Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April 2015

TheGrimSqueaker · Post by **TheGrimSqueaker** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 6:56 pm

My, another comedy poll from Opinium/Observer I see. The contempt it shows toward their readership is astounding.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 6:58 pm

My head's just exploded. The N word has been uttered.

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 6:58 pm

Yikes - sorry!

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 6:58 pm

Pretend it never happened.

AnatolyKasparov · Post by **AnatolyKasparov** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:01 pm

ohsocynical wrote:I have been polite today. One lady on Twitter said she was going to vote Green because they said they'd build half a million council houses.
I gently pointed out that in order for that to become a reality they'd need a majority or strong influence in parliament, and at the best 2 or 3 MPs weren't going to do it.
She then replied Labour was started from scratch not that long ago.
I pointed out that it was the Unions started Labour, and they were formed to fight exactly what we once again need to fight.

I haven't got the energy or patience to carry on with the conversation.

Eh, nearly 120 years??

What's the third poll out tonight, btw?

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:04 pm

AnatolyKasparov wrote:
ohsocynical wrote:I have been polite today. One lady on Twitter said she was going to vote Green because they said they'd build half a million council houses.
I gently pointed out that in order for that to become a reality they'd need a majority or strong influence in parliament, and at the best 2 or 3 MPs weren't going to do it.
She then replied Labour was started from scratch not that long ago.
I pointed out that it was the Unions started Labour, and they were formed to fight exactly what we once again need to fight.

I haven't got the energy or patience to carry on with the conversation.
Eh, nearly 120 years??

What's the third poll out tonight, btw?

Two polls Opinium and YouGov.

Plus the bullshit index.

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:35 pm

Did we have this yesterday? If so, apologies - but here it is anyway:

Hundreds of mental health experts issue rallying call against austerity

400 counsellors, psychotherapists and others sign letter saying ‘society thrown completely off balance’ by ‘emotional toxicity of neoliberal thinking’ (Guardian)

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015 ... -austerity

Hobiejoe · Post by **Hobiejoe** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:37 pm

yahyah wrote:Lets wait for the details in the polling. Zen-like calm will get us through this.

There's an emoticon for that....

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:41 pm

Hobiejoe wrote:
yahyah wrote:Lets wait for the details in the polling. Zen-like calm will get us through this.
There's an emoticon for that....

Oh please - yes!! can we save that one?

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:44 pm

A @UKIP Cllr slaps a political activist (@the_dbh ) in the face...now lots of kippers are showing their true colours!
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ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 7:46 pm

Amidst the exasperation and [sometimes] despair there is usually a bit of humour or little fact that can lighten the mood.

I can't find the Tweet now, but someone reported on a UKIP meeting with Farage in Thanet ? Only 60 of the 180 seats with bums on and those were 75% male and almost entirely elderly. And no enthusiasm.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:01 pm

April 18th: Ed Miliband maintains momentum

The Economist's round-up of the main political events of the British election campaign today

http://www.economist.com/news/britain/2 ... nsmomentum

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:04 pm

Charles Edward Frith @charlesfrith

I can't help thinking Hague's departure from politics is because there's "news" coming.

Paul Smyth retweeted Charles Edward Frith

Which won't be released until after the election Paul Smyth added,

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:20 pm

ohsocynical wrote:
April 18th: Ed Miliband maintains momentum

The Economist's round-up of the main political events of the British election campaign today

http://www.economist.com/news/britain/2 ... nsmomentum

The problem is, I feel Ed has momentum, that he is doing really well and that his standing is improving. But the polls do not reflect this.

So maybe he doesn't have momentum. I think the SNP stuff is cutting through, and it is a problem. The SNP themselves are playing this up, probably in the hope of a Tory victory.

I would like to see Labour finish rolling out its sales pitch quickly and then go massively negative on Cameron. Scare the shit out of people on:

The end of the NHS.
The end of all council services.
The end of human rights.
The end of the safety net.
The introduction of 5 million expats to our register.

And keep scaring people all the way to the poll (primarily on 1 and 2).

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:33 pm

Goodnight, everyone.

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:35 pm

How have we got to a point where our politicians and our press hate us, their fellow citizens, to the extent that they do.
I exclude ed et al from this. But the rest of them just see us as a "mark" to fleece.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:43 pm

PorFavor wrote:Goodnight, everyone.

Night PF

Hope it's quieter where you are. It's been a beautifully sunny day but we've had people from across the way who've been partying full blast since lunchtime. All our doors and windows are shut and their music is still drowning out our TV.

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 8:49 pm

Just deserts
Professional big game hunter Ian Gibson crushed to death by elephant during hunt

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/peopl ... 86864.html#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:00 pm

Paul Waugh ‏@paulwaugh Apr 15
ComRes/ITV News poll says Lib Dem vote is collapsing in South West, Big 13% swing to Tories cd deliver all 13 target seats

Mike Smithson
ComRes conflicts with several @LordAshcroft seat polls when constituency specific question put.

Barry Hartness ‏@BarryHartness Apr 15
@MSmithsonPB have you ever thought that Lord Ashcroft might, just might, be wrong?

Rob Blackmore ‏@blackmore_rob Apr 15
@BarryHartness @MSmithsonPB 72%= voting for a party not candidate. Yet @LordAshcroft candidate specific polls favour the LD's! #confused

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:14 pm

David May ‏@Lamondfauld 20 mins20 minutes ago

The Ashcroft method of polling constituencies does not mention the candidates names so his poll results are fatally flawed.

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:19 pm

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/ ... es-9073908" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

One that will resonate with some on here:

Miliband mobbed by screaming groupies.

rearofthestore · Post by **rearofthestore** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:20 pm

More like it, I think I want to believe this one.

Lord Ashcroft ‏@LordAshcroft 16s16 seconds ago

YouGov/Sunday Times poll LAB 36% CON 33% UKIP 13% LDEM 8% GRNS 5%

rearofthestore · Post by **rearofthestore** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:25 pm

and there's more....

Dr Éoin Clarke ‏@LabourEoin 2m2 minutes ago

#Breaking..... Labour race into a 3% lead with YouGov tonight. 36% is their joint highest YouGov score for 200 days

Mike Smithson ‏@MSmithsonPB 3m3 minutes ago

The entire fieldwork for the S Times YouGov poll took place after Thursday's debate

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:29 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:I noticed on his Zen quest TC stated that he lacked a horse.

I would like to point out you can simulate having a horse (on the way to the pub) by simply following these few simple steps.

1. Walk very slowly on the way to the pub.
2. Every time you see a cyclist immediately jump up, stamp your feet, draw yourself up to your full height and emit a loud snorting sound (extra points if they fall off).
3. Every five minutes look suspiciously at something (real or imaginary).
4. Every time you see a plastic bag lying on the floor immediately stop and then move past it very slowly, in a wide semi-circle with your face turned towards it. When you have passed it break into a semi jog.
5. In the pub eat anything vaguely edible you can find. If necessary barge the barman out of the way to get to the crisps.
6. Return home from the pub at 3 times the speed you walked to it.

That should do it.

Will certainly give it a go.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:34 pm

General Election ‏@UKELECTIONS2015 7 hrs7 hours ago
Yougov

% of own parties voters who say they are PROUD to tell Family & friends they have voted for...

LAB 62%
UKIP 58%
CON 53%
LIBDEM 42%

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:38 pm

Leader net approval
Cameron 0
Miliband -18
Clegg -36

Spacedone · Post by **Spacedone** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:42 pm

Looks like the Right-to-Buy Housing Association homes policy is falling apart. A ministerial letter to the Lib-Dems has been 'leaked' which states that the Conservatives know that it's bad for affordable housing.

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/201 ... ssociation" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wonder how many other things the Lib-Dems are going to leak over the next few weeks?

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:46 pm

tinyclanger2 wrote:http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/ ... es-9073908?

One that will resonate with some on here:

Miliband mobbed by screaming groupies.

"...... 25-strong group of hens from Knutsford"

Which is, I do believe, within the constituency of Tatton.

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:49 pm

rearofthestore wrote:More like it, I think I want to believe this one.
Lord Ashcroft ‏@LordAshcroft 16s16 seconds ago

YouGov/Sunday Times poll LAB 36% CON 33% UKIP 13% LDEM 8% GRNS 5%

That we will take. I was sweating on the YouGov. The rest I don't care about (exception Ashcroft constituency).

So maybe Miliband does have momentum (emotionally I feel that to be true, but I am also vulnerable to confirmation bias).

Incidentally the issue with the ComRes SW poll is they didn't ask about how they would vote in the constituency. Smithson pointed that out at the time. I am going with Ashcroft as I think he knows how to poll locally.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:53 pm

Tim Shipman ‏@ShippersUnbound 52s52 seconds ago
David Cameron has issued a plea for Lib Dem and Ukip supporters to vote tactically for Tories to keep Miliband and Sturgeon out of power

He must be feeling really confident to be issuing pleas of that nature.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 9:55 pm

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In which a BBC Sport reporter refers to Andy Burnham pushing for a fresh investigation to the Bradford Fire as "bandwagon jumping".

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:05 pm

The Labour party will tomorrow reveal details of a Tory plan to cut the number of nurses in the NHS immediately after the general election.

http://labourlist.org/2015/04/labour-re ... -election/

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:06 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:

In which a BBC Sport reporter refers to Andy Burnham pushing for a fresh investigation to the Bradford Fire as "bandwagon jumping".

Ian Dennis is a twat isn't he.

Most sports people are Tories, with a few honourable exceptions (Sir Alex being the most high profile).

Spacedone · Post by **Spacedone** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:17 pm

Tim Montgomerie not getting a lot of support for this particular tweet.

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AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:24 pm

This is one reason why I have no time at all for the polls

"A Conservative peer who runs a polling company has criticised a poll by one of his competitors after it showed Ed Miliband winning Thursday’s leaders debate.
Lord Cooper of Windrush, the director and founder of the polling company Populus, was appointed to the House of Lords by David Cameron and was previously the prime minister’s director of strategy."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 85291.html#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:24 pm

Lord Ashcroft ‏@LordAshcroft 23 mins23 minutes ago

"It's the economy, stupid" used to be the political mantra to win an election. Unfortunately for the Tories it's no longer as potent....

Cor !!!!!!

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:30 pm

ohsocynical wrote:
Lord Ashcroft ‏@LordAshcroft 23 mins23 minutes ago

"It's the economy, stupid" used to be the political mantra to win an election. Unfortunately for the Tories it's no longer as potent....
Cor !!!!!!

Can we tweet Ashcroft back (are we permitted?)

It is still "the economy, stupid" - but the personal economy not the abstract. Why Thatcher won & Cameron won't.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:34 pm

ohsocynical wrote:
PorFavor wrote:Goodnight, everyone.
Night PF

Hope it's quieter where you are. It's been a beautifully sunny day but we've had people from across the way who've been partying full blast since lunchtime. All our doors and windows are shut and their music is still drowning out our TV.

I've been away from the site, Ohso & see you've had mayhem raging - really, the day has been gorgeous & I'm sorry others have chosen to play loud music like that. Nothing irritates me more than thoughtless noise like that going on & on. I hope it's settled down & you'll be able to have a word with them about how the way they enjoy a gorgeous day is adversely impacting on how others would like to spend it.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:37 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:This is one reason why I have no time at all for the polls

"A Conservative peer who runs a polling company has criticised a poll by one of his competitors after it showed Ed Miliband winning Thursday’s leaders debate.
Lord Cooper of Windrush, the director and founder of the polling company Populus, was appointed to the House of Lords by David Cameron and was previously the prime minister’s director of strategy."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 85291.html#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I knew years ago, when the polls were so wonderfully showing Labour gains to hold steady. That the Tory-led coalition government would manipulate, lie & show no qualms about fair or foul tactics.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:37 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:

In which a BBC Sport reporter refers to Andy Burnham pushing for a fresh investigation to the Bradford Fire as "bandwagon jumping".
Ian Dennis is a twat isn't he.

Most sports people are Tories, with a few honourable exceptions (Sir Alex being the most high profile).

Incredibly thin skinned too. Clears off when he cops an insult from Ian Prior.

This would be a scandal if it was a Tory being slagged off.

Post by **adam** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:40 pm

ohsocynical wrote:Call me cynical if you want but I don't suppose another dirty Tory tactic is to send minions around the betting shops laying bets on Cameron? Although they shouldn't be people are influenced by it.

I think the perfect situation for a bookie is a strong favourite who actually hasn't got a hope - they pay out a lot more on favourites winning that outsiders. The market itself does a lot to set odds but doesn't have the final say...

In other news I've found an excellent and very reliable site that links to live stream of every MLB game and may therefore never sleep again.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:43 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:

In which a BBC Sport reporter refers to Andy Burnham pushing for a fresh investigation to the Bradford Fire as "bandwagon jumping".

And here I thought it was part of Burnham's job as a public servant to sound off about public safety issues.

LadyCentauria · Post by **LadyCentauria** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:44 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:Am I the only one less concerned with the supposed "embarrassment" of Tristram Hunt on being told by a child that they would vote UKip "to get rid of all the foreigners" and far more concerned with the ethos of the school where that kind of casual racism from pupils appears normal. There was no hesitation from the child, it came out quite naturally.

No, you're not the only one. But it's possible that the child has not made the connection between racism (or other forms of discrimination) and 'to get rid of all the foreigners' – a phrase he's probably picked up at home, or somewhere. The school will be pretty aware that they have a problem, now.

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:45 pm

adam wrote:
ohsocynical wrote:Call me cynical if you want but I don't suppose another dirty Tory tactic is to send minions around the betting shops laying bets on Cameron? Although they shouldn't be people are influenced by it.
I think the perfect situation for a bookie is a strong favourite who actually hasn't got a hope - they pay out a lot more on favourites winning that outsiders. The market itself does a lot to set odds but doesn't have the final say...

In other news I've found an excellent and very reliable site that links to live stream of every MLB game and may therefore never sleep again.

Really? I pay for Ed Milibands recommended app (although it isn't hugely expensive).

My beloved Tigers got hammered today, and the good old Cubs threw away a 4 run lead in the 9th.

By the way - What is it with that stupid music all US sports shows use?

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:45 pm

If these pictures of Brighton streets are recent and not from yonks ago Caroline Lucas could well have more of a fight than previously thought.
The place is (was?) a mess.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -brighton/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **adam** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:48 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:
adam wrote:
ohsocynical wrote:Call me cynical if you want but I don't suppose another dirty Tory tactic is to send minions around the betting shops laying bets on Cameron? Although they shouldn't be people are influenced by it.
I think the perfect situation for a bookie is a strong favourite who actually hasn't got a hope - they pay out a lot more on favourites winning that outsiders. The market itself does a lot to set odds but doesn't have the final say...

In other news I've found an excellent and very reliable site that links to live stream of every MLB game and may therefore never sleep again.
Really? I pay for Ed Milibands recommended app (although it isn't hugely expensive).

My beloved Tigers got hammered today, and the good old Cubs threw away a 4 run lead in the 9th.

By the way - What is it with that stupid music all US sports shows use?

Cubs game going into the 11th now - I'll PM you.

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:50 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:If these pictures of Brighton streets are recent and not from yonks ago Caroline Lucas could well have more of a fight than previously thought.
The place is (was?) a mess.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -brighton/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The dates on the pictures are this week.

Lucas seems certain to win but the Greens seem to have suffered some sort of meltdown when faced with actual power.

Maybe they should hire Ernst as a troubleshooter.

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:53 pm

Ed is a hit with these ladies. Screams of Ed, Ed, Ed until he appeared !!

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/ ... es-9073908" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sorry, if I had refreshed first, I'd have seen this has already been linked to

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:55 pm

LadyCentauria wrote:
AngryAsWell wrote:Am I the only one less concerned with the supposed "embarrassment" of Tristram Hunt on being told by a child that they would vote UKip "to get rid of all the foreigners" and far more concerned with the ethos of the school where that kind of casual racism from pupils appears normal. There was no hesitation from the child, it came out quite naturally.
No, you're not the only one. But it's possible that the child has not made the connection between racism (or other forms of discrimination) and 'to get rid of all the foreigners' – a phrase he's probably picked up at home, or somewhere. The school will be pretty aware that they have a problem, now.

Agree and I hope they do, but to use "to get rid of foreigners" so casually and without even a glance to see if teacher was within hearing says a lot to me. Neither of our local schools would have that for a second, and parents would be called in as well.
Thanks for kind thoughts last night by the way, not seen you on line today to say.

I don't think I'll feel right till the election is over to be honest. Sigh.
Had a endoscope on Monday and got the all clear that any lurking nasty's are absent, so I really should be a pair of curtains and pull myself together and cheer right up!

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Sat 18 Apr, 2015 10:56 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:If these pictures of Brighton streets are recent and not from yonks ago Caroline Lucas could well have more of a fight than previously thought.
The place is (was?) a mess.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -brighton/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

She's not really identified with the council. Think she'll win comfortably.