Youtube hearted comments of JamesT (@Parawingdelta2).

  1. I live in South East Queensland, Australia and I wear a 'T' shirt and a pair of shorts all year round. I don't even own a jumper (pullover). After seeing this, I'll stop moaning when I have to put runners on to go to the shops. You two are a joy to watch.
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  2. I don't think I've heard anyone successfully contradict what Tommy Robinson has said. Throwing the tired old "Islamophobic" label is just a pathetic attempt to shut down something they don't want to hear. Falls into the same category as "Racist, Fascist, Transphobic and all the other mindless drivel.
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  3. I live in Australia and I'm really glad to see that so many Russian people have their own home. I'm fortunate in owning my own home but none of my five children do. Home ownership is fast getting out of reach for many people; even with two incomes in cases where they have to pay for child care.
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  4. I was trying to see whether you were just sitting there exposed (to them) or behind a window. As it progressed, I seemed you were just there with them. Mamma bear seemed friendly enough but isn't there a risk of things turning nasty?
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  5. I come from a military family. My father, mother, brother have a collective span of fifty-nine years' service. I served for a few years in the Australian army and have a daughter currently still serving after seventeen years in the Royal Australian Air Force. I've spent the last eight years regularly ensuring an ex-WW2 RAAF pilot was taken out to lunch until his death at the age of 101 earlier this year. I have great respect for those who serve or have served. However, the respect shouldn't be absolute or a religious doctrine. People should have no expectation of others in a public place or gathering outside an organised commemorative event. I for one will not be "called to prayer" for two minutes virtue signalling silence in a shopping centre or football stadium.
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  6. NATO is a "defensive alliance"? I'm trying to think what one might call NATO presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. I also wonder why, if Western countries are so keen to support Ukraine in supplying arms, money, and technological support, why there's been such a delay in embracing Ukraine into NATO. Would it be that it would mean direct combat with Russian troops? Sounds like a great idea to me. NATO forces could go in there en mass, defeat the Russian army in a couple of weeks instead of leaving it all to Zelenskyy and his lads.
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  7. Why is Farage particularly "Ever divisive"? Do all the other politicians or commentators maintain some sort of unity over the political and social spectrum? I get the feeling that "divisive" means where someone expresses an opinion in contradiction to one's own. What's an example of Farage's "divisivness" that isn't demonstrated by just about everyone else. Please don't say "Liz Truss".
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  8. The first thing I thought of was how deceivingly dangerous these places are. I can't see how someone would even survive the night if they were stranded out there. Everyone is so friendly; even the dog!
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  9. This quota and diversity thing is toxic. I can recall being at a training seminar in local government where the facilitator said "We definitely need more women in the organisation". I asked "Why?" Her face clouded over and she informed me that I had totally missed the whole point of the training session. I'm sure you still won't find many women in the lower paid jobs like digging ditches, laying pipes, spreading bitumen or driving road sweeping vehicles.
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  10. I probably should consider myself fortunate that I don't know who any of those people are. šŸ‡¦šŸ‡ŗ
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  11. I live in Australia and only I've seen the snow covered expanses of Siberia from 35,000 feet on my visits to my homeland in Wales. I sit looking out the window and wonder what's happening below. Now I have some idea. Thank you for posting. You speak English better than 75% of the population of England.
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  12. If the hiring of Air Traffic Controllers was frozen in January, it would have no bearing on the current state of affairs. It takes more than a few days to train them.
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  13. When my business failed in 1988, I ended up manually sweeping the streets on the night shift for the Brisbane City Council, Australia. I remember a uniformed security guard, asking me if I wouldnā€™t feel embarrassed if my friends saw me doing what I was doing. Two years later, I was still with the council in the same section as an operations manager (equivalent to first level university qualified engineer) and although most of my time was behind a desk, I still occasionally 'mucked in' and helped cleaning litter off the streets at night when I had the opportunity. Great job.
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  14. I didn't see him "stumbling" at all. He just wasn't letting the interviewer put words in his mouth like they often do. In fact, it's often their main objective in getting the interviewee to say a specific 'thing'.
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  15. The day we can't openly express our opinion on various religious groups or religion itself will take us back to a place we definitely don't want. To vilify the practices of the more zealous beliefs and resist the insertion of these delusional and often vile ideologies into our own secular society is fundamental to our freedom.
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  16. Tommy Robinson may not be the ideal representative to bring the issues to the forefront, but he's the only one who seems willing to take the lead. Maybe we'll see fewer Palestinian flags on British streets in the future.
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  17. I'm nearly seventy-five now and was a poor student at school, which, on reflection, was probably more a case of a resistance to learning rather than an actual lack of ability. I found that the principles of trigonometry, in particular, were completely lost to me. All that looking up log books, etc! Interestingly, a couple of years ago, I constructed a cover over a new patio at home and had to use trigonometry to calculate certain dimensions to ensure the correct fall for drainage and positioning of support beams. Not difficult at all when one sees a purpose.
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  18. There should definitely be restrictions and consequences for misinformation and disinformation. So, when should we have the trial for parliamentarians, mainstream media, and pharmaceutical companies?
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  19. I started school in 1955. By the time I had started my secondary education, the concept of using corporal punishment as a tool for learning had all but gone (apart from Scotland) as was cruelty. Fortunately, I failed my 'Eleven Plus' exam and attended a brand new secondary modern school in Cornwall with excellent teachers. It was just unfortunate that I was too stupid and slow to learn anything, but the art of boxing, which thankfully was still an extra curriculum sporting option and made my educational experience tolerable.
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  20. I remember a friend of mine saying, "If you were the only one who could see when everyone else was blind, you'd be locked up".
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  21. My father joined the Royal Air Force in 1937 and served until retirement in 1972. I remember him saying "The RAF will collapse behind me". I assume he wasn't just referring to his own personal absence but the lack of resolve to maintain a credible force. At the time I thought it was just a sense of being personally disheartened, but I think he was probably right.
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  22. I don't know why some people have such an obsession with Meghan (formerly Markle). She's not really that relevant, so why people occupy their thoughts with her, I don't know. As far as someone ending up on the throne without a legitimate claim is concerned, I've just finished reading David Mitchells 'UNRULY - The history of England's Kings and Queens', and there's been quite a few usurpers through the years.
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  23. Had a few drinkies have we?
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  24. I saw a woman looking at you from her window. I think she was phoning the police.šŸ˜‰
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  25. Are we to assume that Boris doesn't have a driver licence? I can understand how people who don't drive shouldn't be expected to walk around with a passport (particularly if they have no intention of going to another country) but I can't remember a time I've walked out of the house without my wallet with my driver licence in it.
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  26. It's a huge chasm between when we weren't allowed to use 'Biros' for fear of corrupting our calligraphy skills and the issues of today. I would fully endorse embracing whatever technology has to offer to enhance learning, but I'm wondering if certain basic skills are being lost in the process. I think there needs to be some real control measures brought into play to ensure that mobile phones are not used as 'play things' under the guise of an educational tool.
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  27. "Reeling with profound questions as to how such a thing could occur"? I don't think there's much doubt in people's mind as to the root cause of such events.
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  28. Apparently, Kenneth Williams said (paraphrasing), "I don't like innuendo, so whenever I see it in the script, I immediately pull it out."
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  29. Maybe if a prison in the countryside is built with a Georgian or even Baroque style of architecture. A nice water feature out the front, maybe.
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  30. This is a new idea? Got to be kidding. In 1968 (well before the EU) I worked as a waiter in a holiday camp in Great Yarmouth. Half the waiters were Spanish, and apart from understanding a few words, none of them spoke English.
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  31. I'm not sure what qualifies you to make an assessment of the military strategies and status of this particular conflict, but I listen to others with extensive military experience and access to up to date information who paint quite a different picture. Using anecdotal evidence highlighting various incidences isn't really that convincing. I would find it surprising that similar 'blue on blue' incidents didn't occur with Ukrainian forces, too.
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  32. While your outrage is duly noted, there seems very little information about the circumstances to provide ready-made solutions. While you're thinking about hospital staff members who basically work in a generally safe environment, you may want to think of the council workers, cleaning the city streets at night totally exposed and vulnerable amongst all the crack heads, terrorists and other nut jobs.
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  33. I can accept that a monarchy could reasonably be considered an outdated concept where the 'structural' extravagances could be better used in more tangible and beneficial ways. However, the evidence is that those who live under a constitutional monarchy are no worse off than those who have a Republic (of any kind). As far as the work members of the Royal family do, it appears to be a life of servitude rather than flamboyance. Whilst they don't have any direct functionality , their benefit seems to be akin to someone who runs across a continent to raise money for charity. The running itself does nothing, but just the fact that it's done brings people together to ensure the desired outcome.
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  34. When the disaster that's happening on your doorstep is being ignored, it's almost forgiveable that people jump to conclusions. I'm assuming you've actually taken note of what's been arriving in the UK and the impact it's had? If a neighbour's dog continually shits on my lawn but then someone else's dog does it when I'm not there, I'm not going to conduct an investigation before I launch the offending turd over the fence.
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  35. I think Julia speaks English better than most English people too!
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  36. I worked for local government for twenty years. I don't know if people realise, but they have scheduled routine maintenance of road surfaces, footpaths, litter and debris removal (road sweeping) and of course, capital works for things like new construction or major restoration etc. They also have a budget for reactive and emergency work. Much of this work relies on the public reporting the problem. Yes, I know people say that nothing happens anyway, but more often than not, people don't bother even phoning up. How many times do you hear someone say things like "Someone should do something about that before someone gets hurt" while ignoring the fact that they are "someone?"
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  37. It may be noted that despite President Trump's hyperbolic rhetoric, it's only since he's been back that anyone has been talking about any move towards peace. In fact, it's been quite the contrary. Despite some commentary about provocation and reneging on 'deals' on behalf of the Western alliance, it's unlikely that anyone disputes that Russia is the aggressor. One may argue that it's a pre-emptive defence strategy? Interestingly, when Israel was attacked, the whole world deemed them as the aggressor, or at least the justification for the incursion into Israeli territory and the murder of innocent people. I see Prime Minister Starmer has cut foreign aid to finance an increase in defence spending. Something welcomed by those who have observed the decline of British defence forces. It would, however, be quite naive to not see where that defence spending will ultimately be deployed. Meanwhile, the invasion of England continues, supported by criminal organisations on the shores of France.
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  38. Ā @PatrickConleyĀ  I've got a bird table and bird bath that's regularly visited by birds in significant numbers. After watching Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds', I'm keeping a wary eye on those little fellows!
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  39. People are being arrested for posts on social media which simply express an opinion. Who's deciding it's inciting anything? It seems that 'blasphemy laws' are effectively in place in the UK where one is forbidden to criticise Islam?
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  40. During his high profile period, I couldn't stand Russell Brand. After watching his YouTube channel over the last couple of years, I find a lot of his views (apart from religious) do resonate with me.
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  41. A new saying..."As rare as a refrigerator salesman in Yakutsk".
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  42. Surely you don't seriously think that someone who opines on social media that the police should not protect mosques belongs in prison! Is there a possibility that the police will act on one person's opinion? I'm also wondering when the police became a security organisation for an invasive religion.
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  43. I live in Queensland; Australia and I've recently written to our local state representative regarding e-scooters on footpaths/bikeways. They are legally allowed to ride these electric scooters on the roads or footpaths with speed limitations applying to both. Unsurprisingly, few comply with any rules and there seems an absence of enforcement. I was nearly hit by one travelling at a speed of at least 15 kilometres per hour after it approached unheard (over traffic noise) from behind. I'm nearly seventy-five and don't always walk in an 'arrow straight' line. If I'd stepped half a pace to one side, I would have been impacted by a combined weight of about 150 kilograms travelling at speed. One can imagine the consequences. The riders have no insurance, no certification for any accountability and no assessment of skill or competency. It's been several months since the near miss incident and my correspondence. I've not received a response. Hopefully, in the event of a fatality, my notification will serve as some punitive measure for any inaction.
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  44. Careful professor, Liz Truss will be entering your dreams if you don't move on from her. That could end up very disturbing when you wake up in the morning.
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  45. Immediate action? A probe into the efficiency of services? Where do you get such dangerous ideas minister!
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  46. A politician being duplicitous?? What's the world coming to!
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  47. I love that sort of experience as opposed to the 'clinical' feel of some of the modernised cities of the world. When I was in my teens, our family lived in Malta. We were housed in a small village where all the produce and the intoxicating smells from the shops seemed to spill out onto the street. I'm a bit concerned about travelling to Muslim countries, because even though my wife and I have been together for forty-seven years, we have never been legally married. Given the Islamic laws, I fear that although there may be a 'blind eye' turned towards tourists, sleeping together in a hotel, there may be a focus of attention if other unrelated problems arise.
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  48. I'd be interested to know what Tommy Robinson has said that isn't actually true.
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  49. I don't give any credence to an afterlife and really don't dwell on it. Maybe when it's closer to the time, I'll give it more consideration. Talking to my 45 year old son about this, I got the impression he just struggled with the concept of 'Not being' once one 'is'. We all have such a strong sense of self awareness, it's sometimes difficult (for some) to get their head around. I often wonder how the world is going to get on without me.
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  50. So, do we have a referendum on every constitutional issue every time we have a change in government, or is it just the issues certain people don't like? I'd suggest that the success of a Labour victory was more about the failures of the Conservative Party on issues like the pandemic and immigration.
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  51. So, they've voted for more of the same. Interesting. They must all be very happy. I live in Australia, and we have compulsory (for all eligible permanent residents) and preferential voting. I don't know if it makes a whole lot of difference because it always boils down to two options for government, each of which is exactly the same. We're voting for people we don't know with unknown qualifications or capacity to fulfil their obligations. In the 'real world' they wouldn't even get an interview.
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  52. I might agree if the British judicial system properly dealt with murderers, terrorists and others with UK passports who continually crap all over the traditional occupants of the country, but it doesn't!
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  53. I think many people in Britain regret the "inclusivity and tolerance" they've exhibited so far, and they're being asked for more? In theory, a more educated young population should have a positive social effect but schools and universities have been infected with antiestablishmentarianism and anarchistic ideology.
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  54. There seems to be a couple of issues which rarely seem to be mentioned in regard to the war in Ukraine. Firstly, the question of why member states of NATO feel obliged to offer support to Ukraine which isn't a member of NATO and as far as I know has no military alliances with NATO countries. I think we can reasonably discount western governments doing it because "it's the right thing to do". They've frequently demonstrated their proclivity to do exactly the wrong thing to do as a result of corruption and financial gain. Could it be that despite their net zero aims they's still worried about access to the immense gas and oil reserves there? Secondly, any inclination to even consider a negotiated peace or 'least worse option' seems completely absent. Meanwhile the circling birds of prey in the form of Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan and Black Rock wait to pick at the carcasses when it's over.
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  55. Again, you present a very eloquent hypothesis about the conflict, but with no real tangible assessment. Up to this point, there has been the complete absence of any inclination towards an end to the conflict. Trump may have very few ambassadorial skills and is probably a negotiators nightmare in traditional terms, but what has anyone else done up until now? Zelenskyy seems quite happy to walk around in his olive green combat style 'T' shirt, accept millions of dollars from other countries whilst attempting to adopt some sort of 'Churcillian' aura, complaining about not being invited to the negotiation table after three years of rejecting such suggestions. I'm surprised Greta Thunberg hasn't turned up in his office.
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  56. Was that the "insurrection" (ie overthrowing government) where a country that has billions of firearms but there were no firearms offences?
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  57. It's terrible how Fico has fragmented the EU's moral unity because morals is what they're all about.
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  58. I'd like some reference to Donald Trump's presidency where he demonstrated a proclivity to wage ware. Biden made comments to the effect of using military assets on his own citizens if they got out of hand. Remember the comment about citizens not having F-16's or something?
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  59. You surely must understand that many people aren't immersed in the spiritual world and that your words, although eloquently put, are to them, just nonsensical gibberish. It is of concern to more than a few that Islam is being brought further to the forefront with demands for reverence from all and sundry. It seems that only Muslims have the entitlement to be offended to the extent of wishing 'execution' on those who find their barbaric teachings offensive.
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  60. Prisoners making podcasts! That's shocking! What will they get up to next??
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  61. We can only hope that the Reform Party tears itself apart and then the UK can continue to be serviced by the two other major parties who have served Britain so well. Why change when it's perfect as it is!
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  62. I think that seeing the old ways of communication as being better and more reliable is rather looking through rose coloured glasses a bit. We still have the redundancy of two means of communicating, although I think most people have abandoned land line phones these days. I can still remember having to stand in a queue at a public phone box in the rain to eventually stand in a puddle of urine and talk into a tobacco scented handset. While we're RIP'ing Alexander Graham Bell, let's not forget our own (co-inventor) Joseph Swan.
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  63. I live in Queensland, Australia. Owing to a family history of bowel cancer I have a colonoscopy every five years. One day I received an envelope in the mail sent by Queensland Health, which contained a form requesting me to confirm my address. Just have to think about that for a second.
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  64. Unbelievable living conditions! I mowed my lawn in +37Ā°C yesterday. Bit of a variation! There's a public swimming pool just up the road from me where the water temperature is maintained at 27Ā°C and sometimes I hear people say, "it's freezing!" It makes me wonder in order to mitigate climate change how places like that can exist without energy provided by fossil fuels and oil products required for transport. I wouldn't imagine riding a bicycle (or an electric car) to work is a real alternative to a car with an internal combustion engine. As always, a great video.
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  65. Surely someone in the public service would have informed Rishi that he was making a "courageous decision".
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  66. Putting aside the nebulous presentation of those statistics, I'm struggling to see the relevance of a survey of some very subjective opinions. Personally, I wouldn't be looking at any newspaper as a source of any meaningful information.
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  67. As a lead-in to retirement, I resigned from a management position in local government and became a bus driver. After seven years of driving buses, I retired earlier than planned because there was an acceptance by management and the transport authority of unacceptable (to me) and standards of conduct. We were instructed not to challenge anti-social behaviour and fare evasion and to allow travel regardless, to avoid aggression along with a contrived child protection policy. Teenagers, in particular, took full advantage of this policy and treated drivers with contempt. My insistence on not leaving a legacy of anarchy and social decay was met with a lack of will and warnings of dismissal.
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  68. It's not a good idea to buy 30 year old pagers on eBay. Do you think we should blame Liz Truss for some of this?
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  69. I'm wondering how long this is going to obsess people to the point of losing sight of the remaining problem. At this stage it's just a couple of guys having a disagreement on an important issue. Doesn't that go on in politics everywhere? Can we possibly move on? I think the effrontery may have also partly lay in the fact that Zelenskyy assumed he was going to Washington to secure continued funding without any thought to negotiating a peace. As far as I can tell it was just a case of him telling Trump what he wasn't going to agree to. I mean was he armed with any counter proposal which may have been remotely acceptable? Maybe he is out of cards after all!
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  70. What I don't get is that if Britain is so much worse for leaving the EU and EU countries are so great, why is everyone leaving there? You'd assume it would be the other way around.
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  71. I use to manage an operation involving over one hundred employees who worked on a combination of fixed and rotating shifts over a twenty-four hour, seven-day operational week. Each shift complied with a nine-day fortnight working week with three days off each fortnight. They had generous penalty rates for working at different times and varying conditions along with unlimited sick leave subject to a rehabilitation program. I don't think I've heard such a simplistic ill-considered analysis of the reality experienced at work or home by many workers.
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  72. In Australia, we have GST (Goods and Services Tax). There are products like fresh fruit and vegetables (I think meat too) are exempt. It's supposed to have three main purposes. First, to reduce income tax. Second, to mitigate tax evasion and thirdly to remove some of the various state stamp duties, etc. Naturally, the various stamp duties seem to still be around.
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  73. Totally agree.
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  74. I don't know why people find this so surprising. It's not unheard of for one party's success to be the result of another's failure. There just seems to be chaos everywhere you look. The streets aren't safe, an alien invasion in broad daylight, major cities no longer represent the historical citizens, protests over issues in bloody Palestine all over the place, two tier policing, the defence force rapidly going downhill and ridiculous demands based on environmental ideology. I realise these things are happening elsewhere, but I don't know if that makes anyone feel any better.
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  75. I get the impression that many people have lost faith in vaccines and prefer to assess the risk of infection and manage their own means of mitigating contraction. The pharmaceutical industry, regulatory authorities, and medical practitioners have, to a great degree, revealed themselves as not to be trusted. Now, I only seek medical attention from injury, not treatable by first aid.
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  76. ā€‹@robertjohn6354 These guys that throw the word "racist" around actually think people care what they think.
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  77. Although Nigel Farage was a leading advocate of Brexit, I'm wondering if some people realise that he didn't implement it himself. I'd say the sweeping victory of the Tory party at the last election was a resounding endorsement by a significant majority of the British people. Apparently, all of whom were conned, misinformed, or stupid. I wonder how the other non-member European countries manage to function without the European Union? I don't think there's anything incongruous in believing in a primarily homogeneous society along with a degree of multi-enthicity (not multiculturalism) and having your daughter speak a second language.
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  78. I'm not sure I follow the "Investing in these countries to stop them leaving" concept. It's quite reasonable to assume that improving the standard of living in developing countries is a positive thing but why should that be a burden that the British people should bear to stop what esssentially is an invasion of predominantly young men with questionable intent? Why is Britain constantly being asked to address the shortcomings of other nations and just assume that being 'nicer' is the solution? Let's not forget that these people aren't leaving 'their' countries; their leaving France! Does make you wonder why the illegals are leaving a EU country when Britain is falling to pieces because of Brexit. You'd think it would be the other way around.
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  79. I wonder if Jesus had any belongings. Like a table and a few chairs or a bed or even a few of his earthly Dad's tools from his carpentry days. I heard that Mary asked Joseph what they should call their son just as Joseph hit his thumb with a hammer.
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  80. It's funny, though, how, when those supporting terrorist ideology, environmental zealots, victimhood sentiments (BLM etc) and of course a religious ceremony in the middle of London in rush hour, are met with police capitulation, complicity and sympathy, but when irate British people protest, the riot gear is already there to greet them. There seems to be more vilification directed at these protesters than the source of the problems.
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  81. The government is going to tackle disorder, and deal with people wearing face coverings? I'm struggling not to be rude here. Has no one been paying attention to what's been going on for months or even years? Are these new rules just for "right wing" people.
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  82. I'd really like to know how Brexit has had an effect on business. Is this assumption dismissed the impact of the pandemic, the ongoing disruptions to businesses caused by Hamas supporters protest marches? Has net zero strategies had any detrimental effect on employment opportunities? Have EU countries who were doing business with the UK now ceased? I'd really be interested in the terms of reference where the statistics (if any) indicate that Brexit is the cause and not just a correlation.
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  83. I still don't see any commentary about the thousands of unaccompanied (i.e., no wives, sisters, mothers, children, elderly etc.) young men who are being assisted to leave European Union countries to come to Britain. Is there a war, famine, poverty, or religious persecution in France, of which we're not aware? Could it be there's more employment opportunities in Britain? That can't be correct because I hear 'Brexit' ruined any future career prospects. Unless, of course, for the last several years, they've been counting on a Labour government to turn things around. Is it because there's still people living in a bubble, happy to welcome everybody and anybody because there's plenty of free housing and inexhaustible taxpayer money to hand out? I think if you look really, really hard through a non biased lens, Farage and Murray have not been issuing a "warning"; it's been happening for some time. They used to say, "There's something fishy in Denmark," but I think the odour has turned up on the beaches of Kent.
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  84. You'd think the gods would just smite the blasphemers themselves instead of relying on everyone else.
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  85. Much as it's desireable to see other people's point of view, sometimes, it reveals a nature that is unacceptable on too many levels. The abandonment of civilised discourse is often the proclivity of those who do not wish us well.
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  86. What a fantastic experience. Is the wearing of masks still being mandated or is that just a social convention for groups or public transport?
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  87. Why does the UK need workers from Europe to harvest crops? I live in Queensland, Australia šŸ‡¦šŸ‡ŗ and every year there's a flood of workers from places like China, Korea, India, and God knows where else. If that's no good, surely those arriving across the channel would be looking for employment wouldn't they?
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  88. It should be abundantly clear that there will never be a co-existence between Israel and the Palestinians of Gaza. So, either the Israeli's pack up and go somewhere else or the Palestinians do. Why people even talk about a "two state solution" is beyond belief. Even putting aside, the history since the creation of the state of Israel, the hate generated in recent years will endure for generations. Unfortunately, despite worldwide support for Palestinians, that sentiment doesn't appear to be extended by their Arab neighbours.
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  89. Turkey's got a big army. It may have visions of former glory and influence in the region. We may need a British Army officer to dress up like an Arab, get on a camel, and lead a challenge against such thoughts.
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  90. It's something I've never fully understood. I raised five children and for some years we were virtually living in poverty. I was working two jobs and getting nowhere. At one stage our cooker and fridge failed so I was using an electric fry pan to make meals and using bags of ice to keep things cold (live in Australia). My car broke down and had to sell it as scrap. Couldn't pay bills, hounded by banks and other creditors. Every evening I use to run about seven or eight miles, push through the pain and prepare for another day of stress with no obvious sign of a light at the 'end of the tunnel'. My one thought was that it wasn't about me. It was about five kids that needed a father and not leaving a mother to deal with everything by herself. The only one at fault was me, so it was up to me to fix it.
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  91. My thoughts (and previous comments) have generated numerous opposing thoughts to that of your own, which I believe if you, with some introspection, would question your own political partisan bias. Having said that, I always listen to your views with the belief that they are not without merit and substance. Moreover, those cartoon drawings are brilliant!
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  92. I think both are equally important. It's essential that commuter travel is affordable particularly to those on low incomes. Having to pay a large proportion of your income simply to get to work is a disincentive to even bother working. The other thing is, you're not likely to keep a job if you continually arrive late due to an inefficient train service.
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  93. If anything is pushing us towards a global conflict, it's NATO's (namely British and French) being directly involved in the programming and navigation of precision guided missiles (like 'Storm Shadow') into Russian territory. These are not weapons you just hand over and let places like Ukraine try and work it all out for themselves. They simply don't posses the technological know-how. If people perceive this as just supporting Ukraine, I can guarantee Putin does not! He considers this as direct involvement by NATO forces and will undoubtedly respond accordingly. I imagine Zelenskyy knows that once hostilities cease, he will probably go too, and the Ukranian people will be left to pay the bill to Goldman Sachs, Black Rock and whoever else eager to pick the bones.
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  94. It's amazing how so much vitriol can be directed at someone so insignificant! I think some therapy is in order there.
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  95. At least Zelenskyy didn't have a nose picking kid on his shoulders. I think he's overdone the 'combat drab olive' bit, but to bring that up in front of the cameras was inappropriate. I doubt if many people found it all that disrespectful, and who decided we had to wear suits anyway? I did like Zelenskyy's response.
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  96. "Diplomatic sensibilities" Yes, we have to be very careful about using names which resonate with our military history. We certainly don't want to upset the French navy who assist with Britain's shortage of illegal immigrants. Perish thought that the 90% of the French male population who probably have never heard of the engagement at Agincourt 600 years ago will hold their manhood's cheap while any speaks who fought with us upon St. Crispin's Day. I've always been a fairly solid monarchist, but I think his majesty is ensuring his successor will not be his heir.
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  97. I live in Australia šŸ‡¦šŸ‡ŗ, so I'm not in a great position to comment, but I get the impression that the whole legislative devolution in the UK is a bit of a disaster.
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  98. Considering that although Crimea was part of Ukraine but was an "Autonomous Republic", isn't it possible that Nigel Farage was referring to the main body of Ukraine or is that rather inconvenient?
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  99. Would I be correct in assuming that the Labour Party is the political arm of the trade union movement in the United Kingdom? This is the party which represents the working man, woman or those of equal distinction? So, I guess they'll be rejecting the Ā£4.5 Billion donated from a very wealthy South African window repairer? Come on, no one expects political parties to send back money.
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  100. So, why are we listening to John Major again?
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  101. I believe you have some acting experience. I think you'd make the best Dr. Who. I think you should put your name down.
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  102. The last song I remember hearing on my last day in England before emigrating to Australia in 1970 was 'Those were the days'. Beautiful song, sung by a beautiful girl. One can see the obvious similarities with Katie. It's almost as though they were separated at birth!
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  103. Let's face it, if the evidence of the agreement is so elusive and 'shaky', then there is no agreement. Maybe they could agree that there should have been an agreement and agree to sign up to a new agreement. Don't you agree?
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  104. It's interesting that Trump is deemed as "selling out" Ukraine when he (or his government) gave no commitment in the first place. Putin made it clear that 'deals' from Western governments can not be relied upon simply because of periodic changes of government. Surely Zelenskyy should have worked that out for himself, too. After all, he dissolved his own parliament for 'consistency'. Unless he had something else in mind.
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  105. Could you give a definition of "far right" (as opposed to politically "right") and what it is about someone that makes them so? Is there a still a historical economic element to being "right wing" or has that been lost in the discourse? It' seems to be a term that's used to mean someone like me who traditionally has supported the average working man (or woman). If some of the things that Farage says resonates with me, does that mean I'm becoming a Nazi or does it mean I qualify as one if I see real problems with the status quo? What about people like Neil Oliver, Douglas Murray, and others like them who express similar concerns about things like immigration. Are they "far right"? I'd be genuinely interested in your analysis.
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  106. I may have misheard, but was that -26Ā°C on the bus? It must be a hard life for those pilots who would probably be subject to diverting to other airports when Yaktusk is closed due to fog.
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  107. Macron is "Charming"? I'm sure he has social graces but when a leader refers to those who legitimately expressed concerns about the vaccine and subsequent mandates as being "not real citizens", I would use the term "Unfit".
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  108. I think there's some who have a few misgivings about an unelected house of review. The great state of Queensland, Australia šŸ‡¦šŸ‡ŗ adopts the third option by not having one at all. We'll get the old Abacus out in five years to see how well the working man's representative has done. Maybe take a peek at the 'Balanced Scorecard' as well. Just to see if it's all fine and dandy. Crap, I'll be nearly eighty by then; probably wandering around the shopping centre in my pyjamas.
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  109. I waited for the anticipated "far right" comment.
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  110. I don't understand what it is about Liz Truss, which draws so much criticism. She wouldn't have time to use up a bog roll in Downing Street. Was she really given much of a chance?
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  111. I find your words rather 'chilling'. I can see this suppression of "hate" being very easily manipulated to serve those who conveniently what people say as threatening to their own particular agenda. Who is actually deciding where the line is drawn between something just being "nasty" and something actually inciting people to violence? Even the word "inciting" is a bit of a throwaway word put forward in the absence of any evidence of physical activity, which affects a violent action or deed. Please don't say "judges" or "police" as being the arbiters of our social conscience. I've criticised my neighbours (not by name) on social media for things like leaving rubbish all over the place, barking dogs, and overgrown grass and vegetation, but would that mean I'm suggesting someone burns there house down? This is all reminiscent of Covid when people like Piers Morgan and others were advocating the withdrawal of medical attention for those who had not been vaccinated. We even had a territory chief minister (like a premier) here in Australia openly identifying those who "aided and comforted" anyone electing not to be vaccinated in the same light. This is a classic example of how the voice of the people is silenced. Where was the government's "tough on hate" approach during BLM or even now, the disgusting pro Hamas anarchists advocating death to Israelis and Jews?
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  112. I'm wondering what critics of Israel would do if they lived near a village of people who supported and protected a death cult who murdered and mutilated members of their family and kidnapped their mother or daughter. Just go around politely knocking on doors and apologising for living in the neighbourhood? What did the United States do when they were attacked in 2001? The hypocrisy is unbelievable.
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  113. I can only imagine the billions of dollars of foreign aid that are hijacked in one form or another. I wonder how effective (or corrupt) the auditing process is. Trump appears to be doing what he told the electorate he'd do, and he's doing it. Some of these places can manage with a few less AK-47's for 90 days.
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  114. As I've edged towards my twighlight years, I've made every attempt to avoid 'I.T. illiteracy or being deemed a Luddite. I can navigate the most commonly used desktop computer programs and use my mobile phone to its full potential, including using the QR scan or apps to order food at cafes and restaurants. I don't wish to be left behind. I do, however, still keep a notebook on hand, and if I think my notes can be used for future reference, I take a photo with my phone and save the pages to a uniquely named folder. Saves carrying a notebook. The functionality of AI, however, still eludes me at this point.
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  115. I like Jacob. He's a bit 'cartoonish' with that quintessential British elitist unflappable and painfully polite demeanour but I sense he's an awfully good chap what.
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  116. It seems likely to be a choice between a major conventional conflict or allowing Iran to produce nuclear weapons. Personally, I can't see Israel allowing that to happen, and fortunately, their means will not be sitting around a negotiating table listening to Iraniian guarantees and taking the minutes of the meeting.
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  117. I know what's a good idea. Let's all throw in some ideas about the possible or probable cause in the first twenty-four hours after the crash. Alternatively, when all the communications and flight recorder data has been exhaustively scrutinised, and the wreckage examined by the NTSB in cooperation with the FAA and probably the US Army we'll probably know what actually happened.
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  118. The subject of productivity in the workplaces of the UK and other countries like the United States and Australia since the mid eighties (at least). It became clear that Japan, in particular, at that time, was outperforming us. I recall there were strategies like 'award restructuring' where people were paid more for skills identified as having more value, therefore motivating workers to be more versatile. Then there were things like 'structural efficiency' where the organisational structures were 'flattened out' to remove unnecessary supervision. Then, there were 'competitive frameworks' where productivity gains or cost reductions were achieved, and bonuses were given to successful work groups. There was also a focus on establishing 'tri-partisan' working relationships between the worker, management, and unions. I'm not sure what degree of success was achieved over the long term, but as we know, there will be very little common ground between the common man and the bourgeois elite, capitalist pigs, eh?
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  119. My son could well have died due to a failure of correct diagnosis. When he was in hospital, I was stressing to the doctor that something more than just 'pumping' him up with potassium and sending him back home, to collapse on the floor a day or so later. In my attempt to converse with the doctor, our conversation was being drowned out by shrieks of laughter from a group of nurses. I love to laugh, but I hate that phoney group 'laugh out loud, look at me I'm having fun' thing.
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  120. I think it's a terrible plan for peace. The other plans are much better....oh wait, there aren't any!
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  121. Like it or not, (and there's been some very informed and non-partisan people who don't) the people have spoken. Many have predicted a disaterous economic and social future for Britain based on Keir Starmer's affiliations. However, those opposed should accept the decision of the majority without whining and moaning just as others should have done when things didn't go their way before.
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  122. In years gone by, it seemed to be general practice to manipulate the true picture of any set of circumstances. Not, of course, confined to politicians, but they seem to be the 'professionals'. These days, they just lie and simply continue with relative impunity. Sunak is using the old tactic of repetition will somehow hypnotise people into a particular way of thinking. Is it just a coincidence that when I type "Sunak" it auto corrects to "Snake"?
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  123. I think Putin would regard the United Kingdom as insignificant. To think that Liz Truss had any influence on his decision is probably in the realms of fantasy. She had an environmental portfolio when Russia marched into the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Vladimir didn't seem particularly worried about Cameron.
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  124. It takes time to do things in a hurry minister.
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  125. The West is uncertain of anything? One thing that Putin has made abundantly clear is that he is aware that NATO personnel are actively involved in the operation of the precision guided munitions because Ukraine does not possess the technological capability to operate them. I suppose a thermonuclear exchange is worth standing with Ukraine, isn't it? I assume that would be all Liz Truss' fault.
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  126. Is anyone really surprised by any candidate's claim to be concerned about the humanitarian aspect of conflict? I may have missed her concerns of the missiles launched in to Israel over the last twenty years. Maybe lost in the "passage of time".
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  127. I suppose one has to consider what "conspiracy theory" means. My understanding is that the foundation of the theory assumes the existence of a deliberate deception to hide the truth, often followed by a presentation of what that truth is. Interestingly, during the Covid pandemic, qualified and eminent medical practitioners were being called "conspiracy theorists" even though they were presenting legitimate questions and scientific facts without necessarily suggesting a deception as much as incompetence, narrow mindedness and in many cases megalomania.
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  128. It seems most of my life was doing that; or watching family doing it.
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  129. I'd be interested to hear someone actually define the "right" and "left" and how people's views fit into those categories. Very "pigeon hole" thinking in my view.
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  130. I think it's a bit presumptuous to try and analyse Elon Musk . What's impulsive for many would probably be something quite different for someone who can think at greater speeds and volumes than most others. Musk has actually been quite candid regarding his concerns about the dangers of the pace and direction of AI.
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  131. I was watching live camera footage of Heathrow yesterday (around 1pm local), and there were flights landing every minute (probably 45 seconds).
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  132. I get the impression that Jacob Rees Mogg lives in hope that the party will eventually revert back to conservatism. Unfortunately, the House of Commons doesn't seem to be the place to deal with that, or in fact address any of the real problems faced by Britain.
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  133. So, if I understand it correctly, despite the fact that the car has a giant bank of fully charged batteries to provide propulsion, it can't somehow be used to recharge the little battery used for lights etc??
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  134. I think it's worth noting that Nigel Farage resonates with a lot (millions) of people who are not all completely stupid. Some inevitably look to Reform as an alternative to the treachery bestowed on the British people over the last few decades. The problem Farage faces is how to fight and win without scheming and bending the rules. When Howard Hughes faced a senate subcommittee and was challenged about his practice of 'courting' politicians for favourable outcomes by wining and dining them etc, he freely admitted that was true and would cease the practice as soon as Pan Am and the other airlines did the same.
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  135. Would it matter if Nigel Farage was a "racist"? These days that's just a word used against people who want their country to be their homeland and not the dumping ground for the failure of others whose allegiances lay elsewhere.
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  136. Ā @MounhasĀ  I'm generally quite fit but like many people of my age, the sense of balance is not the same as it was when I was younger, so even walking isn't as 'true' as it once was.
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  137. I live in Australia, and this woman is a deranged activist who just thrives on perpetuating hatred. A vile individual.
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  138. When people use the term " it's obvious," they're intimating that's it's obvious to them, and it should be obvious to everyone else. Politicians begin a statement with the word "clearly" to suggest that there's no room for contradiction in what they say. When people say "I'm sure," I turned the stove off, it means they're not sure at all. All pretty obvious, really.
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  139. You look at the countries Middle East and the Mediterranean as they once were and see that they were the 'seat' of civilisation. Engineering, mathematics, architecture, astronomy, navigation, medicine etc, were all highly advanced for the time. When you look at them now and even without the effects of more modern warfare, you wonder what happened. The discontinuation of progress and they're demise seems to have started over a thousand years ago.
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  140. I think it's hard for 'ordinary' people to comprehend the mind set of those who decide to attack or invade someone else's territory. To most, it would appear to be an all-round bad mistake without too much thought to the response or end game. I can only assume that Putin was advised that there would be very little resistance and a 'walk in the park' with little or no bloodshed. Just as well leaders of NATO countries don't think that way.
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  141. I do like listening to you talk, but I must admit I'm struggling to hang on. Liz Truss is the worst Prime Minister ever? Without it even being questionable? So that conclusion is born out of an objective assessment, giving consideration to prevailing circumstances, time frames, and outcomes, and there is nobody worse; ever? I don't think I've heard such an ill-informed, biased, subjective remark. Well-founded criticism of Nigel Farage or Tommy Robinson that makes any sense or holds any water seems notably absent. Unfortunately, the state of affairs, which have been denied by "liberals" and ignored by the government, have finally caught the attention of others. You could blame Farage and Robinson for that if you think that everything was going 'swimmingly' beforehand.
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  142. Regardless of any partisan leanings people should hope (maybe naively) that whoever is in government will do what is best for the nation as a whole. However, I think it's a big mistake to totally rely on government for your own future. Statesmanlike speeches made with subliminal messages to remind us of the past is not particularly inspiring. Listening to promises which traditionally are rarely fulfilled is just a waste of time. Probably more important to see if they do things that they said they wouldn't.
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  143. Whilst all this 'performative politics' continues, 'they' come, and mob rule reigns supreme to thwart the will of the people most effected by the outcome.
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  144. I'm looking at all this from a distance, and I find it astounding that people can't see that Britain is capitulating to Islamists. Their strategy is slowly eroding all the barriers to a takeover. The issue of the introduction of blasphemy laws has already been discussed in parliament, and it's probably only a matter of time. Of course, when the house of cards collapses, those who have failed the British people will have the means to escape to a country that has kept Islam in its place.
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  145. In th future it will be a case of drones against humans. They should make a film about that.
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  146. I just don't get this "Pride" business. What's there to be proud of? Is there some sort of achieved personal goal? I'm not really familiar with Suella Braverman other than she's expressed concern about the effects of uncontrolled immigration. Was there something else? Great cartoon, by the way.
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  147. When he talks about "scale" and "alliances," I guess the EU is representative of that in terms of an agreed process of trade that benefits all participants. So why should that all cost as much as it does and the intrusion into member nations sovereignty (despite claims that it doesn't). Australia relies heavily on its primary industries, but I'm not aware of any existing single market agreement outside of standard contractual arrangements and government approvals. It seems that any failure of Brexit is the continued habit of just saying it's failed.
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  148. It's fine to have an impressionist touch to a portrait, but not in a Royal Air Force uniform.
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  149. I may be simplifying things, but I think that if anyone arriving illegally (ie not been processed by a European country) should be denied any possibility of permanent residency and returned to the country of citizenship or permanent residency. Obviously, there's some difficulties with establishing citizenship in some cases but the understanding that they're never going to achieve their ultimate and deceptive goal may be a deterrent.
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  150. It's funny how the United States withdrew it's membership to the ICC just before it invaded Iraq. So, in fact, in theory, they don't support Putin's arrest? He could stay at George's place. Interestingly, Ukraine's membership hasn't been ratified for twenty years now. Maybe the ICC thinks there's a few dubious characters there, too.
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  151. Scientists in government should be, and could be a good thing, except they do have the tendency to "sell their souls to the Devil." They tend to consider themselves "The" science. A move particularly concerning when governments are about to (if they haven't already) signed up to the WHO 'Pandemic Preparedness Treaty'. Still, give the fellow a chance to prove that "change" is possible. It's just that periodically swapping from one of the major parties to the other doesn't seem to bring any real positive change, does it?
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  152. Is establishing manufacturing for one's products overseas an exception to the rule? No doubt partly due to the behaviour of piss ant unionists who, despite not actually contributing much themselves, want to have a hand in determining how business owners run their companies. Just before I left England in 1979, I worked for the 'Rootes Group' when Britain had a proud motor car industry. Rootes were forced by the British government to set up shop in Linwood in Scotland to manufacture the Hillman Imp. The intention was to inject employment into an economically depressed area of the UK. Unfortunately, the heavily unionised workforce had the habit of going on strike when the pie warmer in the amenities room wasn't working and paid little attention to putting all the bits and pieces of the poor Imp in the right places. I was a union member in local government for over twenty years, and I've seen good union organisers do good things, but it seems to be a rarity. Thankfully, my new Toyota Camry was made in Japan.
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  153. When I consider the 'selection' being presented for the future of the United Kingdom, I wonder what it is that people actually expect from them. Time and time again with few exceptions, they've all demonstrated behaviour bordering on treason and tyranny. They seem incapable of dealing with any issue clearly detrimental to society and make no attempt to preserve British traditional ways of living.
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  154. I live in Australia but visited the UK and othe European countries several times. It's often a bit of a "hit or miss" with accommodation over there. Normally, acceptable, at least, here.
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  155. I'm sure they'll both meet at the hairdressers and sit under the dryers having a great chat. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when they each put the phone down.
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  156. Ā @ColinGodfrey-sr7bdĀ  You're obviously one of those "bourgeoisie" British citizens who expect the government to give some consideration to the British citizen who has built up a lifestyle through hard work.
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  157. I have a daughter who has been in the Royal Australian Air Force for over fifteen years and has just now gone on to reserve status (got kids). Both my parents and brother were in the RAF. Dad for 35 years and brother for 20 years. Recently, there was a television presentation celebrating 100 years of the RAAF. I was quite looking forward to watching it but slowly lost enthusiasm when a large portion of it was devoted to cultural and gender diversity, the great indigenous contribution and the focus on a trans gender medical officer. I do however have the great privilege of taking a (white male) ex RAAF pilot, who has just turned 100 years of age, to lunch each month.
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  158. I tend to agree that it can be a mistake to consider complex issues in a simplistic way, but on the other hand the Sir Humphrey Appleby's approach to actually getting things done can result in a lot of activity done "frightfully well" but end up back in the same place. Sometimes, it's better to look at things through the eyes of Victor Frankenstein's monster. "Bread good; fire bad".
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  159. I may sound as though I'm part of some sort of Liz Truss fan club, which I'm definitely not, but I find the list of disasters for which she was apparently single handedly responsible, seem like an incredible achievement for a forty five day tenure and to be honest still rather one of opinion than actual substantial evidence. To think that the confidence in the Conservative Party government was in any way intact during Boris' leadership (or before) I think is rather naive. I'm a bit unsure about Rushi Sunak. I didn't see any outstanding obvious efforts to win over the people, bearing in mind some of the issues uppermost in many people's minds. Maybe I missed something. Liz Truss was interviewed by Knstantin Kisin on his 'Triggernometry' YouTube channel where she gave some account of a self admitted failed economic strategy which she claimed she would not have presented if she had been in possession of certain activities of the Bank of England. Sounds a bit like the 'blame game' but quite plausible, I think.
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  160. You really need to do something about your obsession with Liz Truss. Is she or Boris of any relevance now? I'm uncertain about Nigel Farage's potential because you just can't count people out until they are out, and even then, they can come back in. I wonder how many of your 'leaning to port' supporters would have bet their pensions on Trump not ever being the president again.
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  161. It's time for a new leader; after all, it's been over two months! What's Liz doing these days?
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  162. Another great video. Reminds me of a visit to my home town in Wales in a few years ag when it was -15Ā°C.
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  163. So, the best idea is that the war continues until Russia is defeated, which presumably is very close at hand because they have a butter shortage? I think Trump just sees trying to encourage Zelenskyy in ceding a relatively small area of Ukraine to Russia and stopping the war as first step to peace in the region. A crippled Russia with Ukraine being 'looked after' by those who Putin distrusts is not the way to avoid nuclear war.
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  164. I'm a non smoker, and live in Queensland, Australia, where there's been bans on outdoor venues for many years, including beaches (between the flags) and bus stops. One of the problems with all the arguments, for and against smoking regulations, is that you can go around in circles with one point of view fracturing the other. The health argument often points out things like alcohol and food with high sugar or fat content. Ironically, it's likely that the tax on those products probably contributes to health care and pensions. I look back in my early years when I used to attend the various pubs for just the one shandy (which lasted until 10pm) and in depth conversation about world issues and other people smoking never bothered me. Now, if someone smoking is within a kilometre, I'll be looking around for the culprit with my finger on the 'smoking police' number. It's true what Nigel Farage says about destroying the old pubs or at least be the final nail in the coffin. At least with random breath testing people could still go to the pub as long as they didn't drive home. Happened here. No good old pubs now, just a combination of bistros and betting shops.
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  165. I assumed the voter does the vetting.
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  166. Unwavering support for Ukraine while neglecting the plight of his own countrymen. Starmer's reception for Zelenskyy is what one may refer to as "performance politics." I still haven't heard how he's going to guarantee this 100-year commitment.
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  167. Ā @dawnmills5567Ā  I mean not relevant in newsworthy terms. I think you need to think about what the word means. She's not relevant to me insofar as she plays no part in my life. What she does, says or thinks is of no consequence to me.
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  168. I was listening to Peter Hitchens being interviewed, and he said something regarding voting, which resonated with me. He advised that people shouldn't vote for parties who promise to give you things you want (because that rarely works out) but vote against things you don't like. I wonder how many people like what they been handed so far?
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  169. How on Earth a prediction of election results is taken seriously in the UK where voting is optional is beyond me. The punters will tell us exactly who will win and then tell us exactly why they lost. Who are the "far right" these days anyway? Are these the people who object to the apathy and negligence of those who are supposed to be ensuring the security and living standards of British citizens? It appears that all the violent and threatening behaviour designed to steer a political agenda is coming from other sources.
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  170. Like many Americans (and citizens of former colonies), Donald Trump's heritage is closely linked with Britain and, therefore, may account for some personal affection. However, when you listen to people like author and journalist Peter Hitchens, it seems that feeling towards Britain is not generally shared by most Americans who see Britain as largely insignificant. I heard one YouTube commentator offering some advice to Keir Starmer in that during his visit to Washington, he should ensure he wears a name tag.
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  171. What I like most about elections is when all the predictions presented by the political aficionados turn out to be horribly incorrect and then the deafening silence which follows.
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  172. It's the standard simplistic and moronic assumption that someone who drapes their national flag over their shoulders is "right wing." What's the chances of many of those protesters being responsible for electing the current government but still "right wing"? I'm guessing many of those competing at the Olympic games would have to be "right wing" too? What about those Hamas supporters wrapped in Palestine flags?
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  173. I live in Australia, and when I drive on a toll road in any state, my number plate is scanned by cameras without me needing to stop and paid by direct debit. I can log in an check to make sure it's correct. We haven't had 'pay to shit' toilets for over fifty years.
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  174. I share your pain with bureaucracy. I live in Australia and, against better judgement, decided to register with a government digital ID. Unfortunately, I mis-spelled my first name. I wasn't able to correct it myself and attempts to make contact with the department on line directed me to a phone number which led me to a recorded voice message advising that they weren't taking phone calls and referred me back to their website. I should, however, point out that it's not 'Red tape' that murdered those little girls. We all know what it is, and it has a name.
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  175. Are we still thinking in terms of Putin interfering with the 2016 elections in the USA? I thought that lost all credibility along with the Bidens. Clintons and Obamas! Unless the Russians just decide to give up and go home, it seems that the only likely outcome is that Ukraine cede an agreed area overseen by some sort of bilateral agreement regarding governance. Otherwise, it will just go on for decades. Inevitably, countries currently pouring billions to support Ukraine whilst their own citizens slide back into the early part of the twentieth century, will lose the will. In the meantime, car dealers in Russia are selling brand new Rolls Royce and other luxury vehicles.
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  176. So everyone is surprised and 'triggered' when Donald Trump engages in hyperbole. Big deal! Of course Trump knows Zelenskyy didn't "start" the war, but Zelenskyy would have known globalist overtures to replicate the European immigration infestation disaster on Russia's doorstep would eventually invoke some reaction from Putin.
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  177. I have no idea where you're getting your battlefield information which suggests that Ukraine is winning here. Other sources seem to suggest the opposite. Anyway, if your information is correct, this is certainly positive news and with a bit of luck this could go on for another few years. The other option is that all parties get over any hurt feelings perpetuated by the media and arrange for it to stop. Maybe that's too much to ask.
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  178. I doubt if anyone with any powers of observation believes the traffic of people across the English Channel has anything to do with "asylum". Surely, that would be illustrated by a representative number of women, children and elderly people. These are young men intent on securing a profitable existence in the UK at the expense of the British taxpayer. Totally disagree with a referendum on the ECHR. Just get rid of it. Britain can look to its own humanitarian values balanced with border security. Don't need others to make the rules.
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  179. Totally agree. While I applaud the vilification of DEI ideology, particularly in those sorts of occupations, this is not the time to try and score personal points. Having said that, I find it disturbing that you consider the role of a journalist is "To float personal theories, speculate wildly or assign blame before facts emerge." I would have thought the role of journalists is to report the known facts and keep their opinions to themselves. Maybe that's too much to expect.
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  180. So the ICC has issued an arrest warrant if he turns up in any of the member states, but promises not to arrest him if he turns up? That should put his mind at ease! Why should Benjamin Netanyahu publicly posture to a world that clearly tolerates and capitulates to an Arab terrorist ideology anyway? He's an Israeli patriot. There shouldn't be any doubt as to his view of the holocaust. King Charles' attendance would be the epitome of hypocrisy, which would only be exceeded if he turned up with Sadiq Khan.
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  181. I can't see how she's remotely qualified for that job. Having said that, I don't think she needs to be singled out as being evasive or duplicitous; there's plenty of them on both sides. Surely there's no one left who actually believes that the Labour Party represents the worker!
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  182. What does one do? My personal experience is that banks are the least problematic people to deal with. In dealing with the rest, I just become as bigger pain in the arse as I possibly can. I never extend anything but courtesy and respect to those on the 'front line', but make my expectations clear and document everything. Last year I had a mobile phone that failed one week prior to its warranty expiry date replaced with a new phone despite some degree of resistance.
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  183. I think we're all a bit tired of people using accusations of racism as a defence mechanism to deflect any criticism. In fact, I think it's quite legitimate to question someone's ethnic and cultural background when it comes to national allegiance whilst holding some political authority without it being reasonably considered racist. For example, I've lived in Australia for fifty-four years and up until recently retained only British citizenship. Even now that I've become an Australian citizen, I can not become a member of the Australian parliament whilst holding dual citizenship. I don't hear loud claims of racism from British citizens with permanent residency in Australia.
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  184. I would normally define "controversy" as being something that's unorthodox and contrary to normally acceptable standards. I'm struggling to see what exactly is controversial about what Nigel Farage says. When one examines the current standards and behaviour of those 'at the wheel' or those marching in the streets, I would say, that's "controversial".
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  185. There are a number of postulations other than mismanagement that may account for the state of affairs in the NHS.
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  186. Did I understand correctly? A convicted terrorist has issued a statement that he's going to play nice from now on, and that's a historic moment? I don't know where to begin!
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  187. Joe Biden and his carers, along with questionable judicial cooperation have made it their primary goal to use the last four years to destroy a political opponent. Whilst screaming accusations of fascism, they have displayed all the attributes of those same political tactics. It's all a bit hypocritical to be gracious in defeat and quite unreasonable to expect magnanimity in victory. Personally, I don't think Trump will waste too much of his time bothering about that lot. He'd do himself a favour if he left the carcasses for the media vultures to pick at what remains of their flesh from the bones.
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  188. Aid for a military campaign is not a loan? Zelenskyy seems to be fond of 'no strings' financial support as he went from playing Prime Minister on television and then on to actually being Prime Minister and now expects the American people to keep on funding him indefinitely at no cost? I'm just wondering what he thinks the 'arrangement' is in his dealings with Black Rock and Goldman Sachs? I guess we could shell out to buy him a business suit.
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  189. While I wouldn't disagree with your assessment of personalities, I think the assumption that all the other stakeholders are looking at this from some moral perspective is deeply flawed. The others would either be happy to keep the war going to ensure their arms supply business was still viable or hoping to extract themselves from a commitment they would rather not continue. I doubt if any of them give much consideration to the sovereignty of Ukraine or any other Eastern European country for that matter.l
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  190. The odour of this sort of crime is becoming more common and stronger. The smell seems to be coming from one direction.
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  191. I wholeheartedly agree with you, but sometimes it's almost impossible to come back from a fractured relationship. I have, up until recently, had a good relationship with my eldest daughter although being forthright in encouraging her to address her obesity (including paying for gym membership) has made some uncomfortable conversations. A few weeks ago, and out of desperation, I was very direct in my concern regarding the fact she is now 153 kg. She has subsequently (on social media) referred to me as "abusive and toxic". I've tried to reach out to her but despite some 'calming of the waters', I feel that the hate is still there.
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  192. I suspect the plan is more about injecting economic wealth into the area rather than some sort of 'land grab'. He must get a kick out of all the port leaning over-reaction though.
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  193. I think elections are won on hope. Promises of economic improvement are quite rightly treated with scepticism and cynicism. The morality of the political swamp revealed itself clearly during the pandemic and continues by the criminal disregard for the well being of the decent, patriotic people of Britain.
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  194. It's important to be understanding of the need of individuals wanting to come to the UK and if necessary, make exceptions for people who otherwise may not conform to the usual requirements. If the British people embrace this open-hearted humanistic attitude, they'll receive the undying love and gratitude from all who arrive on their shores. Honest!
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  195. It's interesting that Trump is accused of inciting an insurrection, and yet in a country where there's probably nearly as many guns as mobile phones, there wasn't one person arrested for a firearm offence. Regardless of what anyone thinks of Donald Trump, a re-election of Joe Biden is quite unlikely that he will see out his four year term as president. At this stage, that would mean Kamala Harris for the remainder of the term in office. God help America!
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  196. At the risk of sounding like a socialist, housing is an essential element of our society just as much as health care and education and, in my opinion, should be undertaken by the government. Of course, in past decades, public housing has been constructed to accommodate those who need it but then ultimately sold off to the highest bidder. The other side of the coin is the manner in which many tenants treat their accommodation. I owned a carpet cleaning business for twelve years. I mean, how do you break a toilet?
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  197. It would seem that the police adopt Humpty Dumpty's philosophy on the meaning of the words they use. "When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean ā€”Ā neither more nor less. ' 'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things. ' 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master ā€” that's all.ā€
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  198. So, Brexit is to blame for the war in Ukraine? Now I've heard it all. I'd say you're far more intelligent, educated and informed than I, and I love listening to what you have to say but I sometimes I wonder.
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  199. I'm wondering if there are enough tissues to console those who find it difficult to accept the results of an election unless it goes their way. I seem to remember Tim Walz's wife Gwen's cringworthy call to "Turn the page". Well, the page has been turned. Donald's victory speech was marvellous. I was asleep on the lounge suite within minutes.
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  200. I was in agreement insofar as meaningful and vocational education is one of the keys to prosperity and social stability. However, once again, there seems to be an assumption that whilst we may proportion some legitimacy to what is said about the effects of uncontrolled immigration, that we're too stupid to understand there are many other primary and contributing factors to the economic difficulties of many working class people. It's unfortunate that people just see the world through a lens of a particular tint.
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  201. Ā @subcitizen2012Ā  Thousands of unaccompanied young men (no wives, sisters, mothers children), arriving from France in dinghies is controlled in your opinion? Well, good luck with that. A new set of ideas coming to where you live soon.šŸ™
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  202. If Trump's not careful, he'll ruin all Hamas' good intentions.
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  203. You two are insane (in an amazing way). A bus across the river!! I've travelled across those Russian wastelands on numerous occasions backwards and forwards between Australia and London, but looking from greater comfort at 35,000 feet.
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  204. I think there comes a time when a television show loses it's lustre or becomes too controversial. It's also hard these days to get a universal acceptance and not get half the population 'triggered' by one thing or another. Maybe just end it with Dr. Who going over to the dark side and becoming a Dalek.
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  205. I'd like to know where this 500 billion figure comes from or what it actually means. How can you come up with a figure regarding minerals or mining exploration without geological surveys, etc? Sounds like a bullshit figure that someone's plucked out of their arse.
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  206. Unfortunately, when people listen to all the educated overviews of the function and history of the ECHR, it all becomes 'white noise'. They're still left with the (maybe simplistic) perception that some faceless figure is sitting in Rome (that our fathers fought to liberate from their unwanted guests) telling citizens of Britain that they have to keep (in every sense) their unwanted guests. Rather sticks in one's craw.
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  207. Absolutely.
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  208. @JSeesĀ  Yes, I heard him say that. While I recognise the importance of maintaining morale, I don't know if the guys on the front line get a great deal of comfort by what Zelenskyy wears. I just wonder how many lives will be lost before he can wear a suit again!
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  209. It seems to be that corruption is a default position in all walks of life and only varies in methodology and degrees of severity.
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  210. I'm a bit confused. Using one's power and influence to get what one wants is different in some way to what everybody else does, how? I think the comment about "banning" journalists is deliberately misleading. Not wanting to answer their loaded questions isn't "banning".
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  211. "Coalition of the willing." Now, where have I heard that before? So the UK is trying to pretend it's got some relevance and pumping out a few hundred missiles will bring peace? This strategy is on the basis of Russia's desire to invade other parts of Europe. This has all the hallmarks of the Iraqi "weapons of mass destruction" ploy. I don't normally resort to crudity, but I don't think I've heard such bollocks. Still, as long as it creates jobs in Ireland, that's the main thing.
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  212. Ā @call_in_sickĀ  I was silly enough to start listening.
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  213. I saw something about a 'cheque' (or 'Check' for our American friends) getting lost in the mail. Who uses cheques these days? I suppose it's marginally better than "The dog chewed up my homework". I think I've been inside a bank once in the last ten years when somebody sent me a cheque, and the ATM failed to scan it to enable a deposit.
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  214. "Germany adverse to militarisation"! I can remember a time when that would have got a good laugh. Anyone advocating conscription for British lads (under these circumstances) should consider volunteering themselves.
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  215. When I hear references such as "Chief economist to the Bank of England" (or any other financial institution) it reminds me of the year 2008 when that probably would have been an admission to a role in life which would have had one strung up from the nearest light pole. A bit like those who were Chief Health Officers in 2020. This particular issue has probably got something to do with Liz Truss?
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  216. @johnrussell3961Ā  I think people are finally coming to the realisation these people have demonstrated that they can't necessarily be trusted with our best interests.
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  217. @alexmousley7213Ā I've looked back at my comment, and for the life of me, I can't see where I've said I think that. Are you one of those people who concluded that shark attacks are directly related to the consumption of ice cream?
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  218. I don't feel particularly qualified to have an opinion on this issue other than to say that there seems to be an inevitable 'shift' in the business of politics. It appears to be less statesman, like with participants acting on instinct rather than protocol. I think people are weary of the same old tiresome drudgery wrapped in the cloak of necessity. I still remember Russian First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev's 'shoe banging on the table' incident at the 1960 United Nations General Assembly. Ah, good times.
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  219. I'm not sure what's so confusing about Liza's name. Heard it pronounced correctly a thousand times. I remember many years ago some people use to pronounce Ronald Reagan as "Reegan" as opposed to "Raygun".
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  220. The whole issue has become very convoluted. I'm not surprised that Tommy Robinson is giving the finger to the law now. It would seem irrefutable that he is a target for basically stating observable facts. Interestingly, certain politicians and news broadcasters who have echoed similar sentiments are distancing themselves from him. Ordinarily, I'm not big on displays of nationalism, but maybe it's time, before we're all forced to submit to something other than the relatively benign authoritarianism to which we've been subjected over the last eighty years.
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  221. I'm guessing that Starmer's future electoral prospects were probably fairly dismal about ten minutes after he took office. The demonstration of the disdain he clearly holds for the British people since then, will surely guarantee him a seat in obscurity.
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  222. I did notice how great Britain (not great as in GB) was doing in the decades before Boris. The succeses of British, shipbuilding, aircraft and car manufacturing , and British owned supermarkets and clothing products. Boris ruined all that! Yes, Boris was definitely a major problem there. I did visit the UK a while back and there seemed to be a lot of VW's, Mercedes, Peugeots, Citroen's and Fiats. Interestingly my first flight out of the UK was in a De Havilland Comet until Boris ruined that British industry. I will say he didn't do a lot for British hair stylists bit that's no great loss I'm sure you'd agree.
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  223. I don't think she really mentioned Christ, did she? She just reminded everyone to be scared.
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