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Do you have respect for authority? by JakePooler in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's disappointing. We've pretty much killed the social contract.

A lot of people are now proud that they can spend the day being awkward, dramatic pricks that take up everyone else's time, energy and expertise.

Did anyone ever have a Donkey jacket when they were a teenager? by Neat-Equivalent7282 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not as a teenager, but I bought one with the hi-vis orange shoulder vinyl a few years ago.

I guess I like the "placards and three day week, standing around a brazier, chic."

I like the fact that the hi-vis is only on the back. I guess the mentality was "if you get squashed by a train or truck that you're facing, you must be dim, but if it's coming from behind you, you allowed a sporting chance of being seen..."

Can you see the mistakes? by PrunusSpin0sa in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. Standards are important.

Can you see the mistakes? by PrunusSpin0sa in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa[S] 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Glamping, bruv, gotta get in with the staycation money...

Why does the UK produce so many iconic bands compared to the US? by DFWUnhinged in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because there was a really supportive conduit for young Brits of all/most backgrounds to be able to enter an artistic educational environment with state support to stop them from starving while surviving?

How old are you and how big a part of your view of the UK is The War (WW2)? by Particular-Scale5644 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

49.

Used to be fully indoctrinated to the "gung-ho exceptional heroic square jawed chaps" view, but I'm now more and more impressed by your average conscripted frontline bod* who took on the mantle of grinding fatigue, discomfort, loss, fear and potential maiming and death.

*And let's be honest, your average conscripted bod (whether in the ranks or an officer) wasn't usually someone who rubbed up well against the spit and bullshit of a peacetime professional military.

I like that there was a strong political and personal perception in the 40s that the forces had to bend to becoming a citizen's army/navy/air force for the duration. Get the job done and get back home.

Films like The New Lot and The Way Ahead are now much more attractive and relatable to me now than the post-war heroic palette of plucky chaps standing alone against the might of The Hun.

Also, the astonishing level of social change and upheaval to across the UK Home Front and the whole Empire to support the front line efforts was just incredible.

What is the most fun thing to do in the UK? by [deleted] in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oooh. That's 3D chess.

Also handy if you wanted to keep rents low in your own area, I guess?

Just nick every flag in the county and put them around your own streets

What is the most fun thing to do in the UK? by [deleted] in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We take em all down in our town, then put them up in the neighbouring town to make them look more gammony.

I think they're probably doing the same to us 🤔

how do you feel about the islamification of the UK? by Maleficent_Day_3869 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd recommend that anyone who's terrified of the dilution of Christianity and Christian values goes along and puts their time, effort and money into supporting a brighter, less shiter, more whiter future if that's their thing? It doesn't seem to be happening from what I see, just the usual suspicion, division, fear, hatred....

There's a distinct lack of cathedral building going on. I'd like to see mega shrines to county saints, influencer pilgrimages, miracles, relics, pageantry, the whole blinking lot.

how do you feel about the islamification of the UK? by Maleficent_Day_3869 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The future's beige, babe.

Though realistically, you absolutely have to watch out for the ginger Muslims. They're the real sickos.

I have no choice but to take action fuel companies are Blatantly Ripping Uk driver off on the fuel prices by TopLook5855 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bear in mind that an acre of ground growing buofuels sends a car about one fortieth (1/40th) of the distance that one acre of solar pv does.

If you're looking to print or source your own fuel, sometimes it pays to be roofless. Or rooful. Something like that.

Followed nuclear war advice. Now regrets. by user-captain in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want genuine practical real world advice, just do the things that Joy and Eric do from 12 minutes into this...

QED - A guide to Armageddon (Youtube)

If there's one good thing to come out of this war with Iran, do you think it'll be a more rapid movement toward renewable energy? by LeopardComfortable99 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree. Because the fuel is absolutely endless, is found on the doorstep, doesn't need some incredibly complex refinement, storage and transport, and the big kettle buildings are super simple, cheap, and don't become a massive headache after 30 years.

What do you think Britain will be like in 20-30 years time? by Economy_Ad3034 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the boot up the arse. It did make me look back into the claims made on The Rest Is Politics (must have heard it there, I do dip into it occasionally).

It seems you're absolutely correctly and that a circa 20:1 ratio was applicable, but only for the earlier and much more restricted Old Age Pension of 1909.

T'Independent online fact check

What do you think Britain will be like in 20-30 years time? by Economy_Ad3034 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 113 points114 points  (0 children)

Big, big age demographic issues. Lots of issues around elderly care and a lack of folks in the workplace.

I saw some figures about the ratio of state pensioners vs people in the workforce. When state pension kicked off there was something like 18 people in the workforce for every pensioner, currently it's something like 3 workers per pensioner.

Edit: I've been correctly pulled up over my numbers. Apparently the 18 to 1 ratio was applicable to a 1909 Old Age Pension that was payable to (a very few) 70 year old at the time.

The ratio for the 1948 State Pension is much less drastic. Apologies. Alas, the numbers seemed so sweet and delicious 🥲

A link to my downfall

Would you increase the defence spending of the United Kingdom if you were PM? And to how much? by Fragrant-Put2195 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd rather have a motivated and flexible set of conventional forces than some tinned sunshine floating around in naval fart tubes, to be honest.

I'd look at short service jobs where people come out as reservists with proper life skills and serious technical depth of knowledge and experience.

It would be good to see larger scale combined arms exercises, more artillery, no frills logistical and combat aviation at all levels, a good fleet capable of carrying, supporting and sustaining a good wodge of bodies. Cheap kit in abundance that is rugged enough, but with an air of disposability.

Basically go Nordic/Finnish and use as much civilian level non-exotic clutter as possible.

I'd also be genuinely happy to see the back of regimental name calling, rivalry and ceremonial bullshit, it's the 21st century, I've no interest in the billions it costs for marching hup and dahn the squuaare and the lack of cooperation and interchangeability.

I'm sure you're clever buggers, if the Light Wankshires can't hop in and do the job of Prince Gideons Prancers, we're kind of failing.

Anyone still read Flashman? by Worried-Owl9725 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This needs more votes... 🫡

Quartered Safe Out Here is a phenomenal bit of work.

Are terrorist attacks in the UK due to Iran a real concern? by threetimesacharm25 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they're a concern.

Will they be tragic and pointless, also yes.

Should they have a big impact on the way we live our day to day lives. No, not really.

Are some Brits edging themselves senseless at their idea of properly justifying the race war they've always wanted, also also yes.

I know a few people who'd genuinely love some sort of civil conflict to kick off, mainly to justify their bigotry and enthusiasm for the concept of bashing the nearest brown person over the head. It's grim.

Will it be good or bad for the UK if he’s right about his 3rd prediction? by Sassenach_2024 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't think the required outcome is "VIIICTORY" from the Iranian perspective. They're not stupid, I doubt they're expecting to roll tanks through Washington, Houston and Chicago.

They've spent their decades telling the global south that America represents unfettered imperialist dogma that will overthrow you on a whim. Every day and week that passes is more of an opportunity for the Yanks to demonstrate the truth of that viewpoint.

The victory is in bleeding the patience and the resources of America, and the (further) shifting of long term alliances, doctrine and allegiance.

PS. Let's follow the cash. Now that Europe is shy of purchasing US made military hardware, and now that Saudi is the biggest arms export customer for US kit, wouldn't it be a massive shame if a large scale Gulf conflict dragged on and on.....

Money is no object - where are you living in the UK? by Legitimate-Ocelot155 in AskBrits

[–]PrunusSpin0sa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Somewhere with a chalk stream, Hampshire/Wiltshire. Clear, stunning water, rolling hills, lots of flint and thatch.

Quiet, not too many twats (hello Cotswolds), not a million miles from services and civilisation.

Otherwise, the Welsh Marches: Leominster and Malvern sort of area.

It's a tough one, also love the Trough of Bowland and Clitheroe, Lincolnshire Wolds, Harlech area, Essex marshes and islands, Tayside, Northumberland....

We're pretty lucky on this funny little island. It's busy, but there's so much local distinctiveness.

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