* Posts by codejunky

7085 publicly visible posts • joined 24 Oct 2011

Activist millionaires protest outside Jeff Bezos' homes to support tax rises for the rich

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Tax avoidance costs

@Khaptain

"I wonder how much each off these billionaires pay each year in order to avoid paying taxes?"

Enough to employ people who employ people who employ people while each level also spends money into the economy.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Tax avoidance costs

@David 132

"there's nothing to stop them writing a large check to the IRS"

You got there before me. But of course they want the rich to be taxed more, the rich being richer than them.

'Biggest data grab' in NHS history stuffs GP records in a central store for 'research' – and the time to opt out is now

codejunky Silver badge

Re: @anonymous boring coward

@Dan 55

"You said you didn't like GDPR but didn't say why."

Did I? In this conversation we are having or previously? I ask because I have previously disagreed with it but not in this conversation. What I mentioned in this conversation is GDPR potentially damaging EU trade with the rest of the world.

"This is the basis for your argument that the EU is trying to impose GDPR worldwide. Your claim is not true, and I corrected you."

And you corrected me by agreeing with me and posting a source agreeing with me but then claiming I am wrong. Which is why I am having a difficult time following what the hell you are on about.

"If online companies wish to deal with EU/EEA residents' data or sell into the EU/EEA online, they have to follow the law there"

You mean follow GDPR. Even if they are not in the EU. Hence applying it outside the EU. Feels like we are going in circles here.

"This is a pretty normal thing"

Wrong. As a result of GDPR Facebook moved data so the physical locations were different to come under differing law. Because the EU wishes to apply GDPR law to digital companies not based in the EU but dealing with EU citizens. Hence trying to apply the EU law beyond the EU borders. Hence cutting themselves off from the rest of the world.

"This is a pretty normal thing, just like other companies exporting to the EU/EEA having to follow food/drink/safety/standards laws, and it's pretty difficult to coherently argue otherwise (as you have failed to do)."

And now I see why you are struggling. We are not talking about a food/drink/appliance but instead information. Something which has no physical property and is instead a communication which travels around the world instantly. Which is why digital companies can deliver a service world wide.

The issue of course being that a person in the UK, a person in the US and a person in the EU is hard to distinguish over the internet. Information being handled differently in different countries with different regs, yet the EU is trying to be special. And so is the problem.

"I don't think there are any more loose ends to tie up here, so I'll leave it here."

I suggest you try to understand the issue before commenting. This has been a long conversation for you to still not understand the subject

codejunky Silver badge

Re: @anonymous boring coward

@Dan 55

"Yes. Online business outside the EU/EEA that deal with data belonging to people inside the EU/EEA or sell into the EU/EEA have to follow GDPR."

Ok so your first comment was talking about the wrong thing and your following 'argument' was also wrong. So what is the point to your responses?

"Otherwise it would be pretty useless, wouldn't it?"

So we should scrap GDPR and take the law of the US? Or China? This is why laws have jurisdictions and its often difficult to apply laws beyond that without cooperation. Which goes back to the difficulty due to the EU's falling influence and lack of ability.

"It doesn't apply to EU/EEA citizens outside the EU/EEA, which is what you wrongly claimed."

This contradicts your own first paragraph.

I can only suggest you either read and understand what you are posting (and what you are responding to) before posting, or that you wont be able to discuss this with me as you cant consistently follow your own comment nor the facts as you even state them

codejunky Silver badge

Re: @anonymous boring coward

@Dan 55

"It applies to EU + EEA countries and their residents. No more, no less."

I suggest you read the link you sent. Hell even the title disagrees with you-

Under certain conditions, the GDPR applies to companies that are not in Europe. In this article, we’ll explain when and how the GDPR applies outside the EU.

"Happy to correct you."

Which of course makes this line both hilarious while also making me feel very sorry for you.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: @anonymous boring coward

@Dan 55

"What are you on about? It's the EU's data protection directive transposed into national law for 27 countries + the EEA."

Yes. Which they are trying to apply to the world when they impose it on EU citizen data regardless of the country. Which is why the US keeps renaming whatever agreement doesnt meet GDPR and the EU has to accept it. But the EU is becoming less influential in the world and are not really reliable and so their ability to impose it worldwide is diminishing.

"Also, what is your opinion about California's newest privacy law?"

No idea, I dont live there nor deal with any Californians.

www.euractiv.com/section/data-protection/news/global-data-transfer-uncertainty-undermines-eu-digital-ambitions/

codejunky Silver badge

Re: @anonymous boring coward

@Dan 55

"If your privacy is not relevant,"

Aww nice try but you aint my type. Of course if you actually read the comment you will note I said GDPR. Which is the legal buff the EU is trying to push on the world but with its declining influence and incapability bringing the likelihood of the EU being cut off from the world

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Hmm

@JohnMurray

"The USA system, which charges you 100 times the cost of meds?"

I think you missed the point of my post and probably should reply to the AC I was responding to. I never said move to the American system but the AC instantly assumed its NHS or the only developed world healthcare system we look down on.

codejunky Silver badge

@anonymous boring coward

"Thank god the "unelected officials" of EU can't meddle with this!"

Amen. That scum are already looking to ramping up debt in the member countries names, still struggling with a vaccine failure of their own making and demonstrating how correct leave voters were. The (ir)relevance of GDPR already looking to cause problems with the EU trading with the rest of the world.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Hmm

@AC

"So what do you want? A US style system? It's the Americans that are pushing for this, and its this Brexit government that are complying, not the NHS."

I am in shock. The only 2 healthcare systems in the world are NHS and the American system? The woefully under-performing NHS (which isnt just docs and nurses but a bureaucratic insanity) in the developed world being far from the envy of the world. Yet your only alternative is the American system?

The fragmented NHS which still uses fax machines is not to blame, but the gov is? Bloody good job health isnt nationalised and so controlled by the gov. Oops.

codejunky Silver badge
Paris Hilton

Hmm

"The NHS is preparing for the "biggest data grab" in the history of the service"

The sainted NHS would never do that. All hail the NHS

God bless this mess: Study says UK's Christian beliefs had 'important' role in Brexit

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Correlation or causation?

@AC

Yeah sure. Or its the EU being as bad as leave explained-

https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/eu-officials-risk-approval-of-recovery-fund-by-finland/

Oh damn, the covid bailout emergency measure could become a staple EU scum mechanism. So much for sovereignty if the EU puts debt in your name for its own desires.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Correlation or causation?

Yet again I see the bots are downvoting but the staunch defence of the EU from those of glorious purpose has of course vanished. Remainers continuing to shrink away it seems

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Correlation or causation?

@Mooseman

"And look, not one single benefit listed by you, just vague whining about stuff that isnt happening. If it's all so rosy, tell us about it. Show us one tangible benefit. IF you can."

I do notice the burden of proof (and then crying about sources or denial of reality) demanded from remainers, but looking the other way can you honestly say the EU is acting in a way that we should consider desirable? Look at the crying over a chair by the piddly president of the EU or incompetence on display in foreign relations or inability to cope with the world. The EU isnt a trade block but a project aiming for federalisation, yet the bedwetters pull away at the first sign of trouble.

A reasonable case for remain has yet to be made. It seems to consist of fear of the unknown.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Correlation or causation?

@Mooseman

"Sorry, you're linking a Torygraph article as your evidence??"

Sorry if I cant provide a link to some pro-EU propaganda paper to satisfy your source requirement. But the EU cutting themselves off from the global financial centre of Europe seems good to you? As if its a win for them to lock themselves out of the largest European financial centre?

"Possibly the most biased "newspaper" currently in existence."

I dunno, there are plenty leaning bias both left and right in various other publications.

"And look, not one single benefit listed by you"

Guess you dont read many of my comments then. For one the vaccination program and Covid bailout funds are proving brexit to have happened just in time. The EU being slapped around by Russia would be more embarrassing for us if we were still associated with them.

Considering we only left in January that is a very quick payoff considering it was supposed to take years to see the benefits.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Correlation or causation?

@Mooseman

"I'm still waiting for one single benefit of brexit - given that there seem to be a number of pro brexit people on here perhaps they could enlighten the rest of us."

I suggest reading through the various EU/brexit threads. So far the remain position isnt looking too impressive.

On a project fear note the claims of the London financial markets coming to doom seems to have fallen apart already-

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/05/06/brussels-bid-cut-city-backfiring-watchdog-warns/

As had been mentioned a few times, if the EU wants to cut themselves off from the global financial markets thats up to them even if it is stupid.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: I'm a leaver

@Intractable Potsherd

"However, I have no doubt that it will review what went wrong and correct it."

Time for doubt. They are still making the same mistakes. Failing to negotiate for vaccine, upsetting the countries they are relying on, continuing to act like children.

"However, it did get a functioning track and trace system going."

Did they? I know individual members did-

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/travel-during-coronavirus-pandemic/mobile-contact-tracing-apps-eu-member-states_en

"When it comes to the UK, I have no belief whatsoever that anything will be learned"

PHE failed and is to be wrapped up. But no the UK will likely still try to make its own national apps which suck etc. But the UK did know how to get vaccine in. I do hope the UK learns from the lockdown how to not do it in future, but I doubt it.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: I'm a leaver

@Sandtitz

"The obvious problem is that there isn't enough supply at the moment."

The EU turned down offers to order more vaccine. The EU has just lost its negotiation with a French company (producing in Scotland thankfully) after 6 months of wasting their time. Now the company will deal direct with countries only-

https://www.politico.eu/article/valneva-walks-away-from-vaccine-negotiations-with-commission/

"the supply hasn't scale up, and it is not the fault of EU"

3 months late and refusing to sign contracts resulted in the EU being behind in setting up.

"I'm sure the fight against covid and vaccine procurement could have been done way better than has been done"

No kidding from the EU. This is the fastest mass development of a vaccine in history and while some countries asked phama what they needed the EU haggled on price. After their behaviour AZ has said they probably wont produce vaccine at cost in future as it isnt worth the grief. Pfizer's contract is at an end with the German company and isnt going to renew it (they can produce it themselves, and probably an advantage outside the EU). EU determination to block exports which breaks contracts. Raiding manufacturing plants. Being openly hostile and lying to try and deflect blame for failure. Yeah it could have been better.

"Yes, there are some EU countries allying closely with Russia and buying (or trying to buy) Sputnik. Russia will gladly supply its vaccines if it can cause rife between EU countries."

Germany and its gas supply. EU bribing Turkey to hold back asylum seekers. The EU even managed to upset the Russians while begging for vaccine-

https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-has-absolutely-no-need-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-commissioner-says/

codejunky Silver badge

Re: AKA: People

@Androgynous Cupboard

"Please. Skipping over the risible suggestion that Farage was knowledgable"

He wasnt?

"who do you think paid his salary?"

A salary to represent our desire to leave and end his job. The guy who succeeded in getting the UK the first vote on our membership of the EU.

"He too had his "snout in the trough" yet voted to leave. You're refuting your own point."

How?

codejunky Silver badge

Re: AKA: People

@Androgynous Cupboard

"But the corollary is the few people that did understand it (diplomats and civil service) were largely pro-EU."

The people with their snouts in the trough. And one of the most knowledgeable MEP's representing this country was leader of UKIP. To which of those desiring to be in couldnt explain why, only threaten the population. Vs those desiring leave having reason which was never refuted to reasonable satisfaction.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: AKA: People

@Androgynous Cupboard

"Ask ten people what the EU actually does and nine of them will be wrong. That still applies today. So the question is not did they have a reason, it's did they have a reasoned reason."

That pretty much sums up the UK relationship with the EU. Remain or leave the above seems to apply.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: AKA: People

@WilliamBurke

"We are dealing with it! We are moving on from Project Fear, via Project Told You So, to Project Rub It In. Enjoying a bit of gloating is the least we deserve!"

Oddly enough I was enjoying a bit of gloating on another topic (I voted leave of course) which seemed to bother a remainer. I am amused that on opposite sides of the vote we can both be going through the same stages.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Lies, damned lies, and statistics...

@Phil O'Sophical

"Wouldn't that mean the religious types were more likely to vote Remain?"

Thats an interesting square to circle as attendance of church's seems to be falling as the young are less interested, but the caricature of the leave voter was the oldie.

Preliminary report on Texas Tesla crash finds Autosteer was 'not available' along road where both passengers died

codejunky Silver badge

Hmm

"The NTSB showed in tests with an exemplar car that the latter also could not be engaged on that part of the road."

Doesnt stop people blaming Tesla or autopilot already. The facts will just get in the way unless they agree with the conclusion.

NHS Digital booking website had unexpected side effect: It leaked people's jab status

codejunky Silver badge

Re: you lost, get over it !

@Dave 15

"And if the awd biddy does get her way your independence will not last for long and you will become an insignificant part of the EU to be told what to do by the Germans"

Thats if the EU would allow a demic like Scotland into their membership. They would be taking on a hell of a deficit for people who will only complain for more free stuff.

The only reason I can see the EU accepting Scotland would be to get another border close to the English. Then it will be like watching ROI trapped in EU stupidity (see vaccine) while just over the border they are can see what they need.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: "run vaccine checks on the status of random people with no authentication"

@AC

"The French are so scared of the vaccines that they have a quarter of a million unclaimed slots for vaccination."

It amused me that after all the propaganda from the French and Germans and people turning down the AZ vaccine that the EU would have such a tantrum to get more. Instead of wasting vaccine they could have redistributed away from the complaining countries.

codejunky Silver badge
Facepalm

Re: "run vaccine checks on the status of random people with no authentication"

@Pascal Monett

I guess the problem could be the rush to get a method of booking for vaccination. The EU dont have that problem. They need to get some vaccine first.

US declares emergency after ransomware shuts oil pipeline that pumps 100 million gallons a day

codejunky Silver badge

Hmm

'The gang has also shared evidence that it has made charitable donations, and said it feels an obligation to share some of the ransoms it wins.'

As in shrek- Rob from the rich and give too the needy, I keep a wee percentage but I'm not greedy.

Probably better if they dont screw with domestic fuel supply which is probably of more benefit to the charities than a donation of illegal gains.

Visual Basic 6 returns: You've been a good developer all year. You have social distanced, you have helped your mom. Here's your reward

codejunky Silver badge

Nice

"Visual Basic 6 was arguably the peak before it all went downhill for the language at Microsoft"

No kidding. I took a shot at VB.NET, realised it had nothing to do with the gorgeous language it was riding the name of and so began my move away from windows part from gaming.

I knocked out so many quick and useful programs as well as it being the language of my first employment. It had limitations but I found ways to make it use pointers where necessary (real memory pointers not 'byref'). I wrote plenty little utilities which I now script in python and bash which run on the command line.

I doubt it would have much hope beyond hobby now as everyone moves towards the web (where giu's can be knocked up reasonably quick). I am one of those who argue the language was a well made tool which applied properly would easily bring rewards.

Robo-taxis hit the streets of Beijing – albeit a small fleet in a geo-fenced suburb

codejunky Silver badge

Cool

Lets hope the west dont get left behind. While I can see the taxi being obviously desirable to people, I expect long distance transport and even package delivery can benefit from such automation. Hopefully this technology isnt too far away.

Seagate UK customer stung by VAT on replacement drive shipped via the Netherlands

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Meh

Its almost like an automatic 3 thumbs down but no capacity to respond. I can only guess bots. Either machine or meat sack.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Meh

And the EU continues its power grab by trying to use the covid bailout fund to coerce Ireland into changing its favourable tax's-

www.continentaltelegraph.com/2021/05/as-ever-the-european-union-is-decades-behind-the-curve/

I remember some people being fooled into thinking the EU were friends, but this isnt something you do to a friend. Or is Ireland merely tolerated in the EU?

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Meh

Damn! The EU is so short on vaccine that they have spent 6 months negotiating with a French company (producing in the UK thankfully) and come to nothing-

https://www.politico.eu/article/valneva-walks-away-from-vaccine-negotiations-with-commission/

Instead the company will deal with the members directly instead.

UK government gives Automated Lane Keeping Systems the green light for use on motorways

codejunky Silver badge

Great news

Lane keeping technology is pretty cool. Been the passenger and it seems a nice safety feature to add.

UK government resists pressure to hold statutory inquiry into Post Office Horizon scandal

codejunky Silver badge

Hmm

That it will take too long is the excuse? I am not sure that really works in this situation where many lives have been ruined by a serious abuse of power and careful 'managing' of evidence. This would seem one of those situations where an inquiry would be necessary to get justice.

China claims it has stolen a march on 6G with colossal patent portfolio

codejunky Silver badge

@Binraider

I think your two sentences are related pretty strongly. China didnt care about patents when it was a basket case from the good old socialism days, but in a short amount of time it has managed to catch up to a more civilised and world participating country.

When they didnt actually create anything intellectually valuable it didnt care about stealing and was too poor to be creative. Now is a very different country.

*Btw good comment, upvote from me

US Army develops natural-language voice-command AI for robots, tanks, etc. For search'n'rescue. For now

codejunky Silver badge

Awesome

Maybe this can help drive forward natural language processing. Especially accents. Although I expect it will result in people talking in that voice they only use for machines.

Pigeon fanciers in a flap over Brexit quarantine flock-up, seek exemption from EU laws

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Whenever I see a headline like this....

@Hubert Cumberdale

""I was right"[citation needed]"

So glad you used the troll icon. Or do you think the UK should have joined the Euro?

""your confused..." (*you're)"

Your telling a dyslexic how to spell. Feel proud.

""...and think votes are a measure of truth." Well, if, as you imply, they are not, then that makes the result of the referendum arbitrary. I'm glad we agree on something."

Again its a good job you have a troll icon otherwise you are basically opposing one of the most democratic votes in the UK.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Whenever I see a headline like this....

@Hubert Cumberdale

"Have a look at the downvote tally for any of your posts that mention literally anything that about the EU or Brexit."

Oh is this like XFactor? Funny enough my downvotes as a eurosceptic back when the UK was considering joining the Euro were just as bad. And I was right. So if you think of this like your favourite voting tv show enjoy counting votes. If you have a point to discuss feel free.

"But please – do stay and give more political opinions; it's nice to have someone to disagree with."

Is this a disagreement? So far you have posted 2 comments that contribute nothing to the discussion and instead stated your confused and think votes are a measure of truth. If you wish to discuss and something you disagree with I welcome it, but so far it seems you just feel inadequate.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@AC

"Now let's have the whole of the two most important quotes which you failed to address:"

That suggests you need to reread my comment. I didnt fully quote your large questions but I did answer.

"You have no answer to either comment so you chop them up when you quote them to avoid addressing them and throw out the usual Brexit tropes and blame the EU."

Which bit are you stuck with?

"It's what the government is already doing!"

I somewhat agree we have abandoned NI and I disagree with it. Your comment seemed to suggest we should abandon NI for the potential for a trade agreement with the US.

"You're a bit of a charlatan with no answers, aren't you? But I guess it's unsurprising as the pro-Brexit Vote Leave prime minister also suffers from the same problem."

Again you seem to still be a Coward. Feel free to stick your name to your posts so we can see who is having reading difficulties.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Doctor Syntax

"And failed because Biden is pro-peace process so isn't likely to be impressed by the mess that's developing.

I wonder his opinion on the EU almost breaking the GFA-

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-drops-irish-border-plan-coronavirus-vaccine-exports/

I like the quote- However, officials also said the triggering of Article 16 was probably unnecessary because there aren't stocks of vaccine in Ireland to be shipped anywhere. That explains why people in ROI are trying to book appointments in NI.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Whenever I see a headline like this....

@Hubert Cumberdale

"Personally, I wonder what the f#ck you're talking about."

Thats ok, if its too complicated you could ask for help or do a bit of learning. But only if you really want to understand what is going on. Otherwise feel free to let it go over your head

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@AC

"And haven't you just once considered that Brexit wrecked the delicate balance that brought peace to NI?"

So should the UK including NI be tied to the sinking ship of the EU because of a small island the EU forgets about in a panic? The problem argued is that neither NI nor ROI want a border, something the UK is fine with? Hence the only issue is the EU which is not our problem to resolve?

"If you put a border between GB and NI you end off pissing off the loyalists, if you put a border between Ireland and NI you end off pissing off the nationalists."

Yup. So the UK original answer of no hard border is the solution then.

"a) the magic sky border"

Using technology the EU intends to apply already. Concerns tracking and while it wont stop small smuggling (which happens anyway) would be effective enough for larger efforts.

"b)" ... "(aka "move the border between Ireland and NI")"

The border is already there. Even in the EU. The issue would be a hard border and the UK wasnt willing to apply one. So not our problem.

"EU won't allow the single market to be holed like that"... "guess who's territory all the paramilitary activity will be going off in."

If the EU made a hard border the paramilitary activity would be on their side for breaking the established agreement. The current situation breaks the agreement by blocking UK to NI trade. That is worse.

"British government has put a potential trade deal above NI."

Are you saying the UK should abandon its territories for the potential of a trade deal with Bidens US?

I see a lot of moaning without much substance. Maybe because your posting AC or maybe you believe it.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Doctor Syntax

"Here's one who didn't for reasons already stated."

Kudo's to you. Glad to hear your not one of those who did.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Jamie Jones

"I'm not talking about buses."

Ok, but you made a non-contributing comment criticizing my comment to someone who 'I literally quoted' was using the bus as their excuse. You might also read in my reply to you that I mention 'some fool decides to mention the bus' which as it wasnt you implies I was talking about someone else.

"Of all the brexitter comments I've read on this site, you're the only one I can recall who has ever had any semblance of an argument."

Appreciated

"Calling Mays government "remainers""

We didnt leave. We left this year on the 1st of Jan. The withdrawal agreement enshrining EU law to our books and handing over NI was in May's agreement and her aim seemed very much BINO. So yes I consider trying not to leave the EU as remain.

"EU vaccine gloating"

The EU was gloating last year. Remainers blaming leave voters for all the deaths to come for being last to get the vaccine because we didnt join the EU procurement.

"even though you know we could have done the same without brexit"

While technically legally yes the fact still stands that the assertion is unbelievable at best. Germany breaking its agreement with the EU even which should be legally dealt with.

"The whole sovereignty talking point is bullshit, as you well know."

This is one you have just brought up. Sovereignty is a real issue which has yet to be realistically refuted as a good reason for brexit. Feel free to disagree, we can discuss if you like.

"As for buses, you may not have believed it, your friends and family may not have believed it, but I know personally many who did"

Thats ok. I know many remainers who still believe the many remain lies. Even people who honestly believed the punishment budget was a necessary consequence of brexit instead of the direct threat against the population that it was.

"In fact, the leave campaign credited that slogan for winning brexit. And I'm repeating myself, but you know that too."

The official leave campaign probably credit themselves with starting the brexit debate too, they can dream what they wish. Both official campaigns were an embarrassment. And I have no issues with you repeating information. It can provide necessary context to why you hold your opinions. I have to do it too.

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Doctor Syntax

"And yet we wanted to take back control so we wouldn't be bound by the EU in exactly the way Germany and the others aren't."

So we should have remained in the EU and broke EU agreements like Germany did which the EU refuses to comment if they will legally punish Germany for doing so? And thats your argument for remain? You will understand me disagreeing with that?

"Yes there's a problem with inept politicians but the EU doesn't have a monopoly on that as numerous other countries have demonstrated"

Returning to the question of how adding a layer of incompetent government above an incompetent government is an improvement?

"We got lucky with vaccination largely because of the actions of the UK biomedical community."

So the UK, US, Israel, etc got lucky but the EU screwed the pooch so badly it would require a miracle to do well?

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Charlie Clark

"You mean the additional ordering from Biontech? Perfectly legal because it is scheduled for delivery after the EU order."

Denial should be a river in Egypt. Seriously this was the first link of a quick search and its even written as the first bloody sentence-

https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-coronavirus-vaccine-side-deal-at-odds-with-legally-binding-eu-pact/

Germany repeated Friday that it will receive more doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine outside the EU's joint vaccination program — but the Commission refuses to acknowledge that this contradicts the bloc's deal.

"By the end of the year Germany is going to be swimming in vaccine…"

Like the UK is? I am sure the Germans will be happy with the delay (they aint)

codejunky Silver badge

Re: Seriously?

@Martin

"Brexit was a crap decision, but it's done now. There is no point keeping on about it. That's why we've gone quiet."

Really? So the bleating and moaning and general dickishness of remainers continuing beyond brexit with even a reg article begging for bad things to complain about with brexit, followed by silence as the EU publicly looks like incompetent morons was coincidence? Pull the other one it has bells on.

"I think it's interesting that the Brexit supporters are making such a noise about the somewhat better vaccine rollout compared to the EU"

Interesting? Not expected? Justified? After all the shit remoaners have piled on assuming the UK would fail at the vaccination and the EU be fantastic? Sorry if my pleasure at rubbing reality in the face of the rude and delusional bothers you.

"Probably because it's the first (and so far, only) advantage that could, in some ways, be considered to be an advantage of Brexit."

Nope. Do you remember remoaners going on about the cost of brexit? I do. It was before the EU decided to put together a covid bailout fund (still not being distributed btw). Note that brexit only happened at the start of this year, 1st Jan and already its paying dividends only 4 months in!

"And the fact that we in the UK managed our vaccine rollout better than the EU is a fairly minor issue"

Eh? Whole economies shut down. People dying. Livelihoods destroyed. Heavy restrictions on basic freedoms such as leaving your own house. And you call that minor?

"the potential return of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland caused by the fallout from our Brexit deal."

Yeah its bad isnt it. Leaving NI in the EU area was a bad idea and breaks the agreement of the UK and NI freely trading, so lets put the border where it belongs and if the EU want to make a hard border its their problem. I agree that the violence is terrible, thats why the EU trying to ruin NI is a bad thing and good that the UK unilaterally reduced trade friction even as the EU cried against it!

Truth and consequences for enterprise AI as EU know who goes legal: GDPR of everything from chatbots to machine learning

codejunky Silver badge

Bloody hell

I got half way down reading and wondered if you were laughing your arse off as you wrote this article or if your actually serious. First GDPR is so wonderful world wide that they still cant get the US to play along. Wasnt it called privacy shield? What is it now?

"America and China may have industrial and military dominance"

Might? The EU upsets the Ruskies and runs to the US in a flash. The EU's dominance is in crisis making. Efforts to be seen as a big player is met with laughter or ignorance.

"For businesses who implement, buy in or plan to use AI, this will sound like the worst sort of bureaucratic overreach, imposing all sorts of brakes and costs on the latest and greatest tools"

Aka the world moves on and the EU legislates to remain behind. Hopefully the UK will take advantage of this too and not fall into the trap of stupidity.

"AI is a brash, frontier world right now, and people are getting hurt."

A new technology being deployed is still being developed. Hell if this kind of stupidity ruled we wouldnt have the aeroplane. Hell the vaccine rollout aught to teach them something.

Won't somebody please think of the children!!! UK to mount fresh assault on end-to-end encryption in Facebook

codejunky Silver badge

Hmm

Because we should trust the gov? I guess you would have to be in gov to think that.