Coronavirus Death Thread

[Kikó]

Fucking amazing :D he would've been lolled out of the building at our spot halfway through his rant.

My best mate (who I was best man at his wedding for) is completely gone down this rabbit hole. He's got his sister on it as well (no pics). I've had a few pointless arguments with them both about it being complete bollocks but it's just pointless. No source can disprove it, nothing can be explained away unless it's a random bloke explaining over youtube. My dad's got a bit of it as well. It's just bizarre and sad.

[Ian]

As if you can grow Kiwi over there. It's probably all shit apples.

EDIT: Which makes me realize that I don't think that I have ever eaten kiwi.

What's everyone's favorite fruit?

Moar freds.

EDIT: Although to be fair this fruit business is the least cretinous this thread has been so maybe we should save this one rather than make moar.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've noticed an uptick in it the last few years - both of my colleagues near me in the office 100% believe that the government is listening to all our conversations through our smartphones. I have pointed out that the government can't even tie its own shoelaces, but they're not interested.

[Pepe]

Moar freds.

EDIT: Although to be fair this fruit business is the least cretinous this thread has been so maybe we should save this one rather than make moar.

I am having a hard time choosing. Watermelon is excellent during the summer when it is crazy hot out there. Few things beat a mamey milkshake. Mango and coconut (not together) make for great ice-cream. Pineapple is good when it's good, but it is high-risk. Cantaloupe is good too.

[Spikey M]

The conspiracy stuff is rife and has the power to make normally very nice people say some terrible shit. My work mate is Jewish and he told me that a few years back one of the Housing Officers quite happily told him that the Holocaust was fake and only made up so Jews could steal Palestine.

[Don]

How do you know the Housing Officer didn't say that?

[phonics]

I've noticed an uptick in it the last few years - both of my colleagues near me in the office 100% believe that the government is listening to all our conversations through our smartphones. I have pointed out that the government can't even tie its own shoelaces, but they're not interested.

This is a provable cold hard fact though?

[Spikey M]

How do you know the Housing Officer didn't say that?

Check mate

[Manc]

A climate change denier calling someone a crackpot is priceless. Hope you get floored asap.

[Baz]

Green bananas btw.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This is a provable cold hard fact though?

Who is listening? James Bond?

[Don]

Green bananas btw.

This man knows.

Ps. Open the clubs.

[phonics]

Who is listening? James Bond?

James Bond worked for MI5, no? GCHQ are the ones listening. You can see (but go nowhere near or photograph) the building in Cheltenham.

[Ian]

I am having a hard time choosing. Watermelon is excellent during the summer when it is crazy hot out there. Few things beat a mamey milkshake. Mango and coconut (not together) make for great ice-cream. Pineapple is good when it's good, but it is high-risk. Cantaloupe is good too.

I'd really have to go mango, I think.

[phonics]

The answer is melon. Just plain melon.

[niko_cee]

I was assuming Jimmy's conspiracy involved the government listening in via your phone in an ambient (not in use) sort of way, not that they might have the capability to monitor/record phone calls, which isn't that mad unless you think they are bothering to listen to you individually (and by extension everyone).

[Ian]

Is the question "What's a really boring-tasting fruit?"

[niko_cee]

Is the question "What's a really boring-tasting fruit?"

Isn't dragon fruit the answer to this, somewhat disappointingly?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Isn't dragon fruit the answer to this, somewhat disappointingly?

Yes.

Quality name, looks great but it just tastes of nothing.

[Don]

https://youtu.be/f4Q4b1lWOJk

Just had this sent by one of the conspiracy idiots. Jesus :D

[Disco]

I have a Chinese spy phone so I've come to terms with the idea of someone intercepting my calls or reading my texts or whatever. Maybe at one time that would have irked me but fuck, if they have the time and inclination to spy on someone as boring as me then good luck to them.

[Ian]

"Is there any legal right that you've got to go around knocking on people's doors?"

Incredible.

[Disco]

Oh and as for fruit:

Kiwi is great, melon is shit (too much faff, although this doesn't apply to pineapple because I like pineapple), green bananas forever.

[Giggles]

Still buzzing from today’s altercation. I think I’ll go out on mask watch.

[Boydy]

Vigilante Giggles :drool:

[Lofty]

My home borough has gone into Tier 2 now despite my ward at least being at 44 per 100,000. Councils absolutely desperate to be classified higher for the associated cash grab.

What is the cash grab, by the way? What benefit? Seen it dismissed as a conspiracy theory and couldn't find any evidence to rebutt that.

[Shindig]

I believe they're entitled to extra funding if they go up a tier.

[Yevrah]

https://youtu.be/f4Q4b1lWOJk

Just had this sent by one of the conspiracy idiots. Jesus :D

Conspiracy bonkers aside, why the hell are the army (or anyone) handing out tests?

[Shindig]

To reach the parts of the community that might baulk at the idea of using a website. Or people who have symptoms but think, "Oh, it's nothing."

[Spikey M]

https://youtu.be/f4Q4b1lWOJk

Just had this sent by one of the conspiracy idiots. Jesus :D

I love shit like this. If he actually thought it was 'Tyranny' he wouldn't be approaching someone in the military to shout his mouth off.

[Kikó]

I was assuming Jimmy's conspiracy involved the government listening in via your phone in an ambient (not in use) sort of way, not that they might have the capability to monitor/record phone calls, which isn't that mad unless you think they are bothering to listen to you individually (and by extension everyone).

Ed Snowden's book pretty much explains how the NSA can intercept everything they want. Do they listen to your calls? Not unless you are about to reveal that th[MESSAGE EDITED]

[phonics]

Conspiracy bonkers aside, why the hell are the army (or anyone) handing out tests?
Spent too much money on Deloitte consultants. Got to save the cash somewhere.

7 thousand a day these faceless nobodies are being paid. Fucking nuts.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not talking about monitoring calls, I'm talking about the supposed ability to listen to conversations you are having (outwith your phone) due to secret listening devices therein.

The evidence they have for it applying to them is they will have sat in a restaurant talking about Nobby's Nuts and then ten minutes later an ad for Nobby's Nuts will appear on their phone.

[phonics]

Well that example wouldn't be the government. However, yes both Android and iPhone have microphones that can be remotely turned on and accessed wirelessly. This was covered by Snowden, watch the documentary. There's a reason you have to put your phone in a lead box when you enter 'The Situation Room' and similar secure places.

[Boydy]

I'm not talking about monitoring calls, I'm talking about the supposed ability to listen to conversations you are having (outwith your phone) due to secret listening devices therein.


Yeah, that is possible.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If you think I'm watching a Snowden documentary you have another think coming.

[phonics]

Why? It’s one of the most genuinely interesting and newsworthy issues of the digital era.

[Giggles]

Vigilante Giggles :drool:

It’s fun.

[Spikey M]

What documentary is it Phonics?

[phonics]

CitizenFour. It’s on Netflix I think.

[Spikey M]

Cheers.

[Baz]

It's boring af

[Giggles]

AF?

[Baz]

AF?

as fuck

[Kikó]

Read his autobiography.

[phonics]

Yeah the books better but asking people to pick that up on a whim is unlikely.

[Don]

Whilst you're there watch The Social Dilemma. It's even got about 20 minutes of completely pointless acted segments to make it accessible to those of you who watch Marvel films and stuff.

[Spikey M]

Aside from providing a load of stuff to Wikileaks and legging in to Russia I don't know an awful lot about him. The documentary will do for now.

[Giggles]

as fuck

You’re too old for that.

[Baz]

:(

[Spikey M]

You’re too old for that.

He's our Michael Jackson, leave him be.

[Shindig]

Not quite. Jackson got married twice. EDIT: I think. Unless the horrid looking nurse just had one of his test tube kids.

[Don]

Stay strong, Baz. These utter cretins have a deficiency of soul.

[Baz]

Calm snm

[Smjffy]

North v South en route. I'mma fuck you up, Lewis. :cool:

[Spikey M]

North v South en route. I'mma fuck you up, Lewis. :cool:

I'm going to need this post explaining.

[Smjffy]

Jesus. I'd be scared for your life if Lewis did want to scrap with you


TTH meet Lewis and I can have a wrestling match and nothing more. I'd lock him up and give him the mother of all wet willy's.


Square up as if it's finally happening, only to both turn on some sympathetic face figure.


:drool:

"GOOD GOD! THEY WERE IN CAHOOTS ALL ALONG, KING!! SOMEONE STOP THIS."


http://i66.tinypic.com/mj0iop.jpg

Bonding with Smiff over Pop-Tarts as some slag looks on.


Me right now.

https://media.giphy.com/media/xT39DnTRc0z1qCj3Qk/giphy.gif

We've come a long way.


I tried to find it but four years ago I was a big dick and deleted ..... everything. :( All fun and games.

[Don]

That should clear it up for Spikey.

[Lewis]

We should turn it into a Royal Rumble and call it a covid party for the board.

[Yevrah]

Lancashire being in the top tier but not having to close gyms is bordering on farcical. We're a tiny country and 47 different rule sets is never going to work.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I see that as well as holding this Tory government to account and standing up for the people of Greater Manchester (we should really go back to the old counties - get on it Dom), Andy Burnham has found time to co-author with Gary Neville (who else?) a new plan to save the football pyramid.

Is there nothing else we can put Mr Burnham onto while we're at it? Climate change, perhaps, or the social care crisis?

[Yevrah]

Is this it?


Create a new regulatory body for football that is independent of the current structure of the game
Decide on new ways of distributing funds to the wider game based on a funding formula and a fair levy payable by the Premier League
Set up a new and comprehensive licencing system for the professional game
Review causes of financial stress in the English Football League, including parachute payments and salary caps
Implement governance reforms at the FA which are essential to ensure it is truly independent, diverse and representative of English football today
Liaise with supporters' organisations
Learn lessons from abroad and champion supporter involvement in the running of clubs

Just waffle.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Are you accusing Gary Neville and/or Andy Burnham of spouting vague populist wank in a convincing tone that makes people think he knows what he's talking about but has zero actual substance underpinning it? Because that would be a very serious allegation.

[Kikó]

I'm sure g.neviller is worried about Salford City when he involves himself in this but these sound sensible:

Decide on new ways of distributing funds to the wider game based on a funding formula and a fair levy payable by the Premier League
Set up a new and comprehensive licencing system for the professional game
Review causes of financial stress in the English Football League, including parachute payments and salary caps

I'm sure the detail is where the real disagreement begins.

[phonics]

'Decide new ways of distributing funds to the wider game' is exactly what theyre doing Gary and no-one can agree. That's why you're writing the manifesto in the first place.

It's Hilary Clintons plan to defeat ISIS but for football.

667375199780806657

It's been a while since I've seen that badboy. The first step of defeating ISIS is defeating ISIS :D Can't believe she lost.

[Spikey M]

There's literally no problem that can't be solved that way. She's a genius.

[Don]

They rejected the benevolent Glazers, I'll relish seeing them all burn.

On that topic, I wonder if there are a band of well-run and financially healthy clubs actually hoping for the same too.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If county cricket is anything to go by (and it usually is) then the turkeys will vote for Christmas in the end out of desperation for immediate cash. In fact, when I say 'in the end', the EFL clubs were gagging for Big Picture already, weren't they, it's just that the PL won't let it happen.

[Spikey M]

I don't have the Covid, which means this is just a cold and I'm a pussy.

[Yevrah]

Shouldn't that be there's a 70% chance you don't have covid?

[John Arne]

I'm going to come across as smarmy (sorry John) now...but... I went to Hanoi for footy last weekend, and this weekend it's basketball on Sunday followed by the Ho Chi Minh City Derby on Monday night.

You do wonder why the UK (and others) didn't look to countries that had been successful in fighting Covid (Thailand, S Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam). Granted, there's lot of variables to consider, but my god the UK looks a complete shitshow from the outside.

[Spikey M]

It doesn't look too hot from the inside.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Because when this is over, we'll still have individual liberty, and Vietnam will still be run by a military junta.

[Yeldoow]

I'm going to come across as smarmy (sorry John) now...but... I went to Hanoi for footy last weekend, and this weekend it's basketball on Sunday followed by the Ho Chi Minh City Derby on Monday night.

You do wonder why the UK (and others) didn't look to countries that had been successful in fighting Covid (Thailand, S Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam). Granted, there's lot of variables to consider, but my god the UK looks a complete shitshow from the outside.

Because that would require the UK to consider the possibility that it could have anything to learn from the likes of Thailand, S Korea, Taiwan, Japan or Vietnam.

[Shindig]

For the UK to do what Asia has managed would require mass, mandatory testing and quarantine on a level that a Western government just can't bring itself to do. There's hell on already about minor inconveniences. Imagine the response to a proper crackdown.

[Giggles]

I'm going to come across as smarmy (sorry John) now...but... I went to Hanoi for footy last weekend, and this weekend it's basketball on Sunday followed by the Ho Chi Minh City Derby on Monday night.

You do wonder why the UK (and others) didn't look to countries that had been successful in fighting Covid (Thailand, S Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam). Granted, there's lot of variables to consider, but my god the UK looks a complete shitshow from the outside.

People do as they’re told in those countries. That’s the single biggest failing over this direction

[Spikey M]

For the UK to do what Asia has managed would require mass, mandatory testing and quarantine on a level that a Western government just can't bring itself to do. There's hell on already about minor inconveniences. Imagine the response to a proper crackdown.

They could have done it in the first wave as the panic levels were sufficient. Then, had we taken in then Apple Track and Trace app we'd be in a much better position now. As we are, it's all fucked and there's an element of society that would go around spitting in each others faces if they were told not too.

[Shindig]

We didn't have the testing capacity to pull that off, in fairness. One thing lockdown does seem to get you is a good couple of months of reprieve when you open back up. As it is, we're gambling the infections will stay in teenagers.

The North East seems to have calmed down in the last few days. I'm amazed we didn't go DEFCOUGH 3 today.

[phonics]

Makes sense, the economic powerhouse that is Vietnam couldn’t be matched. I mean they only have 30 million more people than the UK making testing everyone much simpler as well.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They never had the enlightenment there, never had Mill and Rousseau, never had Kant, never had the concept of individual liberty and they still don't. I didn't understand this until I worked for the Koreans. It's like comparing apples with oranges.

[phonics]

Fucking hell Jimmy. Have a look at yourself in the mirror. You’re half way to being Ben Shapiro with shit like that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Fucking hell Jimmy. Have a look at yourself in the mirror. You’re half way to being Ben Shapiro with shit like that.

Which part of my post is untrue?

You're probably reading it like a bitter old sod up a mountain rather than in the way it was intended.

Like Giggles said, they do as they're told. The western liberal doctrine (mostly you in literally every other thread) tells us never to do as we are told.

[phonics]

You say yourself that you demure yourself to the government. What individual liberty do you have a concept of outside of deciding who plays for an amateur cricket team?

Pol pot who killed anyone who wore glasses.Were they killed for not knowing what individual liberty is?

[Lewis]

I'm not sure whether it actually explains their virus results, but what are you arguing here, that their cultures aren't drastically different and mental about all things authority/hierarchy? Because they quite clearly are.

[phonics]

I'm not sure whether it actually explains their virus results, but what are you arguing here, that their cultures aren't drastically different and mental about all things authority/hierarchy? Because they quite clearly are.

He said they didn’t understand the very concept.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's a very strange non-sequitur of a response. What do my personal choices have to do with the presence of individual liberty where I live? If anything they underline it.

Confucian-derived societies, like many of the countries mentioned, are fundamentally set up to be collective and to cast aside personal freedoms in pursuit of the (perceived, by ruler) benefit of the whole. Western society rejects that and casts aside the whole in deference to the liberty of the individual. In a pandemic, they're going to do better than us, for that reason, because we're just not able, either on a psychological or an infrastructural level, to clamp down on individual freedom in the way that is required to stop a virus going round. On the flip side, in Vietnam there are one-party elections so if you live there you'd better hope the Communist Party knows what it's doing. You win some, you lose some.

There's a reason that nationalism rose up in the mid 19th century (and arguably today) in opposition to liberalism, because nationalism is uncomfortable with that individual freedom and it wants individuals to be fundamentally bound to a central idea, or flag, or whatever.

[phonics]

Western society rejects that and casts aside the whole in deference to the liberty of the individual.

That’s your issue. Your original concept is based on a complete lie.

[Lewis]

I reckon the better bet is just some sort of in-built yellow resistance to certain conditions (not unlike their life expectancies). Every major epidemic ever has started in China, so why aren't they extinct?

[Jimmy Floyd]

He said they didn’t understand the very concept.

That isn't what I said, is it?

[phonics]

Every major epidemic ever has started in China, so why aren't they extinct?

Another just completely made up fact.

[Shindig]

I reckon the better bet is just some sort of in-built yellow resistance to certain conditions (not unlike their life expectancies). Every major epidemic ever has started in China, so why aren't they extinct?

I agree with this. China, Japan and Korea are so densely populated but it hasn't blown through them.

[Lewis]

I wasn't counting man-made things like AIDS. Other than those, every single one. FACT.

[phonics]

I agree with this. China, Japan and Korea are so densely populated but it hasn't blown through them.

Jesus Christ.

[Lewis]

It might also be why European 'success' seems to equate with historically living in squalor. Centuries of Germans and Danes and Southern Italians sleeping next to their pigs has given them super-immunity.

[Don]

Lads if you're going to clog up the thread with your shit can you keep the posts succinct? We don't need to be reading 'OMG' and 'Really?'. We need to be seeing #opentheclubs.

Ta.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Worldwide it looks to me as if 'success' is based on a vague formula of population density/movement x how likely the population are to a) socially distance and b) be tracked and traced. We fail on all counts, as does the whole of the Americas except Canada; most of Europe is a disaster, too. Look at Belgium, movement of peoples champion, with nearly 1 in 1,000 dead.

[phonics]

If you’re going to just go full racist on this then your theory falls apart with the Irish or have you got some weirdo conspiracy that just happens to perfectly align with your prior beliefs for that as well?

[Lewis]

The Irish have done about average, so maybe their pig contact was less intimate.

[Giggles]

We’ve done fairly badly I thought.

47,000 cases and 1,800 deaths with our population is high I think vs other countries.

[Spikey M]

Covid is fuck all when you've survived a famine. Double hard bastard genes.

[Lewis]

Spain is the outlier for pork preference, which could - could - be explained by their innate animal cruelty keeping animal/human immunity building to a minimum.

[Spikey M]

How do we address Irans Uselessness?

[Lewis]

The proud Iranian people would have lolled this off no problem without sanctions-induced malnourishment stalking the land.

[Don]

Also beaks.

[Baz]

I'm going to come across as smarmy (sorry John) now...but... I went to Hanoi for footy last weekend, and this weekend it's basketball on Sunday followed by the Ho Chi Minh City Derby on Monday night.

You do wonder why the UK (and others) didn't look to countries that had been successful in fighting Covid (Thailand, S Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam). Granted, there's lot of variables to consider, but my god the UK looks a complete shitshow from the outside.

It's been quite a humbling ride watching you praise Vietnam's approach to this whole thing from minute one and it looked like we were gonna be rolling out the :henn0rz:s when it took a few steps backwards, but it inevitably restabilised and you've been smashing it as the token Asian representative around here.

Sad that we get to hear praise for the likes of Australia and New Zealand (who are doing okay, sure) but because those countries you listed aren't Westernised, nobody over here can relate to them beyond olol talking bout dem countries makes me want a takeaway tonight, luv.

Plus let us not forget that the spasticated [southern] population of our country somehow voted for Boris fucking Mongson to run the show. We brought it on ourselves, and god let us do a Giggles' special and lie in our own piss. :happycry:

[Ian]

Plus let us not forget that the spasticated [southern] population of our country somehow voted for Boris fucking Mongson to run the show

People just really love incompetent, dishonest, corrupt racists it turns out.

[niko_cee]

movement of peoples champion

This is it.

I assume Vietnam, like New Zealand and Australia have been fairly draconian in limiting the ability of people to freely enter the country.

The thing that Trump balled in with and everyone lolled at the time.

We've done the same and are happily ticking along as normal in our little bubble. Offshore's mob went the other way (probably more sensible all things considered) but are now flirting with community transmission and losing control of the situation, and have social distancing and mask-wearing as part of everyday life by the looks of things.

[Queenslander]

Ticketing issue at Lang Park last night...

https://i.ibb.co/27PsK0L/FB-IMG-1602880301439.jpg (https://ibb.co/rGMcyKL)

[Don]

First the pint and then this. Buzzing for the orgy pic when we're about to head into lockdown 3.0.

[Queenslander]

That picture is a bit of a worry to be honest.

We just got very lucky with covid.

[Lewis]

If they're Melbourne fans they'll just keep half the cases off the books.

[Queenslander]

:D

[Shindig]

This is it.

I assume Vietnam, like New Zealand and Australia have been fairly draconian in limiting the ability of people to freely enter the country.

The thing that Trump balled in with and everyone lolled at the time.

Yep. It pisses me off how slow we were to close borders. And we still haven't. I know it's an unprecedented situation but we really did dick around as if this was exclusively a problem for every other country but ours.

[Queenslander]

Western Australia closing the border to the rest of Australia untill halfway into next year is an example Govenment going to far.

It is great news that New Zealand is open to NSW and the Northern Territory and I assume QLD and the ACT after the elections this month.

[hfswjyr]

Sorry to pile on gents.

Concert in Auckland last night below. Looking forward to the sold out Bledisloe cup game at Eden Park tomorrow.

https://i.redd.it/i1pm1es37ft51.jpg

Some countries certainly had it much easier than others (geography, civil obedience, timing, leadership, luck), but from an outsiders perspective it certainly seems that the US/UK/Europe have all fucked this up. A country like India were never expected to have a chance, but to see the great western powers stumbling could be quite a big wake-up call to people all over the world in terms of their perceptions which countries are first-world countries.

[Queenslander]

The virus is still present in the sewerage of 3 suburbs hopefully there is minimal League or AFL fans living in Maroochydore, Sangate and Wynnum. :uhoh:

[John Arne]

The closed borders thing is huge. We closed our borders in March, and they are still closed (bar some "expert" exceptions). It's going to be hard to beat the virus if you continue to let people flock in from places like Europe.

Jimmy's idea of Asian countries (and Vietnam) is appears to be based on American film depictions of 1970s Russia. Spend 5 mins here and you'll realise that people aren't robotic dolts following the almighty politburo. I will give you that there are a lot (100,000s) of government spivs who absolutely love being given a bit of authority to shout at people to wear their masks. Power hungry cunts.

I think (just my observation) that the reason for everyone largely did as requested is that they just followed very clear and concise instruction, that was well enforced, all the way from back in January.
The restrictions had very little real impact on day to day lives (bar a 3 week complete national lockdown) The only real limitation has been international travel.

But then again, I would say that, as the government is forcing me to say it.

[Giggles]

That’s more what I meant about doing what they’re told. Not that they’re afraid of being lynched if they don’t, but just more getting in with it as decent people with less of the sense of entitlement of the west.

[John Arne]

That’s more what I meant about doing what they’re told. Not that they’re afraid of being lynched if they don’t, but just more getting in with it as decent people with less of the sense of entitlement of the west.

That's fair. There's certainly less of the outwardly "freeeeedom" brigade.

[Queenslander]

Melbourne is the entitlement capital of the southern hemisphere.

[John Arne]

Also, TTH Wars: Europe v Asia+ANZACs :drool:

[John Arne]

Melbourne is the entitlement capital of the southern hemisphere.

I love that most Aussies hate Melbourne natives. Smug capital of Australia, from what I've heard. London's culture with Liverpool's sense of entitlement.

[Queenslander]

I love that most Aussies hate Melbourne natives. Smug capital of Australia, from what I've heard. London's culture with Liverpool's sense entitlement.

They dont get that they are still in Australia. Like fellas you're all consumers of the culture less than fuck all of you actually contribute to whatever it is.

[Giggles]

In Europe, and probably places like Melbourne it’s always someone else’s problem and restrictions and sacrifices don’t apply to you because it gets in the way of doing all the things you want.

[Queenslander]

In Europe, and probably places like Melbourne is always someone else’s problem and restrictions and sacrifices don’t apply to you because it gets in the way of doing all the things you want.

100%

[Lofty]

The main problem I've noticed locally is beyond the no fucks given reprobates who have been flouting all rules for years, you have the 'special' crowd like on girl the mrs knows who had her mask exemption printed off as soon as the rule came in despite not having a valid reason, just she didn't want to wear a mask, and the more annoying lip service crowd. I know someone who works for the NHS and gives it the big one about how we need Tier 3 etc and quotes all the stats but then also has about 30 people in her family 'bubble' and was happy enough having clandestine parties at a nearby livery yard when the mood took her.

[Don]

1316778274983419904?s=20

Go World Doctors Alliance :cool:

[Shindig]

They have projector there and don't use it to display their workings out. Not gonna lie, though, that's a quality table.

[Jimmy Floyd]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household

I've been re-reading this as I'm now in a Tier 2 area - I'm ok and fall between all the cracks to keep seeing my folks but honestly the wording of it makes me want to stick a revolver in my gob.

[Offshore Toon]

This is it.

I assume Vietnam, like New Zealand and Australia have been fairly draconian in limiting the ability of people to freely enter the country.

The thing that Trump balled in with and everyone lolled at the time.

We've done the same and are happily ticking along as normal in our little bubble. Offshore's mob went the other way (probably more sensible all things considered) but are now flirting with community transmission and losing control of the situation, and have social distancing and mask-wearing as part of everyday life by the looks of things.
The only time I've worn a mask since July was to fly and there hasn't been any social distancing that I've seen (even in bars you can get up and move around tables with ease, and they're the strictest environments). Community transmissions are up but I'm fairly certain they'll just stop inbound travel or force isolation for all travellers to bring it down again.

[Boydy]

1317455543603286016

[Spikey M]

Oh man...

[Kikó]

https://futurism.com/the-byte/flaming-lips-plays-show-each-audience-member-inside-plastic-bubble

Not sure if this is genius or mental.

[Spikey M]

It's both.

[Shindig]

It's very on point for Flaming Lips, to be fair.

[Alex]

Was going to say, it sounds very much like something Wayne Coyne would come up with whether there was a pandemic on or not. :D

[Boydy]

Wales is locking down from Friday.

[Magic]

:harold:

[Andy]

Wales is locking down from Friday.

Seems pretty strict as well.

Cant see it being lifted after 3 weeks, maybe they will loosen it or they will all go back to tier 2 or 3 locally. Cant see 2-3 weeks making much of a dent.

[Don]

When are we getting our 'Walnut Breaker' lockdown?

[Yevrah]

The term 'firebreak' is a doozy. Win for Wales there.

[thommo]

:face: This won't be a two week thing. This is the start of another lengthy lockdown here in Wales, I can't see them rescinding it, no matter what they are stating now.

[Don]

The universal credit sket bringing property prices in my area down has two police cars parked outside hers after I heard some commotion earlier and saw her man leave. And that's in tier 1.

The moral is, society will collapse by Xmas.

[Magic]

Is Wales not a collapsed pile of shit anyway?

[thommo]

Bit rich that, from a Scot. That being said, a lot of it is stuck in the 70s and 80s.

[Smjffy]

:moop:

I'm fucked.

[Magic]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46522457

[Lewis]

Firebreaker, firebreaker
Why not two or three weeks more?
(Why not two or three weeks more?)

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's absolute madness. When do you lift such draconian restrictions if cases keep rising or stay high? Total lunacy and (like all Andy Burnham's shite) surely political more than anything.

[Smjffy]

I don't understand it tbh because my area has been locked down nearly three weeks ago but it's still rising. Not helped by living right on the border I guess as most people travel too and from England just to work anyway.

Bizarre.

[Lewis]

It seems to just be the border[s] and South Wales, which admittedly is where the people live, but making it nationwide (regionwide) gives it a whiff of trying to scam more money out of Westminster.

[Giggles]

We’re looking likely to be going to level 5 (full lockdown like April) for 6 weeks. Level 4 with additional restrictions anyway.

[Boydy]

We’re looking likely to be going to level 5 (full lockdown like April) for 6 weeks. Level 4 with additional restrictions anyway.

What's the difference between level 4 and 5?

Level 4 shuts non essential businesses from what I've read, right? What does 5 do beyond that?

[Giggles]

What's the difference between level 4 and 5?

Level 4 shuts non essential businesses from what I've read, right? What does 5 do beyond that?


Social and family gatherings



No visitors to your home under Level 4 and Level 5
No social gatherings in other settings under Level 4 and Level 5

Organised indoor gatherings (cinemas etc)



Should not take place under both Level 4 and Level 5

Organised outdoor gatherings



No outdoor gatherings under Level 5
However, under Level 4 gatherings of up to 15 people can take place outdoors. For example: outdoor arts events or training events

Education



Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures under Level 4
Further, higher and adult education are to move primarily online, with appropriate protective measures in place for essential attendance on site under Level 4
The previous advice (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/covid19/living_with_covid19_plan.html) was that schools and creches would remain open in Level 5 – the advice under this heading is now (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/) unclear: “Recommendations based on situation and evidence at time.” However, play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures in place

Weddings



Up to 6 guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception
Guests cannot leave their county to attend a wedding
These restrictions remain in place under both Level 4 and Level 5

Funerals



Up to 25 mourners can attend under Level 4 while under only 10 mourners can attend under Level 5

Sports – Level 4



No matches to take place other than limited exceptions
Outdoor non-contact training in pods of up to 15
Indoor individual training only
Professional and elite sport, inter-county and horse racing can take place behind closed doors
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools closed

Sports – Level 5



There can be no matches or team training exercises – only individual training sessions can take place. No exercise or dance classes either, and swimming pools and gyms will be closed

Bars, cafes and restaurants – Level 4



Takeaway only, no indoor dining
Outdoor dining with a maximum 15 people

Bars, cafes and restaurants – Level 5



There can only be takeaway or food delivery services from cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs – including those in hotels

‘Wet pubs’ – Level 4



Outdoor seating only with a maximum 15 people

‘Wet pubs’ – Level 5



Take away or delivery only.


Retail – Level 4



Only essential retail and businesses that are primarily outdoors should open. All other retail and personal services should be closed
Details of essential services under Level 4 can be found here (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services-for-level-4/)
Details of essential retail outlets under Level 4 can be found here (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-4/)

Retail – Level 5



Essential retail only. All other retail and personal services closed


Travelling within Ireland under Level 4



People should stay in their county except for essential work, education and other essential purposes

Travelling within Ireland under Level 5



Stay at home. Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.


Work under Level 4



Only essential workers should travel to work
Construction activity can continue
Manufacturing will remain open where necessary to ensure that all national and international supply chains are intact for essential goods

Work under Level 5



Work from home unless it is for working in health, social care or other essential service and cannot be done from home

Public transport – Level 4



People are being asked to avoid public transport, which will be operating at 25% capacity
School transport is unaffected

Public transport – Level 5



Public transport can operate with capacity restricted to 25% (it’s currently at 50%)

[Giggles]

Level 5 for 6 weeks from Wednesday midnight. Announcement about to start so we’ll see if there’s any amendments.

[Boydy]

Level 5 for 6 weeks from Wednesday midnight. Announcement about to start so we’ll see if there’s any amendments.

Watching it now. Would've laughed if he'd fallen down the stairs at the start.

[Giggles]

Watching it now. Would've laughed if he'd fallen down the stairs at the start.

It’s like Dracula appearing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Extreme lockdown for a fixed 6 weeks? Do you have it worse than us or do you just have sadist politicians?

[Giggles]

Extreme lockdown for a fixed 6 weeks? Do you have it worse than us or do you just have sadist politicians?

Bit more sensible and less chest thumping than your ones.

[Giggles]

1318292936124137474

[Shindig]

That last one is bleak.

[Giggles]

That last one is bleak.

The more bleak one is that there doesn’t seem to be a point in it for buying food. Though it’s probably covered in another section.

[Magic]

Lol @ Manchester refusing and the Tier 3 being imposed anyway. Pointless.

Absolutely not a fucking chance if they IMPOSE any such bollocks like they have done in Wales it'll be followed. I want live updates from Smiffy whilst he's cooking meals under the guise of a funeral gathering.

[Lewis]

For people in Greater Manchester, the lack of any announcement over whether an agreement has been reached on the region moving into the highest level of restrictions is hard. "It's difficult," says Pat, the landlady of the Flying Horse in Rochdale. She told BBC Radio Manchester that the pub has to "keep reinventing themselves" in line with the restrictions - for example, by doing more takeaways. She suggests a national lockdown would be better. "To me a lockdown would be a better idea because it's not going anywhere, this virus is going nowhere." But she says more financial help from the government would help - saying the job support scheme that pays 67% of workers' wages is not really enough.

Pat love, think what you're saying.

[Spikey M]

"They can't keep shutting places down. They should shut us all down."

[Don]

The live Burnham feed is great TV rn :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

I still haven't got my head around the Burnham position - he is against a Manchester lockdown on economic grounds, but for a national lockdown.

Is he basically Pat and thinks the government should just shovel out money forever?

[Don]

This is the first briefing I've listened to in a long long time but I like the fact they've started presenting it as something that's only really of concern for the old. Few more months and they'll be demonstrating acceptance that clubs should be open.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Is Whitty about six nine, or is Sir Boris Johnson a lot shorter than I thought he was? I saw him once getting off his bike in Victoria Street and I was sure from that encounter he was reasonably tall.

Sunak as five foot squat still hasn't been factored in by the general public on the satisfaction ratings so I fear that backlash is yet to come for him.

[Yevrah]

Getting bogged down in the money given to Manchester, rather than how we're ever going to get out of this mess is a masterstroke.

[Ian]

Apparently Johnson is 5'9. Midget freak.

[phonics]

More evidence for him being a midget.

1316644478980108291

[Disco]

He's longer than Trumps tie though, which is a fair size.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That tie is far too long.

Should end at the top of his belt. Just a little over (to a hole in the belt) is also fine.

[Don]

5'9" is tall, as I'm sure you're all well aware.

[phonics]

No wonder you're still going to clubs as a 35 year old man. Trying to pull women when they're young enough to not have seen anything bigger than 3 inches.

[Don]

The bait was too obvious and yet still the bite is so ferocious he's struggling to make sense :happycry:

[Adamski]

My 7 month old tested positive yesterday. On day 14 of our isolation from when I tested positive. Back in again for another 14 days.

My wife’s grans funeral is next week so we’ll miss that now and it’s my other kids birthday this Sunday.

Madness.

[Giggles]

Last day of 'freedom' until this. Hopefully it works a bit.


https://i.imgur.com/8Q9oC4W.png

[Shindig]

My 7 month old tested positive yesterday. On day 14 of our isolation from when I tested positive. Back in again for another 14 days.

My wife’s grans funeral is next week so we’ll miss that now and it’s my other kids birthday this Sunday.

Madness.

I was talking to my dad the other day and he casually slipped in that my sister tested positive at some point. And one of my mam's carers. :uhoh:

[Magic]

How do you even go about testing a 7 month old? :sick:

[Baz]

They usually have a mouth and nose by that age.

[Magic]

They usually have a mouth and nose by that age.

Only a certified nonce would know this.

[Baz]

Yeah, your dad told me.

[Don]

Cheers lads, I needed that early morning toxicity to set me up for the day because I just came in here for post #9474 pissing and moaning about the state of affairs and how my soul is drying up like the prunes we're trying to save with these sacrifices. Look outside too...fucking open the clubs.

[Giggles]

:drool: :drool: :drool:


1318906730529443844
1318908485225033728

[Don]

What are the sorrows of which men complain,
What mortal's past or present care,
To one short minute of my endless pain,
Of my unrecognised despair?

[Magic]

The new parking tickets.

[Kikó]

That's some draconian shit going on in Ireland.

[Giggles]

That's some draconian shit going on in Ireland.

People have proven that it's required. If people weren't cunts then it wouldn't be required.

[Lewis]

It's these Little Irelanders loving being told what to do.

[Magic]

There's some irony in them partnering up with the Nazis. Getting their just deserts now.

[Don]

At this point, I think Giggles being fined for an offence may be even sweeter for the community than my parents catching it and dying from it.

[phonics]

At this point, I think Giggles being fined for an offence may be even sweeter for the community than my parents catching it and dying from it.

Please Taz, just some permanent heart issues, we're not monsters.

[Magic]

We'd need both to maintain equilibrium.

[Giggles]

I won't go to a house party as I'm a civilised human that has been asked not to go to one during a pandemic, so there's zero chance of me getting fined for it.

[Magic]

I won't go to a house party as I'm a civilised human that has been asked not to go to one during a pandemic, so there's zero chance of me getting fined for it.

You've also not been asked to go to one lol.

[Giggles]

Then I definitely can't get fined for it.

[Don]

You've also not been asked to go to one lol.

That really has tickled me royally :D

[Don]

Sturgeon bookending the English system with 2 added tiers in the hope her vagina sees her leadership receive rave reviews :happycry:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Ireland closing golf courses but allowing GAA to continue, sounds logical and not at all political.

[Yevrah]

This is all so ridiculous now that it might be a good winter to just end it all.

Right now, I honestly cannot envisage a time when the madness all ends.

[Magic]

This is all so ridiculous now that it might be a good winter to just end it all.

Right now, I honestly cannot envisage a time when the madness all ends.

I'm eagerly awaiting when they start classifying flu deaths as corona, or re-naming it to flurona or some shit.

[Boydy]

Making things up and then getting angry at them. You really are well on the way to the angry divorced dad stereotype.

[phonics]

Give him another 3 years and he'll look the spitting image of Alan Brazil.

[Yevrah]

One doesn't even need to make things up where this is concerned.

Our current approach, exacerbated by each of the home nations (+ the North) ever increasing desire to gain political capital through looking the most responsible, is thoroughly unsustainable if a vaccine takes longer than a matter of months from here. Hell, it's probably unsustainable already. The level of personal debt on pause at the moment, mental ruin and other illnesses running riot, must be astronomical.

[phonics]

Ireland closing golf courses but allowing GAA to continue, sounds logical and not at all political.

Isn't this not because of the sporting side of things being an issue but that people would just ram themselves into golf clubs to have a pint at the bar?

[Jimmy Floyd]

You can close the bar at golf courses without closing the golf course.

[Boydy]

Is it not only elite level GAA that's still going?

Given you're meant to stay at home and not travel beyond 5km, I think closing golf clubs is fine.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If your starting point is 'shut everything down and make people stay at home' then pretty much anything is fine.

[Giggles]

Ireland closing golf courses but allowing GAA to continue, sounds logical and not at all political.

While I would be mainly pro cancelling the GAA championships myself, you are displaying less than a clue on that one.

But we’ve already had the nazi thing early in play so you’re probably a bit stuck for something at short notice.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm just going off Irish Twitter (or Irish Golf Twitter, perhaps) who are all talking about driving their kids around the country to GAA games.

[Giggles]

Nothing is going ahead except the first team adult championship behind closed doors as a “morale boost” to the country. Personally I think all sport should go by the wayside and testing could be better used elsewhere but it’s not exactly the same as 4 mates meeting up to hack a ball around for 4 hours.

[Shindig]

We'll be all tier 3 at some point.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This Marcus Rashford stuff is the same absolutely brain dead lack of political skill as they lacked around the Barnard Castle stuff. Just sign off on the fucking meals, end the story, come out looking alright and who gives a fuck about dependency ffs.

[Kikó]

Poor children should be working at this point imo.

[Lewis]

They should weigh the parents first, and sniff them for any tobacco residue.

[Kikó]

Sad thing is you believe that.

[Ian]

If children don't want to starve to death they should try being born to richer, more responsible parents. idiots.

[Lewis]

I think a better idea would be some sort of regular payment to support people with children. A child benefit, if you will.

[Adamski]

How do you even go about testing a 7 month old? :sick:

Just the nostrils for babies. My wife has it now too.

RIDDLED. Hoping my 5 year old steers clear and it’s only another 14 days max.

[phonics]

This Marcus Rashford stuff is the same absolutely brain dead lack of political skill as they lacked around the Barnard Castle stuff. Just sign off on the fucking meals, end the story, come out looking alright and who gives a fuck about dependency ffs.

I saw some MP arguing for the end of 'virtue signalling celebs' and concentrating on the real problem of 'absent parents'. So why not just eradicate free school meals completely if that's the solution?

[Spikey M]

A final solution?

[phonics]

Watch what you say Spikey. If a Deloitte consultant suggested that we'd have the trains running on time for the first time ever within the week. The only downside would be where the trains destination is.

[Don]

Bit busy with the second half about to kick off so I'lll come to back Lewis up in the fight against the scum in 45 mins. Hold tight.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Poor children should be working at this point imo.

I would set the over/under on pink gin fringe Tory back benchers who actually believe this at 13.5. Ministers at 1.5.

[Magic]

Just the nostrils for babies. My wife has it now too.

RIDDLED. Hoping my 5 year old steers clear and it’s only another 14 days max.

I meant how could you.

[Don]

Get on BBC News at 10. Some 83 yo saying we need to open the clubs :drool:

[randomlegend]

From a "how could you do something so cruel to a baby" kind of angle?

I've done a lumbar puncture on a baby.

[Spikey M]

We all need hobbies I guess.

[randomlegend]

Positioning a baby for a lumbar puncture actually feels worse than doing one IMO. You basically have to fold them in half. The amount of force you have to use feels so wrong.

[Shindig]

Stop saying words.

[randomlegend]

Stop saying words.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5786a922cd0f688d44f9cab2/1468443630504-O1ML84GNHUOLPM04G3VR/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kJkf_0C__lNNupgcqn2I-MZ7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fP2mUeL88OWNO9bmLu_elLWZZTCX OzyOlMDfBaViiwkdHhyDCvTHLsODNeeAD2SImrCLSIWAQvdC7i WmC9HNtRYoWhOa5cxQSJsU3rXf8luXGOWd92G1Qdd4AsCuxzS5 gL6Ntusx10WbOliG6beDYNQ/LP-Position.jpg?format=1000w

[Spikey M]

Nonce.

[phonics]

This Marcus Rashford stuff is the same absolutely brain dead lack of political skill as they lacked around the Barnard Castle stuff. Just sign off on the fucking meals, end the story, come out looking alright and who gives a fuck about dependency ffs.

I don’t follow him so I mostly read it through the news reports but whoever is running this whether it’s him or his people are so, so, so good at this. Constantly ignoring the politics of it, rising above it and cutting through the noise. Never taking a side that isn’t ‘This is the most effective way to get kids fed’. The message is ‘we can feed the poor, we choose not to. Please help me find a way to feed them.’

It’s an incredibly tight campaign.

1318869551057076226

Just how do you come back at him and not look like a knob. Perfect.

[Dave.]

This Marcus Rashford stuff is the same absolutely brain dead lack of political skill as they lacked around the Barnard Castle stuff. Just sign off on the fucking meals, end the story, come out looking alright and who gives a fuck about dependency ffs.

Yep, its a serious political own goal. Who advises these 'people'?

[Lofty]

Watch what you say Spikey. If a Deloitte consultant suggested that we'd have the trains running on time for the first time ever within the week. The only downside would be where the trains destination is.

The trains run on time when there are no passengers. Makes you think.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yep, its a serious political own goal. Who advises these 'people'?

I am a big Dom Cummings fan as is well known, and his strength is/has been in exposing the flagrant hypocrisy and self-serving bullshit that has propped up the London wanker class's supremacy over the last 20 years. However he (if it is him, I don't really know the inner workings of No 10) seems to try and apply this logic to everything, including things (like free school meals) which are nothing to do with the bleating London wanker class and, in fact, primarily affect many of the working class people whose flipped votes got them their majority at the election. There are political basics which they don't seem to grasp at all - Barnard Castle was a prime example, you can't break your own rules (however justified it may or may not have been) because people will think you are a tit.

You cannot - ever - do politics based on theory or ideology or how things should be. That is why morons like Jeremy Corbyn get shown up. You have to be pragmatic. Yes, in an ideal world maybe the state wouldn't need to provide free school meals and certainly not during the holidays - but it isn't an ideal world, we're in a pandemic, this has popped up with a strong media figure and therefore a large chunk of public opinion on their side, and it isn't that expensive, so as a government you have to be politically savvy enough to just pay for the meals, get it off the table and move on. Instead they've randomly given him an MBE which is about the fucking stupidest thing (not that it isn't deserved, but did they think that would shut him up or what?) and the issue isn't going away.

A large part of the problem, as always happens with the Tories especially into their second and third term, is that there are just far too few of them that have any personal experience of any kind of adversity whatsoever (this also happens with Labour governments but in a slightly different way).

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don’t follow him so I mostly read it through the news reports but whoever is running this whether it’s him or his people are so, so, so good at this. Constantly ignoring the politics of it, rising above it and cutting through the noise. Never taking a side that isn’t ‘This is the most effective way to get kids fed’. The message is ‘we can feed the poor, we choose not to. Please help me find a way to feed them.’

It’s an incredibly tight campaign.

Just how do you come back at him and not look like a knob. Perfect.

I'm sure he's being advised to some extent, but the tweets and statements come across as being those of a nice young man who genuinely has no truck with anyone, is remarkably self-aware for a footballer, and just wants to feed kids - PR people don't normally think that way, they're all about skewing and dressing up, so I reckon it's mostly him.

[Baz]

He’s deffo tory

[Dave.]

I am a big Dom Cummings fan as is well known, and his strength is/has been in exposing the flagrant hypocrisy and self-serving bullshit that has propped up the London wanker class's supremacy over the last 20 years. However he (if it is him, I don't really know the inner workings of No 10) seems to try and apply this logic to everything, including things (like free school meals) which are nothing to do with the bleating London wanker class and, in fact, primarily affect many of the working class people whose flipped votes got them their majority at the election. There are political basics which they don't seem to grasp at all - Barnard Castle was a prime example, you can't break your own rules (however justified it may or may not have been) because people will think you are a tit.

You cannot - ever - do politics based on theory or ideology or how things should be. That is why morons like Jeremy Corbyn get shown up. You have to be pragmatic. Yes, in an ideal world maybe the state wouldn't need to provide free school meals and certainly not during the holidays - but it isn't an ideal world, we're in a pandemic, this has popped up with a strong media figure and therefore a large chunk of public opinion on their side, and it isn't that expensive, so as a government you have to be politically savvy enough to just pay for the meals, get it off the table and move on. Instead they've randomly given him an MBE which is about the fucking stupidest thing (not that it isn't deserved, but did they think that would shut him up or what?) and the issue isn't going away.

A large part of the problem, as always happens with the Tories especially into their second and third term, is that there are just far too few of them that have any personal experience of any kind of adversity whatsoever (this also happens with Labour governments but in a slightly different way).

This is exactly right.

The Conservative MP for my constituency (Jacob Young) voted against the free school meals. Regardless of his beliefs, this is a serious error and local opinion in this area has shifted against him. If the Tories want to retain their seats in the north, they need to be much more careful with things like this. It always surprises me in situations like this that politicians are so bad at politics and are completely lacking in self awareness.

[Shindig]

It's bizarre that politicians wind up so encased in a bubble.

[Spikey M]

We all do. Is there a job on earth where the people doing it don't start thinking about it in 'us and them' terms? Retail is the prime example, you probably run into one or two dickheads a week, but it's enough to make you hate every cunt that steps through those doors.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's bizarre that politicians wind up so encased in a bubble.

It isn't really - regardless of background they all end up spending their lives in the HoP/Portcullis complex and surrounding establishments - they eat, drink, screw and do everything within the same mix of people, all of whom (whether MPs, spads, journos, lobbyists, hangers on) share the defining characteristic that they wanted to get into politics. This is how groupthink happens and this is why they all had such a profound psychological shock at the EU referendum, because in their world nobody would vote to leave the EU or indeed for any kind of profound change - I mean, things are good as they are, aren't they?

The problem is that their world has very limited horizons and this is what someone like Cummings with (genuine) maverick tendencies was able to see and tap into. The odd exception to the rule like Dennis Skinner or someone is a very valuable thing - I bet he could have told them that Leave was going to piss it, but why would they listen to an old dinosaur like him.

When an eloquent footballer marches in with a campaigning issue (and I keep saying this but do not underestimate how much political people do not understand sport) they don't have a clue what to do.

[Yevrah]

Phonics was bang on with his comments on that Rashford tweet. It's outstanding.

I have utter disdain for Engish footballers in the main, and it's even got me thinking he's a complete gent.

[Boydy]

Rashford for PM

[randomlegend]

I am a big Dom Cummings fan as is well known, and his strength is/has been in exposing the flagrant hypocrisy and self-serving bullshit that has propped up the London wanker class's supremacy over the last 20 years. However he (if it is him, I don't really know the inner workings of No 10) seems to try and apply this logic to everything, including things (like free school meals) which are nothing to do with the bleating London wanker class and, in fact, primarily affect many of the working class people whose flipped votes got them their majority at the election. There are political basics which they don't seem to grasp at all - Barnard Castle was a prime example, you can't break your own rules (however justified it may or may not have been) because people will think you are a tit.

You cannot - ever - do politics based on theory or ideology or how things should be. That is why morons like Jeremy Corbyn get shown up. You have to be pragmatic. Yes, in an ideal world maybe the state wouldn't need to provide free school meals and certainly not during the holidays - but it isn't an ideal world, we're in a pandemic, this has popped up with a strong media figure and therefore a large chunk of public opinion on their side, and it isn't that expensive, so as a government you have to be politically savvy enough to just pay for the meals, get it off the table and move on. Instead they've randomly given him an MBE which is about the fucking stupidest thing (not that it isn't deserved, but did they think that would shut him up or what?) and the issue isn't going away.

A large part of the problem, as always happens with the Tories especially into their second and third term, is that there are just far too few of them that have any personal experience of any kind of adversity whatsoever (this also happens with Labour governments but in a slightly different way).

Weird concept for a Torie I know, but maybe the government should consider feeding destitute children because it's just the right thing to do, rather than the right thing to do politically.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Government isn't about morality, it's about administration.

[randomlegend]

Yeah that post is about you in a nutshell.

[Spikey M]

Jimmy going full Korean. :drool: