h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

hi rg

I suspected something of the sort. I hope the family issues are sorted out faster than the internet ones.

I have been somewhat busy myself having acquired a 'shinee' new Brennan JB7i and attempting to transfer the bulk of by CD collection to it.

I'll keep a look out for your re-appearance.

bs

Hi Bx4

"...You have somewhat misunderstood my point which was a jibe at the humptydumptyism of Slick Dave and his ilk who misunderstand the geographical meaning of 'Great' as it is used in 'Great Britain'..."

I'm afraid I didn't have any luck opening your relevant link though that's, likely as not, a connection issue at this end. However...

"Great Britain

This is a both a geographical term referring to the island on which the greater parts of England, Wales and Scotland are situated, and a legal one referring to those three territories considered together." http://alt-usage-english.org/whatistheuk.html the former works for me. As for the latter I see politicians (whether cloaked in red, blue or The Real Opposition yellow) as the ones seemingly set to sell out my country.

"...If Scotland secedes the Act of Union, 1707, will thereby be revoked leading to the dissolution of the political entity Great Britain andproducing two successor states, Scotland and those countries that form a United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland..."

I thought Scotland was set to secede from the UK state. The dissolution of the UK state would require more than a vote restricted to fewer than 10% of the electorate imo.

"...Great Britain is made up of Scotland, England and Wales, where as Britain is just England and Wales.'(ibid)

So the 'Great' could simply be dropped..."

Any name change would be down to what was termed TLUK during the recent independence debate rather than the secessionists. (Indeed didn't you point out that there wasn't a name change till years after the Irish [mostly] 'left town')? Personally as TLUK is set to be located on Great Britain then I see no reason to do anything. That said see note above on politicians above and their stooges in BBC Sulfur.

"...Poundland..."

I must admit I've not had my ear to the dial these past weeks. What's the current proposal - Euro, Groat* or Pound? Or is it 'we'll see when we get there'?

*Other names for one's own currency are available.

'Immigrant bashing'

I could be wrong though suspect that Labour won't be advocating an open door policy in their 2015 manifesto. See the mess Brown got into with 'bigot' Granny.

That's it for now; things are settling down a bit family wise. The Internet connection is a whole different ball game!

bs

ps Borgen III - I noticed the spoken English (the Laird)? I'm afraid I didn't follow the whole series.

hi rg

Good to see you back.

Somewhat involved in the Weihnachten 'social whirl tonight. So I'll reply tomorrow.

bs

hi rg

Sorry about delayed reply. Had a bit of a push at work so we could close down a few days early.

>>This is a both a geographical term referring to the island on which the greater parts of England, Wales and Scotland are situated, and a legal one referring to those three territories considered together." http://alt-usage-english.org/whatistheuk.html the former works for me<<

Indeed, 'Great Britain' in the United Kingdom of Great Britain formed by the union of Scotland and England (wales is not mentioned in either act of Union) simply means 'the whole of'.

The Slick Dave link was merely an example of a jingoistic reinterpretation of 'great' as 'outstanding' or somesuch.

>>As for the latter I see politicians (whether cloaked in red, blue or The Real Opposition yellow) as the ones seemingly set to sell out my country.<<

Never trust a Unionist politician.

>>I thought Scotland was set to secede from the UK state<<
he Scottish electorate are being /asked/ if they want to secede no. Not quite the same thing and I am less sanguine than you are that a 'Yes' majority is likely.

>>The dissolution of the UK state would require more than a vote restricted to fewer than 10% of the electorate imo.<<

As I pointed out the dissolution of the political entity formed i 1707 would not amount to the dissolution of the United kingdom a it would still exist as a somewhat reduced United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

>>Any name change would be down to what was termed TLUK during the recent independence debate rather than the secessionists. (Indeed didn't you point out that there wasn't a name change till years after the Irish [mostly] 'left town')? Personally as TLUK is set to be located on Great Britain then I see no reason to do anything. That said see note above on politicians above and their stooges in BBC Sulfur.<<

However while the remnant UK is located 'on the UK' its political sovereignty would only extend to the parts currently known as England and wales so claiming to still be the United kingdom of Great Britain would be inaccurate. It may have taken a while but even the most obtuse of unionists finally accepted after the secession of Southern Ireland they had no political sovereignty over that geeographical/political entity hence the tardy but inevitable name change.

>>I must admit I've not had my ear to the dial these past weeks. What's the current proposal - Euro, Groat* or Pound? Or is it 'we'll see when we get there'?<<

The question may be moot if an independent became a member of the EU as acceptance of the Euro is a requirement for new members.

In a real sense it has to be 'we'll see when we get there' since while the SNP seems to favour a currency Union with the rUK (whereas I do not), the actual decision will have to be made by the first-post secession Scottish government which need not be the SNP or indeed a coalition in which the SNP is a member.

>>*Other names for one's own currency are available.<<

Indeed. We had the Scottish Pound /before/ the Act of Union so it is misleading to suggest that the 'pound' was ever a uniquely Anglo-Welsh currency. in fact both currencies were based on the Frankish Empire's 'livre carolienne' currency system.

>>I could be wrong though suspect that Labour won't be advocating an open door policy in their 2015 manifesto.<<

Tory and Labour manifestos will as usual be load of bs.

>>See the mess Brown got into with 'bigot' Granny.<<

The Millipede has been doing the immigration fan dance for quite some time.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/gordon-browns-bigot-remark-was-wrong-says-ed-miliband-7961559.html

Of course being a labour supporting 'lovable old granny' does not me that she is not a bigot given that she 'made some rather offensive remarks about Eastern European immigrants'.

http://www.unz.org/Pub/DailyKos-2010apr-02917

Personally, I would have had more respect for Brown if he had stuck to his guns and refused to apologise.

>>... things are settling down a bit family wise.<<

Good to hear.

>>The Internet connection is a whole different ball game! <<

I become more and more convinced you will become an English Heritage site; ;"The last 'not-spot in Britain".

>>ps Borgen III - I noticed the spoken English (the Laird)?<<

Indeed tough the 'Laird' abdicated and emigrated to New Zealand much to the annoyance of various lovable Aotearoan grannies.

>> I'm afraid I didn't follow the whole series<<

I did but found it a bit disappointing.

Anyhow works patry tonight.

bs

Hi Bx4

More later I'm tired just now though in the mean time...

"...However while the remnant UK is located 'on the UK' its political sovereignty would only extend to the parts currently known as England and wales so claiming to still be the United kingdom of Great Britain would be inaccurate..."

The United States of America doesn't extend even to a hemisphere of that continent yet I don't recall Mexicans, Canadians and the rest complaining about the extent of the implied claimed political sovereignty.

IMO TLUK (the remnant UK) will be the only United Kingdom of Great Britain... Or will newly independent Poundland devise itself as a United Kingdom and make a grab for the right to be known as the UK?

Here's hoping the party was a success.

bs

Hi Bx4

'...a jingoistic reinterpretation of 'great'...'

Alternatively one could point to other sorts of 'great' and refer instead to the ballooning population (is the island growing as fast?) and the never bigger (and growing) debt mountain. We clearly have no trouble pushing out babies nor printing money. Fortunately today's nappy fillers will be needed for decades to come (retire at 90?) to service the debt required to maintain their grandparent's lifestyle today.

"...Never trust a Unionist politician..."

Every other kind is completely honest and trustworthy?

"...the dissolution of the political entity formed i 1707..."

Why bother? I had thought that the 'human right' card was being played here wherein secession was well - a right. No need to scuttle around dusty texts.

"...even the most obtuse of unionists finally accepted after the secession of Southern Ireland they had no political sovereignty over that geeographical/political entity..."

Whilst I can see the point you are making The UK of GB & I would work perfectly well in my book as GB & I remain the location of the United Kingdom.

I suspect that beyond 2014 decisions made in the Westminster parliament will continue to cause Scots to complain. I'd like to think that our politicians will wake up to the fact that they are elected to look after our interests first. Some hope. Perhaps there is merit after all in renaming the UK to England? This could help focus their gracious intellects and they'll stop trying to win votes in Scotland.

"...Personally, I would have had more respect for Brown if he had stuck to his guns and refused to apologise..."

No argument from this quarter.

"...Borgen III..."

It would be wrong of me to criticise the whole series on the basis of watching about a third of it. I felt, what I saw of it, that it was tending towards becoming a parody of itself.

ITV's 'Lucan' was a chance discovery which was watchable for the depiction of a sense entitlement.

bs

hi rg

Edinburgh Airport:

Currently in transit to WI taking advantage of break in UK weather 'disruption'. Is chaos a feature restricted to snow?

>>Alternatively one could point to other sorts of 'great' and refer instead to the ballooning population (is the island growing as fast?) and the never bigger (and growing) debt mountain. We clearly have no trouble pushing out babies nor printing money. Fortunately today's nappy fillers will be needed for decades to come (retire at 90?) to service the debt required to maintain their grandparent's lifestyle today. <<

I'm not sure that this has much to do with a a jingoistic reinterpretation of the geopolitical meaning of 'great' in the successor state formed by the union of Scotland and England. However:

a) Given that the birthrate has declined:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-151319/Birth-rate-drops-lowest-ever.html

I thought the 'problem' was due to a relative decline in the future working population relative to an increase in a aging retired population?

b) Presumably the aging population might take the view that they have been contributing through there taxes and more particularly NI contributions that they entered into a de facto contract with the state that they should have a secure old age?

>>Every other kind is completely honest and trustworthy?<<

Well the SNP promised a referendum in 2014 and...

>>Why bother? I had thought that the 'human right' card was being played here wherein secession was well - a right. No need to scuttle around dusty texts.<<

The dusty texts are only relevant because the are the Acts of Union which enshrine the creation of the geographical/political entity, 'The United Kingdom of Great Britain' and the secession of Scotland would, were it to happen - which I think unlikely, lead to the dissolution of that geographical/political entity. This would leave a residual political entity, a United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

>>Whilst I can see the point you are making The UK of GB & I would work perfectly well in my book as GB & I remain the location of the United Kingdom.<<

However contrary to your view the position of the then UK government was that the secession of Eire meant that while it was located within the geographical entity known as the British Isles it was a separate political entity outwith the sovereignty of the the rUK which only extended to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Similarly a Scottish secession would mean that the sovereignty of a diminished rUK would no longer extend to the whole of the geographical entity known as Great Britain presumably resulting in an equivalent name change.

>>I suspect that beyond 2014 decisions made in the Westminster parliament will continue to cause Scots to complain.<<

Why?

>> I'd like to think that our politicians will wake up to the fact that they are elected to look after our interests first. Some hope.<<

I had always taken view that Westminster politicians, irrespective of party looked after there on interests first and those of their fat cat cronies second.

>> Perhaps there is merit after all in renaming the UK to England?<<

Greater England? to take account of the Welsh and Irish while demonstrating there inferior status in the new order.

>>This could help focus their gracious intellects and they'll stop trying to win votes in Scotland<<

Surely the Scots assuming secession would not be entitled to vote in elections the Kingdom of Greater England.

>>No argument from this quarter.<<

Indeed, though U-turns seem to be the sine qua non of the current crop of pols.

>>It would be wrong of me to criticise the whole series on the basis of watching about a third of it. I felt, what I saw of it, that it was tending towards becoming a parody of itself. <<

Tend to agree and I watched the lot. Apparently a new series of 'The Bridge's looms.

>>...Lucan...<<

Didn't watch it.

A Good New Year tae one and a'.

bs

Hi Bx4

"... break in UK weather 'disruption'. Is chaos a feature restricted to snow?.."

I'm pleased you are back and 'enjoying' a break in the airport. So far as the cat is concerned there is major disruption to his weather this morning. There is a coating of slippery white and rather cold matter which caused him to cut short his normal perambulations about the grounds. I'm not sure if this would be classed as 'chaos' by BBC Sulfur.

"...a jingoistic reinterpretation of the geopolitical meaning of 'great'..."

I thought another borrowing of Great? There are many kinds of greatness. It's funny how the wheel turns it seems only the other week that Skippy Brown complained that 'they [HM Loyal Opposition] were always doing Britain down' or words to that effect.

"...a) Given that the birthrate has declined:.."

Has it?

2011 723,913
2010 723,165
2009 706,248
2008 708,711
2007 690,013
2006 669,601
2005 645,835
2004 639,721
2003 621,469
2002 596,122
2001 594,634

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-276693

"...b) Presumably the aging population might take the view that they have been contributing through there taxes and more particularly NI contributions that they entered into a de facto contract with the state that they should have a secure old age?.."

Today's workers pay today's pensioners. It would be nice to think that somehow tomorrow's pensions were to be funded by today's contributions. Maybe in Santaland?

"...the SNP promised a referendum in 2014 and..."

This makes them *all* trustworthy? By the way I've looked in at a Scottish politics MB and there is a discussion about how often there should be an independence referendum. A view appeared to emerge that 'once every seven years' was about right just so Unionists could be held to 'jam tomorrow' promises. http://www.our-scotland.org/

"...This would leave a residual political entity, a United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland..."

We disagree on this point.

"...[Eire] was a separate political entity outwith the sovereignty of the the rUK..."

Whilst basically true the implied creation of a new 'rUK' didn't follow. The UK state continued [all be it with less territory]. The renaming (NI for I) was unneeded imv.

"...[Scottish secession] presumably resulting in an equivalent name change..."

I disagree.

"...Greater England? to take account of the Welsh and Irish while demonstrating there inferior status in the new order..."

'England' to tip the Irish and Welsh into thinking they too should leave? Of course Monmouthshire folk could (for the first time) be allowed to choose between England and Wales. Where's an honest politician when they're needed? (Having said that wasn't Wales already part of England)?

"...a new series of 'The Bridge's looms..."

I re-watched the first part of Series 1 on iPlayer (though not here I might add) – cool and edgy. I hope the standard is maintained.

'A Good New Year tae one and a'' I thank you and fully concur in wishing you A Happy New Year!

bs

hi rg

Apologies for delayed reply. Because we knew we wouldn't be here for most of last year we cancelled our internet link and it took longer to get it reinstated than anticipated

Things are finally quietening down here after extended Hogmanay and so I hope to manage a rply in the next couple of days.

bs

Hi Bx4

No need for apologies; the line has only this morning been restored here after New Year telecoms 'chaos'.

There's still life left in the 'oilhead'... http://www.dexigner.com/news/image/23760/BMW_R_nineT_05

bs

hi rg

Apologies for further delays but I have be suffering from some sort of flu like virus infection for the the last few days though it has not yet emerged as a full blown flu or cold. The power of the hot toddy, perhaps?

>>chaos<<

Not having been following Pravda-in-the-Wen much I was not particularly aware of the Great Storm(s) and floods of Noahaic proportions though these seem to be being described as a 'disruption' rather than 'chaos'. Perhaps in BBC Newspeak the latter is reserved for frozen rain. Although I gather most of the UK including your area has been hit PitW's coverage seems largely fixated on the deep Sowf.

>> There are many kinds of greatness<<

Indeed though the particular geographical usage in Great Britain simply meant (pace the daily Wail ntheir ilk) simply means the whole.

>>Has it?<<

I had a discussion on Mustardland, before I stopped posting there, with Haesten, about his claim that there was no long term trend of increase in global temperatures because the short term figures showed a decline in the last decade. The point I made was that over the longer term the trend was upwards even allowing for short term fluctuations. The evidence suggest that the long //trend// in birthrate shows a continuing decline:

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/resources/tfr3811v2_tcm77-314919.png

and

'The TFR is still lower than the peak of 2.95 children per woman in 1960s'

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/birth-summary-tables--england-and-wales/2011--final-/sty-fertility.html

>>Today's workers pay today's pensioners. It would be nice to think that somehow tomorrow's pensions were to be funded by today's contributions.<<

Indeed but this does not invalidate my point that there is an implied contract that current contributors support current pensioners on the basis that when the former become pensioners there //state// pensions will be funded by future contributions.

>> Maybe in Santaland? <<

' However, non-UK born women, who tend to have higher fertility than UK-born women, made up an increasing share of the population, which also acted to push the overall TFR upwards between 2001 and 2011. The percentage of births to foreign born-mothers has increased from 12% in 1991 and 16% in 2001 to 25% in 2011. In 2011, the TFR for non-UK born women was estimated to be 2.291 children per woman, compared to 1.901 for women born in the UK.'

(ibid)

So it might be that immigration has a positive effect in that the higher birthrate amongst immigrant mother will increase the state pension pot.

>> This makes them *all* trustworthy?<<

Well at least the SNP, unlike the NuLabour and the Tories, having promised a referendum in their manifesto delivered on that promise.

>> By the way I've looked in at a Scottish politics MB and there is a discussion about how often there should be an independence referendum<<

I imagine the Unionists will take the view that the question of Scottish independence, give the likely 'no' majority, will have been 'put to rest for a generation'. I think we are more likely to see referendums on further devolution of powers from Westminster.

>>We disagree on this point. <<

Yes but I am not sure why since surely it is a matter of fact that the secession of Scotland would leave a diminished United Kingdom comprised of England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

>>Whilst basically true the implied creation of a new 'rUK' didn't follow. The UK state continued [all be it with less territory]. The renaming (NI for I) was unneeded imv. <<

Surely the fact that the post-secession UK state had less territory and ceased to assert sovereignty over Eire means that the post-secession rUK was at different state. Surely the replacement of 'I' by 'NI' was necessary to reflect the fact that the post-secession successor state was not asserting sovereignty over Eire?

>>'England' to tip the Irish and Welsh into thinking they too should leave?<<

I think there is a clause in the Good Friday agreement that allows for a referendum on NI seceding from the UK and joining Eire. A Welsh departure seems unlikely,imv.

>> Of course Monmouthshire folk could (for the first time) be allowed to choose between England and Wales<<
Why just Monmouth folk. Perhaps Berwick should have a similar choice?

>>(Having said that wasn't Wales already part of England)? <<

I must confess I'm somewhat puzzled about this. Certainly the Laws in Wales Act 1535 says:

'That his said Country or Dominion of Wales shall be, stand and continue for ever from henceforth incorporated, united and annexed to and with this his Realm of England;'


and Wales is not mentioned as a separate political entity distinct from England in either the English or Scottish treaties of Union, 1706 and 1707. Then the Wales and Berwick Act 1746:

'ruled that the word ‘England ’in a statute should be taken to include Wales. Section 3 of the Act provided that, “in all cases where the Kingdom of England, or that part of Great Britain called England, hath been or shall be mentioned in an Act of Parliament, the same has been and shall from henceforth be deemed and taken to comprehend and include the Dominion of Wales”. By the 19th Century the Liberal Prime Minister Ewart Gladstone could claim that, “The distinction between England and Wales is totally unknown to our constitution.”

http://www.clickonwales.org/wp-content/uploads/7_Factfile_Constitutional.pdf

I watched the first two episodes last Saturday. Good though I found some of the subplots a bit confusing. No doubt all will be revealed.

Shivery so another hot toddy indicated.

bs

Hi Bx4

I'm sorry to read of your ill health. I'll not rub salt by posting a bend by bend description of today's ride in the winter sun (chaos free). The salt stays on the bike till tomorrow (it was too dark, too cold, for washing off). Get well soon!

"...The evidence suggest that the long //trend// in birthrate shows a continuing decline: ..."

Unfortunately imv this doesn't appear to have been enough to reverse the growth in population on our finite island

1801 8,889,674
1811 10,087,768
1821 11,988,254
1831 13,899,724
1841 15,916,388
1851 17,927,385
1881 25,974,105
1891 29,002,550
1901 32,527,843
1911 36,003,276
1921 37,886,699
1931 39,952,377
1939 40,651,706
1941 41,261,192
1951 43,757,888
1961 46,104,548
1971 48,707,471
1981 48,517,707
1991 51,088,277
2001 52,041,916

http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10001043/cube/TOT_POP refers; of course a contrary view might be that England and Wales (perhaps Scotland, not analysed here balanced E&W growth with decline?) needs to fill up some more. Perhaps the last two hundred years are a blip if we take a long term view. Who needs sustainability in food and fuel anyway? It's more important to keep growing the population because the old think they have a contractual entitlement (of sorts) for the young to keep them in state pensions?

"...having promised a referendum in their manifesto delivered on that promise..."

I notice that this week Labour and The Real Opposition members of the unelected HoL joined forces in opposition to a (EU) referendum. Of the trustworthy nationalists; it would have been something of an eyebrow raiser if a majority SNP government failed to deliver their flagship policy.

"...Surely the replacement of 'I' by 'NI' was necessary to reflect the fact that the post-secession successor state was not asserting sovereignty over Eire?.."

It was unnecessary imv. The UK state continued. That said this is only my view; I've no idea what the mechanism of Scottish independence will be with respect to the UK state. I thought Scotland was leaving the UK not dissolving it; for all I know a name change will be the result?

"...Why just Monmouth folk. Perhaps Berwick should have a similar choice?.."

Indeed.

"...Shivery so another hot toddy indicated..."

Enjoy!

bs

(addendum)

Hi Bx4

Interesting: In 'replying to myself' h2g2 allows me to see your last post on the same page - handy.

I hope the virus infection is being brought under control.

"...So it might be that immigration has a positive effect in that the higher birthrate amongst immigrant mother will increase the state pension pot..."

What pot? I thought that today's pensions are funded from the contributions of today's taxpayers and borrowing)? Is there a plan to make state pensions 'self funding' - each generation enjoying the fruits of their own and not their children's labour?

I'm not sure how much immigration has to do with the 200 year population trend? Even if immigration were pushing up the population the response should imv be the same as that to increased life expectancy; dampen down the birthrate through curtailing child friendly policies (don't worry I realise there is no chance of this) with a view to nudging the population graph downwards (unless we think there are not enough of us to sustainably consume what our earth gives us)?

"...floods of Noahaic proportions..."

Was Noah cited? I wouldn't be surprised as there is a film coming out.

"... the Unionists will take the view that the question of Scottish independence, give the likely 'no' majority, will have been 'put to rest for a generation'..."

Them and Alex Salmond iirc from a contributor on the Scottish message board I mentioned above.

"...the post-secession rUK was at different state..."

It was the same state with reduced territory and population. The September referendum will include a question on the future name of the rUK or will you allow us* to decide what to do?

The Wales link - Interesting they won't be put down. They won't stay in their box. Come home to a real fire.

bs

*Politicians elected or otherwise - pah

hi rg

Infection turned into full blown flu with bronchial infection as a complication. So have been completely hors de combat and awash with antibiotics which doctor prescribe over my objections. Apparently deems at my age some risk of pneumonia. Pah!

Starting to feel better so hopefully will reply in next couple of days.

bs

Hi Bx4

I was really sorry to read of your illness.

Get well soon.

It's Burns week (and not just in Scotland) http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/promotions/celebrate-burns-night

bs

hi rg

Finally sufficiently delurgified to reply.

>>What pot? I thought that today's pensions are funded from the contributions of today's taxpayers and borrowing)? Is there a plan to make state pensions 'self funding' - each generation enjoying the fruits of their own and not their children's labour?<<

Indeed but since 'today's pensions' are not paid directly to these by the current contributors then presumably the notion of a 'pot' is still applicable.


My point though is that an increase in the birthrate will led to an increase in the birthrate will //eventually// lead to an increase in tax payments. Contrary to the increasing xenophobic rhetoric being punted by the right and their meeja running dogs like the the Wail and the Torygraph immigrants, make a greater net contribution than the 'natives' do:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24813467

//I'm not sure how much immigration has to do with the 200 year population trend? Even if immigration were pushing up the population the response should imo be the same as that to increased life expectancy; dampen down the birthrate through curtailing child friendly policies //

This may depend on the proportion of the increase population who make a net contribution to tax income. I agree about 'child friendly policies'.

//(unless we think there are not enough of us to sustainably consume what our earth gives us)?//

The Malthusian argument is now considered problematic:

http://www.thecommentator.com/article/2726/happy_birthday_malthus_247_years_old_and_still_wrong

//Was Noah cited?//

Not as far as I am aware though coverage seems to become more apocalyptic the closer one gets to the Great Wen. We are currently in the grip of gales and heavy rain but since this is something of a default state in winter here hardly worth a mention particularly since flooding rarely ensues.

//I wouldn't be surprised as there is a film coming out//

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6920284.stm

//Them and Alex Salmond iirc from a contributor on the Scottish message board I mentioned above.//

I don't think Salmond anticipated winning an overall majority in 2011 given:

' Holyrood's proportional system, which ensures all parties are equally represented with 56 regional "top-up" seats, was designed to prevent one party gaining overall control.'

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/may/06/snp-election-victory-scottish-independence

I think the SNP made a miscalculation by not including devo-max or federalism as alternatives.

//It was the same state with reduced territory and population.//

A state with reduced territory is not the same state, imho

//The September referendum will include a question on the future name of the rUK or will you allow us* to decide what to do?//

The decision to change the name of the rUK to reflect the reduced territory was not made the Irish when they voted to secede but by the rUK government //after// the secession.

//The Wales link - Interesting they won't be put down. They won't stay in their box. Come home to a real fire. //


http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wales/posts/welsh_language_act_1967

//Burns Week//

Apart from 'Parcel o' Rogues' I have never been a fan, more into William Dunbar, but find his 'kiltification' faintly absurd as he was an avowedly anti-establishment Lowland Scot.

Because of his popularity in Russia Y (of the steel teeth) is a fan and I am committed to taking him on a tour of 'Burns' Country' this summer.
bs

Hi Bx4

I'm delighted that you're out and about 'on-line' and hope your recovery continues.

'...'today's pensions' are not paid directly to these by the current contributors...'

The same could be said about benefits in general. These too are paid by a combination of taxes and borrowing. There is no pot; as in a pile of money laid down by the previous generation to draw on.

"...My point though is that an increase in the birthrate will ... //eventually// lead to an increase in tax payments..."

No doubt. Though unless this population growth is sustained the inheritance for the following generation will be to have more pensions to find per head. Is the island growing bigger?

"...The Malthusian argument is now considered problematic:.."

I find walking through Dartmoor Forest problematic. I realise we solved the tree scarcity issue with technology like steel for hulls instead of oak. International trade has helped us to drain down other people's natural resources. Out of sight, out of mind. Still I can't help but notice that the woodland between Oxford and Windsor has also gone. Houses *have* to be built somewhere. We surely didn't think we could multiply our population ten fold without there being a price to pay? And now Labour and the Evil Tories are set to allow towns to grow. Oh great.

"...in the grip of gales and heavy rain but since this is something of a default state in winter here hardly worth a mention particularly since flooding..."

I agree. Also the climate (or do I mean weather) isn't set in concrete.

"...I think the SNP made a miscalculation by not including devo-max or federalism as alternatives..."

So in addition to lopsided devolution you'd have lopsided devo-max and/or lopsided federalism inflicted on the rest of us? Or was the plan for us all to have a binding vote across the whole nation?

"...A state with reduced territory is not the same state, imho..."

I seem to remember it was you who pointed to the ebb (or was it flow) of Wessex's territory? The state was still called Wessex during this time presumably?

"...The decision to change the name of the rUK to reflect the reduced territory..."

I don't know what the reasoning was in the minds of the proponents. As said before it was as unnecessary then as it will be completely unnecessary come Scottish independence imv.

[YL] "The Welsh language Act of 1967"

By chance I heard 'Any Questions' from Neath and the topic of the Welsh Language and in particular the provision of teaching in the medium of Welsh came up. What surprised me was just how divided the audience were. Neath/Port Talbot voted 2:1 in favour of devolution in Blair's poll (as compared to near enough 1:1 nationally). Perhaps the audience (not a representative sample of the electorate I know) cared more about Welsh devolution than teaching through the medium of Welsh?

The other factor that came through loud and clear was that the First Minister didn't hold back on taking every opportunity to blame Westminster (well the Evil Tories mostly) for every ill.

Perhaps the Evil King should grant them an independence referendum and let them sort themselves out.

They could have their own Tory free state and everything will be rosy forever. Except when the pesky English won't join some EU scheme or other; thus in some yet to be apparent way causing hardship to their neighbours.

"....a tour of 'Burns' Country' this summer..."

It should be good.

bs

Hi Bx4

"...We are currently in the grip of gales and heavy rain but since this is something of a default state in winter here hardly worth a mention particularly since flooding rarely ensues..."

A red letter day?

http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/gales-forecast-following-weekend-flooding-1-3291493

http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/western-isles-on-flood-alert-1-3287822

bs

hi rg
Apologies for delayed reply contracted nasty secondary infection an was hospitalised - first time in 70 years - but a better now.

>>red letter day<<

The local rag seems to be getting a bit over excited. Strong gales, heavy rain and severe weather warnings are not uncommon here. We don't get flooding courtesy of area being situated on well drained Stornoway conglomerate (which ironically resulted from deposition of rocks and pebble from a prehistoric river onto it flood plain) adjacent to sea.

I gather the extreme weather in the south has now been referred to as 'flood' chaos by 'Pravda-in-the Wen'. Surprised it took them so long.

>>There is no pot; as in a pile of money laid down by the previous generation to draw on. <<

I wasn't suggesting there was but previous generation of taxpayers funded previous generations of pensioners on the implicit contract that there pensions would be similarly funded.

>>Though unless this population growth is sustained the inheritance for the following generation will be to have more pensions to find per head.<<

This rather presupposes that the period over which individual pensioner survives and the level of pension exceeds those of the generation contributing funding current pensions through taxation.

>> Is the island growing bigger? <<

The evidence suggests that the increase in population is projected to occur mostly in England:

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/nov/06/uk-population-increase-births-migration

>>I find walking through Dartmoor Forest problematic. I realise we solved the tree scarcity issue with technology like steel for hulls instead of oak.<<

However, these may be local. In Scotland the extent of forests has significantly increased in the last 100 years and reforestation is continuing.

>> And now Labour and the Evil Tories are set to allow towns to grow.<<

Well I'm not really au courant with English physical geography but isn't much of rural England given over to industrialised agriculture rather than arboreal forests?

>>So in addition to lopsided devolution you'd have lopsided devo-max and/or lopsided federalism inflicted on the rest of us? <<

As I have pointed out before there seems to be a complete lack of interest let alone a willingness to agitate for a devolved English Parliament on the part of the English electorate who seem quite satisfied with the status quo. I'm not sure this inertia on their part means that the rest of us should accept it.

>>I seem to remember it was you who pointed to the ebb (or was it flow) of Wessex's territory? The state was still called Wessex during this time presumably? <<

The obvious difference that 'Wessex' was never preceded by the adjective 'Great' (meaning 'all of') So your comparison would not seem to be apposite.

>>I don't know what the reasoning was in the minds of the proponents. As said before it was as unnecessary then as it will be completely unnecessary come Scottish independence imv<<

Unlike you I assume that the proponents felt that retaining a name that would appear to assert sovereignty over a part of the British Isles that had seceded from the United Kingdom might be inappropriate.

>> Perhaps the audience (not a representative sample of the electorate I know) cared more about Welsh devolution than teaching through the medium of Welsh?<<

I can't really speculate. The situation in Scotland is quite different since there is no equivalent Gaelic language act.

>>The other factor that came through loud and clear was that the First Minister didn't hold back on taking every opportunity to blame Westminster (well the Evil Tories mostly) for every ill. <<

Of curse, the Welsh government is a Labour administration so they would be following the Westminster NuNuLabour line.

>>Perhaps the Evil King should grant them an independence referendum and let them sort themselves out. <<

Perhaps the EK is too dim to appreciate the numerical advantage that would would accrue were the Celtic fringe to secede. Since 70 Labour MPs would disappear as against 4 Tories.

>>They could have their own Tory free state and everything will be rosy forever. Except when the pesky English won't join some EU scheme or other; thus in some yet to be apparent way causing hardship to their neighbours.<<

surely they would be a NuNUlabour free state and the English will have become neo-Faragist and not in the EU.

>>It should be good<<

Actually it's one of the duller parts of Scotland.

bs

Hi Bx4

"...Apologies for delayed reply..."

Good grief there's no need to apologise you've been in hospital! I'm certainly pleased you are better now and wish that you continue to grow in strength.

"...'flood' chaos by 'Pravda-in-the Wen'..."

BBC Sulfur no? I watch their Breakfast programme and am looked down on by apparently smug well healed types who'd look more at home in The Palm Court.

"...the implicit contract that there pensions would be similarly funded..."

Let's hope those tasked with fulfilling this contract see it this way.

"...The evidence suggests that the increase in population is projected to occur mostly in England..."

Folk tend to follow the money.

"...In Scotland the extent of forests has significantly increased in the last 100 years and reforestation is continuing..."

I can't see why the state didn't feel obliged to reforest Dartmoor having plundered it to built its fleet.

"...much of rural England given over to industrialised agriculture rather than arboreal forests..."

People like to eat; all things being equal more people will consume more of the same; leastwise in England & Wales they will? Food tends to be grown on land (or in the sea) whether this be harvested here or abroad. Of course we could collectively eat less or we could take the next anti Malthusian step and go GM. We are so ready for this; there won't be more that a few crusties to complain.

"...I'm not sure this inertia on their part means that the rest of us should accept it..."

You don't have to!

"...'Wessex' was never preceded by the adjective 'Great' (meaning 'all of') So your comparison would not seem to be apposite...."

Alfred the Great (a suffix rather than a prefix I know)? 'Great' is isn't just an adjective. It is noun and part of a name for our island bequeathed by the Romans.

"...assert sovereignty over a part of the British Isles that had seceded from the United Kingdom..."

As you know I don't see it that way.

"...too dim to appreciate the numerical advantage that would would accrue were the Celtic fringe to secede..."

I doubt if the political landscape would set in concrete a permanent majority for anyone whatever the numbers of UK are today. Folk get fed up of Governments.

"...the English will have become neo-Faragist and not in the EU..."

Really?

"...it's one of the duller parts of Scotland..."

Hope for sunshine?

I've managed to keep BB rolling through 'chaotic' flooding. Fallen trees have proved to be The Real Chaos.

bs