Monthly Archives: October 2019

Instead, with the self-indulgent obstinacy that has become their hallmark, they decided to plunge Westminster into more turmoil by refusing to approve the agreement.Yet again, the House of Cowards showed that it prefers irresponsible procrastination to decisive action. The euphoria that Boris Johnson generated on Thursday with his heroic diplomatic triumph at the Brussels summit has now evaporated, replaced by a mood of uncertainty and despair. By their failure to back him, our foolish politicians have demonstrated their contempt for democracy and the national interest.

Yesterday was meant to be a historic occasion, one that could herald a new era for our country and pave the way to national independence.

Instead, the first weekend sitting of the Commons since Argentina's invasion of the Falklands in 1982 descended into a miserable anti-climax as the depressing stalemate continues.

In 1936 Winston Churchill condemned the feeble National Government as "decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent." That is a perfect description of the current paralysed House of Commons, which, as the Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay put it yesterday, "says no to everything".

The public, already exasperated by these antics, will only feel fury at this new twist in the Brexit saga. Yesterday's vote was just the latest in a lengthening catalogue of cynical manoeuvres designed to thwart the will of the people.

Rather than breaking the present deadlock, the majority of MPs decided to embark on a new period of chaos by backing an amendment put forward by the maverick Tory turned Independent MP Sir Oliver Letwin. His destructive proposal required that the House should withhold its approval for the new deal until all the necessary related legislation - which could be amended - has been passed.

In practice, that almost certainly means more delays, with the Prime Minister legally forced to ask Brussels for a further extension in Article 50, the process which governs a member state's departure.

The step was typical of Letwin, who has developed a reputation as an energetic but bumbling plotter, infused with his own self-importance and his belief in his own unorthodox cleverness.

"A golden rule of politics," wrote one leading commentator yesterday, "is that anything involving Oliver Letwin is a total mess. "The twin justifications for his move were both to allow more Parliamentary scrutiny of Johnson's deal and to prevent Britain "crashing out" of the EU if the Commons were to reject the legislation that gives effect to his agreement.

But these look like thin excuses.

The real impulse of most MPs who voted for the Letwin amendment is stop Brexit altogether. Their rhetoric is a sham, their motivation dishonest.

As the former prime minister Theresa May pointed out in a powerful intervention yesterday, Westminster had declared its willingness to accept the referendum result by voting for Article 50. "If Parliament did not mean it, then it is guilty of the most egregious con trick on the British people."

A con trick is exactly the term to describe the Parliamentary shenanigans.

What makes the stance of MPs particularly absurd is that they keep telling us that they want to implement an orderly Brexit, yet whenever they are presented with a workable deal, they vote against it. The House is like a stuck gramophone record, repeatedly playing the same negative tune. Four times now they have dismissed the chance to back a withdrawal agreement. In the case of Boris's deal this week, the rejection was badly misguided, for the Prime Minister had pulled off a masterstroke at Brussels.

Against all the predictions of doubters, he secured significant concessions from the EU, came up with a practical compromise on the question of the Irish border, gave us the freedom to negotiate our own trade deals and ended any future control of Britain by Brussels.

Forged by his own charisma and resolution, his deal deserved a better fate than the stubborn antipathy of the Letwin backers.

Indeed, its rejection seems only to have fed the arrogance and intransigence of the Remainers, many of whom gathered in central London yesterday on their march to demand a second referendum or so-called People's Vote.

In ugly scenes at Westminster yesterday, several leading Tories were subjected to ferocious abuse by elements of the pro-EU mob. Jacob Rees-Mogg and his family even needed a police escort home. But such bullying cannot hide the fact that the Brexit wreckers are without a principle and without a democratic case.

That shone through the Parliamentary debate on the deal, where the pro-Government speakers were far more effective.

In a statesmanlike, emollient performance in which he eschewed his usual knockabout style, Boris Johnson set the tone.

He was matched by the impressive Mr Barclay, who displayed a rich grasp of forensic detail, and by Michael Gove who, in his usual eloquent way, warned that faith in British democracy would be shattered if the referendum were overturned. In contrast, most of the opposition contributors were dire.

Jeremy Corbyn, the worst Opposition leader in history, lived down to dismal expectations, but even worse was the SNP's Ian Blackford, whose speech was so aggravating that MPs on all sides were begging him to stop.

The threadbare arguments of the anti-Brexiteers for supporting the Letwin amendment encapsulated their dishonesty.

They shrieked that more time is needed for debate, when in reality Parliament has done little except discuss Brexit for the last three years.

They wailed about the supposed threat to workers' rights from EU withdrawal, even though the Government has given a commitment that such rights will be protected.

Moreover, when national sovereignty is restored under Brexit, it will be up to Parliament to decide on further safeguards if that is what the British people want.

One of the most offensive sights yesterday was to watch Labour MPs line up to pose as defenders of the Union with Northern Ireland.

"The Tories are putting the Union at risk," moaned one, while another declared that Johnson had "sold the people of Northern Ireland down the river".

Such rhetoric is nauseating from members of a party that is led by Corbyn and John McDonnell, two ideologues who have been fervent in their support for violent Irish Republicanism.

Just as grotesque was the pretence from Labour MPs that they backed Letwin to avoid no-deal.That is an insult to our intelligence.

In truth, the only way to avoid no-deal is to back a deal, which is precisely what Labour MPs refused to do yesterday.

It was the brave Labour backbencher Caroline Flint, one of the more sensible voices in the party, who saw through this charade.

Describing the Letwin scheme as "a panic measure", she said that the sole object of the amendment was "to delay Brexit and stop it".

Even though her own side did not like this truth, she was absolutely right.

Her conviction is borne partly of representing a constituency, Don Valley, that voted for Leave. Unlike most of her colleagues, she respects the democratic wishes of the electorate.

Although he endured a serious setback yesterday, Boris Johnson was magnificently undaunted. As a result of Letwin amendment, he has been forced legally to ask the EU for an Article 50 extension but he is still determined to push his deal through Parliament.

That is why the legislation to enact the agreement will come back to the Commons early this week. Boris may have lost the battle, but with his optimism and force of personality, he will still win the war.

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House of Cowards - now we are in a new era of crisis - SUNDAY EXPRESS COMMENT - Express

Blizzcon rules and guidelines exist to help attendees understand how to behave while on the premises and what is and isnt allowed to get in.

Things arent looking up forBlizzard anytime soon, and it seems like the bad decisions they have are just lurking, waiting for the worst possible time to come out (Diablo Immortal, Im looking at you), and this year everything started happening on the verge of Blizzcon, their big convention in which they announce their upcoming plans in front of the fans that had probably saved up to assist.

The reason behind this particular opinion piece, is that Ive been covering the events unfolding around Blizzard since the decision to ban pro-player Blitzchung over a political statement. In fact, Ive written a comprehensive All-you-need-to-know article, in case youre still a little lost, and I wanted to get a little ahead of myself and keep an eye out for any Blizzcon/Blizzard development that might occur. In particular, although Im not anticipating this to actually happen, Im keeping an eye on the rules that govern the convention, in case there any last-minute changes, such as banning Winnie the Pooh Cosplays or bringing in signs in support of the Hong Kong protests.

Now, Im not saying I believe this isgoing to happen, but I dont believe, seeing what weve seen so far, that they wouldnt react and/or do something about any of these things that they might find in violation of their guidelines.

And thus, I bring you the Ways to get Removed from Blizzcon.

Be a child. One of the first things mentioned in their rules is that children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult to be let in. Under no circumstances will they grant entry to kids aged 5 or under. No strollers allowed, either.

Bring a big bag. If you are trying to have event security take away your bag, you must simply go over the permitted 18x12x8 inches dimensions. Also, be aware that all bags are subject to inspection at any time.

Bring pretty much any electronics besides a cellphone or simple camera:This might come as an exaggeration, but bringing any personal computer, storage device, drone, selfie sticks, tripod, GoPro or anything that doesnt resemble a cellphone is a big NO-NO. As far as cameras go, anything with a permanent lense larger than 6 inches is also prohibited. Also, Streaming anything other than esports events is also prohibited, you cant even point your phone to the screens.

Leave your common-sense at home:This is a public place, so dont bring anything that you wouldnt take to the library. No motorized vehicles, no scooters, no animals, no flammables, no confetti. Pretty much just be logical here. Exceptions are made for differently-abled people and/or licensed service animals. No emotional support animals, though.

BYOF: Any external edibles or drinkables aside from sealed water bottles are prohibited.

Show off your arsenal:Any (real) weapon is not allowed. Ranging from flammable liquids, passing through knives and firearms and landing on crossbows.

Show lack of judgement with your costume:When bringing a costume to Blizzcon, the best way to not even be let inside is to go over the permitted dimensions: no wider than 4 feet, longer than 6 feet, or taller than 8 feet. You could also get yourself removed or your weapon prop taken away if they can in any way hurt somebody. So if your prop firearm actually fires or your arrows are actually sharp or your Junkrat shell has actual metal spikes, well, its getting taken away. Again, common sense is the golden rule here.

So far weve been going through all the rules that are spelt out for us. Follow permitted dimensions when it comes to costumes and bags, dont make any dangerous weapon, dont bring any real weapons, forget getting anything other than your phone and short-snubbed camera in, and you should be good. However, there is an 8th way to get yourself removed from Blizzcon, or who knows? maybe even not be let inside.

Pull a Wildcard. Like having a Joker in your hand when playing cards, the Wildcard can be literally anything. Ill explain: Blizzard has stated in their rules that In order to ensure the event provides a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming environment for everyone, Blizzard reserves the right to remove from BlizzCon any person whose conduct is deemed to be disorderly or unbecoming

While this might sound like a legit and reasonable rule, I cant help but relate it to the Hearthstone Grandmasters Official Competition Rules v.1.4 p. 12, section 6.1 (otherwise known as the cited rule Blizzard used to disqualify and ban Blitzchung), which reads:Engaging in any act that,in Blizzards sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters

My concern with this vague wording of ruling is that, while I understand things can be unpredictable and you cant contemplate everything in your rules, this also gives ground to pretty much make up stuff to get you removed from Blizzcon or denied entry. If it happened at Hearthstone it can certainly happen at Blizzcon.

Well be keeping an eye for any last-minute corrections to the Blizzcon rules, in case something is deemed important to add in short notice atBlizzards sole discretion.

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Ways to get Removed at Blizzcon 2019 - KeenGamer News

Prepare for 'Be Pure Be Vigilant Behave'

Manic Street Preachers have announced details of the cinematic release of their acclaimed 20th anniversary tour of seminal album The Holy Bible.

Shot during the bands long-time collaborator and BAFTA-winning director Kieran Evans, Be Pure Be Vigilant Behave first premiered in Cardiff in 2016 as part of Swn Festival. Evans never-before-seen directors cut will be shown in cinemas throughout the UK. All profits from the screenings will be donated to charity.

Check out an exclusive clip of Faster fromBe Pure Be Vigilant Behave below, along with a full list of screenings.

The full list of screening is below. Visit each cinemas websites for tickets and information.

NOVEMBER1 Picturehouse, Exeter2 FACT, Liverpool3 Watershed, Bristol5 Hackney Picturehouse, London18 Broadway Cinema, Nottingham20 Pontio, Bangor21 Chapter, Cardiff26 Aberystwyth Arts Centre27 Duke of Yorks, Brighton29 Cameo, Edinburgh30 GFT, GlasgowDECEMBER2 Showroom Workstation, Sheffield

The whole point of the movie was to make an anti-concert film, Evans previously told NME. We were moaning about cranes and all that festival footage. One night a couple of years ago we were talking about how much we loved old Sex Pistols concerts. Theres a brilliant compilation of punk films on Sky Atlantic at the moment all about that old Tony Wilson show,So It Goes. Hed film Buzzcocks gigs but only send two or three cameras. Because they had longer takes and would just cut what they had, it felt so much more exciting than having say 20 cameras where nothing is left to chance. We wanted to leave something to chance with this.

The whole premise was me with a low-end, lo-fi camera, shooting one member of the band each night, going round them each gig from a different angle and shooting the audience. That was it the golden rule. There wasnt an intention to release anything, it was more about a document of the tour, but then a friend of mine edited some stuff together and we realised we had something.

He added: [Bassist, Nicky] Wire phoned me today and said he still had a headache from watching the film. I didnt know whether to be chuffed or worried.

Meanwhile, Manic Street Preachers recently went on tour alongside the Welsh rugby team in Japan where they invited the squads Jamie Roberts on stage to perform.

Speaking about his thoughts on the Manics next album, bassist Nicky Wire last year told NME:I just think musically, James [Dean Bradfield, frontman] is bursting with electricity. You can feel it in him. Hes got that desire to start up again. He was talking to me about ideas on how to make things more expansive.

Ive some words on the go, but theres no coherent message. Ive just been listening to This Is My Truth a lot. Its such a deep and heavy album for a record that was so big. It just makes you realise that you can push the limits and have success.

Manics last album was 2018s acclaimed Resistance Is Futile.

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Manic Street Preachers announce cinema release of The Holy Bible live film - NME Live

It turns out Oskar Sundqvist is a great admirer of Palladian and neoclassical architecture. Who knew?

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

On Tuesday, the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues will visit the White House. Per tradition, they will in all likelihood give U.S. President Donald Trump a monogrammed sweater. Theyll shake hands, take photos and Trump will start off saying something about hockey and probably end up starting a war in Greenland.

A lot of people are angry at the Blues for agreeing to this long-standing U.S. sports tradition because it involves Trump. Apparently, the players ought either to decline the invitation or show up wearing black masks. Any exposure to Trump makes them suspect as possible enemies of the resistance. Time to start taking down names, comrades.

Famously, NBA players are no longer expected to go to the White House. They are free to refuse because their league commissioner hates Trump, their executives hate Trump, their coaches hate Trump and their owners (pretend to) hate Trump.

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This isnt exactly a bold stand. Its a business posture. The NBA has discovered that opposition to the sitting U.S. executive tends to burnish their standing with paying customers.

Also, Trump unlike, say, China isnt showering the NBA with hundred-dollar bills from a leaf blower. Hence, the notable difference in tone when it comes to one strong man versus another.

Still, NBA players often make a bit of a deal announcing they will not set one foot in the White House while Trump remains in office, always to great cheers. These are occasionally the same players who dont know anything about China, wont take questions about China and couldnt find China on a map, all while they are in China.

Guys who are nowhere near winning an NBA title and thus in no danger of an invite over for quarter-pounders and mind-numbing chitchat make these pledges as it regards the White House. Its become a sort of oath of loyalty in the NBA.

NHL players dont get the same advantage.

In the case of St. Louis, its principal owner, Tom Stillman, is a noted supporter of the Republican party. The golden rule applies just as much in sports as it does in your line of work the person who has the gold makes the rules.

If your employer instructs you, as a function of your work duties, to visit a place or person you do not agree with, you are left with a few options. You can refuse and take the consequences. You can take a principled stand and quit. You can register your displeasure and go under protest. You can keep your mouth shut and hold your nose.

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Whats a little harder to do is say, Im not going, and I demand that you like it. In fact, I demand your public support for me while Im voicing my lack of such for you.

The St. Louis Blues, as with every other NHL winner during Trumps term, are choosing the road of diplomacy.

Whatever your view on politics is, its your own personal thing, Blues goalie Jake Allen told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But just the experience of going and seeing [the White House], not many people get that chance. Its going to be pretty neat.

Well, anybody can arrange to tour the White House. All it takes is a little foresight and an internet connection. But you see what Allen is trying to do here.

Its a special house, said Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. Its something youre going to remember for the rest of your life. How it looks in there. How cool it is there.

Who knew? The St. Louis Blues are professional sports greatest admirers of Palladian and neoclassical architecture.

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What? The president lives there, too? Amazing. They hadnt heard that.

You can see these poor guys twisting themselves in knots in their attempt not to offend either side of Americas political divide. Theyre not visiting the head of state. Theyre going to take pictures of some really great furniture.

We seem to have forgotten one of the unavoidable compromises of life. Over the course of yours, you will occasionally have to consort with people you dont like. Thats part of what work is learning to co-exist with people who arent your best buddies. Every one of us has had a co-worker we despise. And every one of us who has remained sane through our professional lives has figured out a way to work with or around that person.

A sports team does not visit the White House (or any other house of government) for a political rally. They go there because its a work trip.

Physical proximity to power does not equal endorsement of it. Endorsement equals endorsement.

Taking a picture with someone does not mean you agree with everything or anything they think. Its just good manners. If you feel the record needs to be set straight afterward, you are very free to explain your own take on things.

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Lots of people will listen. There has never been a moment in which the polity is more willing to hang on the political thoughts of men whove never studied deeply nor live anywhere close to what most of us consider the real world.

If you make two or five or 20 million bucks a year, I dont require a lecture from you on how I ought to conduct my affairs. What I need from you is a loan.

In this one instance, hockey players are the voice of reason on todays profound cultural and political matters. They dont want to speak to them because they realize they have nothing useful to say. Theyre hockey players. They want to play hockey, not puzzle out in public the political implications of unrest in Hong Kong on stability in Asia, or the wisdom of impeachment.

The key word there is public. Im sure many of these guys have (like just about all the rest of us, muddy and semi-informed) thoughts on the matter. But for the same reason you would not like having your family arguments over the dinner table broadcast on live TV, they dont want theirs.

I dont urgently require the thoughts of NHL (or NBA or NFL or professional jai alai) players on politics, any more than I do some random stranger on the streetcar. I need the players thoughts much less, actually. That random stranger is far more likely to share in my issues and concerns. Weve completely lost sight of that disconnect.

Expecting famous people to be insightful just because they are famous isnt the solution to Americas current White House problem. Its what got Americans into the problem in the first place.

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The St. Louis Blues arent visiting the White House for a political rally, its just a work trip - The Globe and Mail