Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Politics & Current Affairs => Topic started by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 07:55:02 am

Title: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 07:55:02 am
Snippets of news that make you think...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 07:57:53 am
From the puzzling page on New Scientist:


Very precise page numbers

Amazing precision comes from the websitetoolsdiy.co.uk which informed Ian Dibsdall, via a famous web search engine, that he was about to visit "Page 0.933333333333 of 44". The page in question is not small - it had roughly 58,000 words in between the pictures of tools - yet it informed us of our position in the document to the nearest 17-millionth of a word, approximately.

Feedback suspects this puzzled the website designers nearly as much as it did us, because when we went back to bit.ly/precise-page to look again, while proofreading this page, their page count display was nowhere to be seen.

History has ended

THE US National Library of Medicine's search service PubMed is, says Janis Smy, "beloved of medical writers like me" because it allows them to search the databases of most peer-reviewed journals by topic or name of researcher. Janis is amused, though, when she goes in via bit.ly/pubmedlink, to be confronted by a red bar at the top of the page containing the words "History has expired due to inactivity".

Breeding sausages in the garden

SAINSBURY'S supermarket, Peter Harrison tells us, sells "outdoor bred Cumberland chipolatas". Peter thinks these would be an ideal source of protein to keep and nurture in his garden. There would be no pen to build and no noisy or smelly disturbance of the neighbours.

He asks: "Does anyone know whether I should start with one or two - and if two, which two - and what to feed them on?"

Ingredients from here and there

THE label on Michael Lofting's bottle of soda water stated that it was made from "local and imported ingredients". Michael wondered whether it was the water or the carbon dioxide that was imported: "If the latter, does this constitute an emissions trading scheme?"

Online passes get physical


TRYING to get a lift pass for the ski resort of Courchevel in the French Alps, Jethro Jessop followed the links to buy one at courchevel.com. A nicely designed screen with images of snow-capped mountains bore the message: "Internet ski passes purchase is only available at our desks in the resort."

"I took this as proof that we all live in some kind of virtual construct inside a giant other-dimensional computer," Jethro says.

Perhaps in preparation for the "information technology for business" event taking place at the resort on 7 April, pass purchasing online has since been restored.

Beware the killer mice from space

JUST for a moment, James McCartney was very worried by the Science Daily headline "Monitoring killer mice from space". Then he realised with relief that the monitoring is from space, not the mice. It went on: "Green on satellite images warns of hantavirus outbreaks."

Missed Christmases

Graham Smith describes shopping in the run-up to Christmas with his partner for something to dress their 3-month-old in. In a Tesco supermarket they found a sleeping suit emblazoned with the words "My First Christmas". It was sized to fit babies from 18 to 24 months old.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 08:45:42 am
US store offers free gun with satellite dish

From Associated Press


A US store is offering would-be satellite television customers a free gun.

The Ravalli Republic newspaper reports customers who sign up for some Dish Network packages at RadioShack in Hamilton, Montana will receive a coupon for a pistol or shotgun and the required background check.

Those not interested in a gun get a $50 Pizza Hut gift card.

Store owner Steve Strand said it took some haggling to get Dish Network to go along with the promotion, but it has tripled his business since last October.

The sign outside the business reads: "Protect yourself with Dish Network. Sign up now, get free gun."

RadioShack Corp released a statement that the independent dealer's offer does not follow the corporation's marketing practices and that it is in discussions with him.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 08:47:22 am
A plane fuselage, a clarinet, helicopter parts and dozens of night vision goggles have been stolen from the Ministry of Defence in the past 10 months.

Peter Luff, a junior defence minister, revealed thieves had taken nearly £700,000 worth of cash and equipment since last May. The haul ranged from medals and ceremonial swords to a ship's anchor and Army-issue ration packs. Other loot included a bridge, a boat rudder, body armour, guns, marker lights and a flag.

Night vision goggles worth £49,000 were stolen, as well as two batches of night sights, worth £88,000. The most expensive item stolen was a helicopter rotor tuner, worth £50,000, taken last November.

The figures, which only cover items reported stolen in the UK, were uncovered by Labour's Luciana Berger, who tabled a written Parliamentary question asking for a breakdown of items worth £100 stolen from the MoD since the Coalition took office.

Ms Berger said: "I will be demanding assurances from ministers that these materials have not fallen into the hands of Britain's enemies. This is nothing short of a national disgrace."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 26, 2011, 08:51:28 am
Ms Berger said: "I will be demanding assurances from ministers that these materials have not fallen into the hands of Britain's enemies. This is nothing short of a national disgrace."
Yes, that Clarinet could prove to be lethal in the wrong hands.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 09:07:06 am
 ;)

You have to wonder how some of that stuff is looked after, though; the night vision goggles and night sights are high risk items.  If the MOD can't guard them adequately, what does that say about the rest of their performance?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 26, 2011, 09:10:04 am
It's always gone on though, hasn't it. During World War II, the British Army in Africa was severely hampered by the sheer amount of stuff going missing - corruption was endemic back then and is still about today in a lesser form. It's MOD personnel 'arranging' for things to go missing, rather than the local scallies pinching the odd set of night sight goggles.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 26, 2011, 10:10:05 am
"Shrinkage' by staff is the biggest cause of stuff going missing in shops, certainly, and it seems to be no better with the MOD.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 30, 2011, 09:00:54 am
The strictures on free speech continue...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/mar/29/superinjunction-financier-libel-legal-case (http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/mar/29/superinjunction-financier-libel-legal-case)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on March 30, 2011, 07:04:32 pm
Have you noticed that whenever you bring a problem to your Local Councillors they issue lots of sympathy and gooing noises but then go away and do absolutely eff all?      Y^^Y   $hands$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on March 30, 2011, 09:18:23 pm
Is the clock still ticking Yorkie?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on March 30, 2011, 09:39:06 pm
A few days left!   I've resurected my Blog ready for action!    Just need some class articles now.    L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on March 30, 2011, 09:46:21 pm
Oh dear... not another Blog .... will I ever get any sleep.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 30, 2011, 09:49:08 pm
I've resurected my Blog ready for action! 
I was almost tempted to say which one....  L0L $elvis$ $drink1$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on March 30, 2011, 09:53:12 pm
Seek and ye shall find!   Not Oscar 2, I closed that one.  It got too popular and was somehow confused with another with a similar name.     $uk
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on March 30, 2011, 11:54:19 pm
I've resurected my Blog ready for action!
I was almost tempted to say which one....  L0L $elvis$ $drink1$

 L0L

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on March 31, 2011, 12:51:40 am
A few days left!   I've resurected my Blog ready for action!    Just need some class articles now.    L0L

Here's a pic you may wish to add.  L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on March 31, 2011, 08:43:42 am
Got a dozen or so of them already!     ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on March 31, 2011, 02:57:55 pm
Got a dozen or so of them already!     ZXZ

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: brumbob on April 01, 2011, 07:24:25 am
Seek and ye shall find!   Not Oscar 2, I closed that one.
Whoever would have thought that Yorkie was Victor  L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on April 01, 2011, 08:26:15 am
Yorkie is not and never was Victor.  But he does know who Victor was. 

See:  http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12.msg22901#msg22901 (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12.msg22901#msg22901)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on April 01, 2011, 08:35:17 am
....as did practically everyone in Llandudno.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on April 01, 2011, 08:36:42 am
..... and the rest of Christendom!      _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on April 01, 2011, 11:00:40 am
I don't give a doggy doos who Victor is (or was) ...and Stig is (or was) is only a character on Top Gear.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on April 01, 2011, 11:33:13 am
Tell that to the chappie who raise the issue!     :rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on April 01, 2011, 11:36:40 am
I have, haven't  I?   By replying on this thread....
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on April 01, 2011, 11:47:34 am
Of course you did!   It is age getting the better of me!     ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 01, 2011, 12:26:21 pm
...and Stig is (or was) is only a character on Top Gear.

 :o The Stig is a legend!  Some say, that when he visits Llandudno all of the goats bow down and worship him and that he is the only one allowed into Penrhyn Bay Post office without remoing his helmet!   ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on April 05, 2011, 04:50:12 am
....as did practically everyone in Llandudno.  :laugh:

 L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on April 05, 2011, 05:39:12 am
Who was Uncle Albert  *&( in the Thoughts of Uncle Blog?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on April 05, 2011, 08:29:05 am
Is everyone really on Facebook? (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/04/05/free_web_over/)

From the Register:

Facebook is arguably one of the greatest inventions ever, given its capacity to bring so many disparate people together in one place and connect us. But it's also a real concern that we may be giving Facebook far too much control of the web.

The problem, however, is that it's just so easy to do so. TechCrunch's Jon Evans rhapsodizes about how much he hates Facebook and its Comments functionality. Facebook Comments reduces  everything down to a single dumbed-down inescapable standard, relentlessly mediocre and devoid of any color or possibility, he says. Yet, Evans admits that he'd continue to use it.

Why?

    t is easy to plug in, and it does solve the troll problem, and everyone's already on Facebook, and it helps to spread links, and it's just barely good enough and easy enough that it's not worth wrestling with alternatives.


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 27, 2011, 01:48:14 am
I seems that you cannot now teach Religious Studies in the UK, without being a fervent member of a particular faith yourself.

If you do, you risk severe injury, or even death,   See here below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13566526 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13566526)

Sadly, It seems that we have not progressed at all from the days of heresy in the last 700 years.... what is to be done?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 27, 2011, 12:02:34 pm
This is a Christian country that is tolerant of other Religions and people know this when they decide to live here. If the extremists cannot accept this then there is an alternative for them.  The trouble is that people here cannot express themselves without being accused of being a racist or Nazi or some other stupid comment. 
If we travel or go to live in another country then we have to live by the rules of the country we are in and it should apply here too.
Immigration as well as deportation should be much stricter and anyone either an EU citizen or otherwise who commits a crime should be deported if they weren't born here.
I'm amazed that people from Nepal have such difficulty coming here when they value our country so much and their soldiers fight for us and risk their lives. Yet those that supposedly despise our way of life seem to be freely able to come here and do what they want including claiming the benefits that this country provides,
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 27, 2011, 08:05:58 pm
Agreed Hugo.

At some point in the 80's, (when were a much richer nation and society was of a different disposition) we fell soft on this issue,  and then there was no turning back.

Sadly, a rot set in... attitudes changed, morals sadly went out of the window... and now it is almsot irreversable.   

I say ''almost'' because it would require draconian legislation plus a serious sea-change in society's acceptance of hard-line governent to change the current situation.

No more Mr Nice Guy is the way forward.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 27, 2011, 09:30:14 pm
The UK is far too soft on extremists and the EU and it's "Human Rights" has got a lot to answer for.    National security for this country should over ride these rules as they would do in war time and the people should be deported without appeal etc.
We've had at least two instances this year when illegal immigrants have killed people and yet they have not been deported because it would affect their Human rights.
As far as I am concerned they have lost their Human rights once they have committed these crimes and should be returned to their own country to serve the prison sentence.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Paddy on May 27, 2011, 09:53:48 pm
If only we had tha balls of the Australians.




It seems like the Australian's are made of the right stuff!

I wish the leaders of our country would take a stand like Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to
get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head
off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to
Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his
ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.

Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some
radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept
that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament.

"If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or
a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on national
television.

"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing
people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law,
that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent
courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to
go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better
option," Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said
those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other
country.

Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did
not want to accept local values should "clear off".

"Basically, people who don't want to be Australians, and they don't want to
live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically
clear off," he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on
Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's
mosques.

AMERICA and Canada..... ARE YOU LISTENING? …AND THE UK AS WELL!!!

Quote:

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It I am tired of
this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their
culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge
in patriotism by the majority of Australians.

However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically
correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism
was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge
against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia.

However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our
country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.

This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to
dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have
our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.

This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and
victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak
mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian,
or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our
society, Learn the language!

Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing,
political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian
principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is
certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God
offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your
new home, Because God is part of our culture.

We will accept your beliefs and will not question why, all we ask is that
you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you
should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.

We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really
don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means keep your
culture but do not force it on others.

This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you
every opportunity to enjoy all this.
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our
Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you
take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE".

If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You
asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on May 27, 2011, 10:19:49 pm
As Australians, we have
our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 28, 2011, 08:02:04 am
Quote
If only we had tha balls of the Australians.

Sorry, paddy - it's just not true (http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/australia.asp)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 28, 2011, 10:54:43 am
The e-mail may not be true according to the Hoax Slayer but the sentiments expressed in it must convey the thoughts of the majority of people both in Australia and the rest of any civilised society.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Paddy on May 28, 2011, 01:13:26 pm
The e-mail may not be true according to the Hoax Slayer but the sentiments expressed in it must convey the thoughts of the majority of people both in Australia and the rest of any civilised society.

Very well said Hugo. I totally agree.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Dwyforite on May 28, 2011, 01:13:57 pm
i agree with Hugo to the letter,and whilst on holiday recently in a resort in tenerife  which me and the wife love i ventured into a cheap phone call shop where you pay  a reduced rate for your call this shop was run by somali muslims,on the wall was a carpet depicting this scene ,there was an arab man riding on a small donkey he had a large parasol  to  shade himself  from the sun and a rope from the donkey to his dog and thence to his wife and the baby she was carrying,it then struck me how little the arab regards his wife and their child probably a female.how different to a christian he would be leading the donkey with his wife and child onboard shaded from the sun with the parasol and the dog following,needless to say that was the last time i used the shop
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on May 28, 2011, 06:00:42 pm
Aboriginal people became Australian citizens in 1949, when a separate Australian citizenship was created for the first time (before that time all Australians, including Aborigines, were "British subjects"). Aboriginal people from Queensland and Western Australia gained the vote in Commonwealth elections in 1962. However, the Commonwealth voting right of Aborigines from other states was confirmed by a Commonwealth Act in 1949 (the constitution already gave them that right but it was often interpreted differently prior to 1949). They got the vote in WA state elections in 1962 and Queensland state elections in 1965.

But one result of the two constitutional amendments was that Indigenous Australians ceased to be mentioned at all in the national constitution.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on May 28, 2011, 06:17:34 pm
I seem to remember Catholics and Protestants (both Christian) killing each other in "civilized" United Kingdom.  $uk
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 28, 2011, 08:50:20 pm
That particular 'letter' simply seeks to propagate ill feeling and perpetuate lies and myths about minority social groupings. Before any of us start becoming too eager to join the chorus of approval for the sentiments, we should remember that most large societies in the West have treated their original natives despicably, and our own track record with regard to Islamic culture is no better.  About a thousand years ago, Islamic scholars had worked out the distance of the moon from the earth, at a time when we were still living in mud huts. Finally, closely reading that 'letter' reveals astonishing disingenuity, as well as being essentially a fabric of lies.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 28, 2011, 10:35:40 pm
Thats as maybe Ian, but flashes of inspiration and mathematical genius in medieval times, can't make up for the complete change in direction that ''younger'' generations are taking Islam these days. 

It is not at all about media conspiracies, or scaremongering.
If anything, the media are afraid (or not allowed) to tell us the real extent of the problem.
Just try living in or near a Muslim community, and see how comfortable you feel after a relatively short time.

I'm afraid that a major change is happening in the world, in terms of disproportionate birth rates, and a new culture whereby the majority expect luxurious lives, but refuse to work hard or even contribute anything to get it.

 

 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 29, 2011, 07:50:00 am
You're making three points, there, Fester, and I'm not sure how they're related.

On the first, however, I have lived very close to extremely large Muslim communities, so I can speak with some experience about them.  I accept that radicalisation of the young is a growing problem, but that's not  the point of that 'letter';  that 'letter' exists to spread the very hatred, mistrust and bigotry on which groups like the EDL and other far right organisations thrive and which, like all politics of hatred, simply serves to set one group against another without any basis in reason.

Your average Muslim is very much like your average person;  most want nothing more than to live in peace, work for their living and look after their families. And I think you're wrong about the media, in a big way. Papers like the DFM and Telegraph have entire teams attempting to unearth every grubby detail they can about Muslim society in the UK. What should be making people think is how little they've managed to dig up, considering their resources.

Your the second point

Quote
I'm afraid that a major change is happening in the world, in terms of disproportionate birth rates, and a new culture whereby the majority expect luxurious lives, but refuse to work hard or even contribute anything to get it.

can't really be substantiated. Birth rates in the Western world have been falling steadily for many years, but even China's tenacious approach to population management has only managed to slow their enormous population growth.

On your final point

Quote
a new culture whereby the majority expect luxurious lives, but refuse to work hard or even contribute anything to get it.

I'd be interested to know what your source is for that statement.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 29, 2011, 10:53:18 am
 
On your final point

Quote
a new culture whereby the majority expect luxurious lives, but refuse to work hard or even contribute anything to get it.

I'd be interested to know what your source is for that statement.
[/quote]

I can't argue with your points Ian as I am afraid that in all societies it is the minority that spoil it for the majority.  Going back to these four men though, how many of the four were working and not claiming benefits?    The article doesn't mention that nor does it mention if any of the four are immigrants.  If any of them are immigrants then they should be deported after serving their full jail sentence, human rights or not!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 29, 2011, 12:40:34 pm
On that last point, Hugo, we don't disagree. And, of course, Fester has a point with regard to the burgeoning world population and what is rapidly becoming rather oppressive Human Rights legislation. But if the world is becoming more crowded, surely we need to be very careful about the sort of mind that the 'letter' above reveals? It is, after all, very similar to the way that Germany went in the mid thirties.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 29, 2011, 10:32:56 pm
...and I believe that it is inevitable that the scenes in Nazi Germany will be repeated..not by Nazi's, and not in Germany... but a different type of fanaticism.
That being religious fanaticism.  Perpertated by people who believe that it is their destiny and duty to conquer all who don't share their faith.

Sometimes its not possible to quote a study, or statistical evidence that Ian rightly calls upon me to present.

Sometimes you have to draw upon your own experiences, and open your eyes to what is happening in the unsavoury world around us.

 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on May 29, 2011, 10:40:54 pm
 :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 30, 2011, 08:47:30 am
Quote
Sometimes you have to draw upon your own experiences, and open your eyes to what is happening in the unsavoury world around us.

But the real problem is that almost all of what we 'see' around us is nothing of the sort, and is - in fact - third-hand information from the media. And we know how selective they can be, quite apart from the fact that they don't normally broadcast good news.

Quote
That being religious fanaticism.  Perpertated by people who believe that it is their destiny and duty to conquer all who don't share their faith.

I think any sort of fanaticism leads down some very dangerous alleyways for society and I think I've already made my feelings clear on both religion and nationalism in civilised society.  Unfortunately, we're stuck with a multiplicity of both and we can only hope that humankind outgrows its need for one of them at least,  before we all vanish in the next holocaust.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 30, 2011, 11:13:27 pm
I agree with your sentiment Ian,  I'm just very pessimistic about the Human ability to evolve quickly enough...

Instead I fear that the another Human need, that for greed... will coincide with the chase for dwindling resources, and cause that very holocaust.

I hope you are right... but I fear that I will be proved correct on this one.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 23, 2011, 10:25:16 pm
Is this little chap destined to be a great adventurer?

Or should his parents be locked up for neglect?

See here..  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13894172 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13894172)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: crd on August 13, 2011, 11:04:04 am
As Australians, we have
our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.


Ever since the British first invaded, Aboriginal peoples have had their land stolen from them or destroyed. Until 1992, when it was finally overturned, the legal principle governing British and then Australian law regarding Aboriginal land was that of ‘terra nullius’ – that the land was empty before the British arrived, belonged to no-one, and could legitimately be taken over.

Most has still to be returned today, and the loss of their land has had a devastating social and physical impact on Aboriginal peoples.

The initial invasions also sparked huge waves of disease that killed thousands – many others were massacred. In just over one hundred years from the first invasion of their land, their numbers were reduced from up to an estimated one million to only 60,000.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: dwsi on August 30, 2011, 12:04:58 pm
Exploited, raped, controlled and punished by the English - one man's ambition to become Welsh | Mail Online http://bit.ly/oceOIX (http://bit.ly/oceOIX)

reaction to this piece :-

Blog Banw: Is discrimination or racism acceptable? http://bit.ly/r6b4Bf (http://bit.ly/r6b4Bf)
Oggy Bloggy Ogwr http://bit.ly/pSiZV5 (http://bit.ly/pSiZV5)
Grangetown Jack: Since When Was It Cool to Ignore Prejudice? http://bit.ly/pntHbw (http://bit.ly/pntHbw)
Syniadau :: The Blog: The Insouciant Pantomime Dame http://bit.ly/rngnqN (http://bit.ly/rngnqN)
National Left: IOS think Welsh should "Lighten Up" (Or maybe know their place) http://bit.ly/pDzpKB (http://bit.ly/pDzpKB)
Welsh tell MP to lighten up over race 'slur' - UK Politics, UK - The Independent http://ind.pn/qxEDC4 (http://ind.pn/qxEDC4)
EyeOnWales: ‘Welsh’ Personalities Back Lewis the Hatemonger. http://bit.ly/oeNAck (http://bit.ly/oeNAck)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on September 01, 2011, 02:09:01 am
I abhor the appalling and moribund monkey language myself, which hasn’t had a new noun since the Middle Ages — hence pwdin is pudding, snwcer is snooker, tacsi is taxi and bocsio is boxing.


What an ignorant c*nt.  $angry$

The reporter, Roger Lewis.....Lewis is a Welsh surname isn't it?  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 01, 2011, 08:58:18 am
Ignorant cw*t would give him a new noun and that's just for starters.     $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on September 01, 2011, 12:52:50 pm
http://www.houseofnames.com/lewis-coat-of-arms (http://www.houseofnames.com/lewis-coat-of-arms)

Motto translated: Faithful to my country.  L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Trojan on September 01, 2011, 01:56:46 pm
Sharia poster boy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwDo1uB-CBk#ws)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 10, 2012, 07:07:48 pm
I have found a very convenient badge which can save you a lot of hassle and waiting in queues.
I have attached a picture of the badge below.  Feel free to use it.

When I needed to go to Accident and Emergency recently, I stuck this badge onto the sleeve of my blue jacket, and suddenly 80% of those waiting decided they weren't so sick after all, and left.  That saved me 4 hours waiting.

I went into the job centre too, flashed the badge there and I was almost straight to the front of the queue. Amazing.

But don't use it in McDonalds or KFC, I never got my order as all the staff suddenly vanished!  Most odd.

Here is the useful badge... print it off, and use it as often as you like.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on February 10, 2012, 07:18:48 pm
 :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 11, 2012, 01:27:07 am
It beggars belief that University students, (perhaps from different cultures) have to been given basic instruction on how to use a toilet.  Its in Wales too.

The article is here, and it makes my mind boggle.   (should that be BOG-gle?)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16983788 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16983788)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: John Oddy on February 12, 2012, 12:57:13 am
Unfortunately if I make any comment in this section the Weekly News will pounce on it and again question my ability to be on the council because of my racist views so I'll keep quiet and just chuckle at your comments.......love 'em.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on February 12, 2012, 08:59:17 am
It beggars belief that University students, (perhaps from different cultures) have to been given basic instruction on how to use a toilet.  Its in Wales too.


You'll have to blame that bloke Crapper who invented the things in the first place.   _))*

Where I am now they still have the two foot-pads on the floor with the hole in the middle.  They are OK unless you have dodgy knees!    L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on February 12, 2012, 09:17:21 am
Another story about fiddling at a Welsh charity and how someone is trying to use racism to deflect attention from the situation:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/02/04/charity-chairwoman-paid-for-work-not-put-out-to-tender-91466-30263799/#ixzz1lRSQHAFK (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/02/04/charity-chairwoman-paid-for-work-not-put-out-to-tender-91466-30263799/#ixzz1lRSQHAFK)

"Mrs Austin told to the Western Mail she had nominated herself to write research papers for Awema that had been commissioned in a single tender arrangement from the Welsh Government’s equality unit. She confirmed she had been paid £12,000 for one piece of work"

"Mrs Austin said she took serious exception to a statement made by Mr Dunn on BBC Wales’ Dragon’s Eye TV programme in which he expressed concern about the allegations being “whitewashed”.

“I am a person of colour and the overwhelming majority of Awema’s trustees and senior employees are people of colour. To refer to a ‘whitewash’ is deeply offensive,” she said"

 :laugh:

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 12, 2012, 09:49:44 am
It beggars belief that University students, (perhaps from different cultures) have to been given basic instruction on how to use a toilet.  Its in Wales too.


You'll have to blame that bloke Crapper who invented the things in the first place.   _))*

Where I am now they still have the two foot-pads on the floor with the hole in the middle.  They are OK unless you have dodgy knees!    L0L

In Rhyl?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 12, 2012, 03:48:52 pm
It beggars belief that University students, (perhaps from different cultures) have to been given basic instruction on how to use a toilet.  Its in Wales too.


You'll have to blame that bloke Crapper who invented the things in the first place.   _))*

Where I am now they still have the two foot-pads on the floor with the hole in the middle.  They are OK unless you have dodgy knees!    L0L

I was in Singapore Airport some years ago when I first saw a hole in the ground toilet.  They could have done with those instructions there because no one had hit the target!!       :o   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 13, 2012, 01:03:51 pm
Quote
"Mrs Austin said she took serious exception to a statement made by Mr Dunn on BBC Wales’ Dragon’s Eye TV programme in which he expressed concern about the allegations being “whitewashed”.

“I am a person of colour and the overwhelming majority of Awema’s trustees and senior employees are people of colour. To refer to a ‘whitewash’ is deeply offensive,” she said"

 :laugh:

Mrs Austin should be a bit more careful in what she says and it is obviously a smokescreen to hide any critisism aimed at her or the charity. It's a cheap shot and unfortunately it happens all to often in business and sport.    Her comments "I am a person of colour and the overwhelming majority of Awema’s trustees and senior employees are people of colour"  must be offensive to the majority of people in the UK. 
We are all coloured in some shade or other and created equal, irrespective of race or religion.      Does she think that she is in some form of elitest minority?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Dwyforite on February 13, 2012, 01:40:00 pm
that is a good point
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 18, 2012, 08:17:17 am
Who can you trust?

"Manufacturers and supermarkets are increasingly using creative language to sell their products – even if it means creating place names that don’t exist.

Marks & Spencer sells 11,000 tonnes of Lochmuir salmon every year while Tesco sells thousands of chickens from Willow Farm. But neither of these places exist. Both are marketing inventions used by M&S and Tesco to brand their salmon and chickens.

M&S also uses the name Oakham to brand its chickens. Willow Farm and Oakham chickens come from farms all over the UK while fish farms across Scotland supply salmon for the Lochmuir range."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on February 18, 2012, 11:16:52 am
For sides of Smoked Salmon and other stuff I can recommend  Red Snapper Seafoods in Skelmersdale. www.redsnapperseafoods.co.uk (http://www.redsnapperseafoods.co.uk).   ZXZ

"Red Snapper Seafoods specialise in producing fillets, loins, supremes, steaks, specialty fish cuts and portions from the highest quality fresh fish, seafood and shellfish. We have our own smoke house, where we smoke a wide range of products using traditional methods of smoking for periods of up to 36 hours over oak chippings. We monitor our prices weekly and make changes to reflect market prices and will not be knowingly undersold . We will match or reduce any like for like price. PLEASE EMAIL OR TELEPHONE 01695 550934 "
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 18, 2012, 07:56:25 pm
Who can you trust?

"Manufacturers and supermarkets are increasingly using creative language to sell their products – even if it means creating place names that don’t exist.

Marks & Spencer sells 11,000 tonnes of Lochmuir salmon every year while Tesco sells thousands of chickens from Willow Farm. But neither of these places exist. Both are marketing inventions used by M&S and Tesco to brand their salmon and chickens.

M&S also uses the name Oakham to brand its chickens. Willow Farm and Oakham chickens come from farms all over the UK while fish farms across Scotland supply salmon for the Lochmuir range."

YES!  And I saw a bus going past me today with Hovis emblazoned on the side... and guess what?  They don't sell bread!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on February 26, 2012, 08:49:14 am
Like all good socialists, Red Ken is lining his own pockets whilst criticising others for doing the same....  &shake&

"Ken Livingstone, who has attacked tax avoiders as “rich b-------” who should “not be allowed to vote”, has avoided at least £50,000 in tax by having himself paid through a personal company."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/london-mayor-election/9105977/Ken-Livingstone-uses-loophole-to-save-50000-in-tax.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/london-mayor-election/9105977/Ken-Livingstone-uses-loophole-to-save-50000-in-tax.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 26, 2012, 10:12:28 am
Quote
Like all good socialists, Red Ken is lining his own pockets whilst criticising others for doing the same....

 _))* _))* _))*

KL is hardly a Socialist, by almost any definition you choose to use.  But the fault doesn't lie with his method of avoiding the higher rate income tax as such, but rather with the entire company taxation  system which allows individuals working only for one employer to avoid income tax.  In his case, you can argue he's earning money through fees from a number of sources, and is thus - by anyone's definition - self-employed.  His argument is with those who work for only a single employer but who seek to have the entire salary paid as fees to a company. That's disingenuous at the very least.  But then - this report is hardly from a disinterested source (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-11607116-barclay-brothers-tax-shock.do), itself, is it?  The Barclay Brothers' acquisition of their vast wealth was initially bankrolled by the Government (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_and_Frederick_Barclay), interestingly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on February 26, 2012, 12:09:23 pm
Ken has referred to himself as a socialist many times and he is described as such on his Wikipedia entry.

As for the Sunday Telegraph, it was voted Newspaper of the Year in 2011 by the Press Association....  ;)


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 26, 2012, 01:46:37 pm
Quote
As for the Sunday Telegraph, it was voted Newspaper of the Year in 2011 by the Press Association..

Sorry?   (http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/1064248/)

Quote
Ken has referred to himself as a socialist many times

It's rather a loose definition when he uses it:

Socialism:
any of various social or political theories or movements in which the common welfare is to be achieved through the establishment of a socialist economic system.

He doesn't believe that, as he's said, himself, but more importantly, neither do others. (http://www.isj.org.uk/index.php4?id=289&issue=113)

 WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on February 26, 2012, 05:36:48 pm
How would you describe him politically, then? Sounds like you're quite keen on him... :roll:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 26, 2012, 05:49:21 pm
 _))*

Can't stand him, actually, but I like a fiery debate :-)))

He's left of centre but, like so many of his ilk, as soon as he starts making money he starts mislaying principles.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 08, 2012, 09:30:52 am
http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2012/03/income-tax-mayor-livingstone (http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2012/03/income-tax-mayor-livingstone)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 08, 2012, 08:09:21 pm
http://shirazsocialist.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/mehdi-hassan-objectively-a-supporter-of-assad/ (http://shirazsocialist.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/mehdi-hassan-objectively-a-supporter-of-assad/)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Statesman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Statesman)

 :D :D :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 23, 2012, 08:48:11 am
On another forum we have a chartered accountant and the same sorts of comments about paying themselves through limited companies were flying about.  However, it seems that it's nowhere near as straightforward as it appears. From her:

No, because everyone witters on about 'paying themselves at 20%' it but, in almost all cases quoted (which are referring to higher rate payers), it is wrong.

If turnover goes into a company (and doesn't fall foul of IR35) and it generates small company profits, the Company does, indeed, pay about 20% in tax on it. BUT the money is still in the company. A Director, if he wants to get his hands on it, spend it on himself, has to get that money OUT of the company.

For someone like George Osbourne who has a large ministerial salary, if the company pays him a salary or a bonus he will pay income tax at his marginal rate. Depending on the amount the company may have to pay employers NIC. If the company pays him a dividend - he will pay a higher rate of dividend tax on it.  Of course, he can take nothing out, pay no more tax, maybe have some pension provision, or his wife may be involved in the company and the company only pays a low rate but that cannot be correctly described as 'paying himself'.

The company route for high earners is often, if available, the best route tax wise but it ain't at what people quote : 20%.

(This is different for low and middle earners)"


"It's not a scam. HMRC fought the principle all the way to the top of our courts in the Arctic Systems case and lost. If he is not a basic rate taxpayer he will be paying a higher rate dividend tax. People assume it is the same for everyone - including George Osbourne, who very clearly isn't a basic rate payer.

The actual cost of a dividend for higher rate payer is NOT just the corporation tax. They pay an additional 32.5% to 42.5% less tax credit (depending on how high their income is).  As I said, the company vehicle is likely to be the better option tax wise, but it does NOT cost a total of 20% (if in higher rates) it is much, much higher than that.
 
HMRC never liked losing Arctic Systems and Labour pledged to sort something but they never could find a workable solution. It's not a scam, it's the legislation and case law as it stands."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 23, 2012, 08:50:46 am
"For anyone who doesn't know....

There is generally no VAT on basic foodstuffs, like bread.
Make it into a sandwich and serve it on a plate in a cafe, now you have value added and VAT is chargeable
Warm up a quiche and sell it for takeaway, now you have value added and VAT is chargeable.

Complicated, but makes logical sense.

Now, let's look at the humble pasty:

Cold pasty for takeaway - no VAT
Pasty warmed up for takeaway - VAT

But what about a newly cooked pasty? It's nice and hot - by virtue of just coming out of the oven - but there is no value added, so there has been no VAT chargeable. Some businesses with oven choose to cook all day long so there is always a regular number of warm pasties free of VAT to sell. However, poor SPAR next door, with its little heater boxes keeping pasties warm - they have to pay VAT. Definitely a strange one.

I have to say, I don't agree with the ruling. Not to support the baker who has managed to have one over on the SPAR for years, but  because I think it will only actually complicate matters with many other things. What about bread newly baked and cooling in supermarkets - will the till need to check the temperaure at point of sale - after all bread, especially rolls, do cool as you are shopping?  Or will they have to hold fresh bread back until it has cooled enough? I can see some ridiculous situations arising from this. Empty shelves at Christmas and a "they are cooked, come back when they have cooled down" Assuming it passes into legislation in the Finance Bill as I understand it (which it might not, lots of measures with complications not thought through properly don't). They may define 'takeaway food' and the supermarket bread situation be avoided that way."
 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Paddy on March 23, 2012, 04:32:15 pm
What would happen if I picked up a warm pasty but it had cooled by the time I got to the front of the queue?

Where would the law stand on the shop selling me a cold pasty but providing a microwave oven for me to heat it up?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on March 23, 2012, 04:56:20 pm
What would happen if I picked up a warm pasty but it had cooled by the time I got to the front of the queue?

Where would the law stand on the shop selling me a cold pasty but providing a microwave oven for me to heat it up?

First question - you would have to eat a cold pastie!

Next:  Ah!  Microwave oven for customer's own use eh?   That sounds like an 'elf an' safety matter I rekon!   >>>   Banned - unless you have a suitably trained and Microwave qualified person on the premises to oversee each and every operation of said appliance and give instruction to customer who must undertake a risk assessment and hold a Customer (Use of Shop Microwave) Diploma or NVQ.    ZXZ   _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Paddy on March 23, 2012, 09:24:17 pm
What would happen if I picked up a warm pasty but it had cooled by the time I got to the front of the queue?

Where would the law stand on the shop selling me a cold pasty but providing a microwave oven for me to heat it up?

First question - you would have to eat a cold pastie!

Next:  Ah!  Microwave oven for customer's own use eh?   That sounds like an 'elf an' safety matter I rekon!   >>>   Banned - unless you have a suitably trained and Microwave qualified person on the premises to oversee each and every operation of said appliance and give instruction to customer who must undertake a risk assessment and hold a Customer (Use of Shop Microwave) Diploma or NVQ.    ZXZ   _))*

My bloody pasty has gone cold again!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: pentan on July 31, 2012, 11:36:24 am
The vetting scheme for nine million people working with children and vulnerable adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is to be halted. What is your reaction?
Home Secretary Theresa May is to announce that registration, due to begin next month, is to be put on hold. There will be a review of the entire vetting and barring scheme, with a "scaling back" likely to follow.
Children's authors said the plans were an over-reaction to the murders of two schoolgirls by school caretaker Ian Huntley in Soham in 2002
Over-reaction!! what are the UK government thinking even if this scheme saves one child from the likes of Huntley surly it is worth it you can’t put a price on this the politicians are pouring money down the drain in other areas
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Quiggs on July 31, 2012, 12:02:26 pm
I had to have a CRB ? check when driving School Buses, but it was not transferable to any other activity, so another check was req. At additional cost. It gives the impression of being another money making scam.   &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2012, 12:10:25 pm
It is, and the current scheme is being suspended to avoid grandparents having to pay for a CRB when they're looking after their grandchildren, among other odd anomalies.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on July 31, 2012, 12:45:39 pm
The CRB checks after the Huntley case were a knee jerk reaction but arguably something had to be done to try and ensure there wasn't a repeat. The problem is that everyone just sat back when they should have been working toward a proper solution, as history has proved that quick fixes rarely stand up over time & usually need at least some fine tuning.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 31, 2012, 01:39:42 pm
I have 3 CRB check certificates, 1 for Victim Support, one for Vision Support and one for Age Concern, all being charitable enterprises that I have worked with in the past.   It was explained to me that they were not transferable due to the different class of vulnerable people with which one was dealing.

In other words one may be suitable for dealing with old adults but not young children etc., which does make some sense.  D)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 31, 2012, 02:18:57 pm
CRB checks are non-transferable, they only apply to the organisation that applied for them for you.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on July 31, 2012, 02:40:59 pm
There is also the possibility that you have a valid CRB certificate but then commit an offence which results in a CRB fail but you could use the older certificate to gain employment. I guess it makes sense to have a new check for each different activity if they aren't linked.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 02, 2012, 08:09:58 am
"Government figures have revealed up to 1,400 people received more than £30,000 in housing benefit costing the taxpayer up to £65 million. "

http://politicshome.com/uk/story/28435/ (http://politicshome.com/uk/story/28435/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 02, 2012, 08:57:30 am
ALMOST 800 people across North Wales are getting benefits because they are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

The bill for their claims runs into millions of pounds a year – and Ministers have promised to reform the system.

The Department for Work and Pensions have published the figures amid criticism of their plans to subject all incapacity benefit claimants to tough ‘fit for work’ tests.

In north Wales, 780 people were receiving incapacity benefit (IB) or employment support allowance (ESA) with drug or boozde addiction as their main “disabling condition”, the DWP said.

A further 200 were claiming disability living allowance (DLA), with some of them eligible for one of the other benefits.

Conwy had the most cases, 200, with 120 IB claimants and 80 on ESA because of their drug or alcohol problems. An additional 50 receive DLA.

Wrexham and Flintshire both had 150 (each having 100 IB, 50 ESA). They each also have 30 people on DLA. Denbighshire has 120 (70 on IB and 50 on ESA) with 50 claiming DLA; Gwynedd 120 (80 on IB, 40 on ESA) with 20 on DLA; Anglesey 40 (30 on IB, 10 on ESA) plus 20 on DLA, according to the figures relating to November last year.

The benefits paid to drug addicts and alcoholics come to around £83,000 a week or £4.1m each year.

A breakdown shows there are 280 people in North Wales claiming IB paid at £99.15 after 12 months for alcohol dependency and 220 for drugs. On ESA, which is paid at £99.15-£105.05 weekly, there were 210 alcoholics and 70 claimants dependent on drugs

The figure are based on claimants collecting the lowest level of one of the two DLA components at £20.55 a week, so the actual weekly total could potentially be up to £26,000 higher.

The coalition’s reforms to address the issue include replacing DLA with a new payment with tougher criteria. All IB claimants are already being subjected to tests to see if they are physically capable of working.

A DWP spokeswoman said: “Reform of the broken incapacity benefit system is about saving lives, rather than writing people off to a life on benefits as used to happen.”

Charities working with addicts say the claimants are not exploiting the system as if they are unable to work they would have to claim benefits, otherwise they would starve.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/08/02/4m-benefits-bill-for-north-wales-drug-and-alcohol-addicts-55578-31529755/#.UBlH_b7DxtE.twitter (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/08/02/4m-benefits-bill-for-north-wales-drug-and-alcohol-addicts-55578-31529755/#.UBlH_b7DxtE.twitter)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on August 02, 2012, 04:16:17 pm
So as well as a free bus pass to get to the pub they also get the booze paid for by the taxpayer? That'll solve the problem. NOT! Surely the money would be better spent trying to end the addiction not encouraging it, or am I missing something here?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 02, 2012, 10:29:51 pm
So as well as a free bus pass to get to the pub they also get the booze paid for by the taxpayer? That'll solve the problem. NOT! Surely the money would be better spent trying to end the addiction not encouraging it, or am I missing something here?
No, you're absolutely right.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 03, 2012, 08:21:23 am
It's a tricky one, addiction.  If it's pronounced, then the state chooses between abandonment of the individual or treatment of the individual, and the latter costs a great deal more than simply paying them IB or DLA. The other side of that coin is whether serious addiction should be considered a disease at all, or whether it ought to be viewed simply as a personality defect. There's also evidence that some people are far more susceptible to addictive behaviours than others, and the huge amount of research on drug abuse points to significant changes in brain chemistry and physiology occurring as a consequence of taking the drugs in the first place.  Whatever society chooses to do, however, it's going to cost.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 03, 2012, 08:34:59 am
Whatever the reason, the State effectively giving them money to allow them to drink themselves to death whilst, in many cases, causing misery to law abiding members of society at the same time, does not seem acceptable.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 03, 2012, 08:57:18 am
No, because the impact on the decent folk is significant.  So, what ought to be done?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 03, 2012, 09:11:18 am
Fit them with the implants that cause vomiting if alcohol is consumed and give them a  brush to sweep the streets?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 03, 2012, 11:56:57 am
No, because the impact on the decent folk is significant.  So, what ought to be done?

Put them together with all the worthless scum on the Isle of Wight and then . . . . . . . . . whatever you will!   ££$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 04, 2012, 12:43:26 am
I find myself agreeing with Ian, (not a position I regularly find myself in) its such a tricky subject.

From personal experience, my brother was on disability allowance for his alcohol and depression problems, (before they got the better of him and he passed away)

He had a meagre few bob in his pocket to buy some beer, or get a bus to see his kids... or make a hospital appointment.
But thats all he had.
If he didn't have even that to look forward to, I'm not sure what his last few years would have been like.
Even more miserable than they were, I imagine.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 04, 2012, 02:27:46 pm
Fit them with the implants that cause vomiting if alcohol is consumed and give them a  brush to sweep the streets?

It didn't work with George Best and probably won't work with a lot of others who are not as privilaged as Best was and who also have additional problems.
I don't think though that they should qualify for additional benefits because of a problem they have created for themselves.   Whatever next, more food for the obese. More money for drugs for the drug addicts, cigarette addicts etc. and while I'm at it no child benefit for more than 2 or 3 children.
Drink,inject, smoke or procreate what you can afford.   Workers already abide by those ideas so why shouldn't the others do it?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 04, 2012, 03:30:16 pm
It's all bonkers, I'm very fond of driving so will they pay for my petrol addiction? No instead it's very heavily taxed!!  For a long time I have been convinced that alcohol in the wrong hands (mouths) is the biggest cause of problems here, I'm lucky I drink very little alcohol, I can take or leave it, but an addictive personality is a different matter!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 04, 2012, 11:43:20 pm
I too can take or leave alcohol....... but I'd rather take it, its all the same to you!  (hic)   Z**
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 03, 2012, 12:50:23 am
The link is to a BBC news item, which details the court case in which Arthur Scargill claims he still wants the almost bankrupt NUM to continue paying for his apartment in London for the rest of his life.

It costs the NUM £34,000 rent, plus other costs.
The NUM still pay the expenses on his other house in Barnsley. (plus extra for his personal security)

Some Socialist eh?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19806014 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19806014)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on October 03, 2012, 08:44:07 am
Hypocrisy is the hallmark of any good Socialist. Fighting for the workers, but living in luxury as they do so..
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 03, 2012, 09:52:43 am
Quote
Hypocrisy is the hallmark of any good Socialist. Fighting for the workers, but living in luxury as they do so..

So you're saying that all good socalists should live in poverty?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on October 03, 2012, 10:30:20 am
It would give their views far more credence, I'd have thought. In the case of Scargill, talking about the 'workers' struggle' whilst having two luxury homes paid for by said workers struggling to earn a living does come across as a tad hypocritical, surely?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 03, 2012, 11:22:51 am
Quote
It would give their views far more credence, I'd have thought. In the case of Scargill, talking about the 'workers' struggle' whilst having two luxury homes paid for by said workers struggling to earn a living does come across as a tad hypocritical, surely?

The approach taken by the major unions towards their presidents has always been one that believes they should pay their presidents appropriately for the job and in the way that they believe all workers ought to be remunerated.  It could be seen as  more hypocritical to pay their key workers a pittance, while arguing in favour of significant pay increases for their members.

It's easy to knock those who dedicate their lives to raising the living standards for the working population; but unions play a vital role in the protection of their members against the treatment they could receive at the hands of unscrupulous employers and - in some cases today - still do.  Scargill is perhaps not the best example, as he made the fight for his workers far too political, in my view. But it's a demonstrably simple fact that - at the start of the 20th Century - working conditions were abysmal for the majority, while the employers simply grew richer and  more selfish on the backs of their workers' output.  Mining in particular was a lethal industry, so it's perhaps easier to see why militancy among that group was always strong.
 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on October 03, 2012, 11:36:51 am
I'm not disagreeing with any of that. The point was that Scargill, who hasn't been President of the NUM for 10 years, is determined to hang onto all his luxury perks in spite of spouting ever more extreme nonsense:

Scargill has become more politically outspoken since stepping down from the NUM presidency, he is a Communist sympathiser[16] and has gone on record as a supporter of Joseph Stalin, saying that the "ideas of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin" explain the "real world": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Scargill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Scargill)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 03, 2012, 12:10:36 pm
Well, as I said, Scargill is not the best example.  And it's certainly true that over the years certain fringe organisations, like Militant Tendency, attracted opportunist con-men who - far from improving the lot of the average person - went on to wreak immense damage, coupled with  vitriolic abuse of anyone who dared oppose them.  However, my point is that you cannot reasonably stereotype trade unionists in the way you did  "Hypocrisy is the hallmark of any good Socialist. " unless you subscribe to an incredibly narrow definition of the word "Socialist".  I believe the good done by the trades union movement in general far outweighs the bad.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on October 03, 2012, 12:40:35 pm
Is it not the Trades Union who effectively destroyed our ship building industry?   Demarcation required 7 trades to fit a porthole!  That was just a small part of the problem.

I was connected with the building industry supplying and servicing the large Tower cranes that were the centre of production on any building site.   We also supplied craneage for the construction of many of the power stations in the country.   None of my erectors, electricians or service personell were union members or had any need to join as they were well looked after and extremely well paid for the dangerous work they did.   The union bosses on one power station site decided my men should receive "boot" money and "height" money or they would not be allowed on site!   For the next week they did work on other jobs we had and construction at the power station came to a dead stop.

I received calls from the Managing Director of the main construction companies involved who then negotiated with their workers and the Unions.   Result, even to the day I left the company my men never joined a union and were allowed without hindrance on every site they worked.

As far as I am concern the likes of Mr Scargill helped to ruin the industrial base on this once great manufacturing country.
 $thanx$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Kowalski on October 03, 2012, 07:50:26 pm
Hear, hear, there's no point standing up together to solve anything, or protecting people. Let's just let the bosses and assorted rich people run society for their own ends. That'll learn us.

Personally, at the end of the day I think we should go further. There should be a black list of construction workers that refuse to kowtow to the rich bosses and their chauffeurs. (Whaddya mean there already is one? http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jul/29/nick-cohen-construction-workers-blacklist] [url]http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jul/29/nick-cohen-construction-workers-blacklist (http://[url) [/url])

Vote for your local Tory, they'll sort it!!! I see a new election slogan!! "As long as the crane operators of Britain are ok Jack then everything's fine!!!"
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 19, 2012, 08:21:04 am
If you're of an age to remember the film "Exodus", you'll remember the theme  which was altogether a rather schmaltzy song. This short cartoon is extremely well worth watching:

http://blog.ninapaley.com/2012/10/01/this-land-is-mine/ (http://blog.ninapaley.com/2012/10/01/this-land-is-mine/)

This link

This Land Is Mine on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/50531435)

allows a full-screen image.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 29, 2012, 10:50:15 pm
In my younger years, I was required to visit Japan for business reasons on two occasions.

I was always struck by how it was known as 'The Land of the Rising Sun', and I always accepted this without question.

However, I have since realised that the sun rises in every country of the world, just at different times of the day.

It begs the question, what other phrases do we simply accept as true, that in essence are nonsense?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 30, 2012, 08:21:25 am
As you're clearly of a religious bent, F, how about 'Separate the sheep from the goats?'.   :twoface: :twoface: :twoface:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 30, 2012, 09:23:36 am
Indeed, our traditions are littered with such strange and contradictory statements.

Ian, I have never actually heard of the one you mentioned, but what about;

''Absence makes the heart grow fonder''
How do we receoncile that with... 'out of sight, out of mind''?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on October 31, 2012, 09:40:15 pm
Just picked up on this on the "For Argyll" site.

Certain rural areas in Argyll have been having problems with their BT service.

After BT appealed to Ofcom these areas have been declared "beyond their control" allowing them to abandon servicing the area even though they have had a telephone service for many years.

Watch this excuse does not spread to their service in remoter areas in Wales.   $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 31, 2012, 11:21:21 pm
Today I decided to challenge the old adage that 'You Can't have your Cake and Eat it'
Successfully as it turns out.

I made my way to the very excellent Conwy Bakery and purchased TWO cakes.

I proceeded to EAT one, and I still HAVE the other.

Therefore I can safely say, without fear of contradiction, you can indeed have your cake and eat it.



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on November 01, 2012, 08:45:41 am
OMG-- I hope it wasn't one of those huge cream slices ! :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 01, 2012, 05:15:54 pm
Of course not.... it was TWO of them!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 02, 2012, 01:14:36 am
I have often wondered how TV viewing figures are gathered.

I mean, back in the 1970's, how did they know I was watching The Two Ronnies Xmas Special, rather than the Mike Yarwood one?

This week, I was surprised to hear that despite a major push on the Welsh language in recent years, there are a dwindling number of people (450,000) who tune into S4C each week.  $walesflag$
That works out at less than 70,000 per day.

Now, how do they know that?  How do they filter out those like me who tune in by accident?
You see S4C is on channel 104 in Wales (when using SKY), but most people click on channel 104 expecting to find the real 'Channel 4'
Also, is it 70,000 unique visitors per day?  Or if I watch  programmes am I counted twice?

Most bemusing...   ?{}?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on November 02, 2012, 08:01:07 am
I have often wondered how TV viewing figures are gathered.
Thanks to the wonder that is the Internet, you need wonder no longer...  ;)
http://www.barb.co.uk/about/tv-measurement?_s=4 (http://www.barb.co.uk/about/tv-measurement?_s=4)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 02, 2012, 05:50:12 pm
Well done Dave.... so its mainly calculated from a panel of selected households....   Hmmmm  ?{}?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on November 02, 2012, 07:53:09 pm
Well done Dave.... so its mainly calculated from a panel of selected households....   Hmmmm  ?{}?

Good job I don't have one of them boxes, It would mean that viewing figures for 5000 homes in Britain would be on Babestation for 6 hours a day   _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 02, 2012, 11:36:48 pm
Well done Dave.... so its mainly calculated from a panel of selected households....   Hmmmm  ?{}?

Good job I don't have one of them boxes, It would mean that viewing figures for 5000 homes in Britain would be on Babestation for 6 hours a day   _))*

I got through to Babestation on my phone, and one of those sexy females said seductively, ''Hi Honey, what can I do for you?''

I hastily replied, ''You could HIDE,  because my wife is coming down stairs and I've lost the remote control!!!''  :laugh: :laugh:

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 14, 2012, 11:59:05 pm
In recent months the media has been packed with articles about the abuse of people when they were children.
Some of these tales go back nearly half a century.
Before that, we had the Prime Minister apologising for Britain's involvement in the slave trade, some 200 years ago.
Now, without ever wanting to trivialise those issues, I got to thinking...

During my own childhood, I was the victim of physical abuse on multiple occasions.
The headmaster would rap my palm with a cane, the maths teacher would clatter my ears for not paying attention, the french teacher put the 3-foot board ruler across my backside on many occasions.
The PE teacher slapped the bag of my legs, Deputy head would force unruly lads to attend judo class and there he would ensure that punishment was meted out directly and painfully.  The list goes on and on.
Is it unfair to say that there was a 'culture of physical abuse' endemic in my school and many others?

To compound this, I have to admit that my parents were complicit in this abuse, and if I got a clout from a teacher, they either agreed with it, or gave me another clout for getting into trouble.
The local policeman towed me home by the ear-lobe when he discovered me on top of the bus shelter!
Only my Grandma stood in the way of this tidal wave of violence. In her eyes I could do no wrong, and she would willingly have meted out vengeance to my aggressors if she could. (God bless her)

Now, on reflection I think I deserve an apology from the current Education Minister, a 7-figure financial settlement from the police commissioner, and the immediate arrest of my parents in connection with these matters.

Everything seemed so normal to me until I saw all these news stories recently.
But now, I realise that my life has been a litany of abuse and torment.

Perhaps other Forum members have similar 'harrowing' tales, and we could form a support group?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on November 15, 2012, 08:35:45 am
and start a new charity?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on November 15, 2012, 08:47:02 am
Have to agree there Fester. Our teachers thought nothing of lobbing the nearest thing at you, if your mind looked to be elsewhere and even at junior school girls were walloped with an old gym shoe and boys with a rounders bat. And I might point out I didn't go to a 'rough' school-- this was the local girl's high school.
We had a geography master who was a dab hand at throwing a wooden board rubber right across the room and connecting it with the miscreant's ear 'ole. He'd be locked up these days !
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on November 16, 2012, 11:35:04 pm
they were just the run of the mill way of life, but at least you had respect for the ogres that were dealing out the punishment and took it in your stride
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on November 17, 2012, 08:35:03 am
Exactly Snowcap, it was all in a day at school then ! Most of the teachers were old fogies in tweed suits. The first male teachers were a big shock in an all female school, I imagine they must have been very apprehensive !
Where my OH went the masters still wore the academic gowns-- makes me think of Jimmy Edwards. Whacko ! ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 25, 2012, 09:27:07 am
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, is now a UK citizen but says that there's 'no way' he could have founded Wikipedia in the UK because of our absurd libel laws.  (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/08/jimmy_wales_wikipedia_listen_up_london_and_learn/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 05, 2012, 11:23:15 am
As Ministers propose a minimum price of 45p a unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales, two senior North Wales councillors have called on shops and supermarkets to be more responsible in their attitude towards the sale of alcohol.

The call was made by Councillor Phil Edwards, Conwy's Cabinet Member for Communities and Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire Lead Member for Public Realm, following a meeting of the Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Strategic Group held at Divisional Police HQ at St.Asaph to discuss ways of reducing violent crimes and their impact on communities.

The group was particularly concerned about the increased incidence of violence in the home.

Councillor Phil Edwards said,"The link between crimes and many offences involving violence has been long established. Licensing Committees on Local Authorities have made a great deal of headway in tackling troublesome pubs and off-licences but there is now a growing body of evidence that shows that alcohol induced violence in the homes has increased significantly and that this problem is made worse by the availability of cheap beers and strong ciders in retail outlets. The statistics that relate to domestic violence, which too often ends in tragedy for a family is frightening and it is high time we all started to tackle this seriously. At least one woman is killed every day by domestic violence and the link between this and too much alcohol is undeniable".

Councillor Edwards added, "Shops and Supermarkets need to remember that they are subject to the same strict Licensing Laws as pubs and clubs and if their activities contribute in any way against the Licensing Objectives, they will have to face the consequences in exactly the same way. In my view, there is very little difference between encouraging people to drink excessively in a 'happy hour' and encouraging people by offering alcohol at grossly reduced prices. The outcome too often is the same and it's time that responsible sale of alcohol came before profits."

Councillor David Smith agreedand said, "As responsible Councillors we are concerned at the number of crimes associated with alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol induced crime in the home. In many cases, this is a result of readily available cheap alcoholic drinks many of which have high alcohol levels. I fully endorse the comments made by Councillor Phil Edwards and would ask retailers who sell alcohol to be more responsible in the way they sell alcohol to the public."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 05, 2012, 11:40:23 am
Dave, I warned you last week about drinking Stella Lager.

There is a reason that it often referred to as 'Wifebeater'

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 05, 2012, 07:57:30 pm
Dave, I warned you last week about drinking Stella Lager.

There is a reason that it often referred to as 'Wifebeater'
I shall rename it as 'Festerbeater', with immediate effect.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 07, 2012, 09:41:15 am
Getting close now. If this guy believes the world is going to end, maybe he wont mind giving us all his cash since he wont be needing it?

Old Colwyn Mayan prophecies
Jun 14 2012 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

AN OLD Colwyn man believes ancient Mayan prophecies for 2012 will see the world changed forever over the remaining part of the year.

Malcolm Yates, of Llawr Pentre, believes he has been placed on the earth to help people come to terms with a spiritual transition to what he describes as a higher frequency of existence.

Malcolm, 53, believes more highly evolved human extraterrestrials from another planet within our galaxy are about to intervene on Earth.

The retail manager, who works in Llandudno Junction, says corrupt leaders, governments and organisations will be removed from power as part of the takedown and that a New Age will begin where humans will enjoy a higher level of understanding of the workings of the universe.

Malcolm is one of many believers who say a new society, economy and even climate will follow the revolution – contrary to other interpretations of the Mayan calendar which suggest the world will end in December 2012.

Malcolm explained: “This is not a doom and gloom scenario, the darkness, falseness and negativity on the planet is going to be highlighted by the light of the universe.

“There will be a divine intervention as part of this takedown of the people who run the planet, the Dark Cabal. They are a covert elite group that work within the hierarchies and institutions on our planet. These are the people who run the media, the governments, the pharmaceutical companies and the arms dealers. They’ll be removed.

“When these events materialise people are going to be fearful, it’s going to be shocking to find half the US government has been arrested, as well as those in the security and intelligence agencies and the legal justice system.”

Malcolm’s beliefs are contrary to the 2012 Phenomenon which sees some interpretations of the ancient Mayan calendar prophesying an apocalypse, commonly predicted for Friday, December 21.

However, Malcolm believes that instead the prophecies predict a new dawn of existence for the world as we know it.
“The end of the world is just a misrepresentation of the Mayan calendar, we are at the end of a planetary cycle. This is a long prophesied comment of a golden age for humanity, we are going to see incredible technologies and free energy, ending oil monopolies,” he claims.

“We are being aided by extraterrestrials from other solar systems who are very spiritually and technologically advanced. They are already here to assist us, they will revitalise our planet and educate us in the ‘oneness’ of the universe.

“I 100% believe it. Five years ago I was a sceptic but this is not conspiracy theory, it is conspiracy fact. I want people to know change is coming and it’s good news, it’s already happening.

“In the coming months people are going to see changes, it’s going to be all over the TV. You are going to see members of the US Congress arrested and the people running the planet brought to justice. And it’s going to frighten people.

“Already you can’t turn on the TV without seeing corruption in the media.”

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2012/06/14/old-colwyn-mayan-prophecies-55243-31175828/ (http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2012/06/14/old-colwyn-mayan-prophecies-55243-31175828/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 13, 2012, 11:49:07 pm
The man in this video news article ran his own Investment Banking business, before the crash... and is now living rough in a park in Croyden.
It just shows how anyone can fall on hard times.
Admittedly, he has only been sleeping rough for a few nights, hence his substantial girth still in evidence!
Its only 2 mins long, take a look.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20704588 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20704588)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 14, 2012, 11:33:57 am
That was really sad to watch and it just shows you how it could happen to anyone.   I just hope that he soon gets the relevent help to get accommodation and turn his life around.
It's upsetting to see someone in those circumstances, especially when they have worked hard during their life, when on the other hand you get unemployable people like drug addicts etc etc  expecting local authorities to rehouse them because it's their human right to have accommodation.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on December 14, 2012, 08:19:33 pm
The man in this video news article ran his own Investment Banking business, before the crash... and is now living rough in a park in Croyden.
It just shows how anyone can fall on hard times.
Admittedly, he has only been sleeping rough for a few nights, hence his substantial girth still in evidence!
Its only 2 mins long, take a look.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20704588 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20704588)



I watched the programme that the clip was taken from and was intrigued about how he was actually living in America when the business he built up & his marriage both failed. An American charity then paid for a plane ticket to send him to the UK so he could be homeless over here instead of over there so he could claim off the UK Government instead of the US. It's similar to those people who emigrate and then when they fall ill they return to the UK for the free healthcare as opposed to paying in there adopted country. I'm getting so cynical in my old age I guess.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 14, 2012, 08:25:24 pm
Let's put it another way -  he couldn't have been much good as a Merchant Banker, nor as a businessman. No businessman worth his salt would bankrupt himself by sending good money after bad once the business was showing signs of serious deterioration.  As far as I am concerned he has brought it all on himself, and furthermore there is no need to sleep rough or go hungry in London, unless one especially wants to.    :D

Maybe the BBC will help by buying his "story". :rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on December 14, 2012, 08:35:27 pm
The reason he was sleeping rough was that as he had just flown in from the US after living there for a few years, he was (rightly in my eyes) not recognised as a resident of Croydon. He eventually did get given a bedsit in a HMO which I guess is more than he would have got if he stayed in the US.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 15, 2012, 09:01:44 am
I don't believe he was sleeping rough. He looked far too clean and tidy.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 20, 2012, 11:54:07 pm
Morning all,

I am aware that the world comes to an end today, that is not in question
But I was wondering if any Forum members could tell me what time it is scheduled for?

It's just that I'm meeting Dave R for a drinking session at 2pm, and I didn't want to miss it.

Moreover, if the world is going to end in the late afternoon sometime, then I probably have enough cash to see me through and I won't need to go to the 'hole in the wall' for extra funds.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on December 21, 2012, 12:45:01 am
Radio 5 said 11:11am whilst I was just driving home from work so you may want to make that a morning coffee instead!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on December 21, 2012, 01:11:42 am
i hate to think this is my last game of poker, im winning for a change
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 21, 2012, 09:43:28 am
Hmm, indeed.
Dave, if the world ends before 2pm, I would imagine that things like Twitter and Facebook will be wiped out.
So, just text me and let me know where you are!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 21, 2012, 11:36:05 am
Well, the world was due to expire at 11.11, so there'll be many hundreds of thousands of disappointed people, all of whom were certain the world would end, but all of whom will now have to trudge back, wearily to their blogs to add comments about how the world should have ended, but NASA has been continuing to lie to them.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 21, 2012, 11:38:18 am
And the forecast for the week ahead...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 21, 2012, 11:41:29 am
Well, the world was due to expire at 11.11, so there'll be many hundreds of thousands of disappointed people, all of whom were certain the world would end, but all of whom will now have to trudge back, wearily to their blogs to add comments about how the world should have ended, but NASA has been continuing to lie to them.
Indeed.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on December 21, 2012, 11:48:18 am
Well, the world was due to expire at 11.11, so there'll be many hundreds of thousands of disappointed people, all of whom were certain the world would end, but all of whom will now have to trudge back, wearily to their blogs to add comments about how the world should have ended, but NASA has been continuing to lie to them.


There's still time. The Mayan time zone is 6 hours behind GMT so it could have meant 5:11pm for us!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 21, 2012, 12:35:05 pm
Well, the world was due to expire at 11.11, so there'll be many hundreds of thousands of disappointed people, all of whom were certain the world would end, but all of whom will now have to trudge back, wearily to their blogs to add comments about how the world should have ended, but NASA has been continuing to lie to them.


There's still time. The Mayan time zone is 6 hours behind GMT so it could have meant 5:11pm for us!

That's cheered me up no end so there's still time for a few more beers.          Z@@                   Z** Z** Z**
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on December 21, 2012, 01:17:54 pm
Well it didn't happen when Mother Shipton said it would, so I am not holding my breath.
This was due to happen in 1881, but I think we are all still here ! ;D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Shipton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Shipton)

Just for anyone who hasn't heard of Mother Shipton.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 22, 2012, 12:47:54 am
Yes, there was Mother Shipton, (who used to scare the s##t out of me as a kid)... then Nostradamus, at least once, maybe more.
I think that the Mayan prophecy was the last in line, chronologically, of many such doomsday predictions.

So, when the world ends, no one can turn round and say, 'there, I told you so'

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on December 22, 2012, 08:01:50 am
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 22, 2012, 11:29:27 am
;D ;D ;D

I always remember Old Moore's Almanac, he never did prophesy the World's End, but was a good read all the same.
 $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on December 22, 2012, 12:30:48 pm
Ohhh I used to enjoy reading those!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 27, 2012, 04:15:54 pm
There are a number of similarities between 'Chalk' and 'Cheese'

Therefore it has always puzzled me as to why those two commodities were chosen to particularly highlight vast differences.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 28, 2012, 07:37:17 am
This is an old expression and the earliest citation is in John Gower's Middle English text Confessio Amantis, 1390:

    Lo, how they feignen chalk for chese.

Tourist boards in several of the chalkland areas of the UK try to place the phrase's origin in their locality and allude to vague connections between chalk and the local cheese. None of these is convincing and they clearly owe more to marketing than to etymology. So, how did the phrase come about?

There must have been a time in the development of English when we had no standard phrase to express the idea that two things were 'as different as X and Y'. When someone coined such a phrase, and that someone may well have been Gower in 1390, clearly he needed candidates for the roles of X and Y. That doesn't sound difficult, after all most things are different from most other things.

"Maybe, 'as different as a cormorant and a lamp-post'", thinks our coiner, "or 'as different as floorboards and greengrocers'". "No, 'as different as chalk and cheese' sounds better". Why? For no better reason that the fact the 'chalk' and 'cheese' are short and snappy words that alliterate. The English language is packed full of phrases that contain pairs of rhyming or alliterating words - often just because the person who coined them liked the sound of them; for example, hocus-pocus, the bee's knees, riff-raff etc.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 28, 2012, 08:52:14 am
Ee by gum lad!  Me dost think that said saying dost come from Yorkshire where it can still be heard today around yon market places!

However:  A modern-day spin-off of 'chalk and cheese' is 'chalk and talk'. This refers to the traditional teaching method where the teacher stood at the front to address the class while writing on the blackboard with a stick of chalk (which those of a certain age will well remember). The phrase emerged in the UK in the 1930s but had a shortish run as a widely used expression as classrooms began to be equipped with whiteboards in the 1960s. 'Dry-wipe marker pen and talk' never caught on.
 :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 28, 2012, 10:23:03 am
My main memories of classrooms are of teachers throwing chalk and sometimes blackboard rubbers at pupils!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 28, 2012, 11:36:54 am
My main memories of classrooms are of teachers throwing chalk and sometimes blackboard rubbers at pupils!

I remember how accurate some of them were!  I bet today's teachers would be hard pressed to hit the side of a cow at ten paces!  L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 28, 2012, 11:38:46 am
This is an old expression and the earliest citation is in John Gower's Middle English text Confessio Amantis, 1390:

    Lo, how they feignen chalk for chese.

Tourist boards in several of the chalkland areas of the UK try to place the phrase's origin in their locality and allude to vague connections between chalk and the local cheese. None of these is convincing and they clearly owe more to marketing than to etymology. So, how did the phrase come about?

There must have been a time in the development of English when we had no standard phrase to express the idea that two things were 'as different as X and Y'. When someone coined such a phrase, and that someone may well have been Gower in 1390, clearly he needed candidates for the roles of X and Y. That doesn't sound difficult, after all most things are different from most other things.

"Maybe, 'as different as a cormorant and a lamp-post'", thinks our coiner, "or 'as different as floorboards and greengrocers'". "No, 'as different as chalk and cheese' sounds better". Why? For no better reason that the fact the 'chalk' and 'cheese' are short and snappy words that alliterate. The English language is packed full of phrases that contain pairs of rhyming or alliterating words - often just because the person who coined them liked the sound of them; for example, hocus-pocus, the bee's knees, riff-raff etc.

As ever, an erudite and informative answer from Ian.
I reckon that Gower, back in 1390 could not have used Lamp-posts and cormorants as his example... as neither had yet been invented!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 28, 2012, 12:31:52 pm
Who invented cormorants?  ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 28, 2012, 12:59:37 pm
Who invented cormorants?  ;D

John Cormorant (1592 - 1658)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 28, 2012, 01:20:22 pm
Cormorants have been flying around for millions of years, like pigeons although pigeons don't eat fish.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 28, 2012, 02:42:03 pm
Quote
As ever, an erudite and informative answer from Ian.

Actually, just copied and pasted....






But you knew that, didn't you, you minx...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 28, 2012, 04:23:38 pm
Quote
As ever, an erudite and informative answer from Ian.

Actually, just copied and pasted....






But you knew that, didn't you, you minx...


Actually I didn't know that.... and please don't spoil the illusion!
I assumed that a little Googling was involved, plus the over-laying of your own opinion. :)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 08, 2013, 06:26:55 pm
This BBC News article (very short) just goes to show that you need to be very careful these days before giving a helping hand!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20944339 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20944339)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on January 08, 2013, 07:38:39 pm
This BBC News article (very short) just goes to show that you need to be very careful these days before giving a helping hand!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20944339 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-20944339)



I saw a TV documentary a few months ago where the exact same thing happened. A costly mistake even if the insurers pay out, with the loss of no-claims bonus & increased premiums for the next few years!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 08, 2013, 07:53:38 pm
I heard of this many years ago which is why I would never let anyone sit in one of my cars under those circumstances!  :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 14, 2013, 10:25:13 am
I saw this on Oscar's blog...I wonder how much of it is true?

"Dear Oscar,
love the site, I share your concerns over the Temple of Waste, thought you might like to know a few juicy facts about Conwy County Council and How it LOVES TO WASTE MONEY ,

number
1/ The council are paying for Broadband at home for many of its staff,

2/They are paying for Laptops at home for many of its staff.

3/They are paying for Telephone lines at home for many of its staff,

4/They are paying for photocopiers at home for many of its staff,

5/The training budget has already been spent in many departments, leaving nothing left,

6/Various staff continue to fiddle accounts, ie

Milliage,Journeys faked etc

Hotel expenses and trips away even when there is no need to stay over

7/ Unfair recruitment of staff, ie Someone is already being lined up for one of the senior posts in Dinerth road, and the existing manager has not even left, but The new woman is getting ready for the posts, similar shady practises continue all over the county,

Ill keep you posted with more
Oh yes The big wigs are soon to get their new orders of the Ipad mini to play with, and what a cost, only at Conwy could this happen   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 14, 2013, 11:04:41 am
It wouldn't matter if it were all true.

There are processes in place whereby you can lodge a complaint about such practises.
A formal complaint, with witnesses or specific examples is THE ONLY way that such things should be looked in to.

In these days of rampant slander and innuendo on social media, it makes effective management very difficult in disciplinary matters.
Such anonymous ramblings should be completely disregarded.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 14, 2013, 11:54:40 am

Such anonymous ramblings should be completely disregarded.

Unless, of course, such rambling are true.  I have heard the same.   It is no good being a Whistle blower within the County either, as the "confidentiality" is soon disregarded. 

One can add to this lot the high cost of allowing staff to use Counil vehicles to travel to and from home every day, possibly without being taxed on the benefit.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 14, 2013, 12:06:05 pm
Sorry no.  There is no place for anonymous 'poison pen' attacks like that in any large organisation.

CCBC, like all large concerns employ a large HR department, who are responsible for investigating such issues.

For example, on points 1 to 4, my wife benefits from all those items...(laptop, phone bill etc), totally legitimately within her employment contract.  So these things are not uncommon.

Some of the other items look more strange, but should not be assumed are corrupt.
There are many bitter and twisted people out there who begrudge the 'perks' of others.
These people should raise complaints through proper channels.

I sincerely hope that the person who WROTE that article Oscar is disciplined in the strongest manner for doing so.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 14, 2013, 02:34:40 pm
Sorry no.  There is no place for anonymous 'poison pen' attacks like that in any large organisation.

CCBC, like all large concerns employ a large HR department, who are responsible for investigating such issues.

For example, on points 1 to 4, my wife benefits from all those items...(laptop, phone bill etc), totally legitimately within her employment contract.  So these things are not uncommon.

Some of the other items look more strange, but should not be assumed are corrupt.
There are many bitter and twisted people out there who begrudge the 'perks' of others.
These people should raise complaints through proper channels.

I sincerely hope that the person who WROTE that article Oscar is disciplined in the strongest manner for doing so.

All of these accusations, together with any proof, could be passed on to the Local Government Ombudsman who has a duty to investigate should the evidence warrant it.   

Unfortunately there are dishonest people in every Society and Councils could easily suffer from the same problem.    I'm sure we all know the old "fiddle" of two people travelling to the same meeting in one car, but both claiming the mileage allowance!   There are, of ourselves, many other opportunities for those dishonest people who chose to be so.    WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 18, 2013, 09:29:58 am
The decision of Camelot to double  the price of Lottery Tickets later in the year seems to have stirred up a hornets nest of objections.   Like most others I too am not happy about it as our family syndicate will have to cough up twice as much and still get only a 14,000,00 to 1 chance of winning the Jackpot as before.  The increase in prizes for the smaller wins is of little significance as we are all in it for the bigger amounts.

It was launched as a NATIONAL LOTTERY for THE PEOPLE, but now seems to be turning into another get rich quick scheme for the Private Company operating it.

Balls to them, I say!   With or without numbers on them!  $bounce$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 18, 2013, 10:20:25 am
You've missed a zero off there, it is 14,000,000 to one chance, I have not bought a ticket for years now, so I've won a pound several times a week over the years!   :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on January 18, 2013, 11:17:47 am
Why should Camelot be allowed to get away with this ?
As Yorkie says it is the peoples lottery and Camelot are licenced by the government run it.
The licence must have been granted at £1 a line and surely they are not going to get away with a 100% increase.

I am sure most people faced with an increase of that amount for whatever they wanted to purchase would take their custom somewhere else.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 18, 2013, 11:40:34 am
You've missed a zero off there, it is 14,000,000 to one chance, I have not bought a ticket for years now, so I've won a pound several times a week over the years!   :laugh:

I blame the iPad for the missing 0, it has a mind of its own!    (Yes I have - padi)  _))*

Our little family Lottery has yielded many £10 wins and a few bigger ones for getting 4 numbers correct, in fact, last week won just over £100.   I suppose still well down over the years but who knows what lies round the corner?  £££££££££££££££££££'s.  :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Gwynant on January 18, 2013, 11:43:21 am
               What makes this 100% rise in Lottery Tickets even more annoying is the fact that Camelot is not even a British company now. It was bought by Ontario Teachers Pension Plan for £400m in March 2010. Would this have happened if Richard Branson had been given the franchise at the start? I know people winge about Virgin Trains but at least he had the guts to stand up and expose the complete cock-up and miscalculations by the Government that was the recent proposed transfer to Firstgroup.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on January 18, 2013, 12:39:20 pm
Camelot have been very devious from the minute they started the lottery. They refused to offer the Lucky Dip option at the beginning so people would choose and ultimately memorise numbers thus making it harder for them to stop as they wouldn't want to risk the chance of their numbers 'coming up' at a future date and missing a win. They then introduced a second weekly draw which gave players a second quandary as their numbers could be drawn midweek instead so they were forced to basically double their weekly stake or risk missing out again.
Now in one foul swoop they're forcing these players to 'double up' again with no increase in the jackpot or the chances of winning it! Their arrogance is unbelievable and I think this time they may have overstepped the mark and a lot of people will finally lose patience with them and stop playing, especially as we're in the middle of the worst recession in many years & it is becoming harder to justify the expense of a little flutter/gamble twice a week.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 18, 2013, 04:30:32 pm
Camelot have been very devious from the start as SDQ has quite rightly pointed out and it amuses me that every Tuesday the prize money seems to be £2.2 million as I thought that the jackpot depended on the amount of tickets sold on that day.   If my thinking is correct then the prize money should vary each week.   ???
When it first came out, I thought that the proceeds were going to the NHS but instead they have been diverted to minority interests and the pockets of the fat cats.
I can never understand either why Richard Branson's offer for the National Lottery rights was turned down and Camelot were able to continue operating the lottery as everyone I have spoken to about the lottery is of the same opinion.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 18, 2013, 06:30:58 pm
Read Tom Bower's book about Richard Branson to discover he's not quite the cuddly do-gooder he likes to profess to be.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Branson-Tom-Bower/dp/0007266766 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Branson-Tom-Bower/dp/0007266766)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 18, 2013, 06:35:46 pm
Quote
I can never understand either why Richard Branson's offer for the National Lottery rights was turned down

The original chairman of Camelot was the same chap who'd steered through important legislation for the then Tory government in Education. He was appointed by John Major, who was anxious that the lottery - unlike almost all other state lotteries - should be  run by a private company instead of the government. Branson is a Labour supporter, thus he was never in with a chance at the start, and by the time the renewals came around Camelot was able to argue experience and familiarity to maintain their grip.  Branson has never been liked by the Tories - which, considering his entrepreneurial skills, I find odd. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 18, 2013, 06:39:41 pm
Quote
Read Tom Bower's book about Richard Branson to discover he's not quite the cuddly do-gooder he likes to profess to be.

Helped by eyewitness accounts of more than 250 people with direct experience of Branson, Tom Bower has a uncovered a different tale to the one so eagerly promoted by Virgin’s publicists. Here is the full story of Branson: his businesses, his friendships, his ambition, his law-breaking, his drug-taking, his bullying.

Hmmm..sounds bit like almost any other major industry leader or politician.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 18, 2013, 06:40:34 pm
...but they don't profess to be a squeaky clean, do-gooder like Branson?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 18, 2013, 06:41:49 pm
Oh, I don't know about that...


Cameron, Brown, Major, Baker...the list just goes on...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 18, 2013, 07:04:10 pm
Oh, I don't know about that...


Cameron, Brown, Major, Baker...the list just goes on...

The Thatchers, Blair, Wilson, Eden, Hume. . . . . .
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 19, 2013, 07:56:18 am
Biographies are odd things, really; they always claim to be written after talking to 'intimate acquaintances' or, as in this case, 'helped by eyewitness accounts of more than 250 people with direct experience of Branson,' But inevitably, those that liked the guy are only going to say positive things, while it gives those with an axe to grind full rein to say almost anything. I'm also struck by how the same leader can be either 'strong and decisive' or 'bullying and intimidating'. One thing's for sure: no one builds an empire like Branson's by being cuddly and warm to everyone. But he's been a massive and relatively open success story, during a period when many other businesses were closeted and deceitful.  He may not be polishing his halo on a daily basis but I'd rather him than Sir Fred Goodwin any day.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 19, 2013, 11:01:29 am
One gets the impression that BCUHB would like to shut down all healthcare in North Wales and save themselves the trouble of doing anything.... &shake&

FURIOUS campaigners slammed the NHS cuts revealed at the public meeting at St Asaph’s Optic Centre yesterday.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s board of members were heckled, mocked and angrily shouted at by the public who looked on as they slashed services across North Wales.

At several points a neonatal campaigner – John Hewitt – was asked to sit down during discussions as he disputed the fact that babies would be more safely treated in Merseyside, rather than Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

The board’s response was to threaten to cease the meeting when he became vocal.

Mr Hewitt, 39, experienced premature birth first-hand when his now 18-month-old daughter, Moli was born at just 32 weeks and had to be resuscitated at birth and then treated at Glan Clwyd on a ventilator.


Furious when the board went with the decision to cease treating premature babies at intensive care long-term at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, he said outside: “I’ve no faith in those people in there.

“They are supposed to be educated people.”

John’s wife, Nicola, 34, from Llanfair TH said the decision to force seriously ill babies and their parents to travel to Arrowe Park Hospital was “disgusting”.

Nicola believed the decision to outsource the care to England could cost babies lives.

“I think it is disgusting. The main thing is it is an awful lot of stress for the parents, but the babies can’t cope with the extra stress,” she said.

“They just need to rest and get better.

“If a mother is breastfeeding, then we were going to hospital two times a day to express the milk.

“You couldn’t expect a parent to do that twice a day to Arrowe Park.

“This will 100% cost lives. Babies don’t like being handled and put in different cots and ambulances.

“The baby needs rest and if the mother is breast feeding, the mother’s breast milk and father’s contact to aid growth.

“Moli was 3lbs when she was born, some babies are only 1lb. They couldn’t survive a journey to Liverpool, they are fragile.”

Also angry were protesters complaining huge petitions hadn’t been included in the statistics as part of the consultation report.

Hecklers disrupted the meeting on several occasions particularly on figures representing feeling on the closure of Prestatyn Community Hospital and Colwyn Bay Hospital’s minor injuries unit.

Old Colwyn councillor Cheryl Carlisle complained a petition letter containing 1,796 names had not been included in the data considered by the board.

“I’m outraged. They’ve discounted 1,796 letters, our letters don’t appear in the figures,” she said.

“They were just here today to rubber stamp. But the fight goes on. We don’t feel they’ve based this decision on public opinion. We will continue to fight for the public good.”

Ann Williams, 65, is a member of Colwyn Bay Action Group.

“I’m very, very disappointed. Very cross. We don’t feel we’ve been listened to,” she said.

“I feel the results have been based on floored numbers. We are just waiting to see if this is the tip of the iceberg and they will gradually close the hospital- it’s been there since 1899.

“Colwyn Bay Hospital was built by the people of Colwyn Bay for the people of Colwyn Bay.

“They had made the decision about closing the hospital before they got here today they just came here to cross the Ts, they weren’t going to take any notice of us at all.”

Members of the public campaigning for Flint’s community hospital, which was closed, were livid when they learned the NHS would fund just one patient bed for the elderly at a nursing home.

Another member of the public called a board member trying to appease the crowds “a smiling assassin.”


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/18/campaigners-furious-at-north-wales-nhs-shake-up-decisions-55578-32633494/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/18/campaigners-furious-at-north-wales-nhs-shake-up-decisions-55578-32633494/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 19, 2013, 05:27:43 pm
Presumably, this is all because of NHS money being cut.  Those bankers have a lot to answer for...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 19, 2013, 06:21:44 pm
Presumably, this is all because of NHS money being cut.  Those bankers have a lot to answer for...
It wouldn't appear so, according to this 2011 article:

"...the NHS in Wales would receive £288m in extra funding over the next three years. "

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2011/oct/10/cautious-welcome-extra-nhs-wales-funding (http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2011/oct/10/cautious-welcome-extra-nhs-wales-funding)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on January 19, 2013, 06:43:16 pm
ha ha dave we were promised 40 48 million for llandudo hospital the plans that i saw were very good they had no intetion to spend any money , just to get rid of services as they are doing ,too many bad managers on too much money,
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 20, 2013, 08:09:31 am
Interesting article. Though - to be fair - managing hospitals can't be the easiest job in the world, though a lot of little things could make a big difference. And it seems to be the little things that so often get overlooked.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 20, 2013, 09:26:11 am
I'm in agreement with all those people who suggest "bringing back the Matron!"

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 20, 2013, 08:05:57 pm
I have always been a staunch supporter of the NHS, and it has been a fantastic help to me and my family at various points in my life.
However in recent years, I have been very disappointed by the standard of care (or even basic courtesy) that I have seen personally from GP's, hospital staff, and most definitely consultants/specialists.
Some I have seen recently are lacking in the most basic communication or inter-personal skills, contradict themselves and the NHS's own literature, and seem content to just delay treatment in the hope you will simply go away.
I often find that it pays to arm oneself with a little knowledge on the condition or symptoms you wish to be diagnosed, because if you do then you slight chance of having a sensible conversation and challenging them.

I was lucky enough to have private medical cover for the last 25 years due to my employment, but now I have noticed a severe downturn in the quality of care in the NHS, and it saddens me and frustrates me greatly.
I don't see it getting any better in future I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 20, 2013, 08:51:13 pm
I really cannot complain about the service I have hand over the past years.  Had it not been for the attention I have received I could have been 6 feet under long ago.  Major heart surgery in the nineties and an Aortic Aneurism repair in 2000.   I have received excellent attention from the eye specialists and especially from the Medical practice I attend.

However I do agree that the NHS is suffering generally and one hears more people complaining than praising it.   
Y^^Y is the problem.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 20, 2013, 09:03:49 pm
Your experience with the Eye Specialists is entirely contrary to my own.

I waited 7 months to see the specialist, and had my appointment cancelled (on the day) on four occasions.
This meant three unnecessary and costly trips to Bangor.  The specialist apparently phoned in sick on each occasion.  &shake&
However, I needn't have worried, because it was a waste of time when I eventually got to see them.

That is only one of several poor experiences I have had in recent years, I must be just unlucky?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 21, 2013, 07:27:21 am
I went to St Asaph eye unit which is now moved to the old Abergele Hospital.   Easy to get to, loads of parking and as it is small no crowds.   Next time ask to go there and try to see Mr NG, brilliant eye surgeon.    :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 21, 2013, 07:43:34 am
I have to admit that our own experiences with the NHS - through Bangor and Glan Clwyd - have been excellent. GPs, On the other hand , have never really been up to much overall, although you can strike lucky and find a decent one.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 22, 2013, 09:29:57 am
Humans are a plague on the Earth that need to be controlled by limiting population growth, according to Sir David Attenborough.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9815862/Humans-are-plague-on-Earth-Attenborough.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9815862/Humans-are-plague-on-Earth-Attenborough.html)

 $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 22, 2013, 04:42:56 pm
...and he's spot on, although it's not an original point of view.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 22, 2013, 05:17:13 pm
It's one of Fester's favourite rants.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 22, 2013, 06:23:33 pm
I think it is a belief that is becoming more widely held, with every passing year.

In fact I find it a fascinating subject, as we seem incapable as a Human race to take any significant action on the problem, although the Chinese had a stab at it.

If we don't tackle it, then the future is pretty grim, and Mother Nature will do it for us.  Z@@
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on January 22, 2013, 06:32:00 pm
Cornwall Council Tory group leader Fiona Ferguson quits Cabinet post over "lie detector" test

THE leader of the Conservative group at Cornwall Council has sensationally quit her role on the Cabinet in a row over the use of lie detector tests on people claiming single person's council tax discount.

Fiona Ferguson claimed in her resignation email – which was placed online by councillors – that leader of the council Jim Currie had threatened to sack her from her Cabinet post if she revealed the details of the lie detector test being used.

The Voice Risk Analysis (VRA) software – which is known as a lie detector test – is allegedly being used by company Capita which has been employed by the council to carry out a review of people claiming single person's council tax discount.

The relief allows anyone living on their own to claim 25% of their council tax bills. Letters were sent out to those claiming the benefit last year and these were being followed up with telephone interviews.

During these interviews, Mrs Ferguson claims, the company was going to use VRA.

On Capita's website it states that VRA is "capable of identifying stress and emotion in a caller's voice pattern".

In her resignation email to Mr Currie she states that VRA had previously been reviewed by the Department of Work and Pensions which found that it was not reliable.

She wrote: "I have discussed this matter with the monitoring officer. He has advised me that, as this is an operational matter in relation to a contract that the council has already entered into, he strongly advises me that I should not require  that this software is not used. If, contrary to his advice, I maintain my stance that we must not use this software then officers will comply provided you also agree.

"You have made it clear to me that you will not agree. Indeed, you have said that I will be 'sacked' if I inform members that this software will be used.

"That will not be necessary. Please accept my resignation with immediate effect.

"May I say that I have no reason whatsoever to believe that you were aware of this aspect of the contract before I drew it to your attention. I also appreciate that you are in a difficult position in view of the monitoring officer's advice.

"But, I do not believe that his advice is correct and I cannot accept it on ethical grounds. I also do not believe that it will help the council to pursue fraud (which we must surely do) if the public think we are using this software.

"Finally, I fear that it will be extremely damaging to our reputation.

"Therefore, I am launching a petition to require any use of this type of technology to be approved by full council."

In a statement Cornwall Council said that the interviews were being carried out to verify details provided by claimants.

It said: "These interviews will be carried out by trained assessors who will use specialist technology to assist this process. This technology has been successfully used by a number of local authorities carrying out similar reviews. All claimants will be advised that the calls will be recorded, monitored and used for fraud prevention purposes."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 23, 2013, 07:35:35 am
VRA is used routinely by some insurance companies and has been for some years.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on January 23, 2013, 09:19:55 am
and now the DWP it seems.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 23, 2013, 11:34:02 am
That was a very interesting article you posted Bri about the lie detector tests.  I had heard that the Conservatives were introducing it on certain benefits and wondered when it was coming into practise and I am sure that there will be the usual outcry from certain Human rights and civil liberties activists.    Fraud is costing this country billions in lost revenue and the people committing these acts are actually robbing us, the taxpayers directly and indirectly.
Fraud investigation is an expensive and lengthy process whereas a lie detector test has an immediate and relatively inexpensive conclusion.  It's not 100 per cent accurate  (96 per cent )  but it could certainly be used as circumstantial evidence.
From a personal viewpoint I am all in favour of this and just wish that they would extend it to the legal system because it would have tremendous benefits there. 
For example two high profile legal cases ongoing at present.  One an appeal against a conviction for murder and probably hoping the conviction for murder to be overturned on a technicality and the other an alleged child abduction and murder.
Both have costed hundreds of thousands of pounds in their investigation but more importantly is the distress and anguish caused to the families and friends of the victims.    One simple lie detector test would have answered all the questions but are the accused shouting out to take a test to prove their innocence?   No and only they know the reasons why they haven't asked for one.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 23, 2013, 12:08:37 pm
There is little scientific evidence to support the reliability of polygraphs. From Wikipedia:

Despite claims of 90% - 95% reliability, critics charge that rather than a "test", the method amounts to an inherently unstandardizable interrogation technique whose accuracy cannot be established.
 
A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the test's average accuracy at about 61%, a little better than chance.[15] Critics also argue that even given high estimates of the polygraph's accuracy a significant number of subjects (e.g. 10% given a 90% accuracy) will appear to be lying, and would unfairly suffer the consequences of "failing" the polygraph.
In the 1998 Supreme Court case, United States v. Scheffer, the majority stated that "There is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable" and "Unlike other expert witnesses who testify about factual matters outside the jurors' knowledge, such as the analysis of fingerprints, ballistics, or DNA found at a crime scene, a polygraph expert can supply the jury only with another opinion...".[16]
 
Also, in 2005 the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals stated that "polygraphy did not enjoy general acceptance from the scientific community".[17] In 2001 William G. Iacono, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Director, Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research Training Program at the University of Minnesota, published a paper titled "Forensic "Lie Detection": Procedures Without Scientific Basis" in the peer reviewed Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice. He concluded that "Although the CQT[clarify] may be useful as an investigative aid and tool to induce confessions, it does not pass muster as a scientifically credible test. CQT theory is based on naive, implausible assumptions indicating (a) that it is biased against innocent individuals and (b) that it can be beaten simply by artificially augmenting responses to control questions.
Although it is not possible to adequately assess the error rate of the CQT, both of these conclusions are supported by published research findings in the best social science journals (Honts et al., 1994; Horvath, 1977; Kleinmuntz & Szucko, 1984; Patrick & Iacono, 1991). Although defence attorneys often attempt to have the results of friendly CQTs admitted as evidence in court, there is no evidence supporting their validity and ample reason to doubt it. Members of scientific organizations who have the requisite background to evaluate the CQT are overwhelmingly sceptical of the claims made by polygraph proponents."[18]
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 23, 2013, 12:29:29 pm
Although polygraphs may not be accurate, they can assist by giving an indication for further  interrogation or inquiries.   Such further questioning can then be directed at certain aspects maybe highlighted by the poly test.

I do not believe they should be relied on as a proof certain that a person is untruthful.

Not quite as dramatic as torture or the Chinese water treatment!

 >?>??
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 23, 2013, 05:16:54 pm
 A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the tests average accuracy at about 61%, a little better than chance.[15] Critics also argue that even given high estimates of the polygraph's accuracy a significant number of subjects (e.g. 10% given a 90% accuracy) will appear to be lying, and would unfairly suffer the consequences of "failing" the polygraph.


That's an interesting point Ian.   I wonder exactly how many of these 421 psychologists have "for experimental purposes"  had a lie detector test done on themselves?
If they haven't, as I expect they haven't then theirs is only an opinion and not based on any scientific evidence and therefore their opinion is worthless.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 23, 2013, 06:37:16 pm
Quote
If they haven't, as I expect they haven't then theirs is only an opinion and not based on any scientific evidence and therefore their opinion is worthless.

Well, it's the psychological basis of the polygraph that makes it of any use whatsoever, so if the people responsible for verifying the equipment don't think it's that reliable it tends to suggest that the polygraph itself isn't a lot of use.  And that's a full galvanic response, pressure based system;  what the Insurers are using is a mere voice analytical tool - hardly cutting edge technology. And how would you feel were a close relative of yours to be found 'guilty' of a crime they hadn't committed by one of these?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 23, 2013, 07:52:30 pm
Quote
And how would you feel were a close relative of yours to be found 'guilty' of a crime they hadn't committed by one of these?

I don't think anyone has ever been convicted purely on the basis of a failed polygraph test.  There would have to be substantial other corroborating testimony for any reasonable court of law to convict.
 WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 23, 2013, 09:41:37 pm
The Jeremy Kyle Show on ITV advertises the lie detector test as being 96% accurate.

This is clearly stated on screen on a daily basis.

Whether that is true or not, (though it should be) ... this mechanism is used to absolutely castigate people and label them for the rest of their lives.

If Wikipaedia is correct, and I know Wikipaedia's content is unregulated, then the actions of this prime time TV show are a national scandal, and possibly criminal.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on January 23, 2013, 10:27:47 pm
The Jeremy Kyle Show on ITV advertises the lie detector test as being 96% accurate.

This is clearly stated on screen on a daily basis.

Whether that is true or not, (though it should be) ... this mechanism is used to absolutely castigate people and label them for the rest of their lives.

If Wikipaedia is correct, and I know Wikipaedia's content is unregulated, then the actions of this prime time TV show are a national scandal, and possibly criminal.

It is anyway, that show is vile.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 23, 2013, 10:42:22 pm
Hardly relevant to the point B2R.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 24, 2013, 08:06:19 am
That programme is absolute dross, to be fair.

Anyone who is stupid enough to appear on it deserves all they get.

And who watches rubbish like that?

 ?{}?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 24, 2013, 08:29:22 am
That programme is absolute dross, to be fair.

Anyone who is stupid enough to appear on it deserves all they get.

And who watches rubbish like that?

 ?{}?

We have all been known to watch it, otherwise we would not be aware of the rubbish!  Would we?   :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 24, 2013, 08:48:50 am
I've never watched it. Life's too short and all that....  $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 24, 2013, 11:51:10 am
I've never watched it. Life's too short and all that....  $good$

So how can you say it's dross? 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 24, 2013, 12:34:36 pm
I don't need to go to the North Pole to know it's cold there...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on January 24, 2013, 12:38:46 pm
Hardly relevant to the point B2R.

Yes it is, I'm saying whether the lie detector actually 'works' or not is one of the least scandalous things about the show. The bullying and public humiliation of vulnerable, often addicted and, or mentally challenged members of the public on national TV is a much bigger crime and scandal.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 24, 2013, 04:15:14 pm
Would love to see your "evidence" and how you substantiate your criticism of the show.  I also happen to think it's crap, but at least I made my own mind up from what I saw.

I don't need to go to the North Pole to know it's cold there...  :laugh:

Are you sure? Or are you just basing your evidence on the fact that a few penguins live there?   _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 24, 2013, 06:20:15 pm
Would love to see your "evidence" and how you substantiate your criticism of the show.  I also happen to think it's crap, but at least I made my own mind up from what I saw.

I don't need to go to the North Pole to know it's cold there...  :laugh:

Are you sure? Or are you just basing your evidence on the fact that a few penguins live there?   _))*

Actually Penguins live in the South Pole Yorkie.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 24, 2013, 06:28:00 pm
I know that Hugo - it was a trick question!    L0L

You would not (or maybe would) believe how many people fall for the suggestion. ;)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 24, 2013, 06:48:49 pm
 :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on January 24, 2013, 08:38:02 pm
I know that Hugo - it was a trick question!    L0L

You would not (or maybe would) believe how many people fall for the suggestion. ;)

Some live in Colwyn Bay  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 24, 2013, 10:21:29 pm
That programme is absolute dross, to be fair.

Anyone who is stupid enough to appear on it deserves all they get.

And who watches rubbish like that?

 ?{}?

What??? You don't know what you are talking about.  Its a fantastic show!
It is the modern day equivalent of the Victorian Freak Show, and who doesn't love them??

How else would I be aware of a tattooed fat woman from Salford, who has 'NEVER' cheated on her drug addict partner, but has got three different kids, all different colours?

On special occasions they have Primordial Dwarves and people with terrible disfigurements for me to gawp at!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 24, 2013, 10:39:47 pm
I know that Hugo - it was a trick question!    L0L

You would not (or maybe would) believe how many people fall for the suggestion. ;)

Would you be prepared to take a lie detector test on that then Yorkie?      ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 25, 2013, 08:08:39 am
 :-X  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 25, 2013, 09:55:19 am
I know that Hugo - it was a trick question!    L0L

You would not (or maybe would) believe how many people fall for the suggestion. ;)

Would you be prepared to take a lie detector test on that then Yorkie?      ;D

That's OK - just bring your machine round here, together with certificate of compliance for the apparatus, certificate of competence for the operator, employer's liability insurance, health and safety clearance. indictment of offence with which I am charged, surgical gloves and a portable power supply and that will be fine.  A nubile, athletic lady, to mop my brow whilst the examination is being carried out would be an excellent added bonus.
 ££$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 25, 2013, 11:59:44 am
OK Yorkie everything has been arranged so all you have to do is take your pick of these two ladies and get ready.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 25, 2013, 12:32:26 pm
HA ha.... ''Ladies''
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 25, 2013, 12:40:50 pm
Bin there, done that, got the tee shirt!    :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 25, 2013, 02:00:17 pm
Bin there, done that, got the tee shirt!    :D

Rather you than me Yorkie!     :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on January 25, 2013, 04:44:59 pm
Bin there, done that, got the tee shirt!    :D

Rather you than me Yorkie!     :o

I don't mean that I have partaken of their services!!  I'm very much heterosexual and intend staying that way!   L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 25, 2013, 06:15:25 pm
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt Yorkie and you can skip the test.     
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 08, 2013, 11:29:24 pm
Given my love of birds, and cockatiels / parrots in particular.... this BBC news article is one of the saddest things I have seen in quite some time.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-21368394 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-21368394)

The bird obviously felt more for its owner, than he felt for his pet!


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 10, 2013, 05:47:57 pm
I think this is a great idea, as long as Town/Community Councils are given beefed up powers at the same time to control local issues such as street cleaning, parks & gardens, routine maintenance of public areas etc.  $good$

North Wales council cut 'may save hundreds of millions'

Councils are already creating regional structures to co-ordinate services

Hundreds of millions of pounds could be saved if the existing six north Wales local authorities were replaced by just two, says a council leader.

Gwynedd's Dyfed Edwards said one council for the north east and another for north west Wales could address a "significant financial challenge".

Councils are already creating regional structures to co-ordinate services.

But the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said it did not support the call for reorganisation.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews has repeatedly said there are too many small councils failing in education.

Last month Mr Andrews removed Merthyr Tydfil council's responsibility for education after a critical report by the schools watchdog, Estyn and said his "preferred option" was to merge its education services with neighbouring Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Mr Edwards told BBC Radio Cymru's Post Cyntaf programme: "Some people would say that my stance isn't extreme enough.

"The context for this is the significant financial challenge we face and a discussion at a national level about the best way of providing services.

"Of course, we have the education minister's review of education services, for example.

"There is a danger that, as councils, we're left behind in these discussions and we then face a situation which is a fait accompli.

"What I'm trying to do is start a discussion and, in my opinion, creating two councils in the north is a possible solution," Mr Edwards added.

He estimated that creating a council in the north west alone would save "somewhere in the region of £200m a year".

He said that was a "rough estimate" and he expected the actual saving to be higher.

North Wales is currently served by six local authorities - Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Wrexham.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21704539 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21704539)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 10, 2013, 05:52:11 pm
Quote
But the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said it did not support the call for reorganisation.

Of course they don't.  That would be voting themselves out of a job.  When the last round of reorganisation took place, that created Conwy and the other smaller counties, many said it would end up being a 'jobs for the boys' exercise and so it has proved.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 02, 2013, 07:37:32 am
Steve Jones, Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics at UCL said: “On a long trudge through history – two parents, four great-grandparents, and so on – very soon everyone runs out of ancestors and has to share them.

"As a result, almost every Briton is a descendant of Viking hordes, Roman legions, African migrants, Indian Brahmins, or anyone else they fancy."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 14, 2013, 01:56:02 pm
I wasn't at sure about the 'joke' when I first saw it, but given the disquiet some have shown I've removed it.

Quite right too!

What concerns me however, is that the boot seems to be only on one foot!   Why do we have a "black police officers assn" and a "Black Solicitors Assn", but not a white one of either?  Who is the racist in that situation?    ZXZ

Check this out on Google, "Black Associations in UK", then tell me where we're going wrong!   :rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 14, 2013, 03:57:07 pm
I wasn't at sure about the 'joke' when I first saw it, but given the disquiet some have shown I've removed it.

Quite right too!

What concerns me however, is that the boot seems to be only on one foot!   Why do we have a "black police officers assn" and a "Black Solicitors Assn", but not a white one of either?  Who is the racist in that situation?    ZXZ

Check this out on Google, "Black Associations in UK", then tell me where we're going wrong!   :rage:

I've been a Union member all my working life and in addition to branches of the above I've also seen this introduced "We run four national forums for women, black, disabled, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members"     A Union should be just what it says,  a united association for all its members and not splitting it into selected factions.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 14, 2013, 05:19:34 pm
I wasn't at sure about the 'joke' when I first saw it, but given the disquiet some have shown I've removed it.

Quite right too!

What concerns me however, is that the boot seems to be only on one foot!   Why do we have a "black police officers assn" and a "Black Solicitors Assn", but not a white one of either?  Who is the racist in that situation?    ZXZ

Check this out on Google, "Black Associations in UK", then tell me where we're going wrong!   :rage:

I've been a Union member all my working life and in addition to branches of the above I've also seen this introduced "We run four national forums for women, black, disabled, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members"     A Union should be just what it says,  a united association for all its members and not splitting it into selected factions.

the LGBT committees seem to so do quite a good job for our union, the reassurance for some workers is just knowing they're there. There is still a lot of industries where being openly gay is unheard of, football being one of the main ones. We have laws to protect disabled workers being discriminated against it's only fair that other minorities shouldn't suffer either.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 14, 2013, 08:05:47 pm
There seems to have been a major drift away from the thread!  Unless, of course, one has a good laugh at the last few posts, which is about all they deserve.

Could the Admin maybe start a thread on which Members can have their arguements in private, and save disturbing the natural continuance of each thread?    ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 14, 2013, 09:08:06 pm
There seems to have been a major drift away from the thread!  Unless, of course, one has a good laugh at the last few posts, which is about all they deserve.

Could the Admin maybe start a thread on which Members can have their arguements in private, and save disturbing the natural continuance of each thread?    ZXZ

Or you may be more at home on a jokes website. Rather than in a discussion forum?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 15, 2013, 01:42:14 am
B2R, when was it agreed that YOU could decide what this Forum was used for?

Seems a little autocratic to me.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 15, 2013, 11:31:28 am
Quite frankly I am unable to see what all the fuss is about, or have I missed something?   
the whole country is no so concerned with Political Correctness that common sense has flown out of the window.

As a child I had a Gollywog and there were Golliwogs on the jars of jam and marmalade.  Why are Golliwogs not PC any more, we certainly have a plethora of white and pink dolls,  do the "coloured" folk object to them?   Will the three words above be deleted?

The World (or more so Europe) has gone mad!

As Tony Newley would have said (or did say), "Stop the World, I want to get off!"  Some days I feel the same urge!   ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 15, 2013, 11:34:49 am
There seems to have been a major drift away from the thread!  Unless, of course, one has a good laugh at the last few posts, which is about all they deserve.

Could the Admin maybe start a thread on which Members can have their arguements in private, and save disturbing the natural continuance of each thread?    ZXZ

Or you may be more at home on a jokes website. Rather than in a discussion forum?

You seem like an ignorant, self righteous pig to me!    L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 15, 2013, 11:39:31 am
.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 15, 2013, 01:41:56 pm
There seems to have been a major drift away from the thread!  Unless, of course, one has a good laugh at the last few posts, which is about all they deserve.

Could the Admin maybe start a thread on which Members can have their arguements in private, and save disturbing the natural continuance of each thread?    ZXZ

Or you may be more at home on a jokes website. Rather than in a discussion forum?

You seem like an ignorant, self righteous pig to me!    L0L

That may very well be so  $thanx$ But at least I'm consistent, you started off wittering about the black police and solicitors groups then changed to grumbling when people replied to you.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 15, 2013, 01:49:58 pm
B2R.... I think Yorkie is making the same point, (unless I'm missing it completely?)

Surely by having such associations, (Black Police Officers for example...) that in itself leads to differences being highlighted, and more exclusive clubs being created?

I have always wondered if a 'White Police Officers Association' would be tolerated, or even allowed to exist.

I think not.     

What I am saying is, any such association which excludes others based on colour, gender etc, is questionable.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on December 15, 2013, 05:39:15 pm

You seem like an ignorant, self righteous pig to me!    L0L

That may very well be so  $thanx$ But at least I'm consistent, you started off wittering about the black police and solicitors groups then changed to grumbling when people replied to you.

But then, I think most people know that I write in Double Dutch.    L0L
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 15, 2014, 08:54:52 am
Who's surprised?

Scargill used Thatcherite policy in bid to buy London flat

Former miners' union leader Arthur Scargill tried to use laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher to buy a council flat in London, the BBC has found.

In 1993 he applied to buy the flat on the prestigious Barbican estate under the right-to-buy scheme championed by Thatcher, his political enemy.

News that he tried to exploit a flagship Conservative policy has angered current miners' union leaders.

One former Yorkshire miner said: "It's so hypocritical it's unreal."

The rent on the flat was paid to the Corporation of London by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), of which Mr Scargill was the then president.

After Margaret Thatcher became prime minister in May 1979, the legislation to implement the right to buy was passed in the Housing Act 1980.

The sale price of a council house was based on its market value but also included a 33% to 50% discount to reflect the rents paid by tenants and encourage take-up. The policy became one of the major planks of Thatcherism.

Evidence of Mr Scargill's attempt to buy the Barbican property under the scheme is contained in legal documents obtained by the BBC's Inside Out programme.

The papers relate to a court case last year in which Mr Scargill lost the right to stay in his London flat for life at the expense of the NUM.

The 76-year-old told the BBC that had he succeeded in buying the flat he would subsequently have transferred its ownership to the union.

He said this would have saved the union a substantial amount of money and provided it with an asset.

However, his application was refused because the flat in the Barbican Estate's Shakespeare Tower was not Mr Scargill's primary residence.

He did not mention in his application that the flat was paid for by the NUM and it was established in the Barbican court case that, from 1991 until 2008, the NUM's national executive committee did not know it was paying for the flat.

NUM general secretary Chris Kitchen said: "The fact that Scargill tried to use Thatcher's right-to-buy scheme is bad enough, but there is no evidence it would have been signed over to the NUM for the benefit of the members.

"We just have his word which 10 years ago would have been enough for me, but not now.

"Unfortunately the perception I had of Arthur the great trade unionist, socialist, just is nothing like the reality as to the man that I know now and that I've been at loggerheads with for most of my term of office."

Former Scargill loyalist Jimmy Kelly, a miner at the Edlington Main pit near Doncaster in the 1980s, said he was astonished to learn of the attempt to buy the Barbican flat.

"It's so hypocritical it's unreal," he said. "It was Thatcher's legislation, actually giving council tenants the right to buy their own houses.

"I think if it had been made public before then there'd have been a huge outcry. I think people would be astounded by knowing that.

"During the strike there was nothing better than him [Scargill], we'd have followed him to the end of the world and, in effect, we probably did."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25731328 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25731328)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 15, 2014, 12:38:57 pm
Scargill is an egotistical and deluted character who is nearly as much to blame as Thatcher for destroying the mining industry and mining communities of this country.
Even in those days of 1984/85 he appeared to have a lifestyle above that of a NUM President.   He let the miners down then but now they can see him for what he is.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 03, 2014, 08:11:14 am
If you don't know about it, the Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/) is probably the best source of IT and technology information on the planet. It takes a very tongue-in-cheek approach to tech news, but it's generally solid information.

In today's issue, they're taking a poke at those who have little idea about radiation and its effects. In the process, they note the BBC's journalists are also pretty clueless in their use of langiage to describe the Fukushima incident. 

From the Reg:

"The San Francisco Chronicle notes, "some Internet sites continue claiming that dangerously radioactive ocean water from Fukushima is showing up along California beaches," and that's all anyone needs to get into a flap in the Golden State. It probably doesn't help that the BBC speaks of an "incoming radioactive Fukushima plume" which is about to "hit the west coast of North America".

But the radioactivity which is to "hit" California will be utterly, completely minuscule. The water in the "plume" which scientists are "tracking" is so radiologically inert that in an entire tonne of it, just one lonely atom of caesium from Fukushima is decaying each second. For context, healthy human body tissues are around 50,000 times more radioactive than that.

"I know that the people in Japan are facing the worst of the conditions but I also worry about my children here in California," California resident and member of citizen action group "Fukushima Response" Maggy Hohle tells al Jazeera. "Will there be high levels of radiation in the air and will my children be able to swim in the Pacific Ocean in the coming years?"

Provided that you consider it safe for them to hug your enormously more radioactive body, Ms Hohle, you should also consider it safe for them to swim in the Pacific, yes."

The continued misinformation generated by ignorant or clueless journos around the world about the Fukushima incidents led directly to the halting of Nuclear projects in Europe, yet Nuclear power remains the safest form of energy production on the planet.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 16, 2014, 09:02:55 am
None of us is reluctant when it comes to having a go at CCBC - usually with just cause, it has to be said. But things can change, and often in a surprisingly short time.

Two possibilities exist with regard to the Council situation: the first is to de-professionalise the institution.  Now, some may chuckle at the idea that they're professional at the moment, but what if councils were treated in the same way as Juries? Or the army in Switzerland?

Every year people would be 'called up' to serve as councillors. They would be chosen at random from the electoral role and they would have to serve 12 months in office. They would have advisers on the payroll, they'd be financially compensated and exceptions and exemptions would be drawn up.  Thus, one-man business owners wouldn't be expected to serve if they could show the business would suffer without their attention, those with certain types of convictions within a given time-frame wouldn't be eligible and other compelling reasons for being excused would be determined by a judge.

The advantage is that the party system - which has singularly failed in local councils, anyway - would play second fiddle to the interests of the community, while the democratic aspect is preserved, since there's no truer version of democracy than for every member of the electorate to be given the opportunity to play their part in the management of their community.

Another option is the Californian solution. In the US certain States provide legislation which allows for the dismissal and re-election of either councillors who are deemed to have made a hash of things or - more pointedly - for the community to vote on cutting taxes for areas of which they don't approve.

Any of the potential solutions would, of course, require legislation at a national level but things can change in a democracy through the will of the people.  If enough people become sufficiently dissatisfied then they form groups which can draw up ideas and submit them to the MP, WAG member or even the Minister responsible for local government.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on May 16, 2014, 11:59:57 am
Do I detect the beginnings of a silent revolution?    :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on May 16, 2014, 02:08:22 pm
The Switzerland version wouldn't work in this country on account that most people here are numpties.

They would have brought back hanging and be hunting paedotricans within their first week of office
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 16, 2014, 02:18:32 pm
I'm not sure most here are that different from the Swiss. What you describe is media-inspired bigotry, and I suspect most folk on their own are usually perfectly rational.  It wou;ld take a change of culture - but I suspect it could be done.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on May 16, 2014, 02:22:16 pm
I'm not sure most here are that different from the Swiss. What you describe is media-inspired bigotry, and I suspect most folk on their own are usually perfectly rational.  It wou;ld take a change of culture - but I suspect it could be done.

Just read any comments in any article of the daily mail and you'll see what I mean.
The media in this country have turned a very large proportion of the public into frightened racist lunatics
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 16, 2014, 04:14:23 pm
Quote
Just read any comments in any article of the daily mail and you'll see what I mean. The media in this country have turned a very large proportion of the public into frightened racist lunatics

Not sure about that.  The DFM is and always will be read by those who crave such stuff and it - in its turn - serves up the trash to anyone who'll pay. But that's still only a minority of the UK population.  I have a bit more faith in the mainstream population.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 16, 2014, 10:23:32 pm
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Just read any comments in any article of the daily mail and you'll see what I mean. The media in this country have turned a very large proportion of the public into frightened racist lunatics

Not sure about that.  The DFM is and always will be read by those who crave such stuff and it - in its turn - serves up the trash to anyone who'll pay. But that's still only a minority of the UK population.  I have a bit more faith in the mainstream population.

I don't think a large proportion of the public read Ian's favourite paper the DFM anyway, so we don't need to lose any sleep over over the matter.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 17, 2014, 12:04:05 am
I'm not sure most here are that different from the Swiss. What you describe is media-inspired bigotry, and I suspect most folk on their own are usually perfectly rational.  It wou;ld take a change of culture - but I suspect it could be done.

Just read any comments in any article of the daily mail and you'll see what I mean.
The media in this country have turned a very large proportion of the public into frightened racist lunatics

I am one of those frightened racist lunatics to which you refer, especially after a night out in The Carlton    Z**
......now, lets get on with locking up those pediatricians, and as for those gynaecologists, they should be burned at the stake,..... perverts the lot of them! 




Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on May 22, 2014, 08:47:43 am
Another option is the Californian solution. In the US certain States provide legislation which allows for the dismissal and re-election of either councillors who are deemed to have made a hash of things or - more pointedly - for the community to vote on cutting taxes for areas of which they don't approve.
I think thats a good idea. I'd also like to see the electorate have the opportunity to vote as as to how the tax revenue is spent. More money for parks and gardens, I say!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 20, 2014, 10:51:30 am
This infuriates me:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-27939080 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-27939080)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: llewelyn on June 20, 2014, 12:44:52 pm
Infuriates  me too, travelers dont seem to travel anymore, why do they get so many benefits and without the requirement to follows societies rules and restrictions.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: suepp on June 20, 2014, 01:41:45 pm
what benefits do they get? as opposed to people who live in houses
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 22, 2014, 10:19:30 am
Teaching Creationism is now banned in the UK.

http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/uk-bans-teaching-creationism-state-funded-schools (http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/uk-bans-teaching-creationism-state-funded-schools)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: 1_rob_1 on July 14, 2014, 01:07:50 pm
Llandudno does not really need  new budget hotels, there are enough good hotels in the area which at times struggle for custom. Another 140-ish rooms in this small area could be the death knell for some of them.

What's needed are more indoor activities etc. for children/youths. That could make it into more of a family resort.
Holidaymakers with children aren't really attracted to Llandudno because if it rains - like it invariably does - there is absolutely nothing to entertain the youngsters apart from the amusement hall at the pier entrance. Its a shame the old pavilion site cannot be developed for something along these lines (NOT ANOTHER HOTEL) - think of the scope of a site like that - 3 floors including basement. It could house all types of entertainment right in the heart of one of the busiest areas of town. (compulsory purchase order maybe)?
 
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Llandudno does not have an image of anything other than a dreary resort for the very elderly and decrepit

The old folk are ok with the rain, they will just sit & drink coffee in one of the many many cafes/bars  around town, or lounge around in their hotels for the day & are quite happy doing this.
Thats why it has this image.

LLandudno (Conwy) council need to take an active role in the future of the town & listen to ideas from the residents/visitors. They then should stick their necks out & act upon the sensible ones to make real changes - instead of doing very little half heartedly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 14, 2014, 01:22:46 pm
Its a shame the old pavilion site cannot be developed for something along these lines (NOT ANOTHER HOTEL) - think of the scope of a site like that - 3 floors including basement. It could house all types of entertainment right in the heart of one of the busiest areas of town. (compulsory purchase order maybe)?
Music to our ears, mate.  $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 14, 2014, 01:35:15 pm
Llandudno does not have an image of anything other than a dreary resort for the very elderly and decrepit and I can't see it changing any time soon.
Perhaps we could invent an unbelievably tenuous link with a victorian children's book and spend many thousands of pounds trying to entice people to visit the town using that? Oh wait...

 _))* That will DEFINITELY work!!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 14, 2014, 01:39:15 pm
Llandudno does not really need  new budget hotels...

LLandudno (Conwy) council need to take an active role in the future of the town & listen to ideas from the residents/visitors. They then should stick their necks out & act upon the sensible ones to make real changes - instead of doing very little half heartedly.

Agree pretty much completely, definitely more family stuff. I was in Southport on the weekend, unfortunately it was the weekend of the Orange parade! But despite that it seems a very good resort and LOADS to do for families. I went to pleasure-land, Laser Quest, Nandos, massive arcade complex and a boating lake all in the short time I was there.
Llandudno has a superbowl about to close and Bonkerz fun house (cash house)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 14, 2014, 02:34:21 pm
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The old folk are ok with the rain, they will just sit & drink coffee in one of the many many cafes/bars  around town, or lounge around in their hotels for the day & are quite happy doing this.

Care to define whom you mean by  "The old folk"?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 14, 2014, 02:41:27 pm
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Holidaymakers with children aren't really attracted to Llandudno because if it rains - like it invariably does - there is absolutely nothing to entertain the youngsters apart from the amusement hall at the pier entrance

You are aware Llandudno enjoys the lowest rainfall in Wales and possibly the UK?  And I'm curious you feel that there's nothing to 'entertain the youngsters' when it rains.  What, precisely, would you want? I know an indoor virtual theme park is an ideal solution, but being realistic, what would work in Llandudno? The proposed theme park proposed for  Bodafon was defeated by the local nimbys, and most likely would be again.

Of course, developing empty buildings into indoor entertainment venues for families with kids would be ideal, but that requires private investment. Not a whole lot the councils can do about that.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: llewelyn on July 14, 2014, 03:04:39 pm
My main Concern is the closure of existing small hotels and B&B's will lead to more bedsits for the long term unemployed, The flats at Bodhyfryd Road are becoming a problem, we dont need anymore   :'(
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on July 14, 2014, 05:51:57 pm
Llandudno does not have an image of anything other than a dreary resort for the very elderly and decrepit and I can't see it changing any time soon.
Perhaps we could invent an unbelievably tenuous link with a victorian children's book and spend many thousands of pounds trying to entice people to visit the town using that? Oh wait...

 :o :o :o  ooooo Dave I don't know what you mean ! :roll: :-X
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 14, 2014, 06:09:23 pm
White Rabbit will enlighten you!     :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 14, 2014, 09:37:07 pm
Ian, please don't snuff out this healthy debate by insisting on some kind of spurious political correctness.

1-Rob-1 is only saying what everyone is thinking, even if you don't like the way he expresses it.

I will put it a different way,   there is b****r ALL for people to do when it rains, (and no it doesn't rain too much) but when it does, it's coin-pushers in the arcade,  or crammed around tables in Wetherspoons.

The Pavilion site is a terrible waste of prime space, and in any other (commercial) town it would have been seized and developed many years ago.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 14, 2014, 09:45:34 pm
I agree entirely when you say "The Pavilion site is a terrible waste of prime space, and in any other (commercial) town it would have been seized and developed many years ago.".  But I don't agree that this is "spurious political correctness" in any way.  Healthy debate has nothing to do with insulting visitors to Llandudno and calling them "very elderly and decrepit" or by making snide generalisations about 'old folk' which group, incidentally, has not yet been defined by the poster.

Let's not also forget that the older generations are keeping the hotels running in the off season and finally, that what you call "political correctness" can also be viewed as simple courtesy.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: 1_rob_1 on July 14, 2014, 10:19:33 pm
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Of course, developing empty buildings into indoor entertainment venues for families with kids would be ideal, but that requires private investment. Not a whole lot the councils can do about that.

If family entertainment centres/ theme parks etc are being blocked by nimbys, then it is not worth the time, effort & cost for private investors to even think about developing anything along these lines in Llandudno, they will invest in other towns where they will have the full support of the councils & residents.
Lets be negative then - Llandudno has no future because the councils support the nimbys, & can/will not make logical decisions on their own.
The council could make it easier for private investors to get planning permission if it is for the greater benefit of the town, even if they do face some objections. Have they no power, or can they not be bothered. 

As I said earlier, the key site is the old pavilion - ideal for numerous uses. the 'out of town' bowling alley is closing - maybe incorporate a smaller one within the plans - maybe something like laserquest. The suggestions could be endless.
The council needs to be firm with proposals for the site & force the current owner to sell if it is not developed within a reasonable time scale.

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And I'm curious you feel that there's nothing to 'entertain the youngsters' when it rains.

What entertainment is there??

Quote
The old folk are ok with the rain, they will just sit & drink coffee in one of the many many cafes/bars  around town, or lounge around in their hotels for the day & are quite happy doing this.

Nothing offensive or ageist intended, but for anyone who has an ageist chip on their shoulder I apologise,  It may sound subjective, but I am just going off personal observations made on rainy days whilst walking around town wearing waterproofs & using an umbrella (when its not too windy).

Llandudno may or may not have slightly less rainfall than most uk places. But it still rains quite often. I have witnessed this on numerous occasions.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 14, 2014, 11:53:54 pm
I'll define old folk as over 65's,   why not?  It's not an insult.
After all,  if you think that 65 is 'middle aged,  then how many people do you know who are 130 years old?


For Born to Run's benefit, I will also define 'undesirables'
Undesirables are those who most civilised people would give a wide berth to. 
Anti Social individuals, those who show little respect for themselves or others.
Undesirable people are a growing number of people who pervade society as I get older, and are characterised by being people that I don't want to be around.  Therefore being 'undesirable' is in the eye of the beholder.

Yes, in many circles I would imagine that I am an undesirable.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 15, 2014, 07:25:39 am
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Lets be negative then - Llandudno has no future because the councils support the nimbys, & can/will not make logical decisions on their own.

Actually, the Councils supported the idea of the park.  It was the UK appointed planning inspectorate that turned it down.

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As I said earlier, the key site is the old pavilion.

I wonder why none of us had identified that before?

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The council needs to be firm with proposals for the site & force the current owner to sell if it is not developed within a reasonable time scale.

D’you know we’d never realised it was that easy.

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Nothing offensive or ageist intended, but for anyone who has an ageist chip on their shoulder I apologise,


“An Ageist chip”.  So anyone who notes that the resort is heavily dependent on - say, retired folk and considers stereotypical images of them, sitting “lounging around in their hotels for the day” just might possibly be considered offensive does so because they have ‘an ageist chip’ on their shoulder? It couldn’t possibly be something else, could it? Say, awareness that this is an open forum, that many retired folk looking to come here and spend their money in the town could well visit this forum to see what the locals are saying about the visitors or - to put it more plainly - dislikes people foisting their derogatory and undesirable opinions on the rest of us?

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It may sound subjective, but I am just going off personal observations made on rainy days


Really? Must have incredible eyesight if you can see so many retired people “lounging around in their hotels for the day.” Surely you can’t be drawing that conclusion based purely on the numbers of folk in coffee bars when it’s raining, can you?

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Llandudno may or may not have slightly less rainfall than most uk places. But it still rains quite often.

As with the rest of your largely uninformed ‘observations’, let me give you the facts: Llandudno receives some of the lowest rainfall in the UK, along with the East of the UK, parts of Scotland and the Cheshire Plain. It does, however, receive the second highest number of sunshine hours annually (can’t do that if it’s raining all the time) and enjoys a climate lacking in extremes of temperature (source: met office.gov.uk). The weather in North Wales is heavily influenced by the proximity of Snowdonia, the very proximity that ensures a relatively kind climate. Rainfall - at its lowest here - increases substantially just 10 miles down the Conwy Valley.

Let me add one more thing: this forum is to debate everything about Llandudno including the major eyesore which is the PP site. It is not, however, a place where generalisations which can be seen as offensive to any sector of the population will be allowed. 

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 15, 2014, 07:32:12 am
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I'll define old folk as over 65's,   why not?  It's not an insult.

The word 'old' is one of the most subjective and emotive terms around, interestingly. The current visitor patterns to Llandudno are heavily weighted towards the 55+ scale, which only confirms what we all know about the town as a visitor destination. And you're right, F;  it's not an insult.  It's simply not objectively established what groups can be seen as 'old'. That's partly because illness and disability play a significant role in determining how a person is viewed.

My objection, which I suspect must be shared by quite a few others on here, is when an entire cohort of people are classed as a single group. Perhaps the telling factor is that one of the best activities for all the family in the town is run by one of our oldest members.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on July 15, 2014, 08:46:07 am
I'm not sure where to begin here-- perhaps because I am one of what is classed as the 'old folk' my opinions may not be valid.  BUT  I still hold down full time employment, give my time to other people and try to be as active as I am able.

The hotel chains shouldn't worry anyone in the B&B trade who has regular, loyal customers. Yes they are fine for an impersonal bed for the night--also for what we seem to be terming as 'undesirables' i.e. those who book a bed for one night, go out late, come in in the early hours, drunk, disturb everyone else, throw up all over and have some inability to aim for a toilet. Don't worry, we have all been there and had the resultant mess to deal with after the occupants have eventually vacated the room. One learns by one's mistakes.

As for anything to do with Conwy CBC, don't even go there.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 15, 2014, 09:22:22 am
Llandudno clearly has a very large proportion of old age folks coming to visit. I don't understand the furore, about pointing out something so obvious.
Even Bill Bryson makes a point of it in notes from a small island

"The air was still and sharp and there wasn't a soul about, though there were still lots of white heads in the hotel lounges and dining rooms, all bobbing merrily about. Perhaps they were having a Parkinson's convention."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on July 15, 2014, 10:46:04 am
Ian gives an excellent and proportionate view of the Llandudno climate, and I would respectfully add an observation or two of my own; I have never had my car broken into by an OAP or been burgled by a Senior Citizen. I have never been mugged in the street by an over 65 desperate for money for drugs. Nor I have never had to avoid a gang of pensioners being sick on the pavement after having been thrown out of licenced premises.

There's plenty of things for people to do in Ryhl......

Llandudno is, overall, a decent place. Certainly not perfect but a damn sight better than most. And, because we care, it will get better.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 16, 2014, 01:30:51 am
So many valid points are getting lost, (or deliberately de-railed??) by this obsession with correctness, semantics and the spurious accuracy seemingly required before being allowed to pass an opinion on this Forum.

Who cares what the PRECISE rainfall figures are in Llandudno compared to other towns?  Because the original point still holds true.... which is, there is LITTLE or NOTHING to do when it DOES rain.

I have never (knowingly) been attacked or mugged by an OAP either,  but what has that to do with undesirables?

All in all, Llandudno is a FANTASTIC town and a great place to live.  I would not wish to live anywhere else.
BUT... it is not wrong to point out things that could be improved, is it?



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: wrex on July 16, 2014, 06:05:54 am
Fester is spot on,i don;t enjoy moaning it just upsets me to see the County let Llandudno slip.Facts are CCBC are spending all monies on Colwyn projets,great for the bay not Llandudno,CCBC have cut their parks dept staff,fact.As for indoor facilities it will only come from CCBC pushing for it,not a lot of large companies ever give Llandudno a second thought because of the population,just take a look at Liverpool,2 million residents,the whole of N Wales less than 1 million where would you set up,it needs CCBC to bring large firms into the area just to see what we have here,i know of one instance,a popular jewellry firm approach by a local buissness man and we where not even on their radar but he takes them on they are delighted.,enought said.         
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2014, 08:20:49 am
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So many valid points are getting lost, (or deliberately de-railed??)

Deliberately? Not suggesting a conspiracy, F?

Quote
by this obsession with correctness, semantics and the spurious accuracy seemingly required before being allowed to pass an opinion on this Forum.

I’m not actually sure you can have false accuracy.  Bit of an oxymoron, that, Fester.  But let’s explore this a bit further.

If you mean the much savaged Political correctness, I wonder if you’ve really thought it through? Do you believe it’s okay to paint images of groups in derogatory ways? And, if so, what groups would you be happy to see pilloried? Religious? Black? Gender-oriented? You were actually correct earlier, when you weren’t quite so...energised. It wasn’t what was said, so much as how it was being said. Generalised descriptions of groups by age as ‘elderly and decrepit’ is an example.  The first adjective is fine, but the second is - to put it middy - highly offensive. Would you greet a customer by telling them they don’t look quite so decrepit this morning? I rather doubt it.

No one’s expecting anything other than we treat people with respect. And that includes references to the groups most responsible for keeping Llandudno going when the kids are still in school. I don’t think that’s being unreasonable.

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Who cares what the PRECISE rainfall figures are in Llandudno compared to other towns?  Because the original point still holds true.... which is, there is LITTLE or NOTHING to do when it DOES rain.

Well the problem is that when grossly uninformed or misleading things are being said in public that could easily have a seriously detrimental effect on the tourist industry then I believe they have to be corrected. And when statements such as “if it rains - like it invariably does” are made I also believe  those reading them should know the true state of affairs. It does not ‘invariably’ rain.  And we all know there’s little or nothing to do on those infrequent occasions when it rains. It’s been said before. Many, many times.

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BUT... it is not wrong to point out things that could be improved, is it?

Of course it isn’t.  That’s one main purpose of this forum. I’d only say two things: the same things are being said over and over again.  The pier pavilion site is a prime example; it’s been done to death with every conceivable suggestion as to its future being made. And what difference has it ever made? Unless and until those responsible for decisions in CCBC engage with us on the forum or engage with the electorate then it’s unlikely things will change.

But lastly, it’s essential people and groups of people are treated with respect. If points can’t be made without resorting to invective or abuse, then they shouldn’t be made.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 16, 2014, 09:34:07 am
I would like to see more stuff for families. I have taken my kids recently to Mike's Golf course which they loved  $good$ Bonkerz fun house which is a rip off  &shake& and the up the summit which is a meagre park and a load of rip off tourist tat shops. On one stretch of promenade in Southport last week I found Pleasureland (massive fun fair with an indoor complex having a magic show and singers) miniature railway, Boating lake, Laser quest and bowling, a massive arcade complex, another complex with some kind of karaoke style competition going on outside and these were all surprisingly reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Greyhound on July 16, 2014, 10:01:11 am
But Southport is also a bit of a dump and in no way as attractive as Llandudno (apart from the centre of Lord Street). The promenade is run down, the hotels are generally poor quality, and it has a crappy retail park between the hotels and the sea, the beach is permanently miles from the seafront and the pier is a mile-long jetty with not much on it.

Llandudno might not have as many attractions in terms of amusements and leisure, but it's far more attractive and less rough than Southport.  I don't want to sound as though I dislike Southport itself, but I am pointing out that every town has it's downsides and Southport is no seaside resort paragon compared to Llandudno.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 16, 2014, 10:22:24 am
Exactly. It seems aesthetically Southport is not as pleasing but commercially it's doing far better than Llandudno with less resources. This town needs to pull it's finger out.
Llandudno might be nicer to look at, but I can tell you now Southport is a lot more fun, and that's what kids care about. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 16, 2014, 10:23:22 am
We stayed in Southport last year and I agree with Greyhound really. Lord Street is great, but the whole Prom area feels a bit odd, bit of a vast space compared to the compactness of Llandudno. As for hotels, I like a bit of 'faded elegance', but the Prince of Wales seemed to be taking the concept a little far  :laugh: It's a Britannia Hotel, though, so not a surprise.The Pier is very long, with not much at the end! I enjoyed Southport but (range of attractions not withstanding) it's really not a patch on Llandudno.

I do agree with B2R that Llandudno needs a lot more reasonably priced family attractions. The Pier Pavilion site could incorporate several all-weather family attractions that would transform the town's appeal for families.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: FatAndy on July 16, 2014, 10:25:38 am
Facts are CCBC are spending all monies on Colwyn projets,great for the bay not Llandudno,

CCBC aren't spending all their monies on Colwyn projects, most of the money they are spending is other people's money which has been specifically earmarked for those projects such as the £5m grant from the Welsh Government for the flood defence work.  It's also worth pointing out to Llandudnoites that the reason that the Colwyn flood defence is given such high priority is the proximity of both the railway line and the A55 to coast.  It wouldn't exactly be good news for Llandudno, or anywhere else West of Colwyn Bay, if CCBC and WG sat back and allowed the two main arterial routes into North West Wales to sink beneath the waves (remember Dawlish).  I realise that some people in Llandudno are feeling a bit jealous having previously being spoilt by CCBC past habits of throwing all it's eggs into Llandudno's basket but sometimes you need to look beyond the petty jealousy and look at the big picture instead.  Personally I thinks it's great news that CCBC are now spreading the money around but they could be doing more elsewhere - Towyn for example seems to get SFA despite bringing thousands of tourists into the county.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2014, 10:27:28 am
Quote
I can tell you now Southport is a lot more fun, and that's what kids care about. 

But not what attracts people year-round, I suppose. The child market is also very well catered for, with places like Alton Towers, Disneyland Paris, Centre Parcs and so on, so it almost seems like a strategy for Llandudno to play to its strengths. Not everyone enjoys resorts that cater to children and teenagers and I suspect that might be uppermost in the minds of those who influence the planners. 

Having just read FA's post he makes some very good points.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 16, 2014, 10:34:10 am
I realise that some people in Llandudno are feeling a bit jealous having previously being spoilt by CCBC past habits of throwing all it's eggs into Llandudno's basket but sometimes you need to look beyond the petty jealousy and look at the big picture instead.
i don't think that's factually correct - can you detail all the big projects that CCBC have spent money on in Llandudno? I can think of the HLF grant to redevelop the parks back in 2000 (£1.6m) and the Swimming Pool in 2008 (£5m), plus the Railway Station (£5.1m) . As I detailed in a previous post, Colwyn Bay has received 10x times more money in the last couple of years alone.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: wrex on July 16, 2014, 11:57:00 am
Fact im talking about Andy if you think im jealous fine,ive enjoyed the rugby in Eirias park,i will be watching Tom in aweek,as for the skip ,complete waste of money,mine and yours.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 16, 2014, 01:24:56 pm
Colwyn Bay is still somewhat of a Ghost town, if I was a tourist walking around it on a Sunday for example, I would wonder what kind of germ warfare had broken out to keep everyone off the streets! Same with the pubs (what's left of them) Erias park though is brilliant, if only Llandudno had something anywhere near as good (Craig y don park btw isn't)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 16, 2014, 01:50:01 pm
Erias park though is brilliant, if only Llandudno had something anywhere near as good (Craig y don park btw isn't)
Maybe Bodafon Fields could be considered for a grand park in the Victorian tradition, but with a selection of childrens rides, model railway etc? The open space of the present area could be preserved and enhanced for everyone to enjoy.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 16, 2014, 02:34:10 pm
That's a great idea, it's what we need. Somewhere with a lawn space and a lake open to the public. Craig y Don and West Shore have got it half right between them, except the grass on West Shore is like a jungle apart from the nice bit that's used as a putting green nobody ever plays on - same with the craig y don one but there it's used for a croquet club.
The donkey derby used to do well there didn't it? I know the silly elf and safety put a stop to it but what about all the rest that made that a great day, seems like a big space going to waste for me. Weren't they going to put a driving range in there? That would be an awful idea  &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Dave on July 16, 2014, 02:57:13 pm
For my two penneth for what it's worth, I don't think there is ever going to be much future in Llandudno or anywhere else in the UK to be a hugely popular mass tourist long stay holiday destination for families, no matter what is on offer. Quite simply we can't compete with the guaranteed sunshine on offer in the Med. Providing wet weather entertainment isn't the answer because that's not what families want on their holidays because it means more expense.We are more likely to attract short stay visitors so we should concentrate on bringing events to the town such as the Victorian weekend, car rallies, pop concerts, etc.
Older folk, which Llandudno successfully attracts, come here because it doesn't involve long arduous journeys involving airports etc. If we are successful with that area of tourism, aim to get a larger share of that market and aim to get there by improving facilities aimed at them. It's a market that will always exist and one where often there is plenty of money to spend too, however, as a new generation reaches that age profile their expectations will change too. Wartime memories with Vera Lynn and Sunday hymns on the prom will not have much relevance in the future. Free Wifi access on the prom might have more appeal to everyone as would a varied choice of theatre productions, maybe even televised productions from the West End.
Keep Llandudno colourful with lots of flowers, make it a safe place with no drunkenness and yobbish behaviour on the streets, interesting shops, good quality restaurants,open air cafes and bars to sit and watch the world go by and you are satisfying a very large percentage of the visitors. Bodafon Fields as a true park with the ability to still host events would be an excellent idea. Unless an Alton Towers equivalent is built, any theme park isn't going to work and lets face it, a)would we really want that in town and b) how many people that visit Alton Towers and the like stay more than a day there.
The local bus tours around the Orme and to Conwy seem to do well, how about linking some services to local attractions too making it easy to understand which bus goes where. Places like the Mountain Zoo, Bodnant gardens, Llandudno tram, Conwy RSPB, the new Wave Centre in Dollgarog, even the Colwyn Bay skip could all be linked in a circular bus route aimed at tourists, particularly those who arrive without transport.
Most importantly of all though is to successfully publicise what's on. Living locally but buying the local paper ( or getting a free Pioneer delivered) I might be missing out, but I am continually aware of missed opportunities because I didn't find out about them until after the event. Local hotels and B&B's should all carry a monthly a news sheet where everything is brought together on a day by day basis, offering the tourist easy access to local information of what's on, it would also help local business target specific groups who might be attracted to such events.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2014, 03:15:54 pm
Quote
Maybe Bodafon Fields could be considered for a grand park in the Victorian tradition, but with a selection of childrens rides, model railway etc?

Quote
That's a great idea, it's what we need. Somewhere with a lawn space and a lake open to the public.

And that's exactly what was agreed in detail between the Llandudno Heritage Trust and Mostyn estates in 1993, immediately prior to the then Mostyn's Director leaving. The plans were drawn up in detail and featured everything suggested and more. The new management, however, declined to take it forward, and it never materialised. But, to be honest, I think Dave hits the nail on the head. I agree with everything he says.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on July 16, 2014, 04:12:14 pm
I too agree with Dave.

The idea of a news sheet--- We have done this for years--tonight I have two elderly ladies arriving, by coach, from Yorkshire. Once they have had their welcome cup of tea and home made cake, they are given bus timetables and a list which we compile for them of all the shows on in the town. They go out every night to one show or another and set off, after buying a weekly bus ticket, every day. Neither of them will see 80 again, but I admire their tenacity.

Conwy CBC do produce a What's on leaflet-- but it is Lllandudno's best kept secret !!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 16, 2014, 04:38:31 pm
There is a crappy electronic box outside the new station that tells you everything that's on. It's rubbish though as there are obviously a lot of shows on 2 or 3 times a week, the machine tells you everytime they are on rather than just once with all the dates, so if you're scrolling through for a while all you see is the same shows coming up again and again, makes it look even more like there is nothing much on
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on July 16, 2014, 07:34:47 pm
  My goodness, what a lot of reading to catch up on this thread. I understand most of it. But one of Ians comments puzzles me. About one of the best attractions being run by one of the oldest members. I know Fester has lost his hair but he is not that old Mike
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2014, 07:43:00 pm
 _))* _))* _))*

As always, typically modest and self effacing :-)))
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 17, 2014, 08:50:27 am
Quote
Maybe Bodafon Fields could be considered for a grand park in the Victorian tradition, but with a selection of childrens rides, model railway etc?

Quote
That's a great idea, it's what we need. Somewhere with a lawn space and a lake open to the public.

And that's exactly what was agreed in detail between the Llandudno Heritage Trust and Mostyn estates in 1993, immediately prior to the then Mostyn's Director leaving. The plans were drawn up in detail and featured everything suggested and more. The new management, however, declined to take it forward, and it never materialised. But, to be honest, I think Dave hits the nail on the head. I agree with everything he says.
I might have said this before, but do you still have any plans for the proposed layout etc?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 17, 2014, 09:44:42 am
I think I have, actually. It was very nice; little winding paths, a central bandstand, a stream, couple of small ponds and a miniature tram / train.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 17, 2014, 11:15:05 am
I think I have, actually. It was very nice; little winding paths, a central bandstand, a stream, couple of small ponds and a miniature tram / train.
Would it be possible for you to post a plan/map on the forum? I'd love to see it.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 17, 2014, 02:27:18 pm
I shall do some rooting around.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: 1_rob_1 on July 17, 2014, 09:59:02 pm
As you can all see, I have butted out of this discussion. I gave my opinion as i see it, maybe not exactly politically correct (to the word), but hopefully not offensive to anyone apart from paranoid people.
 I will do as I have done in the past, & watch the forum but not sign in. I will not make any future postings as I joined this forum, not to argue, but to be social/ get on/ diacuss local matters, & try to help its members with any tech probs that are posted. - NOT to be picked up on EVERY point made/or not.
I dont see why I have to justify everything I post. Everyone has views!!!!
I can now see why Yorkie was P****d off & was about to leave the forum last year-ish.
Outsiders views seem not to be welcomed on this forum.
Any members I have helped in the past are welcome to email me if they have any pc probs, issues & I will gladly help.
Ian is too confrontational to run this forum. (look at the statistics - they are declining).
Out of here.
Rob
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 17, 2014, 11:35:39 pm
Oh dear Ian,  you appear to have done it again!
You really do need to have a little think about how you come across, and the impact you have on those thinking about dipping their toe in to this (supposedly) open Forum.

1-Rob-1,  I really hope you reconsider, because I too like to say a few things on here without being picked up on the infinite detail of HOW I say it.   (whilst trying to be relatively mindful of people's sensitivities)

It is pretty soul-destroying having one's posts dissected, picked apart and critiqued....  but rather than walk away, all I do now is never, EVER read Ian's longer posts.    Partly because I never fully understand them, and partly because they are simply an attempt to make him look big, and me look small.    So why give him the satisfaction?
If that is not the attention, than that is certainly what it FEELS like.
After the first few lines,  my attention span wanes, and my field of vision goes fuzzy round the edges....

Ian makes some good and valid observations in his own right, and is entitled to his opinion.... he is extremely erudite, perhaps wasted on the likes of me.   (Pearls before swine, I think is the anecdote) But it would be so much better if I thought that my opinions had some merit too.

Rob, many thanks for your advice on eradicating my PC virus, and hope to hear from you soon.





Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 18, 2014, 12:05:33 am

If that is not the attention, than that is certainly what it FEELS like.


Sorry... that was meant to say intention.    An example of how stupid I am I suppose!

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2014, 08:49:05 am
Quote
I gave my opinion as i see it, maybe not exactly politically correct (to the word), but hopefully not offensive to anyone apart from paranoid people.

So only ‘paranoid’ people are offended? Or those with ‘an ageist chip on their shoulder’?Generalisations about a single group of people based on nothing more than your own views can offend a lot of people. Simply because someone is prepared to speak to you over them doesn’t make them paranoid. And at the outset I only asked you to define what you meant by ‘old folk’. The reason I picked up on what you posted was simply because it’s the over-60s that largely keep Llandudno in business during the out of school-holiday season. It was when there was no reply that I selected the three statements I’d read that I thought could cause offence. And you may be right: it was perhaps confrontational to describe them as “offensive, ageist bile - or simply blissful ignorance” but I did want to establish that we don’t want comments posted that might offend.

Quote
I joined this forum, not to argue, but to be social

Fine.  But if what you post is likely to cause offence or in a topic about improving Llandudno is based on inaccurate information then surely it needs correcting?

Quote
NOT to be picked up on EVERY point

Well, apart from assuming all the people over 65 are old and ‘OK with the rain’, and the fact that it invariably rains what other points have you ever been picked up on? Sorry, but when people say things about Llandudno and its visitors which are simply wrong I believe they need discussing.

Quote
I don’t see why I have to justify everything I post. Everyone has views!!!!

I agree entirely. But some views are hurtful and can cause offence.

Quote
Outsiders views seem not to be welcomed on this forum.

Actually, new members’ views are always welcome;  after all, everyone on here was new at some time.

Quote
Ian is too confrontational to run this forum.

There are forums everywhere where people are savaged, abused, ridiculed and bullied but Dave and I set out to make this one a place where that wouldn’t be allowed to happen.  We have have only had to deal seriously with a couple of people, and we spent a lot of time considering whether we ought to. On balance, we felt that if they’d stayed the forum might have suffered damage. 

I don’t believe you intended what you posted to hurt anyone but - like a lot of things in print - once it’s there it can be taken the wrong way. You’ve made 127 contributions over more than two years since you started posting. You’ve helped people with PC issues and your knowledge of avian wildlife is truly impressive.  Until this week you’ve never posted anything even mildly contentious and you’ve made a great contribution. So I’m sorry if you feel I was being too confrontational but I was concerned about the way your comments could be perceived.  This is an open forum which anyone in the world can browse without having to register. It appears close to the top when any query about ‘Llandudno’ is typed into Google and if the first thing a recently-retired couple looking for somewhere to spend a few days see is a post saying it invariably rains or that everyone over 65 is considered to be ‘old folk’ who are fine with the rain then I believe it could give a very damaging impression of the sort of welcome they could expect.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2014, 09:03:17 am
Quote
Oh dear Ian,  you appear to have done it again! You really do need to have a little think about how you come across, and the impact you have on those thinking about dipping their toe in to this (supposedly) open Forum.

Oh dear, Fester? Remember Ludo?
Quote
“Ludo, your pics are fantastic - keep them up.”

(1_rob_1 almost two years ago).

Ludo was one of the most creative and capable contributors we ever had. Now, why did he leave, I wonder?

Quote
But it would be so much better if I thought that my opinions had some merit too. 

But you post so many it’s hard to keep track…  WWW WWW WWW

Seriously, anyone’s opinion is as valid as anyone else’s.  It’s only those which are making assertions based on faulty facts or which are potentially hurtful that I take issue with.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 18, 2014, 09:17:05 am
Thanks for keeping it mercifully short.. I read it all!

Seriously though, regarding Ludo,   he broke strict Forum rules by posting pictures of where I work, and other derogatory comments.... (I seem to recall similar upset for 'another member' which culminated in some nonsense involving the word 'REST')  ?{}?
But at NO TIME did I ask Ludo  to leave the Forum,   in fact I implored him to return.... which he did, for one post I think, and then disappeared of his own volition.

Can the same be said of another vibrant and interesting poster..... one 'BrumBob?'


By the way, you have asked a few questions of 1-Rob1 this morning,  but has he not clearly stated that he will never post again?    You might be in for a wait longer than for a new attraction on the Pier Pavilion site!   :laugh:

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 18, 2014, 10:14:52 am
Are you sitting comfortably?  Then I shall begin.

Once upon a time there was a link on the Forum where one could see a list of the Membership.  Could view their profile and see details of their postings.  Unfortunately the Membership List is now unavailable to Members as is the facility for mailing direct to each other on matters that are of no general interest to the Forum as a whole.

However, I am just an ordinary user of the facility as we all are!

 ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 18, 2014, 10:30:52 am
As you can all see, I have butted out of this discussion. I gave my opinion as i see it, maybe not exactly politically correct (to the word), but hopefully not offensive to anyone apart from paranoid people.
 I will do as I have done in the past, & watch the forum but not sign in. I will not make any future postings as I joined this forum, not to argue, but to be social/ get on/ diacuss local matters, & try to help its members with any tech probs that are posted. - NOT to be picked up on EVERY point made/or not.
I dont see why I have to justify everything I post. Everyone has views!!!!
I can now see why Yorkie was P****d off & was about to leave the forum last year-ish.
Outsiders views seem not to be welcomed on this forum.
Any members I have helped in the past are welcome to email me if they have any pc probs, issues & I will gladly help.
Ian is too confrontational to run this forum. (look at the statistics - they are declining).
Out of here.
Rob

That's a shame, I thought you were very engaging and good for the forum, when I asked you what you meant by undesirables in this topic for example you explained succinctly and made some other good points which advanced the discussion, you didn't get wound up or annoyed or question my motives for asking you or look to start any argument. Hope you reconsider and stay onboard. BTR
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 18, 2014, 10:31:36 am
Once upon a time there was a link on the Forum where one could see a list of the Membership.  Could view their profile and see details of their postings.  Unfortunately the Membership List is now unavailable to Members as is the facility for mailing direct to each other on matters that are of no general interest to the Forum as a whole.
Why do you need a list of the Membership? As far as I'm aware, you can click on any Members' name next to their post and view their Profile etc.

As you're well aware*, Members can contact each other by clicking the little envelope symbol under the Profile Photo. if an Envelope symbol is not present, it's an indicator that the Member does not wish to be contacted privately.

* - http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2336.msg61674.html#msg61674 (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2336.msg61674.html#msg61674)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2014, 10:52:34 am
Quote
Seriously though, regarding Ludo,   he broke strict Forum rules by posting pictures of where I work, and other derogatory comments.... (I seem to recall similar upset for 'another member')

Yes, but you've openly told everyone on the forum where you work and even invited them down to see you. Would you like me to post the relevant link again?  D)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 18, 2014, 05:17:57 pm
As it happens DaveR, I do not need to know who all the Members are, but do find it strange that they are all hidden from sight unless they post to the Forum!  But then if they were in the public domain someone may come along and purloin them for another Forum.  That would be a shame, as another Forum would then have the majority of its Members as non-posters.   Are these non-posters cleared out occasionally or just left to just be part of the numbers game?

 :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 18, 2014, 05:50:09 pm
Why do non-posters need to be cleared out? Some people like to just read the posts and it's a lot easier to just see all the new posts if you are logged in as a member.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 18, 2014, 05:57:29 pm
Why do non-posters need to be cleared out? Some people like to just read the posts and it's a lot easier to just see all the new posts if you are logged in as a member.

It is what is generally referred to as Good Housekeeping, no relation to the magazine!  It is up to each web master or Forum admin to deal with their  baby as they want to.  You have chosen your way and if we don't like it we can buzz off elsewhere.  I certainly don't post on the Forum as much as I did because I think it has got a bit stale and needs new and fresh input.   Just my opinion.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2014, 06:10:29 pm
I think all forums go through a period where posting is reduced.  MIT did some work on this, and suggested that there's a two-fold process at work, which also occurs in society generally. Initially, everyone's new and a lot of posting takes place as folk are naturally inquisitive. Forums also grow a lot during this period.  The second phase is where well-established groups of posters, who are all familiar with each other, post intermittently and often post amusing asides. This phase has also been called the 'clique' period, since newcomers become wary about posting where there are clearly a lot of well established posters so although the forum continues to grow in membership, far fewer actually post.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 18, 2014, 06:25:06 pm
Ian said, "far fewer actually post."

So going back too housekeeping, what is the point of keeping memberships alive when people have not posted for, say, a year?  Most Forum Software has a facility for just this sort of pruning.  However, as it ain't my problem why should I even bother to mention it?
 Z**
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2014, 06:32:34 pm
Mainly because some folk reappear after long absences and then get upset if their membership is cancelled in the meantime. I'm involved in several forums, and none of them ever deletes the inactive posters. And, as Dave has pointed out, many log in and view the forum without posting. For instance, in the last two days alone, 60 members have logged in but only a handful have actually posted.

We have 1900 registered members and we actually have 54 that applied for membership but have never logged in. We don't know why that is, but that's another reason we keep all the members, since we always match IP addresses when someone asks to join. If their IP address is already registered we tell them. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 19, 2014, 12:29:22 am
For instance, in the last two days alone, 60 members have logged in but only a handful have actually posted.


So why do we think that might be?
What might prevent someone from raising their 'voice'?
Could it be natural shyness?  Could it be fear of ridicule?
 ?{}?

In the past 12 hours, quite a number of Forum members (past and present,  posters and non-posters) have texted and emailed me regarding the recent discussion on this thread.
I do appreciate the comments and kind words enormously guys, but if you were to put some of those words on here, then perhaps we could move this issue forward..... rather than little old me (inebriated as I am,  once again this evening) ... having to battle on alone against insurmountable (and vastly more intelligent) odds.  $drink1$ $drink1$

You know who you are....      ;) ;) ;)

On a more serious note,, (burp) .... I don't want to see any members disappear.
I want more members, more posters... and more contentious discussion, (to spice things up)

For example, ''someone'' said to me today... ''why is the phrase 'old folk' offensive?,  old folk being a category must mean that using the word 'children' is equally offensive''
It's common sense like that which humbles us all.... (hic)..... I'm going to bed.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 19, 2014, 07:17:16 am

We have 1900 registered members and we actually have 54 that applied for membership but have never logged in.

Quite frankly Ian you are expounding one large mouthful of garbage in your posting!   What on Earth is the sense in maintaining a list of almost 2000 Members when there is only about 20 pf us who regularly contribute to the debates?  Except that nowadays, there are fewer and fewer debates or entertaining discussions.

Most of the space over recent months are just photographs of flowers, food, and bedrooms.  The only really worth while amongst them being Hugo's Walks which are both interesting and entertaining.  Long may they be seen on the Forum!  What i cannot bear myself, is the exchanges between some Members which, because of the personal nature of the exchnges, would be better carried our by a messaging service rather than a public Forum.

I have pointed lots of people I know to the Forum and have written the adress down on countless scraps of paper and serviettes to try and encourage them to join us.  Why haven't they joined and contributed, because on first sight they found it uninteresting.  I have now given up on this exercise and shall leave the Admins to carry on in their own way.

I too belong to other Forums so do not miss my pleasures of having intelligent conversations with like minded people.
 Y^^Y

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 19, 2014, 08:23:49 am
Quote
'why is the phrase 'old folk' offensive?"

But it isn't. That wasn't the issue. One issue was - I thought - very simple: an entire cohort of people were defined by age but then characteristics were applied to that group as an entity. It was as though all people over 65 behaved in the same way. That, to use Yorkie's eloquent turn of phrase, is "one large mouthful of garbage".

If you're going to assume all over 65s behave in the same way, then it not only displays an astonishing lack of awareness about an entire group of people but could be seen by members of that very group as highly offensive.

I know it can, because - like you - I've had emails and chats with members who feel exactly the same.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 19, 2014, 08:25:54 am
Quote
Quite frankly Ian you are expounding one large mouthful of garbage in your posting!   What on Earth is the sense in maintaining a list of almost 2000 Members when there is only about 20 pf us who regularly contribute to the debates?

It costs the forum nothing to maintain the list, so why remove them?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: A.L.N. (a local nobody) on July 19, 2014, 09:20:08 am
With the greatest respect to everyone involved shouldn't these discussions be moved to another thread now as they don't really relate to the original issue.  What that thread might be entitled ............!!!! ££$ ££$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 19, 2014, 05:25:23 pm
Quote
Quite frankly Ian you are expounding one large mouthful of garbage in your posting!   What on Earth is the sense in maintaining a list of almost 2000 Members when there is only about 20 pf us who regularly contribute to the debates?

It costs the forum nothing to maintain the list, so why remove them?

For the simple reason that if they are removed and the reason why explained, they may then realise that being a Member requires some participation, however small.
Many Forums operate a minimum requirement of so many posting in a certain period of time, others are just time limited, no post in 6 months and you're counted out etc.   In other words a "positive" action from Admin can turn a negative Member into an active Member.   0.1% of contributing Members must be considered as pathetic by any statistician, no matter how lowly his qualifications!  By pruning out three quarters of the dormant Members this would immediately rise to approx 4%, from which it should rise by rejoiners or new Members who should be encouraged to be active on the Forum.  Now shoot me down!   
 ^^^^
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 19, 2014, 05:57:32 pm
It would be great if we could 'force' members to post. I know of quite a few local and knowledgeable people who are members but do not contribute for one reason or another. However, I don't think anyone likes to be coerced, so a strategy such as you suggest would probably backfire, to be honest.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 19, 2014, 07:06:00 pm


I know it can, because - like you - I've had emails and chats with members who feel exactly the same.

I would hope then, that were encouraged to bring those feelings to THIS Forum.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 19, 2014, 10:17:12 pm
It would be great if we could 'force' members to post. I know of quite a few local and knowledgeable people who are members but do not contribute for one reason or another. However, I don't think anyone likes to be coerced, so a strategy such as you suggest would probably backfire, to be honest.

No one is suggesting "forcing" people to post.  But I know the strategy I have suggested works!

One does not have a Football team where only one player kicks the ball, not the best analogy but I'm sure you will see the point!  If these people you know are knowledgeable, then could make invaluable contributions to the Forum and the debates.  Also as knowledgeable people, they should realise that the Forum would or could benefit from their input.
Encouragement to use the Forum is not coercing, it could be laid down as a simple requirement of Membership as it is on other very successful Forums. 

 ££$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 22, 2014, 11:32:00 am
If one looks at the list of people visiting the forum on any particular day, the "come for just a look" brigade are not that many, and in fact the same names are repeated from day to day.  From this it can be seen that the actual "dead wood" is quite a large number.

 ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 22, 2014, 11:57:10 am
If one looks at the list of people visiting the forum on any particular day, the "come for just a look" brigade are not that many, and in fact the same names are repeated from day to day.  From this it can be seen that the actual "dead wood" is quite a large number.

 ;D
I don't quite see why it matters? We have an average of 900,000+ page views a month, which makes it one of the most successful local forums in Wales, if not the UK.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 23, 2014, 10:10:02 am
Great!   I'm  not too concerned about numbers!  Just joining in the discussion, giving my two penny worth, having my say, getting on the band wagon etc. etc.

Along with other like minded people I would just like to see more contributors, and thought getting existing visitors to become contributors would be a step forward.

Page views, as a statistic in themselves, mean very little.  Just that a page has been visited but not necessarily read.  I would personally judge the value of a Forum by the number of participating Members, and the quality of their contributions.  But then, I am somewhat old fashioned in my thinking!
 $eu
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2014, 10:23:19 am
Here's an interesting comparison.

The City of Leeds has its own independent forum at: http://www.leedsforum.co.uk/ (http://www.leedsforum.co.uk/)

Leeds has a population of 751,000. The Forum has been running since May 2010, has 4,386 Members and  66,665 posts.

The Three Towns area has a combined population of roughly 60,000. This Forum has been running since August 2010, has 1,067 Members and 73,049 posts.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 23, 2014, 11:59:41 am
If you want figures have a look at this lot!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_forums (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_forums)

Have a look at Pistonheads, a very popular car forum.   Listed a few lines down.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2014, 12:17:59 pm
If you want figures have a look at this lot!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_forums (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_forums)

Have a look at Pistonheads, a very popular car forum.   Listed a few lines down.
Interesting Stats. Looking at those figures, Pistonheads has an average of 6.39 posts per Member. We have an average of 68.47 posts per Member.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 23, 2014, 12:43:15 pm
Must consider that Pistonheads is a rather specialised Forum.  It don't get people moaning all the time about the Councils, Roads, Grass cutting, Beaches, Seagulls, Busses, Trains, and many other sundry subjects.

Should we now call it a day and settle for a Draw?   Or waste more bandwidth which will continue to push the stats even higher.

Who are the most prolific posters excluding yourself and Ian?  How about a league table like what we once had?
 _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 23, 2014, 12:56:47 pm
Yorkie, you can still see it.  :laugh:

http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=stats (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=stats)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2014, 01:12:12 pm
Yorkie, you can still see it.  :laugh:

http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=stats (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=stats)
Indeed.  :laugh:

Out of interest, if we deduct both Ian and myselfs posts, that leaves 57,277 posts. Divide that figure by 1067 Members and that gives a a figure of 53.6 Posts per Member. Still substantially ahead of most other Forums.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 23, 2014, 01:31:08 pm
I wonder what the stats are for Facebook?  ?{}?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2014, 01:37:55 pm
I wonder what the stats are for Facebook?  ?{}?
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/feb/04/facebook-in-numbers-statistics (http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/feb/04/facebook-in-numbers-statistics)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 23, 2014, 05:36:52 pm
Thank you ME.   2014 figures look a bit sad compared to 2013!  One post per person per week ain't bad I suppose.  With all this today the average is probably a bit higher now! 
 :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 23, 2014, 06:21:58 pm
Even higher now!  ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 23, 2014, 06:32:46 pm
Thank you ME.   2014 figures look a bit sad compared to 2013!  One post per person per week ain't bad I suppose.  With all this today the average is probably a bit higher now! 
 :D
I wouldn't consider 6.8m page views so far this year disappointing myself...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on July 23, 2014, 06:57:20 pm
Thank you ME.   2014 figures look a bit sad compared to 2013!  One post per person per week ain't bad I suppose.  With all this today the average is probably a bit higher now! 
 :D
I wouldn't consider 6.8m page views so far this year disappointing myself...  :laugh:

I don't think sad means disappointing, myself.  6.8m is excellent!  Congratulations!   ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 28, 2014, 04:32:55 pm
Top 10 Topic Starters This Month
Nigel The News Bot27
Lucy H
1 Meleri
1 alw
1 Bri Roberts
1 TheCellarDwellers
1 Fester
1 wrex

That's pretty surprising, nobody posting more than one topic in the whole month. I suppose quite often topics are banded into the static topics already here but I would have thought they'd be more variety
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 28, 2014, 07:44:59 pm
As you say, most posts are made in the long running topics like 'What's Llandudno Like Right Now'. With over 1,700 topics on the Forum, it can't be easy to find a subject that hasn't already been covered in some way.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 28, 2014, 08:31:28 pm
I will make a new one to keep b2r happy!  $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 18, 2014, 08:29:05 am
This is interesting and I thought it sufficiently significant to be aired in here, particularly as we are seeing quite a number of charedi visitors to the town at the moment:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-i-left-the-ultraorthodox-jewish-community-as-kids-we-were-told-that-the-outside-world-hated-us-9668865.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-i-left-the-ultraorthodox-jewish-community-as-kids-we-were-told-that-the-outside-world-hated-us-9668865.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 18, 2014, 10:56:11 pm
This is interesting and I thought it sufficiently significant to be aired in here, particularly as we are seeing quite a number of charedi visitors to the town at the moment:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-i-left-the-ultraorthodox-jewish-community-as-kids-we-were-told-that-the-outside-world-hated-us-9668865.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/why-i-left-the-ultraorthodox-jewish-community-as-kids-we-were-told-that-the-outside-world-hated-us-9668865.html)

Ian,
That article is indeed very interesting.
Although I must be very careful not to generalise, that article strikes a chord with me and explains certain 'behaviours' that I see more and more everyday, in my work.  It begins to explain a great deal.

You see, many ultra-orthadox Jewish families are coming into the shops on the pier these days, and by their actions, they are making themselves unpopular to say the least.
Many of the shop owners are exasperated, confused and a sometimes quite upset by the abrupt and even aggressive manner in which (many) of the Cheradi people conduct themselves.   
They tend to question everything, demand much, pack the kiosk with disruptive children, stay for a VERY long time,and purchase nothing.   I say 'tend' for fear of being branded racist.  But this is the experience of many of the pier shopkeepers.
The Punch and Judy man has suffered more acutely than most.... as they fill his audience, but pointedly refuse to donate anything towards the show.   How does one get round that issue?
Personally, to reduce my own stress levels, I have found myself having to employ certain strategies to 'curtail' my exposure to this, shall we say.

It really boils down to a lack of respect, and as your article alludes to, a culture of being aloof and deliberately separatist.

The Pier is a private business (not a free public facility), and it is populated by small private businesses.
It can only survive if the visitors to it are of a mind to enjoy and purchase the goods and entertainments on offer.
Sadly, there is now an increasing number of visitors, (of many backgrounds) who refuse to do so, for a variety of cultural reasons.







Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 19, 2014, 07:04:42 am
Quote
They tend to question everything, demand much, pack the kiosk with disruptive children, stay for a VERY long time,and purchase nothing.   I say 'tend' for fear of being branded racist.  But this is the experience of many of the pier shopkeepers.

I believe this is being experienced widely in the town at the moment. I also believe it needs to be tackled, head on as it were. There was a particularly boisterous group of young male charedi around town last week, from a charedi 'summer camp' in Salford. We happened to encounter them, with their leaders, and what was noticeable was their apparent inability to use words like 'please' and 'thank you', a fact which I pointed out to more than one.  Since I'd heard them speaking Yiddish, I asked one - 15 year old, I suspect - which country he was from.  He told me England, rather indignantly, so I asked him what his first language was. He then said 'English' to which I responded that there were special words we use in English when we want something, or when someone has done something for us. He, at least, had the grace to look abashed.

I've not encountered this behaviour from the Jewish community before, so was a bit taken aback.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 19, 2014, 12:28:54 pm


The Punch and Judy man has suffered more acutely than most.... as they fill his audience, but pointedly refuse to donate anything towards the show.   How does one get round that issue?




It's not an issue. It's a free choice whether or not to donate, they don't want to, that's up to them. If he wants to charge people that's his business, if it's donations then he has to take the rough with the smooth.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 19, 2014, 04:24:05 pm
Personally I think they are like the Queen and do not carry money!  Never seen one on a bus, in a taxi, or any simple place where one could spend a sheckel or two.   Don't ask me why! 
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 19, 2014, 05:40:50 pm
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on August 19, 2014, 05:57:38 pm
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X


Oy vay!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 19, 2014, 06:02:56 pm
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X

Anything that is not defamatory ( libelous or slanderous) or racist.   Otherwise I suppose a modicum of politeness should be considered in whatever you say.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 19, 2014, 07:17:43 pm
That's what I thought! Best to keep quiet on that particular can of worms!  &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 20, 2014, 12:36:04 am
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X

Anything we like Andy, within reason... because we are not talking about a 'race' of people.
The Charedi are a SECT,  something akin to the Moonies. 
Moonies display certain traits,  as do the Amish,  and Millwall football supporters have a certain reputation.
Remember the article?   No one want to escape being a Jewish or Islamic person,  but members of this community express the wish to 'escape'
Therefore, discussing these groups and their tendencies is not a racist matter.
If it's good enough for Ian as Moderator, then it's good enough for me.

I have had the honour of being a guest at Jewish weddings, and done business with many wonderful Jewish people over the years.    I of course refer to Orthodox Jewish people.  Those guys KNOW how to enjoy themselves.
In discussion with those people, I find they they too keep the ULTRA-Orthodox Jewish community at arms-lengths.
An acquaintance of mine from Manchester called them 'hard-core', and said that he and his family were not comfortable around them.

Having read the Independant article,  I now view the issue very differently.
When a group of them descend upon my little shop, knowing that they believe me to be 'evil',  I have no qualms about employing my strategy for lessening my exposure to them.
It is, after all, good for my mental health and stress levels.

Perhaps the Punch and Judy guy might begin to take similar 'evasive action'

Also, I find the most repugnant issue to be the lack of education of females,  and a deliberate lack of state-approved schooling.
I am afraid that is tantamount to child abuse, it is illegal and must be investigated and rectified with utmost urgency.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 20, 2014, 08:55:30 am
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X


When a group of them descend upon my little shop, knowing that they believe me to be 'evil', 

To be fair they've got a point  WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 20, 2014, 09:03:20 am
Quote
we are not talking about a 'race' of people. The Charedi are a SECT,  something akin to the Moonies.

That was exactly my thought on the matter. If anything, they do as much harm to genuine Jewish communities as ISIS are doing to genuine Islamic communities. Extremists in any religion are potentially extremely dangerous, and I agree with F that this deliberate policy of repressing their children is tantamount to abuse in many ways.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on August 20, 2014, 11:12:33 am
Just look on them as the Jewish equivalent of the Jehovahs Witnesses to the Christian religion.

JWs consider everyone not of thier faith as evil.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 20, 2014, 11:45:09 am
Here is a 90 page study carried out by Hackey Borough Council which makes interesting reading about all aspects of the Charedi and their "almost colonisation" of parts of the Borough.    ZXZ

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 20, 2014, 12:50:05 pm
Jehova's witless's are wallys too!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 20, 2014, 12:56:01 pm
I wonder what we are legally allowed to say about them? You have to be so careful these days!  :-X
Jehova's witless's are wallys too!

 _))*     :laugh:     _))*   Way to go M.E.  I luv it.....
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 20, 2014, 01:32:31 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 20, 2014, 02:41:42 pm
Quote
Here is a 90 page study carried out by Hackey Borough Council which makes interesting reading about all aspects of the Charedi and their "almost colonisation" of parts of the Borough.

You mean this:

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 20, 2014, 02:54:08 pm
Quote
Jehova's witless's are wallys too!

 ;D

It's not quite that simple although there are marked similarities: steady 'brainwashing' through mandatory attendance at worship, social restriction to only 'their' kind, suppression of any sort of questioning, invasive indoctrination suggesting they are part of a 'unique' group, and everyone else is wicked or godless, pervasive establishing of lies, superstition and so on. These extreme religions groups seek to dominate, control and manage their adherents through a combination of deceit, fear, lack of education and promise of treasures in the afterlife. In short, they aim to turn the clock back about 500 years.

The main difference is that JW's don't actively proselytise when not 'on duty'.  In fact, you wouldn't know you were talking to one unless you asked. From what can be seen, the Charedi don't seek to proselytise in any way.  Rather, they seek to maintain a secretive, insular life, making no contribution to society in general. I wonder how much good that does their children?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 20, 2014, 05:01:02 pm
Just waiting for someone to raise the old chestnut now, and start on the Freemasons!    ZXZ
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 21, 2014, 12:09:19 pm
Just waiting for someone to raise the old chestnut now, and start on the Freemasons!    ZXZ

Is that one of their rituals?  _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 21, 2014, 08:25:43 pm
Just waiting for someone to raise the old chestnut now, and start on the Freemasons!    ZXZ

From what little I know on the subject, I don't think Freemasons prevent their children from education, believe that anyone not of the brotherhood is evil, nor behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner? 
Anyone exposed on a daily basis to Charedi families cannot help being a little unnerved by them.


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 22, 2014, 10:50:39 am
Just waiting for someone to raise the old chestnut now, and start on the Freemasons!    ZXZ

From what little I know on the subject, I don't think Freemasons prevent their children from education, believe that anyone not of the brotherhood is evil, nor behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner? 
Anyone exposed on a daily basis to Charedi families cannot help being a little unnerved by them.

You can't say all of them behave in an abrupt almost aggressive manner. That's a ridiculous generalisation.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 22, 2014, 10:55:11 am
Quote
You can't say all of them behave in an abrupt almost aggressive manner. That's a ridiculous generalisation.

Well, he didn't.  He was making a comparison between what some say about Freemasons and his own experience with the Charedi. F is not the one generalising and he made that very point in one of the early posts:

Quote
Although I must be very careful not to generalise
.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 22, 2014, 12:22:12 pm
Yes he did

He said he doesn't think Freemasons "behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner" Where as he thinks these people do.

The truth is

Some Freemasons behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner and some Charedi behave in an abrupt and agressive manner.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 22, 2014, 01:30:19 pm
The truth is

Some Freemasons behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner and some Charedi behave in an abrupt and agressive manner.

I have never seen a Freemason behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner, they are vey quit and placid individuals, so stick that in your pipe and smoke it!   
:rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 22, 2014, 01:36:47 pm
I thought they kept their identities secret........except to each other  ???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 22, 2014, 02:26:54 pm
Quote
Yes he did  He said he doesn't think Freemasons "behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner" Where as he thinks these people do.

Not sure what you're reading, but it isn't Fester's post. Nowhere does he say the Charedi do what you claim.  You say

Quote
Where as he thinks these people do.

but that assumes you know what he thinks. Isn't that as daft as the very generalising you're decrying?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 22, 2014, 03:08:46 pm
The truth is

Some Freemasons behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner and some Charedi behave in an abrupt and agressive manner.

I have never seen a Freemason behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner, they are vey quit and placid individuals, so stick that in your pipe and smoke it!   
:rage:

I have, we used to live near two in Oxfordshire, the first one was fine, but the second one was not very pleasant to his new wife, in fact a couple of times she came to us in tears after he had threatened her in various ways, until she was prevented from talking to us! To be fair the way he was, was entirely unconnected with being a Freemason! 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 22, 2014, 03:30:10 pm
Quote
Yes he did  He said he doesn't think Freemasons "behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner" Where as he thinks these people do.

Not sure what you're reading, but it isn't Fester's post. Nowhere does he say the Charedi do what you claim.  You say

Quote
Where as he thinks these people do.

but that assumes you know what he thinks. Isn't that as daft as the very generalising you're decrying?

Read Fester's post

"From what little I know on the subject, I don't think Freemasons prevent their children from education, believe that anyone not of the brotherhood is evil, nor behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner?"

He is clearly saying that the Freemasons don't do this, but this Charedi do. The Charedi are what we are discussing if he's not comparing the Mason's to them who exactly is he comparing them to? I don't think it's the Smurfs or the cast of EastEnders or the Great Orme Goats, I assume 100% correctly that he is talking about the Charedi because that is what this discussion is about. There is no need for him to reference them by name!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 22, 2014, 03:31:02 pm
The truth is

Some Freemasons behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner and some Charedi behave in an abrupt and agressive manner.

I have never seen a Freemason behave in an abrupt and aggressive manner, they are vey quit and placid individuals, so stick that in your pipe and smoke it!   
:rage:

I honestly thought it was supposed to be a secret. Seems a bit pointless if everybody knows who they are?

I have, we used to live near two in Oxfordshire, the first one was fine, but the second one was not very pleasant to his new wife, in fact a couple of times she came to us in tears after he had threatened her in various ways, until she was prevented from talking to us! To be fair the way he was, was entirely unconnected with being a Freemason!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 22, 2014, 03:40:54 pm
Quote
Read Fester's post
Quote
"From what little I know on the subject, I don't think Freemasons prevent their children from education, believe that anyone not of the brotherhood is evil, nor behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner?"

He is clearly saying that the Freemasons don't do this, but this Charedi do.

No, that's an inference you're making. There's no 'clearly' about it; his statement was about the Freemasons. Anything else is down to what a listener infers.

Quote
The Charedi are what we are discussing

One hopes, but many make facetious asides instead of meaningful contributions:

Quote
Is that one of their rituals?  _))*

and

Quote
    When a group of them descend upon my little shop, knowing that they believe me to be 'evil',
Quote
To be fair they've got a point

So are you saying Fester is evil? It's the same logic, after all...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 22, 2014, 04:46:12 pm
B2R I'm puzzled, I thought Fester was your friend yet you seem to be hell bent on proving some very obscure point, but why? I wonder if these other sects, races, whatever would rush to defend you? Seems unlikely somehow! It does seem in the UK now that we have to be so careful what we say about these groups yet they still seem to be able to say whatever they like about us, not really fair somehow is it? I have been keeping fairly quiet on this subject so far, but it has been puzzling me!  ???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 22, 2014, 07:58:08 pm
I thought they kept their identities secret........except to each other  ???

Not at all, any Freemason will not hesitate to tell you if you ask.  Any questions you have just ask.    :D

In fact most questions can be answered by searching the Internet or certain books in your local library.   ££$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on August 22, 2014, 09:22:50 pm
 I've arrived late in this turbulent topic. Its livened the forum up a bit.
 My small contribution. Around about six years ago I was working for Llew Jones Coaches. A sudden job came up. Another North Wales coach company had brought three coach loads of  Charedi ( a word I had never even heard of until about 15 mins ago) from London to Howells School in Denbigh. School holiday time of course.
 The drivers of this company refused, as a group, to take them anywhere, ever again. And I can tell you that most coach drivers are well used to the awkward, drunk, nasty, unreliable, dirty etc etc passengers. Plus a majority of good ones of course. And that was after just ONE journey.
 However, Llew Jones being Llew Jones, agreed to take them over, and transport them locally around North Wales. The drivers there, including myself, were made of sterner stuff.
 It was pretty unbelievable stuff. I won't go into detail surface to say I had never seen human beings with behaviour like this in my life. Not all bad by any means. But so STRANGE. I put this in capitals because that is just what they were --- ABSOLUTELY STRANGE
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on August 22, 2014, 09:32:01 pm
 What a terrible shame. I've just remembered. One day when all the passengers were off one of the other drivers grabbed one of the hats which had been left on a coach seat, stuffed it on my head and took a photo on the then just invented phone camera. What a pity that was never downloaded to me so that I could put that on the forum
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on August 22, 2014, 09:40:08 pm
 Another memory. At least some of them have a sense of humour.
  One was speaking to me. He said --- "You probably know that we Jews have our own cemetery in London, and at death we are all buried there. Well I recently attended a funeral of a dear jewish friend. But I was unsure of the way to drive to the cemetery so I put it in my sat nav. I was driving through London and it was talking to me, turn next right, left at traffic lights etc. Then, at last, it said YOU HAVE NOW REACHED YOUR FINAL DESTINATION"
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 23, 2014, 07:52:21 am
 _))* _))* _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 23, 2014, 08:52:23 pm
I've been too busy to look in on the Forum since Friday,  but I see that this thread has been quite busy.

Born to Run,  not sure what your game is at the moment, but you are either being deliberately obtuse, or deliberately missing the point I was making.
I think I chose my words VERY carefully, and made my self very clear.

You seem to want to create a fog around the subject, for what reason I cannot fathom.

Ask any direct question you like,  it's not a subject I will shy away from,  but don't waste (my) time or prevaricate.
You will get a direct and hopefully clear answer.


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on August 23, 2014, 09:00:16 pm
Alfie has just asked me, "What's it all about? ", and I wouldn't mind knowing also!   WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 27, 2014, 10:34:58 am
I've been too busy to look in on the Forum since Friday,  but I see that this thread has been quite busy.

Born to Run,  not sure what your game is at the moment, but you are either being deliberately obtuse, or deliberately missing the point I was making.
I think I chose my words VERY carefully, and made my self very clear.

You seem to want to create a fog around the subject, for what reason I cannot fathom.

Ask any direct question you like,  it's not a subject I will shy away from,  but don't waste (my) time or prevaricate.
You will get a direct and hopefully clear answer.

No misleading on my points whatsoever. You implied that all of them "behave in an abrupt, almost aggressive manner" This isn't true, that's a fact. There's no fog, no mystery, it just simply and clearly isn't true. There's a chance, a very small one, that every single one you have ever encountered has been abrupt and aggressive, but there is no way you have met every single one of them and so your labelling of them is ,as I pointed out, 'a terrible generalisation' Your other points I'm not even going to question. But you cannot label a whole set of people as abrupt and aggressive. it just isn't on.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 27, 2014, 10:41:17 am
B2R I'm puzzled, I thought Fester was your friend yet you seem to be hell bent on proving some very obscure point, but why? I wonder if these other sects, races, whatever would rush to defend you? Seems unlikely somehow! It does seem in the UK now that we have to be so careful what we say about these groups yet they still seem to be able to say whatever they like about us, not really fair somehow is it? I have been keeping fairly quiet on this subject so far, but it has been puzzling me!  ???

If they said that all Christians were 'Abrupt and Aggressive" or any other generalisation that clearly isn't true simply by the fact that they can't all be, I'd be the first to defend 'us'.
Not liking the teachings or methodology of any group of people is fine, I would never shy away from it myself. But to personally insult or label a group of people "because they all do this or that" is wrong. It's a stereotype and I don't think it has a place in a serious discussion. I didn't even disagree with any of his main points, which I happen to mostly agree with.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 27, 2014, 05:27:25 pm
Seems very likely to me that they are all very much alike, you can't miss them with the big beards and black coats and hats! I can't see any problem with generalisation, they have deliberately made themselves alike.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 28, 2014, 01:19:01 am
B2R,  I can only hope, for the sake of your own stress levels, that you continue to be relatively unexposed to the Charedi.

Because, that is the ONLY explanation I can see as being the reason for jumping to their defence.

I have come to the conclusion that you lie to take the contrary view on most subjects,  (often for valid reasons), whether you know anything about the subject matter or not.

More to the point,  you are rubbish at online Scrabble, and even though I can't beat Yorkie or SDQ, I always beat you.... so just ponder a while on where that puts you on the credibility ladder.    :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 28, 2014, 09:09:10 am
B2R,  I can only hope, for the sake of your own stress levels, that you continue to be relatively unexposed to the Charedi.

Because, that is the ONLY explanation I can see as being the reason for jumping to their defence.

I have come to the conclusion that you lie to take the contrary view on most subjects,  (often for valid reasons), whether you know anything about the subject matter or not.

More to the point,  you are rubbish at online Scrabble, and even though I can't beat Yorkie or SDQ, I always beat you.... so just ponder a while on where that puts you on the credibility ladder.    :laugh: :laugh:

I always get the worst letters. This, unlike your ramblings, IS a fact _))*
I don't lie to take the contrary view on most subjects. I pointed out a tiny error with your view on the Charedi that for some reason you can't accept.
It wouldn't have mattered who you were talking about....Jews, Estate agents, Footballers, Ballerinas whoever they are if you said that they ALL were aggressive, or meek or lazy or anything else I would have equally said that wasn't true either. Terrible Generalisation and I stand by my original point. $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 28, 2014, 09:53:42 am
This is very interesting, how many talented people fail to reach their potential thanks to the 'old boy' private school network in this country?  &shake&

The UK is "deeply elitist" according to new analysis of the backgrounds of more than 4,000 business, political, media and public sector leaders.

Small elites, educated at independent schools and Oxbridge, still dominate top roles, suggests the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission study.

It says key institutions do not represent the public they serve.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28953881 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28953881)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 28, 2014, 10:20:55 am
Just look at the Government. BBC been at it for years as well  &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 28, 2014, 10:48:47 am
Interesting, but not surprising, this subject rears it's head every so many years....
Money equals a better education, a better education equals a better job, better contacts, the old boy network at the top, the trouble ,with "these jobs"  in law/politics/military etc. they may have a named education, but are they competent, the old boy system is flawed, but can it ever be changed...or will it.
not to make light of it, but , all I can think of at the moment is "Yes Minister"  "Yes Prime minister" and "Black Adder" the army years, funny but, so true.
The old boy network worked for me when I left school, I had family contacts in the local council, my uncle could get me a job as a chippie, another in the docks, so it happens on many levels, but in those positions any decisions I made were not life changing, I hope!.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 28, 2014, 11:25:20 am
I did not get involved in the "Charedi" debate because I felt I was not informed enough to take part, but now, the

latest comments I have to speak up, although I am trying to control my anger, and not say something I will regret

later, I am sorry that some people feel the need to drag "groups" down, well in this case I am not going to stand

for it, I am going to speak out.... $angry$..... >>>

My best friend is a Jewish ballet dancing, estate agent who plays football at the weekends........... :D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 28, 2014, 11:47:30 am
I did not get involved in the "Charedi" debate because I felt I was not informed enough to take part, but now, the

latest comments I have to speak up, although I am trying to control my anger, and not say something I will regret

later, I am sorry that some people feel the need to drag "groups" down, well in this case I am not going to stand

for it, I am going to speak out.... $angry$..... >>>

My best friend is a Jewish ballet dancing, estate agent who plays football at the weekends........... :D

 L0L Is she aggressive?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 28, 2014, 01:05:31 pm
No..... but HE is.... D)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 28, 2014, 01:31:35 pm
Ahhhhhhh how typically sexist of me :twoface:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 29, 2014, 12:57:23 am
Ahhhhhhh how typically sexist of me :twoface:

Just for the record B2R,  I didn't mean to say 'you LIE to be contrary'......... it was a mis-key,  it was actually meant to say 'you LIKE to be contrary'.
I would never accuse a fellow Forum member of lying.  Sorry for the misunderstanding.

But, you are still very CRAP at Scrabble.... and I think I beat you YET AGAIN today, did I not?
Whilst Yorkie and SDQ continued to dominate me.    &shake&
Fancy a game of darts, old bean?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 29, 2014, 10:15:03 am
Ahhhhhhh how typically sexist of me :twoface:

Just for the record B2R,  I didn't mean to say 'you LIE to be contrary'......... it was a mis-key,  it was actually meant to say 'you LIKE to be contrary'.
I would never accuse a fellow Forum member of lying.  Sorry for the misunderstanding.

But, you are still very CRAP at Scrabble.... and I think I beat you YET AGAIN today, did I not?
Whilst Yorkie and SDQ continued to dominate me.    &shake&
Fancy a game of darts, old bean?

Retired from darts - and just as well as I trapped my right hand in a car door the other day and now it doesn't function as it should!
Most other throwing games I favour my left, but can't with darts for some reason.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 18, 2014, 07:27:21 am
Although I wouldn't have gone to see it, the fact that both Sony and the US cinemas have bowed to terrorism by cancelling the release of the The Interview (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30526406) is extremely disturbing and sets a very worrying precedent. Even though the Sony hack was almost certainly achieved through someone inside Sony itself, it's certainly going to encourage whoever's behind the actions to try their hands in other areas.

I suppose one option the US has is to buy the film outright from Sony then release it on PBS.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 18, 2014, 08:34:33 am
Although I wouldn't have gone to see it, the fact that both Sony and the US cinemas have bowed to terrorism by cancelling the release of the The Interview (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30526406) is extremely disturbing and sets a very worrying precedent. Even though the Sony hack was almost certainly achieved through someone inside Sony itself, it's certainly going to encourage whoever's behind the actions to try their hands in other areas.

I suppose one option the US has is to buy the film outright from Sony then release it on PBS.
Sony were extremely stupid to have greenlit the production of that film in the first place. How can a comedy about the assassination of a real living person be anything other than extraordinarily bad taste? Actions have consequences, and SPE's arrogance will cost them dearly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 18, 2014, 12:30:56 pm
It's ridiculous they have succumbed to these threats, 42 million dollars wasted!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 18, 2014, 12:49:48 pm
I was talking to Mrs F about this last night, and I said that if some Middle Eastern State had made a film about killing Mr Cameron or Obama, we would be mortified and call them savages.

Why is this any different?    North Korea, (bizarre though they are) are rightly outraged about this, and Sony deserve to take a real hammering over it.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 18, 2014, 02:06:21 pm
No we wouldn't. Well maybe you would because you're a reactionary  $angry$ t

It's a film for heaven's sake! it's called creative licence.

The Sex Pistols did a song about our deary old queen in the 70s and a few people got upset about that, but nobody banned it (they did fiddle the sales figures to keep it off number one though  WWW)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 18, 2014, 02:13:37 pm
There is such a thing as ABUSE of those freedoms.
A bit of self-regulation, or sense of 'Responsibility' should always be used in life, or the result is chaos.

In my opinion, (that is if anyone else is allowed one)... this film's premise is flippant and offensive.
Perhaps it could be released in 50 years or so, when the subject is either dead or replaced?

Harassment is in the eye of the person being harassed remember.
For example, I find it quite amusing being labelled a C### by you, however others may not, and it is their right.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 18, 2014, 02:17:04 pm
There is such a thing as ABUSE of those freedoms.
A bit of self-regulation, or sense of 'Responsibility' should always be used in life, or the result is chaos.

In my opinion, (that is if anyone else is allowed one)... this film's premise is flippant and offensive.
Perhaps it could be released in 50 years or so, when the subject is either dead or replaced?

Harassment is in the eye of the person being harassed remember.
For example, I find it quite amusing being labelled a C### by you, however others may not, and it is their right.

A lot of things are flippant and offensive, are you saying they should all be banned?
Some people may find it amusing to watch this film and this is their right
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 18, 2014, 02:23:23 pm
Of course things that are DEEMED offensive should be banned.
That is how civilisation works.

But, it must be governed within sensitive, and sensible criteria.
For example, if no one complains, go ahead.    However if someone is deeply outraged or hurt, ''consider'' banning it.

I'm not saying that I personally know where to draw the line, ... I just know that someone should.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 18, 2014, 02:42:29 pm
Quote
There is such a thing as ABUSE of those freedoms. A bit of self-regulation, or sense of 'Responsibility' should always be used in life, or the result is chaos.

And a pertinent point for those who defend our so-called 'free press'. There is no doubt that a lot of abuse of free speech takes place, mainly by the DFM,. but there are other culprits. Who draws the line, of course, and where is another matter .
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on December 18, 2014, 02:47:07 pm
I'm as broad minded as anyone but I think their mistake was not making up some generic North Korean leader instead of the actual person. Many Hollywood films portray the US President under attack but make up a character instead of using Bush, Clinton, etc... for the same reason.

A few years ago there was a film made by the creators of South Park that ridiculed Kim Jong Il
(Team America: World Police) and the North Koreans took it on the chin but obviously Hollywood thought they could 'push the envelope' and it has come back and bitten them where it hurts them the most, their pocket.
Karma!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 18, 2014, 02:52:00 pm
Nobody has the right not to be ridiculed.

"What other people say about me, is none of my business" Wayne Dyer
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 18, 2014, 03:57:35 pm
Nobody has the right not to be ridiculed.

"What other people say about me, is none of my business" Wayne Dyer
We're not talking about him being ridiculed, we're talking about a real person being shown to be assassinated. Unbelievable bad taste, regardless of who it is. Personally, I think its hillarious that Sony are getting hammered over this. Maybe losing a few hundred million dollars will make them think twice before being involved in producing dire unfunny and offensive rubbish like 'The Interview'.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 18, 2014, 04:10:16 pm
That's your opinion that it's unfunny. May be my opinion as well if I ever got to see the film. But it won't be because I'm not allowed to!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 18, 2014, 04:15:13 pm
That's your opinion that it's unfunny. May be my opinion as well if I ever got to see the film. But it won't be because I'm not allowed to!
It's a Seth Rogen film. Do you really need to see it to know it'll be unfunny?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 18, 2014, 04:20:46 pm
From the clips I have seen it looks totally rubbish!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 19, 2014, 12:32:01 am
Born to Run, genuine question, do you think that there is nothing that should be banned or censored?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 19, 2014, 09:05:57 am
I absolutely do. Anything real that is illegal for example. There was a time last year or so when facebook should have changed it's name to snuffmovies.com
Every other video was some chap getting his head lobbed off, or some animal cruelty or something else disgusting and real
I have luckily managed to avoid watching all those videos, some have not been so fortunate and have been scarred by them, a lot of other people get off on them.
In my opinion they should all be banned for reasons to numerous to mention.

Anything fictional should be allowed, otherwise we are back to burning books like our friends in Germany did in the 1930s.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 19, 2014, 09:07:28 am
For Born2Run. Bear in mind a film company usually puts all the best bits of a film in a Trailer...  $donald$

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnalZzJ-XS4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnalZzJ-XS4)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 19, 2014, 09:11:04 am
I liked the main selling point: "From the guys who brought you Neighbours"...   _))* _))* _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 19, 2014, 09:15:46 am
Yeah it doesn't look great. If it ever does get released it will do great though, they couldn't have had a better publicity stunt!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 19, 2014, 11:34:52 am
Anything 'legal' then B2R?
So you are OK with the laws of this land being observed.  That's great.

But Facebook is a global network, (so I've heard), and therefore it should be OK to screen hangings in China, Stonings for adultery in Saudi Arabia, and as for some of the (legal) practices affecting women in African countries I dare not even say.

However, it may well be ILLEGAL in N Korea to threaten the life of the President.  Just saying...

You have decided to draw the line for us.  Nice to know that I'm not the judgmental one on this occasion.

By the way, have you tried posting any drawings of the Prophet Mohammed on the internet recently?  Just wondered.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 19, 2014, 12:15:33 pm
So you're defending real life snuff videos, often of British hostages being widely shared, that the victims families will inevitably see or hear about. But opposed to a film with the fake death of some nutter in North Korea? I haven't decided to draw the line for you at all. You asked me "genuine question, do you think that there is nothing that should be banned or censored?"
I answered your question and now you are saying I am being judgemental. How exactly does that work?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on December 19, 2014, 12:23:22 pm
"However, it may well be ILLEGAL in N Korea to threaten the life of the President.  Just saying..."

Sorry Fester didn't realise these Hollywood film makers were actually planning to kill the president, I didn't think they had even threatened to do it to be honest, I thought they were just making a fictional film, silly me  :o

 $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 17, 2015, 11:44:40 am
The case of Jacqui Thompson, from Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-27414882), who was sued by Mark James over five posts she made on her blog is very interesting. At first sight it seems as though this is the County Council being extremely heavy-handed with a local blogger, but there's clearly more to it.

Carmarthenshire council indemnified their Chief Executive Mark James in his libel counter-claim against Mrs Thompson, a move found to be "Illegal" by the Welsh Audit Office, which also hinted that the Council might not have been entirely forthcoming.

Carmarthenshire paid out more than £26,000 in external legal costs since 2012 under the decision to indemnify Mark James, and although it might seem odd for a county council to indemnify an employee in this way, the council clearly thought otherwise, and blamed the WAO.

They said:

 
Quote
For almost two years the Wales Audit Office gave the council every indication that it was quite satisfied that the authority was within its rights to indemnify a council officer to bring a counterclaim in response to being sued for libel and was fully aware of the legal advice that the council had received supporting its action.

"In fact, some six months after the indemnity was granted, the auditors - responding to questions raised by a local resident - repeatedly confirmed that they were satisfied that the council was acting within their powers.

The WAO stood by their finding, however, and further claimed the council, who had said it would "publish the correspondence between ourselves and the auditors so that everyone can see for themselves what has taken place" had not in fact published all of the correspondence. So, once again, the observer is left to wonder what is going on and why vast amounts of taxpayers money is being spent by Councils who seem to thrive on secrecy...

Mark James won his case, but the detailed verdict bears study, more because of what the bogger didn't do and because of a serious mistake:

Quote
In 2006 she (sometimes with her husband) wrote a number of letters accusing both the Head of Planning for the Council (Mr Bowen) and Mr James of corruption, although Mr James had no involvement in the planning decisions complained of by Mrs Thompson. Mr Bowen sued Mr and Mrs Thompson for libel. The Thompsons did not seek to prove the allegations of corruption and their defence of honest comment was struck out. The action was in due course settled by a public retraction and apology in October 2007, as well as by an agreement to pay £7500 towards Mr Bowen’s costs.

3. Notwithstanding this defeat, Mrs Thompson started a blog in March 2009 under the title “Carmarthenshire Planning Problems and more”. Her postings were highly critical of the Council. She made repeated false statements of fact for which the judge held that there was no foundation and made various allegations of corruption, lying, perjury and misappropriation of public money.

4. Mrs Thompson also started to film proceedings of the Council and posted the resultant clips on YouTube. On the 3rd occasion of doing this on 13th April 2011 a Council Officer, a Mr Davies, was sent up to the public gallery to ask her to stop. She did stop, left the public gallery and then made an allegation that, while they were in the public gallery, Mr Davies had assaulted her and attempted to steal her mobile phone. The judge found that this allegation was false and known by Mrs Thompson to be false. He also held that it was an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

It's a complex case, but one which resonates with everyone in the Three Towns, partly because of marked similarities between the behaviour of Carmarthenshire council and our own CCBC. The same fondness for secrecy seems apparent in both and planning issues can cause major headaches for everyone involved.

But this lady lost (although the final sentence of the verdict almost certainly didn't help) and might have to sell her house.

There are many who believe it's too easy to sue for Libel in the UK, but the other side of the coin is whether people are entitled to free speech, and how far that entitlement extends.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 17, 2015, 06:02:33 pm
I too thought the article very interesting on the TV news, if only because of some very strange goings on when I applied to CCBC Planning Dept for some work on my house.... very VERY strange in fact.

Anyhow, with reference to Mrs Thompson's case, the TV article inferred that she sued the CEO of the council first, and was counter sued in response.
If that was the case, I thought she deserved all she got.   But now I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Mr Tunnock on January 21, 2015, 04:32:18 pm
Would any members voluntarily give submit to DNA testing for the process of elimination in a murder enquiry?
I ask this because of the previous arguments whereby DNA samples have been kept against the will of many for years after giving samples.
This is happening somewhere in England at present to eliminate men in a murder investigation.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 21, 2015, 04:52:33 pm
No I would not, who knows what they could do with it in the future!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on January 21, 2015, 05:38:04 pm
No I would not, who knows what they could do with it in the future!
Are you worried about being cloned, ME?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 21, 2015, 07:17:34 pm
Who knows what they could do with it in the future, I do not want them to make a clown of me!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 21, 2015, 07:18:54 pm
We could never have too many of you, ME :-))
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on January 22, 2015, 12:34:00 am
Would any members voluntarily give submit to DNA testing for the process of elimination in a murder enquiry?
I ask this because of the previous arguments whereby DNA samples have been kept against the will of many for years after giving samples.
This is happening somewhere in England at present to eliminate men in a murder investigation.

Yes, without hesitation, because if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

I have the same opinion about the Govt wanting to give law enforcement agencies access to phone records etc...
Terrorism is a MASSIVE threat, therefore we should arm ourselves with all means possible to thwart it.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 22, 2015, 07:17:29 am
Quote
Yes, without hesitation, because if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

Probably because it's like any information the government holds about you. If 'the government' never 'mislaid' any information, never allowed it to be used in any way other than for stopping terrorism and had rock-solid computing systems that could never be hacked, breached or compromised, and the government employees and politicians consisted of only totally honest people who never lied, committed any crime whatsoever and never harboured ulterior motives, then your DNA is probably totally safe...

Oh, and research has shown that a person's DNA changes slowly over their lifetime. And identical twins or triplets bent on crime sprees might pose a problem. Other than that, there's probably no issue...

 Z@@
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 22, 2015, 11:08:54 pm
Would any members voluntarily give submit to DNA testing for the process of elimination in a murder enquiry?
I ask this because of the previous arguments whereby DNA samples have been kept against the will of many for years after giving samples.
This is happening somewhere in England at present to eliminate men in a murder investigation.

Yes, without hesitation, because if you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

I have the same opinion about the Govt wanting to give law enforcement agencies access to phone records etc...
Terrorism is a MASSIVE threat, therefore we should arm ourselves with all means possible to thwart it.

I'm with you on this and wouldn't have any objection to having a DNA test if it helps the authorities to catch the culprits quicker.  It just doesn't make any sense for anyone not to cooperate with the Police, unless of course they have something to hide.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 05, 2015, 07:42:44 am
More than a year ago the Williams report (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-25776603) recommended urgent change in the Welsh council structure. Their key points were interesting:

Quote
The following local authorities should merge:

    Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd
    Conwy and Denbighshire
    Flintshire and Wrexham
    Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
    Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend
    Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil
    Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
    Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen
    Monmouthshire and Newport

and some councils did follow the suggestions and discussed mergers with those shown. Although the reforms would cost money, as the BBC correspondent said at the time

Quote
There may be some scepticism about the potential costs, and it is always tricky to explain how different structures might lead to better services. But fewer politicians? That will be the easiest part of the package to sell to the public.

However, the WA Local Government minister has now proposed more fundamental changes, which include

Quote
    Council elections every five years, not four as at present
    Maximum five terms - 25 years - for councillors
    Maximum two terms - 10 years - for council leaders and cabinet members
    Pay councillors in line with those on similar sized councils elsewhere in the UK
    Public sector employers to give staff unpaid leave to carry out duties as councillors, and other employers encouraged to do the same
    Council leaders and chief executives given a duty to promote and respect diversity
    Youth councils to be set up by each authority

While fewer politicians might well be desirable (and I've long argued that parochiality is not a good roadmap for politics) isn't the fundamental issue that of trust?

We no longer trust any politician, from those on the gravy train of the EU down to local community councillors in some cases, yet it's hard to see how reducing Council numbers will improve that situation. Putting greater distance between the elector and the elected only serves to increase mistrust.

Why did we ever think it was a good thing to start paying councillors? At one time all councils were run by unpaid volunteers, and the argument for paying the Cabinets was simply that you'd get people more qualified for the job if they were paid a living wage. But that ignored the incestuous nature of party politics and those making the recommendations stopped short of identifying one major issue: party allegiance.  Perhaps if all councils were composed of Independents, accountability might be increased, although it's hard to see how that could be legislated and the WA would certainly not want to go down that path.

So what's the solution? How should councils be formed and should they be paid at all, other than out-of-pocket expenses?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on February 05, 2015, 10:46:26 am
No matter what group you get together be it any form of Club or Council there will always be nepotism, cronyism and corruption.

We see it amongst the most senior members of Society and, unfortunately, it is becomig just another accepted feature of our lives.

 $walesflag$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on February 07, 2015, 03:54:38 pm
Just a few words

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 07, 2015, 04:45:55 pm
Not sure it was a Judge. Walt Burville wrote to The Huffington Post and identified multiple sources that confirm his mother, Doris S Burville, originally authored "Letter to a Teenager" in 1955. At any rate this has been doing the rounds for longer than the internet.

But it's a blunt weapon - like all these aphorisms it neatly ignores the vast majority of hard working, decent, honest teenagers who do a lot for their communities in countless ways.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Yorkie on February 08, 2015, 08:21:06 am
I've never seen it before but thanks for the additional info.   $thanx$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 04, 2015, 07:10:04 pm
I saw this headline on a news stand today, had a closer look on Google......No smoke     Without fire.... ???

Tories 'paying benefits to deported criminals': Millions sent abroad to people kicked out of Britain


Foreign criminals who have been kicked out of Britain are still receiving benefits, a whistleblower has claimed.

MORE...http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tories-paying-benefits-deported-criminals-5818965 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tories-paying-benefits-deported-criminals-5818965)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 04, 2015, 10:43:57 pm
I read the article in the Daily Mirror today and it's just unbelievable that the Government could be so stupid.   The Cons have got no excuse for things to happen like that and it needs urgent and immediate reform.
I read in that paper some time ago that any illegal immigrant caught  that "volunteer" to be sent home can expect to receive an amount of money for resettlement and a figure of between £500.00 and £3000.00 was mentioned.
It also mentioned that if these illegal immigrants came back into the UK and "volunteered" to go back home they would receive a resettlement fee again.
Apparently it was their human right to be paid again.       :rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 04, 2015, 11:00:11 pm
The sooner this human rights nonsense is scrapped the better! They only ever seem to apply to the wrong people!  $angry$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 08:28:42 am
Quote
The sooner this human rights nonsense is scrapped the better! They only ever seem to apply to the wrong people!  $angry$

Well, that's certainly what the media would have you believe. But most of the achievements of the Act are never realised and a few things about the Act might come as a surprise.

For instance, did you know

  * British courts are not required to follow the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights blindly - they must only 'take account' of them. They can then choose to disregard them.

   * The Act protects everyone and a particular concern is the right to privacy.

   * The Act protects only 15 well-established fundamental freedoms, like the right to life and the right to a fair trial.

   * The Act requires the state to take steps to protects the rights of all its citizens - and in particular to deal with those who attempt to infringe the rights of others. Punishing criminals is required.

   * Our Act requires the government to balance freedom against the risk to public safety.

In general, the effect of the HRA has been to protect and enhance freedoms for everyone, but what exercises the tabloid press so much is the issue of foreign criminals not being thrown out of the UK.

But they can be.  There's no prohibition in the Act anywhere that prevents it. There's only one exception: the government can't send back anyone to any state which condones the use of torture.

If we examine that carefully, what does it mean? Simply put, are we prepared to support the repatriation of anyone to a country where they could be tortured? Because if we do then it follows we support or at least accept the use of torture. If that's the case then it's a relatively short step before torture is introduced here. And where you might assume it will only ever be used in extreme cases, such as terrorism or to save potential victims, then what you have to remember is that where the power to use any means is approved it is never long before the use of those means is condoned, piece by piece, in other situations.

It's also worth remembering that well before our HRA the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights prevented the UK from deporting people to places of torture. So that's not a new function of the Act.

Finally, although it may not come as news to some there is evidence that the tabloids don't always tell the truth. Leading the braying pack of depraved media moguls is, of course, the DFM which loves to scream headlines such as "Prisoners access pornography because of human rights". Their headline was based on a story that the serial killer Dennis Nilsen was using human rights law to demand access to hardcore pornography in prison. The only tiny detail they forgot to mention was that the court denied him permission to even bring the claim, let alone have it heard.

In terms of the current situation, the Mirror's story is not quite what it seems from the headline. Deep in the text the reporter becomes far more cautious about what was being paid and to whom, exactly, only saying about a 'possibility'. This has nothing to do with the HRA, however; it's to do with the DWP's own rules and regulations and their interpretation of the various chunks of legislation which are updated every budget, or twice a year. Given also that the egregious Osborne's cuts have been aimed mostly at the poor and those who seek to help them, the DWP's staff has been consistently cut, but there's been no let-up in legislation. Thus, mistakes are being made, and often on a grand scale.

I appreciate the Mirror has to attempt to combat the pusillanimous verbal excretions of the DFM but they do themselves and the cause of social justice no favours by running with this story in the way they do.



 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 09:04:27 am
Having said that, the Mirror showed its true colours in an excellent article last October:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/helps-every-day-what-human-4375438 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/helps-every-day-what-human-4375438)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: bigbadhenry on June 05, 2015, 09:29:47 am
I read the article in the Daily Mirror today and it's just unbelievable that the Government could be so stupid.   The Cons have got no excuse for things to happen like that and it needs urgent and immediate reform.
I read in that paper some time ago that any illegal immigrant caught  that "volunteer" to be sent home can expect to receive an amount of money for resettlement and a figure of between £500.00 and £3000.00 was mentioned.
It also mentioned that if these illegal immigrants came back into the UK and "volunteered" to go back home they would receive a resettlement fee again.
Apparently it was their human right to be paid again.       :rage:

Surprised anybody believes anything written in the British press.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 05, 2015, 10:29:58 am
I never read any of the papers, usually just see the BBC news, I only ever hear of human rights being used by the wrong people, I would still be happy to see it gone.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 10:36:05 am
But what would replace it?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 05, 2015, 10:48:54 am
Nothing, we must have gone for many years without it? What happened to survival of the strongest?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 11:13:25 am
Quote
Nothing, we must have gone for many years without it? What happened to survival of the strongest?

Well, the European Convention on Human Rights was drafted (mainly by UK lawyers) in 1950 and that was done as a reaction to the horrors perpetrated during WWII. At that time, across much of Europe, homosexuality was still illegal, marital rape, corporal and capital punishment were still legal and elderly couples were split up willy-nilly when they had to move out of their homes. Somehow, I suspect you're not being entirely serious about the "survival of the strongest" argument...  :o

 WWW WWW

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 05, 2015, 11:49:36 am
I have always been a fan of common sense,  as in your example of the elderly couple being split up, that should not happen with out a good medical reason, I just think that we keep coming up with extra laws to cover this and that, just keeps lawyers in business!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 05, 2015, 11:56:49 am
Nothing, we must have gone for many years without it? What happened to survival of the strongest?

.... I'm on my way to the gym, to get muscled up.
On my way home, I'm gonna stop by Merddin's house.... and nick his classic cars, cos I'll be strong and powerful.

If however I miscalculate, and Merdin is stronger than me...then you are most welcome to dispose of my battered old car as you see fit.   ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 05, 2015, 12:07:36 pm
You would not get them because I have this..... WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 12:41:58 pm
Quote
I just think that we keep coming up with extra laws to cover this and that, just keeps lawyers in business!

True, but you have to remember that most MPs are (often failed) lawyers...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 05, 2015, 03:52:18 pm
Having said that, the Mirror showed its true colours in an excellent article last October:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/helps-every-day-what-human-4375438 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/helps-every-day-what-human-4375438)

It's a good article Ian and shows that the Human Rights Act can be good for most people if used with a bit of common sense but why did they highlight Gary McKinnon?
OK he's ill but he committed a crime and should be accountable for his actions.    I don't know what punishment the UK Government has done or is doing to make sure that he never tries that again.   At the very least there should be a restriction imposed on his use of the internet and possibly some medical help for him.   
In my humble opinion it wasn't the best example of how the Human Rights Act should benefit the UK citizens 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2015, 04:53:02 pm
Actually, I tend to agree. McKinnon wasn't a good example. But the big problem we face all the time is the minority of people who seek to abuse well-intentioned legislation.  Any regulations that aim to help people will inevitably be abused. Trouble is, I don't know of a reliable way round that.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on June 05, 2015, 10:26:29 pm
shows fester, M.E. is not to be taken lightly
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 09, 2015, 12:38:42 am
Certainly linked to the NHS topic,  or this could be possibly filed under the 'Helpful Suggestions' file.

I have recently encountered several sad instances of bereavements, some locally and some told to me by visitors, where I have concluded the following.

1, If you are over 75, do not fall under any circumstances.
2, If you have loved ones of that age, do all you can to prevent them ever 'having a fall'
3, If you DO have a fall,  under NO circumstances be admitted to hospital.    They WILL finish you off!! 

Seriously, there are so many tragic accounts of innocuous falls, leading to shoddy treatment, infections, bedsores, malnutrition.....etc... etc.... which inevitably leads to that person withering away and dying in an alarmingly short space of time!


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 09, 2015, 07:36:48 am
Bit of an indictment of our local health services but a lot of truth in it, sadly. Statistically, of course, you should always avoid going to hospital, since figures show that more people die in hospitals than anywhere else.

 ;)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 10, 2015, 02:04:48 pm
Bit of an indictment of our local health services but a lot of truth in it, sadly. Statistically, of course, you should always avoid going to hospital, since figures show that more people die in hospitals than anywhere else.

 ;)

It's not ONLY the local NHS Ian,  these tales are being recounted to me from all over the UK.

I think it's part of a National Policy to kill off people who are costing money!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on June 10, 2015, 02:11:13 pm
Bit of an indictment of our local health services but a lot of truth in it, sadly. Statistically, of course, you should always avoid going to hospital, since figures show that more people die in hospitals than anywhere else.

 ;)

It's not ONLY the local NHS Ian,  these tales are being recounted to me from all over the UK.

I think it's part of a National Policy to kill off people who are costing money!


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 10, 2015, 04:23:27 pm
 _))* _))* _))* _))* _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 14, 2015, 09:46:54 am
Faulty appliances cause 12,000 fires, Which? research finds

Malfunctioning household appliances caused almost 12,000 fires in Britain in just over three years, research by consumer group Which? has found.
Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers were the most likely items to cause fires, the research suggested.
Which? is urging people to register appliances they buy with manufacturers so they can be alerted of any recall.
The government figures, obtained using the Freedom of Information Act, cover January 2011 to March 2014.
Fires included in the figures were those caused by appliances that were "faulty, incorrectly installed or improperly maintained".
Which? highlighted research by Electrical Safety First, which found that only a third of people register the electrical appliances they buy - meaning they may not be notified if faulty items are recalled by manufacturers.
"If an appliance is found to be dangerous, manufacturers issue a safety notice to alert owners, but knowing who owns their products can prove problematic," Which? said.
Executive director Richard Lloyd said it was "shocking" that everyday appliances could "pose such a danger".
Mr Lloyd said owners should be "reassured they can register their appliance without inadvertently signing up for marketing".
The government is reviewing the system for recalling appliances that may be dangerous.
REF.BBC
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 15, 2015, 07:04:03 pm
Smart meter rollout 'needs private sector input'

The UK-wide rollout of smart meters needs to be run by someone outside of government, the company set up to promote the project has said.
By 2020 every home should have a digital meter, which communicates directly with energy suppliers and can allow more efficient energy usage.
Smart Energy GB said government was "not good" at such projects and warned it it could cost more than the budgeted £11bn without private sector input.
The government has rejected the call.
Olympic delivery
The last Labour government announced plans in 2009 for every home in Britain to be installed with smart meters, which the government and energy firms believe could lead to savings of an estimated £17bn.
But Smart Energy GB fears that with 1.6 million of the proposed 26 million smart meters currently installed, the timetable could slip and end up costing consumers more than the budgeted £11bn.
Baroness Margaret McDonagh, the chairman of Smart Energy GB, said that the installation of smart meters throughout the UK was a giant infrastructure project, and was similar in scope to the building of the HS2 rail line and the Olympic venues.
"As we know from experience, governments are not good at big infrastructure projects because it's not their business," she said.
"To do these things well, you need to be doing them all the time. When a body can focus on these things with a date in mind - like the Olympic delivery - they can achieve it on time and on budget."
She is calling for the government to appoint a chief executive from the private sector to run the project.
But the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has rejected the idea.
"Last year, an independent review on the smart meters programme backed the current delivery model, which is going to deliver the benefits of smart meters at the lowest possible cost to billpayers," said a spokesperson for the DECC.
It is hoped that smart meters will encourage consumers to be more selective on how they use energy by choosing, for example, to run the washing machine at a time when electricity charges are lower.
In the near future this will be even easier as the "internet of things" takes hold. This means new devices will come onto the market which will communicate with the smart meter and switch themselves on and off at the most energy efficient times.
But apart from consumers saving money, the biggest winners from the nationwide installation of smart meters will be energy companies themselves.
That is because the current analogue systems prevent the efficient distribution of energy to our homes. More electricity is allocated for each home on the off-chance that it will be needed. With smart meters, the power will only come from the grid, the moment it is actually required.
But smart meters are expensive and time consuming to install in every single household in Britain. About 6% of the total number of homes have a smart meter already.
To achieve the full 100% and meet the Conservative party election promise, a massive ramp up in the installation process will have to start immediately.REFBBC
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 18, 2015, 07:55:58 am
This sets an interesting precedent....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-33169572 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-33169572)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 18, 2015, 12:21:59 pm
I get them regularly Bosun, and despite not being able to speak Welsh myself, I too will demand cancellation.

Why not?   I'm sure the complainant could speak English, and what if the attendant had not even been on hand to speak to the offender?   After all, the tickets are all printed in Welsh!

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on June 18, 2015, 10:48:48 pm
 got one yesterday in the car park at the back of weatherspoons, I was under the impression that it was free after 6pm, not so according to the charming young lady whom I spoke to ( Before I paid my £25 fine) it is a reduced fee after 6pm and has been for over 30 years, I thought OK so the last 7 or 8 times I have parked there after 6pm without showing a ticket Ive got away with it. Only goes to show READ the signs before you walk away . Silly me
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on June 19, 2015, 08:37:43 am
I get them regularly Bosun, and despite not being able to speak Welsh myself, I too will demand cancellation.

Why not?   I'm sure the complainant could speak English, and what if the attendant had not even been on hand to speak to the offender?   After all, the tickets are all printed in Welsh!
Just master the phrase ' ti'n siarad cymraeg?' if an Attendant ever speaks to you...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on June 19, 2015, 09:09:33 am
I get them regularly Bosun, and despite not being able to speak Welsh myself, I too will demand cancellation.

Why not?   I'm sure the complainant could speak English, and what if the attendant had not even been on hand to speak to the offender?   After all, the tickets are all printed in Welsh!

 :o I can't believe we agree on something!!

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 19, 2015, 11:22:58 am
I get them regularly Bosun, and despite not being able to speak Welsh myself, I too will demand cancellation.

Why not?   I'm sure the complainant could speak English, and what if the attendant had not even been on hand to speak to the offender?   After all, the tickets are all printed in Welsh!

 :o I can't believe we agree on something!!

Well.... I've just CHANGED MY MIND!!   :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 19, 2015, 04:56:42 pm
Litter wardens.....Just seen a confrontation in Madoc St. police called as "accused" refused to give name and address, plenty of onlookers, police confirmed they had to comply...... :( :( :(
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 19, 2015, 11:11:08 pm
Interesting....
I would not comply,and I would simply keep walking away, use up their time, frustrate them, ignore them.... etc.
Especially on a busy day, when they need a quick turnround, and the police will be occupied with other matters.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 24, 2015, 08:35:13 am
This makes for a fascinating read on several fronts:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-dd0e6fd5-12fc-4a4a-a0eb-4ef064900f92 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-dd0e6fd5-12fc-4a4a-a0eb-4ef064900f92)

Not only is it the reason China will shortly be the world economic leader, but the web design of the report is truly excellent.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on June 24, 2015, 10:47:31 am
Interesting....
I would not comply,and I would simply keep walking away, use up their time, frustrate them, ignore them.... etc.
Especially on a busy day, when they need a quick turnround, and the police will be occupied with other matters.

Surely the police would take you in for disturbing the peace or something similar?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on June 24, 2015, 10:47:58 am
You always did disturb my peace Fester  _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 24, 2015, 01:01:01 pm
Interesting....
I would not comply,and I would simply keep walking away, use up their time, frustrate them, ignore them.... etc.
Especially on a busy day, when they need a quick turnround, and the police will be occupied with other matters.

Surely the police would take you in for disturbing the peace or something similar?

It would be interesting wouldn't it.  Disturbing the peace by saying nothing, and ignoring people.
Perhaps 'obstruction' might be a more appropriate charge.
Other than that, I will insist that the operative speaks Welsh to me.... and the Police Officer.... or if not, I'm not playing!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 30, 2015, 05:55:42 pm
This worries me,........"More relaxed and rounded"  ....but can they handle the 3 R's... &shake&

Everything you need to know about Wales' new school curriculum
The curriculum is described as "more relaxed" and the aim is to develop more “rounded” pupils.
More emphasis is placed on health and wellbeing, making sure Welsh youngsters are ready to play a full part in life and work.
The authors of the new system say it is less about ticking boxes and more about ensuring pupils are “ethical, informed citizens” who better understand the world we live in.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/everything-you-need-know-wales-9556772 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/everything-you-need-know-wales-9556772)



Wales axes formal pre-16 exams and brings in a new 'relaxed' school curriculum

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-axes-formal-pre-16-exams-9557810 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-axes-formal-pre-16-exams-9557810)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 30, 2015, 06:31:20 pm
Quote
This worries me,........"More relaxed and rounded"  ....but can they handle the 3 R's.

It would be a good change if politicians stopped meddling in education and set up a professional teaching body to oversee all curricular changes.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 01, 2015, 08:49:31 am
This worries me,........"More relaxed and rounded"  ....but can they handle the 3 R's... &shake&

Everything you need to know about Wales' new school curriculum
The curriculum is described as "more relaxed" and the aim is to develop more “rounded” pupils.
More emphasis is placed on health and wellbeing, making sure Welsh youngsters are ready to play a full part in life and work.
The authors of the new system say it is less about ticking boxes and more about ensuring pupils are “ethical, informed citizens” who better understand the world we live in.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/everything-you-need-know-wales-9556772 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/everything-you-need-know-wales-9556772)



Wales axes formal pre-16 exams and brings in a new 'relaxed' school curriculum

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-axes-formal-pre-16-exams-9557810 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-axes-formal-pre-16-exams-9557810)
What a joke. Considering the lamentable performance of Welsh Education in recent years, I would have hoped the emphasis would have been firmly placed on numeracy and literacy skills:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-worst-uk-global-education-6364676 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-worst-uk-global-education-6364676)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 01, 2015, 09:20:19 am
There's a cultural issue here (and I mean the entire UK) with regard to educational achievement - possibly not unrelated to the cultural issue regarding alcohol. The PISA rankings make for depressing reading: Ireland, Canada and Poland make it into the top ten - along with the usual crop of hi-tech far-East countries, such as Japan and Korea. But in the Far East countries, teachers are regarded with and accorded great status, respect and deference. Education is seen as a competitive business that offers success and wealth.

Talk to the average 14 year-old boy in this area, and they've not a lot of good things to say about school. Boys have inexorably been falling behind girls for years, now, and this has to be related - among other things - to cultural expectations. Doing well at school isn't 'cool', and boys are very aware of and responsive to peer pressure.

I agree the system has to change; there's been far too great an emphasis on the sorts of things at which females excel - detailed work, writing, reading, keeping records, etc. The National Curriculum plays to female strengths, too, as it systematically encourages programme-based teaching and learning at the expense of innovation, creativity and spontaneity, so boys have been perceiving themselves as marginalised for years.

But the larger issue is culture. It doesn't occur much on here, but in many forums when one member points out errors in another member's writing, spelling or grammar they're often ridiculed as a 'spelling bully' or other childish epithets. Why is that? After all, if someone makes a mathematical mistake, they usually don't object to it being pointed out. But if someone uses English poorly or lazily they think it's fine. That's a cultural issue and that's where things need to be sorted out.

And it's important, too: if people continue to let their grasp on English slide, it can only have a detrimental effect on children and we lose important concepts. That's been happening for years: few now realise there's a major difference between Uninterested and Disinterested, so these words, which spoke to significantly different ideas, are now both being used to mean the same thing.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 01, 2015, 12:38:58 pm

Talk to the average 14 year-old boy in this area, .


I try not to do that at my age, for fear of being put on some kind of 'register'

I would argue that school children these days are already too 'well rounded', and I would advocate more Sports and Physical Education in schools, as a matter of great urgency.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 01, 2015, 02:00:29 pm

Talk to the average 14 year-old boy in this area, .


I try not to do that at my age, for fear of being put on some kind of 'register'

I would argue that school children these days are already too 'well rounded', and I would advocate more Sports and Physical Education in schools, as a matter of great urgency.

Hello is that Mr Kettle?

Hello Mr Kettle, I have a Mr Pot here and he is calling you black? Do you have any response to that?

 _))*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 02, 2015, 12:38:49 pm
I found this item interesting, putting it together with the standard of education we have been discussing............ &shake&       :(

caravan skill shortage warning manufacturer
In recent months Fifth Wheel Company has been trying to recruit new staff members due to the expansion and growth of the business.
However they have been unable to find candidates with the right skills or attitude towards work.

Jobs site Adzuna announced that there were more jobs advertised in April than there where people looking for a job.

They believe this could be a warning sign that the workforce lacks the skills necessary to fill up many of the new jobs being advertised.
One option in the past has been to recruit migrant workers arriving in the country as they can have better skills and a higher work ethic for manufacturing job roles.

But one initiative that the Fifth Wheel Company are keen on implementing is the “see inside manufacturing programme” which invites teachers and students from local schools to visit the manufacturing facilities.

This will also educate teachers and students about the kind of skills that are needed to thrive in manufacturing.

Ceri Whiteley at White House hotel, part of the Fifth Wheel group, agreed there were issues recruiting.
 “School leavers do have the literacy and numeracy to succeed although they lack work ethic and the willingness to complete tasks to high standards.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/denbighshire-caravan-manufacturer-skill-shortage-9561383 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/denbighshire-caravan-manufacturer-skill-shortage-9561383)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 06, 2015, 09:11:37 am
As the summer TV schedules of nothingness are now in force, we were watching old episodes of Yes, Prime Minister last night, and what struck me was how little things have changed.  Almost every aside they make applies now.

On Education:

"Hacker: Education in this country is a disaster. We're supposed to be preparing children for a working life. Three quarters of the time they're bored stiff!

Sir Humphrey: Well I should have thought that being bored stiff for three quarters of the time was an excellent preparation for working life.

Hacker: The school leaving age was raised to 16 so that they could learn more, and they're learning less!

Sir Humphrey: We didn't raise it to enable them to learn more! We raised it to keep teenagers off the job market and hold down the unemployment figures.

Hacker: Are you saying there's nothing wrong with education in this country?

Sir Humphrey: No, why of course not, Prime Minister! It's a joke, it's always been a joke! And as long as you leave it in the hands of the local councillors, it will remain a joke! I mean, half of them are your enemies anyway, and the other half are the sort of friends who make you prefer your enemies."

On Newspapers:

"Hacker: Don't tell me about the press. I know exactly who reads the papers. The Daily Mirror is read by people who think they run the country; The Guardian is read by people who think they ought to run the country; The Times is read by the people who actually do run the country; the Daily Mail is read by the wives of the people who run the country; the Financial Times is read by people who own the country; the Morning Star is read by people who think the country ought to be run by another country, and the Daily Telegraph is read by people who think it is.

Sir Humphrey: Prime Minister, what about the people who read The Sun?

Bernard: Sun readers don't care who runs the country, as long as she's got big t*ts.

On integrity:

"Bernard: So you want me to falsify the minutes?

Sir Humphrey: I want nothing of the sort! It's up to you Bernard; what do you want?

Bernard: I want to have a clear conscience.

Sir Humphrey: A clear conscience.

Bernard: Yes.

Sir Humphrey: When did you acquire this taste for luxuries?

Wonderful show, and it's simply a shame that its successor failed so miserably.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 07, 2015, 07:57:49 am
Many of us use Google, despite knowing that it tracks our every move across the internet and uses that information in multiple ways (use DuckDuckGo if you want some privacy). We know it's worth more than £350bn, arranges its tax affairs so it pays the least possible and attempts to coerce governments into doing what it wants. What you might not know, however, is that it uses its enormous finances to break the law regularly, ignore rulings against it and actively mounts smear campaigns against those it believes are attempting to bring it to heel.


http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/23/googles_driveby_shooting_of_jim_hood_takes_out_key_critic/ (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/12/23/googles_driveby_shooting_of_jim_hood_takes_out_key_critic/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 10, 2015, 08:28:13 am
Across England and Wales, fewer than 1 in 50 people (aged 3 or over) could not speak English well or at all (2%, 863,000). For the majority of local authorities, the inability to speak English well or at all affected less than 1% of the population. However in areas of London, notably Newham, Brent and Tower Hamlets and also in Leicester, between 8 and 9% of the population could not speak English well or at all.

Only two-thirds (65%) of people who could not speak English well or at all (‘non-proficient)’ were in good health, compared with nearly 9 in 10 (88%) who could speak English very well or well (‘proficient)’. This may be due to lower proficiency in English making it difficult for people to access suitable healthcare, which may have a longer term impact on health. There was also a more rapid decline of good health by age among people who were less proficient in English.

Findings from the 2011 census
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on July 20, 2015, 08:16:15 pm
Moved from the Hotels topic


O.K. but who is going to decide one from another. Imagine----I'll allow your jewish money from your thinking to buy the Grand. But I don't fancy the others thinking. Stop them.
  A minefield. Better leave them all alone. Most of the rest of my thinking is unprintable
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 20, 2015, 09:04:37 pm
Quote
O.K. but who is going to decide one from another

Not sure I really follow what you're saying, Mike.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 21, 2015, 07:48:09 am
The biggest problems we face today are segregational religions. The Exclusive Brethren (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_Brethren) are one such of the Christian groups, but the Witnesses are not far behind. It's both interesting and worrying that if you examine the historical examples of Genocide, torture, mutilation and execution the roots of most of these pastimes lie in organised Religion.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Michael on July 21, 2015, 07:18:04 pm
 Its about the different degrees and/or classes of Jews. You quoted the different sections, I don't recall the names never had to study the subject. I understand that the type or shape of hat tells the onlooker what section they believe in.
  But correct me if I am wrong. Your point was why not encourage a bit of Jewish financial investment in the area. But only from "moderate" Jews. And that was why I wrote how can you tell one group from another?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 21, 2015, 07:32:20 pm
My concern was more that we were separating out Judaism from Christianity and it concerned me that extremists exist in all religions. You can't usually tell if someone's from an extreme branch of Christianity or Judaism, purely from looking at them (I suppose white hoods and burning crosses might be a clue in the case of the KKK) and we can't stop minority sects from buying property. We can, however, make mainstream religious groups welcome and actively encourage them to invest, in much the way the Methodist Church has invested in Colwyn Bay over the years.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 22, 2015, 04:25:47 pm
House prices: Renting to overtake home ownership among young, says PwC

More than half of the under 40s will be renting homes from private landlords in the UK in 10 years' time, accountancy firm PwC has predicted.
It suggests house prices will rise at an average of 5% a year, pricing the typical home at £360,000 by 2020.
Industry figures show that first-time buyers typically need to find a deposit of 18% to secure a mortgage.
Using PwC data, that would equate to a requirement for £64,800 in savings to get on the property ladder in 2020.
"Driven by a decade of soaring house prices before the financial crisis and lower loan-to-value ratios post-crisis, the deposits needed by first time buyers have risen significantly. As a result, a generation of private renters have emerged and this will increasingly be the norm for the 20 to 39 age group," said Richard Snook, senior economist at PwC.
"There is also a rising dichotomy in the market between those - mostly older - households who own outright and those - mostly younger - households who still have a mortgage or rent to pay."
MORE and House price calculator......http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33621047 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33621047)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 03, 2015, 07:30:14 pm
Welsh Tories call for major overhaul in Welsh tourism

A new Tory-led government would get rid of Visit Wales, the Welsh Government’s tourism team charged with promoting Welsh tourism, and replace it with an arms-length body.
Welsh Conservative AM Suzy Davies says it was a huge mistake to have scrapped the Wales Tourist Board in the first place.
The party says if it came to form a Welsh Government, it would abolish the Visit Wales set up – which is a part of the civil service – and would replace it with an organisation staffed by industry experts.

Businesses 'do not feel they are consulted'
It cites its own research in the industry, claiming businesses have told it that they do not feel they are consulted on decisions made by Visit Wales.
Some have raised concerns with the body’s alleged “uninspiring, unimaginative” TV adverts.

RELATED: 'The worst advert for Wales I've ever seen': Veteran tourism boss hits out at Visit Wales commercial
'Huge mistake to scrap Wales Tourist Board'
The Tories claim a return to an arms-length body like the Wales Tourist Board would see a “shift of culture” and would embrace the industry-elected representatives.

However Ken Skates, the Welsh deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, said getting rid of Visit Wales would cause chaos.

MORE....http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-tories-call-major-overhaul-9776801 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-tories-call-major-overhaul-9776801)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 04, 2015, 07:05:11 am
The thrust of that 'message' is to 'let industry take control', as though that will automatically make things better. I always find it curious how the Tories place such absolute confidence in the ability of industry to do everything correctly. It's this adherence to the political line I find so depressing; do they not remember it was industry - in the form of the banks - that nearly brought the world economy to its knees?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 04, 2015, 07:35:57 am
On the other hand, compare Porth Eirias to Snowdonia Surf!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on August 04, 2015, 07:55:10 am
'to let industry take control' would at the ultimate, mean a return to poor working conditions, a lack of attention to health and safety and an increase in pollution, all in the quest for more and more profit.

I am thinking of the conditions in coal mining in the last century, slate mining and the mills of the north of England when 'industry' was in control. (There has to be a sensible balance, just remember the fiasco of the Millennium Dome at a cost of £789 million.)

Besides which, it was 'orrible going up them chimneys as a lad.......
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 04, 2015, 09:39:24 am
In this particular case, we're talking about letting experienced business people have a say in how Wales in marketed - seems like a good thing to me.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on August 04, 2015, 10:38:43 am
In this particular case, we're talking about letting experienced business people have a say in how Wales in marketed - seems like a good thing to me.

In this particular case, I wholeheartedly agree, however my post was a more a generalisation about industry, and industrial manufacturing processes and production practices.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 04, 2015, 12:32:04 pm
Quote
In this particular case, we're talking about letting experienced business people have a say in how Wales in marketed - seems like a good thing to me.

Remind me;  wasn't Sir Fred Wood an experienced businessman?  WWW WWW
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 04, 2015, 12:40:24 pm
Quote
In this particular case, we're talking about letting experienced business people have a say in how Wales in marketed - seems like a good thing to me.

Remind me;  wasn't Sir Fred Wood an experienced businessman?  WWW WWW
Who?  &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 04, 2015, 12:53:11 pm
Quote
Quote
       
Quote
In this particular case, we're talking about letting experienced business people have a say in how Wales in marketed - seems like a good thing to me.


    Remind me;  wasn't Sir Fred Wood an experienced businessman?  WWW W
WW

Who?  &shake&

Oops.  My mistake.  Fred Goodwin...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Royal_Bank_of_Scotland_Group#History
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 06, 2015, 05:37:35 pm
Are our schools/teachers just to soft these days..?

Military ethos schools have 'real positive impact' on primary and secondary education, university study finds....
A study carried out by Swansea University suggests providing a military ethos in schools can provide a positive impact on primary and secondary education in the UK.

The study is the first of its kind and is due to be published in the Journal of Behavioural Education.

It looked at the results of intervention by North of England headquartered military ethos provider Commando Joe’s which was set up five-years-ago by Mike Hamilton, a former bomb disposal expert who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/military-ethos-schools-real-positive-9805061 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/military-ethos-schools-real-positive-9805061)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 07, 2015, 11:55:25 am
Are our schools/teachers just to soft these days..?

Military ethos schools have 'real positive impact' on primary and secondary education, university study finds....
A study carried out by Swansea University suggests providing a military ethos in schools can provide a positive impact on primary and secondary education in the UK.

The study is the first of its kind and is due to be published in the Journal of Behavioural Education.

It looked at the results of intervention by North of England headquartered military ethos provider Commando Joe’s which was set up five-years-ago by Mike Hamilton, a former bomb disposal expert who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/military-ethos-schools-real-positive-9805061 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/military-ethos-schools-real-positive-9805061)
Education in the UK (and more so Wales) certainly has big problems.Discipline is certainly one of them, as is the poor level of basic literacy/numeracy education provided in primary schools. Sadly, another major problem is the ethos of a lot of the pupils - one that no longer believes hard work is necessary to achieve success in life.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 07, 2015, 12:07:34 pm
It's a sad day when you have to bring the army in to educate children... &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 07, 2015, 12:46:31 pm
The problem lies in the poor training potential teachers receive. Teacher Training courses should not be designed and delivered by academics: the people doing that should be survival and wildlife experts.

The teacher in a secondary school is facing a pack, a pack that will metaphorically tear them limb from limb unless they establish who the alpha is very quickly. Potential teachers are never told that.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 19, 2015, 02:52:13 pm
Caught this on BBC this morning...... highlighting the shortage of future skilled labour.

Why competing in the skills Olympics could boost UK growth
1,200 young people from around the globe gathered to compete for medals in the World Skills competition
Allan Cook, chairman of Atkins, one of the biggest engineering companies in the UK tends to agree that Britain is failing to inspire a young generation of vocational workers.
"We think we need 1.8 million engineers; graduates, technicians, apprentices into our industry by 2020. Without them we will struggle," he says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33979182 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-33979182)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 19, 2015, 03:20:12 pm
Re the above..... from an earlier post..........

In recent months Fifth Wheel Company has been trying to recruit new staff members due to the expansion and growth of the business.
However they have been unable to find candidates with the right skills or attitude towards work.

Jobs site Adzuna announced that there were more jobs advertised in April than there where people looking for a job.
They believe this could be a warning sign that the workforce lacks the skills necessary to fill up many of the new jobs being advertised.
One option in the past has been to recruit migrant workers arriving in the country as they can have better skills and a higher work ethic for manufacturing job roles.

But one initiative that the Fifth Wheel Company are keen on implementing is the “see inside manufacturing programme” which invites teachers and students from local schools to visit the manufacturing facilities.

This will also educate teachers and students about the kind of skills that are needed to thrive in manufacturing.

Ceri Whiteley at White House hotel, part of the Fifth Wheel group, agreed there were issues recruiting.
 “School leavers do have the literacy and numeracy to succeed although they lack work ethic and the willingness to complete tasks to high standards.”
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 19, 2015, 03:24:28 pm
There's a long history of competition inspiring advances in Science and Engineering.  It is, after all, how the Airline industry emerged. But there's a culture in the UK of denigrating achievement and it starts in schools. Boys who aim to succeed and learn are often held back by peer ethos. It also seems to pervade the national press. It's an improving picture, but far too slowly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 21, 2015, 03:37:12 pm
People to take to streets of Conwy to raise awareness of TTIP

CONWY people will be taking to the streets this Saturday to raise awareness of a secretive deal with the USA that is set to give more power to big corporations.

The day of action in Llandudno is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by independent campaign group 38 Degrees. It will see local campaigners talk to hundreds of people about the dangers of this deal, and how it might affect their lives if it isn’t stopped.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a free trade agreement that has been proposed between the European Union and the USA which aims to remove regulatory barriers for transnational corporations such as food safety rules, labour rights, banking safeguards, digital privacy laws and more.

Campaigners say the deal could force NHS trusts across the country to open up to American private healthcare providers, and could allow big businesses to sue the government if British laws dent their profits.

Conwy volunteers will take to the streets near M&S on Mostyn Street, Llandudno at 10.00am on Saturday 22nd August, joining thousands of other people who are also taking action across the UK. They’re calling on people in Aberconwy constituency to sign the petition against TTIP, which will be delivered to politicians in October.

Mike Bird, a 38 Degrees member from Llandudno Junction, said: “TTIP could affect every part of our lives: from watering-down environmental protections to lowering food safety standards to American levels. This could re-introduce bee-killing pesticides onto our fields and chlorine-washed chicken into our supermarkets. That’s why I’m totally against this awful trade deal.”

Amy Lockwood, campaigner at 38 Degrees said: “This Saturday, 38 Degrees members in Conwy will be pushing TTIP, the dangerous trade deal, out of secret negotiating rooms and into the public spotlight.

“People in Conwy have a right to know that this dodgy deal is being hashed out behind their backs. From the NHS, to schools, to the food on our tables, TTIP could tear up the public services and protections that people fought hard for.

“Saturday’s day of action is all about the people of Conwy sending a message to corporate lobbyists: we won’t sit back while you re-write the rules of democracy.”
The EU-wide petition against TTIP has got over 2.5 million signatures already. It can be found at www.38degrees.org.uk/ttip (http://www.38degrees.org.uk/ttip).

http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/151794/people-to-take-to-streets-of-conwy-to-raise-awareness-of-ttip.aspx (http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/151794/people-to-take-to-streets-of-conwy-to-raise-awareness-of-ttip.aspx)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 21, 2015, 04:17:08 pm
What is TTIP? And six reasons why the answer should scare you
Have you heard about TTIP.....
If your answer is no, don’t get too worried; you’re not meant to have.
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is a series of trade negotiations being carried out mostly in secret between the EU and US. As a bi-lateral trade agreement, TTIP is about reducing the regulatory barriers to trade for big business, things like food safety law, environmental legislation, banking regulations and the sovereign powers of individual nations. It is, as John Hilary, Executive Director of campaign group War on Want, said: “An assault on European and US societies by transnational corporations.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/what-is-ttip-and-six-reasons-why-the-answer-should-scare-you-9779688.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/what-is-ttip-and-six-reasons-why-the-answer-should-scare-you-9779688.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 21, 2015, 04:26:36 pm
Yep.  It's a serious threat to the UK.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 27, 2015, 05:16:13 pm
Campaigners will take to streets of Colwyn Bay to raise awareness of NHS and TTIP
CAMPAIGNERS will be holding a demonstration in Colwyn Bay tomorrow against the potential sell off of the NHS through a controversial trade deal.

Campaigners from The People’s NHS Wales will be taking to the streets of Colwyn Bay to call on MP David Jones to raise the issue with Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a trade deal proposed between the European Union and the USA which aims to remove regulatory barriers for transnational corporations such as food safety rules, labour rights, banking safeguards, digital privacy laws and more.

Critics believe the inclusion of healthcare could mean forced, or irreversible privatisation of the NHS, if the right wording is not included.
Supporters of the deal believe that TTIP will not open the NHS up to privatisation, but will will open up access for Britian to the U.S consumer market.

Member of The People’s NHS Wales, Dean Jones, said: “The People’s NHS has obtained a copy of legal advice that could save the NHS from sell-off.

“The Government has the power to protect the NHS from irreversible privatisation under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). According to EU law expert, Dr. Kyriaki-Korina Raptopoulou, protecting the NHS would require inserting just 83 words in the TTIP trade deal.

“We have sent this to leading figures in government. The British people have made it abundantly clear that they do not want an NHS privatised and run for profit by corporations.

“David Jones has a real opportunity to defend our NHS from an EU trade deal - we urge him to raise this issue with David Cameron in Westminster.

“Thousands of households across Wales have already taken part in this unprecedented nationwide movement to demand David Cameron uses his veto to get the NHS out of TTIP. Now voters in Colwyn Bay are demanding action to get the NHS out of TTIP.

“That’s why David Jones must use his position to put pressure on David Cameron to act. The Conservative government does not have a mandate to allow the sell-off of the NHS to become permanent.”
MP for Clwyd West, David Jones, said: “TTIP will deliver huge economic benefits to Britain and the rest of Europe, by giving free access to a market of around 300 million U.S. consumers - the most important market in the world.

"The Government has made it absolutely clear that TTIP will not result in privatisation of the NHS. The rules governing the NHS have always been set by the British and devolved governments and will continue to be, even after TTIP.”

The demonstration will take place tomorrow, on Friday, August 28 from 11am to 1pm on Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay, LL298DG. http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/152021/campaigners-will-take-to-streets-of-colwyn-bay-to-raise-awareness-of-nhs-and-ttip.aspx (http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/152021/campaigners-will-take-to-streets-of-colwyn-bay-to-raise-awareness-of-nhs-and-ttip.aspx)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 27, 2015, 07:01:48 pm
So much for Cameron's promise to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands.       I wonder if the Government was aware of these figures before the General Election?      It may have been a completely different result if the figures had been published before the election
What is Europe doing regarding the illegal migration of people from Africa and Asia?     Nothing apart from sending out boats to collect them off the coasts of Libya and then transporting them hundreds of miles across the sea to Italy thus  compounding the already serious immigration problem




http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34071492 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34071492)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 28, 2015, 01:55:42 pm
Hugo, it's issues like that, and statements like Mr Cameron's that show politicians to be what they are, impotent liars.

That situation is out of control, and it was never in Mr Cameron's control to deliver his promise.  Yet it made a good headline, so we fell for it.

Don't forget, this is a man who promised to bring an end to 'Punch and Judy Politics', if he ever attained power..... but since attaining power, he has become the worst protagonist of that brand of 'debate'   &shake& &shake&

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 28, 2015, 05:14:22 pm


Don't forget, this is a man who promised to bring an end to 'Punch and Judy Politics', if he ever attained power..... but since attaining power, he has become the worst protagonist of that brand of 'debate'   &shake& &shake&

He's introduced a lot of things but nothing outstanding or useful.   How about performance related pay for all our MP's,   now That's the way to do it.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 11, 2015, 06:01:09 pm
SERIOUSLY this is for real!

New lollipop lady in Birmingham.

you just could not make it up.

UK must be the laughing stock of the world.

The e-mail I received seems to be genuine according to checks I've done
 
 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 11, 2015, 06:42:52 pm
This has been going the rounds since 2012. Those who understand the technicalities of Photoshop are certain it's a photoshopped image and certainly not genuine. There's a lot of detail about it here:

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/muslim-lollipop-lady (http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/muslim-lollipop-lady)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 11, 2015, 07:03:02 pm
Thanks Ian, I've been looking this up again and it appears to have been photoshopped so it's a fake.

I would think that if this was true then it would have been on TV or the front page of the DFM.     
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 12, 2015, 07:45:57 am
I blew the photo up as much as I could and I honestly thought it looked like a man inside that rig.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 01, 2015, 03:56:51 pm
Sorry, but the e-mail didn't come out properly so I've deleted the post.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on November 24, 2015, 12:01:17 pm
What do we think about this? Defending the Welsh Language or small minded Racism?

Cynwyd council 'let down its community' by refusing to publish documents in English says damning report
05:00, 24 NOV 2015
BY SARAH HODGSON


A North Wales council “let down its local community” by refusing to provide English translations of its documents, according to a damning report.

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has also slammed Cynwyd community council near Corwen , Denbighshire for “refusing to co-operate” with its investigation into the authority’s language provision.

The probe was launched after a complaint was made alleging that agendas and minutes from council meetings were only being published in Welsh, which prevented non-Welsh speaking “Mrs X” from becoming involved in the authority’s business.

The ombudsman found that by failing to publish documents bilingually, the council could be considered to be excluding and disadvantaging those who do not understand Welsh.

The report states that it gave the authority “several opportunities” to resolve the problem voluntarily and even made a number of recommendations - including publishing all agendas in both English and Welsh.

But the council’s clerk has hit back at the findings and has insisted it has no case to answer.

Nick Bennett, Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said: “While I fully support the principle of any Welsh council conducting its business through the medium of Welsh, it should also ensure those who consider English as their first language are not excluded.

Bangor Morrisons parking sign leaves Welsh-speakers baffled

“It is worrying that the council has taken such an intransigent position throughout my investigation, and their refusal to act reasonably has let down their local community, both Welsh and English-speaking.

‘I am hugely disappointed that by refusing to accept my entirely reasonable recommendations, Cynwyd council has forced me to issue a public interest report.”

But in a defiant response, retired headmaster and current Cynwyd community council clerk Alwyn Jones Parry insisted that there was a “reasonable translation process” available.

Will Gwynedd council cuts endanger Welsh language?

”Our position has not changed since the onset of these tedious protracted discussions,” he added.

“If we had been approached politely this matter would have been sorted out correctly and quickly.”

'No case to answer'
He also said that the council would not be issuing an apology to Mrs X.

”We emphatically say that Cynwyd community council believes that we have no case to answer,” added Mr Parry.

Welsh language prescription turned away by Morrisons pharmacy

“The complaint is without foundation, time wasting, a waste of money, and incorrect use of the Ombudsman.”

Welsh Language society Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have also waded into the row, claiming that the report is unfair and arguing that more organisations need to work internally in Welsh if the language is to survive.

Tamsin Davies, communities spokeswoman for the group, said: “If the Welsh language is to thrive in our communities more - not fewer - organisations need to work internally in Welsh.


The Welsh Government and Welsh Language Commissioner both agree that there need to be more bodies following that best practice in order to increase the use of the language.

“We (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) will be writing to the Ombudsman asking him to re-consider his legal position: it appears that the Ombudsman’s report is not accurate.”

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cynwyd-council-let-down-community-10491187 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cynwyd-council-let-down-community-10491187)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on November 24, 2015, 12:54:17 pm
I don't like to use the word 'racism' with all it's current connotations, but this is just small minded unpleasantness, done 'because we can' by a Community Council consisting of a few xenophobic bigots with a crumb of power. I sincerely doubt that they are actually representative of the community they supposedly represent.

Maybe they should listen to this http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06pschf (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06pschf) as a lesson in living together.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Cambrian on November 24, 2015, 01:02:26 pm
Nick Bennett is a former member of the Welsh Language Board so I doubt the criticism would have been made lightly.
Title: US Presidential Elections
Post by: Fester on March 06, 2016, 11:01:09 pm
I was chatting to a friend in the US about the 'runaway train' that is Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

I would say that my friend is a little right-of-centre in his political views, a Republican voter and pretty much an average American guy.   So I was a little surprised to get his email response (below), when I asked him what he thought about Trump.

 ''....... it's the most divided I've ever seen my country in a Presidential election.  Hillary has big issues from her past and is a politician with nothing new on her platform.  Bernie is a socialist and as your Margaret Thacher said; "Socialism is great until you run out of other peoples money."  And Trump is a narcissist, egocentric racist that scares the hell out of everyone on both sides!  God help us all...''

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 07, 2016, 09:05:32 am
It's true that odd things are happening in just about every election you see at the moment. I'm wondering if a turning point in how we elect people is on the horizon.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 24, 2016, 11:47:44 am
At face value I thought this article was good news, but looking at the projects and costs, I am not so sure.....
Anglesey: £531,000 to build 16 two-bedroom flats..........OR ...Conwy county: £680,000 to improve the energy efficiency of 33 properties in Colwyn Bay....

Extra £12.8m for 12 regeneration schemes in Wales
Twelve regeneration projects will receive a share of £12.8m, creating more than 400 jobs and 50 traineeships.
Communities Minister Lesley Griffiths announced schemes including an employment hub at Swansea's Kingsway and a family entertainment zone in Rhyl, Denbighshire.
The money will also help provide affordable and private sector homes.
It brings the Welsh Government's total investment in regeneration projects to £118m.
Ms Griffiths said: "As well as improving important local services, the funding will create hundreds of jobs and traineeships and boost Wales' housing supply."

SEE FULL LIST..  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35883624 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35883624)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on April 06, 2016, 11:09:55 pm
Here's a very sobering thought...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 14, 2016, 01:36:35 pm
North Wales House Prices 2016: Conwy's steady growth after crash
From historic Conwy town, to seaside resorts and rural villages the county has a wide choice of places for people to make a home.

Conwy saw house prices surge to more than £155,000 during the boom period but then crash down in subsequent years - falling to £118,199 by the start of January 2015.

But since then there has been a period of steady growth that has put more than £12,000 on prices over the last year, with the average now edging over £130,000 according to the Land Registry.

Agents have detected these increases in the local markets and certain hotspots like Conwy town, and Conwy Valley villages like Eglwysbach and Rowen continue to attract strong demand for buyers,

There is hope that regeneration work in Colwyn Bay will also see prices increase in the town where buyers can still pick up a good sized four bed property for under £150,000.
The glorious setting of the Victorian resort of Llandudno also means it never loses its pulling power with buyers.

See how much property prices have changed in your area: MORE    http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-house-prices-2016-11179690 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-house-prices-2016-11179690)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 26, 2016, 04:46:11 pm
These figures are scary considering they are just for terminals, add in the Lottery/on line bingo etc.  &shake&

 Latest figures from the Gambling Commission show in Wales as a whole the amount staked on fixed-odds betting terminals was £1.62bn a year with £51.5m lost.

Betting on gaming machines in Wales is equivalent to £675 a year for every Welsh adult as the country grapples with an "excessive gambling problem", campaigners have warned.

Wales spends a massive £1.6bn a year gambling on fixed-odds betting terminals according to the Gambling Commission and research by the Cardiff-based Beat the Odds initiative shows increasing numbers of debt collectors are “on the prowl”.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gamblers-spend-16bn-year-gaming-11384988 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gamblers-spend-16bn-year-gaming-11384988)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on May 26, 2016, 05:21:50 pm
I can only assume people are turning to roulette in order to try and pay all the fines for letting their dogs off the lead or dropping litter  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 26, 2016, 05:40:51 pm
It's a serious problem, but the solution in my case was to buy shares in gaming companies, to be on the right side of it!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on May 27, 2016, 12:23:33 pm
Those machines in the bookies are really quite scary (for a skin flint like me)
You can set each spin to £10 on the slot machine (a spin takes a couple of seconds) an addiction to that and you could easily blow thousands of pounds in not just a day but a half hour or so!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 27, 2016, 12:42:11 pm
Found this sight quite interesting. A quote from the article makes me think the government are not going to help.

How much does the government make from taxes?
"A lot! HM Revenue and Customs regularly publishes statistics on how much the government earns from Betting, Gaming and Lottery Duty.  In 2012-13, the government received £2.1bn in betting and gaming duties, £295 million of which comes from remote gaming and land-based casinos. For comparison, HMRC earnt £26.8bn from fuel duty during the same period."

Fascinating Facts and Figures – Gambling in the UK
http://www.androidslots.co.uk/guide/victorias-mobile-casino-blogging-project/gambling-facts-and-figures/ (http://www.androidslots.co.uk/guide/victorias-mobile-casino-blogging-project/gambling-facts-and-figures/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 27, 2016, 06:21:54 pm
Those machines in the bookies are really quite scary (for a skin flint like me)
You can set each spin to £10 on the slot machine (a spin takes a couple of seconds) an addiction to that and you could easily blow thousands of pounds in not just a day but a half hour or so!
B2R, trust me, you can actually play £100 per spin, (£13.50 max on just a single number) and that takes seconds as you say.
Therefore you can win, (but much more likely lose) many thousands of pounds in a very short time.
You can also play using your debit or credit card. Your bank account can be drained of massive amounts if you lose control.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 02, 2016, 08:49:14 am
Wasn't sure where to put this, as it's both current but so funny:

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/stephen-hawking-angers-trump-supporters-with-baffling-array-of-long-words (http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/stephen-hawking-angers-trump-supporters-with-baffling-array-of-long-words)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 02, 2016, 10:31:24 am
I quite like Trump, but I only had to Google the word demogogue, I knew what denominator means, it's a motorcycle made by Norton!  $good$

Speaking to a television interviewer in London, Hawking called Trump “a demagogue who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator,” a statement that many Trump supporters believed was intentionally designed to confuse them.

Moments after Hawking made the remark, Google reported a sharp increase in searches for the terms “demagogue,” “denominator,” and “Stephen Hawking.”
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on June 02, 2016, 10:34:33 am
I quite like Trump


 :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: hollins on June 02, 2016, 02:25:34 pm
I quite like Trump


 :o :o :o :o :o

DOUBLE    :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o  :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 02, 2016, 05:36:28 pm
  :o  :o  :o  :o  :o  :o  :o  :o  :o   :o  :o  :o  :o  :o  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 02, 2016, 10:29:30 pm
I quite like Trump

Most bizarre.........     not something I've ever heard or read in normal rationale conversation or dialogue.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 03, 2016, 12:03:03 am
Mr Bosun.  nice to meet you today, (Thursday). so sorry I didn't get a chance for a proper chat... mad busy this week, and I hope you found the missing Buoy! 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 03, 2016, 10:23:55 am
Re Trump..... :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 03, 2016, 10:59:25 am
Nice to see you again Fester, and to see your kiosk so busy - but saddened by your news, the pier will be a lesser being without you.

No, the buoy is probably roaming the Irish Sea, so another will have to be made.

(I do have to admit, there were some rather amazing sights walking about on the pier yesterday...!) 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 08, 2016, 09:02:49 pm
It's just been pointed out to me that if Trump does get into the White House, it will be the first time that a white billionaire has taken over social housing that has been vacated by a black man......
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 04, 2016, 11:20:21 am
Cake and eat it.......
Just read this BBC article,.......'Invest £1.1bn EU cash before Brexit', says council leader

The leader of one of the largest councils in Wales has called for an "all guns blazing" approach to investing European funds before the UK leaves the EU.
Andrew Morgan, from Rhondda Cynon Taf council, says infrastructure projects should be accelerated in light of the Brexit vote.
A total of £1.1bn of EU funding in Wales is yet to be allocated.
The money is due to be invested between now and 2020.
But a withdrawal from the EU before then would cut the spending round short.
Leave campaigners say the UK government would make up the shortfall, however there has been scepticism from the first minister who says he does not trust the Treasury to make up any shortfall.
EU structural funds are managed by the Welsh European Funding Office, which is based in Merthyr Tydfil, and is part of the Welsh Government.
Much of the funding yet to be allocated is for the most economically-deprived communities across north and west Wales, and the south Wales valleys.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36700957 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36700957)

Rhondda Cynon Taf votes leave with 53.7% of vote on ... to leave the European Union in last week's referendum

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on July 04, 2016, 12:00:47 pm
Cake and eat it.......
Just read this BBC article,.......'Invest £1.1bn EU cash before Brexit', says council leader

The leader of one of the largest councils in Wales has called for an "all guns blazing" approach to investing European funds before the UK leaves the EU.
Andrew Morgan, from Rhondda Cynon Taf council, says infrastructure projects should be accelerated in light of the Brexit vote.
A total of £1.1bn of EU funding in Wales is yet to be allocated.
The money is due to be invested between now and 2020.
But a withdrawal from the EU before then would cut the spending round short.
Leave campaigners say the UK government would make up the shortfall, however there has been scepticism from the first minister who says he does not trust the Treasury to make up any shortfall.
EU structural funds are managed by the Welsh European Funding Office, which is based in Merthyr Tydfil, and is part of the Welsh Government.
Much of the funding yet to be allocated is for the most economically-deprived communities across north and west Wales, and the south Wales valleys.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36700957 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-36700957)

Rhondda Cynon Taf votes leave with 53.7% of vote on ... to leave the European Union in last week's referendum

Breath-taking hypocrisy. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 12, 2016, 11:51:39 am
Not so cold, cold war............... &shake&

Hundreds of UK troops are to be sent to Poland and Estonia as part of the Nato response to concerns over Russia.
A 500-strong battalion will be deployed to Estonia and 150 troops will go to Poland to "reassure" these countries, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.
It is part of a Nato commitment made after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 to have four new battalions on its eastern flank.
Mr Fallon said it aims to "deter Russia from any further aggression".
Eastern Nato countries "feel enormous pressure from Russia doing large exercises on the border, flying over their airspace and so on," said the defence secretary.

The BBC's defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus said tensions between Nato and Moscow were "growing again".
"The aim at this summit is to try to convince the Russians that Nato means business; that after years of being more focussed on 'out of area' operations - Afghanistan and so on - Nato nations are now serious about their collective defence," he said.
"That means money and presence."

More........... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36739781 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36739781)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 12, 2016, 01:56:42 pm
Ha!  Hope they don't make them angry!
The Russians would overrun those countries in 24 hours if they chose to.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on July 14, 2016, 10:57:45 pm
Ha!  Hope they don't make them angry!
The Russians would overrun those countries in 24 hours if they chose to.

And that is why Russia was told by NATO in no uncertain terms, that if they invaded, our only response would be a full nuclear strike against them. Rightly or wrongly it has kept the peace in Europe since 1945. Bankrupted the USSR as they tried in vain to keep up with western weapons technologies and lead to the fall of the Iron Curtain which in turn freed the people of Eastern Europe from the imposed tyranny they had been forced to endure by Russian Political elite. We still have a Nuclear strike capability which thank God doesn't rely on the political capabilities of one Nicola Sturgeon.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 15, 2016, 04:31:22 pm
I asked myself this morning ...Why does France keep getting attacked? ... and later found this article.


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/15/why-does-france-keep-getting-attacked (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/15/why-does-france-keep-getting-attacked)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 22, 2016, 06:43:59 pm
I do not fully understand this new craze if at all, however this article brings up the question of ............is it paid advertising ? seems a brilliant idea for increasing footfall, Portmeirion seems to be reaping benefits.

Portmeirion is Pokémon Go 'treasure trove' with Pikachu helping visitor numbers surge 13%.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/portmeirion-pokmon-go-treasure-trove-11651694 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/portmeirion-pokmon-go-treasure-trove-11651694)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 30, 2016, 01:31:03 pm
Looks like our past mistakes are catching up with us.................

People in their early 30s are half as wealthy as those now in their 40s were at the same age, a report finds.
Today's 30-something generation has missed out on house price increases and better pensions, according to research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Those born in the early 1980s have an average wealth of £27,000 each, against the £53,000 those born in the 1970s had by the same age, said the IFS.
They will also find it harder to amass wealth in the future, it added.
The think tank found that people born in the early 1980s were the first post-war group not to have higher incomes in early adulthood than those born in the preceding decade.

MORE..... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37508968 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37508968)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 01, 2016, 01:59:44 pm
... Steve, that's a major worry for me.  Because I dare say that those born in the 90's have much less than even those born in the 80's.
I feel guilty about how I (and most folk my age), were able to have the careers with the great pensions, cars, bonuses etc.... and there is little or nothing like that available for our kids now.

It's not good for society, it's just decay, but it was inevitable I suppose.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 01, 2016, 04:15:55 pm
I wonder how that plays into the support JC has been getting? There is a huge amount of dissatisfaction in that age group. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 01, 2016, 06:19:52 pm
I wonder how that plays into the support JC has been getting? There is a huge amount of dissatisfaction in that age group.
... and how long before the frustration boils over?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 11, 2016, 08:31:22 am
"Social media users who engage in flame wars or retweet the doxing of others will be treated in the same way as those making fake bomb threats over social media, British prosecutors have announced.
“Those who encourage others to commit a communications offence may be charged with encouraging an offence under the Serious Crime Act 2007,” warns the guidance. In a Kafka-esque twist, the guidance also includes this chilling line, discussing how prosecutors can prove the criminal offence of sending a “grossly offensive” message, under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003:

    The offence is committed by sending the message. There is no requirement that any person sees the message or be offended by it.

Setting up a fake social media account in someone else's name is also said to be a potential crime.  Full details here (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/10/10/cps_latest_social_media_prosecution_guidelines/).

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/10/10/cps_latest_social_media_prosecution_guidelines/ (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/10/10/cps_latest_social_media_prosecution_guidelines/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on October 11, 2016, 10:35:06 am
Ian, I'm interested to know why you think that the offence being committed by sending the message without any person seeing the message or being offended by is a 'chilling Kafka-esque' twist. It simply means that, for example, if the message is intercepted before being recieved, or sent to someone who isn't offended, but the message is still offensive, the sender can till be prosecuted.... 

It's simply to stop some smart-arsed social parasite of a solicitor getting someone off an offence of sending a grossly offensive message by saying 'Ah, but the person it was sent to didn't receive it' or 'They weren't offended by it' when the message was still offensive. It makes sense to me....
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 11, 2016, 11:55:36 am
They're not my opinions, Bosun:  I simply copied and pasted from the Register article.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on October 11, 2016, 12:03:39 pm
Ah, fair enough, the vagaries of 'cut 'n paste'...... 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 11, 2016, 12:32:15 pm
Did someone mention "cut and paste"...............;)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 11, 2016, 03:06:58 pm
If this new legislation is about prosecuting Internet Trolls, then the police will do little else ever again!
North Wales will need 25,000 new recruits  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 11, 2016, 03:41:44 pm
I suspect just a few serious prosecutions will make a difference.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on October 11, 2016, 04:46:27 pm
If this new legislation is about prosecuting Internet Trolls, then the police will do little else ever again!
North Wales will need 25,000 new recruits  :laugh: :laugh:

And that's just for all the people bullying you  :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on October 11, 2016, 04:55:06 pm
If this new legislation is about prosecuting Internet Trolls, then the police will do little else ever again!
North Wales will need 25,000 new recruits  :laugh: :laugh:

And that's just for all the people bullying you  :laugh:

Ha ha.... ''they''
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on October 12, 2016, 09:49:46 am
If this new legislation is about prosecuting Internet Trolls, then the police will do little else ever again!
North Wales will need 25,000 new recruits  :laugh: :laugh:

And that's just for all the people bullying you  :laugh:

Ha ha.... ''they''
?{}?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on December 12, 2016, 01:05:39 am
2013 oil was around $110 A barrel & petrol £1.56 a litre
2014 oil was around $105 a barrel & petrol £1.58 a litre
2015 oil was around $52 a barrel & petrol £1.20 litre
2016 oil is $46 a barrel and we have paid an average £1.25 per litre.

Now, I know there are lots of other factors, exchange rates etc,  but something isn't right is it?


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 15, 2016, 12:52:04 pm
I found this article confusing, along with other stories today of cuts, losing PCSO,s etc  now you need a degree or do you?..........

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-police-officers-need-degree-12323810 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-police-officers-need-degree-12323810)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 15, 2016, 02:05:03 pm
Incredible.  You obliviously don't need one - unless you do.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 15, 2016, 03:02:05 pm
Update on the above...

Police boss warns against 'elitist' officers as new degree-level training regime announced.

Police boss Arfon Jones has warned against the possibility of "elitist" police forces as new training procedures are introduced which will require all new officers to be educated to degree level.

The Police and Crime Commissioner admitted to the Daily Post "policing is changing" but stressed North Wales Police must make sure officers reflect the communities they serve.

There will be no minimum requirement for new bobbies, but from 2020 they will have the option of completing a paid three-year "degree apprenticeship".

 More....    http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/police-boss-warns-against-elitist-12325988 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/police-boss-warns-against-elitist-12325988)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 15, 2016, 03:36:06 pm
Well, degrees have become increasingly devalued so I suppose this shouldn't come as a surprise. But it might presage a worrying trend: perhaps carpenters could take a three-year "degree apprenticeship" to become surgeons...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 15, 2016, 03:55:17 pm
Well, degrees have become increasingly devalued so I suppose this shouldn't come as a surprise. But it might presage a worrying trend: perhaps carpenters could take a three-year "degree apprenticeship" to become surgeons...
I think the Police are jumping on this new apprenticeship scheme thats coming in the near future, trying to get their share......., they are having to fork out 3% of  budget, so now they can claim back a share for police training.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 08, 2017, 12:13:24 pm
More than 1,300 sickies taken EVERY DAY by North Wales public sector workers

There were more than half a million days of sickness absence recorded across all the public authorities in the region in 2016, Freedom of Information request reveals.

In North Wales, across the councils, health, fire, police and ambulance services, there were 500,688 absence days recorded - equivalent to 1,374 a day.
Full article with comments below    http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/more-1300-sickies-taken-every-12420887 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/more-1300-sickies-taken-every-12420887)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 20, 2017, 10:27:39 am
This article has me thinking, I know we have to support tourism, but in these days of cuts, to give grants to successful private companies.......

Dylan's plans to open a third restaurant at the Washington hotel site in Llandudno has been backed with £200K of Welsh Government money.
The £1.5m development on Llandudno promenade will see the historic building transformed into a seafood restaurant and cocktail bar.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/dylans-secures-190000-grant-llandudnos-12478849 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/dylans-secures-190000-grant-llandudnos-12478849)

Comments....
Does the Welsh taxpayer get an appropriate share in the company in return for this capital investment? If not, why not?

There's something wrong if the Welsh government has this type money to hand out for speculative ventures. If it's viable they should borrow money from commercial sources at the going rate not dip into the pockets of hard pressed taxpayers. 

Totally agree with you, have noted over the years you have certain companies who are flavour of the month with both politicians and council,s.They come and go without having to pay back any grant,s received.

As someone who runs a care home in North Wales and has had no support over the last 20 years this gets my back up sorry. The powers that be the first minister included, will turn around sooner than expected wondering where the care sector has gone in Wales. But hey ho money is thrown at companies who really do not need it a la Dylan's !

So giving a successful company free money is ok for tourism but having toilets for the tourists to use is not.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on January 20, 2017, 12:27:55 pm
It provides jobs what's the problem? Better than spending it on some ugly statue.
If they get low on funds just cut the bins back to only be emptied monthly or 6 weekly. Can't see a problem there, if it's tourism they want to increase simply hire more litter gangsters enforcers wardens. That way our beautiful pristine litter free streets will keep the day trippers flocking and you don't even have to pay them they simply take commission of half of what they steal extort fine the elderly/vulnerable litter louts.


I like this strike through feature
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 20, 2017, 01:55:00 pm
We'd never have guessed :-)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 24, 2017, 01:41:29 pm
Conwy 'snooping' dog poo poster encourages residents to spy on neighbours claims AM

The notice issued by Conwy Council asks people to take a stand against dog fouling in their community and report offenders to the authority's enforcement team.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-snooping-dog-poo-poster-12498189 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-snooping-dog-poo-poster-12498189)

Comments......
great idea and Janet, you are not listening to the people again !!    Nothing wrong in the public reporting it and it is up to CBC to then take appropriate and legal action via the correct route.    I am a responsible dog owner and people who do not clear up should be reported by the public and fined when proof is obtained.  Try Pentre Mawr Park from 6am onwards when they arrive in cars with dogs near the tennis courts,  let them out to do their business and then put them back in the cars and drive off !

The poster is quite clearly asking for people to report their concerns in order that the enforcement officers can target their patrols more effectively.  It sounds like common sense to me to have the officers visiting areas where problems have been reported rather than spending their time randomly roaming around the county.  Dog owners who clear up their mess should have nothing to worry about so I really can't see the issue here.  Surely we should be applauding the council for utilising it's resources more efficiently and effectively?

What a fantastic idea.  There's nothing worse than irresponsible dog owners leaving their excrement lying all over the footpath so I'm 100% behind any action to put a stop to this sort of anti-social behaviour.  Well done Conwy Council for taking such a proactive approach to this problem.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on January 24, 2017, 02:13:17 pm
Conwy 'snooping' dog poo poster encourages residents to spy on neighbours claims AM

What a fantastic idea.  There's nothing worse than irresponsible dog owners leaving their excrement lying all over the footpath so I'm 100% behind any action to put a stop to this sort of anti-social behaviour.  Well done Conwy Council for taking such a proactive approach to this problem.

I totally agree.  And the dogs are almost as bad...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 24, 2017, 03:56:03 pm
What also gets me mad are the dog owners who pick up the dog's poo ( probably because someone is nearby) ,  then when nobody is watching them they immediately chuck the bag away.
Sometimes you see the bags in bushes or trees or like last week when one was chucked in my empty food bin after the binmen had been.

They are quite lazy and sly but not clever enough to notice that my CCTV cameras had captured the moment.   I now know what she looks like so I'll be having a word or two with her sometime.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on January 25, 2017, 10:08:51 am
Out of curiosity, here in Brisbane, Australia, we have fenced 'off leash' areas in various parks etc., for dogs to run free. Outside of this fencing and adjacent to the entry/exit gates are dispensers for degradable doggie bags to be used for the collection of your dogs 'business'. At the same location are bins where used bags can be deposited.

We have a Maltese Terrier who loves to see how many bags he can use in one walk. We do collect all of his deposits, but curiously, whilst the streets and footpaths are largely 'business' free, within the 'off leash' area it is almost a skating rink of the worst kind.

Are there similar facilities there for exercising dogs off leash and/or provision of 'collection bags', and is there supporting legislation to ensure dogs are walked on a leash when outside of their home and that their waste is collected and responsibly disposed of by their owners?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on March 17, 2017, 03:52:21 pm
What on earth were they thinking?

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-rotherham-social-services-apology-12757962 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-rotherham-social-services-apology-12757962)

If the lad required FOUR staff to watch him day and night, they obviously knew what he was potentially capable of, then they bring him from Rotherham to a privately owned holiday home, apparently under a subterfuge.....

It beggars belief.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 17, 2017, 04:02:39 pm
It's a mad mad world and very reminiscent of the days when they used to send juvenile delinquents on a "safari holiday"  hoping that the experience would help them to reform.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 17, 2017, 05:10:50 pm
There's a huge problem with seriously disturbed young people. The media add to this.  Note in the article they describe him as a 'child', a 'young man' and a 'young person' with the space of three paragraphs. So we don't know how old he was and he obviously didn't qualify for secure accommodation under the Children Act, otherwise he'd not have been allowed to do what he did.

All we do know is that he was not well supervised and allowed to down a bottle of wine. That in itself would justify disciplinary action, I agree.  But Child Social Workers are expected to encourage their charges to partake in a full range of activities.  If he's potentially dangerous, then he'd be held elsewhere, so he's obviously not that bad.  But what the paper calls a 'drunken rampage' appears to have consisted of a broken light switch and some decorative damage.  I think the DP has gone a bit overboard and sensationalist on this one.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 23, 2017, 07:04:25 pm
This is worrying:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125694-how-free-speech-can-become-censorship-and-how-to-solve-it/ (https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125694-how-free-speech-can-become-censorship-and-how-to-solve-it/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on March 23, 2017, 07:14:27 pm
This is worrying:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125694-how-free-speech-can-become-censorship-and-how-to-solve-it/ (https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125694-how-free-speech-can-become-censorship-and-how-to-solve-it/)


Won't let me read it unless I register.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on March 23, 2017, 08:59:36 pm
There's a huge problem with seriously disturbed young people. The media add to this.  Note in the article they describe him as a 'child', a 'young man' and a 'young person' with the space of three paragraphs. So we don't know how old he was and he obviously didn't qualify for secure accommodation under the Children Act, otherwise he'd not have been allowed to do what he did.

All we do know is that he was not well supervised and allowed to down a bottle of wine. That in itself would justify disciplinary action, I agree.  But Child Social Workers are expected to encourage their charges to partake in a full range of activities.  If he's potentially dangerous, then he'd be held elsewhere, so he's obviously not that bad.  But what the paper calls a 'drunken rampage' appears to have consisted of a broken light switch and some decorative damage.  I think the DP has gone a bit overboard and sensationalist on this one.

Ian, I said: If the lad required FOUR staff to watch him day and night, they obviously knew what he was potentially capable of, then they bring him from Rotherham to a privately owned holiday home, apparently under a subterfuge.....

What the paper calls a drunken rampage was apparently that, not on the level of Attila the Hun I'll grant you, but my point was really my incredulity of Council Social Workers both booking under a deception, (in that, had the owner known that there were five persons in residence, not three and the circumstances of the booking, i.e a young person supposedly under close Social Services supervision they would most certainly refused it) and how did a 'young person' drink a whole bottle of wine when under the close (supposedly) close supervision of FOUR Social Workers?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 24, 2017, 07:59:56 am
That's a disciplinary offence, indeed.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 24, 2017, 08:00:26 am
Sorry about the first article I posted the link for.  Here it is in full:

By Sally Adee

“The remedy is more speech, not enforced silence,” wrote US Supreme Court justice Louis Brandeis in 1927 in his defence of freedom of speech. Ninety years on, his position is often taken as read: in the marketplace of ideas, eventually the truth will out.

So it’s no surprise that many were aghast when, last week, Germany’s justice minister introduced a draft law that would fine social media companies, including Facebook and Twitter, up to €50 million if they failed to remove hate speech within 24 hours of a complaint.

“If we were trying to do this with any other media, you’d be talking about taking books off people’s shelves and going into libraries and ripping up magazines,” Vint Cerf – recognised as one of the founders of the internet – told a recent forum on internet and liberty. “We seem to be doing this just because in this medium, we can.”

For people like Cerf and many American companies, who view online speech through the lens of the US First Amendment, Germany’s approach may look like a heavy-handed suppression of the right of free expression. However, it may be a necessary first step in re-establishing a shared moral reality. In the age of bots, misinformation, and anonymity, free speech itself may be used to enact a kind of censorship.

In 2011, Russian citizens took to Twitter to voice their outrage about the contested election results. The hashtag #триумфальная (Triumfalnaya – the name of a Moscow square where a protest took place) quickly became one of the most-used on Twitter, but it didn’t take long for at least 2000 bot accounts to neutralise it by swamping the platform with nonsensical tweets, shutting down constructive debate.
Amplifying the fringe

One could argue that freedom of expression means a person has every right to propagate their ideas using as many bots as they want, and that some people use such bots for “good”, but the result can misrepresent the spread of public opinion, or throw out widely held moral consensuses. This has been noticed by some Jewish communities, who have experienced bot-borne upticks in public anti-Semitism. By artificially amplifying particular views, bots are effectively censoring speech without suppressing it.

The inability to attribute real identities on the internet can also work to distort apparent consensus. There are many examples of governments recruiting people as sock puppets to confuse public opinion. In China, state employees are paid to impersonate ordinary citizens on various forums, to the tune of 448 million comments every year. Because there’s no way to tell who is a real person expressing real opinions, there’s no way to know what “ordinary” people genuinely think – which helps create the illusion of wide approval of the government’s actions.

It’s also difficult to be sure of the sources for the claims people make online. A statement about the safety of vaccines may have originated in a scientific journal, or the blog of a conspiracy theorist without medical training. “On the internet, everything looks like the New York Times,” says Richard Stengel, a former editor at Time magazine. “In my opinion the scariest words in the English language are ‘I read it on the internet’.”

One recent study suggested that the credibility of a statement on Twitter depends most on the number of times it gets retweeted. If those are the rules of the marketplace, the best ideas won’t rise to the top.
Moral suasion

Last year’s US presidential election showed just how outdated Brandeis’s belief in the power of a large volume of free speech now is. The most accurate information did not gain the most prominence. Instead, the mainstream media gave space to many ideas and stories of little relevance to the facts. “A couple of hundred or maybe a thousand people are able to create a ruckus and conflict,” says Gabriella Coleman at McGill University in Toronto, Canada. “And then they’re taken seriously in the major media.”

Together, all this is undermining “moral suasion” – the force that nudges members of a society not to do or say things that are too far outside the accepted norm. Once a society has deemed certain attitudes reprehensible – for example, white supremacy or homophobia – it becomes difficult for individuals to advocate them in public.

But with the moral consensus distorted online, in many countries the internet age has seen a resurgence of views many of us thought we had closed the book on – “scientific” racism, for example. So should Facebook and Twitter decide what constitutes hate speech, and eliminate it as soon as possible?

There are many good reasons to be wary of outsourcing the policing of moral beliefs to private corporations, even if they are only tasked with implementing a country’s national laws, as would be the case with the draft German proposal. But we should focus on the problems of relying on multinationals with corporate interests to police our moral consensus, instead of misguidedly hiding behind the old defence of free speech.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 23, 2017, 11:58:37 am
Parents' mobile use harms family life, say secondary pupils.
An overuse of mobile phones by parents disrupts family life, according to a survey of secondary pupils.
More than a third of 2,000 11 to 18-year-olds who responded to a poll said they had asked their parents to stop checking their devices.
And 14% said their parents were online at meal times, although 95% of 3,000 parents, polled separately, denied it.
The research was carried out by Digital Awareness UK and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
Among the pupils:
82% felt meal times should be device-free
22% said the use of mobiles stopped their families enjoying each other's company
36% had asked their parents to put down their phones.
More  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-39666863 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-39666863)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 29, 2017, 12:05:35 pm
I have for some time felt sorry for the young, trying to get on the property ladder, but when reading this article, one comment jarred...."Having spent a lot of their savings on their wedding in Las Vegas last month, the only option was to rent."..... it made me think back to my own experiences, and I am sure many others of my generation, every thing we did was modest (cheap) engagement ring, wedding (borrowed dress), gifts( household essentials),  3 day UK honeymoon, our main aim, to save for our own home, and that had to be modest to start with, I moved our possessions into our first home in one trip in a small  car.

I wonder if they expect to much, to soon, without sacrifice. ?

'Our family's housing market generation gap'
How did we go so wrong as a nation that something the baby boomer generation took for granted - being able to buy a decent-sized family home - now appears out of reach for so many of their children?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39743452 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39743452)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on April 29, 2017, 12:27:15 pm
I actually saw this couple being interviewed on TV; it's completely true.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on April 29, 2017, 04:04:18 pm
I have for some time felt sorry for the young, trying to get on the property ladder, but when reading this article, one comment jarred...."Having spent a lot of their savings on their wedding in Las Vegas last month, the only option was to rent."..... it made me think back to my own experiences, and I am sure many others of my generation, every thing we did was modest (cheap) engagement ring, wedding (borrowed dress), gifts( household essentials),  3 day UK honeymoon, our main aim, to save for our own home, and that had to be modest to start with, I moved our possessions into our first home in one trip in a small  car.

I wonder if they expect to much, to soon, without sacrifice. ?

'Our family's housing market generation gap'
How did we go so wrong as a nation that something the baby boomer generation took for granted - being able to buy a decent-sized family home - now appears out of reach for so many of their children?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39743452 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39743452)

Steve....I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. We too did a very similar thing nearly 53 years ago. Everything we had we saved for and bought and our first home ( a weaver's cottage ) cost less than probably the price of a piece of furniture these days.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on April 29, 2017, 04:09:10 pm
I actually saw this couple being interviewed on TV; it's completely true.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html)

Aggggh. Idle lot ! $angry$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 29, 2017, 11:01:56 pm
I actually saw this couple being interviewed on TV; it's completely true.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3041516/Unemployed-bridezilla-benefits-fat-work-plans-dream-10-000-wedding-horse-drawn-carriage-Mexico-honeymoon-funded-taxpayer-claims-s-human-right.html)

Aggggh. Idle lot ! $angry$


I saw something similar on TV and just had to switch off as it was sickening.    Too fat to work, claiming £27K in benefits and the morbid obesity leads to disability and then to carer's allowance.        :rage:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 15, 2017, 12:19:26 pm
'Litter police' get bonuses to target public, Panorama finds........

A private company acting as the "litter police" for dozens of councils pays officers a bonus for issuing fines, an undercover Panorama report has found.
One officer from Kingdom Services, a leading enforcement company, claimed that his bonus one month was £987.
Other officers were filmed handing out £75 fines for tiny pieces of dropped orange peel and poured-away coffee.
Kingdom told Panorama that its competency allowance was not a paid incentive for officers to issue fines.
Littering is a crime, but if you pay the fine you can avoid a criminal record.
Councils are increasingly using private companies such as Kingdom, based in Cheshire, to enforce the Environmental Protection Act.
Kingdom currently has about 28 contracts with local authorities and last year saw its profits jump 30% to £9m.
The company frequently splits the proceeds of the fines with the councils.
Panorama uncovered several cases where people were fined incorrectly.

Full article  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 15, 2017, 12:28:42 pm
'Litter police' get bonuses to target public, Panorama finds........

A private company acting as the "litter police" for dozens of councils pays officers a bonus for issuing fines, an undercover Panorama report has found.
One officer from Kingdom Services, a leading enforcement company, claimed that his bonus one month was £987.
Other officers were filmed handing out £75 fines for tiny pieces of dropped orange peel and poured-away coffee.
Kingdom told Panorama that its competency allowance was not a paid incentive for officers to issue fines.
Littering is a crime, but if you pay the fine you can avoid a criminal record.
Councils are increasingly using private companies such as Kingdom, based in Cheshire, to enforce the Environmental Protection Act.
Kingdom currently has about 28 contracts with local authorities and last year saw its profits jump 30% to £9m.
The company frequently splits the proceeds of the fines with the councils.
Panorama uncovered several cases where people were fined incorrectly.

Full article  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434)

Told you they were scum.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on May 15, 2017, 02:19:02 pm
'Litter police' get bonuses to target public, Panorama finds........

A private company acting as the "litter police" for dozens of councils pays officers a bonus for issuing fines, an undercover Panorama report has found.
One officer from Kingdom Services, a leading enforcement company, claimed that his bonus one month was £987.
Other officers were filmed handing out £75 fines for tiny pieces of dropped orange peel and poured-away coffee.
Kingdom told Panorama that its competency allowance was not a paid incentive for officers to issue fines.
Littering is a crime, but if you pay the fine you can avoid a criminal record.
Councils are increasingly using private companies such as Kingdom, based in Cheshire, to enforce the Environmental Protection Act.
Kingdom currently has about 28 contracts with local authorities and last year saw its profits jump 30% to £9m.
The company frequently splits the proceeds of the fines with the councils.
Panorama uncovered several cases where people were fined incorrectly.

Full article  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39882434)

Told you they were scum.

Told you they were gangsters and got told off for it by the admin on here  :'(
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 16, 2017, 10:40:48 am
I caught the whole BBC 1  Kingdom Services, Panorama program last night, worth watching if you have catch up TV.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 18, 2017, 10:51:45 am
This sounds as if the councils want a better cash deal rather than altering their methods.

Councils 'seek clarification' over how private litter firm operates
Kingdom Security is currently tasked with handing out fines across Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire and Anglesey
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/councils-seek-clarification-over-how-13051668 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/councils-seek-clarification-over-how-13051668)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on May 23, 2017, 12:37:57 am
At least it's not ALL bad news on the BBC.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39996592 (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39996592)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 23, 2017, 07:40:44 am
Well, I'm sure one of the local papers will run a headline on the lines of 'Popular dad dies saving group of friends'...
Title: Airport Delays
Post by: Fester on May 28, 2017, 12:04:26 am
I've had a couple of weeks in Spain, and flying back today I was frustrated to have to sit on the plane for an hour, before it was allowed to take off, for some unknown delay.
It's happened before, I hate flying anyway, always have, but delays just compound that indignation.

But then, I heard about the utter chaos and misery faced by British Airways customers worldwide on Sunday.  I made me feel much more humble.

The mismanagement involved in what I witnessed on the news beggars belief.
Or maybe it doesn't? ... given the absolute lack of professionalism we see in Britain today.
Those poor souls, and it's nowhere near to being resolved yet as I write this.
Title: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Fester on June 04, 2017, 12:37:29 am
Van hits pedestrians on London Bridge


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40146916 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40146916)

Plus multiple stabbing incidents across central London.
Not yet contained as I write this.
I now advocate internment for every one of the 3000 or so individuals on the Terrorist watchlist.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Ian on June 04, 2017, 06:24:10 am
Sadly, I believe we're nearing that.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Fester on June 04, 2017, 12:21:43 pm
It's time to arm the police, all police... so they can properly protect us, and themselves.   So sorry for those old dears who feel a little unsettled by their presence. The world is different from when they grew up. Also, can anyone still seriously have an objection to carrying ID cards??
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Fester on June 04, 2017, 01:24:21 pm
Van hits pedestrians on London Bridge


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40146916 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40146916)

Plus multiple stabbing incidents across central London.
Not yet contained as I write this.
I now advocate internment for every one of the 3000 or so individuals on the Terrorist watchlist.

According to the BBC it is now 23000 individuals which are 'of interest' to the police.
I make no apology in saying that now is the time to 'process' them.  Once and for all.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: SteveH on June 04, 2017, 01:33:38 pm
It's time to arm the police, all police... so they can properly protect us, and themselves.   So sorry for those old dears who feel a little unsettled by their presence. The world is different from when they grew up. Also, can anyone still seriously have an objection to carrying ID cards??

I watched a programme the other night stating that if a police officer fired their weapon, the investigation would last for two years, as much as I understand the reasons for this system, it's hardly conducive to encouraging officers to take on this option.
British police officers asked if they want to carry guns in wake of terror attacks
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/09/british-police-officers-asked-want-carry-guns-wake-terror-attacks/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/09/british-police-officers-asked-want-carry-guns-wake-terror-attacks/)


Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Hugo on June 04, 2017, 02:00:19 pm
As a nation we are too tolerant of the evil people who want to change our way of life.    If a foreigner commits a crime in the UK they should be deported after serving their time.   If they have dual citizenship then the British citizenship should be taken from them and they should also be deported
As for those that are born in the UK then unfortunately we are stuck with them but the sentences need to be increased and also implemented
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: BMD on June 04, 2017, 03:41:31 pm
The Telegraph puts things in perspective regarding the current terror scare:

Graphs comparing numbers killed over the years in UK & Europe --

"Terror is killing far fewer people in the UK now than it was in the 1980s [and 1970s]"
"Despite public concern, the terror threat in Europe is relatively low​"


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/many-people-killed-terrorist-attacks-uk/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/many-people-killed-terrorist-attacks-uk/)
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Dave on June 04, 2017, 05:29:56 pm
The Telegraph puts things in perspective regarding the current terror scare:

Graphs comparing numbers killed over the years in UK & Europe --

"Terror is killing far fewer people in the UK now than it was in the 1980s [and 1970s]"
"Despite public concern, the terror threat in Europe is relatively low​"


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/many-people-killed-terrorist-attacks-uk/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/many-people-killed-terrorist-attacks-uk/)

It's all very dreadful but how many people were killed on the roads yesterday? The last published records show 132 people died on London's roads alone in 2013.
That said, it doesn't make the horror of recent terrorist attacks the less worrying but knee jerk reactions like rounding up thousands of people will only cause greater division and probably create more terrorists and support for terrorism.
Arming the police? Maybe we should ask them first if they all want to be armed,not all do. After all in London there were armed officers on the scene within 2 minutes.You can't expect much better.
I do agree that foreigners who commit crimes should be deported immediately they have completed their sentences but that hasn't been possible due to European Court rulings on human rights. ( Yes I know, crazy).
It's also true that a policeman who shoots dead a suspect will be suspended from duty while an independent enquiry takes place and a ruling on that will take up to 2 years. What a waste of manpower and training but on the other hand look at the number of people shot dead by the police in the USA, some as we have seen have been totally unjustifiable ( and it also questions the sense in arming all police officers).  In the case of rampaging terrorists it's pretty obvious that they have taken the right decision. Enquiry should take place in the background whilst the officer is still deployed just to double check operational procedures couldn't have been improved.Should be concluded in weeks not years.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: BMD on June 04, 2017, 07:32:04 pm
Btw, the above Telegraph article says we're more likely to be killed by dogs than by terrorists.

I guess we should be vigilant with Afghan Hounds.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 05, 2017, 12:02:58 pm
Llandudno engineering firm claims Welsh Government loan snub hits jobs
North Wales Engineering Solutions bosses say they would get support if they ran a tourism business.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llandudno-engineering-firm-claims-welsh-13137462 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llandudno-engineering-firm-claims-welsh-13137462)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2017, 05:04:44 pm
I've temporarily hidden the topic started by John Oddy until we can achieve a consensus as to its status.

I do believe we have to examine and debate controversial topics, and the current terrorist attacks are the current issue. John may sound extreme, but he was cautious about his wording and, despite some feeling it was in breach of the law, my feeling is that it wasn't. But his last post bears discussion: what is the solution?

The two main aspects of civilisation that have incurred war, death and destruction over the past 5000 years are language and religion. Have we not moved beyond that?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 05, 2017, 05:21:01 pm
Sadly, I don't think we have Ian.     Although we are a very tolerant nation, others are not so and would prefer that we still live in the Biblical times.
If they don't believe in democracy and don't integrate with their host nation how can we all get along?        If anyone objects then others may think that the person is racist but all they are saying are facts.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2017, 05:28:09 pm
This is a post by the British Humanist Association:
Quote
The solution is to deal with the education of the kids growing up - so many of these people are 'educated' UK nationals. The communities seem to be determined to isolate themselves.

The problem is that our education system reinforces these isolationist tendencies. We allow faith schools to exist that segregate kids on the basis of religion (and therefore race) - we all have this warm and cuddly idea of the CofE "Tea and Scones on the lawn with the vicar" Faith school, but if you allow that then you have to allow the Jewish and the Muslim schools that are much more extreme. We allow Madrassas to educate children with no effective control, we allow 'illegal' schools to exist with the tacit approval of local councils - some of them not even teaching in English and certainly not teaching any recognised curriculum. In the everyday state schools we allow RE to be taught on the basis of what the religions want kids to hear*, as the curriculum is determined by the local SACRE (Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education) full of local faith leaders - thus there is no element of teaching about such issues as critical thinking, the nature of truth, competing claims, conflict or ritualised abuse in religion.

We are creating this situation ourselves.

* I've mentioned before a presentation to a local secondary school where the Muslim (a teacher at a local state faith school) said "Islam means Peace. There is no compulsion in Islam" and then continued his entire presentation in Arabic (presumably a recital from the Koran or a prayer). Later, over lunch we got him to admit that a child of a Muslim family who had decided for himself that he wasn't a believer should "Keep it to himself" but he would be regarded as a traitor and the correct punishment would be death. If this is the behaviour of a 'Moderate Muslim' (moderate enough to be invited to present at a secondary school) then imagine what is going on at his faith school.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 05, 2017, 06:47:40 pm
I found this interesting.....

Britain Funding Separateness, Not Integration.
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/5323/trojan-horse (https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/5323/trojan-horse)

further topics
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/topics/37/europes-migrant-crisis (https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/topics/37/europes-migrant-crisis)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 05, 2017, 07:25:04 pm
We certainly need to discuss this. These are intelligent arguments made by informed people. They're not wild statements intended to provoke. But shutting down debate is dangerously counter productive.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on June 06, 2017, 09:28:35 am
If they don't believe in democracy and don't integrate with their host nation how can we all get along?
That's it in a nutshell, really. I think the UK is guilty of being far too tolerant of such extremist behaviour over the years. Providing shelter for those in genuine need is one thing, allowing people who hate us and everything we stand for to move to this country is quite unacceptable.

Regarding John's post, he is entitled to his views and censorship of debate (as Ian has already pointed out) is counter-productive.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 06, 2017, 10:45:25 am
Another topic from the Gatestone institute.....

Why Do Muslims Flock to The "Evil West"?

Quote "In reality, millions of Muslims are trying, through dangerous ways, to reach the borders of a civilization they have historically blamed for all the world's evils, including in their own countries'. Turkey's leaders are blaming non-Muslims for the tragedy. But they do not speak a single word about super hydrocarbon-rich Muslim countries in their own neighborhood: Not a word about Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman (all of which employ large numbers of Asian workers) has taken a single Muslim Syrian refugee."

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/6488/muslims-evil-west (https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/6488/muslims-evil-west)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on June 06, 2017, 12:10:50 pm
That name sounded surprisingly reputable for the claptrap they are publishing so I did a quick online search

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatestone_Institute (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatestone_Institute)

http://www.alternet.org/investigations/one-americas-most-dangerous-think-tanks-spreading-islamophobic-hate-across-atlantic (http://www.alternet.org/investigations/one-americas-most-dangerous-think-tanks-spreading-islamophobic-hate-across-atlantic)

You have to be careful what links you are sharing, more often than not they'll be from right wing extremists like this.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on June 06, 2017, 12:15:21 pm
If they don't believe in democracy and don't integrate with their host nation how can we all get along?
That's it in a nutshell, really. I think the UK is guilty of being far too tolerant of such extremist behaviour over the years. Providing shelter for those in genuine need is one thing, allowing people who hate us and everything we stand for to move to this country is quite unacceptable.

Regarding John's post, he is entitled to his views and censorship of debate (as Ian has already pointed out) is counter-productive.

For the record I don't particularly want you to censor anything but nor do I want you to get into trouble for publishing hate speech.

You say that he's 'entitled to his views' does that mean that Muslim hate preachers are also entitled to their views? Because what he published (banning Islam, deporting anyone who practised it, deporting family members of anyone who practices Islam ) are entirely similar to those hate preachers but in reverse.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: Fester on June 06, 2017, 02:02:40 pm
Is getting killed on the roads a growing threat BMD?
Have Afghan hounds declared direct war on you and your way of life?

Those who try and put this threat into some kind of perspective, merely trivialise it.
You only feel complacent in this way because it hasn't affected YOU, YET!

I hope to God it never does, or your 'roses around the door' outlook on life will never be the same again.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 06, 2017, 02:12:47 pm
I've not been on the forum for a few days,  I can't see this contraversial post by John Oddy, nor any replies.
If it doesn't break the law, can't you display it?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 06, 2017, 02:26:40 pm
That name sounded surprisingly reputable for the claptrap they are publishing so I did a quick online search
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatestone_Institute (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatestone_Institute)
http://www.alternet.org/investigations/one-americas-most-dangerous-think-tanks-spreading-islamophobic-hate-across-atlantic (http://www.alternet.org/investigations/one-americas-most-dangerous-think-tanks-spreading-islamophobic-hate-across-atlantic)
You have to be careful what links you are sharing, more often than not they'll be from right wing extremists like this.

I was aware that they were right wing, but hardly "extremists"  nor "claptrap", (I also found that they referenced the more reputable newspapers), and as I said I found the articles interesting and informative, and hopefully debatable.
                                                                                   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 06, 2017, 02:52:14 pm
Why is it wrong to have right wing articles yet ok for left wing clap trap ?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 06, 2017, 02:59:59 pm
I think in the case of the Gatestone bunch they seem to have a flexible relationship with accuracy and truth...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 06, 2017, 03:20:56 pm
With the General Election just two days away and in view of the recent terrorist atrocities, selecting a candidate is going to be extremely difficult.   
It may not boil down to the Party manifesto that you prefer, but to the Leader  that you would prefer to take us through Brexit and all the other issues that have raised their ugly heads recently.
My worry is a world with leaders like Trump, Corbyn, Kim Jong-un  and others.
Corbyn has got the backing of the Communist Party for this election but the disturbing things are his views on the IRA, the Jihadi John and Osama Bin Laden killings and his objection to anti terror laws in the past.
It doesn't give him the credentials as a leader of a party let alone a PM
 
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jihadi-john-dead-jeremy-corbyn-says-far-better-if-militant-had-been-in-tried-in-court-rather-than-a6733316.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jihadi-john-dead-jeremy-corbyn-says-far-better-if-militant-had-been-in-tried-in-court-rather-than-a6733316.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on June 06, 2017, 06:00:05 pm
Why is it wrong to have right wing articles yet ok for left wing clap trap ?

A nice balanced comment.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 06, 2017, 06:40:21 pm
I'm not trying to be balanced, I am inclined to the right wing.  $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on June 06, 2017, 08:32:50 pm
Surely the terrorist problem should not be a deciding factor as to who will be Prime Minister ... I would hope that every political party wants to rid us of the problem - so that needs all the parties to work together as one ... the person to be PM should be the one that would best "chair" such a committee.

Similarly with Brexit ... the country has decided (rightly or wrongly) so again the PM should be the person best able to negotiate the best deal for us, and that again needs some cross-party talking.

It grieves me, when watching any of the recent politicial debates, that the people who are supposedly running the country seem unable to have a sensible discussion without resorting to bickering and criticising each other.
Title: Re: Re: Stop Press
Post by: BMD on June 06, 2017, 08:55:37 pm
Is getting killed on the roads a growing threat BMD?
Have Afghan hounds declared direct war on you and your way of life?

Those who try and put this threat into some kind of perspective, merely trivialise it.
You only feel complacent in this way because it hasn't affected YOU, YET!

I hope to God it never does, or your 'roses around the door' outlook on life will never be the same again.

Don't presume to know how I "feel". Someone close to me lost their daughter in such an atrocity. The ONLY thing available to him now is to try to put the events in some kind of perspective. As a writer and journalist, he puts all his energies into countering (with facts/humour) the panic and hysteria which extremists exploit. He understands that terrorists are *encouraged* by those overreactions.

"your 'roses around the door' outlook on life"?

Really, where do you get this insulting personal sh*t from? Save it for someone who actually fits your clueless presumptions. With respect.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Neil on June 06, 2017, 10:33:26 pm
Jeremy Corbyn to visit Colwyn Bay tommorow, between the remains of the pier and the skip at 2PM.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on June 06, 2017, 11:43:04 pm
BMD, I think you are venting your spleen at the wrong target.
I'm on the side of RIGHT thinking people, and would love to eradicate all extremists from the world, from every end of the spectrum.  Thereby making your fear or anger unnecessary.

Your venom would be better channeled at those who commit such acts as you refer to, not me.
I'm just surprised that you originally thought that armed officers were doing more harm than good.
Now, as further atrocities unfold, I'm not sure what your view is.


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 07:41:12 am
I would be concerned that the idea of arming all police as standard would mark a seriously dangerous concession to terrorists everywhere. The long-term aim of mobs such as Daesh is the destabilisation of Western democratic institutions, because that would lead to chaos and it's only in chaotic situations that mobs like Daesh thrive.

And it's worth remembering that in the most heavily armed country in the world, the USA, the death rates from mass shootings, terrorism, homicide by shooting and death by shooting are the highest anywhere on the planet - by a significant margin. Arming everyone or every Police officer does not prevent attacks - especially from those committed to dying, anyway. Remember: a terrorist only has to succeed once.

 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 08:06:00 am
The major issue surrounding terrorist tactics, sadly, is nothing to do with the terrorists. It's do with us, habituation and the media.

If we examine the three most recent events in terms of deaths and serious injuries terrorism is still one of the lowest causes of deaths and serious injuries in the UK. In the past seven years just over 30 people have been killed by terrorists in the UK. In the same period 10,197 people died on the roads. So why are we not more exercised about the slaughter taking place, year in, year out on the roads? Simply put, we've become used to it, so it's no longer particularly newsworthy.

Terrorism is still relatively rare, so when it happens it's blown up out of all proportion by the media in their relentless drive to increase sales revenue. But the fact is that arming all Police is a futile overreaction to a still rare event.

Most people in the UK who died through terrorist offences did so at the hands of the IRA and Loyalists in Northern Ireland. And there should be lessons there. That was where internment was introduced, that was where all Police were armed and the army sent in, and that was where the deaths and serious attacks simply continued and became worse. These are facts - recorded and available for anyone to find - and they make clear that simply ramping up levels of force doesn't actually work. It didn't work for the Russians when they invaded Afghanistan, the US when they invaded Vietnam, the Romans when they invaded Britain and so on.

The only way forward is to get the communities themselves to reject and report these people. It won't stop everything - it never has - but it has been shown repeatedly to achieve more than simply arming all the Police.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on June 07, 2017, 09:39:49 am
I would be concerned that the idea of arming all police as standard would mark a seriously dangerous concession to terrorists everywhere. The long-term aim of mobs such as Daesh is the destabilisation of Western democratic institutions, because that would lead to chaos and it's only in chaotic situations that mobs like Daesh thrive.

And it's worth remembering that in the most heavily armed country in the world, the USA, the death rates from mass shootings, terrorism, homicide by shooting and death by shooting are the highest anywhere on the planet - by a significant margin. Arming everyone or every Police officer does not prevent attacks - especially from those committed to dying, anyway. Remember: a terrorist only has to succeed once.
But Police throughout the majority of Europe are armed as matter of routine? Only Ireland, Iceland & Norway do not have armed police. It's pleasant to think of the UK as a bastion of decency and civilised behaviour that does not require armed police, but the reality of life in the 21st Century is sadly different. We have seen several recent terrorist attacks where Police on the scene were unable to deal with the terrorist due to lack of a gun, and ended up dead/seriously injured as a result.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 07, 2017, 10:00:46 am
The big difference is that the terrorist deaths are deliberate, the road deaths are accidental,  but we will all die of something in the end.

Quote,  Terrorism is still relatively rare, so when it happens it's blown up out of all proportion by the media in their relentless drive to increase sales revenue. But the fact is that arming all Police is a futile overreaction to a still rare event.

Blown up, probably an unfortunate choice of words in the circumstances.  The media are surely duty bound to cover such awful events as these terrorist attacks, but they get no revenue from me, I never buy newspapers.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 10:16:44 am
Denmark doesn't arm all its police, neither do Switzerland, Austria, Finland, France, Germany,  the Netherlands, New Zealand, Jamaica, Australia, South Africa or Sweden.

But my point was really about having Police routinely armed with those MP5s. That's what we see most of the time, and they're remarkably indiscriminate weapons - a sort of 9mm fly spray, in effect. But when you say
Quote
We have seen several recent terrorist attacks where Police on the scene were unable to deal with the terrorist due to lack of a gun, and ended up dead/seriously injured as a result.
I can recall the officer who was stabbed in Westminster but not really any others. And the aspect that characterised all the recent attacks has been surprise. A lot of people can get killed by a vehicle before anyone can stop it or react.

When they do react, as in the most recent incident, they shot the attackers 50 odd times. The problem then is that you get no more information from them. And I do think the USA is an excellent case study as to why arming everyone - the logical extension of arming all police - is not necessarily the best idea. 

I'm not sure many think of the UK as 'a bastion of decency and civilised behaviour that does not require armed police', because there are many occasions which would suggest otherwise - I agree. But the simple fact is that although Teresa May presided over the greatest cuts to the Police force in years, when she reduced the force and armed officers from a high under Labour's administration, offences didn't rise and in fact fell. What was more striking was that the number of firearm offences plummeted.

So we obviously need armed response officers, but arming all the police is not going to be effective unless you have enough police to have one on every road in every town at every minute. Which, again, is just what Daesh would like us to do. Think of the Manchester attack.  How would armed police have saved anyone in that instance? No one noticed the attacker until he detonated his bomb.

Or think of the Westminster and London Bridge attacks. The heavily armed police killed them within minutes, yet by that time the damage had already been done. How would having armed police have stopped the vehicle mowing down the pedestrians?

It's very tempting and understandable to demand we arm all the police but every scrap of information we have tells us that it won't work.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 10:19:11 am
The big difference is that the terrorist deaths are deliberate, the road deaths are accidental,  but we will all die of something in the end.

Blown up, probably an unfortunate choice of words in the circumstances.  The media are surely duty bound to cover such awful events as these terrorist attacks, but they get no revenue from me, I never buy newspapers.

Yes - I could have chosen my words rather better.  ???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 10:27:59 am
Interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/07/shootings-iranian-parliament-khomeini-shrine (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/07/shootings-iranian-parliament-khomeini-shrine)

Iran does arm all its police and revolutionary guard all the time.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on June 07, 2017, 10:35:22 am
The only way forward is to get the communities themselves to reject and report these people.
Indeed, but what happens when you have a situation where a significant minority of the community in question shows some degree of sympathy towards the aims of the terrorists?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on June 07, 2017, 10:44:53 am
Denmark doesn't arm all its police, neither do Switzerland, Austria, Finland, France, Germany,  the Netherlands, New Zealand, Jamaica, Australia, South Africa or Sweden.

But my point was really about having Police routinely armed with those MP5s. That's what we see most of the time, and they're remarkably indiscriminate weapons - a sort of 9mm fly spray, in effect. But when you say
Quote
We have seen several recent terrorist attacks where Police on the scene were unable to deal with the terrorist due to lack of a gun, and ended up dead/seriously injured as a result.
I can recall the officer who was stabbed in Westminster but not really any others. And the aspect that characterised all the recent attacks has been surprise. A lot of people can get killed by a vehicle before anyone can stop it or react.

When they do react, as in the most recent incident, they shot the attackers 50 odd times. The problem then is that you get no more information from them. And I do think the USA is an excellent case study as to why arming everyone - the logical extension of arming all police - is not necessarily the best idea. 

I'm not sure many think of the UK as 'a bastion of decency and civilised behaviour that does not require armed police', because there are many occasions which would suggest otherwise - I agree. But the simple fact is that although Teresa May presided over the greatest cuts to the Police force in years, when she reduced the force and armed officers from a high under Labour's administration, offences didn't rise and in fact fell. What was more striking was that the number of firearm offences plummeted.

So we obviously need armed response officers, but arming all the police is not going to be effective unless you have enough police to have one on every road in every town at every minute. Which, again, is just what Daesh would like us to do. Think of the Manchester attack.  How would armed police have saved anyone in that instance? No one noticed the attacker until he detonated his bomb.

Or think of the Westminster and London Bridge attacks. The heavily armed police killed them within minutes, yet by that time the damage had already been done. How would having armed police have stopped the vehicle mowing down the pedestrians?

It's very tempting and understandable to demand we arm all the police but every scrap of information we have tells us that it won't work.
Every Police officer I've ever seen in my travels around Europe has been armed, with a hand gun at very least.

In the case of the latest attack, a BTP officer was first on the scene and was stabbed in the face as he took on the terrorists. Had he been armed, he could have shot them and prevented their stabbing spree taking place.

"A single police officer was stabbed in the face as he took on the three attackers behind to the terrorist rampage at London Bridge. The British Transport Police officer was attacked and injured as he waited for back-up from armed police."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-transport-police-officer-stabbed-face-took-on-terrorisist-alone-rushing-to-help-london-a7771751.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-transport-police-officer-stabbed-face-took-on-terrorisist-alone-rushing-to-help-london-a7771751.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 07, 2017, 11:35:17 am
Quote
In the case of the latest attack, a BTP officer was first on the scene and was stabbed in the face as he took on the terrorists. Had he been armed, he could have shot them and prevented their stabbing spree taking place.

Perhaps.  It's not clear from the article if any or most of the stabbing had already taken place however.

Quote
    The only way forward is to get the communities themselves to reject and report these people.
Quote
Indeed, but what happens when you have a situation where a significant minority of the community in question shows some degree of sympathy towards the aims of the terrorists?

This is exactly the situation that prevailed during the '80s with the IRA. It's not going to be easy, whatever approach is taken. However, the IRA were not suicide killers, nor did they target children, although their bombs did kill them.  I believe the Manchester incident was a serious miscalculation in terms of the potential support these people might have enjoyed.

I do believe we have to start when they're young. That also seems to be the intent of Daesh. But we have to get the entire community on side.  In the latest case it does seem that the killers had been reported to police, with one even having featured heavily in a documentary by Channel 4.  Channel 4, however, claimed that the police had made no formal requests for the media evidence nor the transcripts. Quite a bit of blame to go around, I suspect.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 07, 2017, 12:40:35 pm
The suggestion of arming all police officers with lethal weapons, in my opinion will never happen, the majority of P.O.'s do not want to carry guns, as much as the public might want them to, not everyone is capable of being responsible for the death of another, even if it is justified.

Former Met deputy assistant commissioner Brian Paddick
"front-line officers would not be keen to face the agonising, split-second decisions faced by their counterparts in specialist firearms units."

"Every case in which a police officer has shot someone brings it home to unarmed officers the sheer weight of responsibility that their colleagues face."

I also think if it was made compulsory, a large number would leave, and future recruitment would be affected, however a large percentage of officers have no objection to carrying non lethal weapons Tasers etc.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2017, 12:27:46 pm
Banned, drunk 100mph driver who only stopped when tank ran dry swerves jail
Dale Joseph Hughes, who has never passed a driving test, admitted dangerous driving, drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and possessing illegal drugs.     http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/banned-drunk-100mph-driver-who-13345193 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/banned-drunk-100mph-driver-who-13345193)       
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2017, 02:59:27 pm
That's an interesting case if only because it highlights the impotency of the law in dealing with career offenders. What do you do with someone who's quite happy to break every law they can and take so many and varied substances that they have no memory left of what they did?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2017, 03:44:40 pm
I feel sorry for the Police, the frustration at this type of justice, on the other hand, those in court "who should have known better" get hammered.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2017, 03:59:38 pm
Quite.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 18, 2017, 05:43:06 pm
That's an interesting case if only because it highlights the impotency of the law in dealing with career offenders. What do you do with someone who's quite happy to break every law they can and take so many and varied substances that they have no memory left of what they did?

 >?>?? >?>??
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 18, 2017, 05:45:08 pm
Remember the points system that I advocated a couple of years ago?
If that had been implemented, then this individual wouldn't have existed to commit those crimes.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 04, 2017, 12:15:33 pm
After the Grenfell tower disaster, the government are investigating the potential risks to other buildings from exterior cladding......

I watched the TV program "Inside London Fire Brigade" last night, one incident, a new build with the fire within the internal wall insulation.

It's the type of insulation that has a foil coating as a fire retardant, (used in walls and ceilings).....but they already know the foam insulation is flammable ?

I think we are sitting on a time bomb.

and this morning on the BBC.

A large fire has ripped through a residential 79-storey skyscraper in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates - for the second time in two years.
That fire, and other recent blazes in the city, spread quickly because of external cladding, according to fire engineering consultancy Tenable Dubai.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40822269 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40822269)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 21, 2017, 10:09:20 am
More people will die from fires started by faulty white goods if ministers do not act to implement recommendations, the London Fire Brigade, the city's mayor, and safety groups have warned.
In a letter to Theresa May, they say some fridges and freezers are being sold with a flammable plastic backing.
People continue to use products that are subject to recalls.

"Worse still, some fridges and freezers are still being produced with a flammable plastic backing, which offers very little protection against the insulation foam inside catching alight if a fire starts."
There have been 2,170 fires in London involving white goods since 2010, the fire brigade said.
It wants the government to put a single register of product recalls, including all international recalls, on its website.
It also wants risk assessments to be published when a fault is identified and for the "sleeping risk" to be included in these assessments.

The fire service said it was "extremely concerned" that "no substantial changes" have been made in the product recall system since then.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40991800 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40991800)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 29, 2017, 10:27:49 am
Re my post 578 20/1/17....

I never understood why Dylan's was given a tourism grant for a private restaurant business, but apparently not the only one....

This is where North Wales tourism grant cash has gone...and how many jobs it has created
A list of the recipients of the tourism funding, including Dylan's and Greenwood and even Shel Restaurant(Porth Eirias) managed a grant on top of the monies already spent..... has been released.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-grant-cash-13531002 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-grant-cash-13531002)

And some of the comments...

"Much as I admire Sean Taylor & Zip World for the revenue they undoubtedly bring to the region, he does himself no favours with the 'Starbucks Defence' - that is "look how much VAT we pay back".

This is a complete red herring.  Businesses do not pay VAT. The end customers pay the VAT, the business merely collects it for the taxman, and hands it over every quarter.

As for the 'additional tax from the jobs' - unless the jobs are full time and paying well over the Income Tax threshold, and the employees are not then claiming back tax credits; there's actually no real take payback at all.
Perhaps a journalist could ask 'how many Full Time jobs have been created (not just Full Time Equivalent)'.


"The directors of Dylan's restaurant must be laughing all the way to the bank, £330,000 of taxpayers money given to this company over 3 years, whose wildly expensive menus would not attract the average man in the street. Absolute disgrace and their should be complaints made to Audit Wales about the unfairness of grant aided projects given at the whim of a faceless jobsworth in Cardiff.  £330,000 pounds would have assisted many small businesses currently fighting to survive due to lack of financial assistance.


"I agree. I suppose they gave the money in the thinking that it would attract "High End diners"  in the belief that it would attract /Entertain high end tourists - Like a filter down effect. Trying to make North Wales in a Monaco - It feels like a playground sometimes.

 I sometimes wonder if the WAG is trying to social engineer a command economy in Wales.  You are certainly right in the unfairness.  If a business needs such a large Capital sum of money, it should apply for a bank loan, and service that debt at the risk of the business, not a grant of us tax payers, including business tax payers of other eateries.


Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 29, 2017, 10:58:01 am
Looking at that list (below), it would seem that there aren't many new businesses that have setup without some form of grant from WG. I'm personally ok with offering money to support such things, but it should be treated as a loan and repaid, even if interest free, over a period of 10 years.

2016/2017

■ Zip World Ltd & Zip World Fforest Ltd (Signage) Bethesda & Betws Y Coed, Gwynedd £11,500
■ Erskine Arms, Conwy, £140,000
■ Conwy Adventure Leisure Ltd (Signage) Dolgarrog, Conwy £7,947
■ Furnace Farm Ltd, Bodnant Welsh Food Centre (Signage) Tal y Cafn Conwy £3,489
■ National Beekeeping Centre CIC (Signage)Tal y Cafn, Conwy, £1,676
■ Zip World Forest Ltd, Betws Y Coed, Conwy, £320,000
■ Sport Wales, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre Caernarfon, £170,000
■ Ty Glyndwr, Caernarfon, £25,000
■ Plas Yn Dre, Bala £72,000
■ Dylans Restaurant, Llandudno £190,000
■ Pontcysyllte Tea Rooms Llangollen £30,000

2015/2016

Catch 22 Brasserie Limited Valley Anglesey £65,000 Trecks
Bunkhouse Llan Ffestiniog Gwynedd £5,000
Greenwood Forest Park Y Felinheli Gwynedd £250,000
The Crown Hotel Barmouth Gwynedd £85,400
Enoteca Y Felinheli Gwynedd £30,000
Kinmel Arms Abergele Conwy £7,257
Iscoyd Park LLP Whitchurch Wrexham £35,000
Venu Bar Company Ltd Pwllheli Gwynedd £38,250
The Trotting Mare Caravan Park Ltd Overton Wrexham £5,000

2014/2015


Ship Hotel Aberdaron Gwynedd £45,000
Pen y Garth Lodge Park Bala Gwynedd £30,000
Cyngor Cymuned Llanengan Abersoch Gwynedd £25,000
Nant Gwrtheryn Nefyn Gwynedd £80,000
Dylans Restaurant Criccieth Gwynedd £140,000
Shel Restaurant(Porth Eirias) Colwyn Bay Conwy £135,000
Sea Shanty Restaurant Trearddur Bay Anglesey £134,050
Olif Betws Betws-Y-Coed Conwy £12,176
Lodge Holidays Ltd Bryn Refail, Nr Llanberis Gwynedd £16,512
Cwrw Llyn Pwllheli Gwynedd £10,000
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 29, 2017, 11:03:04 am
"Looking at that list (below), it would seem that there aren't many new businesses that have setup without some form of grant from WG. I'm personally ok with offering money to support such things, but it should be treated as a loan and repaid, even if interest free, over a period of 10 years."

My thoughts exactly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 29, 2017, 04:59:15 pm
Private businesses getting taxpayers money??

Erskine Arms getting £140,000,  then raking it in from a packed pub 7 days a week???   $angry$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 29, 2017, 06:54:13 pm
I think it may be more complicated than it appears at first sight. Investing government money into businesses with the longer term aim of increasing employment and wealth for the society isn't that rare.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on August 30, 2017, 08:37:26 am
I think it may be more complicated than it appears at first sight. Investing government money into businesses with the longer term aim of increasing employment and wealth for the society isn't that rare.
The problem is that businesses become complacent and rely on grants instead of applying for a bank loan/venture capital that would rigorously test their business model before handing over any money. Looking at the list of grants, the employment created must surely only be low end minimum wage, whilst the wealth created flows pretty much only to the business owners. As I said earlier, I see no reason at all why the money cannot be invested as a long term interest free loan, instead of just given away.  It is, after all, the taxpayers money that is being spent.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on August 30, 2017, 08:48:15 am
Hit the nail on the head. I would also add, like Dylan's, a lot of their staff for whom this loan has gone to create work for will either not earning above the minimum tax threshold so not putting anything back in, or even worse are part time to the extent that they will need various 'top up' benefits. So is it really solving a problem at all?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 30, 2017, 10:18:10 am
I found this link which explains the WG's  thinking......I have only copied a section, link below for full details.

Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS)
Guidance Note


What is TISS?
• It’s a discretionary Welsh Government Visit
Wales fund supporting priority tourism
products (existing and new) including:
4 and 5 Star hotels; top end serviced
accommodation experiences; destination
restaurants; spa and meetings facilities;
attractions and activity products; high
quality self catering, camping and caravan
park products. The list is not exhaustive.
• Eligible expenditure includes
building work and fixtures &
fittings (for existing businesses an
improved grading must result).
• Revenue, purchase of a property,
purchase of antiques, maintenance
& repair costs, and local facilities
(eg. retail) are not eligible.
• It targets viable, sustainable and
high quality private sector tourism
capital projects in Wales that:
(a) meet the objectives of the
Tourism Strategy ‘Partnership
for Growth 2014 -2020’;
(b) create and safeguard jobs, realising
economic benefit & growth,
 and
(c) deliver quality, innovation
and sense of place.

Please read full link.......
 https://businesswales.gov.wales/sites/business-wales/files/tourism/160608tiss-guidance-note-en.pdf (https://businesswales.gov.wales/sites/business-wales/files/tourism/160608tiss-guidance-note-en.pdf)


Google search pages... https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=how+to+get+a+wales+tourism+grant&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enES433ES433&oq=how+to+get+a+wales+tourism+grant&aqs=chrome..69i57.20247j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=how+to+get+a+wales+tourism+grant&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enES433ES433&oq=how+to+get+a+wales+tourism+grant&aqs=chrome..69i57.20247j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 30, 2017, 02:03:56 pm
I think it may be more complicated than it appears at first sight. Investing government money into businesses with the longer term aim of increasing employment and wealth for the society isn't that rare.
The problem is that businesses become complacent and rely on grants instead of applying for a bank loan/venture capital that would rigorously test their business model before handing over any money. Looking at the list of grants, the employment created must surely only be low end minimum wage, whilst the wealth created flows pretty much only to the business owners. As I said earlier, I see no reason at all why the money cannot be invested as a long term interest free loan, instead of just given away.  It is, after all, the taxpayers money that is being spent.

I'd perhaps argue that the business owners have become adept at choosing locations with an eye to potential grants. I'm not saying they don't become complacent after getting one, merely that they know their way around the system and aim to place their business in an area which qualifies for the maximum amounts.

The UK film industry is a prime example. The UK is now one of the biggest production countries in the world, and their expertise is renowned industry-wide. The reason is simple: the UK makes it cheaper to make films here than in Hollywood. And much cheaper. Cheap enough to make it feasible to fly the US actors, writers and producers here, and house them.

While the system obviously works in that instance quantifying its success is something else entirely. It's nowhere near as simple as trying to count the number of jobs created, because Modern Monetary theory dictates that modern society is totally dependent on the complex interconnectivity of production, sourcing,  creation, sales, supply and demand. On a simple level few jobs are lost when  single person gives up milk.  But if there's a significant rise in veganism, the effects are felt throughout industry, from the companies who make spares for milking machines to the Oil and farming industries. 

Long term loans are already available to companies (unless they bank with RBS...) but in general I agree there ought to be some sort of recouping mechanism. But as for it being taxpayers' money, MMT suggests "a monetarily sovereign government is the monopoly supplier of its currency and can issue currency of any denomination in physical or non-physical forms. As such the government has an unlimited capacity to pay for the things it wishes to purchase and to fulfill promised future payments, and has an unlimited ability to provide funds to the other sectors. Thus, insolvency and bankruptcy of this government is not possible. It can always pay". And don't we own the Royal Mint?  D)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 08, 2017, 09:56:41 am
Luxury hotels, chocolate and trips to Zip World: Welsh Government's 'out of control' spending revealed
Credit cards were used to pay for scarves, whisky and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Welsh Government credit cards have been used to pay for hundreds of pounds worth of scarves and chocolates, while thousands have been spent on luxury dining and hotels, figures reveal.

More than £1.8m was spent on Government credit cards in 2016/17, including £1,652.50 on seven visits to the Michelin-starred James Sommerin Restaurant in Penarth, South Wales, where a six course taster menu costs £70, or £110 with wine.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/luxury-hotels-chocolate-trips-zip-13588973 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/luxury-hotels-chocolate-trips-zip-13588973)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 14, 2017, 09:44:19 am
This struck me as funny (not ha ha)  &shake&

People caught twice carrying acid in public should receive a mandatory six-month prison sentence, the Home Office has proposed.

Ms Rudd said the government was sending a message that "the cowards who use these [acids] as weapons will not escape the full force of the law".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41614990 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41614990)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 14, 2017, 10:31:21 am
It does seem absurd Steve, why would anyone carry acid around in public in the first place?         If anyone does have a genuine reason for carrying acid around then it can easily be explained to the Police
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 14, 2017, 10:41:37 am
I was surprised to learn some shops sell Sulphuric and Nitric acid. I suppose I'd always assumed they were controlled substances.

And it's on Amazon:

[smg id=3373]
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 14, 2017, 10:53:43 am
Steve,  I think it was you that posted another article to ponder on.   I can't find the actual posting, but if my memory is correct it was about dog owners being approached by Kingdom Security and if they did not have sufficient dog poo bags on them to clean up after their dog they would be prosecuted.

Now how many would they call "sufficient" ?    I normally use one or two when I have taken my dog for a walk, but with one of my previous dogs I had to use six, but I still had plenty spare even after that marathon effort.

Surely if someone is walking their dog in a public place and they have no dog bags on them, then it is obvious that they will not be able to pick up after their dogs have made a mess.    By all means prosecute them, but why not check to see if the dog is micro chipped also because they are obviously not responsible dog owners.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on October 14, 2017, 11:20:47 am
re the last 2 subjects :-

Acid

When I worked in my Dad's chemist shop, probably in the 1960s anything of that nature had to be entered into the 'Poisons Book' and signed for.

Dog poo bags.

Every coat in our house has loads of bags in its pockets, " got enough P.B.s ? " we ask each other.

As an aside, one hot summers day our daughter was walking her large Staffie through Huddersfield town centre when she was approached by a bloke who demanded to know if she had facilities to clean up after the dog. She smiled sweetly at him and produced a wad of bags from down her bra ! He shuffled off muttering !!! ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 14, 2017, 11:27:50 am
It was to do with new rules in Flintshire, used by K.S. that could make there way here in the future, sorry the number of bags needed was not mentioned.....I have no problem with enforcing rules, but the tactics used by K.S. are underhand, and this just seemed like another way to make people pay.

They are in the DP this morning.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/kingdoms-400000-bonanza-targeting-dog-13751843 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/kingdoms-400000-bonanza-targeting-dog-13751843)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on October 16, 2017, 09:58:13 am


Surely if someone is walking their dog in a public place and they have no dog bags on them, then it is obvious that they will not be able to pick up after their dogs have made a mess.    By all means prosecute them, but why not check to see if the dog is micro chipped also because they are obviously not responsible dog owners.

I disagree. I don't think even under civil law you can prove that by not having bags it's more than likely that they wouldn't clean up their dog mess. they may have their own way of cleaning it using something else, or even their hands if it came to it.
Sounds like they are on shaky ground with that one to me.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bosun on October 16, 2017, 01:11:37 pm


Surely if someone is walking their dog in a public place and they have no dog bags on them, then it is obvious that they will not be able to pick up after their dogs have made a mess.    By all means prosecute them, but why not check to see if the dog is micro chipped also because they are obviously not responsible dog owners.

I disagree. I don't think even under civil law you can prove that by not having bags it's more than likely that they wouldn't clean up their dog mess. they may have their own way of cleaning it using something else, or even their hands if it came to it.
Sounds like they are on shaky ground with that one to me.

It's like suggesting that because someone had sweets on them, they were going to drop the wrapper. Or because they had cigarettes, they were going to drop the cigarette end. 

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 16, 2017, 02:01:09 pm


Surely if someone is walking their dog in a public place and they have no dog bags on them, then it is obvious that they will not be able to pick up after their dogs have made a mess.    By all means prosecute them, but why not check to see if the dog is micro chipped also because they are obviously not responsible dog owners.

I disagree. I don't think even under civil law you can prove that by not having bags it's more than likely that they wouldn't clean up their dog mess. they may have their own way of cleaning it using something else, or even their hands if it came to it.
Sounds like they are on shaky ground with that one to me.


It's like suggesting that because someone had sweets on them, they were going to drop the wrapper. Or because they had cigarettes, they were going to drop the cigarette end.


You both could be correct of course, it sounds quite logical,  although I've never witnessed anyone carrying dog poo in their hand or a lighted cigarette butt for that matter        &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on October 16, 2017, 10:25:31 pm
what if you do take bags out with you and you have used them when you get stopped, do you have to retain them to prove that you have taken the right steps to clean up, not much fun carrying them around when you have bins there to dispose of them, still you could always stick a sticker with your email and post code on each bag. What a world we live in
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 16, 2017, 10:44:51 pm
. What a world we live in

It's the same old story, the selfish and irresponsible minority of idiots spoil it for the rest of us.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: snowcap on October 16, 2017, 10:54:55 pm
glad i don,t have a pony to walk
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 22, 2017, 06:42:51 pm
Cllr. Julie Falllon, who's been running a film club free of charge for locals at Llanrhos Old School near Deganwy, is the subject of an anonymous complaint (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/deganwy-classic-movie-club-fallon-14071341) to Trading Standards.

This raises some interesting questions.  The first one is how did anyone manage to contact Trading Standards? Because ordinary mortals can't. They're generally impossible to get hold of, or to report complaints to. Which raises the question who made the complaint? It's likely someone with a bit of clout and with possibly a potential financial loss - someone who perhaps already runs a cinema?

The second point it raises is why would any complaint about a councillor paying for a service out of her own pocket for local residents be taken seriously? It's CCBC that's dealing with the complaint, of course, so expecting sensible action  might be a little optimistic.

I worry about anonymous complaints. CCBC and councils generally are far too willing to entertain them, when they should be asking why the complainant feels they have to remain anonymous. Informers on a drug gang, possibly, or the Mafia, certainly, but a local councillor doing her bit for the community? What's next? Raids on the local knitting group? Or maybe attempts to close down the local Brownie pack?

CCBC have a chance to show that they're not simply mindless automatons, following the book and crossing the Ts. Anyone want to hold their breath?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 22, 2017, 09:00:45 pm
Unfortunatly the cats out of the bag, and copyright laws should come into force,  regardless of the well meant intentions.

cky......
*Showing a video to a group of people outside of the home is legally regarded as a public showing, and is therefore in breach of copyright for DVDs/videos that have been purchased or hired for domestic use. To organise a group screening, permission from the copyright owner of the title in question will need to be obtained. Obtaining such rights clearances can be a complex procedure.

For certain types of screening ("non-theatrical" screening), it is possible to hire a copy of a film from its distributor with the rights already cleared. The primary non-theatrical distributors of feature films on DVD, video and 16mm in Britain are the BFI and Filmbank Distributors.[2]

Another option is to buy a blanket licence for the year known as a 'Public Video Screening Licence' which may work out cheaper if showing film is to be a regular event.*

Also
https://www.gov.uk/showing-films-in-public (https://www.gov.uk/showing-films-in-public)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 23, 2017, 07:09:30 am
Yet another thing the ludicrous and outdated copyright laws are accountable for.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 23, 2017, 09:17:38 am
2pm today hosted by Julie.

Everyone is welcome.

Llanrhos School House and it is FREE.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on December 28, 2017, 06:15:08 am
Not sure if this is the right place for this post, but hopefully will have meaning to some readers.

I have been a sufferer of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyeliti/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) since 2008. It is a disease that there is no test for, and no treatment to cure it. My description is to imagine waking up with both the flu and a really bad hangover and to imagine how difficult it would be get through the day. Then, in my case, imagine waking up that way every single day for the the next 3500 days. Yet, I believe my case is a moderate one. There are those who struggle to even get out of bed.

Anyhow, the point of this post is that here in Australia, a medical team studying ME/CFS have made a dramatic breakthrough in both identifying the cause of the disease but in a potential test for it and are trying to find a treatment based on existing, common medication used for other illnesses.

So for those who have been affected by ME/CFS either directly or indirectly, there appears so be some hope. Here is the link to the article: http://www.couriermail.com.au/technology/science/australian-scientist-prove-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-real-and-have-discovered-a-test-for-it/news-story/2f62ddcf2d5a625b0c1f185fc649bbf0. (http://www.couriermail.com.au/technology/science/australian-scientist-prove-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-real-and-have-discovered-a-test-for-it/news-story/2f62ddcf2d5a625b0c1f185fc649bbf0.)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on December 28, 2017, 06:18:55 am
Link does not exist.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on December 28, 2017, 06:51:01 am
Quote
Link does not exist.

Damn technology! :rage:  Sorry about that. You could try a Google search for "Sunday Mail Brisbane Yuppie Flu", but in desperation, here is a transcript of the article:

IT has been derided as yuppie flu and flummoxed doctors for decades but now Australian scientists have proved Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is real.

Better yet they’ve come up with a test for it and are now trialling cheap medications used for other diseases they hope may help treat it.
Around 240,000 Australians suffer from the debilitating illness that drains them of energy, leaving them bedridden suffering terrible muscle pain, cognition problems, gastric and cardiac issues.

AFL legend Alastair Lynch, who won a hat-trick of premierships with the Brisbane Lions in 2001, 2002 and 2003, suffered the illness so badly he was passing blood and sleeping up to 18 hours a day.

At its worst, Lynch — who was an athletic 96kg, 26-year-old at the time said of his chronic fatigue: “I actually couldn’t lift myself out of bed.”

“It was in the prime of my athletic career ... and it was scary at the time. When I eventually got up I was passing blood, everything seemed to be shutting down and I was sleeping 18 hours a day and waking up more tired than when I went to bed.”
Scientists have rebadged the illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and claim Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not do justice to the symptoms patients suffer.

Now a team led by Griffith University immunologist Professor Sonya Marshall Gradisnik has discovered the illness is related to problems in the ion channels that allow calcium into the body’s cells.

Calcium is required by just about every cell in the human body and is vital in helping the immune system destroy a virus or infection.
The Gold Coast team has proven that patients with ME have lower levels of calcium coming into their cells, that their cells store less calcium and this is the basis of their illness.

Public health physician Don Staines, who is involved in the project, says patients often develop ME after a virus or a trauma or other illness.

Calcium signalling is vital in the brain and spinal cord, the pancreas where it helps regulate insulin secretion, it’s also involved in blood vessels, the heart, the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and diseases of the brain, he says.

While studying the illness the scientists found changes in the micro RNA of ME patients, changes that could be detected in blood plasma and this has led to a potential blood test for the disease.

Work is under way with a leading pathology company to refine the test and Professor Marshall Gradisnik says the test will be vital for the many thousands of patients who sometimes have to wait years for an explanation for their ill health.

Now the team is on the hunt for potential treatments for the disease.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 28, 2017, 08:56:59 am
I found five links, such as this one:

[url=http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html]http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html (http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html)[/url]

but I'd advise caution.  The one aspect which had me slightly concerned is that each report uses identical text. That, at the very least, would suggest a lack of quality peer reviews at this stage.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 28, 2017, 09:23:24 am
As you know Hugh my wife was also diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and unfortunately we were told that there was no test for it and no treatment or cure.
Unless you or a close relative has it then you can't realise how debilitating the illness is.   They thought at the time that the illness was caused by a virus and in time would pass out of the body.
If they have found something about the illness then that is marvellous and I hope that it is correct for all those who suffer from that dreadful illness.
On a more positive note my wife's condition has improved a lot and she now has a normal life thank goodness.  Fingers crossed that it will continue.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on December 28, 2017, 10:13:33 am
As you know Hugh my wife was also diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and unfortunately we were told that there was no test for it and no treatment or cure.
Unless you or a close relative has it then you can't realise how debilitating the illness is.   They thought at the time that the illness was caused by a virus and in time would pass out of the body.
If they have found something about the illness then that is marvellous and I hope that it is correct for all those who suffer from that dreadful illness.
On a more positive note my wife's condition has improved a lot and she now has a normal life thank goodness.  Fingers crossed that it will continue.

I have been following the Griffith University study for some time, so the published report is, I believe, a genuine one.  I even volunteered as a test subject but due to the medication I take was not accepted. My own ME/CFS has worsened for unknown reasons, but I am trying to fight back. Hugo, I am so pleased not just for your wife as a sufferer but you as her carer that there has been such an improvement. I imagine that has made a huge difference in your respective lives. That in itself gives me hope for my own future.

Interestingly,, I am about to undergo surgery on both of my shoulders due to calcification. Probably keyhole surgery on my right shoulder, but open surgery on my left shoulder which is severely calcified on bone, sinews and muscle tissues. The Griffith Uni studies made me wonder if the inability of my body's cells to absorb calcium results in an excess of calcium which is deposited in areas such as shoulder joints.

Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 28, 2017, 11:10:03 am
 ££$     and hope all goes well       $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 28, 2017, 12:28:32 pm
Yes, good luck with everything Hugh.    The Griffith Uni, now that's another good Welsh name so let's hope that they come up with the goods    $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on December 30, 2017, 11:49:34 am
I found five links, such as this one:

[url=http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html]http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html (http://www.mesoasubestoaustralia.com/2017/12/australian-scientists-prove-chronic.html)[/url]

but I'd advise caution.  The one aspect which had me slightly concerned is that each report uses identical text. That, at the very least, would suggest a lack of quality peer reviews at this stage.

Hi Ian. Yes, very sage advice. I will admit that my first reaction on reading the article was total belief in it's veracity. However, your post gave me reason to explore sources to establish whether the article was sound.  My first port of call was Griffith University National Centre for Neuroimmuunology and Emerging Diseases - https://www.griffith.edu.au/health/national-centre-neuroimmunology-emerging-diseases (https://www.griffith.edu.au/health/national-centre-neuroimmunology-emerging-diseases)

News release by Griffiths is here: https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/news/2017/02/21/gold-coast-researchers-make-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-breakthrough/ (https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/news/2017/02/21/gold-coast-researchers-make-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-breakthrough/)

The specific research is included at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27727448 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27727448)

I am certain I came accross the actual research paper but as it is late night, I am hamstrung in spending the time to rediscover it. Ian's message is a very important one. When you have a life changing illness, it is so easy o latch on to "Internet solutions". Make sure you trace these back to the xource.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DownUnder on December 30, 2017, 12:17:10 pm
££$     and hope all goes well       $good$
Yes, good luck with everything Hugh.    The Griffith Uni, now that's another good Welsh name so let's hope that they come up with the goods    $good$

Thankyou for your good wishes.  I had an MRI on my right shoulder yesterday and my left shoulder done this morning. I know now how it feels to live n a toothpaste tube. The strange things about the procedure is that the first thing that they do is to place foam ear plugs into each ear then continue with an explanation of what is happening/will happen  - WHAT?

Then there is the earphones added over the ear plugs and reporting on the cricket which is my most favourite thing to listen to after sound bites of my grass growing. And then you are given the critical final instructions which sounds like a ventriloquist who truly believes their puppet can really talk - i.e. lots o lip movement but no sound. On the bright side, it could have been a Colonoscopy!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 30, 2017, 12:23:06 pm
Hugh, I do feel for you as we have been through the same thing as you have and you try so hard to find the answer but can't.
Mrs H must have gone to all the hospitals in N Wales and Walton in Liverpool but the consultants were all stumped and just didn't understand the illness or how to deal with it apart from "pacing" yourself.
What we do know about CF is that it's an auto immune disease but not life threatening but is extremely debilitating for those that have it.
We have come across many people who have suffered from the illness but the only common factor they had was that they had all been hard working and achievers.   I've not met one who hadn't previously worked or studied hard before contacting the illness.   Stress is not the factor but should be avoided whenever possible.
I do hope for your sake and the many others who suffer from the illness that a cure is found soon.    At the moment Mrs H seems out of the woods but we just take one day at a time
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 10, 2018, 02:12:57 pm
North Wales tourism operators united against pay to stay tax that would be 'gift' to rival destinations
Operators across the region speak out against the Welsh Government proposal.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on January 10, 2018, 04:29:29 pm
North Wales tourism operators united against pay to stay tax that would be 'gift' to rival destinations
Operators across the region speak out against the Welsh Government proposal.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620)

The Idiots in Cardiff thought if the French can have a Pay to Stay tax why can't we have one too. Tourist operators over there are charged 7% V.A.T. not 20%. Time Welsh Labour got in the real world before they strangle the Golden Goose.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 21, 2018, 06:27:37 pm
It’s an indictment of British society that today, both Greater Manchester Police, and a division of the London Metropolitan Police both had to Tweet advice to the public to stop phoning them about KFC having no chicken!

“Please do not contact us about the #KFCCrisis - it is not a police matter if your favourite eatery is not serving the menu that you desire”

I should cry, but I’ve been laughing about it all day.   :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on February 22, 2018, 09:04:27 pm
It appears that the Police have got their finger out!   :laugh:

KFC Llandudno was fully operational again from 20.00 on Thursday, according to their website.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 15, 2018, 12:31:35 pm
North Wales tourism operators united against pay to stay tax that would be 'gift' to rival destinations
Operators across the region speak out against the Welsh Government proposal.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/north-wales-tourism-operators-united-14134620)

The Idiots in Cardiff thought if the French can have a Pay to Stay tax why can't we have one too. Tourist operators over there are charged 7% V.A.T. not 20%. Time Welsh Labour got in the real world before they strangle the Golden Goose.

Controversial 'tourism tax' to offset impact of visitors gets backing of councillors
The idea has met with some opposition
The introduction of a “tourism tax” to mitigate the impact of visitors on local communities has been backed by Gwynedd councillors.

Later this year, Welsh Government ministers will decide whether to push on with potential new taxes, and a small levy on overnight stays is one of four under consideration.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/controversial-tourism-tax-offset-impact-14412250 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/controversial-tourism-tax-offset-impact-14412250)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on March 15, 2018, 12:36:52 pm
Who the hell is in charge of Gwynedd council? King Herod???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on March 16, 2018, 12:55:28 am
‘To mitigate the impact of tourism?’
That’s a belter....
Yes, to offset the terrible impact of them spending any money, let’s charge them some more money.. to ensure that it’s kept to an absolute minimum!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 16, 2018, 08:30:38 am
To be fair, local Tourist Taxes are almost ubiquitous throughout Europe and if the cash was used to provide facilities such a Public Toilets, it may not be such a terrible idea.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2018, 10:51:44 am
It's true. But - and it's a big 'but' - it would have to be inaugurated as a Wales-wide policy, otherwise those areas that had it could lose out to those that didn't.

It's pretty  much standard around the world, as well. Throughout the US and Canada, where you barely notice, as it's rolled into the cost of the room. What annoys in the US, however, is that prices are shown Ex-local tax, which in some places is 10%, so it can add a bit to your bill.  But in general I favour a tourist tax, especially when we have a Tory government who don't understand modern economics, and like to keep us all in austerity.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 20, 2018, 12:27:10 pm
Calls for 'radical changes' in running of town and community councils
Earlier this month the Welsh Government set up a review panel to consider the future role of community and town councils.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/calls-radical-changes-running-town-14433384 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/calls-radical-changes-running-town-14433384)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 21, 2018, 05:07:25 pm
Three North Wales councils could be abolished in major shakeup
Details of long-awaited government reorganisation will see authorities merged, raising fears over job losses and impact on economy.

Under the plans outlined by Local Government Minister Alun Davies, Anglesey would be merged with Gwynedd , Conwy with Denbighshire and Wrexham would join up with Flintshire.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-north-wales-councils-could-14439662 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-north-wales-councils-could-14439662)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 16, 2018, 04:22:24 pm
Is it just me.......   &shake&      it won't be long before "Idiocracy" comes true. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/)

Sainsbury's new snowflake range for millennials 'who get anxious about touching raw meat'
The new packaging will help squeamish adults who are nervous about handling uncooked flesh

Consumers under the age of 35 said they didn’t like to handle uncooked meat and the thought of having to be in contact with the it left them with high levels of anxiety.

So-called millennials - those born after 1980 - have been dubbed the “snowflake” generation by their elders. This is largely down to their generally sensitive and liberal approach to politics and heightened self awareness - although often stereotyped as sheltered and entitled.

They are known to be adventurous with the food they eat, but apparently seem to be nervous about how to cook it.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/touch-free-packaging-chicken-sainsburys-14536383 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/touch-free-packaging-chicken-sainsburys-14536383)


"Snowflake generation" I had to look it up....... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Snowflake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Snowflake)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 11, 2018, 05:15:07 pm
When is this stupidity going to stop.

Firefighter job cuts, station closures and engines axed as service looks to save £2m
The controversial proposals are back on the fire authority agenda after years of 'financial austerity' take their toll.

Among the other options, downgrading Holyhead, Caernarfon, Bangor, Llandudno or Colwyn Bay stations from fully crewed venues to retained cover only, would achieve an average of £647,000 in savings.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/firefighter-job-cuts-stations-closures-14646421 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/firefighter-job-cuts-stations-closures-14646421)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 11, 2018, 06:35:08 pm
Is this the start of the silly season Steve?    The Daily Mirror had an article today on Deanne Carson and was suitably headed:-

SHE'S GONE POTTY

The article said that " A child expert sparked ridicule by insisting that parents should ask babies for permission to change their nappy"
What a load of c**p if you excuse the pun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGO8E4WtWA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGO8E4WtWA)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 11, 2018, 07:32:29 pm
I think she was trying to get a sensible message across but did it poorly. The media - as the less intelligent media are bound to do (ridicule increases sales) - picked up on the 'consent' and 'nappy changing'. 

But a few moments thought and you realise that mothers talk to their babies all the time.  Or should do, anyway. We already know that babies understand far more than we realise, and everything that happens to them in the age from 0 - 2 is internalised as part of a complex learning process that eventually shapes their own behaviour, beliefs and ideals.

We know, for instance, that babies treated badly and who are routinely harmed and abused during that period grow into incredibly damaged and often dangerous adults. What the woman was trying to convey was the importance of setting an ethos - a culture if you like - where the baby learns that pleasantness, warmth and gentleness are qualities worth having.

I'm disappointed that the Mirror has stooped to the levels of the DFM but although she did it badly, what she was trying to put across was what all decent parents know and practise.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 12, 2018, 10:03:13 am
When is this stupidity going to stop.

Firefighter job cuts, station closures and engines axed as service looks to save £2m
The controversial proposals are back on the fire authority agenda after years of 'financial austerity' take their toll.

Among the other options, downgrading Holyhead, Caernarfon, Bangor, Llandudno or Colwyn Bay stations from fully crewed venues to retained cover only, would achieve an average of £647,000 in savings.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/firefighter-job-cuts-stations-closures-14646421 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/firefighter-job-cuts-stations-closures-14646421)

Fire station unmanned at time of fatal blaze, inquest hears
Janet Jones, 53, died in a house fire, a few hundred yards away from fire station.
A town's fire station was non-operational when a fatal fire occurred just a few hundred yards away, it was revealed at an inquest.

Firefighters from Rhyl and St Asaph answered the 999 call to the flat in Tan-y-Graig, Denbigh , in August last year and the hearing in Ruthin was told of the problems facing the North Wales service in providing emergency cover across the region.
Janet Jones, 53, died in the blaze in her first-floor flat: after hearing of the problems encountered by the fire service her brother Roger Jones said he appreciated the difficulties, but added: “I don’t want something like this to happen to anybody else. The faults are there for everybody to see.”
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/fire-station-unmanned-time-fatal-14647867 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/fire-station-unmanned-time-fatal-14647867)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 12, 2018, 11:20:36 am
It's not just the Daily Mirror and the DFM that have reported the interview, as it has gone global but I do agree with most of your points Ian, but you are only stating the obvious.
Deanne Carson the self styled "sexuality educator" was not just poor in her interview she left herself open to ridicule and it won't do her credibility much good in the future.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 12, 2018, 11:34:08 am
I agree, but it will also have deterred her - and probably others - from ever speaking out again. In effect, it's a sort of media-imposed censorship by those who think they know better than any of us, and it worries me that all we'll get soon is politician-speak if we allow them to carry on like that.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on May 15, 2018, 10:55:23 am
I agree, but it will also have deterred her - and probably others - from ever speaking out again. In effect, it's a sort of media-imposed censorship by those who think they know better than any of us, and it worries me that all we'll get soon is politician-speak if we allow them to carry on like that.
Surely its people like Deanne Carson who think they know better than any of us, hence her amazingly patronising self-endowed title of 'sexuality educator'?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on May 15, 2018, 12:10:37 pm
I agree;  doesn't negate the value of what she was attempting to convey, however badly.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 11, 2018, 02:09:35 pm
This article from Derbyshire Live, looks like part of the DP.  I agree with the mother, as do 92% of the DL readership.


This mum gave her kids a very public 'time out' in the middle of Tesco - but was she right to do it?

When Alisa, six, and Ebony, seven, began misbehaving and "being a nuisance to people" at the Tesco store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, their mother Louisa Palai decided she wouldn't wait until they got home to discipline them.

Louisa made up her mind right there and then to give the two girls a very public time out - telling them to sit on the floor right in the middle of the isle.

They had to stay there in silence and looking at the floor for 10 minutes until they had calmed down and were ready to start behaving, according to Derbyshire Live.

MORE  www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mum-gave-kids-very-public-14769756 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mum-gave-kids-very-public-14769756)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on June 12, 2018, 09:54:07 am
I agree, too many youngsters are allowed to run riot in shops.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 12, 2018, 04:00:44 pm
I have always been cynical over the distribution of WG grants to private companies, especially tourism grants, for restaurants and hotels, and this DP article does not inspire confidence.

 Welsh Government considering whether grant funding to mansion developers can be recouped after hotels close.

"Some of the sites closed for a rebrand to be carried out but concerns have been raised that the Knighton Hotel in Knighton and The Radnorshire Arms Hotel in Presteigne, Powys, have remained shut with no sign of work taking place.

In previous years the couple received grant funding under the Tourism Investment Support Scheme ( grants which are understood to be £75,000 for the Knighton and £170,000 for the Radnorshire.) and now the Welsh Government is looking into whether some of that funding should be recouped."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 13, 2018, 12:05:00 pm
I have always been cynical over the distribution of WG grants to private companies, especially tourism grants, for restaurants and hotels, and this DP article does not inspire confidence.

 Welsh Government considering whether grant funding to mansion developers can be recouped after hotels close.

"Some of the sites closed for a rebrand to be carried out but concerns have been raised that the Knighton Hotel in Knighton and The Radnorshire Arms Hotel in Presteigne, Powys, have remained shut with no sign of work taking place.

In previous years the couple received grant funding under the Tourism Investment Support Scheme ( grants which are understood to be £75,000 for the Knighton and £170,000 for the Radnorshire.) and now the Welsh Government is looking into whether some of that funding should be recouped."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011)

The 'Weep for Wales' posts on this blog go into great detail about what has been going on:
https://jacothenorth.net/blog/ (https://jacothenorth.net/blog/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 13, 2018, 12:49:48 pm
I have always been cynical over the distribution of WG grants to private companies, especially tourism grants, for restaurants and hotels, and this DP article does not inspire confidence.

 Welsh Government considering whether grant funding to mansion developers can be recouped after hotels close.

"Some of the sites closed for a rebrand to be carried out but concerns have been raised that the Knighton Hotel in Knighton and The Radnorshire Arms Hotel in Presteigne, Powys, have remained shut with no sign of work taking place.

In previous years the couple received grant funding under the Tourism Investment Support Scheme ( grants which are understood to be £75,000 for the Knighton and £170,000 for the Radnorshire.) and now the Welsh Government is looking into whether some of that funding should be recouped."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011)

The 'Weep for Wales' posts on this blog go into great detail about what has been going on:
https://jacothenorth.net/blog/ (https://jacothenorth.net/blog/)

Thanks for that, DR, very informative, I've bookmarked the blog for future reference, now all we need is for the grant's departments to get their act together, and learn to be a bit more cynical.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Cambrian on July 13, 2018, 01:18:58 pm
Jac o the North has been ploughing a lone furrow on this story for quite a while.  Glad to see the MSM have finally cottoned on. Its a pity the relationship between the WG and the Welsh news media appears so cosy and uncritical.  Never any incisive questioning like UK ministers get on, for example, the Today programme.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on July 18, 2018, 08:42:09 am
Reading those blog posts, it would seem likely that the Glynliffon project will implode at some point.

I'd agree with Jacothenorth that Wales has a long history of scammers entrepreneurs coming here from England and lining their own pockets at the locals expense, often with the support of the Welsh Government. One wonders what the calibre of the staff employed by the Welsh Government is - "IQ need not be over 10 but must speak fluent Welsh'...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 21, 2018, 12:37:28 pm
It's a strange old world when a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and there are others who have so much wealth and  have little consideration for others.   A contrasting set of basic values.
An article in the Daily Mirror yesterday was headed "WHAT A WASTE"  and went on to say that Burberry burnt £28 million worth of designer gear in a bid to protect its image!
It went on to add that Burberry over the last 5 years has destroyed £90 millions worth of designer gear to stop them appearing in the grey market.
Now Burberry is not the only company to burn unsold products, Nike, Richemont, Urban Outfitters and H & M and others are all doing the same thing.
There is a business side to this but also on the other hand a moral side but I wonder if any of those companies claim losses for this in their company accounts when the articles have in fact been destroyed deliberately by the company itself
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 21, 2018, 03:20:41 pm
I have come across similar tactics from big names, end of lines, excess stock etc sold to obscure buyers, rather than allowing account customers to benefit, protecting their high prices,..... guess which companies never got through the door again.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SDQ on July 22, 2018, 05:42:16 pm
It's a strange old world when a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and there are others who have so much wealth and  have little consideration for others.   A contrasting set of basic values.
An article in the Daily Mirror yesterday was headed "WHAT A WASTE"  and went on to say that Burberry burnt £28 million worth of designer gear in a bid to protect its image!
It went on to add that Burberry over the last 5 years has destroyed £90 millions worth of designer gear to stop them appearing in the grey market.
Now Burberry is not the only company to burn unsold products, Nike, Richemont, Urban Outfitters and H & M and others are all doing the same thing.
There is a business side to this but also on the other hand a moral side but I wonder if any of those companies claim losses for this in their company accounts when the articles have in fact been destroyed deliberately by the company itself


They should cut the labels out and send them to people in disaster areas/3rd world countries!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on July 22, 2018, 08:30:36 pm
Just to add a little balance here...
On many occasions, companies I have worked for were compelled to destroy stocks of merchandise for reason of cost.  It was the only way that import duties and tax could be reclaimed.
An example,  a delivery of 10,000 tshirts, infested by bugs.
Cost of merchandise, £2.00.    Value now, worthless, as the cost of inspection and refurbishment is £3.00 per item.
Import duty was 25p.    So that was the only salvageable amount.
To reclaim this, HMRC required physical proof of the destruction of the goods.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on July 23, 2018, 12:01:27 pm
It's a strange old world when a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and there are others who have so much wealth and  have little consideration for others.   A contrasting set of basic values.
An article in the Daily Mirror yesterday was headed "WHAT A WASTE"  and went on to say that Burberry burnt £28 million worth of designer gear in a bid to protect its image!
It went on to add that Burberry over the last 5 years has destroyed £90 millions worth of designer gear to stop them appearing in the grey market.
Now Burberry is not the only company to burn unsold products, Nike, Richemont, Urban Outfitters and H & M and others are all doing the same thing.
There is a business side to this but also on the other hand a moral side but I wonder if any of those companies claim losses for this in their company accounts when the articles have in fact been destroyed deliberately by the company itself


They should cut the labels out and send them to people in disaster areas/3rd world countries!

They still have the logos on the front. Let's be fair a lot of impoverished kids wearing Nike isn't the image they want. Fashion is all about aspiration. The impoverished kids can make the gear in the sweat shops, but don't let them wear it!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Quiggs on July 23, 2018, 02:59:25 pm
When Homebase closed in Llandudno, they had a stocktake and a certain amount of goods were to be binned, two containers were filled with all sorts of items and then tins of paint was all poured over them.  There was also several doors and the warehouse operative was instructed to drive the forks of the forklift through them. A later spoke to the manager, he said he had been told that if any of the items passed the gate he would be dismissed 🤔
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 26, 2018, 11:26:53 am
Now this will give the residents of Mount Pleasant in Penrhynside points to ponder.    The rear access to the properties have now been blocked and there is no room in front of the terrace for the residents to park their cars



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mount-pleasant-parking-ian-jones-14952037 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mount-pleasant-parking-ian-jones-14952037)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Quiggs on July 26, 2018, 12:28:39 pm
I once had to deliver some furniture there, which would not go through the front, so had to drive round the back.   Could be a problem if someone wished to leave / move in.  ??
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on July 27, 2018, 10:04:34 am
It must be illegal to do this.

It is blocking access for emergency services. Although the fire brigade probably have equipment to remove the lock it still causes delay.
Man must be a nasty  so and so.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 27, 2018, 10:42:57 am
"Rolls Royce-driving millionaire Ian Jones, who owns Rhos on Sea Golf Club, bought the track behind Mount Pleasant cottages in Penrhynside last April. "

I suppose the question is why didn't the cottages club together to buy the track themselves? Assuming, of course, it was offered on the open market. The comments below the piece seem to support the view that £350 isn't a lot of money and if it's a private road then they should get in contact with Ian Jones.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: poppy on July 27, 2018, 06:28:32 pm
Mr Jones's property is up for sale for 795k  ;)

https://www.fletcherpoole.com/properties-for-sale/property/8569886-bryn-gwynt-lane-penrhynside (https://www.fletcherpoole.com/properties-for-sale/property/8569886-bryn-gwynt-lane-penrhynside)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 27, 2018, 07:03:25 pm
With that in mind, why would an individual with a property up for sale want to get involved in a dispute with neighbours at such a critical time?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 22, 2018, 05:39:56 pm
Nothing gets done these days without grants (Contributions) ?   ?    Initially reading this article I thought great idea, then I read the comments, now I'm not so sure.
 

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has announced its vision for an industry-led project to address the skills shortage in the tourism and hospitality sector in North Wales.

The £15 million North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Centre of Excellence, proposed for the Grŵp’s Coleg Llandrillo site in Rhos-on-Sea, would support the industry at a time of unprecedented growth across the region.

The project is seeking up to £10 million as part of the North Wales Growth Bid with a £5 million contribution from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.    ref. DP
Full article    https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/15m-tourism-centre-vision-could-15057647 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/15m-tourism-centre-vision-could-15057647)


And from the comments section.......               

"Go and stay in “Any” hotel in Llandudno and your meals will be served by an Eastern European. The British aren’t beating the doors down to work in them . Why.

"And can’t undestand why 75% of the jobs in Hospitality in Llandudno are filled by Eastern Europeans ( official figures) ."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 22, 2018, 05:53:57 pm
It's not just Llandudno hotels;  few in London are staffed by many native English.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 22, 2018, 08:12:28 pm
It's not just Llandudno hotels;  few in London are staffed by many native English.

Agreed, but I am surprised by the 75% mentioned for llandudno, however it does bring up the validity of the " North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Centre of Excellence" proposal, just sabre rattling, PR or jobs for the boys.   

Thinking of a new profile pic.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 13, 2018, 12:06:41 pm
Do we blame the EU or ourselves ?

Spanish slate to be used on ex-council estate in shadow of second largest slate quarry in world
Critics dismayed but CCG blames European regulations for why it is bringing in the slate rather than using local Welsh alternative.

"In recent years 90% of the natural slate used for roofing in Europe originates from Spain with about four million tons produced annually.
Despite the cost of transporting the material from Spain the slate is often half the price of Welsh slate."

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spanish-slate-used-ex-council-15142637 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spanish-slate-used-ex-council-15142637)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on September 14, 2018, 10:54:48 am
Do we blame the EU or ourselves ?

Spanish slate to be used on ex-council estate in shadow of second largest slate quarry in world
Critics dismayed but CCG blames European regulations for why it is bringing in the slate rather than using local Welsh alternative.

"In recent years 90% of the natural slate used for roofing in Europe originates from Spain with about four million tons produced annually.
Despite the cost of transporting the material from Spain the slate is often half the price of Welsh slate."

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spanish-slate-used-ex-council-15142637 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/spanish-slate-used-ex-council-15142637)

Why don't they wait until 11.01pm on the 29th March 2019 and then they can use Welsh Slate?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on September 16, 2018, 01:08:48 pm
Friends of ours are from Looe, where the annual music festival was nearly cancelled. They needed £40,000 to stage it, and with only two weeks to and led by a couple of 'amazing' councillors, the community has raised the money.  Perhaps this should be a lesson for some councillors round here:

http://looesavestheday.co.uk/ (http://looesavestheday.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 19, 2018, 02:26:23 pm
I have always been cynical over the distribution of WG grants to private companies, especially tourism grants, for restaurants and hotels, and this DP article does not inspire confidence.

 Welsh Government considering whether grant funding to mansion developers can be recouped after hotels close.

"Some of the sites closed for a rebrand to be carried out but concerns have been raised that the Knighton Hotel in Knighton and The Radnorshire Arms Hotel in Presteigne, Powys, have remained shut with no sign of work taking place.

In previous years the couple received grant funding under the Tourism Investment Support Scheme ( grants which are understood to be £75,000 for the Knighton and £170,000 for the Radnorshire.) and now the Welsh Government is looking into whether some of that funding should be recouped."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-government-considering-whether-grant-14896011)

Maybe the government has woken up.

Paul and Rowena Williams, who are undertaking the £20 million restoration of the nearby Glynllifon mansion into a luxury hotel , agreed to buy Plas Brereton and Plas Ty Coch sites in February.
They placed a deposit on the properties and have carried out significant clearance work - with ambitious proposals for a hotel, holiday lodges and apartments.

But the deadline to complete on the deal was midnight on Tuesday and the seller has today confirmed the outstanding balance had not been paid.      https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/caernarfon-mansion-estate-deal-collapses-15171689 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/caernarfon-mansion-estate-deal-collapses-15171689)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 21, 2018, 04:58:04 pm
The plot thickens............

Mansion developers insist they will be 'fully vindicated' as police 'assess information' about former hotels
Council officials and police have met over the Mid-Wales hotels sold by Paul and Rowena Williams.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240)

For a further view point, the latest news from Jac. not a fan of the DP  ... https://jacothenorth.net/blog/ (https://jacothenorth.net/blog/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 26, 2018, 11:32:37 am
Maybe it is the generation gap.. after reading the headline, my thoughts were, of course it should be banned, however I was surprised at the comments, for letting them "get on with it". I am going by the image, perhaps the photo is to realistic, and I am just being an old f**t

Parents aren't happy that Poundland is selling this 'knife' to kids for Halloween
The glow-in-the-dark item has be ?en criticised for looking too realistic     ref DP

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/parents-arent-happy-poundland-selling-15198784 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/parents-arent-happy-poundland-selling-15198784)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: born2run on September 26, 2018, 11:53:47 am
Why is it any different to a toy gun which kids have been playing with for years? probably you even played with one yourself, doubt it's ever gave you a thirst for going out and doing a mass shooting?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 26, 2018, 01:10:58 pm
Why is it any different to a toy gun which kids have been playing with for years? probably you even played with one yourself, doubt it's ever gave you a thirst for going out and doing a mass shooting?

I did have toy guns, but the typical cowboy guns of the time, it did cross my mind that the armed police of today, are put in the position of hesitating, when confronted with "weapons", I believe toys, today, especially weapons, should look like toys, although some manufacturers are making them out of brightly coloured  plastic, I still see them on police programmes  painted black, which is going to end in tears.                         

I promise I don't want to spoil their fun..............   8)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on September 26, 2018, 01:42:19 pm
The DP talks about the UK being in the midst of a 'knife crisis', but it isn't. London might be, and possibly some parts of big cities but it's absurd to over sensationalise the story that way.

Personally, I'm not sure I'd give a young child a fake knife like that but I do remember as a youngster having a retractable blade plastic knife for a while. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: squigglev2 on September 27, 2018, 06:53:07 pm
The DP talks about the UK being in the midst of a 'knife crisis', but it isn't. London might be, and possibly some parts of big cities but it's absurd to over sensationalise the story that way.

Personally, I'm not sure I'd give a young child a fake knife like that but I do remember as a youngster having a retractable blade plastic knife for a while.
We had real ones in my childhood and a brother got injured using one - not the knife itself but a bit of bark off a tree and next thing, he was in the old (or does it still exist) Caerenarfon eye hopspital but maybe something like that could have happened anyway with (I suppose) "adventurous kids" climbing trees.

I think I had a knife in my JYB years and do now have a smaller (Sportsman model) Swiss army knife, often on my desk,  but sometimes in my pocket - its a handy device to open a package, from opening a package, to boring a hole for a screw to filing (I do little folk finger playing on guitar) but filing a finger nail...

But it's a tool to me and maybe (I do remember once thinking of carrying one for "protection" down rural lanes but decided that was insane - yes, I've walked Conwy/CB/LL to Pydew very late and you can wonder about meeting a possible stranger en route....) always has been.

But that's me.  I don;t understand the London (and maybe other city) culture.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 08, 2018, 05:06:32 pm
This was nice to read, a private company, financing it's own business, and not a mention of any grants. 

"A Welsh pâté manufacturer has secured a £400,000 finance package from HSBC UK to install a new product development kitchen and expand its range of pâtés and vegan dishes.

Patchwork Pâté, a family-run business based in Ruthin, has used HSBC UK funding to purchase the equipment needed to introduce vegetarian, vegan and reduced-calorie pâtés to its collection, alongside five bespoke Welsh meat pâtés."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-pt-maker-secures-400k-15388741 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-pt-maker-secures-400k-15388741)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 13, 2018, 12:20:30 pm
I am sure you can imagine my first thoughts on this article  >:(  (Is this a local tax payers problem etc )............ I have reflected on various other schemes, the national, helping smokers to stop comes to mind, so I would be interested to hear other views.......

Electric bikes 'may combat child obesity in Conwy county'
Electric bikes could hold the key to helping overweight children get fit, leisure staff in Conwy county claim.
They have reported "significant improvements" in a scheme to boost the health of obese adults, attracted to e-bikes by the battery-operated motor.

Conwy's cabinet is being asked to match-fund £5,000 to buy five child-size e-bikes for use across the county.

Officers said nearly one in three Conwy children is overweight or obese, one of the highest rates in Wales.
Conwy's junior cycling project - which worked with more than 500 youngsters last year - is looking to get even more children active, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A report to be considered by council leaders on Tuesday said: "Having run a pilot project on a smaller scale within a local school using traditional bicycles, the evidence was clear that e-bikes can help those with weight management difficulties to engage in sport."

E-bikes could tempt overweight children to experience the outdoors by making it easier to ride up hills, while cutting the time they spent on video games and social media, the report added.
The hope is that such youngsters would eventually take up regular cycling without the need for motorised assistance.

The council's grants review group has recommended the cabinet back the project, saying the leisure development team would not be able to afford the junior e-bikes without the extra funding.   Ref BBC
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on November 13, 2018, 05:46:37 pm
The lunatics have taken over the asylum.

Don't worry it is your money they are spending.

Just the same up here in Scotland.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 13, 2018, 10:33:56 pm

Electric bikes 'may combat child obesity in Conwy county'
Electric bikes could hold the key to helping overweight children get fit, leisure staff in Conwy county claim.
They have reported "significant improvements" in a scheme to boost the health of obese adults, attracted to e-bikes by the battery-operated motor.

Eating smaller portions may be the key to combat childhood obesity and their parents can lead by example.    Far cheaper for the parents and the taxpayers in the long run
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Quiggs on November 14, 2018, 11:22:56 am
They would probably lose more weight on an ordinary bike  :)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 15, 2018, 03:43:44 pm
I am sure you can imagine my first thoughts on this article  >:(  (Is this a local tax payers problem etc )............ I have reflected on various other schemes, the national, helping smokers to stop comes to mind, so I would be interested to hear other views.......
Electric bikes 'may combat child obesity in Conwy county'
Electric bikes could hold the key to helping overweight children get fit, leisure staff in Conwy county claim.
They have reported "significant improvements" in a scheme to boost the health of obese adults, attracted to e-bikes by the battery-operated motor.
Conwy's cabinet is being asked to match-fund £5,000 to buy five child-size e-bikes for use across the county.

Conwy council donate £5,000 for electric bicycles to help with obesity

A leading councillor has come out fighting in defence of a scheme which would see e-bikes used to encourage obese children to exercise more.
Councillors in Conwy voted on Tuesday to provide £5,000 match funding to pay for electric bicycles to be used to encourage overweight children into cycling.

But Cllr Louise Emery, the cabinet member for economic development, today hit back at public criticism of the plans, saying it was a solution to a health crisis.

Figures provided to the councillors showed that a third of children in the county had a problem with their weight, and that overweight kids were more likely to take up cycling if they used a bike with a motor to help them up hills.

Cllr Emery said: “It is quite an innovative project, but one that is a sign of our times and one which has riled people because what we are suggesting is that we are going to support the funding of electric bikes for children who have weight management difficulties.
“It is a sign of our times and we can rant about it and say this is a disgrace and that we have an obesity crisis amongst our primary school children. Yes, rant over, but now we have to find a solution.

“This is the answer being brought forward by the leisure team and this team is at the forefront of using cycling to promote health and wellbeing.
“The project they’ve put on for adults and they are planning to do for children is long outdoor rides on some of our many beautiful country roads where, when you go up the hill, you need a little bit of help.

“The aim is to get these children into traditional cycling. The alternative is that they just don’t go at all – they’re too embarrassed and they go and do whatever has caused their weight problem.

“I make no apologies for complaints saying it’s a waste of money. It is a solution.
“It’s terrible that it has to be a solution, but we have this problem with obesity and we need to sort it out.”
Members of the cabinet voted unanimously in favour of the plans.  ref Pioneer
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 15, 2018, 06:45:09 pm
I thought insanity couldn't get any more pronounced, but I was wrong.  This is a good example of people not having a clue what they're talking about.

First off, the obesity issue is not connected to the availability of electric bikes. It's down to other causes, such as - have I mentioned - bad parenting.

Secondly, the council tax payers should not have their money used for such an absurd purpose. The rather confused Cllr Louise Emery says it's 'a health crisis'. No, dear; the Black Death was a health crisis. Smallpox was a health crisis. This is bad parenting.

Thirdly, even if it were a health crisis, then why isn't the NHS supplying every overweight child with an electric bike? Last time I checked the NHS was responsible for health crises - not CCBC, who clearly have trouble even with basic logic and reasoning, let alone managing a 'health crisis'.

Fourthly, how did children become slimmer when there were no electric bikes? Let me think...oh, yes;  they played football? Did a lot of walking? Played tick?

Kids are not playing out as much as they did in days of yore. Partly this is to do with parenting and ignorant concerns over children being abducted. Kids are safer now than at any time in history. Except now they stand a chance of being mown down by some thundering, overweight 11 year-old weaving across the pavement like a deranged porpoise on an electric bike.  Of course a lot are glued to their iPhones, PS4s, Xboxes and TVs, almost certainly becoming in need of a surgical procedure to separate them from the things, but this is down to the stupidity of parents who don't force them to stop gazing into the infinite wastes of Fortnite and get out and - oh, meet some real people, perhaps.

Never has human society been in a more precarious position; children are glued to demonic boxes of tricks, gaining weight like cats being force-fed by indulgent owners, the electorate across the globe is apparently losing its collective mind, electing bullies, idiots and liars to the position of president, the political parties in the country are at war with themselves, let alone each other, we appear to be heading  towards a cliff edge of terrifying proportions because of a plebiscite called on behalf of some Tories who felt EU rules safeguarding workers were too strict and who secretly yearn for the days when they could get away with sending eight year-olds up chimneys, no legislation other than the so-called brexit deal has been considered for two years and we're continuing to poison our atmosphere day by, day yet an increasing number of people believe the world is flat.

What a wonderful time to be alive...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on November 16, 2018, 04:19:51 pm
Surely if they are going to give kids bikes then they should be the "normal" ones so they can get exercise by pedalling the things - you don't see any obese lycra louts, and you would get more bikes for the same money as well.

... and on a slightly different tack - how can CCBC justify putting up Council Tax so much (11%?) when they are wasting money like this ... I realise the amount planned for spending on bikes is only a fraction of the overall budget but how many other useless projects are going to be introduced?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: bigbadhenry on November 17, 2018, 08:54:14 am
Typical CBCC wasting our rates again and pleading poverty.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 23, 2018, 10:37:36 pm
Met Police scooter crash video released and it appears that the tactics are working


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46321720 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46321720)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 24, 2018, 09:31:13 am
Rough justice, if you can't stand the heat............. :'(
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 25, 2018, 06:52:46 pm
Sad times................   :(

Hero's saved woman from sea as bystanders filmed it instead of helping
Steve Griffiths, who is set to receive a bravery award, said the actions of others at the scene were 'a sign of the times'

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hero-saved-woman-sea-bystanders-15446228 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hero-saved-woman-sea-bystanders-15446228)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 30, 2018, 04:50:45 pm
Kids' hospice, a school and the Taxman among hundreds of creditors owed millions by Bodnant
Bodnant closes its today doors with debts of over £11m, owing everything from £9m to a director to £26 to some school kids


As Bodnant Welsh Food Centre is set to close its doors tomorrow, hundreds of creditors will face a long wait to see whether the money they are owed will ever be paid back.
The list of creditors runs to 230 names.

Ty Gobaith is owed over a thousand pounds, whilst Ysgol San Sior, in Llandudno, who supplied eggs to the farm shop is owed £26.
But the biggest creditor by far, according to paperwork sent to individuals and companies owed money by the Furnace Farm Ltd, which ran the site, is owner-director Michael McClaren, who is listed as being owed more than £9.6m by the company.

Others owed includes Tu Hwnt i'r Bont tearooms, in Llanrwst, who are owed £4,344 for the cakes they supplied to the shop, Gwynedd Confectioners £4,097 and Heartland Coffi, in Llandudno, £2,664.

The figures also reveal HMRC are owed over £34,000 for VAT and employee tax and national insurance.

Also on the creditors list is the Welsh European Funding Office, which is listed as being a creditor to the tune of £2.45m.
But when the Daily Post approached the Welsh Government, it said it was not owed anything, adding: "£1.97m of EU

Structural funds from the 2007-13 programme was used to help renovate derelict buildings, create retail facilities for local food at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre and generate investment in Conwy.

"The Wales European Funding Office (WEFO) is not owed any EU funds invested in the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre.”
REF DP
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 30, 2018, 06:14:05 pm
That is shocking, I never went there, could never see the point of the place!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 01, 2018, 04:52:18 pm
It's sad to see any local business close down and go into administration and I feel especially sorry for all those small businesses that are owed money from the company.    Quite often it puts a great deal of financial pressure on those small creditors and sometimes those creditors can go bust through no fault of their own.
It was good to see that a Mr Richard Reynolds was interested in taking over the lease of the property but I wonder who owns the freehold of the property?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46407902 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46407902)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 01, 2018, 05:38:37 pm
A bit more info, I found the other day,

Businessman Richard Reynolds, https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/09296384-love-to-eat-llandudno-limited  who hails from the area, has come to the rescue and looks set to buy the food centre which entered an accelerated sales process earlier this month.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 02, 2018, 11:04:16 am
Met Police scooter crash video released and it appears that the tactics are working

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46321720 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-46321720)

Theresa May has backed "robust" police tactics for dealing with criminals who use mopeds to commit crimes such as snatching bags or phones.
Footage of police ramming vehicles into scooters to knock off suspects provoked controversy, with the Met Police saying two thieves had broken bones.
Continued https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46416134 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46416134)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on December 03, 2018, 10:26:24 am
A bit more info, I found the other day,

Businessman Richard Reynolds, https://suite.endole.co.uk/insight/company/09296384-love-to-eat-llandudno-limited  who hails from the area, has come to the rescue and looks set to buy the food centre which entered an accelerated sales process earlier this month.
He owns the LoveToEat chain of cafes. Personally, I wouldn't touch Bodnant with a barge pole. Still, I suppose it's nice that Lord Aberconwy had all the buildings renovated by the Welsh Govt free of charge...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 03, 2018, 11:47:17 am
Dave,  it was reported that Mr Reynolds had bought the lease on the property, do you know by chance  who he bought it from?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 04, 2018, 10:56:32 pm
Conwy 'retirement area' pressure on care service claim


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46439814 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46439814)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 05, 2018, 11:38:53 am
Conwy 'retirement area' pressure on care service claim
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46439814 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46439814)

"Former cabinet member Chris Hughes said Conwy was now a place people went to retire, ..............while ex-deputy leader Ronnie Hughes hinted at priority for locals."

These Councillors should go far,
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 05, 2018, 02:02:54 pm
I hear Siberia's nice at this time of year...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 06, 2018, 12:05:42 pm
When a company goes into insolvency they quite often have numerous small creditors who have no chance of ever getting their money back and it is those small creditors that I feel sorry for.     In these difficult times it is hard enough for them to trade anyway without having companies going bust on them.
Unfortunately, I have seen a number of companies going bust and in some of them there seems to be a certain trend for example:-

Mr A N Other buys a property
A limited company is formed of which Mr ANO  is the main director along with at least one other
The ltd company starts trading from that property
A written agreement is drawn out whereby the company (  that's Mr ANO )  pays a fixed amount of money to Mr A N Other for the rent or lease of the property
The company trades successfully but then for whatever reason gets into financial difficulty and gets wound up
A list of creditors is drawn up by the Administrator and that will include Mr A N Other who will become a creditor to his own company

Non preferential creditors usually end up with nothing or very little as the company has no assets, the property of course is still owned by Mr ANO and it's all perfectly legal    ???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 07, 2018, 07:06:13 pm
Hugo, regarding your above post, it has an official title and the government are in the process of looking into this problem.  ?

Watching tonights BBC regional news, the term "phoenixing"  came up, with regards to a mr Samuel Goldman and the Cheshire festival, he declared liquidation  owing £400,000 and started again ready for the 2019 festival, not to mention his Xmas Fayre.

Phoenixing      https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=phoenixing+a+business&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enES433ES433&oq=pheonixing&aqs=chrome.4.69i57j0l5.18379j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=phoenixing+a+business&rlz=1C1CHKZ_enES433ES433&oq=pheonixing&aqs=chrome.4.69i57j0l5.18379j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

Cheshire Festival     http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2027357-family-festival-business-forced-call-liquidators (http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2027357-family-festival-business-forced-call-liquidators)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 07, 2018, 10:58:58 pm
Steve,   this practise has been going on for years and the government has been aware of it all the time.    Somehow I don't think that anything will come of it as what I've described is perfectly legal.
At one time I could reel out at least 9 or 10 companies that were phoenix companies run by the same director and at the same premises and one by one they went into liquidation but there was no comeback on the directors

It's the same with the tax avoidance system and unlike tax evasion is quite legal and  a former Chancellor of the exchequer could confirm this.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on December 08, 2018, 09:35:07 am
Yes Hugo it has been going on for years ,my one was the Pearl ins  who went on to become Phoenix   What a job I had getting my pension off them.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 08, 2018, 11:42:27 am
I'm glad that you were able to get your pension sorted out Norman, it must have been quite a worry for you at the time.   Unfortunately some people are not so lucky though and have to suffer through no fault of their own.
It is so easy for someone to set up a Limited company, you just need a minimum of two directors and if the company goes into liquidation then there is usually no come back on the directors even though they ran the company.
The company is responsible for any debts incurred and not the directors who ran the business

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 21, 2018, 12:49:04 pm
Over the years my attitude to "giving to charity" has changed, ......I found the opinion in this article interesting.

Don't give money to beggars this Christmas, says charity expert
A charity worker has explained how those in need can form an addiction to begging which can eventually ruin their life
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/dont-give-money-beggars-christmas-15581003 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/dont-give-money-beggars-christmas-15581003)

			
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 10, 2019, 12:32:55 pm
Although a commercial venture, it does seem like a good idea. ?

Superdrug opens nurse led clinic in North Wales as NHS 'waiting lists grow'

"Providing services like holiday or chickenpox vaccinations.
It also offers a drop-in where people can be seen by the nurse and be treated or signposted to other services.

This can include an online consultation with a doctor who can then prescribe medicines if required.
More    https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/superdrug-opens-nurse-led-clinic-15649069 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/superdrug-opens-nurse-led-clinic-15649069)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 21, 2019, 01:14:00 pm
City centres are in danger of becoming ghost towns as shopping habits change, a committee of MPs has warned.

To combat this, the government should "level the playing field" for High Street retailers by raising taxes on online giants such as Amazon, it said.

The MPs also called for lower business rates and more regeneration in town centres.

The government said it was investing to ensure High Streets "adapt and thrive for generations".

A fifth of UK retail sales now occur online with that proportion likely to grow, the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee said.               
Cont............  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47307865 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47307865)     with over 500 comments

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 26, 2019, 11:34:17 am
The tourism tax raises it head again............

The £1bn visitor plan - but councillors also want to explore tourism tax potential

The Welsh Government is looking at different taxes it could introduce - including putting a levy on visitors that could raise millions of pounds for cash strapped councils.
Tourism brings in £887 million to the county, from its 9.5 million visitors with one in four jobs in the Conwy being directly linked to the sector.
Cont..... https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/1bn-visitor-plan-councillors-also-15887154 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/1bn-visitor-plan-councillors-also-15887154)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 28, 2019, 02:44:09 pm
UK migration: Rise in net migration from outside EU

That's nothing new as migration from outside the EU has been greater than migration from inside the EU for a number of years.  It's not going to get better either if the recent migrant boats from France are anything to go by


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47400679 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47400679)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DaveR on March 01, 2019, 10:23:55 am
I was interested to see the comments by Labour MP David Lammy about Comic Relief - he was apparently affronted that a white tv presenter should go to Africa to film a piece about the work carried out by the charity. Being as 51.7m people in this country are white (81.9% of the population), who does he imagine is contributing all the money that Comic Relief sends to Africa every year?

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/feb/28/david-lammy-stacey-dooley-comic-relief-white-saviour-row-uganda-red-nose-day-film (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/feb/28/david-lammy-stacey-dooley-comic-relief-white-saviour-row-uganda-red-nose-day-film)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 01, 2019, 10:59:58 am
The most objectionable aspect of that saga for me was describing Dooley as a "television journalist".
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 04, 2019, 12:08:23 pm
'Fleecehold': Homeowner maintenance charges 'need regulating,   I wonder if it's happening in Llandudno. perhaps Llandudno is the main fleecehold town in North Wales?


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47803135 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47803135)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 10, 2019, 02:57:39 pm
Somethings make you feel old, really old, ... &shake&           

Now you can study Game of Thrones at this North Wales university

A North Wales university is one of only a handful in the world where Game of Thrones fans can study the HBO show as part of their degree.

The Realms of Magic module which explores Game of Thrones ' medieval roots is studied as part of the Medieval Literature and Fantasy degree at Bangor University .

Taught by Professor Raluca Radulescu, students learn about a topical set of novels and the Game of Thrones TV series as part of the course.                      more....  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/now-you-can-study-game-16106564 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/now-you-can-study-game-16106564)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 03, 2019, 09:43:25 am
Interesting concept..........

We'll tackle rubbish problem at Snowdonia beauty spots, say bosses - by taking the bins away
Natural Resources Wales say the move will cut the costs of collecting litter at car parks where they don't charge.

Natural Resources Wales, who have introduced the policy at some of their sites, said the move aims to reduce the problem of overnight parking and cut the costs of collecting litter from Geirionydd and Crafnant car parks in Snowdonia.   Cont..........

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/well-tackle-rubbish-problem-snowdonia-16358169 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/well-tackle-rubbish-problem-snowdonia-16358169)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on June 03, 2019, 01:00:43 pm
I suspect that instead of having overflowing bins and the mess around them the litter will now be spread over a far wider area so will not look as bad.

I am being cynical, just in case anyone thinks that is a serious comment.

But seriously though, yes people should take their litter with them but how practical is that if you're here for a week's holiday - can you find a bin when you do get back to civilisation or will that be overflowing as well.

The people who are supposedly running things seem to have some odd ideas and lack joined-up thinking - just what is the qualification to be a part of NRW or local councils?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 30, 2019, 02:45:22 pm
If the Government and Police think that using a hand held phone while driving is as bad as someone who drinks and drives then surely the penalty for the offence should be the same?
My wife's elderly friend's car was damaged by a woman who was driving whilst on the phone.   Hearing the sound of the crash the elderly friend came out of the cafe where she had been having a meal to find her parked car a possible write off and to rub salt into the wound this woman was still on the phone
What will the woman get for that?    Possibly 6 points on her licence and nothing else because the CPS may consider that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute the woman for dangerous driving
Thank goodness  the elderly lady wasn't in the car at the time and no one was injured by the offence
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 08, 2019, 01:48:23 pm
The plot thickens............

Mansion developers insist they will be 'fully vindicated' as police 'assess information' about former hotels
Council officials and police have met over the Mid-Wales hotels sold by Paul and Rowena Williams.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240)

For a further view point, the latest news from Jac. not a fan of the DP  ... https://jacothenorth.net/blog/ (https://jacothenorth.net/blog/)   

Plas Glynllifon mansion owner says they are selling the site
Myles Cunliffe said they were in the 'final stage' of negotiations with a hotel operator.
The joint owner of Plas Glynllifon mansion says they are selling the site - with final negotiations taking place with a hotel operator.

Paul and Rowena Williams bought Plas Glynllifon near Caernarfon in 2016 - promising a multi-million pound redevelopment into a luxury hotel.    Cont.....  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/plas-glynllifon-mansion-owner-says-16548787 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/plas-glynllifon-mansion-owner-says-16548787)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 08, 2019, 08:10:59 pm
I heard on the TV tonight that the Welsh Government are considering banning cars from parking on the pavement.    It won't be a blanket ban, but I don't envy how they will be able to sort this out.
Some roads in this area are so narrow that unless people parked on the pavement other cars couldn't be able to get past.  I'm not talking about those cars being an obstruction on the pavement as there are already laws to stop that type of thing.
It will be interesting to see just what they come up with and I'm sure that whatever it is will be controversial
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 09, 2019, 06:51:23 am
I thought that was part of the proposed DTI nation-wide ban on pavement parking. Under rule 242 of the Highway Code it says: ”You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.

Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 echoes this stating: “If a person in charge of a vehicle causes or permits the vehicle or a trailer drawn by it to remain at rest on a road in such a position or in such condition or in such circumstances as to [involve a danger of injury] to other persons using the road, he is guilty of an offence.”

But currently Police forces everywhere can hand out fines for pavement parking;  I suspect what's being tried is creating a level playing field.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 09, 2019, 09:54:34 am
I think that you can still park on the pavement  providing that it doesn't cause an obstruction,  in other words people can walk past it, electric scooters, prams etc can get past it too.
Also the car should be facing the correct way if parked there overnight
I believe from the report that London is the only city to ban vehicles from parking on the pavement, but it will be a nightmare in some streets around here if parking on the pavement is banned
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 09, 2019, 10:27:23 am
I had a quick look at various articles, and thought this worth a read, especially some of the comments......

Parking on the pavement - is it illegal? The definitive answer.... RAC view

Article and 105 comments plus a poll         https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/parking-on-the-pavement/ (https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/parking-on-the-pavement/)

By Roy Stobbart
"The issue here is that in many areas street parking more or less demands vehicles to park with 2 wheels on the path/verge. This is not just older housing estates but even roads in new estates are being built to the minimum width.
The potential new rules to be applied, as described in the above article, suggests motorists would be OK as long as the road required it. This needs a reasonable decision to be taken by the motorist.
Unfortunately we all know that there are a large number of motorists who do not behave in a reasonable manner or even consider the impact on others of where or how they park.
We cannot even rely on motorists NOT to park in "disabled" or "mother and baby" bays, even though they are clearly signposted.
If it is convenient for them to do so then they will park anywhere.
Unfortunately for the majority of considerate motorists the Dept Of Transport is more likely to base their considerations on treating us all as if we are inconsiderate of others
Likely outcome - they will bring in new parking rules, over zealous wardens will book as many as possible and the government coffers will find a new, highly rewarding, means of income.
When you are booked for parking how can you contest it? It will all be down to arguing the subjective meaning of the word reasonable and hearings will have to decide whether it is the warden (doing their job??) or the motorist (looking for space in a congested area) who has interpreted "reasonable" correctly - and that is down to a subjective judgement by the hearing"
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 09, 2019, 10:39:33 am
I  suppose what is going to happen is that common sense is being replaced by legislation due to the inconsideration and thoughtlessness of a minority of bad drivers.
That seems to be happening in all walks of life where the minority abuse the system and spoil it for the rest of us
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 16, 2019, 04:52:44 pm
First the headline.....Council's £80k plan to study AirBnB use in North Wales

then............."Gwynedd, which has more second homes than any other county in Wales, believe the cash-strapped council is missing out on £2m a year in potential revenue as owners of such properties seek to avoid paying the 50 per cent council tax premium."

I wonder how many studies are carried out by cash strapped councils, and if they just used common sense, how much would be saved.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/councils-80k-plan-study-airbnb-16594901 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/councils-80k-plan-study-airbnb-16594901)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 31, 2019, 01:57:50 pm
Am I being naive or is this more business than charity...........

Prominent former bank in Llandudno set to become charity shop under developer's rollout plan
The old RBS unit in the town has been targeted by Rob Lloyd for a new Sense charity shop.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 07, 2019, 10:36:21 am
A story in the DP this morning..............

A dog walker was surprised to find a safe dumped in bushes at the side of the road.
“I was walking my dog around 6pm Sunday evening down Llys Helyg Drive, Llandudno, It was clear it had been forced open, the floor it was bolted to had been cut, as it was still attached to the bottom of it."

“I was a little shocked and decided to post it on Facebook to see if anyone recognised it."

Even by today's standards, you contact the Police, and not social media first ?

Although surprisingly the Police have not been advised of a theft ?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 07, 2019, 10:51:07 am
Maybe some enterprising crook had dumped it there for safe keeping...  *cycle*
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 07, 2019, 10:53:23 am
It sounds like the modern mentality has exceeded itself there Steve, but why didn't the owner notify the Police.     Unless of course   ........

I remember a situation in the Flintshire area years ago when the owner of a property reported a  break in to the Police and alleged that a large amount of money representing the weekend's takings had been stolen from his safe
The Police went to his property and the incident was splashed out across all the local papers.
Amongst the readers of the papers were staff from the Inland Revenue who were also interested in the article and paid the gentleman a visit too       :o
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 18, 2019, 12:00:44 pm
I am not sure if I agree with these changes,  but we are reading a lot about drug related crime, which affects us all, and it would be interesting to see the results of the trials, mentioned below, and to hear others views ......   

Radical new approach to halt rise in Wales' drug deaths.      Interesting article from the Pioneer
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/17844647.boris-johnson-called-adopt-radical-new-approach-halt-rise-wales-39-drug-deaths/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/17844647.boris-johnson-called-adopt-radical-new-approach-halt-rise-wales-39-drug-deaths/)

Drug policy of Portugal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_policy_of_Portugal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_policy_of_Portugal)

Drug policy of the Netherlands.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_policy_of_the_Netherlands (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_policy_of_the_Netherlands)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on August 18, 2019, 01:18:19 pm
Poor drug users maybe get up in the morning and work , wouldn't need to rob for their drugs , lots of people in this country have had it bad but don't go down the drug route,sick of the rats around where we live , oh can't wait till this police commissioner visits Llandudno in November 😡
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 18, 2019, 06:25:05 pm
As long as drugs remain illegal there'll be problems. However, as the legal use and sale of alcohol has conclusively shown, by legalising drugs it does three things: regulates the quality of the supply, so the NHS has to deal with fewer cases of unintentional poisoning, creates a new revenue stream for the exchequer and puts numerous criminal gangs out of business at a stroke.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 29, 2019, 11:46:22 am
I am with the person who put up the sign, maybe a bit strong for some members of the passing public (children) but I understand why, I have used signs before, polite, ( not what I wanted to write ), I had an open garden/verge, most picked up, some just smeared and others let their dogs crash through the flower beds, probably on the end of a 30ft. lead,  I would not call these people responsible, I also include those who allow their dogs to pee anywhere, on recycling bags and boxes etc, bearing in mind these could be handled/taken in for storage, we assume both have been contaminated.

AN 'OFFENSIVE' notice has gone up in Llansannan urging owners to take their pets elsewhere - in a move to combat dog fouling.

Llansannan Community Blog posted a photograph of the sign on Facebook, which read: 'Take Your Dog Elsewhere to S*** as I am sick of getting covered in it when grass cutting'.
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/17867969.residents-react-39-offensive-39-sign-put-attempt-combat-dog-fouling-llansannan/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/17867969.residents-react-39-offensive-39-sign-put-attempt-combat-dog-fouling-llansannan/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 29, 2019, 12:25:46 pm
Some people are about as selfish as it's possible to be. Some dog owners are certainly less well trained than dogs.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 31, 2019, 11:55:31 am
The other day I was watching Songs of Praise and was quite moved watching Katherine Jenkins singing "Peace in the valley"   with the Birmingham Voices filmed at the beautiful national botanic gardens of Wales.     I enjoyed it so much that I looked it up on Google and have since bought the album.

Among the comments about the singer was one I came across, which I had almost forgotten about and it was a hacked email from a narcissist with an over inflated sense of self importance.   I'm talking about David Beckham the ex footballer and his rant was about not getting a knighthood that he thought that he deserved

I don't know what he is up to but the Daily Mirror is publishing photos of him that Beckham sends to the paper.  They are in it nearly every other day and it's getting a bit boring now.    Is he pushing his claim for a knighthood again?

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-beckham-allegedly-raged-against-9754803? (https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-beckham-allegedly-raged-against-9754803?)



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 19, 2019, 06:08:08 pm
This is scary case............. Especially with a trusted letting agent.

Couple lose their dream home because of who rented it while they were away
A husband and wife left their home in the hands of a letting agent, but choice of tenants put it in breach of housing regulations.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-lose-dream-home-because-16948514 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-lose-dream-home-because-16948514)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 31, 2019, 03:46:14 pm
We have some friends on the Wirral who told us about the Mischief trouble in the area, it is no longer mischief, it is criminal.

Mischief Night incidents including arson attacks have been seen in towns and cities.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-46045064 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-46045064)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 31, 2019, 06:15:34 pm
Liverpool appears to be one of the worst hit, but Liverpool has long had a history of vandalism and general trouble, starting on or around mid-September and continuing until after Nov 5th. This is not a tradition; it's simply gangs of teens making life miserable for the majority.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SAJ on November 01, 2019, 11:10:09 am
It is a shame that such groups give such a bad impression of young people. Fortunately,
the majority of youngsters are well-behaved and enjoy this time of year without resorting to mindless acts of vandalism. I am happy to report that our "trick or treaters" last night, aged between about 3 to 16 years, were a delight. All were dressed for the occasion and I think, appreciated our efforts to decorate our garden for Halloween. It was good to engage with them and in the case of the younger ones, their parents. One little group handed me the attached note.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 01, 2019, 11:43:16 am
Excellent, good to hear, glad your efforts were appreciated.  clappinghappy
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 01, 2019, 12:09:50 pm
Yes,  we tend to forget that the majority of young people are decent and well behaved.      It's the small minority that grab the headlines and spoil it for others
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2019, 03:25:05 pm
Why has it taken so long to think about this and not have it in law?         The Government is going on and on about not enough houses being built but does nothing about Developers "land banking"      Anwyl Construction is not the only one sitting on land and doing nothing about developing the land, perhaps if the were taxed on it then it would make them do something about it.      Let's hope that the Government back date the tax while they are at it


https://www.capital-law.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/vacant-land-tax-what-you-need-to-know/ (https://www.capital-law.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/vacant-land-tax-what-you-need-to-know/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on November 24, 2019, 08:18:00 pm
Hugo another one is behind the railway station, how long has he sat on that land.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2019, 11:09:34 pm
That's a good point Norman, it would have made a good site for a Cinema complex if Mostyn Estates hadn't interfered at the time and the project went to the Junction instead
It could still make a good site for a Youth Centre or other facilities for young people and there would still be enough room left for affordable housing for local people
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 28, 2019, 03:07:35 pm
I am not sure if (all of) this investment, is good judgement, especially after reading the BBC report below.

A £14.5m investment is set to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Schemes in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea are among those to benefit from ‘active travel’ funding by the Welsh Government.

The investment aims improve and create more travel routes and facilities in Wales. In total, 66 active travel projects, as well as six multi-model schemes, will benefit.  cont    https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18066817.active-travel-projects-gwynedd-anglesey-llandudno-rhos-sea-colwyn-bay-benefit-investment/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18066817.active-travel-projects-gwynedd-anglesey-llandudno-rhos-sea-colwyn-bay-benefit-investment/)


BBC report  No increase in cycling in Wales despite active travel law
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-44230493 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-44230493)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 18, 2019, 11:46:02 am
I bet... most of the profit comes from those who cannot afford it, and it is now drawing children as well ..........

Bet365: UK's best-paid boss hits £320m jackpot

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50834994 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50834994)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 22, 2019, 10:14:02 am
Those who believe there's no harm in increasing government surveillance should consider just how many devices are lost by the police (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/12/20/think_tank_brummy_bobbies_keep_losing_their_tech_kit/) each year. Apparently, the UK police have lost 2,600 mobile phones, laptops, police radios, and other assorted gadgetry over the past three years.  What price the safety of our information?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 27, 2019, 02:26:50 pm
Strange things seen in the sky over North Wales in 2019



https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/strangest-things-seen-skies-over-17449094 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/strangest-things-seen-skies-over-17449094)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 28, 2019, 10:22:03 am
The blue skies phenomenon has a more down-to-Earth explanation, I suspect; I've seen it before - when a mattress was thrown by yobs onto overhead train electric cables. I'm guessing it's a similar explanation.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 10, 2020, 01:20:08 pm
The plot thickens............

Mansion developers insist they will be 'fully vindicated' as police 'assess information' about former hotels
Council officials and police have met over the Mid-Wales hotels sold by Paul and Rowena Williams.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/mansion-developers-insist-fully-vindicated-14955240)

For a further view point, the latest news from Jac. not a fan of the DP  ... https://jacothenorth.net/blog/ (https://jacothenorth.net/blog/)   

Plas Glynllifon mansion owner says they are selling the site
Myles Cunliffe said they were in the 'final stage' of negotiations with a hotel operator.
The joint owner of Plas Glynllifon mansion says they are selling the site - with final negotiations taking place with a hotel operator.

Paul and Rowena Williams bought Plas Glynllifon near Caernarfon in 2016 - promising a multi-million pound redevelopment into a luxury hotel.    Cont.....  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/plas-glynllifon-mansion-owner-says-16548787 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/plas-glynllifon-mansion-owner-says-16548787)

I hope the WG gets its grants back, this lot need to be jailed.

High profile Gwynedd hotel goes into the hands of receivers
Seiont Manor Hotel has joined Plas Glynllifon mansion under the control of administrator Duff and Phelps.

This week saw receivers Duff and Phelps appointed to the stately home Plas Glynllifon , which is owned by the same people as Seiont Manor.

Paul and Rowena Williams bought Seiont Manor in 2016.
Mylo Capital Limited - run by Myles Cunliffe - entered into a 50/50 partnership with the couple on the nearby Glynllifon mansion and Seiont Manor last December.

cont    https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/high-profile-gwynedd-hotel-goes-17544664 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/high-profile-gwynedd-hotel-goes-17544664)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 21, 2020, 10:47:52 am
This is a ridiculous situation.

NHS faces huge clinical negligence legal fees bill.
"Estimates published last year put the total cost of outstanding compensation claims at £83bn. NHS England's total budget in 2018-19 was £129bn."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51180944 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51180944)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 21, 2020, 04:47:36 pm
It has been in the news recently that Terrorists face being made to undergo lie detector tests as part of a package of tougher sentences and monitoring protocols to be introduced in the aftermath of the London Bridge terrorist attack last year.

Convicted extremists would spend longer in jail and serious offenders would not be eligible for early release under proposals to be announced by the government.   

Apart from the fact that serious offenders should never be released early in the first place, perhaps the lie detector tests should be extended to include murderers, rapists or sex offenders or any other revolting crime.

Before anyone mentions the fact that you cannot rely on Lie detector tests because they are not 100% accurate,  they should have a thought  about how accurate are the Parole Boards decisions.     The circumstances surrounding the London killings prove the weaknesses in the present system

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/terrorists-will-face-lie-detector-tests-before-jail-release-538mtnhxw (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/terrorists-will-face-lie-detector-tests-before-jail-release-538mtnhxw)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 06, 2020, 10:27:17 am
This mornings BBC article "Water and sewerage bills set to fall by about £17 a year" I thought that makes a nice change, but we already do OK here in Wales, because Welsh Water is a non profit making company....... so a bit of a shock to find, that out of the ten water companies, we are the second highest in both England and Wales.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51391761 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51391761)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 06, 2020, 01:08:15 pm
That's some good news Steve but thank goodness Dwr Cymru is a non profit making company or otherwise we would be top of the table.

We are blessed with plenty of the natural resources and other water companies will also be reinvesting too so how come we pay the second dearest water charges, are the management charges or fees greater than those of the other companies?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 07, 2020, 11:49:30 am
I am thinking this is more unnecessary expense, surely space could be found in an existing local government building ?

Welsh Government wants new north east Wales office
The Government said its 'recognised the need' for them to have a presence across Wales

Welsh Government currently has departments based at Caernarfon and Llandudno Junction - which was opened in 2010 to relocate civil servants out of Cardiff.

Now they plan to open a working office in north east Wales for the Minister for North Wales - which is currently Clwyd South AM Ken Skates.    cont   https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-wants-new-north-17705537 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-wants-new-north-17705537)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 07, 2020, 04:09:29 pm
I watched this video of the two thieves blatantly stealing something from the car and wondered why on earth have the heads of the two crooks been blurred out.
There appears to be no human rights for the victim of this crime and I would have thought that the pair would have been recognised sooner if the heads had not been blurred out


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/shocking-cctv-footage-catches-men-17693348 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/shocking-cctv-footage-catches-men-17693348)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 14, 2020, 03:50:39 pm
This from my post on the Shops thread..... which got me putting on my cynical head ? but not to a conclusion, perhaps some interested person might find one.

"The 'ghost road' at the heart of Colwyn Bay - and how it can be saved
Station Road was once at the centre of retail in the town but is now full of empty units.
"Rates dearer than rents"       “This is better than having a street with lots of charity shops that don’t pay rates."
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213)

I remembered reading this https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/prominent-former-bank-llandudno-set-16673213)
I thought strange why would a developer do this....

And today
Prominent Llandudno retail unit snapped up after auction
The retail site on Mostyn Street in the resort was bought after bidding ended this week.

A prominent unit in the centre of Llandudno has been snapped up after auction.
The retail site next to Marks and Spencer - which was recently occupied by the Sense charity - went up for auction with Allsop this week.

The site failed to reach its reserve price at the auction at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge in London.
But Allsop revealed it was sold after the auction. The price has not been confirmed.

The site had been occupied by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) but they closed the branch in 2018.
It was empty until last autumn when charity Sense took on the lease as part of an investment by developer Rob Lloyd, who plans to open 20 stores in Wales.
They signed a 15 year lease on the property which is opposite the Victoria Centre. The current rent is £38,000 per annum.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/prominent-llandudno-retail-unit-snapped-17748514 (https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/prominent-llandudno-retail-unit-snapped-17748514)


The links below are to various articles, relating to business rates re charity shops, and those registered through a trading subsidiary.
Sense to open its first 20 charity shops in Wales ://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/sense-to-open-its-first-20-charity-shops-in-wales.html

Councils trying to charge charity shops full business rates - See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/councils-trying-to-charge-charity-shops-full-business-rates.html#sthash.Gi6D9ySc.dpuf (https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/councils-trying-to-charge-charity-shops-full-business-rates.html#sthash.Gi6D9ySc.dpuf)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 27, 2020, 10:20:57 am
Child poverty in North Wales - the awful truth
New Government figures reveal there were almost 26,000 children living below the breadline in the region last year.

There are five other neighbourhoods in North Wales where more than a third of children are estimated to be living in poverty.
Two are in areas of Colwyn Bay, one in Pensarn, one in Rhyl and one in Queensway, Wrexham.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/in-your-area/child-poverty-north-wales-awful-18143680 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/in-your-area/child-poverty-north-wales-awful-18143680)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 13, 2020, 01:08:16 pm
All lives matter
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 15, 2020, 01:29:17 pm
Is it just me ? £600.000 plus to park 109 cars..........   &shake&

Works on a new park and share facility to ease traffic congestion and tackle 'fly parking' on Anglesey is nearing completion

Ruthin-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK was appointed by Anglesey County Council to deliver the project, near Gaerwen, which is set to improve journey times and subsequently benefit the environment.

The scheme, awarded to Jones Bros for an original sum of £600,000, is funded through Welsh Government Local Transport Fund.

The facility comprises of 109 parking spaces adjacent to junction 7 of the eastbound carriageway of the A55 North Wales expressway near the £20m Menai Science Park.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/a55-park-ride-tackle-fly-18406106 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/a55-park-ride-tackle-fly-18406106)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 06, 2020, 05:28:25 pm
When I was a young boy and living in Cwm Place I could see a tower on the hill and we all called it Granny's Armchair because of the shape of the ruined building.      Years later I found out the purpose of the building and it made you realise the dangers people were living in in those days.     Slavery has been going on for thousands of years and while it is abhorrent to people now we can't change  our history but it does confirm that all lives matter


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/terrifying-story-behind-early-warning-18481944 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/terrifying-story-behind-early-warning-18481944)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: spotty dog on July 06, 2020, 06:29:54 pm
I couldn't agree with you more Hugo
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 08, 2020, 10:34:57 am
I don't know. At the moment all three governments subscribe to what is an outmoded economic theory. Modern Monetary Theory, a heterodox, macroeconomic theory that describes currency as a public monopoly is the new and current model.

In that theory, a modern democracy is only limited in its money creation and purchases by inflation, which only accelerates once the real resources (labour, capital and natural resources) of the economy are utilized at full employment. Since no modern democracy normally achieves full employment, it can be argued that inflation won't, in fact, increase.

This theory sounds wild, until you realise there's a lot of emerging evidence underpinning it. For example, since 2008 the bank of England has been printing billions, yet inflation is now at its lowest ever level.

The entire global economy has been drop-shocked by Covid, yet inflation still seems very low.

The USA national debt is in the trillions, yet their inflation is low. So it's quite possible the Welsh government could simply write off the debts by putting a line through them. It'll be interesting see how it plays out.

They do seem to be throwing money at everything these days, a lot of headlines like ......

Everyone in the UK could be given a £500 shopping voucher to help save the high street under new plans unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak,  the £30billion scheme could save hundreds of thousands of jobs amid a looming recession.
cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18568111.everyone-get-500-voucher-save-high-street/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18568111.everyone-get-500-voucher-save-high-street/)

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a £2bn "kickstart scheme" later to create more jobs for young people.

The fund will subsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53324201 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53324201)

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners will receive vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements, with the poorest getting up to £10,000.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to set out a £2bn grant scheme in England for projects such as insulation as part of a wider £3bn plan to cut emissions.
The Treasury said the grants could help to support more than 100,000 jobs.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53313640 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53313640)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2020, 03:18:27 pm
Looking at today´s report on fake virus health certificates, brought up another chilling counterfeit problem..........

Nearly a quarter of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) pilots have been found not to hold valid licences.

An investigation following the Karachi air disaster in May, in which all passengers and crew lost their lives, revealed that 262 of 850 pilots had potentially fake licences or ones containing irregularities.

It was believed that many had not even taken the Pakistan regulator’s pilot qualification examination.

cont  https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/pakistan-international-airline-pilots-fake-licences-karachi-a9620211.html (https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/pakistan-international-airline-pilots-fake-licences-karachi-a9620211.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 29, 2020, 11:51:05 am
A couple of articles to ponder, ........While the USA is taking steps to reduce the dependency for foreign supplies, the UK is sending £71.000.000 aid to China 

Better known for making cameras, Kodak has moved into drug making and has just secured a $765m (£592m) loan from the US government.
The fallen giant of the photography industry will make ingredients used in generic drugs to help fight the coronavirus.

Announcing the loan, the US government said it wanted to reduce dependency on foreign countries for medical supplies.
"If we have learned anything from the global pandemic, it is that Americans are dangerously dependent on foreign supply chains for their essential medicines,"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53563601 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53563601)


Dominic Raab is to slash aid money to China following outcry over a £71 million package sent to the world’s second-largest economy in a single year.
The UK aid money sent to China was also used to train Chinese citizens to use technology, helping it settle business disputes, urging it to “support human rights” and to qualify teachers.

Millions were also given to the China prosperity fund, which gives money to schemes that “address market failures and weaknesses that impede China’s inclusive economic growth”
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/foreign-aid-money-china-dominic-raab-a4506646.html (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/foreign-aid-money-china-dominic-raab-a4506646.html)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 29, 2020, 03:08:24 pm
It must be hard on families who have had a bereavement during the lockdown but the rules are there for a purpose to prevent the spread of this virus and apply to all of us as we are all in it together,  or are we?
What about the 200 plus mourners that attended a Gypsy funeral or the same number of people who attended a funeral at a Mosque,  do the rules not apply to those communities too?


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53573259?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wales/north_west_wales&link_location=live-reporting-story (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-53573259?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wales/north_west_wales&link_location=live-reporting-story)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Robbie G on July 29, 2020, 04:07:55 pm
Hugo in a word no ,They are classed as the socially  disadvantaged in other words untouchable 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on July 29, 2020, 04:19:55 pm
It must be hard on families who have had a bereavement during the lockdown but the rules are there for a purpose to prevent the spread of this virus and apply to all of us as we are all in it together,  or are we?
What about the 200 plus mourners that attended a Gypsy funeral or the same number of people who attended a funeral at a Mosque,  do the rules not apply to those communities too?

The good news is that there is a far more likelihood of the virus spreading amongst such gatherings. Nature usually finds a way of eradicating idiots.  :occasion6: What's social distancing anyway and surely that's for other people not us.  :occasion6:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on July 29, 2020, 07:24:16 pm
Went into Llandudno Mostyn Street on foot today for first time since March ... was amazed at how busy it was, just like a normal day ... but there was quite a bit of grouping and hardly any social distancing ... I got some strange looks as I took a wide swerve around oncoming people.  Felt that I should have a 6' stick to wave at them, as I doubt anyone knows just what 2 metres looks like.  All the outside eating places seemed busy - I didn't stay long, just had to do some banking to do, then went home.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 29, 2020, 07:55:23 pm
I'm concerned that because some restrictions have been relaxed the less intelligent will assume it's al over.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on July 30, 2020, 01:22:45 am
We've had a huge influx of people into the town as lockdown has eased, whether it turns out to be the right thing or not, only time will tell. Luckily I'm not trying to earn a living any more being happily retired, so I have a very biased view on the easing of the restrictions. I'm still wearing a face mask when I go out and like DVT I still maintain my social distancing. I wouldn't dream of using any of the outside eating or drinking places, no matter what it's doing to the local economy and just hope and pray we don't have a second wave of infection. aaa.gif
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on July 30, 2020, 02:32:16 am
Whenever we have had good reason to walk into Mostyn Street, we are surprised to note that visitors in a family bubble think it is alright to walk 4, 5 and 6 abreast and even 7 or 8 abreast on the promenade.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on July 31, 2020, 11:35:32 am
Just had a look on West Shore Webcam. Never seen it so busy, has everything gone back to normal ?

Heading towards another spike by the look of it.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on July 31, 2020, 11:53:44 am
No doubt more will get cut off on the sandbanks today. It's been packed all week.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on July 31, 2020, 11:55:33 am
I wonder how many are from Greater Manchester ?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2020, 12:12:08 pm
I see what you mean about the web cam Mull, the place is heaving with tourists and the cafe is doing a good trade too.    The all seem to be enjoying the lovely hot weather but it's going to be a long Winter when the second lockdown comes!

I should imagine that the RNLI will be called out at sometime during the weekend Norman and possibly on both shore as the idiots are everywhere
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 31, 2020, 12:25:42 pm
I wonder how many are from Greater Manchester ?

Possibly quite a few Mull and probably from other areas of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.     Leicester have been able to pinpoint where their outbreak arose and Blackburn, Darwen, Rochdale and Oldham may have been able to but will the authorities tell the public.
Probably not as it may not be PC          &shake&
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 31, 2020, 12:48:56 pm
I wonder how many are from Greater Manchester ?

Motorists urged to plan ahead if they are coming to Wales
Traffic Wales North & Mid #KeepWalesSafe
@TrafficWalesN
Planning a trip to North Wales?
 
Peak traffic times are between 12pm and 6pm.
This graph 👇 shows last Friday's traffic on the #A55 heading Westbound.
Please plan ahead it is extremely busy across the network today.
Check here and on http://traffic.wales (http://traffic.wales)  for live updates

'Holiday traffic' backing up
According to the Inrix traffic monitoring system - cameras are showing traffic is extremely heavy in the area - as holiday traffic makes its way across Wales.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/live-severe-delays-a55-broken-18694160 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/live-severe-delays-a55-broken-18694160)

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 09, 2020, 02:48:09 pm
I have a friend who lives in Holland and after he retired from work he built himself an ocean going yacht but before he could actually sail the boat he had to pass a certificate to say that he was competent to sail the vessel although he had been in the Dutch Royal Navy for over 20 years 
It made me wonder why people in the UK can just go out and buy a motorized craft without proving that they have the ability to sail it safely.
We have to pass a driving test in the UK  to prove that we can drive a car so why  don't we have to pass a test to sail a motorized boat and this latest tragedy in the Menai Straits made me think about the issue


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-dies-after-menai-strait-18740569 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-dies-after-menai-strait-18740569)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 06, 2020, 10:41:55 am
Motorhome's...........Asset or obstacle.... I have never been sure, my own opinion (limited/uninformed) is that they take up parking space, do not spend money, after bringing their supplies with them, I have passed many parked up on Gloddaeth Ave. sitting inside drinking tea etc, and always the hint of emptying their waste ?   :-\

Motorhome group wants French style facilities in every North Wales town

Campaign for Real Aires UK believes it would boost tourism ?

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/motorhome-campaign-group-wants-french-18881457 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/motorhome-campaign-group-wants-french-18881457)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 30, 2020, 02:58:33 pm
Ascension Island: Priti Patel considered outpost for UK asylum centre location


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54349796 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54349796)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 08, 2020, 03:37:01 pm
Jet Skis seem to be getting more and more popular but they don't seem to be regulated in any way,         As Cllr Thomas has expressed in the article  “It’s bizarre that there’s really no regulation to control boats capable of travelling at speeds in excess of 40mph by anyone regardless of their age and without the need for training, insurance or a licence at all,”

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/licences-should-compulsory-anyone-using-19239243 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/licences-should-compulsory-anyone-using-19239243)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 13, 2020, 11:23:42 am
It's rather sad really when someone has nothing better to do than post spurious posts online and this is the latest one he has posted.   I did think twice about posting this as I didn't want to massage his sad ego but in the end I decided to do it.
I wonder where this saddo will target next?

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/denbighshire-village-home-most-ridiculous-19436258 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/denbighshire-village-home-most-ridiculous-19436258)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 13, 2020, 11:57:32 am
This is the first I've seen of this site. It's registered with LCN.com in Worcestershire and appears to have a countrywide coverage. There's a familiar feeling about it; I've seen something similar before but can't remember where.

 Most of the directors of the company were involved with the same companies in the past: virtual servers and the like. But one of them was involved with NORRIS GROVE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED (03990362) while one of them - Irene Lesley HARRISON held, at various times, 4563 appointments with a plethora of companies. For anyone with the interest or a fair bit of time on their hands, here's the link to her 4,563 (https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/92B1lkrhglG18nVxFN0gumpmezU/appointments?page=1) appointments.

The article to which you link, Hugo, is carefully written, mainly to avoid being successfully sued, but I remember writing for a computer magazine many, many years ago and the magazine's editors started a regular feature which spent its time rubbishing contributors.  A sort of Piers Morgan approach to journalism.  The interest shown by the DP makes me a tad suspicious. After all, the only thing newspapers want is for readers to read the ads, which helps pay the wages.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 23, 2020, 09:46:41 am
The start of 2020 was bad and the situation in the UK has only got worse as the year is coming to and end.   The situation for   Winter and Spring in 2021 doesn't look good but there are some positive thoughts to take forward to help us when things start to improve
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 23, 2020, 09:58:38 am
 $good$        $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 15, 2021, 12:36:12 pm
Mrs H told me this morning about a couple looking to book a caravan holiday in Cornwall, as this year's trip had to be cancelled due lockdown, they contacted the same firm to book a one week holiday, to be told the cost would be over £2000, more than double last year's  £900, the explanation given was "supply and demand", either very busy or expecting this year's clients to pay for their 2020 losses, let's hope this is not the majority way of thinking, hardly encouraging the British public to holiday in the UK. especially at this time when I believe we all need to support our businesses by "Buying British" an old slogan........... but I think a good idea these days ?    anyone feel the same way ?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on February 15, 2021, 02:10:26 pm
Apparently, the price of cruises for 2021 and 2022 are also ridiculously high.

I would not book one anyway until I know the ship will definitely be sailing and we are both fully insured.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 19, 2021, 04:28:45 pm
PASS THE BUCK WEEK!

A few weeks ago a car was left on a pavement outside a house I know that in unoccupied.    It has not moved in all the time that it has been there and when I went past it this week I saw the Registration plate and found that the tax and MOT had expired.    I thought that it was either stolen or abandoned so I made enquiries:-

OPTION 1  CONTACT THE CCBC AND REPORT IT AS ABANDONED
THE WEBSITE SAID  You should not report a vehicle as abandoned just because:  Untaxed, SORN or without MOT) -
It went on to add:-
You should report an untaxed vehicle which is on a public road to the DVLA on the DVLA website
You can check if a car has an MOT or has been declared off the road (SORN) on the GOV.UK website.
If a vehicle doesn’t have an MOT and is being used on a public road, you should report this to the Police by calling 101.

OPTION 2   CONTACT THE DVLC
This is not really an option because as a debt recovery agency the DVLA is not fit for purpose.      The road tax expired in October 2019 and the DVLA has done nothing about it

OPTION 3  PHONE THE POLICE ON 101
That is exactly what I did and after explaining the situation to the male operator I was told that the Police could do absolutely nothing about it unless the car was being driven.     I was then advised to contact the CCBC               &shake&

OPTION 4
 >?>??                >?>??                  >?>??
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on March 19, 2021, 07:53:58 pm
Hugo that's a little bit like passing the buck, not one of them are bothered.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 20, 2021, 08:35:21 am
The Police do a difficult job under sustained pressure so it's nice to try and help them in any way we can to make their job that bit easier. The response I had was very disappointing,

Is the car stolen, abandoned or involved in any illegal activity or breaking Covid Regulations?   Now we'll never know.

What we do know for certain is that the car is illegally parked, has no road tax, MOT or insurance

It would be a farce if there wasn't a serious side to this case.     Since the abolition of the paper road tax disc the UK Government is losing over £100 million ponds each and every year because of this type of incident.     It's money we need right now especially after this pandemic that we are in at the moment
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 26, 2021, 12:10:57 pm
Manchester United player Brandon Williams guilty of not giving driver's details   But at Mold Magistrates' Court solicitor Nick "Mr Loophole" Freeman successfully argued he should not get points on his licence.
Why would he employ a high profile lawyer to deal with his case unless there was another motive?


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56529599 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56529599)
.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 22, 2021, 01:42:25 pm
This pandemic has highlighted the sleaze and cronyism that abounds in certain political parties and the gap between the richest and poorest people in the UK has widened as a result

A good example of this is with the proposed planning application for housing development on Bodafon Fields.         Lord Mostyn  by a cunning act in Parliament secured most of the common land in Llandudno for nothing.     Yet he is able to sell the same land to developers and does not have to pay Capital Gains Tax on the sale of it.    It's morally disgusting and will never change, certainly not by this present Government
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 24, 2021, 02:32:10 pm
'We're only human...people don't give us a chance' - Travellers in Prestatyn speak out
North Wales Live spoke to members of the travelling community who have set up camp on Bastion Road.      I suppose we are quick to judge but time will tell when the travellers leave the area


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/were-only-humanpeople-dont-give-20441073 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/were-only-humanpeople-dont-give-20441073)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 24, 2021, 03:31:55 pm
They are their own worst enemy....................................they receive the respect they give us
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 28, 2021, 04:32:41 pm
Unauthorised' camp set up on football pitch beside North Wales Police HQ
Around five caravans have arrived on the field beside the force's Colwyn Bay base

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unauthorised-camp-set-up-football-20482096 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unauthorised-camp-set-up-football-20482096)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 29, 2021, 10:20:44 pm
Pupils told to learn from home after school says 'travellers' have camped on playing field
Caravans have been seen parked up on Rhyl High School grounds


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/pupils-told-learn-home-after-20497618 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/pupils-told-learn-home-after-20497618)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 30, 2021, 10:26:01 am
ridiculous, especially after all the time they lost over the last year.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 03, 2021, 03:39:51 pm
What's going on?     They seem to be invading N Wales


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/two-high-schools-closed-after-20516678 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/two-high-schools-closed-after-20516678)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 13, 2021, 02:02:13 pm
ASSAULTS on emergency workers in Wales are on the rise, new data has revealed.

More than 4,240 assaults were committed against emergency workers, including police, fire and ambulance crews, in the period April 2019 - November 2020, representing a monthly average increase from 202 in 2019 to 222 in 2020, or 10 per cent.

Assaults ranged from kicking, punching and head-butting, to spitting, slapping, biting and verbal abuse.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19300440.rise-assaults-emergencyworkers/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19300440.rise-assaults-emergencyworkers/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 06, 2021, 10:01:03 am
It will be interesting to see if this will be successful, we can only hope.

The G7 group of advanced economies has reached a "historic" deal to make multinational companies pay more tax.

Finance ministers meeting in London agreed to battle tax avoidance by making companies pay more in the countries where they do business.

They also agreed in principle to a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% to avoid countries undercutting each other.

Tech giants Amazon and Facebook are among those likely to be affected.

The deal announced on Saturday, between the US, the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy and Japan, plus the EU, could see billions of dollars flow to governments to pay off debts incurred during the Covid crisis.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-57368247 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-57368247)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 06, 2021, 11:57:03 am
In principle it's a very good idea but don't expect it to happen quickly as there will be opposition to it from many quarters.     From Countries with low taxation rates to politicians with vested interests.     

Legalised fiddling has been going on for hundreds of years and it won't stop overnight.     From the likes of Mostyn Estates obtaining common land through Acts of Parliament to the Tory George Osborne who was chancellor of the Exchequer at the time and his family firm that allegedly avoided paying £2 million in tax  by using one of the many loopholes that exist in the system.        I would expect a lot of opposition from the Conservative Party to passing this legislation through.

A fairer tax system should have been introduced many years ago and because it hasn't been introduced the gap between the rich and poor has been growing ever wider.   The principle is good but only time will tell if it can be introduced world wide
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on June 06, 2021, 12:53:17 pm
Good for the G7, 15% is a very reasonable and fair fate of tax to charge multi national companies. Now all we need is for the G20 to agree and we could be well on the way to seeing this implemented.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 06, 2021, 05:14:44 pm
It is a good suggestion, is fair and long overdue but implementing it won't be straight forward

Expect opposition from Russia ( currently suspended from the G8 )    China and even the European Union as Ireland, Luxembourg and   Leichtenstein have vested interests in the lower tax rate of tax

An Irish subsidiary of Microsoft paid no corporation taxes last year despite posting profits of $315 billion





Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 17, 2021, 03:39:40 pm
Seems like a good idea, any comments ?

The UK government will develop a freeport in Wales even if the Welsh government does not agree, the Welsh secretary has said.

Simon Hart told a committee of MPs "we would rather do it as a team effort than have to resort to reserved powers, but it is a commitment".

A freeport is a zone where companies can pay less taxes and have lower business rates.

Welsh ministers reject accusations they are an obstacle to freeports.

In May they said they had raised concerns and sought an agreement on the plans.

Mr Hart acknowledged that the Welsh government determines business rates and planning in Wales, but said there was a "real determination" from UK government departments, local authorities and port authorities to set up a freeport in Wales.

Mr Hart told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee a freeport could create 15,000 Welsh jobs.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-57511919 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-57511919)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 31, 2021, 01:27:22 pm
Employee shortages: Where have all the workers gone?

It's not often that economies face the disruption we've endured in the last year, and none of us should be surprised that it's taking the labour market a while to settle down.

But some are wondering whether Covid is triggering an historic rebalancing of power between the bosses and the workers.

No-one in their right mind would compare Covid to the Black Death, which wiped out enough of the workforce in the 14th Century for peasant labour to be in short supply, with the result that farm wages rose by several tens of percent over the following years. Covid has certainly not disrupted employment in anything so direct a fashion.

But pandemics can accelerate social and economic change. In particular, in the last year, Covid has prompted many foreign workers in the UK to return home to sit things out. We can't be sure all will choose to come back.

Anna Janczuk, the founder of a large Polish community organisation in Ealing, west London, told me that most of her close friends had moved back to Poland: "What they value is the close contact with their family. They re-evaluated their choices and priorities."

Add Brexit into the equation, and the old assumption that companies can just hire extra people from Eastern Europe to fill any gaps can no longer be taken for granted.

Anecdotally, Covid has also led to more than a few people to think about what matters to them and to retire early or to leave employment to start a business of their own. Economic "inactivity" has risen during the pandemic, as data from the Office for National Statistics highlights.

These are all developments that make life harder for employers, who would thus expect to pay more to find the workers they need - not just for the pandemic, nor for the pingdemic, but for ever after.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58014256 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58014256)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on August 01, 2021, 06:47:38 am
Yes indeed, and the situation on staffing is actually a crisis in many towns and cities in the U.K.
Llandudno is particularly badly affected, with a large percentage of the hotel staff having been from EU countries can not, or will not return.
Similarly the laundry companies who used to collect and deliver to the hotels every day, are now coming every three to five days.  This causes hotel managers to close off rooms which cannot be serviced, and thereby pushing prices up for the remaining rooms.
Care homes too, and NHS ancillary workers. 
They are no longer deemed to be key workers, although we clapped on our doorsteps for them a year ago.
Slaughter houses and meat and chicken processing plants are without staff too, as are the farms that supply them.
All in all it’s an inflationary spiral which is already evident, but has only just begun.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on August 01, 2021, 10:00:47 am
...the situation on staffing is actually a crisis in many towns and cities in the U.K.
Llandudno is particularly badly affected, with a large percentage of the hotel staff having been from EU countries can not, or will not return.

And the hotels often have only themselves to blame, as they made a large number of their key staff redundant.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 01, 2021, 10:01:23 am
A piece this morning, adding to the employment problem.......

Covid: One in five firms plan job cuts as furlough tapers - survey

The British Chamber of Commerce said extra training was needed to deal with thousands of redundancies predicted.

From Sunday, government payments reduce to 60% towards salaries, with employers paying 20%.

The government said the approach was "right" and meant "we can focus support elsewhere" as the economy recovers.

According to the most recent figures up to 30 June, about 1.9m workers were on furlough, down from a peak of 5.1m in January.

The government said 11.6 million jobs have been supported since the Job Retention Scheme launched in April 2020.

The scheme is due to close at the end of September.

cont   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58043041 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58043041)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 05, 2021, 10:07:39 am
I did not know about this legality, and if I had seen the same thing, I would have been worried, despite the religious aspect, it still  seems a very liberal law.

Sikh man Prabjot Singh was left "embarrassed" after being kicked out on a trip to North Wales with pals.

The incident unfolded after Mr Singh travelled from the West Midlands on July 30.

The families had visited Aber Falls before heading to Tir Prince Fun Park in Towyn, Conwy.
Staff at the park noticed the six-inch kirpan around his waist.

A kirpan is a religious sword or dagger which Amritdharis must wear.
And they are legally allowed to do so in the UK for religious reasons under the Offensive Weapons Bill.

cont  https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/sikh-birmingham-dad-handcuffed-kicked-21230006?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/sikh-birmingham-dad-handcuffed-kicked-21230006?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 05, 2021, 11:05:36 am
I think that I'd be  worried too because in the hands of the wrong person then who knows what might happen.     Not exactly religious
 but when worn as part of the national dress of Scotland, the sgian-dubh is legal in Scotland, England, and Wales. so the Scots should have the same equality:
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 08, 2021, 10:35:22 am
The shortage of drivers due to Brexit, is in the news now almost daily, a simple answer is to improve conditions and wages, and it would also reduce unemployment, is that to simplistic, is it back down to people who do not want to work, easier pickings else ware ?

"The average salary for a Truck Driver is £30,200 gross per year (£2,010 net per month), which is £600 (+2%) higher than the UK's national average salary. A Truck Driver can expect an average starting salary of £24,200. The highest salaries can exceed £60,000."


The Welsh haulier facing its biggest crisis in 50 years
It's the name on the back of many a lorry you pass on the motorway, but Owens Group is facing a huge challenge caused by Brexit

Owens Group runs 250 vans doing home deliveries, approximately 500 HGVs alongside 850 trailers. The company moves around 4,000 truck loads of goods per week. It has a turnover of around £100 million a year alongside a reputation of being one of the most successful haulier services not only in Wales but the whole of the UK.

But he is now facing one of his most difficult times in charge. With 1,000 drivers at the company’s disposal, Owens Group has still found itself 150 drivers short of where it needs to be. Ian warned that the supply chain needed drastic action today to help tackle the ongoing driver shortages which he described as their “biggest challenge in fifty years”.

“The supply chain is smoking and it is at the point now where it is on fire, circumstances have meant this has been a problem brewing for years. It’s a perfect storm, everything that has been going wrong, currently is and I don’t know what the short term solution is to it, it is worrying” said the managing director.

The company is at a point where it, like many other hauliers across the country, is having to limit its deliveries which has been a contributing factor to the lack produce and goods being found on Welsh supermarket shelves.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-haulier-facing-biggest-crisis-21255082 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/welsh-haulier-facing-biggest-crisis-21255082)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 22, 2021, 02:56:39 pm
Dog owners could be hit with £5000 fine for switching to harness instead of a collar
All pets must wear identifiable tags by law.     The law seems to have gone barking mad!     Laws for micro chipping, dog fouling etc but who actually enforces the law?

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/dog-owners-could-hit-5000-21639141 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/dog-owners-could-hit-5000-21639141)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 01, 2021, 03:05:53 pm
Council (Tax payer money) working with new (Private) owners of Kinmel Hall to progress much needed roof repairs    &shake&

Kinmel Hall, located near the village of St George in Abergele, was purchased by a mystery buyer at auction for £950,000 in May.

Fears were raised that the Grade I property had only another five years in its current condition before further damage, including roof collapses.

A spokesperson from Conwy County Borough Council said: "We’re in ongoing dialogue with the owners, currently concentrating on progressing the roof repairs to stop water ingress."

It is understood the new owners are from the area.

“The previous owner of Kinmel Hall had it for 10 years, but sadly did nothing with it.  &shake&

“Hopefully the new owner has lots of exciting plans and we will see this magnificent building returned to its former glory".   &shake&

https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19619157.council-working-new-owners-kinmel-hall-progress-much-needed-roof-repairs/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19619157.council-working-new-owners-kinmel-hall-progress-much-needed-roof-repairs/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 13, 2021, 06:13:43 pm
Has the world gone mad?   

Warning to Ring doorbell owners after court rules device ‘invaded neighbour privacy’
Dr Mary Fairhurst could be awarded £100k in damages as a result of the landmark hearing


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/warning-ring-doorbell-owners-after-21848508 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/warning-ring-doorbell-owners-after-21848508)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 15, 2021, 03:06:02 pm
I wonder why he had four ring doorbells. all presumably recording.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 18, 2021, 10:05:30 am
Saying all the right things, BUT ...........

Wales economic plan to retain and attract young people as nation faces demographic timebomb
Economy minister Vaughan Gething is holding an Economic Summit today with business, union and council leaders

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-economic-plan-retain-attract-21887559 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-economic-plan-retain-attract-21887559)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on October 18, 2021, 10:10:35 am
The brightest and best of the young folk move to England, simply because that's where they can get the highly paid jobs. I also wonder whether a lot have become disenchanted by the Brexshit vote.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 22, 2021, 01:47:15 pm
Interesting article, especially the comment "producers becoming more efficient than their UK counterparts." which covers a lot more than just the lamb/farming industry, a lot of British businesses need to look at themselves closely, between Brexit and covid, there is no standing on your past successes.

Wales' farmers have been left outraged by a new UK trade deal with New Zealand that risks bringing more cheap lamb into the UK.

UK imports of New Zealand lamb are expected to rise 40% in the wake of the deal, leaving Welsh producers at risk of being undercut .

"Welsh Lamb was 34% more expensive than New Zealand lamb.”

"New Zealand doesn’t have farm subsidies and, on Facebook, some users suggested this had led to lamb producers becoming more efficient than their UK counterparts.

Others pointed to the way subsidies have created a European food market with artificially low prices that does not reflect the true costs of food production"

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-pub-ditches-expensive-welsh-21935424 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-pub-ditches-expensive-welsh-21935424)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 23, 2021, 10:26:13 am
Dylan's lost sales as Covid and Brexit left restaurants short staffed - so this is what bosses are doing
The restaurant chain was under-staffed over the busy summer because of a lack of workers so has set up a new academy

bosses will create an apprenticeship training programme for young people who are seeking a career in hospitality, with a guaranteed job at the end.

Working with schools across the regions, Dylan’s aims to demonstrate to parents and headteachers that promoting careers in hospitality is a responsible and worthwhile objective. Dylan’s is also working with local partners in education, to offer a complete package of support throughout the training period.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dylans-lost-sales-covid-brexit-21945525#comments-wrapper (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dylans-lost-sales-covid-brexit-21945525#comments-wrapper)


I am a cynical person, and have a suspicious mind, so I am leaning more towards the comments below this article.............

3 comments...
Rather quiet on where the money's coming from.... Dylan's is a serial grant harvester rather like Mr Taylor and his underground elasticated experiences.
Sadly in Wales, you don't need to be any good at business, you just need to fill in a good application.


Good for Dylan's, but I doubt that funding for these apprenticeships will come from the business, I would suggest that Coleg Menai will be funding most of the training at their site in Llangeni, Dylan's get the publicity and the credit whilst Coleg Menai can justify their existence.


Were there grants to do this ? i wonder, after all North Wales has three outstanding Catering colleges already, with no disrespect to Dylans, any prospective student needs to be made aware of what hospitality work really entails, long hours, low pay, non existent union representation, close contact with potential covid spreaders, the dependence on a good summer, the winter layoffs, the impact on family when working mostly evenings and weekends whilst your non hospitality friends can have a normal social life.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 01, 2021, 10:27:48 am
THE MP for Aberconwy, Robin Millar, has urged the Welsh Government to match UK Government support to businesses in England that would have a hugely significant impact for many businesses across the region.

While unveiling his Budget in Parliament on Wednesday, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, announced a 50 per cent discount on business rates for businesses in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors.

But as the setting of business rates is devolved to the Welsh Government, businesses operating in those sectors in Wales will not be entitled to the discount.

Mr Millar has called on the Welsh Government to set a level playing field between businesses in Wales and England, and to ensure businesses in Wales are not disadvantaged by matching this discount once the current Welsh Government business rate support scheme comes to an end in April 2022.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19682262.mp-calls-welsh-government-match-uk-government-business-support/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19682262.mp-calls-welsh-government-match-uk-government-business-support/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 04, 2021, 12:12:15 pm
Mrs H told me about this road sign in Craigside Llandudno but I had never noticed it before, but yesterday I saw it for the first time.
When you are going along Colwyn Road in the direction of Penrhyn Bay and you pass the Bodafon Fields the sign is on the right just after Ffynnon Sadwrn Lane.
It's a warning sign to beware of Deer on the road!     Now I've been travelling past there for over 70 years and never heard of any Deer being there let alone seeing one.
Does anyone know what that is all about as I have no idea whatsoever?        I could understand it if they had a warning sign for Goats but not for Deer
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 04, 2021, 12:41:48 pm
I think it could be a new general warning re wildlife, including the goats, that moved into that area.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on November 04, 2021, 02:37:27 pm
Mrs H told me about this road sign in Craigside Llandudno but I had never noticed it before, but yesterday I saw it for the first time.
When you are going along Colwyn Road in the direction of Penrhyn Bay and you pass the Bodafon Fields the sign is on the right just after Ffynnon Sadwrn Lane.
It's a warning sign to beware of Deer on the road!     Now I've been travelling past there for over 70 years and never heard of any Deer being there let alone seeing one.
Does anyone know what that is all about as I have no idea whatsoever?        I could understand it if they had a warning sign for Goats but not for Deer

Perhaps CCBC can't tell the deer from the goats, never mind the sheep !!!     $bounce$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 04, 2021, 02:52:11 pm
I think it could be a new general warning re wildlife, including the goats, that moved into that area.

Well it's time the Goats moved back to the Abbey Road area and CCBC  can relocate the signpost there        ;D
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on November 04, 2021, 03:45:01 pm
Oh dear, no kidding - says he sheepishly !
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Nemesis on November 04, 2021, 04:05:57 pm
I think it could be a new general warning re wildlife, including the goats, that moved into that area.

Well it's time the Goats moved back to the Abbey Road area and CCBC  can relocate the signpost there        ;D

 Really Hugo ! I'd heard that they were being re-located into the Old Colwyn Area $hands$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 08, 2021, 02:56:21 pm
I think it could be a new general warning re wildlife, including the goats, that moved into that area.

Well it's time the Goats moved back to the Abbey Road area and CCBC  can relocate the signpost there        ;D

 Really Hugo ! I'd heard that they were being re-located into the Old Colwyn Area $hands$

I don't need any Goats up here as I've already got enough problems.    I've had to put up a 1 metre high wire fence that Teddy the Terminator can't jump over and used plastic garden pegs to stop him going underneath the fence.       Now he's learnt how to pull up those pegs and crawl under the wire fence.      This morning I found many of the branches on the small acer broken and all over the garden and as for the few Common Spotted Orchids that I've left in the lawn, well they went months ago              >?>??
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 08, 2021, 03:26:28 pm
There is a rumour he has been seen at the Tool Hire shop    :o  .......................
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 17, 2021, 10:07:00 am
This subject is a pet hate of mine, the cost and waste of police time through drink is disgusting, I believe the sentences have to stronger and enforced, I watched a police programme last night, there were car break ins, assaults, criminal damage to shop windows and domestic violence, all through drink, and the strongest reprimand was a caution, unbelievable, this story appears to be aimed at those being released from prison, but, I still think the weekend drinker who causes problems needs stiffer penalties.

Criminals committing alcohol-fuelled crime face drinking ban as Wales launches 'sobriety tags'
The device was designed in a bid to reduce booze-related crime, which costs £21 billion a year and will be rolled out here before England

Criminals in Wales could be banned from drinking to cut alcohol-fuelled crime.

Anyone who commits alcohol-fuelled crimes can be banned from drinking and ordered to wear a "sobriety tag" by judges.
The criminals can for forced to wear the tag for up to a year.

Offenders with an alcohol ban on community sentences have stayed sober on 97 per cent of the days they were tagged.

Offenders released from prison face being banned from drinking from today under world-first plans to curb alcohol-fuelled crime.

For the first time, serious and prolific offenders will be tagged with devices to monitor alcohol levels in their sweat.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/sobriety-tags-launched-wales-drunks-22185467#comments-wrapper (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/sobriety-tags-launched-wales-drunks-22185467#comments-wrapper)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 18, 2021, 12:57:03 pm
Austria orders lockdown on unvaccinated people

The country doesn't have a good record on vaccination anyway but if the vaccination has been offered to everyone then perhaps what they are going to do is fair.
Personally in the UK I think that this system may be unenforceable and the restriction of unvaccinated people to nightclubs, sporting venues etc may be much easier to control.       After all the minority of defiant anti vaccine people can't have it both ways in the middle of this pandemic      I'm sure that if those same anti vaccination people contacted Covid then they would expect the NHS to treat them.   They have no thought whatsoever for the staff of the NHS who have been under sustained pressure for about two years
Having the vaccination and wearing a face mask can benefit the whole of the UK 


https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3156033/austria-orders-lockdown-unvaccinated-covid-19-resurgence-grips (https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3156033/austria-orders-lockdown-unvaccinated-covid-19-resurgence-grips)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 18, 2021, 08:22:01 pm
It has to be said however, that 11% of NHS staff have thus far chosen not to be vaccinated either.
They must have their reasons, and who is to say that they are not right?
Those women who were pushed into having Thalidomide injections in the 1960’s wouldn’t have done so had they known.
I’m vaccinated myself, by choice, eventually..... but I’m very much against compulsory vaccinations of anything, ever.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 19, 2021, 12:00:44 pm
If it is true that 11% of NHS staff have thus far chosen not to be vaccinated either, then we will have a serious staff shortage in the NHS when it comes to the crunch
I don't know the exact figures but I believe that a great portion of the people with Covid that have been admitted to hospital have not had the vaccine.
Why is this happening, the anti vaccine people spread all types of unproven propaganda in the media but are quick enough when they get Covid to take the places in hospital of others who through no fault of their own have serious medical conditions.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 19, 2021, 05:13:52 pm
The 11% of unvaccinated staff in the NHS was from a BBC news article last week.
I’m sure when push comes to shove, that number will reduce.
But, should it?
You wouldn’t think that NHS workers would fall for online anti vax propaganda.
So, they have their reasons.... some personal, and others may be more fundamental.
But I would defend their right not to be injected if they are very much against it.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 19, 2021, 06:11:22 pm
Good Lord!
I’ve just seen that Austria will be the first country to have compulsory vaccinations.
This is madness.
They are also locking down everyone, including those who ARE vaccinated!
I favour Hugo’s suggestion, simply deny hospital treatment to The unvaccinated (if it comes to that)
But don’t punish the vaccinated.
What are we facing here?  Are they going to press gang people in the street?   Forced injections?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 19, 2021, 06:51:28 pm
Some people are naturally immune, so their reasoning might be if they've not caught it, yet then they're unlikely to. But doctors can't simply withhold treatment; they are legally obliged to provide it. Similarly, to insist on everyone getting vaccinated would require a change in the law.

It's a thorny question but the law, as it stands, might allow for compulsory vaccination. Given the lethality of this disease, it could be compared to a man going around with a loaded sidearm. The question then becomes does society have a right to forcibly deprive that person of the weapon or, in the case of vaccination, dies society have the right to protect the rest of the people by force?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Blongb on November 19, 2021, 07:35:14 pm
I’m vaccinated myself, by choice, eventually..... but I’m very much against compulsory vaccinations of anything, ever.

Your quite right in what you say Fester, but  the rest of society has a right to be protected from an uninformed minority who through their misguided and unreasoned attitude help to perpetuate the spread of this killer virus. Where would we be today if the older generation had said no to smallpox, polio, measels, mumps,  rubella and even flu vaccinations. Social media and the idiots who spread their have baked ideology should be prosecuted and held responsible for the consequences of their actions. Those who choose to go unvaccinated need to be excluded from mixing with the rest of society who has followed the proven science, not the rambling theories of the conspiracy theorists 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Fester on November 19, 2021, 09:31:31 pm
I hear what you’re saying, but can’t agree with all of it.
If I feel strongly that I don’t trust a substance that is about to be injected in to me,  or if I believe that the chances of me being seriously ill from Covid are slim, then I would resist it with my dying breath.
The protection of others question, is an issue for them.
If three vaccinations isn’t enough to protect the vulnerable, then my participation won’t make much difference.
I don’t feel that way, but I do support the rights of those who do.
Would I let an unvaccinated nurse treat me, or my old Mum?   Yes, damn right I would.  Because I am protected even if they are not.
As I’ve said,  I am fully vaccinated.... but I can’t bear to live in a society where forced injections become the norm.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 19, 2021, 11:03:27 pm
I didn't mean or imply that people who are not vaccinated should not be entitled to go to hospital if they contact Covid.    Of course they are entitled to do so just like the rest of the population are.
What I was getting at was if these anti vaccination people had had the vaccine already then the effects of Covid would not be so severe and they would not have to be admitted to hospital and thus freeing up beds for those people who are urgently in need of treatment.

In the UK we see regular incidents of selfishness and irresponsibility by defiant and stupid people.   Those who venture on the mountains and in the sea ill prepared and who expect others to come out and rescue them and in doing so putting their own lives in danger,
Would the RNLI and the Mountain Rescue teams hesitate going out to rescue these type of people?   The answer is no simply because they are there to save lives.
It's just like all the staff in the NHS, they risk their lives on a daily basis even if the patient has ignored scientific and medical advise to have the vaccine the carry on regardless
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 28, 2021, 10:20:10 am
The 8 new laws coming into force in 2022
From a smacking ban to 'no fault' divorces, here is what you need to know

Throughout the last year, a number of new laws and restrictions have been introduced across the UK - and next month there will be a whole new set.

The start of 2022 means new legislation coming onto the statute book, both in Wales and Westminister.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/8-new-laws-coming-force-22552862 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/8-new-laws-coming-force-22552862)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 17, 2022, 03:55:50 pm
We have talked about work ethics in the past or lack of...........Mrs H told me about this post on FB today ...........

"Desperate for work... laboured for all different types of trades for few years, brickies, plasterers, plumbers, floor fitters, roofers, painters and decorators, I've done it all, I'm 23 years of age, hard worker, don't mind lifting and moving heavy stuff all day everyday, out of work at the moment simply because of the time of year, willing to do anything, work all the hours, and willing to work me A*** off!
Thanks in advance."

The response was brilliant, many well wishers, and at least three offers of work, a good example for a lot of people out there.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 17, 2022, 08:20:53 pm
Very refreshing to hear and good luck to the young man.   He deserves to get on for his intuition alone

Any contact details Steve?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 18, 2022, 10:26:34 am
Sorry Hugo, would appear contact only through the FB, "Llandudno need to know" site.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 18, 2022, 11:27:22 am
That's me snookered then Steve,  luckily I don't need any one at the moment but I wish the guy well.
It's refreshing when someone looks for work like he does   $good$
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 18, 2022, 01:54:47 pm
NORTH Wales Police is currently recruiting Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers to help stop speeding vehicles in their local communities.

The role involves working with North Wales Police with the aim to:

Reduce the risk of death, injury and collisions
Improve the safety and quality of life for local communities
Increase public awareness of speeding and other traffic offences
Monitoring locations are chosen by the volunteers who are then trained in the use of hand-held speed monitoring devices to record the speed of motorists driving through their village or parish

Operating at the roadside in 20, 30 or 40mph zones, volunteers monitor the speeds of passing vehicles using portable or tripod mounted speed indicator devices. Some devices signal their speed to the drivers, others don’t.

The volunteers record the speed and details of vehicles travelling above the speed thresholds. The registered keepers of vehicles observed exceeding these limits are then sent warning letters by the police.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19855855.north-wales-police-hunt-community-speed-watch-volunteers/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19855855.north-wales-police-hunt-community-speed-watch-volunteers/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 29, 2022, 10:50:34 am
Where are Britain's missing million workers?

There could be as many as a million missing workers in the UK job market, experts say.

Latest figures suggest that the vast majority of livelihoods survived the end of the furlough scheme, designed to protect the economy from the ravages of Covid.

Fears of a huge spike in unemployment when the support was withdrawn have failed to materialise.

On the contrary: with vacancies at a record high of 1.2 million, many employers are struggling to cope with a shortage of skilled workers.

On Thursday, the government announced plans to get 500,000 jobseekers into jobs by the end of June, with those claiming Universal Credit having to look for jobs outside their chosen field more quickly or face sanctions.

So how has that happened?
Well, since the onset of coronavirus, there has been a big rise in the number of people classed as "economically inactive" - that is, people who are not looking for jobs and are not available for work.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reckons that there are 400,000 more people in that category than there were before the virus hit.

Full article  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60039923 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60039923)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 31, 2022, 10:16:53 am
Wales' public sector rich list: The best paid officials in the nation
Some 14 of Wales' top officials earn more than £200k a year

We've scoured the accounts published by public bodies across Wales to put together a list of the highest paid public sector officials in the nation.

There are a massive 432,500 people working in the public sector here, according to Stats Wales, and just 14 of them earn more than £200k a year.

For our list, we looked at public bodies including health boards, councils, universities, the Welsh Government, BBC Wales and quangos to compile a list of the best-paid bureaucrats in the nation. If we've missed anyone out, please let us know in the comments.

Salaries are just one part of the total bill for the executives at the top of the tree. With some officials still benefiting from a final salary pension scheme, a promotion can mean a huge jump in the value of their pension pot - the cost of which will be met by the taxpayer.

The person in Wales whose total remuneration this year was the largest in Wales was not the highest salaried executive but a longstanding official at Swansea Bay health board whose promotion to interim finance director meant that he will now be entitled a major increase in his pension and lump sum at retirement.

The board's annual accounts show that it has had to account for a £427,000 increase in the value of his pension pot over the year. It's now worth more than £1m. This won't be paid out all at once but, in the words of the accounts, "reflects the increase in 'cash-equivalent transfer value' effectively funded by the employer", which it has had to book on its accounts this year.

cont...  Interesting informed article ........... also 66 comments

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-public-sector-rich-list-22881153?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper (https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-public-sector-rich-list-22881153?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 17, 2022, 03:51:15 pm
P&O Ferries has paused its services "in preparation for a company announcement" later on Thursday.

The ferry operator said it was not going into liquidation but all ferries had been instructed to stay in port.

Union RMT urged the firm to protect jobs amid speculation that hundreds of crewmembers could "be sacked and replaced with foreign labour".

As a result some sailings scheduled for today have been cancelled, with passengers told to use other companies.

P&O services scheduled today include 14 between Dover and Calais, three between Liverpool and Dublin and seven between Larne in County Antrim and Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs in the Commons he was "concerned" about the reports and "will be taking steps later today including ensuring that my officials are having urgent discussions with P&O about the situation".

A P&O Ferries spokesperson said: "P&O Ferries is not going into liquidation. We have asked all ships to come alongside, in preparation for a company announcement. Until then, services from P&O will not be running and we are advising travellers of alternative arrangements."

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60779001 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60779001)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 24, 2022, 09:22:06 am
The energy price increase must be frightening for most people, especially as you get older.    What irks me a bit though is when I see people in their houses getting interviewed and they are complaining about the cold yet they sit there in short sleeves and still expect to be warm.     Sadly that situation is a luxury most people can't afford to do nowadays.
I know from experience that myself and Mrs H both feel the cold more in the Winter now and when it has been very cold I've even worn my walking base layer when I've been indoors.
A chance conversation with a friend while walking our dogs made me buy something for my wife that gave me brownie points and will come in very handy again for next Winter for her.
I bought an OODIE for her It's like wearing a blanket and has a hood and sleeves.    They are unisex and come in one size only.    That's a 6XK   :o       However they do work and I just wish that I had known about them at the start of the Winter
It's not a fashion accessory but a practical bit of clothing for wearing indoors in cold weather
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 09, 2022, 02:03:37 pm
An exodus of over-50s who left the workforce during the Covid pandemic is fuelling wage inflation, says the boss of John Lewis.

Dame Sharon White said any government must think "really hard" about how to get more older people back into work.

The UK has seen one million people, mostly in their 50s, leave work since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak.

That "inevitably" causes wage inflation, said Dame Sharon.

The number of "economically inactive" people - those without a job and not seeking to work - is higher than before Covid struck, according to the Office for National Statistics. Retirement is the most popular reason given by people aged between 50 and 70 for not working.

Read more  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62471260
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 03, 2022, 05:14:25 pm
Something to think about as the energy bills are rising

The worst appliances for draining electricity when you're not using them
The cost of energy is through the roof so anything that can help lower bills is worth considering


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/worst-appliances-draining-electricity-youre-25163235
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 07, 2022, 10:26:38 am
Three hour daily blackouts could hit UK this winter warns National Grid - who ask public to help
Households are being encouraged to help avoid blackouts, 'save money and back Britain' by using more energy during off-peak times

The first planned blackouts in decades might hit parts of the country this winter if power plants cannot get enough gas to keep running, the body that oversees Britain's electricity grid has warned. Households are being encouraged to help avoid blackouts, "save money and back Britain" by using more energy during off-peak times.

In what it called an "unlikely" scenario, the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said that households and businesses might face planned three-hour outages to ensure that the grid does not collapse.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-hour-daily-blackouts-could-25195090
Title: Re: Points to Ponder..... Update
Post by: SteveH on October 07, 2022, 02:46:22 pm
Update on above.........

The government has decided not to launch a public information campaign on reducing energy use this winter after the prime minister's office raised objections, the BBC has been told.

A source said there was a "reasonably well-developed plan" to encourage household energy saving.

But Climate Minister Graham Stuart denied a Times report that a campaign had been blocked by Downing Street.

He said UK energy was secure despite a National Grid warning of blackouts.

Its message about possible power cuts was based on a worst-case scenario of gas shortages if the energy crisis in Europe escalates.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) was considering plans to encourage households to switch off their appliances and heating to conserve energy whenever possible during winter.

However, the BBC was told the department was stopped from taking the plan forward because of objections from the prime minister's office and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

DHSC sources said they did not believe they had played any specific role in any decision, but indicated there might be broad "concern about the elderly being afraid to turn on their heating".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63170588
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on October 08, 2022, 10:08:39 am
There are legal challenges being made to the decisions by OFGEM on the increase in energy costs. This hasn't been covered in the press. There is a duty under The Equality Act 2010 and Article 14 Human Rights Act 1998. They have to consider the effect on vulnerable people and other groups who may be subject of discrimination as a result of the hike in prices.

https://goodlawproject.org/news/fuel-poverty-challenge/

https://www.current-news.co.uk/news/good-law-project-to-pursue-legal-action-on-ofgem-over-energy-price-cap-rise

You can get an idea of OFGEM's attitude by their response to a request under The Freedom of Information Act.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/increase_in_the_energy_price_cap#outgoing-1360430

The legal challenge has been made by The Good Law Project along with other participants.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 08, 2022, 10:25:34 am
It does bring up the fact, we are just accepting what they say, and worrying over the costs involved, are we getting too complacent  ?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 11, 2022, 10:45:10 am
It would appear people got used to sitting at home during the lock downs, lost the will to work, and to continue their education.

Unemployment: Fewer working in Wales as jobless figure falls
The number of people in Wales not available for work was 38,000 higher than in the three months to May and 52,000 higher than the previous year.

People in the is category are not available for work because they are ill, caring for someone or a full-time student. It is much higher in Wales than the average for the UK.

Only Northern Ireland and the North East of England have higher levels economic inactivity.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63212189


People not looking for work due to illness hits record high
The fall in the number looking for work has helped to push the unemployment rate to its lowest for nearly 50 years.

The jobless rate fell to 3.5% in the three months to August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The number of job vacancies fell again, although the level still remains high with many firms struggling to recruit.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63204333


The lock downs also affecting education numbers.........

Absenteeism from school is storing up problems for young people for "decades to come", a senior MP has warned.
Education Select Committee chair Robert Halfon said more than 100,000 "ghost children" had not returned to school since the coronavirus pandemic began.

In March, the committee warned of an "epidemic" of inequality, exacerbated by the loss of learning due to Covid.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-63175472
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 14, 2022, 10:00:35 am
Another hint that there maybe shortages this winter.................. &shake&

The UK's energy watchdog will call on the public to cut how much gas and electricity they use this winter to guard against the risk of shortages.

Ofgem is set to launch a campaign to show people how to reduce energy use.

Ofgem boss Jonathan Brearley is expected to say that a supply emergency is unlikely.

But he will also warn the coming months could be "difficult" and "we cannot at any time, particularly this winter, eliminate all risk".

The initiative, set to be launched in a speech later on Thursday, comes as the government appeared to change direction on its own public information campaign to cut energy bills.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63242050
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 19, 2022, 10:29:01 am
I would prefer banning them, but public displays could soon disappear due to costs.

Should fireworks be banned from public sale?
There are calls for fireworks to be banned from public sale

For some they are a source of entertainment and spectacle, however for others they are a nuisance and even in some cases a dangerous weapon. Last year, there were reports of horror stories involving fireworks such as yobs throwing fire works at riot police and with them even used against firefighters in Greater Manchester.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/should-fireworks-banned-public-sale-25293258

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 19, 2022, 01:36:00 pm
I felt so sorry for this person when I read the link attached.    People are concerned about energy costs but try to keep warm in any way they can, but you should not put boiling water into a rubber hot water bottle.





https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63305764
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 19, 2022, 02:18:59 pm
I just wanted to add to my posting above by saying that a few years ago we bought a SnuggleSafe microheat pad for our dog as we thought  that he felt the cold at night.
They are really good and they retain heat all night, in fact we were so pleased with the one we got for the dog that this year Mrs H  and I have bought one each

Another item I would recommend for anyone feeling the cold and wants to save on their energy bills is an Oodie.    I bought one earlier this year for Mrs H and I'm still in her good books!

https://theoodie.co.uk/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SnuggleSafe-Microwave-Wireless-Heatpad-Fleece/dp/B0014LJKUA




Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 02, 2022, 10:42:03 am
Immigration in the UK, is a contentious subject, I usually lean towards more control, but watching, the latest series of Trawlermen hunting the catch, has me thinking, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001csmc  I noticed the crew numbers numbers were made up of approx 70% foreign workers, from memory, Africans, Sri Lankans, Romanians, Poles, Indians and Pakistanis, the other 30% seemed to be family members, we have said on here before that British people no longer seem to want to work, [or is it to easy not to have to work].

A search found this information.....  Migrants in the UK Labour Market: An Overview

https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/migrants-in-the-uk-labour-market-an-overview/



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 02, 2022, 11:33:17 am
The immigration situation is a hot topic right now. I wonder where we shall all end up as it seems the Tories want more immigrants to be allowed in to be cheap labour for the businesses. Carlisle is full of illegal immigrants who have been shipped up from the south as it is cheaper to house them there. Most of them are being housed in hotels and this must be costing a fortune. There are at least 660 Ukrainians in Dumfries and Galloway. Many of them are housed in hotels and one large 3 star hotel in Dumfries (The Station Hotel) has been full of them for ages now. I know there has been a scheme to take them into people's homes but from what I have heard this has been problematic. The local council is currently trying to obtain temporary accommodation for many of them but this is very scarce. Other immigrants have been taken in as it is cheaper to house them in this area. The amount of housing is very limited and the locals are having difficulty getting housed.

I wonder what the position is like in North Wales? Have they sent thousands of immigrants there because they cannot afford to house them in the south of England?

The media seem to be playing it as these are desperate people who deserve our sympathy. Most of them are not genuine refugees but want to come to the UK for a better life than they have at home. We cannot house half the world because they decide they want to live here from choice. I read that 12,000 Albanians have come over the Channel. 10,000 of these were single men. They are not asylum seekers and do not qualify to live here. All of the people who come over in boats from France cannot be said to be refugees, or asylum seekers as they are in a safe country to begin with. Despite the government making noises about stopping the boats coming over, precisely nothing has been done to remedy this although they have had years to do something. I conclude it suits them for these to enter this country. We do not have the housing, or resources, to continue to take thousands of people who decide they want to live in the UK. A genuine effort to control the situation is needed as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 02, 2022, 05:09:57 pm
Helig,    you are right in what you say about the immigrants and this government has done nothing positive to stop it.     Nearly 40,000 have come here illegally this year and that number is about equal to  the population of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay combined.   Now if that isn't an invasion against the UK then I don't know what is.
There are too many do gooders and Human Rights issues that prevent immigration control from functioning properly
Albania isn't in the RU so the mainly young men who make their way here are just economic migrants at best.     The link below shows you what Italy did with the invasion of 15,000 Albanian  illegal migrants 20 years ago.        Those migrants didn't try it on again

https://migrantsatsea.org/2011/07/29/20th-anniversary-of-the-arrival-at-bari-italy-of-15000-albanian-boat-people/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 03, 2022, 10:28:04 am
The migrant crisis in Dover is bad but doesn't compare to the one in Bari,  Italy in 1991.   The migrants were again mainly young men but the UK and Italy have different approaches.    Italy solved their problem in days while the UK's ploblems look like they will never be resolved


https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/albanian-refugees-italy-1991/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 03, 2022, 05:13:53 pm
I bet that the Tories didn't discuss immigration at their parties in Downing Street, In fact they are clueless on immigration and couldn't even arrange a booze up in a brewery
It's a mad world and yet they are doing nothing, nothing whatsoever to sort the mess out.     Here are three examples just on mobile phones alone
1)  Over 1000 illegal immigrants had their phones seized by the UK Customs and are now claiming compensation against the UK Government
2}  In Hull a number of illegal Albanian migrants escaped from their detention and were picked up by cars waiting for them.  All carried out using mobile phones they had
3}   An estimated 30,000  mobile phones have been given to these illegal immigrants since the middle of 2020

https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/news/2021/11/11/illegal-immigrants-handed-an-estimated-30000-taxpayer-funded-mobile-phones-since-middle-of-2020
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 04, 2022, 10:43:33 am
It is unbelievable how this government treats the illegal immigrants no wonder they are queuing up to come across to the UK. They are put up in hotels while homeless UK nationals are sleeping on the streets. The cost of using hotels for them is estimated to be ?6.8 million a day. Paid for out of our taxes. I would like to know the true, total, costs to the UK of migrants entering the country and remaining here for however long a period. I doubt the government would want to make this information available. It must be well into the billions of pounds.

Has North Wales been receiving these the same as other areas in the north of the UK and Scotland?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 04, 2022, 07:23:34 pm
I've not noticed an increase in this area but perhaps other Forum members may have.     The immigration system is a farce and I have no confidence whatsoever in this latest Home Secretary doing anything positive to improve the present system
Watching the national news tonight was an eye opener and it seems like there is a mass exodus of young Albanian men hoping to come here,
The only deterrent would be to remove all the Albanians soon after they arrive and process their claims in Albania

If anyone has ever watched the TV programme "Nothing to declare" they will see how Australia deals with travellers at the point of arrival in their country.   If they don't meet the required conditions then they are put on the first available flight home.
Will we do something similar?      I don't think we will somehow
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on November 07, 2022, 03:15:39 am
It has come to my attention this evening (Sunday 6th November) that the Hilton Garden Inn at Adventure Parc Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley is providing emergency accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their applications are being processed.

I've spoken with the agents for the site this evening. They have confirmed the arrangement and is effective immediately.

The Home Office is responsible now for the running and operation of the site and its security. North Wales Police are also aware.

I will be clear. I am concerned about the suitability of this property, in this location, for this purpose. It is a hotel not a detention centre. It is isolated and unsupported by the appropriate services.

I am also very concerned about the lack of notice, the poor communication and - most of all - the impact on communities in Dolgarrog and along Dyffryn Conwy.

I've contacted the Home Office Minister responsible (Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP - Minister for Immigration) for an explanation and the owner of the hotel this evening for more information and to find out more details for you.

I have also spoken this evening with the leader of Conwy Borough Council Cllr Charlie McCoubry to see what arrangements are needed and can be put in place. He shares my concerns - it seems they too were unaware of these arrangements until yesterday/today. However their key staff/teams are meeting tomorrow morning.

I am in Parliament this week and will be pressing this issue as a matter of urgency with Home Office staff and the appropriate Ministers.

As always, if you have any questions concerns about this (or any other) issue please don't hesitate to contact me:

robin.millar.mp@parliament.uk
01492 583094
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 07, 2022, 11:01:46 am
The Tories sold Brexit on the basis we would take control of our borders. This was a total deception on their part and appears to be a sick joke.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on November 07, 2022, 11:03:14 am
Going on all over the UK.

We use the Express Holiday inn in Greenock to overnight returning from trips down south. We tried to book in early September but the hotel is now closed for same purpose. As an alternative we used the Express Holiday Inn at Strathclyde Park M74 and found that although open to the public it is partly being used for the same purpose. I also note Hellig has mentioned a Hotel in Dumfries being used as well.
This is in addition to the large cruise ship berthed in Glasgow, and other city centre hotels.
Surely the obvious way to deal with this problem is to process them Quickly, so they can be either filtered into the UK population and allowed to work filling many of our job vacancies, or if not allowed in be sent back promptly to the country of origin.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 07, 2022, 10:43:22 pm
It was in the Wales ITV  news this evening and it did refer to Albanian migrants.     Mainly single young men on the loose in the area, it doesn't bear thinking about
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 08, 2022, 09:58:41 am
Home Secretary Suella Braverman challenged over decision to house asylum seekers at Hilton hotel
Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders said she was 'at a complete loss' at the UK Government's decision

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/home-secretary-suella-braverman-challenged-25455611
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 08, 2022, 10:39:11 am
The local paper here said there were large numbers of migrants being housed in the area. Quite where they are putting them is debatable as there is nothing for the locals let alone migrants. It seems to be in hotels or HMOs. I think some guest houses have been used as well. In Carlisle the County Hotel has been full of illegal immigrants for many months now. The locals there say that everywhere in the city is full of illegal immigrants who have been shipped up from the south of England.

In Dumfries it seems to be the norm for large numbers of migrants to gather in one of the town squares in the afternoon. It tends to be men in their early to mid twenties. They have numerous children with them at times.

The SNP are rolling out the red carpet for them but there is a considerable amount of hostility from local people.

I wonder about planning permission as these hotels etc are not being used as such but more or less as long term accommodation for immigrants. I would have thought they would need planning permission for change of use to do this lawfully.

This morning they claim to have done a deal with the French to stop them coming over in boats. I have heard this so many times now and wonder if this will be yet another promise that has no foundation in truth. They should house them with MPs and the royals have plenty of places lying empty.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 08, 2022, 12:24:03 pm
One person on TV today said that no one coming over in boats from France is a refugee and they are correct.   France is a safe country for them as are the other countries that they have traveled through to reach France.
At best they are economic migrants but among them are criminals and other undesirables and this Albanian invasion highlights the weakness of the immigration system
As for the present Home Secretary, I have no confidence in her whatsoever
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 09, 2022, 10:10:23 am
North Wales: Aberconwy asylum hotel plan 'unsuitable'
BBC Wales has asked for a comment from the site's owners. The operators of the site did contact local politicians on Saturday.

In an email, seen by the BBC, the operators told a local councillor: "With the current crisis in Kent in relation to the overcrowding of detention centres, the Home Office have reached out asking us to take a short-term accommodation contract, which we felt was the right thing to do.

Re: Everything to do with the Conwy Valley
 Reply #143 on: September 24, 2022, 10:00:39 am
Surf lagoon and Hilton hotel site in North Wales wants new investor after 'unexpected costs'      &shake&
Adventure Parc Snowdonia wants investor to come on board - and could even sell the site

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63548829?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589


Channel crossings deal with France in final stages, says No 10
Following the meeting, Mr Sunak said there was "not one simple solution" to tackling the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

But he said there was an opportunity to work closely with European countries on illegal migration.
More details would be set out in the coming weeks, he added.

The Elysee Palace said the two leaders agreed "to advance co-ordination to face the challenge of irregular migration".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63540385
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 09, 2022, 11:40:49 am
I question the UK government's claims that there is no easy solution to the channel crossings/invasion. Australia has a method of dealing with illegal immigrants which has proved to be a success. This has existed for some time now.

In yesterday's paper Robert Jenrick is stated to have said that large asylum centres could be built around the UK. This is after some Conservative MPs criticised the housing of Channel migrants in hotels in deprived, tourist and remote areas. A series of Tory MPs said the use of hotels, costing taxpayers ?6.8 million a day, was, "wholly unsuitable" with asylum seekers put up in deprived areas, often with a lack of basic amenities. Jenrick told the Commons that, " We may need to take some larger sites to provide decent but basic accommodation. We want to exit the hotels as quickly as possible and to do that we need to disperse individuals to other forms of accommodation".

Tory ex minister Paul Maynard said that 400 asylum seekers were housed in the Metropole Hotel in Blackpool which is his seat. He stated that this was "the fourth most deprived ward in the country, an area with a host of social problems and a  difficult history of child sex exploitation".

Where will it all end up? At this rate we shall have a vast number of illegal immigrants with who knows what sort of backgrounds.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 09, 2022, 01:49:42 pm
Helig, these asylum seekers when first processed are told to report to an authority at stipulated times.   When they are on release most just abscond.       If the asylum seeker doesn't comply with the instructions then the Customs Officers have to search for the Asylum seekers and if thyt catch them a second time what do they do?
They process them again and then release them back in to the UK
It's a waste of time and resources if these illegal migrants are not deported

Control of our borders?   This lot can't even take control of their own party.     It's a right fiasco
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 09, 2022, 04:13:17 pm
North Wales: Aberconwy asylum hotel plan attacked by Welsh government


I know that Boris and Truss did not bother to talk to the First Ministers of Wales and Scotland, but is this the way the Tory Party deals with the United Kingdom?     



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-63570024
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 10, 2022, 10:46:05 am
Apparently the new Chief Constable Of North Wales Ms Blakeman, had not been advised of the refugees arriving in her area ?  ?

Poll reveals what readers think about controversial refugee hotel in the Conwy Valley
There is considerable anxiety over the move - but some people think it's a chance for North Wales to show how compassionate its residents can be
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/poll-reveals-what-readers-think-25476977


Conwy considers legal action over Home Office placing migrants at Snowdonia Hilton
Some are arguing that the change of use from a hotel to a hostel for asylum seekers could be a breach of planning law
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-considers-legal-action-over-25474507
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 10, 2022, 04:10:34 pm
Apparently the new Chief Constable Of North Wales Ms Blakeman, had not been advised of the refugees arriving in her area ?  ?

Poll reveals what readers think about controversial refugee hotel in the Conwy Valley
There is considerable anxiety over the move - but some people think it's a chance for North Wales to show how compassionate its residents can be
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/poll-reveals-what-readers-think-25476977
t https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-considers-legal-action-over-25474507

The only thing we know about these young men is that they entered the UK illegally and shouldn't be here anyway.   They are not asylum seekers or refugees and their exact reasons for being in the UK are not known at present.
I can understand the 8% having compassion for them as that is human nature but I hope that this situation doesn't backfire on the UK Government
Some years ago a convicted murderer failed to return to Bryn Y Neuadd hospital in Llanfairfechan and there was a massive use of Police resources on a nation wide scale looking  out for this one person.
Are any of these people convicted criminals?    Well we don't know as we haven't been advised of the facts, a bit like the North Wales Police who  weren't advised of the situation either
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 11, 2022, 10:16:18 am
I read these two articles today and wondered what on earth is going on in the UK       The first article is about denuine refugees who have been invited in to the UK,  While the second article is about illegal migrants who shouldn't be here in the first place,
Instead of having difficulty accommodating these illegals the latest Tory Home Secretary should be working on processing these illegal migrants and returning them home


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-who-fled-war-ukraine-25489483

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-not-alone-britains-councils-25487876

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 11, 2022, 10:18:05 am
It worries me that this is all being done covertly and the government doesn't attempt to be transparent about what is going on with the immigrants. I have seen on What do They Know? that people have done requests about immigration to the Home Office under the Freedom of Information Act and they refuse to provide any information.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/home_office

It is an example of Tory arrogance that they fail to enter into discussions with the Welsh and Scottish governments on this matter.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 11, 2022, 10:31:24 am
I read these two articles today and wondered what on earth is going on in the UK       The first article is about denuine refugees who have been invited in to the UK,  While the second article is about illegal migrants who shouldn't be here in the first place,
Instead of having difficulty accommodating these illegals the latest Tory Home Secretary should be working on processing these illegal migrants and returning them home
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/couple-who-fled-war-ukraine-25489483
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/conwy-not-alone-britains-councils-25487876

The first article made me laugh.... Couple who fled war in Ukraine are moving back due to 'terrible' UK housing options
The couple said they were met with poor housing conditions, high costs and rental requirements they could not meet
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 12, 2022, 11:01:33 am
There was an article in yesterday's paper which mentioned The Great Replacement Theory. I hadn't heard of this and have had a quick look at it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Replacement

It is being dismissed as a right wing conspiracy.  I do wonder as from what I have seen where you are lucky to see a white face, or hear English spoken, in a number of places in the UK. The flood of immigrants coming here with no action being taken effectively suggests there is something going on.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 12, 2022, 11:15:03 am
Conspiracy theories are, in my experience, evidence of denuded mental capacity. Yes;  there has been an increase in illegal immigration but that's really to do with three factors: the dreadful conditions these people's real homes endure, the fact that most immigrants come from lands we or the French occupied for many years for the purposes of capturing slaves, and finally the greed of those arranging the transport, such as it is.

In terms of the 'flood' of immigrants arriving with no action being taken that's entirely down to the government, which is currently in the process of imploding, leaving little to no time for national security.

 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 14, 2022, 11:44:49 am
My view is that we should keep an open mind and not judge without being in full possession of the facts. The government is loathe to be transparent about the situation with regard to the immigrants entering the UK. There is evidence for this in the What Do They Know? site, they decline to respond to the requests to the Home Office regarding the immigrants entering the UK unlawfully. It is known that a large number of the immigrants are coming to the UK for economic reasons and do not qualify to live here. The UK cannot provide for all who think they would be better off living here. The slave trade was abolished many years ago and cannot be blamed for the current situation. Having so many enter the UK and manage to stay here, legally, or otherwise, it must act as a green light to the people who arrange for their transportation to the UK. Given the UK government has failed to remedy this for many years, it can be said to be colluding in this. The recent shenanigans have not helped but these government failures have existed for many years now will no real attempt to take action. Is there a hidden agenda here?

I read that Elon Musk has 12 children and he considers that it is the duty of white people to breed to ensure the survival of the white race.

It is dangerous to dismiss conspiracy theories as being promulgated by those with mental health issues. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy". Hamlet.

https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/what-is-the-problem
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 14, 2022, 12:08:00 pm
The slave trade was abolished many years ago and cannot be blamed for the current situation.

But surely our history as a society informs us and what we do? And my main point was that in establishing colonies where English became the default linguistic option, it raised an entire population  who grew up seeing the dominance of the white man and their language.

Quote
I read that Elon Musk has 12 children and he considers that it is the duty of white people to breed to ensure the survival of the white race.

Yep; he doesn't hide his far right allegiances.

Quote
It is dangerous to dismiss conspiracy theories as being promulgated by those with mental health issues. "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy". Hamlet.
https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/what-is-the-problem

I suspect care needs to be taken when quoting Migrationwatch. It's hardly an independent source of facts and when it is praised by the subsequently jailed Tory MP, J Aitkin, it throws its stance into question.

I don't believe in conspiracies as a general rule; for me, anyway, Occams razor holds true. Overall, in general, governments of any colour are too inept to pursue conspiracies with any success. But that does not mean they don't pursue courses of action related to their overall political aims.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 23, 2022, 10:50:04 am
More like an episode of [Yes Minister] ......................

The Home Office is blighted by delays in dealing with asylum claims, as inexperienced and low-paid staff are hired to handle applications, several insiders have told BBC Two's Newsnight.

Staff said this was slowing down decisions, leading to long, expensive hotel stays for asylum seekers.

Nearly 130,000 people are waiting for a decision, latest official figures for June 2022 show.

The Home Office said it was boosting the number of claims processed.

It comes as Home Secretary Suella Braverman is set to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee later, where she will answer questions from MPs on asylum and immigration.

Three people who work in the department have spoken to Newsnight to warn about the impact on Home Office decisions being made about asylum seekers.

One person with several years of experience working in the department said: "To make and write decisions is more difficult than people think.

"They're hiring large numbers of inexperienced staff who need to be trained to do this and that takes time, so the backlog grows.

"And it's young staff facing these harrowing stories and earning low wages - so what's the incentive to stay?

"There isn't one? so they leave and then they hire someone else and so it continues."

According to the latest Home Office figures, by the end of June this year 127,026 asylum applications were still to be decided upon.

That is nearly four times the number of cases that were awaiting a decision by the end of June 2018, when 33,035 asylum applications were in the backlog.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63720698
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 23, 2022, 11:08:38 am
But this is, and always has been Tory policy; pay as little as possible so the minister can point to the numbers being hired and not the results being achieved. Trouble is they always forget the ancient maxim: pay peanuts and you get monkeys.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2022, 09:42:56 am
In truth, the Tories have no idea how to deal with the immigration problem that they have helped to create,     The talk is only of processing asylum seekers.
Most of the illegal immigrants would probably  fail the process but then they are allowed to appeal against the decision and released back into the community with conditions attached
At what point are they going to deport all the migrants that have entered the UK illegally?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Bri Roberts on November 24, 2022, 12:32:15 pm
I wonder, Hugo, if the UK were to create their own definition of an asylum seeker then it might allow them to return many individuals without breaking any human rights laws?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2022, 12:42:08 pm
UK net migration hits all-time record at 504,000

Bri,  Australia already has a system and if the "migrant"  or visitor doesn't meet the criteria then they are sent back to their own country on the next available flight
That's not rocket science and not unreasonable either.    David Cameron allowed a vote on Brexit and the idea was that we could control our own borders and select who comes in.     Now just look at the fiasco that has been created by the Government's own making.
The UK has been a refuge for genuine refugees for many years but there is no way on earth that the tens of thousands of young Albanian men can honestly claim to be asylum seekers




https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63743259
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2022, 03:27:54 pm
PS   The net migration figures did not include the figure of over 40,OOO  illegal migrants that crossed the channel  this year!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 27, 2022, 10:36:26 am
The number of cases of diphtheria among asylum seekers who have recently arrived in the UK has risen to more than 50, the BBC understands.

It comes after it was confirmed that one migrant who died after being held at Manston processing centre in Kent had contracted the disease.

The man died in hospital on 19 November after entering the UK on a small boat seven days earlier.

The Home Office said it takes the welfare of those in its care seriously.

This week, health officials are set to confirm there have been more than 50 diphtheria cases among asylum seekers this year, the BBC understands.

In 2021, there were three of the same strain, according to government data.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes cause ulcers on the skin.

According to the NHS website, it's spread by coughs and sneezes or through close contact with someone who is infected, and in serious cases can be fatal.

You can also get it by sharing items such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding with an infected person.

Babies and children in the UK are vaccinated against diphtheria, meaning cases are rare. However, the infection is potentially dangerous to migrants who come from countries where this is not the case.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63771091
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 30, 2022, 09:41:30 am
A Tory MP has issued a fresh call for a luxury Eryri (Snowdonia) Hilton hotel to be closed to asylum seekers " as soon as possible". Aberconwy MP Robin Millar wants the Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Dolgarrog, Conwy to reopen as a leisure facility.

Mr Millar reiterated the plea as he issued an update on the migrants currently being housed at the site. As of Sunday, November 27, there were 87 people staying at the Dolgarrog hotel, which was commissioned by the Home Office to house migrants due to backlogs elsewhere in the UK, he said.

In a social media post he made clear his commitment to seeing the facility closed as soon as possible. He also said there are plans to reopen the popular hotel and Adventure Parc Snowdonia leisure site.

During a visit to the hotel, which he described as "calm and organised," Mr Millar maintained that the arrangement is "not right for the community or for the residents of the hotel." He wrote: "I learned last week that the pressure in Manston Centre which caused this overflow of asylum seekers has now been relieved.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/snowdonia-hilton-hotel-must-close-25629300
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 02, 2022, 02:01:05 pm
How much has been spent, our tax money, on local government buildings recently ? already well under used.........  $angry$

Only one in 10 Welsh government staff are currently working in the office every day.

With so many civil servants working from home, the Welsh government is aiming to offer space in its 10 offices to other public sector workers.   

It said its vision is to "maximise the benefits of office, remote and hybrid working".
But Welsh Conservatives said the majority of Welsh civil servants should not be working from home.

The party's Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said it was "concerning just how few civil servants are in the office to ensure the smooth running of government operations in Wales".

But the government's aim is to have 30% of the Welsh workforce working at or near to home by 2026.

As part of its strategy, it hopes to "be an exemplar" for remote working with "no more than 50%" of civil servants working in one of its offices at a time.

In September, 10.4% of staff attended the various Welsh government offices on a daily basis.

Of the more than 5,200 staff contracted to work for the government, an average of 549 went to the office every day.
The average daily attendance at Welsh government offices in October was 11%
Attendance was highest in the Caernarfon office (13.8%) and lowest in Merthyr Tydfil (5.9%).

The Welsh government said average daily attendance in October reached 11%.

Mr Davies said it means that there are huge parts of the Welsh government estate not being used, and some lying empty, with all the cost implications for this.

He asked if entire floors of buildings were being heated for one worker.   &shake&

"When circumstances demand it, no one would begrudge civil servants or anybody else working from home," he said.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63822720
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 03, 2022, 10:49:41 am
Dolgarrog residents speak of the "polite and friendly" refugees at the Snowdonia Hilton hotel
The site was recently chosen to house around 80 refugees

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dolgarrog-residents-speak-polite-friendly-25651751?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 03, 2022, 01:05:33 pm
Dolgarrog residents speak of the "polite and friendly" refugees at the Snowdonia Hilton hotel
The site was recently chosen to house around 80 refugees

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dolgarrog-residents-speak-polite-friendly-25651751?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

I've just received a Christmas appeal from the Salvation Army asking for donations for the homeless who are friendless, freezing and hungry.     The Salvation Army do very good work but why do our own UK citizens need a charity to help them out?
I'm sure that they would also enjoy 4 star hotel accommodation that includes free meals, heating, Sky TV, mobile phones, NHS treatment and a bus pass plus pocket money!
All those University educated Tories and not one of them has the brains to sort out the immigration fiasco that they have created.  If they could save all the money they waste on the immigration mess then perhaps they could look after UK citizens who do need the help
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on December 03, 2022, 04:48:10 pm
Too many do gooders ... you only have to watch QT, and it's not just the Tories.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 04, 2022, 11:09:09 am
I'll agree with you DVT  too many do gooders, human rights activists and an army of rich lawyers trying to get even richer.
I've just seen the Salvation Army advert on TV and it's quite upsetting to see it as they are UK citizens in need of our help.
The Government is useless and clueless.  Why can't they just send the illegals back on the next available flight but set up a team in the Albanian capital to allow the Albanians to apply to come in to the UK through legal channels?
That way the UK can take control of its borders and select who we want to come in to the UK, well that's the plan according to Boris
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 04, 2022, 11:36:25 am
Boris? Oh, you mean the liar, cheat, adulterer and fraud?  (Each of those can be proved, BTW).
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 04, 2022, 12:55:21 pm
That's the very man.     It's a good job that Boris' dream of a bridge from Ireland to Scotland never happened or the Albanians would be walking over the bridge in their droves
The only people who benefited from his pipe dream were the consultants who wasted about ?900K on Boris' whim.   

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/nov/26/johnson-plan-irish-sea-bridge-tunnel-rejected-official-study-expensive
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 08, 2022, 10:44:16 am
Snowdonia Hilton hotel housing asylum seekers could reopen within weeks as room bookings being taken
Around 87 refugees are currently living at the Dolgarrog hotel in what the Home Office has called a "short-term solution"

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hilton-hotel-housing-asylum-seekers-25698380
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 09, 2022, 10:37:09 am
France says it is increasing the number of rescue boats in the English Channel to deal with the growing number of migrants trying to reach the UK.

Two additional vessels are being deployed in what the French Coastguard describes as an "unprecedented" move.

It follows criticism of the French response to the incident in November 2021 in which 27 people drowned trying to cross to the UK in a dinghy.

More than 40,000 people have made such crossings this year - a record number.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63912502
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 09, 2022, 04:23:17 pm
The UK Government seems to proudly say that it has intercepted so many migrant boats that have tried to cross the channel   It seems a strange thing to say when the definition of intercept is "to obstruct (someone or something) so as to prevent them from continuing to a destination."
Both countries are as bad as each other and the result is a fiasco

"

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on December 09, 2022, 05:05:54 pm
Rather than deploy more boats to deal.with the asylum seekers making their way across why don't they employ more guards on the coastline and stop the boats leaving, and thereby saving the lives of the passengers.  The seekers could then settle in France, but of course they would not be given all the benefits that the UK hands out rather than looking after the UK legitimate residents.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 10, 2022, 05:18:45 pm
You've said it DVT and there lies the problem.     Even when we were in the EU  there were Roumanians and others who would rather be unemployed in the UK than unemployed in their own country as our benefit system paid them four times as much
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 12, 2022, 10:26:06 am
Fewer than 100 people who crossed the English Channel in small boats have been arrested for arriving illegally in the UK under a new power to deter them.

The figure represents 0.3% of those who have crossed since the law was changed.

Under the new law, anyone who arrives in the UK without proper permission or good reason commits a crime that can lead to up to four years in prison.

The BBC sought the figure under freedom of information laws after the Home Office declined to disclose it.

A spokesman for the department said there has been a further 180 arrests since the summer under different immigration laws.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63938698
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 13, 2022, 03:26:43 pm
What is the point of making laws if they do not enforce them, it's pointless and a complete waste of time.   The threat of sending them to Rwanda is another example.
They are not refugees no matter how the do gooders want to address it, they have left a safe place in France and at best are economic migrants.  The recent invasion of Albanians has highlighted the stupidity of our immigration system and those Albanians should be sent back to Albania on the next available flight
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 14, 2022, 09:54:38 am
Especially on a cold Winter's day  like today it made me wonder why car makers don't fit heated windscreens as standard.    It makes sense from the safety point of view and after all heated rear screens are standard in all cars now.
Seeing as drivers spend more time driving forward than reversing it makes sense to have heated windscreens
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 17, 2022, 02:22:11 pm
I walked up St Andrew's Road today and the Mercedes car that was burnt out has now been removed.     It is still cordoned off but I noticed that the tarmac that was underneath the car has been damaged and will have to be repaired to make the road safe.
I was wondering who pays the bill for the repairs, is it the car's insurance firm or is it the Council?    If it's the Council, then it's the likes of me and other ratepayers in this area that indirectly pays for it and it doesn't seem fair
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 26, 2022, 10:27:14 am
Wales has first Christmas since scrapping of Covid rules - but somehow it seems little has changed
Covid restrictions disappeared this Christmas but are we any happier?

Shops were hectic before Christmas, the party season swung and families everywhere met up on the big day. Yet the NHS is still struggling, people are isolating and health bulletin boards are as busy as ever.

A year on from Christmas 2021, everything has changed and yet, somehow, little is different. The pandemic was declared over months ago but health experts are warning ill people not to mix with the vulnerable. It all sounds awfully familiar.

This at a time when Wales is battling a ?tripledemic?: not just Covid and winter flu but also Strep A (Scarlet Fever). In some ways, we seem to be going backwards: just as at the start of the Covid pandemic, what?s happening now in China is dominating the news.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-first-christmas-scrapping-covid-25830580?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 05, 2023, 10:36:32 am
I am not sure if Supermarket chains should be included, after the bonanza they have had over the last few years?, admittedly things are changing with the crisis. 

Tesco and Asda supermarkets in North Wales among those getting rates slashed
Large supermarkets are to benefit from the latest revaluation

Some supermarkets and other retailers will be among those who benefit from rates changes coming in this April.

More than half a million retail properties in England and Wales were revalued as part of a shake-up to the business rates system of property taxes.

New rateable values from the Valuation Office Agency, which will form the basis of business rates bills from April 1 2023 until March 31 2026, will now be based on data from 2021. It followed criticism from companies, including Tesco, that previous values were out of date.

North Wales Live looked at some of the changes planned for a number of retailers, restaurants and other businesses to get a snapshot of what is planned.

Tesco in Llandudno Junction will see its rateable value (RV) fall from ?1m a year now to ?930,000 from April while nearby Cineworld will see its RV slashed from ?418K to ?262K - reflecting the hammering the cinema sector has experienced in the pandemic.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tesco-asda-supermarkets-north-wales-25896769
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 06, 2023, 11:19:11 am
We all make mistakes in our lives but the important thing  is that we learn from them.     In 2020 when Covid was on the increase in the UK the Government was completely clueless in dealing with the pandemic.     No restrictions were put on foreign travel to and from the infected countries until it was too late and the damage was done,
Now China is apparently rife with Covid yet the Government has admitted that travellers from China will not have to quarantine if they have Covid and tests on UK arrivals will be voluntary
It's a mad, mad world and the Tories are making the same mistakes again.     Roll on 2025 before the Tories completely destroy the NHS
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on January 07, 2023, 11:26:20 am
I agree with this and it is of serious concern that we don't know exactly what the situation is in China. There is talk of a new strain of Covid but no one knows for sure. The Tories couldn't care less about the NHS as they don't use it (unless an emergency presumably) and some of them have vested interests in private health care companies. The rest of us can rot as they no longer maintain the safety of patients and protect life. I seem to remember manifesto promises to put more funding into the NHS, then there was the Brexit bribe of millions being transferred from the EU to UK NHS. They have engaged in a total deception all along.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 08, 2023, 10:59:11 am
A lot of words have been said about the Tory Party recently and honesty and trustworthy were not  mentioned for obvious reasons.
It's too late now but I thought of something at the time when the boozy parties were all the rage in Downibg Street while the rest of the country was in lockdown.     I'm surprised that the journalists never questioned the fact but it was the first thing I thought of at the time.
Remember when the Tory Party's party was running out of booze they sent out a person to buy some more.    That person filled a suitcase full of spirits etc and that's a lot of alcohol even by Tory standards
The question I would liked to asked was who paid for it?       Did the party goers have a whip round or did we the taxpayers pay for it?        If I was a betting man I know where my bet would go
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on January 08, 2023, 11:41:43 am
That booze would definitely be bought by Us,   Anytime your bored just lookup an Mp Google expenses   Wow,    Our local mp who was brought up in Bethesda & went to a welsh school claims ?100 s on expenses for welsh lessons. 😡.it?s a real eye opener.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 08, 2023, 12:15:51 pm
Hi Norman,  Happy New Year to you and the family.      I may be retired but I haven't got the time or inclination to read about the MP'S expenses and it wouldn't do my blood pressure any good either!
It would have been so easy to find out at the time who paid for the Tory booze but that's just a drop in the ocean.      The Tory Peer involved in the PPE scandal is just one of the "crimes" that the party has done and I'm getting paranoid about their corruption throughout society.
I'm even starting to wonder why the Tories haven't insisted on the Chinese having to have a Covid passport before being allowed to come to the UK.     Are they worried about upsetting some Tory donors here in the UK or China?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 24, 2023, 10:28:02 am
'Unacceptable' ?4.25m for Green Man event while Royal Welsh festival for young farmers is scrapped
A leading farming commentator has condemned the relative support given by the Welsh Government to the two Mid Wales events

Lack of government support for a cancelled campsite and festival for young farmers has been labelled ?unacceptable?. Critics drew parallels with the Welsh Government?s backing for a privately-run festival whose future was boosted last year by a ?4.25m intervention.

This year's Young People?s Village (YPV) has been scrapped at the Royal Welsh Show near Builth Wells, Powys. The event is organised by the Wales Federation of Young Farmers? Clubs (Wales YFC), which blamed the cost-of-living crisis for forcing up running costs.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/unacceptable-425m-green-man-event-26053094?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 19, 2023, 10:09:49 am
Why some think 'North Wales doesn't exist' and the debate around capitals and identity
'There's no North England, or North Scotland...as far as I can see we're the only country in the world that uses the noun form of north and south'

Part of this discussion relates to North Wales as a whole - if there is such a thing. It is not a delineated region on the Welsh map, but for many people: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham broadly make up what we come to think of as North Wales the region.

That's North Wales with a capital 'N'. To cap or not to cap the 'N' in North Wales is a debate that runs deeper than what you might initially think - with strong opinions on either side. For North Wales Live and our print title the Daily Post it's a "capper" but many other organisations - including the BBC - go with the lower case option north Wales.

Read more https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/think-north-wales-doesnt-exist-26267650?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Cambrian on February 19, 2023, 06:09:28 pm
I wonder if anyone spells East Anglia as east Anglia!

I remember a few years back in the same newspaper, the late David Williams a bank regional manager and chairman of the North Wales Business club made a robust case for North Wales being spelt thus and the Daily Post actually agreed with him!

I suspect that some are twitchy of North Wales having too much of an identity could eventually lead to more calls for some form of separation from the remainder.  We have a North Wales Police Force, a North Wales Fire and Rescue Service etc.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 20, 2023, 05:40:40 pm
Well said Cambrian           We all know where the South East of England is and the South West of England too so is it that important about a capital N for North Wales?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 23, 2023, 12:43:29 pm
Who is running the asylum ........................?

Some 12,000 asylum seekers to the UK are to be considered for refugee status without face-to-face interviews.

A 10-page Home Office questionnaire will decide the cases of people from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Syria and Yemen who applied before last July.

The move aims to reduce the asylum backlog which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to end this year.

The Home Office says this is not an asylum amnesty - but it will streamline the system for five nationalities.

Applicants from these countries already have 95% of their asylum claims accepted, says the Home Office.

The usual security and criminal checks will still be conducted and biometrics taken, but, for the first time, there will be no face-to-face interviews, say officials.

Instead, eligible asylum seekers must fill out a form and answer up to 40 questions.

The questionnaire must be completed in English and returned within 20 working days, or the Home Office may consider the asylum application has been withdrawn.

However, officials say there will be a follow-up notification if no reply is received, and every application will be considered on its own merits.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64736123
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 23, 2023, 09:21:25 pm
It's not an important matter as most people seem to park their cars on the drive when they have a garage to park their car in.    I pass a fairly newish estate every day and the cars are parked outside their garages as the cars will simply not fit into them.     Yes some cars may be able to be driven in but the drivers will not be able to exit the vehicle because there is simply no room to do so
Why are developers and councils not ensuring that the garages are fit for purpose?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on February 24, 2023, 04:35:48 am
Trouble is Hugo cars have grown big over the years and builders have not moved with the times.

Our problem on the island is our ferry MV Isle of Mull was built over 30 years ago and at that time the car deck could hold 90 cars. They are now lucky if they can fit 70 on. During the summer season we need 2 ferries on the service to try and cope.

OK for the folks coming on holiday when they can book well in advance. Gives us islanders a problem if we need to get off in a hurry to attend hospital etc.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 24, 2023, 09:06:05 pm
I know cars have got bigger over the years but what's the point of calling it a garage if the car can't fit in it.    It's just not fit for purpose and I can understand why some people convert the garage in to another room
Everyone is aware of it apart from  it seems Councils and building developers
It's not a new thing because it was on a news idem many years ago and they filmed a guy reversing his car in to his garage and the only way he could exit his car was to climb over the back seat and get out through the tailgate,    It's just doesn't make sense at all

I don't envy you one bit up there Mull because apart from all those issues you have to overcome you've also got the weather too, not to mention those issues with the tourists and their driving and parking habits
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on February 25, 2023, 10:33:39 am
I could never understand why people living in Scotland didn't receive more help with their energy costs. This is because the climate is very much colder and wetter. The winter days are shorter than the rest of the UK too. There are long hours of darkness. It didn't seem fair to pay the same amount for people in Scotland to those living in the south of England. There is no comparison in energy usage as I can testify.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 25, 2023, 02:22:45 pm
I quite agree with you Helig there should be more support for people in those coldest areas     Even here in Wales there are stupid things going on with Winter fuel payments.     Take Llanberis for instance, it's a cold spot in Winter, nestled at the foot of a mountain range and in a very cold valley.    It qualifies for those extra fuel allowances when the temperature is below a certain level for so many days.     The only trouble is that the qualifying temperature gauges for the town is in Anglesey airport in a much milder climate.     It's just crazy
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 26, 2023, 10:15:34 am
I think they are unsuitable for urban areas, also fuels used are not monitored enough, and I dread to think what is being burned during this financial crisis.

Calls for wood burning stoves to be banned by 2027 - but not everyone is happy about it
Research has revealed that wood burning stoves can cause health and environmental issues

Campaigners are calling for an urgent review of wood burning stoves, which cause pollution in urban areas.

It comes after the appliances were linked to health and environmental issues. And despite smoke control zones and restrictions on what can be burned, campaigners claim wood burning is still a significant emitter.

LeicesterLive reported that since 2022, new wood-burning stoves have had to meet emissions targets, which means they are cleaner to burn and have the 'Ecodesign' label. The fuel that may be used in devices is also strictly regulated, with only wood that has a moisture content of 20 per cent or less and has been certified by Woodsure and HETAS being permitted for burning.

However, a new perspective on the severity of the issue has been provided by pressure groups and academic papers. The European Environmental Bureau claims that 'Ecodesign' models can emit a startling 750 times more tiny particle pollution than a contemporary HGV truck.

According to a report written by England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, home 'Ecodesign' models generate about 450 times more emissions than gas central heating. Following research, the advocacy group Mums for Lungs has called for a ban on wood stoves.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/clean-air-campaigners-are-calling-for-wood-burning-stoves-to-be-banned/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on February 27, 2023, 11:36:36 am
About time they had a good look at Drax Power station who burn wood pellets that have been shipped into the UK, by CO2 emitting ships.

The world has gone mad, it is more polluting than burning coal as it used to do.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 27, 2023, 12:45:50 pm
The world has gone mad Mull and despite all our efforts to control emissions China is still opening coal fired power stations like there is no tomorrow.       Well one day there may be no tomorrow because of countries like China

Some years ago I read in the National Geographic magazine that the USA was opening up a new Power Station.    It was powered up by burning car tyres!    I never found out how successful that venture was



 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 27, 2023, 08:10:11 pm
I came across this link today and the short video is about burning rubber tyres at Power Stations.     From my early teenage years I can still remember the pong when we burnt car tyres on the bonfires,  I just hope that in the intervening years they have done something about the smell and the black smoke


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYOrN3rupbg
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 05, 2023, 10:29:31 am
We see private developers building estates etc, but where are the government housing projects, the country had to rebuild after the war, it helped both those who needed housing and put a lot of people to work, am I being naive, is this to simple an idea.

Entire generation of young people 'screwed' as they struggle to find somewhere to live in North Wales
For many, getting a foot on the housing ladder is almost impossible and renting is just as bad

Affordability ratios for housing are now at their lowest since 1876, with the average property costing around nine times average earnings. For thousands of young people across North Wales, it?s left them trapped in long-term rentals with long-abandoned dreams of getting on the property ladder.

Others are relying on the goodwill of friends, some are living with their parents well into their 30s. Homelessness is soaring. Everywhere there are horror stories.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/entire-generation-young-people-screwed-26386509
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 05, 2023, 03:26:19 pm
As you say Steve "the country had to rebuild after the war, it helped both those who needed housing and put a lot of people to work, Steve"      Don't forget that it was the Labour Party's policies that made that happen but then along came Thatcher and allowed the Council properties to be sold at discounted prices along with all the nationalised industries
Even in the 1960's and 70's they were still building large private estates in North Wales.  They were 1, 2 or 3 bedroom properties then unlike the 4 or 5 bedroom properties they are building now. 
Affordable housing which they harp on about is just a joke and the developers are pulling the strings like one developer who made a planning application in Colwyn Bay to build a number of houses, none of which were affordable.    The developer's excuse was that it was not viable to do so, well if that's the case let the developer look elsewhere and the further away the better
 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 16, 2023, 10:27:40 am
I sympathise with those affected, I rely on Mrs H. if it was down to me ............ :( :-[ 

Call for action to help vulnerable people being excluded by 'cashless society'
There are concerns that some people are being digitally and financially excluded

The trend towards digital banking and a "cashless society" has been accelerated by Covid-19, particularly as consumers were directed to cashless and contactless payment methods. This has prompted concerns that vulnerable adults in Wales, who may be disabled or live in rural areas, are being digitally and financially excluded.

A particular concern, as highlighted by a Financial Conduct Authority survey in 2020, is the challenge of access to a physical bank, building society or credit union branch by those with a long-term health condition. According to the results, people in Wales fared the worst for this compared to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/call-action-help-vulnerable-people-26474955
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on March 17, 2023, 10:57:19 am
One of my gripes is the tendency for some shops to make paying with cash difficult. I won't name names but have found that certain shops have only one till where you can pay with cash and these have a long queue invariably. The self service tills also have more that take cards only than those that allow payment in cash. I can see the time when payment with card will be mandatory and there will be no option to pay with cash. By the look of it we aren't far off from having central bank digital currency forced on us, heaven forbid.

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-pound
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 20, 2023, 10:13:28 am
Private firms are making increased profits as the government pays millions of pounds a day to put up asylum seekers in the UK, the BBC has learned.

BBC News has been told 395 hotels are being used to house asylum seekers, as arrivals to the UK rose last year.

Documents show one booking agency used by the Home Office trebled its pre-tax profits from ?2.1m to ?6.3m in the 12 months up to February 2022.

The Home Office says the asylum system is under "incredible strain".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64991234
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on March 20, 2023, 10:42:10 am
I think the Tories are now panicking as they realise the immigration situation is likely to have an adverse impact on them in the next election which isn't that far away. I doubt they are serious in tackling the huge numbers entering the UK but the noises being made are for publicity only. It is to be hoped that people will see through them and not be deceived. I recently visited Swindon in Wiltshire. It is like a shanty town with thousands of illegal immigrants being housed there. Former office blocks are being used to house them and these appear to be in a state that can only be described as slums. A number of local hotels are also housing large numbers. There is a Border Force Agency in the library which issues visa applications. I saw long queues of people lining up outside before it was open in the morning. I question why a town in the UK should be allowed to be used in this way. The local people are suffering and being treated as second class citizens because of the resources being diverted to immigrants and the demands put on services.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 20, 2023, 10:59:43 am
I'd add only one point, Helig;  when you say
Quote
local people are suffering and being treated as second class citizens because of the resources being diverted to immigrants and the demands put on services.
perhaps we should say that local people are suffering and being treated as second class citizens because of the continuous reduction in public services which the Tories have engineered.

It's easy to forget that the intolerably smug Rees-Mogg not that long ago was threatening to sack every other civil servant, and proclaiming that we should punish Russia severely, while his own business was investing there at a fast rate.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 20, 2023, 11:05:45 am
Remember this (https://metro.co.uk/2020/11/18/the-people-who-made-millions-from-the-uks-18000000000-ppe-fiasco-13612741/)?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 20, 2023, 11:21:46 am
The immigration Policy of the Tories is just a joke.    making it illegal to cross the Channel in small boats is easy, it is nothing other than hot air.      Deporting the migrants immediately seems to be the problem but it shouldn't be, when they arrive here they know that they have broken the law so it shouldn't come as a surprise.
New migrants should be fast streamed and deported immediately with no right of appeal and existing illegal migrants should be sorted out asap

We seem to be fighting a losing battle with the small minority od do-gooders and Human rights but no one seems to acknowledge the human rights of the majority of UK citizens.     There are enough illegal migrants already here to fill six towns the size of Llandudno and are mainly young men with a different culture to us.
Call them Asylum seekers or whatever else is PC  but the vast majority are economic migrants
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on March 20, 2023, 11:56:25 am
Yes, services have been run down by the Tories but it doesn't help when a medium size town in Wiltshire is swamped with thousands of illegal immigrants. I decline to call them asylum seekers as they haven't been awarded that status as yet.

There are parallels with the PPE contracts as the firms who profit excessively here also have connections with the Tories. SERCO is run by one of the Soames family:

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/12/serco-chief-to-retire-rupert-soames-outsourcing
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 20, 2023, 01:11:51 pm
Wasn't Jo Johnson, now Lord Johnson employed by one of those PPE firms?      I also seem to remember Stanley Johnson now possibly Sir Stanleygoing to Greece when direct flights to Greece were banned during lockdown but of course Stanley got in through the back door
The only thing that seems to be thriving in the Tory Party is nepotism and corruption
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 21, 2023, 10:43:28 am
I am not sure if this is the correct thread for this, but we discussed HMOs in Llandudno recently, and reading these two stories reminded me that if CCBC do not handle the HMO situation properly, we could be in the same position.........

Concern over concentration of homelessness in Rhyl as scale of problem in Denbighshire revealed
The county currently has 316 households in emergency or temporary accommodation

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/concern-over-concentration-homelessness-rhyl-26515758?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

And despite millions of pounds spent on regeneration projects.............
North Wales seaside resort ranked UK's least fashionable with 'no past, no arts, no fun'
A 'seaside gentrification index' gave Rhyl a score of just five out of 100
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-seaside-resort-ranked-26513736?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 24, 2023, 10:30:18 am
ASYLUM seekers have not been confirmed as having arrived at a former Llandudno Junction education centre contrary to rumours, the MP for Aberconwy has said.

Robin Millar MP made a statement this morning (March 24) regarding the supposed housing of asylum seekers at Marle Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning.

He has sought clarity on the situation from Robert Jenrick, immigration minister.
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23409321.asylum-seekers-not-confirmed-residing-llandudno-junction-home/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 25, 2023, 10:14:45 am
Asylum seekers to be housed in North Wales mansion
They will be placed at the Grade II listed Marle Hall, a former outdoors centre which closed in 2021 as Aberconwy MP Robin Millar tells Home Office 'this is the wrong kind of facility'

The development comes after asylum seekers were housed temporarily, in a Hilton hotel in Dogarrog, Snowdonia, last year. Mr Millar said: "I contacted the Immigration Minister immediately last night to seek urgent clarification on what is happening. I expressed my strong concerns about the suitability of the site and their selection process."

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/asylum-seekers-housed-north-wales-26548658?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 26, 2023, 11:21:04 am
'Serious objections' made over plans to house asylum seekers at North Wales mansion
Janet Finch Saunders MS has written an urgent letter to the Minister for Immigration

Formal objections have been made over plans to house asylum seekers at a North Wales mansion. Janet Finch Saunders MS for Aberconwy has written an urgent letter with 'serious objections' to the use of the property and any other location in Aberconwy.

The letter comes after it was revealed the Home Office is expected to place migrants at Marle Hall, near Llandudno Junction imminently. Up to 111 asylum seekers are expected to be sent to the Georgian mansion, which was formerly used as an outdoor learning centre by generations of schoolchildren.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/serious-objections-made-over-plans-26559344
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 27, 2023, 10:24:43 am
Interesting article ............

14 maps you need to see to understand Wales and the challenges we face

Like every country Wales has its challenges. Whether it be poverty, a creaking infrastructure, poor health, low levels of education, decline of public services or the erosion of the Welsh language it is easy to see these issues in isolation.

But Wales' challenges are not simply separate problems occurring and ruining lives in a vacuum. They are immensely complicated and entrenched societal issues that both interact with and compound each other.

Read full article  https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/14-maps-you-need-see-26514876?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on March 27, 2023, 11:35:05 am
We seem to be fighting a losing battle with the small minority od do-gooders and Human rights but no one seems to acknowledge the human rights of the majority of UK citizens.     
Call them Asylum seekers or whatever else is PC  but the vast majority are economic migrants

This piece from, New Scientist made me think:

"The global population will peak at 8.6 billion in 2050 and decline to 7 billion by 2100 if current trends continue. That is the projection of a model developed as part of an initiative from the Club of Rome non-profit organisation, and it is 2 to 3 billion less in 2100 than other recent forecasts.

This Earth4All model, created to explore which policies would deliver the most good for the majority of people, also suggests that if the world invested in a ?Giant Leap? to reduce poverty and inequality, the world population would peak at around 8.5 billion people in 2040 and decline to 6 billion by the end of the century.

?Even if the numbers are not going to be as scary as some older forecasts, this does not mean that we don?t have a problem,? says Beniamino Callegari at Kristiania University College in Oslo, Norway, one of the authors of the Earth4All report.?


If the report and its conclusions are accurate, then levelling the world's population towards a more balanced society could help us all.



Title: Re: Points to Ponder.......Conwy Valley
Post by: SteveH on March 28, 2023, 01:33:47 pm
Asylum seekers will no longer be housed in a North Wales mansion following a backlash from local politicians. The Grade-II listed Marle Hall, near Llandudno Junction, had previously been earmarked by the Home Office as a potential migrant facility.

The former Georgian mansion was bought by Warwickshire council in 1971 and was used as an outward bound learning centre, providing residential trips and courses for schoolchildren until in shut in October 2021. It was announced last Friday that it would be used to house asylum seekers.

Robin Millar has confirmed the site will not be used as a Home Office facility. The Conservative MP welcomed the news and said it will "come as a relief to many in the community".

Mr MIllar said: "I welcome the news that, following my meetings with the Immigration Minister, Marle Hall will not be used as a Home Office facility. I know this news will come as a relief for many in the community who were unsure how many people were coming, who they were, how long they would be here and why.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-mansion-no-longer-26575379
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Meleri on March 28, 2023, 04:01:00 pm
I note the Home Office stating in the article mentioned above, that they remain committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use & limit the burden on the taxpayer & the local communities. But they have not refunded ?90,000 to CCBC for the young Asylum Seeker at Dolgarrog, that came under our Social Services & has come out of our Council Tax. I have asked both Robin Millar & Janet Finch-Saunders if something can be done about this refund, but no replies as yet.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on March 28, 2023, 07:47:22 pm
Meleri I have also asked Robin Millar on a few occasions about our council getting the money back,,, oh I?m asking the home office. 😤,   Ref the asylum seekers in Dolggarog.  Who put it out there,, Robin Millar,    This with Marl hall,,,, yes Robin Millar. Talk about trying to scare people and get votes, him and finch will stoop to any level and people are falling for it.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 31, 2023, 10:37:01 am
Research has found nearly half of those surveyed have been somewhere recently that has discouraged or not accepted the use of cash.

In a survey of more than 2,100 across the UK by YouGov between March 8 and 9, some 45 per cent of people said they had been somewhere in the previous eight weeks that wasn't actively accepting cash. The research, commissioned by ATM network Link, saw one in five (20 per cent) found this fairly or very inconvenient.

Restaurants, caf?s and car parks were among the locations where people said they had been unable to pay with coins and banknotes.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/paying-with-cash-discouraged-or-not-accepted-at-venues-visited-by-45-per-cent-of-people/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on March 31, 2023, 11:42:17 am
I fear this is just the beginning. Car parking is rarely available to pay in cash now. Many of the shops make paying in cash difficult and this will be impossible before long. I bought a new purse recently and when I was looking round noticed that none of the ones available had a place to put cash. All the pockets were for cards. I wondered just how many cards people carried on them nowadays?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 03, 2023, 09:50:36 am
While Welsh Government is pressing on with its plans for a visitor levy in Wales one part of the UK is well ahead when it comes to implementing a tourism tax. Manchester has become the first city in the UK to introduce a tax on overnight stays.

The Manchester Evening News reported that this will see visitors have to pay ?1 per room, per night, for their accommodation. This is a number of years ahead of Wales where Welsh Government have said they will introduce legislation by 2026 - although the actual implementation by local authorities could come a year or two later.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/uks-first-tourism-tax-not-26618094
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 04, 2023, 10:29:06 am
Ministers are facing the prospect of a legal challenge if they go ahead with plans to house asylum seekers on a barge off the Dorset coast.

The Home Office is reportedly looking to use the Bibby Stockholm for the migrants to reduce reliance on hotels.

Portland Port said it had been selected to provide accommodation, but the government has not yet commented.

Local Conservative MP Richard Drax told the Times "all legal routes" were being looked at to try and stop the proposal.

The government says more than ?6m a day is being spent on hotels for migrants. But charities say military bases and boats are "wholly inadequate places" to house people fleeing war and persecution.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65172368
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 06, 2023, 09:56:09 am
Interesting reading..............A PR sob story, or a load of BS

Mansion owner 'disappointed' over asylum seekers U-turn and reveals long term plan for site
Grade-II listed Marle Hall, near Llandudno Junction, had been on a list of Home Office sites for a potential migrant facility

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mansion-owner-disappointed-over-asylum-26631652?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on April 08, 2023, 11:03:38 am
I came across this when looking for interesting questions on What Do They Know?

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/payments_made_to_france_for_them#incoming-2282493

The information they have provided shows we have paid a total of ?300.4 million to France in the period 2016/17 to 2022/23. This was designed to get the French to do more to stop the migrants getting over the Channel in boats. Quite honestly, I don't see why we should be paying them such huge amounts of money and question whether we are getting value for money. I don't see any reduction in the numbers to date. In fact, it is the reverse. I think the French are taking the **** The UK should either sue for the return on this money, or ask for a detailed explanation of exactly how it has been spent.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 08, 2023, 12:22:52 pm
If the money paid to France stopped all the migrants coming to the UK then it would be worth it as these migrants are costing the UK over 2,190 million pounds a year to support them in the UK.
The trouble is that the French are not doing enough to stop the migrants  from coming here.    The technology exists to pin point the small boats and the people smugglers but the French are reluctant to use the technology or allow the UK Police or Army to do the work for them
The truth is that the French don't want those migrants there any more than we want them here
I wonder if the French supply the migrants there with free accommodation, free Health service, money to live on, free mobile phones, free bus passes etc?
If they don't then you can see why they want to come over to the UK
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 13, 2023, 10:11:02 am
Not local but................

Homeowners would need to get planning permission before converting properties into short-term holiday lets in tourist hotspots, under government plans aimed at easing housing problems.

There could be exemptions based on how often a home was available to tourists.

Ministers have launched a consultation on the plans, which would only apply in England.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove said too many people were being "pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages".

Announcing the consultation, he said tourism brought economic benefits but added: "I'm determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work."

The plans could help out residents struggling to find suitable housing in popular holiday destinations, including Cornwall, the Lake District and Norfolk.

In Cornwall, short-term listings are expected to have increased six times over in the last five years, according to government research.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65258629
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on April 13, 2023, 10:58:33 am
There was a report in the Independent this week about proposals to house illegal immigrants in Northop Hall. It said that a dispute had broken out over plans to house hundreds of asylum seekers in a local hotel. This would increase the village's population by a quarter. Residents of Northop Hall, which has a population of c1500, argue it is wrong for asylum seekers to be accommodated in the village due to the lack of infrastructure. Plans are underway to convert a disused hotel near the village into accommodation for roughly 150 asylum seekers, while a further 250 could be housed in prefabricated accommodation to be built on the hotel's grounds. Last month the hotel's owners, Payman 3 Holdings, launched a public consultation on the proposals ahead of submitting a full planning application for permission for this to Flintshire County Council. Residents say that the village has one corner shop, there are no medical facilities, no GP, dentist, or health centre. The local MP Rob Roberts wrote to the Home Office at the end of last month asking it to agree that it would not use the hotel to house asylum seekers. He has yet to receive a reply.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on April 13, 2023, 05:49:39 pm
I'm afraid that the Conservative Government haven't got a policy or any clue on how to stop these illegal migrants coming in small boats to the UK.     It's as if they are doing nothing so that the next Government will inherit the problem caused by the Tories  and then blame the Labour Party for the mess
The Tories keep going on about Rwanda being a safe place to send the illegal migrants to but it was only as recent as 2019 that the Rwanda Government shot dead 12 refugees who took part in a riot
Title: Re: Points to Ponder........Smart motorways
Post by: SteveH on April 21, 2023, 10:04:32 am
Majority of drivers want hard shoulders put back on smart motorways, says survey
The RAC poll saw nearly seven in 10 drivers declaring they want them back, despite government objections

Around 69 per cent of motorists want hard shoulders reinstating on smart motorways, according to a new survey of 1,843 UK drivers.

The poll, commissioned by the RAC, saw most drivers believe the lanes should be restored on all-lane running (ALR) versions of smart motorways. Downing Street said on Monday that it would prove 'too disruptive' and cost a 'significant' amount to reinstall the hard shoulders, despite the building of new smart motorways being cancelled due to safety concerns.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/majority-of-motorists-want-hard-shoulders-put-back-on-smart-motorways-says-survey/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 26, 2023, 10:15:42 am
The boss of a major UK manufacturing firm has told the BBC he is considering moving investment to the US or Europe due to new subsidies offered there.

John Neil, who runs parts and logistics giant Unipart, said he wanted to invest in Britain but UK companies could not "compete on a level playing field".

The US is spending billions to help electric car firms, green energy and microchips via loans and tax breaks.

Europe is also planning to ease state help rules for firms in green sectors.

But the UK has yet to announce its strategy, with the chancellor telling the BBC that he would wait to see what the EU did before making any decisions.

Based in Oxford and employing more than 8,000 people, Unipart makes vehicle parts, components and manages supply chain logistics.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65393337
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on April 26, 2023, 10:28:21 am
And yet another Brexit 'benefit'...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on April 26, 2023, 08:03:57 pm
Things could be worse - although not much, I suspect. Here's a cheery little Public Information film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My8McQs2iEE) from 1964.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on April 27, 2023, 09:58:16 am
Jolly days, my father being in the Fire Service at that time, trained as a CD air observer, various pamphlets around the house etc, but I cannot recall being very worried, the joys of being young.

PS
A number of jobs will be lost at Iceland's Deeside headquarters - with contact centre staff told they would have to relocate to South Africa to keep their roles. The frozen food giant has told staff in the contact centre that telephone and email work is being outsourced to contact centre firm Ascensos and workers transferred to them.

The work for Iceland will be carried out in South Africa. They said that Ascensos plan to make UK staff redundant due to this and have started a consultation with affected workers.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 03, 2023, 09:53:12 am
Group that wants to abolish MPs wins government cash
Even Extinction Rebellion believes the Sortition Foundation?s ideas are too radical

The taxpayer has been funding a group that campaigns for the end of parliamentary democracy and which even Extinction Rebellion considers to be too radical.

The Sortition Foundation has provided recruitment services for parliament and other governmental bodies, helping them to organise ?citizens? assemblies? that are used to inform decision makers on issues such as climate change.

Participants are paid to take part and chosen through a process of ?stratified random selection? so that assemblies, made up of between 20 to 200 people, are representative of communities in the UK and can be used to guide government policy.

The not-for-profit company was awarded ?26,000 by the Department for Environment, was among the beneficiaries of a ?120,000 contract from the House of Commons and received ?10,000

cont https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/group-that-wants-to-abolish-mps-wins-government-cash-525btrj7k
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 11, 2023, 09:59:42 am
As I understand it, the underfunded NHS is going to pay the student costs?

Apprentice-doctor roles may be rolled out as part of the government's plan to fill NHS staffing gaps in England.

NHS trusts will be given funding to run the five-year apprenticeship roles under the proposals.

At the end of the programme, the apprentices will become junior doctors, providing an alternative to the traditional medical-degree route.

It is part of a package of measures that could be introduced under the NHS workforce plan.

The plan is expected to be published in the coming weeks - and if the apprenticeship proposal gets the green light, they could be launched as early as September.

The plan is also likely to lead to the expansion of the nurse apprenticeship scheme that already exists.

It means school leavers will be able to enrol to become doctors without having to pay to go to university - it is not uncommon for medical students to graduate with debts above ?80,000, according to the British Medical Association.

Sources said it was among the options being considered to help tackle staff shortages and broaden access to NHS jobs.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65548705
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 25, 2023, 10:10:44 am
More people from EU are leaving UK than arriving

Migration added 1.2 million people to the UK?s population in 2022 ? that?s about 118,000 more than were added in 2021 and nearly double the pre-pandemic levels.

But it has levelled off in recent quarters - there hasn?t been much of an increase in the second half of the year.

Overall, more people from the European Union are leaving than are arriving - EU migration took 51,000 people out of the UK population last year.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-65669832
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 27, 2023, 10:18:51 am
Wales 'missing out on fortune' over water powers - expert

Full control over water policy still has not been transferred to the Welsh government, six years after it was due to have been completed.

One expert said Wales could be missing out on a fortune.

The cabinet minister who steered the bill through Parliament which transferred the powers said he was "aghast" it has not happened yet.

The Welsh and UK governments said there are currently no plans for them to be handed over in the foreseeable future.

The politics of water is an emotionally charged issue in Wales.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-65727191
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 27, 2023, 10:54:01 am
Let's hope that history is not repeated, remember Tryweryn
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on May 27, 2023, 12:18:25 pm
Abersoch beach hut set to smash all records with six figure price tag
It is double fronted with extra space inside - but still costs a good bit more than the average house in Gwynedd
I bet that it won't be bought by a local person


https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/abersoch-beach-hut-set-smash-26981057
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on May 29, 2023, 10:21:36 am
The Met Police's plan to stop attending emergency mental health incidents is "potentially alarming", a former head of the police inspectorate has said.

From September, officers will only attend mental health 999 calls where there is an "immediate threat to life".

Zoe Billingham, who was previously Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue, said the proposals could create a "vacuum".

Mental health charity Mind has also expressed concerns over the plan.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wrote to health and social care services in Greater London to inform them of the plan last week, the Guardian reported.

The Met argues the move will free up officer resources after a significant rise in the number of mental health incidents being dealt with by its officers in the past five years.

Some police chiefs believe this is down to the service increasingly being seen as the first resort for people in a crisis, as well as a lack of capacity in the NHS and social services to deal with growing mental health demands.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65741824
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 04, 2023, 10:20:36 am
Illegal migrants plan could cost ?6bn over two years, say government projections

The cost of detaining and deporting people arriving in the UK in small boats under planned new legislation could hit ?6bn over the next two years, internal government projections say.

The Illegal Migration Bill is currently going through Parliament.

The BBC understands the Home Office estimates it will have to spend between ?3bn and ?6bn on detention facilities, and ongoing accommodation and removals.

It gives ministers the power to remove anyone arriving in the UK illegally.

These migrants would be barred from claiming asylum here.

The government insists it needs to act as record numbers of people are arriving in small boats and the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels is running at almost ?7m a day.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65789136

Another article quotes Robert Jenrick..........
Not 'unreasonable' for asylum seekers to share rooms
Video content

He was commenting on a story of a group of migrants who apparently refused to use a Pimlico hotel where the Home Office had asked them to sleep "four people per room".

Jenrick says: "As I understand what happened here was that these migrants, who had themselves said that they were destitute, they had nowhere to stay, we had offered them a safe bed with board and lodgings in a good-quality hotel in central London... These are single adult males, I don't think that's unreasonable.

"We've got to look after the taxpayer here."             
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 04, 2023, 04:00:43 pm
While all this hot air is going on in Parliament,  I wonder what repercussions Italy had after deporting 15,000 illegal Albanian  male migrants in 1991
15,000 illegal migrants landed in 5 ships at the Italian port of Bari in 1991 and were immediately rounded up and put in an arena.     Within days the Italian authorities rounded them up again and put them all back on the ships and sent them back to Albania
Was Italy fined for doing so?           


https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/albanian-refugees-italy-1991/

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 07, 2023, 10:06:49 am
Doctor warns bubonic plague could once again become risk to public
Russia, China and the US have all reported outbreaks in recent years

"We do see that the borders of plague hotspots have been changing with global warming and climate change, and other anthropogenic effects on the environment. We are aware that cases of plague in the world have been growing.

"This is one of the risks on today's agenda." Russia, China and the US have all reported outbreaks in recent years.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/doctor-warns-bubonic-plague-could-27063109?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 08, 2023, 09:34:17 am
Welsh Government says a migration system that rewards people for working in Wales should be considered by UK Government. The Government also says asylum seekers should be allowed to work if their application has taken more than six months to process.

These suggestions are part of their response to the Migration Advisory Committee?s Call for Evidence in relation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) - which eases UK immigration rules for sectors struggling to find enough workers. The Government in Wales highlighted a number of key sectors where staff were urgently needed but businesses were struggling to recruit.

This includes the tourism and hospitality sectors which have been badly impacted by the pandemic and Brexit - leaving many operators finding it difficult to recruit. Welsh Government also wants childcare and healthcare added to the list as well as the veterinary sector.

They asked UK Government that if they be incorporated in a Wales only SOL if they are not included the UK wide SOL.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-reward-migrants-who-27074020?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 10, 2023, 09:36:47 am
A residents? association is campaigning for Conwy to encourage developers to build new homes for local people on brownfield sites.

The Old Colwyn Residents? Association believes too many expensive homes are being built beyond the affordability of locals and says developers need to be encouraged to stop using greenfield locations

The association claims many of these brownfield sites ? often wasteland ? are being left undeveloped for years due to a planning loophole.

The term ?brownfield? refers to land which has already been developed or occupied by a permanent structure.

Now the residents? association wants the council to keep a register of all the brownfield sites available for development, rather than continue to build on greenfield sites, which are often agricultural land.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23573637.conwy-campaign-save-greenfield-sites-build-homes-locals/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder........Wales' glass refund plan
Post by: SteveH on June 12, 2023, 10:00:16 am
Wales' glass refund plan proceeding without Westminster agreement

The Welsh government intends to press on with plans for a refundable bottles and cans fee after the UK government blocked similar ones in Scotland.

The scheme is set to start in Wales in two years, but Scotland's scheme was delayed this week after Westminster said glass could not be included.

The UK government said its decision would affect Wales' plans too.

Climate Change minister Julie James said she would take the UK government "to task".

The UK government has decided not to include glass bottles in its own deposit return scheme, and told the Scottish government it wanted glass excluded so a consistent UK-wide approach was taken.

Westminster used post-Brexit legislation called the Internal Markets Bill to stop Scotland's plans.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-65872759
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 14, 2023, 10:07:22 am
I hope they do something to help able bodied people also.....

DWP reveals plan to get 25,000 PIP, ESA and Universal Credit claimants back to work
The scheme will be rolled out gradually across all parts of the UK

Thousands of people claiming health and disability benefits will be offered help to find a job under a new DWP scheme. Government funding of ?58million is being used for the initiative, which will encourage more people on such benefits as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit's LCWRA element (limited capability for work and work-related activity) to move into employment.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dwp-reveals-plan-25000-pip-27108420
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 14, 2023, 10:57:14 am
That's a very good point Steve and the county's greatest asset is its workforce.

I can't get my head around the situation when I hear the news that there are a million  or so job vacancies in the UK and yet there are about the same number of people who are physically and mentally capable of working.    What is stopping the Government from using this resource?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 14, 2023, 12:32:04 pm
Plan to house 400 asylum seekers at Northop Hall hotel formally submitted
The proposals could see the population of the village increase by almost a quarter if approved
It would be nice if the Government was as generous to UK citizens that were homeless




https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/plan-house-400-asylum-seekers-27118993
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on June 17, 2023, 10:02:25 am
Someone was telling me yesterday that a homeless girl with a young child was told that she would have to wait as there was no accommodation available for her. Although a number of new social housing homes have been built locally, they have all been allocated to people from Ukraine. Dumfries and Galloway Council have put her in a guest house in Dumfries. This is despite the fact the Scottish Government has stipulated councils are not to use guest house type accommodation for homeless people.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 18, 2023, 10:11:00 am
Deposit return scheme: Wales brewers fear for industry ? ? ? ?       Is this the tax on alcohol talking ?

Breweries in Wales have claimed plans for a refundable bottles and cans fee will harm their industry.

Climate Change Minister Julie James has indicated she will go ahead with proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme in Wales, including glass.

It aims to increase recycling rates by charging a deposit for single-use containers like plastic bottles and aluminium cans which can be reclaimed.

But the chairman of Brewers of Wales said it would disadvantage them.

Similar plans in Scotland have been postponed.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-65931123
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 18, 2023, 04:32:12 pm
Someone was telling me yesterday that a homeless girl with a young child was told that she would have to wait as there was no accommodation available for her. Although a number of new social housing homes have been built locally, they have all been allocated to people from Ukraine. Dumfries and Galloway Council have put her in a guest house in Dumfries. This is despite the fact the Scottish Government has stipulated councils are not to use guest house type accommodation for homeless people.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 18, 2023, 05:05:30 pm
Helig, I ran out of time when I tried to modify my posting but luckily I saved it and copied it below

Helig,  I do agree with what you mean about giving priority to house homeless UK citizens and my own opinion on social housing is that it should be for local people who live in the area where the social housing is.
The Ukrainian situation is slightly different to the invasion of illegal migrants to the UK, the Ukrainians are mainly women and children and they hope to return to Ukraine when it is safe for them to do so.
The other illegal migrants are mainly young men from a different culture to the one we have in the UK and at best are economic migrants
I heard on TV the other day that 51K  migrants are living in hotels etc and it's costing the UK  over 6 million pounds a day to house them but there are about 100K others living in the UK so where are they living?
The Tories haven't got a clue on how to deal with the immigration problem and they'll probably leave it to the next incoming Government after they have had an end of term party to celebrate leaving office
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on June 19, 2023, 10:46:26 am
I take your point, Hugo, but we are being bombarded with people from all over the world when our housing and services cannot cope with these numbers. It was Boris who decided to offer the Ukrainians the right to enter and live in the UK. This set a precedent as the UK hasn't made this arrangement in the past. He also allowed hundreds of thousands of people from Hong Kong to come and live here too. I appreciate things are not great in Hong Kong but the people there knew how it could go right from the minute the Chinese took over. The UK cannot accept more people of any kind, legal, or illegal. There isn't enough housing for people born and bred in the UK without allowing many millions more into the country. In the south of England the schools, doctors, hospitals, dentists, hotels and sundry others are saturated with people. I spent some time in Wiltshire recently and saw just how bad it is for myself. The south east is even worse.

Many of the illegals have been transported to other areas where accommodation is cheaper, not long ago I was told that in Carlisle all the accommodation available (hotels included) was full of illegal immigrants. I know there are some in Dumfries and they include people from Saudi Arabia which puzzles me as I don't know how they can claim asylum here. The council is housing them in guest houses nevertheless.

There was a research paper published recently featuring the latest population projections. It said that if net migration remains at the present levels, the population of the UK would increase by 16-20 million in the next 23 years.

The Tories have failed to organise matters so that asylum applications are processed quickly and people can be removed. This has gone on so long I can only conclude it is deliberate policy on their part. It seems that they will be soon out of government (thank goodness) but someone else will be left to clear up their mess.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 19, 2023, 11:28:07 am
we are being bombarded with people from all over the world when our housing and services cannot cope with these numbers.

Some might argue that is more to do with Tory policy.  And there is plenty of housing available - but most of it is second or third homes.

Quote
The UK cannot accept more people of any kind, legal, or illegal.

According to ONS the number of UK job vacancies in March to May 2023 was 1,051,000, so there seems plenty of work still available.

Quote
In the south of England the schools, doctors, hospitals, dentists, hotels and sundry others are saturated with people. I spent some time in Wiltshire recently and saw just how bad it is for myself. The south east is even worse.

But again that could be down to Tory policy. They don't want people happy with State run schools, GPs or dentists as their often stated desired to privatise it all, suggests.

Quote
not long ago I was told that in Carlisle all the accommodation available (hotels included) was full of illegal immigrants.

It's important not to conflate illegal immigration with asylum seekers.

Quote
The Tories have failed to organise matters so that asylum applications are processed quickly and people can be removed. This has gone on so long I can only conclude it is deliberate policy on their part. It seems that they will be soon out of government (thank goodness) but someone else will be left to clear up their mess.

I agree.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 19, 2023, 03:51:21 pm
It's important not to conflate illegal immigration with asylum seekers.

Whatever name you apply to these illegal boat people we know that they are in the main not genuine Asylum seekers.   Any genuine asylum seeker would have claimed asylum in the first safe country they landed in,   These people arriving here have travelled through several safe countries before arriving on our shores
My own opinion is that they think that the UK's streets are paved with gold.   Where else in the world would they get free accommodation, free meals, free heating, free NHS, free bus passes and they also get paid for being here..     It's absolute nonsense and unsustainable.  I suppose that they'll want their OAP in time
There have been over 10,000 illegal boat people arriving in the UK this year alone and yet the Government does absolutely nothing.
I'm not joking but what has happened in Greece recently could easily happen here.   I'm not talking about the tragic drownings but what is to stop the people smugglers from using bigger boats and then the UK border force will really be in a mess




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjm3N0PSszg
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 20, 2023, 09:50:25 am
Boris Johnson: MPs back Partygate report as just seven vote against.     The Conservatives voted as follows:-       
                                                                                                                                                   118  for
                                                                                                                                                       7  against
                                                                                                                                     about      225 abstained
                                                                                                                     Well done the 118 Conservatives shame on the others


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65953605
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on June 20, 2023, 11:03:37 am
It proves the Tories are devoid of integrity, devoid of morals and any type of decency it totally absent from them. Boris is the norm, rather than the exception.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 20, 2023, 11:33:55 am
He certainly represents the rotten core of the party in spades.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 29, 2023, 10:03:18 am
Nearly 100 workers at a Welsh hotel earmarked to house hundreds of asylum seekers are understood to have been told they will lose their jobs. Staff at Llanelli's Stradey Park Hotel have reportedly been called to meetings yesterday (Tuesday, June 27) to be told they would be made redundant from July 10.

It's understood senior staff members, who have also been made redundant, had been sent an email by the hotel owners giving instructions about how to deliver the news to staff. One worker, who asked not to be named, claimed: "We were called to a last minute meeting on Tuesday morning and were given the news that everyone would be made redundant with the last day being July 10.

"It was some of the managers who have been made redundant themselves who had to deliver the news. There was just complete shock.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/staff-welsh-hotel-made-redundant-27215336
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on June 29, 2023, 10:13:48 am
It seems not only do we have to stump up millions, more likely billions, to keep these illegal immigrants in accommodation including hotels etc, smart phones, money, clothes, travel passes, NHS health care, plus other services, we are losing employment because of them too. Since the government is content to allow this situation, it won't be long before others decide to do something about it. I am old enough to remember Enoch Powell, say no more.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on June 29, 2023, 10:23:53 am
From the BBC ......

Decision reverses High Court's December ruling
The decision of the High Court is reversed - and the removal of asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful until changes are made to the asylum system there, the Court of Appeal rules.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on June 29, 2023, 11:52:53 am
Helig,  I share your frustration at the present asylum system.   It's a shambles and that statement "we'll take control of our borders"  was just another Tory lie
To be fair though when Labour get into power I don't think that they will do much better unless they take a more radical approach.  There is a backlog on processing these people who have come to the UK illegally, but they could fast track all the Albanians immediately and return them to Albania as Italy did in 1991
Does anyone know if any country in Europe is as generous to illegal migrants like we are in the UK?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 29, 2023, 12:15:33 pm
Helig,  I share your frustration at the present asylum system.   It's a shambles and that statement "we'll take control of our borders"  was just another Tory lie
To be fair though when Labour get into power I don't think that they will do much better unless they take a more radical approach. 

The problem is that those arriving are claiming asylum. If we, as a comparatively wealthy country, choose to accept asylum seekers, then we incur obligations. But a lot of this debate is exaggerated (https://fullfact.org/immigration/hotel-asylum-seekers/).


Quote
There is a backlog on processing these people who have come to the UK illegally, but they could fast track all the Albanians immediately and return them to Albania as Italy did in 1991
Certainly could, if the Tories hadn't slashed the civil service.



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 29, 2023, 12:17:28 pm
Some facts:

At the end of 2021 around 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced across the world. Of these, 27.1 million were refugees, whilst 53.2 million were internally displaced within their country of origin.

72% of the world?s refugees are living in countries neighbouring their country of origin, often in developing countries

Over 6.8 million people have fled conflict in Syria, and many more are displaced inside the country. T?rkiye is the biggest refugee hosting country in the world. At the end of 2022 T?rkiye was providing safety to 3.7 million Syrian refugees. By the end of February 2021 the UK had resettled 20,319 refugees from Syria under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). This includes 239 refugees who were resettled prior to the target of 20,000 being set.

 The UK is home to approx. 1% of the 27.1 million refugees who were forcibly displaced across the world.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on June 29, 2023, 12:20:04 pm
More figures. (https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/information/refugee-asylum-facts/the-truth-about-asylum/)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 01, 2023, 09:54:24 am
Ian, in your post times at 12.17 yesterday you don't give the source of your figures. The subsequent post has a link to the Refugee Council which appears to be the basis of the figures you quote. This organisation is unlikely to give an independent account of the situation that exists in the UK. It should be borne in mind the UK is small island with limited resources. Last year the government figures show that 1.2 million people moved to the UK leaving a net migration figure of 606,000. There has been a study based on these figures which shows that if this level of migration continues the UK's population will increase by 83-87 million by 2046. This would require an additional 6-8 million more homes. That would be the equivalent of 15-18 cities the size of Birmingham.

Apart from the saturation point we have reached with immigrants in some areas, in general the level of migration is a great strain on resources and services. I also object to paying income tax to fund the lifestyle they are given here. Our own people are living in poverty on the streets with no access to basic comforts. Why can't they be accommodated in hotels etc and given some sort of dignity? I accept that some of the people coming here are genuine but the vast majority are not. Bear in mind that the figures only cover the migrants they know about, there are very many who are not reflected in the figures.

The Tory agenda is designed for business regardless of what the country, wants or can accept. Business wants cheap labour and this is one way they can get it. It wouldn't surprise me if the people smugglers are operated by the Tories. They like to make money by any way they can, legal or otherwise. As Nye Bevan once said the Tories, "are lower than vermin".
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 01, 2023, 11:59:30 am
Ian, in your post times at 12.17 yesterday you don't give the source of your figures.  Business wants cheap labour and this is one way they can get it. It wouldn't surprise me if the people smugglers are operated by the Tories. They like to make money by any way they can, legal or otherwise. As Nye Bevan once said the Tories, "are lower than vermin".

Fair point, Helig. I take quotes from more than one source, and usually from around three.

In my experience, these are the best:

1.  Media Bias/FactCheck (https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/) Excellent for checking on the fairness or otherwise of TV and News sites.

2. Fact Check (https://www.factcheck.org/)  Broader coverage of sites in general.

3. Headline check (https://leadstories.com/)  Good for identifying false stories

4. Snopes (https://www.snopes.com/)  One of the very best although it has been accused of some inaccuracy but which site hasn't?

In short, no one site is whiter than white, although those I've mentioned seem extremely accurate almost all the time.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 01, 2023, 12:11:12 pm
Quote from: Helig link=topic=467.msg126649#msg126649
Last year the government figures show that 1.2 million people moved to the UK leaving a net migration figure of 606,000.

Since their introduction in March 2022, there have been 283,366 applications for a visa under Ukraine Visa Schemes, of these 225,278 have been granted and 169,300 arrivals have been identified to the year ending March 2023. In addition, there have been 24,593 extensions granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme. That represents a significant chunk of the 606,000 you quoted.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 01, 2023, 12:16:10 pm
I also object to paying income tax to fund the lifestyle they are given here. Our own people are living in poverty on the streets with no access to basic comforts.

I don't wish to cause any  offence, Helig but could you explain precisely who you mean when you say "Our own people"?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on July 01, 2023, 05:29:56 pm
I also object to paying income tax to fund the lifestyle they are given here. Our own people are living in poverty on the streets with no access to basic comforts.

I don't wish to cause any  offence, Helig but could you explain precisely who you mean when you say "Our own people"?

Quite obvious what is meant, in my opinion ... people who are of families born, live and worked in the UK, and contributed to the countries finances by way of income tax and national insurance.

We (the UK government and councils) are freely giving away hundreds every week to asylum seekers, putting them up in reasonable accomodation.  Yes, I have some sympathy with those fleeing from war-torn countries but not those who chose to cross many safe countries, and put their own lives at risk in small boats, to get to the UK because that ls where the hand-outs are.

It wouldn't matter which political party was in power, they would all be doing the same.

"Charity begins at home."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 02, 2023, 09:49:48 am
Well said DVT and that opinion is shared by everyone I have spoken to.        In the UK we seem to be scared of stating the truth in case it offends anyone.
"We'll take control of our borders, we'll select who we want to come to the UK" are just empty comments made by this totally delusional Tory Government.      The Tories have a duty to protect and look after UK citizens but they are not doing that.
Despite what anyone says these "asylum seekers" are not genuine refugees or otherwise they would have applied for asylum in the first safe country they arrived at.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 03, 2023, 12:49:30 pm
Tory MPs issue plan for Rishi Sunak to slash migration,   :o   will it work  :roll:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66084962
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 14, 2023, 10:45:29 am
Many people feel the same about proposals to scrap six week summer holiday in Wales
Teachers, parents and others will be asked for their opinions, but some have already given their views

People have been giving their opinions on the proposed scrapping of the six-week school summer holiday in Wales. On Thursday this week, education minister Jeremy Miles said a formal public consultation would be held in the 2023-24 academic year to gauge support for changing holiday and half term dates.

Reforming the school year is one of the commitments in the Welsh Government's manifesto, which also argues the current calendar of three school terms was designed 150 years ago in a very different era when children were needed to help with agricultural work in the summer. Parents, teachers and others are to be asked their views on shortening the school summer holiday in Wales in the next year.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/many-people-feel-same-proposals-27318908?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2023, 01:14:51 pm
I saw a TV programme yesterday about the Asylum seekers in the UK and it was quite refreshing listening to it  without interference  from PC or the small minority of unelected do gooders.    Apparently Asylum seekers including failed Asylum seekers will be given somewhere to live if they need it, plus a range of other benefits.      I'm sure in time some will even get an OAP
It's worth having a look at the link below which is an eye opener.       Those illegal migrants now landing in Greece and Italy may be heading here soon thanks to the generosity of the UK government

https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 16, 2023, 01:36:07 pm
Reap what you sow ............   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on July 16, 2023, 08:27:07 pm
I was talking about the asylum seekers today with someone whose sister lives in France.

What do the asylum seekers get from the French government - absolutely nothing - that's why they come here.

If the government (regardless of party) wants to stop the boats then quite simply stop the hand-outs.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 17, 2023, 09:51:26 am
My sister was over last week, she mentioned that both she and her friends have stopped wearing jewellery in public, and have all increased home security. 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 17, 2023, 11:55:43 am
I know of a case in Dumfries of a young man from Kuwait who claims he is 15 years of age and an asylum seeker. He is being housed in a local guest house which is charging ?60 per night for his accommodation. He has been there for 5 months. He receives ?70 per week in cash from social services. He has a smart phone, trainers worth ?200 (so I'm told not being an expert in these matters) and a new bike which cost c?180. It is thought he is older than he claims. He is consuming a vast amount of food and drink where he is staying. He has been known to steal things too. The council has told the guest house proprietor to charge them for the costs of everything he takes. Prior to this he was housed with a family and they couldn't afford the amount he ate and drank. Is it right that UK taxpayers fund this type of person? I am not aware of Kuwait being a country which would need to be fled from as an asylum seeker on genuine grounds. In any case there are safe countries to this much closer than the UK.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 17, 2023, 12:12:53 pm
Myth: A popular myth circulated by those opposed to refugees (https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/asylum-seekers-refugees-truth_uk_5f520768c5b6946f3eb02f87) coming to the UK is that people seeking safety in Europe must claim asylum in the first ?safe? country they land in.

Fact: Under the rules set out by the UN Refugee Convention, which the UK joined in the early 1950s, there is no obligation for asylum seekers to do so.

Myth: They?re just economic migrants

Fact: Home Office officials have confirmed that the majority of people crossing the Channel in small boats are genuine asylum seekers. It is impossible to know exactly what an individual?s circumstances are before they arrive in the UK and are assessed by the relevant authorities.

Myth: Asylum seekers are worsening overcrowding in the UK

Fact: A 2015 Ipsos MORI study found that, on average, the public vastly overestimated the number of foreign-born people living in the UK

Myth: The UK gets more asylum seekers than other European countries

Fact: ccording to figures collected by Eurostat, and shared in August by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in 2019 France received 123,900 applications, while Germany received more than 142,000. In the same year, the UK received 35,566.

Myth: Asylum seekers are flocking to the UK to exploit a generous package of benefits.

Fact: The UNHCR has highlighted, asylum seekers in France receive almost exactly the same as they would in the UK (without risking their lives crossing the Channel) and are eligible for ?344 (?308) a month in Germany.

I could go on, but I suspect this is essentially an emotion-driven debate. Please remember the majority of the press is right wing and simply parrot what the Tories say.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 18, 2023, 10:17:24 am
The Illegal Migration Bill is set to become law after the government won a final series of votes in the Lords.

The legislation is central to the prime minister's pledge to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.

Under the bill, the home secretary has a legal duty to detain and remove anyone entering the UK illegally.

In a late-night debate in the House of Lords, peers rejected attempts to reinsert time limits on child detention and modern slavery protections.

The bill will now go for royal assent and become law.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66229585
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 18, 2023, 12:12:02 pm
Ian,   every one has an opinion on this emotional and controversial matter but statistics can be manipulated to suit a person's point of view and I've just added my thoughts to the points you have made

Myth: A popular myth circulated by those opposed to refugees coming to the UK is that people seeking safety in Europe must claim asylum in the first ?safe? country they land in.

Fact: Under the rules set out by the UN Refugee Convention, which the UK joined in the early 1950s, there is no obligation for asylum seekers to do so.

That is correct but the law was passed in 1951 and that was over 70 years ago and the world has changed since then.   Perhaps the law needs changing too

Myth: They?re just economic migrants

Fact: Home Office officials have confirmed that the majority of people crossing the Channel in small boats are genuine asylum seekers. It is impossible to know exactly what an individual?s circumstances are before they arrive in the UK and are assessed by the relevant authorities.

That is rubbish.   These illegal migrants are encouraged by the UK government to seek asylum when they set foot in the UK.   That immediately changes their status from illegal migrants to asylym seekers.   Seeing that there is a backlog of over 150,000 ?asylum seekers? in the UK then no one can say for certain that they are genuine asylum seekers

Myth: Asylum seekers are worsening overcrowding in the UK

Fact: A 2015 Ipsos MORI study found that, on average, the public vastly overestimated the number of foreign-born people living in the UK

That information needs to be updated for certain

Myth: The UK gets more asylum seekers than other European countries

Fact: according to figures collected by Eurostat, and shared in August by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in 2019 France received 123,900 applications, while Germany received more than 142,000. In the same year, the UK received 35,566.asylum seekers

That could be true, but then both countries are much larger than the UK and can therefore accommodate more asylum seekers

 Myth: Asylum seekers are flocking to the UK to exploit a generous package of benefits.

Fact: The UNHCR has highlighted, asylum seekers in France receive almost exactly the same as they would in the UK (without risking their lives crossing the Channel) and are eligible for ?344 (?308) a month in Germany.

We don't see illegal migrants living in tents or sleeping rough  on beaches in the UK so why are they risking their lives crossing the Channel if it isn't for the general package of benefits in the UK?


I haven't got an answer on how to stop these illegal migrants coming in to the UK but judging from the inactivity coming from the House of Commons then I'm not the only one
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on July 18, 2023, 04:31:24 pm
All this is costing a lot of money just to pander to the Right Wingers.

These people are not illegal migrants they are asylum seekers who have every right to apply to live in this country. Whether they are accepted is another matter. The longer each application takes the more expensive it becomes. Why can the idiots in power see this ?

The Tories for whatever reason have not recruited enough staff to process the applications thus allowing the backlog to build up,

Now look at it this way.......... Employ enough Immigration officers to keep up with the applicants, at say ?50K per annum.
Surely this would be cheaper than all the Hotel and other expenses we are now lumbered with.

This problem will get worse, just look at what is happening in Africa, they will keep coming, and it is up to the UK to process the applications fast enough.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 18, 2023, 07:08:13 pm
You have raised a number of good and valid points Mull but those boat people have entered the UK illegally.    They only become asylum seekers once they have applied for asylum after they have landed in the UK
Whatever views we hold about these "asylum seekers"  this link below shows the UK's position on them whether we like it or not


https://ukandeu.ac.uk/explainers/the-illegal-migration-bill/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2023, 07:26:16 pm
I found this paragraph interesting:

"The UK positions itself internationally as a leading defender of the rule of law, democracy and human rights on the international stage. The Foreign Affairs Committee has urged the government to challenge states that seek to ?subvert the international system and weaken rights?."
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 18, 2023, 07:39:24 pm

That is correct but the law was passed in 1951 and that was over 70 years ago and the world has changed since then.   Perhaps the law needs changing too

What about the 1967 protocol?

I could go through the list. point by point, but I'll settle for asking one question: why do we not simply sink the boats as they come within sight of the UK?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on July 18, 2023, 08:57:51 pm
Two cruise ships that the government paid the owners millions to hold over 1 k asylum seekers,one going to Liverpool and the other to Edinburgh were sent back to the owners as this useless gov couldn?t dock them anywhere. ,,,,, they love wasting Our money.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 19, 2023, 10:19:17 am
It should be borne in mind that the 77th Brigade are posting and publishing a huge amount of disinformation about the immigration to the UK.

https://bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/2023/02/defence-secretary-admits-77th-brigade-tasked-to-uk-disinformation/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/77th_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)

This body is responsible for making sure the government/establishment view is promoted.

I have found this site to provide some useful information.

https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/

It will be interesting to see what happens when the Bibby is in use at Portland and full of people. I know that area and dread to think how the local services will cope. It is bad enough for the locals as the NHS is struggling around there. The nearest hospital is in Dorchester. Although there is a hospital in Weymouth is doesn't cover most of the health issues. I found the local people there very anti outsiders, they call us grockles.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 19, 2023, 10:39:13 am
Quote
I have found this site to provide some useful information.

Yes, but that's essentially a right-wing, anti-immigration site that supports Brexit, hardly a surprise when you look at the  founders.

But critiquing existing arrestments is fine, but what would you do instead? 
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 20, 2023, 12:16:14 pm
Seems the government isn't short of a bob or two:

"The UK government is to spend ?1.2 trillion in the current financial year overseen mainly by HM Treasury, the department also responsible for keeping the economy on track and overseeing financial markets. To do its job, the Treasury aims to create a "production model" of a new data platform by the end of the 2024-2025 financial year."

Full story here.  (https://www.theregister.com/2023/07/19/hm_treasury_chief_data_officer/?td=rt-3a)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 20, 2023, 12:58:14 pm
I forgot to mention: the principal endorser of that site  (migration watch uk (https://www.migrationwatchuk.org/).org/) is none other than convicted liar, cheat and fraudster Jonathon Aitkin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Aitken).
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 21, 2023, 10:05:15 am
How many people are going to die, before this situation is rectified.?

North Wales man who suffered heart attack died after seven hour ambulance wait
'Helpless' family of David Philip Roberts from Llangollen frantically called 999 three times as coroner defers making prevention of future deaths report

A man who suffered a heart attack and later died waited seven and a half hours for an ambulance. The family of David Philip Roberts, known as Phil, from Llangollen, frantically called 999 three times but the final call hadn't been categorised as a "red" life-threatening emergency, an inquest into his death heard.

A coroner at Ruthin concluded that the 73-year-old former tool setter had died in June last year from natural causes. But the coroner deferred making a prevention of future deaths report because she was already awaiting responses about long ambulance delays following other recent inquests.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-man-who-suffered-27358629
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 21, 2023, 11:38:43 am
A response to Ian's posts regarding the migration debate dated 19 and 20 July 2023.

Firstly, Jonathon Aitken is not the "principal endorser" of the Migration Watch site. His association is merely that he is a friend of Sir Andrew Green who was responsible for setting it up.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/dec/01/thinktanks.race

I was asked what I would do, well for a start I would recruit and train enough staff to deal with the deluge of applications for asylum to the UK. They would be required to make a decision within 14 days of arrival of the person concerned. Then I would not provide any money, smartphone, travel pass, NHS treatment, Legal Aid, or other benefits to the immigrants. They would be accommodated in halls with a bed and shared showers, plus toilets. These would be in one designated area of the UK. The facilities would be basic and none would be housed in hotels. Sufficient food would be given to them to keep them alive. The decision reached on their claim could not be appealed and they would be returned to their country of origin immediately if their claim fails.

The Tories want to allow the invasion to continue as they have no intention of returning these people to their countries, or anywhere else. They are designed to be cheap labour for the UK businesses. Some of them will be nothing more than slave labour. It is ironic that they come to the UK thinking it is paved with gold but they will be fodder for the greedy Tory business owners.

Sunak's pledge to stop the boats is totally worthless. A total of 574 entered the UK by boats last Tuesday.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migrants-detected-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats/migrants-detected-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats-last-7-days

These are just the ones they know about. Many say the number entering that are unknown to the authorities are far higher than these.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: mull on July 21, 2023, 04:52:04 pm
So you will return some of these people to their country of origin ?

Sudan, Darfor, or other despot run countries, Get real these people will keep coming so whether you like it or not they need to be helped to settle here.

Not the first time we have done this.........1950's......Kept the NHS, Railway , London Transport running.

Cheer up and look on the bright side.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 24, 2023, 09:56:25 am
Michael Gove is announcing plans to relax planning rules in England to create more homes in towns and cities.

The levelling up secretary says he wants to make it easier to convert empty retail premises and betting shops into flats and houses.

But critics say such conversions are often poor quality.

A report by the Commons housing committee earlier this month found that while ministers are on track to deliver its one million homes target they are not expected to meet their other commitment to deliver 300,000 new homes every year by the mid-2020s.

Hitting that figure became harder after the government was forced to water down its housing targets on local councils following a fierce backlash from its own MPs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66287810
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 24, 2023, 11:30:43 am
To respond to Mull's post of 21 July 2023. It is all very well taking a liberal approach when you live on an island far removed from the areas which are saturated with all manner of foreign immigrants. I suggest you stay in Kent, Sussex, Swindon, or many of the other places which have housing and services unable to meet the demands of all the immigrants, let alone the local people.

The people who have genuine cases to remain in the UK should stay here. I question how many of the immigrants have a genuine claim to remain here as in most cases, they have passed through numerous safe countries before they arrive here. When I lived in Brighton I knew people who had fled Sudan because they were at risk being Coptic Christians. I also knew someone from Syria who had come because his life was at risk. I don't dispute that these people had a case to remain in the UK.

You mention the 1950s, I lived in west London in the 1950s and recall the numbers of people who flooded in here then. This was due to another Tory, Harold MacMillan, they were encouraged over here to do the low paid work no one else wanted to do. Tory businesses wanted cheap labour and this was their solution. They also colonised whole areas of London, Southall being one of them. They didn't integrate with the UK population and set up their own ghettos where no English was spoken. I had family in Southall and they were one of a very few white families left in that area. They were forced out by being mugged, burgled, harassed and more. Before my father died he wanted to go and see some of the family graves in the cemetery. I made enquiries and was told it wasn't safe for a white person to go anywhere in that area.

For those who cry, "racist" the reality is that they are racist towards white people. They detest us with a passion. This country has deteriorated significantly since immigration was allowed on a substantial level. Most people I speak to say the same but they are scared to speak out about this subject.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 24, 2023, 03:05:11 pm
Let's put this into perspective.    We need immigrants to work here and improve our economy that's a fact and after all Boris promised us that we can take control of our borders and select who we want to come here to work in the UK     Now we were told that by our PM and he doesn't lie, or does he?
In fact we are having people come here who don't share our culture or beliefs, don't integrate with society and don't speak English.
Let alone have respect for women and the LBGT ETC community
Here's something to ponder on:-     Isis promised to send 500,000 soldiers into Europe to commit acts against the west.    As we are unable to vet these illegal migrants how many are criminal, how many are murders and rapists and how many are terrorists or sleepers?
The answer is we don't know but we do know that the security service is not resourced to cope with the existing immigrants let alone the invasion of many more
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on July 24, 2023, 06:28:01 pm
To respond to Mull's post of 21 July 2023. It is all very well taking a liberal approach when you live on an island far removed from the areas which are saturated with all manner of foreign immigrants. I suggest you stay in Kent, Sussex, Swindon, or many of the other places which have housing and services unable to meet the demands of all the immigrants, let alone the local people.


Helig: you make these claims but never post links to disinterested sources so they can be checked.  In fact, most of your assertions are simply incorrect. To give but a single example, Birmingham has a far, far higher crime rate (https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area/west-midlands-police/city-centre/?yourlocalpolicingteam=about-us) than Southall.

Quote
The people who have genuine cases to remain in the UK should stay here. I question how many of the immigrants have a genuine claim to remain here as in most cases, they have passed through numerous safe countries before they arrive here.


How is that relevant?


Quote
They also colonised whole areas of London, Southall being one of them. They didn't integrate with the UK population and set up their own ghettos where no English was spoken.

Is it not possible they did that because English speaking society was uninviting?

Quote
Before my father died he wanted to go and see some of the family graves in the cemetery. I made enquiries and was told it wasn't safe for a white person to go anywhere in that area.

Again, simply untrue. Unless you can provide statistics and a source to prove otherwise?



Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on July 25, 2023, 09:59:45 am
Yes, Hugo, we are at risk from terrorists infiltrating under the guise of seeking asylum. The security services are very concerned at the influx of immigrants with the risk it brings to the safety of people in the UK.

I am going to draw a line under this post now. It is clear that people have differing opinions and we are all entitled to them.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on July 25, 2023, 03:09:59 pm
Helig, even the Politicians can't agree on what to do about immigration so it's only understandable that Joe Public can't agree either.
Why these immigrants are coming in to the UK after having crossed several safe countries is relevant and you can hear the Politicians repeating that question
The latest law passed by the Conservative Government saying that it is illegal to enter the UK in small boats and anyone who does enter will not be able to apply for asylum in the UK.    Now that law is futile and defies common sense and this is the scenario.   If anyone enters the UK from a war torn country, they may be illegal migrants in the UK but under international law you cannot return them to their country of origin, so what can you do with them?
Any illegal migrants from Albania should be treated differently and sent back to Albania on the first plane or ship available, but will the UK have the willingness to enforce their own laws
This immigration problem will never be solved while the Government of the day dithers on decisive action
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on July 27, 2023, 10:11:59 am
Nice for some.......Private companies getting grants to increase their profits, OK a few more jobs, bit is it value for tax payers money.?

ZIP World has shared exciting growth plans following its allocation of ?6.2million of matched funding.

This came as part of the North Wales Growth Deal, a ?1billion investment to the region; ?240m of which has been funded by both Welsh and UK Governments.

The outdoor activity company, which has 29 attractions at seven UK sites, plans to use the funding as part of its ?Responsible Adventure? growth project during the next two years.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23680820.zip-world-launch-north-wales-cable-car-following-6-2m-funding/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 01, 2023, 10:04:57 am
More action, less talking, this is a scary situation for everyone..............

POLITICIANS in North Wales have called for urgent action after inquests into the deaths of numerous residents found issues with ambulance and hospital waiting times.

In the last two weeks, inquests have been concluded regarding the deaths of Robert Dewhurst (Deganwy), Philip Hawkins (Rhyl), George Howell (Rhyl) and David Roberts (Llangollen), all of whom endured extensive waits either for or in an ambulance.

The inquest into the death of Philip Hawkins, who waited in an ambulance for 10 hours after it had arrived at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, ultimately led coroner David Pojur to file a Prevention of Future Deaths report.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23691971.inquests-regarding-ambulance-waits-showed-catalogue-inadequacies/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 07, 2023, 03:19:54 pm
Bibby Stockholm: First asylum seekers to board barge
 I heard  on the BBC news today that 20 or more "asylum seekers"  have refused to go on the barge and their highly paid lawyers are claiming that they are too traumatised to go on the barge because of their ordeal when they entered the UK illegally in their small boats.
I suppose that this saying of being too traumatised to go on the barges will be the norm from now on
I wonder what the UK citizens who live in damp mouldy  and unhealthy conditions think of these migrants?    Perhaps they would like to swap places with these migrants



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66424923
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 08, 2023, 09:40:49 am
Only 15 asylum seekers went on board the barge yesterday while another 20 refused to go on board for various reasons such as being traumatised by the Channel crossing.
The BBC this morning announced that the Government are now looking into the case of the lawyers who have been making false claims on behalf of the asylum seekers
You couldn't make this up, a Government that can't even control it's own laws

Perhaps the simple solution would be that when a new small boat of illegal migrants lands on the beach the young men on board would be taken to the barge where they can then apply for asylum.     I'm sure that the migrants would be on their smart phones to other potential migrants in France
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 08, 2023, 12:00:24 pm
Just a follow up about the lawyers acting for the asylum seekers,  I wonder who pays for the lawyers expensive fees?
Suella Braverman to target 'crooked' immigration lawyers

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66437588
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on August 11, 2023, 10:47:19 am
Information in my paper this week was that there were 172,758 outstanding visa applications from asylum seekers at the end of March 2023. These were awaiting an initial decision on the asylum application.

They publish details of arrivals for "irregular migrants crossing the channel in small boats" on a government web site:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/migrants-detected-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats/migrants-detected-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats-last-7-days

According to the television news last Wednesday, about 600 arrived on small boats last Tuesday. The government site shows no one arrived that day. Are they fiddling the figures with this too?

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on August 11, 2023, 02:45:44 pm
According to the television news last Wednesday, about 600 arrived on small boats last Tuesday. The government site shows no one arrived that day. Are they fiddling the figures with this too?

Fiddle statistics Helig?   Would they do such a thing?
Well the answer is, they would!    Now here's how they do it, the asylum seeker fails to turn up at a pre arranged meeting so the Government withdraws his application for asylum so that's one less application for asylum.
But where is the absconded former asylum seeker now?    Somewhere in the UK but nobody knows where
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on August 16, 2023, 10:15:58 am
RECENTLY we asked people in the community how they felt about businesses that only accept cashless payments.

The responses from readers were varied, with some expressing strong opposition and others showing support for the shift towards digital transactions.

One individual, Andy Middleton, voiced concerns about the potential control and submission to the state that may come with a cashless society.

He said: "No, we need both, it's the start of control and submission to the state."

Similarly, Diana Clements-Daly said: "Avoid them, if they don't want our money, they don't want our custom."

Several people expressed their preference for cash payments.

Andrea Jones declared: "Cash is king, I wish more people would realize."

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23724106.cash-still-king-readers-share-views-cashless-businesses/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 02, 2023, 11:28:29 pm
What is RAAC and why is the concrete to blame for school buildings closing? Video shows how the material once hailed a wonder in the 1950s is now a deadly risk

I heard about it many years ago so why hasn't something been done before now?     If anyone has parked their car in the underground car park at Morrisons in Colwyn Bay,  have they looked up at the roof and seen what looks like the tell tale signs of a similar problem?


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12469183/what-raac-school-buildings-close-shut-concrete.html
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 14, 2023, 11:08:29 am
Out of the frying pan etc..................

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said people-smuggling should be treated "on a par" with terrorism, ahead of talks about a new security deal with Europe.

Sir Keir will seek a provisional agreement with the EU's policing body, Europol, for any future Labour government.

Any deal to return migrants may require accepting migrant quotas from the EU.

The government argued a returns policy could lead to the UK taking "100,000 illegal migrants" every year.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote on X, formerly known on Twitter, that Sir Keir would "agree to make Britain the dumping ground for many of the millions of illegal migrants that Europe doesn't want".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66804798
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 18, 2023, 10:19:00 am
Brexit: Labour will seek re-write of deal, Starmer says.

The opposition leader told the Financial Times that the current deal, which is due for review in 2025, is "too thin".

Sir Keir was speaking at a conference of centre-left leaders in Montreal, Canada.

But he ruled out re-joining the customs union, the single market or the EU.

It remains unclear, however, if Brussels would be open to making major changes to the agreement, which was agreed by former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021.

A Conservative spokesman accused the Labour leader of changing his position, saying: "Three years ago he promised he wouldn't seek major changes to the UK's new relationship with the EU, but now his latest short term position is that he will.

"What price would Keir Starmer be prepared to pay to the EU for renegotiating our relationship?"     :-\

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66839501
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 19, 2023, 10:59:02 pm




https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66855830
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 19, 2023, 11:00:24 pm
Migrant hotel costs rise to ?8m a day, Home Office figures show     I still think that the information has been understated and is a lot higher with hidden costs




https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66855830
[/quote]
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 20, 2023, 08:54:05 am
Serco, Mears win ?2.9 billion refugee housing contracts in Britain

Serco, Mears wouldn't be Tory sponsors by any chance,  would they?       At least corruption is alive and well in the UK, at least in one political party that is.


https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-serco-group-contract-idUKKCN1P216Z
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 27, 2023, 10:16:46 am
BBC LIVEBiggest untapped UK oil field, Rosebank, approved by regulators...9,370 viewing this page

Summary
The UK's largest untapped oil field has been approved by regulators

Rosebank, 80 miles west of Shetland, is estimated to contain 500 million barrels of oil

Last month 50 MPs and peers from all major parties said the oil field could produce 200m tonnes of carbon dioxide
But regulators said net zero considerations had been taken into account

The government welcomed the decision, saying it will raise billions of pounds and "make us more secure against tyrants like Putin"

But the Green Party called the decision "morally obscene" and a "climate crime"

live report / cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-66933804





Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on September 28, 2023, 10:07:28 am
Update

The decision to approve drilling at a controversial UK oil field has been condemned by environmental campaigners but hailed by supporters as a big step in bolstering the UK's energy security.

Rosebank, off the Scottish coast, has been given the go ahead by regulators the North Sea Transition Authority.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was the "right long-term decision" for securing oil supplies in the UK.

But critics said it would harm climate change targets and not reduce bills.

What is Rosebank?       more https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66933832
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on September 30, 2023, 05:45:53 pm
Sycamore Gap: Man in his 60s held after Hadrian's Wall tree cut down

What on earth makes people commit an act of mindless vandalism like that?     



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66966187
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 04, 2023, 10:03:56 am
Older part-time workers at record levels as many opt for 'glide into retirement'
The recent trend may represent a 'paradigm shift' in how we 'view work and retirement'

The number of over 50s in part-time work in the UK has reached 3.6 million, with figures hitting 'record levels' after a 'setback' during the pandemic, official data has shown. Dr Emily Andrews, the deputy director for work at the Centre for Ageing Better, said making part-time work more available is a 'great step' for employers that wish to 'realise the benefits' of hiring older people.

Dr Andrews said part-time jobs make the workplace 'accessible' to those with caring responsibilities or health conditions and make work 'more appealing' to those looking for 'variety in their life in the latter part of their career'. Rest Less, which advises older residents, said the figure has jumped by 12 per cent in the past two years, 26 per cent over the last ten years, and 56 per cent in 20 years.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/older-part-time-workers-at-record-levels-as-many-opt-for-glide-into-retirement/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 07, 2023, 12:35:03 pm
Home Office doesn't rule out housing asylum seekers at North Wales hotel despite planning rejection
Home Office minister said 'not currently progressing' with plans but it 'may change in the future'

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/home-office-doesnt-rule-out-27862787
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 15, 2023, 10:15:42 am
Parking crackdown looming in North Wales with higher prices and far fewer spaces
Making parking more difficult is a crucial lever if motorists are to ditch their cars for public transport

Among the lofty ambitions outlined in the 2021 Wales Transport Strategy was a commitment to introduce default 20mph speed limits. With that box ticked, the Welsh Government can now focus on even more challenging initiatives.

Many were conceived with decarbonisation in mind, and if implemented will invariably be unpopular with motorists. Road tolls, congestion charging, workplace levies...the list goes on. If Wales is to meet its ambitious carbon zero target by 2050, tough decisions are needed: scrapping the third Menai crossing and Deeside?s Red Route bypass was never going to be universally popular.

Full article https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/parking-crackdown-looming-north-wales-27909726
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 17, 2023, 09:06:01 am
The reasons migration is unlikely to fall below pre-Brexit figures
Experts say net migration to the UK will remain high until the end of the decade

Net migration to the UK is expected to remain relatively high post Brexit. Experts say figures will range between 250,000 to 350,000 annually, even by the end of this decade.

A forecast by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics (LSE) said while the figures are predicted to drop from the recent record high, factors like the conflict in Ukraine and arrivals from Hong Kong are believed to have contributed to the current levels. Last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated net migration at 606,000 people, causing concerns among some Cabinet ministers and Conservative MPs. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak termed the figure 'too high' earlier this year.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/the-reasons-migration-is-unlikely-to-fall-below-pre-brexit-figures/
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 24, 2023, 09:40:39 am
The government is set to confirm plans to end the use of 50 hotels to house migrants by January.

In March, the BBC learned around 400 hotels were being used to house record numbers of asylum seekers.

On Tuesday, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick will announce plans to start terminating hotel contracts that are costing the taxpayer ?8m a day.

Ministers have frequently criticised the cost, promising to reduce the government's reliance on hotels.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67201589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on October 24, 2023, 11:38:32 am
Perhaps the hotels could be used to temporary house UK residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the recent flooding
There was a very sad case on BBC this morning about a family who had a terminally ill child and they had to evacuate their house due to flooding and there will be many more cases like that.
Many will not be able to return to their homes for weeks or months and they need our help now
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on October 25, 2023, 10:34:31 am
Asylum hotel closures may shift cost to councils, councillors warn

Local authorities may have to house migrants in the very same hotels the government has announced it will no longer use, councillors have warned.

The government plans to end contracts with 50 hotels housing asylum seekers by the end of the year.

Official figures show hiring these hotels cost the taxpayer ?8m a day.

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, the Local Government Association (LGA) said this cost may pass to councils, who are required to house refugees in need.

Shaun Davies, chairman of the LGA, said councils were legally obliged to find somewhere to stay for the large numbers of refugees representing as homeless after leaving hotel accommodation when their asylum application was processed.

"We've got a housing shortage, we've got a huge demand on temporary accommodation, and we've got councils in financial strain," Mr Davies, who is also a Labour councillor, said.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67212103
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on October 25, 2023, 11:01:49 am
The situation may be far worse than this potentially. There was coverage of the whole process on a TV news programme recently. The spokesman stated that when the claims for asylum are processed, those who are given asylum in the UK will no longer qualify to live in the temporary accommodation provided by the government. The responsibility will then fall on councils to house them. Given there is a severe shortage of temporary and permanent housing in the UK, this will only make matters far worse.

In Dumfries and Galloway reports are that there is a huge burden of work on social services by the illegal immigrants who have been sent here. The council's social services department is said to be under massive pressure with staff being unable to cope with it. I don't know who pays for the costs of employees being fully occupied with this work. Is it the council (which is Council Tax Payers) or the government?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 04, 2023, 10:31:11 am
Scampton asylum plan could cost ?260m over 3 years

The cost of housing asylum seekers in a former RAF base in Lincolnshire could reach ?260m by 2026, a leaked government document shows.

Ministers have argued placing asylum seekers on sites like RAF Scampton would be cheaper than using hotels.

But a Home Office memo written just days before plans were announced found the change only represented "marginal" value for money over three years.

The Home Office said the plan "cuts the burden on the taxpayer".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67313584
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 05, 2023, 10:41:55 pm
Suella Braverman under fire after vowing crackdown on tents and claiming rough sleeping is ?lifestyle choice?

Perhaps she has plans to put them up in hotels and give them free accommodation, free food, heating, mobile phones, NHS, bus passes and money like she does for the illegals who are in the UK 


https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/suella-braverman-tents-homeless-lifestyle-b2441565.html
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 06, 2023, 10:39:05 am
Yes, it is one law for them and another for us. I know of someone locally who has been put out of his home by his wife. I gather there is no chance of a reconciliation. He is homeless but cannot get even temporary accommodation from the council. They have told him he will be put in B and Bs but this will mean moving round them staying one or two nights in each. He has lived in the area all his life and has paid taxes all his life too.  In contrast the illegal immigrants (many of whom claim to be minors) are housed in decent hotels and guest houses, fed, clothed, get healthcare, given all the perks such as smart phones, travel passes, money to spend and more. They have never contributed to anything in this country and I doubt they ever will.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 06, 2023, 12:41:41 pm
I don't want to rub it in but prisoners in jail and these illegal asylum seekers if they became ill, would be seen by a GP before a member of the public    They seem to have Human rights that Joe Public doesn't  have.
All this talk about the delay in processing the asylum seekers claims, but no talk about the delay in deporting them.    If the Asylum seekers are here much longer some of them will qualify for an OAP!         
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 07, 2023, 10:00:08 am
They will be even more of a drain on us if that happens. The ones that have been sent to live up here are mainly young men, no more than 25 years of age. Many of them are claiming to be 16, or under, usually under saying they are 15. They look older than that. The reason for this is they get more favourable treatment from the authorities. I read in the paper yesterday that our population has increased by 2.4 million in the last 2 years. This is from illegal immigrants, 1 million, and those who applied for visa which was 1.4 million. No wonder the services in the country are collapsing.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 07, 2023, 11:05:58 am
Quote
No wonder the services in the country are collapsing
.

The statistics suggest (https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthcaresystem) otherwise.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on November 07, 2023, 01:30:18 pm
Statistics are purely a tool to prove whatever it is the surveyor wants it to prove.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 07, 2023, 04:52:22 pm
That's very true DVT        At the moment 67.33 million (2021) people are living in the UK according to these statistics but I don't think that even the Government believe that that's true.    It has to be a lot higher.
Apparently some of these illegal migrants come in with no papers and claim that they are 15 or under as apparently they have more chance of staying in the UK.    The trouble then is proving that they are not the age that they have claimed.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 08, 2023, 10:05:30 am
It may be many years overdue but I was pleased to hear that Leasehold reform was part of the King's Speech this week
King Charles has announced that a Leasehold and Freehold Bill will ban leaseholds for new houses, but not new flats, in England and Wales, and increase the standard lease extension period to 990 years.

It's outdated and belongs to feudal times but sadly it also happened in Llandudno Junction in recent years when Beech Homes sold their houses leasehold.    The buyers were given the right to purchase the freehold for an additional sum of about 3K but Beech Homes then sold the leasehold on to a company but when the house owners asked  about buying the lease they were told that the price had shot up to 15K
Anwyl Construction is building an estate on part of Bodafon Farm but I don't know yet if they are selling the houses freehold or leasehold but I have a good idea knowing that Mostyn Estates is involved in all of that
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 08, 2023, 10:14:19 am
Regarding the ages of illegal immigrants, I read there is a plan to do MRI scans on the ones who claim to be under 16 years of age. It seems that the MRI scan can identify features which will identify their age. The problem I foresee will be the use of the MRI scanners which already have long waiting lists in NHS hospitals. Could it be they will use private facilities?

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-office-to-introduce-scientific-methods-for-assessing-the-age-of-asylum-seekers

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mri-knee-scans-for-migrants-who-say-that-theyre-under-18-nvvccmg22

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12509257/Channel-migrants-tests-determine-age.html
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 13, 2023, 10:20:47 am
Ministers have drawn up large benefit changes for people who are unable to work due to health conditions, the BBC has learned.

The changes, affecting hundreds of thousands of people from 2025, would save ?4bn from the welfare budget.

The proposals would see many more people forced to find work despite suffering from a range of physical and mental health conditions.

The Department for Work and Pensions said reform would be gradual.

The proposals follow the announcement in March that the government wants to scrap the controversial Work Capability Assessment, which is used to determine if people can receive additional benefits payments due to a health condition.

Eligible claimants currently receive ?390 a month on top of their universal credit payment.

If the proposals are enacted, people who, for instance, are in severe pain while awaiting an operation or have some mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may not receive the additional payment but would be expected to look for work.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67385385
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 13, 2023, 10:32:35 am
It sounds a lot like Arbeit Macht Frei to me. The situation surrounding the illegal immigrants, costing us c?8+ million a day, would be more than enough to fund decent benefits for those with significant health problems.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on November 13, 2023, 01:54:21 pm
Almost as bad as the promised 350m quid extra for the NHS if the country voted Leave...
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 14, 2023, 02:45:51 pm
In a report in yesterday's paper it said that British holidaymakers are increasingly choosing to stay in the UK over the next 6 months, rather than to go abroad. Data from accommodation search site Trivago showed that of the top 10 holiday destinations for Britons in the fist half of next year, six are in the UK and Ireland. For Christmas 2023 London, Llandudno and Edinburgh are the most popular travel choices. I hope Llandudno is prepared for the invasion.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 14, 2023, 03:20:33 pm
I think that the invasion anticipated in Llandudno will be for the Saga louts rather than the Lager louts but the golden oldies should still stick to the 20 mph limit when they are out in the mobility buggies.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 17, 2023, 10:18:07 am
E-prescriptions launch in seaside town signals end of paper GP slips in Wales
The delivery of medicines in Wales is going electronic, starting in Rhyl

For more than 60 years, medicines have been dispensed in Wales via green paper prescription forms ? up to 40 million each year. But from today (Friday, November 17), patients in a North Wales seaside town will no longer need paper slips or have to rely on hastily scrawled GP prescriptions.

They will be the first in the country to have access to a new electronic prescription service (EPS) that will be rolled out across the rest of Wales next year. For the first time, GPs in Rhyl, Denbighshire, will no longer have to physically print, sign and hand green paper prescription forms to patients. Neither will they have to wait for them to be taken to pharmacies.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/e-prescriptions-launch-seaside-town-28120203
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 20, 2023, 10:32:10 am
There was a report in the paper last week which stated the next boss of HS2 could be paid more than the ?677,000 per year their predecessor received despite the project being curtailed, MP s have been told. Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chairman of HS2 Ltd, told the Public Accounts Committee the salary to be offered for the vacant role is being assessed by ministers. Mark Thurston, who left his role as chief executive in September, had a pay package of ?677,000 in the 2022/23 year. Sir Jon Thompson advised ministers who are considering the pay package to be offered, "My recommendation to ministers is that we change the reward structure so that it's much more heavily incentivised towards meeting the schedule". It seems that the next appointee will receive more than the last one for doing less work as much of the project has been cancelled. You couldn't make it up.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on November 24, 2023, 10:31:53 am
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has drawn up a set of proposals to attempt to cut immigration to the UK.

The ideas, which he has shared with No 10, are not yet government policy, but are being discussed internally.

Among the suggestions are a required minimum annual salary of ?35,000 in order to receive a work visa.

It comes after official figures put last year's net migration figure higher than previously thought - at a record 745,000 people.

This has led to calls for more action to bring down migration from Tory MPs.

Rishi Sunak said "levels of immigration are too high" and need to come down "to sustainable levels".

The prime minister added that the government's plans to clamp down on dependents of students arriving in the UK is "the single toughest measure that anyone has taken to bring down the levels of legal migration in a very long time".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67515674
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on November 24, 2023, 11:59:48 am

Among the suggestions are a required minimum annual salary of ?35,000 in order to receive a work visa.
It comes after official figures put last year's net migration figure higher than previously thought - at a record 745,000 people.
This has led to calls for more action to bring down migration from Tory MPs.

This is just waffle and applies only to those migrants who try to come to the UK through legal channels.   Instead the Government should concentrate on the illegal migrants coming here on the small boats.    Perhaps we shouldn't send boats out to intercept these migrants and ferry them back to Dover and then provide them with the commodities that they wouldn't get for free in their country of origin.     More time should be spent on ways of deporting them instead of encouraging them to come here
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on November 25, 2023, 09:41:31 am
This is another case where the harsh treatment of someone terminally ill makes me wonder what brutal regime exists in this country. it was reported in the i newspaper recently. "A woman who died of bowel cancer was denied benefits in the last months of her life after she was noted to be "well nourished", despite weighing just 6 stone. Carol Sands from Southend, Essex, who died at the age of 56, could not afford to give up her job running a homeless charity shop despite gruelling chemotherapy sessions and watching her weight plummet. Her sister, Annie Sands, told i "It was devastating for her while she was dealing with having cancer and going through horrible treatment. "People with cancer shouldn't be worrying about fighting for their money during their last days". Ms Sands, who runs the Disability and Wellness Network, a community interest company providing welfare rights advice, said there has been little improvement in access to welfare payments since the death of her sister, who had 3 children, in 2017. A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said yesterday, "Our sincere condolences are with the Sands family. Our disability assessors are all qualified health professionals and in the majority of cases we make the right decision". "when someone disagrees with an assessment, they can ask for this to be reconsidered and appeal to an independent tribunal".

So now we know that when you are dying of cancer you are expected to challenge the government body that considered you well enough to work. It is so barbaric to be downright evil. Contrast this to the cases of the illegal immigrants who come in and get handed money, housing, healthcare, travel passes, clothes, smartphone etc. There is something decidedly sick and twisted in this country.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 05, 2023, 10:41:53 am
Opinion: BBC now a threat to all local newspapers

If the BBC was a family and lived in the house next door to you it would be the neighbour from hell. 

That's the verdict of some of the most experienced local newspaper editors in the country who now regard the BBC as little more than a state-funded juggernaut on course to suffocate independent journalism in every city, town and village in the UK. 

The BBC seems to be on a mission to be the only show in town - having taken an axe to its much-loved local radio stations so it can start writing news stories online which you can already get from local newspapers which are currently battling with tech platforms like Google, Meta and Apple. 

Unlike Google, Meta and co, the BBC?s funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, meaning the British public is underwriting the biggest threat local journalism has ever faced.  It is splashing your cash on local news websites and making it increasingly difficult for proud, independent news sites to survive in the long term.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23967942.opinion-bbc-now-threat-local-newspapers/

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 11, 2023, 09:45:17 am
UK earmarks ?700m for small boat arrivals until 2030

Officials published the projections online last week, as Home Secretary James Cleverly flew to Rwanda to sign a new treaty to "stop the boats".

They predict the Channel crossings could continue up to 2034.

Under the plans, commercial partners would run extensive services at "permanent" facilities.

A Home Office spokesperson said it would be "inappropriate to comment" on an ongoing procurement project.

But the publicly-available information, on the government's contracts website, shows that the Home Office wants at least one major partner to help run two large facilities in Kent until at least 2030 - and potentially to 2034.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67677933
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on December 11, 2023, 10:02:01 am
It appears they have no serious intention of "stopping the boats". Having been promising this for so long with the reality being the migrants are increasing in numbers (the traffickers have been using bigger boats for some time) we can only assume this is a deliberate policy of the Tory government. I wonder whether these contracts they are going to award will go to cronies, friends, or relations, of those in the Tory party, much like the contracts for PPE etc during Covid.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 11, 2023, 12:08:50 pm
I know it's Christmas and we should be kind to each other but it doesn't hide the fact that the Tory government is corrupt on an industrial scale and the truth is slowly coming out

Jo Johnson getting a Peerage, for what?  selling PPE's at inflated prices and Stanley Johnson getting a knighthood just because he's Boris' dad!
There is a hotel chain with about 85 hotels that were housing migrants so no prizes for guessing who they support.     The asylum process is a joke all this hot air and time being taken over Rwanda and the policy is bound to fail, that's if it ever takes off, certainly no planes have taken off yet
If the illegal migrants do go to Rwanda and make their application to come to the UK there, what happens is the application for asylum is rejected?
I have heard on TV that if the application for asylum is rejected then those illegal migrants will be returned to the UK.  Now does that make any sense?
That old phrase that the lunatics are running the asylum comes to mind.   It's a mad, mad world we live in
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on December 12, 2023, 11:45:30 am
This demonstrates just how corrupt are the so called great and good in the UK today:

https://goodlawproject.org/vip-lane-contracts-inflated-by-925m/?utm_source=Good+Law+Project&utm_campaign=295d92fd43-EMAIL_VIPFiles_2023_12_11_07_47_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db5adb9599-452c63e164-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=295d92fd43&mc_eid=9f8454a5a5

The UK taxpayer has been defrauded by billions. The Tory government is complicit in this and should be in prison.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on December 12, 2023, 01:46:02 pm
Agreed, but what's the betting that almost everyone will  have forgotten just how corrupt the Tories are by next election?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: norman08 on December 12, 2023, 06:43:50 pm
We the taxpayer have given ?400 million so far to Rwanda and we will be paying more over the next5 years.  The saying is you can fool some people all the time,, yes this corrupt government are taking the British people for mugs.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 13, 2023, 10:49:16 pm
Is Rishi Sunak meeting his asylum pledge?

In August 2023, the Home Office added new criteria under which an asylum claim can be implicitly withdrawn:
failure to attend any reporting events unless the applicant demonstrates this was due to circumstances beyond their control
failure to maintain contact with the Home Office or provide up-to-date contact details
Some lawyers have questioned this.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67637211
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on December 23, 2023, 10:58:28 am
New ?38,700 visa rule will be introduced in early 2025

Plans requiring people to earn ?38,700 a year before bringing family to the UK will be introduced in early 2025, Rishi Sunak has said.

The rise from the current ?18,600 level was announced earlier this month and had been scheduled for the spring.

However, the government has rowed back and now says the increase will come in two stages.

Next spring, the threshold will rise to ?29,000, with the further increase not applying until the following year.

Speaking in Lincoln, Mr Sunak defended the timetable, saying: "The principle here is absolutely right that if people are bringing dependants into this country as part of their family, they must be able to support them.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67801167
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on December 30, 2023, 01:26:38 pm
THE NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST

It seems again that the Tory donors feature high on the Honours list and Liz Truss' handing out gongs calls the Honours system into disrepute
Former crook Gerard Ronson was knighted and Boris' dad Stanley had previously been knighted and Jo Johnson previously was awarded a Peerage.

As the Daily Mirror said in the paper today,  the real heroes are at the back of the list of the queue for awards.     Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrows are prime examples of this and yes they both got the CBE's but what they have done is extraordinary.  Surely the example they have set deserves a knighthood more than the likes of  Gerard Ronson or Stanley Johnson
Title: Re: Points to Ponder....Can private ambulances ease pressure in Wales?
Post by: SteveH on January 04, 2024, 09:15:09 am
Can private ambulances ease pressure in Wales?

The health service in Wales heads into 2024 under pressure - with the ambulance service firmly on the frontline.

But can the private sector step in to ease the burden?

One company set up on Anglesey in the last year thinks the answer is yes - as it looks to expand in the new year.

However, an economist has warned looking to businesses to help out is not without risks for public services in Wales.

Established in April, small start-up firm M?n Medics says it is there to "back up" the Welsh Ambulance Service and north Wales health board, by taking on non-emergency patient transfer roles where there is a need for some medical support.

"Winter pressure time, for example, we're in that period now, and where they might not have enough capacity," said director Huw Williams.

"We are there to back them up, we work in partnership with them."

It is certainly true the ambulance service right across Wales has felt the squeeze in recent years, with rising numbers of calls, and too often long waits to hand over patients at hospital.

In November, official figures showed there were nearly 20,000 lost hours for ambulance crews in Wales, as they sat with patients outside hospitals.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c16y8zn05wro
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 05, 2024, 09:36:25 am
The Abu Dhabi-backed bidder for the Daily and Sunday Telegraph has said journalists will be given total editorial freedom.

The ownership of the papers was due to be transferred to the Gulf-backed RedBird IMI consortium.

But the government intervened over fears the papers might come under the control of an autocratic foreign state.

Jeff Zucker, who is leading the bid, told the BBC commitments were backed by legally binding agreements.

An independent editorial trust board will further protect the Telegraph's editorial independence, the former CNN executive added.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67874362
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 06, 2024, 06:28:27 pm
TIP OF THE DAY

A lot of people I know would rather be served by an assistant than going through the self service till even though they know how to use them
We are not robots after all and don't want to be.
When you are waiting to pay for goods you have bought, how many times have the assistants come up to you and said are you paying by cash or card?   
If you say card then you'll be directed to the self service till with a comment like "I'll show you how to use it"
If you want still want to be served by an assistant just say "does it do cash back?"  and then you'll get served by a real person
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 07, 2024, 10:08:13 am
'Living in Llandudno, flooding is always in the back of my mind, and I am sure many others, we have enough problems from standing water, lets hope future flooding is tackled before it is to late.

Alarming decisions' facing Wales about what and where it can defend from flood waters
Minister made comments at Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/alarming-decisions-facing-wales-what-28402295
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 09, 2024, 11:23:37 am
According to the Government's latest vehicle excise duty evasion statistics, there are 719,000 unlicensed vehicles (excluding motorcycles) in the UK. And this represents an estimated annual road tax revenue loss of ?119 million.20 Oct 2023

?119 million pounds is a "Conservative" amount if you excuse the pun.      The true cost will be much greater and if anyone drives a car with no road tax then they probably don't have insurance or a valid MOT.     Also the cost of damage caused by uninsured drivers is not taken into account in the amount quoted.
Some bright spark somewhere suggested the abolition of the paper Tax discs and look what has happened since they were abolished.   Yes, it saves ?10 million per year but on the other hand the Government lose over ?100 million each and every year
I wonder if the bright spark also received the CBE for the suggestion

It's no use looking to the DVLA to recover the missing money because as a debt recovery office it is useless         :(

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on January 09, 2024, 01:57:06 pm
ANPR cameras could pick them out easily, and pursue ... these are the criminials.
Surely, the GoSafe camers and Police at the roadside could check every car that goes past.
Instead, it's those safe drivers who go a few mph over 20 are now the criminals.
Seems, to me, that very little in this country makes sense nowadays.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Cambrian on January 09, 2024, 02:37:09 pm
Perhaps enforcement should be transferred to the Post Office (!)
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 09, 2024, 04:48:29 pm
ANPR cameras could pick them out easily, and pursue ... these are the criminials.
Surely, the GoSafe camers and Police at the roadside could check every car that goes past.
Instead, it's those safe drivers who go a few mph over 20 are now the criminals.
Seems, to me, that very little in this country makes sense nowadays.

There is no need for ANPR cameras, Go Safe cameras or the Police because the DVLA  knows from day 1 who is the owner of the vehicle and where they live.
A  County Court summons followed by a CCJ  and then enforcement would sort the majority of the offenders out and act as a deterrent for anyone else thinking of breaking the law
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on January 10, 2024, 09:13:44 am
DVLA may know who the registered owner of the car is but it could be hidden in a barn for years.  It's only when driven on the road that it would become illegal.  ANPR cameras would catch drivers using the vehicle, and if it was a stationary camera at the road side it could check every vehicle.

How to confuse people ... the white car does now have a different registration plate!
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 10, 2024, 04:38:09 pm
If a CCJ is granted against someone then enforcement can be taken against the defendant anywhere.        If the owner of a vehicle does not intend to drive the car on the road then by law they should have a SORN on it.   
If the car is hidden then there are a number of other ways to enforce the CCJ

If those two cars were on the road with the same number plate then one of them is illegal,  I have actually seen one person who had two different cars on his drive with the same Registration plate but that was illegal and the owner of the cars would have known that
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on January 11, 2024, 12:11:44 pm
The DVLA would never allow two cars to be registered with the same private plate. The person who is responsible for having two cars showing the same registration number must have had a couple of plates made (I didn't think they would do that) and fitted one to another vehicle. As Hugo says, this is illegal. I suppose unless someone reports it, they are none the wiser.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 11, 2024, 05:35:51 pm
The person who had the two identical plates on two different high performance cars was a well respected pillar of the community and a Conservative supporter.    He was also known for his dishonesty

The matter was reported and one of the plates was later removed from one of the vehicles,  I don't know if the person was prosecuted for the offence but I doubt it as he was also a prominent Freemason
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Helig on January 13, 2024, 10:05:15 am
I doubt he was prosecuted too. During my days working in tax I found the Tory supporters to be the most dishonest. While they target people on benefits, they don't seem to think tax evasion, or avoidance, is wrong. It is one law for the Tories and another for everyone else.

On another subject, can anyone explain how the government cannot afford money for services and essential spending in the UK but has money to give to Ukraine (?2.5 billion pledged this year)and for bombing Yemen (or anywhere else they choose)?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 13, 2024, 11:02:54 am
I doubt he was prosecuted too. During my days working in tax I found the Tory supporters to be the most dishonest. While they target people on benefits, they don't seem to think tax evasion, or avoidance, is wrong. It is one law for the Tories and another for everyone else.

That was my experience too Helig and that's how I found out about those identical number plates
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 14, 2024, 02:57:21 pm
DVLA may know who the registered owner of the car is but it could be hidden in a barn for years.  It's only when driven on the road that it would become illegal.  ANPR cameras would catch drivers using the vehicle, and if it was a stationary camera at the road side it could check every vehicle.!

Sorry DVT but I forgot to put this down in my previous reply but I sent a FOI request to the N Wales Police in recent years and they confirmed that on the whole length of the A55 they did not have one ANPR camera.   They are all just speed cameras
I was also told that there are only 4 Police cars fitted with ANPR cameras in the whole of North Wales so I'm afraid that we can't expect the Police to recover the missing millions of pounds in unpaid road tax
The buck still lies with the DVLA
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on January 28, 2024, 10:38:59 am
Would you mind if your mail was delivered only three days a week?

That's one option being proposed by watchdog Ofcom to reform the nation's postal service, over concerns the current operation is outdated and unsustainable.

Royal Mail has also been calling for change itself. The company has for some time questioned the UK's one-price-goes-anywhere universal postal service - an operation enshrined in law.

So is time running out for this British institution in a digital world?

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68078724
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on January 28, 2024, 11:11:09 am
It seems that the Royal Mail and the Post Office have been forcing the issue on this for some time now.    I've had chats with the local Postmen and they have been told to concentrate on delivering parcels which are the most lucrative part of their business.   This is done at the expense of delivering letters.
I've not experienced delays in delivery of letters but you often hear about people who have and have missed vital medical appointments as a result
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 01, 2024, 10:17:39 am
The financial crisis facing England's councils is "out of control" with even well-run local authorities at risk of going bust, MPs have warned.

A cross-party committee said the government must plug a ?4bn funding gap to avoid a "severe impact" on services.

They also called for council tax to be reformed, describing the current system as "outdated" and "regressive".

The government said it recognised the challenges facing councils and had announced an extra ?600m in support.

In a new report, the Commons Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee said councils were being hit by "systemic underfunding", as well as increased costs and demands for services.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68159001
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 01, 2024, 12:40:17 pm
Quote
The government said it recognised the challenges facing councils and had announced an extra 600m in support.

Wow.  600 m, eh?  Considering the UK Government itself recognises a  4bn shortfall for next year, I wonder how that is supposed to help?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 05, 2024, 10:04:38 am
Car owners urged to 'consider if they need vehicle' with big cost rise hitting soon
While some won't see major changes, others will see large amounts added to the cost of running a vehicle

Car owners are being urged to consider if they need a vehicle as a significant cost increase is expected in April. Paul Daly, director of InsureDaily.co.uk, suggested motorists should evaluate the "value of owning a car" due to the rising costs of running one.

New Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates are set to affect road users from April 1, 2024, according to The Express. While some won't see big changes, others will face large increases in the cost of running a car.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/car-owners-urged-consider-need-28568674

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 05, 2024, 11:32:08 am
I've just had a renewal reminder for one of my cars and the premium had increased by 40% from last year even though I have never made a claim..      When I phoned the Insurance company up they explained that it was due to the rising costs of motoring.
I'm lucky because the cost wasn't so bad when you hear how much young people have to pay for their car insurance
It's not surprising that so many drivers nowadays drive without any insurance
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 11, 2024, 10:48:02 am
Rishi Sunak says he was taken by surprise on ?1,000 Rwanda bet
In an interview on TalkTV, Mr Morgan challenged the PM: "I'll bet you ?1,000 to a refugee charity you don't get anybody on those planes before the election."
Shaking hands with the presenter, Mr Sunak said: "I want to get people on the planes."
Mr Sunak has said he expects a general election to be held in the second half of this year and one must legally take place by the end of January 2025.
We'll have to see who wins the bet but what I would like to know is what happens to those illegal migrants when they fail the Asylum request?      Do they remain in Rwanda or does the UK government have to fly them back to the UK?




https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-68214641
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 13, 2024, 09:53:10 am
The forgotten teenagers

I was watching an interview on BBC  TV this morning and there was a man called John Roberts who was talking about the benefits of having youth clubs for teenagers.   They are a safe place for youngsters to go and there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied and entertained.    Sadly he said that in England there was a decline of 53% in the number of Youth Clubs in recent years.

It made me think of my own teenage years in Llandudno and I'd be at our Youth Club almost every night.   It was a safe place to meet your friends and there was so much going on that you would never get bored.    There were also other Youth Clubs in the three Towns area at Conwy,  Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay but they have all gone now.     I reckon that I'm one of the lucky generation and still appreciate what Dewi Parry, his wife and the other volunteers did for the youngsters of the town
When did it all start to go wrong?
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Ian on February 13, 2024, 10:41:24 am
The forgotten teenagers
When did it all start to go wrong?

"A parliamentary report last year found that a rise in knife crime was linked to youth service cuts. "

"The government is building shops and other infrastructure, but where are the community centres?"

"We are investing ?560m over the next three years in a new National Youth Guarantee, so that by 2025 every young person will have access to regular clubs and activities, including opportunities to volunteer." A government spokesperson

"If ministers want to tackle crime, they need to rebuild youth services. And that means investing much more than they've promised." Unison.

"Almost two-thirds of youth organisations with incomes under ?250,000 say they are at risk of closure, with 31% saying they might have to shut in the next six months.The predicted closures come against a backdrop of years of chronic underfunding that has already forced at least 763 youth centres to shut since 2012. A further round of major cuts to local authority youth services is expected in the near future."

?Youth work could be the only answer to helping these children; a preventative service that provides support before problems arise.? Anna Alcock, head of engagement and advocacy at UK Youth.

Defence expenditure increased by 18% on 2020/21 spending levels to ?71.4 billion. This ranked Defence above that of HMRC, where spending decreased substantially by 52% to ?58.5 billion. Spending in HMRC was significantly higher in 2020/21 due to the support provided during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through the Coronavirus Job Retention and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes. Continuing last year?s rise in department spending, a significant increase was once again seen in BEIS expenditure, climbing from ?54.6 billionr in 2020/21 to ?139.9 billion in 2021/22. Rather than the apparent one-off increase in HMRC expenditure seen in 2020/21, however, spending with BEIS is much more variable year-to-year.

Anne Longfield, the children?s commissioner for England, said the research was ?shocking but sadly, not surprising. A major funder said to me recently that he had wanted to substantially invest in youth provision but when he had sought applications, he found most of the services he wanted to support had already closed down,? she said.

Matthew Hussey, the public affairs manager of the Children?s Society, said another missed opportunity was the chancellor?s spending review in December.
?It was a chance to place children?s services, which include council-led support for young people like youth work, on a sustainable footing and give councils the resources they need to rebuild the support so needed by children and young people,? he said.

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 18, 2024, 03:17:23 pm
Pavement Parking
Making and passing laws in the UK is a long and drawn out process and I should think an expensive one too so when a law is made there should also be a way of enforcing the law if needed
We have seen laws passed for dogs to be micro chipped, litter offences, dog mess etc etc but who has ever seen anyone enforce these laws?
Here in Wales the roads are so narrow that if cars didn't park on the pavement the traffic wouldn't be able to flow in some streets so do we need new laws when we already have existing laws to prevent obstructive parking on pavements?
Traffic Wardens and the Police can enforce these present laws but again who has ever seen these laws enforced?
After introducing the 20 mph law on roads in Wales the Welsh Government should think long and hard before even considering passing any new laws
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 24, 2024, 10:04:10 am
Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells has been formally stripped of her CBE for "bringing the honours system into disrepute", according to the Cabinet Office.

Ms Vennells said last month she would hand back her title following the Horizon IT scandal.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68384240
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 24, 2024, 10:55:11 am
There was a talk on TV this week about car parks and the fact that the distance between the white parking lines has not increased over the years but cars have grown a lot wider in that time.        It's not helped by bad parking either.
I suppose the same could be said for garages too as all the cars I've seen parked on driveways wouldn't even get in to their garages so perhaps it's time for a rethink by the so called experts who design houses or car parking spaces
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 26, 2024, 09:32:36 am
Interesting article on the recent protest by farmers.............

The Lesley Griffiths interview: farmers protests and the controversial subsidy scheme
Minister for rural affairs says 'We'll have to listen. We'll have to find solutions to all the concerns that are being raised'

Lesley Griffiths, the minister in charge of rural affairs for the Welsh Government, has spoken about the current anger among farmers in Wales. They are upset about the plans to replace the subsidies they received while part of the EU.

These plans require farmers to dedicate 10% of their land to trees and another 10% to wildlife habitats, for Wales to meet crucial emissions targets.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/lesley-griffiths-interview-farmers-protests-28703215?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

I do remember some stories back in the 80s, when farmers could get compensation for fencing off areas of their land, the rumour was that they fenced of areas that were impossible to farm, marshes and lakes and ponds etc,
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on February 26, 2024, 11:13:41 am
There are always two sides to any argument These plans require farmers to dedicate 10% of their land to trees and another 10% to wildlife habitats, for Wales to meet crucial emissions targets.   Seems like the farmers could lose possible valuable agricultural land and therefore produce less food.   So that means we import more food and create more emissions that way

I remember Spain introducing something for their farmers and it was if the farmers lost any livestock to Wolves then they would be compensated for the death of their animal.     Wolves killing livestock was a very rare occurrence there at the time but once the compensation was available then the livestock deaths by Wolves shot up dramatically      ???
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: DVT on February 26, 2024, 11:39:00 am
Anyone who has been on the narrow road up from Penmachno towards Ffestiniog will have seen the vast expanse of land, eastwards, that seems to be very little except scrubland with not a lot for even the sheep that are there.  Certainly there will be wildlife but they adapt themselves to the terrain and what is available.

I don't know who the land belongs to but surely, if the Senedd want to plant a lot of trees then areas such as that would be ideal - the terrain is similar to the existing forests of Clocaenog, Machno and others.  No need to enforce farmers give up their land.

Anyway, what do trees do? - they "eat" carbon dioxide and the other nasty gasses and give off oxygen.  That helps all us humans and animals live.  But if we are to cut down on emissions then the amount of carbon dioxide available will reduce, consequently trees will not have as much "food".

If we're all going to be "on our bikes" we will probably need a bit more oxygen (I know I'd be puffed out in no time) but there is no engine to give off the gasses to feed the trees.

Why is the Welsh government so intent on climate control - even if we were to achieve zero emissions it would not be noticeable worldwide as the big countries are not complying.  All the Senedd is going to creating a lot of grief for us living in Wales.  Let's see the money spent on real things that will benefit all of us, especially the NHS.

It does seem that those in authority just do not think ... things through.
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 28, 2024, 09:56:52 am
More BS.............no wonder we cannot sort out the NHS

A power company that has received ?6bn in UK green subsidies has kept burning wood from some of the world's most precious forests, the BBC has found.

Papers obtained by Panorama show Drax took timber from rare forests in Canada it had claimed were "no go areas".

It comes as the government decides whether to give the firm's Yorkshire site billions more in environmental subsidies funded by energy bill payers.

Drax says its wood pellets are "sustainable and legally harvested".

The Drax Power Station, near Selby in North Yorkshire, is a converted coal plant which burns wood pellets. In 2023, it produced about 5% of the UK's electricity. The site has become a key part of the government's drive to meet its climate targets.

Its owner, Drax, receives money from energy bill payers because the electricity produced from burning pellets is classified as renewable and treated as emission-free.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68381160
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on February 29, 2024, 09:36:44 am
The team behind the multi-billion restoration of the Palace of Westminster will visit two castles in North Wales today. The team planning and delivering the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal (?R&R?) Programme will also meet a group of leading businesses and skills experts from across at a roundtable event.

They will discuss how the complex heritage programme can support jobs and opportunities across North Wales. The Palace of Westminster needs extensive restoration work to continue to serve as the home of the UK Parliament. The restoration could cost between 7billion and 13billion to complete.............and that will probably double ?

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/palace-westminster-restoration-team-visit-28724791?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 01, 2024, 10:13:56 am
The UK will pay at least ?370m to Rwanda as part of its plan to relocate asylum seekers there, the government's spending watchdog has revealed.

Up to ?150,000 will also be paid for each person sent to the east African country over a five-year period.

However, the Home Office said: "Doing nothing is not without significant costs."

A spokesperson said: "Unless we act, the cost of housing asylum seekers is set to reach ?11bn per year by 2026.

"Illegal migration costs lives and perpetuates human trafficking, and it is therefore right that we fund solutions to break this unsustainable cycle."

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68440653
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 02, 2024, 04:01:41 pm

However, the Home Office said: "Doing nothing is not without significant costs."
 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68440653


That's mind boggling and exactly what the Government is now doing, nothing!       Sending up to 500 people to Rwanda when nearly 30,000 people came in in 2023 seems like a waste of time and money.    While the uk is paying for their accommodation, heating, food NHS etc etc etc they will come here in droves and who can blame them
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 11, 2024, 09:59:59 am
First of all M&S leave Mostyn St.........................

New York City deli owner Jimmy Yavrodi looks grimly out of the shop that he opened 27 years ago in one of the city's prime business districts.

"Everything is empty," he says. "I don't understand it."

From his perch on Park Avenue South, the 61-year-old sent two children to university and employed 12 people, slinging sandwiches and salads for the office workers that streamed in from nearby buildings.

These days it offers a window from which to watch what some are calling America's office "apocalypse".

The famous triangular Flatiron building nearby has been vacant since 2019. Last autumn, the owners said it would be turned into condos.

Around the corner, there's work under way on a new office fronting Madison Square Park. But its anchor tenant, IBM, is consolidating from other spaces in the city.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68472143
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 12, 2024, 10:14:52 am
More than a fifth of adults in the UK are deemed not to be actively looking for work, official figures suggest.

The UK's economic inactivity rate was 21.8% between November and January, marginally higher than a year earlier.

It means 9.2 million people aged between 16 and 64 in the UK are not in work nor looking for a job. The total figure is more than 700,000 higher than before the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns have been raised over worker shortages affecting the UK economy.

The health of the UK economy is in the spotlight with the general election set to be called in the coming months and both major political parties pledging to boost growth.

The UK fell into recession at the end of last year when the economy shrank for two consecutive three-month periods, but latest official statistics showed the level of unemployment remained steady. The figure also showed that wage rises slowed again, although pay is still outpacing inflation.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68534537
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: Hugo on March 12, 2024, 02:43:46 pm
It means 9.2 million people aged between 16 and 64 in the UK are not in work nor looking for a job. The total figure is more than 700,000 higher than before the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns have been raised over worker shortages affecting the UK economy.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68534537

That's a contradiction of information and no political party seems to have the nerve to address it.     How can you have a shortage of workers when you know that 9.2 million people in the UK  are not in work or looking for a job?
Of the 9.2 million people those of them who are not physically or mentally disabled should be deemed suitable for work and irrespective of what do-gooders or human rights activists think they should be made to do some work.   
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 13, 2024, 10:16:25 am
Nearly one in three in Wales can't find a job or aren't looking for work
The latest job market statistics make grim reading for the country

Nearly one in three working age people in Wales can't find a job or aren't looking. The latest job figures have been released from the Office for National Statistics(ONS) and they make grim reading for the country.

The unemployment rate in Wales was 3.8% - which is up 0.7 percentage points on the quarter and up 0.3 percentage points on the year. It is though still below the UK average of 3.9%.

But it is the economic inactivity rate that is the real concern. These figures include full-time carers or students, and people who are on long-term sick or have taken early retirement so currently aren't looking for work.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/nearly-one-three-wales-cant-28800806
Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 24, 2024, 10:04:09 am
The number of people leaving the workforce due to long term sickness is at its highest since the 1990s, a report suggests.

Adults economically inactive due to ill-health rose from 2.1m in July 2019 to a peak of 2.8m in October 2023, said the Resolution Foundation.

It is the "longest sustained rise" since 1994-1998, when records began.

The government said its recent Budget measures are estimated to boost the labour force by 300,000 workers.

The Foundation's report comes after the ONS said more than a fifth of UK adults were not looking for work.

People at either end of the age spectrum had the highest proportion of those out-of-work due to ongoing illness, the Foundation's report said.

"Younger and older people together account for nine-tenths of the rise in overall economic inactivity, which could have serious effects both on individual's living standards and career paths," said Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Foundation.

The rise in long-term sickness leaves the UK as the only G7 economy not to have returned to its pre-pandemic employment rate, according to the Foundation.

However, it did add that inactivity figures fell slightly to 2.7 million in December 2023.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68639144

Title: Re: Points to Ponder
Post by: SteveH on March 27, 2024, 10:26:43 am
Dawn raid at former North Wales paper mill sees firms fined 400k and illegal workers arrested
Two construction firms have been handed fines worth up to 400,000 and 13 labourers and steel-fixers will be deported

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dawn-raid-former-north-wales-28891783