Scotland and ISIS!

Devolution of Scotland - say No!

By Emoscopes (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

You can be Scottish AND British!

Both in the news and my title for this post may suggest a link between the Scottish independence and ISIS, but little is less likely. The Scots are courageous, patriotic and rarely, if ever, cowardly, lets hope they are not brave to the point of stupidity. I am in the "NO" camp and fervently hope that our Scottish brethren are not so impassioned that they vote 'yes' on Thursday 18th August 2014.  Let's stay together!

Alex Salmond is a man hungry for power, perhaps lonely as recently suggested by one newspaper, but there is no doubt he believes passionately in his cause and is on a quest, but does that make him right? Is it truly just independence he wants? To be known forever as the man that broke a long standing union, a union that, at times, has had its troubles and disagreements, but one that stands united and strong on the world stage. How sad Alex, if your legacy is to destroy not build.

Accounting for just 8% of the UK population, can Scotland and its 5.295 million people truly survive without their staunchest supporters? Salmond's intent to keep Scotland a part of the EU is a contradiction to his promoting devolution, Scotland will inevitably become a small cog in the very large wheel that is, in the main, a dysfunctional Europe.

Forget the debate about debt and North Sea oil, such things are finite, surely this debate is about so much more. It is about patriotism, it is about politics, it is about independence and empowerment but it is also about collaboration, strength, a powerful voice on the world stage, not a measly croak all too easy to ignore. It is about a union of like minds, shared history, a shared future, access to education and medical resources. A shared military protecting our borders in times of uncertainty, freedom and global recognition of British citizenship and to be a part of the Commonwealth international community.

Being British and a part of the UK is something special, it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling when you think of it, it's quirky, it's a little odd, it has pomp and ceremony, it has the Queen and Prince Philip, it has a big history and a big future.  Let's stick together, vote no on Thursday!

Voting?

Perhaps the biggest injustice is for such an historic event as the potential breakup of the United Kingdom to be exclusively voted on by residents of Scotland from 52 Commonwealth countries, 27 European Union countries and yet nobody in England, Ireland or Wales is permitted a say. Isn't this fundamentally wrong?

Isn't it also wrong that just one vote in favour over those against will mean the bill goes through. A vote of 50.001% to 49.999% will mean the devolution of Scotland and a break up of the United Kingdom, surely just one person should not hold so much power? Isn't this fundamentally wrong?

Distraction?

And what of the distraction?  Here's where ISIS comes in! The world sits practically on the brink of war, thankfully, Russia and the Ukraine has gone off the boil but what of the Middle East? What of ISIS and their brutal murder today of a British citizen, a Yorkshireman brought up in Perth, Scotland. A man who's parents live in Ayr, Scotland. I was disgusted to read this morning a comment on a newspaper article about Scottish nationalism:

Who are we defending ourselves from? We're not going to be entering every single world conflict at the behest of the US like the UK currently does. Will we be invaded by sheep from Wales? Perhaps some Badgers escaping the cull in England. Scotland has a proud military tradition, it won't go to waste but our soldiers will not die fighting in foreign lands.

Should the vote go through as a yes, is this comment accurately representative of what the Scots actually think? I don't believe it is, no. The distraction of the Scottish referendum from such major world changing events and the threat of such cruelty, is at the behest of one man, passionate though he may be. Let's hope this vote results in a no and puts this debate to bed once and for all so the world can focus on the elimination of a barbaric, inhuman group who are propagating an evil culture.

Tweet

A Hackathon - GET-A-WAY - We Did It Our Way!

As the CIO, leading a team of 150+ passionate computer professionals, I was looking for something a bit different and inspirational.  I settled on the idea of a hackathon!!

Never heard of a hackathon? What about a hackfest? No? OK, well a hackathon is generally an event where computer programmers get to spend a pre-specified period of time, typically 24 or 48 hours having loads of fun and "doing their own thing".

So I set about doing some research ... looks like everybody's who's anybody's doing it! Atlassian, Facebook, Google and closer to home, realestate.com.au.

Location! Location! Location!

Did we do the same? Sure ... well no, not quite, we did it our way and so last week, our 1st ever 24-hour hackathon kicked off in Brisbane. Over 100 representatives from several departments came together for GET-A-WAY, an innovation themed event where anybody could create an idea, form a team and make IT happen – in 24 hours! Announced in early June, lunchtimes and personal time were soon sacrificed as teams formed and ideas blossomed! Secrets were whispered, ideas exchanged and non-disclosure agreements signed ... in blood!

Our hero, Captain Robin, convened his merry crew of 13 to support the event and determine the rules. A lot of thought went into the rules, "there are none just avoid using babies and animals for experimentation!"

Intensity!

2pm Thursday madness prevailed and a frenzy of activity overwhelmed as computers and teams arrived, goody bags and t-shirts were distributed, loud conversations and swaggering bravado flowed through the Grand Ballroom! Within 20 minutes, reality hit! This was it, time for serious conversation, concentration, passion and determined planning! Intensity soon followed!

So much to think about!

2pm Friday and the final bell tolled, well it sort of fizzled really but everybody got the message, it was over and each team had just 5 minutes for "the pitch!". The bar was set high, the ideas inspirational and our panel of 3 awesome judges [myself included of course] offered feedback and a range of prizes were awarded.

Time for beer and pizza!

Sweet 16 was the order of the day – 16 teams, 16 presentations and 16 metres of pizza consumed! So many stories to tell, so many pictures, some spent the night, at least one slumbered in a local hotel, others napped in cars! Yes really!

On Saturday, the surrounds of Brisbane reverberated to the gentle sound of snoring as adrenalin abated and normality returned!

Well done to all who took part, everyone a winner!  Congratulations team, you made it a resounding success!  We have new and innovative ideas, our teams are stronger than ever, motivated and passionate, all of us learned so much and we all had fun doing IT!  ... and for me personally? Definitely a highlight of my career! And what a relief!  A success!

Where shall we travel next? Shhhhh ...  GET-A-WAY Sydney is already set for mid October!!! Can't wait!

The Winners!  Lisa and Leila!

The Teams!

Tweet

I remember ...

As I approach mid life, I want to say to my Grandparents, I remember you! I want to capture memories before I am too old and forget them ...

Nanna, I remember the old folk's home, where we would visit you, where you were a day person, only on Saturdays.  It smelled of pee and old people, not you of course just others. You would give me a Shilling pocket money, every week, you told me it would have bought a loaf of bread many times over when you were a girl.  The equivalent of five new pence, but to me at 8 or 9 years old, 2 packets of crisps (potato chips) at the tuck shop and today a tiny coin that hardly has any value at all. You would religiously walk to our house - a kilometre or so (half a mile), leaning on your walking stick and stopping every few metres or so to catch your breath.  I think of you as old, but you weren't really, not by today's standards, only 20 years older then than I am now, so no, not old, not really.

Do you remember how my sister and I made afternoon tea in your shed? Inviting you and your friend in for your own tea and cake? The shed was all of 3 foot square but you humoured us, made us feel special.  You were born in 1903 and your friend around the same time, so I imagine she has gone too by now.

You took us for days out in school holidays, using your pensioner bus tokens to take us all over the Wirral, New Brighton, Parkgate, West Kirby, I remember.

Originally from Liverpool, home for you was a little ground floor flat, just along the road from the swimming baths at Overpool where Gladys took all the kids from our street swimming each school holidays. We had fun in those days, we didn't have much but with our pushbikes and jam butties (jelly sandwiches to the uninitiated) we would head off for the day, our Mum and Dad never worried cos we were safe, life was different back then.  I must be getting old!  Nostalgia is getting a stranglehold!

And Nanny ... you are as memorable in different ways ... I remember your orange decor - trendy in the sixties. We stayed with you once, slept in the back bedroom, we were kids, it smelled musty and old, with one of those big dark scary wardrobes people had in those days and I remember! I think it was cos Mum thought we had mumps and wanted us out of the house away from Dad.  We didn't, so maybe they just wanted us out of the house!  I'm sure that wasn't the only time you accommodated us, but its the time I remember best.

I tried to shock you by plucking my eyebrows, I was only 13 and dumbo me plucked from the top, well it hurt less, but I was devastated the plucking didn't result in the beautifully shaped brows of my imagination. I had to pencil them back on for weeks!

Dad would take us to see you every Sunday, you were only tiny, less than 5 feet tall.  I remember the stories of Dad's childhood.  How he marched up and down outside your Liverpool home in the war, pretending to be on Guard duty, protecting the street, he was all of 7 year's old at the time.  Or the time he thoughtfully decorated, painting the wall with strawberry jam, a rare commodity during time of rationing and leaving a sticky wall for you to remember it by for years!  Or what about his addiction to syrup of figs?  He only drank the whole bottle once after all! So many other stories lost in the mists of time.

And to my Grandfathers both, I remember you, one of you who limped with one leg shorter than the other, you served in the fire brigade when they wouldn't let you fight in the war, you brought us ice-cream slabs and wafers.  As a pensioner, you would walk the local neighbourhood with your lawnmower, petrol driven to cut the lawn for those less able, I imagine you would call on your lady friend too on your rounds, but I wasn't meant to know about her!  Rose I think her name was.  Tut tut!  I think there is more than a little of your influence in me!

And my other Grandad, I remember how you were a hoarder! You kept everything.  I remember coming to see you for my 11th birthday, you were in hospital, Dad had to get special permission as kids weren't allowed.  They snuck me in through a patio door!  You never came home but I remember.  I remember how they cleared out your shed and it was stashed full, you had even kept Dad's air force uniform from his National Service, 20+ years earlier!

What a lost opportunity that I didn't think to talk to you all more when I had the chance.  Things that we see now as history were things you experienced first hand.  What was it like?  To experience the 20th Century "as it happened"?  To see the increase in adoption of the motor car?  Air travel?  To live through the first world war?  The utter devastation of the flu pandemic that followed?  The early days of women's rights and the Suffragette movement?  What did you think?  The roaring 20's, did you have fun?  How did it feel in 1928 when women won the right to vote?  Did you vote for Winston Churchill?  The fashion changes, showing your ankles for the first time?  The nervous tension and political build up of the depressing 30's?  Then the 40's, and the harsh reality of unfinished business and a second world war, more new fashions and rationing? Then the sweep on the 50's, with Elvis Presley and the Rock 'n' Roll era?  The 60's must have shocked and I can't imagine what you thought when the 70's rolled in!   So much and more!  Sadly, none of you lived to see the end of the century and the advent of the digital age but somehow, I don't think you'd mind too much. You had good lives, but hard lives and I hope you feel your legacy made it all worthwhile, I remember you all so well.

Tweet

Life

Your life won't be defined by what you don't do ...

Tweet

D-Day 6th June 1944

After knocking out 3 photo albums (Provence, Paris, UK & Brunei - viewable on my Travel blog), it occurred to me this morning that it is way past time for a Blog post!  I have been neglectful but then, nothing has inspired me.  Not a lot of worth in pondering, deliberating, chewing over and thinking about nothing, although plenty do!

I wasn't inspired, until today that is!  On the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the focus of the world is on the beaches of Normandy.  As I browsed the news, I surprised even myself, I cried.  I cried for D-Day, I cried for the many who lost their lives, I cried for those who lost their mobility and I cried for those who lost family, mates and neighbours.   I cried for those who lost their faith in mankind because it is their very act which reminds us we must never lose our faith in mankind.  I cried because I felt humbled that so many risked their lives for liberty on that day, 70 years ago.

I wonder if they would think it worth it today?  I hope so.

Veterans, re-enactments, world leaders speeches, fireworks, ceremony and many tears, all marking the 70th anniversary of a pivotal mission, the beginning of the end of 6 years of wretchedness in Europe, and an event that was, in the words of Winston Churchill - "undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place", a mission involving 3 million troops and costing 250,000 lives.  Many nations coming together with a common goal, we could learn from them today.

Most people of my generation cannot begin to imagine the horror and fear that comes with such a war.  Yes, today, we hear talk of terrorists, likely exaggerated and of course there is the occasional bomb blast and events in the Middle East, none of which is pleasant but imagine, walking out of your front door every day and not knowing if you will return.  For 6 long year's, not knowing if your house will even be there when you return.   Hell!!!  What about going to bed at night not knowing if you or yours will waken and survive tomorrow and if you do, what nightmare will it bring?  The smell of fire, the noise of the air-raid warnings, the bombs, the destruction and the stench of death.  Then the elation of victory, followed by the horror and the discovery of the death camps.  The recovery and rebuilding, reconciliation and forgiveness.

As France played host, I dried my tears and smiled at pictures of lunch and "The Top Table"!  Centre stage Francois Hollande, France's President, surrounded by Queen Elizabeth and Presidents Obama and Putin!  Who'd want to work out that seating plan!  Fortunately Queen Margrethe of Denmark, a very gracious and elegant lady helped even up the numbers and made boy-girl-boy-girl-boy look like the plan all along!

Pictures in the Huffington Post were haunting, images from today overlaying those of yesterday!
 
The stories from the veterans, especially those who took the opportunity to sneak out of their care homes to attend makes for another tear followed by a smile ...

Inspirational!

Eversley Street, Liverpool - my Mum is in the midst of the crowd here somewhere!  Just 2 years old.

Note: I hope the creator of the D-Day image doesn't mind my borrowing it, I could find no accreditation.

Tweet

Our imagination is at risk!!!

I have this theory ... I am not a scientist, this is just my own personal opinion.  The electronic, digital, technology age will seriously and adversely impact evolution of the human race.

Imagination is fundamental to invention and yet the imagination of children is no longer being fed.  From birth they have access to free entertainment, TV, game-boy, computers and so much more ... it is no longer necessary for a child to invent a way to entertain itself, no need for make believe, no need to pretend or make up stories, build castles in the air, no need to make play from nothing ... and without this need?

I fear imaginations won't develop and so the evolution of the human race will slow down.

Just a thought ... one that makes me sad, how 'bout you?

Santa's elves go on strike!

An emergency fax to my Niece, December 2013

Sophie

Can you please check your newspapers?  I don't know what to make of the news bulletin below, what do you think?  If true, it isn't looking good for Ian's jet bike again this year!

I have been unable to contact Father C, but there is an official press release from Lapland, I suspect it may be a cover up and worse still, the elves are in the frame!! 

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE – LAPLAND 24TH December 2013

cc by Jamie C2009

This morning in Lapland, the elves were revolting.  Several elves, led by known troublemakers, have persuaded many in the elf community to go on strike.  The Father Christmas official Government body does not sanction this strike and orders all elves to return to work immediately, OR ELSE!!!

The elves are claiming that Santa ALWAYS gets the whiskey, the mince pies and that he steals all of the credit for their hard work.  They are claiming he sits around, dishing out orders for 364 days each year, then puts in an appearance on one night and takes all the recognition and credit.

It is believed that many of the elves are above themselves following their successful appearance as extras on the recent Hollywood blockbuster Lord of the Rings, when in fact they only made a very brief appearance as extras in the final scene.

GFDL by überarbeitet von mir

Further trouble is expected from Rudolph, who is concerned about the new brakes that have been installed on the sleigh this year.  As Lead Reindeer, he is concerned that without seat-belts (which are not compulsory for this group of merry men), he may be in serious trouble in the event of an emergency stop.

The Lapland Government is requesting that children volunteer to assist in the final stages of present preparation.  All children wishing to assist should prepare a letter to this Government, explaining why they feel able to do the job and also confirming they are not more than 3 feet 10 inches tall (this is standard Government approved elf height).  Children greater than 3' 10" may also apply explaining how they might fit into a uniform designed to fit a smaller form and may be considered if there is a shortfall in the number of children required.  If we are not successful in meeting the minimal numbers, there is a danger that Christmas will be cancelled this year or at best, all deliveries will arrive on Boxing Day, 26th December.

Children are asked to be asleep early on Christmas Eve to ensure letters can be collected in a timely manner.  Letters should be left under the volunteer's pillow and will only be collected once everybody in the household is asleep.  

Letter collection is being organised by the tooth fairy.

cc by Heather Sunderland

Tweet

Santa a Terrorist... Breaking News....

News Update, Christmas 2004, fortunately Santa was released, albeit a little late and all children's parcels delivered safely and on time!!

cc by Oren neu dag

It has been reported that a large gentleman with a white beard and a red suit has been apprehended in the United States.  The gentleman in question, seen driving a sleigh recklessly at high speed, and carrying surveillance equipment, was escorted by two  helicopters to the local airport and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay, where President Bash will take personal responsibility for his interrogation.

A gentleman of similar appearance has recently been identified in the UK as a "hoody" and has repeatedly been asked to leave several shopping malls.  Previously, he was thought to have relocated to the zoo, however this is now known to have been an impostor.

President Bash alleges that the bearded guy does not hold a valid passport and is wanted in approximately 43 counties for a range of offences, including breaking & entering and rooftop tile damage.

Bash claims the geezer with the beard has been known to operate under several aliases, including Santa Claus, St Nicholas and more recently, Father Christmas.

cc by Hermielou Maria

A lawyer for Mr Claus claims that he has been repeatedly abused and threats made against his reindeer.   Photographs backing this claim have unofficially been released, however the only thing identifiable on these photographs is an Aussie Barbecue. 

A large sack of unmarked parcels was also found in Mr Claus possession, he claims that these are to be marked up for children around the world once he has completed his annual surveillance of good and bad kids, presumably hoping this explains away the night vision goggles found in the front seat of his sleigh.

cc by debaird

Observers and analysts believe President Bash's behaviour is directly related to trauma in his own childhood, likely because nobody bought him a teddy bear.

cc by Tom Brogan

An official spokesperson for the Government has stated that they do not believe Mr Claus' claims that he was doing a practice run for Christmas.  The spokesperson went on to state that several pictures of the offender have been widely distributed this year and they are glad to have finally made the capture.

British and Australian Governments are working together to secure the release of Mr Claus in time for Xmas, time is running short though and his release is looking increasingly unlikely.

Tweet

Dear Sophie, Santa's lost weight....

A copy of a letter to my niece, December 2002

Dear Sophie

Santa's just popped in, he is looking well, lost a bit of weight!  Much better than last year, don't tell anybody but I had a quiet word with him, he had really let himself go but happy to say, it seems to have done the trick.  He has cut out mince pies, eats Rudolph's carrots instead, and he has cut down on the drinking! He tends to mix his drinks, especially when he does the present run on Christmas Eve.

That has created another problem though! Rather than disappoint all the little children and not eat his mince pies, and drinks his beer, Santa has been passing it on to Rudolph instead!  NOT a good idea! You should see the state of Rudolph, he won't even pose for a photo!  If he did you would have trouble fitting him in the view finder!!  Santa looks slim and healthy but Rudolph is so fat he can barely pull the sleigh.  The snow doesn't help – a very slippy take off from Lapland!  Rudolph's nose is redder and even shinier than ever from all the whiskey and his eyes don't look good!

cc by Walter Baxter

Santa claims flying with Rudolph is a bit like being on a roller coaster this year because Rudolph has drunk too many beers.  I have suggested to Rudolph that he share with the other reindeer but he is a bit naughty and keeps it to himself.  It was funny watching him take off from here, he nearly landed in next door's tree!  That'd be trouble!

Santa's face was a picture…

You will definitely hear him land when he arrives on Christmas Eve - listen carefully, he is bigger than an elephant!  You had best check in the morning to make sure he managed to take off OK and that Santa didn't leave him behind.

I told Santa that you are going to midnight mass so he will deliver your presents last. He doesn't finish until after 4 in the morning so thinks you should be home in bed asleep by then. He said if you aren't asleep when he arrives, he will pass by and give you double next year, assuming you are a good girl between now and then of course!

Lots of love

Aunty Jay

XX

Tweet

They made a difference - Abraham Lincoln

12 February 1809 to 15 April 1865, age 56

Like many great people, taken too young.  Long before the assassination of JFK, the first president to be taken in such a way, and only days after the war he fought so hard to end and yet one he believed in so passionately.

A man taken too soon by an assassin's bullet, not unlike the 35th President almost 100 year's later - President John F Kennedy, the 50th anniversary of who's death was celebrated just last month.

President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, not a Founding Father and yet a man who influenced modern times in equal, if not greater measure. Without him, could the world we live in today exist? I think not.

Born around 100 year's after the death of Abraham Lincoln, I feel we shared many of the same values. Above all justice, but also a belief in equality and fairness, in my mind, the same thing.

Who is truly qualified to write about such a great man? Not me, for sure, however a series discussing 'people who make a difference' could never be complete without mention of Abe Lincoln. Personally, I have deep respect and admiration for a man who balanced personal values and politics through such traumatic and chaotic times, in the face of adversity from his enemies and even, at times, his allies.

Like another great man from history (Winston Churchill), Abe Lincoln suffered from depression and yet like Winston, he overcame his own challenges for the good of a nation.  A man who, along with his wife Mary, whom he married at their second attempt and from a slave-owning family herself, suffered the premature loss of three children.  Heartbreaking, how does any parent recover from the loss of one child, never mind three?   Of the surviving gene pool, their direct descendants died out on December 24th 1985 with the demise of their childless Great Grandson, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith.

Born on the American frontier, at a time when education was rare and to a harsh life in a one room log cabin.  Largely self taught, an avid reader, both brave and unafraid.  They say an eldest child is destined to be the leader, yet this was not true for Abraham Lincoln who, even as the second child,  met his destiny full on and truly made a difference.

From a young age, when he witnessed slavery first hand soon after arriving in New Orleans, his actions did more than suggest he couldn't support it.   He wanted and strove for a united nation, a United States, one that outlawed slavery, was innovative and offered opportunity to anybody who wanted to capture it in their hands.  Sadly, even today, over a century later, discrimination continues and yet, without his conviction, the first step on the ladder to a unified people may never have been taken.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address of 1863 remains today, the most quoted speech in US history and we all owe him a great debt.

Famous Quotes

"Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the Nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came"

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time"

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be"

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (my personal favourite!)

and perhaps most prophetic of all:

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years"

Useless facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Aquarius
• Birthplace                : Kentucky
• Myers Briggs           : ISFJ

Tweet

So Very Sad, Nelson Mandela ...

18 July 1918 – 5 December 2015

Whatever name you knew him by, Mandela his "English" name, Rolihlahla meaning "troublemaker"  ... Madiba, his clan name, Dalibhunga his grown up name denoting 'convenor of the dialogue', Khulu, meaning "Great One" or Tata, meaning 'father' a term of endearment used by so many South Africans ...  this extraordinary man was inspirational.

cc by South Africa The Good News / www.sagoodnews.co.za

Let us never forget, his momentous fight against discrimination, his relentless determination to reconcile a broken nation, his heroic struggle against adversity, his generosity, his compassion, even towards his jailors, his remarkable and amazing life.  A father, a teacher, a charmer, a man loved by women and men alike, an exceptional orator and a natural leader with a great sense of humour.

That his family fight over his remains is perhaps the biggest tragedy of all ...

On 4th August earlier this year, as I wrote of Nelson Mandela  in my  'They Made a Difference series'... I knew many of us were sad to hear he was fading and now he has gone.

May Nelson Mandela rest in peace ... the world will surely mourn the passing of this genuine and gentle man ... a revolutionary who became a peacemaker ... undoubtedly the greatest man of our times ...

Dear Sophie, Santa's lost his naughty children list...

Dear Sophie

Father Christmas just dropped by to ask me to contact you, he is too embarrassed to tell you himself.  He was very red faced, can you believe, he has LOST his "naughty children list"!  

Can please write him a letter and remind him of all of the times you have been naughty this year.  He remembers you being cheeky to Mummy at least once, in June and he is sure there is more, but he just can't remember.  

He did say that if you write and claim you have been good, Mummy, Daddy AND Grandma will all need to sign the letter too so he knows it is true and accurate.

cc by Michael Coté

Santa will be watching extra carefully over the next few says, while he decides which children will get their presents this year.

Please write quickly, he needs an answer by tomorrow night!!!!

Lots of love

Aunty Jayjinx.com

XX

Tweet

Wills and Kate ...

cc by Kate and William, Canada Day 2011

So I'll be honest, I am struggling to make up my mind about this couple.  They seem pleasant, she smiles a lot, she makes him happy or so it seems.

And yet his behaviour and tacit acceptance of her family suggests he craves an ordinary life, he has a very beautiful wife and a bonny baby, he has a privileged life he is the son of, possibly, the most famous woman in the world and the heir to the British throne, so what's the problem?

Well, I guess the catch is this!

 

The constant portrayal of ordinary, a close family, the emphasis on 'no nanny' for the new bub although that didn't last long, the portrayal of the Middleton clan and their homemade 'official' snapshots of Britain's new Prince. Yet surrounded by aides, pomp and ceremony which they quite clearly enjoy.

You see, the trouble is, they are not ordinary, they can never be ordinary, they are Royal, the titles are a bit of a giveaway, clearly enjoyed too and as a Royalist I say "I don't want you to be ordinary, I don't want a Royal family who are just like me, what would be the point?"

Perhaps  Prince William's upbringing has been too 'ordinary' to the point he clearly no longer wishes to be considered Royal?  Perhaps this hints that Prince William is not a Royalist and indeed plans to skip the King bit?  How very sad if that is his choice.

And Kate?

When I first read of their marriage, a few years back, it was put out that she would prefer to be known as Catherine, it seems she soon learned that the public will call you by their own preferred affectionate name, in this case, "Kate" and so it would appear this wasn't pushed by the palace (pretentious perhaps?)

IMHO Kate really needs to cut the apron strings and understand she has married into a very important family who are not and should not be viewed as ordinary.  Ordinary people don't live in Kensington Palace in grand 21 room apartments, ordinary people don't converse with our Queen on a regular basis or stay in stately homes such as Balmoral and Windsor.  The news of the new Granny flat is just one in a long line of items underscoring how the Middleton's will influence the future of our Kingdom and I for one don't feel comfortable with that.  I am sure they mean well but they are no different to you or I, they just have more money and a daughter who married a Prince.

Kate and Will, if you truly wish to be ordinary, by all means be "normal rich people" and lose the titles.  Until then, you are not "normal", you are not "ordinary" you are Royals, accept it or take a back seat and stay quietly in the background, minus your titles of course.  We prefer you don't, we want to respect you but between you and Prince Charles, you are not making it easy to remain a Royalist!  I like and respect Camilla, despite the challenges she has faced, she has remained dignified.  I loved Dianna too, but she isn't here anymore and life moves on.

Long live the Queen and Prince Philip!

What do they want?

We have been witness to news reports of many acts of terrorism in recent years, Kenya being the most recent.  We have been victims of Governments inhibiting our freedom in the name of terrorism in recent years, there are numerous examples.

So here is my question ... What do they want?  The terrorists I mean - what is their end goal?

I am not for a minute suggesting we give it to them (never) it's just that I still don't know, what are they proposing we do to make them stop?

Comment below...

They made a difference - Emily Pankhurst

cc by BBC Radio 4

15 July 1858 - 14 June 1928, age 69

Born Emmeline Goulden on 15 July 1858 in Moss Side, Manchester, educated in Paris and died, on 14 June 1928, age 69 in London, Emily Pankhurst was a powerhouse, a political activist and the champion of British suffragette's.

The eldest of five girls in a family of eleven children, with her maternal roots in the Isle of Man.  My own paternal roots also find themselves in the Isle of Man so it is amusing to fancy that a little bit of Emily's feistiness might also run through my own veins!

Perhaps not coincidentally, the Isle of Man was one of the earliest countries to grant women the right to vote in national elections, in 1881, albeit only property owners.

Much has already been written about Emily Pankhurst, so my intent is not to rewrite her biography, but rather post my own little tribute to a woman who dared to be different. By today's measures, Emily was a working mother with both a career and children, fighting her cause led to time in Holloway Prison and even hunger strikes in a bid to improve conditions for others, and this, long before Bobby Sands even took his first feed.

cc by Leonard Bentley

Emily's approach to women's suffrage took the movement in a different direction, after years of soft talking she encouraged a more militant approach. Their opposition to the draconian's of the time, including Winston Churchill often led to ridicule and casual references to "those ladies who are sometimes laughed at".....

No doubt her proposal to Richard Pankhurst that they enter into a free union was considered scandalous in their day, perhaps fortunately for Emily, he declined and so they wed in December 1879.

In 1914, Emily put aside her determined efforts and diverted her attention to war efforts, helping to recruit women into supporting roles and factories.  She expressed her desire to be consulted on matters of Government in a letter to the new Prime Minister, Lloyd George.
 
Through the achievements of women like Emily Pankhurst, women of Britain today can take for granted their right to vote. Without women like Mrs Pankhurst even the glass ceiling would be little more than a fantasy, we would still be oppressed, barefoot and chained to the sink, most likely pregnant!

In the United Kingdom in 1918, women over the age of 30 were granted the right to vote but it was another ten years and a little over two weeks after her death before women were granted a franchise equal to that of men when the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 was finally given Royal assent on 2nd July 1928.

Thank you Emily Pankhurst!  You made a difference....

For more extensive history of related world dates .... Click here..... and for an interesting read about 'the story of Parliament and votes for women', try here....

Useless facts:

• Sun sign (astrology): Cancer
• Myers Briggs           : one can only wonder

cc by UK Government archives

Tweet

Good Night, and Good Luck

Tweet

Last week, quite by accident I came across a really excellent movie.  I had selected a few DVD's for weekend watching and this one, at only 93 minutes long didn't really qualify for a Saturday night blockbuster viewing.  So, Sunday evening, glass of wine in hand, I was ready for what I expected to be a mildly entertaining true story of a 1950's newspaperman calling out a US politician.

What I got was so much more, engaged from the offset I was riveted!  Initially, the dialogue was hard to follow, typical newsroom chaos, but after a few minutes you see the hero and the bad guy emerge.... as the story unfolds you recognise how it mirrors today... a story of politicians exaggerating a perceived threat, using it to generate paranoia, hysteria and fear and ultimately, becoming all powerful and eventually all but untouchable.  This is the story of a man who risked all, daring to challenge, sadly a man apparently without equal in today's modern era.

The name of the film?  Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by and starring George Clooney.  The movie tells the story of Ed Murrow challenging Senator Joe McCarthy, an anti-communist crusader, in a cold war era.  The man who's name coined the term McCarthyism, used today to describe the practice of making accusations of political disloyalty without evidence.

I won't spoil the storyline for you, but I will tell you, Ed Murrow will inspire.  An employee of CBS, his wartime broadcasts still famous today, his signature opening memorable, "This is London," and his closing catchphrase "good night, and good luck" not only the name used for this film but also adapted by a young Princess Elizabeth, making a radio broadcast in the time of the London blitz and signing off with "good night, and good luck to you all".

A life long chain smoker who died of lung cancer when only 57, his life story was captivating and his legacy, one of honesty and integrity, and one would hope, inspirational for journalists today.

There are many speeches and quotes attributed to Ed Murrow, for me, one of his best is as apt today as it was yesterday.... perhaps more so.....

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men – not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular....

......... We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it—and rather successfully."

An awe inspiring WWII story

So many WWII stories are sad, shocking and appalling beyond words, but alongside the tragedy there are many tales of bravery, heroics and heart warming reports.  Rarely are these stories of "good Germans" perhaps with the exception of one of the most famous Oskar Schindler......

Every now and again however, a tale comes to light that is inspirational.... I recently came across one such tale and hope you are as moved by this story as I was.....

Wartime chivalry

or maybe this version ....

photo credit: Armchair Aviator cc

This is the story of an allied aircraft beaten so badly in an air fight, the crew so devastated by injury or death, that they were unlikely to make it home, the 21 year old American pilot, Lt Charlie Brown, on his first combat mission, alone over Germany in 1943 when a German Messerschmitt fighter plane, piloted by Luftwaffe veteran Franz Stigler, flew alongside them.... at a time when they thought they were sitting ducks, they witnessed an incredible act of chivalry....

photo credit: Jerry Gunner cc

A German fighter pilot, one strike away from winning Germany's highest honour for valour "The Knights Cross" had the allied aircraft in his sights.  A man who risked death for dishonour if the Nazi SS discovered his deed, flew alongside the ailing aircraft and honoured his humanity instead.  His respect for the code of honour and integrity of soldiers and fighting men through the ages... Not only did he not fire on them, he helped them avoid anti aircraft batteries lining the coast as he directed them towards neutral Sweden......

The bond between soldiers, even on opposing sides is a special one, [fortunately] not experienced by many of us.....

So wonderful that these two pilots of WWII were reunited post war in 1989 and went on to travel together, taking their story to others... dying only 8 months apart in 2008, may they rest in peace and may Hollywood make a movie that respects the sentiment, the integrity and the honour!

They made a difference - Nelson Mandela

18 July 1918 – present, age 95

photo credit: Archives de la Ville de Montréal  cc

So sad, if the news media is to be believed, Nelson Mandela is fading and likely to move on to another dimension soon.   Now if you care at all, you have to agree, here is a man who made a difference....

Described by Maggie Thatcher as a terrorist and indeed in technical terms, precisely that, he served many years in prison for leading attempts to overthrow white supremacy in South Africa.

He didn't just make a difference, he is a hero to so many, his forgiveness, his compassion, his humility, his commitment to ending racism, his diplomacy, his bravery, his intelligence..... so much...... never has a man earned the right to global respect and reverence as Nelson Mandela has.

Born of illiterate parents descended from African royalty, intelligent and well educated his rebel tendencies began to develop at university where he was suspended for his part in a boycott against the quality of food and subsequently left without a degree.

Everything about his life set him on the path to becoming this man.  His interest in politics, the timing of his birth, his teaming up with the African National Congress, once condemned as a terrorist organisation and now the governing political party of South Africa, and his own decisions to lead the ANC down a more radical and revolutionary path.  How different is perception when looked at through different eyes and in different times.

The expansion of apartheid by the extremist Government, Herenigde Nasionale Party and their unexpected 1948 (white only) election win, all led to making this man.

His arrest in 1962 and subsequent conviction in 1964, all led to making this man.

His, now famous, time incarcerated on Robben Island in a tiny cell, where his vision became impaired due to sunlight reflecting off lime in the quarry where he was assigned to work, his encouragement of others, his religious, Afrikaans and legal studies, even his prisoner number 46664 all served to make this man.

His correspondence with people such as Desmond Tutu, his influence on the political arena, the respect for this man, locked away from the world and yet still inspiring anti apartheid sanctions and rock concerts in his name, his eventual release on 11 February 1990, leading to a final end to apartheid in South Africa, his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and his election to President in 1994 all served to make this man.

Let's not forget F W de Klerk's role in negotiating an end to apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela, enabling him to continue with his destiny, he too made a difference.

Would Nelson Mandela have made such a difference if he hadn't been imprisoned in the way he was?  Would he have been inspired to make a difference with a different lifestyle?  With different people?  If you are looking, Nelson Mandela is an example of somebody who was truly put on this earth to make a difference with all roads leading to the inevitable outcome. 

 photo credit: p_c_w cc

A man of many names, Mandela his "English" name given to him by his school teacher Miss Mdingane, Rolihlahla his birth name meaning "troublemaker" given to him by his father, well he certainly lived up to that one... Madiba, his very polite clan name, Dalibhunga his grown up name given to him aged 16 after his traditional rite of passage, meaning 'founder of the council' or 'convenor of the dialogue' and unquestionably a name he took to heart, then there is Khulu, meaning "Great One" and possibly the one he may value most is Tata, meaning 'father' and used as a term of endearment by so many South Africans.

In a perfect world, Mandela's commitment to reconciliation will become his legacy, however, sadly we live in an imperfect world and already there is dissension as his family fight over where he will be buried and that's before he is even dead!  Let's hope they reconcile before the inevitable end.

Long live Nelson Mandela!

Inspirational Quotes

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.  You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial and uninformed

Read more here

Useless Facts

• Sun sign (astrology): Cancer
• Myers Briggs           : INFJ

Tweet