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

hi rg

' I'm drawn to the asphalt only FJR1300'

I'm not drawn to the 'boy racer' riding position.

http://www.cycleworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-Yamaha-FJR1300ES-action-590x393.jpg

It's pretty academic in any case since, while I briefly flirted with the thought of acquiring a light off road bike, I have decided to continue with B1 and B2, though my days of long distance touring are probably over.

' perhaps that's what he was thinking of?'

I'm not sure its material as Sturgeon, not Salmond, is now the leader of the SNP and, afaik, said isimilar. Quite the contrary:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/04/19/sturgeon-refuses-to-rule-out-second-scottish-independence-referendum-in-the-next-parliament_n_7095864.htm

'Not one of the polls you quote suggests an Evil Tory victory.'

I did not claim it did. However neither do the suggest, as you have, a Red Tory victory.

'UKIP won't have more than an odd seat so where is the Brexit coming from?'

Clearly a Brexit referendum will only happen if the Tories can form a coalition which supports one. I'm not sure why you are so persuaded that UKIP won't have more than the odd seat. Their poll ratings are substantially greater than those of the Liberal Democrats.

' I'm still unsure what (besides Brexit) would tip Sturgeon toward pushing for another independence vote.'

A failure to deliver the effective 'home rule' promised in the 'vow', perhaps?

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/29/ed-miliband-scotland-jim-murphy-home-rule-devolution-work-programme

'"Material Change" seems like an 'all things to all men (and women)' concept.'

Something akin to the principle of rebus sic stantibus would seem to be implied.

'Indeed. The SNP look set for a famous victory. I'm truly uncertain what the implication of a collapse of the Labour vote would mean.'

I still have seen no fully credible explanation of why the Labour vote appears to have collapsed so completely in Scotland but this makes a reasonable shot at it.

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/all-change-in-scotland/

'Would Miliband really agree to a casual deal with the SNP with the latter deciding to support Labour on a vote by vote basis?'

While ruling a formal coalition as, Sturgeon did earlier, he has not ruled this out.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/03/16/ed-miliband-rules-out-snp-coalition_n_6877432.html

Why not?

'As said earlier my instinct is that a Grand Coalition is on the cards.'

The inevitable merger of the Red Tories and the Blue Tories.

'The Evil Tory campaign has been noticeably lacklustre thus far; it's almost as if they didn't want to win.'

I'm not sure labour's campaign is particularly shiny either.

' Can the Miliband army take advantage and wrest power back from The Coalition?'

Since both are getting around 34% of the popular vote. The answer so far would seem to be no.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32371451

'I gather they will side with Labour this time. Leastwise that's from listening out. They seem to be attacking their Coalition partners at every opportunity.'

They may not be in a position to as their popularity has slumped post-Coalition.

http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/Analysis_HungBGround.html

I understand this and await the emergence of a leader unburdened by what they said to win votes during the previous campaign.'

Nicola Sturgeon. See above.

'If it did it hasn't long to run now! The initiative ran into the sand so far as I can see. Stillborn if you will.'

Still in the Tory manifesto. Jim the Egg not happy:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/general-election-2015-tory-manifesto-5521729

'Lovely'

Sadly chocolate is on my verboten list. Sighs.....

I just came across the rant from Mad Bojo King of the Wen


http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/04/20/boris-johnson-nicola-sturgeon-snp_n_7098796.html

Hi Bx4

"...'boy racer' riding position..."

I take your point having since read up some more on a rider forum. The look of the bike appeals to me. That said a less than healthy lower back has to be considered along with practicalities like poor road access where I live. I'm spoilt with what I have and am reminded of this, when taking out loan bikes, of what I'd miss. Too bad that you've stopped the long distance riding. You must miss it.

"...I'm not sure why you are so persuaded that UKIP won't have more than the odd seat. Their poll ratings are substantially greater than those of the Liberal Democrats..."

The UKIP total seat count in 2010 was zero. Whilst the past doesn't guarantee the future it is at least a real place to start rather than the hype of newspaper articles backed by polls. Liberal Democratic national poll rating masks the fact that their support is not evenly spread across the land. They enjoy poll success in the right places. UKIP have yet to persuade me that they have got what it takes beyond being a vote magnet for those 'against' or 'seeking a promised referendum' in EU parliamentaries.

"...Something akin to the principle of rebus sic stantibus would seem to be implied..."

Beyond a failure to deliver The Vow I remain unclear what this could be. That said using the principle of 'vote early, vote often' Sturgeon needs to call a referendum. If the other parties won't be constrained by pledges and promises why should the SNP?

"...why the Labour vote appears to have collapsed so completely in Scotland..."

The linked article was a good read. I've yet to be persuaded that Labour are 'dead meat' like The Evil Tories. That said the 'them against us' mindset of the referendum would appear to be a strong factor in the SNP's favour. Also the idea that Miliband (regardless of a politician's words) would have to 'listen to Scotland'?

One thing struck me reading your next link was an impression that the SNP were talking more about a deal with Labour than Labour were talking about a deal with the SNP. I can understand this. Why would Labour want to allow the idea that a vote for the SNP was a vote for 'Scottish Labour'?

"...Since both are getting around 34% of the popular vote..."

The dreaded opinion polls again. Do they galvanise the vote or dampen it? Either way they are a distraction. A self serving sideshow that overshadows.

"...'If it did it hasn't long to run now! The initiative ran into the sand so far as I can see. Stillborn if you will.' Still in the Tory manifesto."

I've not read it, that said, would I be right in assuming it also refers to a referendum on the EU?

[Fom link] …"block Scots MPs from voting on the future of the Barnett formula'"

The Evil Tories won't commit to ending the Barnett Formula. This is a UKIP USP.

Boris - Don't mock (or do I mean do mock?) Boris could succeed Cameron come May.

bs

hi rg

I've just bollixed posting my reply.

bugrit!!

bs

Hi Bx4

Sorry to read it!

Not to do with anything the comfiest setting I've found so far is comfort + luggage.

bs

hi rg

'Sorry to read it.'

Entirely my own fault sometimes, contrary to experience, I type my reply directly into h2g2 rather Notepad.


'I take your point having since read up some more on a rider forum. The look of the bike appeals to me.'

Basically I am more interested in functionality than appearance. So I settled on the BMW 'flat twins' years ago and, apart from a brief flirtation with a Honda 250

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/honda/1975/cb%20250%20g.jpg

classified as a 'sports tourer though mainly used by me for commuting, I have stuck with the marque.

'That said a less than healthy lower back has to be considered along with practicalities like poor road access where I live. I'm spoilt with what I have and am reminded of this, when taking out loan bikes, of what I'd miss.'

Indeed, the crouched 'boy racer' riding position seems not only uncomfortable but also one which doesn't make it easy to see the countryside one is travelling through.

'Too bad that you've stopped the long distance riding. You must miss it.'

Well I am too far gone in decrepitude to repeat my previous marathons but my experience of combining Hurtigruten travel with riding in my last outing may give me a way forward.

'The UKIP total seat count in 2010 was zero. Whilst the past doesn't guarantee the future it is at least a real place to start rather than the hype of newspaper articles backed by polls.'

Indeed though Ofcom's somewhat odd decision that that they are 'a major party' despite having only two English MPs:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/major-political-parties-2014/statement

has allowed the broadcast media to promulgate the hype.

'Liberal Democratic national poll rating masks the fact that their support is not evenly spread across the land. They enjoy poll success in the right places.'

I agree that historically this has been the case but I wonder if this may not be eroded by their plummeting popular support since they joined the Coalition.

'UKIP have yet to persuade me that they have got what it takes beyond being a vote magnet for those 'against' or 'seeking a promised referendum' in EU parliamentaries'

Indeed.

'Beyond a failure to deliver The Vow I remain unclear what this could be.'

Well the example Sturgeon gave would be a Brexit referendum where the Scottish voters made a different choice from that of the English voters.

' That said using the principle of 'vote early, vote often' Sturgeon needs to call a referendum. If the other parties won't be constrained by pledges and promises why should the SNP?'

Problem is that the Scottish government can't hold an independece referendum without the agreement of the Westminster government.

http://www.gov.scot/About/Government/concordats/Referendum-on-independence

'The linked article was a good read. I've yet to be persuaded that Labour are 'dead meat' like The Evil Tories.'

I am not persuaded that they are in Scotland but Labour's Jim 'the Egg' Murphy is now apparently less popular the the Tories' Ruth 'the Tank' Davidson.

'That said the 'them against us' mindset of the referendum would appear to be a strong factor in the SNP's favour. Also the idea that Miliband (regardless of a politician's words) would have to 'listen to Scotland'?'

Well the support for the Labour party has been in decline in Scotland for between 10 to 15 years essentially because the zeitgeist of the New Labour nomenklatura are at odds with that of Scottish Old labour tribal voters and I think many traditional Labour voters see the SNP as more left wing than Milibannd's iteration of New Labour. That being said it was probably an error of judgement for Labour to get into bed with the Tories as 'Project Fear'.

'One thing struck me reading your next link was an impression that the SNP were talking more about a deal with Labour than Labour were talking about a deal with the SNP. I can understand this.'

Not surprisingly both the Labour and Tories have to present themselves as the next /majority/ government despite all the evidence to the contrary.

'Why would Labour want to allow the idea that a vote for the SNP was a vote for 'Scottish Labour'?'

I was watching the Victoria Derbyshire (who she?) which featured Norman Smith who said the English political class don't get what's going on in Scotland so what Labour Head office will 'allow' may be entirely irrelevant. The conversation was about the generally lacklustre election campaign in the rest of the UK as compared with the level of political engagement in scotland. I came across this which is quite entertaining.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11550469/Has-no-one-bothered-to-explain-the-basic-rules-of-politics-to-Nicola-Sturgeon.html

'The dreaded opinion polls again. Do they galvanise the vote or dampen it? Either way they are a distraction. A self serving sideshow that overshadows.'

I am not so sure, despite the vagaries of results consequent on the FPTP system, they may give a reliable indicator of popular voter opinion.

'I've not read it, that said, would I be right in assuming it also refers to a referendum on the EU?'

Indeed it does. Quelle surprise!


'The Evil Tories won't commit to ending the Barnett Formula. This is a UKIP USP.'

An 'unintended' conseqence of 'English votes for English Laws', perhaps? Jin the Egg seems to think so (same link).


'A furious Jim Murphy last night described the plans as a “brutal betrayal of Scotland and the Smith consensus” and warned that it endangered the Barnett funding.

The Scottish Labour leader said: “This whole thing stinks. Labour will protect the Barnett formula and we won’t be banished from the budget.”

Murphy fears that by proposing an English income tax in their manifesto, the Tories are buying into the SNP idea of full fiscal autonomy for Scotland.'

'Boris - Don't mock (or do I mean do mock?) Boris could succeed Cameron come May.'

Rather than in 2020?

http://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/565883/David-Cameron-Boris-Johnson-Conservative-Prime-Minister-General-Election

(Written in Notepad so do your worst hootoo...._

bs

hi rg

The latest from Jim the Egg:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-labours-scottish-leader-predicts-cameron-will-remain-as-pm-as-new-poll-predicts-snp-will-win-all-seats-north-of-the-border-10214211.html

though I wonder if Miliband would refuse power at Westminster if it required an 'arrangement' with the SNP. Or Cameron if it required an arrangement with UKIP/DUP?

Meanwhile, the media weirdness continues:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-scottish-sun-to-back-snp-while-uk-edition-throws-support-behind-tories-10214258.html

bs

Hi Bx4

I couldn't get onto h2g2 for some reason this morning. Like you I've taken to typing offline.

"...more interested in functionality than appearance..."

This is a good policy for a burner where the last thing that's needed is excess dead weight to paddle around. That said I'm not immune to looks. The point you make about 'seeing the countryside' rings true. Crouched down behind a tiny screen doesn't offer much opportunity for peering over hedges. The aforementioned weight causes me most pause for thought; in the case of the FJR 289kg plays 229kg I'm glad Hurtigruten could offer you further opportunities to tour. A bit like Ewan and Charlie taking the 'long way round' bikes on the train...

UKIP

The OFCOM link referred to the EU election of 2014 which UKIP 'won' (the most seats).

"...plummeting popular support since [the Liberal Democrats] joined the Coalition..."

Isn't this the way for coalitions? No one votes for them. Everyone hates them. Leastwise in Westminster coalitions aren't normal (yet).

"...a Brexit referendum where the Scottish voters made a different choice from that of the English voters..."

I can understand this though suspect Scottish voters are in for a long wait if an EU referendum let alone a vote to exit are to be the trigger for Independence vote II.

"...the Scottish government can't hold an independence referendum without the agreement of the Westminster government..."

I'd suggest holding a non binding referendum, winning it and taking the result to Westminster as justification for Edinburgh Agreement II? Of course winning in 2016 would be a good place to start!

That said 'self determination' is a right under UN charter so Westminster can't be seen to be doing too much blocking?

"...Murphy is now apparently less popular the the Tories' Ruth 'the Tank' Davidson..."

Yes I saw something about the tank and thought 'why'? Murphy shouldn't worry as I doubt anyone else could do better. Rather like New Labour in '97 to '10 there is no stopping the SNP just now. The egg and not The Vow could well have stopped Scottish Independence for all I know; an unfortunate bump on the road to one party domination.

"...I think many traditional Labour voters see the SNP as more left wing than Milibannd's iteration of New Labour..."

I think you'd be right judging by the talk of the SNP pushing Labour towards 'progressive' policies.

"...it was probably an error of judgement for Labour to get into bed with the Tories as 'Project Fear'..."

I see it differently for believe there was an early decision to let Labour lead the 'No' campaign as the Evil Tories had no support in Scotland. Hence Darling v Salmond in the debates (rather than Cameron v Darling).

"...both the Labour and Tories have to present themselves as the next /majority/ government despite all the evidence to the contrary..."

And why not? Both have enjoyed majority government within living memory. The rest could only dream.

"...Victoria Derbyshire (who she?)..."

I recall the name from 5Live radio.

"...the generally lacklustre election campaign in the rest of the UK..."

They got this right. I blame Labour and Brown in particular for it is reckoned his mistake with the radio mic lost it in 2010. So this time round no one wanted to take risks. Result; lacklustre. I agree the linked article is entertaining. Sturgeon the rule breaker. I suspect if she was still Salmond it would be a different story.

"...they may give a reliable indicator of popular voter opinion..."

I find that the poll taken closest to polling day is often reliable (if useless).

"...An 'unintended' conseqence of 'English votes for English Laws', perhaps?..."

This is a stretch to say the least in my opinion! I detect no move to match UKIP's policy on ending the Barnett Formula.

"....I wonder if Miliband would refuse power at Westminster if it required an 'arrangement' with the SNP..."

The last I heard was Miliband would dare the SNP to vote down a Labour Queen's Speech. It could be 1979 all over again. Or it could simply be a majority Labour government (five full days till polling at the time of writing and an opinion poll has shown a five point shift Miliband's way - must be right?)

"...media weirdness..."

According to Daily Politics the editions have different editors and different readerships with explains the disparity. Scotland should be an independent country - it is a different place.

bs

hi rg

'I couldn't get onto h2g2 for some reason this morning. Like you I've taken to typing offline'

A similar problem except that h2g2 seemed to be down on Friday afternoon and wouldn't recognise my id/password on Saturday. Not the first time this has happened.

'The point you make about 'seeing the countryside' rings true. Crouched down behind a tiny screen doesn't offer much opportunity for peering over hedges.'

True probably even when there are no hedges.

'The aforementioned weight causes me most pause for thought; in the case of the FJR 289kg plays 229kg.'

Coincidentally the dry weight of B2 is 229kg and I haven't yet found it a problem but I think with the absence of power assisted stands and reverse gears on bigger bikes like BMW K1200LT (on which, as you may recall, I did a 'swap' round trip to Berlin) is at 345g kg dry weight, a bit too heavy to make it easy to get it on or off its centre stand.

'I'm glad Hurtigruten could offer you further opportunities to tour. A bit like Ewan and Charlie taking the 'long way round' bikes on the train...'

I was thinking of ferries generally but in Western Europe normal trains don't take motorbikes so you need to use motorail where available routes have been in decline:

http://www.seat61.com/Motorail.htm#Map%20of%20European%20motorail%20routes

'The OFCOM link referred to the EU election of 2014 which UKIP 'won' (the most seats).'

Indeed, but in terms of Westminster seats it has only one more than the Greens and one less tan Plaid Cymri so hardly a 'major party' at Westminster.

'Isn't this the way for coalitions? No one votes for them. Everyone hates them. Leastwise in Westminster coalitions aren't normal (yet).'

Except very few major parliamentary democracies use the FPTP system and most that do are post-colonial relics. In Western Europe coalitions are the norm and I don't thin they are hated any more than one party administrations are.

'I can understand this though suspect Scottish voters are in for a long wait if an EU referendum let alone a vote to exit are to be the trigger for Independence vote II.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32574417

'I'd suggest holding a non binding referendum, winning it and taking the result to Westminster as justification for Edinburgh Agreement II? Of course winning in 2016 would be a good place to start!'

Indeed.

'That said 'self determination' is a right under UN charter so Westminster can't be seen to be doing too much blocking?'

Indeed, though a referendum of any kind doesn't seem to be on the cards:

http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2015/04/sturgeon-refuses-rule-out-second-independence-referendum

'Yes I saw something about the tank and thought 'why'?'

A not wholly successful attempt to emulate the 'Iron Lady'.

http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/%7BE5B9F3C3-5042-4E03-9342-232F924768A9%7D/AC59N8.jpg


'Murphy shouldn't worry as I doubt anyone else could do better.'

If the somewhat improbable polls are to be believed Murphy may not retain his seat next week. Meanwhile:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/watch-teenage-busker-belt-out-5629427

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11575502/Ed-Miliband-must-take-over-Scottish-campaign-from-failing-Jim-Murphy.html

'Rather like New Labour in '97 to '10 there is no stopping the SNP just now..

As I said I think the suppose wipeout unlikely but it seems to be freaking out the Unionist panjandrums.

'The egg and not The Vow could well have stopped Scottish Independence for all I know; an unfortunate bump on the road to one party domination.'

A 'domination, if it is such, achieved under a PR system.

'I think you'd be right judging by the talk of the SNP pushing Labour towards 'progressive' policies.'

'Red Ed' seems more inclined Nulabour centre-right stance than he is to a progressive one.

'I see it differently for believe there was an early decision to let Labour lead the 'No' campaign as the Evil Tories had no support in Scotland. Hence Darling v Salmond in the debates (rather than Cameron v Darling).'

Indeed, that was no doubt the 'cunning plan' but it seems to have backfired as far as support for Labour in Scotland is concerned.

'And why not? Both have enjoyed majority government within living memory. The rest could only dream'

Indeed, though the fantasist boot may be on the other foot at the moment.

I find that the poll taken closest to polling day is often reliable (if useless).'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32572745


'This is a stretch to say the least in my opinion! I detect no move to match UKIP's policy on ending the Barnett Formula'

Cameron versus the party?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11232346/David-Cameron-facing-rebellion-from-70-Tory-MPs-over-Barnett-formula-vote.html

" In the recent ConservativeHome survey of Tory members we asked: What should the next Conservative Government do with the Barnett formula that sees some transfer of taxpayers' money from England to Scotland?

Your answers were clear:

Only 7% wanted it left as it is.
37% wanted to reduce the transfer.
49% wanted it eliminated."

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/torydiary/2008/04/fraser-nelson-c.html


'The last I heard was Miliband would dare the SNP to vote down a Labour Queen's Speech. It could be 1979 all over again.'

He may have problems nearer to home:

"Under an alternative scenario, however, Sturgeon’s party could combine with the Labour left to force Miliband to dilute planned austerity. The Labour candidate John McDonnell, the chair of the Socialist Campaign Group, recently told me that he and between 30 and 40 of his colleagues would vote against any budget or spending review that included cuts (and predicted that Miliband would backtrack)."

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/04/miliband-preparing-minority-government-could-labour-make-it-work

'Or it could simply be a majority Labour government (five full days till polling at the time of writing and an opinion poll has shown a five point shift Miliband's way - must be right?)'

Or not.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/04/30/uk-britain-election-poll-ipsosmori-conse-idUKKBN0NL0PR20150430

Though the 'poll of polls' remains essentially static.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/poll-tracker

'According to Daily Politics the editions have different editors and different readerships with explains the disparity. Scotland should be an independent country - it is a different place.'

I thought it was because Murdoch was pursuing an 'anybody but Labour' agenda because of Blair's duplicity over a Lisbon Treaty referendum.


http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/19/uk.eu1


bs

Hi Bx4

I trust you are well this UK Bank Holiday?

Weight

Burner weight does interest me. It's funny how contradictory forces are at work. For fuel economy, manoeuvrability, acceleration and braking the lighter the better. Yet sometimes, perhaps because of suspension design, more weight translates to more comfort. (Of course electronically controlled suspension adds weight too!)

For me there is an irony in providing reverse gears and power stands to deal with weight as these add to it. I'm not sure when 90% fuelled weight supplanted dry weight though for me a confusion of 20kg or so now surrounds quoted figures. And then add the rider, kit and any luggage and 1/5 tonne dry can easily translate to 1/3 tonne all up.

Thank you for the motorail link. I had not realised that services had been cut back so much. I recall seeing a bespoke DB TV slot aimed at riders to allow them the chance to jump the 'boring' bits, allow themselves a rest and wake up to the foothills of the Alps. Bristol Temple Meads used to have a motorail platform. There was even a service to Wales before the Severn Bridge was opened.

Major Party

Crumbs where do I start? First allow me to park the SNP and Plaid Cymru and Northern Ireland? The past hundred years have been dominated by three 'major parties'. As long as I remember it has been these three who have provided the talking heads for most political discussion. These three are the establishment. These three get the oxygen of publicity.

All well and good though what has this done for democracy? Forget about UKIP or the SWP or any other grouping or label we like or don't like. For me the question is why should the big three be helped to lock every other offer to the electorate out? At what point should a fourth talking head regularly appear? Should this done by MP count (thus exacerbating the faults of the fptp system [you'll gather I don't like this option]) or previous vote tally or some other means? Whatever the system used it should be blind. It should have no regard to whether the horses are frightened. Demonstrably getting support should translate to free air time.

Coalitions

Under fptp it used to be the case that 33% or so of the vote meant getting 100% of the power. 67% of the electorate thus didn't get the government they voted for (I know I'm ignoring those who declined to vote). Once coalition horse trading starts no one gets the government they voted for. I realise it could be a way to push second party stuff onto the statute book, though human nature being what it is, I reckon the overall effect is to give the worst possible result to the greatest number of people. We don't like coalitions (imo leastwise not yet anyway, if we did why don't parties routinely campaign for them?)

I'll stop here I nearly lost the lot more later...

...bs

hi rg

'Burner weight does interest me. It's funny how contradictory forces are at work. For fuel economy, manoeuvrability, acceleration and braking the lighter the better. Yet sometimes, perhaps because of suspension design, more weight translates to more comfort. (Of course electronically controlled suspension adds weight too!)'

Indeed though I have been quite happy to cope with dry weights between 230-250 kg though of course advancing decrepitude may begin to have an impact. As I said I found a real heavy like the LT a bit of a chore.

'For me there is an irony in providing reverse gears and power stands to deal with weight as these add to it.'

Although I have no experience of one , I suppose the superheavies like the Honda Goldwing GL1500 (apparently the subsequent GL 1800 was lighter) would be unmanageable without both. So in that sense the additional weight of the reverse gear and powered stand eliminate the heavy manual lifting.


I'm not sure when 90% fueled weight supplanted dry weight though for me a confusion of 20kg or so now surrounds quoted figures. And then add the rider, kit and any luggage and 1/5 tonne dry can easily translate to 1/3 tonne all up.'

I suppose 90% fueled weight may be a better measure than dry weight though I think rider weight is not a significant factor as most of the manual heavy lifting is done while unmounted. Luggage weight could be significant but it may depend on whether you are an 'everything but the kitchen sink' tourer or not. Fortunately I'm not.

'Thank you for the motorail link. I had not realised that services had been cut back so much. I recall seeing a bespoke DB TV slot aimed at riders to allow them the chance to jump the 'boring' bits, allow themselves a rest and wake up to the foothills of the Alps. Bristol Temple Meads used to have a motorail platform. There was even a service to Wales before the Severn Bridge was opened.'

I had not used motorail, much preferring to ride, so I have only recently become aware of the shrinking motorail network. Fortunately the European ferry network is quite extensive.

'Crumbs where do I start? First allow me to park the SNP and Plaid Cymru and Northern Ireland? The past hundred years have been dominated by three 'major parties'. As long as I remember it has been these three who have provided the talking heads for most political discussion. These three are the establishment. These three get the oxygen of publicity.'

Indeed though historically the Labour Party emerged (from the trade union movement) in the late 19th century and did not take power (apart from the short-lived Ramsey Macdonald minority government of 1924) until 1945. The rise of the Labour Party mirrors the decline of the Liberals:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Labour_Party_%28UK%29#/media/File:Popular_vote.jpg

Who could hardly be considered a major party between 1920 and 1960 when they began a minor resurgence. Still I suppose if you take establishment to mean the years a party has been represented at Westminster then like Labour and the Conservatives they would satisfy the epithet.

'All well and good though what has this done for democracy? Forget about UKIP or the SWP or any other grouping or label we like or don't like. For me the question is why should the big three be helped to lock every other offer to the electorate out? At what point should a fourth talking head regularly appear? Should this done by MP count (thus exacerbating the faults of the fptp system [you'll gather I don't like this option]) or previous vote tally or some other means? Whatever the system used it should be blind. It should have no regard to whether the horses are frightened. Demonstrably getting support should translate to free air time.'

I agree about FPTP I suppose percentage of the popular vote might be reasonable measure but if this is taken across the UK as a whole the success of regional parties (not just the nationalist ones but perhaps also the LDs) might be diminished. Of course the most effective m method would be to replace FPTP with a robust PR/AMS system.

'Under fptp it used to be the case that 33% or so of the vote meant getting 100% of the power. 67% of the electorate thus didn't get the government they voted for (I know I'm ignoring those who declined to vote). I realise it could be a way to push second party stuff onto the statute book, though human nature being what it is, I reckon the overall effect is to give the worst possible result to the greatest number of people.'

Part of the problem is that under FPTP coalitions are 'accidental' and the voters have no say. I think this type of coalition is somewhat different from those that come about under a PR/AMS system where arguably more of the voters get some of the government they want.

' We don't like coalitions (imo leastwise not yet anyway, if we did why don't parties routinely campaign for them'

Clearly the dominant parties don't nor I suspect do their voters preferring the unbalanced outcome of FPTP. Though Miliband contrary to the views of his party did support AV in the referendum of 2011.

"Moses Miliband"

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/05/03/ed-miliband-pledge-stone_n_7198436.html

Miliband's equivalent of Kinnock's infamous "We're alright!" moment?

'
I'll stop here I nearly lost the lot more later...

Indeed, which is why I intend to stick to composing offline in future.

bs

Hi Bx4

"Cameron versus the party?"

I was quite surprised by your posted 1/4 of MPs in 'rebellion' over the Barnett Formula plus the survey result of party members. As said before this hasn't translated into policy and in any event the Evil Tories have till Friday to pack their bags. We are in a strange place because the SNP want the formula scrapped either by independence or 'fiscal autonomy'. The clearest explanation of why Barnett needs to be reviewed came by way of the 'leaders' interview with Sturgeon. She pointed to devolved matters which were still included in Barnett for example health. A change in health spending in England would trigger a change to finance available to Scotland. So was devolution true if Westminster could still alter monies allocated to Scotland through their own policies in areas devolved?

Labour rebellion

[Quoting] "John McDonnell, the chair of the Socialist Campaign Group, recently told me that he and between 30 and 40 of his colleagues would vote against any budget or spending review that included cuts"

How would this work with the Evil Tories? Surely they'd have their own agenda and bringing Miliband down at a time not of their choosing may not be part of it?

Murdoch

I think he simply wants to back winners? SNP in Scotland. I'm not sure he's called it right everywhere else!

"...Miliband's equivalent of Kinnock's infamous "We're alright!" moment?.."

Too soon; the Moses Monument will have been forgotten by Thursday. Kinnock's victory rally was on the eve of polling. I'm also bemused by Labour presenting celebrities in this last week. A dangerous game as it reminds of 'Cool Britannia' (well it does me). Champagne socialists.

First Past the Post

I think we mostly agree this should be replaced though won't be because the old dinosaur parties (mostly) like it. I've heard it said that a messy result this time round (the poll of polls points to this) could lead to a rethink if FPtP no longer delivers 'decisive' results.

Burner weights

The reverse gear and the rest would help on the roads the big Honda was built for. My situation needs slow speed on steep sharply twisting 'roads' and to be honest it really is possible to be deposited in a ditch. Reverse gear and powered stand aren't a lot of good when a lever has just been broken (again). Of course if I was ever to move to Normalville 'power everything' could be just the thing.

I agree with you about rider weight not being the same issue as the weight of the bike due to the manual handling required to be done on foot. Sorry about the 'decrepitude' you report. Believe me I'm on my way too.

bs

hi rg

Sorry got diverted into Mustardland where I haven't posted since autumn 2014

'I was quite surprised by your posted 1/4 of MPs in 'rebellion' over the Barnett Formula plus the survey result of party members. As said before this hasn't translated into policy and in any event the Evil Tories have till Friday to pack their bags.'

The Tories have shown considerable flexibility as regard policies in the past - no stone tablets for them.

'We are in a strange place because the SNP want the formula scrapped either by independence or 'fiscal autonomy'.'

I think her position is more nuanced than that:

"[Sturgeon] said: 'So for as long as Scotland’s funding is still determined by Westminster then the Barnett formula should stay in place. Obviously if Scotland was to become in years ahead fiscally autonomous then we are in a different position but the Barnett formula should stay until that time.'”

'So was devolution true if Westminster could still alter monies allocated to Scotland through their own policies in areas devolved?'

I'm not sure what you mean by true devolution. In the original constitutional settlement some powers were devolved some weren't. Clearly the SNP's aspiration is to maximise the former and minimise the latter.


'How would this work with the Evil Tories? Surely they'd have their own agenda and bringing Miliband down at a time not of their choosing may not be part of it?'

A vote against a minority Labour government budget would not bring that government down. In any case "John McDonnell... predicted that Miliband would back down."

'I think he simply wants to back winners? SNP in Scotland. I'm not sure he's called it right everywhere else!'

Indeed their may be no winners at as far as the 'Big Two' are concerned.

'Too soon; the Moses Monument will have been forgotten by Thursday.'

Or it will become his political tombstone.

' I'm also bemused by Labour presenting celebrities in this last week. A dangerous game as it reminds of 'Cool Britannia' (well it does me). Champagne socialists.'

Eggy Jim was promenading with Eddie Izzard.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03290/election-murphy-iz_3290586b.jpg

'I think we mostly agree.'

Indeed, though not perhaps on the form of PR.

'I've heard it said that a messy result this time round (the poll of polls points to this) could lead to a rethink if FPtP no longer delivers 'decisive' results.'

May be nearer than you think:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-union-bosses-tell-ed-miliband-to-offer-lib-dems-electoral-reform-to-shut-out-tories-10230346.html

'The reverse gear and the rest would help on the roads the big Honda was built for. My situation needs slow speed on steep sharply twisting 'roads' and to be honest it really is possible to be deposited in a ditch. Reverse gear and powered stand aren't a lot of good when a lever has just been broken (again). Of course if I was ever to move to Normalville 'power everything' could be just the thing.'

Indeed the Goldwing is clearly designed for those wide open American highways. Just the thing if you are in 'Easy Rider' mode.

'I agree with you about rider weight not being the same issue as the weight of the bike due to the manual handling required to be done on foot.'

Though as you suggest 90% filled weight is a better measure than dry weight.

' Sorry about the 'decrepitude' you report. Believe me I'm on my way too.

"I grow old … I grow old …
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled."

I shan't be staying up to watch the results. A decent Islay malt and so to be.

Eggy Jim will survive!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11577996/Tory-tactical-votes-could-save-Jim-Murphys-seat.html

bs

hi rg

Mustardland

Welcome back! Are you enjoying it? I've noticed a trend on the message board to shorter posts and pictures which makes me think twitter.

Funding of Scotland from UK raised taxation.

I think the Barnett Formula should be retired. If Scotland remains in the UK then funding should be independent of transient policy decisions for example health. Suppose a whizzy privatised England NHS is dreamt up and suppose this saves money; would Scotland be pleased to receive less money by Barnett for their non privatised NHS (if as I understand it less health spending in England means less money for Scotland)? This is the idea I was (clumsily) trying to convey in my previous post.

"John McDonnell... predicted that Miliband would back down."

It is quite surreal listening to the radio and marvelling at how bullish Labour are about Miliband presenting his Queens Speech which would be progressive and how 'the left' would be dared to vote it down. Miliband is tough I don't know why anyone thinks he's a pussycat? Anyone would think the election was yet to take place?

Winners

Who knows (too early to say at the time of typing)

Moses Monument

"...Or it will become his political tombstone..." - Not one person has mentioned it today. It is forgotten.

"...Eggy Jim was promenading with Eddie Izzard..."

Speaks volumes!

"...Goldwing is clearly designed for those wide open American highways. Just the thing if you are in 'Easy Rider' mode..."

I see them about - I suppose they have their admirers. Agree with your comment about America.

"I grow old … I grow old …
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled."

Start to worry when your belt is around your chest! I'm decrepit and overweight - not a good combination. Trying to reduce intake. Not exactly winning.

"...I shan't be staying up to watch the results. A decent Islay malt and so to be..."

Good for you. I'm having computer issues so will try to finish soon and get something away before I'm forced off.

"...Eggy Jim will survive!.."

Just what Scotland needs? Radio claims there will be no Glasgow Labour MPs. Glasgow voted 'yes' to independence. A coincidence? Caveat - No actual results yet.

bs

Hi Bx4

Sorry to call you rb earlier.

"...Eggy Jim will survive!.."

R4 just said No

bs

hi rg

'RB'

Didn't notice

'R4 just said No'

I was being ironic.

Somewhat surprised by extent of Labour wipeout in Scotland but less so by that of the LibDems. Forming alliance with the hate Tories is toxic in Scotland.

While Miliband, Clegg and Farage (albeit somewhat ambiguously) have resigned, Murphy won't.

bs

Hi Bx4

"...Forming alliance with the hate Tories..."

The Liberal Democrat woes weren't confined to Scotland. You'd know better than I (from German elections) that junior coalition partners don't do well in subsequent elections? I'd reiterate my simplification that the UK electorate don't do coalitions. Not under fptp in any event.

The daft thing is that the progressive alliance Labour were groping for last last was there for the taking in 2010! I well remember Plaid Cymru talked about it weeks before the poll. Brown was too proud?

bs

Hi rg

'The Liberal Democrat woes weren't confined to Scotland. You'd know better than I (from German elections) that junior coalition partners don't do well in subsequent elections?'


In the Bundestag, the FDP was the longest serving party in government as the junior coalition partner to both the CDU/CSU (1949–56, 1961–66, 1982–98, and the 2009–13) or the Social Democratic Party (1969–82) before it crashed and burned in 2014.

Oddly the source of this claim seems to have been Angela Merkel who, in 2010, when asked by David Cameron about her experience of coalition government, said: “The little party always gets smashed!” Clearly on the evidence above she was wrong.

Nor can the claim that in the UK, under FPTP, coalitions are unpopular because they are unexpected be supported. Admittedly, the UK, Westminster coalitions are rare. Prior to 2010 the last was the 1974b 'coalition' but:

'Unlike in 1974, the potential for a hung parliament had this time been widely considered and predicted and both the country and politicians were better prepared for the constitutional process that would follow such a result.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_general_election,_2010

So I think that in 2010 a coalition was anticipated and that the expectation was that the LibDems would act as a moderating influence on either Labour or The Tories.

However this did not happen as the LibDems enabled the Conservatives to enact a programme of austerity – and at a far swifter pace than was necessary – that plunged the United Kingdom back into recession and ensured that the recovery from it was the slowest in a century. Its U-turn on tuition fees alienated a generation of young voters and turned Nick Clegg into a figure of fun. Its support for the Conservatives’ dogmatic and foolish reorganisation of the NHS was unforgivable. And it was part of a government that introduced the bedroom tax.

I think was factors like these that led the LibDems to crash an burn in 2015 not some inevitable historical process.

'The daft thing is that the progressive alliance Labour were groping for last last was there for the taking in 2010! I well remember Plaid Cymru talked about it weeks before the poll. Brown was too proud?'

I think an anti-Tory 'rainbow alliance' was on offer:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/may/08/general-election-2010-alexsalmond

But I don't know its failure to emerge was due to Brown's or Clegg's intransigence.
bs

Hi Bx4

I trust you are well? Can I point you to post 2153? I do so not to seek a reply, merely in case you missed it, and won't be offended if it was not of interest.

"...In the Bundestag, the FDP was the longest serving party in government as the junior coalition partner to both the CDU/CSU (1949–56, 1961–66, 1982–98, and the 2009–13) or the Social Democratic Party (1969–82) before it crashed and burned in 2014..."

I can see that serving as second fiddle didn't in itself trigger automatic burn up at the end of every term in office.

"... I think that in 2010 a coalition was anticipated and that the expectation was that the LibDems would act as a moderating influence on either Labour or The Tories..."

Much like 2015 then? Hence Clegg's 'heart to the Tories and brains to Labour' or words to that effect?

"... the LibDems enabled the Conservatives to enact a programme of austerity...U-turn on tuition fees...dogmatic and foolish reorganisation of the NHS was unforgivable...introduced the bedroom tax..."

Clearly the Liberal Democrats should have chosen their coalition partner more carefully (or stood aside)! You make them sound like Evil Tories of the worst kind. Still there we are; the Liberal Democrats are now a 'two taxi' party just like the Liberals of the sixties.

"...I think an anti-Tory 'rainbow alliance' was on offer:.."

Put it this way; it was possible in 2010. In 2015 the polls pointed to the possibility and parties played on this; whilst in the end the polls as presented proved to be as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

bs

hi rg
Yes. Sorry I missed your 2153. As you know I have been somewhat engaged with Mustardland's Election 2015 but getting bored with it now. So hopefully will have a go at a reply to it and 2158 soon.

Hi Bx4

No worries.

I'm away soon for the rest of the day so General Election 2015 can roll onwards without me. It is amazing how much damage has apparently been wrought to the 'losing' parties all of whom appear to be well and truly in 'navel gazing' and 'blame game' mode.

It's an election. Someone has to lose.

bs