Goodbye to Mike Dickin the Talk Sport Radio presenter . I was shocked to hear that he died . I heard this today. He was involved in a six car pile- up yesterday and it
was reported that he died on his way to hospital in a helicopter.
What a shock . He was part of my life style.
Uncle Manos was buried yesterday .. I did't attend the funeral . He died about two weeks ago whilst on holiday in Egypt,his birth place. Manos was found dead in a hotel bath tub., no explanation, and an autopsy was not carried out by the Egyptian authorities . Manos was about seventy seven , the same age as my father Costas would have been had he not died five years ago .
I did not have a special relationship with uncle Manos . I guess he had bad relationships with most people: blood relatives or otherwise. I remember Dad didn't like him much . He was divorced many many years ago and remained quite bitter and depressed . Often appearing at family parties late and hungry. He lived a lonely life and what struck me was that he seems to have died a lonely death. May he rest in peace.
I have to admit Mike Dickin was a bigger loss to me . I used to look forward to listening to his show on Friday and Saturday nights, and when it was time for bed I would put my ear plug on and listen to his angry , passionate and entertaining reactions to the meaninglessness of the experiences he and listeners recited as well as the absurdities of a regime imposed by the elected government ,both
central and local branches alike.
He used to analyse the behaviour of the mini dictatorships known as local councils . How they delighted in taking people's money for parking vehicles against their rules or other even more bizarre and trivial offences. He would invite guests on the show who would be expert in how to take on the wrath of these mini despots and not give in to their intimidating tactics. He was a champion in this field of standing up to the nasty behaviour of jobsworth government employees.
When it came to political ,topical or more philosophical issues he debated excellently coming accross with a balanced view; neither too far to the left or right of the political spectrum . What I guess I admired was his cynicism or should I say realism. About politicians and their like . He also had a love of straight forward decency and expressed the anger and frustration shared by millions of listeners about the sheer stupidity of how the law and its minions affect our everyday lives .
He was not blinded by manipulative nationalism and although a proud Englishman shunned the values of being over patriotic to the point of allowing one'self to
become bigoted.Neither did he fear to challenge the exaggerated political correctness of the day and confronted callers about their own perceptions of their
religious , racial or political identity.
He was an unashamed , self confessed outright atheist defying the self righteous who claimed the moral high ground purely because they proffesed a 'faith'.
I did not know him personally but over the years he revealed quite modestly a lot about himself . He was a family man , loved Cornwall and had a life of varied achievements . I hear he was a musician , sportsman aswell as knowledgeable on all aspects of motoring . He seems to have travelled to most parts of the world and in conversation would occasionally mention as an aside ,within an appropriate context,his acquaintance with all sorts of interesting people , political demagogues as well as so-called celebrities . And he wasn't afraid to broadcast publically if he thought a particular character, however 'important ' or 'famous', was a 'pratt'.
It's a great loss. I tried to express my condolences to his family via talk sport e-mail as the station has opened a condolence book in which admirers were able to write their comments. Unfortunately it seems to be jammed . I have given up with that but felt drawn to write in this blog instead . It must be a shock for his family , his children are quite young although he was in his sixties according to BBC reporting .
It is a real loss to his close family , but also to his wider family many who like myself invited him in into their homes over the weekend .
Good bye to both . Uncle Manos who seemed quite unhappy with life. I hope he is no longer unhappy.
And Mike , seemed ,although to be angry about many things in this life , somehow knew how to get some kicks. I hope that if he was wrong about the existence of God , that he is treated with the utmost respect by all the immortals of Hades. He would be as good a catch for them as he was a bad loss to the living .
His most used catch phrase was 'My health is not in question '.And that is ironically so true now.
Goodbye
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Promoting the Brand
In the beginning it is meaningless: Totally bewildering , you have seen this on the expression of a very young child, new to the world . You don't even comprehend a thing and go on strenuously learning by dropping things out of the pram or tasting things that shouldn't be eaten.....Years pass ... you learn and then you begin to question things and get to the heart of examining this existence. Still no meaning and of course you can then like many before you: conform by borrowing, stealing or even inventing something meaningful about your life : It helps. Buying some 'meaning' off the shelf, accepting ideas of others who purport to know the enigma of being : An answer you were striving for . You can carry on like this for a long time until the meaninglessness returns , looms and reveals itself and leaves more mystery . Eventually life comes to its end , a glimmer of revelation the opportunity for you to make some sense of all this meaninglessness and see what it was all about :Alas! you will not be and therefore not able to acknowledge whether your life had any meaning at all , let alone conclude that there was any meaninglessness either .
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Mr Blaiunder ...........blunder ?
Breaking News
Mr Blair was, I am told by news programmes over the radio , interviewed by David Frost .The Interview was for Al Jazeera news station.That station that the U.S bombed during the Iraq invasion because it was squeeling to loudly : freedom of speech ?
Anyhow the old fossil Frost (About time they replaced him , aeons ago when I was a still a child and he was already an established TV presenting mogul ),suggested to Blair that the war in Iraq had..........'So far been pretty much of a disaster '. Mr Blair responded thus :'It has . But you see,what I say to people is :"Why is it difficult in Iraq?", It's not difficult in some accident in planning ,it's difficult because there's a deliberate strategy - Al Qaida with Sunni insurgents on the one hand, Iranian backed-elements with Shia militias on the other - to create a situation in which the will of the majority for peace is displaced by the will of the minority for war '
Please read his reply analyse every statement , think about what was going on in Iraq then and what is going on now , what Blair said the war was about then, and what he is saying now and what is actually happening now, then draw a conclusion about the facts and the amazing man himself ....has he conceded or has he got a little mixed up , dazzled by the shine of the journalistic , avant garde fossil?
Or merely just not bothered any more as its close to the time to hang up his gloves of real mass destruction and commence his tours of universities and 'give '
extortionate after dinner speeches........( save some crumbs for the victims Tone!)
Mr Blair was, I am told by news programmes over the radio , interviewed by David Frost .The Interview was for Al Jazeera news station.That station that the U.S bombed during the Iraq invasion because it was squeeling to loudly : freedom of speech ?
Anyhow the old fossil Frost (About time they replaced him , aeons ago when I was a still a child and he was already an established TV presenting mogul ),suggested to Blair that the war in Iraq had..........'So far been pretty much of a disaster '. Mr Blair responded thus :'It has . But you see,what I say to people is :"Why is it difficult in Iraq?", It's not difficult in some accident in planning ,it's difficult because there's a deliberate strategy - Al Qaida with Sunni insurgents on the one hand, Iranian backed-elements with Shia militias on the other - to create a situation in which the will of the majority for peace is displaced by the will of the minority for war '
Please read his reply analyse every statement , think about what was going on in Iraq then and what is going on now , what Blair said the war was about then, and what he is saying now and what is actually happening now, then draw a conclusion about the facts and the amazing man himself ....has he conceded or has he got a little mixed up , dazzled by the shine of the journalistic , avant garde fossil?
Or merely just not bothered any more as its close to the time to hang up his gloves of real mass destruction and commence his tours of universities and 'give '
extortionate after dinner speeches........( save some crumbs for the victims Tone!)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Hanging In The Balance
It's official , the life of the former dictator of Iraq is hanging in the balance.
Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by the Iraq 'government' yesteday .
He is to hang . He did prefer death by firing squad we are told , but no longer wielding power and ordering others to their deaths or being waited on by servants in one of his palaces , the former despot does not even have the luxury of his final choice in the menu of death .
The question really is ; 'Will he swing or sing?'.
Either way it could be troublesome.
If he swings on the end of a rope, the analysts are telling us his Sunni supporters will elevate him to a martyr and inflict countless more atrocities thereby destabilising the fragile 'democracy 'even further into chaos and mayhem.
If he sings, this could be equally disturbing. for his lawyer is already lodging an appeal . If this is succesful ,I imagine further charges will continously be launched against him until he is finally nailed down . But then he will have so much to sing about when various details of his previous crimes come into the open. He may well implicate various good guys who encouraged him along in 1980-88 in the war against Iran. The real weapons of mass destruction (Not the imaginary ones),the weapons used agianst his own citizens . Who sold them to him ? when and why? . He will have lots to say .
Either way then if he swings or sings , things are not looking good for the beleaguered people of Iraq and the board room Guerillas of The White House or Downing Street.
Now If he is eventually executed , how will he or his magnanimous victors Bush and Blair be entered into the sewage of history?
The Iraq /Iran war , a million casualties? from reliable sources. The persecution of his own people included for so many years of his reign. The figures could reach tens or hundreds of thousands it is not clear .
His adversaries though when considering the assault on Iraq using the most powerful weapons of mass destruction during the war to liberate Kuwait , the interim , the second invasion of Iraq in 2003 and all that followed , have exceeded him .
When one includes the suffering imposed indirectly whether intentional or not , one must be a fool to not come to the conclusion that America and its European province of Britain has caused more death and suffering .
Remember that we live in a world of selective reporting and sophisticated spin by devious politicians who dress up military imperialist acts of genocide as 'humanitarian interventions'. The facts are out there if one is willing to look for alternative views from reliable sources ; Unicef ? The Lancet? to name but
a few of the more establishment orientated ones for those that do not trust the brilliance of 'lefty ' commentators such as Pilger ,Fisk or Chomsky.
In conclusion , I can only make the following analogy to describe how all three scoundrels are related.
Remember that excellent film by Copolla : The Godfather? picture these elegant mafia dons, dressed smartly , seated in their plush offices , offering warm Italian hospitality to their adversaries . They speak of lofty virtues such as : family values , honour , respect .....and being a 'reasonable man'. How superbly portrayed by Marlon Brando . When the battle lines were drawn and there was a conflict of interest between major gangs ,the killings happen...men are machine gunned down whilst in a wedding or funeral , others are brutally stabbed by gangleaders' henchmen. These lower ranking henchmen and thugs often in the story , after serving their purpose as paid assassins , would be then bumped off themselves for security reasons. The poor buggers were vitims in their own right, sacrificed whilst the mafia dons in their suits regained power and restored 'order ' to the community.
Well, in the dumping ground of history all three of our players will be there : Bush the Mafia don , Blair the close and trusty junior partner of the family business , then The great tyrant himself in the role of the cheap , hired ,expendable thug whose fate is to be bumped of ......swinging after he helped to settled the score .
The devastion of Iraq is a big crime , Saddam is guilty but the price paid by his people at the mercy of their liberators is much higher than can be imagined or dared to be made public by a dishonest system of 'Free press'.
Saddam's life is now hanging in the balance but millions did not even have a fair trial.
Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by the Iraq 'government' yesteday .
He is to hang . He did prefer death by firing squad we are told , but no longer wielding power and ordering others to their deaths or being waited on by servants in one of his palaces , the former despot does not even have the luxury of his final choice in the menu of death .
The question really is ; 'Will he swing or sing?'.
Either way it could be troublesome.
If he swings on the end of a rope, the analysts are telling us his Sunni supporters will elevate him to a martyr and inflict countless more atrocities thereby destabilising the fragile 'democracy 'even further into chaos and mayhem.
If he sings, this could be equally disturbing. for his lawyer is already lodging an appeal . If this is succesful ,I imagine further charges will continously be launched against him until he is finally nailed down . But then he will have so much to sing about when various details of his previous crimes come into the open. He may well implicate various good guys who encouraged him along in 1980-88 in the war against Iran. The real weapons of mass destruction (Not the imaginary ones),the weapons used agianst his own citizens . Who sold them to him ? when and why? . He will have lots to say .
Either way then if he swings or sings , things are not looking good for the beleaguered people of Iraq and the board room Guerillas of The White House or Downing Street.
Now If he is eventually executed , how will he or his magnanimous victors Bush and Blair be entered into the sewage of history?
The Iraq /Iran war , a million casualties? from reliable sources. The persecution of his own people included for so many years of his reign. The figures could reach tens or hundreds of thousands it is not clear .
His adversaries though when considering the assault on Iraq using the most powerful weapons of mass destruction during the war to liberate Kuwait , the interim , the second invasion of Iraq in 2003 and all that followed , have exceeded him .
When one includes the suffering imposed indirectly whether intentional or not , one must be a fool to not come to the conclusion that America and its European province of Britain has caused more death and suffering .
Remember that we live in a world of selective reporting and sophisticated spin by devious politicians who dress up military imperialist acts of genocide as 'humanitarian interventions'. The facts are out there if one is willing to look for alternative views from reliable sources ; Unicef ? The Lancet? to name but
a few of the more establishment orientated ones for those that do not trust the brilliance of 'lefty ' commentators such as Pilger ,Fisk or Chomsky.
In conclusion , I can only make the following analogy to describe how all three scoundrels are related.
Remember that excellent film by Copolla : The Godfather? picture these elegant mafia dons, dressed smartly , seated in their plush offices , offering warm Italian hospitality to their adversaries . They speak of lofty virtues such as : family values , honour , respect .....and being a 'reasonable man'. How superbly portrayed by Marlon Brando . When the battle lines were drawn and there was a conflict of interest between major gangs ,the killings happen...men are machine gunned down whilst in a wedding or funeral , others are brutally stabbed by gangleaders' henchmen. These lower ranking henchmen and thugs often in the story , after serving their purpose as paid assassins , would be then bumped off themselves for security reasons. The poor buggers were vitims in their own right, sacrificed whilst the mafia dons in their suits regained power and restored 'order ' to the community.
Well, in the dumping ground of history all three of our players will be there : Bush the Mafia don , Blair the close and trusty junior partner of the family business , then The great tyrant himself in the role of the cheap , hired ,expendable thug whose fate is to be bumped of ......swinging after he helped to settled the score .
The devastion of Iraq is a big crime , Saddam is guilty but the price paid by his people at the mercy of their liberators is much higher than can be imagined or dared to be made public by a dishonest system of 'Free press'.
Saddam's life is now hanging in the balance but millions did not even have a fair trial.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Iraq inquiry
This very moment in The Houses of Commons ;those chambers of splendid debate and oligarchic virtue where we find ourselves in a:
' World of appearances where what appears to seem true is not equal to how the truth seems to appear '
(Pellas 2006)
There has been a a call for another inquiry into the trouble that won't go away from Tony Blair and his minions: The horror that is the Iraq war.
Obviously Mr Blair himself must be shivering up where his spinal chord should be as members from the Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties are calling for an inquiry.
The party faithful such as The foreign secretary Margarety Becket said there would "come a time" to learn lessons from Iraq, but this was not it. There was a danger of "sending the wrong signals at the wrong time" and appeared to set a deadline for operations, she said.
Blunket that other almost obsessionally allied and uncomfortably close colleague of Blair's mumbled something equally stupid:That inqiries going on would lessen the morale of our soldiers . Standard stuff.
It's amazing how the people with real blood on their hands seem to talk so passionately and defensively about our troops like they really care . It's so obvious that their support is one of condescension and manipulation , to keep the poor , dispensable foot soldiers feeling important and irreplaceable (which they are to their families but not to the likes of our leaders).
This very minute I hear the 'debate' or mumble on the net on a well known radio channel run by the government .I gathered the 'Ayes' were beaten by the 'nays' I am not sure I have fully understood what's going on . I will have to comment again later when I have it clearly reported on the news again . But if it is what I think I heard that the majority of MPs voting , again did not have the gumption to challenge and bring down these gangsters by not voting for the motion..... then I really do have to lose faith in the virtues of our beloved oligarchy .
May they sleep in peace .
' World of appearances where what appears to seem true is not equal to how the truth seems to appear '
(Pellas 2006)
There has been a a call for another inquiry into the trouble that won't go away from Tony Blair and his minions: The horror that is the Iraq war.
Obviously Mr Blair himself must be shivering up where his spinal chord should be as members from the Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties are calling for an inquiry.
The party faithful such as The foreign secretary Margarety Becket said there would "come a time" to learn lessons from Iraq, but this was not it. There was a danger of "sending the wrong signals at the wrong time" and appeared to set a deadline for operations, she said.
Blunket that other almost obsessionally allied and uncomfortably close colleague of Blair's mumbled something equally stupid:That inqiries going on would lessen the morale of our soldiers . Standard stuff.
It's amazing how the people with real blood on their hands seem to talk so passionately and defensively about our troops like they really care . It's so obvious that their support is one of condescension and manipulation , to keep the poor , dispensable foot soldiers feeling important and irreplaceable (which they are to their families but not to the likes of our leaders).
This very minute I hear the 'debate' or mumble on the net on a well known radio channel run by the government .I gathered the 'Ayes' were beaten by the 'nays' I am not sure I have fully understood what's going on . I will have to comment again later when I have it clearly reported on the news again . But if it is what I think I heard that the majority of MPs voting , again did not have the gumption to challenge and bring down these gangsters by not voting for the motion..... then I really do have to lose faith in the virtues of our beloved oligarchy .
May they sleep in peace .
Monday, October 30, 2006
Stern message about climate
There has been lots reported on all the media stations about the 'Stern Report' .
This individual who is an economist by trade has released a lengthy document warning us all about severe climate change if we don't all change our ways now.
The economist who is a 'Sir'and a highly renowned government spokesman made comments on how climate change , if we do not control emmision of green house gases, will damage the economy by 20% .
There were all sorts of dramatic and alarmist predictions spun off this report by the usual media pundits.
Devious cynical,politicians also quckly threw their tuppence worth in and were echoed on various TV stations chanting : 'Green Tax !' this ,apparently the answer often reached by our rulers. If something is being over used e.g cars, aeroplane journeys ,(Which politicians use more than the average man in the street), then tax it and it will go away .
Everything has to be so punitive , like punishihng naughty children .
Coming back to climate change . All of a sudden it is real and is with us because a member of the establishment has said so .
When organisations such as 'friends of the Earth' or other independent minds warned years ago , there would be a wise answer from ruling elite to dismiss all this . Yet now it is legitimised , not only that but we have to pay.
Why didn't these leaders impose limits on industries who were making quick profits with no thought of tomorrow? Still today why doesn't the government chastise water comapanies for example who waste more than a third of the water supply which they do not own by the way?
Why , to give a very simple example do beer companies not recycle beer bottles and give incentives to the puiblic by reward rather than punishnent : by giving a small deposit on an empty ? Why indeed doesn't the government force the companies to do so? Because they are part of the same oligarchy which serves the interests of a few.
You See there were various ways we could have at least slowed down this disaster. Also there could have been ways the government could have acknowledged its reality earlier on rather than avoid the issue then discuss it like an asteroid coming to hit us today .
And of course the punishment of it all! ...For example on a smaller scale , there was discussion on the main propaganda stations about teen drinkers. teenagers are binge drinking and endangering their health etc etc. The politicians then of course found a good solution , which was to increase taxation on alcoholic drinks !
How innovative , clever and effective !
So people prepare yourselves for more punishment by this oligarchy. Prepare yourselves for taxes that are : green.
Prepare ;yourselves for the repeat of the same old , same old punishment , which of course does not reach the privileged. But take heart that this punitive tax will be Green .
This individual who is an economist by trade has released a lengthy document warning us all about severe climate change if we don't all change our ways now.
The economist who is a 'Sir'and a highly renowned government spokesman made comments on how climate change , if we do not control emmision of green house gases, will damage the economy by 20% .
There were all sorts of dramatic and alarmist predictions spun off this report by the usual media pundits.
Devious cynical,politicians also quckly threw their tuppence worth in and were echoed on various TV stations chanting : 'Green Tax !' this ,apparently the answer often reached by our rulers. If something is being over used e.g cars, aeroplane journeys ,(Which politicians use more than the average man in the street), then tax it and it will go away .
Everything has to be so punitive , like punishihng naughty children .
Coming back to climate change . All of a sudden it is real and is with us because a member of the establishment has said so .
When organisations such as 'friends of the Earth' or other independent minds warned years ago , there would be a wise answer from ruling elite to dismiss all this . Yet now it is legitimised , not only that but we have to pay.
Why didn't these leaders impose limits on industries who were making quick profits with no thought of tomorrow? Still today why doesn't the government chastise water comapanies for example who waste more than a third of the water supply which they do not own by the way?
Why , to give a very simple example do beer companies not recycle beer bottles and give incentives to the puiblic by reward rather than punishnent : by giving a small deposit on an empty ? Why indeed doesn't the government force the companies to do so? Because they are part of the same oligarchy which serves the interests of a few.
You See there were various ways we could have at least slowed down this disaster. Also there could have been ways the government could have acknowledged its reality earlier on rather than avoid the issue then discuss it like an asteroid coming to hit us today .
And of course the punishment of it all! ...For example on a smaller scale , there was discussion on the main propaganda stations about teen drinkers. teenagers are binge drinking and endangering their health etc etc. The politicians then of course found a good solution , which was to increase taxation on alcoholic drinks !
How innovative , clever and effective !
So people prepare yourselves for more punishment by this oligarchy. Prepare yourselves for taxes that are : green.
Prepare ;yourselves for the repeat of the same old , same old punishment , which of course does not reach the privileged. But take heart that this punitive tax will be Green .
Friday, October 27, 2006
Run Away !
I remember years ago , my favourite comedy team: Monty Python's Flying Circus'.
Sometime in the early seventies if I'm not mistaken . It was totally out of this world,the first time I saw it . It was a mixture of surrealism , absurd humour and pure anarchy. It used to be introduced thus : 'And now for something completely different: It's Monty Python's ........' Superb comedy I watched it when I was a teenager .Well ,after the Monty Python team eventually disbanded , each went their own ways and made their own niche somewhere, John Cleese being possibly the most successful. Others became very obscure .One of my favourites was Eric Idle. Nowhere to be seen ......suddenly I hear he has produced or directed a west end stage show : 'Spamelot' ,I wish him luck ,maybe I should go and see this ?.
So as the original Monty Python show ended some major films were produced by the team , the most popular possibly being 'The life of Brian ' a spoof on Christianity , or more likely society's response to a religious figure. Other films were also produced .
I can't rember which film it was but there was one where the noble knights or renowned warriors were heard every time a confrontation with enemy occurred , to say : 'Run away !' as they retreated , I found that hilarious and so honest !
Well our government in America and its department in Britain have decide to 'RUN AWAY !' from the war in Iraq. After years of repeating the mantra; 'Our brave boys will stay in Iraq until the job is done !'(they have forgotten what the job was ) .
Well now it's 'Runaway!' time , just like Monty Python. Yes the bumbling clowns in charge of this miserable project to 'liberate ' Iraq are now even blaming the victims and I hear statements from our U.S government and its local branch in Britain saying things like : 'It's time the Iraqi 'government ' started to take more responisibility so that we can leave them to it.'
'RUN AWAY!' It's official our brave boys are to be instructed to start running. Of course it will not be expressed this way by our devious , obsequious politiciians. But it's amazing how this disasterous operation is ending in tears. Too many of our soldiers are dying . This is the reason . I believe that at least ninety Americans were killed in the last month . That's what hurts, public opinion starts to affect the leaders' opinion. But when Iraqis were and are still dying at a rate of a thousand to one or more that doesn't matter , didn't matter.......they are successfully transformed by media pundits and sly politicians into what John Pilger calls 'Non people ' .
Run away ! Sadly it has the ingredients of a Monty Python master piece .
Cause a bloody mess , destroy millions of lives of many nationalities , waste of human resources and wealth that could have been used for a better cause ....then have the the audacity to :
RUN AWAY !
Sometime in the early seventies if I'm not mistaken . It was totally out of this world,the first time I saw it . It was a mixture of surrealism , absurd humour and pure anarchy. It used to be introduced thus : 'And now for something completely different: It's Monty Python's ........' Superb comedy I watched it when I was a teenager .Well ,after the Monty Python team eventually disbanded , each went their own ways and made their own niche somewhere, John Cleese being possibly the most successful. Others became very obscure .One of my favourites was Eric Idle. Nowhere to be seen ......suddenly I hear he has produced or directed a west end stage show : 'Spamelot' ,I wish him luck ,maybe I should go and see this ?.
So as the original Monty Python show ended some major films were produced by the team , the most popular possibly being 'The life of Brian ' a spoof on Christianity , or more likely society's response to a religious figure. Other films were also produced .
I can't rember which film it was but there was one where the noble knights or renowned warriors were heard every time a confrontation with enemy occurred , to say : 'Run away !' as they retreated , I found that hilarious and so honest !
Well our government in America and its department in Britain have decide to 'RUN AWAY !' from the war in Iraq. After years of repeating the mantra; 'Our brave boys will stay in Iraq until the job is done !'(they have forgotten what the job was ) .
Well now it's 'Runaway!' time , just like Monty Python. Yes the bumbling clowns in charge of this miserable project to 'liberate ' Iraq are now even blaming the victims and I hear statements from our U.S government and its local branch in Britain saying things like : 'It's time the Iraqi 'government ' started to take more responisibility so that we can leave them to it.'
'RUN AWAY!' It's official our brave boys are to be instructed to start running. Of course it will not be expressed this way by our devious , obsequious politiciians. But it's amazing how this disasterous operation is ending in tears. Too many of our soldiers are dying . This is the reason . I believe that at least ninety Americans were killed in the last month . That's what hurts, public opinion starts to affect the leaders' opinion. But when Iraqis were and are still dying at a rate of a thousand to one or more that doesn't matter , didn't matter.......they are successfully transformed by media pundits and sly politicians into what John Pilger calls 'Non people ' .
Run away ! Sadly it has the ingredients of a Monty Python master piece .
Cause a bloody mess , destroy millions of lives of many nationalities , waste of human resources and wealth that could have been used for a better cause ....then have the the audacity to :
RUN AWAY !
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
'Celebrity 'child
Whata day ! hated being at work today .I have resorted to clock watching ; one of my favourite past times when I'm unhappy at work . Most jobs I have had in mental health nursing have been challenging, sometimes over bearing but also periodically rewarding. This number is a sinking ship with staff turning over before they can even jump off! A culture of bullying and a holier than thou attitude from above .
The highest of the pecking order almost act like celebrities ..
What is it with these so called 'celebrities '? 'Madonna adopts child from Malawi'.
The child's biological mother according to the press died at child birth . The father is still alive but cannot afford to keep the boy ,who is called by the Goddess herself David .
There were snippets of film on the 'news' stations showing the celestial body herself swirlng around in 'spiritual harmony ' with a local African woman : how basic ? how down to earth and primeval 'In sharing this dance the Goddess demonstrates as she deigns to shuffle hips and breasts opposite her host ,that
through dance we are all the same '.Yes!she is only a simple person herself really .
Now did Madonna really want to help the poor people of Malawi live a better life?
Did she really want to satisfy her motherly instincts ?
Or did she want to fuel her starhood with hydrogen and helium in order to shine brighter amongst a fast growing galaxy of equally shallow peers.
Or did she simply want to acquire a plaything which she could observe inherit her magical , superhumnan qualities and become a newly born star and be able to observe him as she grows old and say to the world :'I created David'.
I really don't know , but let's say the child was adopted because
1)She wanted 'to do good 'Well this one is a non starter for beings of her status and material wealth can do much more 'good' by digging into their pockets and donating appropriately to the community in Malawi and encourage some activity or service which sustains itself and benefits the community . In short she could have given the father enough of a start in life to at least enable him to bring up his own child.
2)I cannot believe she wanted to adopt this child so much because of her motherly insincts , for there was a report that David arrived in London airport this morning
in the arms of a 'nanny ' . So quick was the bond that the Madonna already has got the dog's body in . And what ever happened to Madonna's biological child .? Does she meet up with him/her ?
3)Okay let's go for the publicity . Maybe she didn't really want so much publicity any way? Yet I am sure she enjoys seeing the clip with the 'Malawi dance'again and again ........'what about new album?....African theme...........'You can see the ageing red giant of a burnt out 'star' already reincarnate into a bright white dwarf!
4) Plaything ? well she's probably played around with more than us mere mortals can dream of , but the Gods get easily bored you know. That's why they occasionally come down to Earth .
Well the working day ended . I heard on the radio that there is a project for as many members of the public as possible to be encouraged to write a single day of blog on a sight called 'history matters .com'Must investigate.
The highest of the pecking order almost act like celebrities ..
What is it with these so called 'celebrities '? 'Madonna adopts child from Malawi'.
The child's biological mother according to the press died at child birth . The father is still alive but cannot afford to keep the boy ,who is called by the Goddess herself David .
There were snippets of film on the 'news' stations showing the celestial body herself swirlng around in 'spiritual harmony ' with a local African woman : how basic ? how down to earth and primeval 'In sharing this dance the Goddess demonstrates as she deigns to shuffle hips and breasts opposite her host ,that
through dance we are all the same '.Yes!she is only a simple person herself really .
Now did Madonna really want to help the poor people of Malawi live a better life?
Did she really want to satisfy her motherly instincts ?
Or did she want to fuel her starhood with hydrogen and helium in order to shine brighter amongst a fast growing galaxy of equally shallow peers.
Or did she simply want to acquire a plaything which she could observe inherit her magical , superhumnan qualities and become a newly born star and be able to observe him as she grows old and say to the world :'I created David'.
I really don't know , but let's say the child was adopted because
1)She wanted 'to do good 'Well this one is a non starter for beings of her status and material wealth can do much more 'good' by digging into their pockets and donating appropriately to the community in Malawi and encourage some activity or service which sustains itself and benefits the community . In short she could have given the father enough of a start in life to at least enable him to bring up his own child.
2)I cannot believe she wanted to adopt this child so much because of her motherly insincts , for there was a report that David arrived in London airport this morning
in the arms of a 'nanny ' . So quick was the bond that the Madonna already has got the dog's body in . And what ever happened to Madonna's biological child .? Does she meet up with him/her ?
3)Okay let's go for the publicity . Maybe she didn't really want so much publicity any way? Yet I am sure she enjoys seeing the clip with the 'Malawi dance'again and again ........'what about new album?....African theme...........'You can see the ageing red giant of a burnt out 'star' already reincarnate into a bright white dwarf!
4) Plaything ? well she's probably played around with more than us mere mortals can dream of , but the Gods get easily bored you know. That's why they occasionally come down to Earth .
Well the working day ended . I heard on the radio that there is a project for as many members of the public as possible to be encouraged to write a single day of blog on a sight called 'history matters .com'Must investigate.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Niqab
This is a buzz word today. for hundreds of years before the last few weeks most people in this country would not be able to differentiate a niqab from a 'pickup'.
I got up early this morning , could have slept for longer but decided to get up and go to a well known super market to buy some provisions before the hoards of shoppers march in , I just cannot stand the scurry when it's a Sunday , and have that dreaded curse :work tomorrow.
I entered the supermarket and noticed that there were two or three women wearing the niqab . Well so what? It doesn't bother me , it's their choice ,If for whatever reason they don't want to show me their faces , there are plenty of other beauties around for me to ogle at .
I saw cameras everywhere in the supermarket , I remembered that I always have to take my bicycle helmet off when I go to banks. I was also asked to take off a flat cap when entering a particular establishment .
So with due respect to these ladies who were all quietly and independently of eachother doing their shopping . What if one was a thief ? of course some would argue that how can one so devout to a religion be so inclined . But I do not buy that argument . I dont't care if you are a Christian, Muslim , Jew , Polytheist or Atheist , what you say about yourself and your morals is separate from what you actually do.
Now if one of those ladies were a thief or come to think of it,( which proves my point even more) , they could have been men dressed up ? Lets say one of those people happened to be a thief . What use would the camera be?
This is not about religion . Even if it is about religion I argue that even religion is not sacred in a world of humans . For as Diogenese argued : 'We are thrice human '
I bought my sunflower oil , kidney beans, scones and some other items and returned.
Time flies , I must walk Wolfgang the dog and come back to eat and have a nap, the rest of the week I will feel deprived of sleep and mentally drained .
What is religion, I think I have read too much about it and disowned my own Greek Orthodox version . I guess there is some good in religion ...but I prefer to do business with those individuals that think for themselves about the mysteries of life and death , that can be honest enough to say they don't really know but are willing to learn .
Peace be with you .
I got up early this morning , could have slept for longer but decided to get up and go to a well known super market to buy some provisions before the hoards of shoppers march in , I just cannot stand the scurry when it's a Sunday , and have that dreaded curse :work tomorrow.
I entered the supermarket and noticed that there were two or three women wearing the niqab . Well so what? It doesn't bother me , it's their choice ,If for whatever reason they don't want to show me their faces , there are plenty of other beauties around for me to ogle at .
I saw cameras everywhere in the supermarket , I remembered that I always have to take my bicycle helmet off when I go to banks. I was also asked to take off a flat cap when entering a particular establishment .
So with due respect to these ladies who were all quietly and independently of eachother doing their shopping . What if one was a thief ? of course some would argue that how can one so devout to a religion be so inclined . But I do not buy that argument . I dont't care if you are a Christian, Muslim , Jew , Polytheist or Atheist , what you say about yourself and your morals is separate from what you actually do.
Now if one of those ladies were a thief or come to think of it,( which proves my point even more) , they could have been men dressed up ? Lets say one of those people happened to be a thief . What use would the camera be?
This is not about religion . Even if it is about religion I argue that even religion is not sacred in a world of humans . For as Diogenese argued : 'We are thrice human '
I bought my sunflower oil , kidney beans, scones and some other items and returned.
Time flies , I must walk Wolfgang the dog and come back to eat and have a nap, the rest of the week I will feel deprived of sleep and mentally drained .
What is religion, I think I have read too much about it and disowned my own Greek Orthodox version . I guess there is some good in religion ...but I prefer to do business with those individuals that think for themselves about the mysteries of life and death , that can be honest enough to say they don't really know but are willing to learn .
Peace be with you .
New Format
Due to extremely low readership,lack of corporate funding , advertising and mimimal time available we sadly announce to our loyal readers that the format of the
'Meaninglessness of Life'will have to change .
There will no longer be the 'News local and Distant','Trouble with Blogging' the 'Meaninglessnessness'stories or the uploading of Pellas masterpieces exclusive
to this site only .
In place will be occasional , self indulgent jottings of no particular coherence , relevance or thematic structure .
We hope you will enjoy this new streamline format , and like to say to thank all our loyal readers ....sob ....for staying with us ........It's all so.....meaningless.
'Meaninglessness of Life'will have to change .
There will no longer be the 'News local and Distant','Trouble with Blogging' the 'Meaninglessnessness'stories or the uploading of Pellas masterpieces exclusive
to this site only .
In place will be occasional , self indulgent jottings of no particular coherence , relevance or thematic structure .
We hope you will enjoy this new streamline format , and like to say to thank all our loyal readers ....sob ....for staying with us ........It's all so.....meaningless.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Problems with blogging 4
The problem with blogging is that , in my case anyway I have not had much feed back.
I guess this answers my original question and decries the very raison d'etre of this blog .
Well amongst the billions of sites , pages or blogs on the net how and why is anybody in their right mind going to visit this blog? or find it worthwhile to spend some minutes reading this , let alone come back for more ....
Funny enough , one thing I have realised in this and another blog I have ,is that as soon as the very first post is released , I had some comments. This made it look like there were going to be many visitors and that one would not feel alone. I don't know if this is the policy of blogger.com : to give people the impression that many people are going to visit the site and thereby encourage one to carry on blogging or whether this was down to coincidence .
Now at one point I had a reader who kept on taunting and insulting me , eventually he decided he was going to sue me for libel. We have stopped our correspondence since then. But ironically , when all this was going on , I was looking forward
to checking my e-mails every morning and derived great sadistic pleasure in exchanging insults and threats with this person who disagreed with what I had written on political themes . Now I wonder whether it is safe to spout one's own political propaganda without attracting lunatics , and is it foolish thing to publish one's name on the blog in fear that one may be sued or tracked down and taken to account.
But as far as having one's voice heard , I don't know . So far I wouldn't rave to anyone in favour of blogging unless that person was writing a diary of something that would arouse curiosity such as a soldier in Iraq or a person with a bizarre job or of course if one happens to be of the good and the great .
I don't even know if this blog would come up on a google search , I have tried various key words and ;nothing . In fact I am questioning if apart from the need of self expression whether this is a useful medium for me .
Meanwhile , I will carry on blogging as it does fulfil a need.
I guess this answers my original question and decries the very raison d'etre of this blog .
Well amongst the billions of sites , pages or blogs on the net how and why is anybody in their right mind going to visit this blog? or find it worthwhile to spend some minutes reading this , let alone come back for more ....
Funny enough , one thing I have realised in this and another blog I have ,is that as soon as the very first post is released , I had some comments. This made it look like there were going to be many visitors and that one would not feel alone. I don't know if this is the policy of blogger.com : to give people the impression that many people are going to visit the site and thereby encourage one to carry on blogging or whether this was down to coincidence .
Now at one point I had a reader who kept on taunting and insulting me , eventually he decided he was going to sue me for libel. We have stopped our correspondence since then. But ironically , when all this was going on , I was looking forward
to checking my e-mails every morning and derived great sadistic pleasure in exchanging insults and threats with this person who disagreed with what I had written on political themes . Now I wonder whether it is safe to spout one's own political propaganda without attracting lunatics , and is it foolish thing to publish one's name on the blog in fear that one may be sued or tracked down and taken to account.
But as far as having one's voice heard , I don't know . So far I wouldn't rave to anyone in favour of blogging unless that person was writing a diary of something that would arouse curiosity such as a soldier in Iraq or a person with a bizarre job or of course if one happens to be of the good and the great .
I don't even know if this blog would come up on a google search , I have tried various key words and ;nothing . In fact I am questioning if apart from the need of self expression whether this is a useful medium for me .
Meanwhile , I will carry on blogging as it does fulfil a need.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Saturday, April 22, 2006
News, Local and Distant
Yesterday,it was the birthday of Queen Elzabeth II , the queen of England. She has just turned eighty years of age with a long stretch of impeccable service to her country behind her .Some say that she never steps a foot wrong , that she is dignified, aloof from the crude clumsiness of political debate and truly 'majestic'
in her demeanour . She walked about in Windsor where she has one of her many stately homes. Elizabeth smiled and waved ,amidst groups of loyal well wishers. The usual crowd ,who when graced by her presence will tell stories that they 'met the queen' and of how 'special' she seemed but also how ' ordinary ' and 'down to earth' she really was, etc .
Such is the pomp and ceremony , magnified a million times by the 'authority'of the news media ,that people, who by privilege of birth , with no real distinguishing features or accomplishments can appear like demigods . The very fact that one stands near such a demigod reinforces the status of a monarch. Anyway she is our
head of state and adds to the prestige of this great city,London ,possibly the greatest capital in the world.
After all,there are not many monarchs left in the world and a royal family is a living link with the past ,part of a nation's heritage ; an integral part of a peoples' psyche . Also Britain being one of the richest countries in the world is a great democracy where the ruling political party swears allegiance to the crown although in actual fact the monarch does not have exutive powers.
I used to sympathise actively with republicanism but come to think of it , what difference would it make ?. The royals would not have their official positions but nonetheless would probably still have colossal amounts of wealth . And a republic does not necessarily prevent an unequal society . There will still be individuals
that own disproportionate and vulgar amounts of wealth.
Now let's look at one of her contemporary counterparts ,abroad in a distant land .
King Gyanendra , the monarch of Nepal,one of the world's poorest countries is one of a royal family of a 237 year dynasty.He is not celebratiing a birthday , more likely he is mourning the possibility of losing his reign or even his head.In Nepal , he imposed himself by direct rule for the past fourteen months ,overriding any parliamentary rule of the country .Nepal has been suffering a maoist rebellion during the last decade, with little coverage in the west. Even the Maoist guerillas have agreed to do business with the major political parties , given the chance. The king's decision to take total power has resulted in civil unrest and riots in the capital Kathmandu.Curfews have been imposed and up to fourteen people have been killed by police or security forces. This martial law has not deterred the protesters.The king broadcasted a message to his people yesterday , partially capitulating and stating that power will be returned to 'the people' . However , the concensus of public opinion , the seven political parties, guerillas included , suggests that this is not enough. It appears that the majority want this king ousted all together rendering his status as powerless and obsolete .
In his broadcast , King Gyanendra praised his military servicemen for their'Discipline and valour' not mentioning any regret about the fourteen dead and countless injured . As I write ,reports are still being dispatched from Kathmandu of riots continuing. It looks like his days are numbered. The Maoists are willing to lay down their arms and negotiate with the other parties ,but all facets of the protesting parties seem to agree that this mornarch is not wanted whether as total ruler or even as a titular. I congratulate my brothers and sisters of Nepal in moving forward , but at a heavy price as is usual with such social change.
Meanwhile our Liz is enjoying her birthday week. But even if many are opposed to her position ,as seems to be the case in in 21st century Britain, they,and she know that in such a highly developed ,rich country , whether she and her clan stay or go , it will be timely ,and with the utmost of diginty .
Could our Queen offer any advice to her doomed counterpart of Nepal ? I am sure she knows the precarious existence monarchs lead .She is well up to date with public opinion and her agents are expert at the sophisticated techniques of marketing a monarchy in modern times only too well .
The history of England in the story of Prince Charles I could offer King
Gyanendra a very valuable and urgent education. King Charles I in seventeenth century England also imposed himself severely on the ruling parliament and was seen as a tyrant . The English civil war ensued which resulted in the King literally losing his head.
Elizabeth and her promoters have the advantage of this historical lesson. I hope King Gyanendra sent her a birthday card ,to which she could have responded with some private words of advice befitting only those of such axalted , royal status.Failing this only the wisdom of an idividual of higher social status than either
of these two mere demigods is needed .Only Athena , goddess of wisdom can save him.
Goodbye Gyanendra . Happy birthday Liz.
in her demeanour . She walked about in Windsor where she has one of her many stately homes. Elizabeth smiled and waved ,amidst groups of loyal well wishers. The usual crowd ,who when graced by her presence will tell stories that they 'met the queen' and of how 'special' she seemed but also how ' ordinary ' and 'down to earth' she really was, etc .
Such is the pomp and ceremony , magnified a million times by the 'authority'of the news media ,that people, who by privilege of birth , with no real distinguishing features or accomplishments can appear like demigods . The very fact that one stands near such a demigod reinforces the status of a monarch. Anyway she is our
head of state and adds to the prestige of this great city,London ,possibly the greatest capital in the world.
After all,there are not many monarchs left in the world and a royal family is a living link with the past ,part of a nation's heritage ; an integral part of a peoples' psyche . Also Britain being one of the richest countries in the world is a great democracy where the ruling political party swears allegiance to the crown although in actual fact the monarch does not have exutive powers.
I used to sympathise actively with republicanism but come to think of it , what difference would it make ?. The royals would not have their official positions but nonetheless would probably still have colossal amounts of wealth . And a republic does not necessarily prevent an unequal society . There will still be individuals
that own disproportionate and vulgar amounts of wealth.
Now let's look at one of her contemporary counterparts ,abroad in a distant land .
King Gyanendra , the monarch of Nepal,one of the world's poorest countries is one of a royal family of a 237 year dynasty.He is not celebratiing a birthday , more likely he is mourning the possibility of losing his reign or even his head.In Nepal , he imposed himself by direct rule for the past fourteen months ,overriding any parliamentary rule of the country .Nepal has been suffering a maoist rebellion during the last decade, with little coverage in the west. Even the Maoist guerillas have agreed to do business with the major political parties , given the chance. The king's decision to take total power has resulted in civil unrest and riots in the capital Kathmandu.Curfews have been imposed and up to fourteen people have been killed by police or security forces. This martial law has not deterred the protesters.The king broadcasted a message to his people yesterday , partially capitulating and stating that power will be returned to 'the people' . However , the concensus of public opinion , the seven political parties, guerillas included , suggests that this is not enough. It appears that the majority want this king ousted all together rendering his status as powerless and obsolete .
In his broadcast , King Gyanendra praised his military servicemen for their'Discipline and valour' not mentioning any regret about the fourteen dead and countless injured . As I write ,reports are still being dispatched from Kathmandu of riots continuing. It looks like his days are numbered. The Maoists are willing to lay down their arms and negotiate with the other parties ,but all facets of the protesting parties seem to agree that this mornarch is not wanted whether as total ruler or even as a titular. I congratulate my brothers and sisters of Nepal in moving forward , but at a heavy price as is usual with such social change.
Meanwhile our Liz is enjoying her birthday week. But even if many are opposed to her position ,as seems to be the case in in 21st century Britain, they,and she know that in such a highly developed ,rich country , whether she and her clan stay or go , it will be timely ,and with the utmost of diginty .
Could our Queen offer any advice to her doomed counterpart of Nepal ? I am sure she knows the precarious existence monarchs lead .She is well up to date with public opinion and her agents are expert at the sophisticated techniques of marketing a monarchy in modern times only too well .
The history of England in the story of Prince Charles I could offer King
Gyanendra a very valuable and urgent education. King Charles I in seventeenth century England also imposed himself severely on the ruling parliament and was seen as a tyrant . The English civil war ensued which resulted in the King literally losing his head.
Elizabeth and her promoters have the advantage of this historical lesson. I hope King Gyanendra sent her a birthday card ,to which she could have responded with some private words of advice befitting only those of such axalted , royal status.Failing this only the wisdom of an idividual of higher social status than either
of these two mere demigods is needed .Only Athena , goddess of wisdom can save him.
Goodbye Gyanendra . Happy birthday Liz.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Employmentlessness
Robin Sturgeon , worked in a furniture factory . He did not like his job , but he had to do something for a living .
Each day ,on his way to and from work , he used to see an old man seated by the local river bank, who seemed to be staring into the river and sometimes at the sky.
As time passed ,Robin soon got married ,this meant he had to work for some extra hours in the factory . After a while , together with his wife Annie , they
decided to buy a house of their own and a car . To achieve this Robin took on all the extra hours of work offered to him by his employers which meant he had to give up his regular football training , which he used enjoyed so much .
A few years later , Robin and Annie had children. So as well as having to cope with six very long days at the factory , Robin took up part-time house painting and decorating which he carried out at nights and on Sundays . He did what ever he could to generate that so much needed extra income.However , this meant that Robin had to stop visiting the local pub which he only used to do once weekly in order to meet up with some friends and enjoy his darts game.
Robin was an extremely hard worker and managed to do his own motor car repairs
and household maintenance in order to avoid paying costly professionals.
In the very little time he had to himself , Robin stayed at home with Annie and their two children ; Stuart and Jenny. Both Robin and his wife were just too worn out and exhausted to take their children out for the day.
One summer's day whilst leaving the factory , on his way to do some evening painting and decorating , Robin realised that the house he was heading for, was very near the spot that the idle old man occupied upon the river bank. Having three and a half minutes to spare, Robin's curiousity got the better of him. He hurriedly approached the old man and almost angrily asked if he had ever worked in his life.
'No' . Replied the old man.'I don't have the time'.
(Adapted from :'A Cynic's Book of Knowledge.' Copyright , J.Pellas 1990.)
Each day ,on his way to and from work , he used to see an old man seated by the local river bank, who seemed to be staring into the river and sometimes at the sky.
As time passed ,Robin soon got married ,this meant he had to work for some extra hours in the factory . After a while , together with his wife Annie , they
decided to buy a house of their own and a car . To achieve this Robin took on all the extra hours of work offered to him by his employers which meant he had to give up his regular football training , which he used enjoyed so much .
A few years later , Robin and Annie had children. So as well as having to cope with six very long days at the factory , Robin took up part-time house painting and decorating which he carried out at nights and on Sundays . He did what ever he could to generate that so much needed extra income.However , this meant that Robin had to stop visiting the local pub which he only used to do once weekly in order to meet up with some friends and enjoy his darts game.
Robin was an extremely hard worker and managed to do his own motor car repairs
and household maintenance in order to avoid paying costly professionals.
In the very little time he had to himself , Robin stayed at home with Annie and their two children ; Stuart and Jenny. Both Robin and his wife were just too worn out and exhausted to take their children out for the day.
One summer's day whilst leaving the factory , on his way to do some evening painting and decorating , Robin realised that the house he was heading for, was very near the spot that the idle old man occupied upon the river bank. Having three and a half minutes to spare, Robin's curiousity got the better of him. He hurriedly approached the old man and almost angrily asked if he had ever worked in his life.
'No' . Replied the old man.'I don't have the time'.
(Adapted from :'A Cynic's Book of Knowledge.' Copyright , J.Pellas 1990.)
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
Problems with blogging 3
Trouble with blogging is that first of all it is addictive. I often come home from work in a rush ,or WITH a rush to to see my own blog . How vain but true I guess the only reason many of us bloggers briefly have a look at other people's blogs is possibly in a competitive manner , checking the opposition ,or even in a comradely supportive way : If I look at some blogs and make good comments , then maybe they would return the compliment . Well My most avid reader seems to have gone. This man, woman , child or computer generated message came to my blog as soon as I had proudly uploaded my First 'News Local and Distant'post . As already described in a previous post 'LEO' made a remark about me selling or giving my computer to a child as 'they have more brains '. I was really hurt at first to be honest. What followed was a rapid exchange of insults and political rows , mostly on his site . He, she or 'it' posted some messages that I could not publish and luckily managed to censor .So insulting and explicit had the exchanges become that in hope for a peaceful resolution ,I repeatedly asked 'LEO'to take part in a civilised debate about our differences of opinion, which I would be happy to post on this blog. I failed and received only insults and threats. I am a little ashamed to admit that I fought fire with fire . At one point ,after receiving countless verbal counter attacks on Leo's own blog , Leo seemed to have realised that there is an option for censoring incoming messages to one's own blog site, and sent me a message stating that 'we are even now!' Well for someone having trouble with blogging I assumed that this 'Leo ' would have known better than me on such matters. .Anyhow I have been warned by him, she , it,that I will be sued for libel as I accused Leo of being something very bad..........I do miss the messages from that source ,but as warned,I may even be subject to a law suit, I'll keep you posted.
Who reads this stuff anyway? I tried to see if I could find this site from other search engines to no avail. I guess it is mostly an internal site , of course you can find this blog if you punch in key words on google as it is run by the same outfit I believe. But what would one have to do to bring this or your blog for that matter into the front page of a several major search engines?
I looked at some other blog hosts ( if that's what you call a company giving you free blog space?). I thought it could be a good idea to try starting a totally different blog , but keep this going as I really feel I have established something here even if it is purely for my own entertainment, constructive criticism and for maintaining the delusion that my work has been published and publically exhibited .
I am stil encountering technical problems .If I did not have a teenage helper I don't think I would ever have uploaded a single image in a format that I intended . For example . The first drawing called : Leyla, Dozens of times I 'posted ' and received messages stating that it had been successfully published without any result. When I did get the help I mentioned, The picture was evenually published with a big blank rectangle next to it destroying the effect of a decent looking publication I had hoped for. Got there in the end and it was not as 'Simple ' as I had hoped .
I suppose I have learnt something about blogging and that is , as in any pleasurable
, addictive , possibly harmful habit; one has to take control and if not give up all together at least become its master and practise harm minimisation :I am logging off now.......for a while.
Who reads this stuff anyway? I tried to see if I could find this site from other search engines to no avail. I guess it is mostly an internal site , of course you can find this blog if you punch in key words on google as it is run by the same outfit I believe. But what would one have to do to bring this or your blog for that matter into the front page of a several major search engines?
I looked at some other blog hosts ( if that's what you call a company giving you free blog space?). I thought it could be a good idea to try starting a totally different blog , but keep this going as I really feel I have established something here even if it is purely for my own entertainment, constructive criticism and for maintaining the delusion that my work has been published and publically exhibited .
I am stil encountering technical problems .If I did not have a teenage helper I don't think I would ever have uploaded a single image in a format that I intended . For example . The first drawing called : Leyla, Dozens of times I 'posted ' and received messages stating that it had been successfully published without any result. When I did get the help I mentioned, The picture was evenually published with a big blank rectangle next to it destroying the effect of a decent looking publication I had hoped for. Got there in the end and it was not as 'Simple ' as I had hoped .
I suppose I have learnt something about blogging and that is , as in any pleasurable
, addictive , possibly harmful habit; one has to take control and if not give up all together at least become its master and practise harm minimisation :I am logging off now.......for a while.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
News, Local and Distant
Yesterday ,The front page of 'The Guardian' , one of our most respectd newspapers , was taken by a story about 'The British National Party'(BNP).This is a political party which according to most other political parties and commentators , is a fascist party with an ideology not far off from The National Socialists of Germany themselves.... Well the BNP would dispute this and maintain that it is a legitimate democratic party like any other. The front page article discusses the 'Turmoil' caused by the selection of a candidate by the name of Sharif Abdel Gawad, to represent the party in the approaching local elections next month.Although according to the party's leadereship this gentleman is a 'totally assimilated Greek-Armenian' , the grass root members of the party were not impressed . According to the article, the BNP websites were jammed with messages and postings demanding that this 'ethnic' as he was referred to , had no place in a party run by true British people for British People .
Well what does this mean ? the BNP is becoming more 'modernised' and inclusive that even an'ethnic' can take part , become totally assimilated and identify with the 'indegenous' people and join in their campaign of self preservation and actively keep out the new wave of settlers who like Mr Awad's own descedents came to Britain for a better life? Or does it mean that the leadership is out of touch with the 'purity' of the political party's ethos? Well I could not find much reference to the outrage caused by this 'ethnic' being selected when I visited what looked like an official BNP website: http://www.bnp.org.uk/. Maybe I didn't look hard enough or was on the wrong web site. Or could it be possible that the BNP have yet again been misrepresented by what many call the 'left wing media'?
Russia ,far away in Russia, there are parallels. That vast country which many historians would not argue , had lost possibly the greatest number of lives fighting against the belligerent Nazi regime of the mid nineteen forties. A Moscow correspondent of the same newspaper reports a fatal shooting of an African student in St Petersburgh from the barrel of a shotgun on which a swastika had been emblazoned.This was the fourth such killing of a member of an ethnic minority within a week . Eye witnesses stated that Lamzar Samba, 28, from Senegal, a student of communications was shot in the back of the neck whilst leaving a night club with a group of friends.The murders have been attributed to the rise of extreme right wing groups and gangs of ''Skinheaded' thugs.
So what is it with these 'ethnics' as they are often referred to by certain 'non ethnics'? I am an 'ethnic' , I guess the majority of the population of North
and south America has its roots and history in a far away place if ancestory is traced. Same could be said of Australia , New Zealand and so on. Have the Russians always been in Russia , are they somehow purer tha the rest of us ? I am sure too ,that they are the result of mass migrations of people from other lands. Let's face it we are all ethnics!
Look at England which is the largest ,most populated part of Britain also seen by many as synonymous with the word Britain .The Angles , Saxons, Jutes and other peoples that made England , had come from Europe in approximately the year 400 a.d . The Romans had even got there before That , and when these Angles (who gave their name to England) , Saxons ,Jutes and others got to England there were already other people in this land .People that had arrived in this land even before the Romans . These were the Celts and even they were a group that was found all over Europe .So there are more of us than you ......... and this Greek -Armenian who wants to campaign for the BNP could benefit by studying his own history and seeing the racist cruelty of persecution his ancestors may have suffered under the country which gave us the Ottoman Empire , because of ideologies that promote the idea that there is a pure race which is some how supererior.
Or maybe this is not all about ethnicity but the fact that local people of whatever racial background , after seeing that strangers coming into their country appear to receive welfare benefits , housing etc faster and better than they do?
If this is the case then the major political parties should be discussing some of these issues more honestly and acknowledge that the poor and disenfranchised will be
recruited and told that the 'ethnics' are to blame for all the ills of the present day.
Let's blame the Jews, the Africans, Greek-Armenians , the Muslims (regardless of
wether these are an ethnic group or members of a religion ).Lets just blame.....
This is the dangerous ground that seems to be gradually filled by the mostly white
seprematists in our midst. Both the Russians and british fought the Nazis .Yet sometimes people forget what an evil regime 'National Socialism' was.
And meanwhile Lamzar Samba another victim of racism in the country that sacrificed
so much. Yet the mindless , but organised thugs that perpetrate such crimes would argue , and I have heard this many times my self in England: 'My grandfather fought the war for us ,yet people like these foreigners come here and do this that and the other'. Not many of these indignant descendents of soldiers who sacrificed themselves for our future recognise that during both major world wars 'ethnics ' were there at the front too. Sometimes taken from far away lands to fight for the 'empire'.
Do we ever learn from history ?Is history totally subjective? Or is it just a sad fact that in human beings, there is some sort of xenophobia, tribalism or racism that is pumped by our hearts and flows in our arteries thus poisoning our brains ?
Well what does this mean ? the BNP is becoming more 'modernised' and inclusive that even an'ethnic' can take part , become totally assimilated and identify with the 'indegenous' people and join in their campaign of self preservation and actively keep out the new wave of settlers who like Mr Awad's own descedents came to Britain for a better life? Or does it mean that the leadership is out of touch with the 'purity' of the political party's ethos? Well I could not find much reference to the outrage caused by this 'ethnic' being selected when I visited what looked like an official BNP website: http://www.bnp.org.uk/. Maybe I didn't look hard enough or was on the wrong web site. Or could it be possible that the BNP have yet again been misrepresented by what many call the 'left wing media'?
Russia ,far away in Russia, there are parallels. That vast country which many historians would not argue , had lost possibly the greatest number of lives fighting against the belligerent Nazi regime of the mid nineteen forties. A Moscow correspondent of the same newspaper reports a fatal shooting of an African student in St Petersburgh from the barrel of a shotgun on which a swastika had been emblazoned.This was the fourth such killing of a member of an ethnic minority within a week . Eye witnesses stated that Lamzar Samba, 28, from Senegal, a student of communications was shot in the back of the neck whilst leaving a night club with a group of friends.The murders have been attributed to the rise of extreme right wing groups and gangs of ''Skinheaded' thugs.
So what is it with these 'ethnics' as they are often referred to by certain 'non ethnics'? I am an 'ethnic' , I guess the majority of the population of North
and south America has its roots and history in a far away place if ancestory is traced. Same could be said of Australia , New Zealand and so on. Have the Russians always been in Russia , are they somehow purer tha the rest of us ? I am sure too ,that they are the result of mass migrations of people from other lands. Let's face it we are all ethnics!
Look at England which is the largest ,most populated part of Britain also seen by many as synonymous with the word Britain .The Angles , Saxons, Jutes and other peoples that made England , had come from Europe in approximately the year 400 a.d . The Romans had even got there before That , and when these Angles (who gave their name to England) , Saxons ,Jutes and others got to England there were already other people in this land .People that had arrived in this land even before the Romans . These were the Celts and even they were a group that was found all over Europe .So there are more of us than you ......... and this Greek -Armenian who wants to campaign for the BNP could benefit by studying his own history and seeing the racist cruelty of persecution his ancestors may have suffered under the country which gave us the Ottoman Empire , because of ideologies that promote the idea that there is a pure race which is some how supererior.
Or maybe this is not all about ethnicity but the fact that local people of whatever racial background , after seeing that strangers coming into their country appear to receive welfare benefits , housing etc faster and better than they do?
If this is the case then the major political parties should be discussing some of these issues more honestly and acknowledge that the poor and disenfranchised will be
recruited and told that the 'ethnics' are to blame for all the ills of the present day.
Let's blame the Jews, the Africans, Greek-Armenians , the Muslims (regardless of
wether these are an ethnic group or members of a religion ).Lets just blame.....
This is the dangerous ground that seems to be gradually filled by the mostly white
seprematists in our midst. Both the Russians and british fought the Nazis .Yet sometimes people forget what an evil regime 'National Socialism' was.
And meanwhile Lamzar Samba another victim of racism in the country that sacrificed
so much. Yet the mindless , but organised thugs that perpetrate such crimes would argue , and I have heard this many times my self in England: 'My grandfather fought the war for us ,yet people like these foreigners come here and do this that and the other'. Not many of these indignant descendents of soldiers who sacrificed themselves for our future recognise that during both major world wars 'ethnics ' were there at the front too. Sometimes taken from far away lands to fight for the 'empire'.
Do we ever learn from history ?Is history totally subjective? Or is it just a sad fact that in human beings, there is some sort of xenophobia, tribalism or racism that is pumped by our hearts and flows in our arteries thus poisoning our brains ?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Religionlessness
Baz-Dar , the King of Thriscally was also the the high priest of the island's ancient and respected religion, Bazism .
One day as Baz- Dar sat in his holy temple meditating upon the holy scriptures of his forefathers , he realised that there was no mention in any of the sacred texts that the prophets ever ate potatoes. Being very concerned that the purity of the ancient teachings should be preserved , Baz-Dar decided to legislate against the eating of potatoes throughout Thriscally in order that his people remain close to God. Many of the faithful immediately obeyed the new law , however some objected on grounds of principle and others objected purely because they were in the business of selling potatoes. But the vast majority of those who opposed
the new law ,did so simply because they could not afford to eat anything else but potatoes.
Now many of the potato-eaters had to go into hiding to avoid persecution and to be able to cook their potatoes in peace .Bazism, the religion of Thriscally, had split into two factions.Life became very difficult for the potato-eaters , they had become second class citizens with no more hope of living their lives with dignity as Baz-Dar's oppressive regime took hold of them.Many had died of starvation until there was no other choice but to organise an armed struggle by forming para- military groups of freedom fighters.
Years of sporadic, mindless bloodshed escalated into a full scale civil war .After several years of fierce battles causing enormous destruction throughout the once beatiful and tranquil island, the potato-eaters had emerged victorious .
Baz-Dar was eventually captured by the resistance and imprisoned for life where he was force fed boiled potatoes three times daily.
The potato-eaters eventually ceased hostilities , established peace and formed a secular , democratic republic. Royalty had been abolished and religion was now to be a private affair of choice with no influence over the affairs of the government in order to maintain freedom of choice for every individual citizen.The new democratic republic even granted an amnesty to all the non potato-eaters thereby permitting them to abstain from eating potatoes.Yes , Thriscally had restored its former glory .
One day during the assembly of the democratic peoples' republic of Thriscally , it was pointed out by one representative of the people that some citizens were seen biting their finger nails in public. This was deemed unworthy of a free citizen living in a democracy.Soon , finger nail biting was to become illegal.....
(Adapted from :'A cynic's book of knowledge' copyright ,J.Pellas 1990).
One day as Baz- Dar sat in his holy temple meditating upon the holy scriptures of his forefathers , he realised that there was no mention in any of the sacred texts that the prophets ever ate potatoes. Being very concerned that the purity of the ancient teachings should be preserved , Baz-Dar decided to legislate against the eating of potatoes throughout Thriscally in order that his people remain close to God. Many of the faithful immediately obeyed the new law , however some objected on grounds of principle and others objected purely because they were in the business of selling potatoes. But the vast majority of those who opposed
the new law ,did so simply because they could not afford to eat anything else but potatoes.
Now many of the potato-eaters had to go into hiding to avoid persecution and to be able to cook their potatoes in peace .Bazism, the religion of Thriscally, had split into two factions.Life became very difficult for the potato-eaters , they had become second class citizens with no more hope of living their lives with dignity as Baz-Dar's oppressive regime took hold of them.Many had died of starvation until there was no other choice but to organise an armed struggle by forming para- military groups of freedom fighters.
Years of sporadic, mindless bloodshed escalated into a full scale civil war .After several years of fierce battles causing enormous destruction throughout the once beatiful and tranquil island, the potato-eaters had emerged victorious .
Baz-Dar was eventually captured by the resistance and imprisoned for life where he was force fed boiled potatoes three times daily.
The potato-eaters eventually ceased hostilities , established peace and formed a secular , democratic republic. Royalty had been abolished and religion was now to be a private affair of choice with no influence over the affairs of the government in order to maintain freedom of choice for every individual citizen.The new democratic republic even granted an amnesty to all the non potato-eaters thereby permitting them to abstain from eating potatoes.Yes , Thriscally had restored its former glory .
One day during the assembly of the democratic peoples' republic of Thriscally , it was pointed out by one representative of the people that some citizens were seen biting their finger nails in public. This was deemed unworthy of a free citizen living in a democracy.Soon , finger nail biting was to become illegal.....
(Adapted from :'A cynic's book of knowledge' copyright ,J.Pellas 1990).
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
News, Local and Distant
Elections ,near and far , I received my official poll card a few days ago . These are our so called :'local' elections due on Thursday 4th May.One can vote in their choice of councillor.The victorious party when eventually in power decides
(_according to the accompanying leaflet): 'The AMOUNT of council tax every housholder must pay ' or ' WHEN the bins will be collected'. Real political science and democracy in action!
In Thailand where unfortunately things are not as 'democratic 'as here , people are forced to vote . the elections were held yesterday due to growing unrest , precipitated by lack of confidence in the policies of its current ruler, Thaksin Shinawatra. Apparently, although forced to vote, the public does have an option on the ballot paper of stating ; 'none of the above' and thererby abstaining .It appears that the majority of the electorate , to his shock and horror has chosen this option. Time will tell if the ruler will impose himself upon the populace by using another vile tactic.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has also recently held elections overnnight . A country which has had a savage war in the recent past in which millions have died with next to nothing in news coverage given in faraway lands. It's amazing , but I am always suspect of a state that feels the need to include the Words : 'democratic ' or 'peoples' in its title. The Congo has been 'democratic' for so many years,yet these are the first 'proper' elections to be held according to the BBC.
Well, I hope these people in Thailand and Congo achieve the democracy they deserve where the people can take control of their everyday lives and not be dictated to by others .
I will be following my Thai brothers and sisters and be adding a special box to tick on my ballot paper for:'none of the above' .
(_according to the accompanying leaflet): 'The AMOUNT of council tax every housholder must pay ' or ' WHEN the bins will be collected'. Real political science and democracy in action!
In Thailand where unfortunately things are not as 'democratic 'as here , people are forced to vote . the elections were held yesterday due to growing unrest , precipitated by lack of confidence in the policies of its current ruler, Thaksin Shinawatra. Apparently, although forced to vote, the public does have an option on the ballot paper of stating ; 'none of the above' and thererby abstaining .It appears that the majority of the electorate , to his shock and horror has chosen this option. Time will tell if the ruler will impose himself upon the populace by using another vile tactic.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has also recently held elections overnnight . A country which has had a savage war in the recent past in which millions have died with next to nothing in news coverage given in faraway lands. It's amazing , but I am always suspect of a state that feels the need to include the Words : 'democratic ' or 'peoples' in its title. The Congo has been 'democratic' for so many years,yet these are the first 'proper' elections to be held according to the BBC.
Well, I hope these people in Thailand and Congo achieve the democracy they deserve where the people can take control of their everyday lives and not be dictated to by others .
I will be following my Thai brothers and sisters and be adding a special box to tick on my ballot paper for:'none of the above' .
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Problems with blogging 2
Well I have really been impressed by this blogging site and have begun to upload various ideas and it is beginning to take some shape . I have also looked at other blogs and found some very good sites worth visiting: 'Signs of the times' being one of them( had I known better I would have given a direct link, we live and learn).
I am still having problems with uploading images , I am not sure if it is purely my incompetence or whether there is some kind of malfunction of the server , after all I did , after an hour's painstaking effort to upload a picture , receive a message stating :' apologies , cannot upload image'.
I have also been really moved by the fact that some folks out there have actually been reading the blog : This has become a mixed blessing though . The real problem with blogging I have realised is that some comments are not very complimentary .
Although there is an option of monitoring one's messages and deciding whether to publish them on the blog or not , I have decided to to allow freedom of speech as a matter of principle.
So far I have had about three comments on the blog , an individual who calls himself Leo has become my most dedicated reader( greetings Leo!). First he advised me to give my computer to a child as 'they have more brains'He didn't like the comments I have logged , he states he has ' fought three wars for cowardly anti war people' like me,in addition to the posts you can read here from Leo he has been e-mailing me in private with threats and language I don't want to repeat. I have counter attacked by posting on his blog and offering him to debate the issues , which he has declined .
I originally described some of the problems I have had with blogging in hope that I would get constructive advice, not knowing that there are other problems with blogging .
So this individual who has the the bravery to fight three wars for me did not like me to express my views on Condoleeza Rice , secretary of state of the U.S.A coming to the country that I live in . I guess 'Leo' and people of his opinion would argue that they fought so that I could have the freedom to express my view whilst at the same time telling me that I am not worthy of being alive thereby advocating the anihilation of people that think differently to himself ,ironically in collusion with what he believes are the ideas of those whom he allegedly liberated me from. There really is a meaninglessness in some peoples' lives :I guess problems with blogging doesn't help.
I am still having problems with uploading images , I am not sure if it is purely my incompetence or whether there is some kind of malfunction of the server , after all I did , after an hour's painstaking effort to upload a picture , receive a message stating :' apologies , cannot upload image'.
I have also been really moved by the fact that some folks out there have actually been reading the blog : This has become a mixed blessing though . The real problem with blogging I have realised is that some comments are not very complimentary .
Although there is an option of monitoring one's messages and deciding whether to publish them on the blog or not , I have decided to to allow freedom of speech as a matter of principle.
So far I have had about three comments on the blog , an individual who calls himself Leo has become my most dedicated reader( greetings Leo!). First he advised me to give my computer to a child as 'they have more brains'He didn't like the comments I have logged , he states he has ' fought three wars for cowardly anti war people' like me,in addition to the posts you can read here from Leo he has been e-mailing me in private with threats and language I don't want to repeat. I have counter attacked by posting on his blog and offering him to debate the issues , which he has declined .
I originally described some of the problems I have had with blogging in hope that I would get constructive advice, not knowing that there are other problems with blogging .
So this individual who has the the bravery to fight three wars for me did not like me to express my views on Condoleeza Rice , secretary of state of the U.S.A coming to the country that I live in . I guess 'Leo' and people of his opinion would argue that they fought so that I could have the freedom to express my view whilst at the same time telling me that I am not worthy of being alive thereby advocating the anihilation of people that think differently to himself ,ironically in collusion with what he believes are the ideas of those whom he allegedly liberated me from. There really is a meaninglessness in some peoples' lives :I guess problems with blogging doesn't help.
Brainlessness (Dedicated to Leo)
Donald the dunce was told by his school teacher, Mr Leo to write: one plus one equals two , a hundred times.
The next morning Mr Leo asked Donald whether the exercise had helped him remember the answer to the problem.
"No." replied Donald,"I'm still not convinced ". Donald then produced a lump of clay in each hand and stuck the pieces togeher .
"How many did I have to start with ?" Donald asked Mr Leo.
"Two"
"And by adding them together , how many am I left with ?"
"One"replied Mr Leo.
"Exactly!"said Donald the Dunce as Mr Leo proceeded to wear the Dunce's hat.
(adapted from : " A cynic's book of knowledge " Copyright J. Pellas 1990.)
The next morning Mr Leo asked Donald whether the exercise had helped him remember the answer to the problem.
"No." replied Donald,"I'm still not convinced ". Donald then produced a lump of clay in each hand and stuck the pieces togeher .
"How many did I have to start with ?" Donald asked Mr Leo.
"Two"
"And by adding them together , how many am I left with ?"
"One"replied Mr Leo.
"Exactly!"said Donald the Dunce as Mr Leo proceeded to wear the Dunce's hat.
(adapted from : " A cynic's book of knowledge " Copyright J. Pellas 1990.)
Friday, March 31, 2006
News, Local and Distant
I heard that sexy Condoleezza Rice, the American secretary of state has come to blighty from the good old U S of A
. I believe she came to Blackpool yesterday if I am not mistaken .Much was said about how much she was a Beatle fan and was so looking forward to visiting parts of England where the fab four worked, went to school,sang ,ate or breathed ! (how normal she sounds ) so much for sixties music changing the world and art influencing people for a better life. What has any of this to do with Blackpool ?, I don't know.
Condi , a real example of a successful woman, powerful, independent ,intelligent ,
beautiful and yes like many women who have reached the top of a man's world sadly no different ; tragically human.
I heard also that there was a contingent of anti Iraq war demonstrators against her visit . Good on them ! she has blood on her hands , the only difference between her like and the hard core terrorist is that she cuts throats by proxy : A true 'board room guerilla ' as the great peace campaigner Bruce Kent once dubbed them.
The only reason that guerillas like condi, Geoerge W Bush and our very own Tony Blitler are not in the dock charged with genocide and other war crimes of the highest degree is that they run the whole show!
But let's be pragmatic It is an empire; The American empire that our soldiers are unwittingly serving , and what's wrong with an empire? We had one once. The British and Greek empires were possibly two of the greatest empires of all history which left the world with many great changes for the better, eminent individuals, superb art works and revolutionary thinkers and creative minds who influenced the
world's view of itself.
Where would we be if not under the wing of this American empire? we may have been subjugated by some extreme totalitarian , fanatical superstitious despot .
Look at the great things America has given us in the modern world this very internet where freedom of speech flourishes is just one of many ,I leave you all to ponder on your own favourites .
So it is alright for dissident lefties (myself included) to pour invective over the idea that is America, yet what do we have to replace it with? I have relatives there , and my late father who visited his brother there on various occasions loved the people, their way of life and the vastness of its culture as well as its geography.
So what can we say of Condi ?: loved the Beatles , yes but finds this compatible with destroying the lives of millions of poor people who have a bloody history of suffering foreign involvement by big industrial powers from the beginning of the last century or even earlier. Iraq, the land in which the very first civilisations flourished and gave the world many things including the beginnings of literacy and numeracy amongst others.
What do you know that we don't Condi? Is it something that if we knew too would make us want to see more charred bodies and the utter devastation and humiliation of millions? It must be something profound..I remember so clearly the genuine look on our Tony's face when he was pleading (before the Iraq invasion) , saying something like :, 'Look , I know something you don't , I am doing this for the good of our society, you see I have seen the dossier ( remember the sexy dossier?) and if we don't act violently now, we have a new Hitler in our midst!'
The rest is history unfolding scarily in front of us and more importantly the real victims who the great journalist John Pilger describes as 'non people' (in the way they are portrayed by our media as not really significant).
I remember the chilling maxim of Goebels of the Nazi's who said when stirring up hatred against the Jews that ' A lie is only a lie , but if we repeat it enough times it becomes the truth' .
How sinister and true that statement is . Do you remember when the war was beginning how the idea had to be sold? irrational , emotional , aggressive and deceitful rhetoric was used by the honourable ones in parliament not to mention the spineless who knew and kept quiet ; equally corrupt .
Maybe Condi is right and she really does know what is in the best interests of the people all over the world? .........Or maybe her psyche has been severely damaged by those subversive Beatle lyrics such as 'Happiness is a warm gun Mamma ....?'
That , only the God of war ,Ares knows .........
Peace be with you
. I believe she came to Blackpool yesterday if I am not mistaken .Much was said about how much she was a Beatle fan and was so looking forward to visiting parts of England where the fab four worked, went to school,sang ,ate or breathed ! (how normal she sounds ) so much for sixties music changing the world and art influencing people for a better life. What has any of this to do with Blackpool ?, I don't know.
Condi , a real example of a successful woman, powerful, independent ,intelligent ,
beautiful and yes like many women who have reached the top of a man's world sadly no different ; tragically human.
I heard also that there was a contingent of anti Iraq war demonstrators against her visit . Good on them ! she has blood on her hands , the only difference between her like and the hard core terrorist is that she cuts throats by proxy : A true 'board room guerilla ' as the great peace campaigner Bruce Kent once dubbed them.
The only reason that guerillas like condi, Geoerge W Bush and our very own Tony Blitler are not in the dock charged with genocide and other war crimes of the highest degree is that they run the whole show!
But let's be pragmatic It is an empire; The American empire that our soldiers are unwittingly serving , and what's wrong with an empire? We had one once. The British and Greek empires were possibly two of the greatest empires of all history which left the world with many great changes for the better, eminent individuals, superb art works and revolutionary thinkers and creative minds who influenced the
world's view of itself.
Where would we be if not under the wing of this American empire? we may have been subjugated by some extreme totalitarian , fanatical superstitious despot .
Look at the great things America has given us in the modern world this very internet where freedom of speech flourishes is just one of many ,I leave you all to ponder on your own favourites .
So it is alright for dissident lefties (myself included) to pour invective over the idea that is America, yet what do we have to replace it with? I have relatives there , and my late father who visited his brother there on various occasions loved the people, their way of life and the vastness of its culture as well as its geography.
So what can we say of Condi ?: loved the Beatles , yes but finds this compatible with destroying the lives of millions of poor people who have a bloody history of suffering foreign involvement by big industrial powers from the beginning of the last century or even earlier. Iraq, the land in which the very first civilisations flourished and gave the world many things including the beginnings of literacy and numeracy amongst others.
What do you know that we don't Condi? Is it something that if we knew too would make us want to see more charred bodies and the utter devastation and humiliation of millions? It must be something profound..I remember so clearly the genuine look on our Tony's face when he was pleading (before the Iraq invasion) , saying something like :, 'Look , I know something you don't , I am doing this for the good of our society, you see I have seen the dossier ( remember the sexy dossier?) and if we don't act violently now, we have a new Hitler in our midst!'
The rest is history unfolding scarily in front of us and more importantly the real victims who the great journalist John Pilger describes as 'non people' (in the way they are portrayed by our media as not really significant).
I remember the chilling maxim of Goebels of the Nazi's who said when stirring up hatred against the Jews that ' A lie is only a lie , but if we repeat it enough times it becomes the truth' .
How sinister and true that statement is . Do you remember when the war was beginning how the idea had to be sold? irrational , emotional , aggressive and deceitful rhetoric was used by the honourable ones in parliament not to mention the spineless who knew and kept quiet ; equally corrupt .
Maybe Condi is right and she really does know what is in the best interests of the people all over the world? .........Or maybe her psyche has been severely damaged by those subversive Beatle lyrics such as 'Happiness is a warm gun Mamma ....?'
That , only the God of war ,Ares knows .........
Peace be with you
Problems with blogging
Well I have been trying to download a picture ,or is it called uploading when you send an image to the web ? : but with no success , I really do find this simple blogging process quite difficult .How do all these smug bloggers do it? Please help me someone out there.
This is becoming meaningless in the worst possible sense. I promise it will be worth checking but I have not done my homework and fell for the 'SIMPLE ' promotion from Google, with due respect .
Bye for now.
This is becoming meaningless in the worst possible sense. I promise it will be worth checking but I have not done my homework and fell for the 'SIMPLE ' promotion from Google, with due respect .
Bye for now.
Monday, March 27, 2006
the beginning
Greetings people!
I have just started this log or blog. I don't even know if it is getting anywhere, I'm not too good with computers : it goes with the age group I guess.
I hope to receive my scanner tomorrow so that I can down load some cartoons if that is possible.
Working for the NHS is what I do to pay t he rent and sometimes feel that my prime duty there is being a bureaucrat. This is the way of how politics and economics has influenced every sphere of our lives . It is not so important to do something productive and caring in this job but to be seen to be doing so . i.e if one can prove through meticulous paper work that a box has been ticked then one is doing well. We don't have patients anymore we have service users , clients and consumers . Nurses and hospitals are service providers ; it's as if we are working on a production line. Everything has to be quantified in neat little units of 'care' . This is wrong because in a 'caring ' profession one can be spending time with an individual and be making a positive difference to that person's life but this might not lend itself well to ethos of consumerism or is not very practical to corrupt politicians in parliament arguing and waving selective statistics at eachother which can mean practically anything.
Today with the disease of what is known as ' politcal correctness' , we don't have' patients 'or people do not have a' mental illness' , we have service users who have 'mental health' .This is ludicrous ! This terminology has become so established that it has become meaningless or rather it has taken on the sinister effect of George Orwell's masterpiece '1984'
For example I was visiting an elderly lady who was relapsing and becoming unwell due to her illness of schizophrenia and she said : 'I'm getting all mental health' as if this meant 'I'm getting mentally ill' By Zeus ! it's as if we cannot mention the word illness or according to the rigid ethos of political correctness , anything that may have a negative meaning.
I don't know if anyone is there to read all this , so I better not continue to rant. Must try and see if this thing is actually on line .
bye for now.
Antisthenes
I have just started this log or blog. I don't even know if it is getting anywhere, I'm not too good with computers : it goes with the age group I guess.
I hope to receive my scanner tomorrow so that I can down load some cartoons if that is possible.
Working for the NHS is what I do to pay t he rent and sometimes feel that my prime duty there is being a bureaucrat. This is the way of how politics and economics has influenced every sphere of our lives . It is not so important to do something productive and caring in this job but to be seen to be doing so . i.e if one can prove through meticulous paper work that a box has been ticked then one is doing well. We don't have patients anymore we have service users , clients and consumers . Nurses and hospitals are service providers ; it's as if we are working on a production line. Everything has to be quantified in neat little units of 'care' . This is wrong because in a 'caring ' profession one can be spending time with an individual and be making a positive difference to that person's life but this might not lend itself well to ethos of consumerism or is not very practical to corrupt politicians in parliament arguing and waving selective statistics at eachother which can mean practically anything.
Today with the disease of what is known as ' politcal correctness' , we don't have' patients 'or people do not have a' mental illness' , we have service users who have 'mental health' .This is ludicrous ! This terminology has become so established that it has become meaningless or rather it has taken on the sinister effect of George Orwell's masterpiece '1984'
For example I was visiting an elderly lady who was relapsing and becoming unwell due to her illness of schizophrenia and she said : 'I'm getting all mental health' as if this meant 'I'm getting mentally ill' By Zeus ! it's as if we cannot mention the word illness or according to the rigid ethos of political correctness , anything that may have a negative meaning.
I don't know if anyone is there to read all this , so I better not continue to rant. Must try and see if this thing is actually on line .
bye for now.
Antisthenes
Sunday, March 26, 2006
The meaning
The meaning less ness has arrived , the blog to block all blogs , its true its painful it's the new thing with many interesting things for all .
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