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Jared 
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19915
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 Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:32 |
 Blacksword wrote:
Look out also for the cut in the basic rate of tax this April, as promised by Brown as Chancellor last April.
We will now only have to pay 20p in the pound, instead of 22p. Sound good? It is. Unless you earn under 18,000 PA, then you're f***ed! As he has simultaneously abolished the bottom 10% rate. It's a tax cut aimed exclusively at a specific demographic, whose votes Brown wishes to secure; the lower middle class; first time buyers, students with loans to pay back etc.. |
oh, I spotted that one the very moment it was announced in the last budget....  and you are quite right about the cynical exploitation of the demographic.... 
however, this one can be perversely countered...
...I am on the bottom Grade at work. even though I am paid just above the minimum wage, every time this goes up, the whole of our Grade get the appropriate % rise.
the problem is, since the minimum wage of £3.60 per hour was introduced in 1999, it has gone up annually...the consequence in my place of work is that Grades 4,5,6 & 7 are now effectively all earning the same salary...ie staff and supervisors now 'take home' practically the same... 
now Andy...tell me exactly where the incentive for promotion and self betterment is??
even when using a very powerful microscope, I have been completely unable to locate it.... 
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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VanderGraafKommandöh
Prog Reviewer
Joined: July 04 2005
Location: Malaria
Status: Offline
Points: 89372
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:15 |
NS, you obviously haven't watched "Mock the Week" over here in the UK, where they (Rory Bremner I believe) made fun of the fact Bush couldn't pronounce Nuclear and some other words too. 
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 11:06 |
A B Negative wrote:
fandango wrote:
Ok people, I have a rant.....
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid.....
..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap....  |
I know many people who have received Tax Credits. How many have been overpaid? ALL OF THEM. |
I've known people who have been overpaid too. It seems being honest and telling them about it, doesn't make the process of giving the money back any easier either.
As a rule of thumb, when the government roles out some new initiative, based around benefits, just assume they will f**k it up. It's what their best at. Generally any idea that involves the financial assessment of an individual will be a disaster. Look at the CSA!!
I once filled out an online assment test for working Tax credit, knowing full well I didn't qualify. According to their assessment tool, however, I did. How can anyone have confidence in a system as crap as that? My circumstances were not complicated.
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Padraic
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: February 16 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Status: Offline
Points: 31169
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 10:29 |
Dear Mr. President: Nuclear. Nuclear. Nuclear. "NU-KLEE-AR" It's pronounced "NUCLEAR" for f**s sake!!  You're the f*ckin President of the United States and you haven't pronounced it right in seven bloody years!! A word that little school children can say correctly!! I really can't wait for 2009 when you sod off you stupid bugger! * * It appears I've been hanging around British people online for some time now.
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A B Negative
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 02 2006
Location: Methil Republic
Status: Offline
Points: 1594
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 10:25 |
fandango wrote:
Ok people, I have a rant.....
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid..... ..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap.... |
I know many people who have received Tax Credits. How many have been overpaid? ALL OF THEM.
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"The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time."
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:35 |
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Look out also for the cut in the basic rate of tax this April, as promised by Brown as Chancellor last April.
We will now only have to pay 20p in the pound, instead of 22p. Sound good? It is. Unless you earn under 18,000 PA, then you're f***ed! As he has simultaneously abolished the bottom 10% rate. It's a tax cut aimed exclusively at a specific demographic, whose votes Brown wishes to secure; the lower middle class; first time buyers, students with loans to pay back etc..
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:31 |
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^ Thats pretty sh!t, Jared. It's the age old reality that what's given to you with one hand is promptly taken back with the other.
Nulab has been quite prolific in introducing things that look great on paper, tax credits being a good example. They will be aware that a number of peoples circumstances are such that they can claim the benefit, but then lose part of theitr wage, or part of another benefit. However, the fact that they are elligable to cliam in the first place is whats recorded on the government stats. They can claim 'X million people have benefitted from tax credits' When in fact probably only half that figure actually 'benefitted'
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19915
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Posted: January 29 2008 at 05:13 |
Ok people, I have a rant.....
as I am considered to be on a very low wage, I am able to claim for tax credits. at the beginning of the financial year, I have to 'predict' what my earnings are likely to be over the coming year, in relation to my previous P60, from which my tax credit calculation is made.
this year, the YHA introduced a hostel performance bonus scheme, based on percentage increases of guests staying etc over the previous 12 months, and paid it out at Xmas. Unfortunately for them, at a small number of locations, it cost them more than they anticipated, owing to some slighly eroneous calculations in the planning stage. needless to say, the scheme has been withdrawn.
the upshot is that I was paid a one off lump sum bonus of £1900, which after tax became £1500. the tax credit people then sent me a letter asking me to declare my earnings for 2007/8, and when they found out this, they are not only reducing my tax credits for the next few weeks until the end of April, but next year, it is probable that I will have to pay them back in installments, an equivalent sum to the bonus scheme, as they say I have now been overpaid.....
..I think this is what you call the Poverty Trap.... |
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 28 2008 at 13:21 |
fandango wrote:
^^thank you for enlightening me as to who Alex James is...I had no idea....
all I will say is that I am lead to believe that the BBC approached quite a number of 'celebrities' to make this programme...and he was the only one who agreed...for that alone, we must give him some modicum of credit.... |
The purpose of the programme is to show where all the dirty drug money goes, amid these cartels. Yes, it's a worthwhile programme indeed, and I hope it raises the awareness it needs to. James is focussed on this issue. He was on the today prog on Radion 4 this morning, and spoke with some reasonable authority on the subject..
But with regard to QT, his appearence done HIS crediblity no good at all, and could detract from the seriousness of his campagin. They'd be better off with Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers. He's educated and well informed, but I guess too much of a firebrand for the beeb, too inflammatory and frankly a bit of psycho, but it would have made better TV. 
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VanderGraafKommandöh
Prog Reviewer
Joined: July 04 2005
Location: Malaria
Status: Offline
Points: 89372
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Posted: January 28 2008 at 13:18 |
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Well I like Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn and they both are articulate people. I have yet to see Alex James though.
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19915
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Posted: January 28 2008 at 13:07 |
^^thank you for enlightening me as to who Alex James is...I had no idea....
all I will say is that I am lead to believe that the BBC approached quite a number of 'celebrities' to make this programme...and he was the only one who agreed...for that alone, we must give him some modicum of credit....
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Blacksword
Prog Reviewer
Joined: June 22 2004
Location: England
Status: Offline
Points: 16130
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Posted: January 28 2008 at 13:02 |
Ok, I had to say something about this guy. Alex James, former bass player with shoe gazing Essex boyz Blur.
I've nothing against him as a musician/rock star (or rather former rock star) It bothers me not one wit, that he has become both an arable and sheep farmer; strutting around his estate like an Indie Mike Oldfield, acting out his fantasy of being a rich landowner, sh!tting on the little man. I couldn't care a jot about that..
No, I'm concerned that his status as a former coke snorting, p!ss head has somehow led him into political commentary. Anyone who saw BBC's Question Time last week will recall the monumental embarassment that washed over the panel and the sudience whenever James was asked a question. He really is the most inarticulate, dim witted and uninspiring panel guest that show has ever lowered itself to include.
Now I dont hate the guy, but has our dumb culture really brought us to this point? Who next for the QT panel Ozzy? Jordan? OB from Hollyoaks?
Alex James has made a Panorama program about the drugs trade in Columbia. It will be shown tonight. The point he is aking is an important one, so I wont knock his intent. But once again, I find myself struggling to take seriously rock stars who try to 'make a difference' Especially one who struggles to construct a sentence. That said, I hope his anti Cocaine campaign has a posiitve effect.
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Atkingani
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
Joined: October 21 2005
Location: Terra Brasilis
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
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Posted: January 26 2008 at 20:02 |
Funny! 
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Guigo
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the_id
Forum Groupie
Joined: December 11 2007
Status: Offline
Points: 47
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Posted: January 26 2008 at 19:56 |
Mine is not hatred but a rant....that most people who are honest with themselves will recognise...maybe even agree with. How many of us wish immigrants would intigrate in our society, rather than remain in thier own self centred conclaves. This also works vice versa.
Seems to be the same old admin and moderators who get upset by truths. Religion..well it is only a belief. Suzuki drivers in the Uk do not seem to understand the speed limit.
Mobile phones are the spawn of the devil...we lived very much better without them, and were aware of our surroundings...unlike the street walker textists.
Humour....sadly lacking.....especially on here  .
ps why do progrock records sell bootlegs in their shops?
Edited by the_id - January 27 2008 at 19:39
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Jared
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 06 2005
Location: Hereford, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 19915
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Posted: January 26 2008 at 10:28 |
Blacksword
Prog Reviewer   Joined: June 22 2004 Location: Chavshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 6150
Edited by fandango - January 26 2008 at 10:30
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Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson
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Atkingani
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
Joined: October 21 2005
Location: Terra Brasilis
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
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Posted: January 25 2008 at 21:43 |
Some posts here were hidden... although this is a "ranting room" it does not need to be transformed into a "hatred room".
Thanks!
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Guigo
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stonebeard
Forum Senior Member
Joined: May 27 2005
Location: NE Indiana
Status: Offline
Points: 28057
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Posted: January 25 2008 at 16:49 |
NaturalScience wrote:
stonebeard wrote:
Talk to friends without talking.
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But what's the value added over e-mail/IM?
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Eh, you can see pictures of people and play with stupid applications. It's weird because you can end up feeling like you know people without talking to them. People say it's stalking, but I wouldn't go that far. It does have a weird feel sometimes.
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Padraic
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: February 16 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Status: Offline
Points: 31169
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Posted: January 25 2008 at 16:35 |
stonebeard wrote:
Talk to friends without talking.
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But what's the value added over e-mail/IM?
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moreitsythanyou
Forum Senior Member
VIP Member
Joined: April 23 2006
Location: NYC
Status: Offline
Points: 11682
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Posted: January 25 2008 at 12:39 |
HughesJB4 wrote:
Can someone explain the appeal of Facebook to me?
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I'm still trying to find out.
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 <font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR]
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Petrovsk Mizinski
Prog Reviewer
Joined: December 24 2007
Location: Ukraine
Status: Offline
Points: 25210
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Posted: January 25 2008 at 12:39 |
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Other than the obvious appeal i meant.
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