Joss @Joss
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
In the latest instalment of the “can’t-make-this-up” contest in global politics and diplomacy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated United States President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. In other words, the person currently presiding over the genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has proposed that the world’s top peacemaking prize be awarded to the primary enabler of that genocide – the man who in March announced that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” in Gaza. That “everything” has entailed billions of dollars in lethal weaponry and other assistance. From October 2023 to the present, nearly 60,000 Palestinians have officially been slaughtered in the diminutive territory, although the true death toll is no doubt far higher considering the surplus of bodies lost under the pervasive rubble. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while seeking food at aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organisation backed by both the US and Israel. Since resuming office in January, Trump has also managed plenty of do-it-yourself activity of a decidedly unpeaceful nature, such as wantonly bombing civilians in Yemen and illegally attacking Iran. Indeed, it is a wonder that media outlets have managed to report on Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination with a straight face. CNN, for example, notes that “the award has become Trump’s ultimate fixation, one he says is well deserved for his efforts to end conflicts around the globe”. The president was informed of his nomination on Monday, when Netanyahu showed up for dinner at the White House as part of his third visit to Washington this year. Thanking Netanyahu for the honour, Trump remarked: “Wow … Coming from you, in particular, this is very meaningful.” -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Pastime
9 Letter Word Game GAME A Below are nine letters - from those nine make as many words as you can of four letters or more:- "B" MUST appear in every word. N O O M T E T S are the other 8 letters you can use. Tip - put the eight letters in a circle round the "B". There is definitely a nine letter word to be found!. 6 words =word smith 13 words = word wizard 20 words - word master 27 words = word genius OVERALL TARGET 34 ....Word Perfect! *** Please enter one word IN TURN with other players to start game. Definitions of unusual words are most welcome! [ nouns, adjectives etc no proper words, but see the other game below ] Update will appear as and when, but game will probably close in 3-4 days. GAME B Places, people, any topic of interest that can be formed from the wordwheel is a welcome addition! -
Posted in: Arts & Creativity
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Posted in: Arts & Creativity
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Posted in: Pastime
9 Letter Word Game GAME A Below are nine letters - from those nine make as many words as you can of four letters or more:- "M" MUST appear in every word. T G R A C P A I are the other 8 letters you can use. Tip - put the eight letters in a circle round the "M". There is definitely a nine letter word to be found!. 6 words =word finder 14 words = word wizard 22 words - word master 29 words = word genius OVERALL TARGET 37 ....Word Perfect! *** Please enter one word IN TURN with other players to start game. Definitions of unusual words are most welcome! [ nouns, adjectives etc no proper words, but see the other game below ] Update will appear as and when, but game will probably close in 3-4 days. -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
"The book which the reader has before him at this moment is, from one end to the other, in its entirety and details ... a progress from evil to good, from injustice to justice, from falsehood to truth, from night to day, from appetite to conscience, from corruption to life; from bestiality to duty, from hell to heaven, from nothingness to God." Donald Trump has just seen the musical performed at the Kennedy Arts Centre. Do you think he's lost touch with reality? -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
On the occasion of another birthday approaching I rang my eldest son to request no gift other than he continues the annual subscription to "Private Eye" on my behalf. He reminded me that he was introduced to it at an impressionable age, and he is glad I still have the marbles to continue my interest in the world by regular exposure to that venerable organ of truth. Happy to report he will also visit and treat me to lunch! What do you value or wish for next birthday? -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Pastime
9 Letter Word Game GAME A Below are nine letters - from those nine make as many words as you can of four letters or more:- "M" MUST appear in every word. T G R A C P A I are the other 8 letters you can use. Tip - put the eight letters in a circle round the "M". There is definitely a nine letter word to be found!. 6 words =word finder 14 words = word wizard 22 words - word master 29 words = word genius OVERALL TARGET 37 ....Word Perfect! *** Please enter one word IN TURN with other players to start game. Definitions of unusual words are most welcome! [ nouns, adjectives etc no proper words, but see the other game below ] Update will appear as and when, but game will probably close in 3-4 days. GAME B. Name any river, city, person or similar that can be created from the same letters as above. -
Posted in: Share tips to make life easier!
Following a recommended cheap way to protect my petunias and hostas. Add boiling water to a couple of crushed garlic cloves, stir regularly. Take cooled juice, dilute, and spray pots and plants. Internet article:- "Garlic juice generally won't harm plants if used properly. It can be a beneficial natural pest deterrent and even act as a fertilizer. However, it's important to use it correctly to avoid any potential negative impacts. Garlic juice can be used to repel certain pests like slugs, snails, aphids, and other garden pests. Garlic is rich in phosphorus and potassium, which are beneficial nutrients for plant growth. Garlic sprays can help to treat black spot and powdery mildew on foliage. Boil garlic bulbs in water, then crush them to extract the juice. Dilute the garlic juice with water and spray or water your plants. A common ratio is two tablespoons of garlic juice per 5 liters of water. Apply the garlic solution once a week or after rainfall to protect against pests. Be mindful not to spray or pour the juice on nearby plants and crops, as it can harm them. Store the garlic spray in the fridge between uses. -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
Labour’s windfall tax on oil and gas producers will leave 1.5bn barrels of oil and gas stuck in abandoned North Sea oil wells, according to new analysis of the levy’s impact. The predicted output between now and 2050 has fallen 40pc from 3.6bn barrels of oil equivalent to just 2.1bn barrels, according to a report from investment bank Stifel. The findings are based on data supplied by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the Government’s oil and gas regulator. The slump in expected output comes after a surge in the number of companies abandoning productive wells, following Rachel Reeves’s decision to extend the tax on oil and gas profits to 78pc. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has also banned new drilling. Christopher Wheaton, a Stifel analyst, warned that the tax take from oil and gas was also set to plummet, partly because of declining production volumes but also because the price of oil has fallen so far that there is no longer a windfall to tax. The report said: “The UK North Sea industry is being destroyed by taxes that are too high, taxes which threaten energy security, jobs, investment and economic growth. “The impact of lower investment and production is already being felt through job losses, lower tax receipts and more energy imports. “The Office for Budget Responsibility’s current forecast for North Sea tax receipts to 2030 is £10bn too high due to declining production and lower energy prices.” Labour’s windfall tax on oil and gas producers will leave 1.5bn barrels of oil and gas stuck in abandoned North Sea oil wells, according to new analysis of the levy’s impact. The predicted output between now and 2050 has fallen 40pc from 3.6bn barrels of oil equivalent to just 2.1bn barrels, according to a report from investment bank Stifel. The findings are based on data supplied by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the Government’s oil and gas regulator. The slump in expected output comes after a surge in the number of companies abandoning productive wells, following Rachel Reeves’s decision to extend the tax on oil and gas profits to 78pc. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has also banned new drilling. Christopher Wheaton, a Stifel analyst, warned that the tax take from oil and gas was also set to plummet, partly because of declining production volumes but also because the price of oil has fallen so far that there is no longer a windfall to tax. The report said: “The UK North Sea industry is being destroyed by taxes that are too high, taxes which threaten energy security, jobs, investment and economic growth. “The impact of lower investment and production is already being felt through job losses, lower tax receipts and more energy imports. “The Office for Budget Responsibility’s current forecast for North Sea tax receipts to 2030 is £10bn too high due to declining production and lower energy prices.” The reduction has largely been driven by natural decline but experts have warned that recent tax raids on the sector have accelerated the North Sea basin’s demise. The NSTA’s 2023 production forecasts said that the UK would produce oil and gas equivalent to 46m tonnes of oil in 2028. But its latest forecasts, just issued, downgrade that to 40m tonnes, falling further to 33m tonnes in 2030. By 2040, the NSTA predicts the UK will be producing just 9m tonnes of oil and 4bn cubic metres of gas – way below what the country will still need by then, meaning more imports. The fresh forecasts suggest the windfall tax, or Energy Profits Levy, has roughly doubled the rate of decline. Robin Allan, the chairman of Brindex, an offshore industry trade body, said: “An accelerated decline of North Sea output will see UK dependency on imports reach more than 85pc by 2030. The windfall tax is self-defeating and it should be removed.” Offshore operators say the tax is so high that there is now more incentive to decommission productive wells and claim the associated tax rebates than to expand production. Serica, one of the largest UK operators, separately warned on Thursday that Ms Reeves’s windfall tax and Mr Miliband’s ban on new exploration was killing off the UK industry. David Latin, Serica’s chairman, said: “The impact of the inappropriate fiscal environment, and the years of uncertainty, is taking a heavy toll. UK production fell 5pc in 2024, drilling activity is at a record low, 10,000 jobs have been lost and companies continue to exit the UK North Sea. “All of this will reduce tax receipts going forward and, given demand which will not go away any time soon, lost production will have to be imported – imports which are worse for the environment since they involve significantly increased emissions.” To quote Billy Bunter - "Oh Lor!" -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
Here to turn bold ideas into reality We help governments and leaders get things done. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. As a not-for-profit, we can work in the most challenging contexts and on the most transformative projects because our focus is on leaders rather than profits. And as a non-partisan organisation, we can bring the best of our expertise to leaders who want to translate their ambition into meaningful action for their people. Private Eye commented on a recent TBI publication as follows. -
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
SEAN had been passed between foster homes and relatives eight times before being returned to his violent father just before the pandemic. During the last lockdown, neighbours called police after hearing screaming, not for the first time, and he was rushed to hospital. His face was black and blue, his ears bleeding. Medics counted 63 different injuries. He was four. Now eight, he has been undergoing intensive therapy to help him and his loving adoptive parents learn how to best manage his complex trauma, which often explodes into violence. But six weeks ago, that therapy stopped suddenly when the government failed to automatically renew the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, a lifeline which has, in the past decade, helped nearly 53,000 children and their families as they take on the burden of responsibility for those who have had the worst start in life. Sean’s parents await a restart of the therapy following the government’s late announcement that it will continue. However, the amount per child has been cut by a minimum 40 percent, so even if they get through the coming weeks while councils complete a hefty backlog of stalled funding applications, all of which must be resubmitted, they are terrified of what the future might hold. Sean’s adoptive father, Michael (names have been changed), said: “Sean started to unravel as soon as it stopped. His violence at home has increased and he has been hitting out at teachers and other children. He is not eating properly, he’s bouncing off the walls. It is impossible for people with regular families to understand the impact of early life trauma, neglect and abuse and just how vital this therapy is. He has worked so hard to get this far, it is frightening how quickly he has regressed. It is not overstating it to say that his life will be ruined without it and we may not survive as a family.” -
Posted in: Pastime
9 Letter Word Game GAME A Below are nine letters - from those nine make as many words as you can of four letters or more:- "N" MUST appear in every word. G T C E E L E I are the other 8 letters you can use. Tip - put the eight letters in a circle round the "N". There is definitely a nine letter word to be found!. 8 words =word finder 16 words = word wizard 24 words - word master 32 words = word genius OVERALL TARGET 41 ....Word Perfect! *** Please enter one word IN TURN with other players to start game. Definitions of unusual words are most welcome! [ nouns, adjectives etc no proper words, but see the other game below ] Update will appear as and when, but game will probably close in 3-4 days. GAME B. Name any river, city, person or similar that can be created from the same letters as above. -
Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Current Affairs and Politics
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
Donald Trump has claimed he had nothing to do with an AI-generated image which showed him dressed as the pope – despite the fact he shared it from his own social media account. Over the weekend, the White House social media accounts posted the picture which depicted the president as the pope. This came after Trump had told reporters he would like to be the next pontiff after the death of Pope Francis. The picture was then shared by Trump on his own Truth Social account, a move which was criticised by large parts of the Catholic community, who accused the president of mocking their faith. This included the New York State Catholic Conference, who said in a statement that there is “nothing clever or funny” about the picture. But when Trump was asked by a reporter at the White House about the controversy, he said Catholics had “loved” the picture. After the reporter mentioned that some Catholics were unhappy about the image, Trump interrupted: “You mean they can’t take a joke? In a typical nonsense rant, Trump hit out at the “fake news media” for the image, and said Catholics had “loved” it. “You don’t mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media. The Catholics loved it,” he said. Trump went on to claim that he “had nothing to do” with the image, saying someone had made the picture and “put it out on the internet.” He continued: “That’s not me that did it, I had no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI. “But I know nothing about it, I just saw it last evening. Actually, my wife thought it was cute.” Trump then joked about how pope’s “aren’t big on getting married,” before saying: “I think it’s the fake news media, they’re fakers.” -
Posted in: Anything !
“He said he wasn’t a member of a gang, and then they looked and on his knuckles he had MS-13,” Trump told Moran, who replied that there was a “dispute” over the meaning of the symbols tattooed on Abrego Garcia. “He had some tattoos that are interpreted that way, but let’s move on,” the anchor said. But the president was insistent. “Wait a minute. Hey, Terry. Terry. Terry. Don’t do that,” Trump replied. “He did not have the letter ‘MS-13,’ ” Moran reiterated. “That was Photoshopped.” “That was Photoshopped?” Trump replied in disbelief. “Terry, you can’t do that. They’ve given you the big break of a lifetime. You know, you’re doing the interview.” “I picked you because, frankly, I had never heard of you, but that’s okay,” the president continued. “But I picked you, Terry, but you’re not being very nice. He had 'MS-13' tattooed. Terry. Terry. Do you want me to show you the picture?” Moran, who served as ABC News' chief White House correspondent from 1999 to 2005 and is currently the network's senior national correspondent, replied to Trump that he had seen the photo of Abrego Garcia's knuckles. "He did have tattoos that can be interpreted that way," the reporter said. "I’m not an expert on them." Trump, however, continued to insist. “No, no. He had 'M-S,' as clear as you can be. Not interpreted. This is why people no longer believe the news, because it’s fake news... You do such a disservice. Why don’t you just say, ‘Yes, he does,’ and you know, go on to something else?” Bone hard nonsense from the man who is never wrong... -
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything !
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