525 Responses to Midweek 30 March 2022

  1. Up2snuff says:

    The BBC missed the Covid numbers on Tuesday and they are three hours late today. Is there something going on with Covid stats at the BBC? Perhaps Marianna could spring into action to make sure we are not being misinformed.

       13 likes

    • digg says:

      I rather suspect that job titles such as disinformation reporter will be redundant at the Beeb sooner rather than later as the powers that be recognise them for the propaganda they actually are.

         10 likes

  2. StewGreen says:

    9pm On Channel 5 ‘National Treasure, National Disgrace: Savile, Harris & Hall.’
    .. why is Yasmin Alibhai-Brown featured giving her opinion ?

    9:55 PBS doco about the Christchurch mosque attack

       17 likes

    • StewGreen says:

      Ah 10:25pm YAB says she received a letter from person who had been a kid when Stuart Hall visited her school
      and he had invited her to visit the studio, where he plied her with champagne and raped her.

         4 likes

      • StewGreen says:

        The prog is claiming sexual assault is all about power
        ..probably true
        Now saying that #MeToo is bring the end
        and that it was caused by patriachy men being in complete control
        and women being told to “suck it up”

        I think I disagree, things were changing before MeToo
        And the godlike status of these guys played a big part, these guys were really special they lived a magical life, and those around them too, and didn’t want that to end , and if it meant turning a blind eye .that’s what they did.

           6 likes

      • BRISSLES says:

        YAB will always find a story to suit. She seems to have lost the gig as a paper reviewer, so is hawking herself out to any channel to top up the pension.

           9 likes

  3. Zephir says:

    The bbc have appionted themselves to hold power to acount which is the responsibilty of the oppoositon party NOT the bbc

       18 likes

  4. StewGreen says:

    On March 4th 2022 Peshawar “Suicide bombing attack kills at least 56 in Shiite mosque in Pakistan”
    “A suicide bomber struck inside a Shiite Muslim mosque in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar during Friday prayers, killing at least 56 worshippers and wounding 194 people, hospital officials said.”
    How come I’ve never even heard of that attack ?

    There was a BBC story
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-60617108

    In the BBC Twitter thread almost all the replies are from Pakistan/India
    .. https://twitter.com/BBCWorld/status/1499750062867595265

       12 likes

  5. Zephir says:

    Things not in the news unless one has a Chinese wife, Russian minisiter for foreign affrairs and EU head now in China for meeting with Xi Ping

    Kamala and Joe “wheres dat Bahraine wass a passport innit dam president shit himself again”

       7 likes

  6. digg says:

    Watching the BBC news I notice a shift in tone regarding UK energy. All the stuff going on has brought the total insanity, stupidity and national suicide of bowing down to the green nutters into focus.

    People are having a foretaste of what living green will mean for everybody.

    What Greta? Oh sorry I thought you said something!

       26 likes

    • Scroblene says:

      Good point, Digg!

      Also, it’s pleasing that most of those irritating vegan, prohibition ads are not around much these days, as the stupid ideas of veganuary, dryanuary etc., are fading into…

      …’It’s Easter soon, let’s all get to eat loads of meat, and get as pissed as a fart’!

         18 likes

  7. vlad says:

    Biden doing that weird thing he does when he wants to sound tough, or Presidential… or something: shouts in his angry old man way and bangs tables.

    (Reminds me of Grampa Simpson)

       11 likes

    • digg says:

      Would be funny if it wasn’t so bloody serious for the World.

      He has to go ASAP.

         19 likes

  8. StewGreen says:

    It’s April 1st in Germany ..and looks like the gas is still flowing

    Putin is saying phase 1 countries must open Russian rouble bank accounts on Friday
    And I guess when new contracts come up they must start paying in roubles
    I wonder if the existing dollar contracts go on for years
    You can’t go around ordering payments for existing dollar contracts to be now paid in roubles, cos that is changing the price.
    But then Putin has the gas and Germany has the demand.

       16 likes

    • Thoughtful says:

      The gas is on a 3 day contract period starting April 1st Payment is on a monthly basis.

         1 likes

  9. digg says:

    Germany condemn Russian gas supply blackmail…
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60923158

    So… the Western world are perfectly within their rights to confiscate assets of any Russian citizen anywhere in the World regardless of their actual implication in the Ukraine war but if Russia decides enough is enough they are are*oles eh?

    Not forgetting that to appear greener than green to the rest of the World, the Germans have been importing Russian gas at the expense of their own carbon energy production for a long time.

    I think the expression is hoisted by their own petard!

    Egg on face time I think!

    Double standards at work here.

    I think Putin is far cleverer than the EU and the West (or more accurately their media) assume.

       20 likes

  10. tomo says:

    If bureaucrats meddle … well, that’s one thing – if they lie, cheat, use public funds to defend their lying, cheating and obstruction …

    That’s something else… some Green power well and truly fouled up…. courtesy of The Environment Agency

    The BBC are on the press release circulation list – I’m willing to bet they’ll sit on it….

    btw – the EA spokesperson’s assertions in the article are about as honest as their officials have been for the last 12 years.

       12 likes

    • Scroblene says:

      That’s an incredible story, Tomo!

      Like you, I suppose the green bureaucrats will let it all fester until their pensions get up to enough to retire at fifty, then pass the whole lot onto the next lot to bugger up.

      I bet the BBC will bin it|

         8 likes

      • theisland says:

        Scrob
        Not such an incredible story to some of us. It’s happening from government down to local council level. It usually involves collusion with other ‘trusted’ bodies and cover-ups.

        “When public bodies behave in this way it ultimately erodes public trust and confidence in the services they provide.”

           5 likes

  11. vlad says:

    Remember all the crocodile tears the media and the BBC cried about Mexican ‘kids in cages’ under Trump?

    You don’t hear about them now, despite there being a lot more kids in a lot more cages under Biden.

       17 likes

  12. tomo says:

    Kamala at it

       9 likes

  13. Zephir says:

    Curiouser and curiouser. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

    Off with their heads.

    31st March 2022

    Hi,

    You may have heard in the media a recommendation to provide your meter readings on 31st March before the new Price Cap comes into effect on the 1st April. Just as a reminder, this isn’t necessary for customers who have a smart meter or are on a Fixed Price tariff.

    If you have a smart meter, we’ll get your readings automatically, and if you’re on a Fixed Price tariff, your prices won’t be impacted by the Price Cap.

    We’re extremely busy with the amount of customers trying to provide meter readings. Despite increasing our website capacity by almost 500% it still hasn’t been enough to cope with the unprecedented demand. We’re working hard to resume normal service.

    Thank you for your help with this.

    Please do not reply to this email as it is sent from an unmanned mailbox.

    ScottishPower Energy Retail Limited

    Registered Office: 320 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5AD

    Registered in Scotland No. 190287, Vat No. GB 659 3720 08

    We understand the importance of keeping your personal details safe. To find out more, visit http://www.getsafeonline.org

       7 likes

    • Zephir says:

      Safe online whilst getting mugged, off to the petrol station later with a couple of credit cards

      Thanks extinction rebellion, mummy and daddy will have the Range Rover waiting for your holiday trip

         18 likes

    • FrankZ says:

      The suppliers are all over the place with what they say they want with this – manual readings or no manual readings. They wish they knew.

      Yesterday eon.next (our supplier) were criticising calls for supplying them with meter readings, saying it was unnecessary – that smart meters would deal with it, and that the extra demand was taking down their websites.

      We have a “smart” meter so ostensibly didn’t need to take readings. But I do anyway, every couple of weeks for monitoring purposes and did so again last night at midnight.

      Logged onto the website at midnight to supply the readings, and what did it say? It said that they were having trouble connecting to my “smart” meter, and would I supply a manual meter reading.

      What a shower.

      (Side note: How smart is a meter to which you cannot connect over your LAN and interrogate/monitor/download history for analysis? Not remotely smart. As dumb as the old ones, or worse. A farce. When questioned about this, they say that the data is theirs, not ours, and so they have no obligation to make that data available. Typical corporate arrogance.)

         8 likes

      • Thatcherrevolutionary says:

        Think on the plus side – when the Climate Lockdowns and energy rationing starts, your ‘smart meter’ won’t be one of the ones turned off!

           3 likes

        • FrankZ says:

          An extremely valid concern.

          I always marvel and wonder at how Orwell saw all this coming back when he did in 1948/49. I suppose it must have been apparent then too, if one chose to look. Just before my time.

             6 likes

  14. taffman says:

    “Energy price cap: Bill shock for millions as rises hit”
    Well, bang goes Bo Jo’s green bubble and green levy.
    This country has tons of coal laden with gas beneath, that is without touching ‘fracking’. Al Beeb will not be happy though.

       27 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      Meanwhile the first m’K Show post Groper will be a holding to account tour de force…

      “So what you are saying is, glorious beacon of hope, is that under Labour none of this would have happened and I for one will hand you my vote now…”

         11 likes

    • Scroblene says:

      I may have asked you this before, Taff, but would coal-washing become viable now? It wasn’t cost-effective some years ago, but with prices these days, the removal of some elements of coal from slag heaps and workings might just work!

      Surely the greens couldn’t complain?

      If I have asked you before, please forgive the lapse…

         4 likes

      • Thatcherrevolutionary says:

        I would suggest the filthy hippies be forced to wash the coal.

           4 likes

  15. Fedup2 says:

    Today watch

    I used to look forward to 1 April as much as 25 December – a date which used to be called ‘Christmas ‘ but has been banned to ensure community safety and cohesion .

    Anyway – back to “today “- there is a mystery – Where have all the Green Crap Nazis Gone: ?

    Today is full of single mums with 15 kids moaning about having to dump their Sky package so that they can fuel up the 4×4 to drive to the fuel bank .

    Now I know the above is poor ‘humour ‘ – chris rock ( who) but I think it is deserved ….
    The BBC has gone on and on and on about Green Crap – the mental Scandinavian teenage girl has been up on that pedestal – cop this and cop that

    But now ? Fuel bill that fuel bill this . When will the first ‘cost of living riot come ? Will it be when the price of Netflix goes up again ? Or when the next price hike comes ? Or when the Bank of England puts up interest rates again -? ( MPC not due to meet until May – too late ) which will result in another interest rate rise …. Promise . …

    Anyway – back to ‘Today “- Armageddon – online meter reading sites crash because of Martin Lewis – people lighting fires to save on the gas … freezing temperatures – suffering .

    The answer ? There is no political will by anyone to do anything as a short term or even a long term remedy . Nut nut keeps delaying his ‘energy strategy ‘ because the wife keeps re writing it . Labour thinks a windfall tax – when there’s no win will solve it all It’s just crap .

    Solution – elect me . I will start fracking – opening up the North Sea – building more power stations – importing more coal and oil – chopping down. Trees as fuel – there will be free food – I will cut taxes on fuel – the 5%vat on gas/ electricity will go tomorrow – I will ban the NHS having non ‘front line’ jobs and ban ‘diversity officers in all public bodies ‘…..job done ….

    Back to Toady

    Our Justin is in Hungary because there is a general election on Sunday . He was eager to tell us the EU has sent monitors to see if the election is fixed – or to ensure it is fixed to get rid of orban in favour of an approved non populist ( unpopular ?) president ….

    Justin was quick to set up the narrative for a ‘stolen election ‘ exactly the way the BBC didn’t do it for the US election .

    Justin sounded pretty disappointed that Ukrainian refugees are being warmly welcomed and helped by Hungary – not on script because the BBC declares Hungary as ‘not nice ‘.

    I think our Justin will be playing war correspondent in a Kiev hotel next week – it’s his turn to tune up the CV ….. Martha must be next – bees in a war zone ….

    By the way

    I have only found one April Fool story so far – and will declare it later in the day . I would ask that none are declared until after the traditional midday water shed …

       14 likes

  16. Fedup2 says:

    Update

    I’ve decided to set up a fraudulent website where you send me £9.99 via PayPal and I tell you how I can cut your fuel bills by ten percent and save £159.00 a year …

       11 likes

  17. Zephir says:

    And they thought things were bad in 1969, plus ca change

       10 likes

  18. Guest Who says:

    Phew…

    Ramadan 2022: How Premier League football is evolving to help Muslim players
    By Shamoon Hafez
    BBC Sport

    Shamoon a lad’s name, lass or a tranny in the dressing room?

       8 likes

    • vlad says:

      Islamocreep.

      Every day, a little more.

      Cheered on by the BBC.

      4 Stages of Islamic Conquest:

      https://civilusdefendus.com/civil-defense/4-stages-of-islamic-conquest/

      STAGE 1: INFILTRATION

      Muslims begin moving to non-Muslim countries in increasing numbers and the beginning of cultural conflicts are visible, though often subtle.

      First migration wave to non-Muslim “host” country.
      Appeal for humanitarian tolerance from the host society.
      Attempts to portray Islam as a peaceful & Muslims as victims of misunderstanding and racism (even though Islam is not a ‘race’).
      High Muslim birth rate in host country increase Muslim population.
      Mosques used to spread Islam and dislike of host country & culture.
      Calls to criminalize “Islamophobia” as a hate crime.
      Threatened legal action for perceived discrimination.
      Offers of “interfaith dialogue” to indoctrinate non-Muslims.

         15 likes

  19. StewGreen says:

    Former Chief Constable of Leicestershire is found dead hanging in his garage aged 55 just two weeks after retiring.
    Belfield says he suicided without leaving a note
    .. well that doesn’t mean it was suicide.

    A commenter claims another Former Chief Constable died in his own pool, recently.
    I don’t find such a story.

       9 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      I know it is April 1, but if another goes down in their super yacht after bing hit by another’s Lear… it will look suspicious.

         4 likes

  20. Guest Who says:

    Be interesting if the girls from BBC and Sky leap on this one.

    Maybe Laura, BS, Kay and Beff too.

       6 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      Reckon Dapper and Slapper might fence sit a bit on this until they suss the wind direction. This usually can be assed by hijab numbers in placard waving section.

         10 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      Woot! And they are off! Magic Grammpy has hit the rainbow crossing running… with… yes… ‘standing in solidarity’. Does the twerp ever move?

      ***

      Today is #TransDayOfVisibility, a day to celebrate trans and non-binary people, as well as raise awareness of the discrimination many face in their communities and around the world.

      We stand in solidarity with them and commit to fighting for a truly inclusive society.

      ***

      At least Slick can catch him, but Fick Ange in them boots…?

         7 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      BBC ….
      Drag Race UK vs The World winner: ‘Drag Race helped me find my queerness’
      *Spoiler: This piece reveals the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World.*
      https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/b9a86f60-0ddb-40bf-905a-c011cad9c78d

      BBC …. T he BBC is under fire for only allowing people from ethnic minorities to apply for a trainee position working on shows including Springwatch. The broadcaster is advertising a one-year, £17,810 trainee production management assistant role with the position “only open to black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates”.20 Jun 2021

         5 likes

  21. Guest Who says:

    If true… unsurprising..

       12 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      Noting date.

         6 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      40661066-0-image-a-21_1616116113551.jpg

         7 likes

      • Guest Who says:

        She has moved up the list of Mishal’s Howling Hags now BS has legged it.

        They all have found the perfect niche for their professional, ideological, financial, promotional and activist ambitions.

        That niche is the BBC.

           8 likes

      • Zephir says:

        This is Luton, in England, when paki land won a cricket match

           5 likes

        • MarkyMark says:

          Ahmadis suffer vicious persecution around the world. The main source of fuel for that persecution is in Pakistan, but what happens in Pakistan does not stay in Pakistan.

          I know that from my experience in the Yorkshire market town of Batley. In August 1985, when I was 11 years old, my parents organised an inter-faith meeting in the town hall. It was interrupted and disturbed when, according to West Yorkshire police, more than 1,000 extremists, led by Pakistani hate preachers funded by the Pakistani state, were bused in from around the country. The mob brutally attacked my English mother and my father, a dermatologist; my eldest brother and I; and a Welsh Ahmadi schoolteacher who was with us. My first cousin, a GP, was by chance driving through the market town that day. He saw the mob and saw his family and friends being attacked, so he stopped. He was recognised, pulled from his vehicle and savagely beaten up.

          https://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2020-03-12a.177.0&s=islam+batley#g195.0

             4 likes

  22. Guest Who says:

    Awful.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60949791?

    That said, noting this is a JezBo special headed ‘points to’ citing a ‘bbc investigation’.

    His ‘investigations’ and those of the BBC have in the past relied on less than impartial, or indeed competent sources.

    Marianna could check if she ever gets off only checking stuff the bbc likes the answers to.

       5 likes

    • Guest Who says:

      Almost zero of JezBo’s ‘story’ stands up in its current form.

      Looking at stuff does not count as an investigation, especially when the ‘crime scene’ is from a fog of war active location.

      Look at the complexities…

      Since when did ‘who, what, where…’ turn into a ‘report’ based on what Sergei says?

         1 likes

  23. Zephir says:

    Ram a piissing dam again forget Easter

    What next a bbc database of underage white schoolgirls

       15 likes

  24. AsISeeIt says:

    Shanghaied

    Carry On star Kenneth Williams – like many notable comedians of his era – was a troubled soul. He harboured grand pretentions of a serious theatrical career, and yet from the point of view of the British public, he was only seen to excel at the outrageous low humour of the saucy seaside postcard form. He found a certain niche for himself as a regular in the popular celebrity TV chat shows of the time and as a guest of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute.

    A cherished humourous moment of mine – comedy, like popular music, is a fleeting thing of the moment – was when presenter and quiz chairman Nicholas Parsons handed to Kenneth the Just a Minute subject title of “Blowing One’s Own Trumpet” – naturally, according to the rules of the game, requiring of the contestant a monologue without hesitation, repetition or deviation. “Kenneth, will you speak for us, for just a minute, on the subject of blowing one’s own trumpet” Following that cue our Kenneth delivered, in his unique faux-plummy nasal tones with his frequent reversions to mock-cockney, suggestively, to the delight of the studio audience, imparting his opening statement “Personally, I like doin’ it! I think the world should know…!

    On the subject of blowing one’s own trumpet – leaving aside the obvious innuendo – Mr AsISeeIt was of course not the only commentator (if one may claim that rather elevated-sounding sobriquet for one’s modest observations hereabouts) who warned how the mistaken elite policy of Lockdowns would eventually and inevitably have to be dearly paid for by tax rises and economic recession and state dependency for the masses. One could argue that Lockdown – or quarantine of the healthy – was the ultimate victory of the Big State… the Welfare State, writ larger than ever.

    And now just listen to how our Left-wing media pretend to cry and whinge at the consequences…

    April Cruel Day‘ puns the Daily Mirror: ‘Households hit as worst attack on living standards starts today‘ – and now, here beginneth the litany: ‘Energy bills up. Council tax up. National Insurance up. Water bills up. Stamps up. Broadband charges up.

    The Guardian’s limited audience are middle income creatures of institutions and of bureaucracy – so it is they tend to highlight the aggravation and process rather than the direct economic pain: ‘Millions rush to minimise energy bills on eve of Bleak Friday‘ – moreover, just like their sister organ the BBC, they do like to coin and to propagate talking points and sloganised ways of thinking for the use of the Left – hence “Bleak Friday

    The previously and notably coronaphobic ‘i’ newspaper would scarcely blame needlessly protracted periods of Lockdown stagnation for our present economic denouement: ‘Anger at Sunak as the cost of living crisis hits home‘ – oh dear, he was once the Tory’s golden boy, that’s when he was handing out unearned, borrowed, furlough payments hand over fist.

    With Easter approaching, one supposes it was inevitable that we would be told: ‘Egg farms face collapse as war feeds into rising costs… Hundreds of British egg farms are at risk… after Russian invasion of Ukraine‘ (FT) – please, someone tell me that’s an April Fool’s gag.

    Eggpocalypse now!‘ – says the Daily Star which highlights the worrying knock-on effects: ‘Egg shortage threatens our biscuits and cakes

    The FT is pleased as punch that: ‘Banks to disclose emissions estimates‘ – never mind the bloody carbon, how about my local high street HSBC branch – already providing no counter service to customers – is due to close its doors forever come August?

    From Hongkong and Shanghai Bank to: ‘Shanghai surprise‘ – as the FT’s Datawatch feature tracks: ‘Ships waiting to load or discharge‘ – turns out congestion at the Chinese port is up five fold compared to the same period last year: ‘Analysts suggest the rise in Covid-19 cases may have led to shortages of logistics staff‘ – let’s hope we’re immune this time around – from both the Chinese disease and the Chinese-style of remedy.

    Our press sense that something is awry but have their habitual problems with numbers: ‘Andrew in £750,000 “scam case” mystery‘ (Daily Mail)

    Whereas: ‘Duke took £1m from Turkish “fraudster”‘ (Telegraph)

    The formerly patriotic Times, one time newspaper of record, delights in a frontpage photo of a household cavalryman in full ceremonial uniform in Hyde Park whilst rehearsing for the Queen’s Jubilee… falling from his horse.

    And if that genre of sarky, ironic, pratfall, anti-establishment, journalism floats your boat, or conversely, like me, if you perhaps reflect on it as more a symbolic state of the nation note and feel as though the battle is probably lost and now we might as well smile on the gallows… go to the Daily Star for your: ‘Free Animals doing funny stuff pullout

       16 likes

  25. Thoughtful says:

    I notice over the past several days the methods the media has used to distract people from the true horror of what is coming later in the year.

    Will Smith’s trivial black on black violence in a different country has become the headline news in a bid to distract people from the really important news which hasn’t been reported at all.

    The important news is the impending famine, and the unavoidable fact that although energy bills are high now, they are set to double again come October when the cap is removed again.

    They haven’t even reported that gas prices rose 15% yesterday, and although the did report Putins threats to cut off the gas, they haven’t followed up with any news about what the hopelessly Socialist EU intends to do about it.

    All we here can do it to hopefully keep each other informed of the news no matter how awful it is because sure as hell the media isn’t going to!

       15 likes

  26. Zephir says:

    Went for interview last week, my CV was perfect, 12 years of doing this kind of work, four national awards, which puts you in the top 2.7 % of civil engineering projects in the country. so was a little confused, now I get it:

    https://e2k9ube.cloudimg.io/s/cdn/x/https://edienet.s3.amazonaws.com/news/images/full_43661.jpg?v=30/03/2022%2021:27:00

       10 likes

  27. Up2snuff says:

    TOADY Watch #1 – the BBC’s BIG CONCERNS are shelved (but only temporarily)

    BBC BIG CONCERN #1: Global Warming and Climate Change
    BBC BIG CONCERN #2: Foreign Interference in other nations’ democratic elections

    Both are off, pronounced OFF!, the BBC’s agenda today but I suspect they will make a comeback when it suits the BBC to do so. JustRemainIn Webb has travelled all they way to Budapest from Camberwell or Bath (his other home) expending much CO2 and helping to cause Global Warming and Climate Change all on his own. Unfortunately the Global Warming is not ‘very’ in the UK right now and JustRemainIn has managed to turn the dial on the UK’s Climate in the wrong direction.

    Typical BBC!

    As the BBC were very concerned – to the point of apoplexia – over the alleged and possible foreign involvement and interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election is slightly surprising that the BBC has interfered in the Hungarian Election taking place this weend, not just once but twice! James Naughtie was sent on a CO2 creating journey to Budapest a fortnight ago. The thought occurs that had the BBC been more organised in their interference in the Hungarian election they could have saved some CO2, but not money, by keeping James Naughtie in Budapest. Permanently.

    The big surprise from TOADY is that the BBC already has a Correspondent in Hungary. His name is Nick Thorpe and he speaks Hungarian. What a waste.

    Typical BBC!

    PS: Thorpe’s Wiki page is worth a read.

       13 likes

  28. andyjsnape says:

    What does first trans MP mean for LGBTQ people?
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-60943012

    Anyone bothered

       17 likes

  29. Foscari says:

    The major feature on the BBC’S internet sports page
    is on the World Cup draw for MENS football.Why
    is this? Surely one of the other five major
    features Women’s cricket, Womens
    . football, Women’s tennis, Women’s golf , and Womens’s
    boxing should of taken pride of place.
    The BBC media outlet mostly has women news presenters,
    women reporters, women politic presenters etc etc. Why
    make a major sports feature on some MENS football
    competition?

       11 likes

  30. Zephir says:

    As I seeit

    “Sarky, ironic, pratfall, anti-establishment, journalism floats your boat, or conversely, like me, if you perhaps reflect on it as more a symbolic state of the nation note and feel as though the battle is probably lost and now we might as well smile on the gallows”

    Economics rules all, it may take some time but will prevail, I am getting quite firm indications that Somalia’s tourist industry might be struggling, as for finding a 4 star hotel in Pakistan, Trip Advisor can’t help, but have some entertaining reviews, if you are a bioligist with a specialism in microorganisms.

       8 likes

  31. StewGreen says:

    GreenBlob news
    Ecotricity boss Dale Vince steps down”
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-60941251
    “The founder of green energy firm Ecotricity has announced plans to step down as its CEO to pursue politics.
    Dale Vince said he would “pass the baton” to a new owner with the financial means to develop the company.
    He said he intended to keep Forest Green Rovers and would continue plans for the EcoPark development.
    Mr Vince said it was the right time to step away from “his life’s work” to instead focus on driving policies that would get England to net zero.”

    ======================
    “Oil protest: Arrests made as Exxon Mobil suspends operations”
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-60951403

    “Six people have been arrested after a campaign group targeted fuel terminals in a protest against oil.
    The arrests were made at three sites in Thurrock, Essex Police said.
    Oil company Exxon Mobil has temporarily suspended operations at three other terminals due to a series of co-ordinated “small protests”.
    Campaign group Just Stop Oil said it had blocked 10 “critical” sites including in Birmingham, Hemel Hempstead and Hythe in Kent.
    Operations from these locations had been halted, Exxon Mobil said.

    BBCsoutheast tweeted about XR at Heathrow , but the tweet disappeared before my eyes
    and the story now points to the general story
    (checking I see there is an action at a depot NEAR Heathrow, rather than at it)

    Seems the XR PR is coordinated with The Independent and the BBC

       10 likes

  32. MarkyMark says:

    How can I cut my energy bills?
    According to Citizen’s Advice there are some simple things you can try.

    Check your thermostat: Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save you about £65 a year. Only lower it to a temperature you feel comfortable at – as a guide, many people find this is between 18-21 degrees.
    Keep the heat in: Check your home for any gaps in the doors, windows and floors. Blocking any holes where you could get a draught could save you around £30 a year. If you’re renting, ask your landlord to ensure your home has good insulation.
    Turn off anything you’re not using: Turning your appliances off instead of leaving them on stand-by could save about £40 a year. Turning off lights when you’re not using them – even if it’s just off for a few seconds – could save £14 a year. Consider using LED lightbulbs, which cost less to run.
    If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, you might be able to get support from the government or your energy supplier. The first step is to call your supplier and ask them if they offer any grants to help with your energy bills.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60932732

       2 likes

    • Fedup2 says:

      Marky – you forgot re assigning £159 from an anti British Far left broadcasting monster to your gas or electricity company …

      My favourite saving method is not boiling too much water and replenishing the kettle straight after use to transfer excess heat to cold water …. But I am a tea ‘ coffee addict …

         13 likes

    • Up2snuff says:

      MM, not leaving a TV on standby, in fact cutting through the mains cable (to sever the mains plug) and putting it in the loft or shed or garage and cancelling your TV Licence is a great way of saving £159 a year. You will need to go online or spend a quid on a stamp to let TV Licensing know that you do not need a Licence any more.

         11 likes

  33. Flotsam says:

    BBC woke Radio 5 Live this Morning. In the run up to the World Cup draw later today. Lots of interviews of Quatar spokespeople. The repeatedly asked question was about LGBT rights in Quatar, very little about football. The interviewers kept banging on obsessively about LGBT rights. The Quataris must have concluded that all Britons are gay or trans, it was excrutiatingly embarrasing.

       13 likes

  34. Eddy Booth says:

    BBC’s obnoxious Jeremy Bowen providing advice on how Ukrainian civilians can best attack tanks etc with Molotov cocktails.
    4 Mar 2022
    https://mobile.twitter.com/BowenBBC/status/1499668674940133378
    “Where to throw a Molotov cocktail. Guide for Ukrainian volunteers Kyiv shows weak spots in Russian armour, viewing hatches and air inlets.”

    FM-ksx-JXMAA3-HCw.jpg

    Today: BBC’s Jeremy Bowen is outraged about civilians getting shot, after stopping near a Russian tank on 7th Mar…

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60949791
    Ukraine war: Gruesome evidence points to war crimes on road outside Kyiv

       6 likes

  35. StewGreen says:

    Switch on bingo : maximumum tickboxes from Radio4 Woman’s Hour
    “Ramadan is causing lots of food waste”
    presenter Anita Rani “And half of Muslim families are having problems providing food this Ramadan cos of the Cost Of Living Crisis*”

    * TM BBC

    Oh my Global Warming report
    We had a blanket of snow over night, sun came out, but now snow hail is pounding down.

       12 likes

  36. MarkyMark says:

    Covid: Nurses’ boss wants life assurance scheme extended for NHS staff
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60943913
    …………………………..
    hrewsbury maternity scandal: NHS trust blamed mothers as hundreds of babies died avoidably, report finds
    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/shrewsbury-maternity-scandal-nhs-trust-b2046871.html

       3 likes

  37. MarkyMark says:

    New Electric Cars Are Less Reliable Than Petrol or Diesel Models, Survey Suggests. A consumer poll indicated that 31% of electric car owners reported a problem with their vehicle in its first four years.2 Mar 2022
    https://www.google.com/search?q=are+electric+cars+reliable&rlz=1C1GCEU_enGB929GB929&oq=are+electric+cars+reliable&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l3j0i22i30l6.6060j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

       7 likes

  38. Nibor says:

    Al Beeb interview two talking heads about the economy . Both are remainers but not introduced as such . Brexit gets bashed , naturally.

       15 likes

  39. MarkyMark says:

    FREE HOLIDAYS?

    Name of donor: Universidad de Guadalajara
    Address of donor: Juárez 976 Col. Centro CP44100

    Estimate of the probable value (or amount of any donation): Flights, £900; accommodation for four nights, £298; total value £1,198

    Destination of visit: Mexico

    Dates of visit: 1-5 December 2021

    Purpose of visit: Participation in the Guadalajara International Book Fair.

    (Registered 01 March 2022)

    https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/10133/jeremy_corbyn/islington_north#register

       3 likes

    • Fedup2 says:

      Definitely not paid enough …

         1 likes

      • MarkyMark says:

        Who is Barry Gardiner? Labour MP links to ‘Chinese spy’ Christine Lee, China and £500k donation – explained
        The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the British are ‘too obsessed with James Bond 007 movies’ and rejected claims Christine Lee is a spy

           4 likes

  40. MarkyMark says:

    An oil company has temporarily stopped operations at four fuel terminals amid a series of co-ordinated protests.

    ExxonMobil UK, one of the country’s largest privately-owned underground oil pipeline distribution networks, said it had shut down four of its sites.

    Campaign groups Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion said they had blocked 10 “critical” sites including in Birmingham, London and Southampton.

    _123972232_hi075011714.jpg

       7 likes

    • Fedup2 says:

      How before someone ‘offs’ one of these people because plod is too busy making tea for the ‘protesters ‘- panic buying beckons ..for those who can afford a couple of pints ..

         10 likes

    • G says:

      Marky

      C’mon, be honest: If you were that driver, you’d really love to wouldn’t you…………………

         9 likes

  41. andyjsnape says:

    Starmer wants Carrie Johnson named if fined for parties
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60952767

    bBC give it a rest

       10 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      Carrie is a man now? Self identified!

         5 likes

    • Fedup2 says:

      Strange that a ‘due process’ lawyer like Starmer wants to subvert the kind of law he supports in order to do damage nut nut .
      Maybe he should produce some popular policies if he wants votes …. Or have a shadow cabinet which is not a tick box joke – right Ange..?

         12 likes

  42. MarkyMark says:

    UK International Climate Finance (ICF) plays a crucial role in addressing this global challenge. Three government Departments (DFID, BEIS and Defra) have responsibility for investing the UK’s £5.8bn of ICF between 2016 and 2021.

    Our ICF delivers in the national interest, delivering all 4 aims of the UK aid strategy:

    strengthening global peace, security and governance
    strengthening resilience and response to crises
    promoting global prosperity
    tackling extreme poverty and helping the world’s most vulnerable
    If we do not tackle climate change, it will undo the progress made globally to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. We directly support the goals on climate action and affordable and clean energy, as well as indirectly supporting many others.

    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-climate-finance

       5 likes

  43. MarkyMark says:

    Happy April 1st.

    Energy bills have gone up over 50%, council tax is rising, national insurance has gone up, water bills are up, and even VAT on eating and drinking has gone up from 12.5% to 20%. The next year is going to be a long, hard slog for ordinary people. It’s almost unbelievable, therefore, that the news of MPs getting a £2,212 pay rise today hasn’t been more prominent.
    Previous IPSA-foisted pay rises have forced MPs to publicly condemn the move and promise to pay it to charity – this time only a couple have. While Guido’s previous call for MP pay to be linked to the country’s economic performance were rejected by IPSA, it is plainly unacceptable for any MP to try trousering this latest handout in light of current conditions. Guido’s not doing an April fools this year – the taxpayer is already being played for one. order-order.com

    knr9yql78rgyavbatyuyqzld7sbpziswziohphgnnujnx1um.jpeg.webp?w=1080&v=2

       11 likes

    • Thoughtful says:

      So what, they are the worst paid in the Western World, if you take this attitude then why pay them at all? Let the Chinese Saudis Ukrainians and the Russians pay them for the influence they want which is pretty much what is happening anyway.

      The next time you complain about Islamisation I will remind you that you are all in favour of it via the Saudi Qatari Kuwati, Abu Dhabi Khazakstani sponsorship of MPs because you are too miserly to pay them the going rate !

         2 likes

  44. Fedup2 says:

    Who are IPSA ? How much are they paid ? Who decides ? Let me guess – politicians …..

       8 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      Then Prime Minister David Cameron publicly criticized the move, saying “I don’t think this was the right decision”, having previously criticized such a move as “simply unacceptable”, given the rest of public sector pay had been capped for the duration of the parliament.[4] Cameron, however, defended MPs accepting the rise, assuring them “the right thing to do is to be paid the rate for the job”. The 10% pay rise was controversial as the rest of the public sector pay had been capped at 1% per year.[5] Some MPs stated that they would not accept the pay rise but instead transfer it to charities.[6] IPSA announced further pay rises of 1.3% and 1.4% to MPs’ salaries in line with average earnings within the public sector as determined by the Office for National Statistics in 2016 and 2017 respectively.[7][8]

      In March 2017, IPSA had to apologise to MPs after accidentally publishing information about MPs’ staff and their salaries on the internet.[9]

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Parliamentary_Standards_Authority

         3 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      Friend’s of politicians!

         2 likes

  45. MarkyMark says:

    Call for proposals for China’s green finance programme

    The BEIS ICF has allocated up to £2 million for technical assistance activities in green finance in China through an open, competitive call for proposals.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/china-green-finance-call-for-proposals

    The BEIS International Climate Finance Technical Assistance programme aims to support and incentivise China’s transition to a more environmentally sustainable growth model through green finance, and contribute towards the goal of developing a commercially-driven and sustainable global market for green finance.

       2 likes

  46. MarkyMark says:

    27/03/2022

    BBC News
    Online, 26 March 2022

    We have amended an article on the BBC News online site in Bristol about endometriosis to make it clearer to the audience how the condition affects women. The article was updated to remove an inaccuracy where we described symptoms as causes. Also, specifically, the word ‘people’ was replaced with the word ‘women’, and we removed the phrase “who are assigned female at birth”.

    27/03/2022

       3 likes

  47. Zephir says:

    Reference CAS-7142101-K6K5V5

    BBC racism in action, again 

    “Oscars: What Will Smith’s slap says about him – and us”

    It tells the world you, the BBC are a racist apologist that condones violence if it is undertaken by a black man in front of millions of people on camera.

    It tells children watching that violence is acceptable even in the workplace and the bbc will condone it, and seek to excuse it if undertaken by a black man.

    You, are racists.

    the BBC News Website.

    We note and appreciate your concerns in relation to the article “Oscars: What Will Smith’s slap says about him – and us”, by Chelsea Bailey.

    I’ve reviewed the relevant article for you. Its purpose was to highlight the recent altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars and to analyse the incident in context with the impact of violence in contemporary culture.

    Early in the piece, Chelsea raised the point that Smith’s bust-up with Rock “could derail” the former’s life, and that Rock’s tactless joke, Smith’s violent reaction, and the fact that the award show continued without consequence sparked furious debate about what it means to “protect women”, and American culture’s apparent comfort with violence, thereby drawing attention to negative consequences of the incident.

    Chelsea went on to highlight views of those who found the altercation alarming, such as director Judd Apatow, and also reported that Smith had “tearfully apologised to the Academy” for the altercation. She also included points-of-view from psychologist and minister Rev Dr Jacqui Lewis, who stated that she didn’t want “violence to be the response to violence”, and radio host Lenard McKelvey, who said that he personally didn’t like seeing altercations like Smith and Rock’s “between two black men”, later adding, “that’s still another human on the end of that slap.”

    Audiences expect a degree of analysis from our correspondents based on their knowledge in the field, coupled with the ability to contextualise a subject, offer observations which may be in the minds of the public, and present in an appropriate manner.

    That said, it is inevitable that not everyone will agree with certain elements of our reporting, and we’re sorry to hear that you were unhappy with the manner in which this piece was presented. We assure you that was never any intention to cause offence, and that we are mindful, at all times, to cover topics with sensitivity.

    Please also be assured that we do value your feedback in this area. All complaints are sent to senior management and we’ve included your points in our overnight report.

    These reports are among the most widely read sources of feedback in the company and ensure that your concerns have been seen by the right people quickly. This helps inform their decisions about current and future content.

    Many thanks, again, for taking the time to get in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Simon Fallaha

    BBC Complaints Team
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

       8 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      Simon Fallaha
      Fallaha (Arabic: فلاحه) is found most frequently in Saudi Arabia. It can appear as a variant:. Click here for further potential spellings of this surname.
      The word derives from the Arabic word for “ploughman” or “tiller”.

         6 likes

  48. Zephir says:

    “Audiences expect a degree of analysis from our correspondents based on their knowledge in the field”

    Well, there’s a problem right there, you are meant to be a news service.

    If I require knowledge in the field I’ll talk to a bloody farmer.

       14 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      “knowledge in the field” – activists!

         6 likes

      • Zephir says:

        I can’t recall the last time a bbc free range, dolphin friendy vegetarian trans friendly journalist interviewed a farmer for his views on halal

        Might be on Countyfile back catalogues somewhere.

        More likely on Crimewatch missing persons (check the barn and the pig food).

           7 likes

  49. Up2snuff says:

    TOADY Watch #2 – the BBC’s other BIG CONCERN

    Gender and sexual equality led the News at 6 a.m. I guess. I did not wake until 6.11 a.m. and it was the first item after the 1st April Cost of Living Crisis (pls see my EwanYores Watch later) with no Business Editor, new boy Business Correspondent Economics Editor, Economics Correspondent Dharshini to be seen … er, I mean heard.

    If you ask me, the BBC has a bit of crisis all of its own: the Getting Highly Paid People to Turn Up To Work And Do It crisis. You would think on a day like 1st April it would be ‘all hands on deck’ to make sure the BBC do not get spoofed as they famously have in the past. Much was made by the Bee Lady, I think, of the fact that the PM changed his mind twice on legislating against ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’. I guess the Beeboids are hoping that the PM will change his mind on fracking, burning coal and seeking new oil and hence gas reserves in the North Sea.

    No, of course not. How silly of me!

       8 likes