Latest news with #John
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Maybe we can start talking about the issue we've been ignoring
A commentary on the new survey written by Sir John Curtice (love him, who doesn't) delves into some of the stuff that might be going on with the figures. The public are well aware of Britain's problems, he says; indeed, lots of them are feeling it directly. But Sir John also says that rather than turning their backs on the state, for the most part the public are still inclined to look to government to provide solutions. They also feel that most people on low and middle incomes are paying enough tax already but suspect some of the better-off could pay more. If the people who run the survey had asked me for my opinion, I would have said pretty much the same thing. However, it's the consequences of all this for the political parties that really interests me because the public's view of how it's working now is remarkable. For example, just 19% think the current system of governing Britain needs little or no improvement. As for trust in government, only 12% trust it to put the country's interests before party interests 'just about always' or 'most of the time'. This is even lower than the previous record low of 14% in 2023. It's bad. The specifics of the findings are particularly troubling for Labour. The report says only 30% of people in what sociologists call semi-routine and routine occupations voted Labour, compared with 42% in professional and managerial jobs. To put it another way, Labour won the election but failed to reconnect with its traditional base of working-class voters, which is a big change. The working-class Tory and the posho socialist have always been a thing, but broadly speaking, support for political parties in this country has always been pretty much in line with social class. Now the traditional class-based support for parties is breaking down. Read more Tunnock's is being blamed for society's problems. Step away from the teacakes Are you 'upset'? The dangers of flags in Scottish schools These are the latest plans at the Glasgow School of Art. Really? The Social Attitudes Survey suggests that one of the new alternative influences on voting could be age: only 6% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted Tory compared to 36% of those aged 65 and over. But the age factor isn't new really: young people have always been drawn more to the left before tending to become conservative as they grow older. Again, there have always been exceptions – the teenage Tory like William Hague in the 70s or the ageing socialist with a mortgage and an ISA – but on the whole, oldies are less likely to be lefties. Education as a factor is also hard to pin down. The Attitudes Survey says just 5% of graduates voted for Reform compared with 25% of those with less than an A level or equivalent, but this isn't a completely different issue from class if we consider how levels of education are broadly linked to background. And we know Reform is polling better than Labour among working-class voters. A recent YouGov poll found that among the social and economic groups C2DE – I hate all this pseudo-scientific terminology but it's hard to avoid – Reform has around 30% support compared to 20% for Labour. In other words, it's class that's the factor here. Even the Attitudes Survey's results on the culture war and 'equalities' issues follows the same sort of pattern. The survey says people with liberal attitudes on culture war and equalities issues mostly voted Labour (53%), Lib Dem (17%) or Green (14%) while those with more conservative views were more likely to support the Tories (32%) or Reform (28%). You could take issue with the terms liberal and conservative here, but the survey's conclusion is that the way people vote reflects their views on culture war issues – trans, gender, race, DEI, all that – just as much as where they stand in the traditional debate between left and right. Nigel Farage of Reform (Image: Ben Birchall) But again, it's all about class. Is it any surprise that identity politics focused on gender and race has failed to catch on in working class communities when they're the ones dealing with the effects of economic inequality based on class? Thanks to multiple reports from the Social Mobility Commission, and the fact that we can see it for ourselves every day, we know that although only 7% of the population is privately educated, they're dominant in politics, business and the media. And yet when it comes to diversity quotas or lessons on DEI, social class doesn't get a mention. There are at least some people talking about it though. The Education Select Committee did a good report on the subject in 2021 in which they said ideas such as 'white privilege' were the opposite to what disadvantaged white children experience and were alienating to working class communities. They hear all the talk about their privilege and they don't hear much talk about how disadvantage affects their lives and, as we can see in the Attitudes Survey, it's started to have an effect on how they vote. Bottom line: class. Where we need to go from here would seem obvious then. As the survey points out, trust in government and party politics is low. The connection between Labour and its traditional working-class base has also been severed and it won't be restored while politicians and commentators, with that Nelsonian blindness, are talking about other things instead. Reform are scooping up votes because they're benefitting from voters who feel ignored. So stop ignoring them. Start talking seriously about economic inequality. Start suggesting solutions (it might be taxing the better-off more, who knows). But above all, start talking about what's really going on here: class, class, class.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Forest & Bird Honours Six Outstanding Volunteers
Forest & Bird has honoured six long-serving members with the Tī Kōuka award for their exceptional service over a long period to the organisation and to conservation in their regions. New Zealand's largest independent conservation organisation has thousands of dedicated volunteers throughout Aotearoa and is celebrating these six for their passion and hard work over many years. The recipients say they are honoured to be recognised but add they would not have achieved anything without the teams of dedicated Forest & Bird volunteers they work with. David Cornick is the longest serving member of the Lower Hutt branch committee, joining it in 1991. He has been involved in some of the most significant restorations in the region, including Mātiu Somes and Mana islands, and Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve. He has also been a member of teams reintroducing rare native birds into these areas. 'David is a knowledgeable and passionate conservationist, a handy photographer, and a humble, hardworking contributor to so many of Forest & Bird's projects,' says Andy Mitchell, Lower Hutt branch chair. Another long-serving Lower Hutt member John Groombridge has been branch treasurer for a quarter of a century. John is also a long-time volunteer and organiser of restoration work on Mātiu Somes Island and a regular volunteer and organiser for other branch projects. 'John has been a solid contributor to the branch for almost 30 years, and our committee recognises his long service and the tremendous amount of mahi he has undertaken,' Andy Mitchell says. Christine Major has been running the North Shore branch-led Tuff Crater restoration's predator control programme since 2010. Christine has been central to the success of the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland project's predator control. She has been responsible for recruiting and training the baiting and trapping teams and liaising with the council, among many responsibilities. 'Tuff Crater requires a sustained coordinated predator control effort and Christine has been the main reason it has been a success,' Tuff Crater project lead Richard Hursthouse says. Another Tuff Crater volunteer, Paul Pyper, has been leading Thursday working bees at the project since 2016, a total of at least 280 events. Among his responsibilities, he liaises with and trains new volunteers, and works with adjoining landowners over access to control pest plants on their land. The North Shore branch has spent more than $300,000 on restoration efforts at the project and planted more than 28,000 native plants. 'Since Paul has been involved, we have planted 17,000 plants, much of which Paul has been part of,' Richard Hursthouse says. Peter Smith has been the Ashburton branch treasurer since 1996 and has also been a major contributor to other branch and community activities and projects. He played a key role in the establishment of the Ashburton Community Conservation Trust in 2007, which manages the Harris Scientific Reserve. He is still closely involved in management of the reserve, a significant Canterbury plains dryland vegetation site, and he is a strong advocate for conservation in the local media. Ashburton committee member Mary Ralston says the branch would probably not have been able to function without Peter's expertise and support, and that of his wife Edith, the branch chair for three decades. Eric van Essen of the Waitākere branch has been involved in the care of the Colin Kerr-Taylor Memorial Reserve in Waimauku since the early 1990s, where he is honorary ranger. He has created a halo project around the reserve to expand predator control with adjoining landowners. He has also been a regular volunteer at the branch's Matuku Reserve. 'Eric is the ultimate volunteer, willing and able but humble,' says founding chair of the Waitakere branch, John Staniland.
Business Upturn
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Uncharted Japan Celebrates First Anniversary with Over 5,000 Subscribers and Hundreds of Thousands of Views
Black Mountain, North Carolina, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John and Josephine Haynes on their travels (source: Uncharted Japan) Uncharted Japan, an independent travel storytelling venture, has announced major milestones. Following its first anniversary, its YouTube channel has crossed 5,000 subscribers and accumulated hundreds of thousands of views. Uncharted Japan's growth, especially within the niche category of culturally rich, off-the-beaten-path Japanese travel, reflects a growing demand for authentic, meaningful travel content and the channel's distinct voice. 'We never imagined this would resonate the way it has. I'm in my 60s, and before we started, I had never uploaded a video, never used editing software, and certainly had no experience running a YouTube channel,' says John Haynes, co-founder of Uncharted Japan. 'Most creators on this platform are half our age, and yet here we are, a couple with zero production background, reaching thousands and being recognized in Japan by viewers who've changed their travel plans because of us.' Founded by John and his wife, Josephine, Uncharted Japan began as a passion project inspired by a decades-long love affair with Japan's culture, countryside, and people. John, a former top-producing real estate professional in the US, left a successful career of nearly four decades to launch this channel alongside Josephine, whose ties to Japan run generations deep. Born in Japan, Josephine represents the fourth generation of her American family to have lived there. In 1861, her great-great-grandparents arrived as some of the earliest missionaries permitted into the country after centuries of isolation. That legacy, as well as their frequent visits to the family home near Nagano, gives the Hayneses a unique perspective in the online travel space. Uncharted Japan isn't a typical travel channel. It doesn't showcase the same viral hotspots found on every influencer's itinerary, from Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari or Osaka's Dotonbori. The channel delves into quiet villages, forgotten temples, mom-and-pop eateries, and historic neighborhoods that rarely, if ever, appear on travel blogs or Instagram feeds. Uncharted Japan's content is carefully curated for an older, more discerning audience who value substance over spectacle. 'We avoid clickbait thumbnails or outrageous challenges,' says John. 'We offer in-depth storytelling to travelers who want a slower pace and a genuine connection with Japan's culture and communities.' This focus on depth and discovery distinguishes Uncharted Japan. It has always been dedicated to revealing the side of Japan that most visitors and even some locals overlook. Uncharted Japan's impact is evident in the comments across its videos. Viewers praise its sincere approach and the richness of its recommendations. For instance, its episode on the Osaka Expo 2025 has drawn over 185,000 views, providing viewers with a comprehensive guide to one of Japan's largest events in decades. The Hayneses also receive heartfelt emails and comments almost daily, not only from viewers but also from the Japanese locals whose stories they help amplify. Remote innkeepers and small-town restaurateurs express deep gratitude for the exposure Uncharted Japan provides. Viral travel content usually chases clicks over connection. Uncharted Japan represents a return to what travel is supposed to be about: discovery, understanding, and storytelling. 'Our passion is to show people that there's so much more to Japan than neon lights and cherry blossoms,' John says. 'It's a country of astonishing diversity, history, and quiet beauty, especially in the places most tourists never go. If we can help people experience that, then we've done something worthwhile.' This is what Uncharted Japan remains committed to doing as it moves into its second year. Media Contact Name: John Haynes Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Boston Globe
11 hours ago
- General
- Boston Globe
Massachusetts Historical Society names new president
Founded in 1791, the Advertisement Among the MHS's most storied holdings are the Adams Family Papers, which includes the papers of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, and an extensive archive of Thomas Jefferson's papers. One of those papers is Jefferson's hand-written copy of the Declaration of Independence. Although primarily a research and archival institution, the MHS offers programs for the general public, including lectures and exhibitions. Currently on exhibit is Catherine Allgor was MHS president from 2017 to 2024. The interim president, Brenda Lawson, will return to her position as senior vice president in September, when Krassner arrives at the society's Back Bay headquarters, at 1154 Boylston St. Advertisement Mark Feeney can be reached at
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We sample the Puma Crossover and share details on Suzuki's e Vitara launch
The Puma is fun to drive, economical and practical as well as having stylish looks. In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John samples Ford's biggest seller - the stylish Puma Crossover - which proves to be an ideal family car, and shares details on Suzuki's launch of its first EV - the e Vitara. The Ford Puma has been one of the UK's top selling cars since it first arrived on the scene over five years ago. It is Ford's best seller, taking over from the popular Fiesta and it also sells well throughout mainland Europe. I have sampled just about every version of it since it started to make an impact and it is a Crossover I still like. It brought something new to the party when it was launched and it rightly met with deserved praise for its style and innovative features. The Puma is also fun to drive, economical and practical as well as having stylish looks. It has some neat touches, like the pouncing Puma that appears in the dash when you press the starter button or as a puddle light in the dark. It stands out from the rest of the small crossover crowd because there is plenty of room for four to travel in comfort and you can pack in five for shorter journeys. A smart steering wheel houses the usual push-button controls while the dashboard layout is typical Ford with a central display screen for connectivity and sat nav but it also comes fitted with a smart TFT instrument cluster and a huge amount of equipment. The seats are very comfortable and fully adjustable and there is good all-round visibility. As in all Fords, the switches and controls are clear and easy to read and use. A Quickclear heated windscreen is ideal for winter motoring and there is a decent sound system as well as Ford SYNC 3 navigation and full smart phone integration. On the practical side the Puma boasts impressive carrying capacity. The boot is large for a car of this size and comes complete with Ford's MegaBox. This is an 80-litre storage space which lies beneath the split level boot floor and is ideal for carrying wet sports equipment, muddy wellies or anything else that is liable to cause a mess. It has a drain plug at the bottom and can be hosed out afterwards. If you need even more space you can collapse the split-folding rear seats to get class-leading room. This flagship ST sporty version costing £33,260, sits at the top of the range and has a 1.0-litre EcoBoost three cylinder petrol engine linked to mild hybrid technology and is good for 170ps. Digital Aqua Blue paint adds £800 to the tab and if you want the Track Pack it will cost you another £1050. It takes just 7.4 seconds to tackle the sprint to 62mph before going on to a top speed of 130mph. According to the official figures it is capable of as much as 55.4mpg with a low figure of 39.2mpg and I averaged over 48mpg during many miles of mixed driving. You get lots of advanced driver assistance aids like cruise control and pre-collision assist plus lane departure warning and handy drive modes for Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail conditions. You also get autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection and hill start assist This model features exclusive 19-inch alloys, privacy glass, front fog lights with cornering lights and LED rear lamps. The kit list wants for nothing and you get a wireless charging pad, B&O sound system, Ford performance scuff plates, an ST flat bottomed steering wheel, red brake callipers, Ford performance seats as well as ST suspension to cope with the extra power. I liked this Puma and it was a fun car to drive with great handling and a more than decent ride even with the sports suspension. Stylish, practical, economical and entertaining, the Puma ticks all the boxes and it is also good value for money especially in the more modest versions. FAST FACTS: Price: £33,260. Mechanical: 170ps, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 7 speed automatic gearbox. Max speed: 130mph. 0-62mph: 7.4 seconds. Insurance group: 19. CO2 emissions: 136g/km. Bik rating: 37 per cent. Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles. Overall rating (out of 5): 4.5. Meanwhile, Suzuki's first electric car will arrive later this year with the e Vitara priced from £29,999 for a 49kWh battery model. The e Vitara will be available in both Motion and Ultra grades as well offering ALLGRIP-e as an option - Suzuki's all-new four-wheel drive system - with the five vehicle range topping out from £37,799. ALLGRIP-e has been developed specifically for e Vitara and Suzuki is currently one of only a few brands to offer 4x4 as an option in the SUV EV sector. Suzuki has a vast experience of 4x4 technology and celebrates 55 years of ALLGRIP this year. Further specification and technical details of the e Vitara range will be issued closer to the public launch date. Buyers looking at finance options will see the e Vitara available from launch with zero per cent PCP, payable over two years and with a 20 per cent deposit. With the 61kWh Motion 2WD as an example, a deposit of £8,436 is required followed by monthly payments of £379 per month with the usual optional final payment required to keep the car at the end of the agreement. As an additional and attractive offer for customers ordering their e Vitara before September 30, Suzuki will provide a free Ohme home charger along with 10,000 miles of home charging credit. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
