Unthreaded
AK
Still credit for taking the time to look it and the kings bit up. Reinforces my point that as a United Kingdom of (a minimum) of four nations which had separate histories until the 18th century then education should include the history of the constituent parts.
To my shame I don't know a great deal about the history of Ireland apart from the usual stuff, The Uí Néill, Brian Boru, Edward Bruce, Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn Mac Coul) and the Fianna (check out what happened to him against legend of King Arthur) apart from the Bruces most of that was learned from an Irish female friend.
This isn't another go at the United Kingdom, but pointing out to those who want it to remain united knowing nothing about the constituent parts isn't a good thing. Not only that but they are missing out on some interesting stuff.
MacBeth, all that most know about him including Scots is from the Shakespeare play which as it was written for the Stewarts does MacBeth no favours. Both he and Lady MacBeth (Gruoch) had royal lineage and under tanistry, the inheritance system used in Gaelic countries at the time, had legitimate claims to the throne, Duncan was his cousin. He reigned for 17 years during which time he went to Rome reportedly scattering gold amongst the poor as if it were seed. He also had a problem with refugees from England, who were given shelter by MacBeth as was the Celtic custom. There was actually quite a long war rather than a single battle to depose him (with ENglish support of Malcolm). So perhaps Charles could right an historical misunderstanding/wrong by becoming MacBeth II. Do you think an online petition would help to make it happen?
SandyS
Pcar
Look at the example of the Pharmasutical companies who will not develop much needed antibiotics because there is not enough money in it. We would be in real troubble if it were not for public and charity funded University Research. One hopes the EU short fall will be made up by the Public Sector.
Ross Lea
PCar. I'm just a humble, but in this case, informed, reporter. I suggest you be less of a UK booster.
But in this case your not, are you? You don't want government funding of research. Interesting.
1. Nations we compete with in the science stakes all have governments that supply science research funding. Interesting that you would not only impede UK science, but hobble it.
2. Much of the funding (other than capital grants) goes to supporting research MSc and PhD students. In other words their reseach is considered training and is part of the education budget (or was until some Tory Governments started messing about with it). Interesting that you would reduce higher education in the UK.
AK
@AK, Jul 21, 2016 at 9:38 AM
I note with increasing trepidation the evidence of decreasing scientific cooperation with Europe grows ever stronger and as predicted.
Stop moaning. EU funding using taxpayer's money for research and everything else is based on EU/Gov'ts know best - Soviet Tractors style.
Taxpayer funded research rarely innovates or makes a profit - overall it contributes negative GDP.
I much prefer private companies deciding what to research and where to innovate to succeed and make a profit - eg High added value sectors such as Aerospace, Luxury (eg Sunseeker), Motorsport sectors in UK.
Promote UK rather being Mr Doom-&-Gloom.
P
Pcar
@Ted,
Thanks, wasn't aware of that.
Google street view of New Swanston Edinburgh EH10 confirms wikip:
"After 1953, new post boxes were placed in Scotland carrying only the Crown of Scotland image rather than the EIIR cypher
Related:
Bangor, Co Down, NI main PO is unusual:
Shows EVIIIR - opened while he was not inaugurated and before he abdicated.
Pcar
@stewgreen
@Pcar : a strawman argument is when you put up a strawman to attack rather what your opponent actually said"If Israel laid down their weapons today" but I never said Israel should lay down a single gun.
I did not say you did.
I said:
Think about this:If Israel laid down their weapons today, Israel would not exist tomorrow. If Muslims laid down their weapons today, there would be peace in MENA tomorrow.
An Israeli soldier will stand in front of women & children and give up his life to defend them. A Muslim terrorist (eg Hamas) will hide behind women & children and sacrifice their lives to protect himself.
Demonstrates the difference between the two.
Pcar
SandyS. Just cheated and looked it up. All those Constantines! Was taken by the possibility that Charles might adopt the name Macbeth II.
AK
stewgreen
You are aware of the fact that this was originally a political blog and only later moved onto climate issues. When I first started visiting the Bishop was pushing a UK Bill of Rights. The closest I can get to it is this page with a broken link
SandyS
Ted
+1 if you aren't Scottish and knew that without the aid of Wiki.then I'm impressed.
The follow up is usually if Charles Winsor Prince of Wales decides to be King Alexander or King Constantine what regnal numbers should he take in each case?
SandyS
Ross Lea
There's a problem for the UK and EU funding. The UK has no option, as was repeatedly pointed out during the Brexit campaign, but to pay the EU the money. The EU decides what to do with it. Once out of the EU the UK government decides what to do with it. So we're talking about all EU funding now being controlled by the UK government, So if there is a Tory government after the next election, this seems the most likely result at the moment, will they be inclined to keep up the same levels of funding? Seems unlikely to me, there main priorities may be debt reduction, Tax cuts,Trident, HS2 rather than regional aid, agricultural subsidies and science research. But you'll get the chance to choose your options at the next election as the UK electorate has control over what government is in control.