not your first.

    Vance's negatives are just too high - he is the least popular VP ever.

    He has none of the charisma or star power you need in a single candidate election to reach out beyond your base.

    I just don't see where he'd get a winning coalition of hardcore Republicans and Independents from, and he'd also have the added huge negative of having to defend the disasters of the Trump administration.

    So I think he'd be, to put it mildly, a core vote strategy for Republicans. And there just aren't enough MAGA fanatics to win.
  • BatteryCorrectHorseBatteryCorrectHorse Posts: 7,137
    Dems should really just choose somebody centrist.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,239
    rottenborough said:

    Benpointer said:

    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    There you have it PB - Vance is toast.
    I dunno. I think he may have a point about Harris.

    Never underestimate the ability of the Dem party to fuck up.
    Sometimes in a polarised situation like this people are put off switching because the other side demands a public recantation and penance. I'm not sure where the Democrats are in that respect, but it seems to be a feature of the discussion of Brexit in many respects still.
  • BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 37,030
    LostPassword said:

    rottenborough said:

    Benpointer said:

    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    There you have it PB - Vance is toast.
    I dunno. I think he may have a point about Harris.

    Never underestimate the ability of the Dem party to fuck up.
    Sometimes in a polarised situation like this people are put off switching because the other side demands a public recantation and penance. I'm not sure where the Democrats are in that respect, but it seems to be a feature of the discussion of Brexit in many respects still.
    Most people just quietly change their minds and forget they ever voted differently, surely?
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    edited April 19
    Fresh hell latest...


    Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE 🇬🇧
    @andreajenkyns

    Spring cleaning has officially taken a turn for the worse. 🤦‍♀️📸

    ​I’ve unearthed the 17-year-old modeling archives. I’m not sure what’s more of a health and safety risk: my 90s 'Blue Steel' pout or the sheer volume of hairspray required to keep that Rock Chic look structural. 💨💁‍♀️

    Let's see your 80s and 90s era photos!

    https://x.com/andreajenkyns/status/2045917664955048140
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,960
    rottenborough said:

    Fresh hell latest...


    Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE 🇬🇧
    @andreajenkyns

    Spring cleaning has officially taken a turn for the worse. 🤦‍♀️📸

    ​I’ve unearthed the 17-year-old modeling archives. I’m not sure what’s more of a health and safety risk: my 90s 'Blue Steel' pout or the sheer volume of hairspray required to keep that Rock Chic look structural. 💨💁‍♀️

    Let's see your 80s and 90s era photos!

    https://x.com/andreajenkyns/status/2045917664955048140

    Too many tweets make a....
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    LostPassword said:

    rottenborough said:

    Benpointer said:

    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    There you have it PB - Vance is toast.
    I dunno. I think he may have a point about Harris.

    Never underestimate the ability of the Dem party to fuck up.
    Sometimes in a polarised situation like this people are put off switching because the other side demands a public recantation and penance. I'm not sure where the Democrats are in that respect, but it seems to be a feature of the discussion of Brexit in many respects still.
    A regular feature of the Bulwark videos/podcast discussions is the imploring that non Trump voters especially people with influence don't say 'i told you so' etc etc.

  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    BatteryCorrectHorse said:

    Dems should really just choose somebody centrist.

    Ossaff?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 35,251
    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,239
    BatteryCorrectHorse said:

    Dems should really just choose somebody centrist.

    There are several problems with that.

    1. Centrism isn't that popular. Lots of people everywhere are pretty hopping mad at status quo centrism.
    2. If you never advocate for your side of the political debate, then you cede the political initiative to the other side, and you end up having to chase them as they shift the political centreground ever further in their direction.
    3. You have to offer something to the ideological people on your side in order to keep their support and to harness their energy as part of an election campaign. Where Democrats have arguably gone wrong is on doing this with identity issues, rather than economic issues.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,960
    No 10 has just published an explainer showing Olly Robbins was not prevented by law from telling Ministers that Peter Mandelson failed vetting

    https://x.com/PolitlcsUK/status/2045936804402995598?s=20
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388

    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,960
    edited April 19
    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    Chucked him under the bus, now reversing back over him...It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for 'em
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    Frankly Pippa Crerar's latest piece makes me think of Neil Kinnock's great speech about the "grotesque chaos".
  • BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 37,030
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 28,790
    BatteryCorrectHorse said:

    Dems should really just choose somebody centrist.

    That's not how political parties work. You end up with Starmer (who believes in nothing) or Davey (who generates content not principle). Tebbit used to say "the common ground, not the centre ground", and he was right.
  • carnforthcarnforth Posts: 9,246
    edited April 19
    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    He doesn't have, as Nick Di Paolo once said of Pope John Paul II, "the posture of a jumbo shrimp".
  • Clutch_BromptonClutch_Brompton Posts: 878
    OT - Ironic that the rump of Trumpism is now seeing Rubio as the coming saviour....
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    FF43 said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    If I was up in front of the judge and told him it's very very important you know something about the law, would you have to admire that - as a lawyer? Because that's what Vance is saying to the Pope on doctrine.
    It’s as ridiculous as telling the Prime Minister he knows nothing about politics…. oh wait!
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 4,848
    edited April 19
    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,388
    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 28,790
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    No 10 has just published an explainer showing Olly Robbins was not prevented by law from telling Ministers that Peter Mandelson failed vetting

    https://x.com/PolitlcsUK/status/2045936804402995598?s=20

    So it's the civil servants responsibility not the ministers, and the civil servant has to keep it confidential, but there's nothing stopping them flagging the confidential things to ministers so the minister can be informed of a decision that isn't their responsibility based on details that they are not allowed to know.

    This is "yes minister" levels of stupidity. Just throw them under the bus: don't pretend you're the good guy for doing so.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    My father took on the Chief Rabbi of Northern Ireland, and senior members of the Catholic and Protestant churches there, in philosophical argument. Some real hammer and tongs stuff - used to invite them round for lunch and go for it.

    Mind you, he was teaching (for decades) moral philosophy at Queens. During the fun times. Now *thats* a tough audience.
  • boulayboulay Posts: 8,908
    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
  • JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 8,261
    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    I thought we were originally told it was "protocol" that prevented it. So the no 10 argument is a huge non sequitur
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,804
    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    I don't find him as inspiring as his predecessor, who struck me as a genuinely good and holy man - and incidentally, quite far to the left in his politics. Early days of Leo's pontificate - so I could change my view - but he seems a bit of a committee man by comparison.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    JohnLilburne said:

    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    I thought we were originally told it was "protocol" that prevented it. So the no 10 argument is a huge non sequitur
    We will be debating the nature of the word “is” by Monday. Along with “notified” and “protocol”

    Thoughts and prayers for @Brixian59
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,239
    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    Imagine the disappointment of returning from a record-long nuclear missile submarine deployment to find that, not only is Starmer still Prime Minister, but he's come to welcome you home and delay you from returning to your family/going out on the lash/visiting the local professionals.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 59,813
    Leon said:

    I can easily see Vance winning in 2028 as “the sane version of Trump” - if Trump doesn’t kill us all before then or completely destroy the GOP

    The main reason is that the Dems are still nuts and are quite likely to nominate another loser like Harris. Or indeed Harris

    I would demur that Vance is actually MORE insane than Trump.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    The Macaroon did a master class on this.

    https://uk.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/president-delivers-speech-frances-nuclear-deterrence
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,804
    Malmesbury said:

    JohnLilburne said:

    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    I thought we were originally told it was "protocol" that prevented it. So the no 10 argument is a huge non sequitur
    We will be debating the nature of the word “is” by Monday. Along with “notified” and “protocol”

    Thoughts and prayers for @Brixian59
    This is where they need to get Bill Clinton in to advise them.
  • MelonBMelonB Posts: 17,363
    ThomasNashe said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    I don't find him as inspiring as his predecessor, who struck me as a genuinely good and holy man - and incidentally, quite far to the left in his politics. Early days of Leo's pontificate - so I could change my view - but he seems a bit of a committee man by comparison.
    All popes are just CEOs of a religious sect. Ayatollahs. Being Christian doesn’t make them any less Ayatollish. But it’s quite funny how those GOP bastions of orthodoxy are suddenly finding themselves more questioning than usual, now the pope’s a bit woke.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 29,513
    ThomasNashe said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    I don't find him as inspiring as his predecessor, who struck me as a genuinely good and holy man - and incidentally, quite far to the left in his politics. Early days of Leo's pontificate - so I could change my view - but he seems a bit of a committee man by comparison.
    Francis was a Putinist.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 29,513
    rottenborough said:

    Must be very hard being JD Vance at the moment.

    He knows that every day this 'forever' war madness goes on is another nail in his 2028 ambitions.

    And he is obviously completely against the idea.

    And Trump is setting him up to be the fall guy when negotiations fail.

    What to do?

    It may though be improving his 2027 ambitions.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,804
    edited April 19
    MelonB said:

    ThomasNashe said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    I don't find him as inspiring as his predecessor, who struck me as a genuinely good and holy man - and incidentally, quite far to the left in his politics. Early days of Leo's pontificate - so I could change my view - but he seems a bit of a committee man by comparison.
    All popes are just CEOs of a religious sect. Ayatollahs. Being Christian doesn’t make them any less Ayatollish. But it’s quite funny how those GOP bastions of orthodoxy are suddenly finding themselves more questioning than usual, now the pope’s a bit woke.
    In general I'd agree with that, but Francis was an exception.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    BlancheLivermore said:

    So I started my walk yesterday, and was a bit disappointed by my pace. I’d hoped to walk 27 miles to La Roche Bernard, but by 2pm I’d only managed to go just over 11 miles

    I stopped for a beer, and to try to book something a bit closer. The only decent looking place I could find was in a town called Muzillac that was just five miles away

    I was a bit irritated that I was only going to get 16 miles done, and had to remind myself that I did break an ankle and seven ribs only nine months back, followed by four months off

    I arrived in Muzillac to a lovely, thatched stone farmhouse. The couple who ran it were Swiss and in their late fifties, they’d sold up in Switzerland ten years ago to move to a much bigger place in Brittany

    They were so friendly and welcoming; they gave me a bottle of lovely, and strong, local beer, and we chatted in the garden for about an hour. I noticed that time was getting on, so said that I’d need to go out for dinner

    They gave me a couple of recommendations, but said if I wanted to, to please stay with them for dinner. I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so stayed for baked fish, chips, stuffed tomatoes and salad, with a couple of glasses of wine. And a large whisky after

    They made me a good breakfast first thing this morning, and then refused to let me pay for the dinner and drinks the night before , so I set off for La Roche Bernard

    I arrived there, about eleven miles away, and was rather surprised to find the beautiful, tiny city in the midst of a medieval festival. People were dressed up as soldiers, jesters and wenches. There were bagpipes and drums, fire breathers , jugglers, sword fighting and much more

    I stopped for a couple of beers, watched the show and found a place to stay tonight. I booked a little house in a town called Missillac, eight miles further on. I headed off there and arrived at about six thirty

    On the way I realised that I hadn’t thought about stocking up with any supplies, and everywhere was shut. I met the host there; another lovely lady, I think in her late thirties. I told her my predicament

    She responded by asking if I wanted a beer, she could grab us each one from her house, about 100 metres away, we could drink them together, and then she’d drive me to the golf club, where the clubhouse was definitely open for dinner

    We had a really nice chat with the beers, and on the drive to the golf club, then a hug after she dropped me off

    I’m now at the clubhouse and have just finished steak tartare for starter and prawn curry with black rice for main. I’m now feeling quite blessed


    You should assemble these travels into a blog - or even a book.
  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 6,305
    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Some Pope's Mothers are Popier than other Pope's Mothers?
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    edited April 19
    ThomasNashe said:

    Malmesbury said:

    JohnLilburne said:

    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    I thought we were originally told it was "protocol" that prevented it. So the no 10 argument is a huge non sequitur
    We will be debating the nature of the word “is” by Monday. Along with “notified” and “protocol”

    Thoughts and prayers for @Brixian59
    This is where they need to get Bill Clinton in to advise them.
    I think we all miss the days when crazy shit the President did was getting some with an intern in the Oval Office.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 22,874
    FF43 said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    If I was up in front of the judge and told him it's very very important you know something about the law, would you have to admire that - as a lawyer? Because that's what Vance is saying to the Pope on doctrine.
    The important thing is that JDV is an adult convert, with all the zeal that implies.

    Every lifelong Catholic I've ever met is like "I think we're supposed to give this food to poor people" and every adult convert is like "the Archon of Constantinople's epistle on the Pentacostine rites of the eucharist clearly states women shouldn't have driver's licenses."

    It's not the first Pope it's happened with, either. There was that argument with Pope Francis about the order of love just before he died.
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 29,513
    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    Unfortunately too many people have got too used to getting too much for free.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,188
    Good evening

    If this is repeated by Olly Robbins on Tuesday then Starmer has serious questions to face plus unfair dismissal

    https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17xqqVAGnd/
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    BlancheLivermore said:

    So I started my walk yesterday, and was a bit disappointed by my pace. I’d hoped to walk 27 miles to La Roche Bernard, but by 2pm I’d only managed to go just over 11 miles

    I stopped for a beer, and to try to book something a bit closer. The only decent looking place I could find was in a town called Muzillac that was just five miles away

    I was a bit irritated that I was only going to get 16 miles done, and had to remind myself that I did break an ankle and seven ribs only nine months back, followed by four months off

    I arrived in Muzillac to a lovely, thatched stone farmhouse. The couple who ran it were Swiss and in their late fifties, they’d sold up in Switzerland ten years ago to move to a much bigger place in Brittany

    They were so friendly and welcoming; they gave me a bottle of lovely, and strong, local beer, and we chatted in the garden for about an hour. I noticed that time was getting on, so said that I’d need to go o for dinner

    They gave me a couple of recommendations, but said if I wanted to, to please stay with them for dinner. I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so stayed for baked fish, chips, stuffed tomatoes and salad, with a couple of glasses of wine. And a large whisky after

    They made me a good breakfast first thing this morning, and then refused to let me pay for the dinner and drinks the night before , so I set off for La Roche Bernard

    I arrived there, about eleven miles away, and was rather surprised to find the beautiful, tiny city in the midst of a medieval festival. People were dressed up as soldiers, jesters and wenches. There were bagpipes and drums, fire breathers , jugglers, sword fighting and much more

    I stopped for a couple of beers, watched the show and found a place to stay tonight. I booked a little house in a town called Missillac, eight miles further on. I headed off there and arrived at about six thirty

    On the way I realised that I hadn’t thought about stocking up with any supplies, and everywhere was shut. I met the host there; another lovely lady, I think in her late thirties. I told her my predicament

    She responded by asking if I wanted a beer, she could grab us each one from her house, about 100 metres away, we could drink them together, and then she’d drive me to the golf club, where the clubhouse was definitely open for dinner

    We had a really nice chat with the beers, and on the drive to the golf club, then a hug after she dropped me off

    I’m now at the clubhouse and have just finished steak tartare for starter and prawn curry with black rice for main. I’m now feeling quite blessed


    It’s not the miles that count. It’s what you see and do in those miles.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 43,522
    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”
  • MelonBMelonB Posts: 17,363
    Stuartinromford said:

    FF43 said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    If I was up in front of the judge and told him it's very very important you know something about the law, would you have to admire that - as a lawyer? Because that's what Vance is saying to the Pope on doctrine.
    The important thing is that JDV is an adult convert, with all the zeal that implies.

    Every lifelong Catholic I've ever met is like "I think we're supposed to give this food to poor people" and every adult convert is like "the Archon of Constantinople's epistle on the Pentacostine rites of the eucharist clearly states women shouldn't have driver's licenses."

    It's not the first Pope it's happened with, either. There was that argument with Pope Francis about the order of love just before he died.
    I have Catholic convert in-laws. I feel the pain.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    a
    Pro_Rata said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Some Pope's Mothers are Popier than other Pope's Mothers?
    The born and bred Catholics in my family (South Americans) all hold JP II as the Best Pope. The more recent popes are respected, but considered a lower grade.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 22,035
    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    Gallowgate said:

    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?

    Catholics for the last 1500 years have managed it when they feel like it.
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,553
    Gallowgate said:

    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?

    Being More Catholic Than The Pope, is a long standing thing.

    Up to, and including, holding that the current pope is a representative of the Devil.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 22,035
    kle4 said:

    Gallowgate said:

    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?

    Catholics for the last 1500 years have managed it when they feel like it.
    Says it all really
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 35,251
    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Yes. No gravitas. I don't really understand why it needs to be an American. Have the Irish not had a turn yet?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,885
    https://x.com/alexwickham/status/2045940117659873347

    And a Whitehall source says: “One by one we have demolished all of the arguments put forward by Olly’s ‘allies.’ We have the receipts.”

    The govt is coming out swinging tonight and seems to think it can show Robbins was the one who got it wrong
  • RattersRatters Posts: 2,028
    DavidL said:

    Scott_xP said:

    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”

    By the end of this war Ukraine just might be the most powerful country in Europe.
    Russia may finally, ironically, actually have a reason to fear Kyiv on its border.

    All it took for four years of invading them.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Yes. No gravitas. I don't really understand why it needs to be an American. Have the Irish not had a turn yet?
    Country Number of popes
    Africa Province (Roman Empire) 3
    Croatia (Kingdom of the Lombards)
    Dalmatia 2
    Judaea Province (Roman Empire)
    Byzantine Palestine 3
    Asia Minor 2
    Roman Greece and Byzantine Greece 5
    Roman/Byzantine Syria, and Bilad al-Sham 7
    Austrian part of Holy Roman Empire 1
    England 1
    Lusitania (Roman Empire) and Portugal 2
    Kingdom of France (medieval)
    French part of Holy Roman Empire 17
    Spain (Valencia in the Crown of Aragon) 2
    Dutch part of Holy Roman Empire 1
    Italian Peninsula (see below) 217
    Vatican City 9
    Poland 1
    German part of Holy Roman Empire
    Contemporary Germany 4
    Argentina 1
    United States 1
    Total 265


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popes_by_country
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    edited April 19
    DavidL said:

    Scott_xP said:

    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”

    By the end of this war Ukraine just might be the most powerful country in Europe.
    We should take it one step further. Europe the most powerful continent in the world. Sorry, America.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    DavidL said:

    Scott_xP said:

    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”

    By the end of this war Ukraine just might be the most powerful country in Europe.
    Will there be a true end? I fear not.

    But their military is probably going to be superior to anyone else.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,960
    edited April 19
    williamglenn said:

    https://x.com/alexwickham/status/2045940117659873347

    And a Whitehall source says: “One by one we have demolished all of the arguments put forward by Olly’s ‘allies.’ We have the receipts.”

    The govt is coming out swinging tonight and seems to think it can show Robbins was the one who got it wrong

    They are obviously worried that he might have been thinking of saying something on Tuesday. But making sure he is out of the match before it starts.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    Gallowgate said:

    kle4 said:

    Gallowgate said:

    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?

    Catholics for the last 1500 years have managed it when they feel like it.
    Says it all really
    The biggest enemy of many popes appears to be the Vatican bureaucracy, to hear them tell it.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,417
    kle4 said:

    Gallowgate said:

    kle4 said:

    Gallowgate said:

    If you’re not Catholic the Pope is an irrelevance. If you are Catholic, then he’s the holy appointee of god. If you question him, then are you really Catholic?

    Catholics for the last 1500 years have managed it when they feel like it.
    Says it all really
    The biggest enemy of many popes appears to be the Vatican bureaucracy, to hear them tell it.
    Not while Trump's alive...
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    williamglenn said:

    https://x.com/alexwickham/status/2045940117659873347

    And a Whitehall source says: “One by one we have demolished all of the arguments put forward by Olly’s ‘allies.’ We have the receipts.”

    The govt is coming out swinging tonight and seems to think it can show Robbins was the one who got it wrong

    They are obviously worried that he might have been thinking of saying something on Tuesday. But making sure he is out of the match before it starts.
    The timing of his appointment seems very suspicious. Did his predecessor refuse to overrule the security vetting?
  • Leon_VotedForStarmerLeon_VotedForStarmer Posts: 69,000
    edited April 19
    Just been reading about the working conditions of Ulster linen weavers 1850–1900 (mainly female from the age of 12)

    Jesus Ballycastle Christ

    Barefoot ankle deep in scalding water breathing fetid air that carried endless diseases in front of machinery that made them deaf and generally crippled them by the age of 30

    Their life expectancy was lower than coal miners of the same era

    White privilege, eh?
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    Leon said:

    Just need reading about the working conditions of Ulster linen weavers 1850–1900 (mainly female from the age of 12)

    Jesus Ballycastle Christ

    Barefoot ankle deep in scalding water breathing fetid air that carried endless diseases in front of machinery that made them deaf and generally crippled them by the age of 30

    Their life expectancy was lower than coal miners of the same era

    Amazing what human beings can bear (for a time). We used to soldiers to war without boots sometimes too.

    Thank god we live in such soft times - almost all warm and dry whenever we wish to be.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 22,035
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Yes. No gravitas. I don't really understand why it needs to be an American. Have the Irish not had a turn yet?
    Take it up with god pal
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    Leon said:

    Just been reading about the working conditions of Ulster linen weavers 1850–1900 (mainly female from the age of 12)

    Jesus Ballycastle Christ

    Barefoot ankle deep in scalding water breathing fetid air that carried endless diseases in front of machinery that made them deaf and generally crippled them by the age of 30

    Their life expectancy was lower than coal miners of the same era

    White privilege, eh?

    Just wait until Reform abolish Health & Safety legislation. You’ll be knapping underground in a cave in Brandon with blood pouring from your hands.
  • boulayboulay Posts: 8,908
    Leon said:

    Just been reading about the working conditions of Ulster linen weavers 1850–1900 (mainly female from the age of 12)

    Jesus Ballycastle Christ

    Barefoot ankle deep in scalding water breathing fetid air that carried endless diseases in front of machinery that made them deaf and generally crippled them by the age of 30

    Their life expectancy was lower than coal miners of the same era

    White privilege, eh?

    Strange how humans are in that way closer to bees and ants than other mammals. Millions of drones/workers slaving away and not really getting any benefit except the “greater good”.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,918
    another_richard said:

    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    Unfortunately too many people have got too used to getting too much for free.
    I am being bombarded with non stop SNP adverts this evening. It's quite remarkable, there are no other adverts showing. And it is an endless list of "free" and "protected" benefits and rights. Absolutely nothing about growing our economy, improving competitiveness, encouraging investment, attracting foreign investment. Just a list of supposed freebies. This is what our politics is reduced to.
  • Leon_VotedForStarmerLeon_VotedForStarmer Posts: 69,000
    BlancheLivermore said:

    So I started my walk yesterday, and was a bit disappointed by my pace. I’d hoped to walk 27 miles to La Roche Bernard, but by 2pm I’d only managed to go just over 11 miles

    I stopped for a beer, and to try to book something a bit closer. The only decent looking place I could find was in a town called Muzillac that was just five miles away

    I was a bit irritated that I was only going to get 16 miles done, and had to remind myself that I did break an ankle and seven ribs only nine months back, followed by four months off

    I arrived in Muzillac to a lovely, thatched stone farmhouse. The couple who ran it were Swiss and in their late fifties, they’d sold up in Switzerland ten years ago to move to a much bigger place in Brittany

    They were so friendly and welcoming; they gave me a bottle of lovely, and strong, local beer, and we chatted in the garden for about an hour. I noticed that time was getting on, so said that I’d need to go out for dinner

    They gave me a couple of recommendations, but said if I wanted to, to please stay with them for dinner. I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so stayed for baked fish, chips, stuffed tomatoes and salad, with a couple of glasses of wine. And a large whisky after

    They made me a good breakfast first thing this morning, and then refused to let me pay for the dinner and drinks the night before , so I set off for La Roche Bernard

    I arrived there, about eleven miles away, and was rather surprised to find the beautiful, tiny city in the midst of a medieval festival. People were dressed up as soldiers, jesters and wenches. There were bagpipes and drums, fire breathers , jugglers, sword fighting and much more

    I stopped for a couple of beers, watched the show and found a place to stay tonight. I booked a little house in a town called Missillac, eight miles further on. I headed off there and arrived at about six thirty

    On the way I realised that I hadn’t thought about stocking up with any supplies, and everywhere was shut. I met the host there; another lovely lady, I think in her late thirties. I told her my predicament

    She responded by asking if I wanted a beer, she could grab us each one from her house, about 100 metres away, we could drink them together, and then she’d drive me to the golf club, where the clubhouse was definitely open for dinner

    We had a really nice chat with the beers, and on the drive to the golf club, then a hug after she dropped me off

    I’m now at the clubhouse and have just finished steak tartare for starter and prawn curry with black rice for main. I’m now feeling quite blessed


    Superb!

    Keep them coming

    You must be personally very charming. This doesn’t happen to everyone yet it quite often happens to you

    👏
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,239
    Luckyguy1983 said:

    solarflare said:

    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Some Popes are Popier than other Popes.
    Yes. No gravitas. I don't really understand why it needs to be an American. Have the Irish not had a turn yet?
    Pope Leo did most (all?) of his bishoping down in South America, which is likely to have been more influential than his country of birth in the choice to make him Pope. Catholicism seems to be relatively strong in South America.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,097
    DavidL said:

    another_richard said:

    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    Unfortunately too many people have got too used to getting too much for free.
    I am being bombarded with non stop SNP adverts this evening. It's quite remarkable, there are no other adverts showing. And it is an endless list of "free" and "protected" benefits and rights. Absolutely nothing about growing our economy, improving competitiveness, encouraging investment, attracting foreign investment. Just a list of supposed freebies. This is what our politics is reduced to.
    Strangely, I’ve been bombarded with leaflets telling me to vote Tory to prevent an SNP majority. Don’t you have any other policies?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,692
    edited April 19
    rottenborough said:

    Synchronise your watches kids because it is time for the now traditional sunday evening call to Axios to manipulate the markets.

    Tell me market makers aren't going to buy this shit for yet another Monday?


    Barak Ravid
    @BarakRavid

    🚨In a brief call on Sunday, Trump told me he "feels fine" about the negotiations with Iran
    🚨"The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed," he said

    https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2045923289306935481

    "Concepts of a plan" redux.
    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/opinion/trump-harris-concepts-obamacare.html

    That was a couple of years ago.
    Still pending.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 6,058
    DavidL said:

    Scott_xP said:

    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”

    By the end of this war Ukraine just might be the most powerful country in Europe.
    It's reminding me of the rapid 'progress' we saw during WW1 with artillery and general 'modern warfare'. Cost, body-count and time pressures leading to innovation after innovation. Meanwhile Russia just seem to be content with pushing more lads into the meat grinder. Which is... grim.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,918
    Fairliered said:

    DavidL said:

    another_richard said:

    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    Unfortunately too many people have got too used to getting too much for free.
    I am being bombarded with non stop SNP adverts this evening. It's quite remarkable, there are no other adverts showing. And it is an endless list of "free" and "protected" benefits and rights. Absolutely nothing about growing our economy, improving competitiveness, encouraging investment, attracting foreign investment. Just a list of supposed freebies. This is what our politics is reduced to.
    Strangely, I’ve been bombarded with leaflets telling me to vote Tory to prevent an SNP majority. Don’t you have any other policies?
    I'm not a Tory. But a party that is about to lose 3/4 of their seats probably should stick to the best point.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,814
    DavidL said:

    another_richard said:

    boulay said:

    rottenborough said:

    As the No 10 centre and Treasury block every attempt to rearm ourselves for war against Russia we have this utter tripe:




    UK Prime Minister
    @10DowningStreet
    ·
    59m
    Visiting the crew of a Vanguard-Class submarine as they return from a record-long deployment.

    As we face an increasingly volatile world, our nuclear deterrent is more important than ever.

    Thank you for keeping Britain and NATO safe 🇬🇧

    They will do every contortion they can to avoid having to spend money on defence and have a plan because they are so removed from the reality of war and assume that others will pick up the slack through NATO.

    The silly thing is that if they scared the shit out of the population and started talking about drafts, compulsory training, plans for an emergency then it might help by making the population get a bit more serious. At the moment I (and I will likely be put in my box on this here) think we are a bit of a soft joke of a general country. People are addicted to quick hits, fripperies, idiocracy, selfishness.

    The country as a whole needs to possibly be a bit more serious - nothing comes fro free.
    Unfortunately too many people have got too used to getting too much for free.
    I am being bombarded with non stop SNP adverts this evening. It's quite remarkable, there are no other adverts showing. And it is an endless list of "free" and "protected" benefits and rights. Absolutely nothing about growing our economy, improving competitiveness, encouraging investment, attracting foreign investment. Just a list of supposed freebies. This is what our politics is reduced to.
    We think we can afford everything and growth is unnecessary. That's already bad, but it is going to be even worse.

    Could it just wait until I'm dead to blow up completely?
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 6,058
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Good evening

    If this is repeated by Olly Robbins on Tuesday then Starmer has serious questions to face plus unfair dismissal

    https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17xqqVAGnd/

    Other than 'Sign up to Facebook' - what does it say?
  • FF43FF43 Posts: 19,661
    Stuartinromford said:

    FF43 said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    If I was up in front of the judge and told him it's very very important you know something about the law, would you have to admire that - as a lawyer? Because that's what Vance is saying to the Pope on doctrine.
    The important thing is that JDV is an adult convert, with all the zeal that implies.

    Every lifelong Catholic I've ever met is like "I think we're supposed to give this food to poor people" and every adult convert is like "the Archon of Constantinople's epistle on the Pentacostine rites of the eucharist clearly states women shouldn't have driver's licenses."

    It's not the first Pope it's happened with, either. There was that argument with Pope Francis about the order of love just before he died.
    Is the Pope a Catholic? No he isn't, but I am!
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,692
    Cyclefree said:

    Actual Catholic here.

    Vance is arguing with the Pope about what is a just war without realising or remembering that the Pope was the head of the Augustinian Order and it was St Augustine of Hippo who pretty much invented the Christian idea of "just war". The Pope is likely to understand it a lot better than Vance.

    I quite like Leo. He has just been on a visit to North Africa, going to some of the places associated with Augustine.

    The theory of just war has been well understood for quite a long time.
    Though clearly not by JD.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,188
    edited April 19
    US takes custody of an Iranian flag cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade

    Trump - blew a hole in the engine room !!!!!
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 79,502
    Benpointer said:

    Luckyguy1983 said:

    AnneJGP said:

    TheScreamingEagles said:

    I am not to suffer lack of self confidence or be plagued by self doubt, but blimey, lecturing the Pope on theology, that's a kind of arrogance I have to admire on one level

    The Pope is just another American to JDV, presumably. Equals.
    I agree. He is just an American. I don't see him as a Pope. It's annoying. He looks very healthy and spry too. Going to be around for an absolute age.
    You don't see him as a Pope... on what basis?

    Was he not elected by the conclave of cardinals in the usual way?
    Nah, he’s just Aving you on.

    #subtlepunning
  • boulayboulay Posts: 8,908
    Leon said:

    BlancheLivermore said:

    So I started my walk yesterday, and was a bit disappointed by my pace. I’d hoped to walk 27 miles to La Roche Bernard, but by 2pm I’d only managed to go just over 11 miles

    I stopped for a beer, and to try to book something a bit closer. The only decent looking place I could find was in a town called Muzillac that was just five miles away

    I was a bit irritated that I was only going to get 16 miles done, and had to remind myself that I did break an ankle and seven ribs only nine months back, followed by four months off

    I arrived in Muzillac to a lovely, thatched stone farmhouse. The couple who ran it were Swiss and in their late fifties, they’d sold up in Switzerland ten years ago to move to a much bigger place in Brittany

    They were so friendly and welcoming; they gave me a bottle of lovely, and strong, local beer, and we chatted in the garden for about an hour. I noticed that time was getting on, so said that I’d need to go out for dinner

    They gave me a couple of recommendations, but said if I wanted to, to please stay with them for dinner. I don’t like to look a gift horse in the mouth, so stayed for baked fish, chips, stuffed tomatoes and salad, with a couple of glasses of wine. And a large whisky after

    They made me a good breakfast first thing this morning, and then refused to let me pay for the dinner and drinks the night before , so I set off for La Roche Bernard

    I arrived there, about eleven miles away, and was rather surprised to find the beautiful, tiny city in the midst of a medieval festival. People were dressed up as soldiers, jesters and wenches. There were bagpipes and drums, fire breathers , jugglers, sword fighting and much more

    I stopped for a couple of beers, watched the show and found a place to stay tonight. I booked a little house in a town called Missillac, eight miles further on. I headed off there and arrived at about six thirty

    On the way I realised that I hadn’t thought about stocking up with any supplies, and everywhere was shut. I met the host there; another lovely lady, I think in her late thirties. I told her my predicament

    She responded by asking if I wanted a beer, she could grab us each one from her house, about 100 metres away, we could drink them together, and then she’d drive me to the golf club, where the clubhouse was definitely open for dinner

    We had a really nice chat with the beers, and on the drive to the golf club, then a hug after she dropped me off

    I’m now at the clubhouse and have just finished steak tartare for starter and prawn curry with black rice for main. I’m now feeling quite blessed


    Superb!

    Keep them coming

    You must be personally very charming. This doesn’t happen to everyone yet it quite often happens to you

    👏
    Both stories could have needed up as pornos though so well done Blanche for not taking advantage, or silly Blanche.
  • Leon_VotedForStarmerLeon_VotedForStarmer Posts: 69,000
    I am now quite desperate to buy some antique Ulster linen from about 1890

    I already have about a dozen Ulster linen tea towels from the post war era (they are the world’s best tea towels)

    But imagine the dark noom of linen from 1892
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 35,251
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    US takes custody of an Iranian flag cargo ship attempting to bypass the blockade

    Trump - blew a hole in the engine room !!!!!

    Good. Exactly what they need to be doing.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,188
    ohnotnow said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Good evening

    If this is repeated by Olly Robbins on Tuesday then Starmer has serious questions to face plus unfair dismissal

    https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17xqqVAGnd/

    Other than 'Sign up to Facebook' - what does it say?
    The decision to appoint Mandelson was made by the PM
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,918
    ohnotnow said:

    DavidL said:

    Scott_xP said:

    ‪@chadbourn.bsky.social‬

    Zelenskyy makes a big announcement: “We have already reached 10-year agreements with three key countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. We already have requests from 11 countries – the Middle East and the Gulf, plus we’re also gradually turning our attention to the Caucasus.

    “Within this Drone Deal, there will be at least 10 different agreements covering various categories of Ukrainian weapons exports. Co-production is planned – the construction of our production lines both in Ukraine and in other countries.

    “New technologies that we are developing jointly with various countries, in which they are investing. There is also an agreement on annual funding for a specific amount, along with a fixed number of years.

    “Second: the European track. Work has already begun with Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Of course, we have good relations with the United Kingdom and France. I am confident that all of this will also be implemented there.”

    By the end of this war Ukraine just might be the most powerful country in Europe.
    It's reminding me of the rapid 'progress' we saw during WW1 with artillery and general 'modern warfare'. Cost, body-count and time pressures leading to innovation after innovation. Meanwhile Russia just seem to be content with pushing more lads into the meat grinder. Which is... grim.
    In fairness, I think Russia has also made incredible progress with drones and their tactics get ever more sophisticated using waves of decoys to distract defence systems. I quoted a source indicating that they were using something like 6k a day the other day. In contrast, they are generally losing 5 or fewer tanks because they are no longer really playing a part.

    But they are a long way behind Ukraine, even if they are miles ahead of us.
  • ohnotnowohnotnow Posts: 6,058
    edited April 19
    Malmesbury said:

    ThomasNashe said:

    Malmesbury said:

    JohnLilburne said:

    rottenborough said:


    Pippa Crerar

    @PippaCrerar

    NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.

    https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2045936493902852220

    I thought we were originally told it was "protocol" that prevented it. So the no 10 argument is a huge non sequitur
    We will be debating the nature of the word “is” by Monday. Along with “notified” and “protocol”

    Thoughts and prayers for @Brixian59
    This is where they need to get Bill Clinton in to advise them.
    I think we all miss the days when crazy shit the President did was getting some with an intern in the Oval Office.
    ...

    image
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 79,502
    Nigelb said:

    Cyclefree said:

    Actual Catholic here.

    Vance is arguing with the Pope about what is a just war without realising or remembering that the Pope was the head of the Augustinian Order and it was St Augustine of Hippo who pretty much invented the Christian idea of "just war". The Pope is likely to understand it a lot better than Vance.

    I quite like Leo. He has just been on a visit to North Africa, going to some of the places associated with Augustine.

    The theory of just war has been well understood for quite a long time.
    Though clearly not by JD.
    He’s more onto the theory of it’s not just a war, it’s a Special Military Operation.

    In this case, a series of blockades by a series of blockheads.
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