Monday, December 31, 2007

Here's hoping for 2008...


I wish you a hopeful Christmas
I wish you a brave New Year
All anguish pain and sadness
Leave your heart and let your road be clear

Greg Lake - I Believe In Father Christmas

2007 has been a rather distressing year and I'm more than happy to bid farewell to it tonight. I don't have any New Year resolutions (since I never keep them anyway), but I have hopes for the future...

I hope in 2008, people will look beyond blinkered religous dogma and respect the different beliefs held by others (but that's already a forlorn hope - according to reports, three bomb blasts injured 27 people, many of them celebrating the New Year in the southern Thai tourist town of Sungai Kolok. Muslim insurgents are suspected behind the attack)....

I hope in 2008 that our young men will think twice before using a knife or a gun to take another's life. As of December 25th 2007, 26 young lives were cut short on the streets of London (I also hope that my fellow Londoners will enjoy tonight's New Year celebrations without fear of violence towards them)....

I hope in 2008 that Burma, Darfur, Afganistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Kenya and other troubled corners of this world will know peace....

And I hope for all of us that 2008 is better than 2007.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Smoking


Starting January 1st, 2008, Californian motorists could be hit with fines of up to $100 [approx. £50] for smoking in a vehicle containing anyone under 18 years of age. This ban is the latest attempt by the state to protect people from the dangers created by breathing second-hand smoke (two other American states - Arkansas and Louisiana - also have laws that prohibit smoking in vehicles containing children. The Arkansas law applies to children under age 6 or 60 pounds, while the Louisiana law covers children under age 13).
New California vehicle smoking ban begins Tuesday

And if you think that's tough, you should read the following link:
It's Official -- Belmont Bans Smoking In Some Homes

Apparently around September 2007, the Belmont City Council in California banned smoking in the privacy of one's own home. The city's existing smoking ban was extended to include to the inside of any residence except single-family detached homes (smoking is still allowed in single-family homes and their yards, and units and yards in apartment buildings, condominiums and townhouses that do not share any common floors or ceilings with other units).

As a non-smoker, I'm aware of the need to restrict second-hand (aka passive) smoking, especially amongst the young. According to research from Imperial College, second-hand smoking in the workplace causes about 700 deaths each year. And since 1 July 2007, England joined the other countries in the United Kingdom by enforcing a complete ban on smoking in all public indoor spaces.

But a ban on smoking in one's own car feels draconian. And as for prohibiting people from smoking in their own residence, what next? Banning the overweight from eating at fast food resturaunts?

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto (continued)....


Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has ordered a crack down on the unrest after Benazir Bhutto's death. Ms Bhutto was buried on Friday in her family mausoleum amid the weeping of tens of thousands of mourners and renewed violence in Pakistan.
Meanwhile questions are still being asked about the identity (or identities) of those behind Ms Bhutto's assassination.
If one believes the Pakistani government, then al-Qaeda or the Taleban, or even both, were responsible for her death. However supporters of the late Ms Bhutto believe the government of President Musharraf is to blame.
I don't know what to believe...but I do know the consequences of Benazir Bhutto's death are continuing to reverberate...
Musharraf cracks down on rioters
Bhutto's cause of death disputed

Thursday, December 27, 2007

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto....


Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated in a suspected suicide bomb attack at an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi, near the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. She was shot in the neck and chest before the gunman blew himself up, killing at least 20 other people in the explosion - the second targeting Ms Bhutto since her return from self-imposed exile in October this year.
While there has been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, analysts believe the most likely group behind it are Islamist militants. Protests have broken out in other Pakistani cities as news of the assassination spread, with reports of 11 deaths.
One cannot help but feel that the demise of this brave and remarkable woman is a tragedy for the people of Pakistan. Yes, Benazir Bhutto was surrounded in controversy while she was in office. And by openly associating herself with the West, she probably signed her death warrant. But you have to admire her courage in accepting the risks and facing those forces baying for her blood.
Would she have helped in bringing peace to Pakistan next year? We'll never know now.
Rest in peace, Benazir Bhutto and those innocents killed today. One sincerely hopes Pakistan will recover from this loss.
Benazir Bhutto killed in attack
Obituary: Benazir Bhutto

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Before I forget....




Robbie Keane had a penalty saved saved by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, as Nicklas Bendtner headed Arsenal's winner in the 2-1 defeat of local rivals Tottenham yesterday. Bendtner had just come on as a substitute for the Gunners after after 76 minutes.
OK, the match wasn't pretty and Aresnal weren't at their best, but I'll take the win and 3 points at this stage.
Well, at the beginning of the season no one gave us a cat in hells chance, but here we are still at the summit. Congratulations lads (and thanks for keeping us in it, Manuel).
Oh - and Happy Xmas, Spurs fans (Hahahahahahaha)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham

Blair (finally) becomes a Catholic


Our ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair has left the Anglican Church to become a Roman Catholic.
There had been speculation he would convert after leaving office. However ex-Tory minister Ann Widdecombe - herself a Catholic convert - said Mr Blair's voting record as an MP had often "gone against church teaching".

We all knew Tony Blair was a secret Catholic for quite a while, so this is no suprise. However, I would have had more respect for him had he put his faith before politics and converted to Catholicism whilst he was in No. 10.
But I guess our Tone would then have to face embarrassing questions about his stance on same-sex unions, stem cell research and abortion.
Blair converts to Catholicism

Friday, December 14, 2007

And the next England Manager is (continued)...


Italian Fabio Capello who signed a four-and-a-half year deal to become the new manager. This deal is reportedly worth £6m a year, with an "opt out" clause after 2010.
It's a lot of money, but desperate times call for desperate measures. This England national team had become so much of a laughing stock that it needs someone like Capello to (hopefully) kick some collective rear ends and put things right.

As for the "Little England" brigade - it's time for people to swallow their national pride...
Capello named new England manager

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

A very dangerous teddy bear (postscript)......


I'm glad that 54-year old teacher Gillian Gibbons is back in the UK after being released from jail in Sudan.
If you refer to previous posts on this blog, Mrs Gibbons had been jailed after being found guilty for "insulting Islam" on 29 November, after allowing her six- and seven-year-old pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad. She was found not guilty of two other charges.
However when you consider that she could have faced 40 lashes if found guilty of all three charges, I'm still flabbergasted how a simple misunderstanding could degenerate into a cauldron of ignorance and intolerance.
Those crowds of people who marched in Khartoum calling for a tougher sentence - those extremists who reportedly called for her to face a firing squad - should ask themselves: is all this anger and hate following the example of the Prophet? Where is the tolerance and understanding of Islam?

I also shudder when I consider the plight of the black African population of Darfur who are subjected to attacks by the vicious Janjaweed Arab militia, reportedly aided by the Sudanese authority.
According to UN goodwill ambassador and former actress Mia Farrow, the case of Gillian Gibbons "underlines the brutality and insanity" of the Sudanese government.
I agree with Ms Farrow - "we mustn't forget the countless women in Darfur who are not free to leave."
Teacher speaks of Sudan 'ordeal'
Egypt to host fresh Darfur talks
Q&A: Sudan's Darfur conflict

Sunday, December 2, 2007

A very dangerous teddy bear (continued)......


Two British Muslim peers (Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi) are hoping to meet the Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, in order to secure the release of Gillian Gibbons, the UK teacher jailed in Khartoum for insulting religion - by allowing her pupils to call a teddy bear Muhammad.
The Sudanese president is only person with the authority to pardon Mrs Gibbons, who was sentenced to 15 days in jail and then deportation from Sudan.

I hope Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi will stress how this apalling incident has damaged people's perception of Islam and Muslims - ALL Muslims. Already British author Kes Gray has stated the case of Gillian Gibbons influenced his decision to change the name of a character in his book, Who's Poorly Too. The character, Mohammed the Mole has been renamed Morgan so as not to offend Muslims. Gray's book which has sold 40,000 copies in Britain and overseas, was to be reprinted, but this has now been postponed.

It's hard to hold onto liberal and tolerant views when facing religious bigotry, that has no place in the 21st century.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The final days...?


From the BBC:

Gordon Brown has said donations received by the Labour Party through middlemen were "completely unacceptable" and would be repaid.

The prime minister said he had "no knowledge" of £600,000 of donations from property developer David Abrahams. It was "not lawfully declared so it will be returned".


Amazing! You'd think after the "Cash for Honours" scandal, this Labour government would have learnt it's lesson. Guess not.
Add this to recent criticism from former military chiefs about funding for the armed forces, propping up flailing mortgage-lender Northern Rock with £25bn of taxpayers money and the fiasco surrounding missing computer disks containing confidential details of 25 MILLION child benefit recipients.....
Gordon Brown's tenure at Number 10 is starting to resemble the final years of John Major's premiership.
Brown's fire fighting

Monday, November 26, 2007

A very dangerous teddy bear......


A British schoolteacher is in a Sudanese jail tonight after being arrested for insulting Islam's Prophet, because she allowed her pupils to name a teddy bear Muhammad.
Liverpudlian Gillian Gibbons, 54, who joined the school in August, was following a course designed to teach young pupils about animals and this year's topic was the bear.
Ms Gibbons then asked a seven-year-old girl to bring in her teddy bear and asked the class to pick a name for it.
According to the school's director, Robert Boulos, the class came up with several names including Abdullah, Hassan and Muhammad, and the majority of the children chose Muhammad as their favourite name. Each child was then allowed to take the bear home at weekends and told to write a diary about what they did with it. The children's entries were collected in a book with a picture of the bear on the cover and a message which read, "My name is Muhammad."
Ms Gibbons was arrested after several parents made complaints and according to the BBC, the charge - insults against faith and religion - could lead to either six months in jail, 40 lashes or a fine
Colleagues of Ms Gibbons said she made an "innocent mistake" by letting the class of six and seven-year-olds choose the name of the teddy bear and I agree. But one needs to wonder about the shortage of commonsense in this situation.
All rather sad, really....
(ps: the teddy bear pictured in this post is unconnected to this story)
'Muhammad' teddy teacher arrested

Thursday, November 22, 2007

And the next England Manager is...


Well, here we go again. England coach Steve McClaren and assistant coach Terry Venables have been sacked following the national team's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

Few will shed tears at McClaren's departure. He was a honest, likeable character, but a manager capable of taking England to next year's finals? Well, sadly we know the answer to that question.
The men in blazers from the FA who messed up picking the successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson (remember the fiasco with "Big" Phil Scolari?) deserve culling as well.....but that ain't going to happen (turkeys don't vote for Christmas). So let's turn our attention to the next England manager.

Place yer bets, folks....

9-2 Martin O’Neill, Jose Mourinho.
7-1 Fabio Capello.
12-1 Luis Felipe Scolari.
14-1 Sam Allardyce, Guus Hiddink, Alan Shearer.
20-1 Marcello Lippi.
22-1 Stuart Pearce.
25-1 Harry Redknapp, Arsene Wenger.
28-1 Alan Curbishley.
33-1 Steve Coppell.


Whoever the next England manager is, I hope he'll be able to select a team capable of playing modern football, instead of this motley collection of wealthy, pampered, overrated "superstars" who treat each other like strangers on a football pitch.

Nationality is not important (but beware of xenophobia in our fickle press if results go against you).
McClaren sacked as England coach
England managerial contenders
England rotten to the roots?

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The last chance saloon (continued)...



Football's a funny old game....but not right now at the moment.

Needing only a draw to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals against Croatia tonight at Wembley, England duly lost 3-2.
It saddens me to say it, but the attitude of the England team at present doesn't justify the belief that they deserve a place in any major football finals. We have learned nothing from the mistakes of last year's World Cup.
But instead of wondering if the players deserve the hype and adulation, I suppose we'll get on the latest hobby-horse and blame the woes of the English national team on the number of foreign players in the Premiership instead (with Arsenal and their manager Arsène Wenger as the main culprits).

Apparently Martin O'Neill, the manager of Aston Villa, is the 7/4 favourite to take over from Steve McClaren as England manager, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.
But more than a change of manager is required, in my opinion.

It's a pity Spike Milligan has passed away. We could have done with him muttering, "What are we going to do now?"
Euro 2008 qualifying

Saturday, November 17, 2007

The last chance saloon...

Proof that Football is a cruel game...

A Scotland side that deserved to be in the Euro 2008 finals after a titanic campaign, loses 2 - 1 to Italy after a dramatic last-minute winner for the Italians.
Meanwhile an England national team who should hang their collective heads in shame for some mediocre performances, have their prayers answered by a Israeli team beating Russia 2 - 1, Israel scoring the dramatic last minute winning goal!
Thanks to Israel, England are now two points ahead of Russia in their qualifying group and need only a draw against Croatia next Wednesday to book their passage to next year's finals.

Unlucky Scotland. I think they deserved to be in the finals a lot more than England did (who can forget that fantastic 1-0 win over France) - but ultimately its the results that count.
Meanwhile the last chance saloon is now open for England boss Steve McClaren and his players...
England gifted lifeline by Israel
McLeish anger at Italian winner

And now - another commercial break....

My current fave ad on TV...I'm not a big fan of Christmas ads (and I won't be celebrating Christmas much this year anyway), but hats off to Boots - the theme of this advert is very familar, if you've ever attended an office Xmas party...



The track is a stroke of genius too...Here Come The Girls by Ernie K-Doe on the Soul Jazz Records label.
Soul Jazz Records — Here Come The Girls — Ernie K Doe

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Remember...


Every year - on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, remember the ultimate sacrifices made by those brave men and women in conflicts, past and present.

Remember those who "for our tomorrow, gave their today".
Nation and troops honour war dead
Poppyman campaign

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Sarah Jessica Parker & the Unsexy Five...


An online poll by men's website Maxim.com have recently released a list of their "World's Unsexiest Women," which includes ladies of cinema, TV and music.
“Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker had the dubious honour of being declared the No. 1 Unsexiest Woman Alive.

Their Unsexy Five Are:

1. Sarah Jessica Parker
2. Amy Winehouse
3. Sandra Oh (from the TV series "Grey´s Anatomy")
4. Madonna
5. Britney Spears

Sarah Jessica Parker has reportedly stated being named the Unsexiest Woman Alive doesn't upset her, and I agree with her "sticks and stones" response to this somewhat narrow-minded list.
Each of these women have their own sex appeal - so what if it isn't mainstream enough for those who taste lean towards the pouting bikini-clad waifs anyway?
The Five Unsexiest Women Alive

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Meanwhile, in North London (continued)...




Well Arsenal have now played Liverpool at Anfield and last season's champions Manchester United (who are currently at their most formidable) at home. And we did not lose to either of those sides (obviously we didn't win either, but let's not quibble).

Both teams created chances in the second half and it's a pity Arsenal couldn't score after the first equalizer from Cesc Fabregas. If I'm brutally honest, Arsenal still appeared to be a bit naive at times today. We need to be more effective and show more ruthlessness - but that will come in time with this young side.

Not sure about the substitution of Theo Walcott for Eboue, as the latter was doing great in the second half and the former's poor defending helped Man U with their second goal, although goalie Almunia was also at fault in my opinion.

Can Arsenal still win the Premiership? It's going to be hard - let's not forget Chelski lurking in the wings....who remembers Jose "the special one" now? The Blues are just as big a threat as in previous years. And then we should consider Blackburn.
Actually, there are plenty of tough games ahead...........bring 'em on!
Arsenal 2-2 Man Utd

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween?


Well, it's All Hallows Eve - and I nearly made it home safe and sound...
Unfortunately the trick 'n treaters caught me at my gate...had to give up about £2 to the little monsters in order to get in (or get my suit messed up).

On a serious note though, Halloween is providing cover for more darker deeds - street robbers and thugs often dress up in masks and costumes to hide their identity whilst they carry out muggings and other offences.
And a baby was taken to hospital after a man in Halloween fancy dress set off an industrial-style firework in an off-licence this Monday.

Anyway, have a happy - and safe Halloween....
Halloween mischief makers crackdown
Baby hurt by firework lit in shop

Friday, October 26, 2007

When ginger Neanderthals walked the Earth...


In this morning's news, a DNA study revealed some Neanderthals aka Homo neanderthalensis, may have had red hair and pale skin.
Researchers analysed DNA samples extracted from the bones of two Neanderthals from Spain and Italy and it is estimated that at least 1% of Neanderthals had red hair.
According to Michael Hofreiter, an evolutionary biologist at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, who led the study. "They would have had lighter hair all over their bodies, like today's Irish redheaded people."
Hmm....I always wondered about the antics of Chris Evans, Prince Harry and the Duchess of York (aka Fergie).
Neanderthals 'were flame-haired'

V for Vendetta (continued)...


Currently watching V for Vendetta on TV again. This is one of my fave movies (despite the quibbles I had when comparing the film to the comic) and I especially like the stirring soundtrack, which can be heard on the official website for the movie.

Remember folks, our voting apathy will give us the government we deserve....
Official website for the motion picture V for Vendetta

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Meanwhile in North London...


More fantasy football from Arsenal! But let's not get carried away - there's a few tough fixtures coming up, starting with Liverpool this Sunday, followed by Manchester United the week after.
The matches with Liverpool and Man Utd will be yardsticks for Arsenal's title credentials. The Gunners are flying high right now, but these games will definitely be their toughest challenges of the season so far.
Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague

Monday, October 22, 2007

Best of British (continued)....


Oh well, sometimes luck doesn't always go your way. Que Sera, Sera....
Lewis Hamilton came close to winning the F1 world title, but it wasn't enough. I'm glad Lewis told the BBC he doesn't want to win a world title through disqualifications for other drivers. I only hope McLaren can also accept the verdict. "Spygate" was bad enough, but if McLaren were successful with their appeal on yesterday's result, it would be a sad way to become world champion.
Hamilton keen to win 'fair' title
McLaren set to launch fuel appeal

Friday, October 19, 2007

Best of British....


By next Monday we'll know if British racing driver Lewis Hamilton and the England rugby team will be lionised as respective Formula One world champion and World Cup winners.
Or whether they'll suffer the current fate of Steve McClaren and the England football team - trial (and execution) by tabloid press.
Here's hoping that Hamilton, Wilkinson and company are champs instead of chumps.
Brazilian Grand Prix 2007
World Cup final 2007
Trial by tabloid

Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Retreat from Moscow....


Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick has given England boss Steve McClaren his backing, despite the Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Russia (England lost 2-1 yesterday).
England must beat Croatia in November and hope Russia lose or draw one of their last two Group E games against Israel and Andorra to reach the finals.
Despite yesterday's setback, at the moment England can still qualify and while that chance exists (no matter how slim), now is not the time to consider a new manager.
Let's wait and see how England's qualifying campaign concludes, before shouting "McClaren must go".
FA boss gives backing to McClaren

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Style over substance....


Nominations for candidates for the leadership of the Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) have opened after Sir Menzies Campbell announced his departure. The early front runners to succeed Sir Ming are Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne, but as many as seven are considering running.

Meanwhile Sir Ming has told the BBC he felt "irritated and frustrated" at having to step down as Lib Dem leader, but said the decision was his alone. Sir Menzies, 66, said he could not get out from under the "cloying blanket" of questions about his age and leadership.

It's sad that the Lib Dems appears to have succumbed to the belief that decency and principles are insufficient qualities for a modern political leader in the UK.

These days politics is very superficial. I suppose the Lib Dems will now be looking for a youngish Tory Bliar or David Shameron type to appeal to both the media and electorate. But never will the phrase "style over substance" appear more appropriate.
Sir Menzies tells of 'irritation'
Lib Dem leadership race under way

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Great Storm....twenty years on

The gales on the night of 15 October 1987, which came to be known as the Great Storm, cost 18 lives and uprooted 15 million trees. Winds reaching 122mph ripped across the south-eastern corner of England (and took this blogger by surprise).
The Great Storm is remembered for the famous (or infamous) weather forecast 20 years ago today, in which weatherman Michael Fish appeared to dismiss rumours of a "hurricane". However Mr Fish has stated he was referring to weather conditions in Florida at the time and not the Great Storm.
As I recall, the Great Storm was followed days later by the financial storm of Black Monday. When on 19th October 1987, shares fell by £50 billion at the London Stock Exchange, in the wake of a crash on Wall Street.
Recovering from the Great Storm
The wrong man

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Allez le blanc...


OK, now for something more uplifting in sport...

Today should be great fun for sport fans.
Both England & Scotland have important Euro 2008 qualifying matches against respective opponents Estonia & Ukraine. Wales & the Republic of Ireland also have European Championship qualifying matches today.
However the main focus this Saturday is not football, but Rugby Union. Or, to be precise, the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and France in Paris later today (kick-off: 08.00pm BST). It is estimated that about 40,000 England fans will be in the French capital to support the team.
The match will be at the 80,000 seater Stade de France. Although the event is a sell-out, tickets are reportedly exchanging hands for up to £1,400.
Here's hoping Les Rosbifs are victorious in Le Crunch....
England fans join the Paris party

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

More shame in sport (continued).....

Tennis players are to be given 48 hours to tell the authorities if they are approached about throwing matches and risk punishment if they fail do so. The new 48-hour rule will be adopted by the board of the ATP Tour at its next meeting in November, and will be backed up by a new 'integrity unit'.
This comes after Andy Murray told the BBC that matches on the men's ATP Tour are being thrown and that all players are aware of it.

"It is pretty disappointing for all the players, but everyone knows that it goes on," said the top-20 ranked Scot.

Murray is the second British tennis player to claim that match fixing goes on, following former British number one Tim Henman's comments on BBC TV about players being asked to influence the outcome of matches.

The response by the Tennis chiefs shows that something needs to be done to prevent the reputation of the game being dragged through the gutter.
Tennis chiefs battle match-fixers

Monday, October 8, 2007

More shame in sport.....



Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and their Brazilian goalkeeper Dida over the incident at the Champions League game at Celtic last Wednesday, when a "fan" invaded the pitch and touched him after the end of Milan's 2-1 defeat.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper began to briefly chase after the fan before collapsing dramatically to the ground and was eventually stretchered off. Since then however Dida has been criticised for overreacting (this blogger disagrees - more like over ACTING).

It is unfortunate that Celtic's magnificent victory over AC Milan was overshadowed by a moment of stupidity. The "fan" received (and deserved) a lifetime ban, and no doubt Uefa will ensure Celtic will inevitably suffer. I also hope they make Dida pay for his play-acting, but I feel sorry for AC Milan.

(NOTE: since this post, Celtic have been fined £25,000 ($50,000) and AC Milan goalkeeper Dida has been banned for two matches)
AC Milan & Dida face Uefa inquiry

Saturday, October 6, 2007

The shaming of sport...


US Olympic champion sprinter Marion Jones has retired from athletics in disgrace after pleading guilty to lying about steroid use. For years Jones steadfastly denied using steroids and did so despite reports that linked her to the notorious Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO).
Marion Jones is now tainted as a cheat. And other elite athletes will be supected of drug taking. Ultimately track-and-field athletics will suffer. All very sad.
Jones pleads guilty in drug case

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Bring me my chariot of fire!


Fresh safety fears were raised today after another bendy bus burst into flames.
Bus number 25 caught fire in Ilford, east London, as it was travelling from its depot at Waterden Road, Stratford to go into service this Saturday. Safety campaigners and drivers are concerned it could have been much more serious.
A TfL spokesman said the bus suffered "significant" damage to the rear but "there is no link" with previous incidents of fire on bendy buses.
The buses, introduced in 2001, were temporarily taken out of service in 2005 when three buses caught fire. This is the first such incident since they were restored to service in January 2006.
Prospective mayoral candidate Boris Johnston has already pledged to remove the bendy buses from London streets.
Bendy bus fires 'not connected'

Friday, September 28, 2007

Objective: Burma (continued)...


The front page of today's "Independent" newspaper sums up perfectly the hidden tragedy of Burma.
Good luck to the oppressed & isolated Burmese people. They'll need it....
Accounts from inside Burma
Burma: Hundreds may be dead, as junta tries to keep brutality unseen (Independent)

Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man (continued)....


This time last year, I commented on the selection of Robert Downey Jr for the new Iron Man movie.
Just seen the trailer for said movie and it does look interesting...
PS: a tip of the hat to the Haven Comics blog (where I found the link).
Iron Man official site

Thursday, September 27, 2007

And the next London mayor is....


Outspoken Henley MP Boris Johnson will be the Conservative party's candidate in next year's London mayoral race, taking on Labour's incumbent Ken Livingstone, who will be seeking a third term in office.
One of Mr Johnson pledges would be to scrap "bendy" buses and return the classic "Routemaster" buses to London.


I hate these bendy buses with a passion. Several have caught fire on London streets and since the introduction of these buses, there has been increased fare evasion. But I won't be voting for Boris - or Ken, for that matter. I've had my fill of celebrity politicians.
Johnson is Tory mayor candidate

Objective: Burma (continued)...


From the BBC:

State television in Burma (Myanmar) says that nine people died and 11 were wounded in the latest crackdown on anti-government protesters. The dead included a Japanese man, identified as Kenji Nagai, a video journalist working for APF News.
Troops fired shots and tear gas in an attempt to clear the streets of thousands of protesters in the main city of Rangoon. Witnesses said dozens of Buddhist monks were beaten, while hundreds more were detained.
Several countries around the world have urged the Burmese military to show restraint and the UN Secretary General has dispatched his special envoy to the region.

And so Burma joins other countries like Sudan and Zimbabwe where we'll look on helplessly and mutter about crimes against humanity.
I'm reminded of a certain phrase by English philosopher Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797):

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing".
Nine killed in Burmese crackdown

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Objective: Burma!


According to reports, at least two monks and a civillian has been killed as Burmese police attacked peaceful protesters against military rule. The Buddhist monks have been spearheading the recent protests in this deeply religious country. However the military had warned the monks on Monday to stop their protests. It is said that dozens of protesters were also injured, and at least 100 people have been arrested.
The protesters are demonstrating great bravery, as they know they face death or torture for asserting their rights for democratic rule in Burma. Let us not forget that the last time similar protests took place in Burma (1988), the response by the ruling military was to send armed soldiers to massacre the protesters.
Such bravery deserves to be recognised and supported by the rest of the world with deserved action by our leaders against this regime. However I fear our leaders will merely will sit and watch as more people die.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Dexter


Followed "Dexter" religiously throughout my sabbatical. An interesting twist on the TV detective genre, having the hero as a serial killer.
Dexter Morgan (played effectively by Michael C. Hall), is a forensics analyst specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the Miami Police Department. Dexter is also a serial killer, who polishes off those who escape the law.
I enjoyed the series, but I found it hard to root for our "hero". His victims may be unspeakably evil, but Dexter acting as judge, jury and executioner grated on me a bit. Also the identity of Dexter's main protagonist in the first series (the Ice Truck Killer) was a tad too easy to discover.
Still, I hear a second series is on its way and I'll be ready...
Dexter (UK official site)

Meanwhile, in another part of London...


Latest figures unveiled this morning reveal Arsenal's turnover has broken the £200 million barrier, after the move from Highbury to the larger 60,000 seat Emirates Stadium, currently making them Britain's richest football club.
The club's annual financial results for the year ending May 31, 2007 show that income rose 46% to £200.8m, up from £137.2m a year before. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has also been promised £70million in transfer funds.
Match day revenues from the first season at Emirates Stadium were £90.6 million, representing £3.1 million per game and being more than double the £44.1 million achieved in the previous year at Highbury
However, TV revenues were down on 2005/06, when the club reached the Champions League final, by £10m.

"These results demonstrate we really don't need any outside investment," the club's managing director Keith Edelman told the BBC.

All in all, life appears rosy for us Gooners. Despite the departure of Thierry Henry, the team is currently top of the Premiership, playing the kind of football that makes others drool and costing a relative pittance when compared to the reported £30million paid by Chelski for the services of one Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko. Arsène Wenger has extended his contract as Arsenal manager through to 2011, which will make him the longest serving manager in the club’s history.
And the recent debacle at Chelski serves as a timely reminder to Arsenal fans why perhaps we should beware wealthy billionaires bearing gifts.
New stadium boosts Arsenal income

Sunday, September 23, 2007

From the "Special One" to the unknown one...


Yep - I'm back. Moving quickly on....

So it's goodbye Jose Mourinho, and hello Avram Grant to the Chelski hot seat. Considering Chelski just lost 2-0 to Manchester United just now (let's be honest, they looked dispirited, although I thought the referee spoilt the match), the new man has the unenviable task of picking up the pieces in the wake of the departure of the "Special One."
OK, Jose was an egotistical, arrogant man, but I won't deny the success he had at Stamford Bridge.
However success wasn't enough for the owner, Roman Abramovich. It appears the philanthropy of the Russian billionaire has been replaced by megalomania (if the stories of him giving impromptu tactics to midfielder Essien after the draw with Rosenborg last week are true).
All in all, some interesting times for the blues....

(PS: Dear Ca$hley - HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!)
Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea

Thursday, July 19, 2007

See ya later....

Unfortunately I'll be off the air for awhile.
A close family member has died and I need time to myself.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

07/07/07 (continued)...


Today at a glittering show in Lisbon's Benfica stadium, Portugal, the "New 7 Wonders of the World." were unveiled as follows:
  • The Great Wall of China
  • Machu Picchu in Peru
  • Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer
  • The Colosseum in Rome
  • Jordan's Petra
  • The Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico
  • India's Taj Mahal
There have been other lists of seven wonders. For example, in 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers listed their 7 wonders of the modern world as the Channel Tunnel, the CN Tower, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, Itaipu Dam, Delta Works and the Panama Canal.
In 2006 USA Today and "Good Morning America" chose Tibet's Potala Palace, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Polar ice caps, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument, the Internet, the Mayan ruins in Mexico and the Great Migration of Serengeti and Masai Mara in Tanzania and Kenya.

This global campaign for the new wonders has been arranged by the non-profit New7Wonders Foundation and is the brainchild of a Swiss-Canadian filmmaker, museum curator and explorer, Bernard Weber. Virtually anyone with access to the Internet or a mobile phone has been invited to vote and thus far, the search for the new wonders has attracted votes from approx. 100 million people, according to the organisers.
However the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) - which has its own World Heritage List - has criticised the organisation's approach.
"The New7Wonders is more directed towards commercial purposes than the conservation of heritage," Unesco spokesperson Sue Williams told the BBC. Unesco also argues that the list is very limited. Its own World Heritage List numbers sites including 660 cultural and 166 natural.

Meanwhile on the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventh year of the millennium, Bookmakers are bracing themselves for an influx of bets. Registrars are also reporting a huge surge in the number of couples getting married. The number seven is believed by some to have mystical powers or bring luck and holds significance for some religions. Pythagoreans considered seven a perfect number, because it is made up of three and four, the sides of the triangle and the square. Buddhists believe in seven reincarnations. Kwanzaa is celebrated by lighting seven candles.

Sadly today has a darker significance for us Londoners. A remembrance service has been held for those killed in the 7 July bombings two years ago at a memorial garden to the victims. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, London mayor Ken Livingstone and Olympics and London Minister Tessa Jowell joined relatives at King's Cross. The Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe - in London for the Tour de France Grand Depart - also attended.

Finally, today has been "Live Earth" day, organised by former US Vice-President Al Gore, as part of his campaign to try to "heal the planet." More than 60,000 fans crowded into the new Wembley Stadium, as 24 hours of music stretched over seven continents to raise awareness of global warming. Concerts were also held in Washington, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg, New Jersey, Hamburg, Tokyo, Shanghai and Sydney, watched by an estimated global audience of 2 billion people. However Live Earth day has been accused of hypocrisy due to performers who fly around the world on tours to push the message of cutting down on carbon emissions.
Global vote picks Seven Wonders
Ceremony to mark 7/7 anniversary
Concerts promote climate message
Triple-seven fever grips the US

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Don't be afraid...


Well, it has happened again.
Another round of terrorist attacks have taken place in the UK, with two car bombs in London's West End last night that failed to detonate, followed by two men who were arrested this afternoon after a blazing car was driven at the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport. The car was packed with propane gas cylinders (similar to the London car bombs).
Only through the grace of God does it appear that death and injury has been avoided. If the terrorists aim was to intimidate, then it has worked...to a degree. Police are now reviewing security arrangements for events taking place over the weekend, including today's Concert for Diana. Furthermore, the UK has been placed on its highest level of terrorism alert - Critical - meaning an attack is expected imminently.
However the Gay Pride march went ahead in central London yesterday and was well attended - the best response to those hoping to inspire fear. London is our city and we should not be stopped or intimidated by terrorists.
UK terror threat now 'critical'

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Adios, Henry....


Of late, there has been some unkind words about Thierry's supposed lack of interest, that the team this season has played better and got better results without his involvement. I believe us Arsenal followers really have been spoilt.

Those "unkind words" have now returned to haunt us Gooners.....with a vengeance.
Arsenal has just confirmed that they've reached an agreement with FC Barcelona over the transfer of legendary striker Thierry Henry. It's believed Barça are have agreed to pay a reported £16million for Henry - however some reports claim the fee could be as high as £20million. Regardless of the price, La Liga's gain is Arsenal's and the Premiership's loss.

While Henry's legacy is etched into the very soul of Arsenal's history, perhaps the time is right to say goodbye and thank him for his years of service to the club. To be honest at the age of 29, Henry's best years were probably with Arsenal. Also the writing was probably on the wall when Henry said he was an Arsenal player "for now" in a recent interview.
Still, his departure leaves Arsenal looking like a team in the midst of a messy transition (and there's also a potential takeover to consider). But I'm sure the club will bounce back.

Finally - good luck in Barcelona, Thierry Henry. We will miss you....
Arsenal announce Henry departure

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Punk


God save the queen
The fascist regime
They made you a moron
Potential H-bomb


30 years ago The Sex Pistols attempted to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee by sailing a boat called the Queen Elizabeth up the River Thames and performing God Save The Queen. However they were stopped by the police in mid-performance near the Houses of Parliament, despite being granted a license to perform in advance. The band, their manager Malcolm McLaren, and many of their entourage were arrested (after a brief scuffle) when the vessel docked.

During the week of Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee, the Pistols' anti-monarchy single reached number one in the NME chart, but number two in the official UK chart. It was apparently kept off the official top spot by Rod Stewart's I Don't Want To Talk About It. However, many (including this blogger) believed that the chart compilation had been rigged, because it was officially felt that the song might cause offence during the national celebrations. Back then, God Save the Queen was considered "against good taste and decency, likely to encourage or incite to crime, or lead to disorder". It became the most heavily censored record in British history, subjected to a blanket ban by the BBC and all independent radio stations.

Such was the power of Punk back then, that a song could generate such fear and loathing. While Punk rock had a very short time in the limelight, its lasting impact on Britain was to change the face of rock music. It was a shot in the arm (or a knee in the groin) to a music scene that had become tame and bloated.
Punk rock (Wikipedia entry)
A History of Punk
Punk celebrates 30 years of subversion

Sunday, June 17, 2007

The Falklands - 25 years on....


The Falkland Islands were liberated on 14 June 1982, two and a half months after they were invaded by Argentina. A total of 255 British servicemen, more than 600 Argentines and three islanders were killed in the 74-day conflict.

Back then, I hadn't realised how the Falklands War would prove to be such a significant turning point in the fortunes of Maggie Thatcher and the UK. At the time I disliked Thatcher, but still believed she made the right decision to send the Task Force.

I still believe the UK's military actions to retake the Falklands were entirely justified. But debate about the Falklands can wait for another day. Today we remember and honour the courage of those British soldiers who gave their lives 25 years ago.
Veterans mark Falklands conflict

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Strike a pose....



It appears tabloid models like Jordan & Jodie Marsh are now considered role models by more and more young women looking to become celebrities (Jordan a role model? Surely some mistake).
A recent survey revealed that that two-thirds of teenage girls would rather become a glamour model than a nurse, doctor or teacher.
However one newspaper columnist described it as a sad indictment of society when women feel it's more important to have a big bust than intelligence.
Christina Odone said: "There is an attitude now that all I need to do is pose, strut my stuff, show off my breasts and my assets and I too can get into the tabloids, be a Page Three girl and walk on the red carpets of Hollywood. That is the ultimate goal, and it's celebrity, it's D-List celebrity. Surely there's more to life than that."



I can understand Christina's comments. If our society rewards young women with a so-called "celebrity" lifestyle for appearing semi-naked and/or nude in tabloids and magazines, then I'm not surprised at the survey's results. Let's be honest with ourselves, sex sells.
But, a dose of reality is needed here. Successful models like Jordan, Jodie or eighties "Page 3" legend Samantha Fox (whose tabloid modelling developed into a career as a pop star), don't appear by magic. Celeb status notwithstanding, those models put in their share of hard work with photo takes, retakes, maintaining those poses for hours and other activities involved with the actual modeling assignment. Then there's keeping a strict diet regime, regular exercise, caring for one's skin and hair. It's not easy maintaining a desirable figure that will attract those modeling jobs, and once your looks start to fade, no amount of airbrushing, sprayed-on tans or silicon-enhanced breasts will prevent you being replaced by a younger, prettier model.
So, good luck to those women earning their money by using their physical attributes - but as with any career, go into it with eyes wide open.
Girls Want Jordan And Jodie Lifestyles