Salt n Vinegar

Anyone might think that the system is designed to be as confusing as possible.

Not finding this particularly odd but the Tories are going nuts over things like low emissions zones, 20 MPH zones and the vat threat to private school fees, but seem remarkably quiet over more than a million (yes, million) kids not having a bed of their own, resulting in bed sharing or sleeping on the floor. Nothing to see here, move along now.

"Hurray, a full house of nats"* who having looked at Starmer's and Labour's record on u-turns wouldn't have been in the least surprised if they HAD u-turned on the vat issue. The surprise will be if they actually stick to it under the fire of the Tories' media barons. (* Loosely defined as anyone not seeing much difference between the two cheeks.)

Quite right. Outlaws are a seriously maltreated group in our country and should be entitled to collective bargaining!

For the first time ever, I'm starting to have sympathy for the dog.

There was an episode of The West Wing where an old plan to invade Canada was discussed. Just sayin'...

Well, that change of mind didn't take long. Slight variant of your question, equally as valid IMO.

Got young children in your home? Got a loaded hand gun in your home? Why not play "what happens next" by leaving the loaded handgun within easy reach of the young child? https://nypost.com/2023/09/27/florida-girl-shot-herself-while-relative-watched-football/ "Shocking video captured the moment a 3-year-old Florida girl shot herself with a handgun — while a relative celebrated a football touchdown on TV." "Luckily" it seems that she only shot her finger.

Anyone opened their bottle of Hearach yet? Mrs Wild Rover ordered one for me on line at the weekend and it's just arrived. Don't know if I'll open it ... might just tuck it away - for a wee while anyway.

" We'd better get back 'cause it'll be dark soon and they mostly come at night. Mostly." Too many folk wandering around in the dark without being wise enough to carry a bin bag, IMO.

Any minute now, some mutant right-wing "influencer" will be claiming that the dugs led the bloke on - probably wore lippy... or a mini skirt, that kind of thing... barking for it... etc ad nauseam... Maybe a religious sort of the more extreme variety would claim that Genesis 1:28 gives humans.. ahem... "Dominion... () "over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

Can something be the "very" finest? I'll get my coat.

At least the crazier Americans only resort to gun violence over really, really important issues... "JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A 3-year-old child and two adults were fatally shot late Saturday at a Florida apartment complex during an apparent dispute over the sale of a dog, authorities said." from https://www.wsaz.com/2023/09/25/toddler-2-adults-fatally-shot-during-argument-over-dog-sale-authorities-say/

I'm looking at that too. I usually let the comparison sites do the thinking for me, so I hope I've got this right. The two deals on offer from my present provider (SO Energy) are slightly above the OFGEM October-December price cap. That's for both cost per unit and the standing charge. The only thing that gives me cause for concern is that the price cap I'm considering reverting to only lasts 3 months. Any deals on offer in a few months will be coming on stream at the height of winter when there's no guarantee that the price cap will be as (relatively) attractive. Decisions decisions.

You are surely not suggesting that the Tories would even contemplate reducing tax for the richest few percent of the population rather than invest in infrastructure north of the south-east or otherwise invest in public services? Shame on you!

They're sitting there looking as if they're waiting for the last pools panel result for 24 points... Folk under 50 will probably have no idea what I'm on about... ask yer da'.

Meanwhile, in a "House of Lords" in a crazy democracy... "Lord Meston and Lord De ­Clifford last week landed lifelong seats as crossbench peers – entitling them to claim a daily attendance of £323 – ­after qualifying through birthright and writing an election pitch of just 75 words each. Following Lords reforms in 1999, most hereditary peers were removed from the upper chamber, leaving 92 seats – which are all held by men." This post contains far more than 75 words. Nothing to see here, move along, move along... (Edit to add source...https://www.thenational.scot/news/23809488.outrage-peers-elected-lords-just-23-votes-75-words/ ... some folk might not like the source, but I have no reason to believe that the content is either inaccurate or biased.)

In case anyone is looking at the moment there's still no deals available on the uSwitch site.

Equally shocked that the folk on the XL Bully march were so confident that their beasts could behave well that they all left their little darlings at home. The prospect of dozens of the beasts in close proximity to humans and each other obviously scared the keech out of the owners, as well it should.

If it was a straightforward tax, duty or VAT I wouldn't be too bothered as long as it was set in Scotland and stayed in Scotland. Another new whisky was launched today - from Harris. Bottles have been flying off the online shelves at £65 a pop. It rips my knitting that about 70% or more of the cost of a bottle of whisky goes to that chancer at 11 Downing Street.

Lothian Buses is jointly owned by the City of Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian Councils, so that's fine by me. On the alcohol tax, as things stand, the Scottish Government has no control over excise duties. We'd need independence for that.

Aye... don't get me started on "oh, definAAAtly"

Quite right, if you're trying to boost the confidence of the Celtic fans. We all know it's a devious trick to lull them into a false sense of security! (He said optimistically )

Nope! Canny be arsed getting one. Maybe one day...

Why? Folk would complain that doing something about obesity was more nanny state stuff. It's odd really. Education about the adverse consequences of alcohol abuse and obesity would probably save the country a fortune in heath expenditure. Maybe football clubs could make a start by banning unhealthy food and drinks from stadium catering. The days of Pie and Bovril might be numbered! The site would have to be renamed "Almond milk & Hummus".