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It's almost inevitable; all the close-chasing pack seem to be getting a turn. It's going to be close IMO as to who is there when the music stops.

We've all done and said some stupid things when we were younger. I was very left wing in my late teens/early 20s and still recall the embarrassment of being called out by a bartender when I was bullshitting some friends that China was a wonderful example of socialism working. I may be wrong...

It's much more complex than you imagine. I'll not go into it now, but 'bet' is the wrong word and positions *are* hedged. Needless to say, risk managers have learned from their mistakes. I agree that private companies should not be bailed out, for free markets to work correctly the weak have...

I heard some branding expert talking about how much their brand might be worth - billions he reckons and far more than he gets from the Duchy and the taxpayer. Call me old fashioned but in my book that's grifting, not grafting.

Thank you for pulling back on the claim that powerful people cause recessions deliberately. That's the start of the common antisemitic trope that Jews control the world - which is where I believed you were going. I have spent 30 years working on the trading floor (not as a trader) of some of...

I agree that the economy isn't everything and that happiness is more important than wealth. But I think the second half of your post is pure conspiracy theory. Who exactly is it that can cause an economic downturn by themselves? And if they had that much power, wouldn't we see recessions more...

Why would you restrict people getting tickets if there are tickets available? As long as you give priority to people who attend regularly, I see no downside in letting anyone who wants to to attend: - Anything else is authoritarian and petty - They may get hooked and attend more regularly

Yes. I follow her on Twitter - she's wonderful.

Katharine Birbalsingh is a hero of mine. She's changing poor black lives for the better with her school.

Don't remember this one. There were two fanzines I remember from the late 70s/early 80s: Alternative Sounds and Private Enterprise. The music scene back then was absolutely buzzing - even before The Specials got picked up by John Peel. So many bands and gigs every weekend somewhere and even...

We effectively have a choice between two parties; we choose the least bad each time. For me, it always comes down to the economy as the top priority as I am a staunch believer in free-market economics as the best approach the world has yet invented. I'm no fan of authoritarian-style Tory...

I think one of the most important changes needed is social care. We have to help people unable to cope (homeless; drug addicts; perpetually unemployed; criminals...). Not just throw money at them - real help to enable them to cope. I heard on R4 the other day that the right noises are coming...

I think you are a teacher? I used to teach also in the 80s. I had the freedom to teach my subject (Maths) as I wanted back then and could diverge into something else if it was interesting and came up. I cannot remember how, but at one stage I recall discussing anachronisms with a class. I...

Well, neither of us know but I'm optimistic. Which ranty gammons do you think he's brought into the cabinet?

Has it ever been different? I'm constantly frustrated by politicians failing to explain their positions in detail - I guess because they assume that they will lose the majority of the population who cannot follow. For example, last night on QT, Helen Waitely floated the idea that A&E waiting...

Starmer; Phillips or Nandy for me - the country needs an electable opposition to keep the government honest and on their toes. If it's Long-Bailey or Thornberry, following the same Corbyn agenda, I cannot see Labour getting even close next time around. Ideally it would be a candidate following...

Not hearing Nick Cave in this. It actually reminds me more of a song from the second Sweet Billy Pilgrim album - 'Twice Born Men' - possibly 'Longshore Drift'... cannot find the track I'm thinking of immediately. And also shades of Labradford possibly?

I haven't, I'll listen tomorrow.

Going to see Nick Cave in Brum in May. Also have tickets to see The Monochrome Set here in Hampshire in June.