Archive
Thought for the day
How would it play if every nation on Trumsk’s hit list, ie all of them apart from Israel (because of its unique development opportunities), slapped a minimum 100% tariff on Tesla cars?
Would the special relationship survive that?
Question
Would you invest with a fund manager that produces tv advertising as unashamedly crass as that of AJ Bell?
Dumbed up
Fans of Astrid and the UK offshoot Patience may be interested in a new Disney series called High Potential. It’s the same in principle but it approaches the concept in a more basic way. As a result it’s completely lacking in subtlety and nuance.
No wonder it’s a big US hit.
The Furies
The last big storm, the one that knocked down a lot of trees, that was Arwen, wasn’t it? Now it’s Eowyn.
If the run of Tolkien females continues, Galadriel will be a bitch.
🥜
I see Zuckerberg and Musk standing close together. I wonder if they’re will be fisticuffs in the car park afterwards.
I love Lucy
Let’s say I am a traditionalist, one who isn’t too impressed by the flood of femininity in Sky and TNT coverage of a boys’ game, in the name of political correctness.
But that doesn’t prevent me from saying that in my opinion there is no better pundit and co-commentator than Lucy Ward.
Lynched
Following the death of the great David Lynch, I did a Wikipedia search for Twin Peaks. I found it and read the plot, with mounting amazement.
Like most of the population I watched the series slavishly. Revisiting it, if proof is required that you can in fact fool all of the people all of the time, that is it.
Sir Keir is watching you
After the latest update Microsoft Word users will have noticed a new tool. It’s called Copilot, and its purpose is to produce a draft document covering pretty much anything that it’s told to do.
I promise you right now that I will never go near it. Apart from it being dishonest, it would also be pointless. They can tweak it all they like but they will never teach the bugger to think like me.
However Keir Starmer loves it. In his eyes, as he explained this week, Artificial Intelligence is a gateway to the bravest of new world and is a field in which the UIK will be a world leader.
Izzat so, Prime Minister? Maybe you’ve used it already.
I took it for a test drive this afternoon. I asked it to write an election manifesto for the British Labour Party. In less that 30 seconds, I kid you not, it came up with the following:
Labour Party Election Manifesto
For a Fairer, Greener, and Brighter Future
Introduction
The Labour Party is committed to building a fairer, greener, and brighter future for all citizens of the United Kingdom. Our vision is rooted in the principles of social justice, economic equality, and environmental sustainability. We believe that by working together, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
Economy and Jobs
Building a Stronger Economy
• Invest in infrastructure projects to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
• Support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with grants and low-interest loans.
• Implement a fair tax system where the wealthiest pay their fair share.
• Raise the minimum wage to ensure a living wage for all workers.
Creating Quality Jobs
• Invest in green industries and renewable energy to create sustainable jobs.
• Promote vocational training and apprenticeships to equip young people with the skills they need.
• Support workers’ rights to unionize and bargain collectively.
• Ensure equal pay for equal work and eliminate gender pay gaps.
Education
Investing in Our Future
• Increase funding for public schools to ensure that all children receive a high-quality education.
• Reduce class sizes to provide more personalized attention to students.
• Expand access to early childhood education and childcare services.
• Make higher education accessible and affordable for all by reducing tuition fees and increasing scholarships.
Empowering Teachers
• Provide competitive salaries and professional development opportunities for teachers.
• Ensure that teachers have the resources and support they need to succeed in the classroom.
• Promote a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills.
Healthcare
Protecting the NHS
• Increase funding for the National Health Service (NHS) to ensure timely access to healthcare for all.
• Reduce waiting times for surgeries, treatments, and consultations.
• Invest in mental health services to provide comprehensive care for all citizens.
• Ensure that healthcare professionals receive competitive salaries and adequate working conditions.
Improving Public Health
• Promote preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
• Expand access to addiction treatment and support services.
• Ensure that all citizens have access to affordable prescription medications.
• Enhance support for caregivers and family members who provide care to loved ones.
Environment
Tackling Climate Change
• Commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• Invest in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
• Promote energy efficiency and conservation in homes, businesses, and public buildings.
• Support sustainable agriculture and protect natural habitats and biodiversity.
Building a Green Economy
• Invest in green technologies and innovation to drive economic growth.
• Create green jobs and support workers transitioning from traditional industries.
• Promote public transportation and sustainable urban planning to reduce carbon footprints.
• Encourage recycling, waste reduction, and the circular economy.
Social Justice
Fighting Inequality
• Implement policies to reduce poverty and support vulnerable populations.
• Promote affordable housing and address homelessness through comprehensive programs.
• Ensure that social security and welfare benefits provide adequate support for those in need.
• Advance gender equality and support initiatives to combat discrimination and violence against women.
Promoting Inclusivity
• Support policies that promote diversity and inclusion in workplaces and communities.
• Protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Foster positive relations between different cultural, ethnic, and religious groups.
• Ensure that people with disabilities have access to the services and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives.
Housing and Infrastructure
Building Affordable Homes
• Invest in the construction of affordable housing to meet the needs of all citizens.
• Implement rent control measures to prevent exploitation by landlords.
• Support first-time homebuyers with grants and low-interest loans.
• Ensure that all housing developments are environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient.
Improving Infrastructure
• Invest in the modernization of public transportation systems.
• Upgrade and maintain essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities.
• Expand access to high-speed internet and digital services across the country.
• Implement smart city initiatives to enhance urban living and reduce environmental impacts.
Foreign Policy
Promoting Peace and Stability
• Support diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and promote global peace.
• Commit to international cooperation on issues such as climate change, trade, and security.
• Provide humanitarian aid to countries affected by disasters and conflicts.
• Uphold human rights and promote democracy worldwide.
Strengthening International Relations
• Foster strong relationships with our European neighbours and other global allies.
• Promote fair trade policies that protect workers’ rights and environmental standards.
• Support international development initiatives that address poverty and inequality.
• Engage with global institutions to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
The Labour Party is dedicated to creating a better future for all citizens of the United Kingdom. Our manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. We believe that by working together, we can achieve our shared goals and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. We invite you to join us in this journey and support our vision for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for your support.
The Labour Party
Without a paddle
Anyone in doubt about the precise location of shit creek only needs to put a tracker on Rachel Reeves’ phone.
DIY
There’s a tv ad running for a build-it-yourself Dalek. It’s motorised, it has a voice and it will do most Daleky things short of elimination, or maybe even that.
It comes in 140 parts. The first costs £1.99. The next 139 cost £11.99 each. That’s a spectacular £1668.60. However if at actually does what it does on the telly it could be pretty cheap.
Why not?
I read this morning that Cristiano Ronaldo is open to a move. Mmm. So here’s my plan. Swap him for Marcus Rashford.
It’s a no-brainer. Rashford is warming the bench at best. CR7 would play, he would score, Hojlund, Garnacho etc would learn from him, and he would be the ‘big’ player that United lack at this moment. And, he and Bruno Amorim played together for Portugal.
Who is this clown?
When the commentator begins the game by saying that the referee has sent off players in each of his first two games, you know that you’re in trouble.
Edinburgh Airport
Once upon a time in L’Escala, the Club Nautic decided that all motorists would have to pay for access to the marina. This included the fishermen who worked from there.
They set up a barrier and a machine. On day one the fishermen arrived and duly paid. Then they held a meeting.
When it was over, they went back to the pay point, broke the barrier and threw it in the sea. It was never replaced.
Sometimes direct action is best.
A wheel too far
A tour guide told me today that Copenhagen is on course to meet its net carbon neutrality target by next year. If its cycle friendly policy is a by product they can stick it where the sun doesn’t shine.
Let’s have a pedestrian friendly policy first. In the Danish capital I feel much more at risk from bikes than cars.
Football-speak?
Lifted from BBC News on line:
‘The Aberdeen fan apologised last week in a ministerial statement and conceded he should have went to a “wider range” of football matches.’
Disgrace
It appears that ITV has no interest in showing the Scotland Euro matches anywhere on the network, nor has STV picked it up. is that not a scunner?!?
Quintin Jardine's blog 