I Love London!!!

 So.... here's the truth.... I love London.... I love to visit London... I would love to live in London.... and this from a native of the North.... 

Here are just a few reasons why I love this beautiful city..... 

Buckingham Palace

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich

Time will tell but...

 

..... who hasn't heard of London Bridge or sung of it falling down? Rich in history, a leading global financial centre, a gateway to Europe and too many famous landmarks to count... not least, its latest addition The Shard.

London Bridge

Nowhere else in the world has anybody quite like our Royal family!!!  Our amazing Queen Elizabeth II and her truly dependable and patriotic husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh with his own tale of history to tell.  Their children, Prince Charles; Anne, [my personal favourite] the Princess Royal; Andrew and Edward... and of course Prince William and his notorious but lovable brother, Harry.

Then, there's the shopping!!! And ... OH - is that the time?  

So recently home of the Olympic Games with its awesome opening ceremony created by Danny Boyle and the pageantry of the Royal Jubilee, what a great place to be in 2012....

Shopping!

Time!

The Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, once the principal residence of the reigning monarch and now housing both the Commons and the Lords!  Almost blown up by Guy Fawkes, destroyed by fire in 1834 and rebuilt by 1870.... a survivor of the Blitz, home to British politics and the eternally famous and majestic Big Ben....MP's &  Politicians past and present and to name but a few, Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady, William Pitt, youngest ever Prime Minister and William Wilberforce the leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.

A fairy castle?

St Paul's Cathedral

 The financial district, better known as simply "The City" and if you feel so inclined, take your pick of art galleries, museums & libraries!!!

A fairy castle or the London skyline from St James's Park?

Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's Cathedral, scene of Royal Weddings including our very own ill fated Lady Di to her Prince, our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and host to the state funeral of our esteemed WWII leader, Sir Winston Churchill.

The London Tube!

Tower of London

Must be a sign!!

Who doesn't envy London its great transport system? The oldest underground railway network in the world.  But where to next?

Just flowers

Kensington Palace

Through the gate @ Kensington Palace

The West End

The Pageantry

City of flowers and gardens, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, over 40 West End theatres and home to over 8 million people!!!

How can you not love London, surely one of the world's greatest capital cities!??

Scary UKIP gaining momentum....

I am speechless at the apparent response to a Daily Mail article... UKIP are b********, Maggie was good looking and Ed Miliband lacks his brother's charm: Denis Healey is still outspoken at 95

To which I replied:

He is quite right, the UKIP party is dangerous - if you are thinking of voting for them, PLEASE read their manifesto. Think Germany 1932 - their goal is to increase the military for no obvious reason, absolve themselves of responsibility by way of devolution of power and ultimately leave the country flat broke!

To which I received (at time of writing) 60 red arrows! and a small handful of responses...

He is quite right, the UKIP party is dangerous - if you are thinking of voting for them, PLEASE read their manifesto. Think Germany 1932 - their goal is to increase the military for no obvious reason, absolve themselves of responsibility by way of devolution of power and ultimately leave the country flat broke! - Jay >>>>>>>>>>>    Apart from decreasing our military....is this not exactly what is happening now, do you seriously think we will not be ruled by Brussels in 2 years time and our Parliament disbanded, once the Lisbon Treaty comes into full force....I do not think it is UKIP repeating 1932!!!!! Weapons are not needed anymore it is destruction by other means!

S of Dorchester only received 17 arrows for that response... but they were all green!  So many confused people but thank you for restating my point! ermmm... and I said "increasing the military" not decreasing!!!!!!  .....

...... and from another who only call themselves "UK Rising".... who, incidentally, has 41 green arrows....

. . .'He is quite right, the UKIP party is dangerous . . . and ultimately leave the country flat broke! - Jay  >>>>>>>>>>>  Gosh, tell us about your brilliant Labour Party, and how their ideology prevents them from ever making this country an economic success . . ! You think communists do any good for the working people, or something ? GBrown's political hero was a dyed-in-the wool commie - and look what Brown did to this country. . . !

..... It is one hell of a leap to assume that because I fear the UKIP fascist doctrine that I vote Labour or am a Communist!  When did Britain become "two party UKIP or Communist Labour"?.... I have never leaned to the Left in my life!  Occasionally staggered in that direction perhaps but only due to one too many wines!

and so I posted a further comment:

It is very simple - if you want to know the truth about the UKIP, read their manifesto! It speaks for itself

I am proud to say, I am doing a little better with this one rating 21 green arrows!  Sadly though, I fear my point has been missed... as I read the response from somebody who calls themselves a UKIP Voter and has gained themselves a mere 9 green arrows!

It is very simple - if you want to know the truth about the UKIP, read their manifesto! It speaks for itself- Jay >>>>>>> And for us, the long suffering taxpayer.

I am surprised to have provoked any retaliatory comments at all but what these and many of the other responses demonstrate is the ignorance of the voting public and how an extremist party, reminiscent of Hitler's 1932 Government can come to power.  Too many voters are stuck on a single theme "get out of the EU" and blind to the fact that the UKIP plan to create a highly militarised regime, flat broke, racist and devolved.

.... I AGREE with the sentiment to leave the EU, but Britain must first renegotiate terms for trade... and for the record, I am certainly no fan of Denis Healey but his politics seem relatively mild when compared to many politicians today.

OH and BTW.... It will be interesting to see all of those Brits who have taken for granted their right to travel and live freely around Europe suddenly being booted out.

Unions Show Their True Selves

BBC staff on strike 'would have returned to work if Nelson Mandela died... but not for the death of Thatcher'

And I would suggest that is just how she would want it.  It is certainly no surprise that striking unions would not break strike for the death of the woman who so effectively and efficiently killed their stranglehold on the country.  If only the nails in the coffin had held stronger!

It is sad to see the Unions rising again, fed and nurtured by 15 years of Blair's Labour!!  That UK teachers unions think its OK to teach kids to go on strike says it all, especially at a time when the country is down on its luck, struggling to get out of an ever returning financial crisis.  Giving lessons in how to be selfish and look out only for yourself, they must be very proud!

Unions have never changed and never will, the men and women who run them are fat cats, self serving and manipulative control freaks.  They wont go hungry when they call out their "brothers"... no .... they will still be getting their bread from the union funds!

That they suggest they would not break strike for the death of a highly regarded, respected and influential leader of the 20th Century says more about who they are than who she was and is.

Labor versus Labor!!!

I will eat him alive!

This week in politics!  What a farce it was... Julia versus Julia?  Rudd versus Labor?

Sneak Ruddly in!

Rudd versus Julia or Julia versus Rudd?  Does any fellow Australian think public money was well spent this week on political wars within the ruling party?

Simon Crean, I almost pity - what a pawn he allowed himself to be.  of the Labor party it seems - well perhaps it wasn't such a waste of public money after all!

Please ... pick me....

Not sure which adjectives serve him best: gullible? stupid? dim? naive? artless? and to think, he once led this desperate and self-serving party!  Used atrociously by both of them in their never ending unprofessional and bitter battle.  A fight to the death

Let's hope this week was the final nail in the coffin of a political party destined to destroy our great country if allowed to continue!

... and how the media are even now, persisting with their campaign to put Rudd in the leadership role.... it is clear as some are already saying... this party have chosen to lose the next election ... let's grant them their wish!  I don't have huge confidence in Abbott, his inheritance is not something to be envied, but truly, he is better than what we currently have...

Maggie!

Shocked! I have just realised that a woman who inspired and influenced me has not even rated a mention here!  Love her or hate her, she made a difference to the world we live in today... Well it is past time I gave her some well deserved attention....

Margaret Thatcher, a brilliant, clever and determined woman!

I was 14 when Maggie came to power and 26 when they brought about her undignified downfall. Her values and passions were inspirational and I still firmly believe in everything she stood for.   She made us proud to be British, something subsequent Governments have destroyed.

There are some who would argue she lost her way, well perhaps in her last term things could have been different, we can debate that another time.  Should that  override the achievements?

Maggie and The Miners

Arthur Scargill, the trade unionist who was no friend of the miners.  Scargill led the 1985/85 miners strike in a bitter battle with the Government, events that became a defining moment for the British trade union movement.  His personal vendetta almost brought Britain to its knees, how is that something to be proud of?  Ten people dead, including an innocent taxi driver taking a man to do an honest days work in the mines.  Their history spoke for itself, after all, they went on strike during WW2, what did they care about loyalty to their homeland?  Hopes were high, after all, they brought down the Heath Government in 1974!  Maggie stood firm and Scargill was eventually defeated but at such a huge cost to the nation!

Maggie and the Milk

Maggie the Milk Snatcher!  One of her earlier nicknames!  As a pint sized recipient of our little bottles of milk, I have no recollection whatsoever of it stopping.  A defining moment in my life?  Apparently not!  The little bottles of milk were representative of a post war era that was always going to end, Maggie was just brave enough to make that happen.

 

and then...

... there was Maggie & Privatisation, Maggie & Reagan, Maggie & Northern Ireland, Maggie & The Falklands, Maggie & Foreign Affairs and Maggie & the Poll Tax!  And let's not forget Maggie & Malcolm Turnbull locking heads over Spycatcher and so much more....

So many discussion points... but finally let me touch briefly on Maggie & Terrorism... never did she give in to terrorism.  Despite being a target in Brighton, she stood firm and never would Maggie have given in to fear and allowed a mile "no protest" perimeter around the people's Parliament, as implemented by Mr Blair's Government!

I admire Maggie for her intelligence, her strength her sheer determination and her many achievements.  We need her like we have never needed her before...

.... and with her increasingly failing health, I will certainly shed a few tears when the inevitable happens.

photo credit: roberthuffstutter via photopin cc

Pope Seems Like a Nice Guy

Well a big week for the Papists!  Pope Francis....

..... when I heard Jesuit my first thought was zealot, passionate about his beliefs, possibly fanatical but on reflection devout seems better suited and, a first perhaps?  A man who truly believes in his God!!  On the plus side I am sure his appointment is striking fear into the hearts of those who feel their celibacy oath only applies to anybody over 16!  Can one man clean up so much that is wrong?  The child sex scandal cover ups that suggest acceptance? The unparalleled wealth?  The hypocrisy?

On the other side of the coin, his doctrine is allegedly based on archaic beliefs better suited to the Middle Ages or worse the Middle East 2,000 years ago!  Surely such primitive views compound this apparent acceptance of child sex abuse?  In Biblical times, child brides were accepted, as they still are in many under developed nations, isn't it time to move with the times?  Allow priests to have normal relationships & families, accept same-sex relationships, acknowledge the need for abortion & encourage birth control? 

Proof is in the media on a daily basis, the doctrine, as it is portrayed, doesn't change anything, rather it results in heartache, blackmail, illegal acts and God forbid!! [*sarcasm alert*] Priests holding gay sex parties or getting married in secret!

How many back street abortions still go on today? How many children are still being abused by "trusted" priests?  How many unwanted babies are born every day?  How many people have committed suicide in agony over their sexual feelings?

.... And how can our little planet continue to sustain the population growth encouraged by the Catholic church?  Already over 7 billion!

... And so, back to Pope Francis, he certainly has his work cut out, at first glance it looks unlikely he will be sucked in by the power and luxury, but it will take a strong man to stand firm as he increasingly becomes the subject of worship.  Early indications suggest he might even give away the riches of the Church to the poor! That will make him popular!  I shall watch with interest!

UK Independence Party - Manifesto

I am outraged to see the apparent support for the UK Independence Party (UKIP)!  The British public are being blindly sucked in by their promise to 'get us out of the EU'.  Well that is all well and good, but there are serious implications of doing that and the British people need to make an educated decision.

And my vote? Well, I agree, we need to change our relationship with the EU.  Renegotiate terms, take back our own governance and protect our borders, we clearly cannot sustain benefit payments to masses of lazy people inbound from Europe but not through an extremist right wing political party like the UKIP.

So what about the rest of their policies?  Have you actually read their Manifesto?  Here are just a few:

"Save up to £120BN by leaving the EU, no British jobs or trade will be lost" 

"Reduce everyone's taxes with a 31% flat tax" 

"Replace VAT with a 'Local Sales Tax' to help councils and local businesses"

WTF? HOGWASH!  Firstly, they give no indication of how they plan to protect British jobs or how they have drawn this conclusion.  Reducing tax and abolishing VAT?  Where precisely will the Government get its funding from? 

"Create 1 million new skilled jobs with public and private investment..."

Ermmm??? And these public funds will come from where exactly? At the same time, UKIP make it clear that they will be preventing foreign investment so dig deep Brits!  Perhaps voluntary contributions, funded from your tax savings?  Yes - I can see that happening!

And so to Immigration and Asylum.... "expel Islamic extremists".... yep - let's target a specific minority group and endorse and promote racial discrimination.  Sounds like a similar approach to one adopted in Germany in 1932!  Oh... and hey - they will "triple the number of UK Borders Agency staff to 30,000".  Don't expect to get paid, but at least your tax will be low!

"Demand zero tolerance on crime and double prison places to assure this" - and this will be funded how exactly?  Voluntary donations again?  At least we won't have to worry about feeding the prisoners as they will also "Scrap the Human Rights Act".  It just gets better and better! NOT!  As the Crown Prosecution Service will also be abolished we won't have to worry about a national approach to crime so this should help keep the prison numbers down!

Anything left in the public coffers will be aimed at increasing the military, expanding the army by 25%, double the TA and boosting nuclear deterrent.  Why?  Again echoes of Germany 1932.  Frightening!

Need I go on????  Sorry .... I can't bring myself to discuss their approach to Healthcare, the NHS, Education, Welfare or Social Security and Pensions.  Investing £3BN in the road and rail systems sounds like a great idea - but where is the funding coming from - not taxes obviously?  Making foreign lorries pay to use British roads?  Yeh clever - that will stop them coming over in their droves, slow up the economy and of course, ensure similar charges are introduced for Brits traveling abroad!! If you can get a visa that is!

"Build more social housing" - oh great... a return to the days of sprawling council run estates, yippee!  Lots of local and national referendums and let's introduce Proportional representation?  Not very efficient but expensive... funded how?

And so finally, to their thinking on multiculturalism!  Well that will be banned and no need for political correctness either.  No doubt they have an enthusiasm to get women back where they belong too -  barefoot, pregnant and tied to a kitchen sink perhaps?

What a country they plan to create - full of racial prejudice, parochial, devolved and broke!

I find this future terrifying and almost an inevitable result of the ongoing financial crisis.  It is at times like this that these radical extremist groups gain power - again let me quote - Germany, July 1932.

Vatican Secret Archives

How fascinating would it be to delve into The Vatican Secret Archives?

Hundreds of years of history and mystery and although the Church has apparently opened its doors, there is still so much it seeks to protect.  Why?  Surely if the Church is what it claims to be, there is no longer a need for such secrecy?

These documents are so incredibly valuable and special, they should be scanned and preserved for future generations - how tragic that in another few hundred years so many of them will probably be dust with their secrets lost forever.

Controversy & Speculation

So much speculation in the media this week around the worst examples of behaviour of senior members of the Catholic Church.  So for years, the Pope has managed to protect the reputation of the Church from the worst of crimes - child abuse.  Yet now we are all meant to believe he has stepped down over a "gay network"... seriously?  Do people truly think that the Pope is more horrified by a group of priests having a sex party (consenting adults) than he is about priests having illegal sex with children?

This controversy apparently began with vatileaks - why are people surprised?  The entire history of the Catholic church is rife with intrigue.  It is simple - power corrupts and through generation of fear and amassing of a huge wealth, this Church has power beyond imagination.

The blatant hypocrisy on public display surely must be questioned?  The opulence, the grandeur, the control by fear, the discrimination, the worship of a man who is not God but purports to be his vassal and worse has the nerve to claim he represents God!

Controversy Over Pope's Resignation

So firstly, let's agree, the Pope's resignation was (in part) a diversionary tactic that has backfired beyond all expectations.  The world was meant to speculate on the incoming Pope; where the outgoing Pope might reside; how he might spend his time; and so on.  While these events unfold we were not meant to wonder "what is the real news?".  It would appear that quite the reverse has happened!

Controversy Over Pope's Resignation

So to the real story - what are the contents of the big red books?  While they remain secret (and no doubt they will) the world will continue to speculate.  Gay orgies?  Is that really as bad as it gets?  Hardly earth shattering stuff and certainly no surprise to those on the outside.  I imagine it suits the Church to allow this speculation to continue - it is likely to be far less damaging in the long run than the truth that they will endeavour to continue hiding.

What could be so bad? Hmmmm .... let me think about that one..... a gay Pope? Nope! ... Proof that Dan Brown was right all along? Highly probable but would that be enough to stand down? Surely not - the theory that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and they had a daughter has been around forever... something worse? 

It has to be something that would truly hurt the  Church at its heart.... but what?

Social Networking Services

Has anything ever been so misnamed as social networking?  Since the advent of web sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and the like, people have just stopped talking.  Social networking is driving people further and further apart.

What happened to the days of "phone a friend" or "I will just pop round" ... "let's have a coffee" ... nowadays if you want to see what your best friend is up to, you just check them out on the web.  No need to actually talk to them!!

There are stories about teenagers who, apparently, can no longer speak to each other without interacting via an electronic device.  How sad, they are missing out on so much but worse, I can't help but feel they are inhibiting their chance for evolution.

On the other hand, perhaps we never actually liked interacting in person, after all we have taken to social networking so well.

This is Democracy

What the!!!

Death threats to UK's top Muslim MP who voted for gay marriage

I hope Mr Khan does not fall victim to the pressures brought about by his religious choices.  He is clearly somebody able to separate blind religious belief from political independent choice.  Britain cannot allow Islam, Christianity or any other religious institution, large or small to mandate how people live and Church and State must remain separate.

Issuing a ruling against Mr Khan in the name of his religion attempts to remove his independence when attending Parliament.  I would suggest Mr Bandhalevi should take some lessons in understanding the culture and society he has chosen to be a part of.  If he prefers a society where his fatwa is acceptable, then he must relocate to a country that operates under religious law.  Britain does not, it is a democracy and his attempt to change it through fear is simply unacceptable.  It has taken many hundreds of years and a lot of suffering for Britain to evolve her political systems independent of religious influence.  It is vital that this independence is retained.

What Mr Bandhalevi apparently fails to appreciate is that it is the very nature of British culture that allows extremist websites such as the one quoted in the article to exist and him to speak out.  If I try to imagine a  scenario where an atheist, agnostic or even a Christian expressed similar views, in a country governed by Islamic law I can't help but believe it would result in a quick beheading! 

Bigoted views and sinister death threats contribute to racism.

Multi-cultural societies are the next phase for the human race and the only way this can be achieved is to learn to respect each others ways, not try and force others to live as you do.  Threatening to kill somebody if they don't see things your way is, quite frankly, out dated, antediluvian nonsense and it has no place in the future of the UK or any other Western nation.

Have Microsoft Had Their Day?

Yes!!  As an IT Manager, I say absolutely!  As a 20 year+ Unix enthusiast, I say "at last"!!!   It won't happen overnight but 5, at worst 10 years and they will take their seat in history.  Don't get me wrong, I have a huge respect for Microsoft and especially Bill Gates! For Marketing!  To confuse the en-educated masses into thinking that Microsoft invented computers and even that they founded the Internet? Impressive!!!!

Already on the wane as the Apple fan club ramps up I was amazed to see Windows 8!!  Previously, Microsoft's dedicated followers could keep that warm and fuzzy feeling. No need to fumble and struggle with a new world, let's just keep staring at those gaudy colours and not having to actually learn anything.  But now!  Well you have to choose between "new Microsoft" or "trendy Apple" .... Hmmmmmm.....

And add the new licensing rules and restrictions for Office 2013 and that's it.... Time to look elsewhere for your strategic direction....

Windows 8 is the beginning of the end and Office 2013 is the final nail....

Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year.... The Year of the Snake 

 

In Chinese symbolism it seems snakes are regarded as intelligent, graceful and materialistic with a tendency to be somewhat unscrupulous... with subtle, secretive and mysterious elements, Snakes are deep thinkers, making decisions quickly and firmly relying heavily on their own feelings and first impressions.  They are skilled communicators but often suspicious.

 

The strength of the snake likes in their ability to be highly analytical in their decision making.  At the same time, they can be imperious and judgemental, pessimistic and a sore loser.  Snakes prefer jobs with a manageable workload rather than a heavily booked schedule.  They like peaceful and orderly lives and avoid lending money.

Snakes don't like to listen to advice, no matter how constructive and though mostly calm, they can be quick to anger.

Snakes make good philosophers, teachers, writers and scientists, they excel at problem solving and thrive in complex, intelligent environments.

Religion, Faith and Morality

Defined in the Oxford dictionary as "the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods", religion is thought provoking, controversial, inspires strong emotions and at its worst moves people to perform terrible acts of violence and war in its name.

Faith is defined as "complete trust or confidence in someone or something" or "strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof".

For me, faith is distinctly different from religion.  Religion furnishes religious institutions with the power to control by fear.  Faith on the other hand allows for the pure belief in an entity without the need for fear and worship.  Faith allows freedom of thought, will and speech where religion does not.

Organised religion has a part to play in society, it provides a social network and a safe haven in times of personal trouble or hardship.  In times of conflict it appears that more people turn to religion for reassurance so it becomes self feeding, especially when you consider how many wars are fought in the name of religion.

Do we need religion to tell us right from wrong?  Do we need religion to tell us how to think?  Does religion have a place in Politics? No to all of these things

Does religion hold us back and stop society from evolving? Does religion tell people how to think and judge?  Are morals better today than previously? Yes to all!

The mainstream religions were founded thousands of years ago and while I don't claim to be an expert on founding dates, my research suggests Hinduism beliefs were founded some 6000 years ago, Judaism 3800-5000 years, Buddhism around 2500 years, Christianity ~2000 and Islam ~1400 years ago.

Can the teachings of ancient times still be relevant today or do they hold us back and stop society from evolving.  We are still fighting the same wars hundreds and even thousands of years on, where is the sense?

From what I can see, religion is about power and control, not just of those who embrace a particular doctrine but also about dictating the lifestyles and thinking of those who share the planet.

I have so much more to discuss on this topic but will save for another day.  Have morals declined or improved over time?  Has anybody else noticed how religion is heavily male dominated?  Is any religious institution female dominated?  Oppression....?

Why Get Out of Bed in the Morning?

Question:    If you don't believe in God what is the point of getting out of bed in the morning?

Answer:      Because if we didn't get out of bed, the Universe would be pointless!!!!

WWII - The contemptible SS

Apparently with the intent of "showing the lives of SS men objectively" Mr Stekiewicz has re-emphasised just what a despicable race the German SS were leading up to and during WWII.

The 'kindly' Auschwitz commander who sent youngsters to gas chambers then went home to play hide and seek with his children

No matter how much I learn about this period in history it continually surprises, sickens and horrifies. But not so for some it seems and one of the comments on this story made my blood boil:

"Whats the difference between the genocide committed in world war 2 by the Germans and by the British in New Zealand , Australia and also the colonies in the New World to the Irish? None !!!!! start printing some of the atrocaties the British have committed its ever so boring hearing about the Germans in world war 2...."

Honestly?

Does this person know nothing at all about WWII? Instead of being bored by it, perhaps he/she should read the facts.  Over 60 million people died in the conflict (2.5% of the population of the planet).  Around 70% of an entire ethnic group was brutally and clinically murdered.  As to this book, these contemptible murderers do not deserve to be viewed objectively.  In fact, this contrast with their work life only emphasises their lack of humanity - "Just another day at the office".

Crazy Weather!

As we live through the tail-end of ex-cyclone Oswald, I am in Brisbane, Queensland and once again, we are suffering wild weather.  But then, it wouldn't be January without wild weather in Queensland AND worse, at least one natural disaster in Australia!!!

The fires in Southern states have been heartbreaking.  The floods in northern states are no doubt bringing their own suffering.  This is our world.

Then there is the news from the UK: snow, snow and floods to follow.  The M6 closed and motorists stranded for up to 8 hours, such strange and extreme weather patterns.  A friend keeps telling me "its global warming" but sorry, I am a global warming sceptic!  I am not sceptical about climate change though!  Throughout the history of our planet it has undergone climatic change.  From ice ages through extreme heat, it is what the planet does.  At worst, perhaps the current populous is accelerating the pattern but nothing more.

Even the hole in the ozone is slowly closing thanks to nations addressing the very real threat posed by excessive use of CFC's in the 80's!

Stand up to Bullies

I read an article this week that both angered and disgusted me.  Mary Beard, OBE and Professor of Classics at Cambridge University suffered unbelievable and unacceptable cyber bullying after appearing on Question Time, a BBC topical debating program.  Apparently the cyber bullies disagreed with her view on immigration, that's fine - that is what debate is all about.  However... their bullying took the form of an attack on her person.  They didn't like how she looked and went to extremes with their insults.  They called her ignorant (yes, a Professor at Cambridge) and "a vile, spiteful excuse for a woman who eats too much cabbage and has cheese straws for teeth" - how grown up is that?  Instead of ignoring these infantile tormentors, Ms Beard fought back and publicly spoke of the bullying.

How I turned the tables on my trolls: Mary Beard suffered vile online abuse about her looks after appearing Question Time

How shallow has society become when some grey hair and a make-up-free face result in such ignorant base behaviour.  How sad are these people's lives that they seek happiness from being nasty and malicious.  Bullies online hide behind anonymity and offline behind fawning sycophants, I admire Ms Beard for showing leadership in standing up to them in her little part of the world.

Bullies must be stopped.  Legislation is unlikely to help but I vote for public shaming.  If they cannot hide behind anonymity then just maybe they will stop.

If you are bullied, remember bullies are weak and typically suffer an inferiority complex.  This is why they need to be anonymous or surrounded by worshipers.  They hide their own failings behind nastiness and it is OK to stand up to them, but yes it is hard although ultimately, the only way to stop them.  Showing weakness feeds them.

As to the debate, it is exactly that - opposing sets of views being discussed - it is what intelligent people do.  We don't have to agree with her but it is wrong to try and stop her expressing her opinion, especially when it is based upon extensive research.

Planting Seeds!

After mulling over the article about "more than a thousand Roman Catholic priests voicing opposition to same-sex marriage legislation in an open letter to the Daily Telegraph" I suddenly twigged!  This is not only about their fight against gay marriage..

After hundreds and even thousands of years of persecuting others, the Catholic Church has started planting seeds in the media (and no doubt other forums) indicating they are the victims of persecution.  How incredibly and amazingly clever!  I was distracted by the gay marriage debate and didn't realise the primary underlying purpose of their article, which in my opinion is to lay down the seeds for future generations to become confused about exactly who was persecuted and who was not.

The letter stated: “After centuries of persecution, Catholics have, in recent times, been able to be members of the professions and participate fully in the life of this country"

What complete and utter dross!!!

The institution of the Catholic Church is not the victim, it is the perpetrator of persecution!!! From the inquisitions of the middle ages to the alleged collaboration with Nazi Germany.  I struggle to accept that the institution of the Catholic Church can ever be classed as victimised.

I have no argument with those who follow the Catholic doctrine only an exceedingly strong distaste for an institution that manipulates and attempts to control by fear.

The Church on Gay Marriage

This post was prompted by apparent opinion of a news article about more than a thousand Roman Catholic priests voicing opposition to same-sex marriage legislation in an open letter to the Daily Telegraph.

Here is my theory!!    In my first hand experience there is minimal enthusiasm in Britain for the church and yet the UK sentiment against gay-marriage has a very strong religious feel to it.  The pews are empty on all but the major festivals (OK, so people like to sing Christmas carols) and so where is all this religious fanaticism come from?  Why are so many comments in favour of religion and so much negativity against anybody who even hints that the church should mind their own?  My theory is that religious institutions are paying people to work full time writing  comments and voting accordingly!   In modern society it is NOT appropriate for any religious denomination to have a say in how our countries are governed!

Royal family & Olympics as waste of money? I think NOT

Anybody who thinks the Royal family and the Olympics were a waste of taxpayer money is, quite frankly, ignorant!  The revenue generated from events throughout the year and the tax collected as a result far exceed any expenditure.  Add to that a lot of business making a packet along the way and you have a winner.  Think about it!!!!

The Jubilee celebrations were impressive and I am only sorry I didn't see them in person!!!

The Queen is wonderful and Prince Philip deserves a place in our hearts for his unwavering support of both his wife and our country.  For somebody who was not born British, he has embraced the culture and the people without reservation.  he has actively promoted GB on the world stage and provides us with some entertaining moments.  Long live our Queen and her husband!!!!

Our Olympians did us proud and they deserve every New Year's honour they received.   CONGRATULATIONS!  Ignore the critics, we were all proud to cheer you on in the name of patriotism and now it is out time to say thank you.  I am happy our country has seen fit to reward so many of you this year.

More reasons to fight?

Was there a church in Mecca? Chiselled stonework with 'Christian figure' discovered at holy site in Yemen

Oh great, another location in the Middle East for religious zealots to scrap over. Just what we need!!!

Piers Morgan

Let me first say, I am no supporter of Piers Morgan... but....

Judging by the unbalanced weight of opinion against Piers, I can only assume that the world has gone mad.  With the petition to the US Administration, we can safely assume the gun lobby are out in force, however anybody who bothers to listen to Piers or understand his sentiment on this topic will see that his argument is balanced and sound.  He is not challenging the right to bear arms only the use of modern deadly assault weapons in the name of the second amendment.  I am sure many US citizens are mature enough to recognise the mismatch and the need for a different approach, lets hope there are enough US citizens who don't wait for the NRA to tell them what/how to think.  

If anything I would suggest the NRA are imposing on the first amendment.  The abridging of the right for freedom of speech!

Story Bridge Hotel - Deery's Restaurant

I love Deery's restaurant at the Story Bridge Hotel.  Their food is good but, no, it doesn't appear in the Michelin Red Guide however for me, it is one of my Brisbane favourites!  The staff are the best and John especially never fails to make the experience entertaining.  All of the staff are exceptional!

But I don't Live Here!!!!

A friend in London asked me to tell their story, here it is.....

So around midnight one day in December, after a supplier Xmas party, I jumped in a cab, a little worse for wear, rang hubby, "be home in 5"!!!  ….. 5 minutes later, in the lift, level 6… out the lift, take a right…. Hubby left the door unlocked, no need to fumble with the key….  but … Wot the?  All the lights are out… how odd!!!!!!! I just spoke to him and he has put the lights out and gone to bed!!!!  Weird! ….. Lock the door, light on…. Hmmmmmm even more odd… he's changed all the furniture!  Mmmm… and where did that shocking pink picture come from, it is horrible…. It took another second or two and then "WTF! I don't live here… ermmmm….. This is not my apartment!"  … stomach dropping, churning, sinking feeling…. turn around, fumble with the lock, EXIT!!  Recheck the number on the door… yep – definitely the wrong apartment - #29!  I live in #43 – 3 floors up! 

Ever since the building got hit by lightening funny things have been happening and now this?  The lift had let me out on the wrong floor!!!! 

I can't recall if I put the light out as I left but I do know I locked the front door!!! Can you imagine those poor people this morning?  The mystery of the locked door and the hall light on??????? Or worse, what if they were out for the evening and left the door unlocked for their own return!!!!! And I kindly locked them out!!!

Thank goodness I didn't get as far as using their tooth brush! Can you imagine!!!!!!

I shan't forget "that day" in a hurry!

Another Dianne memory

I remember her Mum telling me about the time "somebody" was stealing her cigarettes.  The suspects?  Her two boys, ages 8 and 7 respectively or her 4 year old daughter Dianne!

She lined them up on the couch...the kids, not the cigs.... into each mouth went a lit cigarette and what do you know... the boys, coughed, choked and spluttered... sobbed their hearts out!!  But not Di ... Oh no - she sat back, feet not touching the floor and puffed away for all she was worth.... like a 20 a-day smoker!  Honestly, just picture her... cute as a button... FOUR years old... her Mother looked to the future and sighed only 14 year's to go.... but all I can say is: DON"T TRY IT AT HOME!

My friend Dianne

Let me introduce you to my friend Di.... those of you who are under 16, please move on to the next post!

Sadly, I have lost touch with Dianne but whenever I need to find a smile, thoughts of Dianne help.  She is great; loud, young, blonde and not even the teeniest bit of guile.  She is so open and honest you could never find it in your heart to judge her.... Nothing is a secret and seriously I mean nothing! 

Once upon a time, "parking" down a lane... boyfriend in tow! Back seat!  As can happen when you are young (but over 18!), they got carried away ... it wasn't long before she screamed... "OH... Tony ... Tony... we're rolling... we're rolling..."

"Oh I know Babe" says Tony....

"No Tony... really.... the car.... the handbrake... we really are rolling"....

Now, you might think this was confided quietly... girl talk... friend to friend... NOPE!  This was told to an audience... her entire family, Mum, Dad, Brothers and all..... full volume, accompanied by hysterical laughter... honestly... NO secrets!

Giving up smoking

Have you ever given up smoking?  If you have, you will know it is the HARDEST think you will ever do in your life.... in fact, the only thing that stops me smoking now is the thought that I will have to give up again!

did I mention its been 4 years?

Hope for the future?

Since September 2010, when Christchurch suffered its first earthquake the news media has never eaten so well.  Their banquet has included the November 24th Pike River mine disaster and extreme weather sweeping through Europe and the US.  Never before have we seen natural disaster on such a grand scale.  With 2011 barely underway, yet another country has been in the firing line each month ... Australia in January, New Zealand took a turn in February and most recently Japan in March, the most tragic of all.  Alongside this, the Middle East.


Amidst flood, earthquake, tropical cyclones and tsunami's it is difficult to see good, but maybe it is time for our reporters to remind us of the positives and help to restore some of the balance.   The end of a long drought in Australia.  Egypt's freedom from Mubarak, with its sights firmly set on democracy.  Even traditionally greedy world financiers working together to prevent the Japanese Yen from taking a nose dive.  Britain ending exports of execution drugs to the US, a small but significant move away from hypocrisy.  And let's not forget, England winning the Ashes on Australian soil for the first time in 24 years!  Much more importantly,  China putting history and hatred where it belongs and offering aid in a meaningful gesture to Japan and the Arab league working hand in hand with Western Governments to help the Libyan people. 


Good from bad....is this the start of global cooperation?  Let's hope... amidst the disaster, just maybe we are seeing the first baby steps toward a better world. 

My PCI Lamp post

Have you ever walked into a lamp post?

As I left my last job, I cheered!   I waved farewell to 5 years of PCI DSS and all that came with it... audits & bureaucracy.  I just know many of you will sympathise or feel truly envious!  Don't get me wrong, you won't find anybody to fly a bigger flag for secure systems than Moi... but I am far from a natural bureaucrat! Me? Red tape?  Really, we just DO NOT go together - now pink, maybe... pink is my colour.... 

Anyway, I digress.. where was I?  Looking backwards and waving farewell to PCI and then... yes... I turned around and walked slam bang straight into a lamp-post with PCI written all over it!

DOH!!!!!!
I love my job... I love my job.... I love my job ... but I DO!

But you aren't my husband!

My friend Meg was painting the lounge and finding herself in need of more paint, commandeered hubby to drive her down to the store.  Hubby parks the car while she runs inside to pick up the paint.  Shortly thereafter, out she comes, hops quickly into the car, loading two 3 litre tins of emulsion into the foot-well.

Seat belt on and yes, you guessed it...  "BUT ... but.... you aren't my husband"

"No dear, much as I would like to take you home, my wife really wouldn't like it"

At what point does the embarrassment hit?  Immediately?  When you realise you are in the wrong car?  When it dawns on you, hubby has moved to a better spot down the road? Or is it that moment when you find yourself having to extract yourself and two large tins of paint from a stranger's car?

Well honestly, it was the same colour!  Parked in the same spot...

Alpha male? Man or Cat?

Have you ever shared a house with a man and a cat?  At the same time?  Trust me, I did!  Just once and I can promise you, it is never to be repeated nor recommended ....  Cat was there first living happily with Woman.  Loved, not spoilt, dining on titbits of succulent chicken and making full use of his 4.5KG to take full advantage of the Master Bed.

Within weeks of arrival, man overcame beast.  Firstly, Cat found himself evicted from the bed, soon followed by a lock out from all sleeping quarters.  Cat of course, repaid man with determined door scratching finished off by periodic yowling. Every night.  All night. For weeks.  Cat was very determined to make his displeasure felt and much of the neighbourhood clearly thought Cat abuse was under-way.

Cat, although wary, enjoyed taking every opportunity to sharpen claws on Man's clothing.  Of course, the effect of this on Man was to confirm his suspicions.  "Cat was sly.  Cat thought he was at the top of the food chain.  The Alpha Male.  Cat had to learn!  He was bottom of the pecking order! Worse!! Cat was overfed and spoilt. See! Just look! He needs a trolley to help support his belly as it drags along the floor, just like Garfield."  Of course, this was all the fault of Woman.

The Alpha was Man and clearly Woman could not be trusted to explain this to Cat nor keep Cat in his rightful place.  It took Man to put beast back where he belonged.  Cat had been allowed to think he was Alpha for too long.  Woman had no idea how things should be done.  Of course, Woman knew... the fight between the males was futile - Woman rules.... ask any new car sales man...

Never again!

295 shopping days to Christmas

Just 64 days into 2011... 301 to go....

Already this year we have seen major earthquakes in beautiful Christchurch and The Philippines, revolution in the Middle East, the overthrow of an Egyptian dictator and we watch in horror as a Libyan madman turns on his own people.  Australia's worst disaster with the flooding of Bris Vegas and Queensland.  As if that wasn't enough our hearts filled with fear as Cyclone Yasi headed for our shores.... we've seen flooding in Victoria and a cyclone in Darwin... fires in WA threatened its capital...

Anna showed she has a heart while Julia showed she does not.... Kev confirmed he was an idiot as he waded through sewage and dirty flood water to impress a gullible media pack and then there's Tony.... not a man who thinks much before he speaks... I confess I prefer his fellow Rhodes Scholar, Malcolm...

And amidst all of this, the suggestion of a death penalty for Julian Assange described by Hills as "a bigger threat to the US than Osama Bin Laden"!!  Has he really done something to justify such an enthusiastic response?  A Western Government gone mad!  A nation living in fear that responds to increasing world animosity with threats of war and violence yet never once stops to ask itself "why?"

And then there is the iPad2 and the bionic eye roll out, the controversial NBN and let's not forget Moonageddon! 

What's next?  The flood levy, carbon tax, higher inflation, falling house prices, higher taxes... oh joy....

OH and while I remember... don't forget.... its only 295 shopping days to Christmas....

Rolling Eyes

Even I think my sense of humour is a bit sad at times but some things just really make me laugh.  Am I the only one who laughed at headlines talking about bionic eyes being rolled out?  You can't talk about rolling out eyes for goodness sake....

Impressive technology, awesome and no doubt it will bring something amazing to many....

Did the writer of the headline use the words intentionally?  Who knows... the article certainly caught my eye...

Perfect BBQ Marinade?

Bored one Saturday morning, I decided to be adventurous.  How about we make this afternoon's BBQ steak a little different and marinate it!  So what's in the cupboard....

Take a suitable dish not too deep.... add some freshly ground salt and black pepper corns... and... oh yes... a whole garlic.... crushed... save one clove for very thin slicing... add some hot chilli flakes... then... an egg cup of olive oil, a dash of lemon juice, a chopped onion and stir with a wooden spoon....

Now what else? A very small glass of wine, from last night's bottle.. red or white? who cares... NO... not for you - add it to your mix.... and throw in some soy sauce....

Don't forget to add that thinly sliced garlic clove... give it all another stir and all that's left is to add the steak... make sure both sides are well coated.... cover the dish and pop the lot in the fridge until you are ready to cook!

The downside?  The requests to repeat it for every steak BBQ!!  AHHHHH.....

Don't be scared to try your own variation...just go for it... what's the worst that can happen?

Expecting Joe Bloggs?

Ever had one of those moments?  Your ears just don't work!  I remember once and an open plan office.. too many years ago to mention .. Reception rang in and Betty answered the phone...

     Joe Bloggs is waiting in Reception....

     B: Anybody expecting Joe Bloggs?

     Are you sure his name is Joe Bloggs?

     B: Yes... Joe Bloggs....

     Back to Reception... sorry no - we are not expecting Joe...

     Joe?  No - not Joe...  Chubb Locks!!!!

     B: Oh yes - send him up, we've been expecting him...

OK... not my best, it was funny at the time though... maybe you had to be there...

Feb 2011 - Reflections on My New Job!

Life is not boring.... that's for sure...

As I complete my first 2 years in a new job I can reflect that it has been quite an experience.... After many year's as a Manager in the IT business, week 1 set the scene.  My first Friday night was a late one, due to a computer virus of all things [of course I added value... I ordered the pizza].  In two years I have lived through cyber war, data centre migrations, office relocation's and now flood.... Need I go on?

My resume is going to need a lot of work if I ever do get bored...

Brisbane Floods - Final Chapter

And so, here we are.... The final chapter. I don’t know about you, but I barely slept last night wondering what I might say!

As I reflect on the events of the last week so many moments stand out. I am sure they do for you too, both professionally and in many cases personally! For those personally affected, we are of course thinking of you. In the office, I am not sure I will ever forget asking my team to relocate an entire computer room with 5 minutes notice! The challenge of parking a car or climbing 14 flights of STEEP stairs already in the past and yet only this time last week we were watching the water slowly encroach on our beautiful city and surrounds. Still wondering where it might peak!

This does bring me to the final chapter though. On the PLUS side, we can all be relieved in the knowledge that Wivenhoe is restored to its “normal” 100% full! But the opposite side of the coin? .... Last night was the first low tide.... While drifting off to sleep, I noticed it...... the smell! ... OH! Poor hubby!!! I shouldn’t assume!!! It seems our river hasn’t finished with us yet.... Air freshener anybody?

Yes – that’s it... The last Brisbane Flood installment..... I am sure we all agree - may there never be a next time!

18th January 9am - Brisbane Floods - Swipe Card

Today’s thoughts centre around the beauty of a captive audience, however, I would also like to highlight the stress of thinking up new material!

The stress of a missing swipe card?

Imagine the horror of the moment, arriving at the entrance for work to find I had LOST my swipe card. You cannot imagine the thoughts that flash through your head at such a time! How will I get in? Is there somebody who can let me in? How can I be so irresponsible as to add to the stress people are already under? And OMG! I have to tell HR!!!!!!!

Fortunately an individual (frequently seen in the kitchen was there once again) and was kind enough to open the door after very persistent knocking (and an element of begging) on my part. However, a quiet reminder about security might be in order. He failed to ask me for photo ID and simply opened the door and let me through!

Eventually – the relief of the find!.... A tearful and joyous moment.....

17th January 9:02pm - Brisbane Floods - Parking

The little things in life are sometimes inspirational. It was a credit to our Service Provider tonight that while our infrastructure team are on site installing equipment the Operations Manager personally went out to buy the food for dinner for the team! Vendors produced engineers out of nowhere to help with our plight when they are inundated with a million “high priority” customer requests! Some are not even able to access their own office at Eagle Street and yet they still stepped up.

Although parking continues to be an issue, I can confirm access by lift has been restored in our apartment block. We have access via 1 lift [of 3] and oxygen/fire brigade assistance is no longer required as it is no longer necessary to climb 14 flights of STEEP stairs. Thank you for your concern.

15th January 10am - Brisbane Floods - The Power of The Microphone

The Power of the Microphone

Backup up a little...

Don't you just love the media and their efforts to bring the latest headlines to the nation?

In the aftermath of the Brisbane floods, too early for clean up duty, those of us lucky enough to have power were glued to our TV screens watching the news broadcasts from Kangaroo Cliffs. One famed reporter, who shall remain nameless, stood on the cliffs clearly concerned but stoic and, as always, calm. Not even a suggestion he may exaggerate a little for the TV…. His focus centred around a small loan sailing yacht drifting mid river, which had "broken away from it's mooring". Apparently we, the river police and the emergency services were "all watching this boat very carefully as it made its way down river… just around the corner is the marina with millions of dollars worth of boats this loose cannon could crash into, we are all just waiting to see what happens"… OMG!!!!!

But really!!!!!! The millions of dollars of boats had evacuated like lemmings over a cliff days before the flood… all that remained was a lonely house boat, hanging on for dear life …. and as to the loan yacht? Well it was the last of around 998 other boats that had already gone by minus their captain… along with half a restaurant, several water ski's, the odd fridge, snakes, lizards and countless jetties … OK some with their boats still moored but all now leading a new existence in our beautiful Moreton Bay…. … and did I mention a 300 tonne walkway? .. Mate - honestly - it was all over two days ago!

His yacht perhaps…??

15th January 08:45am - Brisbane Floods - Fashion

Good luck with any cleaning up you are doing, I know some of our people have been affected by the floods and it is inspiring to see those who have not been impacted volunteer to help those who have.

Gum boots are the hottest Brisbane fashion item at the moment and if you haven’t got yours yet, it may already be too late, they are selling fast!!!

14th January 08:31am - Brisbane Floods - river levels

For those who can’t see the river, I can confirm it has receded significantly overnight. Another foot and it will be back to the same level it was when I arrived home on Tuesday afternoon!

13th January 10:09am - Brisbane Floods - Lifts

For those who haven’t heard yet, it looks very much like both of our buildings have completely escaped the water!! Awesome... wot a relief!

Now you may recall I mentioned an inability to record Coronation Street? Turns out that was the least of it, it can get worse.... they have disabled our lifts.... FOURTEEN flights of stairs... dark ... narrow fire stairs are the only way out... and worse... the only way back! KILLER! even heading down is an experience... the "monster" noises and heavy breathing.... just around the corner as others climb up...

12th January 7:30pm - Brisbane Floods - Coro

OH NO! Our data centre provider just went onto Generator power... keep everything crossed they have a good relationship with the fuel supplier :(

We switched to generator here at about 4pm.... And have just learned that it is to be rationed in 2 hour blocks - 3 of them in the next 24 hours so my availability will now become limited.... BUT EVEN WORSE! My ability to watch Coronation Street has taken a hit!

12th January 6:30am - Brisbane Floods - The rain has stopped

I hope this message finds you all safe, dry and well this morning. Such beautiful sunshine can only be a good thing.... at 6:30am.... thank goodness it has stopped raining.... we may be saved yet!

Lots of water around this morning, plenty of cars flowing over the Story Bridge and I can see cars driving in the City. Low level restaurants at Eagle Street flooded this morning and power still on at Kangaroo Point, hopefully the same is true of the CBD.

Boats and pontoons continue to float on their own down the river – a rate of about 1 or 2 every 15 minutes.

If you haven’t seen the news yet, Coro Drive is closed.

11th January 2011 - Brisbane Floods - Eye Witness Account

Eye witness account.....

The river level viewed from Kangaroo Point is approx 2-3 hours into the rising tide, on its way to the next peak at 3am overnight. The level of the river now is approximately the same level as it was at its peak earlier today at 3pm. The boardwalk at Eagle Street Pier is once again underwater although the restaurants are not yet flooded.

Several pontoons, some of them complete with empty boat attached have floated past and several emergency boats are patrolling the river. The Dockside Marina is almost empty.

The lights of the city are still on.... but you might want to cancel that booking at Jellyfish....

Kangaroo Point marina - underwater

Oxley's Restaurant Floats away

Surveying the damage 

Goodwin Street, Kangaroo Point

Macleay Towers!! at least one Merc drowned!

Boats floated down river, out of control