# xmas (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover xmas. Page: Feed: --- ## [Farage channelling Trump again](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/farage-channelling-trump-again.html) _2026-08-30 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ If there is any doubt that Reform UK are just a poor-man's Donald Trump fan club then their latest proposals to change the way we vote should confirm it. The party's plan to bring in draconian new laws which could exclude millions from voting and would make it hard for non-English speakers to take part in elections are not just racist but also reflect the voter suppression tactics adopted by the… ## [The Church at the heart of Mumbles](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-church-at-heart-of-mumbles.html) _2026-08-29 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ If you walk down Mumbles Road towards the pier, past the White Rose pub, the former watering hole of Hywel Bennett , and past the famous Joe's Ice Cream Parlour, where the now Prince of Wales insisted on being served chocolate ice cream, you will come to an arched entrance through which are some steps and a path leading to the medieval church that is at the centre of Mumbles life. All Saints'… ## [The Church at the heart of Mumbles](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-church-at-heart-of-mumbles.html) _2026-08-29 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ If you walk down Mumbles Road towards the pier, past the White Rose pub, the former watering hole of Hywel Bennett , and past the famous Joe's Ice Cream Parlour, where the now Prince of Wales insisted on being served chocolate ice cream, you will come to an arched entrance through which are some steps and a path leading to the medieval church that is at the centre of Mumbles life. All Saints'… ## [A very Russian conspiracy](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-very-russian-conspiracy.html) _2026-08-28 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ Nation Cymru carries an extensive review of the new book by Luke Harding and its various revelations about former Wales UKIP leader. UKIP Welsh Assembly Member, Farage buddy and Reform UK leading light, Nathan Gill. In Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest, Harding, who has described Putin’s Russia as a “Mafia state”, suggests that Nathan Gill was part of a bigger pro-Russian network… ## [A very Russian conspiracy](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-very-russian-conspiracy.html) _2026-08-28 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ Nation Cymru carries an extensive review of the new book by Luke Harding and its various revelations about former Wales UKIP leader. UKIP Welsh Assembly Member, Farage buddy and Reform UK leading light, Nathan Gill. In Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest, Harding, who has described Putin’s Russia as a “Mafia state”, suggests that Nathan Gill was part of a bigger pro-Russian network… ## [Burnham's betrayal on political funding](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/burnhams-betrayal-on-political-funding.html) _2026-08-27 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that Andy Burnham has dropped his support for capping political donations, causing anger among activists and Labour MPs who have long campaigned for change to the way parties are funded. The paper says that the prime minister has decided not to back amendments to the elections bill, which would cap the amount a person or an organisation can give in a single donation: The… ## [Can Burnham deliver on housing?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/can-burnham-deliver-on-housing.html) _2026-08-26 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Independent reports that Andy Burnham has pledged a £10bn package to build tens of thousands of homes, marking the first indication of how the new prime minister plans to grapple with Britain’s housing crisis. The paper says that the initial wave of funding will build 70,000 homes across England, at least 60 per cent of which will be social rented houses, though the funding has not just been… ## [Can Reform UK even organise a booze-up?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/can-reform-uk-even-organise-booze-up.html) _2026-08-25 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ Reform UK have been floundering of late. Not only are they slipping in the polls, but Farage is a much diminished figure after his little resignation stunt left him humiliated by a man with a bin on his head, and the attempt to nullify the investigation into his finances ended in failure. As a result he appears to have gone into hiding. Now the Mirror reports that the party can't even organise a… ## [Reform's crypto dependency](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/reforms-crypto-dependency.html) _2026-08-24 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ What exacctly does Reform UK offer to cryptocurrency investors that comepels them to give their money to the party? The Independent reports that Nigel Farage’s party has received £20m in donations from cryptocurrency investors since the general election. The paper says that an analysis of Electoral Commission data shows that a staggering 60 per cent of the right-wing eurosceptic group’s funding… ## [The freebie culture](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-freebie-culture.html) _2026-08-23 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that MPs have been accused of failing to learn their lesson over freebies after taking almost £400,000 of hospitality to concerts, sport matches and other events this year, with Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Wes Streeting among those accepting tickets. The paper says that despite the outcry in 2024 over Keir Starmer accepting football tickets and gifts of clothing, MPs appear… ## [Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/ZfusYiwmUBu1) _2026-08-23 · **Sponsored**_ Buy, sell and margin trade BTC & ETH with fiat currencies ## [The freebie culture](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-freebie-culture.html) _2026-08-23 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that MPs have been accused of failing to learn their lesson over freebies after taking almost £400,000 of hospitality to concerts, sport matches and other events this year, with Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Wes Streeting among those accepting tickets. The paper says that despite the outcry in 2024 over Keir Starmer accepting football tickets and gifts of clothing, MPs appear… ## [A library on the site of an old fire station](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-library-on-site-of-old-fire-station.html) _2026-08-22 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ Oystermouth library in Mumbles was built in 1935 and is a classic example of the architecture of that period. But what was on the site before then? An article on the story of Mumbles site by Carol Powell provides some insight. She tells us that there had been a school on the site since 1813, but the British ‘Non-Denominational’ School took over the premises in Dunns Lane in July 1835, when it… ## [Has racism and sexism become normalised in the UK?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/has-racism-and-sexism-become-normalised.html) _2026-08-21 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports on the comments by the UK equalities minister, Bridget Phillipson that racism and sexism have become normalised in Britain, as she warned that young men are being sucked into violent misogyny by the “cesspit” of social media. Phillipson told the Guardians Politics Weekly Podcast that she was increasingly worried about how commonplace misogyny and racism had become, fuelled by… ## [Tory fantasy on net zero](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/tory-fantasy-on-net-zero.html) _2026-08-20 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Independent reports that green campaigners have accused the Conservatives’ of “living in fantasy land” after the party laid out plans to ditch net zero and prioritise cheap energy over decarbonising Britain’s power grid. They were commenting on plans by the shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho to ditch net zero, insisting that the UK “should focus all our attention on making electricity… ## [Reform civil war?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/reform-civil-war.html) _2026-08-19 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Mirror reports that Reform UK has suspended one of its highest-profile supporters as cracks start to show in Nigel Farage's party. The paper says that Tim Montgomerie criticised Mr Farage after he refused to attend the Clacton by-election count on Friday. They add that he also hit out at combative frontbencher Zia Yusuf, suggesting people "cannot behave like a child" in politics and lifting… ## [Reform civil war?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/reform-civil-war.html) _2026-08-19 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Mirror reports that Reform UK has suspended one of its highest-profile supporters as cracks start to show in Nigel Farage's party. The paper says that Tim Montgomerie criticised Mr Farage after he refused to attend the Clacton by-election count on Friday. They add that he also hit out at combative frontbencher Zia Yusuf, suggesting people "cannot behave like a child" in politics and lifting… ## [The climate change dilemma facing Burnham](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-climate-change-dilemma-facing.html) _2026-08-18 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Times reports that Andy Burnham faces a potential showdown with Labour MPs after suggesting faster extraction of North Sea oil and gas could help pay for the transition to clean energy. They are referring to the decision by the prime minister over whether to approve the Rosebank oilfield and Jackdaw gasfield after consultations on both projects closed: Industry sources have told The Times they… ## [Could water companies put up prices to pay for drought?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/could-water-companies-put-up-prices-to.html) _2026-08-17 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that water companies could be allowed to raise bills for customers during periods of drought under proposals being considered by the sector’s regulator for England and Wales. The suggestion is that suppliers would be permitted to factor “water scarcity” into bills as part of efforts to reduce consumption under Ofwat’s plans, which are being likened to surge pricing – the… ## [Labour government needs to give universities a break](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/labour-government-needs-to-give.html) _2026-08-16 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that university leaders are warning of financial turmoil in British higher education after new figures suggested a collapse in international student numbers would deprive the sector of vital income and undermine its future. The paper says that the sector’s leaders have called on the government to rethink the levy on international student fees imposed under Keir Starmer, as a… ## [Yet another mock castle](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/yet-another-mock-castle.html) _2026-08-15 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ When I was a student Clyne Castle was student accommodation and one that hosted legendary summer balls, that often ended up on the beach at 5am the next day. It is now luxury flats, a victim of the trend by universities to cash in on their assets and contract out student digs to outside providers. Wikipedia , describes the Castle as a Grade II\*-listed building situated on a hill overlooking… ## [Realtime AI Arbitrage Terminal (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/FqjWSOneYcUO) _2026-08-15 · **Sponsored**_ Realtime auto-trading across exchanges with scored setups, backtesting, and risk controls. ## [Another Reform UK misdemeanor](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/another-reform-uk-misdemeanor.html) _2026-08-14 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ It doesn't seem as if elected Reform officials can keep out of trouble. The Independent reports that a Reform councillor has been suspended after resurfaced social media posts appeared to show him calling for the Commons speaker to be hanged. The paper says that in response to a post about then Commons speaker John Bercow, an account linked to Kirklees councillor David Rowan wrote on social media… ## [Has a convicted fraudster moved into Reform UK party HQ?](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/has-convicted-fraudster-moved-into.html) _2026-08-13 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Times reports that the convicted fraudster who secretly bankrolled Nigel Farage has moved his company’s address to the same building as Reform UK’s headquarters, amid questions over how close he remains to the party. The paper says that Geostrategy International Unlimited, set up by George Cottrell last year, has changed its registered company address from the address of a company formation… ## [The targeting of journalists is a real threat to democracy](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/the-targeting-of-journalists-is-real.html) _2026-08-12 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ The Guardian reports that the businessman and Reform UK backer Arron Banks is facing calls to lay out the extent of his surveillance of journalists, described by an industry body as an “attack on our democracy”. The paper says that the News Media Association (NMA), which represents regional and national media, has raised concerns after Banks appeared to admit over the weekend to hiring private… ## [When Fiction intrudes on real life](https://peterblack.blogspot.com/2026/08/when-fiction-intrudes-on-real-life_01503326228.html) _2026-08-11 · Peter Black · Peter Black_ I've already blogged a few times here about Ianto's memorial wall, a place in Cardiff Bay where devotees have posted momentos concerning a fictional character from the Torchwood TV series. The posts are here , here , here , and here . Now there is another example of how seriously people take their entertainment. Metro News reports that Harry Potter fans have proven there’s clearly power in… ## [LOTS OF WOWS AT WOW!](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/lots-of-wows-at-wow/) _2026-06-01 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes Australia was delighted to return as the charity partner for the sixth time at the recent Words on the Waves (WOW) Writers’ Festival on the NSW Central Coast. This year, the Family Fun Day was held at the Gosford Regional Library, providing a vibrant and welcoming space for families to come together and celebrate books, storytelling, creativity, and imagination. Fun was certainly… ## [DANDENONG SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL WINS MAINFREIGHT BEST BOOK GIVING ASSEMBLY COMPETITION 2025](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/dandenong-south-primary-school-wins-mainfreight-best-book-giving-assembly-competition-2025/) _2026-05-05 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes is delighted to announce the winner of the 2025 Mainfreight Best Book Giving Assembly Competition as Dandenong South Primary School in Victoria. Dandenong South Primary School is the sixth winner of the competition, which was launched in 2019. (The Competition was not held in 2020 due to the onset of Covid 19.) Twenty-three Mainfreight-sponsored schools were automatic entrants into… ## [BOOKS IN HOMES AT WORDS ON THE WAVES WRITERS’ FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY 2026!](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/books-in-homes-at-words-on-the-waves-writers-festival-family-fun-day-2026/) _2026-04-23 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes will be participating in the Words on the Waves Writers Festival Family Fun Day on Saturday 30 May 2026. The Family Fun Day will be held from 9:30am to 1:30pm at Gosford Regional Library, 123a Donnison St, Gosford NSW 2250 on the Central Coast of NSW. Come along for a fun-filled day of storytime, face-painting, book launches, music and more! If you’re in the area, please stop by our… ## [BOOKS IN HOMES DISTRIBUTED 3.2 MILLION BOOKS!](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/books-in-homes-distributed-3-2-million-books/) _2026-01-15 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes exceeded distributing 3.2 million books at the end of 2025. Since its inception in 2001, the program has overcome the inequality of educational opportunities in communities where access to books for families is limited or non-existent and resources are often scarce. The program contributes to helping overcome generational poverty by enhancing the chances of success in early… ## [A 2025 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BOOKS IN HOMES](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/a-2025-christmas-message-from-books-in-homes/) _2025-12-20 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ We’re several days away from Christmas and we want to express our sincere appreciation to the Books in Homes Community who band together to help us make the programs we deliver a great success. Thank you to our Sponsors, Donors, Role Models, Book Selection Committee, Scholastic Australia, volunteers, schools, centres, \[…\] ## [MAINFREIGHT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATTITUDE 2025](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/mainfreight-award-for-excellence-in-attitude-2025/) _2025-12-20 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ The Mainfreight Award for Excellence in Attitude was launched in 2019. The award recognises senior students at our Mainfreight-sponsored schools who have shown a positive attitude in all areas of school life or who have been recognised for having accomplished a major goal or made an exceptional effort at school during the \[…\] ## [Real SIMs for AI Agents (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/avpRrNLrqSSK) _2025-12-20 · **Sponsored**_ Pass 2FA and verifications with real carrier numbers via our API. ## [SPONSOR ENTREPRENEUR SERIES – IN CONVERSATION WITH BOOKS IN HOMES AND THE BOOK ADVISER](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/sponsor-entrepreneur-series-in-conversation-with-books-in-homes-and-the-book-adviser/) _2025-09-30 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ The Book Adviser covers all aspects of how to successfully write, self publish and market business books including how to build a book community, platform and demand for your book. The company provides one-to-one mentoring throughout the process via an 8-step 8 to12-month program and three book marketing packages: Expert, \[…\] ## [ROTARY TURRAMURRA TRIVIA NIGHT 2025 RAISES $7500 FOR BOOKS IN HOMES](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/rotary-turramurra-trivia-night-2025-raises-7500-for-books-in-homes/) _2025-09-01 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ \[The Rotary Turramurra\] Trivia Night on Tuesday 19th August 2025 was nothing short of an amazing success. A heartfelt congratulations to PDG Pam Pritchard AM and Andre Hariman, who led the night with energy and flair, and to every single club member who pitched in to make it such a wonderful \[…\] ## [BOOKS IN HOMES AT WOW FAMILY FUN DAY!](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/books-in-homes-at-wow-family-fun-day/) _2025-04-28 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes will be participating in the Words on the Waves Writers Festival Family Fun Day on Sunday 1 June 2025. Two of our Roles Models Louise Park and Serena Geddes are also on the official WOW WF program that day. The Family Fun Day will be held from 9am \[…\] ## [LIDDIARD ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL WINS MAINFREIGHT BEST BOOK GIVING ASSEMBLY COMPETITION 2024](https://www.booksinhomes.com.au/liddiard-road-primary-school-wins-mainfreight-best-book-giving-assembly-competition-2024/) _2025-04-28 · Books in Homes · Books in Homes-_ Books in Homes is delighted to announce the winner of the 2024 Mainfreight Best Book Giving Assembly Competition as Liddiard Road Primary School in Taralgon, Victoria. Liddiard Road Primary School is the fifth winner of the competition, which was launched in 2019. (The Competition was not held in 2020 due \[…\]