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Thursday 21 April 2011

Sarah McDermott | 11:46 UK time, Thursday, 21 April 2011

Coming up on tonight's programme, presented by Kirsty Wark:

What does the record high price of gold tell us about the state of the global economy? Our Economics editor Paul Mason explains all.

As the Queen celebrates her 85th birthday, Michael Crick considers what ever happened to republicanism in the UK.

And we'll consider if the House of Lords - whose main job is to double check new laws to make sure they're fair and will work, is really the revising chamber it's supposed to be. British scientist and peer Baroness D'Souza says that the new intake at the Lords are a partisan lot who rarely, if ever, vote against the government. So what's the point of Parliament's second chamber?

Join Kirsty for all that and more at 2230 on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two.

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    An eye for a deal...

    Israel 'supplied arms to Argentina during Falklands War'


    "The Jewish state was not only willing to supply the government of Galtieri everything it needed but was also proactive in advising and conveying their experiences in combat"

  • Comment number 2.

    Psychopaths

    There is a programme on Radio 4's 'All In The Mind' next Wednesday at 16:30.

    /programmes/b010mcl1

    Claudia Hammond talks to a neuroscientist who has the brain and genes of a psychopath.

    Please do listen.

  • Comment number 3.

    1.34 mins in



    What was that you were saying about giving blood did you mention being used as 'cover' as well? cant remember now.

  • Comment number 4.

    NN wrote:
    "Tonight Michael Crick will be meeting people from the republican movement in the UK blah blah blah...."

    Well this is the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ so thats to be expected...and from Crick.. thats a given.
    Talking of republics:
    Can Newsnight do a report on how the USA got themselves a marxist as a president?
    When you consider the US spent many years fighting communism, a Leninist waltzes right on into the Whitehouse, how did a community organiser with a staple gun get the top job? Ok, put aside obamas financial backers such as George Soros, the Chicargo mob, Wall St and the Hollywood funders..who is really behind the front-of-shop telepromter President?

    Just thought i'd ask seeing that the good folk at the beeb still think Obuma can't do anything wrong, you know, some still thinks he walks on water...Mark Mardell been one of those Obuma disciples, Mark is forever pulling out excuses for the can't-do-wrong President.

    I'm not all critical. After reading Barries take on Emily -the interview with that mandarin from brussels..I watched again and was very impressed with the woman. I think Emily has matured just nice lately. I always thought she cloned herself too much on the master Paxman but she's found her own style now, I'm starting to like the woman. Yeah, she'll be proper made-up now she's got some approval from some idiot from the bloggosphere.

    As for gold..The dollar is on its way out. Thats all you need to know.

  • Comment number 5.

    :p Just had a quick peek at last night's episode with Emily - her expression was hillarious! Perhaps it's about time someone banned Jacqui Smith......

  • Comment number 6.

    Meanwhile we have this:

    "Thousands claim incapacity benefit for addictions"

    /news/uk-politics-13152349

    "Knee Jerk" Dave says many taxpayers would object because they felt recipients should be "people who are incapacitated through no fault of their own".

    I'm sure they would, but let's have a serious discussion about (a) the reasons why non-Bullingdonians become addicts, and (b) the alternatives:

    1) Euthanasia

    2) Benefits

    3) Prison/compulsory rehab/bootcamp (more expensive/doubtfully effective.)

    4) Having more addicts stealing, begging, homeless etc. The nuisance of this disproportionately affects ordinary people.

    On election night last year, Dave's old Oxford Prof, Vernon Bogdanor, described him as "brilliant". I have yet to see/hear a shred of evidence to support this claim. Methinks Prof B was just trying to bask in reflected glory, but in doing so he has also called into question his own department's academic standards.

    @4 "Can Newsnight do a report on how the USA got themselves a marxist as a president?"

    I also want a documentary about why the Earth is really flat!

  • Comment number 7.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 8.

    DESTINY DAVE DOESN'T EVEN RANK 'A VERY NAUGHTY BOY'. (#6)

    The level of awareness of Britons - be they Professors or losers, is manifestly miniscule.

    Thinking of Dave's PERSONALITY POSTER, that displayed Dave's attractive virtual cousin, I am suddenly struck by the similarity with the 45 MINUTE front pages. In both cases, there was a media flutter - THEN NOTHING.

    No one seems to understand that, just as Blair/Campbell's silence, when the false headlines were printed, damned them FOR ALL TIME, so did Dave's espousal of a FALSE INGRATIATING IMAGE, give stark warning of pathetic, desperate, wannabe Dave - NOW PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN.

    If this indicates the level of savvy of the average Brit, no wonder relationships don't last! And what does it say for UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE!

  • Comment number 9.

    HEISENBERG'S JUXTAPOSITION PRINCIPLE (#1 & #2)

    I have my eye on you museV (I just hope Blogdog hasn't). You will be making connection with 9/11 next already . . .

    I was already primed to listen to the jolly psychopath. But prompt appreciated.

  • Comment number 10.

    barrie

    Eye-eye sir ;)

  • Comment number 11.

    James Turk expects hyperinflation - very disturbing from the calm voice of a PM expert :-

  • Comment number 12.

    GROWTH WAS NEVER A SUSTAINABLE GOAL (#11)

    Small wonder it was Bankruptcy Brown's mantra. And it was only questioned far away from the Palaces of Power.

    We are back to the ultimate psychopaths again. More is best. Wisdom is absent.

    Stasis would be a better goal. But it's a mature concept. 'End of' as Dave would say.

  • Comment number 13.

    ERROR BAND

    "Sales up by 0.2%." Anybody?

  • Comment number 14.

    DAVE GETS JUDGE-MENTAL ON JUDGES

    Disingenuous Dave has referred to: "The Parliament which you elect".

    How does that work then? Under the MPENV system (Most People Effectively No Vote) only a small number of rigged marginal votes have any impact.

    You would think that if Dave WANTS us to elect Parliament, he would change the voting system. Is he being straight with us?

  • Comment number 15.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 16.

    "Loonies Get In a Tizzy About B.P.'s 'Arts' Sponsorship."

    From the last time they staged some 'performance' art:

    The Daily Tel, 29th June, 2010:
    "Oil-chucking artists against BP should go back to the drawing board."

    "Oh, what fun they must have had. A group of artists has tipped oil and feathers...
    ...Wading through the logical mess..."

    The Daily Tel, 2nd July, 2010:
    "Ignore the protests against BP at the Tate. Oil and art get along fine."

    "...And oil and art came together in a clumsily choreographed pageant of comic absurdity this week at Tate Britain's Summer Party. A group of spittle-flecked wing-nut demonstrators poured..."

  • Comment number 17.

    IRONY ALERT

    I'm sure there's a spelling mistake here - isn't it "Smug Alert"?

    "The government has issued a "smog alert" in England and Wales for ozone and polluting particles known as PM10s, which can affect people's health."

    There's plenty of polluting air coming from the PM at no 10.

    /news/uk-13161431

  • Comment number 18.

    i hope Kate's wedding goes well, and i hope the black bloc doesn't get involved. Leave it to the edl and other hooligans to make an ass of themselves.

    N.I. - i expect the numbers of extremist attacks to increase, due *ENTIRELY* to this Govts cuts reducing the standard of living in the province. Unfortunately, some of these groups are not interested in fighting the cuts, but in using them to increase their own violent membership. The same is happening in the rest of the UK as well, as we are observing. This Tory Govt is turning the clock back to a far darker age, across the board, and NuLabour are the back-up plan. I hope people remember that when they go to vote in may. We need growth in the economy, not growth in extremism and bank bonuses!

  • Comment number 19.

    Letter to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Watchdog concerning next weeks alleged topic

    Massively Increased Car Insurance Premiums

    Perhaps the biggest factor influencing the massive increases in car insurance premiums is the fact that the proposed new " Universal Credit " will in effect means test what was once truly universal Incapacity Benefit. Premiums have probably already risen due to the new stricter work capacity tests, but when the Universal Credit comes in those with savings over 16k will receive no benefit at all. Obviously this affects all previous recipients of accident compensation payments, especially those who have managed their money prudently to provide extra income. Likewise severely injured ex servicemen from Iraq and Afghanistan, although Lord Freud claims it doesn't matter because they get 2k a month for life anyway.

    Looking at the basic math's its obvious that at current safe interest rates you need at least an extra 350k in compensation just to survive on a decent standard of living. This probably means that judges will rightly award an extra 500k on insurance compensation claims which of course has to be paid for by car insurance policy holders. ( note employers liability will not escape either )

    I realise that it is pointless me writing this as the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has no intention on revealing the truth about the proposed welfare reforms given how much effort it put into scapegoating drug addicts and the obese on the behalf of our Corporate Nazi Westminster politicians today.

  • Comment number 20.

    BARONESS D'SOUZA SAYS NEW PEERS ARE TOO PARTISAN

    That sounds like a good reason to SPOILPARTYGAMES!

  • Comment number 21.

    WONDER NO MORE MICHAEL CRICK - THE PUZZLE IS SOLVED

    I suggest monarchy is edgy media fodder - whether as expensive pageantry or expensive, messy divorce. It feeds the dumbed-down masses.

    Republicanism - done properly - appeals to the mature mind. What mature mind?

    Nuff sed.

  • Comment number 22.

    22 the deluge of propaganda normalising the apartheid of monarchism fails to show it is an apartheid that has a language of discrimination and involves an apparatus of forced obedience such as the personal oath to one family.[which they call a national oath].

    i fully expect a hatchet job on anyone who explains that an apartheid role gaming protestant cult own the uk highest office on a hereditary basis and that it has no national legitimacy.

    the current brainwashing is a form of stockholm syndrome.

    lets predict the monarchist views [as rehearsed ad infinitum in the Lords Hansard]

    1.its good for tourism [but will not provide figures]
    2. its better than president blair [so mixing up executive and ceremonial]
    3.its stood the test of time so no need for a vote [without going into the history]
    4. It would be too complex to get rid of it [poor commonwealth can't survive without it]
    5 popular support [so why afraid of a vote?]

    there are more straw men but that should do to be getting on with.

  • Comment number 23.

    Clarkson @ 6:

    "I also want a documentary about why the Earth is really flat!"

    Give Al gore enough money and he'll knock-up a rather convincing documentary for you.

    Obama..Marxist er yeah. Unless your getting your info from the Beeb, msnbc and other govt mouthpieces. A little bit of research can go along way. He's a hard core Leninist/Marxist.

  • Comment number 24.

    ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 1 NEWS

    Cluster bomb casing printed in ENGLISH - ONLY ENGLISH.

    Dave, confronted by Nick Robinson, says he is 'only obeying orders' regarding disgraceful vilification of Clegg in the NO campaign. He truly is a nasty man.

    WE HAVE GOT OURSELVES ANOTHER ONE

  • Comment number 25.

    @23 I expect Obama studied Marx when he was at the Madrasah during his childhood in Kenya?
    ;-D

  • Comment number 26.

    13. At 18:01pm 21st Apr 2011, barriesingleton wrote:

    ERROR BAND

    "Sales up by 0.2%." Anybody?

    ---------------------

    Well done barrie!

    We will make you a scientist/statistician yet!

    Has 0.2% ever been ejaculated over more?

  • Comment number 27.

    @25
    No, I think Obama was too busy watching old re-runs of the Marx brothers way back then. His granny was the only one in the village with a TV set. You can trace his sense of humour and turn of phrase to the old vauderville crowd. His indoctrination to Marxism came later.

    I've not seen the Warkster for ages. She has to be the best looking mid 50s woman presenter - by far - on the box. And the way she walked from stage to stage without missing a beat... consummate professional.

    Barrie, leave it...leave it!..let that one go Baz.

  • Comment number 28.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 29.

    I walked past the Russian embassy and shouted through the door...'is Len in'.....

  • Comment number 30.

    #23: kevsey, can you then answer this question: How does he differ in his policies, in the way you regard as Marxist, from ANY president in the last 60 years??

    Are you just quoting, or do you understand the Political Science involved?


    #24:


    Afghanistan: protecting our Troops;





    the crops can be grown on regulated, cooperatively owned farms by local Afghan people. This removes the local corruption level, and will not only increase both living standards for the families, but also tax returns for the local authorities, who can then also spend on local development. Development, increasing jobs and demand for jobs in the local economies, as well as freedom from overt foreign control, will entice many Afghans from the resistance movements back to the communities. By our troops becoming instrumental in defending *Afghan* civilian freedoms and development, they will be accepted more - although tensions will always remain until they leave, just as if the positions were reversed and Afghan soldiers were here in Britain. That's just common sense.

    we would also be in a position to help the thousands of ex-service-people who have opium/heroin addictions from their time in Afghanistan, and so many are ending up in the crime/violence/prison route that current Govt policies direct them. We could copy the Swiss model, reduce the harm to our addicted ex-service personnel, and greatly increase both the safety and security of our troops still in Afghanistan, and demonstrate to Muslims worldwide that we DO care for their freedoms and development.


    ..Course, the Murdoch-press would have a field day.

  • Comment number 31.

    25

    anyone who does a political science module studies marx.

  • Comment number 32.

    DODGY DESPOT DAVE IS TAKING ON THE JUDGES - AND WELL HE MIGHT

    For the 2010 General Election, Dave's Conservative Party issued a NEGATIVE 'liar flyer' that was widely distributed. By my reading, it contravened the Representation of the People Act 115. It employed Gordon Brown as 'bogey man'.

    For the up-coming AV Referendum, the NO lobby (aka Dave's Conservatives?) has issued a disingenuously worded flyer, of serial deviousness, this time using (abusing?) Nick Clegg as its bogey man.

    Is there a pattern of Davishness emerging here? I am finding it very difficult to pin down ANY LAW that covers REFERENDUM flyers. If this one breaks the law too, might Dave be headed for 'THREE STRIKES AND YOU'RE OUT'? Could that be why he has put a shot across the Judges bow?

    NOT A HOPE! Dave is proxy Queen, and in matters of right and wrong, bows to none.

    WE HAVE GOT OURSELVES ANOTHER ONE.

  • Comment number 33.

    '5. At 13:08pm 21st Apr 2011, Mistress76uk
    Perhaps it's about time someone banned Jacqui Smith......'


    A banning might be too far, so one simply hopes that good taste, common sense, and a better developed sense of irony may prevail.

    However, as we are talking the UK media, and a unique broadcast one in particular who seems to feel it is invested in the subject, one rather suspects we'll yet be subjected to Mrs. Smith in ever more bizarre ways.

  • Comment number 34.

    #19 brossen99 - words are pretty much a wast of time in terms of change . There is only one way now - remove money from banks and buy silver/gold at as close to spot price as a store of value . Not totally sure but I think legal tender silver from abroad is exempt from VAT. (that's important, check with Customs) I was saying this a long time ago and totally ignored now it seems Newsnight has taken some note. The situation with the $ is serious and could easily get very serious very quickly. A lot of people dont know how to buy or sell physical silver . Just to help you out . If you go into a small bullion dealer ask for scrap 925 silver check the spot price first and they will charge say 5 to 7 pence a gram over that. Sovereigns are probably the best gold to buy in the UK.



    "What is important, from an investment point of view, is the fact that gold bullion and older gold coins are not subject to VAT, due to the EU Gold Directive. Even more important is the fact that, unlike the other forms of gold investment outlined above, British gold sovereigns are also not subject to capital gains tax (CGT). Thus all post-1837 British gold sovereigns – because they are legal tender and have a legal tender face value - are capital gains tax free, which is obviously a massive benefit to investors vis-à-vis other gold investments."

    I would check that out specifically with the Inland Revenue .

    We are living in crazy times with people of power projecting their sickness via MSM onto poor ill vulnerable people and benefits and tell us men are worried about looking at porn when they have been well and truly shafted out of a job, home and life by politicians captured by extremely wealthy bankers and on the front page of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ they are 'worried about watching porn' Let me tell YOU VERY directly its YOU that we're worried about. YOU are engaged in social engineering to radically reduce living standards via cover of a massive financial fraud and implemented through the education system which will go the way of another debt scam seen in the US .

    Do you sleep well at night Mr Brown ?

  • Comment number 35.

    BROWN STAIN (#34)

    Jekyll Brown sleeps the sleep of the just. Hyde Brown never could sleep . . .

    But what of Duality Dave?

    Might we have GOT OURSELVES ANOTHER J/H BROWN?

  • Comment number 36.

    What the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ cant allude to but those who studied the PM world have known for a long time -



    "Do you think this could lead to criminal charges ?"

    "No because these people own the Govt; your Govt is controlled by Wall Street; Banking; Insurance; Big Pharma and Transnational Corporations"

    'Nazi Germany was a trail run for these people'

  • Comment number 37.

    'I've not seen Kirsty for ages. She has to be the best looking mid 50s woman presenter - by far - on the box. And the way she walked from stage to stage without missing a beat... consummate professional.'

    Correct

  • Comment number 38.

    2 monarchists vrs 1 republican. Kirsty's fuzzy questions. usual stitch up.

    kirsty - the americans are fascinated by the monarchy.

    have you asked if they want one? americans are fascinated by lots of shallow things.

    the atmosphere will change when the queen goes. then the shallow nature of role gamers and the apartheid will come to light.

  • Comment number 39.

    37

    kirsty is best seen at interviewing people who have little english. Watching them trying to follow her accented convoluted idiom loaded rambling questions is hysterical.

  • Comment number 40.

    if hereditary is a good principle why do we not extend it to judges, police chief and presenters [some say that with presenters happens now!]

  • Comment number 41.

    It would be very much appreciated if you could interview Janet Tavakoli, Bill Black and Max Keiser .

  • Comment number 42.

    TOBACCO IS 'FIGHTING FOR DEATH' IN AUSTRALIA

    I suggest this is clear evidence that IMMATURITY, in the (supposed) adult population, spans the post-industrial globe.

    Until the primary aim of 'developed' nations is the promotion of optimum maturity in every newborn, our nihilistic life of 'Deadly Sins +' will take us down, in the failure space, going forward.

  • Comment number 43.

    I CAN FIND NO UK REFERENDUM LAW

    Would that explain the 'incredibly' (a Dave word) dishonest, disgraceful, deceiving 'liar flyer' of the NEIN campaign? Goebbels must be chuckling in his grave, that the holier-than-though heroes of Nuremberg, have sunk this low. In the document, 'the lie' is elevated way beyond a linguistic art-form, to a Wagnerian crescendo of deceitful, Davish harmonies, putting that false-image election poster to shame. May all those who plotted and approved this miserable little exercise, be brought low, in ignominy. They are without honour.

  • Comment number 44.

    Its interesting to listen/read the various angles people come at Libya and its relation to the writers/talkers own little obsession or bent - banking; CIA putsch; gold :-





  • Comment number 45.

    What ever the truth maybe it certainly gets warped by the gravitational pull of human obsession on a subject and association of the situation to what ever the obsession maybe; correlations are made leading to assertions. The obsessional glue sticks it all together and 'a truth' presents itself, then presentation is everything to pass on the believability. Maybe this is why Picasso was considered so good ? I never fully understood him from a purely visual thing.

  • Comment number 46.

    Equally, (Happy St George's Day by the way. I gather he was an heroic Palestinian that countries across east and west Europe still celebrate, though nobody knows why beyond the lure of the thrill of an archetypal myth. I'm surprised the animal welfare lot haven't taken steps to cleanse our collective psyche. Perhaps if Bondi Vet was transmitted more frequently...) it could be argued that monarchic hereditary protestants get some things right:




    From an economic perspective, a nation's income inequality sets the level of redistribution of public resources, which are critical in defining the protective role of social policies. Our analysis indicates that this wealth redistribution is also related to the altruistic behaviour of a nation—ie, communities that tend to distribute their goods equally are also keen to aid people in poorer countries. As with human love, whereby the more individuals receive the more they give back, for countries, the more they are equalitarian, the more they grant externally. Sociologists might like to explore these behaviours. We just argue that this is an additional reason to include Gini coefficient in the set of key human development indicators of international agencies.
    The Lancet, Volume 365, Issue 9469, Pages 1462 - 1463, 23 April 2005

  • Comment number 47.

    DEFENCE WEAPONS

    Listening to 'Beyond Westminster' I have finally learned why we only have DEFENCE weapons.

    WE ARE DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO ATTACK JOHNNIE FOREIGNER ON A WHIM; upholding our time-honoured role (though honoured by nothing else) as a beacon of democratic decency in the world.

    Nuff sed.

  • Comment number 48.

    Eric King lays it out with the important facts two thirds the way through starting with :-

    'Very sophisticated buyers with unlimited cheque books'



    'The silver shorts lost control of this situation'

  • Comment number 49.

    'New words to describe our whacked out system'



    'The first bubble of Fractional Reserve Banking using margin'

  • Comment number 50.

    Alex Jones



  • Comment number 51.

    This one is important:-



    "This might be the beginning of the end for some too-big-to-fail banks.

    The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust and anti-fraud divisions are investigating whether as many as 16 giant banks colluded to manipulate LIBOR, the London Interbank Offered Rate."

    -------------------------

    Had a great day painting; off to bed to dream about being Caravaggio .

  • Comment number 52.

    Btw, - the "Muslims Against New Crusades" march, i'm sure many of the people of Brighton would actively welcome such a social event, if it changed its name to "Brits Against New Crusades', or 'People Against New Crusades', even 'Everyone Against New Crusades'. This would give Brighton a chance to show its pageantry and love of old English traditions in its own way, and demonstrate the sense of gratitude that Queen Elisabeth told Benedict 'off' for his support for 'foreign interventions' by the West, during his visit to the UK recently. There is no need to see this march as "anti-British", or even anti-monarchical. It is an anti-war march, and can be a celebration.

    The edl would also be welcomed, i'm sure.

  • Comment number 53.

    #2: that is the most confused scientific-sounding gibberish i have read in DAYS!!. This 'scientist' finds things out that apparently support his thesis, and then apparently chooses to believe the opposite. Without any given explanation!

    although, to be perfectly honest, Anyone who can believe there is a " Criminal Brain" need their own heads examining. Are we to believe that the current bankers are thieves by their very genetic nature? Are we to believe that the offspring of our current crop of Parliamentarians will also be war-mongering fools? Its "in their genes" and nothing can change it? Although it has implications that i partly like , the whole idea is plainly ridiculous. So its no wonder he changed his mind against such silliness, the extraordinary thing is he still talks about it as though it was a valid theory.

    "There are different versions or 'flavours' of this gene. James Fallon turned out to have the version which has been most strongly correlated with violent behaviour in some studies. Professor Fallon says that in a sense, he's a born killer."

    the is just the icing on the American Cake. Such an extraordinary layer of silliness it is hard to imagine; ...compared to whom? And he seems to have managed not to run around killing people quite satisfactorily, or does he find himself occasionally getting murderous thoughts? Well, "Professor" Fallon, so do most people. You're NOT special in this, you're not super-evil, get over it already. And genes have a behavioural impact, but far less so than the process of socialisation, or our culture.

    i suppose annoying a psychopath is a dangerous thing to do, especially telling them that in this they are actually quite normal really and the whole thing is an intellectual fantasy, but i'll take that risk that this Professor Fallon can continue to restrain his murderous impulses.. ^_^

  • Comment number 54.

    #46 wappaho: an excellent link there, thanks. :)

  • Comment number 55.

    AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW (#53)

    My brother was a high achieving Asperger (self diagnosed) with a side order of paranoia. He lived 77 years as an odd child and an eccentric adult, and reclusive elder, leaving no children.

    I have no idea if his brain was 'different', in an Aspergerish way. But I have no difficulty reserving judgement on Professor Fallon until I have more data.

    It has been pointed out that a specific small genetic difference is responsible for most violence, criminality and murders (check the prison populations) so I see no reason to ridicule off hand.

    Intriguing, as before, Mork.

  • Comment number 56.

    Hudson/Wolff On Debt and Recession :-

  • Comment number 57.

    BOUGHT-AND-PAID -FOR-OBAMA PRESIDES OVER A BUMMER (#56)

    'Hell no - there isn't any dough!'

    Thanks Flicks3.

  • Comment number 58.

  • Comment number 59.

  • Comment number 60.

    I EXPECT THE EU REGULATIONS WILL BE SCRAPPED OR WE WILL BACKSLIDE (#59)

    At least we can run coal stations till they blow, and the damage is only in the real world rather than 'sub-physical' and insidious.

    A deeply salutary point I suggest.

  • Comment number 61.

    windy_miller wrote:

    "#23: kevsey, can you then answer this question: How does he differ in his policies, in the way you regard as Marxist, from ANY president in the last 60 years??"

    I don't recall mentioning his policies but they'll be there for you if you care to look.
    (Which might be hard for you considering you read the Guardian like the Bible)
    Here a link Mindy_windy:




    Whilst looking for a report on the federal reserve news conference scheduled for next week -I think Wednesday - and the first they'll have given in nearly 90yrs, I came upon this video of Glenn Beck having a chat:

    G. Edward Griffin on 'Glen Beck' Exposes Criminal Nature and Total Secrecy of Federal Reserve:

  • Comment number 62.

    I forgot to mention that its about time mainstream media is hitting on this kinda subject. Beck wouldn't have touched this subject matter a year ago. Are they waking up? lets hope so.

  • Comment number 63.

    HA HA! SIMON HUGHES IS APPEALING TO THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION.

    I can tell you, from personal experience, that the Electoral Commission, can/will do nothing unless the misdemeanour is MONETARY. How very Westminster. I had exchanges, regarding the 2010 Conservative 'Liar Flyer' with a Ms McMeeken - a lady of impeccable manners, while sending one packing. Here is her reply of 25th May 2010, which I am sure Simon Hughes will find frustratingly 'germane':

    "Unfortunately the Commission has no discretion to investigate allegations of offences related to campaign publicity material. We are not able to comment on the legality of any particular electoral material beyond the general advice that we give in our guidance. Please see page 44 of the following document for our guidance on campaign publicity material:
    I am sorry if this seems an unsatisfactory response, but unfortunately we do not have the power to investigate complaints about campaign publicity material. Our roles and responsibilities are outlined here:

    I must have written to Simon about the Liar Flier - I don’t think he replied . . .

    Good luck Mr Hughes. Though I fear you will have none in Despicable Dave's England.

  • Comment number 64.

    ARAB DESPOTS CAN'T GO AROUND BEHAVING LIKE OURS, SAYS BILLY THE SPUD.

    I am beginning to believe the psychopath theory of politics. Something is wrong-headed about them.

    Billy the Spud says the aspiration of Johnnie Arab must be respected by his leader. Why? Not because he went into the streets surely? Last time WE did that, Despot Tony simply ignored us. And Despot Dave looks AN AWFUL LOT like Despot Tony.

    Britain should be put into 'special measures', Westminster closed, and the WELLBEING of our own people put FIRST.

  • Comment number 65.

    #64 barrie

  • Comment number 66.

    COUDN'T OPEN THAT BUT TOOK A LOOK AT THIS (#65)



    Looks as if they might not have been annexable in a few years, so we made our move now?

  • Comment number 67.

    #64 included the following Stats, don't know whether they are true but if they are the Corporate Nazi's are not going to tell anyone about it anyway ?

    GDP per capita - $ 14,192.

    * Unemployment benefit - $ 730.

    * Each family member subsidized by the state gets annually $ 1.000

    * Salary for nurses - $ 1.000.

    * For every newborn is paid $ 7.000.

    * The bride and groom receive a $ 64 thousand to purchase flats.

    * Major taxes and levies prohibited.

    * To open a personal business a one-time financial assistance of $ 20.000

    * Education and medicine are free.

    * Educ.Internships abroad - at government expense.

    * Stores for large families with symbolic prices for basic foodstuffs.

    * Part of pharmacies - with free dispensing.

    * Loans for buying a car and an apartment - no interest.

    * Real estate services are prohibited.,

    * Buying a car up to 50% paid by the State.

    * No Payment for electricity for the population.

    * Sales and use of alcohol is prohibited.

  • Comment number 68.

    WHEN RESULTS MATCH PREDICTION THE SCIENCE IS GOOD

    I am so exercised by the tishy nature of the NO campaign, and the pathetic weaselling-about of MPs FOR AND AGAINST, on TV, it occurred to me to check the web for 'The Real David Cameron'.

    It's all there, as I predicted.

    WE HAVE INDEED GOT OURSELVES ANOTHER ONE

  • Comment number 69.

    dangers of porn:



    - better education at school?

    or:



    lets allow censorship?

    remember Jacqui Smith?



    Are Govts more worried about porn, or about political free speech? Gee, what do YOU reckon???

  • Comment number 70.

    Bob Chapman on Easter Sunday:-





    Very significant to understand whats going on the silver market right NOW.

  • Comment number 71.

    '59. At 11:57am 24th Apr 2011, brossen99 wrote:
    '


    Funny what gets raised, and when, or not... and the reaction...

    /blogs/thereporters/richardblack/2011/04/giant_tortoise_salvation.html?postId=108323125

    Unique, as one is often informed.


  • Comment number 72.

    Apparently Andrew Neil tweeted that he had been advised not to buy gold. Well just for you Andrew the advice in #70 is BUY THE PM MINES; the shorts are going to get burned. But no doubt like all who are gripped by hierarchical influence that Chapman alludes to on the golf course, you will not listen. Not you or anyone else, certainly not those in MSM stuck like glue to the banks and accountancy firms who are all captured by CDS's and CDO's and all the other non real stuff . A while back I suggested a certain presenter keep an eye on Molycorp (as well as silver) the price was about $25 then now its $68 . Ask yourself this; do we live in a non real world or a real world - its that simple. Only humans and maybe some of the higher animals can delude themselves, the Earth cant .

  • Comment number 73.

    Switched on women :-



    ' I think this is going to be one wild week'

  • Comment number 74.

    Bill Black:
    'There was massive illegality'

  • Comment number 75.

    There has been talk about Caravaggio using optical devices to aid his painting, I think almost certainly yes he did. People have proposed he used the first form of photography creating a short lived image but long enough for him to paint from. Seriously doubt that, I think he probably used a simple pin hole between two rooms one lit very strongly by directional light the other blacked out as much as possible maybe with only candle light to see. Depth of field (whats in focus) would be very important, this is governed by the size of the pin hole - the smaller the hole the more the depth of field (more in focus) but also the darker the image hence the need for very strong directional light. Its been said he didn't draw - that's almost certainly not true, his paintings are very 'drawn' in keeping with the time things are sharp and defined with lines. The use of the optical device is to ascertain where in space on a 2D surface everything is and quickly. The method to do this is drawing of some sort even if its drawn with a paint brush.

    There is also a feel that he either cropped his images or use of some kind of long lens although from what is known this would almost predate the history of the telescope being around 1608; Caravaggio died 1610 . Now you can see what looks to me like compression seen in long focal length lens photography in: 'Conversion of Saint Paul' 1601 in the Santa Maria del Popolo church Rome also 'Crucifixion of St Peter'. Do you see how the space is compressed - it feels tight, how ever depth of field would be very limited with a long focal length lens so there are some contradictions over what you see and how it might be done :-




  • Comment number 76.

    49 re. crass phrases, I heard 'reverse moral 'suasion' on the Keiser Report:



    75 re. link to painting, it's amazing isn't it, like a forerunner to Film Noir. I used to think C was dreary until Andrew Graham-Dixon explained the subversive element to me. Fascinating man/men.

  • Comment number 77.

    IMF BOMBSHELL:

  • Comment number 78.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 79.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 80.

    #77 Yup Kev I've been watching the US sink into the mire, it will drag us down with it I feel though. As flicks has kept saying we should all have bought gold and silver a while ago.

    Although I did read it would take China down as well, as they own so many dollars and investments there, so it's a case of watch this space I reckon.

  • Comment number 81.

    77 fascinating. It's a bit like the last 5 mins of an Indiana Jones movie - a mad dash to get out before the temple collapses. On the other hand, the market may decide that a free mind has more value than a free hand.

    ***

    You have to laugh, don't you?

    "Jones accidentally accidentally fired his gun in his car before his court appearance ....The shot went into the floorboard of his car. No one was hurt. Police confirmed that they believed it was an accident and Jones was reunited with his gun before being sent on his way."


    But do the last two photos put the whole inflammatory situation both into perspective and in proportion?

    I had to chuckle again at the fist 'comment' - "Seriously, how angry is the guy in picture four that he is aiming a gun at the flag...while his mates are still holding it!!!"

    ***

    So nice to see Europe in the news:

  • Comment number 82.

    'NO AUTHORITY WITHOUT INTEGRITY'

    As Andrew Marr is challenged (redacted) governance and politics generally, wallow in hypocritical acts and utterances while elevating the most skilled in such arts.

    Politics: The art of self deception wrapped in the craft of deceiving others for their own good. (While giving Johnnie Foreigner a righteous drubbing.)

    SPOILPARTYGAMES

  • Comment number 83.

    Andrew Marr has an irritating voice and he perpetuated a myth in his recent programme about the Census. Contrary to popular political belief, people do not put themselves down as Christian because they want 'the badge without the effort'. CofE is the most successful religion yet because (in postwar Britain) it morphed into a culture based on a mantra that denotes 'honesty, fairness and compassion' (for evryone regardless of whether or not one is related to them).

    Niall Ferguson's analysis that British Christinanity failed because it lost its competitive edge, unlike the proliferation of small churches in the Bible belt of America (aka Rev Jonesy). However, I do not equate Evangelism with just plain common-or-garden decency and diligence. Give me Anglicanism anyday. More tea Barrie? :)

    my post above - duplicate accidental and there should be an r in fist.

  • Comment number 84.

    COALITION BLEND (#83)

    A dark, tasteless infusion, only to be stirred with a long spoon.

  • Comment number 85.

    First of all I do think Lucian Fraud is a great artist.

    Ive attended two exhibitions of his, one was a work in progress show within the same venue as a retrospective of Patrick Heron which was rather unfortunate being as Lucian made Heron look insignificant and as stuffy and upper class plumbed-out as his voice. The other was a show of etchings. I tend to know straight away where an artist is at when viewing work so there is a feeling of OK his got it no need to worry about that, and that was what I had from the etchings I mean its genius he is brilliant at drawing lines in copper - he loves it, does it again and again and again - gets off on it, so no need to worry. But the painting; the painting has all manor of anxiety and worry and doesn't he layer it on thick, the good thing about obsessive compulsive painting disorder is that you always get intensity, I mean they really force it through and if they arnt bothered or anxious or upset about some aspect of the work then they mess it up to make sure they are - have a performance - get upset and feel the need and justification for doing it all over again. They say things like 'oh I wasn't motivated enough' . Let me explain; using impasto is very painterly but difficult to handle (control) especially so when your painting in what might be described as a realist manor, you can not achieve a tonal transition as you can with thin glazes and this is important. So why give yourself a hard time with thick impasto ? a technique is used against the manor of painting, why ? is it just style ? or a reflection of the artists personality; is it a playing out of masochism, anxiety and an obsessive kind of control thing ? why do the life class again and again and again ? Make people sit for hours days weeks and months ? This is why he is great - the questions come, wrong or right and unanswered .

    I think this one will come back to me being as Lucian is not one to allow such words.

  • Comment number 86.

    #61, kev: ludicrous link. THAT is what you base your theory that "Obama is a Marxist" on? I would strongly advise you to read up on High Modernism, (James C Scott is a very good source for this), and learn about the basics of accessing resources of Higher Education before opening your mouth on the topic again. Not that you will listen, of course.



    i doubt you can follow the intricacies of the SCIENCE involved, but give it a go. I recommend 'Seeing like a State' by him. Btw, do try to control your negative emotions, you're getting a bit boring.


    #58 Brosson, Climategate:



    there are good reasons why the 'Climategate Konspiracy' was thoroughly debunked. It is more revealing how little these facts were presented, in the allegedly "PRO-AGW LIBERAL MEEDJA". So much for alex jones' paranoia.


    #55 barry, "It has been pointed out that a specific small genetic difference is responsible for most violence, criminality and murders (check the prison populations) so I see no reason to ridicule off hand. "

    that sounds amazingly like the KKK attempt to blame America's massive populations of ethnic minorities on "genetics", rather than any kind of cultural elements. Laughable, frankly. I would NOT deny there is a small % of human behavioural effects from genetics, and i said that in my earlier reply. But to so completely ignore EVERY OTHER FACTOR in an attempt to score political/social/metaphysics 'points' is just incredibly ignorant. I'm sure there would be MANY factors and correlations found within prisons - and the most notable, undoubtedly, would be childhood, living standards, employment prospects, bad education - and wrong choices. Genetics is, MUST BE, such a small part of what puts people in prisons. I have no doubt (because i know it exists), that some neurologists are attempting to 'materialise' the whole field, however Science is no freer than the rest of society for idiocy and prejudice, unfortunately. To repeat: genetics plays a small part in behavioural terms (especially regarding such cultural elements as 'Crime'), and socialisation, and the Quality of the political governance play far greater roles. I refer you again to the Stanford Experiment.

    re Aspergers: "Some researchers and people with Asperger's have advocated a shift in attitudes toward the view that it is a difference, rather than a disability that must be treated or cured". Wiki.

    there is still a vast problem within neuro-science, because the majority of 'testing' has been done on "abnormal" individuals, and this has been the case for decades. It has led to a greatly flawed theoretical structure and results. Especially when applied to *cultural* issues such as crime.

  • Comment number 87.

    #77: been saying that for years. I doubt the inhabitants of the poorer regions of the American Empire (what we call 'The Third World') will notice much difference either. The US could still save itself, but the necessary political/economic changes (such as taxing the rich instead of the poor, and reinvesting in material production and the post-oil economy) would require the kind of policy changes that are virtually impossible in today's US. Shame really, on many levels. I happen to admire the US, it was just unfortunate it imported Roman/Greek classics, and the Class System from Europe.

    83: wappaho, i have yet to hear Niall Ferguson make ONE accurate analysis of ANYTHING. Compared to the series of politicians making history programs, or the current "Filthy Cities" series, he is markedly inferior. Oh, and on the topic, the archaeologist doing the "Celt" history series is far too nakedly biassed. Very off-putting, which is a shame, as it is a very interesting topic.

    i think Ferguson's ignorant worshipping of "the Neo-Cons" on Andrew Neill's show was the nail in the lid. I hope the Beeb avoids him and any later work in the future!

  • Comment number 88.

    87 Hi Mork, reference "the archaeologist doing the "Celt" history series is far too nakedly biassed."

    I'm guessing you think he is too suggestive of an 'indigenous britishness'? I think he is treading a very careful line. There's more than a smattering of concessions towards the 'mongrel britain' thesis.

    Would you like to cite examples of what you disagreed with based on your knowledge of archeogenetics? I think you once before eschewed the (neo)Indo-European migration thesis, but isn't that the basis for the mongrel nation thesis? Sorry if I have misunderstood your posts.

  • Comment number 89.

    No one seems to understand that, just as Blair/Campbell's silence, when the false headlines were printed, damned them FOR ALL TIME, so did Dave's espousal of a FALSE INGRATIATING IMAGE, give stark warning of pathetic, desperate, wannabe Dave - NOW PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN.

    If this indicates the level of savvy of the average Brit, no wonder relationships don't last! And what does it say for UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE! :

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