Friday 3rd October

[TheGrimSqueaker]

So, we were discussing rebuttals earlier on today ........

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/com ... 72313.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I like Sadiq Khan. Giving people like Burnham and Khan more opportunity to speak out won't do Labour's prospects any harm at all.

I do as well. I live in London, and would benefit directly from him being mayor, but I think he needs to be right in one of the big 4 government/shadow jobs.

Mind you, if he keeps Abbott or Jowel away from the job....

Tessa was my MP before I moved out this way, used to give her serious earache in some of our CLP meetings! Actually she isn't so bad when you get to know her, and could make a decent enough Mayor (certainly better than the current incumbent); my personal favourite for the job though is Christian Wolmar who has none of the baggage the others have (and I'm with you on Abbott) and at least knows his stuff about transport in London, with some sensible ideas of how to deal with it.

Sadiq would be a cracking Mayor too, but I think he is doing a superb job where he is, and I really hope we see him as Lord Chancellor next year.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Riot at HMP Swaleside.

[51A]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

[TechnicalEphemera]

I'm pleased that we've got new posters here - rather than the spambots we've been getting - but I get a horrible feeling that the political antennae of the newest posters isn't quite as sharply developed as some of the more established contributors.

I think it is difficult for some of us Newbies: Firstly, we don't know you and you do seem to know each other quite well so we have to find our feet. Secondly, it is clearly left-wing and I don't have a problem with that, I am a committed and active socialist, probably more so than the current leader of the Labour Party which I left in 1998 having worked very hard to get it elected only to realise that the prefix "New" meant "Not Really". Lastly, I hope no-one is put off joining by the idea that they may not have sharply developed political antennae - I don't want to discuss politics day in and day out but I care deeply. I have a history severe depression to such a point that I led myself and my children into homelessness due to my incapacity to deal with what was happening. Sometimes I am so depressed and anxious about what the tories propose if they're elected again I just think that if they are I don't want to/can't live through it again. In that case, I go light and silly, talk about something and anything else. Sometimes I just can't stare at black and shout into an abyss. I hope you can understand that.
(I don't think there's an appropriate emoticon for not feeling terribly welcome right now but glad you're here anyway.)

Well you are welcome, as others have said Ernst's comment about political antenna was a joke aimed at Dan FFS Hodges and his new mate Nick Robinson, who are fine parodies of their real world namesake's. It is also a very in-joke so there is no shame in not getting it. I have to say I don't know anybody on here ( they could all be George Osborne sock puppets).

Last night I was babbling on about baseball and tonight we seem to have cats in drawers so politics comes and goes here (like Clegg's pledges and Cameron's green agenda). So just chip in as you feel like it. Not all comments get picked up (but they all get read), anybody can get the wrong end of any stick and offence is sometimes caused - but rarely on purpose.

Depression is a nasty thing to live with, especially in the modern world which is in many ways uncaring and impersonal so I wish you well in the battle. If it helps any I don't see a Tory majority government post 2015.

[AngryAsWell]

Riot at HMP Swaleside.

Is that a statement or an invitation ?

[Rebecca]

This has nothing to do with politics.

We've had to take one of the dogs to the vets today ... weeing in her bed at night and drinking an awful lot. (Think she'll be OK - not clear what it is yet - but we're hoping it's not serious and we won't be taking an incontinent dog with us when we do our very intensive stint in the cull zone soon .... I have already checked out where the launderettes are in local Gloucestershire towns.)

While we we there the local cat fostering / rehoming lady came in with several carrier baskets containing the latest arrivals and sad stories. We know her well having brought home a small herd / job lot of homeless black cats on hearing that, apparently, no one wants black ones anymore.

One of her carriers was full of tiny black and white kittens. One had a sultry black female cat in it. And the other carrier - skawking at full pelt the entire time - contained 'Barnaby'. She told us he is with her because his owner is very very ill with a rare leukemia - that he is 10 years old and how hard it is to get people to take a cat of that age. Of course - I had to say it - I heard myself saying it - I said, how much I love older cats and how I have often had an urge to get another cat that isn't all black. She whipped off the fleecy blanket covering the carrier. Barnaby is a delicious - screeching - tortoiseshell.

I haven't succumbed yet. But difficult to forget. One to ponder.

Evening everybody.
Has your dog been tested for diabetes?The drinking and weeing are signs of it in humans.
Had to rescue my bloody cat from the same house again yesterday,would have thought that 8 days trapped there might have put her off.This time I shut the velux.
Barnaby sounds like a great cat,go on,you know you want to.

[Tubby Isaacs]

I'm pleased that we've got new posters here - rather than the spambots we've been getting - but I get a horrible feeling that the political antennae of the newest posters isn't quite as sharply developed as some of the more established contributors.

I think it is difficult for some of us Newbies: Firstly, we don't know you and you do seem to know each other quite well so we have to find our feet. Secondly, it is clearly left-wing and I don't have a problem with that, I am a committed and active socialist, probably more so than the current leader of the Labour Party which I left in 1998 having worked very hard to get it elected only to realise that the prefix "New" meant "Not Really". Lastly, I hope no-one is put off joining by the idea that they may not have sharply developed political antennae - I don't want to discuss politics day in and day out but I care deeply. I have a history severe depression to such a point that I led myself and my children into homelessness due to my incapacity to deal with what was happening. Sometimes I am so depressed and anxious about what the tories propose if they're elected again I just think that if they are I don't want to/can't live through it again. In that case, I go light and silly, talk about something and anything else. Sometimes I just can't stare at black and shout into an abyss. I hope you can understand that.
(I don't think there's an appropriate emoticon for not feeling terribly welcome right now but glad you're here anyway.)

Welcome!

Very sorry to hear about your health. You've clearly got more on your plate than most of us, but please drop in when you want to discuss or read politics.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

If I may chip in? Don't feel that way, we all do things differently; I've not been posting here much longer than you, but I'm just a shameless attention seeker with too much to say and time on his hands. Everybody here has been so welcoming (and tolerant of my rambling), so it has made ditching the Guardian trollfest really easy and I think everybody here (definitely including yourself) is helping to build something worthwhile.

And I do 'get' your anxieties. I also have MH issues, and I know some of my posts here have been a little bleak as a result; the thought of five more years of this mob terrifies me, but I have faith (most days) in what Miliband and his team are trying to do and that gets me through.

As they say, nil illegitimi carborundum!!

[mbc1955]

I'm pleased that we've got new posters here - rather than the spambots we've been getting - but I get a horrible feeling that the political antennae of the newest posters isn't quite as sharply developed as some of the more established contributors.

I think it is difficult for some of us Newbies: Firstly, we don't know you and you do seem to know each other quite well so we have to find our feet. Secondly, it is clearly left-wing and I don't have a problem with that, I am a committed and active socialist, probably more so than the current leader of the Labour Party which I left in 1998 having worked very hard to get it elected only to realise that the prefix "New" meant "Not Really". Lastly, I hope no-one is put off joining by the idea that they may not have sharply developed political antennae - I don't want to discuss politics day in and day out but I care deeply. I have a history severe depression to such a point that I led myself and my children into homelessness due to my incapacity to deal with what was happening. Sometimes I am so depressed and anxious about what the tories propose if they're elected again I just think that if they are I don't want to/can't live through it again. In that case, I go light and silly, talk about something and anything else. Sometimes I just can't stare at black and shout into an abyss. I hope you can understand that.
(I don't think there's an appropriate emoticon for not feeling terribly welcome right now but glad you're here anyway.)

Hey there. Though I voted Labour from 1983 to 1997, it was always on the pragmatic basis that only they could remove the Conservatives. When free of such consoderations, I voted Liberal, but as you can imagine that's totally out of the question until Hell freezes over (and being an atheist...).

I just wanted to say that I understand exactly where you're at with the depression, and with the horror and fear of what this country will become if they are allowed to continue in power. It paralyzes me too. I'm standing with you. Good to have you here.

[AngryAsWell]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

I know depression is not a light subject, I get so depressed at times I literally can't do anything and spend days playing senseless FB games, looking at the computer and just knowing I really should be working but physically cant bring myself away from one more popping bubbles on whatever game I'm playing.
For what its worth (and to try to cheer you a little) I'm convinced Labour will get a landslide in 2015 (that's the only thing keeps me going some days)

[mbc1955]

There's only two things for it: either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country. You don't imagine the freedom to run a site like this will last all that long, do you?

Now that's an avatar I've got to ask about .... ? Yours?

Once upon a time my younger stepson's. He was called Joey. I adopted him as my internet avatar years ago.

Besides, he's more photogenic than I am!

[AngryAsWell]

There's only two things for it: either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country. You don't imagine the freedom to run a site like this will last all that long, do you?

Now that's an avatar I've got to ask about .... ? Yours?

Once upon a time my younger stepson's. He was called Joey. I adopted him as my internet avatar years ago.

Besides, he's more photogenic than I am!

either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country


I'm convinced it will be a Labour landslide, but just in case, I think we should make plans to dash up to our Welsh friends and take cover in the woods and agitate for Welsh independence.

[rebeccariots2]

Now that's an avatar I've got to ask about .... ? Yours?

Once upon a time my younger stepson's. He was called Joey. I adopted him as my internet avatar years ago.

Besides, he's more photogenic than I am!

either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country


I'm convinced it will be a Labour landslide, but just in case, I think we should make plans to dash up to our Welsh friends and take cover in the woods and agitate for Welsh independence.

We'd better start building some extra compost toilets then. Just in case like.

Editing to add: I'm sure letsskip and others will happily welcome you to our 'socialist shithole' as she likes to lovingly refer to it.

[ErnstRemarx]

I'm pleased that we've got new posters here - rather than the spambots we've been getting - but I get a horrible feeling that the political antennae of the newest posters isn't quite as sharply developed as some of the more established contributors.

I think it is difficult for some of us Newbies: Firstly, we don't know you and you do seem to know each other quite well so we have to find our feet. Secondly, it is clearly left-wing and I don't have a problem with that, I am a committed and active socialist, probably more so than the current leader of the Labour Party which I left in 1998 having worked very hard to get it elected only to realise that the prefix "New" meant "Not Really". Lastly, I hope no-one is put off joining by the idea that they may not have sharply developed political antennae - I don't want to discuss politics day in and day out but I care deeply. I have a history severe depression to such a point that I led myself and my children into homelessness due to my incapacity to deal with what was happening. Sometimes I am so depressed and anxious about what the tories propose if they're elected again I just think that if they are I don't want to/can't live through it again. In that case, I go light and silly, talk about something and anything else. Sometimes I just can't stare at black and shout into an abyss. I hope you can understand that.
(I don't think there's an appropriate emoticon for not feeling terribly welcome right now but glad you're here anyway.)

51A - first off, let me say welcome to FTN if I've not done so. It's fab to have you along, and you are utterly welcome here. You'll find the kettle on the table, the teabags and coffee in the corner and the milk dangled in a bucket of cold water (until we can afford a fridge - we've not been here long).

My comment was meant to funny, as the posters dfhodges and NickRobinson are clearly not quite who they say they are, as subsequent posts attested. It was rather more meant to be a 'mods eye view' as posted from a rather peevish moderator, rather than a participant in this afternoon's frivolities.

We have disagreements here quite frequently and people say what's on their minds, but there's no hierarchy of presence. If you're an FTNer, you're an FTNer and you will be listened to. You may well be expected to defend your corner if challenged, but this isn't troll central - myself and the other mods see to that.

There are plenty of other people on FTN who can and will relate to your experience with depression and other mental illness. Everyone gets it. That is FTN; people who post here are the people the Graun drove away, they are the conscience of that once fine organ; there are plenty here who'll nod their heads and silently intone "me too".

Stay and post. I think you'll find that this is a good place to be.

[AngryAsWell]

Once upon a time my younger stepson's. He was called Joey. I adopted him as my internet avatar years ago.

Besides, he's more photogenic than I am!

either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country


I'm convinced it will be a Labour landslide, but just in case, I think we should make plans to dash up to our Welsh friends and take cover in the woods and agitate for Welsh independence.

We'd better start building some extra compost toilets then. Just in case like.

Editing to add: I'm sure letsskip and others will happily welcome you to our 'socialist shithole' as she likes to lovingly refer to it.

Packing ma bags...
Night all

[rebeccariots2]

Ahem.

The Guardian view on the Liberal Democrat conference
The coalition has taken a terrible electoral toll but the liberal voice still has vital things to say
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/201 ... conference

... what can the Liberal Democrats do to optimise their chances of the survival without which all that is merely a pipe dream? In the Guardian’s view, British politics needs the Liberal Democrats for one thing above all. It needs them to provide the parliamentary nerve of outrage against an unreformed political system and against encroachments on civil liberties which is so often dulled in the other major parties...

I'm sorry. Very sorry.

Brilliant comment from tish BTL!

[ErnstRemarx]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

Don't sweat it. You've passed the first part of the initiation; the next bit is the email from the mods telling you the co-ordinates of the assault course you have to complete in a limited time before you're deemed worthy to post on FTN.

Probably worth getting into training.

[tinyclanger2]

Never before have I been so entertained by owls. Stretched. Waxed. You name it.

[51A]

Now that's an avatar I've got to ask about .... ? Yours?

Once upon a time my younger stepson's. He was called Joey. I adopted him as my internet avatar years ago.

Besides, he's more photogenic than I am!

either the Tories lose the election next year or we are all going to have to get out of this country


I'm convinced it will be a Labour landslide, but just in case, I think we should make plans to dash up to our Welsh friends and take cover in the woods and agitate for Welsh independence.

There's a welcome in this Welsh hillside, I reckon I can fit 2 x 2-man tents in each garden and we have toilets. And from my house I can see England so if someone brings some good binocs we can keep a look out.

I wish I was convinced, I live in hope of the electorate saying "no" to more austerity whilst not ever punishing the real culprits but I have to say, I have never seen Labour so unelectable. No-one likes Ed. Unpalateable but true, sadly.

[51A]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

Don't sweat it. You've passed the first part of the initiation; the next bit is the email from the mods telling you the co-ordinates of the assault course you have to complete in a limited time before you're deemed worthy to post on FTN.

Probably worth getting into training.

If it's in the Beacons, no worries, I live there, I'm not scared of sheep.

[LadyCentauria]

Night PF

While we we there the local cat fostering / rehoming lady came in with several carrier baskets containing the latest arrivals and sad stories. We know her well having brought home a small herd / job lot of homeless black cats on hearing that, apparently, no one wants black ones anymore.

Why don't people want black cats? If/when I have my own place again a moggy, preferably a black one, is high on my 'wants/needs' list.

Oh, and I admire your willpower .... but how long will it last?

I can feel it weakening by the minute .... but am still trying to muster a pretence of some resistance. No idea why people don't want black cats. Ours are very distinct characters - thank goodness - but Mr Riots is useless at telling them apart unless they're up very, very close and in his face.

That's a very scary avatar BTW!

Keeping my fingers crossed for your poorly dog! I'm not much of a cat person but I've always liked black ones best and don't understand why people (who are cat people) wouldn't want them.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Stephen Mullen ‏@StephenMullen 23m23 minutes ago
People on #newsnight saying they've not seen their MP in 9 years so they're voting UKIP. Douglas Carswell (now UKIP) WAS their MP *facepalm*

Give me strength.

[rebeccariots2]

Stephen Mullen ‏@StephenMullen 23m23 minutes ago
People on #newsnight saying they've not seen their MP in 9 years so they're voting UKIP. Douglas Carswell (now UKIP) WAS their MP *facepalm*

Give me strength.

That sounds like a clip that should be used to prove a point. Priceless.

[rebeccariots2]

Good night fellow FTNers. Lovely half moon out there tonight.

[ErnstRemarx]

Hi 51A and other newcomers (proper ones, not those selling knock off DVDs or cosmetics or whatever it is they do), very nice to have you on board. Apologies for the silliness today. NickRobinson is not really Nick Robinson, it was me, sorry. I don't usually sock puppet myself

I'm shocked. I don't believe you're "RobertSnozers" at all any more. It's a massive double bluff. You actually are Nick Robinson aren't you?

Unless that's the double bluff. You pretend to be Robert, gain our confidence and then turn up as the Nick Robinson that you genuinely were all along having strung us along by talking sense. I knew it couldn't last.

Then you pretend again that you're Robert, pretending to be Nick Robinson, pretending to be Robert, pretending to be Nick.

You must think we were born yesterday, Humphrys.

[TechnicalEphemera]

Gosh, thanks for all the responses. I can't access at work so I have no idea what happens here or at the Graun daytime. Feel a bit silly and over-sensitive now.

Don't sweat it. You've passed the first part of the initiation; the next bit is the email from the mods telling you the co-ordinates of the assault course you have to complete in a limited time before you're deemed worthy to post on FTN.

Probably worth getting into training.

If it's in the Beacons, no worries, I live there, I'm not scared of sheep.

Which makes you braver than my horse.

[TechnicalEphemera]

Hi 51A and other newcomers (proper ones, not those selling knock off DVDs or cosmetics or whatever it is they do), very nice to have you on board. Apologies for the silliness today. NickRobinson is not really Nick Robinson, it was me, sorry. I don't usually sock puppet myself

I'm shocked. I don't believe you're "RobertSnozers" at all any more. It's a massive double bluff. You actually are Nick Robinson aren't you?

Unless that's the double bluff. You pretend to be Robert, gain our confidence and then turn up as the Nick Robinson that you genuinely were all along having strung us along by talking sense. I knew it couldn't last.

Then you pretend again that you're Robert, pretending to be Nick Robinson, pretending to be Robert, pretending to be Nick.

You must think we were born yesterday, Humphrys.

Nope I am pretty certain it is Andrew "Wave your hands in the air like you don't care" Marr pretending to be Humphrys.

[51A]

Don't sweat it. You've passed the first part of the initiation; the next bit is the email from the mods telling you the co-ordinates of the assault course you have to complete in a limited time before you're deemed worthy to post on FTN.

Probably worth getting into training.

If it's in the Beacons, no worries, I live there, I'm not scared of sheep.

Which makes you braver than my horse.

Aahh but make sure your horse isn't faking. I had a really naughty boy once, he would pretend to be scared of something if I was riding him, something else if someone else was riding him, We bought him off the knacker, he was beautiful and the first real "horse" I had (I had had the odd inherited pony). But he was fibber.

[ErnstRemarx]

Well I'm turning in.

I have no idea who anyone is, or if they even exist, although having a beer with PaulFY doesn't help me there. Again a big hello to 51A and I hope you'll settle in here. It's the future (no, not fucking garlic bread, but yes he's pretty funny too well I would say that wouldn't I?).

Here's my final peace offering to everyone. I love minimalist music, and this can perk you up or see you to bed as needs must:

[youtube]0SMEFFJXDPI[/youtube]

Peace.

[TechnicalEphemera]

If it's in the Beacons, no worries, I live there, I'm not scared of sheep.

Which makes you braver than my horse.

Aahh but make sure your horse isn't faking. I had a really naughty boy once, he would pretend to be scared of something if I was riding him, something else if someone else was riding him, We bought him off the knacker, he was beautiful and the first real "horse" I had (I had had the odd inherited pony). But he was fibber.

Yep she is continually trying it on, to be fair she is only scared of killer sheep, most sheep don't bother her.

Plastic bags, portaloos and rattling trailers much more of an issue. But oddly the rattling trailer full of portaloos - meh.

[LadyCentauria]

Which makes you braver than my horse.

Aahh but make sure your horse isn't faking. I had a really naughty boy once, he would pretend to be scared of something if I was riding him, something else if someone else was riding him, We bought him off the knacker, he was beautiful and the first real "horse" I had (I had had the odd inherited pony). But he was fibber.

Yep she is continually trying it on, to be fair she is only scared of killer sheep, most sheep don't bother her.

Plastic bags, portaloos and rattling trailers much more of an issue. But oddly the rattling trailer full of portaloos - meh.

Horsey-people are pretty well represented here, aren't we My Darling T seems unable to remember what she's scared of from day to day, 'though squirrels are a constant especially if they're headed away. Objects/creatures that might change position from one moment to the next I can understand – but suddenly taking exception to the pillar-box at the corner that hasn't moved for at least fifty years!? I know she was fibbing about that!

I haven't been here long myself, 51A, but soon started to feel at home and am sure that you will, too.