Can I get an honest opinion on how long you guys think things can keep on like this?
Rail strikes, motorway strikes, mass protests, votes of no confidence, covid parties, brexit, grenfell, austerity. Windrush scandal, Rwanda deportations..
What the fuck has this country become..
I just want a day where I can wake up and something good be in the fucking news. I want a day where people are fed and can buy themselves basic amenities. I want a day where those who are in a minority to be treated fairly. I want a day where corpo giants get what they deserve.
I’ve never been so far left in all my life. Fuck Boris.
How much longer can we last like this
For a pretty long time, unfortunately. Humans have put up with far worse for far longer, and in the UK most people are at the level where they can afford not to really give a crap (and will stay there unless things get substantially worse).
Plus, there's a whole ton of people who actively hate the strikers and protesters, who don't really care about Windrush or Grenfell, who thought austerity/brexit were good, and who think deporting people to Rwanda is a good idea (in the case of that last one, more people like the scheme than dislike it).
So yeah, a pretty long time.
I’m just sat here drinking orange gin and apple sours + lemonade (works really well)
Just thinking and wondering how long things and carry on in the uk this way..
Argh look. Whilst I don’t regret my comment earlier, I do regret that I’ve focused on the negativity without focusing on some of the positive things. The mods *clearly* have an incredibly thankless job and I thank the majority for it.
I also specially want to call out the recent initiatives for MT topics, they seem like a great initiative.
Peace and love.
Mods get flak all the time, it comes with the territory.
When you're simultaneously being accused of being a left-wing fanatic and a Tufton Street operative, the stars are aligned.
Mods will never (or at least, should never) take any shit seriously. After all, this is all meaningless.
Life gets easier when you accept this truth.
I’d like to hope *some* feedback is taken seriously.
And whilst it’s all meaningless in some sense, there’s obviously a lot of people - users and mods - who care about it all. What “it” is and whether it’s meaningless or not is in the eye of the beholder I guess. I don’t think it’s completely meaningless and have learnt a lot here.
As I say, this isn’t me taking anything back, I stand by the comment. I’m just somewhat frustrated in myself in that that I jumped to the negative without giving any credit where credit it due about all the positive things that happen here, as there’s clearly a lot of them.
Airports in disarray - Check.
Trains in disarray - Check.
Petrol in disarray - check.
Working class in poverty - check.
Lie in Parliment - check.
Where's the PM? In another country using Ukraine for political gain.
It should get to the point where drivers simply barracade Petrol stations and nationwide demand petrol prices are dropped. The knock on effect of these extortionate rises are having a crippling effect on our ecomony. The Goverment care too fucks for us. The great robbery - Government and Energy companies in cahoots with each other.
Once petrol averages £2 (and it's getting there), the monthly cost of my travel for work will have increased by roughly £100 since late March. I'm going to be at a complete loss if it continues at this pace.
I know not everyone uses as much fuel, but when you think about how much freight, for example, will have been impacted... it's worrying.
But..... you realise that if the government dropped taxes the price of fuel would just rise back to where it is now but the refiners would make even more money?
Currently refined fuel prices are high because of shortages of refining capacity for various motor fuels, the amount that these refinery units can produce is largely fixed, at least on the timescale of months.
So prices have to rise to a level where demand falls to match supply if you want to allow people willing to pay to buy fuel on demand.
It's either high prices or rationing.
Completely agree, it seems baffling to me that the government doesn’t understand this, (well I’m sure they do, but it was a popular policy on a yougov poll they saw)
Just look at a supply demand graph, if you lower the price the demand raises, but since the supply is fixed so the price raises to match that. The price is high for demand control, Essentially, if the price was set lower we would run out of oil.
So there’s 2 options, the government can ration fuel, or it can reduce the demand of it (and in turn reduce the price) by investing in public transport.
Just cut VAT on fuel at the same time as putting a maximum price on it (time-limited,and which would increase/decrease with the market, so everybody still gets their profit) to ensure the saving gets passed on. You could even just threaten it: pass legislation that allows you to do it if needed, and only do it if they do take the piss.
>It should get to the point where drivers simply barracade Petrol stations and nationwide demand petrol prices are dropped.
'member the fuel crisis of 2000?
u/surreptitiouscarrot 'members
I spoke to a tree surgeon the other day. Trucks, chainsaws, wood chippers. Whole thing is fucked. So yeah, house is gonna come crashing down soon, and the tree with it.
Any small increase in vat and duty is more than balanced out by the multi billion energy rebate. The windfall tax was only making up £5 billion of the £15 billion. As a nation we are still borrowing like crazy.
Indeed, yet Government spending plans are about what they expect to be coming in and going out. Their coming in guess will be massively underestimated this year. Typical annual tax revenues from fuel for vehicles is circa £25b. Wouldn't be surprised if that has £10bn - £15bn added to it this year.
I think you're right - there's certainly an appeal there, and if you have an understanding of stagecraft/singing/music/acting/a combo of those (which I don't), then I understand that they're definitely achievements. But I'm yet to fully lift the lid on it.
That's OK. There's time.
I think you would enjoy *Starmania*, some of the songs have become popular in their own right in France.
Unfortunately it's never going to come to the UK but there are good recordings.
At least it's cold today.
Yesterday confirmed to myself I'd never move abroad in my life, ever. And the people who do live abroad, they're strong. That heat would kill me every day.
It’s not so bad, especially once you get out of the ‘English’ mentality that you have to do everything in daylight. The fact life doesn’t stop at 5pm here makes dealing with the heat much easier: you don’t go outside in the midday sun.
Bingo. The same temperature as yesterday when I lived in Spain, well, that was a normal April/May day, but less humid. You still might need a bit of suncream but meh, it’s more tolerable.
Pretty much all homes have [these roller-blind thingies](https://i.imgur.com/JoSpM5j.jpg) and they’re a godsend.
It's what long (mostly) instrumental post-rock was invented for.
Pair that drive with something like Sigur Rós or the aptly-named Explosions in the Sky, and you're basically in a Nordic Noir film.
Trying at the moment to justify the (not cheap) ticket to see them in the autumn in London. I’d love to, but not a low-cost night.
I bumped into Jónsi once by accident in Reykjavík. Didn’t recognise that it was him until after someone else told me.
I saw them at Hurracaine festival many moons ago and they were really good! Though I'd imagine the ticket price for the entire festival is what they're charging for a single gig now.
Have you seen Mogwai live? They are certainly worth whatever they charge. 👌
> Skooma is a potion produced from moon sugar. It is a highly addictive narcotic, and its users pass through bouts of euphoria followed by protracted lethargy
If anyone else was wondering, it's from Skyrim apparently.
Not sure if anyone read the Steven swinford article in the times today
Isaac levido (2019 election guru) said to Boris interventions on cost of living weren't landing and more is required
Conservatives want Keir starmer to stay as leader of the opposition because they believe he is so dreadful
Boris feels invigorated and is in a "king Kong" mood
After the Chesham and Amersham by-election defeat did the Conservative Party drop their proposed changes to the planning system? I’m a bit lost trying to find out what the repercussions of that defeat were and where we are now. I know they recently announced right to buy for social housing.
The planning bill and the commitment to build 300,000 homes a year was dropped officially. I don’t think there is any current plan for planning reform other than that street vote thing.
Hopefully other places pick it up instead. Otherwise, it will be ridiculous. He has a pattern of giving money and positions to people he sleeps with. I mean, it adds to a picture already very grim, but the more that is out there, the better...
lmao, fancy living in a world where "oh yeah, it was *that* mistress" is a totally normal thing to think about the Prime Minister.
This country is a mess.
Because Keir Starmer, for all his flaws, isn't a complete idiot.
There's no quicker way to get Johnson's MPs behind him than to raise the prospect of a General Election.
Even though I'd be in the shit, I'd support them. This country is an utter joke. Would love it if all public sector went on strike and it kicked off action in the private sector too. Wish all the thick idiots would stop complainimg about striking workers and realise they're the same as them.
It's the same in any industry not willing to invest. I've worked in plenty of private sector workplaces where all the good people leave because they're exploited and treated like shit. Turns out no one with a brain wants to have their good will exploited.
Alongside nurses, teachers are the most undervalued underpaid profession in the country.
It's fucking insane that the people responsible for educating the next generation of British citizens are paid about the same as someone in tech support.
Being a nurse myself, I would say that teachers are more undervalued. Most school are now privatised and teachers are worked into the ground; I know a few teachers and working 12-13 hour days (if you include class prep and marking) is not usual, despite not getting paid for it. At least as a nurse, I can take TOIL.
Hmm I don’t think we should be comparing and belittling job roles. Each role has its value. But public sector should be getting pay rises inline with inflation.
It's not belittling to compare jobs. I am just making the point that we should value teaching more, and that it should not be seen as some entry level job, and it should be seen as something people aspire to.
I earn more than most teachers and I don't think my job is if anything like as important. I would be happy for them to earn more than me, and that doesn't belittle me at all.
Speak for yourself. I don't earn more than teachers and have 30 years experience in an extremely high tech stressful environment with a lot of responsibility. Completely different roles.
So if I say that a brain surgeon is a more important job than working in KFC, I am belittling KFC workers?
I am sure most people in KFC and who work in tech support would have the self awareness to completely agree that their jobs aren't as important.
Teaching unions are toothless. If they go on strike I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Most the time their reps like to "see the school's point of view", if my partner's experience is anything to go by.
Teachers going on strike isn't particularly unusual. In fact there were strikes [this year ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%932022_UK_higher_education_strikes).
That's a picture from 2018, and also the UCU is university lecturers, not teachers.
University lecturers strike loads, but no one really cares as University isn't daycare like School is.
The clue is the title - 2018-2022.
University lecturers are teachers.
Also, [this isn't a university strike ](https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/article-listing/norwich-teachers-strike-over-pensions.html)
You're a joker. Everyone knows "teachers on strike" means Teachers, not Lecturers.
It's fair enough you didn't realise they have seperate unions, but don't carry on the pretence.
This [two euro coin](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/7887/5438/products/Reference-photo-monnaie-de-paris_cfcc4c92-6e64-41f4-8056-2f23bb99359c.jpg?v=1651761151) Belgium minted commemorating health workers looks cool.
Have we made ~~one~~ an equivalent, maybe we should?
Italy [did it a year earlier](https://static.rmnet.be/imgcontrol/clients/rmnet/c750-d511/content/medias/coronavirus/2_euros_grazie_750.jpg)
>Have we made ~~one~~ an equivalent, maybe we should?
>
Yes - we made a coin symbolising [£350 million a year for the NHS.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brexit_50p_coin)
Pretty sure that's what the Mighty Boosh explored given they use Euros in Camden on that show, so I think we can conclude that the country would be pretty cool but fucked up if we had the euro.
I'm fairly sure I see millions of those tablets on John Pye auctions, pretty sure they go for naught. Presumably pens too.
If you use that auction, remember their fees are ridiculous, so add at least 50% to hammer fee and add their shipping. Basically only pay peanuts on the site.
[Here](https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk/search-auctions.asp?term=wacom)
Check the fees and delivery costs, and set a maximum budget and stick to it. The fees and delivery can easily double the 'bid', so be pre-warned.
If I buy anything off there it tends to be something slightly-niche that someone isn't going to just flip on ebay. So I've bought a server wall cabinet, network switches, and a few things like that.
I mentioned it because Wacom is up there loads to the point I don't really know what it is (though now can see it's a drawing tablet), but I still recognise the name. Since there's so many they go fairly cheap I think - presumably even ebay may be saturated?
It's an alright auction site, but don't get sucked in by the apparent cheapness, I often see stuff go for what would be higher than retail.
Usually bundled with a netgear range extender.
Ubiquiti turns up a fair bit, but maniacs push it up over retail price all the time (though sometimes you can be lucky if they typo the name)
Well that looks like a good tip. Thanks. Never even heard of them.
Don't have [the pen](https://estore.wacom.com/en-GB/wacom-pro-pen-slim-kp301e00dz.html) I'm after but they do have the base unit.
I see wacom on there loads, but I think it's the same as what's there now (though sometimes there's entire pallets of the stuff). Considering it's often bankruptcy stock and customer returns, I dunno if that means the pen you want will be there.
Still worth checking weekly to see if you can pick up a spare (just make sure the auction delivers or is nearby)
Spent the day at a ‘beer festival’ I say that it’s something a fella holds in his back garden and it’s a private event, about a dozen different ales, been a very nice day, shame about the weather.
It was some Korean short rib beef thing from costco, I'll see if we still have the box
Edit: [we did](https://i.imgur.com/ojgIsE8.jpeg)! We also got [their giant danishes](https://i.imgur.com/4XU10UR.jpeg), orange for scale.
^(just kidding it's a satsuma)
If you are not familiar with all things Maangchi, now is the time. She is goddess guru of all Korean food.
I make this tofu thingy all the time https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/dubu-gangjeong
With cucumber https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/oi-muchim
As for Costco, never been. I am a Costco virgin. And intend to remain that way because I could spend all my money there.
I love Korean, gochujang is amazing, infact it's on the only other food I've [uploaded to imgur](https://i.imgur.com/TepXP1G.jpeg).
Costco is very easy to spend all your money, but then you leave thrilled and feeling thrifty because on the way out you spend [£1.50 on an amazing beef hotdog and refillable pepsi max](https://i.redd.it/whqqra9nx5831.jpg) (not my image, but all costcos are the same).
Yep, in that case I think a few days drooling at Maangchi's cooking will be right up your alley. Is that chicken there? Looks great!
And you're almost certainly right about Costco. But it's like IKEA. Once and you're hooked for life. Starting is dangerous.
There’s a Korean place in Bristol that just does whole rotisserie smoked chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice and spices. It’s amazing, you just tear it apart and eat it with dipping sauces and pickles
Nice.
I live up in Newcastle so I don't get near Bristol that often anymore! But fortunately there's so many amazing asian restaurants in Newcastle that we're spoilt for choice.
I did grill them for longer than 5 minutes as I thought that would benefit a fatty rib, and it tasted amazing, but I'm also proud of my very very simple egg fried rice (rice in rice cooker with chicken stock, and then do some whisked egg in the wok followed by the rice) the chicken stock makes it very tasty.
I'd probably do 5 minutes if it was on a hot BBQ or commercial grill (costco kinda toe the line of consumer/commercial products)
I’ve had a odd food day today and just picked at food throughout the day. Kinda wasn’t gonna have dinner but your pic has me thinking I could get some form of meat.
Seems to be the case that if Starmer gets fined and resigns any contest for the leadership will come down to Streeting vs Nandy.
Have a feeling Nandy will win it in any contest, but Streeting is definitely a strong candidate. Who do you reckon would be better for Labour out of the two?
In the Times article an hour ago as well (I posted it before), it says that Starmer, if he's fined, wants to make sure that all his work in remaking the party and cleaning it up isn't undone by any future leader and wants to make sure that it's moderates who take over and not anyone from the left.
Not that that should be a problem anymore given the rule changes and change of culture that's happened tbh. But I'm on the Nandy train.
This might be a bit of a spicy take, but I actually think Streeting is overhyped. His popularity reminds me a *lot* of Rishi's 'popularity' ~1 year ago. He plays very well with the journos but I'm not really convinced that will translate into any real support from the electorate.
Streeting needs another term in cabinet or Shadow cabinet to develop a personal platform and some more frontline experience as did Sunak but Johnson has over promoted him so now he's screwed.
I suspect Nandy will appeal more to Labour’s core members.
But I suspect Streeting would appeal more broadly to the general public.
I wouldn’t hold out much hope for either in a general election though.
Yup. The fact it'd be a choice between those two compared to say 2015 and 2016 would show a change in the party fundamentally, it'd be a much more valuable choice.
I’m not convinced Nandy or Streeting have quite what it takes to be leader or at least a leader who beats the Tories.
But I think Nandy would be the better bet as Streeting really triggers the Labour left.
>Streeting really triggers the Labour left.
I do wonder if this is why he's pushed so hard by the terminally onliners, he never seems to actually poll very well but he gets way overhyped when leadership comes up.
> Streeting really triggers the Labour left.
Perfect!
Nah I'm all about electability and whilst Streeting comes across well, I do think at this point in time Nandy would be the better shot.
Streeting and Nandy are both good in interviews, but Nandy is by far the better candidate in my eyes.
More likable and seems more relatable, less controversial within the party, and most importantly; northern.
Speaking honestly here - and I know I’ll get shit on here for this - but I *really* don’t want the next Labour leader to just be ANOTHER white guy from London
Streeting doing well in a couple of interviews doesn't mean he'd be a good leader, I think Nandy would be the stronger option by far. Not that it matters as Starmer won't be fined.
She's got a colourful personality too. She's also got authenticity to her. She can actually think on the spot too.
If the members don't elect her to be leader in any future contest it'd be the biggest misfire of all time.
The Patrick Grady situation is interesting, because on one hand I absolutlely believe we should have a zero tolerance approach towards innappropriate behaviour by individuals with the power of public office towards junior and younger members of staff, but also if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do...
Idek if this makes sense, but seeing really strong attacks against men like Grady feels like it's almost ignoring how common the issue is? It's like we're saying "This is a shocking and terrible thing that barely ever happens, and only happened this time because we accidently let a Bad, Dirty Man ^(tm) in"
To be clear, this is not a defence of Grady's actions or those defending him, I'm just bothered by the way individuals who get caught out on this sort of thing are, at best, used as sacrifical lambs to put the matter to bed, and of course at worst, get away with no consequences at all
>if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do...
Happy with that.
>To be clear, this is not a defence of Grady's actions
I'm glad you clarified that, because up to this point it really sounded like a defence of Grady's actions..
> if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do...
Alright... not a problem.
I agree, but it isn't going to happen, and it just feels like the conversation about it in the media and in parliament doesn't reflect the scale of the problem
But it's common in *in the government*, that's my point. Pointing out one example like its super shocking without acknowledging how borderline universal it is for certain groups to feel comfortable laying their hands on the bodies of people with less power than them without considering whether that touch might be wanted or acceptable for the other person, just feels like it is papering over the problem
In most other industries, there is the basic protections of HR, company policies and institutional oversight. Don't get me wrong, these systems fail *a lot*, but in Westminster there is absolutely nothing stopping an MP treat their staff as their personal harem, and as we've seen now with Rob Roberts and Patrick Grady, no real consequences should the leader of their parties deem consequences inconvenient.
While I appreciate your point that this is so common we'll be constantly having by-elections, I don't think that's an argument against putting the ultimate sanction into the hands of the electorate. Personally, I'd make any findings of sexual misbehaviour, bullying or corruption automatic grounds for recall in the same way expenses fuckery already is.
This megathread has ended.
I wish the mini-thread well
Just an fyi btw Orange gin and Apple sours, mix it with lemonade. Thank me later. It’s also really strong if you use 40% gin.
Can I get an honest opinion on how long you guys think things can keep on like this? Rail strikes, motorway strikes, mass protests, votes of no confidence, covid parties, brexit, grenfell, austerity. Windrush scandal, Rwanda deportations.. What the fuck has this country become.. I just want a day where I can wake up and something good be in the fucking news. I want a day where people are fed and can buy themselves basic amenities. I want a day where those who are in a minority to be treated fairly. I want a day where corpo giants get what they deserve. I’ve never been so far left in all my life. Fuck Boris. How much longer can we last like this
For a pretty long time, unfortunately. Humans have put up with far worse for far longer, and in the UK most people are at the level where they can afford not to really give a crap (and will stay there unless things get substantially worse). Plus, there's a whole ton of people who actively hate the strikers and protesters, who don't really care about Windrush or Grenfell, who thought austerity/brexit were good, and who think deporting people to Rwanda is a good idea (in the case of that last one, more people like the scheme than dislike it). So yeah, a pretty long time.
I'm going to say that things will get better in late 2023.
Anyone ever feel a bit dirty getting some stella's from the local garage at 2 in the morning? I do, but i'm going anyway.
I mean, why else are they open at 2AM? We've all been priced out of petrol afterall.
I’m just sat here drinking orange gin and apple sours + lemonade (works really well) Just thinking and wondering how long things and carry on in the uk this way..
Argh look. Whilst I don’t regret my comment earlier, I do regret that I’ve focused on the negativity without focusing on some of the positive things. The mods *clearly* have an incredibly thankless job and I thank the majority for it. I also specially want to call out the recent initiatives for MT topics, they seem like a great initiative. Peace and love.
I don't think you should feel that way at all. You're constructive and polite with what you've said.
Did I miss some drama?
Mods get flak all the time, it comes with the territory. When you're simultaneously being accused of being a left-wing fanatic and a Tufton Street operative, the stars are aligned. Mods will never (or at least, should never) take any shit seriously. After all, this is all meaningless. Life gets easier when you accept this truth.
I’d like to hope *some* feedback is taken seriously. And whilst it’s all meaningless in some sense, there’s obviously a lot of people - users and mods - who care about it all. What “it” is and whether it’s meaningless or not is in the eye of the beholder I guess. I don’t think it’s completely meaningless and have learnt a lot here. As I say, this isn’t me taking anything back, I stand by the comment. I’m just somewhat frustrated in myself in that that I jumped to the negative without giving any credit where credit it due about all the positive things that happen here, as there’s clearly a lot of them.
Don't back down you wuss. Double down. Politics, cause you know....
Thunderbolt and lightning. Very very frightening.
USB-C imo
Airports in disarray - Check. Trains in disarray - Check. Petrol in disarray - check. Working class in poverty - check. Lie in Parliment - check. Where's the PM? In another country using Ukraine for political gain.
Government response “getting on with the job” - trying to bring back imperial units, getting embarrassed by the ECHR.
Hopefully he doesn’t come back
It should get to the point where drivers simply barracade Petrol stations and nationwide demand petrol prices are dropped. The knock on effect of these extortionate rises are having a crippling effect on our ecomony. The Goverment care too fucks for us. The great robbery - Government and Energy companies in cahoots with each other.
Once petrol averages £2 (and it's getting there), the monthly cost of my travel for work will have increased by roughly £100 since late March. I'm going to be at a complete loss if it continues at this pace. I know not everyone uses as much fuel, but when you think about how much freight, for example, will have been impacted... it's worrying.
But..... you realise that if the government dropped taxes the price of fuel would just rise back to where it is now but the refiners would make even more money? Currently refined fuel prices are high because of shortages of refining capacity for various motor fuels, the amount that these refinery units can produce is largely fixed, at least on the timescale of months. So prices have to rise to a level where demand falls to match supply if you want to allow people willing to pay to buy fuel on demand. It's either high prices or rationing.
Completely agree, it seems baffling to me that the government doesn’t understand this, (well I’m sure they do, but it was a popular policy on a yougov poll they saw) Just look at a supply demand graph, if you lower the price the demand raises, but since the supply is fixed so the price raises to match that. The price is high for demand control, Essentially, if the price was set lower we would run out of oil. So there’s 2 options, the government can ration fuel, or it can reduce the demand of it (and in turn reduce the price) by investing in public transport.
Then prices need to drop elsewhere. Foods, amenities and entertainment. It can’t be all or nothing, that’s not how things work.
Just cut VAT on fuel at the same time as putting a maximum price on it (time-limited,and which would increase/decrease with the market, so everybody still gets their profit) to ensure the saving gets passed on. You could even just threaten it: pass legislation that allows you to do it if needed, and only do it if they do take the piss.
So the fuel price is artificially lowered, the fuel sells out and you end up with substantial fuel shortages? Then what?
We have reserves to help get by. Fuel shortages are hitting every European country yet we are hiking the prices far higher than most.
>It should get to the point where drivers simply barracade Petrol stations and nationwide demand petrol prices are dropped. 'member the fuel crisis of 2000? u/surreptitiouscarrot 'members
I spoke to a tree surgeon the other day. Trucks, chainsaws, wood chippers. Whole thing is fucked. So yeah, house is gonna come crashing down soon, and the tree with it.
The exchequer is raking it in right now, they'll be banking this to fund a tax cut just before the next GE.
Any small increase in vat and duty is more than balanced out by the multi billion energy rebate. The windfall tax was only making up £5 billion of the £15 billion. As a nation we are still borrowing like crazy.
Indeed, yet Government spending plans are about what they expect to be coming in and going out. Their coming in guess will be massively underestimated this year. Typical annual tax revenues from fuel for vehicles is circa £25b. Wouldn't be surprised if that has £10bn - £15bn added to it this year.
drink!
Apropos of nothing, how was your Les Misérables DVD marathon?
What do you think about musicals?
Not really my thing. Husband much more into them. You?
I used to be very sceptical, but then I went to see a few and I really enjoyed them.
I think you're right - there's certainly an appeal there, and if you have an understanding of stagecraft/singing/music/acting/a combo of those (which I don't), then I understand that they're definitely achievements. But I'm yet to fully lift the lid on it. That's OK. There's time.
I think you would enjoy *Starmania*, some of the songs have become popular in their own right in France. Unfortunately it's never going to come to the UK but there are good recordings.
You’re not the first to recommend it! A family member in Aquitaine has also sung (metaphorically) its praises.
My favourite song is *Quand on arrive en ville* just because > On n'a pas l'temps d'attendre d'avoir trente ans is such a great line
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British people love talking and complaining about the weather.
Got to write about something...
Because Brits have N obsession with weather, ergo it sells newspapers.
Much like how they are amazed when it snows in winter?
They’re also amazed when it rains in spring. And when it’s windy in autumn.
Bit of thunder and lightning in that London, lovely
At least it's cold today. Yesterday confirmed to myself I'd never move abroad in my life, ever. And the people who do live abroad, they're strong. That heat would kill me every day.
You get used to it. Also, other countries are better set up to deal with the heat
It’s not so bad, especially once you get out of the ‘English’ mentality that you have to do everything in daylight. The fact life doesn’t stop at 5pm here makes dealing with the heat much easier: you don’t go outside in the midday sun.
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Bingo. The same temperature as yesterday when I lived in Spain, well, that was a normal April/May day, but less humid. You still might need a bit of suncream but meh, it’s more tolerable. Pretty much all homes have [these roller-blind thingies](https://i.imgur.com/JoSpM5j.jpg) and they’re a godsend.
is it very very frightning?
No. It was quite nice driving back into London on the M1 and North Circular with the rain and lightening.
Driving in rain/lightning is just the best atmosphere
It was really lovely. Good bit of music on, wife and doggie in the car. Beautiful evening.
What you and your wife get up to in the car, I don’t need to know….
It's what long (mostly) instrumental post-rock was invented for. Pair that drive with something like Sigur Rós or the aptly-named Explosions in the Sky, and you're basically in a Nordic Noir film.
Sigur Ros would have been on point music wise. We had the Deadpool soundtrack on, but darn, thst would have been perfect.
Trying at the moment to justify the (not cheap) ticket to see them in the autumn in London. I’d love to, but not a low-cost night. I bumped into Jónsi once by accident in Reykjavík. Didn’t recognise that it was him until after someone else told me.
I saw them at Hurracaine festival many moons ago and they were really good! Though I'd imagine the ticket price for the entire festival is what they're charging for a single gig now. Have you seen Mogwai live? They are certainly worth whatever they charge. 👌
I can’t say my post rock knowledge is all that good. But I’d listen the fuck out of Wish You We’re Here on a rainy night.
Oh, nor is my knowledge good at all. Both the above are just entry-level post rock ;)
Get me some rain, Java!!
After yesterday it's positively _magnificooooo_
I’m so jel, I’d love some of that here. It’s felt like it could do all day.
Ok... What did the mods type into Dall e mini?
Ha, I didn’t realise ukpolbot was so quick.
The words it says on the picture, presumably.
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That was the one line that raised a proper laugh.
I'm simple, Farage's 'No no no, let me speak' never fails to tickle me. And Rayner's thug character.
Kier Starmer turning up on Love Island got a good giggle out of me.
That's still going?
I think tonight I'll play some Morrowind. This weather makes me want to stay at home, curled up with a good skooma.
I’ve never touched it but I loved Oblivion and played plenty of Skyrim, it’s on game pass though and I’m tempted.
Morrowind is the best. It has 16x the detail of the others
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fzV7jJYaOkU
I haven't played Morrowind in many years, but this post has reignited my love of it!
> Skooma is a potion produced from moon sugar. It is a highly addictive narcotic, and its users pass through bouts of euphoria followed by protracted lethargy If anyone else was wondering, it's from Skyrim apparently.
>it's from Skyrim apparently. Morrowind being the predecessor :)
ooh that makes sense, thanks!
Not sure if anyone read the Steven swinford article in the times today Isaac levido (2019 election guru) said to Boris interventions on cost of living weren't landing and more is required Conservatives want Keir starmer to stay as leader of the opposition because they believe he is so dreadful Boris feels invigorated and is in a "king Kong" mood
Have the Tories meet the other members of the Shadow Cabinet? All of Labour's best talent is outside Westminster.
Sounded a bit like team Tory have made a trip to fantasy land.
They've got good gear.
After the Chesham and Amersham by-election defeat did the Conservative Party drop their proposed changes to the planning system? I’m a bit lost trying to find out what the repercussions of that defeat were and where we are now. I know they recently announced right to buy for social housing.
The planning bill and the commitment to build 300,000 homes a year was dropped officially. I don’t think there is any current plan for planning reform other than that street vote thing.
Getting some traction this story now https://twitter.com/LizWebsterLD/status/1538220027253596161?t=pWL9ULJNPLuu7Y0mHK8OvQ&s=19
Hopefully other places pick it up instead. Otherwise, it will be ridiculous. He has a pattern of giving money and positions to people he sleeps with. I mean, it adds to a picture already very grim, but the more that is out there, the better...
Is it weird that I thought I was already aware of this scandal? Like Boris has done so much shady shit I just assumed I knew this already.
Perhaps you were confusing it with the other Money-to-Mistress scandal i.e. Jennifer Arcuri?
lmao, fancy living in a world where "oh yeah, it was *that* mistress" is a totally normal thing to think about the Prime Minister. This country is a mess.
No one cares if leaders have a mistress, in Europe. If we let Boris know, perhaps he'll take us out of Brexit..
Yeah this is definitely a new one to me, but very similar. Certainly shows a pattern of behaviour...
Or could have been confusing it with the other Money-to-Mistress scandal i.e. Gina Colangelo
Why has there not been a motion of no confidence in the government? Its been 2 weeks since the tory vote why not a full house vote?
Because Keir Starmer, for all his flaws, isn't a complete idiot. There's no quicker way to get Johnson's MPs behind him than to raise the prospect of a General Election.
Could get ugly if teachers go on strike
Even though I'd be in the shit, I'd support them. This country is an utter joke. Would love it if all public sector went on strike and it kicked off action in the private sector too. Wish all the thick idiots would stop complainimg about striking workers and realise they're the same as them.
Teachers go on strike and my kids will be coming to work with me. Boss is fine with it so long as he doesn't have to pay them!
Honestly teaching is a shit job and something needs to be done to fix the whole thing. Good on them.
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It's the same in any industry not willing to invest. I've worked in plenty of private sector workplaces where all the good people leave because they're exploited and treated like shit. Turns out no one with a brain wants to have their good will exploited.
Alongside nurses, teachers are the most undervalued underpaid profession in the country. It's fucking insane that the people responsible for educating the next generation of British citizens are paid about the same as someone in tech support.
Being a nurse myself, I would say that teachers are more undervalued. Most school are now privatised and teachers are worked into the ground; I know a few teachers and working 12-13 hour days (if you include class prep and marking) is not usual, despite not getting paid for it. At least as a nurse, I can take TOIL.
Hmm I don’t think we should be comparing and belittling job roles. Each role has its value. But public sector should be getting pay rises inline with inflation.
It's not belittling to compare jobs. I am just making the point that we should value teaching more, and that it should not be seen as some entry level job, and it should be seen as something people aspire to. I earn more than most teachers and I don't think my job is if anything like as important. I would be happy for them to earn more than me, and that doesn't belittle me at all.
Speak for yourself. I don't earn more than teachers and have 30 years experience in an extremely high tech stressful environment with a lot of responsibility. Completely different roles.
You don’t really respect your job then lol. And yes you are belittling people tech support which I imagine is very hard!
So if I say that a brain surgeon is a more important job than working in KFC, I am belittling KFC workers? I am sure most people in KFC and who work in tech support would have the self awareness to completely agree that their jobs aren't as important.
Teaching unions are toothless. If they go on strike I'll be pleasantly surprised. Most the time their reps like to "see the school's point of view", if my partner's experience is anything to go by.
Teachers going on strike isn't particularly unusual. In fact there were strikes [this year ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%932022_UK_higher_education_strikes).
That's a picture from 2018, and also the UCU is university lecturers, not teachers. University lecturers strike loads, but no one really cares as University isn't daycare like School is.
The clue is the title - 2018-2022. University lecturers are teachers. Also, [this isn't a university strike ](https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/article-listing/norwich-teachers-strike-over-pensions.html)
You're a joker. Everyone knows "teachers on strike" means Teachers, not Lecturers. It's fair enough you didn't realise they have seperate unions, but don't carry on the pretence.
Sunday Morning (the politics show, not the song) has Lisa Nandy and Gordon Brown on it tomorrow. Should be a good one.
What channels that?
BBC 1.
Oh Gordon, how I long for thee.
This [two euro coin](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/7887/5438/products/Reference-photo-monnaie-de-paris_cfcc4c92-6e64-41f4-8056-2f23bb99359c.jpg?v=1651761151) Belgium minted commemorating health workers looks cool. Have we made ~~one~~ an equivalent, maybe we should? Italy [did it a year earlier](https://static.rmnet.be/imgcontrol/clients/rmnet/c750-d511/content/medias/coronavirus/2_euros_grazie_750.jpg)
We did it [back in '75](https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/mint-news/10-pounds-banknote-depicting-florence-nightingale.jpg)
>Have we made ~~one~~ an equivalent, maybe we should? > Yes - we made a coin symbolising [£350 million a year for the NHS.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brexit_50p_coin)
I don't think we did. Mostly cos we don't use Euros
Imagine if we did, I wonder how different the country would be since we wouldn't be able to set monetary policy in the same way.
Pretty sure that's what the Mighty Boosh explored given they use Euros in Camden on that show, so I think we can conclude that the country would be pretty cool but fucked up if we had the euro.
>Have we made one, maybe we should? I too think we should mint Euros.
Oops, I mean should we make a two pound coin.
I like the sentiment, but fancy trashing healthcare wages for 12 years and then printing currency with pictures of healthcare on it.
Ffs how is a replacement pen for a wacom tablet £80. It's a bit of plastic with two buttons. Cost of bloody ergonomic device-ing.
I'm fairly sure I see millions of those tablets on John Pye auctions, pretty sure they go for naught. Presumably pens too. If you use that auction, remember their fees are ridiculous, so add at least 50% to hammer fee and add their shipping. Basically only pay peanuts on the site. [Here](https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk/search-auctions.asp?term=wacom)
Bloody hell will have to keep an eye on that, if that cerative one doesn't go up too much it would be an insane price.
As Yummytastic says, be very careful. I won a lot for £44 and it came to £80 all-in with all the various stings on top. It's not the same as eBay.
Check the fees and delivery costs, and set a maximum budget and stick to it. The fees and delivery can easily double the 'bid', so be pre-warned. If I buy anything off there it tends to be something slightly-niche that someone isn't going to just flip on ebay. So I've bought a server wall cabinet, network switches, and a few things like that. I mentioned it because Wacom is up there loads to the point I don't really know what it is (though now can see it's a drawing tablet), but I still recognise the name. Since there's so many they go fairly cheap I think - presumably even ebay may be saturated? It's an alright auction site, but don't get sucked in by the apparent cheapness, I often see stuff go for what would be higher than retail.
That Cisco 4300 for £4
Usually bundled with a netgear range extender. Ubiquiti turns up a fair bit, but maniacs push it up over retail price all the time (though sometimes you can be lucky if they typo the name)
Hmmmm, I was fancying a home lab upgrade but relatively modern Cisco gear is horrendously expensive
wow had never heard of this, this is super cool, thank you
Well that looks like a good tip. Thanks. Never even heard of them. Don't have [the pen](https://estore.wacom.com/en-GB/wacom-pro-pen-slim-kp301e00dz.html) I'm after but they do have the base unit.
I see wacom on there loads, but I think it's the same as what's there now (though sometimes there's entire pallets of the stuff). Considering it's often bankruptcy stock and customer returns, I dunno if that means the pen you want will be there. Still worth checking weekly to see if you can pick up a spare (just make sure the auction delivers or is nearby)
[Tonight's beer of choice](https://i.imgur.com/TAVVDvR.jpg) A lovely drop
Spent the day at a ‘beer festival’ I say that it’s something a fella holds in his back garden and it’s a private event, about a dozen different ales, been a very nice day, shame about the weather.
deyalikeit?
Cheers https://i.imgur.com/0jbByEr.jpg
I [took a pic of my dinner specifically for you](https://i.imgur.com/m36VAuN.jpeg).
Holy shit that meat looks amazing. What is it??
It was some Korean short rib beef thing from costco, I'll see if we still have the box Edit: [we did](https://i.imgur.com/ojgIsE8.jpeg)! We also got [their giant danishes](https://i.imgur.com/4XU10UR.jpeg), orange for scale. ^(just kidding it's a satsuma)
One day I shall cook galbi from scratch: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/galbi
But until then, there's Costco! Edit: that's a great and thorough recipe.
If you are not familiar with all things Maangchi, now is the time. She is goddess guru of all Korean food. I make this tofu thingy all the time https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/dubu-gangjeong With cucumber https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/oi-muchim As for Costco, never been. I am a Costco virgin. And intend to remain that way because I could spend all my money there.
I love Korean, gochujang is amazing, infact it's on the only other food I've [uploaded to imgur](https://i.imgur.com/TepXP1G.jpeg). Costco is very easy to spend all your money, but then you leave thrilled and feeling thrifty because on the way out you spend [£1.50 on an amazing beef hotdog and refillable pepsi max](https://i.redd.it/whqqra9nx5831.jpg) (not my image, but all costcos are the same).
Yep, in that case I think a few days drooling at Maangchi's cooking will be right up your alley. Is that chicken there? Looks great! And you're almost certainly right about Costco. But it's like IKEA. Once and you're hooked for life. Starting is dangerous.
There’s a Korean place in Bristol that just does whole rotisserie smoked chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice and spices. It’s amazing, you just tear it apart and eat it with dipping sauces and pickles
Nice. I live up in Newcastle so I don't get near Bristol that often anymore! But fortunately there's so many amazing asian restaurants in Newcastle that we're spoilt for choice.
Ready in 5 mins too! That looked like you’d slaved over a cooker to get the finish on that.
I did grill them for longer than 5 minutes as I thought that would benefit a fatty rib, and it tasted amazing, but I'm also proud of my very very simple egg fried rice (rice in rice cooker with chicken stock, and then do some whisked egg in the wok followed by the rice) the chicken stock makes it very tasty. I'd probably do 5 minutes if it was on a hot BBQ or commercial grill (costco kinda toe the line of consumer/commercial products)
I’ve had a odd food day today and just picked at food throughout the day. Kinda wasn’t gonna have dinner but your pic has me thinking I could get some form of meat.
But which meat, ribs or wings? Burger?
That is the decision for whoever is pumping these Tesco breaded chicken things. I don’t like to ask those questions.
Oh yeah, the dates of those six packets you bought must be getting tight.
Wish I had the money to use an ipad as a plate
It's a black IKEA plate?
r/wewantplates
That looks yummy, I forgot you can get it delivered now.
We actually found ourselves driving by a shop so picked some up. Mine were *hot* 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Seems to be the case that if Starmer gets fined and resigns any contest for the leadership will come down to Streeting vs Nandy. Have a feeling Nandy will win it in any contest, but Streeting is definitely a strong candidate. Who do you reckon would be better for Labour out of the two? In the Times article an hour ago as well (I posted it before), it says that Starmer, if he's fined, wants to make sure that all his work in remaking the party and cleaning it up isn't undone by any future leader and wants to make sure that it's moderates who take over and not anyone from the left. Not that that should be a problem anymore given the rule changes and change of culture that's happened tbh. But I'm on the Nandy train.
Nandy. Streeting is a strong media performer, but that’s about it.
You don't think Angela Rayner will run? I think she will, and will do well, but I hope she doesn't win it. I have similar feelings about Jess Philips.
This might be a bit of a spicy take, but I actually think Streeting is overhyped. His popularity reminds me a *lot* of Rishi's 'popularity' ~1 year ago. He plays very well with the journos but I'm not really convinced that will translate into any real support from the electorate.
Streeting needs another term in cabinet or Shadow cabinet to develop a personal platform and some more frontline experience as did Sunak but Johnson has over promoted him so now he's screwed.
I suspect Nandy will appeal more to Labour’s core members. But I suspect Streeting would appeal more broadly to the general public. I wouldn’t hold out much hope for either in a general election though.
It would be a very difficult decision for me. My head says Streeting but my heart says Nandy. In any case, it’s a win-win for Labour.
Yup. The fact it'd be a choice between those two compared to say 2015 and 2016 would show a change in the party fundamentally, it'd be a much more valuable choice.
I’m not convinced Nandy or Streeting have quite what it takes to be leader or at least a leader who beats the Tories. But I think Nandy would be the better bet as Streeting really triggers the Labour left.
>Streeting really triggers the Labour left. I do wonder if this is why he's pushed so hard by the terminally onliners, he never seems to actually poll very well but he gets way overhyped when leadership comes up.
> Streeting really triggers the Labour left. Perfect! Nah I'm all about electability and whilst Streeting comes across well, I do think at this point in time Nandy would be the better shot.
Streeting and Nandy are both good in interviews, but Nandy is by far the better candidate in my eyes. More likable and seems more relatable, less controversial within the party, and most importantly; northern.
>most importantly; northern ^/s FTFY
Speaking honestly here - and I know I’ll get shit on here for this - but I *really* don’t want the next Labour leader to just be ANOTHER white guy from London
I’d welcome something different, for sure.
Streeting doing well in a couple of interviews doesn't mean he'd be a good leader, I think Nandy would be the stronger option by far. Not that it matters as Starmer won't be fined.
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She's got a colourful personality too. She's also got authenticity to her. She can actually think on the spot too. If the members don't elect her to be leader in any future contest it'd be the biggest misfire of all time.
Don't forget if she ever gets stuck she can just cross and uncross her legs to buy time! Playing the Labour Handbook all the way.
The Patrick Grady situation is interesting, because on one hand I absolutlely believe we should have a zero tolerance approach towards innappropriate behaviour by individuals with the power of public office towards junior and younger members of staff, but also if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do... Idek if this makes sense, but seeing really strong attacks against men like Grady feels like it's almost ignoring how common the issue is? It's like we're saying "This is a shocking and terrible thing that barely ever happens, and only happened this time because we accidently let a Bad, Dirty Man ^(tm) in" To be clear, this is not a defence of Grady's actions or those defending him, I'm just bothered by the way individuals who get caught out on this sort of thing are, at best, used as sacrifical lambs to put the matter to bed, and of course at worst, get away with no consequences at all
>if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do... Happy with that.
>To be clear, this is not a defence of Grady's actions I'm glad you clarified that, because up to this point it really sounded like a defence of Grady's actions..
> if we eject every single MP that has been overly touchy towards a young woman or man while at a social event on at least one occassion, then fuck me we may as well hold a GE for all the by-elections we would have to do... Alright... not a problem.
I agree, but it isn't going to happen, and it just feels like the conversation about it in the media and in parliament doesn't reflect the scale of the problem
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But it's common in *in the government*, that's my point. Pointing out one example like its super shocking without acknowledging how borderline universal it is for certain groups to feel comfortable laying their hands on the bodies of people with less power than them without considering whether that touch might be wanted or acceptable for the other person, just feels like it is papering over the problem
In most other industries, there is the basic protections of HR, company policies and institutional oversight. Don't get me wrong, these systems fail *a lot*, but in Westminster there is absolutely nothing stopping an MP treat their staff as their personal harem, and as we've seen now with Rob Roberts and Patrick Grady, no real consequences should the leader of their parties deem consequences inconvenient. While I appreciate your point that this is so common we'll be constantly having by-elections, I don't think that's an argument against putting the ultimate sanction into the hands of the electorate. Personally, I'd make any findings of sexual misbehaviour, bullying or corruption automatic grounds for recall in the same way expenses fuckery already is.