pap

I've had three opportunities to go to the US on a more or less permanent basis. Rejected them all, and while I'd never say never, it'd take one sweet fúcking package to convince me that it is worth it. I love the visits, and the occasional opportunity to enjoy infectious optimism and excellent food. Full time? Nah. There are a couple of things that have always held me back. First, the kids were always at the wrong age, and still are, really. Even though we've got the second most expensive higher education in the world, my girls can go to elite institutions here if they apply themselves. They can only really do that in the US if I can find £50K a year tuition (estimate). Of course, the Conservatives are trying their best to stop oiks like me from sending my sprogs to the palaces of the mighty, but for right now, the UK offers a far better deal than I could get over there. The other issue isn't really to do with the US itself, more the way that immigration rules work. Most visas I'd ever travel under would tie me to a specific employer, fundamentally changing what is presently a mutually beneficial and equal arrangement, into something where my employer would exercise a great deal more control. I've always liked the "security" of competence, the notion that if things ever got too fraught, I could just go work somewhere else. It's not an option I've had to use often, but as I say, it's comforting - and gone under most working visas. The old maxim "not a good place to get sick or old" also hit me on my very first visit out in '98, when relocation was already being mooted. Probably didn't help that I was in Southern California at the time, a place that is pretty alien to most Brits, but you can't help imagining what sort of life you might have if you were ever unable to drive yourself about, either through age, sickness or injury. I've got a few mates who've gone over on three year contracts, which would seem the sensible way to go - and definitely something I'd consider once the girls have left home. Forever is a long time, which is why I always laugh when the US Immigration peeps treat you like a savage that has just seen its first glimpses of civilisation, clearly looking to stay. I feel like kissing the ground every time I get back to England. I don't, of course, because it's Manchester (adopted prejudice FTW!), but still....

There for the taking really. Can't believe they beat us. Third time I've been to Everton; by far the least impressive Everton team I've seen line up against us.

The Wetherspoons has Sky Sports. http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-thomas-frost

The 2D game can be a wee bit frustrating in multiplayer. Super Mario 3D World has worked all those kinks out. Fantastic game, and there still isn't a Wii U Mario Galaxy out yet either.

I've lived with a couple of Latvians. Much of what they said about Russia backs up your post, including the numbers. They are not fans of ethnic Russians, but then neither were they fans of "ethnic much except Latvians". We're not talking entirely civilised people in a lot of cases, and I heard greater ire directed at blacks (except the word "black" was not used). The US has no border with any country in Europe. It is principally US forces that are in these former Eastern European countries, and the bi-lateral effort of France and Germany should suggest that unlike many others, they're not swallowing the propaganda. Remember last year when the US was insistent that the Russians had a hand in downing MH17? "Do you have any other proof apart from social media?" God, I love Matt Lee.

We are living in interesting times, Charlie. These articles may be of interest. http://www.stopwar.org.uk/news/why-the-west-is-to-blame-for-the-crisis-in-ukraine-the-full-story http://stopwar.org.uk/news/who-is-really-responsible-for-the-crisis-in-ukraine-boiling-over

Wetherspoons on County Road. Was there last time, and it was fine. Also been told by my Everton mates that it's the best bet for away supporters.

I got one too! Gave me a perverse pleasure when it arrived through my Liverpool letterbox, knowing that there was a good chance that a LFC/EFC postie delivered it Quite classy as well.

Aye, but equally, check out the reports coming from those countries. Almost always "US forces", almost never "NATO forces". The Cold War is over. The US is attempting to re-establish it so it can position itself as sole guarantor for peace. The irony is that we'd all get along a lot better if they f**ked off out of Eastern Europe.

I'll tell you what doesn't get much love around here; the Nintendo Wii U. I know that in this Soccer AM age of lads and first person shooters, Nintendo stuff can seem desperately uncool or twee. I couldn't give a hoot about any of that. I've had a Nintendo console of some form or another ever since the shoebox NES. Irrespective of the underlying technical capability, their under-the-TV hardware has always played host to some of the best games of the generation. Not really any different with the Wii U. Mario Kart 8 is the best racing game bar none, imo - and there is nothing even approaching the quality of Super Mario 3D World on other consoles. Now that many of Nintendo's staple hits (such as Smash Bros, Mario Party) have been reinvented for the platform, the console is getting a load of play in our house. Anyone got one? What's the most fun you've had so far?

The US needs to back the f**k out of Eastern Europe. They don't have to deal with Russia on their doorstep, and they are not acting in the best interests of Europe. "F**k the EU". http://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/feb/07/eu-us-diplomat-victoria-nuland-phonecall-leaked-video

Difficult not to like Martinez, especially when he's calling us the revelation team of the season.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This government is a bandit government. Anyone remember Andy Coulson? Jeremy Hunt's role in the BSkyB deal? The balkanisation and demonisation of the NHS? Look at how much Cameron tried to pull Miliband over Mids Staffs. Classic exception that proves the rule stuff. If you want a government that gives stuff away to private industry, mostly foreign corporate interests, I don't really think you can get better than the Conservatives. No-one shifts public wealth into private hands with quite so much efficiency, whether it's your utilities, transport, infrastructure, your employment rights or in the case of these workfare programs, someone's time and someone else's overtime.

But he is Sol Campbell!

I'm looking forward to its application in Sol's planned political career. http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/sol-campbells-transfer-to-the-tories-could-be-what-the-party-needs-to-defend-millionaires-from-the-dreaded-mansion-tax-9804874.html Rumours abound that he'd like to be a Conservative MP.

Straightforward? I've seen two referendums under this Parliament. Both were conducted duplicitously, and in the case of Scotland, huge new promises of further powers at the last minute. The ASA needs the remit to cover referendums; they don't at present and it results in extremely nasty tactics from the people that are looking to maintain the status quo.

"But I am Sol Campbell" http://fusion.net/story/111366/but-i-am-sol-campbell/ Yes you are, and you're a special lad.

Didn't know about the other motion. The point about Tory truculence should stand though. Hague was itching to get us involved, without any sort of proof.

Good points, Special K. Central government kept most of that money, iirc. Used to pay back debt as well.

The problem with that, as Verbal points out, is that such a crude mechanism just leads to places like London having all the poor washed out of it. I'd sooner we made it illegal for rents to be higher than a certain level. Then the tyrants (not necessarily UJ) may think about ditching their portfolios, letting the market do its job.

I don't think it's remotely the same. Child benefit is paid out because at some point, the state decided that children are both simultaneously useful and a bit of a burden. Housing benefit, as paid now, largely goes to prop up an unsustainable market that grew because state-owned supply was sold off.

See, I don't think market rates are remotely sustainable. Evidence? All the money that taxpayers put in to cover other people's rent. Needs to be put to a manageable level in line with earnings. If your tenants are receiving any form of housing benefit, the rest of us are putting money in your pocket. Why should we have to do that?

So what would happen to you if the rent levels were actually set lower than your mortgage repayments?

Based on what? Your worst case interpretation of a two-line description of German legislation, AFTER I'd already said the form of legislation is up for debate? Seems to me that you're just as guilty of NIMBYism.