Off-Topic III: The Revengening!

[Mr Mystery]

Oooh!

[Wolfshade]

Ah well, just need to sit and wait.

In other news I need cake.

[Wildeybeast]

Pregnancy test?

[Wolfshade]

http://nerdpai.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Yoda-The-Empire-Strikes-Back.jpg

[Mr Mystery]

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/76/06/1a/76061a21a98925aa12ae25fd29edca53.jpg

[Kirsten]

well today has gone from potentially having a job for a year, to potentially having a job until next week. clearing a warehouse full of files, we were told thousands of boxes to fill, months of work, then another identical sized project after that. it turns out that after filling 500 boxes, the remaining files don't actually belong to our client, and they didn't know. so the other company that they all belong to will have to get rid of them, with of course no guarantee that they will hire us to do it. there is definitely three months of work going, but not for another six weeks, so now I have the problem of looking for more work.

[Kirsten]

one for Wolfie

http://www.clickhole.com/blogpost/my-doctor-told-me-i-should-vaccinate-my-children-t-653?utm_campaign=default&utm_medium=ShareTools&utm_source=twitter

"My Doctor Told Me I Should Vaccinate My Children, But Then Someone Much Louder Than My Doctor Told Me I Shouldn’t"

[Mr Mystery]

Robin Williams has been found dead :(

[daboarder]

Yeah. ...shame. not normally one for grief over celebrity deaths...but thst one is sad

[Gotthammer]

One of the first comedy albums I was ever given was “Reality… What A Concept.” I loved it. I loved “Mork & Mindy.” I even loved Robert Altman’s “Popeye.” Robin Williams meant a lot to me when I was a kid. I knew nothing of drug use or depression. It never occurred to me that comedians, these magical creatures that I worshiped, ever felt anything other than the serene satisfaction derived from making people laugh.

Eventually, I started doing standup myself, and I very quickly learned that comedians were all too human. There is no less sadness in the comedy community than there is in any other workforce; that is to say, jobs are jobs and people are people and no occupation makes anyone depression-proof. This both comforts and frustrates me.

Robin Williams made me laugh so many times. So many times. When I was a kid, having problems of my own, feeling unpleasantly different from the people who populated my world, I found sanctuary watching this guy on TV who was celebrated for being a weirdo, for being an oddball, for being silly. He was praised for having a mind that produced delightful absurdities with great speed. No one told him to be quiet. No one tried to make him act like everyone else. He was a hero to me.

I had occasion to meet him once, not too long ago, and he could not have been nicer or friendlier or calmer. He was just there to watch the show that was happening that night. He wasn’t trying to get on stage; he just — still — loved comedy.

I didn’t tell him any of the things I just wrote here. No doubt, he heard similar things from countless people over his decades-long career. And it’s a colossal shame that being a meaningful presence in the lives of many people, family, friends and strangers alike, isn’t an impenetrable bulwark against despair. It’s profoundly unfair that, if he couldn’t live forever, he couldn’t at least feel able to keep going for his allotted time. I know something of depression, and how bottomless and relentless and insurmountable it feels, but I have never known the unfathomable despair that Robin Williams must have felt. I can’t even begin to imagine it.

Robin Williams will live on in shadows and light and sound, at least. He will continue to comfort weird little kids (and odd adults, for that matter) with his performances, those who know his work today and those who have yet to be born, who may experience him ten, fifty, a hundred years from now. But this is cold comfort indeed.

There will be much celebration, in the coming weeks and months, of Robin Williams’ life and career. But perhaps the best tribute to him would be if we all reached out to the troubled people in our lives and let them know that we are here for them. Because Robin Williams was there for us.

By Paul F Tompkins

[Wolfshade]

Of course the community will need to find a new celebrity that wargames.

Also, are we sure that it wasn't autoerotic asphyxia gone bad?

[Wolfshade]

one for Wolfie

http://www.clickhole.com/blogpost/my-doctor-told-me-i-should-vaccinate-my-children-t-653?utm_campaign=default&utm_medium=ShareTools&utm_source=twitter

"My Doctor Told Me I Should Vaccinate My Children, But Then Someone Much Louder Than My Doctor Told Me I Shouldn’t"

I thought it was for the Hangry Moments advert:
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/fT-w9asanho/0.jpg

- - - Updated - - -


one for Wolfie

http://www.clickhole.com/blogpost/my-doctor-told-me-i-should-vaccinate-my-children-t-653?utm_campaign=default&utm_medium=ShareTools&utm_source=twitter

"My Doctor Told Me I Should Vaccinate My Children, But Then Someone Much Louder Than My Doctor Told Me I Shouldn’t"

Also that pretty much sums it up.

Other the ones that point out that compounds are made of elements and that some of these elements in their natural form are used as poisons!

[Gotthammer]

Also, are we sure that it wasn't autoerotic asphyxia gone bad?

As he is a long term sufferer of depression and bipolar with substance abuse problems he, like so many people with those illnesses, probably suffered to much at their hands.

[Mr Mystery]

Indeedy.

Rik and Robin both gone within months of each other.

I'm running out of people I actually consider to be funny. Before you know it, Channel 4 will have flooded the gaps in the market with more smug goons instead of proper comedians.

[Gotthammer]

http://media.tumblr.com/ba6c59e22c27c45470899e3489bb0fd3/tumblr_inline_n9fs7uTKpJ1qj0ncd.gif

[Psychosplodge]

https://36.media.tumblr.com/135bba7e9a36f111a7a4fe44ee215c27/tumblr_mt9z2aKO2G1r7x4c4o1_500.jpg

Juggalos (http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/08/07/juggalos-try-to-cut-off-mans-insane-clown-posse-tattoo-because-he-hadnt-earned-it/) be cray cray


https://31.media.tumblr.com/eacdf7db31b3e8be48dc94ffa049a1c5/tumblr_n9vd5tk5GU1qjnhqgo1_1280.jpg

lols


Anyway, bloodstock was awesome, thanks for asking. Nearly killed me as was ill before I went, and then it was either hot or wet :D but I survived so all well in the end, even if I should still be in bed now recovering...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/14200_10152438880787758_4998634589667760858_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10383569_10152438886462758_6038373945669266933_n.j pg?oh=e71ac586ba52c1eca7561beec3e33802&oe=54707673

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10606607_10152438889777758_4316140680056488165_n.j pg

How awesome is that guitar?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10612935_10152438896802758_8115537486045035475_n.j pg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1743610_10152438901017758_8074099720509262104_n.jp g?oh=fce30f6f9b0107de60e0fae1eb24eaf5&oe=547D92A7&__gda__=1417821200_ce87e86b74aeb81ee8c06f930f587db 2

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/16318_10152438901957758_6841604984845559335_n.jpg

[Darren Richardson]

I'm glad despite being ill you enjoyed your "Music" festival (if you can call that stuff music, I call it a waiting headache) :D

Try and rest now to recover back to full health.

[Mr Mystery]

Wot, no Twisted Sister? For shame.

Now, things I will need for LARP next weekend (as in not this one, one after)....

1. Entry ticket - to be obtained on the gate
2. Bacon
3. Kit, cooking equipment, duvet and pillow - all in the flat ready and waiting (I'm sleeping in my car, hence the duvet and pillow)
4. Bacon
5. Bread, Brown Sauce
6. Bacon
7. Booze
8. Bacon
9. Bacon
10. Bacon

[Wolfshade]

Surely you should bivouac

[Psychosplodge]

I'm glad despite being ill you enjoyed your "Music" festival (if you can call that stuff music, I call it a waiting headache) :D

Try and rest now to recover back to full health.

thank you, but unfortunately now back at work, no rest for the wicked :D


Wot, no Twisted Sister? For shame.

Now, things I will need for LARP next weekend (as in not this one, one after)....

1. Entry ticket - to be obtained on the gate
2. Bacon
3. Kit, cooking equipment, duvet and pillow - all in the flat ready and waiting (I'm sleeping in my car, hence the duvet and pillow)
4. Bacon
5. Bread, Brown Sauce
6. Bacon
7. Booze
8. Bacon
9. Bacon
10. Bacon

Not since 2010, though they were good.
Also sauce on your bacon is an abomination

[Wolfshade]

The only sauce should be the unborn!

Though I was expecting 'splodge to reference Henderson's Relish.

Also, Splodgiator whilst you were AWOL I found this and thought of you http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukebailey/sean-bean-knows-something

Just found out that my boss has been passing off my work as hers and taking the plaudits for it.

Killswitch: Engage!

[Psychosplodge]

Yeah I saw that AMA.

Hendo's is for chips, stew, steak, and the sunday roast - specifically yorkshire puddings.

How'd you find that out?

[Wolfshade]

I over heard a conversation then asked for a couple of status reports be sent to me to investigate.

I was already annoyed as I have been told that there is no budget for training yet my colleague is scheduled for ther 3rd and 4th course.

My boss is away so I am snooping around. I've complained over the last couple of days that the testing that started this week I have had no visibility of.

[Mr Mystery]

Also sauce on your bacon is an abomination

You wrong. HP Sauce. Bacon loves it. I love it. Bread loves it. It all works. It's like a bunga-bunga party in my mouth. But without dodgy Italians. Or underaged anything. So come to think of it, it's nothing like a bunga-bunga party in my mouth. I'm thinking of that other thing - a Bacon Sandwich. That's what it's like in my mouth. A Bacon Sandwich. In my mouth.

Bacon.

[Wolfshade]

HP died the day it was stopped being made in Aston, and made in as Geoffry Bloom would put it "bongo bongo land"

[eldargal]

Lauren Bacall died.:(

[Mr Mystery]

Tsk.

HP is still lovely and made from win and dates and secret spices and vinegar.

So looking forward to having decent facilities of my own at LARP! Having previously used public transport to get back and forth, amount of gear I could pack was limited. Now, I can take my camping table, use the boot of the car as a seat, and cook foods! Oh yes! Screw you food wagons! Too expensive, and low quality!

- - - Updated - - -


Lauren Bacall died.:(

This week sucks. Sucks I tell you. This week sucks more than Russell Brand presenting a Street Dancing Reality Show where the dancers have to also complete Bush Tucker trials, whilst desperately trying to find a better agent. And that's pretty sucky.

Dear Cool People.

Stop. Dying. This means you Sir Christopher Lee. You're not allowed to die. Ever.

[Wolfshade]

Lauren Bacall died.:(

I can honestly say that I have never seen any of her work.

[Psychosplodge]

I can honestly say that I have never seen any of her work.

Same, but still recognise the name.

[Wolfshade]

User Acceptance Testing today.

13 Tests, 1 Pass. Woo! That is better than I forecast.

[Darren Richardson]

2. Bacon...4. Bacon....6. Bacon
7. Booze
8. Bacon
9. Bacon
10. Bacon

That's a lot of bacon.....

What are you LARP'ing as? a hobbit? :D

[Wolfshade]

Good News / Bad News

Good News: Unemployment figures continue to fall (lowest since 2008)
Bad News: Wages have risen the lowest that they ever have done.

[Mr Mystery]

Good News / Bad News

Good News: Unemployment figures continue to fall (lowest since 2008)
Bad News: Wages have risen the lowest that they ever have done.

BBC Breakfast have also highlighted a higher than previous proportion of self employed people, and the skewing affect that can have on official figures (as in yes you're working, but not necessarily earning money).

And I LARP as a human. Because BACONS!

[Psychosplodge]

Hope the winds died down for you Mystery, We got a split tent pole Sunday, which was better than the tent flying off like some people.

[Mr Mystery]

Should be alright. Just north-east of Nodnol, and not on a flood plain or owt. Plus, the campsite is situated on an old quarry, so has excellent drainage.

Plus, sleeping in my car (it's an estate), wind bothers me not one iota. Though I do expect I may have to share with others if tents do get mashed up.

Gonna be awesome anyways!

[Psychosplodge]

What did you get in the end?

[Mr Mystery]

My mate's old Mazda. 1991 model, still going strong. Plus he's put in a load of work.

Chassis itself is in frankly amazing nick. Just a teeny tiny bit of surface rust on one wheel arch. Not bad for £380!

Also, I'm insuring with my previous employer, Swiftcover, as not only have they provided the cheapest quote, I also know their exact level of relative incompetence. Which is nice.

[Psychosplodge]

I like that, "exact level of relative incompetence"

[Mr Mystery]

Not a 1991 model at all. It's a 1999 model!

And yes, relative incomeptence. For those wondering, it's admitting that bobbins as they might be, I know there's far, far worse out there (like Aviva). Sort of a 'better the devil you know' type affair.

[Darren Richardson]

Sort of a 'better the devil you know' type affair.

Or the lesser of two evils....

Where abouts outside London do they LARP?

Always been curious about it, didn't think anyone bothered in the UK.

[Wildeybeast]

Should be alright. Just north-east of Nodnol, and not on a flood plain or owt. Plus, the campsite is situated on an old quarry, so has excellent drainage.

Plus, sleeping in my car (it's an estate), wind bothers me not one iota. Though I do expect I may have to share with others if tents do get mashed up.

Gonna be awesome anyways!

Are you planning to loosen the tent pegs of some of the sexy female larpers in a dastardly attempt to lure them into your passion wagon?;)

[Mr Mystery]

That would only back fire, leads to sore pills, them taking over the car, and me in the collapsed tent :(

But I have a cunning plan!

This year, I'm taking Crafting as my Veteran Pick. This will allow me to make spell holding trinkets, which I can sell for decent money.

Campsite has an issue with Wasps....so to physrep a Trinket, make a 'Supernatural' style Hexbag out of that scrap leather I have knocking around. Fill it with a pebble for weight, dried herbs for appearance, and some cotton wool....cotton wool with Peppermint Oil on it, which is a natural Wasp repellant. SUCCESS!

- - - Updated - - -


Or the lesser of two evils....

Where abouts outside London do they LARP?

Always been curious about it, didn't think anyone bothered in the UK.

You kidding? LARP is great in the UK, and much superior to the US version (it's true dudes!).

Check out Curious Pastimes - They're who I play with.

Also do check out Greencloaks - a 'not-40k' Sci Fi LARP, run by a friend of mine, and consistently gaining in popularity!

[Wolfshade]

http://www.wobblymodelsyndrome.com/uploads/3/3/4/2/3342427/8142619_orig.jpg

[Tyrendian]

gotta kill 'em all!

Also:
Churches are for those who believe, schools are for those who know, and pubs are for those who believe they know!

[Wolfshade]

The internet are for those who don't know but shout their opinions very loudly.

[Mr Mystery]

the internet are for those who don't know they don't know but shout their opinions very loudly.

ftfy.

[Psychosplodge]

Woohoo The daily mail has finally given the world something beautiful.

Sideboob only made it into the Oxford English dictionary due to large amounts of evidence on its use, mostly in das mail.... :D

[Wolfshade]

Woo!

[Wolfshade]

Also:

http://www.buildabear.co.uk/shop/browsecategory.aspx?Category=TMNT&sc_cid=ds:olvAT:TMNT

[Psychosplodge]

meh still want a toothless and they sold out of them

[Wolfshade]

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5497654272/h35A552CA/

[Mr Mystery]

I is insured! And soon be on the road! HURRAH! Freedom once again! The freedom to pile in my mirthmobile, pick up a couple of mates, and explore!

[eldargal]

Police shoot unarmed, non-threatening man
People protest
Police break up protest with heavily armoured riot police, tear gas, rubber and wooden bullets
Police threaten media in city, ban media helicopters and block access to their town
Police remove all badges and Id to avoid recognition and responsibility
Tiny police department inexplicably has heavy riot gear and all kinds of equipment you wouldn't expect to see
Police department spokeswoman refers to black people as monkeys

America, home of the free, unless you are black, in which case you're probably going to be shot.

[Psychosplodge]

The stories you see about US police corruption are quite scary.

[Mr Mystery]

Police shoot unarmed, non-threatening man
People protest
Police break up protest with heavily armoured riot police, tear gas, rubber and wooden bullets
Police threaten media in city, ban media helicopters and block access to their town
Police remove all badges and Id to avoid recognition and responsibility
Tiny police department inexplicably has heavy riot gear and all kinds of equipment you wouldn't expect to see
Police department spokeswoman refers to black people as monkeys

America, home of the free, unless you are not white or male, in which case you're probably going to be shot.

ftfy. For added accuracy.

[eldargal]

Oh and the wife of the police department head referred to black people as animals and their house has a Confederate flag hanging in it apparently. Someone answering the police department helpline also referred to black people as monkeys and was laughing at black people ringing up to express their concerns. Other people are trying to argue they have made it worse by rioting and vandalising ****, because we all know if they hadn't done that the 95% white police force would have investigated thoroughly and impartially and totes apologised for leaving Michael Browns dead boy in the street for four hours after executing him with no justification.

Edit: True Mr M, though as someone asked on twitter, would a police officer get away with murdering a young white woman who was just standing there minding her own business? In this case race matters a lot more than gender (a lot of black women get shot by the police too).

[Wolfshade]

"Fun" fact: Tear Gas is illegal in war as it is classed as a chemical weapon. However, the convention on use of chemical weapons does not cover "domestic" usage.

[daboarder]

Police shoot unarmed, non-threatening man
People protest
Police break up protest with heavily armoured riot police, tear gas, rubber and wooden bullets
Police threaten media in city, ban media helicopters and block access to their town
Police remove all badges and Id to avoid recognition and responsibility
Tiny police department inexplicably has heavy riot gear and all kinds of equipment you wouldn't expect to see
Police department spokeswoman refers to black people as monkeys

America, home of the free, unless you are anyone anti-authority, in which case you're probably going to be shot.

Fixed it for you both

- - - Updated - - -


"Fun" fact: Tear Gas is illegal in war as it is classed as a chemical weapon. However, the convention on use of chemical weapons does not cover "domestic" usage.

So are lots of things, like bullets designed to break down on impact....doesnt stop most armies using them

[eldargal]

Except the people who bear the brunt of it in the US are black. It's a bit disingenuous to ignore that point.

Oh and it has happened again (http://nudityandnerdery.tumblr.com/post/94712596887/thechanelmuse-thechanelmuse-thechanelmuse).

He wasn’t a gang banger at all. I was sitting across the street when it happened. So as he was walking down the street, the police approached him, whatever was said I couldn’t hear it, but the cops jumped out of the car and rushed him over here into this corner. They had him in the corner and were beating him, busted him up, for what reason I don’t know but he didn’t do nothing. The next thing I know I hear a ‘pow!’ while he’s on the ground. They got the knee on him. And then I hear another ‘pow!’ No hesitation. And then I hear another ‘pow!’ Three times

Now when that white kid shot up the cinema a year or two ago he killed a bunch of people, had a bunch of guns and the police managed to bring him in alive. Yet unarmed black people are being shot all the time for no reason and we are expected to believe these were all necessary and legitimate acts of defense by the officers involved.

[Mr Mystery]

Indeedy.

Often Black and Poor.

Now which of those two factors is most likely to lead someone into a life of crime? Well, that would most likely be poverty yes? Yet the media makes more of a song and dance about the black bit.

[eldargal]

Yup.
https://38.media.tumblr.com/fc2c623b3e9a13670961ccdedb4504eb/tumblr_naaasbtfHS1qbhy3co4_1280.png
https://33.media.tumblr.com/d55a6e1215bf3249dca03602714e09ab/tumblr_naaasbtfHS1qbhy3co5_1280.png
https://33.media.tumblr.com/d795d877e4d9bda91dc6e1ae0596d1f9/tumblr_naaasbtfHS1qbhy3co3_1280.png

[Gotthammer]

https://31.media.tumblr.com/d96f82748cefb5243c922e9229d8fe66/tumblr_na9yky9gbm1qgwi7to1_1280.png

https://38.media.tumblr.com/f91c3c15de19d29ea4f774e9b9d2457d/tumblr_na9yky9gbm1qgwi7to5_r1_500.png

https://38.media.tumblr.com/eb777eeaf537bfcda74c7fba728452cf/tumblr_na9yky9gbm1qgwi7to3_1280.png

https://38.media.tumblr.com/1af20a58489a5590a347fa7dfde6f99e/tumblr_naa0iku1RX1ts18pco1_1280.png

https://31.media.tumblr.com/6317ec31f889cc3bae7d3840ba85f8d9/tumblr_naa0iku1RX1ts18pco2_1280.png

https://38.media.tumblr.com/f253bd9f08362ffd6636868dfd5feaa1/tumblr_naa0iku1RX1ts18pco3_1280.png

https://31.media.tumblr.com/665afda41e963cceb044cd15958fd25b/tumblr_naa0iku1RX1ts18pco4_1280.png

https://38.media.tumblr.com/79a415ff071606300283c3059aded503/tumblr_naa0iku1RX1ts18pco5_r1_1280.png

[daboarder]

isn't this where the justification for "the right to bear arms" should kick in?


Doesn't seem to be helping a lot

[Mr Mystery]

Right for white middle classes to bear arms I suspect.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/76932000/jpg/_76932415_sbna_map.jpg

To lighten the mood.

[eldargal]

Funny that isn't it? They have the right to bear arms to defend themselves against the guvmint meanwhile the guvmint shoots young black men while unarmed, reaching for wallets/phones and picking up a toy gun in a supermarket (while armed white people walk around the same store).

[Wolfshade]

Except the people who bear the brunt of it in the US are black. It's a bit disingenuous to ignore that point.

Only because all the natives are in zoos, sorry reservations...

[Wolfshade]

This is lightly worrying: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28772646

[Mr Mystery]

No different to the sentiment behind Israel being where it is.

Anyways. Apparently, no Marvel One Shot on The Winter Soldier. This makes me a saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad Panda.

[Wolfshade]

Though I don't believe that Israel or rather any Jewish state has ever tried to erradicate non-believers or those who are homosexual.

[Mr Mystery]

You......you have seen what's happening in Gaza yes? And many of the soundbites coming from Israeli personages? Including one stating along the lines that on occasion, Genocide (yes, GENOCIDE) can be justified?

[Psychosplodge]

You do realise that everytime hamas fires rockets.....................................palast inians die.

seems a pretty easy logic puzzle to solve that one.

[daboarder]

You......you have seen what's happening in Gaza yes? And many of the soundbites coming from Israeli personages? Including one stating along the lines that on occasion, Genocide (yes, GENOCIDE) can be justified?

Its not nearly as simple as that. Your not hearing nearly as much about what HAMAS is attempting because Israel has the Iron dome. A very successful missile defense system that so far has been remarkably good at intercepting missiles before they actually impact i populated areas.

No dead bodies on their side, no outrage, no vested media interest.

this doesn't excuse their own actions. Just points out that most people aren't getting nearly the whole story (And his is without even going into the wider political context where every single one of its neighbors has sworn to see every Israeli dead (and has shown a willingness to attempt that goal in the past)

[Mr Mystery]

You do realise that everytime hamas fires rockets.....................................palast inians die.

seems a pretty easy logic puzzle to solve that one.

You do realise much of Israel is illegally held land, and they'll quite happily bulldoze away Palestinian towns and villages yes?

Whole area is a clusterflock and no mistake. Just pointing out that Israel has some disgustingly right wing views. Especially when you consider the events of the Second World War.

[Psychosplodge]

Considering we gave it away.
So much of the middle east would be more peaceful if we'd continued to brutally oppress it rather then drawing lines on maps and declaring self rule...

[daboarder]

You do realise much of Israel is illegally held land, and they'll quite happily bulldoze away Palestinian towns and villages yes?

Whole area is a clusterflock and no mistake. Just pointing out that Israel has some disgustingly right wing views. Especially when you consider the events of the Second World War.

As I said, do you really want to go into the wider political repercussion and history?

How far back are you willing to go, why stop and Palestinian independence?

Wouldn't the British then have an early claim from when they owned the area?

Ottomans?

Romans?

Israeli?

And thats just the land claim, theirs also the collective western guilt, the Arab hatred and their own sense of racial superiority ect...

The whole things a cluster frak, and while netanyahu is a friggin nutter, Israels aggressive policies can to a certain extent be justified

EDIT:

In a sense the claim that the western world would not accept similar behaviour from its neighbours is accurate, The western world doesnt have to act so aggressively towards each other because we know how far the other our neighbours would go, in that were a bunch of nutters ourselves once we are pushed.

Its something I've never got about terrorists/rogue states etc...they all claim that the west is, weak, decadent, there for the taking whatever....

...But the west is just BRUTAL once its "pissed off" I mean ISIl can brag about its attrocities all it wants, but its small time compared to Total War, Nuclear bombing of civilians (Twice because we could) and the literal industrialization of genocide.....We are scary as sons of b*tches

[Wolfshade]

You......you have seen what's happening in Gaza yes? And many of the soundbites coming from Israeli personages? Including one stating along the lines that on occasion, Genocide (yes, GENOCIDE) can be justified?

You do realise that with the might of the Israeli army, if they wanted to wipe the gaza strip, they could. Instead of sending troops in to do precision strikes, they could just flatten the area from the safety of the sea, sky or deep inside israel. You do realise that instead of droping leaflets and calling locations they could just do a Hamas and fire off rockets without warning.

If israel is truely the aggressor in this, why is it they developed the iron dome to protect their people instead of investing in an offensive technology. Or why it encourages its people to move out of harms way rather than demanding that they stay put.

If you want to see outrage, look at sudan, where the ethic arabs are trying to kill the ethic africans, oh wait that doesn't invovle the jews.
Or Syria, or Iraq the death toll of civilians in all those is so much higher yet we hear about gaza daily.

If you still think that israel is attempting genocide then you either do not understand what genocide means, or you really underestimate the israeli army. But if they are attempting it by any measure they are really quite poor at it, look to syria, iraq, sudan, nigeria to see how it is done, they all have much higher casualty rates.

[Mr Mystery]

Dude. I made no mention of any religion. Nor have I said that Israel is the aggressor. Please do not put ill informed opinions in my mouth. They taste funky.

I find Israel to be hideously heavy handed. Not so long ago, they would bulldoze villages where they wanted to build land, and forcibly tattoo local Palestinians with barcodes. They absolutely have a right to defend themselves, all countries do. But there are factions within Israel who are overly beligerent, and treat Palestinians as something less than human. THAT is disgusting. THAT is vile. I have not equated the views of some, to the views of all.

Religion is used to justify so much douchery in the world, let's not drag it into a reasonable discussion. My sole point was a counter to you saying Israel, as a religion specific state, hasn't espoused wiping out non-believers. Some have however decided Genocide in Gaza would be perfectly justifiable, because reasons.

Sadly religion has nothing to do with this. It's just right wing nutters being right wing nutters.

[Gotthammer]

Instead of sending troops in to do precision strikes, they could just flatten the area from the safety of the sea, sky or deep inside israel.

https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53d77b8e69bedd451e507911-960/bts5eificaaoqmr.png

Video link. (http://youtu.be/fdoYZ1-9XsM)

[Wolfshade]

Hey I am not saying that the israeli's are faultless, what I am saying is that it is far more complicated than a simple case of israeli agression.

But if you were under threat of terrorism wouldn't you want your government to try and take out terrorist cells.

We know that there will always be collateral damage. Look at the Iraq wars, or Libya or Crimea or Ukraine or the Balkans war happens people die.

It is a game of tit-for-tat that hamas cannot win. But certainly, they have a much better PR campaign, after all they are the plucky under dog. One only needs to look at the number of "gaza" images that are actually from elsewhere (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-28198622)

Is digging tunnels into a neighbouring country to perform raids the act of a peaceful neighbour? No. It can be done, Britian and France have not invaded each other or performed raids into each other's terrioty since the channel tunnel has been opened.

If you know that your enemy is going to strike at military installations, why put your population around them? Becuase you hope that your enemy holds your civilians lives in higher regard than you do. That is the work of tyrants, despots and is no form of civilised government.

[daboarder]

https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53d77b8e69bedd451e507911-960/bts5eificaaoqmr.png

Video link. (http://youtu.be/fdoYZ1-9XsM)

Dude, that is precision....

http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/xj52caea1f.jpg

Flippancy aside,

No its not perfect, But if Ireland was launching constant rocket attacks on England do you really think the English would give a **** about frances opinion?


If you know that your enemy is going to strike at military installations, why put your population around them? Becuase you hope that your enemy holds your civilians lives in higher regard than you do. That is the work of tyrants, despots and is no form of civilised government.


Basically this, its one of the oldest strategic tricks in the book

[Wolfshade]

Religion is used to justify so much douchery in the world, let's not drag it into a reasonable discussion. My sole point was a counter to you saying Israel, as a religion specific state, hasn't espoused wiping out non-believers. Some have however decided Genocide in Gaza would be perfectly justifiable, because reasons.

In which case you do not understand that Israel is a state of Jews (muslims christians, others and no faiths), but it is not the Jewish state. It holds open and honest elections, indeed when it was established it was as a secular state. Not, a religious one.

[Mr Mystery]

That and Palestinian don't have a great deal of choice in the matter.

And it's the precision capability not being used that gets my goat. Like the shelling of a school. A UN School. One confirmed to have no valid target in it.

Constant land grabs just exasperate an already horrendous situation. In short, the far right in Israel do themselves no favours, but then hide behind a shield of alleged anti-semitism whenever they are internationally criticised. All that does is add fuel to the fire of existing anti-semitism, which is sadly on the rise in the west. It's not at all justified, certianly no more than any bigotry or racism. But certain actions of Israel do add to the claims.

It's all quite depressing. We as a species scrap over slights from thousands of years ago, which didn't necessarily happen in the way we're told.

Ireland is another good example of religion being used to mask outright thuggery. That all dates back hundreds of years, but is still going because it allows organised criminals to 'justify' their actions, even though those justifications are frankly laughable.

- - - Updated - - -


In which case you do not understand that Israel is a state of Jews (muslims christians, others and no faiths), but it is not the Jewish state. It holds open and honest elections, indeed when it was established it was as a secular state. Not, a religious one.

Yet any criticism of it's actions is gagged with a label of anti-semitism.

[daboarder]

That and Palestinian don't have a great deal of choice in the matter.

And it's the precision capability not being used that gets my goat. Like the shelling of a school. A UN School. One confirmed to have no valid target in it.

Constant land grabs just exasperate an already horrendous situation. In short, the far right in Israel do themselves no favours, but then hide behind a shield of alleged anti-semitism whenever they are internationally criticised. All that does is add fuel to the fire of existing anti-semitism, which is sadly on the rise in the west. It's not at all justified, certianly no more than any bigotry or racism. But certain actions of Israel do add to the claims.

It's all quite depressing. We as a species scrap over slights from thousands of years ago, which didn't necessarily happen in the way we're told.

Ireland is another good example of religion being used to mask outright thuggery. That all dates back hundreds of years, but is still going because it allows organised criminals to 'justify' their actions, even though those justifications are frankly laughable.

The use of religion as justification easily goes both ways dude

[Mr Mystery]

My point exactly.

[Wolfshade]

Thinking of the NI situation, it is quite strange how following the biggest terrorist attack on the US, the IRA's money dried up and they started talking about peace....

The only other religious state that I can think of is the Vatican City, which I don't think actively engages in wars with it's neighbours, or at least not recently...

I just find the whole gaza thing out of proportion in coverage when you consider what is happening in Syria or Sudan for instance.

Of course ideally, we would all live in peace with each other and not have these problems, but ho-hum.

- - - Updated - - -


Yet any criticism of it's actions is gagged with a label of anti-semitism.
I do agree that criticism of Israel does seem to get wrapped up with anti-semitism, there was a good blog a while ago it basically says #notalljews, after all many do not believe that israel is the holy land promised by god as the UN is not god.

[Mr Mystery]

I just find the whole gaza thing out of proportion in coverage when you consider what is happening in Syria or Sudan for instance.


Indeed. Whole world is getting more and more aggressive and beligerent it seems. I for one wouldn't at all mind if some nasty plague wiped us out, or at least seriously thinned out the human herd. It's either that, or we get our boffins to get some of us off planet sharpish. We've got half of cryogenics down, crack the other half, and it's off into the void we go.

[daboarder]

Indeed. Whole world is getting more and more aggressive and beligerent it seems. I for one wouldn't at all mind if some nasty plague wiped us out, or at least seriously thinned out the human herd. It's either that, or we get our boffins to get some of us off planet sharpish. We've got half of cryogenics down, crack the other half, and it's off into the void we go.

Ain't no way we go out with a bang, it'll be a long slow whimper and those around at the end wont remember what we were like at the start. And when we're gone the universe will laugh, because karma's a b*tch

[Psychosplodge]

Police are searching cliff richards house in berkshire about an historic allegation against an underage boy in the 80's (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28790718)

[Wolfshade]

Oh no!

[Mr Mystery]

Inevitable.

Star of yesteryear, pots of cash.

Natural target.

Not to say that there may not be something behind it, but the allegation is not surprising at all.

[40kGamer]

America, home of the free, unless you are anyone anti-authority, in which case you're probably going to be shot.

Only the ignorant or uninformed would buy the whole “land of the free” tagline. That’s just a beautiful dream that never became reality.


Someone answering the police department helpline also referred to black people as monkeys and was laughing at black people ringing up to express their concerns.
Edit: True Mr M, though as someone asked on twitter, would a police officer get away with murdering a young white woman who was just standing there minding her own business? In this case race matters a lot more than gender (a lot of black women get shot by the police too).

I would argue that the unpunished rape of women by those in positions of authority would be the same negative behavior pattern as the “justified murder” of young black men. There is a long standing culture of fear and hate built up between black and white people in the US that fuels these acts and having been to St Louis a couple fop times I am not surprised there are strong racial tensions. Sadly racism, sexism and every other negative thing you can imagine will survive as long as there are people.


Except the people who bear the brunt of it in the US are black. It's a bit disingenuous to ignore that point.

Often Black and Poor.
Now which of those two factors is most likely to lead someone into a life of crime? Well, that would most likely be poverty yes? Yet the media makes more of a song and dance about the black bit.

In my mind ‘urban poor’ is the main driver behind this.


isn't this where the justification for "the right to bear arms" should kick in?
Doesn't seem to be helping a lot

I fully support the right to keep and bear arms. Many US cities have strong restrictions on this and I doubt very many of the urban poor have access to weapons. Plus, no one in their right mind would even think of using firearms against the authorities unless they were ready to die over it…


Only because all the natives are in zoos, sorry reservations...

And they’re not even nice zoos, just what was left over.


it'll be a long slow whimper and those around at the end wont remember what we were like at the start.

The way knowledge is stored and shared a large enough disaster could send the world back to full barbarism... although ‘civilization’ is a facade at best and a bad joke at the worst.

[eldargal]

Dude, that is precision....


Gott isn't a dude.

Ireland attacked England for decades and we didn't resort to bombing neighbourhoods, in fact we followed a deliberate policy of gentrification to try and stop people getting desperate and angry enough to attack. In fact Ireland probably killed more English than Hamas have killed Israelis with rockets, 28 in total since 2001. These is not a reasonable response to what Israel actually suffers.

https://31.media.tumblr.com/220f8a6353c1937f2d15830576412eba/tumblr_naa62qurPG1qce1rpo1_500.png

[Wolfshade]

I believe that dude has transcended to a non-gender specific term like "duck".

[eldargal]

Maybe but until Gott says she is fine with it I'd err on the side of caution. Not having a go at you daboarder, not suggesting you meant to offend.

Oh and Gaza residents have been tweeting urban survival hints to the residents of Ferguson, including how to protect against and combat the effects of tear gas. GAZANS are using social media to HELP AMERICANS who are being attacked by their own police force.

[Wolfshade]

Maybe but until Gott says she is fine with it I'd err on the side of caution.

no,no you are quite right.

OED still defines it as male.

Origin

late 19th century (denoting a dandy): probably from German dialect Dude 'fool'.

[eldargal]

Oh and Ferguson police arrested som Washington Post journalists for not evacuating fast enough, treated them roughly and let them go eventually (http://feministbatwoman.tumblr.com/post/94723920417/koercion-a-washington-post-reporter-in).

[40kGamer]

Oh and Ferguson police arrested som Washington Post journalists for not evacuating fast enough, treated them roughly and let them go eventually (http://feministbatwoman.tumblr.com/post/94723920417/koercion-a-washington-post-reporter-in).

Oppression of free speech and press? I'm shocked.

[Tyrendian]

curious if that whole Ferguson affair will make the german news... seems to be plenty bad enough, but it's not like there weren't other things going on, like Ebola making it into a metropolis for several days before being noticed... what a summer this is...

€: so it did get a short mention, but just as riots - nothing about using tear gas against journalists... typical...
also, lol @ our GNP growing by 3% in a single day - because as of today drug dealing and prostitution are now incorporated into the statistics, as per UN regulations :D
also also, lol @ Selfie Toasters! http://www.burntimpressions.com/toasted-selfies.php

[Kirsten]

I believe that dude has transcended to a non-gender specific term like "duck".

I am an ordained priest of Latter Day Dudists.


You do realise that with the might of the Israeli army, if they wanted to wipe the gaza strip, they could. Instead of sending troops in to do precision strikes, they could just flatten the area from the safety of the sea, sky or deep inside israel. You do realise that instead of droping leaflets and calling locations they could just do a Hamas and fire off rockets without warning.


they don't want to wipe out Gaza because then sympathy would dry up. The Israeli government has zero interest in stopping Hamas firing rockets, because the moment they do, it becomes a hell of a lot harder to justify the blockade, the occupation, the evictions etc. the Iron Dome protects the Israelis almost entirely, the rockets do almost no damage, and in return, Israel can act however they like.

there wont be peace for the simple reason that Israel has nothing to gain from it. they have all of the power, and all of the advantages, so a peace deal can only mean Israel losing something. so clearly that is not going to happen. Russia faces sanctions for probably being involved in Ukraine, Israel murders thousands, creates a huge concentration camp, commits piracy in international waters, and nothing happens. Whilst I would never condone rocket attacks against civilians, the fact is if British people were being evicted, blockaded, walled in, denied basic humanitarian aid, having all of their rights and freedoms taken away, we would whole heartedly support those plucky freedom fighters for resisting, like classic POW escape films.

a friend of mine visited Gaza about eight months after the last invasion, and the place was clean, no rubble at all anywhere. he asked what had happened to it all in just a few months, and was told that Israel refused to allow any concrete in to Gaza for rebuilding, so all the damage done by Israeli fire was having to be rebuilt using the rubble left, so it was being ground down and made in to low grade concrete. the blockade for example allows wooden school desk tops in, but not the desk legs, because they might be turned in to rocket platforms.

[Kirsten]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/sometimes-unfortunate-things-happen-in-the-heat-of,36690/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=Pic:1:Default

"Sometimes Unfortunate Things Happen In The Heat Of A 400-Year-Old Legacy Of Racism"

on Ferguson

[Mr Mystery]

I has bought the car!!

Mate is delivering it tomorrow, and then kerboom! Sorted!

[daboarder]

Gott isn't a dude.

Just a clarification. Where im from the use of the word dude has no bearing on whether the person is male or female. Its an expression that can be used regardless

[Wolfshade]

You know I hadn't heard of what was happening at Ferguson until today

[daboarder]

Really?

Wow

EDIT:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-15/ferguson-changed-atmosphere-after-policing-shift/5673588

Change of attitude, for the better

[Psychosplodge]

So r/beards is a thing

http://i.imgur.com/dcLC4Kc.jpg

[Wolfshade]

The trouble with these sorts of police investigations is regardless of the truth people will not be satisfied.

If they conclude that it was a lawful killing then those against it will say it is a cover up with the police looking after each other.
If they conclude that it wasn't a lawful killing then those who support that will say that it is a witch hunt to appease the mob rule.

[Mr Mystery]

I've just been in the Nagash rumour thread.

And now I need new trousers.

[Gotthammer]

https://31.media.tumblr.com/25040ae27284bf0d75438dd1229bb81e/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo1_400.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/5638013a53d89bddefa5afe84f38bb20/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo2_400.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/317aba839ecaffc372df52252ae7c37b/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo3_400.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/060a0a2c20a1cee1c57cfaa7f8530372/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo4_400.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/aab70a30d9a5e708fad89aaa181f83a4/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo5_400.gif

https://33.media.tumblr.com/464492dbec9fb8d68b9e6953b673f708/tumblr_n8bch1aSrJ1r3gb3zo6_400.gif

\m/ O_O \m/

[Mr Mystery]

It's as if Medium-Sized-Big-Si is doing home improvements!

[Psychosplodge]

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/8272533248/h77D85A6D/

[Tyrendian]

lol what's the story behind that?

[Psychosplodge]

I'm assuming it kept getting cones dumped on it

[Kirsten]

my pro gun american friend on facebook has been declaring that the shooting of Michael Brown was ok because he had stolen something.

aside from anything else, the officer who shot him did not know about the theft

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28814493

[eldargal]

Also apparently if he stole something it was worth like 2.50 anyway. But I guess that's all a black persons life is worth in the US? The fact is it doesn't matter if he was a thief or a hardened ****ing gang member, petty theft is no justification for executing someone in the street. We have ****ing legal processes for a reason, the idea of summary executions was considered to be a bad thing many centuries ago the fact is persists in the US illustrates how ****ing degenerate the countries morals are (no offense intended to all the perfectly moral Americans who were deeply horrified by what happened). Remember the massive fuss here when that Brazilian chap was shot to death at a London train station during the height of the terrorism panic? That happens in the US every 28 hours to some innocent black man in the US.

[Wolfshade]

We unfortunately live in a society where possessions are worth more than people's lives.

[40kGamer]

We unfortunately live in a society where possessions are worth more than people's lives.

Sad truth. Still $2.50 is a pretty cheap price on a life.

- - - Updated - - -


Really?

Wow

EDIT:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-15/ferguson-changed-atmosphere-after-policing-shift/5673588

Change of attitude, for the better

Interesting how a simple change in the police handling the situation made such a huge difference!

[eldargal]

It hasn't lasted, the police started attacking peaceful protests last night and apparently white anarchists and some local black youth started looting only to be driven off by other black youth who are trying to settle things down. So it is still a mess.:(

[Kirsten]

looting is something that really pisses me off. as if it has anything at all to do with protesting or justice. scum just jumping on an opportunity to steal and cause havoc because things are crazy.

[eldargal]

Yup and in this case the police are using it to try and justify what essentially amounts to a military occupation, never mind that they executed some poor man and attacked peaceful protests several times, its' all ok 'cos of thievery or something...

On a lighter note:
https://38.media.tumblr.com/d168708bbc64492b222a92962194576f/tumblr_n9gdkx0XJj1robicyo1_500.png

[Mr Mystery]

Dr Who in 6 days. SQUEE!

[Darren Richardson]

Dr Who in 6 days. SQUEE!

finally some decent TV with decent Actors :D

Only about a month or so for Agents of Shield as well....

[Mr Mystery]

Then Walking Dead in October time.

And to think, just a few short years ago, TV was nowt but wall to wall reality bollocks, with the odd island of QI (except when populated by Jimmy Carr) to redeem it!

[Tyrendian]

Then Walking Dead in October time.

And to think, just a few short years ago, TV was nowt but wall to wall reality bollocks, with the odd island of QI (except when populated by Jimmy Carr) to redeem it!

you're lucky you've even got stuff like QI to redeem your TV programme... we just plain don't. Which sucks. Majorly. Thank god for youtube I guess... both for QI and other entertainment :)

[Mr Mystery]

Also - Winter Soldier tomorrow via Sky Box Office, and also, to be recorded tonight and watched on Wednesday (so much on!) WWE Summer Slam.

LET'S GET CRACKIN' WITH THE KNACKIN'!!!!

[Psychosplodge]

finally some decent TV with decent Actors :D

Only about a month or so for Agents of Shield as well....

No he said dr who was back.


anyway, this (http://getyourgifsout.tumblr.com/post/95033841118) is probably the most important gif set you'll see today, featuring both cats and science!

[Wolfshade]

Psh. I see nothing.

[Psychosplodge]

silly filter

[Wolfshade]

I need some banality today I fear

[Mr Mystery]

Ahh, a nemesis of mine at work has reared it's head once again, screwing up even the simplest of tasks.

Thankfully, their surname enables me to go all Kirk to relieve the pressure.


http://pop-verse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/kirk-khaaaaan.jpg

[Psychosplodge]

I need some banality today I fear

Well this is the correct place...

[Mr Mystery]

I've just ordered me some supplies for LARP....essential oils, and a base oil.

Oh yes. Peppermint and Citronella oils to drive away the Wasps, on account they don't like them smells!

Just need to go out back and grab suitable stones, then buy cotton wool and something to bind the little parcels, and sorted. 100% organic Wasp Repellent,. My character is gonna be rich! RICH I TELLS YA! Though I have committed to giving 4 away free so far!

[Psychosplodge]

I hope you didn't pay for specialist base oil, sunflower or olive oil works fine for that...

[Wolfshade]

Why not make a wasp jar? Fill will cider dregs and boom!

http://tipnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/shfsfh.jpg

[Mr Mystery]

Why not make a wasp jar? Fill will cider dregs and boom!

http://tipnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/shfsfh.jpg

Can't exactly carry that around! And chances of extorting 2 Silver a pop are minimal!

[Wolfshade]

You put it around your dwelling. Obviously fancy it up a little bit but it is bee friendly.

Top Fact: Bees cannot fly vertically upwards, unlike wasps so traps like above will be unable to trap bees.

[Mr Mystery]

That's true.

Though you can buy fake Wasp Nests, which keep the little guys away too.

And I'd like to point out, I'm not anti-Wasp. They eat aphids and that which would otherwise ruin our crops and that. I just want to discourage them from buzzing around me, on account I am neither flower nor aphid.

[Wolfshade]

I am anti-wasp they are evil omnivores.

Unlike ladybirds which also eat aphids.

[Mr Mystery]

Considering different ways to make my things....

Got lots of scrap leather. Going to explore soaking a piece in the scented oil, see if I can get the scent heavily impregnated.

[Wolfshade]

Could you make bundles of soaked rice?

Also: Pay rise! woop woop, take that nurses & teachers!

[Psychosplodge]

Told you it happened. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bin-bag-full-of-cats-heads-discovered-near-manchesters-curry-mile-9674567.html)

[Wildeybeast]

Could you make bundles of soaked rice?

Also: Pay rise! woop woop, take that nurses & teachers!

Jerk.

- - - Updated - - -

Famed justice dodger Assange (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28834849) is finally set to face the music. Having spent two years sponging off the Ecuadorians and costing the British taxpayer good knows how much to stop him legging it, he appears to be finally willing to leave the embassy. Do we reckon he has: finally developed some moral backbone and wants to face up to the sexual assault charges; is in need of medical treatment as reported; is planning to try and daring escape to Ecuador or has he simply finally got bored after spending two years stuck in the same building?

[Psychosplodge]

dunno, dunno, dunno, dunno.

But if it means I'm going to have to see his smug grin all over tv news again I'm against it.

[Mr Mystery]

Jerk.

- - - Updated - - -

Famed justice dodger Assange (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28834849) is finally set to face the music. Having spent two years sponging off the Ecuadorians and costing the British taxpayer good knows how much to stop him legging it, he appears to be finally willing to leave the embassy. Do we reckon he has: finally developed some moral backbone and wants to face up to the sexual assault charges; is in need of medical treatment as reported; is planning to try and daring escape to Ecuador or has he simply finally got bored after spending two years stuck in the same building?

I dunno. But I hope the two faced little weasel gets what's coming to him. All for openness and justice, except when it comes to himself.

http://dudelol.com/DO-NOT-HOTLINK-IMAGES/DAE-think-Julian-Assange-looks-like-Mr-Humphries-from-Are-you-being-served.jpg

[Wolfshade]

Yeah a little bit, but then I don't hold parents hostage...

Also, it is a proveable performance related pay rise. So you know I have clearly defined SMART goals which you can then check my progress against. Rather than you know, oh you've been here another year here have some more money, it doesn't matter how good or bad you are. You know it's not like everyone suddenly gets an additional 1% just for being employed you know like in some sectors, where you know the pay rises have nothing to do with the outcome of their actions....

- - - Updated - - -



http://dudelol.com/DO-NOT-HOTLINK-IMAGES/DAE-think-Julian-Assange-looks-like-Mr-Humphries-from-Are-you-being-served.jpg

Lol that is brilliant!

[Mr Mystery]

Sounds like where I work!

I really do love my job you know! Though knowing just how sweet a deal I've got, I work my little cottons off every day to do the best and the most I can, and constantly develop myself. Just nice to be rewarded for that for once, even if those who don't strive here get the same.

Also - Scottish Independence. The vote is now just one month away.

As covered before, I have no opinion either way, as it's unlikely to affect me either way.

But Australia - WTF has it got to do with you? Does it matter if the world will benefit from an independent Scotland? Nope. What matters it will Scotland benefit from an Independent Scotland.

So to all others trying schmaltzy letters, and indeed general international opinion - hauld yer wheesht.

[Wildeybeast]

Yeah a little bit, but then I don't hold parents hostage...

Also, it is a provable performance related pay rise. So you know I have clearly defined SMART goals which you can then check my progress against. Rather than you know, oh you've been here another year here have some more money, it doesn't matter how good or bad you are. You know it's not like everyone suddenly gets an additional 1% just for being employed you know like in some sectors, where you know the pay rises have nothing to do with the outcome of their actions....

Wolfie, I like you but you really are an ignorant arse on this.

Firstly, as long as I have been teaching (6 years now) I have never once been on strike for a pay rise. Strikes have been about: increase in pension contributions and reduction in pension payouts (which were unjustified as the government refused to do an evaluation of the Teacher's Pension scheme to see if such action was actually necessary); increases in workload; the introduction of performance related pay; the effective privatisation of the education system via academies; the nonsensical introduction of free schools and changes to what and how we teach that we believe were fundamentally detrimental to children's education. We certainly weren't happy about the pay freeze, but we never went on strike solely for a pay rise.

Secondly, our annual pay increases are performance based. I have to be judged to be at least a 'good' teacher by Ofsted standards, as well as having other SMART targets to meet. The higher up the payscale we progress, the more demanding they become (like with any other professional environment). If people don't do them (or want to) they don't progress and can indeed move back down the pay scale. It is not an automatic progression simply for length of service. It may have been in the past, but it hasn't been for some time now.

If you are going to attack my profession, at least get your facts straight first.

Oh and whilst I work damn hard and put in long hours for them, I know that my pay, pension and holidays are significantly better than many other people's and I try not to rub it in their faces. Perhaps you should think about doing the same.

[Mr Mystery]

I hope you didn't pay for specialist base oil, sunflower or olive oil works fine for that...

Not specialist as such - Sweet Almond Oil.

Can't really use cheapo supermarket stuff, as I'll be making these up In Character, so the look of the thing is of some import. Even got me a little wooden chest to keep my gubbins and that in, including a large fake crystal thing what I can use to show I'm souping one up with a spell.

Yes I know how dorky I'm sounding, not I do not care a single iota. Not. One.

[Psychosplodge]

sounds all in good fun really.

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Sounds like where I work!

I really do love my job you know! Though knowing just how sweet a deal I've got, I work my little cottons off every day to do the best and the most I can, and constantly develop myself. Just nice to be rewarded for that for once, even if those who don't strive here get the same.

Also - Scottish Independence. The vote is now just one month away.

As covered before, I have no opinion either way, as it's unlikely to affect me either way.

But Australia - WTF has it got to do with you? Does it matter if the world will benefit from an independent Scotland? Nope. What matters it will Scotland benefit from an Independent Scotland.

So to all others trying schmaltzy letters, and indeed general international opinion - hauld yer wheesht.

You'd expect world leaders to have an opinion, and that opinion was offered with its ultimately upto the scottish people to decide
I think its appalling how the pro independence campaign trys to shout down anyone that offers support to the no campaign.

[Wolfshade]

I presume then you are not a member of NUT.

[Mr Mystery]

Really is worth a bash.

Key is to find the right system for you. Some do mass battles, others a bit more staged. Some allow 'anything goes' play, others are a bit more restricted.

Company I LARP with, Curious Pastimes have what I consider a decent balance. Nobody has to do combat, but it still plays an important part in the story. Lots of opportunity for non-combat based roleplay as well. Just avoid the Kid's Linears. If your weapons are drawn, you're a valid target. If your weapons are sheathed, you're an easy target. Don't run - they're kids, they will out run you.

[Darren Richardson]

And here I was thinking Wolfie was taking a pop at Bankers in his follow up post :rolleyes:


you know like in some sectors, where you know the pay rises have nothing to do with the outcome of their actions....

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Don't run - they're kids, they will out run you.

Isn't that the truth, I swear these days kids can walk faster then me, and I'm only 34!

[Mr Mystery]

You'd expect world leaders to have an opinion, and that opinion was offered with its ultimately upto the scottish people to decide
I think its appalling how the pro independence campaign trys to shout down anyone that offers support to the no campaign.

Trouble is, the No Campaign has been seemingly caught out telling collossal lies time after time.

As stated, I'm entirely ambivalent toward the whole thing. What I'm interested in is why is the No Campaign, back by Westminster, so keen to the point of telling outright lies to keep Scotland in? What do they know that they're holding onto?

Also, DC has been a goon on this one. Salmond originally wanted a 'Yes/No/Devo Max' referendum. DC point blank refused on the Devo Max.

Guess what DC and the No Campaign are now dangling in front of Voters? You guessed it, Devo Max.... What a horribly political thing to do. Surely it's either an option, or it's not, and said option should be put to the electorate!

[Psychosplodge]

That's really a sub category of no though isn't it.
I think from what I've seen neither side is coming out shining.
The Yes campaigns approach to both sterling and the EU seem out of touch with reality.
The No just seem to be doing nothing.

[Mr Mystery]

What is highly amusing?

The Political Right want Scotland to stay with the UK, using precisely the same arguments that the Political Left use for the UK staying in Europe.

Topsy turvy slightly bonkers that.

Sterling? It's really not the issue the No Campaign are trying to make it out to be. As has been established, there is nothing to stop an independent Scotland using Sterling - no need for a separate currency.

EU - That I know nowt about, having not paid enough attention in general :)

No Campaign is all about negativity, and 'too poor, too wee, too stupid', to quote my brother. And if there's one thing the Scots have traditionally not reacted well to, is being told to do something by someone from England.....

Devo Max is indeed an area of 'No' vote - but then without it being on the Ballot, how do we know DC will follow through? It's not as if the current Government have a great track record of sticking to their election promises, is it? And that' something we can expect the Yes campaign to pick up on.

[Wildeybeast]

I presume then you are not a member of NUT.

I am as it happens.

[Psychosplodge]

amusing?

Well by leaving the UK and continuing to use Sterling with no agreement they are bound by economic decisions they'll have less say in.
Or agreeing an monetary union they're asking the rUK to continue to underwrite them?

the EU apparently has a clause saying any breakaway entities are new nations outside the EU.
The eu says all new member states must adopt the euro.
The financial restrictions of euro economies wouldn't allow the SNP to carry out its spending promises.

At least thats what I seem to have picked up from various articles over the last month

[Wolfshade]

The sterling is a great one. If Scotland uses it and their economy stays inline with the UK then it is not a problem. When it becomes a problem is when the economies need different things. The bank of england would be responsible to meeting the inflation targets of the members of the UK, if Scotland aren't part of it then if they need I don't know quantative easing say, they have no mechanism to develop it.

Then Scotland would become very heavily dependent on north sea oil, and as we know those prices are quite quite turbulent which realistically the OPEC group defines what the cost per barrel is, so they cannot cotnrol interest rates or inflation rates because they cannot control the £.

Even if there was a currency union, the Scottish economy is much smaller than the rest of the UK and quickly fall out of step. Look at the Eurozone crisis, one currency union fine for Germany not so great if you are Greece/Italy/Spain/Portugal etc.

The only sensible option is to have a standalone currency, but that will be very hard to set up initially (without a credit rating it would be very hard/expensive for scotalnd to borrow money) Certainly long term it is the better options.

[Mr Mystery]

On the financial side - it's absolutely no different to current. All UK Financial decisions are made to benefit London and London alone. Has been that way for decades, because reasons.

But what Scotland would be able to do is set it's own taxes, and manage it's own bills.

Honestly? I don't think it's happening, but one can never rule out just how stubborn/stupid Scots can be when told we're not allowed....

[Wildeybeast]

I made a special thread for it as i think it warrants further discussion. Also because we all deserve to vote.

[Wolfshade]

I am as it happens.

Didn't NUT strike on Thursday 10th July for "changes to pay, pensions and working conditions"

and did not your arch nemsis Gove fund a 1% across the board pay rise as of 1st September?

It was only in 2012/13 that performance related pay came in, prior to that it was based on years of experiance.

[Mr Mystery]

Anti-fracking protestors have apparently glued themselves to DEFRA's doors - using Superglue (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-28832520).

Silly sods. I'm against Fracking, but this stunt doesn't help any. Especially as one of the protestors is your requisite 'white hippie with matted Dreadlocks' - who may well have been surreptitiously supplied by the pro-Fracking lobby by way of a joke.

[Wolfshade]

I am pro-fracking. Anything that moves us away from burning dinosaurs must be a good thing.

[Mr Mystery]

Also - questions about Government advisors, and who knew what (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28793654) continue to rumble quietly on.

This is quite unsettling. It's seeming clear there was some level of cover up going on into certain activities by individuals currently unknown. Just worries me how far this might go.

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I am pro-fracking. Anything that moves us away from burning dinosaurs must be a good thing.

I'm seriously worried about the potential environmental impact.

Though having said that, those objecting to research into the process are precisely as moronic as those who have simply decided GM crops are damaging, and set out to sabotage all experimental crops before Science gets so much as an objective chance to agree with them.

[Psychosplodge]

I think GM would have best been grown alongside non GM inside big green houses so they could accurately see the results of crossbreeding etc in a controlled environment. But I don't think the automatic they're bad is the correct answer.

[Mr Mystery]

It's also a horribly 'First World' objection.

I mean, we have been GMing for centuries, after a fashion, through selective breeding. The strains of Crops currently being GM'd are intended to increase crop yield in harsh environments, where some of the poorest in the world also happen to live.

It's such a short sighted, blinkered approach, and I truly loathe who simply decide their opinion outweighs stark necessity.

[Wolfshade]

I'm worried about the environmental and economic impact of buringing fossil fuels.

But then I am massively pro-nuclear and had we invested in them years ago we could be almost a fossil fuel free nation, making cheap electricity so industry has cheap power and things like electric cars would be very low emission not just transferred emissions. Then with that stable power base you can look at more exotic types geothermal, wind and solar. Hydro electric is a good proven source.

My big concern with wind and solar is how ineffective they are. Germany for instance has one the largest solar power grids in europe at 36.7GW (actually world leader, hmm) potential. However, it across the year only manages to leverage about 5% of the annual consumption, though for one hour at lucnh time on a sunny day it did manage to hit 50%.

[Psychosplodge]

Well yeah if its to be grown in some third world ****hole to feed their starving population who cares what some unwashed hippy from the home counties on their gap year thinks?

- - - Updated - - -

Yeah nuclear is the only real answer to anyone with concerns about CO2. The wind solution just isn't reliable enough for a modern nation.

[Mr Mystery]

Oddly, I'm also pro-Nuclear.

Properly funded, there is a pretty minimal risk of stuff going wrong. Most disasters have been caused by stupidity or negligence, rather than any inherent danger.

I still think we should explore all options - and if nothing else, Fracking would at least relieve dependence on the Middle East and Russia, somewhat changing the world power map. Imagine if OPEC lost their ability to basically rig price and supply? That's a lot of places suddenly having to play nice....

[Wolfshade]

Well yeah if its to be grown in some third world ****hole to feed their starving population who cares what some unwashed hippy from the home counties on their gap year thinks?

We don't need GM crops though. We need proper food distribution.


Does the world produce enough food to feed everyone?

The world produces enough food to feed everyone. World agriculture produces 17 percent more calories per person today than it did 30 years ago, despite a 70 percent population increase. This is enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day according to the most recent estimate that we could find (FAO 2002, p.9). The principal problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase, enough food.


Then you have biomass digesters which increase the issues further. So instead of growing food to eat, we produce food to convert to electricity. It is almost as bad as what happened when african countries stopped farming food crops and started farming cotton. Fine while exporting cotton and importing food was cheaper than growing food natively, but long term not so good.

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Oddly, I'm also pro-Nuclear.

Properly funded, there is a pretty minimal risk of stuff going wrong. Most disasters have been caused by stupidity or negligence, rather than any inherent danger.

I still think we should explore all options - and if nothing else, Fracking would at least relieve dependence on the Middle East and Russia, somewhat changing the world power map. Imagine if OPEC lost their ability to basically rig price and supply? That's a lot of places suddenly having to play nice....

Plus you get lovely weapons grade uranium to help defend our freedom

But yes, not being at the mercy of OPEC would be lovely.

[Psychosplodge]

We get the weapons grade freedom supply anyway don't we from others shipping it to our recycling facility?

[Wildeybeast]

You are partly correct.

We did strike for that, yes. The pay part covered opposition to the introduction of performance related pay and ensuring Gove actually gave us the 1% that came from central government to all public sector workers. Gove did not want to do so.

I should clarify this 'performance related pay' thing. My annual pay review is based on meeting certain objectives and my teaching being good, as previously mentioned. Provided i do so, i move up the pay band. I understand annual pay reviews are not uncommon in the private sector. So it is performance based, but it is guaranteed providing I meet those targets. I can move down bands if I fail/refuse to meet those targets. I cannot jump up bands, even if I meet objectives for higher pay bands. This is the annual progression part and the sense in which it is based on length of service. It is not an automatic progression based length of service as you seem to think. This has been the case as long as I have been teaching.

What Gove wanted to introduce was full on performance related pay, done at the discretion of heads. Heads would move people up and down the pay bands as they saw fit, rather than based on national conditions. He also wanted it to be mostly based on exam results. The union concerns were that it would be used as a cost cutting measure by heads, or a way to effectively force out staff they didn't want. There is no evidence from other parts of the world that PRP in education as any significant impact on the results or standard of education that students receive.

[40kGamer]

Well yeah if its to be grown in some third world ****hole to feed their starving population who cares what some unwashed hippy from the home counties on their gap year thinks?

I guess if your life is brutal and short anyhow eating GM crap isn't so bad. There is enough productive capacity to feed the world a vegetarian diet but that would mean strongly cutting back on livestock which the meat lobby will never allow.


Yeah nuclear is the only real answer to anyone with concerns about CO2. The wind solution just isn't reliable enough for a modern nation.

I still have high hopes for efficient solar energy. Nuclear has serious issues like fossil fuels. Being a certified card carrying member of the tin foil hat club I am sure many advances in clean energy have been buried by the coal and oil corps.

[Wolfshade]

You see this is where I get confused by it all. The complaint is that you cannot run schools from whitehall, and yet you have a static appraisal system, which you seem in favour of, that is a one model fits all from whitehall. Surely, it is better to have a local head setting proper agreed goals so they can decide at a local level what is important or no. Afterall, what is the point in every teacher working to get the additional senco points if the school does not have any senco pupils?

My goals are aligned to my companies goals, if I do well, then the company gains efficiency savings, if I do excellently, then they get the efficiency savings but they increase their marketability. Thus making the company even more profitable. It is in the best interest of my company to align goals to make me as effective as possible. Now, if the others that I worked with did what I do, then we would not be developing to meet all the needs of our service users, so my colleague has very different goals to me, she managed all of hers but not as well as me so didn't get the same size pay lift.

For what it is worth I do not think that using a strict average pupil score is a good method for performance measurement. After all, you are dependent on those who taught before you. You can't really except a pupil to hit a "C" in english lit. if they arrive in your class being unable to read or write.

Perhaps the issue of automatic progression through school years should be looked at.

[eldargal]

Nuclear is the future, at least if the fusion reactor they are building in France works properly. Massive amounts of cheap energy without the nasty bits of fission.

[Psychosplodge]

Meat is a more efficient transfer of energy, and some meat animals are raised on land not suitable for crops.

Well we know a hydrogen engine in the same style as LPG has been demonstrated as viable, but as the oil companies own the infrastructure...

[Wolfshade]

Like Holland in teh 60s/70s if you want a see-change of what you do, then it is going to be costly and not popular, but wait a decade and the benefits will start to come in thick and fast.

As right leaning as my political views are, power stations should be built by the state for the state, the ridiculous strike prices that have been awarded to recent nuclear contracts are a disgrace.

[Psychosplodge]

we've needed this chart for years!

http://i61.tinypic.com/14ipmyt.png

[Wolfshade]

What about Nusery, Pre-school and pre-nusery?

[Psychosplodge]

whoever made the chart didn't include them.

[eldargal]

I've always kind of liked the American use of grades because it rather implies the quality of the child declines over time. 'Oh yes young Chad started in Grade 1 but now he has slipped to Grade 8, quite the disaster'.

[Mr Mystery]

Like Holland in teh 60s/70s if you want a see-change of what you do, then it is going to be costly and not popular, but wait a decade and the benefits will start to come in thick and fast.

As right leaning as my political views are, power stations should be built by the state for the state, the ridiculous strike prices that have been awarded to recent nuclear contracts are a disgrace.

Extend compulsory state ownership toooooooo......

Power, Water, Public Transport.

None of the above should be subject to private profit motive. Kind of goes against the point of them. Especially public transport. As I've demonstrated before, someone working on the minimum wage in Tunbridge Wells simply cannot take up a much better paying job in London without some kind of financial assistance, on account the commute is an extortionate £474.30.

For added perspective that's £24.30 more than the rent I pay on my flat.

And as many people working on the minimum wage come from less affluent backgrounds, the chance of them having access to that sort of money from friends and family is lower. So you get people trapped in their local job economy through no fault of their own.

Subisidised train fares on Government run services now please. Get some employment market mobility going. The economy needs it.

[Psychosplodge]

but doesn't musical skill go in grades in the same way?

[eldargal]

I was talking to a foreign friend about public transport and he said it costs him about six pounds to do a journey equivalent in distance to York-London but with much smaller populations on either end. Ours is outrageously expensive.

[Wolfshade]

but doesn't musical skill go in grades in the same way?

Yes.

[Mr Mystery]

I was talking to a foreign friend about public transport and he said it costs him about six pounds to do a journey equivalent in distance to York-London but with much smaller populations on either end. Ours is outrageously expensive.

Yup. A strong public transport infrastructure is what's needed, and centrally run.

I for one would mind a lot less the shoddy service I receive on the rare occasions I get the train to work if I knew there wasn't some fat git laughing his socks off as he counts my money, and decides to make more cuts to investment.

[Wolfshade]

I was talking to a foreign friend about public transport and he said it costs him about six pounds to do a journey equivalent in distance to York-London but with much smaller populations on either end. Ours is outrageously expensive.


Extend compulsory state ownership toooooooo......

Power, Water, Public Transport.

None of the above should be subject to private profit motive. Kind of goes against the point of them. Especially public transport. As I've demonstrated before, someone working on the minimum wage in Tunbridge Wells simply cannot take up a much better paying job in London without some kind of financial assistance, on account the commute is an extortionate £474.30.

For added perspective that's £24.30 more than the rent I pay on my flat.

And as many people working on the minimum wage come from less affluent backgrounds, the chance of them having access to that sort of money from friends and family is lower. So you get people trapped in their local job economy through no fault of their own.

Subisidised train fares on Government run services now please. Get some employment market mobility going. The economy needs it.

It is crazy. As a comitted car owner, when I consider running costs, I largely ignore ved and insurance since I would be paying them regardless of if I made a journey or no.

As soon as I am in the car with another adult who would be a full fare payer it works out cheaper for me to drive and park in the city centres. That is the crux of the matter before you consider the cost of the inconvience of carrying shopping,

[Mr Mystery]

It is crazy. As a comitted car owner, when I consider running costs, I largely ignore ved and insurance since I would be paying them regardless of if I made a journey or no.

As soon as I am in the car with another adult who would be a full fare payer it works out cheaper for me to drive and park in the city centres. That is the crux of the matter before you consider the cost of the inconvience of carrying shopping,

Absolutely.

Take T Wells again. I'm lucky enough to live slap bang in the centre of town. Pretty much everything is walking distance for me, and I have a dedicated parking space with my flat - off road too, which is nice.

But Cinema? Oh that's out on the industrial estate. And the Buses? They sort of run out that way, when they can bothered to (it's notorious for the service not showing up). Oh, and it's about £3.50 for a trip of just under two miles....each way.

But cinema has free parking, so I'll just take my car from now on. Job jobbed, and even more strain put on the worst bits of road T Wells has to offer (industrial estate, constantly redeveloped in every way, except for the roads....)

[Psychosplodge]

It is crazy. As a comitted car owner, when I consider running costs, I largely ignore ved and insurance since I would be paying them regardless of if I made a journey or no.

As soon as I am in the car with another adult who would be a full fare payer it works out cheaper for me to drive and park in the city centres. That is the crux of the matter before you consider the cost of the inconvience of carrying shopping,

^this, unbelievably this. And then when you consider time differences and if you actually want to buy anything...

[Wildeybeast]

You see this is where I get confused by it all. The complaint is that you cannot run schools from whitehall, and yet you have a static appraisal system, which you seem in favour of, that is a one model fits all from whitehall. Surely, it is better to have a local head setting proper agreed goals so they can decide at a local level what is important or no. Afterall, what is the point in every teacher working to get the additional senco points if the school does not have any senco pupils?

My goals are aligned to my companies goals, if I do well, then the company gains efficiency savings, if I do excellently, then they get the efficiency savings but they increase their marketability. Thus making the company even more profitable. It is in the best interest of my company to align goals to make me as effective as possible. Now, if the others that I worked with did what I do, then we would not be developing to meet all the needs of our service users, so my colleague has very different goals to me, she managed all of hers but not as well as me so didn't get the same size pay lift.

For what it is worth I do not think that using a strict average pupil score is a good method for performance measurement. After all, you are dependent on those who taught before you. You can't really except a pupil to hit a "C" in english lit. if they arrive in your class being unable to read or write.

Perhaps the issue of automatic progression through school years should be looked at.

The Whitehall targets are very generic for each band, things like 'makes significant contribution to the wider school community'. Each individual then sets appropriate SMART targets at the annual review following discussion with their line manager. So that could include anything from taking assemblies to running training sessions for other staff to setting up a drug awareness programme. The idea is each one contributes both to the professional development of the individual and ultimately improving the experience kids have at school. I'm not opposed to top down control on a state level, the problem comes when you have demagogue in charge with a VISION and no understanding of how education actually works beyond his own private school education 30 odd years ago who has in interest in considering alternative approaches.

I agree entirely with you on the grades. When students have GCSE target grades in Art based on their performance in English at the end of Year 6, they aren't very reliable targets. Especially when primary schools are 'massaging' their SAT results.

[Wolfshade]

The Whitehall targets are very generic for each band, things like 'makes significant contribution to the wider school community'. Each individual then sets appropriate SMART targets at the annual review following discussion with their line manager. So that could include anything from taking assemblies to running training sessions for other staff to setting up a drug awareness programme. The idea is each one contributes both to the professional development of the individual and ultimately improving the experience kids have at school. I'm not opposed to top down control on a state level, the problem comes when you have demagogue in charge with a VISION and no understanding of how education actually works beyond his own private school education 30 odd years ago who has in interest in considering alternative approaches.

I agree entirely with you on the grades. When students have GCSE target grades in Art based on their performance in English at the end of Year 6, they aren't very reliable targets. Especially when primary schools are 'massaging' their SAT results.

So assuming that you have a reasonable boss/head teacher how would it be different if the head set the targets?

I also think that there is an issue with too much examining and not enough learning. The trouble with that is that how can you determine how much a pupil has learned other than through an examination? Then you end up teaching kids how to pass exams rather than instilling knowledge. It is unfortunate, that as far as the school's prestige/budget is concerned, they need to have good grades, as far as employeers are concerned they want kids with good grades. But in reality they need pupils with good knowledge.

There was a classic example, a lad came into my school with an A* in maths at year 7. His parents were furious and demanded a meeting with the head of maths because their little johnny was then placed in the bottom set in year 8. The reason that was given, and supported by management was that while little johnny may have a good attainment in an exam he did not understand the subject.

[Mr Mystery]

My bugbear is the lack of vocational courses open to those not academically inclined.

How many wee wasters are out there because the power that be foisted a purely academic curriculum on them, when they'd have been better off learning a useful trade?

[DWest]

So assuming that you have a reasonable boss/head teacher how would it be different if the head set the targets?
Having dealt with a similar situation on the American side of the pond, the answer is "if reasonable bosses were at least as common as 2-headed unicorns, we wouldn't have a problem with them running the show."

[Kirsten]

Michael Brown shot six times

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28839522

[Darren Richardson]

Michael Brown shot six times

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28839522

yeah and whats worst, TWICE in the HEAD.

It's things like that which make me glad here in the UK most of our police ARE unarmed....

[Wildeybeast]

So assuming that you have a reasonable boss/head teacher how would it be different if the head set the targets?

I also think that there is an issue with too much examining and not enough learning. The trouble with that is that how can you determine how much a pupil has learned other than through an examination? Then you end up teaching kids how to pass exams rather than instilling knowledge. It is unfortunate, that as far as the school's prestige/budget is concerned, they need to have good grades, as far as employeers are concerned they want kids with good grades. But in reality they need pupils with good knowledge.

There was a classic example, a lad came into my school with an A* in maths at year 7. His parents were furious and demanded a meeting with the head of maths because their little johnny was then placed in the bottom set in year 8. The reason that was given, and supported by management was that while little johnny may have a good attainment in an exam he did not understand the subject.

Well, as DWest says, there is an issue with finding reasonable heads. There is more to it than that though. My targets are ultimately about my professional development, rather than simply hitting targets, the theory being that anything which helps improve my teaching will benefit the kids. There is a requirement that more experienced teachers are making contributions to the wider school that helps improve others as well. The head in most schools has limited direct contact with teachers and even less knowledge of their skills. A head will only have seen a handful of their staff actually teach. As such, line managers are much better placed to set targets that will be relevant to staff. Allowing staff to be involved the process rather than imposing targets on them creates a greater level of engagement and more motivation to meet the targets.

I agree entirely about teaching to pass exams. I must spend about a fifth of my GCSE teaching time purely on exam practice.

[Mr Mystery]

Watched The Winter Soldier last night.

Hats off again to the Marvel Studios. Top notch action/spy thriller.

And for the love of Stan The Man, Black Widow needs her own film.

[Psychosplodge]

Having dealt with a similar situation on the American side of the pond, the answer is "if reasonable bosses were at least as common as 2-headed unicorns, we wouldn't have a problem with them running the show."

But isn't a two headed unicorn a bi-corn? or does it only have a single horn still?

[Wildeybeast]

I have mixed feelings about it. I enjoyed it, but it lacked the courage to follow through properly on the spy thriller thing and fell back on big action set pieces a little too easily. Compare with Agents of Shield which got the balance right in y view.

[Wolfshade]

On the back of the "affordability" of public transport:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28842633

Regulated rail fares will rise by 3.5% from January next year, following the release of July's inflation figures.

Under the formula, average fares in England and Wales are due to go up by July's RPI measure of inflation, plus 1%.

RPI - the Retail Prices Index - was 2.5% last month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Labour accused the government of 'ripping off' passengers, but the government defended the rise.

Regulated fares have increased by more than the rate of inflation in most years since 2004.

Such fares include season tickets, "anytime" single tickets around major cities, and off-peak inter-city return tickets.

But under a "flex" rule, train companies can raise fares by 2% above the average, as long as the overall average stays at RPI plus 1%.

As a result, some fares could increase by 4.5% next year.

- - - Updated - - -

Now for some light humour:

Top 9 jokes from this years fringe:

1."I've decided to sell my Hoover... well, it was just collecting dust" - Tim Vine.
2."I've written a joke about a fat badger, but I couldn't fit it into my set" - Masai Graham.
3."Always leave them wanting more, my uncle used to say to me. Which is why he lost his job in disaster relief" - Mark Watson.
4."I was given some Sudoku toilet paper. It didn't work. You could only fill it in with number ones and number twos" - Bec Hill.
5."I wanted to do a show about feminism. But my husband wouldn't let me" - Ria Lina.
6."Money can't buy you happiness? Well, check this out, I bought myself a Happy Meal" - Paul F Taylor.
7."Scotland had oil, but it's running out thanks to all that deep frying" - Scott Capurro.
8."I've been married for 10 years, I haven't made a decision for seven" - Jason Cook.
9."This show is about perception and perspective. But it depends how you look at it" - Felicity Ward.

[Mr Mystery]

True, but what they did they did really, really well.

Particularly impressed with Cap's prowess in the opening scenes (trying to avoid direct spoilers!)

Definitely adding this in 3D to my growing collection :)

[Psychosplodge]

I don't find Tim Vine funny...
Some of the others are much better puns, but why is always a pun that wins this award?

Mystery, 3D is dead stop trying to force it.

[Wolfshade]

Because puns work best as a one liner. Whereas observational jokes might take 3 minutes to set up with a number of minor tittles inbetween before the crux of the joke breaks. Also physical humour does not work well in written text

[Mr Mystery]

I don't find Tim Vine funny...
Some of the others are much better puns, but why is always a pun that wins this award?

Mystery, 3D is dead stop trying to force it.

3D isn't dead - I like 3D at home. So nyeah.

And I otherwise agree - Tim Vine isn't funny. His jokes are I'll grant you, but his delivery is terrible. Give me proper comedy rather than 'rapid fire one liners'. Anyone can say something funny. But to actually be funny is much, much harder.

[Wildeybeast]

Because puns work best as a one liner. Whereas observational jokes might take 3 minutes to set up with a number of minor tittles inbetween before the crux of the joke breaks. Also physical humour does not work well in written text

He said as much himself on BBC breakfast this morning. To roughly quote him 'it's for best joke, not best paragraph'.

[Wolfshade]

I just watched that video! Yes it appears to be an award for the best 1 liner.

[Mr Mystery]

Pffrt.

Yay! My oils should be arrive any minute now, and that means tonight will be spent experimenting with finding the right level of scent. Yo' bedda believe it beh-beh!

[Wolfshade]

it rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again

[Mr Mystery]

Well indeed.

Though this is for those sort-of pomander things I'm making to sell at LARP.

If I can pulls this off, I'll be rich!

[40kGamer]

Ferguson news:

http://news.yahoo.com/police-protesters-collide-again-ferguson-071214374.html

This quote really stood out: "Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri Highway Patrol, who is in charge of security in Ferguson, said bottles and Molotov cocktails were thrown from the crowd and that some officers had come under heavy gunfire. At least two people were shot and 31 were arrested, he said. He did not have condition updates on those who were shot. Johnson said four officers were injured by rocks or bottles."

Is it just me or does a statement saying that officers came under heavy gunfire but their only injuries were from rocks sound like a blatant lie?

[Psychosplodge]

IDK because if you remember the rioting in manchester(iirc?) someone took shots at police but missed, but they were clearly shown on cctv doing so. I don't think the US has the same sort of cctv coverage as the UK though?

[eldargal]

Yup. People in Ferguson are tweeting all the time and the only gunfire has been from the police and at least one 'molotov cocktail' was a tear gas cannister that caught fire and was thrown AWAY from children, not towards police. One journalist has been threatened with being shot at least, some others have been attacked in other ways. Some black journalists were not allowed into the media zone while white journalists were and a white journalist was recorded saying the police needed to shoot some people to stop the riots.

Oh and some protesters broke into a McDonalds toget milk for people affected by tear gas so watch out for that being spun as looting at some point.

[Psychosplodge]

That's insane.As if a journalist won't report that.

[eldargal]

Yup, he tweeted it. It was also police who broke the peace (again), three hours before curfew (which is a disgusting way to enforce order anyway) they charged down the street firing tear gas and rubber bullets when there wasn't even rioting, just people and families out and about.

Learnt something new and horrifying, rubber bullets are actually rubber coated metal bullets.

[Psychosplodge]

That probably depends. I'm sure I've seen one like the army used in NI before and it was more like a hockey puck in large "bullet" form.

[eldargal]

Well the ones in Ferguson are rubber coated metal at least.

[Psychosplodge]

That seems dangerous. or even more dangerous...

[eldargal]

Some people have been tweeting their injuries from them and they are horrific.

[Psychosplodge]

According to the wiki you're supposed to fire them at the ground so they inflict pain to the legs when they bounce.

[40kGamer]

IDK because if you remember the rioting in manchester(iirc?) someone took shots at police but missed, but they were clearly shown on cctv doing so. I don't think the US has the same sort of cctv coverage as the UK though?

Cameras are still rare here and any revealed footage would be completely one sided anyhow if they were government controlled. Maybe it's because I learned how to use a rifle at a young age but completely missing all those cops with 'heavy gunfire' seems ridiculous to me. (Not that I want to see anyone shot on either side.) Plus I don't want to contemplate the severity of the police oppression if an officer is shot.

Every time I see these type of exchanges it firms up my belief that there is a strong undercurrent of anarchy and barbarism behind our thin veneer of civilization.

[Wolfshade]

Yes, :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_bullet

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rubber-bullets-in-missouri-clash-highlight-militarization-of-america-s-police/

If this "non-lethal" approach does not deter protesters one worries how long before non-lethal force is replaced by live rounds

[40kGamer]

Yes, :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_bullet

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rubber-bullets-in-missouri-clash-highlight-militarization-of-america-s-police/

If this "non-lethal" approach does not deter protesters one worries how long before non-lethal force is replaced by live rounds

Damn those are still horrifying results. Hasn't anyone came up with a productive way to manage civil unrest? The crap they are doing in Ferguson appears to just feed the fire.

- - - Updated - - -


Well the ones in Ferguson are rubber coated metal at least.

That is ridiculous! Like a wolf in sheep's clothing!

[eldargal]

That's deliberate though, as people there have said they aren't out of control they know exactly what they are doing and are oging about it in a controlled fashion. The only issue is no one seems to know what they are trying to do beyond terrorise the African American community.

[Gotthammer]

It depends - there are "bean bag guns" which are like super nerf cannons that fire rubber batons or beanbags (and are still potentially lethal), baton rounds for grenade launchers (instead of teargas) and shotguns which are often just lengths of wood, and rubber coated slugs for rifle calibre weapons. Not saying all these are being used but given the police equipped with large amounts of M4's they'd def be using rubber bullets out of them.

Also if you see pics of police with paintball guns they have special rounds that when they break open leak the liquid used in mace and tear gas instead.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/0c8b8fa28c125808a50b3ca40649b669/tumblr_nagvfd4PLF1sgdch8o1_500.png


it actually is illegal. officers are required to wear their name tags for accountability purposes.

if a cashier can be penalized for being on the clock without a name tag, so can an officer. the biggest ****ed up part about it is that you can’t even report it to their superiors because their superiors probably told them to remove their tags.

Most officers also don't have their badges on so have zero form of open identification visible.

http://38.media.tumblr.com/21564c9465af8ea982efffb51872261e/tumblr_naj2uuS1dV1sf7qbno3_500.png

http://37.media.tumblr.com/8ea608c264726a01f83fcdc4e6fee0f4/tumblr_nahfmeQh1e1ruroruo6_500.jpg

http://38.media.tumblr.com/b9d58e001c4ceeebea258377ef28fd93/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o2_500.png

http://38.media.tumblr.com/f6dfda8db25200aafde9d84b05c99fc3/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o3_500.png

http://38.media.tumblr.com/95cec59e1e11feb4d0d8b88f4bd713f4/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o4_500.png

http://38.media.tumblr.com/90923912ad8ec1518ffcf432d1a22264/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o7_500.png

http://38.media.tumblr.com/282158e46b96a2dd49579f2b48529590/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o9_500.png

http://33.media.tumblr.com/86c1a45de3cf754539132c1e53ad8e1a/tumblr_najj4ndwXs1qcfoo3o10_500.png

[Wildeybeast]

You wonder at what stage this becomes enough of a PR nightmare/horrific example of state brutality that BO decides to intervene?

[Wolfshade]

To be honest, with it being such a mess I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to stay as far from it as he could.

[Mr Mystery]

Dear America.

You really need to sort your house out, and pronto. You're meant to be a world leader, not some tinpot police state.

[Wolfshade]

Dear America.

You really need to sort your house out, and pronto. You're meant to be a world leader, not some tinpot police state.

Don't forget we had our rioting that went national because of the killing of one youth in london.

[Psychosplodge]

Isn't he in his second term? He might wade in...
If he had to worry about re-election he might avoid it. or would that work better the otherway? who knows?

ours definitely wasnt a peaceful protest though was it?
plus what rioting? :D

[40kGamer]

To be honest, with it being such a mess I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to stay as far from it as he could.

My thoughts exactly.

Didn't see this in prior posts:

State Senator tells Govenor 'F*** You' on twitter:

http://www.inquisitr.com/1419224/missouri-senator-drops-f-bomb-on-governor-jay-nixon-over-handling-of-ferguson-riots/

She was tear gassed while participating in a peaceful protest a few days back and she is not a happy lady.

- - - Updated - - -


Isn't he in his second term? He might wade in...
If he had to worry about re-election he might avoid it. or would that work better the otherway? who knows?

ours definitely wasnt a peaceful protest though was it?
plus what rioting? :D

He is in his second term so no it wouldn't impact him. Although his party may not want him to get involved.

[DWest]

At this point, Obama is staying out of it because the swivel-eyed loons would accuse him of "stirring up discontent" no matter what he said. This way, they can't make the story about him, and even the (reasonable) right-wing elements are now saying "hmm, maybe giving the police tons and tons of military gear isn't a good idea". I'm hoping that the nation might actually do something useful this time, but I'm not going to bet spending money on it.

[40kGamer]

even the (reasonable) right-wing elements are now saying "hmm, maybe giving the police tons and tons of military gear isn't a good idea". I'm hoping that the nation might actually do something useful this time, but I'm not going to bet spending money on it.

I'm not going to risk a wager on anything positive coming out of this debacle either! Whoever thought giving the police military gear was a good idea deserves to wear a dunce cap and set in the corner. That's why we have the national guard and let's not forget the actual armed forces!

[Wildeybeast]

Don't forget we had our rioting that went national because of the killing of one youth in london.

But the two are rather different. That was a lawful killing of an armed man in pre-planned police operation. The riots that followed were not really anything to do with that, it was just yobs nicking stuff.

[Kirsten]

yeah and whats worst, TWICE in the HEAD.

It's things like that which make me glad here in the UK most of our police ARE unarmed....

yeah, absolutely. when Lee Rigby was killed an american friend of mine was saying that the british army needed to be deployed in cities on a permanent basis, and all police armed. because clearly that will stop a nutter running you over and killing you...


Ferguson news:

http://news.yahoo.com/police-protesters-collide-again-ferguson-071214374.html

This quote really stood out: "Capt. Ron Johnson of the Missouri Highway Patrol, who is in charge of security in Ferguson, said bottles and Molotov cocktails were thrown from the crowd and that some officers had come under heavy gunfire. At least two people were shot and 31 were arrested, he said. He did not have condition updates on those who were shot. Johnson said four officers were injured by rocks or bottles."

Is it just me or does a statement saying that officers came under heavy gunfire but their only injuries were from rocks sound like a blatant lie?

yeah highly suspect. it is absolutely astonishing how badly the police have handled this, you really wouldn't think they could be so stupid. as if they can get away with simply cracking down harder and harder on protesters. they don't like us using riot gear and beating them up, I know, rubber and wooden bullets, more threats, and more arrests, that will stop it...

apparently at one point some journalists were rounded up and put in a pen, then tear gassed.

you know things are getting ridiculous when the national guard are brought in and they might be a better option.

and you can always count on The Onion 'Battleship awkwardly propped up against Ferguson Police Department
http://www.theonion.com/articles/battleship-awkwardly-propped-up-against-ferguson-p,36719/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=Pic:1:Default

[40kGamer]

And the comedy of errors continues.... Seriously, is no one trained to defuse a volatile situation...

"With City on Edge, St. Louis Police Shoot and Kill Another Man"

http://news.yahoo.com/city-edge-st-louis-police-shoot-kill-another-191548306.html

[Wolfshade]

But the two are rather different. That was a lawful killing of an armed man in pre-planned police operation. The riots that followed were not really anything to do with that, it was just yobs nicking stuff.

No you are quite right in that respect

[Wildeybeast]

And the comedy of errors continues.... Seriously, is no one trained to defuse a volatile situation...

"With City on Edge, St. Louis Police Shoot and Kill Another Man"

http://news.yahoo.com/city-edge-st-louis-police-shoot-kill-another-191548306.html

If we believe the police accounts, he was waving a knife at officers and refused their instructions to drop it. They only shot him when he got dangerously close to them. Some news reports were saying he was screaming 'kill me' at them. The problem is, a lot of people won't believe them given their recent behaviour.

This is another example of the difference in our policing styles. Over here, police are trained to disarm people wielding knives (mostly it consists is hitting them with big sticks) and all wear stab vests. If they felt the need to call armed support, it most likely would have been a taser unit that arrived. If the reports about him shouting 'kill me' are true, they would mostly likely have guessed mental health issues and done their utmost to talk him down. Is this common behaviour for police in America 'shoot first, worry about consequences later' or are they just super on edge at the moment?

[Psychosplodge]

They tend not to bother with the sticks now and just tazer knife wielders these days, at least thats what reality tv has taught me.

[Gotthammer]

Is this common behaviour for police in America 'shoot first, worry about consequences later' or are they just super on edge at the moment?

When you don't normally have to worry about consequences (http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/17/4123183/behind-bars-a-brutal-and-unexplained.html) you just shoot first:

https://41.media.tumblr.com/58b517f7b78e0b08eda1dce20e674e06/tumblr_n7ad99QWnk1qeqbeio1_500.jpg



But nearly two years after Rainey’s death on June 23, 2012, the Miami-Dade medical examiner has yet to complete an autopsy and Miami-Dade police have not charged anyone. The Florida Department of Corrections halted its probe into the matter, saying it could be restarted if the autopsy and police investigation unearth new information.

“They told people that he had a heart attack,’’ said a source close to the prison system with knowledge of the case.


https://31.media.tumblr.com/e6a64379045a4a59b6655b1ab82c178c/tumblr_inline_najixj9Tcv1qb1kmw.png

https://31.media.tumblr.com/1b2113a9750130b67d337549cc509079/tumblr_inline_najirk3Ca01qb1kmw.png

https://31.media.tumblr.com/34c687e4fe7f237f54af42729a1c4a85/tumblr_inline_najitfufQm1qb1kmw.png

https://31.media.tumblr.com/0fc0dee3e71f7910e0aa89a8af5eef66/tumblr_inline_najivhljGO1qb1kmw.png

http://38.media.tumblr.com/4a0d783b9dc73caf258efb48c18b4b0b/tumblr_najd2aQ3hD1ruroruo1_1280.jpg

http://38.media.tumblr.com/dd2d8d3cf9f2c524bd1870e2a0727003/tumblr_najbmjfRBH1ruroruo3_1280.jpg



http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x240qqo_cnn-s-jake-tapper-going-in_news


EDIT:

Rubber bullets:

https://31.media.tumblr.com/2a420760e5c58962e8d70d19627acb9f/tumblr_najp9x6Kwm1ql1v50o1_1280.jpg

https://38.media.tumblr.com/102e16823346706e514192b38be84fb4/tumblr_najp9x6Kwm1ql1v50o2_1280.jpg

https://33.media.tumblr.com/6b89ebf6538d13fdde1d2864adac5489/tumblr_najp9x6Kwm1ql1v50o3_1280.jpg

[Mr Mystery]

Look like tracker balls out of olden days mice. And having had one of those stegged at my head, let me tell you they hurt a lot, let alone when shot out of a gun.

And Wildey, allow me to FTY....

'If they're black, shoot first and worry about the consequence never, and if they're white, shoot a black person and say they did it all allong'

[Psychosplodge]

Remember this picture from previous offtopics?
http://i61.tinypic.com/2cpciyv.png

well today I saw it with this caption! :D


i love this photo because at first you think that she was going to get married but instead her husband to be left her, or something like that. but actually its quite the opposite. i clicked on the source and it brought me to an article explaining the story behind this photo, and shes not crying, shes hungover. her and her husband went to a football game on their wedding day, and got extremely drunk and partied all night. they took the subway home because they couldn’t drive. so no, its not a sad heartbreaking story, its a crazy joyful one. which in my opinion makes the picture even more amazing

[Wolfshade]

Cool!

[eldargal]

https://31.media.tumblr.com/bd55289797e026b6198f39516982b5ad/tumblr_inline_n4yjvelpGZ1r69spd.jpg
https://31.media.tumblr.com/74e489c2723240ceefd41502875ba2b7/tumblr_inline_n4yjvisWfe1r69spd.jpg

[eldargal]

https://41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lst0ztWRoA1ql7sq4o1_500.jpg
https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lst0ztWRoA1ql7sq4o2_500.jpg
Bwaha.

[Gotthammer]

oh my god XD

[Psychosplodge]

lmfao

[Mr Mystery]

Took me a second to what had happened there. Is good yes!

[40kGamer]

Is this common behaviour for police in America 'shoot first, worry about consequences later' or are they just super on edge at the moment?

More common than it should be and the justification for using lethal force is vague:

"Officers have long been trained to shoot to kill because that is the only way they say they can neutralize a threat. The idea of shooting someone in a limb is fiction."

"In all policy everywhere on force in any law enforcement agency in America, the bottom line statement should read: If you feel sufficiently threatened or if lives are threatened and you feel the need that you must use lethal force, then you must take out the suspect."

Firman said shooting to wound is impractical because "the likelihood of success is low." The officer may miss the target, leaving both the police and the public at risk, he said.

Officers are trained to assess the risk before firing, Firman said, but often a situation escalates quickly. A guide from his association on officer-involved shootings states that deadly force is legally justified "to protect the officer or others from what is reasonably believed to be a threat of death or serious bodily harm; and to prevent the escape of a fleeing violent felon who the officer has probable cause to believe will pose a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others."

Full Article:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/19/police-deadly-force_n_5693020.html

And police are free to bring the hammer down on any group of people the moment them deem it to be a "riot"... another vague definition awaits!

http://news.yahoo.com/can-the-police-really-do-that-105437241.html

Apparently the 'Land of the free' turns into a 'police state' at the drop of a hat. :(

[Mr Mystery]

Den of Geek have nice things to say about Sin City 2 (http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/sin-city/31788/sin-city-2-a-dame-to-kill-for-review)

Defo going to see that when it's out.

[eldargal]

Won't touch anything Frank Miller is involved with personally, he's an immense misogynist.

[Psychosplodge]

Really?
The females seemed quite strong characters in the first film, even if they were a bit scantily clad.