Seen in the News

[Tizer]

Here he goes again...
`Trump accuses Ukrainian leaders of having 'zero gratitude'' LINK
US President Donald Trump accuses Ukraine of having "zero gratitude" over US efforts to end the war.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he writes: "UKRAINE 'LEADERSHIP' HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA."
Trump writes: "I INHERITED A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, A WAR THAT IS A LOSER FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE SO NEEDLESSLY DIED."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz seems to have the right idea. He says that the focus now should be on drafting a document acceptable to Ukraine, that can then be used to negotiate a peace agreement with Russia. Trump seems to forget that it was Russia that started the war by invading Ukraine - not the other way round.

[PanBiker]

Why should he show gratitude to Trump for giving away Ukrainian territory that is not his to give. I firmly believe that Trump is actually deranged and not fit for office, he seems to have developed a God complex and should be sectioned on his actions alone.

[Stanley]

See THIS update on the talks.
A "tremendous amount of progress" has been achieved in talks to finalise a US-proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. ut "there's still some work to be done", Rubio said after meeting Ukrainian and European negotiators in Geneva, Switzerland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there were "signals that President [Donald] Trump's team is hearing us". Ukraine and its European allies had expressed concern over the leaked proposals, seen as favouring Russia and welcomed by Vladimir Putin as "the basis" for settlement. Zelensky had said Ukraine "might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner".
This sounds a bit too optimistic to me.....

[Tizer]

What I haven't heard mentioned lately but is very relevant to the proposals is that Putin is accused of war crimes by the ICC... ICC

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
About Defendant
Born on 7 October 1952, President of the Russian Federation.
Accused LastName: Vladimirovich Putin
Accused FirstName:
Vladimir: Charges
Allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation (under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute). The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes, (i) for having committed the acts directly, jointly with others and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), and (ii) for his failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts, or allowed for their commission, and who were under his effective authority and control, pursuant to superior responsibility (article 28(b) of the Rome Statute).

[Whyperion]

I don't care who it is but how can a third party nation set draconian terms against a sovereign nation, including loss of territory and restrictions on their political system and what world organisations they are allowed to belong to? In my book that is an act of war in itself, the USA has not been on the front line in this conflict so has no rights to dictate any terms. Ukraine should have been allowed to join NATO and there should have been a united front against Putin when he invaded.

Some thought that the proposals are Russian run through Google Translate. Trump hasnt read it in detail much less understood it.

[Stanley]

HERE is the latest update on the process....
Updated 1 hour ago
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed proposed changes to the controversial 28-point peace plan for ending the war with Russia. It appears Ukraine's European allies produced an amended version of the plan after rejecting parts which favoured Russia's war aims. "Now the list of necessary steps to end the war can become doable..." Zelensky said on Telegram. "Many correct elements have been incorporated into this framework." Later, in the early hours of Tuesday, Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko said a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks hit an apartment building in the capital and disrupted electricity and water supplies. Ukraine's Ministry of Energy also confirmed a "massive, combined enemy attack" on the country's energy infrastructure facilities. "Energy officials will begin assessing the consequences and restoration work as soon as the security situation permits," it said in a statement. US and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva on Sunday to discuss the plan, drafted by American and Russian officials in October, which had caused consternation in Kyiv and among its European allies. Russian representatives did not take part in the meeting in Switzerland. A Kremlin official rejected the amendments on Monday as "completely unconstructive".

[Stanley]

I note THIS report on progress in the negotiations....
Updated 1 hour ago
Ukraine has said a "common understanding" has been reached with the US on a peace deal aimed at ending the war with Russia. The proposal is based on a 28-point plan presented to Kyiv by the US last week, which American and Ukrainian officials worked on during weekend talks in Geneva. In a post on social media, US President Donald Trump said the original plan "has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides". He added: "I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians." President Zelensky's chief of staff said he expects Driscoll to visit Kyiv this week. The Kremlin previously said that Russia had not yet been consulted on the new draft deal, warning it may not accept amendments to last week's plan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that while Moscow had been in favour of the initial US framework, the situation would be "fundamentally different" if it had undergone substantial changes.
I will be interested to see how the situation has been resolved, or is this all just more flim-flam?

[PanBiker]

Its flim-flam as Russia wont settle on anything less than keeping the territory they have already stolen plus some other bits they haven't. There is a simple answer to this war that Russia instigated, they could just stop fighting and withdraw but again that will not happen as they don't recognise Ukraine's right to exist as a separate nation. Missed opportunity, they should have let Ukraine join NATO before this happened and then presented a united front against Putin. It will always be a non starter trying to reach any agreement with two megalomaniacs, calling the shots.

[Whyperion]

The Ruble is interestingly high in forex markets , I cannot work out why , even India has cut back on what it pays volume and price for Russian Oil and China is charginga good third more for "dual-use" components (missile or washing machine)

[Whyperion]

Daily Express via MSN
"The FTSE 100 has plummeted after details of Rachel Reeves' Budget were accidentally leaked by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The early forecast published early in a major blunder suggested that the UK's economy will grow more slowly than predicted over the next four years and confirmed the Chancellor will "raise taxes by amounts rising to £26 billion in 2029-30, through freezing personal tax thresholds and a host of smaller measures".

The FTSE 100 dropped sharply by 0.033%, falling to 9,606.25 shortly before 12pm,
and fell further by 0.16% by 12:30pm"

Well that sensational reporting of a 3hundredth of 1 percent (if my maths is correct) is way less than a margin . and the two tenths little movement really.
Slow growth on a generally large economy is probably the best one can get , rapid growth would imply using factor inputs of (Skilled) labour, land and materials faster than they can actually be created. A Danger of dashing for Datacentres on Thameside Marshes for example.
But I am still wondering why in London out of three ( at least )rail enhancement projects = Overground Brentford Basin Kew to Brent Cross West north and south ( relatively cheap as the rail is in place - stations are not ), Bakerloo to Old Kent Road and Lewisham ( with mansion blocks above ground to match ) and two stops with tunnel for the DLR Beckton Reach to Thamesmead just the latter gets chosen, govt really has an infinate money pot excluding interest and all three have a good rate of return financially overall. Of course new rail lines have been built - East West Rail now connected for its West end - and in use for freight and excursions - but no passenger services while arguements about who closes train doors goes on - welecom to Great, British Railways.

[Stanley]

I think you are right on the money Ian. I am certainly not holding my breath....

I saw THIS in the news this morning.
At least 44 people have been killed in a huge fire that has engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. There are reports that some residents were trapped in the building, and police say 279 people are still missing. More than 760 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze on Wednesday afternoon, with pictures showing flames and thick clouds of grey smoke billowing from the towers, dominating the city's skyline. Three men have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to the fire, according to local media reports, and an investigation has been launched. The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT) and was classified as a level five - the highest in severity - by the fire department at 18:22.
News is still coming in and it sounds like a nightmare.

[Tripps]

The man who shot two members of the National Guard in Washington DC.
Shooting

Strange - first the victims were described as "critically injured" then it was reported that they had died - then overnight it changed again, and once agarin they are "critically injured"

Puzzling.

[Big Kev]

The man who shot two members of the National Guard in Washington DC.
Shooting

Strange - first the victims were described as "critically injured" then it was reported that they had died - then overnight it changed again, and once agarin they are "critically injured"

Puzzling.

I see the orange knob is pasting all with the same brush

The US has suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans, after an Afghan man was identified as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House.

[Stanley]

It's all dead simple to him. Punish everyone with a beard or a towel wrapped round their head.
In days gone by the POTUS would have kept quiet and waited for news from the police and intelligence agencies....

[Tizer]

Now it's not just Afghans, you're right about `pasting all with the same brush' Kev....
`Nov 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration will "permanently pause" migration from all "Third World Countries", following the death of a National Guard member in an attack near the White House.' Reuters

[Big Kev]

Now it's not just Afghans, you're right about `pasting all with the same brush' Kev....
`Nov 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration will "permanently pause" migration from all "Third World Countries", following the death of a National Guard member in an attack near the White House.' Reuters

He's definitely off his trolley.

[Stanley]

THIS isn't going to help the situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home. Yermak, a towering figure with enormous political influence, has been Zelensky's closest adviser throughout Russia's full-scale war, but has come under increasing pressure over an escalating scandal - even though he is not accused of any wrongdoing. Zelensky had recently appointed him to head crucial negotiations, with US President Donald Trump leading a new drive to end the Russia-Ukraine war. In a stark address to the nation outside his presidential office, Zelensky called for unity, warning: "We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future."
Putin must think all his birthdays have come at once.

[Tizer]

Two more warnings about online scams. The scammers are getting increasingly clever at tricking people into their traps. Be on your guard!

`Meta accused of letting AI sellers 'run rampant'' LINK

`Text scammers make tens of thousands a month - and spend it on designer shoes and bags' LINK

[Stanley]

I always check my junk mail box Peter and have noted how many current scams are linked to everyday matters like picking up mail or accepting delivery of a parcel.

[Stanley]

See THIS piece of news....
4 hours ago
Do you find yourself getting increasingly irate while scrolling through your social media feed? If so, you may be falling victim to rage bait, which Oxford University Press has named its word or phrase of the year. It is a term that describes manipulative tactics used to drive engagement online, with usage of it increasing threefold in the last 12 months, according to the dictionary publisher. Rage bait beat two other shortlisted terms - aura farming and biohack - to win the title. The list of words is intended to reflect some of the moods and conversations that have shaped 2025.

[Whyperion]

The BBC Website reminds me https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2054650n3o
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the first German state visit to the UK in 27 years - with a state banquet and ceremonial events in Windsor on Wednesday. (3rd December)
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier's three-day visit will see a mix of pageantry, politics and culture.

Events for the president will range from speaking in Parliament and meeting German Premier League footballers to visiting the David Bowie Centre in the Victoria and Albert Museum's new wing in east London.

The state visit by President Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender, will begin on Wednesday with the traditional formal welcomes and military parades.

There will be a carriage ride on the way to Windsor Castle - which didn't take place during the recent US state visit by President Trump, who moved in and out by helicopter, reducing security risks but also any opportunity for protests.

A highlight of such visits is the spectacular state banquet in St George's Hall, where the King and president will make speeches, with celebrity guests enjoying a showcase dinner.

When in Germany, the King had spoken about the importance of supporting Ukraine, so there will be interest in whether he might raise the subject again, against a background of talks about ending the war.

Also in Windsor, President Steinmeier will lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George's Chapel.

Sir Keir Starmer will host a meeting with President Steinmeier at Downing Street, along with UK and German business leaders, emphasising the importance of economic ties.
It follows the "Kensington Treaty" signed this summer between the UK and Germany, which included closer co-operation on defence and plans for easier travel between the two countries, including a direct rail link.

Events will show the cultural links between the countries, including a sleigh designed in 1845 by the German-born Prince Albert, who was married to Queen Victoria.
Ms Budenbender will visit the Judith Kerr Primary School, in south-east London, to mark the connection to its namesake, Judith Kerr, the German-born author of the children's book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

Oxford University will award an honorary degree to President Steinmeier, on a trip where he will learn about medical research at the university.
A visit by President Steinmeier to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will include meeting German footballers in the Premier League.

And at the V&A East Storehouse, which has put the museum's archive on show, the visitors will see the David Bowie Centre, which contains items related to the pop star, such as stage outfits and musical instruments. Bowie had strong associations with Berlin, having lived and worked in the city in the 1970s.

I suspect this visit will be met by a general air of indifference but of interest to a few locals

[Stanley]

See THIS report on the OBR leak.
The chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has resigned following the Budget day error which saw a key document published early. Richard Hughes said in his resignation letter he took "full responsibility" for the issues identified in the OBR's investigation into the mistake, which it called the worst failure in the organisation's 15-year history. This year's Budget has been surrounded by controversy, with the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, accused of misleading people over the state of the public finances. Earlier on Monday Sir Keir Starmer defended the chancellor against such claims and said he was "proud" of the Budget. The OBR assesses the health of the UK's economy. It is independent of the government but works closely with the Treasury.
Call me a cynic but this is all a bit too civilised. Could it be that by volunteering for the sack Mr Hughes is giving the government the best chance of shutting discussion down?

[Stanley]

See this Lancashire news report on the run up to Xmas and monitoring for DUI.
Police in Lancashire are to increase patrols on the roads over Christmas as part of a campaign to curb rising levels of drink and drug-related casualties. Kimberley Whitehead, Lancashire deputy police and crime commissioner, said: "Every festive period our officers see consequences first-hand with families devastated. "Operation Limit is, simply put, about saving lives over Christmas." Police charged 314 people with either drink or drug driving at the same time last year as officers conducted 2,496 drink and drug tests.
I suspect that the 'rise' in numbers of offenders might be related to more resources put into checking drivers....

[Whyperion]

not sure about that, I would like an age profile as I think with publicity etc the numbers had been falling in previous years. The waiting 200 yards down the road from the pub used to be the police pullover and meet targets back in the 1970s. Landlords of pubs have responsibilities and younger people used to go with the designated driver method. I wonder if night life after the years of covid has meant a mental readjustment has not happened for some groups of people.

[Tizer]

With a bit of luck this could unseat Netanyahu...
`Crisis looms in Israel over ultra-Orthodox conscription bill' LINK
An impending crisis over conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli army is threatening to undermine Israel's government and split the country. Public opinion on the issue has shifted dramatically in Israel after two years of war, and this is now perhaps the most explosive political risk facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu....