Submitted by Captain Qahn on
The Prime Minister has called for a snap General Election for Thursday 8th June :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39627175
http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/current-state-of-the-...
Whilst JC may welcome the snap decision to change rules and to be voted on by Parliament tomorrow, perhaps enshrining his place at the top table for a further seven years as 'opposition' leader ...
Best not to count the Brexit chickens afore they hatch.
51 days.... it may take that long for Corbyn to leave a note.
As for Ms May ... blushing or bluffing?
Tarzan?
Mind with the NYCC election result on 5th May .... Purrdah. Oh erm 32 days ... six weeks prior to nominations being in ... and no local political meetings during erm purrdah.... change 'tis highly unlikely. Mind they make it up as they go along.... why not just have a referendum with a third option or erm None of the Above?
Sack the lot ... a lotto or straw poll. Put all those eligible to vote 'papers' in one big box and select 650 at random.
Campaign Campaign.
The Selection Process.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39630209
24 Comments
Bobs 'Bid'
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/politics/scarborough-mp-bring-i...
"Scarborough's MP has welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she wishes to call a General Election on June 8.
Robert Goodwill said his message was 'bring it on' when the Prime Minister made her announcement this morning.
http://newsthump.com/2017/04/18/jeremy-corbyn-uncertain-which-way-to-vot...
There will be a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow to allow the election to take place, with Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn saying he backs the country going to the polls.
Mr Goodwill said it was the right decision.
He said: "If I am lucky enough to be chosen (by the local Conservative association) then I welcome the chance to once again represent the people of Scarborough and Whitby
"I think it is the right decision as it will give Ms May the full five-year term to implement Brexit.
"If the election had not been called we would have been in election mode in 2019, right in the middle of making important decisions about Brexit and what comes after we leave the EU.
"This now means Ms May can go into the negotiations with not only a referendum result in her pocket but also a mandate for the future from the General Election."
Mr Goodwill said he believed a recent by-election for a council seat in Coulby Newham near Middlesbrough, which the Conservatives took from Labour, was the trigger for today's announcement.
He added: "I don't think I can remember a time of such economic growth in Scarborough and Whitby what with the UTC, new university and the potash mine now hiring staff.
"I think the election will see people agree that the Conservative Party has the best interests of the people of Britain at heart and will see a rejection of Jeremy Corbyn's politics of the past
"Bring it on." "
Any Olde Iron ....
Bob & a Bib?
http://www.nme.com/news/music/queen-adam-lambert-announce-massive-2017-u...
One Issue. One Opposition. ;-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEUkQVkwNDI
Flat Pack?
http://www.flatpackdemocracy.co.uk/
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/22/flatpack-democracy-peop...
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/18/general-election-c...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTDWd9-zqzc
GSTQ x
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI8v6P1SpN8
Independence 'Day'
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/2271117/bridlington-...
"4:38pm 18th April 2017
(Updated 5:10pm 18th April 2017)
Mayor of Bridlington Liam Dealtry plans to stand against Sir Greg Knight as the MP for East Yorkshire.
The news comes on the day that Prime Minister Theresa May announced she is calling a snap election for June 8.
Liam will be standing as an Independent and says he will be a voice for "normal everyday people." In the last general election in 2015, Sir Greg won the East Yorkshire seat with 50% of the votes.
That was a total of 25,276 votes and gave him a majority of around 15,000 ahead of Labour's Kevin Hickson.
Liam comes to the end of his term as Bridlington's Mayor this year, and says standing parliament since he began his political career.
He said:
Ah, so ...
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/hull-mp-alan-johnson-confirms-he-is-...
The Gagging Bill
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/18/greenpeace-first-organi...
"Greenpeace has become the first organisation to be fined under the government’s Lobbying Act which critics warned would silence legitimate campaign groups.
Ministers said the legislation, dubbed the “gagging law” by charities, would hold corporate lobbyists to account whenit was introduced in 2014. But the act has faced intense criticism from civil society groups which have repeatedly warned that the restrictions it imposes on spending during an election would hamper the activities of legitimate groups.
Greenpeace says those fears have been borne out after the charity revealed it had been fined £30,000 for refusing to register as a “third-party campaigning organisation” in the run-up to the 2015 election.
John Sauven, Greenpeace UK executive director, said the decision not to register was an “act of civil disobedience” and warned that the fine would have a further “chilling effect” on the charities and civil society groups in the run-up to June’s election.
“Sometimes legislation is just wrong and you have to stand up and say so. The Lobbying Act is a democratic car crash; it weakens democracy and curtails free speech.”
Meanwhile ;-0
"Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive Sir Gary Verity said:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/party-or-campaigner/non-par...
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/transport/full-service-on-virgin-tra...
Mind, how many Twonks will 'sit it out'?
http://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2016/06/europe-how-conservati...
https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/politics/election-george-osbornes-ni...
And the MP turnout for todays vote?
I doubt two thirds are in the Country ...
Much Ado about Nothing ... tis about as exciting as Erdogan.
http://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/thereas-mays-uk-snap-election-gamb...
".. lungfuls of Welsh mountain air taken in while walking in Snowdonia..."
Hmmm ...
https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/2269474/large-moorla...
Incredible.
https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/world/2271370/donald-trump-said...
Does anyone out there actually believe a single word they say?
None of the Above.
Brrrr ...
Political Apocolypse
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
Boy Wonder ?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/19/george-osborne-to-stand...
"“I am stepping down from the House of Commons – for now. But I will remain active in the debate about our country’s future and on the issues I care about, like the success of the Northern Powerhouse.
“I want a Britain that is free, open, diverse and works with other nations to defend our democratic values in the world.
“I will go on fighting for that Britain I love from the editor’s chair of a great newspaper. It’s still too early to be writing my memoirs..."
Oh, and the next leader of the LP ;-)
Mind will there be anyone left to vote ...
Is it two thirds of 650 or of those present ... am sure it was the full house.
Hmmm ...
http://newsthump.com/2017/04/19/i-shall-return-cries-osborne-as-he-falls...
Walks & Wales
Submitted by Captain Black on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/22/the-walks-give-clarity-...
"The following Monday, 10 April, having reached her conclusion, May spoke to the Queen. Next, she informed her closest advisers, and then sought the full approval of the cabinet.
Then, on Tuesday, 18 April, she told the rest of the world."
Flat tops flat tops...
General Election - Brief
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
https://www.scarborough.gov.uk/latest-news/briefing-session-general-elec...
The briefing session will take place from 2.00pm until 4.00pm on Thursday 27 April at the Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG.
Information will be provided about the nomination process and about how to complete the nomination forms for those unfamiliar with the process. Nomination packs will be available to take away and complete.
Anyone wanting to attend should inform the council’s elections team by emailing electors@scarborough.gov.uk or calling 01723 232309."
Micros to Macrons
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/apr/20/tactical-voting-to-beat-...
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/20/election-britain-f...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39067409
Macron - Resultat
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39839349
"Mr Macron won by 66.06% to 33.94% to become, at 39, the country's youngest president.
Mr Macron will also become the first president from outside the two traditional main parties since the modern republic's foundation in 1958.
He said that a new page was being turned in French history..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v98HEQvtpgo
Oh, OK ;-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCo03x0yUfk
Ah, so ....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39443187
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/07/emmanuel-macron-wins-frenc...
Pogo Pogo
The New 'Statesman'
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by-subject/electi...
http://www.markpack.org.uk/149348/2017-general-election-timetable/
Dodging the issue ...
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/21/labour-takes-to-the-str...
Yup, not one meme on how Corbyn failed on 'Brexit' ... anything butt!
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/22/how-vote-tacticall...
The 8th May ... (Mon)
Boris.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0iqg2UanEc
Oops. 11th (Thu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52cQeFBU2Kw
Inconclusive.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/21/mps-brexit-britain...
St Georges Day
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/rihanna-photo...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W6y7YhHdVE
Oh. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39682388
"A Conservative source said: "The British economy would be on a permanent holiday if Mr Corbyn got near Downing Street."
One day off a year :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxI8K1oPiII
Piracy ...
http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/security/a-highly-secretive-mee...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC07TEZtKEc
Nuts.... erm Nutella..
Odd Bods.. erm about that shift in the time space continuum ..
Ah, so ... 'Minkowski' ... nobody still wears that stuff do they?
Ermintrude.
Ohm Ohm Um.
Best get me Duffle.
Meanwhile: back in 'Vague' there appears to be a 'black hole' ...
Oh: https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/2273750/try-out-a-mo...
Short straws, straw ..
Eh: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/apr/21/electric-flying-car-lil...
tis like 'Gone with the Wind' innit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ5ICXMC4xY
'Do not squander time...'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4546UkGWSw
Zzzzzz
May Day - Zing
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/30/kim-jong-may-awkward-an...
"“Don’t the voters deserve better than to be spoken to in soundbites?” asked Andrew Marr.
Don’t be silly. What this country needed above all were strong and stable soundbites. “I believe it is in the national interest to have a strong and stable leadership because only a strong and stable leadership can deliver a strong and stable economy.”
Marr reached for the pistol. Him or her? This wasn’t the interview he had been hoping for. It was the one he had feared. “That does sound rather robotic,” he observed. The Supreme Leader began to relax. Robotic was good. Robotic was strong and stable.
"With the Maybot fully activated, the Supreme Leader went on to insist that she wanted nothing more than a country which worked for everyone and not just the privileged few. She’d said that hundreds of times before so it must be true. What about the nurses? Marr asked. They were poorer than they had been for years and many of them were going to foodbanks.
“There are complex reasons why people go to foodbanks,” the Supreme Leader said tetchily. And what people had to remember was that many nurses were just plain greedy and chose to scrounge off foodbanks when they had spent all their money on super-sized meals at McDonald’s.
"Sensing she might be straying slightly off message, Kim Jong-May returned to her default settings. Strong and stable leadership. Strong economy. Strength through being strong. Security through being secure. No, she didn’t feel it would be a failure if inequality rose under her Supreme Leadership...
"The Supreme Leader fidgeted and looked around anxiously, willing the interview to end. “Jean-Claude Juncker is reported as saying that you are in a different galaxy in the Brexit negotiations,” Marr remarked...
"That was an insult too far for Kim Jong-May. Just because she was on another planet, it didn’t mean she was from another galaxy. She was very proud to be the Supreme Leader of the planet Zog. And what the people of planet Zog needed was strong and stable leadership, which is why they needed to give her a mandate to strengthen her hand in the Brexit negotiations. Once the EU realised how much everyone in the UK hated it, Brussels would be bound to give us a brilliant deal.
“Do you think gay sex is a … ”
The Supreme Leader had been expecting this one and she jumped in before Marr had finished his sentence. “NO, NO, NO.” She absolutely loved gay sex. Nobody liked gay sex more than she did. Nothing was more strong and stable than gay sex providing it was done strong and stably. To be on the safe side, she crossed herself. She could work out later whether it was more of a sin to say something wasn’t a sin when you thought it might be.
A few minutes later, the Supreme Leader found herself in the ITV studios being asked much the same questions by Robert Peston. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. Strong and stable, stable and strong. Strengthen our economy by strengthening her own position. Read her lips. She wouldn’t be raising any specific taxes. Though she might be raising some unspecific taxes which she wasn’t prepared to specify.
By now Kim Jong-May was displaying some nervous tics. Her eyes twitched as they darted in different directions and her fists clenched and unclenched. Desperation was kicking in. “One last question,” said Peston, thoughtfully opting to put the Supreme Leader and the country out of their misery. Why would she not be doing the live TV debates?
“Because I want to get out into the community to meet some ordinary people,” she replied. Why, only the previous day she had been up to a forest in Scotland where she had met this awfully nice woman, Ruth Davidson, along with seven of her closest friends, who had all told her that what this country needed was the strong and stable leadership which only someone as strong and stable as her could deliver.
On the way back to Number 10, the Supreme Leader asked the Even More Supreme Leader if he thought the morning had gone well. Lynton Crosby nodded approvingly. She had been more mediocre than even he had dared hope."
Oh... that Wizard.
Hmmm M.... ing... Great & Merciful the II
best get me casio out.
https://www.nasa.gov/
Top Down Mud Slinging
Submitted by Captain Black on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/apr/27/mugwump-attack-lynton-c...
Erm, didn't we have enuff of that in the Referendum?
Some kinda political filter of the fittest.
Hold fire.
Aye on the Prize.
Eric the Red
Submitted by Captain Black on
"Eric Broadbent has been selected to stand as Scarborough & Whitby Labour Party’s Parliamentary Candidate in the forthcoming General Election.
As most of you already know, Eric is a highly respected and experienced County Councillor, Borough Councillor and Trade Union representative. Eric has an excellent record of supporting and standing up for people in our area."
lol, esp at the local Traf.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rcdLeXiU8
Hmmm...
http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/mayor-janet-jefferson-janet-s-h...
Ozzy's Oggles
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/one-of-labours-largest-donors-mi...
""If the results are as bad as predicted, then Jeremy should stand down voluntarily and let someone else lead the fight in June.
"If he does not - and I don't believe he ever would - I would be very happy to fight him and his fellow travellers on the extreme left of the party by standing in his constituency of Islington North."...
"Even in the event of an electoral "disaster", Mr Corbyn would not stand down, relying instead on the support of the party membership to fend off a vote of no confidence, Mr Foster predicted.
"Jeremy's activist supporters will ensure this blinkered, ineffective leader is immediately elected again," he said.
He added: "Unfortunately, supporting him as leader means supporting a political strategy that kills people..."
"Labour has been approached for comment."
Meanwhile:
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnsons-sister-rachel-joi...
"like the brainwashed member of a cult".
"There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the Foreign Secretary."
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/londoners-diary-a-beautif...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfCtkixT6pM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZWCSEoBpCw
SNoooze...
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/in-an-age-of-fake-stories-we-al...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEWaqUVac3M
Situations Vacant
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-39799138
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HisD_pqlRHQ
Clip Clop ...
lhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otnu5Vx50Fo
Tick Tock ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwKFc6jclK8
Olde English Vinyl ... lol
Jeremy Jock ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcSl_Snrzw0
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-39799138
Klingons...
'the General Election is a coronation not a contest'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZCzclNJFUk
'Labour's Ros Jones has won the Doncaster mayoral election on the first count.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfATy3UhKHo
Lib Dems 'bounce'?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE0pOoS5-xs
"Mr Smith, who is standing for UKIP in Lincoln in the 8 June general election, concedes: "This is a temporary glitch for us."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXgxyqo2_mc
'Labour loses Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil to independents'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT5I3dgKs84
"I won't use the word 'disaster', I'll use the word 'challenging',"
'Conservatives have gained control of the Isle of Wight from no overall control after winning 22 of the 40 seats so far ...'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ZkQZCRkAU
'Across the nine English and Welsh counties that have fully declared results, the Tories have control of six authorities - including three gains - and 300 seats, a net gain of 70.
Labour have won 103 seats, a net loss of 36, the Lib Dems have won 75, a net loss of 14 and UKIP has failed to win any seats..'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDRhd8IncWw
Yawn ...
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/may/05/oil-plunges-to-lowest-l...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5_pcaXJIo8
and so endeth tonites pith take on the bbc ;-)
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2017/may/04/local-an...
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/05/jeremy-corbyn-blam...
"Blaming others won’t do. Instead, how refreshing it would be, just this once, if Corbyn and McDonnell put their hands up and took even a small measure of responsibility for this calamitous result. Instead of always playing the besieged victim, they could accept that, as Enoch Powell once observed, a politician complaining about the press is as absurd as a sailor complaining about the sea. Navigating a way through is simply what they have to do."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bid2bvM-Z5o
Irk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED2pg0P8zf0
Business as Usual
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39817224
Mind ....
http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/elections-tories-strengthen-the...
https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/2282863/yorkshire-co...
Nice...
"But, of course, we can't necessarily read to much into the local election. It is about half of the turnout of the national election. I need to work very hard for the next five weeks to make a clear case. We take nothing for granted."
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/steve-gillingham-lack-of-a-m...
Political Class & Cult Status
Submitted by Captain Qahn on
"like the brainwashed member of a cult"
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/03/vinland-vikings-guardian-e...
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/may/07/stephen-fry-investigated...
https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/could-smashing-up-a-rage-room-be-the-...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LODkVkpaVQA
Yawnmowers...
Grexxit
Submitted by Captain Black on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/08/dishevelled-politicians...
“It’s all a total mess,” Balls said happily.
"Boris was at his most un-Boris like"
Oh.
Blonde moment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2017/results
"The Maybot had achieved what everyone had imagined impossible. She had inflicted more damage on the Tory party than anyone other than Tony Blair. Overnight the supreme leader had proved herself to be anything but supreme."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/best-mp-victory-dance-electio...
Fascinating ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r53ox6DhyC0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnejOOL1tR0
Hmmm....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9-pTStLGGo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYrycJw1RLc
Yawwnn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWCAlJ1vsqc
lol
http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/180039/shore-capital-...
The Hung Parliament
Submitted by Captain Black on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40209087
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXCKfEkn7Sg
Local Results
Submitted by Captain Black on
https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/2305849/yorkshire-co...
http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/general-election-conservative-r...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAXm2FcEUBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01i19qog8Pw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hSsy90HXmc
Oh Dear ...
"The collective biography is a good idea. Different dealers, and indeed different markets, influence art in different ways. More problematically, the book covers both dealers who represented artists and those, like Lord Duveen, who traded secondhand masterpieces. Perhaps it is impossible to extricate the two types of dealing but the questions raised by each are very different. Nevertheless, one part of the story is the same: art’s centre of gravity moves from Europe to America and the last rogue in Hook’s gallery is Leo Castelli, the dealer most identified with pop art. By this stage, not only has the art been shipped to America, it has also become American. This seems to point to a depressing truth: that beyond dealers and even beyond artists it has always been the same invisible hand pulling the strings: the economy."
https://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/02/connoisseurs-and-con-artists/
Oh.
http://www.castelligallery.com/on-view_W40.html
'Boustrophedons'
Todays new word ;-) I was tinking more batteries mesen but hey ho...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwC1Ctrj6Xk
"Durand-Ruel and his successors all used their taste to make the market in art. But a century later a non-discriminatory marketplace was trying to get rid of dealers altogether. And did this global marketplace affect the art that was sold in it? Of course it did. It allowed it to be meretricious rubbish."
Ha. (I'll have to google that big word ;-)
Inc O'lusion
Submitted by Captain Black on
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/10/election-nicky-morgan-t...
"... Brexit could only be agreed and delivered if the Conservative minority government built cross-party support behind a plan that would unite politicians and the country..."
Etc Etc ... far too civilised.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgCkmUS1IYI
Gotham awaits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBe3QzVW5_8
PS:-))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QbuOYW_rkM
Brexit's Boy Wonder
Submitted by Benefitz Betty on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42055523
The campaign paid £625,000 to clear bills allegedly run up by university student Darren Grimes with a digital agency days ahead of last June's vote.
A separate group, Veterans for Britain, received £100,000 from Vote Leave.
"The campaign denies attempting to get round spending limits - the Electoral Commission initially accepted this but now says it has new information.
Mr Grimes, at the time a fashion student at the University of Brighton, set up a group called BeLeave, to give young pro-Brexit campaigners a voice during last year's referendum.
As a registered campaigner, he was allowed to spend up to £700,000. He initially spent very little but in the 10 days leading up to the 23 June vote he ran up a £675,315 bill with Aggregate IQ Data, a Canadian marketing firm that specialises in political campaigns...
"In April, the Electoral Commission launched a separate investigation into spending during the referendum by Leave.EU, the campaign backed by then-UKIP leader Nigel Farage and donor Arron Banks.
It is also investigating spending by the anti-Brexit campaign Britain Stronger in Europe."
The 'Fusion' Lady
Submitted by Benefitz Betty on
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/uk-to-fight-back-against-russia-in-i...
"Britain will launch a counter-propaganda war against the Russians and terrorists in an overhaul of security capabilities announced by Theresa May on Tuesday night.
The Prime Minister has instructed the intelligence services to use social media to disrupt misinformation as she promised to use "every capability at our disposal" to defeat the new threat facing the country.
As well as increased Russian aggression, sources warned that the Islamist terror threat was likely to rise in the next two years as Mrs May announced a new effort to ensure every government agency and department makes national security a priority, rather than just the police and security services.
"The plan, called the "Fusion Doctrine", is intended to tackle the evolving threats posed by states such as Russia and North Korea, as well as terrorist groups including Isil which use cyber warfare and "fake news" as well as bombs to attack their enemies.
On Monday, security experts warned that the Kremlin had pumped out more than 20 different stories so far to explain the attack on Sergei Skripal, the former spy, in Salisbury to "confuse the picture and confuse the charge sheet".
They said Britain's soft-power capabilities and ability to counter propaganda online would form part of the new front line.
Meanwhile, the head of the RAF said Britain would soon be forced to defend itself in space, following claims that Russia could attempt to sabotage undersea cables that carry power from Europe. Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, said the UK relied on space "more than ever" for national security. He added that countries such as Russia were "disregarding" the rules and "exploiting environments in whatever way they feel they can to their advantage..."
Anyone got a Futon?
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/orange-snow-seen-in-eastern-europe-2...
Fitbits
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-03-28/fitbit-for-cows-set-to-revol...