DJ360

But we can blame those who continue to place our public services and hence our collective future in the hands of private enterprise which far too frequently proves to be at least inadequate, at worst, criminal or dangerous. I might be able to come up with a few other examples... let me think... Private Water Companies Private Energy Companies Private Rail Companies Private Prison Companies Private Probation Service.. (Seemingly recognised as a 'step too far' and at least partially put right) Etc.....

Jeez.. Grant '4Names' Schapps appointed Defence Secretary.... Bring on the Spivonomics... The shady world of defence procurement should suit 'Michael Green' down to the ground. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2015/mar/16/grant-shapps-business-mp-conservative-chairman-michael-green

Partly, that's true. If you want me to briefly use a 'household economy' example... I can borrow to go off on a nice Gambling Spree in Monte Carlo.. while I leave my kids at home with no food or heating. (See 'Trussonomics') Or.. I can borrow to pay for home improvements, benefitting my whole family and improving the value of my home....

Suggestions were made as result of numerous 'Pandemic Preparedness ' exercises, possibly the best publicised being 'Operation Cygnus' in 2016. All were ignored. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59342607 From which: We saw very quickly how adequate the 'stockpile of PPE' really was...

Firstly because it is a Political, not an Economic judgement, as to whether Corbyn's plans were outrageous, or even as 'extreme' as hyped by the right wing press... (Have you forgotten the 'proposed spending wars' between Con and Lab just before the election, or the unseemly 'splurge', represented by Sunak's first budget?) And secondly, the purpose of borrowing, and who ultimately benefits from the borrowed money, is another Political judgement. I doubt you'd argue that Truss's judgement on that front was sound... but even the 'by comparison', judgement of Sunak as chancellor is very sus

Jim, a number of points I've been meaning to respond to on the above. 1. Brits and highest standard of living. The key here is the word 'Average'. An average is simply a formalised generalisation, and as we know, generalisations are always wrong. So, while many have seen their income and wealth increase hugely under the Tories, which of course pushes up the 'average', many more have seen a decline in their fortunes as a direct result of 'Neo Liberal' economic 'ideology'. Those in most need, those least able to fend for themselves etc.., for whatever reason, have generally come off

Bit of a 'Round Robin'.. Even with hindsight lots of people refuse to see the facts. Trump's continuing hold on huge sections of the US Republican vote is a clear example of that. -Nightingale Hospitals. I must admit that the issue of staffing never occurred to me, but once you think that through, the Nightingales were a massive example of what can be achieved in a short time, but were also an unworkable 'solution', which could never have had much impact. The 'authorities', on the other hand knew, or certainly should have known, that it was proving impossible to a

I think he's referring just to 'T&T. He doesn't detail the costs of 'Furlough', business support, Nightingale Hospitals etc. A VERY quick look came up with something around £70Bn for Furlough.

This is a good point for me to jump back in I think Jim. There are a couple of outstanding issues I wanted to reply on but I've been rather busy with domestic stuff.. (Not for here.) Firstly, ( and correct me if I'm wrong..) I believe you live in the constituency of Amber Valley, which is currently the seat of Conservative MP Nigel Mills. A synopsis of his rather less than edifying political career here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Mills Eitherway, whether I'm correct on the above or not.. the reply you received is clearly a somewhat 'selective' politician's an

Belated Happy Birthday from me too Jim!

Ben, we don't just support you because we're nice people.. It's also because you thoroughly deserve it. As for 'Days Like This'. Probably my favourite Van video. Pretty much perfect and not at all hindered by the presence of the lovely Kate St John on sax...

I'm also disgusted, but not surprised, whoever is responsible, by the apparent indifference, to the (possibly innocent) civilian pilots and flight attendant.

I have no idea one way or the other, but killing Proghozin would be definitely a Putin response to events. OTOH, Prighozin isn't, wasn't stupid and I doubt he'd easily fall into a trap. And of course who are the other (9?) people killed? Curioser and curiouser.....

I've not seen any news yet today, but based on yesterday... It's interesting how the 'great' Russian state, was able to quickly identify Prighozin using DNA, and yet despite it's high levels of security, is unable to find the cause of the plane crash..

Fab pics Stuart.

Which bridge Ben? I think the stone bridge next to the Bogs must be older than that? The new Moorbridge was opened in the 1940s I think, but am open to correction, so that's at least 75 years old. And I read in a railway book that the Highbury Road Bridge over the railway and the Leen, next to Bulwell Market Station, was thought to be the 'original, from the 1840s.'.

That's brilliant Kev, although I looked at the link to the bigger map before you posted the image and could also see pretty much all of the 'original and best' Bestwood Estate..also in dotted outline, by 'zooming in'. That map contains so much detail of long gone stuff.. fascinating. You can clearly see what I mean about the houses being set back. Also some seemingly long forgotten place names such as 'Potter's Hollow' and 'Soldier's Hill' on Boowul Common. I never heard either used.. Any chance you could re-post the bigger map? Also, some map codes puxling me. F.P. is

I don't recall 'Sunecta' at all, but do recall Redferns. When I was at Henry Whipple Primary, on Bestwood Estate, we used to play football in competition for the 'Redfern Cup', which I assume was donated by the soft drinks co. I say 'we', but I mean our school team. I was a pretty hopeless footballer, but recall carrying our school's massive rosette on a pole and cheering from the sidelines. I bet our own Ben played in that competition.. We won the cup at least a couple of times in finals which were played on the sports field on St Alban's Road. I recall imagining that the Redfern Cup

The whole read is fascinating Jill, but that last paragraph in particular rings so many bells with me. I spent much of my youth around Bulwell Common Station, either on the adjacent common, or on the sandstone levels of the station cutting, trainspotting, climbing about etc... and investigating what the sign on the fence next to the former NCV garage described as a 'Dangerous Disused Well'. That same well was to hold up the building of the new store, Aldi?, some 50 years later, as it was (re) 'discovered'. If only they'd asked the Bestwood Lads... I had a relative on my Dad's side

I reckon it's far more complex than that. First off you seem convinced that whatever Councils are 'given' is enough to meet their obligations. That is far from proven. There have been numerous arguments about relative levels of funding provided not only related to the 'colour' of the local ruling party, but also in terms of the recognition of varying needs across the country. Again,even if we ignore 'rogue' councils, or single rogue actions, it is not proven that what councils receive from Govt. is 'enough'... and in the face of a minimum of 26% cuts the opposite seems m

My first attempt at Tsatsiki, or Tzatziki, was one 6" home grown cucumber grated and salted to remove excess water Mixed with about 2 cups fat free Greek style yoghurt, 2 small garlic cloves, a couple of teaspoons of EV olive oil and a dozen or so chopped mint leaves. Was lovely fresh made, but I'd maybe use less garlic next time. But after more than 24 hours in the fridge, the flavours have blended, the mint developed and the garlic mellowed out. Lovely now... ..and plenty of cucumbers left..

FlightRadar24 is a pretty reliable source of flight info. https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/russian-legacy-600-crashes-near-tver/

I'm not disputing that. That is a massive generalisation and like all generalisations, does not apply in all, or even many cases. I've already said that I can't comment on individual councils or assorted 'abberations', we can all find 'whatabouts' to try to oppose any argument, but those you quote don't alter the fact that Councils have suffered huge funding cuts. With regard to housing, ALL councils have responsibilties to provide housing either from their own stock, or from stock 'transferred' to a 'private registered provider of social housin

Indeed. He continues to be surrounded by mystery and speculation. The film of his aircraft falling vertically in flames certainly doesn't seem to indicate any 'normal' method of crashing, such as engine failure, running out of fuel, pilot error etc.. I'm no expert but my money is on either a bomb onboard, or more likely, a missile/drone strike. If that's the case.. it looks like whoever is responsible cared nothing for any 'innocent' passengers on board, or for the safety of any potential victims on the ground.

If you must make childish comments..... https://images.app.goo.gl/mAvcbH23K1846tts8