2nd national lockdown rules

[Marmalade]

Surprisingly many youngsters do not have access to a laptop, they tend to do everything on a smartphone which is not really suitable for school work. Many family laptops were being used by parents working at home. I know some schools let kids take home school computers to help.

Yes ok, but it would be a big start for those kids that do have access to a computer. As for university students, pity those that don’t! For certain courses now you not only need a computer but have to attend a brief course on computer technology to make sure you are up to speed. There will always be some you can’t help: that shouldn’t mean (at least in my opinion) you ignore the ones you can.

[Bornslippy]

it's not actually a compete lockdown though. Sage, and the government, are picking and choosing what to close down basically anything that is socially entertaining. Thousands of scientific professionals are against this (want the vunerable shielded and the rest herd immunity) but will never be  heard. have to put up with that fucking punchable Chris Whitty and the endless graphs and bar charts

[petermisc]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me the schools and unis thing is another example of British people’s determination not to adapt. They protest that things aren’t as they’ve always been and then protest and complain instead of adapting to change.

Most kids have a computer these days Uni students almost certainly do. Many people working from home log on and log off for work periods. Teaching timetables could be organised similarly, and include sessions of tutored home exercise. It isn’t that big of a thing to work out.

Instead there’s this hangdog attitude of ‘no-one has told us’, ‘we’ve not been told’, ‘they haven’t said we can do that’. It seems pretty pathetic tbh.

Totally agree.  The Open University is proof that it can be done.  Most of my time at college was spent sat in a lecture theatre, listening to someone droning on, and making notes.  That could easily be streamed. 

[petermisc]

it's not actually a compete lockdown though. Sage, and the government, are picking and choosing what to close down basically anything that is socially entertaining. Thousands of scientific professionals are against this (want the vunerable shielded and the rest herd immunity) but will never be  heard. have to put up with that fucking punchable Chris Whitty and the endless graphs and bar charts

They have been heard, and the proposal has been rejected because of the carnage it would cause.  Interestingly, it was discussed on yesterday's Moral Maze, about people's attitude to death.

[petermisc]

I thought keeping kids in school was extremely important as whatever they lose now, they carry forward forever. But considering my friends and acquaintances, there isn't much correlation between academic ability and how well they've done for themselves. There's a much stronger link between character and achievement.....

But the question is, is what they lose important?  Apart from the basics of literacy and numeracy, how much of what you learnt at school can you actually remember now, and how much is relevant to your day to day job?  All that history, geography, literature, etc etc.  Basically, they teach you a load of stuff, and then you take a load of exams to show how much you are capable of remembering.  It doesn't really matter what they teach you, bugger all of it is of any real use in later life.

[smiths]

Good to see an Asda near me which went back to 24/7 in the week about 6 weeks ago say they are staying 24/7 at present, they certainly were open at 4am this morning as the element on my Kettle went cutting my electric so I went their to buy a new Kettle. It was virtually empty of customers but a staff member I have spoken to many times said they had had a run yesterday on certain items like Toilet Rolls and Bread.

[Strawberry]

Yes ok, but it would be a big start for those kids that do have access to a computer. As for university students, pity those that don’t! For certain courses now you not only need a computer but have to attend a brief course on computer technology to make sure you are up to speed. There will always be some you can’t help: that shouldn’t mean (at least in my opinion) you ignore the ones you can.

Access to a PC for many courses has been more or less essential for quite a few years - I know because I have been in the system. Reading, information about courses, submission of coursework all through portals which cannot be acheived on a mobile phone. Ok technically yes but I don't fancy typing a several thousand word essay with referencing using a mobile phone!

[JontyR]

But the question is, is what they lose important?  Apart from the basics of literacy and numeracy, how much of what you learnt at school can you actually remember now, and how much is relevant to your day to day job?  All that history, geography, literature, etc etc.  Basically, they teach you a load of stuff, and then you take a load of exams to show how much you are capable of remembering.  It doesn't really matter what they teach you, bugger all of it is of any real use in later life.

I agree with you on certain subjects but not others. I did wonder what geography taught you apart from how to become a geography teacher. But I think that something like history....if taught properly and effectively can teach critical thought processes, the ability to critique something effectively and be able to provide a basis for future actions.

These are massively useful skills in life and work. Not everyone can pick them up however and there is the risk that history becomes memorising dates.

[lostandfound]

English schools specialise for A Levels. Like many kids I did a string of O levels History, Geography, 2 foreign languages etc. I don't believe it did me any harm, and if I'd wanted to specialise in those subject areas then it would have been a good background.

Other countries, such as Germany, stay generalised up to Abitur / A levels. Doesn't seem to have done their economy much harm. Some English schools now stay general using the International Baccalaureate instead of A Levels - a good move IMO.

I can see the argument for keeping schools open, as their minds are still plastic and they are still learning social skills, as are Uni students.

[Strawberry]

I agree with you on certain subjects but not others. I did wonder what geography taught you apart from how to become a geography teacher. But I think that something like history....if taught properly and effectively can teach critical thought processes, the ability to critique something effectively and be able to provide a basis for future actions.

These are massively useful skills in life and work. Not everyone can pick them up however and there is the risk that history becomes memorising dates.

Geography teaches how the world was formed, weather systems, landscapes I certainly missed it when I went on to a degree course which left me behind those who hadn't dropped the subject at school. I still draw on the knowledge I had to catch up on, even if it's to understand what is going on around me.

[JamesKW]

I can see the argument for keeping schools open, as their minds are still plastic and they are still learning social skills, as are Uni students.

yes keeping schools open is important,it sets a routine,even if they have laptops etc at home its very easy to be distracted away from schoolwork.Universities should stay open just for the simple fact if you close them students are continually shifting backwards and forwards across the country.

[Marmalade]

Geography teaches how the world was formed, weather systems, landscapes I certainly missed it when I went on to a degree course which left me behind those who hadn't dropped the subject at school. I still draw on the knowledge I had to catch up on, even if it's to understand what is going on around me.

I don’t suppose that had really occurred to me about geography; but almost all of the traditional subjects can I think give some more profound insight than one would expect, especially if one has some interest and  sticks at them. It’s often the things you don’t expect that prove the most valuable on a personal level. A university course alone, irrespective of subject, should instil certain qualities of perseverance, self discipline, and a clearer technical idea of the difference between things you know and things you just feel you know. Freshers of course know very little — except to bond over a substance I think they call small hydroxylated hydrocarbons. ;-)

[Marmalade]

Some of the freshers students who are behaving so badly, partying, ignoring social distancing, mask wearing, and complaining lockdown will be bad for their mental health, really don’t seem grown up enough or bright enough to be attending our universities.

It is dispiriting to think such yobs are the creme of this country’s brains who are expected to lead the next generation into the future. Entrance to university should be a hard-win laurel for those with the skill and aptitude to take life seriously. Maybe some of the current crowds would be better served doing some compulsory work experience. For instance, maybe carrying bodies to a morgue.

[chrishornx]

Some of the freshers students who are behaving so badly, partying, ignoring social distancing, mask wearing, and complaining lockdown will be bad for their mental health, really don’t seem grown up enough or bright enough to be attending our universities.

It is dispiriting to think such yobs are the creme of this country’s brains who are expected to lead the next generation into the future. Entrance to university should be a hard-win laurel for those with the skill and aptitude to take life seriously. Maybe some of the current crowds would be better served doing some compulsory work experience. For instance, maybe carrying bodies to a morgue.

bang on well put

[RedKettle]

Some of the freshers students who are behaving so badly, partying, ignoring social distancing, mask wearing, and complaining lockdown will be bad for their mental health, really don’t seem grown up enough or bright enough to be attending our universities.

It is dispiriting to think such yobs are the creme of this country’s brains who are expected to lead the next generation into the future. Entrance to university should be a hard-win laurel for those with the skill and aptitude to take life seriously. Maybe some of the current crowds would be better served doing some compulsory work experience. For instance, maybe carrying bodies to a morgue.

I tend to be more positive about the younger generation than most, I work with some fantastic young people. However I do somewhat agree with you on the University student point.  I think we send too many young people to Uni now and at the lower status Universities there are often students there you should not be and who frankly are there for the beer and sex. (Nothing wrong with that as such, it was why I went, but you need to also want to learn academically and about life in general.)

[sir wanksalot]

But the question is, is what they lose important?  Apart from the basics of literacy and numeracy, how much of what you learnt at school can you actually remember now, and how much is relevant to your day to day job?  All that history, geography, literature, etc etc.  Basically, they teach you a load of stuff, and then you take a load of exams to show how much you are capable of remembering.  It doesn't really matter what they teach you, bugger all of it is of any real use in later life.

Your statement at first glance comes across as an over-simplification but I actually agree with you.

In sixth form, our history lessons included the history of Tory whips on the 19th Century-I mean WTF???

[Horizontal pleasures]

parlours to be shut and travel for a punt in a stranger's house a legal problem

External Link/Members Only

never mind schools, it is what this really means for us that is the problem. We cannot go out for work (as I did once or twice a week)  so we cannot go and visit ladies we know or new ones as no opportunity and if we had the opportunity to escape from the missus it would still be illegal and even conspicuous if we cruised into a small town council estate to knock on a door ..... and the same or similar for all our mates on the forum.

And the rub and tug parlours are shut.

Am I right?

[daviemac]

never mind schools, it is what this really means for us that is the problem. We cannot go out for work (as I did once or twice a week)  so we cannot go and visit ladies we know or new ones as no opportunity and if we had the opportunity to escape from the missus it would still be illegal and even conspicuous if we cruised into a small town council estate to knock on a door ..... and the same or similar for all our mates on the forum.

And the rub and tug parlours are shut.

Am I right?

You're wrong you can go to work.  External Link/Members Only

6. Going to work
To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so - including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing - they should continue to travel to their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers.

[RandomGuy99]

Some schools are adopting different ways of teaching.

The teachers are now moving rooms to teach different groups instead of having 100s of kids move between classrooms.  This means that classes of kids stay in the same room for the entire day and the different teachers come to them. 

The kids are also being encouraged to wear masks the whole time, but not always possible for the younger aged kids.

It looks like we're all learning how best to do this.

[Horizontal pleasures]

You're wrong you can go to work.  External Link/Members Only

my workplace is closed as the work is against the rules. And work from home has to be on Skype not face to face.

so I cannot go out and punt as no opportunity to escape and against the rules to visit a stranger's house. I am sure many punters have similar restrictions. Also tough on the ladies to have no visitors.

[GingerNuts]

my workplace is closed as the work is against the rules. And work from home has to be on Skype not face to face.

so I cannot go out and punt as no opportunity to escape and against the rules to visit a stranger's house. I am sure many punters have similar restrictions. Also tough on the ladies to have no visitors.

Why is it tough on the ladies?

[Jimmyredcab]

Why is it tough on the ladies?

Many are simply ignoring the lockdown rules, I just did a search on Adultwork for ladies 18-40 within 50 miles of my postcode that are Available Today and it showed 1030 are working.

[petermisc]

Good to see an Asda near me which went back to 24/7 in the week about 6 weeks ago say they are staying 24/7 at present, they certainly were open at 4am this morning as the element on my Kettle went cutting my electric so I went their to buy a new Kettle. It was virtually empty of customers but a staff member I have spoken to many times said they had had a run yesterday on certain items like Toilet Rolls and Bread.

The supermarkets near me have all kept to their normal hours during the Welsh lockdown - they have not gone back to the earlier lockdown closing times.

There was a run on certain items on the day before the firebreaker started, but oddly mainly on perishable items - the green-grocery and bread shelves were stripped almost bare.     Everything restocked the next day.

[Marmalade]

at the lower status Universities there are often students there you should not be and who frankly are there for the beer and sex. (Nothing wrong with that as such, it was why I went, but you need to also want to learn academically and about life in general.)

The lower status universities need to aspire to become higher status.

Look back a century at the pranks played at Oxford & Cambridge and they were at least intelligent, creative pranks, not the rather pathetic herd madness seen in Manchester and places. A gentleman shags who he wants with gusto and discretion, and gets drunk in style, often discussing finer points of a subject into the night.

Both sports build character: herd sports merely build herd mentality.

[WASA38]

The lower status universities need to aspire to become higher status.

Look back a century at the pranks played at Oxford & Cambridge and they were at least intelligent, creative pranks, not the rather pathetic herd madness seen in Manchester and places. A gentleman shags who he wants with gusto and discretion, and gets drunk in style, often discussing finer points of a subject into the night.

Both sports build character: herd sports merely build herd mentality.

or smelly brown heaps.

[funfungoodguy]

Many are simply ignoring the lockdown rules, I just did a search on Adultwork for ladies 18-40 within 50 miles of my postcode that are Available Today and it showed 1030 are working.

And those are the ones showing their green light, which i think costs them a fiver per day, let alone all the others that are still working

[Horizontal pleasures]

Why is it tough on the ladies?

no fun being alone and no earnings

[Marmalade]

I’ve no evidence to back it up but I suspect the effect could be to winnow out the more cautious p4ps, the same as legal harassment does, leaving the more gung-ho or desperate.

[saiyens22]

Like so many of these matters of seeking compliance are really ineffective. If anyone wants to make an error in their phone number when track and tracing, or claim self employment when travelling to a hotel can.


Not condoning the behaviour, but do any of the extra methods actually achieve what they want to? Those who want to be compliant will anyway, those who don't won't. The Plod are so over stretched they aren't going to check.

My question might sound a bit weird but lets say I fancy to book a room to have some fun with a Girl I met on Tinder. Surely I can just walk in and pretend we are living together and we are just looking to have fun in a hotel.

Who could verify that?

I mean on Day-use some hotel mention that they only open for essential worker and over justifiable reason for some other it seems they are not that bothered.

I just wonder if some of you had any recent experience regarding that?

[GingerNuts]

My question might sound a bit weird but lets say I fancy to book a room to have some fun with a Girl I met on Tinder. Surely I can just walk in and pretend we are living together and we are just looking to have fun in a hotel.

Who could verify that?

I mean on Day-use some hotel mention that they only open for essential worker and over justifiable reason for some other it seems they are not that bothered.

I just wonder if some of you had any recent experience regarding that?

Your review history suggests you're a very occasional punter. Surely you can wait a little while until things open up a little more.

[saiyens22]

Agreed with you but I never booked an hotel so I was just wondering.

I might have an opportunity and I just wanted to check.

 

[petermisc]

Normally in any medium to large size hotel you are not going to have a problem.  However, looking at the room rates of some of the large chains, they are so low the hotels must be virtually empty.  So anyone entering or leaving is surely going to be quite conspicuous.  Whether or not you or your escort will be challenged is another matter.

[billybobsmith]

During the 1st lockdown, I spent a few nights in a Holiday Inn Express hotel for work, and had to give them proof that I was a key worker.  Had an email on my phone from my employer that I forwarded to them.  No further enquiries or questioning after that when entering and leaving, even with different staff on the front desk etc.
Since then, nothing, but that's not to say you wouldn't be asked (haven't stayed in a hotel during the first few days since Lockdown 2 started - Manchester, compared to other areas, might be more problematic as in Tier 3).

Room rate wise, some aren't too bad, some barely touched or more expensive.
Village hotels in Manchester (well Cheadle) seem to be routinely £70+ when I've looked, with Premier Inns being half that, and IHG hotels / Hilton Doubletrees ranging from £37-£59 on average.  Still £120 or so for the Deansgate Hilton.

[Squire Haggard]

A new Tweet from BBC Business. Anybody moved to the country? 

''Have you recently moved house from London to a more rural area to escape high Covid-19 rates? Please get in touch with [email protected] if you’re happy to talk.''

External Link/Members Only

[king tarzan]

The vaccine is on its way, let's see what happens in the future??
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[scutty brown]

The vaccine is on its way, let's see what happens in the future??
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

First we need a supply of reliable -80 C large freezers to store the stuff in - most existing ones only go down to -40 C

A reliable freezer with full temperature data logging / recording

[chrishornx]

First we need a supply of reliable -80 C large freezers to store the stuff in - most existing ones only go down to -40 C

A reliable freezer with full temperature data logging / recording

i wonder who makes them - good investment opportunity

[RedKettle]

First we need a supply of reliable -80 C large freezers to store the stuff in - most existing ones only go down to -40 C

A reliable freezer with full temperature data logging / recording

It can be in a normal fridge for 5 days before use which will help.

[lostandfound]

And Pfizer are working on turning it into a powder.

External Link/Members Only

[Horizontal pleasures]

Many are simply ignoring the lockdown rules, I just did a search on Adultwork for ladies 18-40 within 50 miles of my postcode that are Available Today and it showed 1030 are working.

so which one did you visit, we are looking forward to a review.

[oldmanking]

for those looking to book a hotel room for illicit meetings at this present time.....

don't!

you will for the most part need to provide full photo id for both yourself and the lady, as well as wear masks in any public communal areas of the hotel.  i'm sure this will kill your chances with most working girls, as
well as reveal your identity to her, and put yourself at risk if she's one of those crooked ladies out there.  i know this as hotels is my work right now.  any hotel that doesn't take this info for track & trace is risking heavy fines.