|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 20:14:11 GMT
That's the real astonishing thing about this period of Tory Government. They've somehow convinced the likes of you and me that they are incredibly right-wing, nationalist, and authoritarian, and the likes of rcronald that they are wet liberals who have betrayed the true right Conservatives. All at the same time. That's some achievement, surely to be rewarded at the General Election? Hardline rhetoric and 0 actual (enforceable) legislation is a sure way to anger both sides. Politicians should act like Teddy Roosevelt, speak softly and carry a big stick. Even better is the advice of WC Fields. Always carry a flagon of whisky in case you get bitten by a snake. And carry a small snake.
|
|
|
Hendon
Apr 29, 2024 18:22:19 GMT
via mobile
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 18:22:19 GMT
That's interesting. A quick Google suggests that Greater London once had a whopping 25 dog tracks, and now it is just two. Some are clearly well-known ones that survived for a long time (Walthamstow, Catford, Wimbledon). But there are some on the list that have surely faded well out of memory- Brixton, Edmonton, Temple Mills (which was apparently out towards Stratford), and a second Catford track. Regardless of people's views on greyhound racing, it's strange to think that these landmarks have been obliterated not just physically but mentally too. They would have been enormously important focal points. Fancy having a dog track in Catford? I have family down in SE London, and for many years our family trips would be to Catford. I remember being baffled as a small child by the dog-cat thing. The glamorous way to see London.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 14:51:00 GMT
As it happens I was in this constituency last evening, in the Greyhound pub in the very pleasant area of Hendon Village which I had only discovered quite recently (just behind The Burroughs). I also hadn't realised that Hendon had previously had quite an important Greyhound stadium - roughly on the site of the Brent Cross shopping centre. That's interesting. A quick Google suggests that Greater London once had a whopping 25 dog tracks, and now it is just two. Some are clearly well-known ones that survived for a long time (Walthamstow, Catford, Wimbledon). But there are some on the list that have surely faded well out of memory- Brixton, Edmonton, Temple Mills (which was apparently out towards Stratford), and a second Catford track. Regardless of people's views on greyhound racing, it's strange to think that these landmarks have been obliterated not just physically but mentally too. They would have been enormously important focal points.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 7:09:06 GMT
I noted this morning that the Dutch province of Gelderland is named after the town of Geldern, which is in Germany and has not been part of Gelderland since 1712.
Further south you have the Belgian province of Luxembourg which does not contain the city of Luxembourg nor most of what was historically Luxembourg.
Are there any other good examples of jurisdictions/regions/municipalities named for a place that isn't in it?
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 5:45:11 GMT
When Reagan said that shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican, he wasn't talking about purging the impure. He was making the point that the GOP needed to put factionalism to one side and focus on the shared mission.
This is the same for all conservative parties. They have to be broad churches, because the majority of their voters (and activists, despite assumptions) are not part of any of the assumed boxes.
The whole point of the Conservative Party or the CDU or PP or whoever as a broad church is that every shade of centre-right thought should be represented and individuals given a platform to expound those views, and have them shot down as well- and reacting to circumstance. Trying to apply purity of dogma to conservatism is like trying to saddle up a cow. Just because it's physically possible does not make it the best course of action.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 29, 2024 5:22:35 GMT
For various reasons this is probably one of my favourite constituencies in Britain, and probably where I'd live if money was no object. That's got the makings of an interesting thread.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 28, 2024 18:05:55 GMT
Who was the MP who described Jim Wellbeloved as ironically named? Jon Silkin and Bob Mellish. Probably among others...
We could really do with more MPs like that. He was clearly a bruiser, but a big softie compared to his old boss Roy Mason!
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 28, 2024 17:19:07 GMT
The Greenwich half was in Woolwich was John Cartwright's (not that one) fiefdom; the SDP were also very strong in the Bexley half, although Erith and Crayford's SDP-defecting Jim Wellbeloved did not hold on. Who was the MP who described Jim Wellbeloved as ironically named?
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 28, 2024 16:08:24 GMT
Bet in play now!
(Anyone getting that reference is aged 40-50)
|
|
|
India
Apr 28, 2024 7:28:54 GMT
via mobile
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 28, 2024 7:28:54 GMT
I’m surprised by the massive drop in Pathanamthitta. It’s supposed to be a competitive 3-way race and has a large Christian population. If this is an indication of low Christian turnout then the BJP is going to finally win a seat in Kerala. ibfc how did the election in Kerala go? Christian turnout has collapsed in Kerala. Massive out migration coupled with disgust at Congress’ pandering to Muslims along with a lack of inclination to vote for the BJP has caused this. Where are they migrating to?
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 27, 2024 22:53:23 GMT
It's a struggle to describe the two (sort of three) communities as cooperating. They live back to back for the most part.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 27, 2024 19:15:12 GMT
I thought that being a relatively moderate "Cameronite" he would be more likely to defect to the Liberal Democrats or stand as an Independent. He's retiring. There are few things more cowardly in politics than defecting right at the end of a Parliament. You might as well tell the electorate: "You voted for me to vote one way for nearly half a decade, now I'm going to do the opposite, and I'm not letting you have the chance to remove me". Actually, that would be more honest. All this reminds that Brian Sedgmore was a prick.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 26, 2024 21:46:19 GMT
And didn't realise this ward had only become safe for Labour that recently, in said context a very creditable result for them. Until the 1980s Grangetown tended to vote Labour in General Elections but was a marginal ward that often narrowly returned Conservatives in local elections, the latter being a legacy of the machine politics and, ultimately, political issues (temperance!) of another age. Grangetown was once very hostile to the Liberals, not least because of temperance, and was home to the "Hotel de Marl", one of the funniest examples of malicious compliance imaginable.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 26, 2024 20:12:04 GMT
No reliable figures but there are reports of a poll showing the MR out in front in Brussels, and Défi collapsing as a result.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 25, 2024 19:27:55 GMT
Can I nominate August Haußleiter, who whilst never elected, was a founder member of the CSU - before emerging decades later as a founder member of Die Grünen.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 25, 2024 18:22:06 GMT
An impressive number of Green Party posters in St Bartholomew Ward, outnumbering the LibDem ones. The (ex) council estates don't tend to display posters though but normally vote LibDem. Throughout Winchester I have seen three Tory ones, about a dozen Green, and 20 or so LibDem. I was in Winchester last week and only spotted LD ones up in Kings Worthy. Nobody seemed to have anything out.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 21:54:00 GMT
I suddenly thought of one of my favourite Belgicisms, which is for a downpour - une drache.
A particularly heavy downpour is une drache nationale!
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 19:24:45 GMT
Couldn't agree more. When it comes to classic European cooking, the Belgians really know what they're doing. Even down to meatballs and potato croquettes in a pub. I found Belgian wine in the supermarket the other day. Really unusual. I haven't opened it yet so no idea how bad or good it is! This really is a matter of taste. I am a French classics appreciator, but also best end of Italian, Californian, Australian and South African. The Hock scandals put me off from German. I have never taken to Alsace, Belgium or Switzerland for wines despite being coaxed to some of their best products. There is some really good German wine, but it tends to be found at small producers or local festivals. Dry, crisp Rieslings but also Grauburgunder.
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 14:33:33 GMT
That does surprise me. Knokke is definitely pretty cold but De Haan struck me as very friendly. There are definitely some very hostile spots in Wallonia! I've found the friendliest Belgians are in Limburg, Luxembourg and the two halves of Brabant. I came across a little gem entirely by accident called Saint-Hubert which is insular, upper crust and very old school (or it was when I visited?) and I liked the built environment which was classy and distinguished. I got on very well with people I encountered in hotels and on the streets. For about 10-years I detoured to spend the night there and was very spoiled by the hotel and sometimes asked to join a large party for a bit of a feast at no expense to me. Best end Belgian cuisine is superb. Couldn't agree more. When it comes to classic European cooking, the Belgians really know what they're doing. Even down to meatballs and potato croquettes in a pub. I found Belgian wine in the supermarket the other day. Really unusual. I haven't opened it yet so no idea how bad or good it is!
|
|
|
Post by Devil Wincarnate on Apr 24, 2024 12:40:24 GMT
Out of interest, where on the coast did you go? Some bits are definitely not great but there are some beautiful spots, some slightly inland (but served by the Coast Tram). The whole length of the coast tram, with time in both termini, and Ostend. It wasn't the place so much, I found the people quite cold and unfriendly. Quite a contrast to Antwerp and Ghent and a world away from a lot of Wallonia That does surprise me. Knokke is definitely pretty cold but De Haan struck me as very friendly. There are definitely some very hostile spots in Wallonia! I've found the friendliest Belgians are in Limburg, Luxembourg and the two halves of Brabant.
|
|