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Andy Burnham gives key speech on Labour's policy direction under his leadership.

From the Guardian in a surprisingly sarcastic article."After weeks in which the Makerfield MP has submitted himself to few questions from the media, he was formally announced as Labour leader on Friday. The public will have to wait until next week to hear more details of his plan for government.But in the meantime we have a TikTok video, published on Thursday, setting out the new prime minister’s likes and dislikes.1) Yorkshire pudding with Christmas turkey? “Where has this come from? It should not be done,” he said. “And, in fact, if I ever get a position of power to do something, I will pass legislation to ban it.”2) On the matter of tea-making, Burnham revealed he is a milk-first man. “I don’t know why. I just have a feeling that it softens the teabag a bit and makes it stronger,” he said. “Might be wrong. I know that will offend a lot of people, but there’ll be no legislation to ban that.”3) We also learned he is “vehemently against” single-file queuing at the bar. “Stop it immediately,” he said.4) Tackling people who play voice notes or music on public transport out loud is likely to be a flashpoint of the Burnham administration. “You just don’t want to listen to everybody else’s nonsense,” he said, confirming he is “very strongly against” this “antisocial behaviour”.5) On socks and sandals, he is less adamant. “I have been known to wear my Birkenstocks with socks. I’m not sure I should be admitting that.” He is, however, a “strong against” when it comes to clapping when a plane lands and using phones at gigs.6) And for too long, the country has been held back by football fans who leave the ground before the final whistle, the next prime minister believes. We learned this is not something his government is going to allow to continue.On Wednesday, Burnham took questions from members of the public in Cardiff. The hour-long session was edited down to two and a half minutes and posted on X. What will the soundtrack to your first 100 days be? someone asked. “One Day Like This, by Elbow. Do you know that song? Guy Garvey? He’s absolutely wonderful, actually. A wonderful person.”I personally feel much reassured that the country is now in the hands of a serious and determined politician with a firm political philosophy.

John Hawkes ● 1d11 Comments ●

Things we can do

Seems fairly obvious that reducing our flights is a good start. FYI: — I haven't flown in nearly 10 years. 

Michael Brigo ● 6d43 Comments ● 1h

East Putney bridges refurbishment

I really hope the current bright blue and neon yellow aren’t the final colours - could these be base coats or undercoats? They look quite different from the renders shown on Wandsworth Council’s website: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-february-2026/east-putney-bridges-set-for-colourful-refurbishment/Does anyone know if there’s been any clarification on this or if the final finish will be closer to the approved design? As it stands, the colours don’t seem very in keeping with the local environment.

Laura Kaye ● 75d27 Comments ● 2h

Random pic 19 July 2026

The Shard from Lovat Lane, City of London https://flic.kr/p/21Pwxq5

Michael Ixer ● 14h0 Comments ● 14h

Class Warfare

"Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England"'Analysis reveals stark socioeconomic divide, with schools with highest free school meal eligibility having fewer trees.'https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/jul/16/private-schools-more-tree-shade-state-schools-englandNot only is the whole commissioning and intention of such an article and its underlying basis, so typical of the Guardian, and hilariously puerile, but the thought of how the so called analysis was carried out is jaw dropping.The intention is to show the unfairness of the private school system in comparison to that of the state and generate cries of "shame".But were the survey results produced by Lewis Winks, the environmental social scientist who led the research arrived at by visiting every school ?He must have done as he shows that there is a measured 41% advantage in tree cover for private schools.Note the precision of his measurement.And what does the fact of 'free school meal eligibility' have to do with it ?No mention of course of the geographical and demographic factors that probably were the deciding reasons as to the original placement of the schools.And are we to believe that Wimbledon High School for Girls on the main traffic route from the town centre to the Village is advantaged in this regard over Rickards Lodge Girl's school at the heart of leafy residential Wimbledon Park ?This just goes to show the lengths some will go to in order to foster a class war albeit it shows them up as being ignorant in the basis  of their research methods.And who funded this piece of pointless 'academic' work ?The taxpayer of course.Lewis Winks is a freelance writer, researcher and campaigner focused on cultural and social transformations, engaged research, environmental advocacy, and rights of access to the countryside.He works at Exeter University.And can obviously cannot find anything more important to spend his time and our money worrying about.

John Hawkes ● 2d2 Comments ● 1d

Accept the Job Sideline: Dating Tips for Busy Singles

Why busy singles need a different approachDating while juggling work, errands, and personal time can feel like trying to schedule a second full-time job. The pressure to “find the perfect match” quickly often leads to burnout, ghosting, or endless browsing. Instead, think strategically: you’re not failing—you’re busy. The best dating approach for hectic schedules is simple, structured, and realistic, so you can make progress without draining your energy.Accept the Job Sideline: key keyword in your second paragraphIf you’re the type who always puts everything “on hold,” consider the **Accept the Job Sideline** mindset. It means you keep your responsibilities in the driver’s seat, but you stop treating dating like an emergency you’ll handle “later.” A sideline isn’t less important—it’s just managed differently. You can still be intentional: choose a couple of opportunities, communicate clearly, and create small chances to connect.Smart dating tactics when time is limitedStart by clarifying your availability. For example, pick one evening for dates and one short window for chat—then stick to it. This protects your time and helps you attract people who respect boundaries.Keep your messages lightweight but warm. Instead of long paragraphs, share one genuine detail and ask one question. Aim for forward momentum: suggest a quick plan like coffee, a walk, or a short meet-up rather than waiting weeks to “figure it out.”Create a “fast compatibility” systemUse early conversations to learn what matters: lifestyle, schedules, relationship goals, and communication style. If someone can’t meet you halfway, it’s better to discover that sooner than later.Make dates efficient and enjoyableChoose low-pressure venues and clear start times. If the date goes well, confirm a next step right away—don’t let it drift. If it doesn’t, be polite and move on.Final mindset to stay consistentBusy singles don’t need more hours—they need better routines. When you accept the sideline and act with intention, dating becomes something you do, not something you postpone.Visit: https://forum.sacreee.org/member.php?action=profile&uid=4559

Robert Wilson ● 1d0 Comments ● 1d

Random pic 18 July 2026

Marking General de Gaulle's birthplace, Lille http://flic.kr/p/2r57NAb

Michael Ixer ● 1d0 Comments ● 1d

Random pic 17 July 2026

St Paul's and its pool reflection, 25, Cannon Street http://flic.kr/p/2soi4bo

Michael Ixer ● 2d1 Comments ● 1d

Hammersmith Bridge: H&F now likely to leave the bridge car and bus free forever

This story is rather hidden on the Putney SW15 site but top of the new home page at  https://new.putneysw15.com/#home H&F Council meet next week to discuss a recommendation by their officials to only try and keep the bridge open as it currently is for pedestrians and cycles given anything else cannot be funded.

Adrian Pearce ● 19d5 Comments ● 1d

Accepting work in Rangsit: Finding someone who fits your lifestyle

Compatibility starts with your daily rhythmStarting a new job is already a lifestyle shift—your energy, your schedule, and even your social routines can change fast. In that moment, finding someone who fits your lifestyle is less about luck and more about alignment. The right person will match your pacing: how you plan, how you communicate, and whether they respect the time you need to recharge.Accepting work in Rangsit and choosing the right places to meetIf you’re Accepting work in Rangsit(รับงานรังสิต), focus on meeting opportunities that match your real routine, not your “ideal weekend” version of life. Look for nearby areas where social interaction feels natural and low-pressure. Building your social loop around local hangouts and community vibes—especially places connected to fiwfan—can help you encounter people who are comfortable with similar daily rhythms and expectations.Be honest early about your scheduleDon’t hide the truth that you’re still settling in. You don’t need to share every detail, but you should set clear expectations about your availability, especially during your first month. Use straightforward communication, like: “My schedule is still adjusting, so I usually prefer short plans on weekdays.”Choose dates that fit your energy levelA lifestyle match shows up on the date. Keep early outings simple and time-bounded—coffee, casual meals, or a short walk—so you can enjoy the connection without feeling drained.Watch for consistent behavior, not just good conversationPay attention to follow-through and effort. Does the person show up on time? Do they communicate clearly? Do they make space for your routines rather than constantly interrupt them?Let the right fit grow naturallyWhen you find someone who understands your pace and respects your boundaries, the connection becomes easier to sustain. As your job routines stabilize, your relationship can grow in step—built on comfort, clarity, and genuine lifestyle compatibility.Visit: https://fiwfan.app/location/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95

Robert Wilson ● 2d1 Comments ● 2d

Surrender

England’s surrender last night was embarrassing. After Gordon scored a great goal Argentina had 92% possession. I am afraid that Thomas Tuchel must take a large share of the blame, bringing on defensive players with over half an hour of the game to go. He is paid £8 million per year to get the important decisions right and in the most important game of his tenure he failed. I am not sure that he can continue as England manager.

Steven Rose ● 3d13 Comments ● 2d

Ann Widdecombe ~ Murder Inquiry

Police have launched a murder inquiry after Ann Widdecombe was found covered in blood from a head wound at her Devon home. Officers were called to the 78-year-old's home on Dartmoor at 11.40am yesterday and found her with 'serious injuries'. The former Conservative Party minister death was first announced by her agent this morning and there had been no suggestion of anything suspicious. But in an update this afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed it had begun a murder inquiry.  Officers went to her home and spoke to a carer who worked for her and is believed to have found her body.  Police are trying to establish whether she may have died following a fall or if she was the victim of an attacker. https://mol.im/a/15968383

Sue Hammond ● 8d40 Comments ● 2d

Legion of honour

There was a time when the French awarded this honour for great bravery in the battlefield.Now you get it for donating billions of £s of taxpayers money to allow the French police to watch the boat gangs get richer.

Andy Pike ● 4d15 Comments ● 3d

Random pic 16 July 2026

Honesty on the Macclesfield Canal http://flic.kr/p/2sjsmMd

Michael Ixer ● 3d0 Comments ● 3d

Random pic 12 July 2026

Cathedral, Bari, Italy http://flic.kr/p/2s4QZVD

Michael Ixer ● 7d2 Comments ● 3d

Random pic 13 July 2026

Musée des Confluences, Lyon, at night http://flic.kr/p/2rHScMz

Michael Ixer ● 6d2 Comments ● 3d

Random pic 15 July 2026

Porta Nuova, Milan http://flic.kr/p/2s4eU5i(Flickr have updated their app. It's possible this link will fail if opened in the new app but should work in opened in a browser.)

Michael Ixer ● 4d1 Comments ● 3d

Burnham’s New Cabinet

Shabana Mahmoud will be the new Chancellor.  Reported by The Times and just confirmed on LBC.   No wonder Rache From Compaints was grizzling again today at PMQs.

Sue Hammond ● 3d0 Comments ● 3d

Iran

Nearly 4 months (March 17th) since the Orange one declared total victory over Iran. It's gone well I feel. Not

Michael Brigo ● 5d13 Comments ● 4d