Search found 3472 matches
- Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:06 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
A 75% tax rate on earnings over 50K kills aspiration. Why would anyone start a small business, with all the risk and all the extra work bother? If you started a small business, wouldn't you pay corporation tax (which is much lower)? Unless you decided to pay yourself a pointlessly huge salary inste...
- Sun Nov 24, 2019 7:50 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
I endorse this proposal wholeheartedly. A 75% tax rate on earnings over 50K kills aspiration. Why would anyone start a small business, with all the risk and all the extra work bother? If you started a small business, wouldn't you pay corporation tax (which is much lower)? Unless you decided to pay ...
- Wed Nov 20, 2019 6:30 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
- Replies: 646
- Views: 337128
Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
Here's one that I think fits the theme of this thread perfectly.
Basic potato peelers work in both directions.
Also you don't even have to remove the peeler from the surface of the potato to continue peeling.
This has more than doubled my potato peeling efficiency, and feels a lot safer too.
Basic potato peelers work in both directions.
Also you don't even have to remove the peeler from the surface of the potato to continue peeling.
This has more than doubled my potato peeling efficiency, and feels a lot safer too.
- Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:05 am
- Forum: apterous.org
- Topic: ProRanks history video
- Replies: 11
- Views: 7919
Re: ProRanks history video
It's so nice that I won't take it personally that I have been excluded! I hope it's because of my stupid punctuated name rather than a personal vendetta.
- Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:55 pm
- Forum: apterous.org
- Topic: ProRanks history video
- Replies: 11
- Views: 7919
Re: ProRanks history video
Yeah it's a thing, and this is a great example of such a thing.
I remember Pendleton's rise to dominance. Amazing part of apterous history.
Nice.
I remember Pendleton's rise to dominance. Amazing part of apterous history.
Nice.
- Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:57 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Climate Change Deniers
- Replies: 21
- Views: 9992
Re: Climate Change Deniers
The evidence is clear:Marc Meakin wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:28 pm https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... IiZbNT5rrE
Make of this what you will
- Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:43 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 10321
Re: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
There is a general "Prime Minister after the December 2019 General Election" markets around but I can't find any hard and fast rules. I expect that the betting sites will just decide whether they should pay out after the event, in any of Graeme's examples. I don't think they'll be paying o...
- Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:19 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 10321
Re: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
Oh yeah. Who knows then. There must be a market somewhere with the right set of terms and conditions.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 9:56 pmThe incumbent was standing last time weren't they?Jon O'Neill wrote: ↑Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:35 pm In 2017 you had "Next Prime Minister" which obviously doesn't do what Gev wants this time as the incumbent is standing.
- Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:35 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 10321
Re: Is Jeremy Corbyn electable as Prime Minister ?
In 2017 you had "Next Prime Minister" which obviously doesn't do what Gev wants this time as the incumbent is standing. According to this market Corbyn has about a 37% chance of being next Prime Minister (obviously has some assumptions built in): https://i.imgur.com/bje36uh.png Corby is 2....
- Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:16 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
Don't underestimate behaviour - Recent example - changes to the pension rules mean that NHS consultants are no longer working extra hours, because it simply isn't worth their time. Massive impact on the NHS. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jun/24/nhs-consultants-turning-down-work-avoid-hug...
- Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:01 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
If tax rates are very low, increasing them generates more revenue. Keep increasing them, and if you reach a point when a rate increase doesn't increase the revenue, you conclude that going above that point would actually reduce the revenue. There's a rate that maximises the return. Lengthy theorisi...
- Mon Nov 04, 2019 9:27 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
I was having a play around with some HMRC numbers to see what the impact of a completely different income tax structure would be. I'm calling this the Jono proposal and my idea is a 20k tax free allowance, then 10% on all earnings to 50k, then 75% on all earnings above that. - Everyone who earns up...
- Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:46 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Politics in General
- Replies: 1646
- Views: 1816349
Re: Politics in General
I was having a play around with some HMRC numbers to see what the impact of a completely different income tax structure would be. I'm calling this the Jono proposal and my idea is a 20k tax free allowance, then 10% on all earnings to 50k, then 75% on all earnings above that. - Everyone who earns up ...
- Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:03 am
- Forum: apterous.org
- Topic: Ratings
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4512
Re: Ratings
Thanks - all a bit confusing! - but I like your quote on that ticket, which I would say remains true to this day based on my experience.... "If I was new to Apterous, I'd be thinking "What on Earth's going on with these rating systems?" " :) From what I can tell, the rolling rat...
- Mon Oct 21, 2019 9:17 pm
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: RIP Joyce Cansfield
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3975
Re: RIP Joyce Cansfield
A lovely lady and a giant of the game...
Re: Religion
OK, I'm going to have a go at replying to a lot of responses I've had. Sorry it's taken so long! Thanks for replying. You have an interesting perspective, possibly unique amongst the largely-atheist c4c. So it's interesting to hear. My first response is that one very positive result of posting on h...
- Fri Oct 04, 2019 11:47 am
- Forum: Countdown - Events
- Topic: FOCAL scoring system
- Replies: 57
- Views: 55954
Re: FOCAL scoring system
You get 50 points for winning that event in Gev's system.Zarte Siempre wrote: ↑Thu Oct 03, 2019 6:08 pm people who'd literally go to a co-event inside a wardrobe.
Just saying.
- Wed Oct 02, 2019 4:21 pm
- Forum: Countdown - Events
- Topic: FOCAL scoring system
- Replies: 57
- Views: 55954
Re: FOCAL scoring system
The change is a vast improvement. No scoring system is perfect if you want a transparent/easily calculable approach. I can understand why you'd want a transparent system - so you know where you need to finish to get x points on the day, for any event. The Zarte Method is clearly superior to both but...
Re: Religion
I'm a Christian. (snipped) This is a great post and I agree with the way you present the dichotomies of this debate. I've arrived at this point having considered the evidence, but also having met with God personally. (Perhaps the word 'personally' was a bit unusual, but if prayer is talking to God,...
- Fri Aug 09, 2019 3:36 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: C4C Fantasy Football
- Replies: 174
- Views: 80588
Re: C4C Fantasy Football
Is there a joining code available?Zarte Siempre wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 10:57 am Robin did set one up, but I didn't see much advertisement, so I've autorenewed last year's too, which everyone who's playing has been auto-added to.
- Mon Jul 15, 2019 8:05 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: (Men) sitting down for a wee
- Replies: 101
- Views: 24355
Re: (Men) sitting down for a wee
I mean that's just ridiculous. It's the best place to aim and so satisfying. It's actually one of the best things about being a man.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2019 9:51 pm By the way, to piss directly into the water you'd need to be a full-on psychopath or severely autistic.
- Mon Jul 15, 2019 8:05 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: (Men) sitting down for a wee
- Replies: 101
- Views: 24355
Re: (Men) sitting down for a wee
By the way, how much does it matter if a few specks of piss that you can't see or smell, and as far as you're concerned doesn't even exist, land on some of the surfaces near your toilet? You're not going to know. Also they say piss is sterile don't they? I mean, it's probably some bullshit myth, bu...
- Fri Jul 12, 2019 9:40 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: (Men) sitting down for a wee
- Replies: 101
- Views: 24355
- Wed Jun 26, 2019 12:46 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Things you can't do that it always seems like everyone else can
- Replies: 91
- Views: 126397
Re: Things you can't do that it always seems like everyone else can
Things you can't do that it always seems like everyone else can: computer games. I'm utterly useless. I'm not really into it, but I'm not fundamentally opposed to the pastime, and over the course of the past couple of decades I have occasionally, inevitably been exposed to FIFA, various shoot-em-up...
- Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:56 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
- Replies: 774
- Views: 685278
Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Latest Black Mirror was disappointing. Was expecting good things after Bandersnatch but the new episodes were fairly weak. The cabbie one was probably the best of the bunch but still a bit bland. Think Charlie might be running out of ideas. Could do with getting some other writers. I liked them. Ki...
- Mon Jun 10, 2019 5:24 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Countdown in Brinsworth 2019
- Replies: 41
- Views: 25200
Re: Countdown in Brinsworth 2019
Sorry - didn't realise that this was locked and cos I'm Off-Topic Mod I was able to post - I'll unlock in case people want to reply. Feel free to re-lock Ben if you disagree.
- Mon Jun 10, 2019 5:20 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Countdown in Brinsworth 2019
- Replies: 41
- Views: 25200
Re: Countdown in Brinsworth 2019
Cathy has been more than fair in her responses. I can't see anything in Cathy's post that seems unreasonable in the circumstances. Is it really fair and reasonable to pompously assert that Ashton is either: 1. A very lonely attention-seeker 2. A paedophile 3. Mentally or neurologically challenged 4...
- Tue Jun 04, 2019 9:24 pm
- Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
- Topic: Series 80 Player Analysis and Ongoing Discussion Thread (Spoilers Inside!)
- Replies: 19
- Views: 15372
Re: Series 80 Player Analysis and Ongoing Discussion Thread (Spoilers Inside!)
Love the badged/medalled stuff.
- Wed May 22, 2019 6:28 pm
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: Negative picking
- Replies: 20
- Views: 14248
Re: Negative picking
The order of importance for picking any round - letters or numbers.
1. Winning the match
2. Finishing as high in the competition as possible
3. You just fancy a certain selection
...
9999. What your opponent thinks/perceived negativity/opponent is on for a high score.
1. Winning the match
2. Finishing as high in the competition as possible
3. You just fancy a certain selection
...
9999. What your opponent thinks/perceived negativity/opponent is on for a high score.
- Fri May 10, 2019 1:11 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
- Replies: 646
- Views: 337128
Re: REALLY obvious things you've just realised
That's a good one.
- Sat Feb 09, 2019 12:31 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
- Replies: 774
- Views: 685278
Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
All three seasons of Fargo were astoundingly good, to the point where I see no need to try and pick a favourite or pick a weak one, though most other people who have watched it seem to want to do this. Absolutely enjoying the shit out of Fargo. Half way through season 3 and they're all individually...
- Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:26 pm
- Forum: Other game shows
- Topic: The Return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
- Replies: 35
- Views: 40925
Re: The Return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
Something I got to thinking about - hypothetical. Say I was going on the show. I know a lot of very good quizzers, for example Ryan Taylor on this board, but I don't really consider them a "friend" as such (remember, this is hypothetical). However, I'd really like to use them as phone-a-f...
- Fri Dec 07, 2018 2:03 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Celebrations - a ranking
- Replies: 35
- Views: 19844
Re: Celebrations - a ranking
Milky Way
Twix
Galaxy
Malteser
Galaxy Caramel
Mars
Snickers
Bounty
Twix
Galaxy
Malteser
Galaxy Caramel
Mars
Snickers
Bounty
- Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:14 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What documentaries have you been watching.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 5630
Re: What documentaries have you been watching.
All the latest Louis Therouxs. All were great. Watched the first of the latest Attenborough (Dynasties) - pretty good. Watched the first episode of DOGS on Netflix. It was a bit too much about HUMANS and not enough about DOGS, in my opinion. Making a Murderer Season 2 was interesting. I've been on a...
- Wed Nov 21, 2018 8:41 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
- Replies: 774
- Views: 685278
Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
I don't know if this is just me, but some of the reactions that some people on here have to some television programmes is completely alien to me. I'm never "in bits" after watching anything, and to be honest I find it a little bit weird. Am I the weird one? You should try Louis Theroux's ...
- Sat Nov 17, 2018 5:42 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: A load of old tats
- Replies: 17
- Views: 9663
Re: A load of old tats
That's right, yes.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Sat Nov 17, 2018 1:05 pmBut you're saying "I definitely want to be scarred for life. That's a given. Now I just need to find the way of doing it where I look least like a cunt."
- Fri Nov 16, 2018 5:10 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: A load of old tats
- Replies: 17
- Views: 9663
Re: A load of old tats
I'd like a tattoo but don't think there's anything worthwhile enough to justify the lifelong commitment.
Open to suggestions though.
Open to suggestions though.
- Wed Nov 07, 2018 10:11 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What films have you watched lately?
- Replies: 438
- Views: 304203
Re: What films have you watched lately?
Anyone seen the German film "Look Who's Back" ("Er ist wieder da")? It's pretty dark, but really funny (if you like that kind of humour) and I think has some interesting points to make. It's basically "what if Hitler came back in the present day and what would he do" a...
- Tue Oct 30, 2018 8:26 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
- Replies: 774
- Views: 685278
Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
Recently watched Bodyguard - that was entertaining for something that made no sense.
Also watched Killing Eve - that was entertaining and made some sense.
Currently watching Making a Murderer Season 2. Not as good as the original (although how could it be?) Also I'm on the fence about who did it..
Also watched Killing Eve - that was entertaining and made some sense.
Currently watching Making a Murderer Season 2. Not as good as the original (although how could it be?) Also I'm on the fence about who did it..
- Tue Oct 30, 2018 8:24 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
- Replies: 774
- Views: 685278
Re: What TV programmes have you been watching lately?
I feel sorry for anyone watching it on catch-up as they won't have that element of surprise. I will let you know No need, I already know the answer. The fact that it's available on catch-up at all means the twist doesn't work. Should still be an enjoyable watch though. Completely forgot about it un...
- Wed Oct 24, 2018 10:44 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Do you think it is wrong ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 9433
Re: Do you think it is wrong ?
The only thing that is used to counter potential upsets is the five point penalty per word challenge. In some American tournaments you lose your turn for an incorrect challenge, which is harsh. The 5 point penalty worked against me yesterday as one of my opponents played SALTIER then later hooked a...
- Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:16 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Do you think it is wrong ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 9433
Re: Do you think it is wrong ?
Back to topic, I'm not aware of any rating system which is particularly robust to (a) matches between players with relatively huge ratings differences, and (b) players who play relatively few rated games, which would include some of the Scrabble World Championship entrants. And to answer Gavin's qu...
- Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:58 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Do you think it is wrong ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 9433
Re: Do you think it is wrong ?
To be fair , most of the good players absent had visa problems anyway. I got the pleasure to play Mark Nyman today ( of this parish ) needless to say he beat me but it was nip and tuck until I picked up the Q late on. Still 2 wins from 8 will do me as I'm 73rd rated out of 75 so I'm currently 66th ...
- Tue Oct 23, 2018 1:13 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Do you think it is wrong ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 9433
Re: Do you think it is wrong ?
Yeah, it's dumb.
Although maybe the ratings system is not a good one if it's overly sensitive to lucky outcomes in your chosen game. But why are people worried about the rating change from (presumably) the biggest tournament in the calendar?
Although maybe the ratings system is not a good one if it's overly sensitive to lucky outcomes in your chosen game. But why are people worried about the rating change from (presumably) the biggest tournament in the calendar?
- Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:53 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: How much do you tip?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 10500
Re: How much do you tip?
This can go up in relation to how much I've had to drink. I only tip the bloke who cuts my hair at Christmas. Do you have one hairdresser per religious festival? Like Gevin I just go along with tipping even though as a concept it is ridiculous. Under 10% seems cheap. Over 15% seems like you're show...
- Wed Oct 03, 2018 11:50 am
- Forum: Countdown - Events
- Topic: How to host an event (for dummies)?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 39760
Re: How to host an event (for dummies)?
1. Gives more attention to all 3 disciplines of the game (which unlike you I view as a selling point), 2. speaks more to tradition to honour the occasion, 3. likely takes fractionally less time, which I think is good for a game that only 2 people are playing (and which considering your other daft o...
- Tue Sep 11, 2018 5:18 pm
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: Clock music pitch
- Replies: 2
- Views: 3214
Re: Clock music pitch
VHS artifacts or YouTube audio compression?
- Fri Aug 31, 2018 5:01 pm
- Forum: Countdown - Events
- Topic: CO:parkrun Recaps
- Replies: 598
- Views: 389297
Re: CO:parkrun Recaps
Bournemouth saw just me doing the parkrun. The results out of 469 runners: 6. Gevin Chapwell - 18:30 (50 points) That's actually my second fastest parkrun time (my PB being 18:22 at King's Lynn last year). The overall points: 1. Gevin Chapwell - 360 2. Giles Hutchings - 106.7 3. Oliver Garner - 80 ...
- Mon Aug 06, 2018 3:46 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Why don't you like basketball?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 45512
Re: Why don't you like basketball?
Funded sport means sports that get government funding.
It does.Gavin Chipper wrote: ↑Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:15 pm Probably doesn't take into account people just turning up somewhere and playing.
- Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:02 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Why don't you like basketball?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 45512
Re: Why don't you like basketball?
I would like to know the percentage of 6 foot 7 plus people living in the UK. I suspect that answer will explain the lack of participation. But never give up as it has taken decades for America to accept soccer as a viable sport and I suspect come 2026 they may come close to winning the darn thing....
- Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:23 am
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: Susie Dent's Two Words
- Replies: 18
- Views: 14305
Re: Susie Dent's Two Words
Why are L's worth 3 points?
- Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:07 am
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: Susie Dent's Two Words
- Replies: 18
- Views: 14305
Re: Susie Dent's Two Words
Just started playing. It's good, quick fun.
Currently have a 4-5 H2H against SusieBot which I think is just a "greedy" bot which doesn't take rack balance into account.
Currently have a 4-5 H2H against SusieBot which I think is just a "greedy" bot which doesn't take rack balance into account.
- Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:33 pm
- Forum: Countdown - General
- Topic: Which words are the most useful to know?
- Replies: 92
- Views: 40171
Re: Which words are the most useful to know?
Yeah, this is great. Nice work. Only thing I would suggest as an improvement is to do some face-up shuffling in the simulated rounds (or weight against rounds with double or triple letters). It seems to me that the most useful words seem a bit skewed towards double-letters compared to https://www.ap...
- Thu May 03, 2018 11:51 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Implicit Association Tests
- Replies: 6
- Views: 6707
Re: Implicit Association Tests
Quite good results for me..
I'm very ageist
Slightly homophobic
Not racist
Don't associate women with the liberal arts
I'm very ageist
Slightly homophobic
Not racist
Don't associate women with the liberal arts
- Wed Apr 25, 2018 7:24 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Book recommendations
- Replies: 9
- Views: 7357
Re: Book recommendations
Jono is doing a book a week as his new year's resolution for 2018. He'll pop along soon with some of the highlights I'm sure. I copied some of them from what people recommended him on Facebook and will report back. I'm a little behind (3 weeks if I finish what I'm currently reading by Sunday). So f...
- Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:57 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Music Covers
- Replies: 25
- Views: 13481
Re: Music Covers
Nirvana
The Man Who Sold the World
The Man Who Sold the World
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 12:17 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: MEAKIN THREAD
- Replies: 62
- Views: 30257
Re: MEAKIN THREAD
Stewart Lee
Louis CK
Frankie Boyle
Seen a load of great live comedy in London and Edinburgh but not from people whose names I can remember.
Louis CK
Frankie Boyle
Seen a load of great live comedy in London and Edinburgh but not from people whose names I can remember.
- Fri Mar 02, 2018 2:29 pm
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: Truly Dumb Designs.
- Replies: 35
- Views: 15742
Re: Truly Dumb Designs.
All separate taps are completely retarded. Why would I ever need hot water and cold water at the same time? But they do separate jobs. You might not use your laptop and wellington boots at the same time, but would you want to combine them? That's moronic and you know it. You can't blend your laptop...
- Sun Feb 11, 2018 10:45 am
- Forum: Off-topic
- Topic: What films have you watched lately?
- Replies: 438
- Views: 304203
Re: What films have you watched lately?
Watched "Ted" earlier on Channel 4 (actually Channel 4+1, I got in too late to catch the start on normal C4). Now, I've seen it before and remember enjoying it a lot (of which more later), but I was never sure how much of that was because it was any good, or funny, or whatever. I'm pretty...
- Thu Jan 25, 2018 5:51 pm
- Forum: Countdown - Events
- Topic: COLIN XIV- Countdown in Lincoln, 27-28 January 2018
- Replies: 38
- Views: 50744
Re: COLIN XIV- Countdown in Lincoln, 27-28 January 2018
Two days to go and I've just realised I've been negligent in one regard- I haven't posted the seedings yet! Rather than do my usual thing of ridiculous numbers of calculations based on on-screen performance, etc. I've decided instead to do it a very simple way. And rather than explain this simple w...