Seen in the News

[Stanley]

I vote on Party lines in national elections but on performance in Local elections. On that score the Liberals win hands down.
Later.... at the last minute the UK government has reversed its policy and said that Sudanese NHS doctors can board the last flights. What a bloody shambles!

[Tizer]

I vote on Party lines in national elections but on performance in Local elections. On that score the Liberals win hands down.

I vote on who I believe will do the best job, whether it's national or local, and never on Party lines (I don't have a Party). Too many people keep on supporting their favourite political party even when it's obviously doing a bad job. Here, we vote Liberal in the local elections because they're best by a mile. I've asked for more attention to be given to the local streams running through Taunton because they're suffering pollution from farm run-off and also liable to cause flooding unless they are re-wiggled. I see that the LibDem leaflet handed to me yesterday by our neighbour, an ex-councillor has now included this as an issue they want to tackle. If you don't ask, you don't get!

[Stanley]

Same situation here Peter.
I always vote Labour in National elections and not because of habit but because I know the history and of the three major political parties Labour is the one that on the whole, over many years has pursued the policies and espoused the principles I endorse. I am a social democrat and no other Party fills my needs.

[Tizer]

We have a desperate need for an overhaul of politics but I don't see any sign of it coming over the horizon, regardless of who wins the next election. The outlook is even worse in other countries and we're seeing an increase in warfare worldwide rather than a decline. Billions of £/$ are being spent by the rich on creating ways to holiday or live on the Moon and Mars and the rest of us will be left here as Earth burns up in wars and climate change. Sorry to be pessimistic but I feel so sorry for the younger generations, we've let them down badly. I watched all the jets full of holidaymakers leaving vapour trails in the blue sky above us yesterday and find it difficult to understand when similar families, men, women and children are being blown to smithereens or tortured and killed in Ukraine and elsewhere. Humans don't deserve to live on this beautiful planet, perhaps it would be for the best if they all went to the Martian desert! On that note I'd better go and brew a pot of tea....

[Stanley]

I know the feeling Peter. There are times when I am reading history when it gets too bloody depressing and I have to stop, always because of man's inhumanity to man. Party politics and even simple governance is dire at the moment but we have to have faith in something and I feel there are enough good people about to make the changes that need to happen but that process is like the Mills Of God, it grinds slow but exceeding fine.
Later.... I have just heard a news report quoting the Albanian Prime Minister as saying in respect of Suella Braverman talking about Albanian Criminals flooding into the country; "The UK is going through a sort of nervous breakdown and we should understand them."
Hands up anyone brave enough to say they expected that one! (He's quite right of course.... but Albania making allowances for us.... I ask you!)

[Tripps]

Guess who I pay Council Tax to. . . .

Warning - this link goes to the Daily Mail.

Four Day Week

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PS I've just askled ChatGPT if a four day week is a good thing - here is the instant reply. Quite impressive I'd say and endorses reactions I've heard from others. I think we have reached a turning point in information technology. The consequences of this will be deep and far reaching - and quite unpredictable - but once the genie is out of the lamp. . . .

The concept of a four-day workweek has gained popularity in recent years, as more and more people are questioning the traditional five-day workweek and its effects on work-life balance, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

There are certainly arguments in favor of a four-day workweek. For instance, proponents suggest that it could lead to improved employee productivity and job satisfaction, reduced stress levels, and increased work-life balance. Additionally, it may have environmental benefits, such as reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with commuting.

However, the implementation of a four-day workweek would depend on various factors, such as the nature of the industry, the type of work performed, and the specific needs of individual organizations. It may be more challenging for certain industries, such as healthcare or emergency services, where round-the-clock coverage is necessary.

It may also require a shift in work culture and management practices, such as better delegation of tasks, improved communication, and a greater focus on outcomes rather than hours worked.

Overall, whether a four-day workweek is a good idea and workable would depend on a range of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, as the concept gains momentum, more studies and experiments will likely be conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in different settings.

[Stanley]

Look at it this way..... You're giving Liz evidence for her doctorate.
I take it you have all read THIS warning from the 'godfather of AI' who has retired from Google so he can speak freely about what he sees as the dangers of developing it.
I think you're right David, the genie is out of the bottle. I wonder what Karl Marx would say about it, he was hard enough on deskilling jobs in industry.

[plaques]

I take it you have all read THIS warning from the 'godfather of AI' who has retired from Google so he can speak freely about what he sees as the dangers of developing it.

At the moment the 'AI' push is towards maximising profits. Previously firms relied on advertising to get their message across. The problem was that half the advertising was a waste of money but they didn't know which half it was. With AI the big firms can influence outcomes without the customer (sucker) knowing. Political lobbying and grants to what appears to be unrelated groups under the heading of 'influencers' is seen as the way to go. We also see this in areas such as climate change where the big players want to keep the status quo knowing that they are destroying the planet.

A quick look at the Ukraine /Russian war points to the use of more sophisticated weaponry almost to the point of being autonomous in their ability to identify humans and then to kill them.

Pandemics are becoming a regular feature of life or death depending on your point of view. I personally worry that Big Pharma is controlling the narrative and dictating the process towards bigger profits.

[Tripps]

the genie is out of the bottle

the genie is out of the lamp. . . .

Which is right? Let's ask the ChatGPT. There is no excuse for ignorance now. I really do think we have entered a new phase of Artificial Intelligence. Where it will lead to I simply don't know. but it is fascinating. Depends who is programing the gadget I guess. It must have a bias when answering contentious questions surely? All to be treated with a lot of caution for the moment.

Tripps Q : Do genies live in lamps or bottles?

ChatGPT:-

The idea of genies living in lamps or bottles comes from ancient Arabian folklore and the story of Aladdin and the magic lamp. According to the story, a genie was trapped inside a lamp until it was rubbed and released by Aladdin.
In some versions of the story, the genie is said to have been trapped in a bottle instead of a lamp. However, the concept of genies being trapped in containers is not universal and varies across different cultures and traditions.
In some traditions, genies are believed to be supernatural beings that can appear in various forms, such as spirits, demons, or angels. They are not necessarily associated with lamps or bottles. So, while the idea of genies being trapped in lamps or bottles has become popular in Western culture, it is not a universal belief.

PS I'll stop doing this sort of thing now - I've made my point.

[Big Kev]

The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of trying to assassinate Putin with a drone attack. All sounds a bit dodgy to me, a means of 'justifying' a similar attack...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65471904

[Stanley]

Strange isn't it. If it isn't Ukraine it must be someone else trying to get him. Surely they wouldn't fly drones at themselves.
On second thoughts scrub all that we can't possibly know and who cares anyway?

[plaques]

The Kremlin roof video at the time of the explosion, 3am at night shows two men on the roof. More Putin propaganda for home consumption. This is a war where there are no winners. Thousands of Ukrainians and Russian soldiers are losing their lives because of one man's ego.

Meanwhile back at home King Charles III, estimated wealth £1.8 Billion+ along with £86 Million yearly allowance is taking up a new job at the age of 74. somehow I can't see him shelf filling at Tesco but don't let this stop other pensioners from trying to make ends meet.

[Tizer]

This aircraft has an interesting history and now it's getting even more `interesting'!...
`The 40-year-old British helicopter flying in Ukraine' LINK
`A military helicopter donated to Ukraine by the UK government was used in the Falklands conflict more than 40 years ago, the BBC has learned. Despite its age, the Ukrainian military says the aircraft will help in the war against Russia. '...

[PanBiker]

Strange isn't it. If it isn't Ukraine it must be someone else trying to get him. Surely they wouldn't fly drones at themselves.
On second thoughts scrub all that we can't possibly know and who cares anyway?

I think it is probably a faked video, the "missiles" come from two different directions. Where is the evidence?

[Tizer]

One simple answer to the Kremlin drone issue is that it was a faked scenario done by their own military or security people to show they are protecting the boss. Of those two men on the Kremlin roof one was flying the drone and the other was there to `shoot it down'. The drone probably had a small amount of explosive or even just inflammatory liquid. There would be a third person to film it and send it viral on the Web.

[Tripps]

Not just me that noticed it then?

abbeycarpet.jpg

The carpets at Westminster Abbey, upon which King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned on Saturday 6 May, resembled the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine. Photos and videos showed that the carpets inside the royal church were blue and yellow, resembling the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

The link to the eastern European nation’s flag is said to be a “happy coincidence” – but that hasn’t stopped people commenting on it.
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs retweeted an official video taken inside Westminster Abbey, celebrating the choice of colours of the carpet. Former Nato commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon also pointed out that the flag of Ukraine was “at the heart of Westminster Abbey” in a tweet on coronation day. However, Buckingham Palace told The Daily Telegraph were not chosen to represent Ukraine’s flag. Instead, the spokesman said, it was a “happy coincidence” and that the carpets were chosen to highlight and contrast with the King and Queen’s robes.

In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Jill Biden coordinated her blue skirt suit with granddaughter Finnegan Biden’s pale yellow cape dress, as they made a statement walking in together.

[Stanley]

I wonder who pays for them and what happens to them now.....
(Probably treasonable to even speculate on such matters.)

[plaques]

I wonder who pays for them and what happens to them now.....
(Probably treasonable to even speculate on such matters.)

In the course of time they will appear on Flea-Bay along with jugs with specially large handles.

[Tripps]

I just watched the 'Andrew' post mortem programme following the interview by Emily Maitlis. He is surely now totally finished, as is Harry, in any meaningful role in the Royal Family. Andrew's only ally - his mother - has gone. I looked at the 'balcony' line up from Saturday. It looks a bit sparse, and seemed to be padded out with various page boys etc. I reckon there will be a shortage of people to do public duties, going forward, and Surely Camilla's enthusiasm will wane. I believe we must now call her "Queen". I always though "First Floosie" was more suitable.

I think the whole bun fight will go into a steady decline. The top two are too old for a full public life, and there are not enough deputies.

I remain a bit concerned at the new close contact with the crowd and the hugging. I'd say that was too risky. We'll see. I don't like them but would not wish any to come to harm.

[Stanley]

Very comforting for me to read that post David because your view of the monarchy is much the same as mine.
What has struck me has been the constant flow of TV eulogies about the lives of the king and queen. The little things that were conveniently forgotten like their infidelities and the cynical way Diane was exploited, only tolerated until she had produced an heir and a spare....
It struck me yesterday that the Holy Grail for the paparazzi now is a snap of Camshaft having a fag break. Mark my words it will eventually happen.

[plaques]

remember Nell Gwyn?

“Pray good people be civil, I am the Protestant whore” was Nell Gwyn’s cheeky retort to the masses pushing around her coach in the mistaken belief that it was that of the Duchess of Portsmouth, the Catholic Louise de Keroualle.

[Stanley]

I watched the two episodes of that C4 documentary last night David and I agree. No word about Chuck evicting him from Frogmore or that Fergie still lives with him.....

[Tizer]

This reminds me of how we were assured that `smart' motorways would be safe...
`Longer lorries to be allowed on Britain's roads' LINK

Note the tail end of that report: The longer lorries will still have the same 44-tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers. However, a spokesman for the Road Haulage Association urged the government to go further by increasing the permitted weight to 48 tonnes. "This will be increasingly important when we roll out zero-emission trucks to compensate for the increased weight from batteries," he said.

[Tripps]

Did I really hear this on the news when drowsy this morning?

The Government will be announcing a new 'apprentice scheme'. for the training of thousands of new doctors and nurses. They will not attend university but will receive 'on the job training'. The BMA says the scheme has not yet been finalised.

I've seen no follow up about it. Please tell me I was dreaming.


PS Seems I wasn't dreaming. Medical apprenticeships

Apparently it's all due to start in September. That gives them a comfortable three months to get it all set up and going.
What could possibly go wrong?

[Stanley]

I had exactly the same reaction David. School leavers entering doctor training immediately after leaving school?
It can only be described as madness.