It was sad to hear of the death of Elizabeth Taylor, who remained Hollywood's biggest star, despite her lack of movie success in recent years. Her life was one big technicolour drama, from her role in Cleopatra to her romance and two marriages to Richard Burton. In recent years her friendship with Michael Jackson left everyone amazed and somewhat bemused, but even after his death she remained his most loyal defender.
Following the death of her friend Rock Hudson, she was the first big star to align herself with AIDS/HIV charities, raising millions for research and making it respectable for other stars to support the cause.
She won two Oscars, appeared in over 50 movies, had over 100 operations in recent years and even managed to make an entrance in a wheelchair look glamorous. She remained a star right to the end.
Elizabeth Taylor 1932 - 2011.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Gaddafi: Libya needs him dead.....
With the Arab League frightened of its own shadow and a President of the USA scared of too much involvement, it is a miracle that allied planes have actually taken off and bombed pro-Gaddafi targets.
One can understand the sensitive nature of the mission to protect the citizens of Libya from the scourge of the Mad Gaddafi, but if there is ever going to be some kind of happy-ever-after for this nation, then there is no way forward without his removal, preferably in a coffin. Libya needs him dead if it is to avoid him reaching out in revenge from some comfortable spot in exile.
It has been right that the people of Libya are helped in the battle against their murderous leader, but we all recognise that there is a hypocrisy about it. Other countries across the African and Arab world are as guilty as Gaddafi in the treatment of their own citizens. What will the West do when called upon to act against these other despots? Will we continue to ignore the killings in Yemen? Or Bahrain? Or Saudi Arabia, where opposition is so brutally suppressed? Why have we not dealt with Mugabe in Zimbabwe?
In truth, in matters of strategy and for the sake of balance in the world order, it is most likely we will close our eyes to atrocities in other nations who only threaten those within their own borders, but generally behave with impeccable manners in their relations with the world beyond. Ultimately, Gaddafi's main weakness is that he has no table manners and his crude approach to leadership has left him isolated, even amongst fellow Arabs.
The coalition against Gaddafi needs to complete the job swiftly and with as few as possible civilian casualties. Dead people on television never looks good for any cause. Then will come the difficult part....who to back to replace him? Will that decision be made on who the West feel comfortable inviting to afternoon tea?
One can understand the sensitive nature of the mission to protect the citizens of Libya from the scourge of the Mad Gaddafi, but if there is ever going to be some kind of happy-ever-after for this nation, then there is no way forward without his removal, preferably in a coffin. Libya needs him dead if it is to avoid him reaching out in revenge from some comfortable spot in exile.
It has been right that the people of Libya are helped in the battle against their murderous leader, but we all recognise that there is a hypocrisy about it. Other countries across the African and Arab world are as guilty as Gaddafi in the treatment of their own citizens. What will the West do when called upon to act against these other despots? Will we continue to ignore the killings in Yemen? Or Bahrain? Or Saudi Arabia, where opposition is so brutally suppressed? Why have we not dealt with Mugabe in Zimbabwe?
In truth, in matters of strategy and for the sake of balance in the world order, it is most likely we will close our eyes to atrocities in other nations who only threaten those within their own borders, but generally behave with impeccable manners in their relations with the world beyond. Ultimately, Gaddafi's main weakness is that he has no table manners and his crude approach to leadership has left him isolated, even amongst fellow Arabs.
The coalition against Gaddafi needs to complete the job swiftly and with as few as possible civilian casualties. Dead people on television never looks good for any cause. Then will come the difficult part....who to back to replace him? Will that decision be made on who the West feel comfortable inviting to afternoon tea?
Monday, 14 March 2011
Cheryl Cole: Has she got X Factor USA job?
Simon Cowell is the master of hype and spin when it comes to publicity for his shows. His expertise is in overdrive now as he prepares to launch X Factor USA, with speculation as to who will join him on the judging panel receiving massive media attention.
Our own Cheryl Cole is at the forefront of the stories, at least in the UK, while it is said that Cowell is spending a large part of his time convincing US network bosses that she is right for a place on the show. According to the News Of The World, Miss Cole's place on the panel has been decided and her career in the USA will undoubtedly take-off with such high-level exposure. She is currently staying at the home of Ryan Seacrest, host of American Idol, who is no doubt giving her tips on winning over the US audience.
If Cheryl is confirmed for the USA show, then it is most unlikely she will appear on the UK version. Travelling backwards and forwards between America and the UK several times a week does not appeal to the Girls Aloud singer and Simon Cowell himself has effectively said he would not do it either. Both the USA and UK shows are due to be broadcast at the same time later this year, but it is rumoured the UK network may switch to another date to accommodate Cowell and Cole.
The problem for the UK producers is replacing Cowell in particular. Like Anne Robinson and The Weakest Link, one of the contestants biggest wishes is to meet him. Also, part of the deal for the winning artist to be signed to Cowell's own music label, so who will make that decision now and without his personal involvement how will the winning act benefit? Of course it has always been said that it is the talent on the judging panel and not the artists which makes the show such a success.
With a couple of exceptions the UK show has not really broken many acts into the mainstream and the choice of material for some has been questionable. Joe McElderry won his series on the basis of his ballad delivery and was then allowed to issue a weird uptempo number as his first single. It flopped and his career appears to have stalled.
This is unlikely to happen to Cheryl who will be surrounded by the biggest and best talent available.....and with Simon Cowell determined to make her a No.1 artist in the US.
Our own Cheryl Cole is at the forefront of the stories, at least in the UK, while it is said that Cowell is spending a large part of his time convincing US network bosses that she is right for a place on the show. According to the News Of The World, Miss Cole's place on the panel has been decided and her career in the USA will undoubtedly take-off with such high-level exposure. She is currently staying at the home of Ryan Seacrest, host of American Idol, who is no doubt giving her tips on winning over the US audience.
If Cheryl is confirmed for the USA show, then it is most unlikely she will appear on the UK version. Travelling backwards and forwards between America and the UK several times a week does not appeal to the Girls Aloud singer and Simon Cowell himself has effectively said he would not do it either. Both the USA and UK shows are due to be broadcast at the same time later this year, but it is rumoured the UK network may switch to another date to accommodate Cowell and Cole.
The problem for the UK producers is replacing Cowell in particular. Like Anne Robinson and The Weakest Link, one of the contestants biggest wishes is to meet him. Also, part of the deal for the winning artist to be signed to Cowell's own music label, so who will make that decision now and without his personal involvement how will the winning act benefit? Of course it has always been said that it is the talent on the judging panel and not the artists which makes the show such a success.
With a couple of exceptions the UK show has not really broken many acts into the mainstream and the choice of material for some has been questionable. Joe McElderry won his series on the basis of his ballad delivery and was then allowed to issue a weird uptempo number as his first single. It flopped and his career appears to have stalled.
This is unlikely to happen to Cheryl who will be surrounded by the biggest and best talent available.....and with Simon Cowell determined to make her a No.1 artist in the US.
Nick Clegg: Does he believe in what he says?
I was listening to Nick Clegg's speech to the Liberal Democrats at the spring conference in Sheffield, when it struck me that it is not the delegates he is attempting to convince with stories of courage in government, but himself.
I assume he does believe in what he says...and what he and his party are doing as part of the Coalition government? Sadly, with the exception of those other Liberal Democrats with ministerial cars and other trappings of power, he and they are having difficulty convincing the rest of the party (and the country) that what they are doing in this time of economic crisis is a good thing.
The hope is that come the next general election all will be nearly well in the country and that Master Nick and his friends will be recognised as the heroes of the hour with rewards of seats galore heaped upon them!
However, why, oh why, is it that Nick and his party are getting so much of the flak for government policies while Mr Cameron and his Tories gleefully plan the dismantling of the NHS and other public services? It does appear the junior government partners are left to justify each and every proposal.
The idea that general medical practitioners hold the purse strings in the NHS may sound worthy, but the truth is most of us have had experiences in surgeries up and down the land that suggest much incompetence and a large dose of indifference to patients needs. If it comes to saving money or saving a life, who will have power over that decision? Unfortunately, many of us have doubts that our doctors would make the right decision.
Government plans for the NHS are only now coming under real scrutiny and while the majority would agree that greater efficiency is required within the service, handing billions of pounds to local medical practises may result in a bonanza, but only for doctors and their suppliers.
I assume he does believe in what he says...and what he and his party are doing as part of the Coalition government? Sadly, with the exception of those other Liberal Democrats with ministerial cars and other trappings of power, he and they are having difficulty convincing the rest of the party (and the country) that what they are doing in this time of economic crisis is a good thing.
The hope is that come the next general election all will be nearly well in the country and that Master Nick and his friends will be recognised as the heroes of the hour with rewards of seats galore heaped upon them!
However, why, oh why, is it that Nick and his party are getting so much of the flak for government policies while Mr Cameron and his Tories gleefully plan the dismantling of the NHS and other public services? It does appear the junior government partners are left to justify each and every proposal.
The idea that general medical practitioners hold the purse strings in the NHS may sound worthy, but the truth is most of us have had experiences in surgeries up and down the land that suggest much incompetence and a large dose of indifference to patients needs. If it comes to saving money or saving a life, who will have power over that decision? Unfortunately, many of us have doubts that our doctors would make the right decision.
Government plans for the NHS are only now coming under real scrutiny and while the majority would agree that greater efficiency is required within the service, handing billions of pounds to local medical practises may result in a bonanza, but only for doctors and their suppliers.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Japan: A damaged country......
How lucky we are in the UK not to suffer from many of nature's harsh realities, like powerful earthquakes and waves that turn into an almighty tsunami to sweep away all and sundry before it. Poor Japan! Watching television it was hard to accept that the sheer awfulness beamed live across the globe was for real and not some fantasy made-for-tv drama. It crossed my mind that the tsunami itself was alive, a malevolent force, taking revenge on humankind.
Tonight, thousands of people are unaccounted for and three nuclear stations under threat, as battles takes place to avoid meltdown, causing even bigger problems for this damaged country and for those beyond its borders.
The problems surrounding the plants are not good advertising for the future of nuclear generated power, with thousands of people being evacuated away from the stations and the danger of radioactive contamination.
What is good to see is the instant response of other countries, including China, offering help and manpower in the search for survivors and, sadly, in the recovery of bodies over the next few days, as it is now likely in excess of 10,000 have died.
It is a frightening thought that one could be going about everyday life when a force of nature strikes without warning and before you could reach your family.
Tonight, thousands of people are unaccounted for and three nuclear stations under threat, as battles takes place to avoid meltdown, causing even bigger problems for this damaged country and for those beyond its borders.
The problems surrounding the plants are not good advertising for the future of nuclear generated power, with thousands of people being evacuated away from the stations and the danger of radioactive contamination.
What is good to see is the instant response of other countries, including China, offering help and manpower in the search for survivors and, sadly, in the recovery of bodies over the next few days, as it is now likely in excess of 10,000 have died.
It is a frightening thought that one could be going about everyday life when a force of nature strikes without warning and before you could reach your family.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Libya: Colonel Gaddafi unleashes the forces of hell....
Pity the poor people of Libya as the mad Colonel Gaddafi, unleashes the forces of hell on them rather than give up his exalted position as their beloved Leader. Those loyal to him are using everything in the country's armoury to erase those areas that dare to rebel against the mad man and his family who have kept this country a pariah state for so long.
As Gaddafi forces bomb rebel positions and towns, the West and its allies are in a quandary. David Cameron's proposal to establish a no-fly zone, seen a week ago as too gung-ho, is now being seriously considered. But the USA, in particular, won't commit without UN backing, for fear of accusations that the rebellion was encouraged by the West in the first place.
With Russia and China on the Security Council, UN support for any direct intervention may be a long time coming. Meanwhile scores of innocent people are being massacred by Gaddafi's military might.
Tonight, it has been reported, two journalists working for the BBC were arrested and beaten by Gaddafi forces and it does seem that real savagery is taking place in Libya. How long can other countries stand by and watch as this particular leader kills his own people?
What are other Arab and African countries doing to end the violence, or are their leaders too busy either packing bags and bullion ready for a quick exit into exile, or planning the same actions to suppress their own populations?
As Gaddafi forces bomb rebel positions and towns, the West and its allies are in a quandary. David Cameron's proposal to establish a no-fly zone, seen a week ago as too gung-ho, is now being seriously considered. But the USA, in particular, won't commit without UN backing, for fear of accusations that the rebellion was encouraged by the West in the first place.
With Russia and China on the Security Council, UN support for any direct intervention may be a long time coming. Meanwhile scores of innocent people are being massacred by Gaddafi's military might.
Tonight, it has been reported, two journalists working for the BBC were arrested and beaten by Gaddafi forces and it does seem that real savagery is taking place in Libya. How long can other countries stand by and watch as this particular leader kills his own people?
What are other Arab and African countries doing to end the violence, or are their leaders too busy either packing bags and bullion ready for a quick exit into exile, or planning the same actions to suppress their own populations?
Monday, 7 March 2011
Prince Andrew: The Parasite Royal
In another age Prince Andrew would have been sent to the tower for embarrassing Queen and country. This parasite royal, who lives very comfortably at the expense of the British public, was once a very handsome young war hero and when he married Sarah Ferguson everyone said she got the best of the brothers.
Today, his looks have settled into middle-age and he has, if you believe reports, become a boorish self-opinionated man with few morals, prepared to hob nob with anyone, whether the son of Gaddafi, the Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, said to torture his opponents, or the American child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The prince really doesn't care what they do, so long as they are rich, powerful and prepared to acknowledge his royal status.
In recent days, it has emerged that the prince met up with Epstein after the disgraced billionaire served a jail sentence following a conviction for underage sex. Prior to that he stayed at Mr Epstein's Florida mansion where it is reported he had regular massage sessions with young girls hired by his host. Of course, there is not even the hint of a suggestion that he availed himself of any you-know-what. The disgraced billionaire not only entertained the prince, but also paid part of the debt owed by the Duchess of York, who continues to live with her ex-husband, when not selling her soul and dignity to raise cash.
As a special trade envoy for British business, the prince has not been shy to cash in on his contacts, with one of them buying his overpriced tacky mansion for £3 million above the asking price. In the UK his use of helicopters for private functions has long been a source of anger amongst the public and one wonders why his mother, The Queen, has not reined in the excesses of her favourite son.
Reports that he was being removed from his envoy position were backed by government ministers, until the Prime Minister defended him. It seems a telephone call from Buckingham Palace demanding the government support the prince, resulted in David Cameron's quivering and shameful endorsement. Presumably, he did not want his next visit to Her Majesty to be an uncomfortable one.
One good thing in Prince Andrew's favour has always been his support for his ex-wife, despite her attempts to sell his influence, but a cynic might say that she knows too much and he couldn't afford her to kiss 'n' tell.
Today, his looks have settled into middle-age and he has, if you believe reports, become a boorish self-opinionated man with few morals, prepared to hob nob with anyone, whether the son of Gaddafi, the Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, said to torture his opponents, or the American child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The prince really doesn't care what they do, so long as they are rich, powerful and prepared to acknowledge his royal status.
In recent days, it has emerged that the prince met up with Epstein after the disgraced billionaire served a jail sentence following a conviction for underage sex. Prior to that he stayed at Mr Epstein's Florida mansion where it is reported he had regular massage sessions with young girls hired by his host. Of course, there is not even the hint of a suggestion that he availed himself of any you-know-what. The disgraced billionaire not only entertained the prince, but also paid part of the debt owed by the Duchess of York, who continues to live with her ex-husband, when not selling her soul and dignity to raise cash.
As a special trade envoy for British business, the prince has not been shy to cash in on his contacts, with one of them buying his overpriced tacky mansion for £3 million above the asking price. In the UK his use of helicopters for private functions has long been a source of anger amongst the public and one wonders why his mother, The Queen, has not reined in the excesses of her favourite son.
Reports that he was being removed from his envoy position were backed by government ministers, until the Prime Minister defended him. It seems a telephone call from Buckingham Palace demanding the government support the prince, resulted in David Cameron's quivering and shameful endorsement. Presumably, he did not want his next visit to Her Majesty to be an uncomfortable one.
One good thing in Prince Andrew's favour has always been his support for his ex-wife, despite her attempts to sell his influence, but a cynic might say that she knows too much and he couldn't afford her to kiss 'n' tell.
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