TRUMP -WTF!

What is his game? Let Russia crush Ukraine and then divi up the wealth?

Some of the weird things he has said “Ukraine was to blame for the invasion” (Ukraines push to join NATO was possibly enough to cause relations to deteriorate, but surely not enough to cause an invasion). “Zelenskyy is a dictator” – he was voted in and remains popular. “Zelenskyy has made personal profit from the war” – absolutely no evidence of this. “The USA gives more financial/military aid than Europe” – a blatant lie! Both are around the $115billion mark although many countries have given a higher proportion of GDP like Denmark, and the Baltic States. “Russia wants peace” – at no time has Russia expressed this. “Russia is capable of wiping out Ukraine militarily”. – again bullshit! Russia has had to deploy North Korean missiles and soldiers whilst their loses have been huge.

Meanwhile our very own buffoon (BlowJob Johnson) posts on twitter (X) that Trump is joking and that Russia and Trump want Ukrainian wealth to rebuild the country. Hopefully any comments from Truss have been ignored for the silly whining it has become – like an elusive gnat that just irritates as you are trying to drop off asleep!

MIGRATION

Some facts from Eurostat, UK Office for National Statistics. Lots of good stats https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/feb/19/the-rise-of-the-far-right-global-trade-and-ukraines-future-why-the-german-election-matters-visual-explainer

The key ones for my argument are that the total pop of the EU will fall to 419m by 2100, UK will rise to 86 million. However without migration the numbers are 295m and 48m. Stats for Spain and Italy(pop with no migration would halve!) and Germany are equally large. On the face of it, for the planet and its environment this is good news. However without migration the number of over 65’s increases from 21% today to 32%. This comes with commensurate health and care issues. With AI perhaps resulting in a dumbing down of jobs will we see a growth in care type jobs for those unable to achieve doctor status?

Whatever, the topic needs addressing – many hospitals across Europe rely on migrants to function (and heir own countries would benefit from their prescence at home!). It is not just health and care sectors – the UK seems to have a work problem? 3 million UC claimants not looking for work? My immediate reaction is. that maybe the right sort of jobs are not out there? Maybe neighbourhood office style centres with support and cafes could provide an answer? ZOOM calls do away with the need for commuting. I have no idea of the skill sets of these people.

Again – we need a proper discussion without workshy accusations.

Next day! Discussing this in the shop A made the comment that only the rich and the poor can afford children. I think it is more complicated. Yes the cost of mortgages makes the traditional set up more difficult, but the trend is across Europe! Other factors must come into play. 1.- smaller families – one or two children is definitely the norm. 2. -Getting married later (or not getting married at all, so starting a family later. 3.-Thus having the one or two children later. 4. -Job security is diminishing. 5. Then there is social media, it is not designed to be family friendly? 6. – fears for the future, it was a factor back 50 years ago, but the future has not got brighter? 7. – decline in the extended family makes it more difficult to raise a family. 8. -Women needing to work to pay the bills (this hits the middle classes

NOT AN EJIT

Ok well, only just. Car had flat battery and I have a mobile charger (bought after last time!). And OK I did have to get instruction manual on how to open the bonnet! In my defence it was the slider bit not the actual trigger for the bonnet – and why have it in bright yellow when it is out of sight! A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse! Anyway the car is working again – I took it for a spin and then went to doctors for my repeat prescription (I left the engine running – just in case! So first the electrics, then the car and the third is the washing machine which decided to start leaking – but it is about 10years old which I guess is about right – new one being delivered on Thursday and the old one taken away. Domestic god or what (OK it is definitely an or what!). I am expecting the dishwasher to conk out next as it is over 20 years old.

Sun is shining and tomorrow should get warmer so I will plant chillies seeds in conservatory.

The news – well the Torygraph has a front page go at Angela Rayner for being in Ethiopia – I could not be bothered to read the details. The Express harps on about old people being cold – I have a secret for them. When little my bedroom had thick ice on the inside, we were shouted at to close doors constantly – a little cold is not a problem! (emphasis on “a little”!

Starmer is doing well! Perhaps diplomacy and the grand view of things is his forte? His comments have been considered and sensible – none of the populist slogan shouting. Thats why the Torygraph keeps a negative narrative on Starmers talks with EU leaders, and the Mail headlines Badenoch’s latest anti-woke bollocks. I guess Tories will have new leader after the May elections!

WHAT A LOAD OF SHIT!

Daily Mail blames Starmer for lack of defense spending! The spending has remained reasonably constant over past 15 years although down since Tories took office in 2010! And which magic money tree does it suggest to get greater spending? Farmers? OAP’s?

The question as to how to pay for Defence is the event of USA isolationism remains. Putin (like Trump) is an unapologenic expansionist. Europe needs defending from not just Putin but the American right! Vance made a blatant speech to support the right in Europe. Budgets across. the board are tight. Wheeling out some ageing retired general is pointless and boring (and so old hat!).

I am now going to say something controversial – sales of poppies for 11 Nov remain high – the number of ex-soldiers will,if not yet, soon fall rapidly. I find charities rather daunting! If there is a need in society, then surely the state should provide. There are 165000-170000 charities in UK! School PTA’s and children’s charities are a stain on civil society. Animal charities I have more sympathy with – they have no natural funding via Income Tax or VAT on nuts! I bet the rich love that they support charities – I bet their ego’s love it. Support the nurses who give their all 24/7. Food banks should never be necessary. I am thinking here! the RNLI is a charity which if government run would probably have left people to drown in the past – so should there be exceptions? Are charities more efficient without a bureacracy above them, but they would not need fund raisers!

Putting restrictions on social media would be unpopular but sensible. I am sure the techies could come up with something!

Little has been said about Iran in this ferment! Locationally a buffer to Russia, politically (WTF! ), socially and culturally an anaemia (whatever – I have no idea how to spell!). It is Israels enemy and apart from historic memories – maybe not dissimilar to Trump?

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM

It seems that the new government in the USA seeks to make America Great Again via bullying. Vances comments about freedom of speech in Europe is beyond comprehension. The law regarding demonstrations outside abortion clinics shows Europe and the UK at its best! Yes you can protest, but not intimidate! A 20m gap or whatever seems very fair. But not to rabid dogs who think they should be allowed to bully.

Just as a thought – does America have less protests than anywhere else? France certainly knows how to protest! Rumour has it that Hollywood and the news channels will be next for their appraisal! McCarthy might be shown a thing or two! Two years of a MAGA majority and then how will America vote? Lots of battles to be fought before then!

Ukraine is a battle that is rolling on. Neither side has dominance.. Unlike Gaza where Trump can claim any old bollocks as a victory as the battle is uneven (but even then not won!). Not involving the EU is petty and counter-productive. Putin has failed against the Ukraine – his weapons destructive but not brilliant. North Korean troops have apparently been sent home? It seems a bit of a stale mate – but will either side admit it? Russian speaking areas may lean towards Moscow but could there be a free vote?

Slagging off the rest of Europe will not enhance the USA or Russian position. Russia continues push against former USSR states regardless of public opinion in the areas! Why the attacks against Latvia ?

UKRAINE

So US Defence Secretary says “everything is on the table” – whatever that means! and “Whatever he allows or does not allow is the purview of the leader of the free world – Donald Trump”. Basically we are all fucked then!

Trump is only interested in making money so expect a deal dependent upon Ukraine exports to the USA. We may be seeing a deal brokered that goes beyond the inevitable – by that I mean the permanent cedeing of Crimea and Donetsk regions. Will Russia pull back from territory gained so far? I doubt it. Will Ukraine be forced to refusing permission to join NATO? It is hard to what Trump could force Russia into? Or how it could persuade Ukraine without guaranteed funding from the States? So we can expect a lot of bollocks talk.

INTERESTING and sick – it now seems an acceptable way of airing madness and anger by driving into innocent people at speed. The latest is Germany, but it (the car) seems to be becoming the weapon of choice for terrorists and nutters alike (is there a difference).

FARMERS – are still banging on about facing an inheritance tax that is more favourable to them than the rest of us. I would suggest an alternative – they pay 100% tax on profits of land sold off for development. I am sure there are loop holes to be closed to the sceming likes of Clarkson!

REEVES – is under attack for exaggerating her CV and possible expense issues. Surely this is only an issue if fraudulent behaviour is suspected. Whilst she may have claimed nearly a decade of working at the BoE in the press and to journalists, only if she lied on her job application is that relevant.

HAIR – mine is getting long, and definitely bed style when taking off a beanie! But too cold to cut even though it seems to be growing at different speeds – left back growing faster! And birds like my hair for nests! So I will wait another month or so? My seeds are ordered and I will get planting at the same time.

ECONOMICS – as I have said before, I am no economist, and economics is fantasy bollocks. The RWPress have been banging on about the impact of the Chancellors Budget tax rises; what they have not said is how the money may stimulate the economy? Latest GDP figures show that this might be a positive effect. £40 billion spent on NHS and elsewhere will have an impact. Only the part that has to pay off the dodgy deals done by the last government have a negative impact.

VALENTINES DAY – got off to a rocky start with a lady who has just retired stating that she noticed her husbands phone receiving a message saying sexy, and with hearts. He claimed wrong number, then ‘it was just a laugh’, then ‘it is nothing serious’. Basically a ‘cunt’. I wonder how many other days have been ruined Today?

PEONY – I have a plant to plant and a couple of others – too cold though! Next week should see double digit temps. – but I will wait for night time temps of over 6C before planting seeds.

NANSLEDAN

Starmer and Rayner visit Nansledan with the King. (No, silly – Elvis is well dead!). This is the housing development promoted by Charlie when in charge of the Duchy coffers! Anyway, enough sniping, it is very well regarded – we just wait to see if the Government can force the cowboy firms into a similar high standard. Rayner talked about Garden Cities but we have seen plans disappear in the past – maybe this time?

As long as someone enforces a big view it will be OK. Government using compulsory purchase, then selling at higher price to developers to pay for infrastructure should work. I have some experience having lived in Stevenage for a while. My main gripe was that it was too organised! (this is where you play, this is where your dog shits, etc.). Although they did leave some wild’ish areas between ‘neighbourhoods’. The neighbourhood shopping areas however were soulless and cold. I am not sure how to solve this. the subways did not help – crossings would have been better, even if disrupting traffic.

Perhaps – idea – enable out of town shopping centres with access to electric carts. Then in the centre a pedestrian walkway with trees, etc, and seats. Teenage threats? are real! but provide for them with athletic/cultural facilities nearby or embrace them – cafes, mini-job centres (where young could be hired to carry shopping, do gardening, clean cars in a guaranteed setting)? Just an idea?

NO NEWS

What can the papers report? I am derfinitely cynical! Ukraine, Gaza, Trump, trade wars, farmers inheritance are all old news and the papers have lost interest? The Met have been prevented from sacking officers – assisted dying – 11 suspended Labour councillors for age old What’s App comments. It is like a “not August” silly season! The Star at least tried to stimulate interest with the release of JFK files by Trump; the Guardian tried something. similar with a UFO story from yonks ago yesterday. The Mail desperately tries to get people in a huff about a person who ‘may be’ a candidate for a government job working from home in Finland.

So presumably good news is no news? Or is it sadder that old news is no news? Gaza could be about to flare up again (Hamas seem to be poking the Israel/USA bear with a stick!?). Ukraine war is still going on; Climatic events continue to impact; Women are still being raped in Sudan (and India?),

Basically nothing of interest – the Government is boring, Tories irrelevant and ridiculous, LimDems (hiding?), Reform also irrelevant, greens – waiting for spring? SNP withered.

So our intrepid journalists stake out a bar, do a line and try to come up with a story. Lies have already been used and did not stick despite best efforts (Angela Rayner); Royal family seems to be behaving although Kate might be going woke with a visit to a mother and baby section of a prison (this would be great for the RWPress but royalty is a No-no (unless it is about a black, American divorcee and a possibly illegitimate Duke of Sussex!) For similar reasons the Grand Old Duke of York is best ignored! C’mon guys (they are all guys in the bar – RW bimbo’s prefer more salubrious company! EU is boring although we could do a skit on the demise of German industry – but it might recover?

WTF – can we raid the Sun for shite about a celebrity? We have already fucked over the Dancers and the cooking show – reality shows fuck themselves. “Does anyone know how to start an earthquake or a volcano (pretty pictures but less suffering for newsprint”.

“OK so nip off to a local pub, buy a few rounds and see what happens!” Someone is bound to spout off about something! Maybe an AI horror story – one actually written by AI!

NANSLEDAN-CORNWALL

It seems that the Duchy of Cornwall might have got this right? Quality housing with community and employment aspects. Hopefully the government will impose restrictions on all house builders to ensure that they comply with normal society demands. The omens are not good though, the government has said it will cut bureaucracy for building regs.

Building on flood plains is not sensible, ignoring traffic potential problems is madness, cummunity features should be a requisite of any plans. Also the need for doctors and schools and community centres should be mandatory.

On schools I think it was the Express that said that state schools had no room for the private kids whose parents could not afford the new fees. This does not add up! So a parent who cannot afford the increase in fees (but could afford £10000) cannot afford the transport to a nearby school? yet schools in inner cities are closing due to lack of students – sloppy journalism yet again!

Ok – my sockets are working again – nothing to do with Truespeed and the internet! My suspicians are on the freezer – a cheap one which was bunged up with ice! I also have just phoned to get rid of an old mattress – tomorrow I will sort out knee! And then eyes!

Weather

WEATHER IS SHITE AGAIN!

I know it is February a.k.a. winter – but it is cold and damp and dull.  Spring will be here soon though!

So planing planting.

I now have enough roses if all have survived the winter.

Tomato – maybe some plants although the ones grown from seed did well at the front- so maybe have a look at the catalogues?  Maybe a couple of cucumber plants and chilli and then something different!.  Raspberries have been cut back and when a bit warmer/drier Inwill cut back some of the other stuff!

I might go get more onions to pickle it the weather stays like this!  And also make some lentil burgers.  Electricity for sockets has blown so no tele – I do not watch much but standard lamp for reading is also out.  I can use my phone as a hotspot but do not want to over do it as I have no idea what my contract is!  Martin has said he will be out next weekend – electric heater also out so  free boost to temp missing, although CH working, as is the kitchen!

Football was good with the Pilgrims stuffing the red Scouse!  The FA Cup is great, where the great and rich can be taken down by the commoners!  Even when losing the Leyton Orient goalscorer will remember his goal for his lifetime!  North of the border also saw the mighty Glasgow Rangers humbled by Queens Park (and they had a last minute penalty saved.  These teams may have taken a calculated risk in playing reserves, but they would still have reckoned on progress (its the money – stupid!).  And at the moment the top teams out are Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Nottingham Forest

Super Bowl was won by Philadelphia Eagles who prevented Kansas City Chiefs from a Patrick with a 40-22 trouncing.  So Trump and Swift both losers!  Last year it was watched by 123 million – huge advertising revenue.  Wait for UEFAvand FIFA to start marketing the finals of Europa and the World Cup in a similar way!  Football does not have the breaks for adverts – yet!  Combine Woman’s football finals and they could have a real money printer!  

Politics – a labour minister resigns after posting inappropriate things.  As Health Minister you should not wish death on anyone!  Muppet.  At least Starmer is quick off the mark to dismiss these morons!  

And fuck me – the Guardian leads with a non-story about an ex-diplomat says something controversial to make some money!  I might have to un-subscribe from the paper if it moves down the sensationalist, no fact back up path. The Observer has also just been sold off!  I will then be left with just the byline Times and online.