FlyTheNest

Morning all.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... ers-doubts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cancelling it looks like the "easy" option that our PM is naturally tempted by. He likes his "vanity" projects as well, but not necessarily this one.

Cancelling HS2 doesn't fit in with the forge ahead fantasy of "Brexit Britain". though.

Rather fits the image of a delusional, fading empire going backwards, mind.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ ... high-winds" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

trump-border-wall-between-us-and-mexico-blows-over-in-high-winds

AnatolyKasparov wrote:Cancelling it looks like the "easy" option that our PM is naturally tempted by. He likes his "vanity" projects as well, but not necessarily this one.

I'm still waiting to hear more about the bridge to Northern Ireland.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/202 ... d-to-death" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:

AnatolyKasparov wrote:Cancelling it looks like the "easy" option that our PM is naturally tempted by. He likes his "vanity" projects as well, but not necessarily this one.

I'm still waiting to hear more about the bridge to Northern Ireland.

Don't forget Boris Island, either.......

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... urence-fox" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HindleA wrote:https://www.theguardian.com/society/202 ... d-to-death

New Labour is often blamed for introducing WCAs by people on the left, but we have no way of knowing how they would have responded to these kind of reports. That they would have completely ignored them like the Tories seems unlikely but we'll never know. Only a Tory government has continued with this inadequate system despite known risks and proven harms, though. That much, at least, we do know. They can't plead ignorance and, as long as no steps are taken to remedy issues, they can't claim the system isn't supposed to have such an effect. Their inaction is utterly damning.

https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/d ... osecution/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DWP: The case for the prosecution

Another piece on the GE/Corbyn out, by James Butler in the LRB. Again, well worth a read.

Willow904 wrote:

HindleA wrote:https://www.theguardian.com/society/202 ... d-to-death

New Labour is often blamed for introducing WCAs by people on the left, but we have no way of knowing how they would have responded to these kind of reports. That they would have completely ignored them like the Tories seems unlikely but we'll never know. Only a Tory government has continued with this inadequate system despite known risks and proven harms, though. That much, at least, we do know. They can't plead ignorance and, as long as no steps are taken to remedy issues, they can't claim the system isn't supposed to have such an effect. Their inaction is utterly damning.

https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/d ... osecution/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DWP: The case for the prosecution

"The hunt for the promised missing million continues"

The same left that has propagandised the not really sick left to rot line for decades.The change did n't occur in a vacuum,a desire and a right to work,regardless is fundamentally of what being a socialist is IMHO.They can't at the same time bemoan easing of eligibility and increase in income and the exact opposite at the same time.

HindleA wrote:The same left that has propagandised the not really sick left to rot line for decades ,many could work,indeed do with adequate support.The change did n't occur in a vacuum,a desire and a right to work,regardless is fundamentally of what being a socialist is IMHO.

It occurs to me that a shorter normal working week would, at a stroke, increase the number of people able to take up full time work.

Though that certainly isn't sufficient.

Benefits,rather than hinder,can facilitate work/continued work.There was always limited work allowabilty ie.a reasonable secure base to take a chance/ cope with fluctuation

Somewhat obviously under threat you tend to not take chances,especially if the ability to raise your left eyelid reliably repeatedly and safely is taken as proof you can hod bricks about for eight hours a day.

HS2 thread.

" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nigel Harris
@RAIL
6/driven HS2/Ph1 costs are not dealt with. And the biggest cost driver, in addition to what I've just described, is the contracting/procurement model which Government insisted on for Phase 1. It is beyond insane. Govt insisted on passing design risk to the contractors.

Nigel Harris
@RAIL
15/ PM to have claimed to have sorted it by his sheer force of will and Superman skills! First Brexit, now HS2?! 'Look here you Northerners, who loaned me your votes, I am delivering for you! Stick with Boris!' Why else would SD go so public in support?

That Governments appropriate ie the desire and bemoan of lack of support to work somewhat to own ends/present in differing ways to different audiences shouldn't have been a surprise.

AnatolyKasparov wrote:Another piece on the GE/Corbyn out, by James Butler in the LRB. Again, well worth a read.

What Happened?
James Butler on Labour’s defeat

https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v42/n03 ... t-happened" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
To read later !

Or of course completely disengage.I hate to think of the number you simply don't hear about.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ ... uarantined" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks like 576k paid up members will be eligible to vote in the Labour leadership election - a new high for the last 40 years.

Good afternoon, everyone.

AnatolyKasparov wrote:It looks like 576k paid up members will be eligible to vote in the Labour leadership election - a new high for the last 40 years.

That's a lot of members.

It will be important (note to self) to respect their choice!

I may be respecting their choice whilst repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall.To be fair,the latter Is n't an uncommon habit in the generality.Which may or may not explain a few things.Views seldom differ.

The "at a stroke" mention by PfY,given context really shouldn't'cause me amusement.I unreservedly apologise.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... ide-brexit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HindleA wrote:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... ide-brexit

And I want to scrap the Tory welfare reforms that humiliate the very people they should be helping. I will end the cruelty of work capability assessments and halt the punitive sanctions that push people into destitution

Don't know whether he agrees with Nandy on the benefits of "simplistic" UC, but certainly sounds a bit more hopeful. Although getting rid of sanctions should be a given really for anyone who isn't a completely inhuman bastard.

Cleaners win big pay rise as NHS trust drops outsourcing deal

Facilities workers at trust in London to be brought in-house after series of strikes

The trust will initially directly employ support staff for a one-year trial period, after which it will “decide whether to continue to employ you directly – and bring you all up to full NHS (Agenda for Change) terms and conditions – or re-tender the contract with an improved specification.” (Guardian - my emphasis)

Every silver lining has a cloud.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/202 ... rcing-deal

Hundreds miss out on flood grants due to ‘obscene postcode lottery’

Johnson’s promised cash only for those flooded from 8-18 November and where at least 25 houses affected

Mary Dhonau, a flood risk consultant, said: “Boris Johnson said everyone that is being flooded would get up to £5,000, but what he didn’t say was that he meant everyone who was flooded between 8 November and 18 November and in a group of 25 houses or more.

“A flood is a flood, people suffer exactly the same wherever they are, not more in areas which are visited by the prime minister.” (Guardian)

The last paragraph is, perhaps, arguable.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... de-lottery

It took me a while,but I got there in the end.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ... l-disabled" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Goodnight, everyone.
love,
cJA

Bit quiet isn't it?

Anyone want a stressed out lunatic to liven things up a bit?

I've been once again avoiding Question Time this evening by watching a splendid hi-definition restoration of John Carpenter's The Thing taken from the original film negatives. That scene where it's absorbing the dogs hasn't looked as good in nearly 40 years.

"I don't know what the hell's in there, but it's weird and pissed off whatever it is."

So I innocently went online to understand the technicalities of how it had been restored and walked into a shitstorm, because you see there are two restorations of The Thing, using different techniques, and sides have been taken. Across a number of Blu-Ray sites involving hundreds if not thousands of comments the argument rages about which is better. I won't bore you with the details but surely there is space in this world for two differently produced hi-def versions of an eighties horror film? Apparently not. It would seem there may literally be nothing that people will not be dicks about online.

Sky'sGoneOut wrote:Bit quiet isn't it?

Anyone want a stressed out lunatic to liven things up a bit?

Always

Ok so to those wondering if I'm alright.

Not really, the whole meningitis thing was scary, but not as scary as what I have to face next week which is my Work Capability Assessment.

I used the sytem to put it off for as long as I could but next Tuesday I shall have to face a 'healthcare professional' and persuade them and the DWP that I'm seriously mentally unwell.

Now you may think given the evidence here that it should be a mere formality but as I'm sure you all know we have a system in this country (introduced by Labour) that perversely prioritises removing people's benefits over saving taxpayer's money. And before anyone complains I first lost my Incapacity Benefit as it was at the time under Blair when they brought in Unum who had already been found guilty in the U.S for denying the benefits of disabled people. This wasn't some esoteric thing, it was front page news in the U.S and Labour ignored it.

Sorry I didn't mean to go on a political rant, I just wanted to say thanks to those who have been concerned about me, I know my behaviour is erratic at the best of times but after having this assessment dangling over my head for months like a sword of Damocles I admit I've been panicking over the last couple of weeks as it's got closer. Thankfully now a calm zen like acceptance has occured.

I feel now that I could go out and do good deeds.

tinyclanger2 wrote:

Sky'sGoneOut wrote:Bit quiet isn't it?

Anyone want a stressed out lunatic to liven things up a bit?

Always

Something needs to happen because this place is dying a death, I would suggest involving drugs and alcohol, failing that perhaps a naked calendar.

I can already see it, Hindle in a provocative pose cock and balls in one hand with the tip of the index finger of his other hand held to his lips as he smiles.

I already have a photo of me being all naked and outdoor and rugged after I'd got up one morning when we were camping and I'd gone for a poo.

As for the rest of you I guess I'd have to judge the photos.

Then set up some kind of weird cult.

I'm sure none of you would mind being branded?

Maybe if you do it lingerie.

Sky'sGoneOut wrote:I can already see it, Hindle in a provocative pose cock and balls in one hand with the tip of the index finger of his other hand held to his lips as he smiles.

I already have a photo of me being all naked and outdoor and rugged after I'd got up one morning when we were camping and I'd gone for a poo.

As for the rest of you I guess I'd have to judge the photos.

Then set up some kind of weird cult.

I'm sure none of you would mind being branded?

Not keen on pain. Come to think of it, even mild discomfort is unacceptable. Ask me another.