Andrea Haines – First soprano (2008–present)Molly Noon – Second soprano (2021–present)Katie Jeffries-Harris – First alto (2018–present)Barnaby Smith – Second alto/countertenor & Artistic Director (2005–present)Blake Morgan – First tenor (2016–present)Euan Williamson – Second tenor (2019–present)Chris Moore – Baritone (2018–present)Dominic Carver – Bass (2022–present)
*** FUTURE POSTS WILL ALSO APPEAR AT 'NOW AND NEXT' : https://rolfnorfolk.substack.com
Friday, August 25, 2023
FRIDAY MUSIC: VOCES8, by JD
Friday, August 18, 2023
FRIDAY MUSIC: The Lennon Sisters, by JD
Monday, August 14, 2023
START THE WEEK: How Much Is Just Hot Air (Climate)... by Wiggia
According to the lunatics in JSO (Just Stop Oil) this is happening now.
“If ever you wanted a prime example as to the gigantic con trick inflicted on us poor taxpayers that is the Green scam, then look no further than Drax. This conglomerate goes through the motions of pretending that it is beneficial to the planet whilst burning imported wood chips, sometimes manufactured by cutting down trees in Canada or the USA, whilst getting a huge subsidy of around £2 million a day. Not only that, the CEO of Drax managed to trouser upwards of £5 million last year as a reward for running this fake green company. That Drax exists is a testament to successive governments who have gone along with this con trick and particularly to the successive so-called energy ministers like Ed Miliband, Chris Huhne and Ed Davy, who have , no doubt, done very well personally out of this. That these ministers are not locked up for fraud rather than prospering is a national disgrace but all you have to do nowadays is shout "green" and you can get away with almost anything.”Drax also now own the logging company that supplies them. They say this is to offset when the green subsidies stop, but by then of course they will control the price of the wood pellets that Drax use.
This farce will then continue under the banner of green energy, despite the fact that the wood pellets produce as much CO2 as coal. Some say it also produces more airborne toxins as well, plus the moving of thousands of tons of pellets across oceans is hardly a green exercise, which when put together begs the question as to why we can’t use our own gas and coal resources until such time as so-called sustainable energy comes of age - and we are a long way from that.
I even heard a smug eco zealot talking about tidal wave power. That went out of favour some time ago when the costs were analysed and the fact that the tide has dead periods when it doesn’t move or hardly moves. It is no good talking about further storage to overcome these problems the cost is enormous and prohibitive, in the majority of cases.
https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/why-dont-we-use-tidal-power-more
https://www.wired.com/story/how-green-are-wood-pellets-as-a-fuel-source/
But we are in a dire state regards energy supply. Once again decades of poor decision making by governments has come back to bite us in the backside. We have thrown away our ability to lead the world when we did with nuclear power decades ago. We close the only large gas storage facility and stop further gas exploration in the North Sea, rely on shipping gas in from the middle east and elsewhere when we could frack, stop a specialised coal mine from opening to supply industry and import the same from elsewhere and somehow believe that makes us green.
And become evermore reliant on intermittent wind and solar. It doesn’t matter how many wind farms you build, if the wind doesn’t blow there's no energy; yet the policy demands that all must change to electricity:
Despite the claims that more and more energy is supplied by wind power, the above shows how unreliable it is. The troughs out weigh the peaks by some margin; this will apply regardless of how many windmills are built.
All this has been repeated hundreds of times,. Does anyone actually take notice in the positions of power? It certainly does not look like it: the glacial approach to decision making is only matched by the glacial slide of the country into the second tier of world powers. Anyone believing we still have a top table say in the world's affairs is living in the previous century; energy wise, the century before that is where we are heading in the short to middle term.
I can see the time when a box of these…
AI Does Spad (2): Wargaming 'Max Headroom'
Confidential Memorandum
To: Conservative Party Leadership From: [Your Name] Date: [Date]
Subject: Evaluation of Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer and Potential Future Scenarios
As we approach the upcoming political landscape, it is essential to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Labour Party under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer. Additionally, we must anticipate potential actions and policies that may emerge should he become Prime Minister. This memo aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation for strategic planning purposes.
Strengths of Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer:
Moderate Image: Sir Keir Starmer's leadership has positioned the Labour Party as more moderate and centrist, distancing it from the far-left policies associated with the previous leadership. This could attract a broader range of voters, including some traditional Conservative supporters who may be disenchanted with our party's direction.
Professionalism and Legal Background: Sir Keir's legal background and professional demeanor appeal to voters seeking stability and competence in leadership. This may enhance his image as a credible alternative to our own party's leadership.
Focus on Accountability: His emphasis on accountability and proper governance resonates with voters who prioritize transparency and ethical conduct in politics.
Weaknesses of Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer:
Internal Party Divisions: Despite his efforts to unite the party, internal divisions between different factions of the Labour Party still exist. These divisions can weaken his ability to present a cohesive and united front, especially during critical policy debates.
Lack of Clear Policy Direction: While the moderate stance may appeal to a broader audience, the Labour Party has struggled to articulate a distinctive policy agenda that resonates with voters beyond criticizing our party's policies. This lack of clarity may hinder their ability to gain widespread support.
Limited Charisma and Popularity: Sir Keir Starmer's leadership style lacks the charisma and natural popularity associated with some past political leaders. This could impact his ability to connect with voters on an emotional level.
Anticipated Actions under Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
Economic Policy: Expect an emphasis on social welfare and a more interventionist approach to the economy. Tax reforms may focus on higher earners and corporations to fund increased spending on public services.
Healthcare and Education: There will likely be efforts to invest heavily in the National Health Service (NHS) and education, capitalizing on his legal background and professional credibility.
Climate and Environment: Anticipate an ambitious push for green policies, including stricter emissions targets, renewable energy investment, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Social Justice and Equality: Policies to address inequality and social justice issues will likely be central to his agenda, with a focus on labor rights, gender equality, and diversity initiatives.
Foreign Relations: Starmer is likely to maintain a strong international stance, prioritizing alliances and diplomatic efforts. However, his approach may differ from ours, especially in areas like trade negotiations and international interventions.
In conclusion, while Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party presents both strengths and weaknesses, it is crucial for us to proactively address his potential actions as Prime Minister. By understanding his policy priorities and potential strategies, we can better position ourselves to counter his proposals and present a compelling alternative to the electorate.
Please treat this memorandum as highly confidential and limit its distribution to relevant party leaders and strategists.
AI Does SPAD (1)
Asking ChatGPT...
Manifesto for a Strong and Prosperous Future: The Conservative Party Vision
Protecting Tradition, Empowering Progress
Introduction
In these critical times, the Conservative Party presents a vision that combines the enduring values of tradition with the dynamism of progress. Our manifesto is centered on fostering a strong and prosperous future for all, while preserving the foundations that have made our nation great. By embracing innovation, empowering individuals, and securing our nation's interests, we will lead the charge toward a brighter tomorrow.
1. Economic Growth and Fiscal Responsibility
We commit to a low-tax, pro-business environment that incentivizes investment, job creation, and economic growth. Our plan includes:
- Reducing the burden of unnecessary regulations on businesses, allowing them to thrive and innovate.
- Ensuring fiscal responsibility by carefully managing public spending, eliminating waste, and reducing the budget deficit.
2. Education and Skills Development
We recognize that a well-educated and skilled workforce is essential for our nation's success. Our pledges include:
- Investing in schools to ensure every child has access to a world-class education.
- Expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programs to equip individuals with practical skills for the modern job market.
3. Healthcare and Social Welfare
We are committed to a strong and sustainable healthcare system that leaves no one behind. Our proposals involve:
- Increasing funding for the National Health Service (NHS) to reduce waiting times and enhance patient care.
- Targeted welfare reforms that encourage self-sufficiency while protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
4. Infrastructure and Innovation
We recognize the importance of modern infrastructure for economic growth and connectivity. Our plan entails:
- Investing in transportation, broadband, and green energy projects to create jobs and enhance connectivity.
- Promoting research and development through tax incentives, fostering innovation across sectors.
5. Law and Order
We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Our approach includes:
- Supporting law enforcement agencies with the resources and training needed to maintain public safety.
- Strengthening laws to address emerging challenges such as cybercrime and domestic terrorism.
6. Immigration and National Identity
We believe in controlled and fair immigration that preserves our national identity. Our approach includes:
- Implementing an immigration system that prioritizes skills, contributions to the economy, and national security.
- Promoting English language proficiency and social integration for newcomers.
7. Environmental Stewardship
We acknowledge our responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations. Our commitments include:
- Setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- Encouraging responsible consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable practices across industries.
8. International Relations
We pledge to uphold our nation's interests on the global stage. Our strategy involves:
- Forging strong trade agreements that benefit our economy and maintain our sovereignty.
- Supporting international development efforts that promote stability and prosperity in less privileged regions.
Conclusion
In this manifesto, the Conservative Party embraces the essence of our values while embracing the opportunities of the future. We believe in a society where individuals are empowered, businesses flourish, and the nation prospers. By uniting tradition and progress, we will secure a stronger, more prosperous future for our citizens, and together, we will prevail in the next General Election.